U.S. patent application number 12/789133 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-16 for golf clubs and golf club heads having feel altering systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nike, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert Boyd, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, John T. Stites, Gary G. Tavares.
Application Number | 20100234130 12/789133 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38472112 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100234130 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tavares; Gary G. ; et
al. |
September 16, 2010 |
GOLF CLUBS AND GOLF CLUB HEADS HAVING FEEL ALTERING SYSTEMS
Abstract
Golf club heads include: (a) a body having a ball-striking face
and a rear face, the body defining a cavity; (b) a bridge member
extending across the cavity, wherein the bridge member is provided
to affect, at least in part, a position of a center of gravity of
the club head; and (c) a feel altering element provided between the
bridge member and the rear face. The feel altering element may
affect a wide variety of parameters that relate to the "feel" of
the golf club head when it strikes a golf ball, such as the sound
produced by the club head during the strike, the vibrational
response of the club head during the strike, the swing
characteristics of the club head (e.g., weight, center of gravity
position, etc.), and the like.
Inventors: |
Tavares; Gary G.; (Azle,
TX) ; Stites; John T.; (Weatherford, TX) ;
Boyd; Robert; (Euless, TX) ; Kawaguchi; Hiroshi;
(Southlake, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
TEN SOUTH WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3000
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Nike, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
38472112 |
Appl. No.: |
12/789133 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11367750 |
Mar 6, 2006 |
7744487 |
|
|
12789133 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/332 ;
473/334; 473/349; 473/350 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0475 20130101;
A63B 60/54 20151001; A63B 60/02 20151001; A63B 53/047 20130101;
A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 53/0433 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/332 ;
473/350; 473/334; 473/349 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/06 20060101
A63B053/06; A63B 53/00 20060101 A63B053/00 |
Claims
1. A golf club head, comprising: a body including a striking face
having a contact area for engaging a golf ball and a rear cavity,
the rear cavity opposite the striking face; a bridge member
extending across at least a portion of the rear cavity; an altering
element provided between the bridge member and the rear face; and a
weight member engaged with the bridge member and provided to
affect, at least in part, a position of a center of gravity of the
golf club head.
2. A golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the weight member
is selectively movable to different locations on the bridge
member.
3. A golf club head according to claim 2, wherein the different
locations on the bridge member are independent fixed locations.
4. A golf club head according to claim 2, wherein the weight member
is rotatable and fixable at different rotational positions to
further affect the position of the center of gravity of the golf
club head.
5. A golf club head according to claim 2, wherein the weight member
is removably mounted on the bridge member.
6. A golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the bridge member
further includes a rail formed therein.
7. A golf club head according to claim 6, wherein the weight member
is shaped to engage and slide along the rail to vary the position
of the center of gravity of the golf club head.
8. A golf club head according to claim 7, further comprising a
locking mechanism to secure the weight member to the rail.
9. A golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the altering
element includes a polymeric material.
10. A golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the altering
element affects a vibrational response of the club head during
impact with a golf ball.
11. A golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the altering
element defines a fluid-tight chamber.
12. A golf club head according to 11, wherein the chamber includes
a gas.
13. A golf club head, comprising: a body including a heel, a toe, a
striking face, the striking face having a contact area for engaging
a golf ball, and a rear cavity, the rear cavity opposite the
striking face; a bridge member extending across at least a portion
of the rear cavity; an altering element provided between the bridge
member and the rear face; and a weight positioning assembly
integral to the bridge member, the weight positioning assembly
including a rail and a weight member movably connected to the rail,
the weight member being movable along the rail, at least in part,
to affect a position of a center of gravity of the golf club head
in a first direction, the weight member further being rotatable, at
least in part, to further affect the position of the center of
gravity of the golf club head in a second direction.
14. A golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the altering
element includes a polymeric material.
15. A golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the altering
element affects a vibrational response of the club head during
impact with a golf ball.
16. A golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the altering
element defines a fluid-tight chamber.
17. A golf club head according to claim 16, wherein the chamber
includes a gas.
18. A golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the altering
element affects a sound generated by the club head during impact
with a golf ball.
19. A golf club, comprising: a body including a striking face
having a contact area for engaging a golf ball and a rear cavity,
the rear cavity opposite the striking face; a bridge member
extending across at least a portion of the rear cavity; a feel
altering element provided between the bridge member and the rear
face; a weight member engaged with the bridge member and provided
to affect, at least in part, a position of a center of gravity of
the golf club head; and a shaft member extending from the body.
20. A golf club according to claim 19, wherein the weight member is
selectively movable to different locations on the bridge
member.
21. A golf club according to claim 19, wherein the weight member is
rotatable and fixable at different rotational positions, at least
in part, to further affect the position of the center of gravity of
the golf club head.
22. A golf club according to claim 19, wherein the feel altering
element affect a vibrational response of the club head during
impact with a golf ball.
23. A golf club according to claim 19, wherein the feel altering
element defines a fluid-tight chamber.
24. A golf club, comprising: a body including a heel, a toe, a
striking face, the striking face having a contact area for engaging
a golf ball, and a rear cavity, the rear cavity opposite the
striking face; a bridge member extending across at least a portion
of the rear cavity; an altering element provided between the bridge
member and the rear face; a weight positioning assembly integral to
the bridge member, the weight positioning assembly including a rail
and a weight member movably connected to the rail, the weight
member being movable along the rail, at least in part, to affect a
position of a center of gravity of the golf club head in a first
direction, the weight member further being rotatable, at least in
part, to further affect the position of the center of gravity of
the golf club head in a second direction; and a shaft member
extending from the body.
25. A golf club according to claim 24, wherein the altering element
affects a vibrational response of the club head during impact with
a golf ball.
26. A golf club according to claim 24, wherein the altering element
defines a fluid-tight chamber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/367,750, filed Mar. 6, 2006, and claims
priority thereto, which application is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety and made part hereof.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to golf clubs and golf club
heads. Particular example aspects of this invention relate to golf
clubs and golf club heads having a bridge member and a feel
altering system to modify the feel characteristics of the club head
when a ball is struck. Features of golf clubs and golf club heads
in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may be
similar to structures described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/666,346, filed Sep. 19, 2003 and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/707,599, filed Dec. 23, 2003. These earlier applications are
entirely incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various golf club heads have been designed to improve a
golfer's accuracy by assisting the golfer in squaring the club head
face at impact with a golf ball. A number of golf club heads
reposition the weight of the golf club head in order to alter the
location of the club head's center of gravity. The location of the
center of gravity of the golf club head is one factor that
determines whether a golf ball is propelled in the intended
direction. When the center of gravity is positioned behind the
point of engagement on the contact surface, the golf ball follows a
generally straight route. When the center of gravity is spaced to a
side of the point of engagement, however, the golf ball may fly in
an unintended direction and/or may follow a route that curves left
or right, ball flights that are often referred to as "pulls,"
"pushes," "draws," "fades," "hooks," or "slices". Similarly, when
the center of gravity is spaced above or below the point of
engagement, the route of the golf ball may exhibit more boring or
climbing trajectories, respectively.
[0004] Golf club heads, such as cavity back club heads, assist the
golfer by locating much of the weight of the golf club head around
the golf club head perimeter. Generally, these golf club heads are
more forgiving than non-cavity back golf club heads thereby
allowing a golf ball to be struck somewhat off center or mis-hit,
while still providing relatively good distance and accuracy. Cavity
back club heads have helped the average golfer reduce mis-hits and
improve scoring.
[0005] Golfers tend to be sensitive to the "feel" of a golf club.
The "feel" of a golf club comprises the combination of various
component parts of the club and various features associated with
the club that produce the sensory sensations experienced by the
player when a ball is swung at and/or struck. Club weight, weight
distribution, aerodynamics, swing speed, and the like all may
affect the "feel" of the club as it swings and strikes a ball.
