U.S. patent application number 11/225847 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for golf club head with a weighting system.
Invention is credited to Robert M. Boyd, Greg Haralason, Tim Reed, Clive Roberts.
Application Number | 20060058112 11/225847 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36034776 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060058112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haralason; Greg ; et
al. |
March 16, 2006 |
Golf club head with a weighting system
Abstract
A golf club head includes a club head body having a plurality of
recesses and a plurality of weight members shaped and dimensioned
for selective placement within the recesses.
Inventors: |
Haralason; Greg; (Addison,
TX) ; Boyd; Robert M.; (Euless, TX) ; Reed;
Tim; (Allen, TX) ; Roberts; Clive; (Allen,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WELSH & FLAXMAN LLC
2000 DUKE STREET, SUITE 100
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
36034776 |
Appl. No.: |
11/225847 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60610199 |
Sep 16, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/334 ;
473/338; 473/345; 473/349 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/00 20130101;
A63B 53/0412 20200801; A63B 53/0433 20200801; A63B 60/02 20151001;
A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 53/0466 20130101; A63B 2053/0491
20130101; A63B 53/047 20130101; A63B 53/0408 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/334 ;
473/338; 473/345; 473/349 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Claims
1. A golf club head, comprising: a club head body including a
plurality of recesses; a plurality of weight members shaped and
dimensioned for selective placement within the recesses.
2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the club head
is a metal wood type club head and the club head body is
substantially hollow.
3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the club head
body includes a sole, a crown, a toe, a heel and a hosel, and the
recesses are formed in the sole.
4. The golf club head according to claim 3, wherein the club head
body includes two to four recesses positioned about the club head
body.
5. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the club head
body has a volume of approximately 460 cc and the plurality of
weight members have a total mass of approximately 24 g.
6. The golf club head according to claim 5, further including
sleeves positioned within the recesses.
7. The golf club head according to claim 6, wherein the sleeves are
adhesively secured within the recesses.
8. The golf club head according to claim 6, wherein each of the
sleeves has a density of less than 5 g/cm3.
9. The golf club head according to claim 6, wherein the sleeves are
composed of aluminum.
10. The golf club head according to claim 6, wherein each sleeve
has a mass of less than approximately 10 g.
11. The golf club head according to claim 10, wherein each sleeve
has a mass of less than approximately 5 g.
12. The golf club head according to claim 6, wherein each sleeve
includes a coupling member for selectively securing weight members
thereto.
13. The golf club head according to claim 6, wherein each sleeve
includes internal threading shaped and dimensioned to receive
threading of the weight member.
14. The golf club head according to claim 13, wherein threading of
the sleeves and weight members includes a wedge ramp.
15. The golf club head according to claim 13, wherein each weight
member is composed of a head having a threaded shaft extending
therefrom.
16. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein each weight
member is composed of a head having a threaded shaft extending
therefrom.
17. The golf club head according to claim 11, wherein the recesses
include internal threading shaped and dimensioned to receive the
threading of the weight members.
18. The golf club head according to claim 17, wherein threading of
the recesses and weight members includes a wedge ramp.
19. The golf club head according to claim 1, further including
sleeves positioned within the recesses.
20. The golf club head according to claim 19, wherein the sleeves
are adhesively secured within the recesses.
21. The golf club head according to claim 19, wherein the sleeves
are composed of aluminum.
22. The golf club head according to claim 19, wherein each sleeve
has a mass of less than approximately 10 g.
23. The golf club head according to claim 22, wherein each sleeve
has a mass of less than approximately 5 g.
24. The golf club head according to claim 19, wherein each sleeve
includes a coupling member for selectively securing weight members
thereto.
25. The golf club head according to claim 19, wherein each sleeve
includes internal threading shaped and dimensioned to receive
threading of the weight member.
26. The golf club head according to claim 25, wherein respective
threading of the sleeve and weight members includes a wedge
ramp.
27. The golf club head according to claim 25, wherein each weight
member is composed of a head having a threaded shaft extending
therefrom.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/610,199, entitled "GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH A
WEIGHTING SYSTEM", filed Sep. 16, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a golf club head employing a
removable weighting system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Over the past twenty years, metal wood type golf club heads
have replaced solid wood club heads. The metal wood type golf club
heads offer the opportunity to enhance the striking characteristics
of the club head by shifting the weight distribution within the
club head, altering the materials from which the metal wood type
golf club head is manufactured and increasing the overall size and
"sweet spot" of the club head without substantially increasing the
weight of the club head.
