U.S. patent application number 13/592418 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for golf club and golf club head structures having nano coating.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nike, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Boyd, Raymond J. Sander, Jeremy N. Snyder. Invention is credited to Robert Boyd, Raymond J. Sander, Jeremy N. Snyder.
Application Number | 20130130830 13/592418 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47003200 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130130830 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boyd; Robert ; et
al. |
May 23, 2013 |
Golf Club And Golf Club Head Structures Having Nano Coating
Abstract
Golf club and golf club head structures having a nano coating
are presented. In some examples, the golf club heads may be formed
of two or more parts. The two or more parts or portions may be
formed of different materials or materials having different weights
or densities to manipulate the center of gravity of the club head,
overall weight of the club head, etc. The two or more parts of the
golf club head may be covered with a nano coating to provide the
appearance of a uniform, one-piece golf club head. In some
examples, all or substantially all of the golf club head may be
covered with the nano coating.
Inventors: |
Boyd; Robert; (Flower Mound,
TX) ; Sander; Raymond J.; (Benbrook, TX) ;
Snyder; Jeremy N.; (Benbrook, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Boyd; Robert
Sander; Raymond J.
Snyder; Jeremy N. |
Flower Mound
Benbrook
Benbrook |
TX
TX
TX |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Nike, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
47003200 |
Appl. No.: |
13/592418 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61526335 |
Aug 23, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/345 ;
29/527.1; 473/349 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/00 20151001;
Y10T 29/4998 20150115; A63B 53/042 20200801; A63B 2053/0491
20130101; A63B 53/0466 20130101; A63B 53/0437 20200801; A63B 53/047
20130101; A63B 53/0433 20200801; A63B 2209/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/345 ;
473/349; 29/527.1 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Claims
1. A golf club head, comprising: a first golf club head body
portion formed of a first material, the first golf club head body
portion forming a lower portion of the golf club head and including
a sole of the golf club head; a second golf club head body portion
formed of a second material, the second material being a lighter
weight material than the first material, the second golf club head
body portion forming an upper portion of the golf club head body
and being positioned vertically above and in contact with the first
golf club head body portion; a connector region including: a first
portion of a connector connected to the first golf club head body
portion, and a second portion of the connector connected to the
second golf club head body portion and configured to mate with the
first portion of the connector; and a nano coating covering the
golf club head including covering the first golf club head body
portion and the second golf club head body portion.
2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the second material is a
different type of material than the first material.
3. The golf club head of claim 1, the first material and the second
material are the same type of material and the first material has a
higher density than the second material.
4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the
connector includes a generally planar upper surface of the first
golf club head body portion and the second portion of the connector
includes a generally planar lower surface of the second golf club
head body portion.
5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the generally planar
upper surface is bonded to the generally planar lower surface.
6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the
connector includes a plurality of protrusions extending upward from
a top surface of the first golf club head body portion and the
second portion of the connector includes a plurality of recesses
formed in a bottom surface of the second golf club head body
portion.
7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the nano coating covers
substantially the entire golf club head.
8. The golf club head of claim 1, further including a weighted
member.
9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein the weighted member is
formed of third material different from first material and second
material.
10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the nano coating covers
weighted member.
11. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the nano coating
provides appearance of single piece golf club head.
12. A golf club head, comprising: a golf club head body having a
first golf club head body portion formed of a first material and a
second golf club head body portion formed of a second material
different from the first material; and a nano coating covering
substantially all of the first golf club head body portion and the
second golf club head body portion to provide an appearance of a
golf club head formed of a single material.
13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein the nano coating covers
substantially all of a front, rear, crown and sole of the golf club
head.
14. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the first golf club
head body portion is positioned vertically below the second golf
club head body portion.
15. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein the first material is a
higher density material than the second material.
16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the first material is a
polymer and the second material is a polymer.
17. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the polymer of the
first material is different from the polymer of the second
material.
18. The golf club head of claim 1, further including a weight
member connected to first golf club head body portion and having
the nano coating covering the weight member.
19. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the golf club head is an
iron-type golf club head.
20. The golf club head of claim 1, further including a shaft
connected to the golf club head to form a golf club.
21. A method of forming a golf club head, comprising: forming a
first portion of a golf club head body of a first material, the
first portion of the golf club head body forming a lower portion of
the golf club head body and including a first connector region on a
top surface of the first portion of the golf club head body;
forming a second portion of the golf club head body of a second
material different from the first material, the second portion of
the golf club head body forming an upper portion of the golf club
head body and including a second connector region formed in a
bottom surface of the second portion and configured to mate with
first connector region formed in the top surface of the first
portion; connecting the first portion of the golf club head body to
the second portion of the golf club head body via first and second
connector regions; and coating the golf club head body, including
the first portion and the second portion, with a nano coating.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein coating the golf club head body
with a nano coating provides an appearance of a golf club head
formed of a single material.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein coating the golf club head body
with a nano coating provides an appearance of a forged golf club
head.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the first material has a
greater weight than the second material.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein the first material has a
greater density than the second material.
26. The method of claim 21, wherein the first material and the
second material are both polymers.
27. The method of claim 21, wherein forming the first portion of
the golf club head body and forming the second portion of the golf
club head body includes forming the first portion and the second
portion in a two-shot molding process.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein connecting the first portion to
the second portion includes bonding the first connector region to
the second connector region.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein bonding the first connector
region to the second connector region is performed during the
two-shot molding process.
30. The method of claim 21, wherein connecting the first portion to
the second portion includes positioning second portion vertically
above the first portion and positioning the first connector region
in contact with the second connector region.
31. The method of claim 21, further including forming a weighted
member and connecting the weighted member to the first portion of
the golf club head body.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein coating the golf club head body
with the nano coating includes coating the weighted member with the
nano coating.
33. The method of claim 21, further including connecting the golf
club head to a shaft to form a golf club.
34. A method of forming a golf club, comprising: forming a golf
club head body, forming the golf club head body including: forming
a first golf club head body portion of a first material; and
forming a second golf club head body portion of a second material
different from the first material, the second golf club head body
portion being vertically above and in contact with the first golf
club head body portion; coating the substantially all of the golf
club head body with a nano coating; and connecting the coated golf
club head body to a shaft.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first material and the
second material are the same type of material but have different
material properties.
36. The method of claim 34, wherein the first material and the
second material are different types of material.
37. The method of claim 34, wherein the first material is a polymer
and the second material is a polymer and the first material polymer
has a higher density than the second material polymer.