"Feel" also has been found to be related to the sound produced when
a club head strikes a ball to send the ball in motion. If a club
head makes an unpleasant, undesirable, or surprising sound at
impact, a user may flinch, give up on his/her swing, decelerate the
swing, and/or not completely follow-through on the swing, thereby
affecting distance, direction, and/or other performance aspects of
the swing and the resulting ball motion. User anticipation of this
unpleasant, undesirable, or surprising sound can affect a swing
even before the ball is hit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Golf club heads according to at least some example aspects
of this invention include: (a) a body having a ball-striking face
and a rear face opposite the ball-striking face, the body further
defining a rear cavity; (b) a bridge member extending across at
least a portion of the rear cavity (e.g., in a direction generally
from the club head toe portion to the club head heel portion,
etc.), wherein the bridge member is provided to affect, at least in
part, a position of a center of gravity of the golf club head with
respect to the striking face; and (c) a feel altering element
provided between the bridge member and the rear face. The feel
altering element may affect a wide variety of parameters that
relate to the "feel" of the golf club head when it strikes a golf
ball, such as the sound produced by the club head during the
strike, the vibrational response of the club head resulting from
the strike, the swing characteristics of the club head (e.g.,
weight, center of gravity position, etc.), and the like. Various
weighted members and weight positioning control elements and
structures also may be provided as part of the club head structure,
optionally engaged with the bridge member, to allow further
variation and/or control of the position of the center of gravity
of the club head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and
not limited in the accompanying figures, in which like reference
numerals indicate similar elements throughout, and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a view of an example golf club having an
example golf club head in accordance with the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an example golf club head
in accordance with the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of an example golf club head
in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 3A illustrates an example feel altering element that
may be included in a golf club head structure in accordance with
the present invention;
[0012] FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate cross-sectional views of example
golf club heads in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIGS. 5 and 5A illustrate cross-sectional views of
additional example golf club heads in accordance with the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of another example golf club
head in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of another example golf club
head in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 7A illustrates an example feel altering element that
may be included in a golf club head structure in accordance with
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example
golf club head in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example
golf club head in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 10A through 10C illustrate rear views of an example
golf club head in accordance with the present invention with a
weight chip attached to the bridge member at various different
fixed locations;
[0020] FIGS. 11A through 11C illustrate rear views of another
example golf club head in accordance with the present invention
with an elliptical shaped weight member attached to the bridge
member at various different fixed locations;
[0021] FIGS. 12A through 12C illustrate rear views of another
example golf club head in accordance with the present invention
with a rail and weight assembly located at various different
positions on the bridge member;
[0022] FIG. 12D provides a more detailed illustration of the
example rail and weight assembly shown in FIGS. 12A through
12C;
[0023] FIGS. 13A through 13C illustrate rear views of another
example golf club head in accordance with the present invention
with a rail integral to a bridge member and an elliptical shaped
weight attached to the rail at various different locations along
the rail;
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of an example golf club head
in accordance with the present invention with a plurality of
weights attached to a bridge member; and
[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of another example golf club
head in accordance with the present invention with a plurality of
weights attached to rail assembly integral to a bridge member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The following description and the accompanying figures
disclose features of golf clubs in accordance with the present
invention (e.g., iron or hybrid type golf clubs and golf club
heads). Each golf club includes a golf club head with a feel
altering system for varying at least some aspect of the club's
"feel," such as the sound emitted during a golf ball strike, a
vibrational response of the club, etc.
I. General Description of Aspects of the Invention
[0027] Aspects of this invention relate to golf club heads and golf
clubs including such golf club heads. Golf club heads according to
at least some example aspects of this invention may include: (a) a
body having a ball-striking face and a rear face opposite the
ball-striking face, the body further defining a rear cavity; (b) a
bridge member extending across at least a portion of the rear
cavity (e.g., in a direction generally from the club head toe
portion to the club head heel portion, etc.), wherein the bridge
member is provided to affect, at least in part, a position of a
center of gravity of the golf club head; and (c) a feel altering
element provided between the bridge member and the rear face (e.g.,
in the rear cavity). The feel altering element may affect a wide
variety of parameters that relate to the "feel" of the golf club
head when it is swung at and/or strikes a golf ball, such as the
sound produced by the club head during the strike, the vibrational
response of the club head during the strike, the swing
characteristics of the club head (e.g., weight, center of gravity
position, etc.), and the like. In at least some examples, the feel
altering element may constitute a polymeric material, such as a
polymeric shell material, a fluid-tight chamber filled with air or
other fluid, optionally air or other gas under pressure, and the
like.
[0028] Additional example golf club head structures in accordance
with this invention may include the following: (a) a club head body
having a heel, a toe, a top portion, a sole portion, a striking
face extending from the top portion to the sole portion, the
striking face providing a contact area for engaging a golf ball,
and a rear face opposite the striking face, the club head body
further defining a first rear cavity; (b) a bridge member extending
across at least a portion of the first rear cavity (e.g., in a
direction generally from the toe to the heel, etc.); (c) a feel
altering element (e.g., like those described above and described in
more detail below) provided between the bridge member and the rear
face; (d) a first wall extending from the sole portion to the
bridge member, the first wall forming a second rear cavity, the
second rear cavity and the bridge member provided to affect, at
least in part, a position of a center of gravity of the golf club
head with respect to the striking face; and/or (e) a second wall
extending from the top portion to the bridge member, the second
wall forming a third rear cavity, the third rear cavity and the
bridge member provided to affect, at least in part, the position of
the center of gravity of the golf club head with respect to the
striking face. While club heads may include both the first wall and
the second wall described above or a single wall extending from the
sole portion to the top portion of the club head, at least some
example club head structures according to the invention will
include only the first wall (extending from the sole portion to the
bridge member) and other example club head structures according to
the invention will include only the second wall (extending from the
top portion to the bridge member).
[0029] Still other example golf club head structures in accordance
with this invention will include: (a) a body having a striking face
with a contact area for engaging a golf ball, the body further
having a rear cavity opposite the striking face; (b) a bridge
member extending across at least a portion of the rear cavity; (c)
a feel altering element (e.g., of the types described above and
described in more detail below) provided between the bridge member
and the rear face; and (d) at least one weight member engaged with
the bridge member and provided to affect, at least in part, a
position of a center of gravity of the golf club head with respect
to the striking face. The weight member(s) may be movably mounted
on the bridge member and selectively adjustable so as to permit
control of the position of the center of gravity of golf club head
in one or more different directions (e.g., by moving the weight
members to discrete, separate locations; by sliding the weight
member(s) to different locations; by rotating the weight members to
different rotational positions; etc.). Additionally, if desired,
one or more of the weight members may be disengageable from the
bridge member to allow exchange with different weight members,
optionally weight members having different weights, weight
distributions, and/or other characteristics, to allow further
selectivity and control of the position of the center of gravity of
the club head.
[0030] If desired, in accordance with at least some examples of
this invention, the bridge member of the club head may include a
weight positioning assembly integral therewith. This weight
positioning assembly may include, for example, a rail and one or
more weight members movably (and optionally removably) connected to
the rail, wherein the weight member(s) is (are) movable along the
rail so as to allow, at least in part, selective variation and
control of a position of a center of gravity of the golf club head
in at least a first direction. Additionally, if desired, the weight
member(s) may be rotatable about an axis and not symmetrically
weighted so as to allow, at least in part, further variation and
control on the position of the center of gravity of the golf club
head, e.g., in a second direction with respect to the striking
face.
[0031] Still further aspects of this invention relate to golf
clubs. Golf clubs in accordance with at least some examples of the
invention may include golf club heads, bridge members, one or more
weighted members, and/or one or more feel altering elements of the
various types described above. Golf clubs in accordance with
examples of this invention further may include shaft members
extending from the club head bodies, grip elements attached to the
shaft members, and/or other features, including conventional
features known and used in the art.
[0032] Still additional aspects of this invention relate to sets of
golf club heads and/or sets of golf clubs including golf club heads
according to this invention. The sets of golf club heads and golf
clubs may be provided with progressively differing striking face
angles, lie angles, bridge member locations and/or other
characteristics, weighted member and/or other weighting
characteristics, and the like so as to provide a set of golf clubs
(e.g., irons), for example, from long irons (e.g., two or more of
zero irons through five irons) to short irons (e.g., two or more of
six irons through various wedge designs), with differing center of
gravity locations.
[0033] Given the general description of aspects of the invention
provided above, more detailed descriptions of various specific
examples of golf clubs and golf club head structures according to
the invention are provided below.