[0006] Current oversized driver heads commonly exceed 300 cc in
volume and are conventionally manufactured from lightweight alloys,
for example, titanium alloys. In an effort to enhance the striking
characteristics of these relatively large club heads, weights are
often added at various internal and external locations along the
club head to improve, based upon personal preferences of a golfer,
the launch angle and flight trajectory of a golf ball. The weight
members are commonly manufactured from high-density materials.
[0007] However, mass produced clubs are manufactured with a weight
distribution chosen to assist a large range of golfers. The weight
distribution of a mass produced golf club may, therefore, be too
heavy or too light. In addition, the weight distribution may be
positioned too far toward the striking face, too far toward the
rear of the club head, too far toward the toe of the club head or
too far toward the heel of the club head to suit individual
golfers.
[0008] As such, a need exists for a golf club head that allows a
golfer to fine tune the weight of the club head for his or her
swing. Attempts have been made in the prior art to achieve such a
goal. However, none of these prior attempts have been successful in
providing a reliable weighting system that is not adversely
affected by use of the club head, for example, by vibrations
imparted to the club head during use. The present invention
provides a golf club offering a selectively removable weighting
system that provides for reliable and secure attachment of a
plurality of weight members to a club head such that a golfer may
readily customize his or her golf clubs to enhance performance by
specifically tuning the golf club head for producing a desired
launch angle and/or flight trajectory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a golf club head including a club head body having a
plurality of recesses and a plurality of weight members shaped and
dimensioned for selective placement within the recesses.
[0010] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
golf club head wherein the club head is a metal wood type club head
and the club head body is substantially hollow.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
golf club head wherein the club head body includes a sole, a crown,
a toe, a heel and a hosel, and the recesses are formed in the
sole.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
golf club head wherein the club head body includes four recesses
positioned about the club head body.
[0013] It is also another object of the present invention to
provide a golf club head wherein the club head body has a volume of
approximately 460 cc and the plurality of weight members have a
total mass of approximately 24 g.
[0014] It is also a further object of the present invention to
provide a golf club head including sleeves positioned within the
recesses.
[0015] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a golf club head wherein the sleeves are adhesively secured
within the recesses.
[0016] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
golf club head wherein the sleeves are composed of aluminum.
[0017] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a golf club head wherein each sleeve has a mass of less
than approximately 10 g.
[0018] It is also another object of the present invention to
provide a golf club head wherein each sleeve has a mass of less
than approximately 5 g.
[0019] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a golf club head wherein each sleeve includes a coupling
member for selectively securing weight members thereto.
[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
golf club head wherein each sleeve includes internal threading
shaped and dimensioned to receive threading of the weight
member.
[0021] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
golf club head wherein threading of the sleeves and weight members
includes a wedge ramp.
[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
golf club head wherein each weight member is composed of a head
having a threaded shaft extending therefrom.
[0023] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth
certain embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of the golf club in
accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a front view of the golf club shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a detailed cross sectional view of a first
embodiment of a weight member secured within a recess in the sole
of the club head body.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross sectional view of a second
embodiment of a weight member secured within a recess in the sole
of the club head body.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a top view of a weight member in accordance with
the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 is an enlarged broken sectional view of the thread of
the recess and shaft when in free-running relation to each
other.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 6
after the shaft has clamped with a minimum of holding force.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 7,
when a substantial pressure has been applied on the recess to cause
the thread of the recess to advance to the right until thread
engagement occurs.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a view of structure, similar to that illustrated
in FIG. 6, with only the shaft having the root of the thread
provided with a sloping surface.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a view of structure, similar to that illustrated
in FIG. 9, with only the nut having the root of its thread provided
with a flat surface.
[0034] FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of
an alternate construction of the locking thread form of the present
invention, as shown in a free-running condition.
[0035] FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of
the thread form shown in FIG. 11 after a partial loading has been
applied thereto.
[0036] FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of
the thread form shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 after substantially
complete loading has been applied thereto.
[0037] FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view,
similar to FIG. 11, of still another alternate embodiment of the
present invention.
[0038] FIG. 15 is an alternate embodiment of a club head in
accordance with the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the club head shown in
FIG. 15 along the line XVI-XVI.
[0040] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the club head shown in
FIG. 15 along the line XVII-XVII.
[0041] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a club head in accordance with
an alternate embodiment, wherein sleeves are employed in the
coupling of weight members to the club head body.
[0042] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18
with the sleeves secured within the recesses of the club head
body.
[0043] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a golf club with releasable
weighting members in the butt end of the club.
