Golf Club Head Support Structures for Niche Environments and Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857851_0009_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Golf Club Head Support Structures for Niche Environments and Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857851_0009_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857851_0009_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,851.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept adapts golf club head support structures for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, providing customized solutions for extreme weather conditions, high-security needs, disaster relief, and individual golfer preferences.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a method for manufacturing golf club head components with improved support structures. However, these structures may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions, high-security needs, disaster relief, or individual golfer preferences. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing specialized variations and niche solutions.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a network of slender connected elements with smooth and continuous curvature at connections to other support members. The structure may include a hydrophobic coating to prevent water accumulation for use in extreme weather conditions. Alternatively, the structure may be designed for high-altitude environments with a lightweight, high-strength coating. The inventive concept also encompasses a system for customizing golf club head support structures for individual golfers based on their preferences, swing style, and ball-striking pattern. Additionally, the structure may be designed for disaster relief efforts with a collapsible design and durable, weather-resistant coating. The inventive concept further includes integrating the support structure with a wearable device to track golfer performance metrics and provide personalized feedback.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims provide a novel and non-obvious solution by adapting the original support structure for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments. The inventive concept's customized solutions for extreme weather conditions, high-security needs, disaster relief, and individual golfer preferences distinguish it from the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include using different materials, such as carbon fiber or titanium, for the support structure. The structure may also be designed for other extreme environments, such as high-temperature or high-humidity conditions. Furthermore, the system for customizing golf club head support structures may be integrated with machine learning algorithms to optimize the design based on a golfer's performance data.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has potential commercial applications in the golf industry, particularly in the areas of high-performance golf clubs, customized golf equipment, and wearable technology. The target market includes professional and amateur golfers, golf equipment manufacturers, and disaster relief organizations.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A63 A63B53/0487
A A63 A63B53/0408
B B22 B22F10/14
B B22 B22F10/80
B B33 B33Y10/00
A A63 A63B53/0412

Field of Art

Golf club head manufacturing and design, with expertise in additive manufacturing techniques, materials science, and precision sporting equipment engineering

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced engineering degree, experience in 3D printing technologies, golf equipment design, and materials optimization, familiar with binder jet manufacturing and golf club component fabrication

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental support structure design provides a flexible framework for adaptation to specific environmental and performance requirements. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of existing manufacturing techniques and design principles already established in the source patent. The core manufacturing method of binder jet printing and sintering remains consistent, with modifications representing routine design optimization for specialized applications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Binder jet manufacturing method for golf club head support structures with curved spline elements
PTD Variation
Applying hydrophobic or high-strength coatings to the support structure for extreme environment applications
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize coating technologies as a standard method for modifying material properties, with predictable results in enhancing environmental resistance
Source Patent Element
Support members extending at an angle from the sole portion of a golf club head
PTD Variation
Customizing support structure geometry based on individual golfer's swing characteristics
Obviousness Reasoning
Tailoring structural elements to specific performance requirements represents a known design optimization technique with predictable outcomes
Source Patent Element
Manufacturing method involving powdered material deposition and sintering
PTD Variation
Integrating sensor technologies and data analytics with the support structure
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating electronic sensing capabilities into sporting equipment represents a routine design enhancement using known integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Support structure with curved spline elements and continuous cross-sectional changes
PTD Variation
Developing collapsible design for disaster relief and transportation applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying structural geometry for alternative use cases represents a predictable design adaptation within the scope of ordinary engineering skill
Source Patent Element
Additive manufacturing techniques for golf club head components
PTD Variation
Exploring alternative materials like carbon fiber and titanium for support structures
Obviousness Reasoning
Material substitution represents a standard engineering approach with predictable performance optimization potential
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857851 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious, as the disclosed adaptations represent routine engineering modifications that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner. The combination of known manufacturing techniques, material science principles, and design optimization strategies renders the claimed variations prima facie obvious under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,851
TitleSupport structures for golf club heads and methods of manufacturing improved support structures
Assignee(s)Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.