II. Detailed Description of Example Golf Club Heads and Golf Club
Structures According to the Invention
[0034] The following discussion and accompanying figures describe
various golf clubs and golf club head structures in accordance with
examples of the present invention. As more specific examples, golf
club heads in accordance with examples of the present invention may
be utilized for long iron clubs (e.g., driving irons, zero irons
through five irons, and hybrid type golf clubs) and for short iron
clubs (e.g., six irons through pitching wedges, as well as sand
wedges, lob wedges, gap wedges, and/or other wedges). In the more
detailed description that follows, FIGS. 1-5A illustrate examples
of long iron clubs including example aspects of the present
invention, while, FIGS. 6-9 illustrate examples of short iron clubs
including example aspects of the present invention. Of course, if
desired, any iron or hybrid club head could have the structures
shown in FIGS. 1-5A and/or any iron or hybrid club head could have
the structures shown in FIGS. 6-9 without departing from the
invention.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a golf club 100 in accordance with at
least some examples of this invention includes a shaft 102 and a
golf club head 104 attached to the shaft 102. The golf club head
104 of FIG. 1 may be representative of any iron or hybrid type golf
club head in accordance with examples of the present invention. The
shaft 102 of golf club 100 may be made of various materials, such
as steel, titanium, graphite, or a composite material, as well as
combinations thereof, including materials that are conventionally
known and used in the art. Additionally, the shaft 102 may be
attached to the club head 104 in any desired manner, including in
conventional manners known and used in the art (e.g., via adhesives
or cements at a hosel element, via threads or other mechanical
connectors, etc.). A grip element 106 is positioned on the shaft
102 to provide a golfer with a slip resistant surface with which to
grasp golf club shaft 102. The grip element 106 may be attached to
the shaft 102 in any desired manner, including in conventional
manners known and used in the art (e.g., via adhesives or cements,
threads or other mechanical connectors, etc.).
[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the golf club head 104 includes a body
member 202 that includes a heel portion 204 and a toe portion 206.
The heel portion 204 is attached to and/or extends from a hosel 208
(e.g., as a unitary or integral one piece construction, as separate
connected elements, etc.) for connecting the shaft 102 to the golf
club head 104. The body member 202 also includes a top portion 210
and a sole portion 212. A striking face 214 is provided between the
top portion 210 and the sole portion 212, and between the toe 206
and the heel 204. The striking face 214 provides a contact area for
engaging and propelling a golf ball in an intended direction. The
striking face 214 may include grooves 216 (e.g., generally
horizontal grooves 216 extending across the face 214 in the
illustrated example) for the removal of water and grass from the
striking face 214 during a ball strike. Of course, any number of
grooves, desired groove patterns, and/or groove constructions may
be provided (or even no groove pattern, if desired), including
conventional groove patterns and/or constructions, without
departing from this invention.
[0037] The body member 202 of the golf club head 104 may be
constructed from a wide variety of different materials, including
materials conventionally known and used in the art, such as steel,
titanium, aluminum, tungsten, graphite, polymers, or composites, or
combinations thereof. Also, if desired, the club head 104 may be
made from any number of pieces (e.g., having a separate face plate,
etc.) and/or by any construction technique, including, for example,
casting, forging, welding, and/or other methods known and used in
the art.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a golf club head 104 in
accordance with at least some examples of this invention. This
example golf club head 104 includes a rear face 220 positioned
opposite the striking face 214. The club head body member 202
further forms or defines a first rear cavity 222, which in this
example club head structure 104 includes a large opening. A bridge
member 224 extends across the first rear cavity 222, and this
bridge member 224 may connect the heel portion 204 of the club head
104 to the toe portion 206. Bridge member 224 may extend across the
first rear cavity 222 in other directions and may be connected at
various other locations on a golf club head structure without
departing from the invention, as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,450,897 issued on Sep. 17, 2002 to John T. Stites, et al.,
which patent is entirely incorporated herein by reference. Bridge
member 224 may have any desired shape, such as rectangular, oval,
triangular, trapezoidal, square, or other symmetrical or
asymmetrical shapes. Bridge member 224 also may have a uniform or
non-uniform width or thickness throughout its length.
[0039] Bridge member 224 may be connected to the toe portion 206
and/or the heel portion 204 (or other portion(s)) of the club head
104 in any desired manner, including through the use of mechanical
connectors (such as rivets or screws 226) or fusion techniques
(such as welding, soldering, brazing, etc.). Those skilled in the
art will recognize that bridge member 224 may be connected to the
toe portion 206 and/or the heel portion 204 using fewer or
additional connection points or elements and/or through numerous
other connection means and/or techniques without departing from the
present invention. As still additional examples, if desired, bridge
member 224 may be formed with the golf club head 104 in a single
casting and/or as a single unitary element, thereby making the
bridge member 224 a one piece construction with the golf club head
104. Cements or adhesives also may be used to secure the bridge
member 224 to the club head 104, if desired, without departing from
this invention.
[0040] In the golf club head structure 104 according to this
illustrated example of the invention, a second rear cavity 228 is
provided below the bridge member 224, as shown in FIG. 3. With
reference to FIGS. 4 and 4A, cross-sectional views of example golf
club heads 104 are illustrated. In these example arrangements, a
wall 230 extends from the sole portion 212 of the club head 104 to
the bridge member 224. The wall 230, at least in part, creates or
defines the second rear cavity 228, which includes an opening
positioned below bridge member 224 in this club head structure 104.
The wall 230 may be formed so as to include a front surface (facing
outward, toward second cavity 228), a back surface (facing inward,
toward first cavity 222), a top surface, and a bottom surface. If
desired, a space may exist between the back surface of wall 230 and
the rear face 220 of the golf club head 104.
[0041] The wall 230 may be integrally formed with the club head 104
and/or the bridge member 224, e.g., to provide additional support
and stiffness to the bridge member 224. Wall 230 may be linear,
curved, or otherwise shaped, e.g., optionally depending upon the
shape of bridge member 224, the shape of the club head 104, desired
aesthetics, etc. Like the club head 104, the wall 230 and/or the
bridge member 224 may be made from a wide variety of materials,
such as stainless steel, titanium, graphite, plastic, a composite
material, combinations thereof, and/or other materials
conventionally used in golf club head construction and manufacture.
Also, the club head 104, the wall 230, and the bridge member 224
may be made from the same or different materials without departing
from this invention. The additional support and stiffness to bridge
member 224 provided by the wall 230, if any, may help prevent or
reduce deformation of bridge member 224 upon contact with a golf
ball. In addition, if desired, the wall 230 may provide at least
some vibration damping effect upon impact of striking face 214 with
a golf ball.
[0042] The wall 230 may be secured in the club head structure 104
(e.g., to the bridge member 224 and/or to other portions of the
club head 104) in any desired manner without departing from this
invention. As some more specific examples, the front surface and/or
the bottom surface of wall 230 may be secured to the bridge member
224 and the sole portion 212, respectively, using an adhesive or
cement. Optionally, if desired, the wall 230 may fit into grooves
or recessed areas provided in the surfaces of the bridge member 224
and/or the sole portion 212. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that numerous other ways exist to attach the wall 230 to
the bridge member 224 and sole portion 212 (or to other portions of
the club head structure 104) without departing from this invention.
These numerous other ways of attachment are contemplated and fall
within the scope of the present invention. Also, if desired, the
wall 230 may be made of multiple pieces that extend continuously or
discontinuously, e.g., along the bridge member 224.
[0043] FIGS. 3 and 4 further illustrate inclusion of a feel
altering element 232 as part of the club head structure 104. FIG.
3A illustrates an example of a feel altering element 232 for this
club head structure 104 in more detail. As shown, the feel altering
element 232 of this illustrated example is a shell or plate member
that fits in the first recess cavity 222, between the bridge member
224 and the rear surface 220 of the club head structure 104. The
feel altering element 232 may be made from any desired materials
without departing from this invention, including, for example,
plastic or polymeric materials, metals, ceramics, fabrics,
textiles, natural or synthetic rubbers, or the like. In accordance
with at least some examples of the invention, the feel altering
element 232 will be made of a polymeric material formed as a shell
or plate member, such as plastic materials like polyethylenes,
polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyvinylchlorides, and the like. The
feel altering element may be relatively stiff so as to at least
generally hold its own shape, or it may be rather flexible to
enable it to fill and/or at least generally take the shape of the
recess into which it is fit.