[0044] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the hexahedron in
which the club head's center of gravity may be moved in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIGS. 22 and 23 show alternate embodiments in accordance
with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the
basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the
art how to make and/or use the invention. Since various similar
embodiments are disclosed herein, the same reference numerals are
used for different embodiments where the structure being referenced
is similar.
[0047] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a golf club head 1 is shown.
The golf club head 1 includes a club head body 2 and a removable
weighting system 3 for selective attachment to the club head body
2. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the club head is a metal wood type club head and is,
therefore, a generally hollow body formed of various metals known
to those skilled in the art. Although a driver is disclosed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment, the underlying concepts of
the present invention could be applied to fairway woods and hybrid
i-woods without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0048] The club head body 2 is preferably formed of metal, for
example, a titanium alloy, although those skilled in the art will
appreciate that a variety of materials may be used without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. The club head
body 2 includes a striking face 4, a sole 5, a crown 6, a toe 7, a
heel 8 and a hosel 9 to which a shaft 27 is secured.
[0049] The weighting system 3 includes a plurality of selectively
removable weight members 28 shaped and dimensioned for attachment
within recesses 29 formed in the sole 5 of the club head body 2. In
accordance with the present invention, a plurality of weight
members 28 of various weights are provided with the club head 1,
allowing a user to selectively choose the weight members 28 for use
in optimizing the weight distribution characteristics of the golf
club head 1. Although the preferred club head disclosed herein
shows a weighting system in which two recesses are respectively
provided adjacent the heel and toe of the club head for attachment
of two weight members, other weighting variations may be employed
without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0050] With regard to the amount of moveable weight contemplated
for use in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the exact amount of weight will vary depending upon the
size of the head and the length of the shaft. However, for a head
of approximately 460 cc with a 46 inch shaft the total head mass
will be in the range of the 192 g to 198 g with a moveable mass of
approximately 24 g (that is, the combined weight of the weight
members 28 selectively secured to the club head body 2). As such,
the weight members 28 must be carefully utilized to optimize the
striking characteristics of the club head 1 by shifting only a
small portion of the total weight of the club head 1. However, and
as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, it is
important that the total mass of the club remain constant so the
overall feel of the club is not altered as one moves the weight
members about the club head.
[0051] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed
herein in conjunction with a metal wood type club head. However, it
is contemplated the weighting system of the present invention may
be employed in conjunction with other golf club heads without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example,
the concepts underlying the present invention may be employed in
conjunction with irons and putters without departing from the
spirit of the present invention.
[0052] More particularly, and with regard to the weighting system
3, each weight member 28 is composed of a head 30 having a threaded
shaft 31 extending therefrom. The head 30 is formed from a
high-density material and, as will be discussed below in greater
detail, the shaft 31 is formed from a material providing durability
characteristics enhancing secure attachment to the recesses 29
formed within the sole 5 of the club head body 2.
[0053] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the recesses 29
are positioned at various locations far from the center of gravity
of the club head 1. By positioning the recesses 29 at positions far
from the center of gravity, preferably as far from the center of
gravity as reasonably possible, one is able to greatly alter the
weighting characteristics of the club head 1 through the
utilization of smaller weights; that is, the farther from the
center of gravity a weight is positioned on the club head, the
greater its affect is on the change in the center of gravity.
[0054] As the coupling shaft 31 of each weight member 28 has
external threading 12 formed therealong, the recesses 29 formed
within the sole 5 of the club head body 2 similarly include
internal threading 10. The threading 10, 12 employed along the
shaft 31 and the recesses 29 is specifically designed to provide
for secure attachment of the weight member 28 to the sole 5 in a
manner resisting loosening of the weight member 28 due to use of
the club head 1. The threads 10, 12 of the recesses 29 and shaft 31
employ a specific thread profile which enhances connection of the
shaft 31 within the recess 29. The threading employed is
substantially disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,012 to Holmes,
entitled "LOCKING THREAD CONSTRUCTION", which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0055] In accordance with a first embodiment, and with reference to
FIG. 3, the sole 5 is provided with a ridge 32 shaped and
dimensioned for the positioning of the head 30 of the weight member
28. A gasket 33 is also provided for positioning between the head
30 of the weight member 28 and the sole 5. Each of the recesses 29
includes a nut 34 welded to the internal surface of the club head 1
in alignment with an aperture 35 formed in the sole 5. In
accordance with an alternate embodiment, and with reference to FIG.
4, the sole 5 is provided with an in-molded gasket 33 positioned
between the head of the weight member 28 and the sole 5. The
recesses 29 are composed of a threaded boss 36 integrally formed
with the sole 5 of the club head body 2.