38. The method of claim 34, wherein forming the golf club head body
includes forming the first golf club head body portion and the
second golf club head body portion via a two-shot molding
process.
39. The method of claim 34, wherein coating substantially all of
the golf club head with the nano coating includes coating a front,
a rear, a crown and a sole with the nano coating.
40. A golf club head, comprising: a golf club head body having a
first golf club head front body portion formed of a first material
and a second golf club head rear body portion formed of a second
material different from the first material; wherein the first golf
club head front body portion is positioned adjacent the second golf
club head rear body portion; and a nano coating covering
substantially all of the first golf club head body portion and the
second golf club head body portion to provide an appearance of a
golf club head formed of a single material.
41. The golf club head of claim 40, wherein the nano coating covers
substantially all of a front, rear, crown and sole of the golf club
head.
42. The golf club head of claim 40, wherein the polymer of the
first material is different from the polymer of the second
material.
45. The golf club head of claim 40, further including a weight
member connected to first golf club head body portion and having
the nano coating covering the weight member.
46. The golf club head of claim 40, wherein the golf club head is a
wood-type golf club head.
47. The golf club head of claim 40, wherein the golf club head is
an iron-type golf club head.
48. The golf club head of claim 40, further including a shaft
connected to the golf club head to form a golf club.
49. The golf club head of claim 40, wherein the first golf club
head front body portion forms a cup-faced portion having a hollow
interior.
50. The golf club head of claim 40, wherein the hollow interior of
the first golf club head front body portion is at least partially
coated with a nano coating.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent
Application No. 61/526,335 filed on Aug. 23, 2011.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to golf clubs and
golf club heads. Particular example aspects of this invention
relate to a golf club head having a nano coating covering all or
substantially all of the golf club head.
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, the golf club also has been the subject of much
technological research and advancement in recent years. For
example, the market has seen improvements in golf club heads,
shafts, and grips in recent years. Additionally, other
technological advancements have been made in an effort to better
match the various elements 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, etc.).
[0006] As new materials are used in the manufacture of clubs,
lowering the center of gravity is often a priority during golf club
design. In addition, players have come to expect a certain profile
and/or appearance associated with certain golf clubs. The use of
different materials in different parts or portions of the clubs
would be advantageous in manipulating the overall weight of the
golf club head, as well as the center of gravity of the golf club
head. However, these different materials may result in an irregular
appearance for the golf club head. Accordingly, a golf club having
a low center of gravity while maintaining a traditional appearance
would be advantageous to golfers at all levels of play.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. The
summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is
neither intended to identify key or critical elements of the
invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention. The
following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in
a simplified form as a prelude to the description below.
[0008] Aspects of this invention relate to golf club and golf club
head structures having a two-part or multi-part golf club head.
Portions of the golf club head may be formed of materials different
from other portions of the golf club head in order to manipulate
the overall weight of the golf club head, the center of gravity of
the golf club head, etc. In some examples, the golf club head may
include two portions, a lower portion formed of a heavy or dense
material and an upper portion formed of a lighter weight or less
dense material than the lower portion. The golf club head (e.g.,
the upper portion and the lower portion) may then be covered with a
nano coating to provide the appearance of a one-piece golf club
head or a golf club head formed of a single material. In some
examples, the nano coating may cover all or substantially all of
the golf club head. In some arrangements, the nano coating may be
an outer coating that provides a uniform, one piece appearance for
the golf club head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] 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:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an example golf club having a multi-part golf club
head according to at least some examples of this invention.
[0011] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of an example two-part golf club
head according to at least some examples of this invention.
[0012] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of an example multi-part golf
club head according to at least some examples of this
invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is the two-part golf club head of FIG. 2A shown with
the two portions connected according to at least some examples of
this invention.
[0014] FIG. 4A is a cross section of the example golf club head of
FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 according to at least some
aspects of this invention.
[0015] FIG. 4B is a cross section of the example golf club head of
FIG. 3 according to at least some aspects of this invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of the golf club head of FIG. 3
having a nano coating according to at least some aspects of this
invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a golf club head having a nano
coating and an additional weighted member according to at least
some aspects of this invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a golf club head having
a nano coating according to at least some aspects of this
invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front view of an example golf club head having a
nano coating according to at least some aspects of this
invention.
[0020] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate one example wood-type golf club
head having a nano coating according to at least some aspects of
this invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an example hybrid-type golf club head having a
nano coating according to at least some aspects of this
invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a wood-type golf club
head having a nano coating according to at least some aspects of
this invention.
[0023] FIG. 12A is an exploded view of a wood-type golf club head
having a cup-shaped portion and a rear portion according to at
least some aspects of this invention.
[0024] FIG. 12B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head of
FIG. 12A showing a seam connecting cup-shaped portion and rear
portion according to at least some aspects of this invention.
[0025] FIG. 12C is a rear elevation view of the cup-shaped portion
of the golf club head of FIG. 11A having a nano coating according
to at least some aspects of this invention.
[0026] FIG. 12D is a rear elevation view of the cup-shaped portion
of the golf club head of FIG. 11A having a nano coating according
to at least some aspects of this invention.
[0027] FIG. 12E a rear perspective view of the golf club head of
FIG. 12A having a nano coating according to at least some aspects
of this invention.
[0028] The reader is advised that the various parts shown in these
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following description and the accompanying figures
disclose features of golf clubs and golf club head structures in
accordance with examples of the present invention.
I. General Description of Example Golf Clubs and Golf Club Heads
Accordance with this Invention
[0030] Aspects of this invention relate to golf club and golf club
head structures. In some examples, the golf club head may include a
first golf club head body portion formed of a first material. The
first golf club head body portion may form a lower portion of the
golf club head and may include a sole of the golf club head. The
golf club head may further include a second golf club head body
portion formed of a second material, the second material being a
lighter weight material than the first material. In some
arrangements, the second golf club head body portion may form an
upper portion of the golf club head body and may be positioned
vertically above and in contact with the first golf club head body
portion. The golf club head may further include a connector region.
The connector region may include a first portion of a connector
connected to the first golf club head body portion, and a second
portion of the connector connected to the second golf club head
body portion and configured to mate with the first portion of the
connector. The golf club head may further include a nano coating
covering the golf club head including covering the first golf club
head body portion and the second golf club head body portion. In
some examples, the nano coating may provide an appearance of a
one-piece golf club head or a golf club head formed of a single
material.
[0031] In some arrangements, the second material may be a different
type of material than the first material. Alternatively, the first
material and the second material may be the same type of material
but the first material and the second material may have different
material properties, such as weight, density, etc.