[0044] The inclusion of the feel altering element 232 may be used
to control or change various feel aspects of the club head 104,
such as the sound emitted by the club head 104 during contact with
a golf ball, the swing weight and/or center of gravity
characteristics of the club head 104, the vibrational response of
the club head 104 during contact with a golf ball (e.g., to reduce
or eliminate a "stinging" or other undesirable vibrational
sensation to the user's hands, etc.), and the like. The material,
its positioning, its thickness, its size, and the like of the feel
altering element 232 may be used to "tune" the golf club's feel to
a feel desired by club designers and/or individual users.
[0045] FIGS. 3, 3A, and 4 illustrate the feel altering element 232
as a single piece, single plate or shell material that fits into
the first recess cavity 222 and essentially covers the entire
cavity 222. Any manner of holding the feel altering element 232 in
place may be used without departing from this invention. For
example, adhesives or cements may be used to hold the element 232
in place in the cavity 222 and/or against bridge member 224. As
additional examples, if desired, an edge or projection on the edge
of the feel altering element 232 may fit into a groove, slot, or
other receptacle provided in the club head structure 104 (e.g., on
the perimeter of the recess cavity 222, in the rear face 220, in
the sole portion 212, etc.) or vice versa. As still additional
examples, if desired, the feel altering element 232 may be held in
place via a friction fit or due to a spring-like or expansion
effect of the element 232's construction. Additionally, if desired,
the feel altering element 232 may be made from multiple pieces
and/or it need not completely fill the rear cavity 222.
[0046] Other feel altering element structures are possible without
departing from this invention. For example, in the example club
head structure 104 illustrated in FIG. 4A, the feel altering
element 234 defines a chamber 236, optionally a fluid-tight
chamber. Optionally, if desired, a fluid (e.g., a gas or liquid,
such as air, water, nitrogen, noble gasses, or the like) may be
provided in the chamber 236 to allow further changes to the sound,
vibrational response, and/or other feel characteristics generated
by the club head 104 in use. If desired, the fluid in the chamber
236 may be pressurized, which can be used to provide still
different sound, vibrational response, or other feel
characteristics to the club head structure 104 during use.
[0047] The feel altering element 234 may be held in place in the
club head structure 104 in any desired manner without departing
from the invention, including in the various ways described above
for element 232. Optionally, if desired, a retaining element (such
as wall 230, an annular ring or other retaining device, or the
like) may be provided to help hold the element 234 in place in the
club head structure 104. The element 234 may be made of any desired
materials, including rigid, flexible, or pliable materials, e.g.,
of the various types described above for element 232. In some
examples, the element 234 will be an air bladder or air bag type
structure, optionally quite flexible to conform to the shape of the
recess in which it is placed. Also, if desired, multiple elements
234 or various combinations of elements 232 and 234 may be provided
in an individual club head structure 104 without departing from
this invention.
[0048] During the game of golf, an individual holds the grip 106
and swings the golf club 100 such that club head 104 traverses a
generally arcuate path and impacts a golf ball. A portion of the
inertia of the golf club 100, and particularly the inertia of the
golf club head 104, then is transferred to the golf ball to propel
the golf ball. The position of a center of gravity of the club head
104 during the ball strike has an influence upon the ball's flight,
e.g., whether the golf ball curves right, curves left, or follows a
generally straight route, as well as the extent of the curvature
and/or the direction of the route. The golf ball will follow a
generally straight route when the club head 104's center of gravity
is positioned directly behind the point of engagement of the ball
with the striking face 214. When the club head 104's center of
gravity is spaced to one side of this point of engagement with the
ball, however, the golf ball may follow a route that curves left or
right. The position of the center of gravity of golf club head 104
during contact with a ball also will influence whether the golf
ball exhibits a low, boring trajectory or a high, climbing
trajectory, depending upon whether the center of gravity is spaced
above or below the point of engagement of the ball on striking face
214.
[0049] Although the concepts behind utilizing a golf club 100 to
propel a golf ball toward an intended target appear relatively
simple, the actual practice of propelling the golf ball in an
intended manner can be quite difficult. The golf ball may, for
example, consistently curve right when, in fact, the individual
intends to propel the golf ball along a substantially straight
route. Many conventional golf club heads have a center of gravity
located at the striking face. However, changing the position of the
center of gravity of the golf club head 104 for different golf
clubs may assist many golfers in squaring the club head face 104
upon impact with a golf ball and better propelling the ball along
its intended path. Positioning the center of gravity away from the
striking face 214 and toward the rear of the golf club head 104 may
conform to the play characteristics, style, and preferences of many
golfers. Accordingly, golfers may be able to correct or modify the
route of a golf ball by using the golf club head 104 of the present
invention as the center of gravity of golf club head 104 is
repositioned with respect to striking face 214 as compared to other
golf club heads.
[0050] The center of gravity of golf club head 104, also referred
to herein as its "center of mass," is defined as an equilibrium
point. More specifically, the center of gravity of golf club head
104 is a point at which the entire weight of golf club head 104 may
be considered as concentrated so that, if supported at that point,
the club head 104 would remain in static equilibrium in any
position. The location of the center of gravity of golf club head
104 may be changed by altering the weight distribution of the golf
club head 104, e.g., by positioning additional weight away from the
striking face 214. Altering the weight distribution of golf club
head 104 in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention (such as the examples illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 4A)
may be accomplished, at least in part, with the use of bridge
member 224, wall 230, and/or feel altering elements 232 and/or
234.
[0051] For example, bridge member 224 may be used to increase the
weight of the back of the golf club head 104 relative to the
striking face 214. This increase in weight toward the rear of golf
club head 104 alters the position of the center of gravity of golf
club head 104. By moving the center of gravity lower and toward the
rear of the golf club head 104, the golf club 100 will tend to have
an increased loft upon impact with a golf ball. In addition, the
shape, location, and weight distribution of bridge member 224 also
may influence the location of the center of gravity of golf club
head 104. For example, on longer iron clubs (e.g., driving irons,
zero through five irons, and/or hybrid clubs), it may be desirable
for at least some golfers to have the center of gravity lower than
on the shorter iron clubs. On the longer iron or hybrid clubs, a
lower center of gravity typically will assist a golfer in obtaining
additional loft and lift on their golf shot, enabling them to
better get these shots airborne. Therefore, in accordance with at
least some examples of this invention, the bridge member 224 for
driving irons, longer iron clubs, and/or hybrid type clubs may be
positioned lower on the rear of the golf club head body 104 as
compared to the bridge member 224 position on a shorter iron
club.
[0052] The lowering of the center of gravity of the golf club head
104 also may be accomplished, at least in part, through the use of
wall 230 or the feel altering elements 232 and 234. These elements
230, 232, and/or 234 also may be used to increase the weight of the
back of the golf club head 104 relative to the striking face 214.
This increase in weight to the back of golf club head 104 at the
low position on the club head 104 lowers the center of gravity of
the club head 104, thus generally allowing the golf club head 104
to propel a golf ball with a higher trajectory. In addition, wall
230 and/or feel altering elements 232 and 234 may be used to
increase the support of bridge member 224 and may prevent or reduce
deformation of bridge member 224 upon contact with a golf ball.
This added support may tend to increase the distance that a golf
ball travels after impact with the club head 104.
[0053] Other features of a club head 104 also may be used to
control and/or vary the position of the center of gravity of a club
head 104. For example, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 5A, the
position of the center of gravity of a golf club head 104 also may
be modified by placing a material 238 in the second rear cavity 228
to at least partially fill the second rear cavity 228. The material
238 placed in the second rear cavity 228 may include an epoxy
and/or a high density material, such as a material made from or
including lead, tungsten, a lead-containing alloy or material, a
tungsten-containing alloy or material or combinations thereof. In
addition or alternatively, if desired, the material 238 placed in
the second rear cavity 228 may comprise a vibration damping
material to further impact feel characteristics of the club head
structure 104. By placing a weighted material 238 in the second
rear cavity 228, the position of a center of gravity of the golf
club head 104 with respect to the striking face 214 may be varied
and controlled. In particular, the center of gravity of golf club
head 104 relative to the striking face 214 may be lowered (e.g.,
when the second rear cavity 228 is located at the lower back
portion of the club head 104 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A), thereby
assisting the golfer in obtaining additional loft of the golf shot.
