Golf club head having a high-degree elastically deformable structure

Abstract

A golf club head includes a golf club head body, an elastically deformable thin layer, a striking plate and a club weight portion. The golf club head body includes a crown portion, a toe-side wall portion, a sole portion and a heel-side wall portion. The elastically deformable thin layer is provided on the golf club head body and arranged between the toe-side wall portion and the heel-side wall portion. The elastically deformable thin layer has a thickness thinner than that of other portions of the golf club head body. Mounted on a front portion of the striking plate is the striking plate along which the elastically deformable thin layer has a direction of extension so as to absorb a striking stress transmitted from the striking plate. The club weight portion is arranged on the golf club head body to adjust the center of gravity and the moment of inertia.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a golf club head having a high-degree elastically deformable structure. Particularly, the present invention relates to the golf club head having an elastically deformable thin layer formed on a golf club head body for providing a high-degree elastically deformable characteristic. More particularly, the present invention relates to the elastically deformable thin layer continuously extended on the golf club head body.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] A conventional golf club head, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0049310 entitled "Golf Club Head and a Method for Manufacturing the Same" and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0034986 entitled "Golf Club Head and a Method for Manufacturing the Same" typically includes a golf club head body and a cover plate. Integrally formed on a front side of the golf club head body is a striking plate for striking a golf ball. The striking face of the golf club head body has a side wall to connect with a hosel seat for fitting a club shaft. The golf club head body includes a top opening adjacent to a rear side of the striking plate. In assembling, the cover plate is securely received in the top opening of the golf club head body. Furthermore, a bottom portion of the golf club head body includes a screw hole for screw connection with a screw member. The combination of the golf club head body with the cover plate substantially constitutes the entire structure of the golf club head.

[0005] In general, the cover plate is made from a light metal or a carbon fiber material which naturally has both of low weight and high strength characteristics. A rear wall of the cover plate is provided with an assembling hole for mounting at least one club weight member therein. Owing to the carbon fiber material of the cover plate possesses advantages of highly vibration-absorbable and lightweight characteristics, such a composite material design of the golf club head can enhance the entire absorbability, and enlarge the entire volume. Meanwhile, the cover plate so constructed from the carbon fiber material can reduce an entire weight of an upper portion of the golf club head so as to relatively lower a center-of-gravity position. Advantageously, the golf club head has a perfect controllability for a flying direction in striking a golf ball.

[0006] However, the cover plate is mechanically connected with each of a left side portion, a top portion and a right side of the striking plate relative to the front side of the golf club head body. Accordingly, the cover plate must provide adequate deformability on the left side portion, the top portion and the right side of the striking plate of the golf club head body while impacting the golf ball. Inevitably, there exists a connection gap between the cover plate and the golf club head body adjacent to the left side portion, the top portion and the right side of the striking plate. This results in an imperfect elastic deformability of the cover plate. When this occurs, there is a design limitation existing for elastic deformability of this type of the golf club head. Consequently, this design limitation may cause a low-grade striking resilience of the golf club head.

[0007] In golf club head design, in order to intensify the entire structure of the golf club head, there is a need for the abandonment of the hybrid design concept of the composite golf club head if required. However, a one-piece design concept of the golf club head is currently reconsidered and redesigned. But the one-piece design concept of the golf club head must satisfy the needs of enhancing elastic deformability and reducing total weight of the golf club head.

[0008] The present invention intends to provide a golf club head having an elastically deformable thin layer continuously extended thereon. While striking a golf ball, the elastically deformable thin layer can improve elastically deformability of the golf club head. The elastically deformable thin layer has a thickness relatively thinner than that of other portions of the golf club head to provide a high-degree elastic deformability characteristic in such a way as to mitigate and overcome the above problem.

[0009] In general, the elastically deformable thin layer is designed to space a predetermined distance from a position of a striking plate in such a way as to avoid affecting the entire structure of the golf club head. Otherwise the elastically deformable thin layer can attenuate the structural strength of the golf club head in striking the golf ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a golf club head having a high-degree elastically deformable structure, wherein an elastically deformable thin layer is provided on a golf club head body for enhancing elastic deformability while striking a golf ball. Accordingly, the elastically deformable thin layer can increase a striking resilience of the golf club head.

[0011] The secondary objective of this invention is to provide the golf club-head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure, wherein the elastically deformable thin layer of the golf club head body has a thickness relatively thinner than that of other portions. Accordingly, the elastically deformable thin layer can decrease a total weight of the golf club head body which is helpful in expanding a volume of the golf club head.