[0032] In some examples, the first portion of the connector may
include a generally planar upper surface of the first golf club
head body portion and the second portion of the connector may
include a generally planar lower surface of the second golf club
head body portion. In at least some arrangements, the generally
planar upper surface may be bonded to the generally planar lower
surface. In other examples, the first portion of the connector may
include a plurality of protrusions extending upward from a top
surface of the first golf club head body portion and the second
portion of the connector may include a plurality of recesses formed
in a bottom surface of the second golf club head body portion.
[0033] In at least some examples, the golf club head may further
include a weighted member. In some arrangements, the weighted
member may be formed of third material different from first
material and second material. The nano coating covering the golf
club head may also cover the weighted member.
II. General Description of Example Methods of Manufacturing Golf
Clubs and Golf Club Heads in Accordance with this Invention
[0034] At least some additional aspects of this invention relate to
methods of manufacturing golf clubs and golf club heads. In some
examples, the method may include forming a first portion of a golf
club head body of a first material. In some aspects, the first
portion of the golf club head body may form a lower portion of the
golf club head body and may include a first connector region on a
top surface of the first portion of the golf club head body. The
method may further include forming a second portion of the golf
club head body of a second material different from the first
material. In some examples, the second portion of the golf club
head body may form an upper portion of the golf club head body and
may include a second connector region formed in a bottom surface of
the second portion and configured to mate with first connector
region formed in the top surface of the first portion. At least
some example methods may further include connecting the first
portion of the golf club head body to the second portion of the
golf club head body via first and second connector regions. The
method may further include coating the golf club head body,
including the first portion and the second portion, with a nano
coating. In some arrangements, coating the golf club head body with
a nano coating provides an appearance of a golf club head formed of
a single material.
[0035] In at least some aspects, the first material may have a
greater weight than the second material. In still other aspects,
the first material may have a greater density than the second
material. In at least some examples, the first material and the
second material may both be polymers.
[0036] In some methods, forming the first portion of the golf club
head body and forming the second portion of the golf club head body
may include forming the first portion and the second portion in a
two-shot molding process. In some example methods, connecting the
first portion to the second portion may include bonding the first
connector region to the second connector region, for instance, via
the two-shot molding process.
[0037] Given the general description of various example aspects of
the invention provided above, more detailed descriptions of various
specific examples of golf clubs and golf club head structures, as
well as methods of manufacturing golf clubs and golf club head
structures, according to the invention are provided below.
III. Detailed Description of Example Golf Clubs and Golf Club Heads
According to the Invention
[0038] The following discussion and accompanying figures describe
various example golf clubs and golf club head structures in
accordance with the present invention. 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.
[0039] Various golf club heads in accordance with aspects described
herein may be used with various types of golf clubs. For instance,
the nano-coated golf club head may be used with iron-type golf club
heads, wedge-type golf club heads, hybrid-type golf club heads,
utility-type golf club heads, and the like. Additionally or
alternatively, the nano-coated golf club head may be used with
wood-type golf clubs and golf club heads, e.g., clubs and club
heads typically used for drivers and fairway woods, as well as for
"wood-type" utility or hybrid clubs, or the like. Such club head
structures may have little or no actual "wood" material and still
may be referred to conventionally in the art as "woods" (e.g.,
"metal woods," "fairway woods," etc.).
[0040] Golf club heads may generally include a plurality of
different regions, segments, portions, ends, etc. In an example
embodiment, a golf club head may generally include a front face, a
rear, a toe, a heel, a crown and a sole that may, generally, define
an interior of the golf club head. The golf club heads may include
a multiple piece construction and structure, e.g., including one or
more of a sole, a front face (optionally including a ball striking
surface that may be integrally formed therein or attached thereto),
a top or crown, a bottom or sole, a rear, etc. Of course, if
desired, various portions of the club head structure may be
integrally formed with one another, as a unitary, one piece
construction, without departing from the invention (e.g., the front
face and/or rear may be integrally formed with the sole and/or
crown, etc.). Optionally, if desired, the various portions of the
club head structure (such as the sole, the crown, the face, the
rear, etc.) individually may be formed from multiple pieces of
material without departing from this invention (e.g., a multi-piece
crown, a multi-piece sole, etc.). Also, as other alternatives, if
desired, the entire club head may be made as a single, one piece,
unitary construction, or a front face may be attached to a one
piece club head aft body (optionally, a hollow body, etc.). More
specific examples and features of golf club heads and golf club
structures according to this invention will be described in detail
below in conjunction with the example golf club structures
illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 12.
[0041] FIG. 1 generally illustrates an example golf club 100 and/or
golf club head 102 in accordance with this invention. In addition
to the golf club head 102, the overall golf club structure 100 of
this example includes a hosel 104, a shaft 106 received in and/or
inserted into and/or through the hosel 104, and a grip or handle
108 attached to the shaft 106. Optionally, if desired, the external
hosel 104 may be eliminated and the shaft 106 may be directly
inserted into and/or otherwise attached to the head 102 (e.g.,
through an opening provided in the top of the club head 102,
through an internal hosel (e.g., provided within an interior
chamber defined by the club head 102), etc.).
[0042] The shaft 106 may be received in, engaged with, and/or
attached to the club head 102 in any suitable or desired manner,
including in conventional manners known and used in the art,
without departing from the invention. As more specific examples,
the shaft 106 may be engaged with the club head 102 via the hosel
104 and/or directly to the club head structure 102, 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
102; etc. The shaft 106 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 108 may be attached to, engaged with, and/or
extend from the shaft 106 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, adhesives, or
the like; via mechanical connectors (such as threads, retaining
elements, etc.); etc. As another example, if desired, the grip or
handle 108 may be integrally formed as a unitary, one-piece
construction with the shaft 106. Additionally, any desired grip or
handle materials may be used without departing from this invention,
including, for example: rubber materials, leather materials, rubber
or other materials including cord or other fabric material embedded
therein, polymeric materials, and the like.
