U.S. patent application number 13/532244 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-27 for golf clubs and golf club heads having a movable weight.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc. Invention is credited to John T. Stites.
Application Number | 20120329571 13/532244 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43216415 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20120329571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stites; John T. |
December 27, 2012 |
Golf Clubs and Golf Club Heads Having a Movable Weight
Abstract
A golf club head includes a wood type golf club head body having
a ball striking face portion, a rear end portion opposite the ball
striking face portion, a crown or top portion, a sole or bottom
portion, a toe end portion, and a heel end portion. Further, the
golf club head includes a moveable weight member, which may be
contained internally within the golf club head body so that the
moveable weight member is not exposed. Also, the club head may
include a track system contained internally within the golf club
head body so that the track system is not exposed. The track system
includes a track which extends around the interior of one or more
walls that comprise the golf club head body and the moveable weight
member moves around the interior of the golf club head by sliding
in the track.
Inventors: |
Stites; John T.;
(Weatherford, TX) |
Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
43216415 |
Appl. No.: |
13/532244 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12548072 |
Aug 26, 2009 |
8206243 |
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13532244 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/335 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20130101;
A63B 2024/0031 20130101; A63B 2220/806 20130101; A63B 24/0006
20130101; A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 53/0412 20200801; A63B
53/0437 20200801; A63B 53/0466 20130101; A63B 2053/0495 20130101;
A63B 53/0408 20200801; A63B 60/52 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/335 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/06 20060101
A63B053/06 |
Claims
1. A golf club head comprising: a wood type golf club head body; a
moveable weight member contained internally within the golf club
head body so that the moveable weight member is not exposed; and a
track system contained internally within the golf club head body so
that the track system is not exposed, wherein the track system
includes a track which extends around the interior of one or more
walls that comprise the golf club head body, wherein the moveable
weight member is configured to be moved around the interior of the
golf club head by sliding in the track, wherein the track extends
from a heel side of the golf club head body along a rear side of
the golf club head body to a toe side of the golf club head body,
wherein the track is positioned on or in the interior wall or walls
that comprise the heel, toe and rear sides of the golf club head
body, wherein the moveable weight member is moveable from a
position in the heel side to a position in the rear side to a
position in the toe side of the golf club head body, wherein the
track does not extend along a sole of the golf club head body but
along the side of a head between a crown and the sole, wherein
adjusting the moveable weight member is done from within a main
hollow cavity of the head body during which the moveable weight
member is not exposed outside from the side head body between the
crown and the sole.
2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the track
slopes downwardly from a ball striking face side of the golf club
head body to the rear side of the golf club head body, wherein a
portion of the track that extends along the rear side of the golf
club head body is at a height lower than portions of the track that
extend along the heel side and toe side of the golf club head
body.
3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the moveable
weight member includes a locking mechanism which allows the
moveable weight member to be locked in a particular position along
the track.
4. The golf club head according to claim 3, wherein the locking
mechanism includes at least one extendable and retractable
protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to be extended and
engage at least one hole in the track.
5. The golf club head according to claim 4, wherein the locking
mechanism includes an actuator configured to retract the at least
one protrusion when the actuator is depressed and wherein the
actuator is configured to allow the at least one protrusion to
extend when the actuator is released.
6. The golf club head according to claim 3, wherein the locking
mechanism includes a threaded fastener configured to engage at
least one hole in the track.
7. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the track
extends 360 degrees around the interior of the golf club head body,
from the heel side of the golf club head body along the rear side
of the golf club head body and the toe side of the golf club head
body to a ball striking face side of the golf club head body,
wherein the track is positioned on or in the interior wall or walls
that comprise the heel, toe, rear and ball striking face sides of
the golf club head body.
8. The golf club head according to claim 7, wherein the track
slopes downwardly from a ball striking face side of the golf club
head body to the rear side of the golf club head body, wherein a
portion of the track that extends along the rear side of the golf
club head body is at a height lower than portions of the track that
extend along the heel side and toe side of the golf club head body,
wherein a portion of the track that extends along the ball striking
face side of the golf club head body is at a height higher than
portions of the track that extend along the heel side and toe side
of the golf club head body.
9. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the moveable
weight member has a height between 0.5-5.5 cm, a length between
1.25-15 cm, a depth between 1.25-6.5 cm and a mass between 5.0-70
grams.
10. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the track has
a height between 0.5-6.0 cm, a length between 1.25-30 cm and a
depth between 1.0-7.0 cm.
11. A golf club comprising: a shaft; a grip; a wood type golf club
head body; a moveable weight member contained internally within the
golf club head body so that the moveable weight member is not
exposed; and a track system contained internally within the golf
club head body so that the track system is not exposed, wherein the
track system includes a track which extends around the interior of
one or more walls that comprise the golf club head body, wherein
the moveable weight member is configured to be moved around the
interior of the golf club head by sliding in the track, wherein the
track extends from a heel side of the golf club head body along a
rear side of the golf club head body to a toe side of the golf club
head body, wherein the track is positioned on or in the interior
wall or walls that comprise the heel, toe and rear sides of the
golf club head body, wherein the moveable weight member is moveable
from a position in the heel side to a position in the rear side to
a position in the toe side of the golf club head body, wherein the
track does not extend along a sole of the golf club head body but
along the side of a head between a crown and the sole, wherein
adjusting the moveable weight member is done from within a main
hollow cavity of the head body during which the moveable weight
member is not exposed outside from the side of the head body
between the crown and the sole.
12. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein the track slopes
downwardly from a ball striking face side of the golf club head
body to the rear side of the golf club head body, wherein a portion
of the track that extends along the rear side of the golf club head
body is at a height lower than portions of the track that extend
along the heel side and toe side of the golf club head body.
13. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein the moveable
weight member includes a locking mechanism which allows the
moveable weight member to be locked in a particular position along
the track.
14. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the moveable
weight member is shaped to correspond to the shape of the walls
that comprise the golf club head body and exhibits at least of a
U-shape or C-shape which faces a center of the golf club head
body.
15. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein the moveable
weight member is shaped to correspond to the shape of the walls
that comprise the golf club head body and exhibits at least of a
U-shape or C-shape which faces a center of the golf club head
body.
16. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the moveable
weight member does not directly contact with an exterior wall of
the golf club head.
17. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein the moveable
weight member does not directly contact with an exterior wall of
the golf club head.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This patent application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/548,072, filed Aug. 26, 2009, (issuing Jun.
26, 2012 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,206,243), entitled "Golf Clubs and Golf
Club Heads Having a Movable Weight" and naming John T. Stites as
Inventor, which application is incorporated in its entirety herein
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to golf clubs and golf club
heads. Particular example aspects of this disclosure relate to golf
clubs and golf club heads having a movable weight.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players--players of
different genders and dramatically different ages and/or skill
levels. Golf is somewhat unique in the sporting world in that such
diverse collections of players can play together in golf events,
even in direct competition with one another (e.g., using
handicapped scoring, different tee boxes, in team formats, etc.),
and still enjoy the golf outing or competition. These factors,
together with the increased availability of golf programming on
television (e.g., golf tournaments, golf news, golf history, and/or
other golf programming) and the rise of well known golf superstars,
at least in part, have increased golf's popularity in recent years,
both in the United States and across the world.
[0004] Golfers at all skill levels seek to improve their
performance, lower their golf scores, and reach that next
performance "level." Manufacturers of all types of golf equipment
have responded to these demands, and in recent years, the industry
has witnessed dramatic changes and improvements in golf equipment.
For example, a wide range of different golf ball models now are
available, with balls designed to complement specific swing speeds
and/or other player characteristics or preferences, e.g., with some
balls designed to fly farther and/or straighter; some designed to
provide higher or flatter trajectories; some designed to provide
more spin, control, and/or feel (particularly around the greens);
some designed for faster or slower swing speeds; etc. A host of
swing and/or teaching aids also are available on the market that
promise to help lower one's golf scores.
[0005] Being the sole instrument that sets a golf ball in motion
during play, golf clubs also have been the subject of much
technological research and advancement in recent years. For
example, the market has seen dramatic changes and improvements in
putter designs, golf club head designs, shafts, and grips in recent
years. Additionally, other technological advancements have been
made in an effort to better match the various elements and/or
characteristics of the golf club and characteristics of a golf ball
to a particular user's swing features or characteristics (e.g.,
club fitting technology, ball launch angle measurement technology,
ball spin rates, etc.).
[0006] While the industry has witnessed dramatic changes and
improvements to golf equipment in recent years, some players
continue to experience difficulties in reliably hitting a golf ball
in an intended and desired direction and/or with an intended and
desired flight path. Accordingly, there is room in the art for
further advances in golf club technology.
SUMMARY
[0007] The following presents a general summary of aspects of the
disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding and various
aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to limit
the scope of the disclosure in any way, but it simply provides a
general overview and context for the more detailed description that
follows.
[0008] Aspects of this invention relate to golf club heads
comprising a wood type golf club head body including a ball
striking face portion, a rear end portion opposite the ball
striking face portion, a crown or top portion, a sole or bottom
portion, a toe end portion, and a heel end portion. Further, the
golf club heads include a moveable weight member contained
internally within the golf club head body so that the moveable
weight member is not exposed and a track system contained
internally within the golf club head body so that the track system
is not exposed. The track system includes a track which extends
around the interior of one or more walls that comprise the golf
club head body and the moveable weight member moves around the
interior of the golf club head by sliding in the track.
[0009] Other aspects of this invention relate to golf club heads
comprising a wood type golf club head body including a ball
striking face portion, a rear end portion opposite the ball
striking face portion, a crown or top portion, a sole or bottom
portion, a toe end portion, and a heel end portion. Further, the
golf club heads include at least two moveable weight members
contained internally within the golf club head body so that the
moveable weight members are not exposed and a track system
contained internally within the golf club head body so that the
track system is not exposed. The track system includes a track
which extends around the interior of one or more walls that
comprise the golf club head body and the moveable weight members
move independently from each other around the interior of the golf
club head by sliding in the track.
[0010] Additional aspects of this disclosure relate to wood-type
golf club structures that include golf club heads, e.g., of the
types described above. Such golf club structures further may
include one or more of: a shaft member attached to the club head
(optionally via a separate hosel member or a hosel member provided
as an integral part of one or more of the club head or shaft); a
grip or handle member attached to the shaft member; weighting
members; etc.
[0011] Still additional aspects of this disclosure relate to
methods for producing golf club heads and golf club structures,
e.g., of the types described above. Such methods may include, for
example: (a) providing a golf club head of the various types
described above, e.g., by manufacturing or otherwise constructing
the golf club head body, by obtaining the golf club head body from
another source, etc.; and (b) engaging a shaft member with the golf
club head body at a separate hosel member or a hosel member
provided as an integral part of one or more of the club head or
shaft.
[0012] Methods according to examples of this disclosure may include
additional steps, such as engaging a grip member with the shaft
member; engaging weights with the club head body; moving weights
with respect to the club head body; etc. Other steps also may be
included in these methods, such as club head body finishing steps,
etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] 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:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an illustrative embodiment of a golf club
according to at least some aspects of this disclosure;
[0015] FIGS. 2A-2B generally illustrate features of golf club head
structures according to at least some examples of this
disclosure;
[0016] FIGS. 3A-3B generally illustrate features of golf club head
structures according to at least some examples of this
disclosure;
[0017] FIGS. 4A-4D are views of an illustrative embodiment of a
golf club head according to at least some aspects of this
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 5 is an illustrative embodiment of a golf club head
according to at least some aspects of this disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an illustrative embodiment of a moveable weight
member according to at least some aspects of this disclosure;
[0020] FIGS. 7A-7C are cross sectional views of different golf club
head structures according to at least some aspects of this
disclosure;
[0021] FIGS. 8A-8C are views of a moveable weight member according
to at least some aspects of this disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 8D is an alternate example of a moveable weight member
according to at least some aspects of this disclosure;
[0023] FIGS. 9A-9C are views of an illustrative embodiment of an
alternative golf club head according to at least some aspects of
this disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 10 generally illustrates another example golf club head
structure in accordance with this disclosure;
[0025] FIGS. 11A-11B generally illustrate another example golf club
head structure in accordance with this disclosure; and
[0026] FIGS. 12A-12C illustratively depict aspects of a method of
fitting a golf club and associated devices.
[0027] The reader is advised that the various parts shown in these
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following description and the accompanying figures
disclose features of golf club heads and golf clubs in accordance
with examples of the present disclosure.
[0029] I. General Description of Example Golf Club Heads, Golf
Clubs, and Methods in Accordance with this Invention
[0030] As described above, some players experience difficulty in
reliably hitting a golf ball in an intended and desired direction
and/or with an intended and desired flight path. Therefore, aspects
of the disclosure are directed to golf club heads that include a
moveable weight which can be positioned to aid a player in reliably
hitting the ball in an intended and desired direction and/or with
an intended and desired flight path. Particular aspects of the
disclosure are directed to golf club head bodies wherein the
movable weight is contained internally within the golf club head
body so that it is not exposed. According to some aspects of the
disclosure, the position of the moveable weight within the golf
club head body aids the golf club head in imparting a particular
trajectory to a golf ball when the golf club head strikes the golf
ball.
[0031] For example, according to aspects of this disclosure, the
movable weight can be positioned towards the heel of the golf club
head body. Such a configuration may help a golfer who has a
tendency to "slice." A "slice" is an errant golf shot in which the
ball curves a direction away from the side from which it was
struck. For example, for a right handed golfer, a slice will cause
the golf ball to curve to the right. Positioning the movable weight
towards the heel of the golf club head body distributes more of the
mass of the golf club head towards the heel which can help slow the
heel during a swing as compared with the toe of the golf club head.
This will allow the golfer to better square the club head during
the swing, which may result in less "slice" (i.e., a straighter
trajectory). According to particular example aspects of this
disclosure, the moveable weight is positioned in a heel side of the
club head (with respect to a centerline running perpendicular to
the ball striking face and through the club head's geometric center
in the front-to-rear direction). This positioning redistributes the
mass of the golf club head body so that more mass is in the heel
side of the golf club head and, therefore, the above described
advantages are achieved.
[0032] Conversely, according to aspects of this disclosure, the
movable weight can be positioned towards the toe of the golf club
head body. Such a configuration may help a golfer who has a
tendency to "hook." A "hook" is an errant golf shot in which the
ball curves a direction towards the side from which it was struck.
For example, for a right handed golfer, a slice will cause the golf
ball to curve to the left. Positioning the movable weight towards
the toe of the golf club head body distributes more of the mass of
the golf club head toward the toe which can help slow the toe
during a swing as compared with the heel of the golf club head.
This will allow the golfer to better square the club head during
the swing, which may result in less of a "hook" (i.e., a straighter
trajectory). According to particular example aspects of this
disclosure, the moveable weight is positioned in a toe side of the
club head (with respect to a centerline running perpendicular to
the ball striking face and through the club head's geometric center
in the front-to-rear direction). This positioning redistributes the
mass of the golf club head body so that more mass is in the toe
side of the golf club head and, therefore, the above described
advantages are achieved.
[0033] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the moveable
weight can be positioned towards the rear and (optionally towards
the sole, or bottom) of the golf club head body. Such a
configuration may help a golfer achieve a higher trajectory. A
common problem that many golfers experience, especially those just
learning to play, is not being able to reliably get the ball in the
air or achieving a desired trajectory. Positioning the moveable
weight towards the rear and/or toward the bottom of the golf club
head distributes more mass of the golf club head towards the rear
portion and (optionally towards the sole, or bottom) which keeps
more of the weight of the golf club head body rearward and low.
This will aid the golfer in getting the ball airborne upon striking
the ball with the club head resulting in a higher trajectory.
[0034] As described above, the moveable weight can be positioned
within the golf club head body to bias the trajectory of the golf
ball when it is struck by the golf club head. For example, a draw
or fade biased trajectory or higher trajectory can be achieved. A
"fade" is a golf shot in which the ball trajectory gently curves in
a direction away from the side from which it was struck.
Conversely, a "draw" is a golf shot in which the ball trajectory
gently curves in a direction toward the side from which it was
struck.
[0035] Aspects of this disclosure relate to wood-type golf club
heads. Wood-type golf club heads according to at least some example
aspects of this disclosure may include: (a) a wood-type golf club
head body; (b) a ball striking face portion (including a ball
striking face plate integrally formed with the ball striking face
portion or attached to a frame member such that the face plate and
frame portion together constitute the overall ball striking face
portion); (c) a rear portion opposite the ball striking face; (d) a
toe end portion; and (e) a heel end portion. The golf club head
body may include one or more moveable weights to impart a desired
biased trajectory to the golf ball when it is struck by the golf
club head. The club head body itself also may be constructed in any
suitable or desired manner and/or from any suitable or desired
materials without departing from this disclosure, including from
conventional materials and/or in conventional manners known and
used in the art.
[0036] Wide varieties of overall club head constructions are
possible without departing from this disclosure. For example, if
desired, some or all of the various individual parts of the club
head body may be made from multiple pieces that are connected
together (e.g., by adhesives or cements; by welding, soldering,
brazing, or other fusing techniques; by mechanical connectors;
etc.). The various parts (e.g., top portion, sole portion, cup
face, aft body, crown member, body ribbon members, etc.) may be
made from any desired materials and combinations of different
materials, including materials that are conventionally known and
used in the art, such as metal materials, including lightweight
metal materials (e.g., titanium, titanium alloys, aluminum,
aluminum alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, etc., composite
materials, polymer materials, etc. The club head body and/or its
various parts may be made by forging, casting, molding, and/or
using other techniques and processes, including techniques and
processes that are conventional and known in the art.
[0037] For golf club structures according to this disclosure, the
overall wood-type golf club structure may include a hosel region, a
shaft member received in and/or inserted into and/or through the
hosel region, and a grip or handle member attached to the shaft
member. Optionally, if desired, the external hosel region may be
eliminated and the shaft member may be directly inserted into
and/or otherwise attached to the head member (e.g., through an
opening provided in the top of the club head, through an internal
hosel member (e.g., provided within an interior chamber defined by
the club head), etc.). The hosel member may be integrally formed as
part of the club head structure, or it may be separately formed and
engaged therewith (e.g., by adhesives or cements; by welding,
brazing, soldering, or other fusing techniques; by mechanical
connectors; etc.). Conventional hosels and their inclusion in a
wood-type club head structure may be used without departing from
this disclosure.
[0038] The shaft member may be received in, engaged with, and/or
attached to the club head in any suitable or desired manner,
including in conventional manners known and used in the art,
without departing from the disclosure. As more specific examples,
the shaft member may be engaged with the club head via a hosel
member and/or directly to the club head structure, e.g., via
adhesives, cements, welding, soldering, mechanical connectors (such
as threads, retaining elements, or the like), etc.; through a
shaft-receiving sleeve or element extending into the club head
body; etc. If desired, the shaft may be connected to the head in a
releasable manner using mechanical connectors to allow easy
interchange of one shaft for another.
[0039] The shaft member also may be made from any suitable or
desired materials, including conventional materials known and used
in the art, such as graphite based materials, composite or other
non-metal materials, steel materials (including stainless steel),
aluminum materials, other metal alloy materials, polymeric
materials, combinations of various materials, and the like. Also,
the grip or handle member may be attached to, engaged with, and/or
extend from the shaft member in any suitable or desired manner,
including in conventional manners known and used in the art, e.g.,
using adhesives or cements; via welding, soldering, brazing, or the
like; via mechanical connectors (such as threads, retaining
elements, etc.); etc. As another example, if desired, the grip or
handle member may be integrally formed as a unitary, one-piece
construction with the shaft member. Additionally, any desired grip
or handle member materials may be used without departing from this
disclosure, including, for example: rubber materials, leather
materials, rubber or other materials including cord or other fabric
material embedded therein, polymeric materials, cork materials, and
the like.
[0040] Still other additional aspects of this disclosure relate to
methods for producing wood-type golf club heads and wood-type golf
club structures in accordance with examples of this disclosure.
Such methods may include, for example, one or more of the following
steps in any desired order and/or combinations: (a) providing a
wood-type golf club head body and/or a golf club head of the
various types described above (including any or all of the various
structures, features, and/or arrangements described above), e.g.,
by manufacturing or otherwise constructing the golf club head body
or the golf club head, by obtaining it from a third party source,
etc.; (b) engaging a shaft member with the golf club head; (c)
engaging a grip member with the shaft member; etc.
[0041] Given the general description of various example aspects of
the disclosure provided above, more detailed descriptions of
various specific examples of golf clubs and golf club head
structures according to the disclosure are provided below.
[0042] II. Detailed Description of Example Golf Club Heads, Golf
Club Structures, and Methods According to the Invention
[0043] The following discussion and accompanying figures describe
various example golf clubs and golf club head structures in
accordance with the present disclosure. When the same reference
number appears in more than one drawing, that reference number is
used consistently in this specification and the drawings to refer
to the same or similar parts throughout.
[0044] An illustrative embodiment according to one or more aspects
of the disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a golf club 100
at the address position which includes a wood-type golf club head
102 in accordance with aspects of this disclosure and a shaft 106
and grip 107 engaged with the wood-type golf club head 102.
According to some aspects of the disclosure, the dimensions of the
club head body 102 may include a volume between 100-500 cubic
centimeters (e.g., 460 cubic centimeters) and a mass between 75 and
250 grams (e.g., 150 grams). Further, according to aspects of this
disclosure, the interior of the golf club head body 102 may be
substantially hollow.
[0045] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the example wood-type golf
club head body 102 which includes a ball striking face portion 108,
a rear portion 110 opposite the ball striking face, a crown (or
top) portion 112, a sole portion 114, a toe end portion 116 and a
heel end portion 118. As seen in FIG. 2A, the geometric center of
the golf club head is denoted symbolically by reference numeral
101. In this specification, various features and aspects of the
invention are defined based on geometry and locations with respect
to a golf club head. As used in this specification and as
illustrated with respect to FIG. 2A, the location of the "geometric
center" 101 of a wood type golf club head 102 is determined in the
following manner, which is consistent with the manner in which
various club head dimensions are determined in Appendix II of The
2008-2009 Rules of Golf, as promulgated by the United States Golf
Association ("U.S.G.A."), which rules are entirely incorporated
herein by reference. First, with the golf club head 102 oriented at
its designed lie angle (the lie angle of its specifications, e.g.,
60.degree.), the outermost points P of the heel, toe, face, and
rear of the club head 102 are determined. If the outermost point of
the heel is not clearly defined (e.g., due to the club head's
hosel, etc.), then the outermost point of the heel is deemed to be
the location on the heel at 0.875 inches (22.23 mm) above the
horizontal plane on which the club head is lying, in the same
manner as the heel location is determined under The Rules of Golf
mentioned above. Vertical projections along the outermost points P
of the front, toe, rear, and heel (shown as "tangents" in the
overhead view of FIG. 2A) enclose the club head 102 within a
rectangle or square structure, as shown in FIG. 2A (all angles
being right angles). Then, a first diagonal line is drawn from the
front heel corner to the rear toe corner of the rectangle or square
structure (labeled "Front Heel to Rear Toe Diagonal" in FIG. 2A),
and a second diagonal line is drawn from the front of the toe
corner to the rear heel corner of the rectangle or square structure
(labeled "Front Toe to Rear Heel Diagonal" in FIG. 2A). The
intersection of these two diagonals D is deemed to be the
"geometric center" 101 of the club head 102 as that term is used in
this specification.
[0046] If necessary to provide a frame of reference, the front
vertical projection or tangent line will be oriented square to the
club head target line or direction at the outermost point P of the
face surface, and then the heel and toe projections or tangents may
be provided (at their outermost points) perpendicular to the front
projection or tangent and the rear projection or tangent may be
provided (at its outermost point) parallel to the front projection
or tangent. An XY "coordinate axis" may be defined for the club
head 102 by drawing a first coordinate axis (the Y-axis) in the
front-to-rear direction perpendicular to the front and rear
tangents through the geometric center 101 of the club head 102 and
by drawing a second coordinate axis (the X-axis) in the heel-to-toe
direction perpendicular to the first coordinate axis (and
perpendicular to the heel and toe tangents) through the geometric
center 101 of the club head body 102.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 2B, the "heel side" of the club head, as
used in this specification, is defined as everything toward the
heel 118 from the front-to-back Y coordinate axis. The "toe side"
of the club head, as used in this specification, is defined as
everything toward the toe 116 from the front-to-back Y coordinate
axis. The "front side" of the club head, as used in this
specification, is defined as everything forward of the heel-to-toe
X coordinate axis. The "rear side" of the club head, as used in
this specification, is defined as everything rearward of the
heel-to-toe X coordinate axis.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 3A, the "rear heel side" of the club head,
as used in this specification, is everything toward the rear side
and heel side from the front heel to rear toe diagonal. The "rear
toe side" of the club head, as used in this specification, is
everything toward the rear side and toe side from the front toe to
rear heel diagonal. The "front heel side" of the club head, as used
in this specification, is everything toward the front side and heel
side from the front toe to rear heel diagonal. The "front toe side"
of the club head, as used in this specification, is everything
toward the front side and toe side from the front heel to rear toe
diagonal. The "heel edge" of the club head body is the edge surface
along the heel side between the front heel to rear toe diagonal and
the front toe to rear heel diagonal. The "toe edge" of the club
head body is the edge surface along the toe side between the front
heel to rear toe diagonal and the front toe to rear heel diagonal.
The "rear edge" of the club head body is the edge surface along the
rear side between the front heel to rear toe diagonal and the front
toe to rear heel diagonal. The "front edge" of the club head body
is the edge surface along the front side between the front heel to
rear toe diagonal and the front toe to rear heel diagonal.
Something located "proximate to" one of these edges, as used in
this specification in this context, unless otherwise noted, means
within 0.75 inches of the relevant edge.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 3B, the "rear heel quadrant," "rear toe
quadrant," "front toe quadrant," and "front heel quadrant" are
defined using the geometric center 101 and the XY coordinate axes
as described above.
[0050] While illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B on a relatively
square shaped wood-type club head, these same definitions apply to
more traditionally shaped wood-type golf club heads (e.g., as seen
in FIGS. 1 and 4-11).
[0051] The "crown portion" of a golf club head is defined as that
portion of the golf club head top surface that is visible looking
directly downward on the club head when the golf club head body 102
oriented at its designed lie angle (the lie angle of its
specifications, e.g., 60.degree.). The "sole portion" of a golf
club head is defined as that portion of the golf club head bottom
surface that is visible looking directly upward on the club head
when the golf club head body 102 oriented at its designed lie angle
(the lie angle of its specifications, e.g., 60.degree.). The
topmost point of the club head crown portion and the bottommost
point of the club head sole portion can be found by locating
horizontal projections along the crown portion and the sole
portion, respectively, with the club oriented as described
above.
[0052] According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head
may include one or more moveable weights. Further, according to
aspects of the disclosure, the one or more moveable weights may be
contained internally within the golf club head body 102 so that the
moveable weights are not exposed nor are a portion of the exterior
of the golf club head body 102. Additionally, according to some
aspects of the disclosure, the one or more moveable weights may
move around the interior of the golf club head via a track system
contained internally within the golf club head body so that the
track system is not exposed and which extends around the interior
of the wall(s) that comprise the golf club head body 102.
[0053] For example, FIG. 4A shows a top view an illustrative
embodiment of the golf club head body 102. As seen in phantom line
in FIG. 4A, the golf club head body 102 may include therein both a
moveable weight 200 and a track system 201 which extends from a
heel side of the golf club head body along a rear side of the golf
club head body to a toe side of the golf club head body. Further,
as seen in FIG. 4A, the moveable weight 200 may slide within the
track system 201 that is positioned on or in the interior walls
that comprise the heel, toe and rear sides of the golf club head
body 102. As mentioned above, the elements in the figures of this
disclosure, such as the moveable weight 200, track system 201, etc.
are shown for illustrative purposes and, therefore, may not
necessarily be shown to scale.
[0054] As seen schematically in FIGS. 4B-D, the moveable weight 200
may slide between a position in the heel side (see e.g., FIG. 4B)
to a position in the rear side (see e.g., FIG. 4C) to a position in
the toe side (see e.g., FIG. 4D) of the golf club head body 102. It
is noted that while the above figures represent three possible
positions of the moveable weight member 200 along the track system
201, of course, the moveable weight member 200 could be moved to
other positions as well (e.g., to positions between the above
described positions).
[0055] One advantage of positioning the weight member 200 and track
system 201 within the interior of the golf club head 102 so as to
not be exposed, is that the aerodynamics of the club head body 102
will not be affected during the golfer's swing. In other words,
containing the moveable weight 200 and track system 201 within the
hollow interior of the golf club head body so that neither the
moveable weight 200 nor the track system 201 are exposed,
eliminates the possibility that either the moveable weight 200 and
track system 201 will compromise the speed, drag, or other
characteristics of the golf club head body 102 that relate to
aerodynamics of the golf club head body 102 during a golf
swing.
[0056] Another advantage of positioning the moveable weight member
200 and track system 201 within the interior of the golf club head
102 is that such a positioning prevents the moveable weight member
200 and track system 201 from being exposed to the elements, such
as rain, dirt, mud, sand, etc. Such exposure to the elements can
interfere with the functioning of the moveable weight member 200
and track system 201 or even damage the moveable weight member 200
and track system 201. For example, after being used for several
rounds of golf, elements such as dirt, mud, sand, etc. could become
lodged in the track system 201 and prevent the moveable weight
member 200 from sliding or being locked into position.
Additionally, rain, moisture, etc. could cause rust or otherwise
damage the moveable weight member 200 or track system 201.
[0057] The golf club head body 201 may have a removable portion
which allows the golfer to access the internal weight member 200
and track system 201. For example, as seen in FIG. 5, the crown 112
may have a removable section 112a in the central portion of the
crown 112 that may be removed to allow the golfer access to the
interior of the golf club head body 102 including the movable
weight member 200 and track system 201.
[0058] The moveable weight member 200 may be shaped so as to
correspond to the shape of the wall(s) that comprise the golf club
head body 102 (e.g., as seen in FIGS. 4B-D). FIG. 6 shows a
perspective view of the moveable weight member 200. As seen in FIG.
6, the moveable weight member 200 may be curved or even exhibit a
"U" or "C" shape which includes a first end 200a, a second end
200b, and a middle section 200c that extends between the first end
200a and the second end 200b. As seen in FIG. 6, according to some
embodiments of this disclosure, the moveable weight member 200 may
include a rear portion 200d which extends along the rear of the
moveable weight member 200 and is configured to engage with the
track system 201. Of course, according to other embodiments, the
moveable weight member 200 does not have to include the rear
portion 200d and instead could have a different shape wherein the
weight member 200 fits substantially or entirely within the track
system 201. For example, the moveable weight member 200 could
exhibit a generally rectangular shape.
[0059] According to some aspects of the disclosure, the moveable
weight member 200 may have a height between 0.5-5.5 cm, 1.0-4.0 cm,
and 2.0-2.5 cm. Further, the moveable weight member 200 may have a
length between 1.25-15 cm, 5.0-13.0 cm, and 7.5-10.0 cm. Further,
the moveable weight member 200 may have a depth between 1.25-6.5
cm, 2.0-5.0 cm, and 2.5-4.0 cm. Of course, due to the shape of the
moveable weight member 200, the first end 200a and the second end
200b may have more depth than the middle section 200c. For example,
the first end 200a and the second end 200b may have a depth between
5.0 cm while the middle section 200c has a depth of 2.0 cm.
Further, the moveable weight member 200 may have a mass between
5.0-70 grams, 20-60 grams, 30-55 grams, or 50 grams. According to
some aspects of this disclosure, the moveable weight member 200 has
a large specific gravity, density and weight. For example, the
moveable weight member 200 may have a greater specific gravity and
be dense r and heavier than other parts of the golf club head 102.
For example, the moveable weight member 200 may be made
substantially or entirely from a high density and heavy material
such as various metals (e.g., as lead, tungsten), alloys, etc.
[0060] The moveable weight member 200 may be removable from the
golf club head body 102. Therefore, the moveable weight member 200
could be interchangeable with other moveable weight members that
have different weighting characteristics. For example, as a slice
or hook is corrected through golf lessons, practice, etc., the
different moveable weight members could be replaced to account for
the corrected swing. In other words, lighter weights could be used
if the slice or hook decreases over time.
[0061] According to aspects of this disclosure, the track system
201 may include a track 201a. As seen in FIG. 4, the track 201a
extends around the interior of the wall(s) that comprise the golf
club head body 102. According to some aspects of the disclosure the
track 201a may include a member that protrudes inwardly towards the
center of the golf club head from the interior of the wall(s) that
comprise the golf club head body 102. In such embodiments, the
track 201a may be comprised of a lightweight material that causes
only a small amount of friction when the moveable weight member 200
slides along the track 201a. For example, the track may be plastic,
polymer, ceramic, metals, alloys, etc. Alternatively, the track
201a may be a groove formed in the interior of the wall(s) that
comprise the golf club head body 102.
[0062] Regardless of how the track 201a is formed the track 201a
may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the moveable weight
member 200. For example, FIGS. 7A and 7B show cross-sectional views
of different embodiments of the golf club head body 102. As shown
in FIG. 7A, the track 201a may be shaped to receive and partially
surround a rear portion 200d of the moveable weight member 200.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7B, the track 201a may be shaped to
receive and partially surround the moveable weight member 200
itself
[0063] According to some aspects of the disclosure, the track 201a
may have a height between 0.5-6.0 cm, 1.0-4.5 cm, and 2.0-3.0 cm.
Further, the moveable weight member 200 may have a length between
1.25-30 cm, 5.0-20.0 cm, and 7.5-15.0 cm, and 10 cm. Further, the
track 201a may have a depth between 1.0-7.0 cm, 2.0-6.0 cm, and
2.5-5.0 cm.
[0064] According to some embodiments, such as those discussed
above, the track 201a extends around the interior of the golf club
head body 102 in a substantially level manner. In other words,
portions of the track 201a are at the same (or substantially) the
same height. However, according to other aspects of the disclosure,
the track 201a extends around the interior of the golf club head
body 102 in a manner wherein portions of the track 201a are
positioned at relatively different heights.
[0065] For example, FIG. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of an
illustrative embodiment of the golf club head body 102 wherein the
portion of the track 201a that extends along the rear side of the
golf club head body 102 is at a lower height than the portions of
the track 201a that extend along the heel side and toe side of the
golf club head body 102. In other words, the track 201a slopes
downwardly as it extends from the ball striking face side of the
golf club head body 102 to the rear side of the golf club head body
102. Of course this slope does not have to be uniform and instead
could have a different steepness at different portions of the golf
club head body 102. By forming the track 201a in such a manner the
moveable weight member 200 may be positioned towards the rear and
towards the bottom of the golf club head to distribute more mass of
the golf club head towards the rear portion and towards the sole,
or bottom of the golf club head which keeps more of the weight of
the golf club head body 102 rearward and low. This will aid the
golfer in getting the ball airborne upon striking the ball with the
club head (i.e., it provides a more lofted trajectory). In some
embodiments the track 201a may be sloped so that the portion of the
track 201a that extends along the rear side of the golf club head
body 102 is between 1.25 cm and 6.25 cm lower than the portions of
the track 201a that extends along the heel side and toe side of the
golf club head body 102.
[0066] The ruling bodies in the game of golf, such as the United
States Golf Association (USGA) or The Royal and Ancient Golf Club
of St. Andrews (R&A), do not allow portions of the golf club to
be adjusted during the round of golf. See e.g., USGA Rules of Golf,
Rule 4-2a. Therefore, to ensure the golf club does not violate such
rules, the moveable weight member 200 should be held stationary by
being locked into a particular position during a round of golf.
[0067] Hence, according to aspects of this disclosure, the moveable
weight member 200 may include a mechanism for locking the moveable
weight in a position within the track 201a (e.g., one of the
positions shown in FIGS. 4B-D). For example, the moveable weight
member 200 may have extendable and retractable protrusions. FIGS.
8A-B show an illustrative example of such a moveable weight member
200 wherein the protrusions 200e extend from the top and the bottom
of moveable weight member 200. The protrusions may be spring loaded
and, further, the moveable weight member 200 may include an
actuator 200f that when depressed retracts the spring loaded
protrusions 200e and, conversely, when released allows the spring
loaded protrusions 200e to extend. The track 201a of the track
system 200 may include recesses or holes 201b that receive
protrusions 200e from the moveable weight member 200 as shown in
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8C. In this way, when the
actuator 200f is depressed, the moveable weight member 200 can be
slid around the track 201a to a particular position. Once the
moveable weight member 200 is in the appropriate position, the
actuator 200f can be released and the spring loaded protrusions
200e can extend into the recesses or holes 201b in the track 201a
so that the moveable weight member 200 is locked into place. FIG.
8D shows an alternative embodiment of the moveable weight member
200 wherein the protrusions are in the rear portion 200d.
[0068] The track system 201 can have a plurality of holes 201b
positioned throughout the track 201a. The holes 201b may be
positioned throughout the track 201a so that the moveable weight
member 200 can be locked into place in particular positions such as
one of the positions shown in FIGS. 4B-D. Additional holes 201b may
be positioned throughout the track 201a so that the moveable weight
member 200 is locked into other of the positions shown in FIGS.
4B-D. Therefore, the moveable weight member 200 can be positioned
in a multitude of different positions.
[0069] One advantage of the above described embodiment wherein the
moveable weight member 200 is slidable within the track system 201,
is that the moveable weight member 200 can be quickly, easily and
reliably moved from one position to another. Additionally, it is
advantageous that above described system allows the moveable weight
member 200 to be repositioned without the use of tools. In other
words, a golfer can simply move the moveable weight member 200 to
the desired position by hand which makes adjustment on the range or
before a round a golf a less tedious process.
[0070] However, it is noted that even with a plurality of holes
provided in the track 201a, the positioning of the moveable weight
member 200 is still limited by the number of and positioning of the
holes 201b. Therefore, other methods of securing the moveable
weight member 200 into position may be used. For example, threaded
fasteners may be used that allow the moveable weight member 200 to
be locked into any position on the track 201a. Such threaded
fasteners may engage with the track 201a upon being tightened in
order to lock the moveable weight member 200 into place (e.g., a
set screw). Further, such threaded fasteners may be loosened to
allow the moveable weight member 200 to slide around the track
201a.