[0012] The golf club head in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes a golf club head body, an elastically deformable thin layer, a striking plate and a club weight portion. The golf club head body includes a crown portion, a toe-side wall portion, a sole portion and a heel-side wall portion. The elastically deformable thin layer is provided on the golf club head body and arranged between the toe-side wall portion and the heel-side wall portion of the golf club head body. To accomplish a high-degree elastically deformable structure, the elastically deformable thin layer has a thickness relatively thinner than that of other portions of the golf club head body. Mounted on a front portion of the striking plate is the striking plate along which the elastically deformable thin layer has a direction of extension so as to absorb a striking stress transmitted from the striking plate. The club weight portion is selectively arranged on a predetermined position of the golf club head body to adjust the center of gravity and the moment of inertia.

[0013] In a separate aspect of the present invention, the elastically deformable thin layer is extended on an inner surface or an outer surface of the crown portion of the golf club head body for providing a perfect striking resilience.

[0014] In a further separate aspect of the present invention, the elastically deformable thin layer is continuously extended on an inner surface or an outer surface from the toe-side wall portion through the crown portion to the heel-side wall portion of the golf club head body for providing a perfect striking resilience.

[0015] In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the elastically deformable thin layer is continuously extended on an inner surface or an outer surface along the toe-side wall portion, the crown portion, the heel-side wall portion and the sole portion of the golf club head body for providing a perfect striking resilience.

[0016] In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the elastically deformable thin layer is integrally constructed from a recession formed on an inner surface or an outer surface of the golf club head body.

[0017] Further scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a golf club head having a high-degree elastically deformable structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2a is an enlarged cross-sectional view in FIG. 2 illustrating a connection portion of the golf club head body to an elastically deformable thin layer in accordance with a modified embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a golf club head having a high-degree elastically deformable structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 4 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a golf club head having a high-degree elastically deformable structure in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 6 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] FIG. 6a is an enlarged cross-sectional view in FIG. 6 illustrating a connection portion of the golf club head body to an elastically deformable thin layer in accordance with a modified embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In the following embodiments, a golf club head of the present invention can be selected from a group consisting of a wood-type club head, an iron-type club head, a utility-type club head and a putter-type club head. The golf club head having a high-degree elastically deformable structure in accordance with the present invention shall be only applied to the wood-type club head. It will be understood that the high-degree elastically deformable structure applied to the iron-type, utility-type or putter-type club head in accordance with the present invention is omitted.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention includes a golf club head body designated numeral 1, an elastically deformable thin layer designated numeral 2, a striking plate designated numeral 3 and a club weight portion designated numeral 4. Typically, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 is disposed on a middle portion of the golf club head body 1. Furthermore, the striking plate 3 is disposed on a front portion of the golf club head body 1 while the club weight portion 4 is disposed on a rear portion of the golf club head body 1.

[0029] Still referring to FIG. 1, constructions of the golf club head body 1 in the first embodiment shall be described in detail. The golf club head body 1 includes a crown portion 11, a toe-side wall portion 12, a sole portion 13 and a heel-side wall portion 14 to constitute a shell structure. Typically, the crown portion 11 is disposed on a top portion of the golf club head body 1 while the sole portion 13 is disposed on a bottom portion of the golf club head body 1. The toe-side wall portion 12 is disposed on a toe portion of the golf club head body 1 while the heel-side wall portion 14 is disposed on a heel portion of the golf club head body 1. In casting, the golf club head body 1 is made from a high-specific-gravity metal or alloy material selecting from a group consisting of stainless steel, carbon steel, low-carbon steel, alloy steel, low alloy steel, maraging steel, Fe--Mn--Al alloy, cast iron, nickel-based ferroalloy and structural steel. In the first embodiment, the entire structure of the golf club head body 1 is relatively rigid and strong to withstand normal usage of the striking stress, and is suitable for performing the elastic deformation characteristic.

[0030] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to increase the elastic deformability and the low-weight characteristics, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 is disposed on the crown portion of the golf club head body 1 so that the center of gravity of the golf club head body 1 is lowered. To accomplish a high-degree elastically deformable structure, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 has a thickness relatively thinner than that of other portions of the golf club head body 1. In a preferred embodiment, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 is continuously extended along the crown portion 11, the toe-side wall portion 12, the sole portion 13 and the heel-side wall portion 14 of the golf club head body 1 to constitute an elastically deformable annular wall. In the first embodiment, the thickness of the elastically deformable thin layer 2 can withstand normal usage of the striking stress, and perform the perfect elastic deformation characteristic. In a preferred embodiment, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 is designed to have the thickness below 0.8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 has an inner surface on which a structural-reinforcing device or a vibration-absorbing device (not shown) is selectively provided.

[0031] Still referring to FIG. 2, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 is integrally formed on the inner surface of the golf club head body 1 such that the elastically deformable thin layer 2 cannot be affect the appearance of the golf club head body 1. Generally, located between the inner surfaces of the golf club head body 1 and the elastically deformable thin layer 2 is a connection portion 15. In a preferred embodiment, the connection portion 15 is constructed from a stepped portion delimiting a region of the elastically deformable thin layer 2.

[0032] Turning now to FIG. 2a, an enlarged cross-sectional view of a connection portion 15a of the golf club head body 1 to an elastically deformable thin layer 2 in accordance with a modified embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In the modified embodiment, the connection portion 15a is constructed from an inclined portion having an inclination from the inner surface of the golf club head body 1 to the inner surface of the elastically deformable thin layer 2. The connection portion 15a has a greater thickness at a first end adjacent to the striking plate 3 and a thinner thickness at a second end adjacent to the elastically deformable thin layer 2. In striking the golf ball, the greater thickness of the connection portion 15a has a greater structural strength to reinforce the elastically deformable thin layer 2. As to the thinner thickness of the connection portion 15a, a greater resilience of the golf club head body 1 is provided.

[0033] Referring back to FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 is extended from the front portion to the rear portion of the golf club head body 1 which has a predetermined longitudinal length not greater than 80 mm. In practice, the thin thickness of the elastically deformable thin layer 2 can lower the weight of the golf club head body 1 in consideration of the design limitation of the total weight of the golf club head or in view of golf club design regulations. Consequently, the volume of the golf club head can be expanded according to the design needs. For instance, the wood-type golf club head can be preferably expanded to have the volume ranging between 380 cc and 500 cc.

[0034] In addition, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 is designed to space a predetermined distance from a position of the striking plate 3 on the golf club head body 1 for the sake of ensuring the entire structural strength of the golf club head body 1. Meanwhile, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 is so constructed to provide an adequate resilience for striking the golf ball. For instance, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 can attenuate the entire structure of the structural strength of the golf club head body 1 if the distance between the elastically deformable thin layer 2 and the striking plate 3 is too short. Conversely, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 cannot provide the adequate resilience if the distance between the elastically deformable thin layer 2 and the striking plate 3 is too long.

[0035] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, constructions of the striking plate 3 in the first embodiment shall be described in detail. In the first embodiment, the striking plate 3 is made from a light metal material selected from a group consisting of titanium alloy, Fe--Mn--Al alloy, aluminum alloy and magnesium alloy etc. In a preferred embodiment, the golf club head body 1 and the striking plate 3 may be made from dissimilar or different materials, thus resulting in a composite design of the golf club head. The striking plate 3 is securely fixed on the front portion of the golf club head body 1 so that the elastically deformable thin layer 2 is laterally extended across the crown portion of the golf club head body 1 substantially corresponding to the striking plate 3. Accordingly, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 can directly absorb a striking stress transmitted from the striking plate 3, and thus provide the adequate striking resilience on the golf ball (not shown).

[0036] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to further enhance the striking ability of the golf club head, the club weight portion 4 is selectively arranged on a predetermined position of the rear portion of the golf club head body. In the first embodiment, the position of the club weight portion 4 can be changed according to that of the elastically deformable thin layer 2--the toe-side wall portion 12, the sole portion 13 or the heel-side wall portion 14 of the golf club head body 1 for example. In manufacturing, the desired position of the club weight portion 4 can be chosen. In adjusting operation, the number and sizes of preferred club weight members 41 are selected and mounted in the club weight portion 4 according to consumer needs. Consequently, the club weight members 41 can adjust the center of gravity and the moment of inertia.

[0037] In comparison with the composite golf club head combined with the carbon-fiber crown plate either in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0049310 or 2004/0034986, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 in the first embodiment of the present invention is integrally formed on the golf club head body 1, and is spaced the predetermined distance from the striking plate 3. Advantageously, the elastically deformable thin layer 2 can avoid attenuating the entire structural strength of the golf club head body 1 and provide the adequate striking resilience while striking the golf ball.

[0038] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, views of the golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. The golf club head includes a golf club head body 1, an elastically deformable thin layer 2', a striking plate 3 and a club weight portion 4. In comparison with the first embodiment, the elastically deformable thin layer 2' of the second embodiment is continuously extended from the toe-side wall portion 12 through the crown portion 11 to the heel-side wall portion 14 of the golf club head body 1 so as to the limit the area of the elastically deformable thin layer 2'. In the second embodiment, the thickness of the sole portion 13 can maintain the adequate structural strength of the golf club head body 1 which permits continuous extension between the toe-side wall portion 12 and the heel-side wall portion 14 of the golf club head body 1.

[0039] Turning now to FIG. 5, an exploded perspective view of the golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The golf club head includes a golf club head body 1, an elastically deformable thin layer 2'', a striking plate 3 and a club weight portion 4. In comparison with the first embodiment, the elastically deformable thin layer 2'' of the third embodiment is continuously extended on the crown portion 11 starting from a side of the toe-side wall portion 12 to a side of the heel-side wall portion 14 of the golf club head body 1 so as to the further limit the area of the elastically deformable thin layer 2'. In the third embodiment, the thickness of the toe-side wall portion 12, the sole portion 13 and the heel-side wall portion 14 can maintain the adequate structural strength of the golf club head body 1 which permits continuous extension on the crown portion 11 of the golf club head body 1.

[0040] It will be understood that the inner elastically deformable thin layers 2, 2', 2'' so formed on the inner surface of the golf club head body 1 can be redesigned to provide on the outer surface thereof, which will be described in greater detail below.

[0041] Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 6A, cross-sectional and enlarged cross-sectional views of the golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. The golf club head includes a golf club head body 1, an elastically deformable thin layer 2a, a striking plate 3 and a club weight portion 4. In the fourth embodiment, the elastically deformable thin layer 2a is formed on an outer surface, and continuously extended along the crown portion 11, the toe-side wall portion 12, the sole portion 13 and the heel-side wall portion 14 of the golf club head body 1, as best shown in FIG. 6. In another embodiment, the elastically deformable thin layer 2a is only formed on the outer surface of the crown portion 11 corresponding to a position shown in FIG. 5. In another embodiment, the elastically deformable thin layer 2a is formed on the outer surface, and continuously extended from the toe-side wall portion 12 through the crown portion 11 to the heel-side wall portion 14 of the golf club head body 1 corresponding to a position shown in FIG. 3.

[0042] Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 6A, located between the outer surfaces of the golf club head body 1 and the elastically deformable thin layer 2a is a connection portion 15. In a preferred embodiment, the connection portion 15 is constructed from a stepped portion delimiting a region of the elastically deformable thin layer 2a. In the modified embodiment, the connection portion 15a is constructed from an inclined portion having an inclination from the outer surface of the golf club head body 1 to the outer surface of the elastically deformable thin layer 2a, as best shown in FIG. 6A. The connection portion 15a has a greater thickness at a first end adjacent to the striking plate 3 and a thinner thickness at a second end adjacent to the elastically deformable thin layer 2a. In striking the golf ball, the greater thickness of the connection portion 15a has a greater structural strength to reinforce the elastically deformable thin layer 2a.

[0043] Referring back to FIGS. 1 through 6, in a preferred embodiment, the inner elastically deformable thin layers 2, 2', 2'' and the outer elastically deformable thin layer 2a are provided on the inner and outer surfaces of the golf club head body 1 respectively at the same time. For instant, any type of the inner elastically deformable thin layers 2, 2', 2'' is formed on the inner surface while any type of the outer elastically deformable thin layer 2a is formed on the outer surface.

[0044] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to its presently preferred embodiment, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf club head having a high-degree elastically deformable structure, comprising: a golf club head body including a front portion and a crown portion, the golf club head body having an inner surface delimiting an inner space, and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; an elastically deformable thin layer being selectively disposed on at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the golf club head body, and being located on the crown portion, said elastically deformable thin layer having a thickness less than that of other portion of the golf club head body; and a striking plate disposed on the front portion of the golf club head body, the of the golf club head body having a predetermined distance spaced from the striking plate.

2. The golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the golf club head body further includes a toe-side wall portion and a heel-side wall portion such that the elastically deformable thin layer is continuously extended on the crown portion and between the toe-side wall portion and the heel-side wall portion.

3. The golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the golf club head body further includes a club weight portion to receive a club weight member, the club weight portion is arranged at a predetermined position according to that of the elastically deformable thin layer.

4. The golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure as defined in claim 1, wherein golf club head body further includes a club weight portion to receive a club weight member, a size of the club weight member is selected according to a size of the elastically deformable thin layer.

5. The golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the golf club head body further includes a toe-side wall portion and a heel-side wall portion such that the elastically deformable thin layer is continuously extended from the toe-side wall portion through the crown portion to the heel-side wall portion of the golf club head body.

6. The golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the golf club head body further includes a toe-side wall portion, a sole portion and a heel-side wall portion such that the elastically deformable thin layer is continuously extended along the toe-side wall portion, the crown portion, the heel-side wall portion and the sole portion of the golf club head body.

7. The golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure as defined in claim 1, wherein located between the inner surfaces of the golf club head body and the elastically deformable thin layer is a connection portion which is constructed from a stepped portion.

8. The golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure as defined in claim 1, wherein located between the inner surfaces of the golf club head body and the elastically deformable thin layer is a connection portion which is constructed from a inclined portion.

9. The golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure as defined in claim 1, wherein located between the outer surfaces of the golf club head body and the elastically deformable thin layer is a connection portion which is constructed from a stepped portion.

10. The golf club head having the high-degree elastically deformable structure as defined in claim 1, wherein located between the outer surfaces of the golf club head body and the elastically deformable thin layer is a connection portion which is constructed from a inclined portion.