[0056] In accordance with the present invention, and as will be
discussed below in greater detail, the threads 10, 12 formed along
the recesses 29 of the sole 5 and the shaft 31 of the weight member
28 employ a wedge ramp. When ramp load is applied during assembly,
the thread profile locks the threaded shaft 31 of the weight member
28 in place by drawing the crests of the shaft thread 12 tightly
against the recess thread 10. This thread profile prevents
transverse movement of the threaded shaft 31 of the weight member
28 with respect to the threading 10 of the recesses 29 to create a
virtually "wedge-locking" of the threaded joint.
[0057] In general, utilization of the thread profile employed in
accordance with the present invention improves preload locking,
mates with a variety of male threading profiles, increases
resistance to vibration induced thread loosening, eliminates the
need for lock washers, thread adhesives, crimping etc., provides
more even load distribution, reduces fatigue failure and provides
for selective release of the threaded weight member shaft from
within the recess.
[0058] More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 6 TO 14,
various embodiments of the thread profile employed in accordance
with the present invention are disclosed. The thread profile used
in accordance with the present invention is disclosed herein with
reference to one of the weight member/recess combinations, and
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure
provided herein equally applies to the other recesses and weight
members employed in accordance with the present invention.
[0059] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, and with
reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the weight member shaft 31 is formed
with an external thread 12. The thread 12 is shaped and dimensioned
to engage internal threads 10 formed along the recess 29 within the
sole 5 of the club head body 2. The shaft 31 is preferably,
although not necessarily, constructed from hardenable steel, while
the recess 29 within the sole 5 is formed from relatively softer or
more deformable material then the shaft 31. It should be understood
that the shaft 31 could also be constructed from soft steel but is
preferably constructed of hardenable steel. As conventional with
threads of the buttress type, the threads 10, 12 of the recess 29
and shaft 31 have one flank thereof at a substantial angle while
the opposing flanks thereof have a very small angle relative to the
axis of the shaft 31 or recess 29. The threads 10, 12 of both the
recess 29 and the shaft 31 have the root flattened in a manner to
provide a flat surface or ramp which slops relative to the thread
axis; the flat 16 at the root of the recess 29 is disposed at an
angle of approximately 22.5.degree. relative to the thread axis
while the flat 17 at the root of the shaft thread 12 is disposed at
an angle of approximately 30.degree. from the axis of the
thread.
[0060] It should be noted that the angles mentioned above will vary
with the degree of hardness of the material from which the shaft 31
and recess 29 are fabricated, and that when these elements are
fabricated so as to be of similar or identical hardness, the angles
of the flats, or ramps, 16, 17 are preferably equal or
approximately equal.
[0061] When the recess 29 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 6
with the crown 19 of its thread 10 disposed adjacent to the corner
21 of the shaft 31 between the flat surface 17 of the sloping face
22, the recess 29 is free running on the thread 12 of the shaft 31
and is freely rotatable toward the left until the recess 29 strikes
the weight member 28, whereupon the continued rotation of the
recess 29 will cause the crowns 19 and flats 16 to move to the
right engaging the flat sloping surface 17 and the crown 23,
respectively, and causing the softer metal of the crown 19 to
deform. With reference to FIG. 7, the crown 23 of the shaft 31 is
illustrated as contacting the sloping flat 16 of the recess 29 as
would occur when an approximately 50 foot-pound force is exerted on
a one half inch shaft 31, thereby providing a substantial degree of
contact between the threads which lock the recess 29 in position
along the shaft 31.
[0062] When an increased torsional force is applied to the recess
29, an even greater degree of contact will occur between the ramps
16, 17 and the crowns 19, 23 until the faces of the recess thread
10 engage the faces of the shaft thread 12, as shown in FIG. 8,
which would occur, for example, when a one-half inch shaft is
subjected to a 90 foot-pound load. This provides an even greater
degree of contact between the crowns 19, 23 and the flat sloping
surfaces 16, 17. Under these conditions any relative lateral
movement between the recess 29 and shaft 31 is positively prevented
so as to assure against loosening thereof. The locked condition
will exist until such time as a positive force is applied to
unscrew the recess thread 10 from the thread 12 of the shaft 31 and
thereby cause the respective threads to reach the position
illustrated in FIG. 6, whereupon the recess 29 is again free
running toward the end of the shaft thread 12.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of the thread
profile is disclosed. In accordance with this embodiment, the shaft
31 is the same as the shaft above described with regard to FIGS. 3
to 6 while the thread 10 of the recess 29 has no flat areas 16 in
the thread root thereof. As a result, the crown 19 of the recess 29
will contact the flat sloping surface 17 at the root of the shaft
31 to provide the locking of the recess 29 on the shaft 31 when
sufficient pressure has been applied to the recess 29 after the
elements 14 have been clamped together.