[0071] Of course, other mechanical connectors such as screws,
retaining elements, snap fit features, etc. may be used. In some
embodiments a tool may be used to attach and/or release the
moveable weight member 200 from the track 201a of the club head
body 102. For example, a screw may be inserted through the moveable
weight member 200 and engage a corresponding receiving hole on the
track 201a. Such a configuration could require a screwdriver to
tighten the screw into the hole in the track 201a to ensure the
moveable weight member 200 is locked into position. It is further
noted that while some mechanical connectors have been described
above, this is not to imply that mechanical connectors must be
used. On the contrary, as long as the moveable weight member 200
and the golf club head 102 can be engaged securely to one another
and also easily releasable from one other, such means are
considered within the spirit of this disclosure.
[0072] As particular aspects of the structure of the moveable
weight member 200 and the track system 201 which allows the
moveable weight member to slide to different positions within the
golf club head body 102 have been described above, now aspects of
some of those different positions are discussed below. FIG. 4B
shows the moveable weight member 200 in the heel side of the golf
club head body 103. This positioning of the moveable weight member
200 causes more mass to be distributed toward the heel side of the
golf club head body 103. As described above, such a configuration
can help slow the heel during a swing as compared with the toe of
the golf club head which will allow a golfer to better square the
club head during the swing, which may result in less "slice" (i.e.,
a straighter trajectory). Therefore, a golfer who has a tendency to
"slice" may adjust the moveable weight 200 to such a position in
order to compensate for and alleviate the effects of the slice.
[0073] For example, in accordance with this disclosure, when the
moveable weight member 200 is positioned towards the heel side of
the golf club head body 103, the center of gravity of the club head
may be shifted towards the heel side of the golf club head body 103
at least 0.5 cm from the geometric centerline running front to
back, and in some examples, at least 1.25 cm, at least 2.0 cm, or
even at least 2.5 cm. As a result of the shifted center of gravity,
this configuration of the golf club head body 102 can provide a
draw biased trajectory to a golf ball struck by the golf club
head.
[0074] FIG. 4D shows the moveable weight member in the toe side of
the golf club head body 105. This positioning of the moveable
weight member 200 causes more mass to be distributed toward the toe
side of the golf club head body 105. As described above, such a
configuration can help slow the toe during a swing as compared with
the heel of the golf club head 102 which will allow a golfer to
better square the golf club head during the swing, which may result
in less of a "hook" (i.e., a straighter trajectory). Therefore, a
golfer who has a tendency to "hook" may adjust the moveable weight
200 to such a position in order to compensate for and alleviate the
effects of the hook.
[0075] For example, in accordance with this disclosure, when the
moveable weight member 200 is positioned towards the toe side of
the golf club head body 105, the center of gravity of the club head
102 may be shifted towards the toe side of the golf club head body
105 at least 0.5 cm from the geometric centerline running front to
back, and in some examples, at least 1.25 cm, at least 2.0 cm, or
even at least 2.5 cm. As a result of the shifted center of gravity,
this configuration of the golf club head body 102 can provide a
fade biased trajectory to a golf ball when it is struck by the golf
club head.
[0076] FIG. 4C shows the moveable weight member in the rear side of
the golf club head body 102. Further, according to aspects of this
disclosure, such as shown in FIG. 8C, when the moveable weight
member is positioned in the rear side of the golf club head 109 it
may also be positioned near the sole 114 of the golf club head.
This positioning of the moveable weight member 200 causes more mass
to be distributed toward the rear side of the golf club head body
109 and also towards the bottom of the golf club head body which
keeps more of the weight of the golf club head body rearward and
low. As described above, such a configuration can help a golfer
obtain a higher trajectory or get the ball airborne. Therefore, a
golfer who has a tendency to "duff" (i.e., hit the ball so that it
skims along the ground rather than travel with an elevated loft
through the air) may adjust the moveable weight 200 to such a
position in order to compensate for the not getting the ball
airborne and alleviate the effects of the "duff."
[0077] For example, in accordance with this disclosure, when the
moveable weight is positioned towards the rear side of the golf
club head body 109 and towards the sole of the golf club head body
102, the center of gravity of the club head may be shifted towards
the rear side of the golf club head body at least 0.5 cm from the
geometric centerline running toe to heel, and in some examples, at
least 1.25 cm, at least 2.0 cm, or even at least 2.5 cm. Further,
the center of gravity of the club head body 102 may be shifted
towards the sole of the golf club head body at least 0.5 cm and, in
some examples, at least 1.25 cm, at least 2.0 cm, or even at least
2.5 cm. As a result of the shifted center of gravity, this
configuration of the golf club head body 102 can provide a higher
trajectory to a golf ball struck by the golf club head.
[0078] Some embodiments of the disclosure include a track 201a
which extends around the interior of the golf club head body 102 in
a substantially level manner (i.e., the portions of the track 201a
are at the same (or substantially the same) height). Therefore, the
moveable weight member 200 may be positioned at the rear side of
the golf club head body 109 without being moved closer to the sole
114 of the golf club head body 102.
[0079] Of course, as described above, the moveable weight member
200 may be positioned in a location other than the positions shown
in 4B-D. For example, a golfer with a slight slice may only need
the moveable weight member positioned midway between the rear side
position shown in FIG. 4C and the heel side position shown in FIG.
4B. Conversely, a golfer with a slight hook may only need the
moveable weight member positioned midway between the rear side
position shown in FIG. 4C and the heel side position shown in FIG.
4D. Therefore, it is understood that the moveable weight member 200
can be used to fine tune the mass and weighting characteristics of
the golf club head body 102 based on the particular tendencies of
the golfer.
[0080] According to some aspects of the disclosure, multiple
moveable weights may be used instead of a single moveable weight
member. FIG. 9A shows a top view of such an embodiment. As seen in
FIG. 9A, multiple moveable weights 300a and 300b (shown in phantom
line) may be used in the same manner as the moveable weight member
200 described above. In other words, the multiple moveable weights
300a and 300b can be moved around the interior of the golf club
head 102 via the track system 201 that extends around the interior
of the wall(s) that comprise the golf club head body 102.
[0081] As seen in FIG. 9A, the multiple moveable weights 300a and
300b may be positioned together on a side of the golf club head
body 102 (e.g., the heel side, the toe side, the rear side, etc.).
Alternatively, the multiple moveable weights 300 may be positioned
at different sides of the golf club head body 102. For example, as
seen in FIG. 9B, the moveable weight 300a may be positioned in the
heel side 103, while moveable weight 300b may be positioned in the
toe side 105. It is noted that while the above figures represent
two possible positionings of the multiple moveable weights 300a and
300b along the track 201a, of course, the multiple moveable weights
300a and 300b could be moved to other positions as well. Also,
according to other aspects of this disclosure, the golf club head
body 102 may include more than two multiple weights. For example,
three or more multiple moveable weights 300 may be used. Having
multiple moveable weights that are moveable independently of each
other allows the mass and weighting characteristics of the golf
club head body 102 to be fine tuned based on the particular
tendencies of the golfer.
[0082] The multiple moveable weights 300 may be similar to the
moveable weight member 200 described above. For example, the
multiple moveable weights 300 may be shaped so as to correspond to
the shape of the wall(s) that comprise the golf club head body 102
(e.g., multiple moveable weights may be curved or exhibit a "U" or
"C" shape); include a rear portion which extends along rear of the
multiple moveable weight and can engage with the track system; have
a large specific gravity, density and weight; etc. Therefore, for
the sake of brevity, further specific characteristics of the
multiple moveable weights will not be described here in detail
[0083] According to some aspects of this disclosure, the track 201a
may include partitions between different sections of the track 201a
which are designed to limit the movement of the moveable weights
300 to particular ranges. For example, FIG. 9C shows such an
embodiment wherein the track 201a is partitioned into three
sections (a section 301 in the heel side 103, a section 303 in the
toe side 105 and a section 302 in the rear side 109) by two
partitions, or walls, 304 and 305. Further, each of the three
sections 301-303 may include a single moveable weight 300a-c. Each
of the moveable weights 300a-c will be moveable within its
respective section.
[0084] According to some aspects of the disclosure, the track 201a
may extend 360.degree. around the interior of the golf club head
body 102. In such embodiments, the moveable weight member 200 can
be positioned near the ball striking face portion 108 of the golf
club head body 102. FIG. 10 shows a top view of such an embodiment.
As seen in FIG. 10, such an embodiment can include an interior wall
portion 113 (shown in phantom line) near the ball striking face
portion 108 along which the track 201a is positioned. In such
embodiments, the track 201a (shown in phantom line) may have a
length between 30-60 cm. FIG. 10 shows the moveable weight member
200 in the ball striking face side 111 of the golf club head body
102. Further, according to aspects of this disclosure, when the
moveable weight member 200 is positioned in the ball striking face
side 111 of the golf club head it may also be positioned near the
crown 112 of the golf club head. For example, a track with a slope
similar to the track shown in FIG. 7C may be used. This positioning
of the moveable weight member 200 causes more mass to be
distributed toward the ball striking face side 111 of the golf club
head body 102 and also towards the top of the golf club head body
102 which keeps more of the weight of the golf club head body
forward and high. Such a configuration can help a golfer create a
more boring trajectory as opposed to a lofted trajectory.
Therefore, such a configuration can provide a shot that will "run"
or roll. A golfer who has a tendency to "pop up" shots may adjust
the moveable weight 200 to such a position in order to compensate
for and alleviate the effects of the "pop up." Further such a
configuration may be advantageous in windy conditions when a lofted
shot is less desirable.
[0085] For example, in accordance with this disclosure, when the
moveable weight is positioned towards the ball striking face side
111 of the golf club head body 102, and towards the crown 112 of
the golf club head body, the center of gravity of the club head may
be shifted towards the ball striking face side 111 of the golf club
head body 102 at least 0.5 cm from the geometric centerline running
toe to heel, and in some examples, at least 1.25 cm, at least 2.0
cm, or even at least 2.5 cm. Further, the center of gravity of the
club head body 102 may be shifted towards the crown 112 of the golf
club head body at least 0.5 cm and, in some examples, at least 1.25
cm, at least 2.0 cm, or even at least 2.5 cm. As a result of the
shifted center of gravity, this configuration of the golf club head
body can provide a more boring trajectory to a golf ball when it is
struck by the golf club head.
[0086] It is not necessary for the portion of the track 201a near
the ball striking face portion 108 to be positioned near the crown
112. Instead, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the
track 201a which extends around the interior of the golf club head
body 102 in a substantially level manner (i.e., the portions of the
track 201a are at the same (or substantially the same) height).
Therefore, the moveable weight member 200 may be positioned at the
ball striking face side 111 of the golf club head body 102 without
being moved closer to the crown 112 of the golf club head body
102.
[0087] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the golf club
head body may include a loop that extends from a heel side 103 of
the golf club head body around a rear side 109 of the golf club
head body to a toe side 105 of the golf club head body. According
to some aspects of the disclosure, one or more moveable weights may
move around the golf club head body via the loop.
[0088] FIG. 11A shows a top view of an illustrative embodiment of
the golf club head body 102. As seen in FIG. 11A, the golf club
head body 102 may include a loop 401 (shown in phantom line) which
extends from a heel side of the golf club head body around a rear
side of the golf club head body to a toe side of the golf club head
body. Further, one or more moveable weights may slide along the
loop 401. For example, as seen in FIGS. 11A, moveable weights 403
and 404 have a hole through their center through which the loop 401
extends. In this way, the moveable weights 403 and 404 can slide
from a position in the heel side to a position in the rear side to
a position in the toe side of the golf club head body 102. The
moveable weights 400 could be moved to other positions as well
(e.g., to positions between the above described positions). It is
noted that much of the structure of this embodiment is similar to
the embodiments described above and, therefore, specific discussion
may be omitted for the sake of brevity.
[0089] According to aspects of this disclosure, the moveable weight
members 403, 404 may include a mechanism for locking in a position
on the loop 401. For example, the moveable weights 403, 404 may
have set screws or other mechanical connectors, such as described
above in regard to previous embodiments.
[0090] According to some aspects of the disclosure, loop 401 may be
housed in a groove 405 in the golf club head body 102. For example,
FIG. 11B shows a perspective view of golf club head body 102
wherein the loop 401 is housed in the groove 405. According to some
aspects of the disclosure, the groove 405 may have a height between
0.5-6.0 cm, 1.0-4.5 cm, and 2.0-3.0 cm. Further, the groove 405 may
have a length between 1.25-30 cm, 5.0-20.0 cm, and 7.5-15.0 cm, and
10 cm. Further, the groove 405 may have a depth between 1.0-7.0 cm,
2.0-6.0 cm, and 2.5-5.0 cm. The moveable weight members 403, 404
may have a height between 0.5-5.5 cm, 1.0-4.0 cm, and 2.0-2.5 cm.
Further, the moveable weight members 403, 404 may have a length
between 1.25-15 cm, 5.0-13.0 cm, and 7.5-10.0 cm. Further, the
moveable weight members 403, 404 may have a depth between 1.25-6.5
cm, 2.0-5.0 cm, and 2.5-4.0 cm. Further, the moveable weight
members 403, 404 may have a mass between 5.0-70 grams, 20-60 grams,
30-55 grams, or 50 grams. The loop 401 may have a diameter of
between 0.1-1.0 cm.
[0091] According to some embodiments, such as those discussed
above, the loop 401 extends around golf club head body 102 in a
substantially level manner. However, according to other aspects of
the disclosure, the loop 401 may extend around the golf club head
body 102 in a manner wherein portions of the track 201a are
positioned at relatively different heights. Since much of this
structure is similar to the embodiments described above, further
specific discussion is omitted for the sake of brevity.
[0092] According to particular aspects of the invention the loop
401 may be formed integrally with the golf club head or may be
removeably attached (e.g., via threaded fasteners). Further, it is
noted that while the loop 401 is shown as being exposed in the
depicted embodiment, according to some aspects of the disclosure,
the loop be contained internally within the golf club head body 102
so that it is not exposed. According to such embodiments, the loop
401 and the moveable weight members 403 and 404 may be contained
within the golf club head body such that neither the loop 401 nor
the moveable weight members 403 or 404 are exposed (similar to the
above described embodiments).
[0093] According to some aspects of the disclosure, the loop 401
may extend 360.degree. around the interior of the golf club head
body 102. In such embodiments, the moveable weight members 403, 404
can be positioned near the ball striking face portion of the golf
club head body 102. In such embodiments, the loop 401 may have a
length between 30-60 cm. Since much of this structure is similar to
the embodiments described above, further specific discussion is
omitted for the sake of brevity.
[0094] Particular aspects that the structure of the moveable weight
members 403, 404 and the loop 401 have upon the mass and weight
characteristics of the golf club head body are similar to the
embodiments described above, and, therefore, further specific
discussion is omitted for the sake of brevity.
[0095] Golf professionals are known to work with golfers to assist
them in improving their golf game including their swing and
associated play by analyzing the golfer's tendencies, providing
instruction and recommendation regarding modifications to their
swing and also in recommending various equipment including
selection of clubs. Further, a golf professional for a certain golf
manufacturer may offer a selection of features for which the golfer
may select either alone, or with the assistance of the golf
professional. Among the features that vary from golf club to golf
club are various weighting characteristics of the golf club head.
Each golfer may have a swing tendency that varies from other
golfers. Accordingly golfers may desire and benefit from an
individualized fitting of a golf club such that the golfer's swing
characteristics and swing tendencies may be noted and accounted
for. In a fitting process, a golfer may have his or her swing
analyzed by a professional either visually or by using any of
various measuring and analysis devices known in the art.
[0096] FIGS. 12A-12C illustratively depict one manner of fitting a
golf club 100 including the weighting characteristics of the golf
club head 102. As is known, a golfer 10 may perform a number of
swings in front of one or more golf professionals or golf club
fitters. The movements including the golf swing may be viewed,
recorded, and/or measured by a measuring device including a
videographic device like a digital video camera. FIGS. 12A and 12B
illustrate top plan and rear views respectively of a golfer
swinging a golf club and hitting golf balls in an illustrative
fitting station 1000. The fitting station 1000 may have any of a
number of arrangements and features. The fitting station 1000 shown
in FIGS. 12A-12C is an indoor fitting station. However, fitting
station 1000 may be indoor or outdoor and may be located at a
driving range or other practice facilities, at a golf course
including in or near a pro shop and various other locations as are
known. The fitting station 1000 may include a hitting mat 1010,
especially when the fitting station is an indoor station or when
the station is part of a driving range. Although, a fitting station
may occur on a grass tee box or other outdoor natural golf
environment. Here, the indoor fitting station 1000 also includes a
net 1030 that a golfer 10 may hit the ball into in performing his
or her shots, practice swings and swings in front of a golf
professional or golf club fitter. The net 1030 permits the fitting
to be done in a more limited space such as indoors, in a pro shop
or in a driving range with limited land available. Behind the net
1030 may be a background 1040 or other structures that may make the
golfer feel as if he is on the golf course. Also, while not
specifically depicted, the background may house or protect a
further measuring device(s) including velocity or force sensors,
videographic devices and other devices that may be utilized in the
fitting of the golfer.
[0097] The ball travel of a golfer's shot may be monitored by
watching an entire ball flight at a fitting station on a driving
range that possesses sufficient space for the ball to travel until
it comes to a natural stopping point/lie. Also, a golfer may also
hit in a confined spaced monitored by a digital video camera or
other computing devices that can determine the travel path based
upon initial characteristics of the shot including velocity,
trajectory, spin etc. Further measuring devices may be used to
further understand the swing path and related tendencies of a
golfer. In one example configuration, a golfer's swing may be
filmed using a digital video camera device 1060. In particular the
golfer's swing may be filmed from a toe end view such that the
golfer has a stance square to and facing the camera. In another
configuration, the golfer's swing may alternatively or additionally
be filmed by a measuring device positioned at a position such as
the position where measuring device 1061 is illustratively shown.
By filming the golfer's swing from square orientations such as the
rear and toe end, the video may be compared to images and swing
paths performed and recorded by a golfer having preferred mechanics
as shown in FIG. 12C.
[0098] Among the devices and tests that may be used to monitor the
swing path, contact orientation and related characteristics of a
golfer swing are video recording, radar tracking including Doppler
radar technology, motion detection devices, speed radar devices,
ball flight tracking devices and monitoring systems and similar
golf swing analysis devices as are known in the art. These
measuring devices may be positioned as illustrative measuring
devices 1060, 1061 are shown as being positioned. These devices may
also be positioned in front of the golfer 10 such that the golfer
is hitting at the measuring device or on the heel end side of the
golfer behind the golfer's back. Even further, measuring devices
may be placed overhead or practically anywhere such that the
measuring devices can record data such as video images of the
golfer's movements or track and record data or characteristics
associated with the portions of the golf club or ball movement such
as velocity, direction, orientation, and other characteristics as
are known. Other devices focused at determining the golf club's
orientation during the swing and in particular the orientation of
the golf club through the hitting zone when the golf club head
strikes the golf ball may be utilized. These devices may be the
same or similar devices as the videographic, radar or other motion
tracking devices or the devices may be as simple as lie board
devices which depict where a bottom surface of the golf club
contacts the ground and the direction of movement and orientation
of the club through the hitting zone. Also basic tape devices
placed over the hitting surface 1020 of a golf club head may be
used to provide data regarding the portion of the hitting surface
1020 where the golf ball is being hit to determine whether the ball
is being hit in a desired spot on the club face (e.g., center) or
off-center such that the swing or club may need adjustment to
optimize results.
[0099] After a sufficient number of swings and "practice" or
"sample" shots have been made to provide a desired sampling of
shots to provide for a reliable fitting, the golf and/or fitting
professionals can use the data collected to recommend particular
mass and weighting characteristics for a golf club head 102
(including the positioning of the one or more moveable weight
members with the golf club head body) that will help the golfer hit
a golf ball in an intended and desired direction and/or with an
intended and desired flight path. Among the characteristics
collected or measured may include swing path data, trajectory,
orientation of the golf club on impact, ball spin, ball flight and
physical dimensions and ergonomic characteristics of the golfer, to
name just a few. The analysis of the swings including swing
patterns can be used to determine a desired swing path, tendencies
of the golfer's swing, and changes to the golfer's current swing
path such that the specific changes required may be more visibly
noticeable. The mass and weighting characteristics may be
determined and shown such that an analysis (e.g., computer
analysis) can be performed to determine whether a positioning of
the one or more moveable weight members within club head is
appropriate as maximizing the performance of a golfer with
particular swing tendencies.
[0100] FIG. 12C illustrates a display 1050 depicting two respective
swing characteristics outputs 1051, 1052 illustratively depicting
two swings of golfers in videographic form such as digital video.
In one arrangement the displayed swing 1051 may be a videographic
image of preferred swing of a professional golfer or other golfer
including a "virtual golfer" with preferred swing mechanics. On the
right, the golf swing 1052 may be an actual swing of a golfer 10
currently being analyzed in the fitting station 1000. Through the
split screen comparison on display 1050, a golfer may be analyzed
and fitted for a particular golf club features such as visual swing
indicators, shaft characteristics, and alignment aides and other
features to facilitate a golfer swinging in a preferred manner to
achieve preferred performance. For example, backswing paths 1055A,
1055B of the golfers may be compared during the swings 1051, 1052.
Likewise, the orientations of the golf club head 1056A, 1056B, the
golfers' arm and hand positions 1057A, 1057B, and the head
positions 1058A, 1058B may be compared visual. Other comparisons
and analysis may be performed as is known. While the display 1050
here illustrates videographic information relating to the golfers'
swings, the display 1050 may be utilized during other aspects of
the analysis including output of various other characteristics
utilized in fitting the golfer 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 13B
the display 1050 may also be used to enhance the fitting experience
and may be visible to the golfer during the fitting process.
However, various configurations of outputs can be used to perform a
swing analysis and provide output data relating to the golfer's
swing to the golfer or the golf professional.
[0101] Therefore, using the above described fitting processes, the
positioning of the one or more moveable weight members can be
particularly utilized to adjust and control mass and weighting
characteristics of the golf club head body 102 to customize the
golf club head body 102 to fit particular swing types or a golfer's
tendencies. For example, the above described fitting processes
could be used in conjunction with a method for positioning the
moveable weight member within a golf club head body in order to
provide an intended and desired trajectory for the golf ball. The
method includes determining a characteristic of a golfer's swing
based upon a swing of the golf club using a measuring device. The
method further includes determining a desired ball trajectory. The
method further includes selecting a particular position within the
golf club head body for a moveable weight member contained
internally within the golf club head body based upon the determined
swing characteristic and the desired ball trajectory. The method
further includes positioning the moveable weight member internally
within the golf club head body at a position that will provide the
desired ball trajectory.
[0102] III. Conclusion
[0103] Aspects of the present invention are 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.
[0104] For example, the dimensions and/or other characteristics of
a golf club head structure according to examples of this disclosure
may vary significantly without departing from the disclosure. For
example, any wood type club head may be provided including, for
example: wood type hybrid clubs, fairway woods, drivers, etc.
[0105] Additionally, the various features and concepts described
above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 12 may be used
individually and/or in any combination or subcombination without
departing from this disclosure.
* * * * *