The material 238 may be fit into the recess 228 and held therein in
any desired manner without departing from the invention, such as
via adhesives, mechanical connectors, friction fits, fusing
techniques, etc. Alternatively, if desired, the material 238 and/or
portions thereof may be integrally formed as a unitary one piece
construction with any one or more of bridge member 224, wall member
230, feel altering elements 232 and/or 234, or the club head
104.
[0054] FIGS. 6 through 9 illustrate another example golf club head
structure 600 in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention (e.g., for use in the shorter irons, such as six irons
through various wedges, although the various features may be used
in any desired iron or hybrid club structure). In this example
structure 600, the golf club head 600 includes a body member 602
that includes a heel portion 604 and a toe portion 606. The heel
portion 604 is attached to or extends from a hosel 608 for
connecting to a shaft 610, as generally described above in
conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2. The body member 602 also includes a
top portion 612 and a sole portion 614. A striking face 616 is
provided in the area between the top portion 612, the sole portion
614, the toe portion 606, and the heel portion 604. The striking
face 616 provides a contact area for engaging and propelling a golf
ball, e.g., in the manner described above. The striking face 616
may include grooves 618, e.g., horizontal grooves, for the removal
of water and grass from the striking face 616 during a ball strike.
The body 602 of the golf club head 600 may be constructed from one
or more pieces of various materials, such as steel, titanium,
aluminum, tungsten, graphite, polymers, or composites or
combinations thereof as described above in conjunction with FIGS.
1-5A, and the golf club head 600 may be included in a golf club
structure in any desired manner (e.g., attached to the shaft 610),
including the various manners described above in conjunction with
FIGS. 1-5A.
[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of a golf club head 600
according to at least some examples of this invention. Golf club
head 600 of this example structure includes a rear face 620
positioned opposite the striking face 616. The body member 602
further forms and defines a first rear cavity 622, which in this
example club head structure 600 has a large opening. A bridge
member 624 extends across the first rear cavity 622, e.g., in a
direction from and/or connecting the heel portion 604 to the toe
portion 606. Bridge member 624 may extend across the first rear
cavity 622 and connect to various other locations on the golf club
head 600, as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,897 to John
T. Stites, et al. The bridge member 624 may be constructed in
various shapes, as described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-5A,
and it may be formed with and/or connected to the remainder of the
golf club head structure 600 in any desired manner, including the
manners described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-5A.
[0056] A second rear cavity 626 is illustrated in FIG. 7, in this
example structure 600 located above the bridge member 624. FIG. 8
provides a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head 600
showing this additional rear cavity 626. As shown in FIG. 8, a wall
630 extends from the top portion 612 of the club head 600 to the
bridge member 624. The wall 630 creates and defines, at least in
part, the second rear cavity 626, which includes an opening
positioned above bridge member 624. As shown in FIG. 8, the wall
630 may include a front surface (facing outside the club head
structure 600 toward second rear cavity 626), a back surface
(facing inside the club head structure 600 toward the first rear
cavity 622), a top surface, and a bottom surface. A space may exist
between the back surface of wall 630 and the rear face 620 of the
golf club head 600.
[0057] Wall 630 may be integrally formed with the club head
structure 600 and/or with the bridge member 624, if desired, to
provide additional support and stiffness to bridge member 624. The
wall 630 may be linear, curved, or otherwise shaped, e.g.,
optionally depending upon the shape of bridge member 624, the shape
of the club head 600, and/or desired aesthetics. Like the club head
600, the wall 630 and/or the bridge member 624 may be made from a
wide variety of materials, such as stainless steel, titanium,
graphite, plastic, or a composite material or combinations thereof,
and the club head 600, wall 630, and bridge member 624 may be made
from the same or different materials without departing from this
invention. The additional support and stiffness to bridge member
624 provided by wall 630, if any, may help prevent or reduce
deformation of bridge member 624 upon contact with a golf ball
during a swing. In addition, if desired, the wall 630 may provide
at least some vibration damping effect upon impact of striking face
616 with a golf ball.
[0058] In at least some example structures, if desired, the front
surface and/or the top surface of wall 630 may be secured to the
bridge member 624 and/or top portion 612 of the club head 600,
e.g., using an adhesive, mechanical connectors, fusing techniques,
etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous ways
exist to attach the wall 630 to the remainder of the club head
structure 600, and any of these various ways may be used without
departing from the present invention. Also, if desired, the wall
630 may be made of multiple pieces that extend continuously or
discontinuously, e.g., along the bridge member 624.
[0059] Bridge member 624 increases the weight of the back of the
golf club head 600 relative to its striking face 616. This increase
in weight toward the rear of golf club head 600 alters the center
of gravity of golf club head 600. By moving the center of gravity
higher and toward the rear of the golf club head, a golf ball
generally may be propelled with a lower and/or more controlled
trajectory.
[0060] The shape, weight distribution, and/or location of bridge
member 624 also may influence the location of the center of gravity
of golf club head 600. For example, on the shorter iron clubs
(e.g., six iron through the pitching wedge or other wedges), it may
be desirable for at least some golfers to have a center of gravity
higher than that provided on the longer iron and/or hybrid clubs.
On the shorter iron clubs, a higher center of gravity may enable at
least some golfers to have greater control over the flight of the
golf ball. Therefore, the bridge member 624 for shorter iron clubs
may be positioned somewhat higher on the rear of the golf club head
body 600 as compared to a bridge member on longer iron or hybrid
type clubs (e.g., as seen by a comparison of FIGS. 3-4 with FIGS.
7-8).
[0061] FIGS. 7 and 8 further illustrate inclusion of a feel
altering element 632 as part of the club head structure 600. FIG.
7A illustrates an example of the feel altering element 632 of this
structure 600 in more detail. As shown, the feel altering element
632 of this illustrated example is a thin plate or shell member
that fits in the first recess cavity 622, between the bridge member
624 and the rear surface 620 of the club head structure 600 and
essentially covers the entire cavity 622. The feel altering element
632 may be made from any desired materials without departing from
this invention, including, for example, the various materials and
in the various constructions described above for elements 232
and/or 234. The feel altering element 632 may be relatively stiff
so as to at least generally hold its own shape, or it may be rather
flexible and/or pliable to enable it to at least generally take the
shape of the recess into which it is fit. The inclusion of the feel
altering element 632 may be used to control or change various feel
aspects of the club head 600, such as the sound emitted by the club
head 600 during contact with a golf ball, the swing weight and/or
center of gravity characteristics of the club head 600, vibrational
response of the club head 600 during contact with a golf ball
(e.g., to reduce or eliminate a "stinging" or other vibrational
sensation to the user's hands, etc.), and the like. The material of
the feel altering element, its positioning, its thickness, its
size, and the like may be used to "tune" the golf club's feel to a
feel desired by club designers and/or individual users.
Additionally, if desired, the feel altering element 632 may be made
from multiple pieces and/or it need not completely fill the rear
cavity 622.
[0062] FIGS. 7, 7A, and 8 illustrate the feel altering element 632
as a single piece, thin shell or plate material that fits into the
first recess cavity 622. Any manner of holding the feel altering
element 632 in place may be used without departing from this
invention, such as adhesives or cements; edges or projections
fitting into corresponding grooves or recesses on the club head
structure 104 (e.g., on the perimeter of the recess cavity 222, in
the rear face 220, etc.) or vice versa; friction fits; a
spring-like or expansion fit; etc. Also, feel altering elements
like those illustrated and described above in conjunction with
FIGS. 4A and 5A (with chambers, including fluid-filled chambers
and/or pressurized chambers) may be used in the club head structure
of FIGS. 6-8 without departing from the invention.
[0063] Raising the center of gravity of golf club head 600 also may
be accomplished, at least in part, through the use of the wall 630.
Wall 630 may be used to increase the weight on the back of the golf
club head 600 relative to the striking face 616. This increase in
weight to the high back portion of golf club head 600 raises the
center of gravity of golf club head 600, thereby better allowing
the golf club head 600 to propel a golf ball with a somewhat lower
and more controlled trajectory.
[0064] Other features also may be used to control and vary the
location of the center of gravity of a golf club head 600 without
departing from the invention. For example, with reference to FIG.
9, if desired, the position of the center of gravity of a golf club
head 600 also may be modified and controlled by placing a material
634 in the second rear cavity 626 in order to at least partially
fill the second rear cavity 626. The material 634 provided in the
second rear cavity 626 may be any desired material, including, for
example, an epoxy and/or a high density material made from or
including materials such as lead, tungsten, a lead-containing alloy
or material, a tungsten-containing alloy or material, or
combinations thereof. In addition, if desired, the material 634
provided in the second rear cavity 626 may include a vibration
damping material. By providing material 634 in the second rear
cavity 626, the position of the center of gravity of the golf club
head 600 with respect to the striking face 616 may be further
varied and controlled. In particular, the center of gravity of golf
club head 600 relative to the striking face 616 may be raised in
this example structure, thereby providing the golf club head 600
with a lower initial loft when impacting a golf ball.
[0065] A feel altering element in accordance with at least some
examples of this invention may be used in conjunction with a wide
variety of other cavity back or other golf club head structures
without departing from this invention. Various additional example
golf club head structures with feel altering elements and/or
removable and/or customizable weighting features are described in
more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 10A through 15. FIGS.
10A through 15 generally illustrate features of the rear side of a
club head structure. Those skilled in the art will recognize and
appreciate that golf club head structures may include any desired
front structure or configuration without departing from this
invention. While recognizing this potential variability, the
illustrated examples describe various club head structures with a
front face, for example of the types illustrated in FIGS. 2 and
6.
[0066] FIGS. 10A through 10C illustrate rear views of a golf club
head 1000 in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention. Golf club head 1000 of this example structure includes a
rear cavity 1002 positioned opposite the striking face. A bridge
member 1004 having a front surface 1006 and a back surface 1008
extends across the rear cavity 1002, in a direction of and
optionally connected with or otherwise extending from the heel
portion 1010 to the toe portion 1012 of the club head 1000. Bridge
member 1004 also may extend across the rear cavity 1002 and/or be
connected at various other locations on the golf club head 1000 as
shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,897. The bridge member
1004 may be constructed in various shapes, as described above in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-5A, and it may be formed with and/or
connected to the remainder of the golf club head structure 1000 in
any desired manner, including the various manners described above
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-5A.
[0067] If desired, the bridge member 1004 may be formed with the
golf club head 1000 in a single casting thereby making the bridge
member 1004 integral with the golf club head 1000. As an
alternative, if desired, bridge member 1004 may be connected to the
toe portion 1012 and heel portion 1010 of the club head structure
1000 (or other portions) using mechanical connectors, such as
rivets or screws 1014, cements or adhesives, fusion techniques
(such as welding, soldering, or brazing), and the like. Those
skilled in the art will recognize, of course, that bridge member
1004 may be connected to the toe portion 1012 and/or the heel
portion 1010 using fewer or additional connection points and/or
through numerous other connection techniques and means without
departing from the present invention.
[0068] As further shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C, the club head
structure 1000 includes a feel altering element 1016, e.g.,
provided between the bridge member 1004 and the rear face 1002 of
the club head structure 1000. The feel altering element 1016 may
take on the various forms and be connected with the remainder of
the club head structure 1000 in any desired manner, including the
various forms and manners described above in conjunction with FIGS.
1-9 for elements 232, 234, and/or 632.
[0069] In accordance with at least some examples of this invention,
bridge member 1004 may have one or more weights 1018 attached to
it, e.g., to the front surface 1006 of bridge member 1004, e.g., at
various fixed locations as shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C. As more
specific examples, FIG. 10A illustrates weight 1018 attached to the
front surface 1006 of bridge member 1004 closer to toe portion 1012
of golf club head 1000. As alternatives, weight 1018 may be
attached to the front surface 1006 in the center of the bridge
member 1004 (FIG. 10B) or closer to the heel portion 1010 of golf
club head 1000 (FIG. 10C). As still additional examples, if
desired, one or more weights 1018 may be attached to various
locations on the back surface 1008 of bridge member 1004 and/or fit
into slots, grooves, or other receptacles formed in the bridge
member 1004 without departing from this invention.
[0070] Those skilled in the art will recognize, of course, that
weight 1018 may be made of various shapes and/or sizes, such as
rectangular, oval, triangular, trapezoidal, square, elliptical, or
other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes. In the example
illustrated in FIGS. 10A through 10C, weight 1018 is shown as
generally a rectangular or square weight chip. The weight 1018 may
be made from any desired material, including one or more materials
selected from the group of stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium,
aluminum, tungsten, graphite, lead, polymers, plastics, or
composites or combinations thereof. In addition, if desired, weight
1018 may be freely removable from the club head structure 1000
and/or interchangeable with a plurality of alternative weights
having different sizes, shapes, and/or masses as compared to weight
1018. Such features may be used to further control and/or vary the
center or gravity, weighting characteristics, and/or feel
characteristics of the golf club head 1000.
[0071] Weight 1018 may be connected to the front surface 1006 or
back surface 1008 of bridge member 1004, for example, using a
rivet, set screw, or locking pin 1020. Those skilled in the art
will recognize, of course, that weight 1018 may be attached to
and/or locked into position onto bridge member 1004 in any desired
manner without departing from this invention, including in a wide
variety of ways utilizing connection hardware, such as locking
screws, clamps, clips, clasps, etc., and/or using adhesives or
fusion techniques. Those skilled in the art also will realize that
more than one weight 1018 may be attached to bridge member 1004 at
various different locations without departing from this
invention.
[0072] In the same manner as generally described above in
connection with FIGS. 1-9, the weight distribution of a golf club
head 1000 and/or the location of the center of mass thereof may be
controlled through the use of the bridge member 1004 and/or weight
1018 (and/or other features of the club head 1000, such as the feel
altering element 1016, walls, etc.) in accordance with this
illustrated example. As a more specific example, bridge member 1004
and/or weight 1018 may be used to increase the weight of the back
of the golf club head 1000 relative to its striking face. This
increase in weight toward the rear of golf club head 1000 alters
the center of gravity of golf club head 1000. By moving the center
of gravity lower and toward the rear of the golf club head 1000, a
golf shot will tend to have an increased loft upon impact with a
golf ball. By moving the center of gravity higher and toward the
rear of the golf club head 1000, a golf shot will tend to have a
decreased loft and/or a user will be provided increased control
over the golf shot upon impact with a golf club.
[0073] With reference to FIGS. 10A through 10C, weight 1018 may be
moved to allow user, designer, and/or club fitter adjustment and
control of the position of the center of gravity of club head 1000.
By moving weight 1018 to different locations as shown in FIGS. 10A
through 10C, the position of the center of gravity of the golf club
head 1000 with respect to the striking face may be varied and
controlled. In particular, moving the center of gravity of golf
club head 1000 relative to the striking face may help improve the
ball flight of a golfer having a tendency to hit a golf ball toward
the left or right of the fairway and/or help prevent the golfer
from hitting the ball too far to the left or right of the fairway.
For example, FIG. 10A shows weight 1018 arranged toward the toe
portion 1012 of golf club head 1000. This arrangement will tend to
cause the golf ball to move toward the right of a fairway (for a
right-handed golfer) because the toe portion 1012 of the club head
1000 will tend to lag behind somewhat during the swing, thereby
leaving the club head face somewhat open at impact with the golf
ball (as compared to the same swing without the weight 1018 at this
position). Therefore, in the position of FIG. 10A, the club head
1000 will have a fade or slice bias and/or may be useful to assist
golfers with a tendency to draw or hook the ball. In FIG. 10C, the
weight 1018 is located toward the heel portion 1010 of the golf
club head 1000, which will tend to cause the golf ball to move
toward the left of the fairway (for a right-handed golfer) because
the toe portion 1012 of the club head will tend to be in front of
the heel somewhat during the swing, thereby leaving the club head
face somewhat closed at impact with the golf ball (as compared with
the same swing without weight 1018 at this position). Therefore, in
the position of FIG. 10C, the club head 1000 will have a draw or
hook bias and/or may be useful to assist golfers with a tendency to
fade or slice the ball. In FIG. 10B, the weight 1018 is attached to
front surface 1006 near the center of bridge member 1004, which
will tend to produce a balanced or unbiased shot directing the golf
ball along a straight route toward the middle of the fairway
(assuming square contact is made during the swing).
[0074] FIGS. 11A through 11C illustrate another example of a golf
club head 1100 including a weight member 1102 as part of the club
head structure 1100. In this example structure 1100, the weight
member 1102 has an elliptical shape. This elliptical shaped weight
1102 may be located in various fixed positions on bridge member
1104, as shown by a comparison of its location in FIGS. 11A through
11C. Additionally, the elliptical shaped weight 1102 may be rotated
to further vary and control the position of the center of gravity
of golf club head 1100 (e.g., control its location in a second
direction, such as in a vertical direction) with respect to the
striking face. As discussed above, the position of the center of
gravity of a golf club head in the generally vertical direction
influences whether a golf shot exhibits a high, arching trajectory
or a lower, flatter trajectory. Accordingly, rotating and
positioning the elliptical shaped weight 1102 above its point of
engagement with the bridge member 1104 will tend to raise the
center of gravity of golf club head 1100 somewhat. As noted above,
raising the center of gravity of a golf club head 1100 helps the
golfer propel a golf ball with a lower and more controlled
trajectory. Alternatively, rotating and positioning the elliptical
shaped weight 1102 below its point of engagement with the bridge
member 1104 will tend to lower the center of gravity of golf club
head 1100, to thereby better allow a golfer to propel a golf ball
with additional loft.
[0075] As further shown in FIGS. 11A through 11C, the club head
structure 1100 includes a feel altering element 1106, e.g.,
provided between the bridge member 1104 and the rear face 1108 of
the club head structure 1100. The feel altering element 1106 may
take on the various forms and/or be connected with the remainder of
the club head structure 1100 in any desired manner, including the
various forms and manners described above in conjunction with FIGS.
1-9 for elements 232, 234, and/or 632.
[0076] The elliptical shaped weight 1102 may be connected to the
front surface 1110 and/or back surface 1112 of bridge member 1104
in any desired manner, such as using a set screw or locking pin
1114, a locking screw, clamps, clasps, clips, or other mechanical
connectors. Those skilled in the art will understand, of course,
that the weight 1102 may be attached to the club head 1100 in a
wide variety of different manners, and that it may have a wide
variety of different shapes, compositions, structures, and the like
without departing from this invention. Additionally, if desired,
multiple weight members 1102, e.g., elliptically or otherwise
shaped, may be attached to the club head 1100 without departing
from this invention.
[0077] FIGS. 12A through 12D illustrate still another example of a
club head structure 1200 in accordance with this invention. As
shown in FIGS. 12A through 12D, the golf club head 1200 includes a
rear wall 1202 and defines a rear cavity positioned opposite the
ball-striking face. A bridge member 1204 having a front surface
1206 and a back surface 1208 extends across the rear cavity in a
direction of and/or connecting between the heel portion 1210 and
the toe portion 1212 of the club head 1200 (although bridge member
1204 connections at other locations also are possible as described
above and illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,897).
Bridge member 1204 may be made in various shapes, various widths
and/or thicknesses, and/or with uniform or non-uniform width and/or
thickness over its length, as described above in conjunction with
FIGS. 1-5A. The bridge member 1204 also may be formed with and/or
connected to the remainder of the golf club head structure 1200 in
any desired manner, including the manners described above in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-11C.
[0078] If desired, in at least some examples of this invention, the
bridge member 1204 may be formed with the golf club head 1200 in a
single casting thereby making the bridge member 1204 integral with
the golf club head 1200. As an alternative, bridge member 1204 may
be connected to the toe portion 1212 and/or heel portion 1210 (or
other portions of the club head structure 1200) using set screws
1214. Those skilled in the art will recognize, of course, that
bridge member 1204 may be connected to the toe portion 1212 and/or
the heel portion 1210 (or other portions of the club head structure
1200) using fewer or additional connection points and/or through
numerous other connection means or systems without departing from
the present invention, as generally described above.
[0079] As further shown in FIGS. 12A through 12C, the club head
structure 1200 includes a feel altering element 1216, e.g.,
provided between the bridge member 1204 and the rear face 1202 of
the club head structure 1200. The feel altering element 1216 may
take on the various forms and/or be connected with the remainder of
the club head structure 1200 in any desired manner, including the
various forms and manners described above in conjunction with FIGS.
1-9 for elements 232, 234, and/or 632.
[0080] In this illustrated structure 1200, bridge member 1204
includes a rail 1218 formed in its front surface 1206. One example
of a structure for rail 1218 is illustrated in FIG. 12D, which
shows that the rail 1218 includes a channel 1220 for engaging a
first surface 1222 of a weight 1224. A second surface 1226 of
weight 1224 may slide along the outside of rail 1218 allowing a
golfer or club fitter to lock the weight 1224 into a selected and
desired place, e.g., with a set screw 1228. If desired, the set
screw 1228 may fit into one of plural recesses or openings provided
in channel 1220, to help assure that the weight 1224 remains locked
in place. A golfer utilizing the golf club head 1200 of FIGS. 12A
through 12D may freely position the weight 1224 at various
locations along rail 1218. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the
weight 1224 may be located on rail 1218 in a location close to the
toe portion 1212 of golf club head 1200 (e.g., as an aid for
golfers who tend to hook the ball to more readily hit the ball
toward the center of the fairway and/or to provide a fade bias to
the club head 1200). As an alternative, as shown in FIG. 12B,
weight 1224 may be located near the center of bridge member 1204,
e.g., for use by golfers who tend to hit the ball straight or who
do not have a clearly established or biased ball flight tendency.
As still another alternative, as shown in FIG. 12C, the weight 1224
also may be located on rail 1218 at a location closer to the heel
portion 1210 of the golf club head 1200 (e.g., as an aid for
golfers who tend to slice the ball to more readily hit the ball
toward the center of the fairway and/or to provide a draw bias to
the club head 1200). By moving weight 1224 along rail 1218 a golfer
can selectively modify the position of the center of gravity of
head 1200 in a first direction with respect to the striking face,
e.g., to conform to a particular playing style and/or preference of
the golfer, to help correct consistently undesired ball flight,
etc. Accordingly, the golfer may modify the typical flight path of
the golf ball by repositioning the center of gravity of head 1200
with respect to club head's striking face.
[0081] FIGS. 13A through 13C illustrate another example club head
structure 1300 in accordance with some examples of this invention.
As shown in FIG. 13A, a golf club head 1300 according to this
example structure includes a heel portion 1302, a toe portion 1304,
and a striking face that provides a contact area for engaging a
golf ball. The golf club head 1300 also includes a rear wall 1306
and defines a rear cavity opposite the striking face. A bridge
member 1308 extends across the rear cavity in a direction between
the toe portion 1304 and the heel portion 1302. The golf club head
1300 further includes a weight positioning assembly 1310 integral
to bridge member 1308. The weight positioning assembly 1310
includes a rail or groove 1312 and a weight 1314 movably connected
to the rail 1312. The rail 1312 may extend from the front surface
1316 of bridge member 1308 through to its back surface 1318, or it
may extend only partially through the thickness of the bridge
member 1308. The weight 1314 is movable along rail 1312 to vary a
position of a center of gravity of the golf club head 1300 in a
first direction with respect to the striking face (e.g., in the
generally horizontal direction and/or along the direction of the
rail 1312), and it may be locked in place (e.g., via a screw 1320,
locking pin, or other securing element) to hold it in the desired
position along the rail 1312.