[0064] A similar result is obtained when the relationship of the
threads is that illustrated in FIG. 10. In this arrangement, the
thread 10 of the recess 29 has the flat 16 thereon while the shaft
31 has no flat in the toot area. When the recess 29 is subjected to
a predetermined degree of axial loading, further rotation of the
recess 29 will cause the crown 23 of the shaft thread 12 to contact
the flat surface 16 of the recess thread 10, thereby producing
distortion or penetration of the ramp 16 of the soft recess metal
to a degree commensurate with the amount of pressure (torque) which
is applied. When a substantial pressure is applied, the faces of
the recess thread 10 will advance into engagement with the facing
surfaces of the thread 12 of the shaft 31, as described above.
[0065] In any of the examples herein illustrated, it will be noted
that the engagement of the crowns of one or both threads with the
sloping ramp or ramps at the roots of the opposing threads will
produce the deformation or distortion of the soft metal of the
recess or both the recess and shaft, with the result that no
lateral movement between the recess and shaft will occur, which in
turn assures against loosening of the shaft and recess after
assembly thereof.
[0066] FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate alternate embodiments of the
locking thread form of the present invention wherein the thread
form is operatively associated with Standard, i.e., American or
Unified, type threads, and wherein the thread form may be provided
on either of two threaded elements and operatively associated with
the other threaded element which may be of conventional
construction. In particular, FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate a locking
thread form 100 shown in association with a pair of threaded
elements 102 and 104. By way of example, the threaded element 102
may consist of a recess, while the threaded element 104 may consist
of a shaft. The threaded element 102 is formed with a Standard
thread form 106, each thread of which comprises converging flanks
108, 110 defining a crest 112 and having a root area 114.
Similarly, the threaded element 104 is formed with a Standard
thread form 116, each thread of which comprises flanks 118, 120, a
crest 122 and a root area 124.
[0067] In accordance with the principles of the present invention,
each of the root areas on the threaded member 104 is formed with an
inclined ramp 126 that is analogous to the afore described ramps
16. The ramps 126 are oriented at an angle with respect to the axis
of the threaded elements 102, 104, which angle is selected so as to
assure positive engagement of the crest 112 therewith upon
application of loading to the elements 102, 104 and consistent with
modern manufacturing tolerances.
[0068] More particularly, it has been found that optimum locking
ability of the elements 102, 104 can be achieved without
sacrificing any strip strength thereof by making the axial length
of the ramps 126 equal to approximately 0.020 inches and designing
the angle thereof relative to the axis of the elements 102, 104
such that approximately one-half the maximum tolerance between the
elements 102 and 104, plus a safety factor of approximately 0.002
inches, is taken up in the aforesaid axial distance of 0.020
inches.
[0069] By way of example, for a Standard 3/8-inch recess and shaft
having 16 threads per inch, the maximum acceptable diameter limit
is 0.3750 inches and the minimum acceptable diameter limit is
0.3595 inches. Taking the difference between these limits, i.e.,
0.3750 inches-0.3595 inches results in 0.0155 inches which, when
added to the aforementioned safety factor of 0.002 inches (which
accommodates for tool wear, etc.) equals 0.0175 inches, and
one-half of 0.0175 inches equals 0.0087 inches. The angle whose
tangent equals 0.0087/0.020 is 23.5.degree.. Therefore, the optimum
angle at which the ramps 126 should be located relative to axis of
the elements 102, 104 where it is desired to take up approximately
one-half the total maximum tolerance between the aforementioned
size and class threaded elements in a distance of 0.020 inches is
23.5.degree.. It will be appreciated, of course, that such angle
.alpha. will vary in accordance with changes in either the safety
factor, class threads, number of threads per inch, or diameter of
threaded elements.
[0070] By properly selecting the angles of the ramps 126, lateral
movement between the elements 102, 104 upon applying preselected
loading thereto is effectively precluded, thereby assuring that the
elements 102, 104 will remain in their respective locked positions
once they are moved from their free-running relation shown in FIG.
11 to either the partially loaded position shown in FIG. 12 or the
completely loaded position shown in FIG. 13. While various
preferred angles are acceptable in accordance with the present
invention, it has been found that angles up to and in excess of
35.degree. are effective in many combinations. It is believed that
the practical upper limit is about 45.degree..
[0071] FIG. 14 illustrates a slightly modified embodiment of the
thread form shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 wherein the inclined ramps are
located on the female element (recess) instead of the male element,
as is the case with the thread form shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. In
particular, the locking thread form shown in FIG. 13 is generally
designated by the numeral 150 and is shown in operative association
with threaded elements 152 and 154, which may consist of a recess
and shaft, respectively. The elements 152, 154 are provided with
Standard threads 156 and 158, respectively, with the root area of
the thread 156 being formed with inclined ramps 160, as hereinabove
described. The angles at which the ramps 160 are inclined relative
to the axis of the elements 152, 154 are selected in accordance
with the above example of the angle of the ramp 126 so as to
minimize relative lateral movement between the elements 152, 154
and hence provide for optimum locking ability within the range of
acceptable commercial tolerances. Thus, it will be seen that the
principles of the present invention are applicable when either the
male or female member is provided with the locking thread form, and
that the other member need not have any special form other than the
Standard form, thereby providing for universality of application.
The embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 may be considered to be
preferable to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 insofar as
strip strength is concerned, although the strip strength of
Standard thread forms can be improved by slightly increasing the
length of the threads.
[0072] As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, a
highly specific threading technique is disclosed above in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
However, those skilled in the art will also appreciate that certain
features of the present invention may be achieved through the
utilizing of different coupling techniques without departing from
the spirit of the present invention. For example, the weight
members may be selectively coupled through the utilization of
different threading structure, other coupling structures, or
threading structures that employ a washer in conjunction with the
threaded members.
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 an alternate club head
configuration is disclosed. As with the club head discussed above,
the golf club head 200 includes a club head body 202 and a
removable weighting system 203 for selective attachment to the club
head body 202.
[0074] The club head body 202 is preferably hollow and is formed of
metal, for example, a titanium alloy, although those skilled in the
art will appreciate that a variety of materials may be used without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. The club head
body 202 includes a striking face 204, a sole 205, a crown 206, a
toe 207, a heel 208, a hosel 209 to which a shaft 227 is secured
and a rear wall 211.
[0075] The weighting system 203 includes a plurality of selectively
removable weight members 228 shaped and dimensioned for attachment
within recesses 229 formed in the sole 205 and rear wall (or skirt)
211 of the club head body 202. In accordance with the present
invention, a plurality of weight members 228 of various weights are
provided with the club head 200, allowing a user to selectively
choose the weight members 228 for use in optimizing the weight
distribution characteristics of the golf club head 200. Although a
preferred club head disclosed herein shows a weighting system in
which four recesses are respectively provided for attachment of
four weight members, other weighting variations may be employed
without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0076] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the recesses are
positioned at various locations far from the center of gravity of
the club head. By positioning the recesses at positions far from
the center of gravity, preferably as far from the center of gravity
as reasonably possible, one is able to greatly alter the weighting
characteristics of the club head through the utilization of smaller
weights; that is, the farther from the center of gravity a weight
is positioned on the club head, the greater its affect is on the
change in the center of gravity.
[0077] In accordance with this embodiment four weight members are
employed. However, and as demonstrated with the various embodiments
disclosed herein, the number of weight members may be varied
depending upon the function and design of the club head. A
discussed above, the exact amount of weight will vary depending
upon the size of the head and the length of the shaft. However, for
a head of approximately 460 cc with a 46 inch shaft the total head
mass will be in the range of the 192 g to 198 g with a moveable
mass of approximately 24 g. As such, the weight members must be
carefully utilized to optimize the striking characteristics of the
club head by shifting only a small portion of the total weight of
the club head. Further, and as discussed above, it is important
that the total mass of the club remain constant so the overall feel
of the club is not altered as one moves the weight members about
the club head.
[0078] Each weight member 228 is composed of a head 230 having a
threaded shaft 231 extending therefrom. The head 230 is formed from
a high-density material and, as discussed above with regarding to
the specific threading criteria, the shaft 231 is formed from a
material providing durability characteristics enhancing secure
attachment to the recesses 229 formed within the sole 205 and rear
wall 211 of the club head body 202.
[0079] As with the embodiment discussed above, the coupling shaft
231 of each weight member 228 has external threading 212 formed
therealong and the recesses 229 formed within the sole 205 and rear
wall 211 of the club head body 202 similarly include internal
threading 210. The threading 210, 212 employed along the shaft 231
and the recesses 229 is specifically designed to provide for secure
attachment of the weight member 228 to the sole 205 in a manner
resisting loosening of the weight member 228 due to use of the club
head 200. The threads 210, 212 of the recesses 229 and shaft 231
preferably employ the same thread profile as discussed above with
regard to FIGS. 6 to 14, which enhances connection of the shaft 231
within the recess 229, although other threading and coupling
techniques may be employed without departing from the spirit of the
present invention. The threading employed is substantially
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,012 to Holmes, entitled "LOCKING
THREAD CONSTRUCTION", which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0080] As discussed above, the threads 210, 212 formed along the
recesses 229 of the sole 205 and rear wall 211 as well as the shaft
231 of the weight member 228 employ a wedge ramp. When ramp load is
applied during assembly, the thread profile locks the threaded
shaft 231 of the weight member 228 in place by drawing the crests
of the shaft thread 212 tightly against the recess thread 210. This
thread profile prevents transverse movement of the threaded shaft
231 of the weight member 228 with respect to the threading 210 of
the recesses 229 to create a virtually "wedge-locking" of the
threaded joint.
[0081] With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, yet a further embodiment
in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. This
embodiment is substantially similar to that disclosed with
reference to FIGS. 15, 16 and 17, but employs a series of sleeves
333 positioned within the recesses 329 along the sole 305 and rear
wall 311 of the club head body 302. The sleeves 333 are fixed into
the club head body 302 of the golf club head 300 and shaped and
dimensioned for selective coupling with the weight members 328. The
sleeves 333 are designed for optimizing mass properties in
conjunction with the utilization of repositionable weight members
as discussed above. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the sleeves 333 are adhesively bound within
the recesses 329, although other coupling techniques are
contemplated within the spirit of the present invention.
[0082] In accordance with the implementation of a threading
structure as discussed above, each sleeve 333 will have internal
threads 310 formed therein such that the club head body 302 need
not be machined for the creation of the desired threading. However,
those skilled in the art will appreciate the use of sleeves as
disclosed herein need not be employed in conjunction with the
specific threading technique disclosed above, but may be
implemented with a variety of coupling techniques for the secure
attachment of weight members thereto.
[0083] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the recesses are
positioned at various locations far from the center of gravity of
the club head. By positioning the recesses at positions far from,
preferably as far from the center of gravity as reasonably
possible, one is able to greatly alter the weighting
characteristics of the club head through the utilization of smaller
weights; that is, the farther from the center of gravity a weight
is positioned on the club head, the greater its affect is on the
change in the center of gravity.
[0084] It is further contemplated the sleeves may have be tapered
or not, the sleeves can range in any size in order to meet weight
requirements, the sleeve can be cast, molded or machined, and the
centerline of the aperture passing through the sleeve can range
from 0 degrees to 90 degrees relative to the striking face of the
club head. In addition, the sleeves may have threads or no threads,
employ a mechanical locking device and/or have a surface finish or
no surface finish.
[0085] Although aluminum sleeves are employed in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sleeves can be
made from a variety of metallic or non-metallic materials, such as,
engineering plastics, ceramics, composites, or any form of metallic
material (for example, titanium) or a combination of above
materials (for example, an injection molded sleeve having a plastic
body and metallic threads). Regardless of the sleeve material and
the manufacturing process, the sleeves are preferably manufactured
to have a density of less that 5 g/cm3. In addition, it is
contemplated the sleeves may weigh as little as 0.001 g. However
and in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the sleeves are
manufactured from aluminum and weigh preferably less than 10 g and
more preferably less than 5 g.
[0086] It is contemplated the sleeves will be fixed within the
recesses of the club head using epoxy, brazing, mechanical locking,
Key way, Swedging, or threading. The sleeve could also be fixed and
inserted into the club head either from an internal or external
entrance point. It is further contemplated the sleeves can have an
intermediate material between the sleeve and the major body of the
golf club head. The sleeves themselves may also be formed in a
multi-layer configuration with various materials making up the
layers of the sleeve.
[0087] Although four sleeves are disclosed in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exact number of
sleeves may be varied without departing from the spirit of the
present invention. For example, it is contemplated 1 sleeve may be
used or as many as 8 sleeves may be used. In addition, it is
contemplated the recess(es) of the club head into which the
sleeve(s) enter can be tapered or not, the sleeve(s) may be used in
conjunction with club heads with lofts ranging from approximately 0
degrees to approximately 60 degrees and the sleeve(s) may be used
in conjunction with club heads having a volume range between
approximately 125 cc and 470 cc (or more).
[0088] As with the previous embodiments, the present embodiment
with sleeves is capable of moving the center of gravity in all
three planes. When applied to a golf club head of approximately 460
cc with a 46 inch shaft and a total head mass of the 192 g to 198 g
with a moveable mass of approximately 24 g, the present embodiment
allows one to adjust the striking characteristics of the club head
in a previously unknown manner. In particular, the moment of
intertia may be varied from approximately 4000-4800 g cm.sup.2. In
addition, and with reference to FIG. 21, it allows for heel to toe
movement (Xcg) from approximately 0.010 inches to approximately
0.200 inches, front to back movement (Zcg) from approximately 0.010
inches to approximately 0.225 inches and up and down movement (Ycg)
from approximately 0.0 inches to approximately 0.175 inches. This
movement defines a hexahedron in which the center of gravity may be
positioned. The features of the present invention allow for the
center of gravity to be located with hexahedron having an area of
0.008 inches.sup.3.
[0089] The sleeves reduce the cost of manufacturing by making it
unnecessary to match the club head with threading required for
attachment of the weight members. In addition, the sleeves can be
made out of different materials enabling a number of weight
combinations to change the mass properties of a golf head. Further,
the sleeves can be replaced after excessive wear. The sleeves also
reduce major club head body weight by reducing excessive material
that has to be used to support the weight members. The sleeves also
reduce weight in the manufacture of the club head, allowing for the
shifting of more weight through the use of the various weight
members provided in accordance with the present invention. Because
of the various materials that may be used in the manufacture of the
sleeve, they may be designed to reduce vibrations between the
weight members and the club head and enhance the overall coupling
of the weight members to the club head. In addition, the use of
sleeves in accordance with this embodiment allows for versatility
in the design of a metal wood type club head while providing added
security for the weight members being secured to the club head.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 20, in an effort to enhance the weight
distribution of the club heads, and thereby allow for the addition
of more adjustable weight at the club head without altering the
overall "feel" of the club, it is contemplated that releasable
weight members 340 (for example, a 15 g weight) may be secured to
the butt end 342 of the golf club 344. By positioning weight
members 340 at the distal end of the golf club 344, the overall
weight distribution of the golf club 344 is altered in a manner
allowing the addition of more weight at the club head 300 thereof.
With the potential for placing additional weight at the club head
of the golf club, greater flexibility is provided as a golfer
attempts to move the removable weights about the club head as mote
weight may be shifted from side to side without substantially
altering the general feel of the club. While the utilization of
releasable weights at the butt end of the golf club is disclosed in
conjunction with a particular club head embodiment, this concept
could certainly be applied to a variety of club constructions
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0091] As briefly mentioned above, the use of sleeves in accordance
with the disclosed embodiment enhances manufacturing of the club
head. In particular, it is contemplated such a club head would be
manufactured by first casting or stamping the club head with the
recesses in place. Thereafter, the previously manufactured sleeves
are placed within the recess and adhesively bound thereto. By
applying the sleeves to the rough recesses, machining of the
recesses and the surrounding area is not required and the cost of
manufacturing is reduced. Once the sleeves are set in position, the
club head is ready for final processing and attachment to a
shaft.
[0092] In accordance with an alternate embodiment, and respectively
with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the concepts of the present
invention may be applied to metal wood type club heads 402 having a
crown 406 manufactured from a composite and secured to a metal body
411 in a manner known to those skilled in the art or the concepts
may be applied to metal wood type club heads 502 wherein both the
crown 506 and skirt 511 are manufactured from a composite secured
to a metal sole plate 505 in a manner known to those skilled in the
art. Regardless of the alternate embodiment employed, the metal
wood type club head would also include weighting members secured to
the club head body (potentially via the sleeves when employing the
concepts of the invention disclosed with reference to FIGS. 18 and
19) in the manner discussed above with regard to the various
disclosed embodiments.
[0093] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
as disclosed herein ate with reference to a metal wood type club
head, in particular, a driver, it is contemplated the weighting
system of the present invention may be employed in conjunction with
other golf club heads without departing from the spirit of the
present invention. For example, it is contemplated the underlying
concepts may be applied to metal woods and hybrids having volumes
from approximately 125 cc to 470 cc (or more) and encompassing
drivers, fairway woods and hybrid i-woods. It is further
contemplated the concepts underlying the present invention may be
employed in conjunction with irons and putters without departing
from the spirit of the present invention.
[0094] Although the various embodiments disclosed above employ from
2 to 4 weight members, it is contemplated the total number of
weight members employed within the spirit of the present invention
may be varied to suit specific needs of the golf For example, it is
contemplated the number of weight members incorporated into a club
head may vary from 2 to 8 (and similarly with reference to the
embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 18 and 19, the number of sleeves
employed will similarly vary to suit the number of weight members
employed). In addition, although the above embodiments disclose the
moveable weight employed in accordance with the present invention
preferably being 24 g, it is contemplated the moveable weight may
be between approximately 4 g and approximately 40 g without
departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0095] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit
the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover
all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *