U.S. patent application number 12/490653 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-30 for golf club head with non-threaded internal cavity chamber.
Invention is credited to Charles E. Golden, Christopher D. Harvell, Stephen S. Murphy.
Application Number | 20100331102 12/490653 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43381349 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100331102 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Golden; Charles E. ; et
al. |
December 30, 2010 |
GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH NON-THREADED INTERNAL CAVITY CHAMBER
Abstract
A metal wood or utility type golf club head is disclosed in
which the golf club head may have dynamic mass properties that are
capable of being adjusted without utilizing a threaded mechanism.
More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head
that has an internal receptacle or cavity well that is
strategically placed inside the metal wood or utility type golf
club head to enable dynamic mass adjustments utilizing weight
cards. Even more specifically, the weight cards may generally be
flat and rectangular in shape to minimize weight at undesirable
areas and may even contain a weighted portion having an increased
density for further center of gravity adjustment.
Inventors: |
Golden; Charles E.;
(Carlsbad, CA) ; Harvell; Christopher D.;
(Carlsbad, CA) ; Murphy; Stephen S.; (Carlsbad,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ACUSHNET COMPANY
333 BRIDGE STREET, P. O. BOX 965
FAIRHAVEN
MA
02719
US
|
Family ID: |
43381349 |
Appl. No.: |
12/490653 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/337 ;
473/338; 473/339; 473/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0466 20130101;
A63B 53/0462 20200801; A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 53/0487
20130101; A63B 53/04 20130101; A63B 60/00 20151001; A63B 53/045
20200801; A63B 53/047 20130101; A63B 53/0433 20200801; A63B 53/0416
20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/337 ;
473/345; 473/338; 473/339 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/06 20060101
A63B053/06 |
Claims
1. A golf club head comprising: a forward portion containing a
striking surface, said striking surface further comprising a face
center at a geometric center of said face, and said face center
further defining a neutral axis perpendicular to said striking
surface passing through said face center; an aft portion connected
to said forward portion; a cavity well located within said aft
portion of said golf club head; and a weight card configured to be
embedded within said cavity well without the need of a threaded
attachment; wherein said cavity well has a ratio of volume to
surface area less than 0.5.
2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said cavity well is
substantially rectangular in shape.
3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein said weight card further
comprising: a first portion having a first density and a first
coefficient of friction; and a second portion at least partially
enclosed by said first portion having a second density and a second
coefficient of friction; wherein said first portion further
comprises a plurality of locking tabs located around a perimeter of
said first portion, and a plurality of docking slots at a terminal
end of said first portion to connect to said cavity well.
4. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein said second density is
greater than said first density.
5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein said first coefficient of
friction is greater than said second coefficient of friction.
6. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein said cavity well further
comprises: an internal wall profile having a third coefficient of
friction; and a plurality of docking rods protruding into said
cavity well at a terminal end of said cavity well, wherein said
plurality of docking rods mate with said plurality of docking slots
within said weight card to secure said weight card within said
cavity well.
7. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein said cavity well further
comprises: a plurality of locking tab receptacles located around a
perimeter of said cavity well, wherein said plurality of locking
tab receptacles engages said plurality of locking tabs on said
weight card to further secure said weight card to said cavity
well.
8. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein said first coefficient of
friction of said weight card interacts with said third coefficient
of friction of said internal wall profile of said cavity well to
retain said weight card.
9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein said cavity well is
perpendicular to said neutral axis.
10. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein said cavity well is
parallel to said neutral axis.
11. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein said weight card further
comprises a magnetic material.
12. A golf club head comprising: a forward portion containing a
striking surface, said striking surface further comprising a face
center at a geometric center of said face, and said face center
further defining a neutral axis perpendicular to said striking
surface passing through said face center; an aft portion connected
to said forward portion; a cavity well located within said aft
portion of said golf club head; and a weight card configured to be
embedded within said cavity well without the need of a threaded
attachment, wherein said cavity well is perpendicular to said
neutral axis.
13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein said cavity well has a
ratio of volume to surface area less than 0.5.
14. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein said cavity well is
substantially rectangular in shape.
15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein said weight card
further comprises: a first portion having a first density; and a
second portion having a second density. wherein said second portion
is at least partially enclosed by said first portion, and wherein
said second density is higher than said first density.
16. A golf club head comprising: a forward portion containing a
striking surface, said striking surface further comprising a face
center at a geometric center of said face, and said face center
further defining a neutral axis perpendicular to said striking
surface passing through said face center; an aft portion connected
to said forward portion; a cavity well located within said aft
portion of said golf club head; and a weight card configured to be
embedded within said cavity well without the need of a threaded
attachment, wherein said cavity well is parallel to said neutral
axis.
17. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein said cavity well has a
ratio of volume to surface area less than 0.5.
18. The golf club head of claim 17, wherein said cavity well is
substantially rectangular in shape.
19. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein said weight card
further comprises: a first portion having a first density; and a
second portion having a second density, wherein said second portion
is at least partially enclosed by said first portion, and wherein
said second density is higher than said first density.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to golf clubs, more
particularly, to metal wood and utility-type golf clubs having
dynamic mass properties. The present invention more specifically
relates to a golf club head with one or more internal cavity
chamber wherein a non-threaded weight card may be inserted into the
cavity to adjust for different dynamic mass properties of the golf
club head.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Wood and utility-type golf club heads generally include a
front or striking surface, a crown, a sole, and an arcuate skirt
including a heel, a toe, and a back. The striking surface generally
interfaces with and contacts the golf ball. A plurality of grooves,
sometimes referred to as "score lines", may be provided on the face
to assist in imparting spin to the ball and for decorative
purposes. The crown is generally configured to have a particular
look to the golfer and to provide structural rigidity for the
striking surface. The sole of the golf club contacts and interacts
with the ground during swing.
[0003] With a high percentage of amateur golfers constantly
searching for more distance on their shots, particularly in their
drives; the golf industry has responded by providing golf clubs
specifically designed with distance and accuracy in mind.
[0004] In order to increase distance, the golfing industry has
commonly decreased the wall thickness of a driver type golf club
head while keeping the overall weight constant to even decreasing
the overall weight of the driver type golf club head. More
specifically, it has generally been known that the reduction of the
face thickness will help increase the coefficient of restitution
(COR) of the driver type golf club head face that results from
impact with golf balls. This increase in COR may generally increase
the distance of travel of a golf ball after it is struck by a
driver type golf club head. The more a face rebounds upon impact,
the more energy is imparted to the ball, thereby increasing the
outgoing ball speed and the distance the ball travels.
[0005] In order to increase accuracy, the golfing industry has
commonly increased the size of the golf club head in a driver type
golf club. Bigger size driver type golf club heads with thinner
wall thickness generally have more discretionary weighting
available within the driver type golf club head that may be used to
increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the driver type golf club
head. MOI generally refers to the ability of a driver type golf
club head to resist twisting upon impact. An increase in MOI about
the vertical axis may generally be achieved by having a center of
gravity (CG) location further back within the driver type golf club
head.
[0006] Known methods to enhance the weight distribution of
wood-type club heads to reduce the club from twisting upon contact
with the ball usually includes either the addition of weights to
the body casting itself or strategically adding a weight elements
at some point in the club. This methodology shifts the CG of a club
head lower and back and increase the MOI of the golf club head.
Efforts to incorporate weight elements in a golf club head have
been discussed in patent literature. For instance, U.S. Pat. No.
1,518,316 ('316 patent) discloses a golf club having improved means
whereby the weight of the head of the club may be varied and the
distribution of the cylindrical weight adjusted to suit the
requirement of the user.
[0007] Though the mass characteristics of the golf club may be
manipulated by rearranging the moveable weights, the cylindrical
shape of the weights and their respective housing that constraints
the weights within the golf club unnecessarily moves a significant
portion of the mass toward the center of the club head, which may
not maximize the peripheral weight of the club head or the MOI.
Moreover cylindrical weight members that are attached to the club
head via threaded engagement may rotate and become unintentionally
disengaged from the club head during normal play.
[0008] Alternative approaches for moving the CG of a golf club head
rearward and downward in the club head utilizes composite
structures. These composite structures utilize two or three, or
even more materials that have different physical properties
including different densities. By positioning materials that
provide the desired strength characteristics with less weight near
the crown or top line of a golf club head, a larger percentage of
the overall weight of the golf club head may be shifted towards the
sole of the club head. This results in the CG being moved downward
and rearward. This approach is advantageous in iron clubs or
fairway woods, as this will help to increase ball launch angle and
increase outgoing ball speed. An example of this type of composite
club head is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,674 ('674 patent) titled
Golf Club Head to Galy. The club head of the '674 patent comprises
an arcuate portion of high-density material bonded to a recess in
the back-skirt. Because composite materials like those found in the
'674 club head must be bonded together, for example by welding,
swaging, or using bonding agents such as epoxy, they may be subject
to delamination or corrosion over time. This delamination is
undesirable as they can break down over time.
[0009] Lastly, in order to address the disadvantages associated
with the weight screws, U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,044 ('044 patent)
titled Golf Club Head and Method For Making It to Vincent et al.
has utilized a cavity within the internal walls of the club head
combined with a snap fit without the need for a screw attachment to
adjust for the weight of the golf club head. More specifically, the
'044 patent discloses a golf club head including a hollow main body
having a sole, a crown, a heel, a toe, a ball-striking surface, and
a rear wall, with the heel defining a hosel for receiving the lower
end of a shaft, and the rear wall defining a rear wall cavity for
receiving a special weight cartridge. The hollow main body defines
a central axis along which the head is intended to move when being
used to strike a golf ball. Even more specifically, a golf club
head where the rear wall cavity is substantially aligned with the
central axis and is sized and configured to comfortably and
slidably receive the polymeric housing, along an axis substantially
aligned with the central axis.
[0010] The golf club head found in the '044 patent, although
effective in eliminating the disadvantages associated with weight
screws, is ineffective in addressing the change in spin and inertia
characteristics of the golf club head independently. The golf club
head found in the '044 patent is ineffective in addressing the
change in spin and inertia characteristics because it is located at
the rear wall cavity and because it is aligned in parallel to the
central axis along which the head is intended to move when being
used to strike a golf ball.
[0011] Hence, it can be seen that there is a need in the field for
a golf club that is capable of adjusting the spin and inertia
characteristics of a golf club without utilizing an object that
unnecessarily transfers weight into the center of the golf club
head such as a screw. More specifically, there is a need in the
field for a golf club that is capable of adjusting the spin and
inertia characteristics utilizing receptacles within the cavity of
the golf club wherein a weighted insert may be used to adjust for
the total weight, the outgoing launch conditions, and the inertia
characteristics of the golf club head independently.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In one aspect of the present invention is a golf club head
comprising of a forward portion containing a striking face where
the striking face that is further comprised of a face center
wherein the face center is located at the geometric center of the
face. Moreover, the face center further helps define a neutral axis
that is perpendicular to the striking surface passing through the
face center. The golf club head of the present invention also
comprises of an aft portion connected to the forward portion, a
cavity well located within the aft portion of the golf club head,
and a weight card that is configured to be embedded within the
afore mentioned cavity well without the need of a threaded
attachment. Lastly, the golf club head in accordance with this
aspect of the present invention has a cavity well that has a ratio
of volume to surface area of less than 0.5, wherein the ratio is
defined as the volume divided by the surface area.
[0013] In another aspect of the present invention is a golf cub
head comprising of a forward portion containing a striking surface
that is further comprised of a face center wherein the face center
is located at the geometric center of the face. Moreover, the face
center further helps define a neutral axis that is perpendicular to
the striking surface passing through the face center. The golf club
head of the present invention also comprises of an aft portion
connected to the forward portion, a cavity well located within the
aft portion of the golf club head, and a weight card that is
configured to be embedded within the afore mentioned cavity well
without the need of a threaded attachment. Lastly, the golf club
head in accordance with this aspect of the present invention has a
cavity well that is perpendicular to the neutral axis.
[0014] In a further aspect of the present invention is a golf club
head comprising of a forward portion containing a striking surface
that is further comprised of a face center wherein the face center
is located at the geometric center of the face. Moreover, the face
center further helps define a neutral axis that is perpendicular to
the striking face passing through the face center. The golf club
head of the present invention also comprises of an aft portion
connected to the forward portion, a cavity well located within the
aft portion of the golf club head, and a weight card that is
configured to be embedded within the afore mentioned cavity well
without the needed of a threaded attachment. Lastly, the golf club
head in accordance with this aspect of the present invention has a
cavity well that is parallel to the neutral axis.
[0015] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with references to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following description of the
invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The
accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a
part of the specification, further serve to explain the principles
of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent
art to make and use the invention.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a golf club head in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a enlarged top view of a weight card in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged top view of a weight card in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head in
accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head in
accordance with an even further alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 shows an alternative cross-sectional view of a golf
club head in accordance with an even further alternative embodiment
of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head in
accordance with an even further alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head in
accordance with an even further alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head in
accordance with an even further alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head in
accordance with an even further alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head in
accordance with an even further alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 shows an enlarged top view of a weight card in
accordance with an even further alternative embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 14 shows an enlarged top view of a weight card in
accordance with an even further alternative embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention,
since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended
claims.
[0032] Various inventive features are described below that can each
be used independently of one another or in combination with other
features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any
or all of the problems discussed above or may only address one of
the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems
discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features
described below.
[0033] The present invention generally relates to a golf club head
that is capable of being customized in a way that adjusts the CG
location as well as the overall weight of the golf club without the
need for a threaded attachment element. More specifically, the
present invention relates to a golf club head with a cavity well
that is significantly rectangular in shape and has a ratio of
volume to surface area less than 0.5. The current invention is
unlike the prior art golf club heads wherein a threaded attachment
mechanism such as a screw is used to adjust the center of gravity
of a golf club head. The usage of a threaded attachment is
undesirable because the shape of a threaded attachment requires a
significant amount of weight to be shifted inside the golf club
head as it is being threaded into the golf club head. This
additional weight being shifted into the center of the club head
may contribute to undesirable CG movement.
[0034] Turning now to FIG. 1 showing a top view of a golf club head
100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Golf club head 100 may contain a crown 102, a sole (not
shown), a heel 106, and a toe 108. Golf club head 100 may generally
be a driver type head with a volume of about 380 cc to about 475
cc; however, golf club head 100 may also be a fairway type club, a
utility type club, an iron type club, or even a putter type club
all without departing from the scope and content of the present
invention. Golf club head 100, as shown in FIG. 1, shows the lines,
A-A' and B-B' that identify the potential cross-sectional views of
the present invention that could better demonstrate the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional exploded view of a golf club
head 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention taken along cross-sectional line A-A' as shown in FIG. 1.