[0082] The weight 1314 illustrated in the example of FIGS. 13A
through 13C has an elliptical shape. The elliptical shaped weight
1314 may be located in various positions on bridge member 1308 and
held in place, for example, using a washer and set screw 1320
combination (or other desired securing mechanism or structure). The
weight 1314 also may be rotated to further vary the position of the
center of gravity of golf club head 1300 in a second direction with
respect to striking face, e.g., to generally vary the location of
the center of gravity in the vertical direction, as described above
in conjunction with FIGS. 11A through 11C.
[0083] As described with respect to various other example
structures, the position of the center of gravity of golf club head
1300 influences whether a golf shot exhibits a high, arching
trajectory or a low, flatter trajectory. Accordingly, rotating and
positioning elliptical shaped weight 1314 above the point of
engagement with the bridge member 1308 raises the center of gravity
of golf club head 1300 somewhat. Raising the center of gravity of
golf club head 1300 generally allows a golfer to propel a golf ball
with a lower and more controlled trajectory. Alternatively,
rotating and positioning elliptical shaped weight 1314 below the
point of engagement with the bridge member 1308 lowers the center
of gravity of golf club head 1300 somewhat, thereby generally
allowing a golfer to propel a golf ball higher, e.g., with
additional loft. By moving and rotating elliptical shaped weight
1314 in two or three dimensions, a golfer or a club fitter has
great flexibility to position the center of gravity of the head
1300 with respect to the striking face, as needed, e.g., to bias
the club to induce specific shot shapes (e.g., fades, draws, etc.),
to help correct ball path flight issues that occur due to certain
swing faults, etc.
[0084] More specific examples of weight and center of gravity
adjustment are illustrated by comparison of FIGS. 13A through 13C.
As shown in FIG. 13A, elliptical shaped weight 1314 is located on
bridge member 1308 near the toe portion 1304 of golf club head
1300. In addition, the elliptical shaped weight 1314 is rotated
into a position above the point of engagement of the weight 1314
with the bridge member 1308 and/or above the point of engagement
between the club head 1300 and a golf ball, as indicated by the
appearance of the elliptical portion of the weight 1314 at an
elevated position, partially above bridge member 1308 in FIG. 13A.
This placement of elliptical shaped weight 1314 will tend to raise
and shift the center of gravity of golf club head 1300 rearward and
toward the toe portion 1304 of the golf club head 1300. A golf ball
hit with this particular golf club head configuration will tend to
propel the golf ball with a lower and more controlled trajectory
toward the right of the fairway for a right-handed golfer (e.g., to
help correct a hook, to provide a fade bias for the club,
etc.).
[0085] As another example, FIG. 13B shows the elliptical shaped
weight 1314 located near the center of bridge member 1308 of golf
club head 1300. Again, the elliptical shaped weight 1314 is rotated
into a position above the point of engagement with the bridge
member 1308 and/or above the point of engagement of the club head
1300 with a golf ball, as indicated by the elevated position of the
elliptical portion of the weight 1314, appearing above bridge
member 1308 in FIG. 13B. This placement of elliptical shaped weight
1314 will tend to raise the center of gravity of the golf club head
1300 and move it rearward. A golf ball hit with this particular
golf club head configuration will tend to propel a golf ball with a
lower and more controlled trajectory toward the center of the
fairway and/or without a bias for a ball flight to either the right
or left side of the fairway.
[0086] As a further example, FIG. 13C shows the elliptical shaped
weight 1314 located on bridge member 1308 near the heel portion
1302 of golf club head 1300. In addition, the elliptical shaped
weight 1314 in this illustrated example is rotated into a position
below the point of engagement of the weight 1314 with the bridge
member 1308 and/or below the point of engagement of the club head
1300 with a golf ball, as indicated by the appearance of the
elliptical portion of the weight 1314 below bridge member 1308 in
FIG. 13C. This placement of elliptical shaped weight 1314 will tend
to lower and shift the center of gravity of golf club head 1300
rearward toward the heel portion 1302 of golf club head 1300. A
golf ball hit with this particular golf club head configuration
will tend to propel the golf ball with a higher trajectory toward
the left of the fairway for a right-handed golfer (e.g., to help
correct a slice, to provide a draw bias for the club, etc.).
[0087] Of course, if desired, elliptical shaped weight 1314 may be
replaced by alternate weights that have different shapes and/or
different masses to increase or decrease the degree to which the
center of gravity of club head 1300 is repositioned. Various
shapes, such as rectangular, oval, triangular, trapezoidal, square
or other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes may be utilized for the
weight member 1314. Elliptical shaped weight 1314 or other desired
weighting members may be made of various materials such as lead,
stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, aluminum, tungsten,
graphite, polymers, plastics or composites or combinations thereof.
The weight also may be placed along the front surface 1316 of the
bridge member 1308 without departing from the invention. Any
combination of weight member(s) 1314, weight location(s) along the
rail 1312, and/or rotational positioning of the elliptical
weight(s) 1314 may be used without departing from this
invention.
[0088] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate still additional examples of club
head structures 1400 and 1500 with weighting members 1402 and 1502
according to examples of the present invention. In these example
structures, a plurality of weights 1402 and 1502 are attached to a
bridge member 1404 and 1504 in a combination of configurations,
e.g., as previously described above, to vary and control the
position of the center of gravity of a golf club head 1400 and
1500. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of weights 1402
may be movably attached to plural rails or grooves 1406 provided on
a single bridge member 1404, e.g., in the manners described above
in conjunction with FIGS. 12A through 13C. When plural rails are
present, they may be in any desired arrangement with respect to one
another (e.g., essentially collinear, stacked, overlapping, etc.)
Alternatively, if desired, the weights 1402 may be positioned at
fixed locations on a bridge member, e.g., as described above in
conjunction with FIGS. 10A through 11C. As still another option, if
desired, one or more weights may be located at a fixed position on
a bridge member while one or more other weights are movably
connected to a rail or other variable weight positioning assembly.
As still another example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, plural weights
1502 may be movably connected to a single rail 1506 on bridge
member 1504 to add additional weight to the back of the club head
1500 and to allow one to further vary and control the position of
the center of gravity of golf club head 1500. One or more of the
weights 1500 may be elliptically shaped, as illustrated in the FIG.
15, or shaped in some other manner without departing from this
invention.
[0089] While the examples illustrated in FIGS. 9-15 generally show
a club head of the type shown in FIGS. 6-9 (e.g., with a wall
member 630 provided above the bridge member 624 and a feel altering
member 632 provided and visible in the open area below the bridge
member 624), those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or
more of the same features of the invention shown in FIGS. 9-15 may
be practiced in a club head of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1-5A
(e.g., with a wall member 230 provided below the bridge member 224
and a feel altering member 232 and/or 234 provided and visible in
the open area above the bridge member 224) and/or in a club head
that does not include an additional wall member 230 and 630 (e.g.,
and the feel altering member, when present, may be visible both
above and below the bridge member).
[0090] Golf club heads in accordance with examples of the present
invention may be incorporated into a set, e.g., a set of iron
and/or hybrid type golf clubs. For example, aspects of the present
invention may be used to provide a club set with increasing
numbered iron golf clubs, such as two or more of hybrid type clubs,
driving irons, a zero iron, a one iron, a two iron, a three iron, a
four iron, a five iron, a six iron, a seven iron, an eight iron, a
nine iron, a ten iron, a pitching wedge, a lob wedge, a gap wedge,
a sand wedge, etc. With the present invention, a golfer, a club
designer, and/or a club fitter may modify the position of the
center of gravity for each golf club to meet the player's unique
requirements, skill, or playing style. For each club in the set,
the bridge member (and/or other features of the club head, such as
wall members, feel altering members, weighting members, etc) may
progressively change to alter the center of gravity of one club
member with respect to the others in the set, to make the center of
gravity better suited for use of the particular club, optionally
customized for use by a specific golfer.
III. Conclusion
[0091] The present invention is described above and in the
accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of example
structures, features, elements, and combinations of structures,
features, and elements. The purpose served by the disclosure,
however, is to provide examples of the various features and
concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the
invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that
numerous variations and modifications may be made to the
embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the
present invention, as defined by the appended claims. For example,
the various features and concepts described above in conjunction
with FIGS. 1-15 may be used individually and/or in any combination
or subcombination without departing from this invention.
* * * * *