[0043] The club head 102 itself also may be constructed in any
suitable or desired manner and/or from any suitable or desired
materials without departing from this invention, including from
conventional materials and/or in conventional manners known and
used in the art. For example, in the example structure 102 shown in
FIG. 1, the club head 102 includes a first portion 102a that may
include a ball striking face (optionally including a ball striking
face plate integrally formed with the face member 102a or attached
to club such that the face plate and a frame member together
constitute the overall first portion 102a). The club head 102 may
also include a second portion 102b or upper portion 102b arranged
on top of (i.e., vertically above when the club is in a
ball-address position) the first portion 102a. The second portion
102b or upper portion 102b and the first portion 102a may be formed
from known methods of manufacture, such as casting, forging,
molding, etc. and the portions 102a, 102b may then be joined, as
will be discussed more fully below. In some examples, the first
portion 102a and the second portion 102b may be formed together,
such as using a two-shot molding process. In some other examples,
the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b may be formed
using different manufacturing processes and/or different materials,
as will be discussed more fully below. The club head may also
include a crown or top 102c and a sole or bottom 102d. The crown
102c and sole 102d may be integrally formed with one or more of
first portion 102a and second portion 102b, or may be separately
formed and joined to the remaining club head members.
[0044] A wide variety of overall club head constructions are
possible without departing from this invention. For example, if
desired, some or all of the various individual parts of the club
head 102 described above may be made from multiple pieces that are
connected together (e.g., by welding, adhesives, or other fusing
techniques; by mechanical connectors; etc.). The various parts
(e.g., first or lower portion, second or upper portion, 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, and the like. More specific examples of suitable
lightweight metal materials include steel, titanium and titanium
alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, magnesium and magnesium
alloys, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the various parts of
the club head may be formed of one or more polymer materials,
composite materials, etc. Suitable materials for use in each part
of the golf club head will be discussed more fully below. As
mentioned above, the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b
of the golf club head may be formed of different materials and may
be joined together, or may be formed together using different
material, as will be discussed herein.
[0045] The various individual parts that make up a club head
structure 102, if made from multiple pieces, may be engaged with
one another and/or held together in any suitable or desired manner,
including in conventional manners known and used in the art. For
example, the various parts of the club head structure 102, such as
the first portion 102a, the second portion 102b, etc., may be
joined and/or fixed together (directly or indirectly through
intermediate members) by adhesives, cements, welding, soldering, or
other bonding or finishing techniques; by mechanical connectors
(such as threads, screws, nuts, bolts, or other connectors); and
the like. If desired, the mating edges of various parts of the club
head structure 102 may include one or more raised ribs, tabs,
ledges, protrusions, tongues or other engagement elements that fit
into or onto corresponding grooves, slots, surfaces, ledges,
openings, recesses, receivers, or other structures provided in or
on the facing side edge to which it is joined. Cements, adhesives,
mechanical connectors, finishing material, or the like may be used
in combination with the raised rib/groove/ledge/edge or other
connecting structures described above to further help secure the
various parts of the club head structure 102 together.
[0046] In some examples, a nano coating may cover the golf club
head (including the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b)
and may aid in connecting the first portion 102a to the second
portion 102b. Nano coatings have been described as "liquid solids"
composed of extremely small particles. The nano coatings may be
extremely flexible, resistant to corrosion, abrasion or scratching,
and may require substantially less time to cure than conventional
coatings. For instance, some types of nano coatings may be cured in
10 seconds or less, as opposed to 30 minutes or more for various
conventional coatings. The nano coating may be applied to the golf
club head using known methods of application, such as painting,
spraying, etc.
[0047] Particularly suited are fine-grained high-strength pure
metals or alloys containing one of Al, Cu, Co, Ni, Fe, Mo, Pt, Ti,
W, Zn, and Zr; alloys containing at least two elements selected
from Al, Cu, Ca, Ni, Fe, Mo, Pt, Ti, W and Zr; pure metals or
alloys of Al, Cu, Co, Ni, Fe, Mo, Pt, W and Zr, further containing
at least one element selected from Ag, Au, B, C, Cr, Mo, Mn, P, S,
Si, Pb, Pd, Rh, Ru, Sn, V and Zn; and optionally containing
particulate additions such as metal powders, metal alloy powders
and metal oxide powders of Ag, Al, Co, Cu, In, Mg, Mo, Ni, Si, Sn,
Pt, Ti, V, W, Zn; nitrides of Al, B and Si; C (graphite, carbon
fibers, carbon nanotubes or diamond); carbides of B, Cr, Bi, Si, W;
ceramics, glasses and polymer materials such as
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylchloride (PVC),
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene (PP).
[0048] In particular, suitable nano coatings may include those
having Ni, Fe, Zn, and Co particles. The nano coating may further
comprises a mixture of these particles.
[0049] The thickness of the applied coating may be any suitable
thickness to achieve the desired look and properties of the
coating. Suitable thicknesses range from 50 to 180 microns, for
example 120 to 130 microns. Further, the thickness could vary at
different portions of the club head.
[0050] Nano coatings per se are known. Integran Technologies, Inc.,
for example, provides suitable nano coatings for various
substrates. Suitable nano coatings, properties thereof, and methods
of making nano coatings may be found in several Integran patents,
for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,387,578 and 7,910,224, and published
applications, for example US 20110143159. Such patents and
applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
[0051] As mentioned above, the nano coating may be an outer coating
that may provide a uniform, one piece appearance for the golf club
head. In some arrangements, the nano coating may provide the
appearance of a golf club head made entirely of metal or another
single material.
[0052] The nano coating covering all or substantially all of the
golf club head may affect the feel of the club during use. For
instance, the nano coating may provide a softer feel or a harder
feel during a golf swing based on the type of nano coating used
(e.g., the type of particles within the nano coating). Thus, golf
club designers may select a type of nano coating based on the
desired feel or performance characteristics of the golf club head.
Further, the center of gravity, moment of inertia, flex point,
swingweight, and the like may be manipulated through the use of a
nano coating via selection of the materials of the nano coating as
well as strategic positioning of the coating.
[0053] The dimensions and/or other characteristics of a golf club
head structure according to examples of this invention may vary
significantly without departing from the invention. Various
additional characteristics, features, etc. will be discussed more
fully below. In addition, the nano coatings described above
including types of particles as well as properties of the coating
may be applied in all further aspects and examples of this
application.
[0054] As discussed above, a golf club head (e.g., club head 102)
may be formed of multiple parts. In some examples, the golf club
head 202 may be formed of two parts, a first or lower portion 202a
and a second or upper portion 202b, as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2A is
an exploded view of a two-part golf club head 202. The second
portion 202b may be positioned vertically above and in contact with
the first portion 202a. In some examples, the second portion 202b
may be a portion of the golf club head 202 that generally does not
strike or contact a ball during play. For example, during play, a
ball is generally struck with a lower portion of the face of the
golf club head. Accordingly, the upper portion may, in some
instances, not contact the ball during play. The portion that does
not contact the ball may, in conventional golf club heads, add
unnecessary weight to a golf club head and shift the center of
gravity upward.
[0055] Although a two-part golf club head 202 is shown in FIG. 2A,
more parts may be used to form the golf club head without departing
from the invention. For instance, FIG. 2B illustrates one example
golf club head 252 having a three-part head. The three-part head
252 includes a lower portion 252a, an upper portion 252b, and a
middle portion 252g arranged between the lower portion 252a and the
upper portion 252b. Various other arrangements may be used without
departing from the invention, and several additional arrangements
will be discussed more fully below.
[0056] With further reference to FIG. 2A, the first portion 202a
may include a first connector region 204. The second portion 202b
may include a second connector region 203 configured to mate with
the first connector region 204. In some examples, the first
connector region 205 may be a generally planar surface along a top
surface of the first portion 202a (see e.g., FIG. 7) and the second
connector region 203 may be a generally planar surface along a
bottom surface of second portion 202b (see e.g., FIG. 7). This
arrangement will be discussed more fully below.
[0057] In other examples, the first connector region 205 may
include one or more protrusions 204 extending upward from the top
surface of the first portion 202a. The number, size, shape, etc. of
protrusions may vary. For instance, although the protrusions 204
are shown as being generally square or rectangular, the protrusions
may be any desired shape or have any desired cross-section,
including circular, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal,
and the like. Further, the protrusions may, in some arrangements be
between between 0.1 and 0.3 inches high (e.g., a top surface of the
protrusion may be between 0.1 and 0.3 inches from the top surface
of the first portion 202a of the golf club head 200.
[0058] The protrusions 204 may be configured to mate with
corresponding recesses 206 formed in the connecting region 203 of
the second portion 202b. The protrusions and recesses may aid in
aligning the first portion 202a with the second portion 202b, and
may aid in connecting the two portions 202a, 202b to form the club
head 202. Although FIG. 2A shows the first portion 202a having
protrusions 204 and the second portion 202b having recesses, an
opposite arrangement may also be used in which the first portion
202a is includes a plurality of recesses while the second portion
202b includes a plurality of protrusions configured to mate with
the recesses. In some examples, the protrusions 204 and recesses
206 may provide a friction fit between first portion 202a and
second portion 202b. In other examples, the second portion 202b may
be manufactured (e.g., molded, etc.) around the protrusions,
thereby forming the recesses in the second portion 202b and
connecting or bonding the second portion 202b to the first portion
202a. These arrangements will be discussed more fully below.
[0059] In some examples, the first portion 202a and the second
portion 202b may be constructed of different materials having
different material properties. For instance, the first portion 202a
may be formed of a heavier or denser material than the second
portion 202b. This arrangement may aid in shifting weight
associated with the club head 202 to a lower portion of the club
head 202, thereby shifting the center of gravity of the club head
lower in the club head 202. This may aid in providing improved
loft, and other performance characteristics. In some examples, the
first portion 202a may be formed of a high density polymer
material, while the second portion 202b may be formed of a polymer
material having a lower density. In another arrangement, the first
portion 202a may be formed of a metal material, such as steel,
aluminum, etc. while the second portion 202b may be formed of a
lighter weight material, such as a polymer. This two-part
arrangement may result in a club head having an irregular
appearance due to the difference in materials used. Thus, the first
portion 202a and the second portion 202b may be visually
perceptively different from one another. Accordingly, a nano
coating may cover the golf club head or a portion thereof. In some
examples, the nano coating may cover all or substantially all of
the golf club head (e.g., first portion, second portion, front,
rear, sole, crown, etc.). The nano coating arrangement will be
discussed more fully below.
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates the example golf club head 202 of FIG. 2A
with the first portion 202a joined to the second portion 202b. A
seam 208 formed between the first portion 202a and the second
portion 202b is visible and denotes where the two connector regions
203, 205 meet to form the golf club head 202. Although the two
portions 202a, 202b are shown here connected via protrusions 204
and corresponding recesses, various other methods of joining the
portions 202a, 202b of the golf club head 202 may be used. For
instance, various adhesives may be used to join the two portions.
Additionally or alternatively, the portions may be joined using
screws or other fasteners. In still other arrangements, a snap-fit
type arrangement may be used in which tabs, lips, etc, may be used
to connect the second portion 202b to the first portion 202a.
Further, the first portion 202a may be bonded to the second portion
202b during manufacture of the first portion 202a and the second
portion 202b.
[0061] FIG. 4A is a cross section of the golf club head 202 taken
along line 4-4 in FIG. 3. The top of protrusion 204 is shown. The
two portions 202a, 202b of the golf club head 202 are shown having
different cross-hatching to indicate that each portion is formed of
a different material. As mentioned above, the lower portion 202a
may be formed of a heavier weight material, such as metal, high
density polymer, etc. while the upper portion 202b may be formed of
a lighter weight material, such as a lower density polymer, lighter
weight metal, etc. FIG. 4B, a cross-section taken from a front
view, also indicates different cross-hatching in the first portion
202a than the second portion 202b to indicate a difference in
materials used to construct each portion. The difference in
cross-hatching may indicate different types of materials (e.g.,
metal vs. polymer) or may indicate different types of the same
material (e.g., high density polymer vs. lower density
polymer).
[0062] As mentioned above, the use of different materials for the
first portion 202a and the second portion 202b may result in
irregularities in the appearance of the golf club head 202. An
observer could readily see that the golf club head had a
multi-piece construction. Accordingly, a nano coating may be used
to cover the golf club head 202 in order to provide a uniform
appearance (i.e., the appearance of a one piece golf club head or a
golf club head formed of a single material, especially a metal
material in an exemplary embodiment). Further, the nano coating may
provide additional performance enhancements, as discussed
above.
[0063] In some examples, the nano coating may cover all or
substantially all of the golf club head. FIG. 5 is a front view of
a golf club head 202 of FIG. 3. The golf club head 202 may be
formed of two or more parts formed of materials having different
weights or densities, similar to the arrangements of FIGS. 2A-4B. A
nano coating 310 extends over all or substantially all of the golf
club head. For instance, the nano coating 310 covers a front, rear,
crown, sole, etc. of the golf club head. The nano coating may
provide an appearance of a single piece golf club head, such as a
traditional forged golf club head, while providing the weight and
performance advantages of the two-piece golf club head. Types of
nano coatings and properties thereof have been earlier discussed
and such discussion applies here as well.
[0064] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a golf club head 402 having a nano
coating 410. The golf club head 402 may be formed of two or more
parts, as discussed above, and may be substantially coated with a
nano coating. In some arrangements, the entire golf club head 402
may be covered with the nano coating, which may provide a uniform
appearance for the golf club head 402 (e.g., the golf club head 402
may appear to be made of a single material).
[0065] The golf club head 402 in FIG. 6 may further include a
weighted member 420 arranged on a rear of the golf club head 402.
For instance, the golf club head 402 may have a weighted member 420
positioned in a cavity 430 formed in the rear of the golf club head
402. The weighted member 420 may further aid in shifting the center
of gravity of the golf club head 402 lower along the golf club head
402. In some examples, the weighted member may be formed of a
material different from one or more of the materials used to form
the portions of the golf club head. For example, the weighted
member 420 may be formed of a metal alloy or a metal-filled
polymer, such as a tungsten-filled polymer. Alternatively, the
weighted member 420 may be formed of one of the material used to
form the first portion or second portion of the golf club head. In
order to maintain the uniform appearance of the golf club head, the
weighted member 420 may also be coated with the nano coating 410.
Thus, the golf club head 402 looks like a single, integral, metal
iron-type golf club. Types of nano coatings and properties thereof
have been earlier discussed and such discussion applies here as
well.
[0066] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head 502
similar to the club head shown in FIG. 4B. The golf club head 502
includes a first portion 502a and a second portion 502b positioned
vertically above and in contact with the first portion 502a. The
first portion may include a connector region, as discussed above.
The first connector region 505 of FIG. 7 is a generally planar top
surface of the first portion 502a and the second connector region
is a generally planar bottom surface of the second portion 502b.
The first connector region 505 and second connector region 503 form
a seam between the top surface of the first portion 502a and the
bottom surface of the upper portion 502b. In some examples,
alternate connectors (e.g., protrusions, snap fits, etc.) may be
used. The seam, connectors, etc. of the connection regions 503, 505
may be visible on the club head. Accordingly, the golf club head
502 includes a nano coating 510 covering all or substantially all
of the golf club head 502. The nano coating 510 adds an additional
layer to the club head 502 and generally surrounds the golf club
head 502. It is understood that the nano coated layer is not
necessarily drawn to scale but is shown in an exaggerated thickness
for illustrative purposes.
[0067] In some examples, the golf club head 502 (or other golf club
heads discussed herein) may be formed using one or more methods of
manufacturing. For instance, in one arrangement, the two portions
502a, 502b may be formed in a two-shot molding process, such as a
two-shot injection molding process. In this arrangement, the first
portion 502a may be formed of a first material, such as a high
density polymer material, some metal materials, etc. The second
portion 502b may be formed of a second material having less density
or being a lighter weight material than the first material of the
first portion 502a. Such suitable materials may include light
weight or low density polymers. This two-shot molding process may
bond the first portion 502a to the second portion 502b. This bond
may maintain the position of the second portion 502b relative to
the first portion 502a without additional connectors.
Alternatively, additional connectors, such as those discussed
above, may be used. All or substantially all of the golf club head
502 may then be coated with the nano coating to provide a uniform,
one-piece appearance for the golf club head 502.
[0068] In some other arrangements, the second portion 502b may be
formed after the first portion 502a. For instance, the first
portion 502a may be formed using any known methods of forming a
golf club head or portion thereof, such as forging, casting,
molding, etc. As discussed above, the first portion 502a may be
formed of a first material, such as high density polymer materials,
various metal materials, etc. The second portion 502b may be molded
(e.g., injection molded, blow molded, etc.) onto the first portion
502a. The second portion 502b may be formed of a second material
different from the first material and may be formed of a lighter
weight material, such as a polymer. Once the second portion has
been formed, the golf club head 502 may be coated with the nano
coating. In some arrangements, the nano coating may aid in
maintaining the position of the second portion 502b relative to the
first portion 502a.
[0069] In some alternate examples, the second portion 502b may be
formed separately from the first portion 502a and may be joined to
the first portion 502a using known methods of joining, such as
screws or other fasteners, adhesives, snap-fits, and the like. For
instance, rather than molding the second portion 502b around the
first portion 502a or using a two-shot molding process to form the
first portion 502a and second portion 502b as discussed above, the
second portion 502b may be formed in a separate manufacturing
process (e.g., molding, etc.) and then joined to the first portion
502a. The club head 502 may then be coated with the nano coating
510.
[0070] The nano coating 510 provided on golf club head 502 may
provide a uniform, one-piece appearance for the golf club head 502.
In some examples, a seam may be visible on the golf club head where
the first portion 502a meets the second portion 502b. Further,
because of the difference in materials used to form the two
portions 502a, 502b, the golf club head 502 may have an irregular
appearance. Accordingly, covering all or substantially all of the
golf club head 502 with the nano coating 510 would provide an
appearance of a one-piece golf club head or a golf club head formed
of a single material and may mask the seam and different materials
used. In some examples, the nano coating may provide an appearance
of a conventional forged golf club head. Types of nano coatings and
properties thereof have been earlier discussed and such discussion
applies here as well
[0071] FIG. 8 illustrates is a front view of the golf club head 502
of FIG. 7 with the nano coating 510 visible. The connector regions
503, 505 (e.g., protrusions 504, recessed 506) are shown in broken
lines and are not visible through the nano coating 510. Rather,
nano coating 510 covers all or substantially all of the golf club
head 502 and provides a uniform, one piece appearance for the two
piece golf club head 502. The golf club head 502 further includes
grooves 530. In some arrangements, the grooves 530 may be formed in
at least a portion of the first portion 502a and/or the second
portion 502b during manufacture of those portions 502a, 502b. The
grooves 530 may then be coated with the nano coating 510 as the
rest of the club head 502 is coated. Alternatively, in some
examples, the grooves 530 may be formed in the club head after the
nano coating 510 has been applied. Types of nano coatings and
properties thereof have been earlier discussed and such discussion
applies here as well.
[0072] As mentioned above, the use of a polymer or light weight
metal or other material in an upper portion of a golf club head may
reduce the overall weight associated with the golf club head and
may also aid in shifting the center of gravity of the golf club
head lower. The use of different materials may allow club designers
to manipulate various aspects of the club (e.g., center of gravity,
moment of inertia, etc) in order to vary the performance
characteristics of the golf club. However, the use of different
materials to form the golf club head may result in an irregular
appearance for the golf club head. Accordingly, covering all or
substantially all of the golf club head with a nano coating may
provide a uniform, one piece metal appearance for a two-part or
multi-part golf club head.
[0073] As noted above, the nano coating covering all or
substantially all of the golf club head may affect the feel of the
club during use. For instance, the nano coating may provide a
softer feel or a harder feel during a golf swing based on the type
of nano coating used (e.g., the type of particles within the nano
coating). Thus, golf club designers may select a type of nano
coating based on the desired feel or performance characteristics of
the golf club head.
[0074] Although the above description generally describes the use
of nano coating in covering two-part iron-type golf club heads, the
arrangements described herein could be used with various other
types of golf club heads, including wedge-type golf club heads,
wood-type golf club heads, hybrid-type golf club heads, and the
like. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate one example wood-type golf club
head formed of multiple parts and having a nano coating 610. The
golf club 600 includes a golf club head 602, a shaft 606 connected
to the golf club head 602 via a hosel 604, and a grip (not shown).
The golf club head 602 is formed of multiple parts 602a-602e. For
instance, the golf club head 602 includes ball striking surface
602a, frame 602b, crown 602c, sole 602d, rear 602e, toe 602f and
heel 602g. The golf club head 602 may include more or fewer
portions without departing from the invention. Further, one or more
of the ball striking surface 602a, frame 602b, crown 602c, sole
602d, rear 602e, toe 602f, and/or heel 602g may be integrally
formed with one or more other parts. The golf club head 602
portions may be formed of different materials, using different
manufacturing processes, etc., similar to the arrangements
discussed above. For instance, the ball striking surface 602a and
sole 602d may be formed of metal materials or higher density
polymer materials, while the crown 602c may be formed of a lighter
weight material such as polymer. Alternatively, the rear 602e and
crown may be formed of a polymer or other lightweight material
while the ball striking surface 602a, frame 602b and sole 602d are
formed of metal or higher density polymer materials. The various
portions may be connected using methods of connection known and/or
described herein. Various other arrangements and combinations of
materials may be used without departing from the invention.
[0075] Forming some portions of the golf club head 602 using
different materials may reduce the overall weight associated with
the golf club head 602 and may aid in shifting the center of
gravity lower on the golf club head 602. However, the use of these
different materials may result in an irregular appearance for the
golf club head. Accordingly, all or substantially all of the golf
club head 602 may be covered with a nano coating 610 to provide a
uniform, one piece appearance for the golf club head, as discussed
above. Types of nano coatings and properties thereof have been
earlier discussed and such discussion applies here as well.
[0076] FIG. 10 illustrates one example hybrid club 700 having a
nano coating 710 covering all or substantially all of the golf club
head 702. The hybrid club head 702 may be formed of one or more
pieces, one or more materials, etc., similar to the arrangements
described above, in order to manipulate the overall weight of the
club, center of gravity of the club head, etc. However, these
various materials, etc. may result in an irregular appearance for
the golf club head 702. Accordingly, the nano coating 710 covers
all or substantially all of the golf club head in order to provide
a uniform, one-piece appearance for the golf club head 702. Types
of nano coatings and properties thereof have been earlier discussed
and such discussion applies here as well
[0077] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a wood-type golf
club having a nano coating. FIG. 11 discloses a golf club generally
designated with the reference numeral 800. The golf club 800
includes a golf club head 802, a shaft 806 connected to the golf
club head 802 via a hosel 804, and a grip (not shown). It is
understood that in one exemplary embodiment, the golf club head 802
may be formed of multiple parts. For example, the golf club head
802 may have a cup-faced portion connected to a body portion. The
golf club head 802 may also be made of a single member. It is
understood that the golf club head may have a ball striking surface
802a, a frame 802b, a crown 802c, a sole 802d, a rear 802e, a toe
802f, and/or a heel 802g, which parts may be integrally formed with
one or more other parts. The golf club head 802 portions may be
formed of different materials, using different manufacturing
processes, etc., similar to the arrangements discussed above. For
example, it is understood that the golf club head 802 may be formed
of a polymeric material or some other composite type material. The
material may be considered moldable. As further shown in FIG. 11,
the body 802 may include a floor portion 820 on the sole 802d and a
plurality of spines 822 extending toward the rear 802e of the club
head 802. Recessed portions 824 are defined between the spines 822.
It is understood that the golf club head 802 made from such
polymeric or composite materials provides a lightweight
construction. The various portions of the club head 802 may be
connected using methods of connection known and/or described
herein. Various other arrangements and combinations of materials
may be used without departing from the invention.
[0078] As further shown in FIG. 11, segments of the club head 802
may be covered with a nano coating 810 consistent with descriptions
above. In particular, the ball striking surface 802a, the floor
portion 820 and the spines 822 may be covered with the nano coating
810. It is understood that the nano coating 810 could be positioned
along other segments of the club head 802 as desired. The nano
coating 810 is also placed over the hosel 804. In one exemplary
embodiment, the nano coating 810 may have a thickness in the range
of 2-10 thousands of an inch. In such configuration, the club head
802 appears to be constructed significantly from metal materials,
but having a lighter weight construction due to use of the
polymeric or composite materials. It is further understood that the
club head 802 could be formed of various shapes that define
surfaces designed to support the nano coating 810 thereon. In these
embodiments, the club head 802 is considered to be made from a
lightweight material where a certain amount of weight is considered
to be removed from the club head including the ball striking
surface 802a as desired. The nano coating 810 provides additional
strength and high impact durability. Types of nano coatings and
properties thereof have been earlier discussed and such discussion
applies here as well
[0079] FIG. 12A shows an exploded view of a wood-type golf club 900
having a golf club head 902, the head 902 having a cup-faced
portion 904 and rear portion 906. FIG. 12A shows one design but
other designs are contemplated. It is further understood that the
cup-faced portion 904 and the rear portion 906 could be made from
the various components of the exemplary embodiments discussed
herein. The cup-faced portion 904 may be positioned horizontally
adjacent to and in contact with the rear portion 906. The rear
portion 906 is generally a portion of the golf club head 902 that
does not strike or contact a ball during play. For example, during
play, a ball is generally struck with the striking face 916 of the
cup-shaped portion 904 of the golf club head 902. A hosel 912 forms
part of, or is connected to, cup-shaped portion 904.
[0080] With further reference to FIG. 12A, the cup-faced portion
904 may include a first connector region 908. The cup-face portion
904 further defines a hollow interior 914. The rear portion 906 may
include a second connector region 910 configured to mate with the
first connector region 908. In some examples, the first connector
region 908 may be a generally planar surface along a side surface
of the cup-faced portion 904 and the second connector region 910
may be a generally planar surface along a side surface of rear
portion 906. A lap joint may be used to connect cup-faced portion
904 with the rear portion 906.
[0081] In other examples, the first connector region 908 may
include one or more protrusions extending outwardly from the side
surface of the cup-faced portion 904. Suitable protrusions are
shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3. The number, size, shape, etc. of
protrusions may vary. For instance, although the protrusions in
FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 are shown as being generally square or
rectangular, the protrusions may be any desired shape or have any
desired cross-section, including circular, triangular, hexagonal,
pentagonal, octagonal, and the like. Further, the protrusions may,
in some arrangements be between between 0.1 and 0.3 inches high
(e.g., a top surface of the protrusion may be between 0.1 and 0.3
inches from the side surface of the cup-faced portion 904 of the
golf club head 902.
[0082] The protrusions may be configured to mate with corresponding
recesses formed in the connecting region 910 of the rear portion
906. Such recesses are shown and described for FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3
and such discussion is incorporated herein by reference. An
opposite arrangement may also be used in which the cup-faced
portion 904 is includes a plurality of recesses while the rear
portion 906 includes a plurality of protrusions configured to mate
with the recesses. In some examples, the protrusions and recesses
may provide a friction fit between cup-faced portion 904 and rear
portion 906. In other examples, the rear portion 906 may be
manufactured (e.g., molded, etc.) around the protrusions, thereby
forming the recesses in the rear portion 906 and connecting or
bonding the cup-faced portion 904 to the rear portion 906.
[0083] FIG. 12B shows a rear perspective plan view of golf club
head 902 showing where cup-faced portion 904 is joined to the rear
portion 906. A seam 918 formed between the cup-faced portion 904
and the rear portion 906 is visible and denotes where the two
connector regions 908, 910 in FIG. 12A meet to form the golf club
head 902. It this case, the parts are joined by a lap joint. Other
joints or fastening mechanisms known to those skilled in the art
are also contemplated.
[0084] As discussed above, the two portions 904, 906 may also be
connected via protrusions. In addition, various adhesives may be
used to join the two portions. Additionally or alternatively, the
portions may be joined using screws or other fasteners. In still
other arrangements, a snap-fit type arrangement may be used in
which tabs, lips, etc, may be used to connect the rear portion 906
to the cup-faced portion 904. Further, the cup-faced portion 904
may be bonded to the body portion 906 during manufacture of the
cup-faced portion 904 and the body portion 906.
[0085] FIG. 12C shows a rear elevation view of the cup-shaped
portion 904 and hollow interior 914 of golf club head 902 of FIG.
12A. Nano coating 920 is applied to all, or a portion of, the
outside surface of the cup-shaped portion.
[0086] FIG. 12D shows a rear elevation view of the cup-shaped
portion 904 and hollow interior 914 of golf club head 902 of FIG.
12A. Nano coating 920 is applied to all, or a portion of, the
outside surface of the cup-shaped portion 904 and nano coating 922
is applied to all, or a portion of, the inside surface of the
cup-shaped portion 904. In certain embodiments, the ball striking
face portion of the cup-shaped portion 904 may have the nano
coating applied thereon as well as at least portions of the inner
surface of the ball striking face portion within the cup-shaped
portion.
[0087] FIG. 12E shows the rear perspective view of the golf club
head 902 as depicted in FIG. 12B wherein a nano coating 920 is
applied to the outside of golf club head 902. Although showing
coating the entirety of the golf club head, the nano coating 920
may only be placed in portions thereof as desired. The nano coating
920 may cover all or substantially all of the golf club head in
order to provide a uniform, one-piece appearance for the golf club
head. The nano coating 920 may further be strategically placed to
provide additional strength and high impact durability. Types of
nano coatings and properties thereof have been earlier discussed
and such discussion applies here as well.
[0088] Other aspects of the invention include that the cup-faced
member is a closed body--e.g. an additional wall encloses the cup
shape. This closed body is then attached to the body portion by any
suitable means.
[0089] The golf club head 902 may accommodate weight members
capable of being positioned in multiple locations. For example,
weight ports may be included to accept various weights depending on
the desired configuration. Further, in a multiple piece
arrangement, such as a golf club head having a cup-faced portion
and a body portion, the weight ports can be included in any
combination of the multiple piece arrangement.
[0090] In addition to coating the club head, the nano coating may
be applied to all or part of the shaft as well. For example, the
shaft and club head may be formed together such as being made from
polymer, composite materials etc. in a single, unibody
construction. The nano coating may then be applied to the entire
golf club. This provides the ability to manipulate properties of
the entire golf club such as center of gravity, moment of inertia,
flex point, swingweight, and the like.
[0091] As discussed, in certain exemplary embodiments, the golf
club head may have a first portion and a second portion made from
different materials or materials having different densities. For
example, in one exemplary embodiment, the first portion may be made
from a first material that is a dense material. A second portion
may be made from a second material that is less dense than the
first material. The first portion and the second portion may be
connected or otherwise joined together to form the golf club head.
The portions cooperatively define a volume of the golf club head.
In one exemplary embodiment, the first portion that is more dense
may constitute approximately 40% of the volume of the club head,
and the second portion that is less dense may constitute
approximately 60% of the volume of the club head. In another
exemplary embodiment, the first portion that is more dense may
constitute approximately 30% of the volume of the club head, and
the second portion that is less dense may constitute approximately
70% of the volume of the club head. In certain embodiments, the
first portion may be a metal material and the second portion may be
a polymer material although other materials may be used based on
density properties.
[0092] The density of portions of the golf club head may be
manipulated depending on desired characteristics of the golf club
head. For example, the center of the face may be formed of a high
density material corresponding to the ball striking area whereas
other aspects of the golf club head would be formed of a low
density material. The hosel may be made of a low density material
to allow higher density material in other areas but keep a balance
of total weight of the golf club head. Such strategic placement of
various density materials, such as to localize such materials, can
allow manipulation of the center of gravity and/or ball speed, as
well as other properties. Such manipulations may affect ball speed
for example. The nano-coating may be applied to the entire overall
surface area of the club head as discussed herein.
IV. CONCLUSION
[0093] The present invention is described above and in the
accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of example
structures, features, elements, and combinations of structures,
features, and elements. The purpose served by the disclosure,
however, is to provide examples of the various features and
concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the
invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that
numerous variations and modifications may be made to the
embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the
present invention, as defined by the appended claims. For example,
the various features and concepts described above in conjunction
with FIGS. 1 through 12 may be used individually and/or in any
combination or subcombination without departing from this
invention.
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