The cross-sectional view of golf club head 200, as shown in FIG. 2,
shows a golf club head 200 containing a sole 202, a crown 204, a
striking surface 205, a neutral axis 210, a cavity well 212, a
weight card 214, and an internal stabilizer 216. It should be
further noted that cavity well 212 may further comprise of at least
one docking rod 218, and a plurality of locking tab receptacles 220
used to mate with the weight card 214. Correspondingly, weight card
214 may also further comprise of at least one docketing slot 222, a
plurality of locking tabs 224, and a plurality of disengagement
latches 226 that may be shown in more detail in FIG. 3.
[0036] Golf club head 200, as shown in the current exemplary
embodiment may generally be divided into a forward portion 250 at
the front end of the golf club head 200 and an aft portion 252 at a
rear aft end of the golf club head 200. Forward portion 250, as
shown in FIG. 2, may generally contain the striking face 205, from
which a golf ball interacts with the golf club head 200. Aft
portion 252, as shown in the current exemplary embodiment, may
generally refer to the area containing the crown 204, the sole 202,
and may even contain a skirt.
[0037] In the current exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, neutral
axis 210 may generally pass through the center of striking surface
205. More specifically, the neutral axis 210 may be defined as an
oblique axis through the striking surface 205 where hits on either
side of the neutral axis 210 cause the clubface to rotate in
opposite directions as a result of impact. The neutral axis 210, as
defined by the current invention, does not run parallel to the
ground and along the direction of travel of golf club head 200, but
rather is perpendicular to the angle of the striking face 205
passing through an impact point 211. The neutral axis 210 is
different from the central axis of the golf club head because a
golf club head has a loft angle, and a neutral axis 210 that passes
through the lofted striking face 205 will be at an inclined
angle.
[0038] The cavity well 212 in this current exemplary embodiment may
generally be placed in the sole 202 section of the golf club head
200 in order to allow for dynamic adjustment of the CG location of
golf club head 200; however cavity well 202 may also be placed at
the crown 204, the skirt, or any other location within the aft
portion 252 that doesn't interfere with the performance
characteristics all within the scope and content of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention wherein the direction of the cavity well 212 may be
perpendicular to the neutral axis 210 of golf club head 200. It may
be desirable to have the cavity well 212 perpendicular to the
neutral axis 210 in a golf club head 200 because in this
orientation, the weight card 214 may help adjust and shift the CG
location perpendicular to the neutral axis 210. It may also be
desirable to shift the CG location perpendicular to the neutral
axis 210 as such a change generally may result in a change in the
backspin, launch angle, and ballspeed characteristics of a golf
ball upon impact. Controlling backspin is an important objective of
the present invention as it may affect the performance of a golf
club head 200. However, it should be noted that cavity well 212
does not need to be perpendicular to the neutral axis 210, and
could be parallel to the neutral axis 210 or arranged in any
orientation within golf club head 200 all without departing from
the scope and content of the present invention.
[0040] Having the cavity well 212 perpendicular to the neutral axis
210 may allow for specific adjustment of the amount of backspin of
a golf club head 200. Having the cavity well 212 being
perpendicular to the neutral axis 210 allows weights to be placed
in the weight card 214 in a way that it only affects the vertical
location of the CG with respect to the neutral axis 210. Isolated
vertical CG changes directly affect the backspin characteristics of
a golf club head 200, as a lower CG location in drivers decreases
backspin and higher CG locations increases backspin in drivers.
[0041] Golf club head 200 in this current exemplary embodiment may
also contain an internal stabilizer 216 attached to an internal
wall portion of cavity well 212. Internal stabilizer 216, as shown
in the current exemplary embodiment, may be used to control the
vibration of the cavity well 212 during impact of golf club head
200 with a golf ball. Because a tremendous amount of force and
impact is generated during a golf swing, the golf club head 200 is
subjected to tremendous amount of vibrations internally within golf
club head 200. Without an internal stabilizer 216, the extensive
amount of vibration could effectively dislodge weight card 214 from
the cavity well 212. However, it should be noted that the current
invention may operate without an internal stabilizer 216; as it is
not essential to the proper functionality of the present
invention.
[0042] Cavity well 212 in the current exemplary embodiment may
generally be further comprised of one or more docking rods 218 as
well as one or more locking tab receptacles 220 to help secure the
weight card 214 within cavity well 212 inside of golf club head
200. Docking rods 218 may generally be located at the deep end of
cavity well 212, and protrudes out into cavity well 212. Docking
rods 218 may generally connect with the docking slots 222 that are
located on the weight card 214 to allow weight card 214 to tightly
connect to the cavity well 212. The docking slots 222 may generally
be located at a terminal end of weight card 214 to reach into the
deep end of cavity well 212 to facilitate a proper connection
between the weight card 214 and the cavity well 212.
[0043] Cavity well 212, as shown in the current exemplary
embodiment may generally be rectangular in shape to resemble the
shape of a thin credit card; however, cavity well 212 may also be
circular in shape, triangular in shape, octagonal in shape, or any
shape that has a low profile to accept a weight card 214 with a
similar profile without departing from the scope and content of the
present invention. Cavity well 212 may generally have a flat entry
area that has a low height to minimize the horizontal affect on CG
as well as a relatively deep internal area to maximize the vertical
affect on CG to create the greatest CG adjustment along the desired
direction while minimizing CG effect in the undesirable direction.
This increase in surface area will also enhance the overall
friction on the card, which will help secure the weight card 214
within the cavity well 212. This low height and increased depth
profile seen in FIG. 2 may generally have a ratio of volume to
surface area
( Volume Surface Area ) ##EQU00001##
that is less than 0.6; more preferably less than 0.5, and most
preferably less than 0.4. Cavity well 212 may generally have an
increased depth in conjunction with a relative flat entry to allow
the weight card 214 to be inserted into golf club head 200 with
ease in accordance with the present invention.
[0044] Cavity well 212, as shown in the current exemplary
embodiment may generally have a depth of greater than about 5 mm,
more preferably greater than about 7 mm, most preferably greater
than about 9 mm. Additionally, in order to maintain the ratio of
volume to surface area, cavity well 212 may generally have a
thickness that is less than about 2 mm, more preferably less than
about 1 mm, and most preferably less than about 0.5 mm. Finally,
cavity well 212 may have a width that may generally be less than
about 5 mm, more preferably less than about 4 mm, and most
preferably less than about 3 mm all within volume to surface area
ratio within the ranges in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0045] More specifically, utilizing the dimension ranges above,
cavity well 212 may have a width of about 5 mm, a height of about 1
mm, and a depth of about 15 mm. The volume of the exemplary cavity
well 212 may hence be about 75 mm.sup.3, and the internal surface
area of cavity well 212 may be about 190 mm.sup.2. This exemplary
volume and surface area may generally yield a ratio of about 0.39
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Cavity well 212, as shown in the current exemplary
embodiment, may take on other dimensions without departing from the
scope and content of the present invention so long as it maintains
a volume to surface area ratio that is less than 0.6, more
preferably less than 0.5, and most preferably less than 0.4.
[0046] Locking tab receptacles 220 within cavity well 212 may
generally interact with locking tabs 224 located on the weight card
214 to further secure the weight card 214 into the cavity well 212
of golf club head 200. Locking tab receptacles 220 may generally
act to receive the locking tabs 224 when the weight card 214 is
fully engaged within the cavity well 212 to prevent the weight card
214 from moving within the cavity well 212.
[0047] Once the locking tab receptacles 220 receive the locking
tabs 224, they interlock may only be released utilizing a release
tool (shown later in FIG. 5) that connects the disengagement
latches 226. FIG. 2 also shows that the weight card 214 may have a
plurality of disengagement latches 226 located at a exterior end of
the weight card 214 to receive a removal tool (not shown) to remove
the weight card 214 from the cavity well 212.
[0048] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a weight card 314 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Weight card 314, similar to weight card 214, may contain one or
more docking slot 322, one or more locking tabs 324, and one or
more disengagement latches 326. In addition to the above mentioned
components, the enlarged view of weight card 314 in FIG. 3 may
better illustrate the multi-material composition of weight card
314.
[0049] Weight card 314 may generally be comprised of an internal
weighted portion 328 and an external portion 329. Internal weighted
portion 328 may generally be comprised of tungsten for its enhanced
density characteristics; however internal weighted portion 328 may
also be comprised of steel, lead, magnesium, or any other material
with an increased density that is capable of adjusting the weight
properties of the weight card 314 without departing from the scope
and content of the present invention. The material selected for
internal weighted portion 328 may generally be comprised of a
material that has a higher density than the golf club head 200
(shown in FIG. 2). Moreover, internal weight portion 324 may
generally have a higher density than the external portion 329 of
the weight card 314 in order allow for CG location adjustment
within the golf club head 200. (shown in FIG. 2)
[0050] External portion 329 of weight card 314 may generally be
comprised of a urethane material, an aluminum material, a composite
material, or any other material that is light in weight when
compared to internal weighted portion 328 to create more
discretionary weight that can be used to strategically adjust the
CG location of golf club head 200. (shown in FIG. 2) Moreover,
external portion 329 may also be comprised of, or coated with a
material that has an increased coefficient of friction such as
urethane to further improve the connection between weight card 314
and the cavity well 212 shown in FIG. 2. Although FIG. 3 shows the
external portion 329 enclosing one internal weighted portion 328;
the current invention could contain several internal weighted
portions 328 strategically placed at various locations within
weight card 314 all without departing from the scope of the present
invention. Additionally, although the external portion 329 may
increase the coefficient of friction between the weight card 314
and the cavity well 212, (shown in FIG. 2) as well as increasing
more discretionary weight to improve the CG location, the current
invention can be comprised of a single material to achieve the same
CG movement without departing from the scope and content of the
present invention. External portion 329 of the weight card 314, as
shown in the current exemplary embodiment, may also have different
surface finish treatment such as sandblasting finish, milled finish
to increase the coefficient of friction between the weight card 314
and the cavity well 212, (shown in FIG. 2).
