Uniquely patterned multi-colored golf club parts

Abstract

The invention generally relates to methods for making golf club parts that are multi-colored, each having a unique appearance. The invention provides methods for making golf club parts that have multiple colors so that each part will match a club that features one of the multiple colors. A pattern of multiply-colored molding pellets can be arranged in a club part compression mold. By varying the arrangement, the sizes of the pellets, or the color combinations, batches are made in which all of the parts have the same colors and each part is unique.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of making a part for a golf club, the method comprising:
 determining a plurality of colors that will each appear on the same component of one of a plurality of golf clubs;   obtaining a molding material for each of the colors;   making an arrangement of the molding materials for each of the colors all together in each of a plurality of molds; and   molding the molding materials with the plurality of molds to produce a plurality of parts.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the molding materials comprise a plurality of pellets of each color. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising varying the size of the pellets throughout the process. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the pellets comprise rubber. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the molding comprises compression molding. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of parts comprises an end cap for a golf club grip. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each of the arrangements comprises a uniquely-arranged pattern of the molding materials. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising producing at least 15 parts, all having substantially the same dimensions, and each having a unique appearance. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the unique appearance of each part comprises a plurality of colored areas on a surface of the part, each colored area being bounded by an irregular perimeter. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the arrangement includes a neutral colored molding material at a center of the arrangement. 
     
     
         11 . A plurality of parts for a golf club comprising:
 a plurality of a part, wherein all of the parts comprise substantially the same shape, dimensions, material, and colors appearing on a surface and each of the parts comprises a unique pattern of the colors.   
     
     
         12 . The parts of  claim 11 , wherein the part is an end cap for a golf club grip. 
     
     
         13 . The parts of  claims 11 , wherein, the plurality comprises at least 50 of the part. 
     
     
         14 . The parts of  claim 11 , wherein each part comprises at least three colors and all of the parts comprises at least the three colors. 
     
     
         15 . The parts of  claim 11 , wherein each part comprises at least four colors, the four colors being in common among all of the parts. 
     
     
         16 . The parts of  claim 11 , wherein each part is attached to a golf club grip, and a surface of the golf club grip includes one or more indicia having the colors. 
     
     
         17 . The parts of  claim 11 , wherein the unique pattern of each part comprises a plurality of areas with irregular perimeters. 
     
     
         18 . The parts of  claim 17 , wherein the irregular perimeter of each of the plurality of areas defines a surface area unique to that area among the plurality of areas of that part. 
     
     
         19 . The parts of  claim 11 , wherein each color appearing on the surface extends into a material of the part. 
     
     
         20 . The parts of  claim 19 , wherein each color extends continually through the material to an opposed surface. 
     
     
         21 . A set of parts for a golf club comprising:
 at least 14 golf club grip components, all comprising:
 substantially the same shape and dimensions, 
 a rubber material, and 
 at least two colors appearing on an outside surface, 
   further wherein, on each of the at least 14 golf club grip components, the at least two colors appear on the outside surface as a unique plurality of areas with irregular perimeters.   
     
     
         22 . The set of  claim 21 , wherein each color appearing on the outside surface extends through the rubber material to an inside surface. 
     
     
         23 . The set of  claim 21 , wherein the at least 14 golf club grip components are made by a method comprising:
 obtaining a molding material of each of the at least two colors;   making an arrangement of the molding materials for each of the colors all together in each of a plurality of molds;   molding the molding materials with the plurality of molds to produce a plurality of parts.   
     
     
         24 . The set of  claim 23 , wherein the method further comprises varying the size of the pellets throughout the process. 
     
     
         25 . The set of  claim 23 , wherein the molding materials comprise a plurality of pellets of each color and the molding comprises compression molding. 
     
     
         26 . The set of  claim 23 , wherein each of the arrangements comprises a uniquely-arranged pattern of the molding materials.