[0051] FIG. 4 shows a further alternative embodiment of the present
invention wherein a weight card 414 may be reversible, eliminating
any directional restriction when assembled within cavity well 212
(shown in FIG. 2). Weight card 414, as shown in the current
exemplary embodiment, may have a plurality of docking slots 424, a
plurality of locking tabs 424, and a plurality of disengagement
latches 426 located at both ends of itself; allowing either end to
be inserted into the cavity well 212, as shown in FIG. 2, without
departing from the scope of the present invention. This weight card
414 may allow for dynamic adjustment of the CG locations of a golf
club head 200 (shown in FIG. 2) without the need for a separate
weight card that has a different internal weighted portion 428
placement.
[0052] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head 500
in accordance with the present invention taken along
cross-sectional line A-A' as shown in FIG. 1. The cross-sectional
view of golf club head 500 shows the weight card 514 as assembled
within cavity well 512. More specifically, the cross-sectional view
depicted in FIG. 5 also shows a removal tool 530 having a hooked
portion 532 wherein the hooked portion 532 engages the
disengagement latches 526 to allow the weight card 514 to separate
from the cavity well 512. Removal tool 530 may have generally have
a plurality of hooked portions 532 that resembles a pair of
tweezers for the purpose of disengaging the weight card 514 from
cavity well 512.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view cross-sectional view of
golf club head 600 in accordance with a further alternative
embodiment of the present invention taken along cross-sectional
line A-A' as shown in FIG. 1. Golf club head 600 in this current
exemplary embodiment may generally have the locking tab receptacles
(not shown) placed horizontally along the heel and toe direction of
the cavity well relative to golf club head 600 instead of
longitudinally. This alternative embodiment of golf club head 600,
may generally allow a larger sized weight card to be utilized, as
more volume may be dedicated to the cavity well 612 without
departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
Because the weight card is placed along the heel and toe direction,
the current cavity well 612 does not have any This exemplary
embodiment may be better demonstrated via cross-sectional line B-B'
as shown in FIG. 7.
[0054] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of golf club head 700 in
accordance with an even further alternative embodiment of the
present invention taken along cross-sectional line B-B' as shown in
FIG. 1. Golf club head 700, utilizing a horizontally placed locking
tab receptacle 720, may generally yield a higher volume available
for a larger sized weight card 714. A larger sized weight card 714
may be desirable during situations where extreme weight shift in CG
location of golf club head 700 is required. FIG. 7 also shows
multiple docking rods 718 within cavity well 712 to ensure
sufficient connection and support for weight card 714.
Additionally, due to the increased size of weight card 714, it may
be possible for weight card 714 to contain multiple internal weight
portions 728 within weight card 714 without departing from the
scope and content of the present invention. It should be noted that
although the current exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7 shows
four docking rods 718 pairing with four docking slots 722, any
number of docking rods 718 and docking slots 722 may be used to
securely attach the weight card 714 within the cavity well 712.
[0055] The cross-sectional view of golf club head 700 shown in FIG.
7 also shows an alternative connection mechanism between the weight
card 714 and the cavity well 712 incorporating a bulb 723 at the
distal end of the docking rods 718 to create a more secure
mechanism. Bulbs 723, due to their inherent size and shape, may
help secure the docking rods 718 into their respective position
within the docking slots 722 by preventing the weight card 714 from
sliding out of the cavity well 712. It should be noted that the
current exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7 may also work without
the bulbs 723 so long as there is sufficient ability to retain the
weight card 714 within the cavity well 712.
[0056] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head 800
in accordance with an even further alternative embodiment of the
present invention taken along cross-sectional line A-A' as shown in
FIG. 1. Golf club head 800 in this present embodiment may have a
cavity well 812 that is comprised of a different material than the
remainder of golf club head 800. Having cavity well 812 comprised
of a different material may allow for a material that has a higher
coefficient of friction to be used within the internal walls of
cavity well 812, thus further enhancing the connection between
cavity well 812 and weight card 314 (shown in FIG. 3). Cavity well
812 may be comprised of a urethane material, a rubber type
material, or even a sand blast or laser milled so long as it can
increase the coefficient of friction within the internal wall of
cavity well 812 all without departing from the scope and content of
the present invention.
[0057] In an even further alternative embodiment, cavity well 812
may also be comprised of a magnetic material to further enhance the
connection between cavity well 812 and weight card 314 (shown in
FIG. 3). Weight card 314 (shown in FIG. 3), may generally have a
internal weighted portion 328 (shown in FIG. 3) that is made out of
a metallic material, causing it to enhance bonding strength with
cavity well 812 if the cavity well 812 contains a magnetic
material. However, it should be noted that the position of the
magnetic material may be reversed, having the magnetic material
within the weight card 314 (shown in FIG. 3) and the cavity well
812 being of a metallic material to achieve the same increased
bonding strength without departing from the scope and content of
the present invention. Cavity well 812 may also be urethane in
nature and contain metallic material to further increase the
retention of weight card 314 within cavity well 812 without
departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a further golf club
head 900 in accordance with an even further alternative embodiment
of the present invention taken along cross-sectional line A-A' as
shown in FIG. 1. Golf club head 900, in this current embodiment may
have a cavity well 912 that is parallel to the neutral axis 910 in
order to adjust the center of gravity (CG) to change the inertia
properties of golf club head 900. Because of the way golf club head
900 is set up, the neutral axis 910, being parallel to striking
surface 905, the resulting in a cavity well 912 that may be located
around the skirt of golf club head 900; however, it should be noted
that variations of striking surface 905 loft angles could result in
a different neutral axis 910, and the cavity well 912 could be
located at the crown, the sole, or nay other location within golf
club head 900 without departing from the scope and content of the
present invention.
[0059] Having the cavity well 912 parallel to the neutral axis 910
may allow for specific adjustment of the amount of the moment of
inertia of a golf club head 900. Having the cavity well 912 being
parallel to the neutral axis 910 allows weights to be placed in the
weight card 914 in a way that it only affects the horizontal
location of the CG with respect to the neutral axis 910. Isolated
horizontal CG changes directly affect the inertia characteristics
of a golf club head 900, as CG that is placed further back
increases the moment of inertia and a CG that is placed forward
decreases the moment of inertia.
[0060] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a further golf club
head 1000 in accordance with an even further alternative embodiment
of the present invention taken along cross-sectional line A-A' as
shown in FIG. 1. Golf club head 1000, in this current embodiment
may have a cavity well 1012 that is neither parallel nor
perpendicular to the neutral axis 1010. Although it may generally
be advantageous to have a cavity well 1012 to be either parallel or
perpendicular to the neutral axis 1010 in order to isolate the
adjustments to either the spin rate or inertia properties; various
other angles .PHI. may be utilized to adjust for the spin rate and
inertia properties at the same time without departing from the
scope and content of the present invention. Cavity well 1012, as
shown in the current exemplary embodiment may have an angle .PHI.
of approximately 60 degrees; however numerous other angle degrees
ranging from 10 degrees to 170 degrees may all be used without
departing from the scope and content of the present invention. Golf
club head 1000 may show the cavity well 1012 being located at the
sole 1002 portion of golf club head 1000, however cavity well 1012
may be located at the crown 1004, the skirt, or any other location
within golf club head 1000 without departing from the scope and
content of the present invention.
[0061] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a further golf club
head 1100 in accordance with an even further alternative embodiment
of the present invention taken along cross-sectional line A-A' as
shown in FIG. 1. Golf club head 1100, in this current embodiment
may have a cavity well 1112 located at the crown section of golf
club head 1100 and perpendicular to neutral axis 1110 in order to
adjust for the spin rate similar to golf club head 200 shown in
FIG. 2. Similar to golf club head 1000, cavity well may also be
angled with respect to the neutral axis.
[0062] Finally, FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a further
golf club head 1200 in accordance with an even further alternative
embodiment of the present invention taken along cross-sectional
line A-A' as shown in FIG. 1. Golf club head 1200, in this current
embodiment may show a plurality of two or more have cavity wells
1212 angled with respect to the neutral axis 1210 in a way to be
parallel to a ground level 1213 to simultaneously adjust for the
spin rate and inertia properties of golf club head 1200. Having a
plurality of two or more cavity wells 1212 allows for multiple
adjustments utilizing various weight cards (not shown) that could
achieve more various embodiments than could be possible with only
one cavity well 1212. Moreover, as it can be seen from FIG. 12, the
plurality of two or more cavity wells 1212 could be placed
symmetrically away from the neutral axis 1210 along the crown sole
direction. Having such a symmetrical placement of the cavity wells
1212 could be advantageous because it allows for adjustments of the
inertia of the golf club head 1200 without affecting the CG
location of the golf club head 1200. It should be noted that the
plurality of two or more cavity wells 1212 may be placed vertically
instead of horizontally without departing from the scope and
content of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 13 shows an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment
of the present invention wherein weight card 1314 may have an
internal weighted portion 1328 placed at the opposite end of the
weight card 1314 to allow more customization of the weight card
1314. Weight card 1314, as shown in the current exemplary
embodiment, may even have a weighted portion 1328 that is slidably
adjustable within the weight card 1314 to customize the location of
the weighted portion. In one exemplary embodiment, weighted portion
1328 may travel along a weight slot 1360 having a plurality of
notches 1362 that helps secure the weighted portion 1328 at various
locations within the weight card 1314.
[0064] FIG. 14 shows an enlarged view of a further alternative
embodiment of the present invention wherein weight card 1414 may
have an internal weighted portion 1428 that may be circular in
shape instead of the rectangular shape also without departing from
the scope and content of the present invention. Weighted portion
1428 may also be triangular in shape, rectangular in shape,
octagonal in shape, or any other shape that is capable of providing
a weighted portion 1428 within the weight card 1414 with an area of
increased density all without departing from the scope and content
of the present invention.
[0065] In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention
wherein the weight card 1414 could be further comprised of a
universal-serial-bus (USB) electronic connection assembly.
Utilization of a USB type attachment may generally be taught in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,432, and the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein. More specifically, weight card
1414 may contain a memory device such as EEPROM, EPROM, or flash
memory to store information relating to the impact between a golf
club head and a golf ball. In one example, a sensor measuring
torque and/or vibration can be inserted into the club head,
preferably at the hitting face and measurements from the sensor can
be written on the memory device through the USB connection by the
controller. However, it should be noted that the measuring device
could be incorporated within weight card 1414 in a way that no
additional components may be required on the golf club head itself
without departing from the scope and content of the present
invention.
[0066] Weight card 1414 that may contain the USB connection that
has received the measurement date from the measurement device may
subsequently be removed and attached to a reader, such as a laptop
or smart phone and the data can be conveyed to the golfer. High
torque or high vibration may indicate off-center hits, and
statistical analysis may be provided to the golfer. A suitable
sensor can be a piezoelectric device comprising an accelerometer,
described and claimed in commonly-owned, co-pending patent
application Ser. No. 11/979,787 filed on Nov. 8, 2007, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0067] Turning now to FIG. 15 shows a golf club head 1500 in
accordance with an even further alternative embodiment of the
present invention wherein a completely different attachment
mechanism is used in the cavity well 1512 to secure the weight card
1514 within the cavity well 1512. More specifically, the cavity
well 1512 may generally contain a fastening device that prevents
the weight card 1514 from slipping out from the cavity well 1512
without a release tool. (not shown) The cavity well 1512 may
generally contain a plurality of locking balls 1550 encompassed by
an insert 1552 near the opening of the cavity well 1512. The insert
1552 may generally be surrounded by an angled retention portion
1553 that gradually decreases the external diameter of the insert
1552 as the plurality of locking balls 1550 moves closer to the
opening of the cavity well 1512. Finally, the cavity well 1512 may
generally have a spring 1554 near the terminal end of the cavity
well 1512 that pushes the insert 1552 outwards toward the opening
along the narrowing angled retention portion 1553.
[0068] Expanding on the process of insertion of the weight card
1514, it can be seen from FIG. 15 that as weight card 1514 is being
inserted into the cavity well 1512 the plurality of locking balls
1550 as well as the insert 1552 may get pushed up due to the
friction generated between the weight card 1514 and the plurality
of locking balls 1550. As the friction between the weight card 1514
and the plurality of locking balls 1550 pushes the insert 1552
deeper into the cavity well 1512, the plurality of locking balls
1550 gains additional room to move outward and expand the internal
diameter of the cavity well due to the angled retention portion
1553. This outward movement of the plurality of locking balls 1550
along the angled retention portion 1553 allows the weight card 1514
to be inserted deeper into the cavity well 1512 without increased
friction between the weight card 1514 and the plurality of locking
balls 1550.
[0069] However, the process of removal of the weight card 1514 from
the cavity well 1512 may generally be met with increased frictional
resistance between the weight card 1514 and the plurality of
locking balls 1550 as shown in FIG. 15. Here in FIG. 15, the spring
1554, the insert 1552, the plurality of locking balls 1550, and the
angled retention portion 1553 all work in conjunction to prevent
the weight card 1514 from falling out of the cavity well 1512. As
it can be seen from FIG. 15, the spring 1554 within the cavity well
1512 pushes the insert 1552 containing the plurality of locking
balls 1550 against the angled retention portion 1553. Thus, as the
weight card 1514 begins to move outward from the cavity well 1512,
the friction between the plurality of locking balls 1550 and the
weight card 1514 increases due to the lack of slack and give caused
by the insert 1552 being pushed down against the angled retention
portion 1553. This increased friction makes it extremely difficult
for the weight card 1514 to be removed from the cavity well
1512.
[0070] In order to remove the weight card 1514 from the cavity well
1512, a release tool (not shown) may need to be used that pushes
the insert 1552 upwards and away from the angled retention portion
1553, allowing the plurality of locking balls 1550 to move away
from the weight card 1514. The release tool (not shown) may be a
mechanical release mechanism that physically pushes the insert 1512
upwards or may also be a magnetic mechanism that may also be
capable of pushing the insert 1512 upwards without departing from
the scope and content of the present invention. This retention
process shown in FIG. 15 may be described in more detail in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,911,534, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0071] FIG. 16 shows a further alternative embodiment of the
present invention wherein the spring 1654, the insert 1652, the
plurality of locking balls 1650, and the angled retention portion
1653 may be placed on the weight card 1614 to mate with the docking
rod 1618 utilizing the same retention concept without departing
from the scope and content of the present invention. It may be
desirable to have the spring 1654, the insert 1652, the plurality
of locking balls 1650, and the angled retention portion 1653 may be
placed on the weight card 1614 to allow for ease of removal as a
release tool may have easier time accessing the mechanism if it is
located on the weight card 1614.
[0072] Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise
expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amount, values
and percentages such as those for amounts of materials, moments of
inertias, center of gravity locations, loft and draft angles, and
other in the following portion of the specification may be read as
if prefaced by the word "about" even though the term "about" may
not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly,
unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set
forth in the following specifications and attached claims are
approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties
sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least,
and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of
equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter
should at least be construed in light of the number of reported
significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding
techniques.
[0073] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters
setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximation,
the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are
reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however,
inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the
standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth
herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values
inclusive of the recited values may be used.
[0074] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to exemplary embodiments of the present invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *