U.S. patent application number 14/310392 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-09 for golf club with truss.
The applicant listed for this patent is COBRA GOLF INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Joshua G. Breier, Ryan L. Roach.
Application Number | 20140302944 14/310392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47142230 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140302944 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roach; Ryan L. ; et
al. |
October 9, 2014 |
GOLF CLUB WITH TRUSS
Abstract
The invention provides a golf club head with a truss member that
attenuates unwanted vibration while allowing for precise control of
mass distribution. In certain aspects, the invention provides a
club head with a perimeter body including a top line and a sole
portion coupled to a face and a hosel. The club head further
includes at least one truss member extending between and coupling
two portions of the perimeter body, for example, from the top line
to the sole.
Inventors: |
Roach; Ryan L.; (Carlsbad,
CA) ; Breier; Joshua G.; (Vista, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COBRA GOLF INCORPORATED |
Carlsbad |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47142230 |
Appl. No.: |
14/310392 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13488847 |
Jun 5, 2012 |
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14310392 |
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12709679 |
Feb 22, 2010 |
8202174 |
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13488847 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/332 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0487 20130101;
A63B 53/0475 20130101; A63B 53/0454 20200801; A63B 2053/0491
20130101; A63B 60/00 20151001; A63B 53/047 20130101; A63B 53/0416
20200801; A63B 60/54 20151001; A63B 53/045 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/332 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/00 20060101
A63B059/00; A63B 53/06 20060101 A63B053/06; A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Claims
1-35. (canceled)
36. A putter-type golf club head comprising: a perimeter body
including a top line, a sole, a heel, and a toe; a face disposed on
a front portion of the perimeter body to define a rear cavity; a
hosel disposed adjacent to the heel of the perimeter body; and at
least one truss member extending across the rear cavity from the
sole to a rear surface of the face, the at least one truss member
comprising: a first portion extending from a central portion of the
sole and oriented substantially in the vertical direction when the
club head is at address; and a second portion extending between the
first portion and the rear surface of the face and oriented
substantially in the horizontal direction when the club head is at
address.
37. The golf club head of claim 36, wherein the first portion of
the at least one truss member extends from the central portion of
the sole at a first angle relative to a substantially vertical
reference plane when the club head is at address.
38. The golf club head of claim 37, wherein the first angle is in
the range of -45 to 60 degrees.
39. The golf club head of claim 38, wherein the first angle is in
the range of 0 to 45 degrees.
40. The golf club head of claim 36, wherein the second portion of
the at least one truss member extends from the first portion of the
at least one truss member at a second angle relative to the first
portion.
41. The golf club head of claim 40, wherein the second angle is in
the range of 0 to 135 degrees.
42. The golf club head of claim 41, wherein the second angle is in
the range of 45 to 90 degrees.
43. The golf club head of claim 36, wherein the sole includes a
heel mass and a toe mass adjacent to the heel and toe of the
perimeter body, respectively.
44. The golf club head of claim 43, wherein the at least one truss
member includes three truss members, wherein a first truss member
is proximate the heel mass, a second truss member is proximate the
toe mass, and a third truss member is disposed between the first
and second truss members.
45. The golf club head of claim 36, wherein the at least one truss
member is integrally formed with at least one of the sole and the
rear surface of the face.
46. A golf club head comprising: a perimeter body including a top
line, a sole, a heel, and a toe; a face disposed on a front portion
of the perimeter body to define a rear cavity; a hosel disposed
adjacent to the heel of the perimeter body; and at least one truss
member extending across the rear cavity from the sole to a rear
surface of the face, the at least one truss member comprising a
first portion removably coupled to a central portion of the sole
and a second portion removably coupled to the rear surface of the
face.
47. The golf club head of claim 46, wherein the first and second
portions of the at least one truss member are coupled to the
central sole portion and rear surface of the face, respectively,
via removable fasteners or adhesive.
48. The golf club head of claim 46, wherein the first portion of
the at least one truss member extends from the central portion of
the sole substantially in the vertical direction when the club head
is at address and the second portion extends between the first
portion and the rear surface of the face substantially in the
horizontal direction when the club head is at address.
49. The golf club head of claim 48, wherein the first portion of
the at least one truss member extends from the central portion of
the sole at a first angle relative to a substantially vertical
reference plane when the club head is at address.
50. The golf club head of claim 49, wherein the first angle is in
the range of -45 to 60 degrees.
51. The golf club head of claim 48, wherein the second portion of
the at least one truss member extends from the first portion of the
at least one truss member at a second angle relative to the first
portion.
52. The golf club head of claim 51, wherein the second angle is in
the range of 0 to 135 degrees.
53. The golf club head of claim 46, wherein the sole includes a
heel mass and a toe mass adjacent to the heel and toe of the
perimeter body, respectively.
54. The golf club head of claim 53, wherein the at least one truss
member includes three truss members, wherein a first truss member
is proximate the heel mass, a second truss member is proximate the
toe mass, and a third truss member is disposed between the first
and second truss members.
55. The golf club head of claim 46, wherein the at least one truss
member has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group
consisting of substantially square, substantially round,
substantially oval, substantially rhombus-shaped, substantially
triangular, and substantially diamond-shaped.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/709,679, filed Feb. 22, 2010, the contents
of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to golf clubs, and more
specifically to a golf club having a truss structure.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Iron-type golf club heads often have either a muscle-back or
a cavity-back configuration. Muscle-back irons have a thicker
bottom, a thin top part, and no substantial rear cavity.
Cavity-back irons have a ring-like mass of material surrounding a
rear opening. Additionally, some irons have hybrid structures such
as clubs that include an upper cavity and a lower muscle
portion.
[0004] The purpose of these constructions is to tune performance.
Club designers use different materials in different configurations
to affect the club head's center of gravity or moment of inertia.
Club designers further include multiple materials as well as
combinations of light-weight and heavy-weight inserts hoping to
create a club with a low center of gravity and a good feel.
[0005] Unfortunately, many of these clubs have unappealing
vibration and deflection characteristics that adversely affect the
feel of shots and the energy transfer to the golf ball during
impact. Some designers try to dampen these unappealing vibrations
by adding an elastic material in the club head. Since this involves
adding bulk to the club head, this can defeat the performance
tuning effects of carefully designed mass distribution.
SUMMARY
[0006] The invention provides a golf club head with a truss member
that attenuates unwanted vibration while allowing for precise
control of mass distribution. A truss member disposed from portion
of a club head to another can adsorb and redistribute vibrational
energy, allowing a club to exhibit appealing hitting
characteristics. Further, a truss member can have sufficiently low
mass that mass distribution of a club head can be optimized. Thus a
club head with a truss member can exhibit desirable mass
distribution and vibration characteristics.
[0007] In certain aspects, the invention provides a club head with
a perimeter body including a top line and a sole portion coupled to
a face and a hosel. The club head further includes at least one
truss member extending between and coupling two portions of the
perimeter body, for example, from the top line to the sole. The
truss member may be angled or oriented substantially vertically, or
optionally horizontally. A plurality of truss members may be
included defining one or more spaces between them. A truss member
can extend backwards (e.g., like a wall) from a back surface of the
face or can be spaced away from the back surface.
[0008] In some embodiments, a truss member includes a weight member
within or mounted thereon. The weight member can be repositionable
to adjust a club head's mass properties (e.g., moment of inertia or
center of gravity). In some embodiments, the weight member is
slidable or threaded onto a truss member and can include an
optional fastening mechanism, such as a set screw, to hold it in
place.
[0009] In some embodiments, truss members are included that have a
spoke-like morphology. For example, truss members can define a
hub-and-spoke pattern as may generally call to mind the structure
of a bicycle wheel. In such an arrangement, a hub element may be
disposed in the cavity, e.g., spaced away from the back surface of
the face. The truss members may generally define a radiating
pattern between the hub member and the perimeter body. The hub
member can have an indicia such as a graphic or a corporate logo
displayed thereon.
[0010] In certain embodiments, a truss member has a threaded
surface. For example, a spoke-like truss member may be functionally
threaded into a spoke nipple in a perimeter of the club head. Or, a
truss member may have a weight member threaded thereon.
[0011] A truss member can have a cross sectional shape that defines
an idealized geometric closed curve, such as oval, round, square,
or rectangle. In some embodiments, a cross sectional shape of a
truss member is suited to certain manufacturing methods and does
not define a closed curve and can be, for example, in a shape of an
X, L, Z, W, T, Y, E, H, U, or N.
[0012] In certain aspects, the invention provides a club head
having a perimeter body with a face mounted on it. The head
includes at least two truss members. The truss members can be
generally vertical, extending from a top line to a sole portion.
They may be spaced away from a back surface of the face, spaced
away from one another, or both. They may be substantially vertical,
or at least closer to the vertical than to the horizontal when the
club is at address.
[0013] In certain aspects, the invention provides a club head
having a perimeter body with a face mounted on it. The head
includes a truss member extending between and connecting at least
two portions of the perimeter body, with a weight member
repositionably coupled to the truss member. For example, the weight
can be slidable along the truss member. A weight can be manually
repositionable or it can require a tool. A weight can further
include a fastening mechanism such as a set screw or adhesive to
hold it in place.
[0014] In an embodiment, a golf club head includes a perimeter
body, a face, a hosel and at least one truss member. The perimeter
body includes a top line and a sole portion. The face is disposed
on a front portion of the perimeter body, and the face and the
perimeter body define a rear cavity. The face and the sole portion
are coupled at a periphery of the face to define a channel between
the sole portion and the face. The hosel is disposed at a heel end
of the face and the perimeter body. The at least one truss member
extends across at least a portion of the rear cavity and
mechanically couples the sole portion and an area of the top line
exhibiting maximum displacement of a vibration mode in a frequency
less than 5500 Hz.
[0015] In another embodiment, a golf club head includes a perimeter
body, a face, a hosel and at least one truss member. The perimeter
body includes a top line and a sole portion that forms a lower
muscle portion. The lower muscle portion is at least partially
hollow to define a lower cavity. The face is disposed on a front
portion of the perimeter body, and the face and the perimeter body
define an upper rear cavity in an upper portion of the golf club
head. The hosel is disposed at a heel end of the face and the
perimeter body. The at least one truss member extends across at
least a portion of the upper rear cavity and mechanically couples
the sole portion and an area of the top line exhibiting maximum
displacement of a vibration mode in a frequency less than 5500
Hz.
[0016] In another embodiment, a golf club head includes a perimeter
body, a face, a hosel and at least one truss member. The perimeter
body includes a top line and a sole portion. The face is disposed
on a front portion of the perimeter body, and the face and the
perimeter body define a rear cavity. The hosel is disposed at a
heel end of the face and the perimeter body. The at least one truss
member extends across at least a portion of the rear cavity and
mechanically couples an area of the sole portion and an area of the
top line. The area of the top line exhibits maximum displacement of
a vibration mode in a frequency less than 5500 Hz. The area of the
sole portion exhibits maximum displacement of a vibration mode in a
frequency less than 10,000 Hz.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the
specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in
which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in
the various views:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a golf club in accordance with the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of
FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of
FIG. 1; and
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an alternative cross-sectional view corresponding
to a view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a rear view schematically illustrating a vibration
mode shape of a club head.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a rear view schematically illustrating a vibration
mode shape of a club head.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a rear view of a golf club in accordance with the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of
FIG. 9;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of
FIG. 9; and
[0029] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of
FIG. 9.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a rear view of another golf club in accordance
with the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a top view of the golf club of FIG. 13;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along line 15-15 of FIG.
14; and
[0033] FIG. 16 is a side view of the golf club of FIG. 13.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a rear view of a club head with one truss in a
toe region.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a rear view of a club head with a truss structure
including a hub member.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a rear view of a club head with a tab style truss
structure.
[0037] FIG. 20A is a rear view of a club head with a seven truss
system according to certain embodiments; and
[0038] FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed
line in FIG. 20A.
[0039] FIG. 21A is a rear view of a club head with a truss system
with adjustable mass; and
[0040] FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed
line in FIG. 21A.
[0041] FIG. 22 is a rear view of a club head with a spoke-and-hub
truss system.
[0042] FIG. 23 is a rear view of a spoke-style truss system.
[0043] FIG. 24 is a rear view of a club head with eight-spoke plus
hub truss system.
[0044] FIG. 25 is a rear view of a club head with truss system with
adjustable mass.
[0045] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a truss system according to
certain embodiments.
[0046] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a truss system according to
certain embodiments.
[0047] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a truss system according to
certain embodiments.
[0048] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a truss system according to
certain embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] The present invention is directed to golf clubs having a
truss structure in a rear portion of the golf club head. In
particular, the truss structure is configured to alter the
vibration characteristics of portions of the golf club head. The
end result of the present invention is a club that provides
improved sound, feel and distance control. Several embodiments of
the present invention are described below.
[0050] Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise
expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values
and percentages such as those for amounts of materials, moments of
inertias, center of gravity locations, loft and draft angles, and
others in the following portion of the specification may be read as
if prefaced by the word "about" even though the term "about" may
not expressly appear with the value, amount, or range. Accordingly,
unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set
forth in the following specification and attached claims are
approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties
sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least,
and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of
equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter
should at least be construed in light of the number of reported
significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding
techniques.
[0051] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters
setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations,
the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are
reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however,
inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the
standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth
herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values
inclusive of the recited values may be used.
[0052] Referring first to FIGS. 1-5, an embodiment of an iron-type
golf head 1 including a truss structure will be described. Club
head 1 is generally constructed as a perimeter weighted cavity back
golf club head and comprises a perimeter body, a hosel 10, at least
one truss member 12 and a face 14.
[0053] The perimeter body includes a top line 2, a toe portion 4, a
heel portion 6, and a sole portion 8 and provides mass distribution
of golf club head 1 that increases the moment of inertia by
concentrating the mass of the club head at the perimeter of face
14. Sole portion 8 may further include mass concentrations to
further tune the mass properties of club head 1. For example, in
the present embodiment, sole portion 8 includes a heel mass 16 and
a toe mass 18 and a central portion 20. Central portion 20 has a
reduced height that combines with heel mass 16 and toe mass 18 to
increase the moment of inertia about a Y-axis extending through the
center of gravity of golf club head 1.
[0054] Face 14 is disposed on the perimeter body and provides a
front ball striking surface. Face 14 may have a constant thickness,
as shown, generally between about 1.5 mm and about 4.0 mm or it may
have a variable thickness. For example, the face may have regions
of greater thickness than other regions and in embodiments in which
the truss members divide the face into portions, the portions may
have different thicknesses. In other embodiments, the face may
include a thicker lower portion adjacent the sole portion.
Additionally, face 14 may be formed integral with perimeter body or
as a separate component that is coupled to the perimeter body. Face
14 may be constructed from the same or a different material than
the perimeter body and hosel 10, and it combines with the perimeter
body to define a rear cavity.
[0055] The perimeter body may also be altered to provide
discretionary mass. For example, top line 2 may include inserts 3
that are constructed of materials that are different than the
remainder of top line 2. Preferably, inserts 3 are constructed from
a material having a lower density than the material of the
remainder of top line 2 so that the overall mass of top line 2 is
reduced. It should be appreciated that inserts may be incorporated
into any portion of the perimeter body including top line 2, toe
portion 4, heel portion 6, and sole portion 8. Additionally, the
material of the inserts is generally selected based on the location
of the particular insert. In an embodiment, inserts included above
a preselected height are constructed from a material, or materials,
having a lower density than the remainder of the perimeter body,
and inserts below that preselected height are constructed from a
material, or materials, having higher density than the remainder of
perimeter body. The discretionary mass may be dedicated to alter
the mass characteristics of the golf club head, such as by using it
to lower the location of the center of gravity or to increase the
moment of inertia. Additionally, some of that discretionary mass
may be utilized in the construction of truss members 12. Club heads
are discussed further in U.S. Pub. 2004/0009829, the contents of
which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all
purposes.
[0056] Hosel 10 is disposed on a heel end of face 14 and the
perimeter body, and provides an attachment to a shaft so that club
head 1 may be assembled into a complete golf club. Hosel 10 may be
constructed integral with face 14 and/or the perimeter body. Hosel
10 may also be constructed from the same, or a different, material
than face 14 and/or the perimeter body.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, golf club 1 is constructed to have a
channel back configuration. In particular, sole portion 8 of the
perimeter body is coupled to a back surface 22 of face 14 only at
the perimeter thereof and the remainder of sole portion 8 is spaced
from back surface 22 to define a channel 24. Channel 24 may be used
to alter the location of the center of gravity of the club head
and/or to alter the flexibility of face 14.
[0058] Golf club head 1 also includes at least one truss member 12.
In the present embodiment, a pair of truss members 12 extend from
sole portion 8 to top line 2 across the rear cavity. Preferably,
truss members 12 extend to at least one portion of club head 1 that
exhibits maximum displacement in at least one vibration mode in a
frequency of less than about 10,000 Hz. More preferably, truss
members 12 extend to a portion of the club head that exhibits
maximum displacement in a vibration mode in a frequency of less
than about 5500 Hz.
[0059] Truss members 12 are generally constructed as beams that
extend between portions of golf club head 1. In the present
embodiment, truss members 12 extend, unsupported, between sole
portion 8 and top line 2. Truss members 12 extend between portions
of top line 2 and sole portion 8 that exhibit maximum deflection in
different vibration modes of club head 1. As a result, the
displacement of each of those portions in the respective vibration
mode is reduced and the vibration frequency is tuned to a more
desirable frequency. By reducing the vibration displacement and
tuning the frequency, the energy that would otherwise be wasted on
vibration of the golf club head may be directed into the struck
golf ball to provide a more efficient energy transfer. Structural
member are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,665; U.S. Pat. No.
6,379,262; U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,689; U.S. Pub. 2009/0131199; and
U.S. Pub. 2004/0018890, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
[0060] The vibration characteristics of the golf club head are used
to locate truss members 12. A golf club having the structure of
club head 1 without truss members 12 was compared analytically to
the structure of club head 1 using finite element analysis (FEA).
The analysis provided a comparison of the vibration behavior of the
golf club heads, which was used to tune the structure of the golf
club head so that energy is more efficiently transferred during
impact.
[0061] In particular, the golf club head without the truss members
was analyzed and was determined to exhibit a top line vibration
mode, i.e., a vibration mode in which the top line exhibits the
maximum displacement of the mode, at a frequency of less than 4500
Hz, as shown schematically in FIG. 6. After the addition of truss
members 12, the vibration behavior of club head 1 still included a
top line vibration mode, but the frequency was increased above 4500
Hz and the magnitude of the displacement was reduced. For example,
frequency of the top line vibration mode was increased from about
4190 Hz. to about 4960 Hz. by the addition of truss members 12.
Preferably, truss members 12 are constructed to extend across a
portion of the rear cavity to a portion of the golf club head that
exhibits maximum displacement in a vibration mode having a
frequency of less than 4500 Hz. Analysis is discussed further in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,877,970 and U.S. Pub. 2010/0160072, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for
all purposes.
[0062] The analysis determined that the vibration behavior of the
club heads included additional vibration modes in other portions of
the golf club head at different frequencies. For example, in
another vibration mode, the golf club including a channel back
structure and lacking the truss members exhibited another vibration
mode including maximum displacement in areas of the sole portion,
i.e., a sole vibration mode, corresponding to the heel mass and the
toe mass. The club head without the truss members 12, exhibited a
sole vibration mode at a frequency of about 5630 Hz, as shown
schematically in FIG. 7. In club head 1, truss members 12 increased
the frequency of the sole vibration mode to about 6600 Hz. and
reduced the displacement magnitude of heel mass 16 and toe mass
18.
[0063] The alteration of that vibration behavior was achieved by
utilizing truss members 12 to couple portions of the golf club head
that are out of phase at each of the frequencies of the target
modes. For example, in the top line vibration mode, the sole
portion exhibits a small displacement magnitude relative to the top
line. Similarly, in the sole vibration mode, the top line exhibits
a small displacement magnitude relative to the sole portion. In
embodiments in which the truss members couple two areas of maximum
displacement, it is preferred that the frequencies of the vibration
modes are below 10,000 Hz and more preferably, at least one of the
frequencies is also less than 5500 Hz.
[0064] Truss members 12 are constructed to extend between top line
2 and heel mass 16 and toe mass 18 of sole portion 8 to reduce the
displacement of those portions in the different vibration modes and
to alter the vibration frequencies of the vibration modes. Truss
members 12 support top line 2 and allow mass to be removed from
face 14 by providing the ability to include a thinner face 14
because of the supported top line. In particular, truss members 12
provide support to top line 2 and increase its stiffness so that
the overall structural integrity of the golf club head is
maintained even with a thinner face. As a result, the inclusion of
truss members 12 provides additional discretionary mass that can be
more advantageously located to provide additional forgiveness by
increasing the moment of inertia of the club head or by altering
the location of the center of gravity.
[0065] The truss members may extend across the rear cavity at any
selected angle. For example, they may be parallel, convergent or
divergent toward the top line. Preferably, however, truss members
12 are angled relative to each other so that they are convergent
toward top line 2. In particular, truss members 12 are angled
relative to an XZ plane, that is generally horizontal relative to
the golf club when it is in an address position, by an angle
.theta., that is between about 20.degree. and about 90.degree..
More preferably, angle 6 is between about 40.degree. and about
70.degree.. Additionally, the truss members may be spaced from each
other or they may converge so that they are immediately adjacent
each other at an end.
[0066] Truss members 12 may have any construction to provide any
desired rigidity, but it is preferred that truss members 12 are
constructed to rigidly couple the portions of the golf club head
and so that their weight is minimized. Preferably, the weight of
the truss members is less than about 12 grams and more preferably
less than about 8 grams.
[0067] The truss members may be constructed as solid or hollow
members. They may also have any cross-sectional shape such as
I-beams, C-beams, curved, polygonal and the cross-sectional shape
may change over the length of the truss member. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional area of each truss
member 12 decreases toward top line 2. Preferably, truss members 12
are rigid so that portions of the perimeter body are rigidly
coupled.
[0068] Face 14 is preferably made from a lower density material
than the perimeter body and hosel 10 to locate the center of
gravity lower and further back and to increase moment of inertia
and sweet spot size to improve the golfer's chances for effective
ball-striking. Truss members 12 may be constructed from a material
that is the same or different from any other portion of the club
head. Preferably, truss members 12 are constructed from the same
material as the portions to which they are attached. In particular,
truss members 12 are attached to portions of top line 2 and sole
portion 8 all of which are constructed from the same material. Face
14, the perimeter body, hosel 10 and truss members 12 may all be
constructed from the same material. Preferably, face 14 has a
density in the range of about 4 g/cm3 to about 8 g/cm3 and the
perimeter body, hosel 10 and truss members 12 have a density in the
range of about 9 g/cm3 to about 19 g/cm3. Suitable materials for
the portions of the club head, including the truss members,
include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel,
titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof. These material alternatives
are applicable to all of the embodiments described herein.
[0069] Truss members 12 may be formed integral with face 14 and/or
any portion of the perimeter body such as by being cast as a unit,
or they may be separate components that are coupled to face 14
and/or the perimeter body in a secondary coupling procedure.
Alternatively, the truss members may be coupled using any coupling
technique, such as welding, soldering, brazing, swaging, etc.
Additionally, truss members 12 may be removably coupled, or
semi-permanently coupled, to face 14 and/or the perimeter body such
as by using removable fasteners, or adhesive.
[0070] Further vibration tuning is accomplished using one or more
damping inserts 26. Damping inserts 26 are inserted at least
partially into channel 24 and abut rear surface 22 of face 14 and a
forward surface 28 of sole portion 8. Damping inserts 26 may be
compressed between face 14 and sole portion 8 or sized to slidably
fit into a portion of channel 24. Damping inserts 26 may be
constructed from any metallic or non-metallic vibration damping
material, such as polyurethane, aluminum, nylon 6-6, silicone,
viscoelastic adhesive, etc. Additionally, the damping inserts may
be constructed of both damping and non-damping materials, such as
rigid plastic with viscoelastic adhesive. In embodiments utilizing
multiple damping inserts 26, the inserts may be constructed to
provide different amounts of dampening at different locations, such
as by utilizing different materials and dimensions.
[0071] Additional inserts may be incorporated into the rear cavity
and coupled to rear surface 22 of face 14. As shown, the rear
cavity of the golf club head is generally split into a heel
portion, a central portion and a toe portion by truss members 12
when viewed from the rear of the golf club head. Golf club head 1
includes a plurality of cavity inserts, including a heel cavity
insert 30, a central cavity insert 32 and a toe cavity insert 34.
Each cavity insert may cover all or any portion of the rear surface
of face 14 within the respective cavity portion.
[0072] The cavity inserts are generally coupled to back surface 22
of face 14. Each of heel cavity insert 30, central cavity insert 32
and toe cavity insert 34 has a cup-shaped structure including a
base 36 and a side wall 37. Base 36 is generally planar and
includes an attachment surface that is coupled to back surface 22
and an exposed surface 38 that may include indicia, logos or other
markings. Side wall 37 extends aft ward from base 36 and abuts a
portion of the perimeter body and the adjacent truss member
12.C09-38
[0073] Alternate constructions of truss members 12 are illustrated
in FIGS. 5 and 6, which generally correspond to a cross-sectional
view of the truss member through line 5-5, shown in FIG. 1. The
truss members may extend aft ward from face 14 or they may be
spaced from the rear surface of face 14. As shown in FIG. 5, truss
member 12 is spaced from face 14 so that a gap is formed
therebetween. One or more of the cavity inserts may be configured
to fit within, or partially within, the gap so that it abuts both
face 14 and truss member 12. In particular, the toe ward edge of
insert 30 extends in the gap between face 14 and truss member 12
and is sized to generally match the shape of the gap which has a
greater fore-aft dimension in a lower portion than at an upper
portion. Additionally, the height of insert 30 may be selected so
that a lower portion abuts an upper surface of damping insert 26.
Preferably, insert 30 is sized to abut truss member 12, face 14,
damping insert 26 and the other adjacent side walls of the
perimeter body to seal channel 24. Preferably, in embodiments
including spaced truss members, the truss members are spaced from
the face over the entirety of the length of the truss member so
that the stiffness of the face is not increased directly from the
truss member.
[0074] In another example, shown in FIG. 6, truss member 12 extends
aft ward from face 14 such that there is no gap therebetween over
the length of truss member 12. In that construction the rear cavity
of golf club head 1 is divided so that there are three discrete and
separate portions. Each of the discrete and separate portions of
the rear cavity may include an insert such as the cavity inserts
described above. Additionally, channel 24 may be separated into a
plurality of discrete portions by truss members 12. Preferably, if
inserts are included, the perimeter of each insert abuts the
adjacent side walls of the respective cavity portion. Additionally,
each of the plurality of discrete portions of channel 24 may
further include one or more damping inserts 26.
[0075] Another embodiment of the golf club head of the present
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7-10. Golf club head 40 is
constructed as a perimeter weighted golf club head and comprises a
perimeter body, a hosel 41, a plurality of truss members 42 and a
face 43.
[0076] The perimeter body includes a top line 44, a toe portion, a
heel portion, and a sole portion 45. Sole portion 45 of the
perimeter body is coupled to a back surface of face 43 at the
perimeter and over a lower portion thereof to form a lower muscle
portion. Face 43 is disposed on the perimeter body and provides a
front ball striking surface. In all of the described embodiments,
the face may be an integral part of the perimeter body or it may be
constructed separately as a face insert, as shown in FIGS. 9-12,
and coupled to the perimeter body. A construction including a face
insert may be selected to simplify the manufacture of the golf club
head. For example, in channel back constructions or hollow muscle
back constructions and constructions including truss members that
are spaced from the face, those features can be difficult, or
impossible, to create using casting or forging with an integral
face, but by including a face insert the construction becomes
easier to manufacture.
[0077] The combined perimeter body and face 43 define a rear cavity
in an upper portion of golf club head 40. Hosel 41 is disposed on a
heel end of face 43 and the perimeter body, and provides an
attachment to a shaft so that club head 40 may be assembled into a
complete golf club.
[0078] Sole portion 45 may be constructed as a solid or hollow
muscle back portion. In the illustrated embodiment, sole portion 45
is constructed so that at least a portion of it is formed by a
muscle back shell 46 that combines with face 43 to define an
enclosed cavity 47. Muscle back shell 46 may be manufactured as a
separate component that is coupled to the remainder of the
perimeter body or as an integral part of the perimeter body. It
should be appreciated that sole portion 45 may be entirely hollow,
solid, or it may incorporate both hollow and solid portions.
Furthermore, one or more weight members 48 may be included in
hollow portions of sole portion if desired.
[0079] Truss members 42 extend from sole portion 45 across the rear
cavity and are coupled, at an upper end, to top line 44. As a
result, truss members 42 couple top line 42 to sole portion 45 to
alter the vibration characteristics of golf club head 40. As
described above, the truss members may be spaced from a rear
surface of the face or they may extend aft ward from the face so
that there is no space between the truss member and the face over
the length of the truss member. Discussion of structures in club
head can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,163; U.S. Pat. No.
7,201,669; U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,732; U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,118; and
U.S. Pub. 2010/0029406
[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, in another embodiment, golf
club head 51 is configured as a putter-type golf club head. Golf
club head 51 includes a perimeter body, a hosel 60, at least one
truss member 62 and a face 64.
[0081] The perimeter body includes a top line 52, a toe portion 54,
a heel portion 56, and a sole portion 58 and provides mass
distribution that of golf club head 51 that increases the moment of
inertia by concentrating the mass of the club head at the perimeter
of face 64. Sole portion 58 may further include mass concentrations
to further tune the mass properties of club head 51. For example,
in the present embodiment, sole portion 58 includes a heel mass 66
and a toe mass 68 and a central portion 70 having a reduced height
that combine to increase the moment of inertia about a Y-axis
extending through the center of gravity of golf club head 51. Face
64 combines with the perimeter body to define a rear cavity.
[0082] Hosel 60 is disposed on a heel end of face 64 and the
perimeter body, and provides an attachment to a shaft so that club
head 51 may be assembled into a complete golf club. Hosel 60 may be
constructed integral with face 64 and/or the perimeter body. Hosel
60 may also be constructed from the same or different material than
face 64 and/or the perimeter body.
[0083] Golf club head 51 includes at least one truss member 62. In
the present embodiment, a plurality of truss members 62 extends
from sole portion 58 to a back surface 72 of face 64 across a
portion of the rear cavity. Preferably, truss members 62 extend to
at least one portion of club head 1 that exhibits maximum
displacement in at least one vibration mode in a frequency of less
than about 8500 Hz.
[0084] Truss members 62 extend from central sole portion 70 to back
surface 72 of face 64 and are generally formed of a first portion
74 extending from sole portion 58 and a second portion 75 extending
between first portion 74 and back surface 72. First portion 74
extends generally upward from central sole portion 70 at an angle a
with respect to a vertical reference plane. Angle a may be
positive, negative or zero, and is generally in a range of about
-45.degree. to about 60.degree., but is preferably in a range of
about 0.degree. to about 45.degree.. Second portion 75 extends
generally laterally from first portion 74 to back surface 72 of
face 64 adjacent top line 52. Second portion 75 is angled relative
to first portion 74 by an angle p. Angle p is in a range of about
0.degree. to about 135.degree., but is preferably in a range of
about 45.degree. to about 90.degree..
[0085] As shown, the plurality of truss members 62 includes three
truss members 62, but it should be appreciated that any number of
truss members 62 may be included. Furthermore, it should be
appreciated that the truss members may have any cross-sectional
shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape may be circular,
polygonal, I-beam shaped, channel shaped, etc.
[0086] Truss members 62 may be formed integral with face 64 and/or
any portion of the perimeter body or they may be separate
components that are coupled to face 64 and/or the perimeter body in
a secondary coupling procedure.
[0087] Additionally, truss members 62 may be removably coupled, or
semi-permanently coupled, to face 64 and/or the perimeter body. For
example, truss members 62 may be attached using removable
fasteners, or adhesive. Structural members in putters are discussed
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,665 and U.S. Pub. 2011/0275453, the contents
of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for
all purposes.
[0088] Regardless of club head type (e.g., putter, iron, wedge,
hybrid, driver), one or more of a truss member 12 can be included
to structurally span an area of a club head and improve vibration
dampening or playability or to aid in optimizing moment of inertia
or center of gravity. For example, one or more of truss member 62
as shown on a putter in FIGS. 14-16 could be adapted for inclusion
on a cavity/muscle hybrid backed iron to dampen vibration (e.g.,
along a topline). Thus, while different dispositions of a truss
member 12 on different types of club heads may serve to optimize
mass properties and resonance properties in different or similar
ways, disclosed embodiments may generally be implemented in a
variety of club head types. For example, FIGS. 17-25 show
embodiments of the invention as related to irons, but may be
adapted to conform to other club head types.
[0089] In general, a truss can be included in any kind of golf club
head. For example, in a driver, a truss could be in a skirt
portion, extending between a crown and a sole, on either a side or
a rear of the driver. In some embodiments, a truss is included in a
driver on a skirt near the face (e.g., off to the side from the
face) on the heel side, toe side, or both. In certain embodiments,
a truss extends along a crow portion of a club head. As shown in
the figures herein, in a putter, a truss can be on the back of a
face of a putter. In some embodiments, a truss is in the back of a
face of a putter.
[0090] As described herein throughout, a truss may be hollow,
partially solid, completely solid, or a combination thereof. For
example, in some embodiments, a truss is solid at either end, with
a hollow portion in between the ends. In certain embodiments, a
truss is solid at one end and hollow at the other (e.g., where the
truss is substantially vertical when a club is at address, it may
be solid near the sole and hollow near the crown).
[0091] In certain embodiments, a single truss member 12 can dampen
vibration, contribute to MOI, strengthen a club head structure,
tune face rebound (COR), or any combination thereof. For example,
in certain embodiments, addition of at least one of truss member 12
improves the face rebound due to flexure of the truss. Without
being bound to any theory, it is possible that elastic properties
in materials in a truss contribute restitution forces to a face.
Further, since a truss can contribute to coefficient of restitution
with greater efficiency than a full panel of material (i.e.,
greater contribution per unit area or significance of contribution
to COR outweighs significant addition of weight), one or more truss
may particularly tune COR, improve mass distribution properties (CG
and/or MOI), or both.
[0092] Combinations of properties and materials add additional
benefits. For example, in some embodiments a truss includes a
material that can be manipulated or injected from the outside. For
example, a golf club can have hollow trusses with valves, and a
golfer (or a consultant at a pro shop) can inject a fluid into a
truss (e.g., with a syringe) to tune mass distribution properties
of a club head. In certain embodiments, a truss includes a
ferro-fluidic or thermally activated material as a means to adjust
mass properties or stiffness (e.g., flexure or tension). To
illustrate, a truss can be provided that has, by default, a lumen
within that is filled about 50% with a solid thermally activated
material. A golfer can make shots with the club and, if desired,
activate the material and hold the club head in a desired position
while the material flows and re-solidifies. In trusses that are
generally vertically oriented at address, this provides a mechanism
by which a golfer may tune the vertical bias of a club head center
of gravity. In a spoke-and-hub array, fine tuning the club's MOI is
possible (e.g., by spinning while liquefied).
[0093] FIG. 17 is a rear view of a club head having truss member 12
extending from about a highest point in the topline (when the club
is at address) to a portion of the sole and disposed generally in a
toe region. Truss member 12 may instead be disposed in a heel
region or extend up a central portion of the back. Behind truss
member 12 is back surface 22 of the strike face.
[0094] In some embodiments, truss member 12 has a substantially
regular cross-sectional profile (e.g., triangular, L-shaped,
square) along its length. Further, truss member 12 can have a cross
sectional dimension that is substantially constant along a length
or that tapers (e.g., very gradually, as shown in FIG. 17). Without
being bound by any mechanism, it can be theorized that a uniform
dimension and a cross section that is L-shaped, X-shaped, T-shaped,
Y-shaped, I-shaped, H-shaped, O-shaped, W-shaped, D-shaped,
V-shaped, Z-shaped, or polygonal provides excellent strength and
rigidity while allowing for a particularly light weight (e.g., a
truss member with a cross-sectional shape defining an open square
can be substantially lighter than a member with a cross-sectional
shape defining a closed square). In fact, in certain embodiments,
the invention provides an iron-type club head having a perimeter
that includes a top line area, a toe area, a sole area, and a heel
area. The club head includes one truss oriented in a vertical
direction when the club is at address, the truss having a
cross-sectional profile that is substantially uniform or gradually
tapered along its length. The cross-section may have one of the
shapes recited above. The truss extends from the top line area to
the sole area, and can be disposed in a toe region, a heel region,
or in the middle (depending on a desired effect on MOI, for
example). In some embodiments, more than one such truss is included
(e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc.). Structures for club heads are
discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,812; U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,707; and
U.S. Pub. 2010/0234131, the contents of each of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
[0095] A truss member 12 may generally include the same material as
found in a surrounding component of a club head or it may be
separately formed and include a separate material. In certain
embodiments, a truss is co-molded in a backplate portion of a club
head. Co-molding head components is discussed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,938,740 and U.S. Pub. 2010/0137074, the contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0096] In some embodiments, one or more of truss member 12 aid in
supporting an additional structural or ornamental element such as,
for example, hub member 81 as shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a rear
view of a club head in which a truss structure having eight of
truss member 12 supports hub member 81. Hub member 81 can offer
exceptional tuning and playability benefits, being positioned as
shown or differently to lower a center of gravity or to pleasantly
distribute vibrational energy to prevent uncomfortable vibrations.
By using a hub member 81 to tune mass distribution of energy
management, a club head is provided with positive and enjoyable
playing characteristics.
[0097] In certain embodiments, a truss structure as shown in FIG.
18 including several of truss member 12 is disposed to define a
substantially smooth continuation of a back-most surface of the
perimeter of the club head. That is, in certain embodiments, each
of truss member 12 has a surface that smoothly continues to an
outside surface of the club head for optimized strength and
aesthetic appeal. Without being bound by any mechanism, it can be
theorized that structural elements that terminate in a stepped-in
portion can introduce stress risers or fatigue points.
[0098] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 18, the invention provides a
club head having a truss system that includes several of truss
member 12 cooperating to suspend a hub member 81, optionally spaced
away from a back surface 22 of a club striking face. Hub member 81
presents a natural and attractive place to put a medallion (e.g.,
stamped with a corporate logo, functional information, or other
indicia). Each of truss member 12 may independently be spaced away
from back surface 22 or extend back from surface 22. Structural
members in club heads are discussed further in U.S. Pat. No.
7,789,771 and U.S. Pub. 2010/0267463, the contents of each of which
are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all
purposes.
[0099] In certain embodiments, a few or several of truss member 12
can define a tab portion extending from a perimeter of a club head.
FIG. 19 is a rear view of a club head with a tab style truss
structure extending inward (e.g., towards the distal perimeter)
from the perimeter. As shown in FIG. 19, about five of truss member
12 extend from a perimeter of the club head to a linking cross bar,
defining a tab member having four openings in its back-most
surface. Where the tab member is spaced away from back surface 22,
each opening defines an aperture through the tab member. As shown
in FIG. 19, the tab member depends from a top line of the club
head. However, a tab member may protrude from any portion of the
perimeter of the club head (e.g., upward from the sole, inward and
upward from the sole/toe or sole/heel, inward from the heel or the
toe, inward and downward from the top/toe or top/heel). It may be
found that a tab member provides excellent rigidity and vibration
dampening without limiting a coefficient of restitution of a club
head. A club head including a truss system defining a tab member
may offer the benefit of a very lively sweet spot (e.g., give shots
with great distance) while having structurally sound perimeter
members that do not fatigue and also having good vibration
dampening. Club head structures are discussed in U.S. Pub.
2011/0275454; U.S. Pub. 2011/0009205; and U.S. Pub. 2004/0018890,
the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety for all purposes.
[0100] In certain embodiments, a plurality of truss member 12 is
provided. Each of truss member 12 may span a portion of a back of
the club head extending, for example, from a top line to a sole
region. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, a club head can include
more than four (here, seven) truss members, each of which extend
substantially from a topline or near topline to a sole region or
nearby. As shown in FIG. 20A, the termini of the plurality of truss
member 12 are arrayed along the top line, spaced apart in a
substantially uniform fashion. Along the sole, the termini define
substantially only three contact points. One contact point that is
heel-ward of center includes termini of three of truss member 12,
as does the toe-ward contact point. The club head depicted in FIG.
20A includes one substantially vertical truss member disposed
generally near a center of the back in a heel-toe direction. Behind
the truss system, back surface 22 of the club's strike face can be
seen. FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed
line in FIG. 20A showing that each of truss member 12 is spaced
away from back surface 22, giving the club head a generally open,
cage-like area within.
[0101] FIGS. 21A and 21B show a club head with a system of
substantially vertical trusses. As shown in FIG. 21A, a club head
can include a number (e.g., 4, 5, 6, . . . ) of vertical truss
member 12, each extending substantially from a top line to a sole
portion of a club head. As shown in FIG. 21A, each of truss member
12 has a square cross sectional shape. However, in some
embodiments, a truss member has a substantially round cross
sectional shape. The trusses are spaced apart so that a back
surface 22 of a club strike face can be seen through them. Turning
to FIG. 21B, it can be seen that each of truss member 12 is spaced
away from the club striking face. However, in some embodiments,
each truss extends backwards from the front of the club so that
each pair of trusses can be viewed as wall-like, defining a
compartment therebetween. To the extent that trusses define a space
between a back and a front of a club head as shown in FIG. 21B,
that area can be an open void or it can be filled partially or
completely with metal; an insert (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane
(TPU)); a medallion; weight members; or a combination thereof. For
example, in some embodiments, a bottom area of a space inside of
the club head (e.g., between the trusses and a back surface of the
strike face) includes a TPU insert extending substantially from a
heel end to a toe end of the club head (e.g., occupying only
approximately the bottom 15% to 55% of the club head volume). A TPU
insert can include (e.g., embedded therein) dense or heavyweight
members such as lead or tungsten member (cubes, spheres, lozenges,
amorphous, custom, etc.).
[0102] In certain embodiments, for example, as depicted in FIGS.
21A, 21B, and 25, a truss member 12 comprises a repositionable
weight member 85. As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, weight member 85
is slidable along a portion of a length of truss member 12. Any or
all of truss member 12 may include one or more of weight member 85.
A golfer or pro-shop consultant can customize a mass distribution
of a club head by positioning weight member 85 in a specific
location. Weight member 85 can include a mechanism to hold its
position during play.
[0103] In some embodiments, weight member 85 holds its position
during play because it includes a material that exerts substantial
pressure or friction on truss member 12. For example, weight member
85 can include rubber or material that exerts a compressive force
(e.g., a plastic or elastic or malleable material (e.g., a metal)
that is dimensioned with a tight fit with respect to truss member
12) on truss member 12.
[0104] In certain embodiments, weight member 85 includes a
retention screw that can be tightened to exert a clamping force on
truss member. In some embodiments, a weight member includes a
clamp-on form factor as in a split-shot sinker or a tension hinge
for example, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,996,931. A weight
member 85 can further be provided that does not clamp into a
position on truss member 12, but is adhered into a position on
truss member 12, for example, through the use of an adhesive or
solder. In some embodiments, weight member 85 is provided as part
of kit for customizing a club head, and the kit includes one or
more of weight member 85, an adhesive (e.g., glue or solder) for
positioning the weight and fixing it into place, and optionally a
pamphlet or card including instructions or explanation of club head
weighting (see, e.g., discussion in U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,641, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety).
[0105] In some embodiments, truss member 12 includes at least a
portion with a substantially round cross-sectional profile and a
threaded exterior surface (in an alternative embodiment, truss
member 12 includes a threaded exterior surface without having a
substantially round cross-sectional profile). Weight member 85
includes a threaded interior surface and can be repositioned along
a length of truss member 12 by spinning or twisting it, causing it
to translate along a length of truss member 12 due to the
interaction of the threaded surfaces. Structural elements in club
heads are discussed further in U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,032; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,549,297; U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,563; U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,075;
U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,630; U.S. Pat. No. 2,460,445; and U.S. Pub.
2010/0099511, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
[0106] In some embodiments, a truss member includes a material in a
conformation generally describable as spoke like. A spoke-like
truss member 12 generally has a thin or a wire-like or a cable-like
appearance and can contribute good strength and energy dampening
properties to a club head while also contributing very pleasing and
appealing visual characteristics. One insight of the invention is
that bicycle wheels and suspension bridges use spoke-like or
cable-like members under tension to good effect to provide very
strong and lightweight structures. By including a structure that
can be strong or lightweight in desired aspects, discretionary mass
can be placed in a club head in desired distributions.
[0107] In some embodiments, a club head includes an array including
a number of spoke member 89 for example, connecting a hub element
81 to an outer perimeter as shown in FIG. 22. A club head such as
is shown in FIG. 22 can be provided by assembling a plurality of
wire members 89 into a spoke array and attaching them to a back of
hub element 81 (e.g., by welding) to create a spoke-and-hub badge
that can then be positioned and fixed within a perimeter of a club
head (e.g., by welding). A club head as shown in FIG. 22 can be
provided by a stitching method in which holes are include through a
wall of the perimeter body of the club head, and wire is threaded
through the holes to the back of hub element 81. Each hole can have
one wire threaded therethrough or a single or a few pieces of wire
can be threaded through all of the holes. In certain embodiments,
one wire is provided per pair of holes, the wire generally having a
U-shape. The stems of the U are threaded through the holes and the
tips of the stems are fixed to the back of hub member 81 so that
the base of the U is inside of the perimeter of the club head. In
some embodiments, each spoke member 89 spans a perimeter of the
club head, and hub member 81 is mounted at or near a crossing point
(e.g., for decorative purposes or for weight modulation). Any
number of spoke member 89 can be included (where U-shaped wires are
used, it will generally appear that an even number of spoke member
89 is included) such as, for example, 2, 4, 12, 16, 28, 32, 36, 40,
48, 64, 144, etc. A spoke member 29 can be provided including metal
(e.g., wire), plastic, fabric, a synthetic polymer, or other
materials. Club head structures are discussed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,482,107 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,280, the contents of each of
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for
all purposes.
[0108] As mentioned above, an array of spoke member 89 and hub
member 81 can be formed as a badge or medallion element separately
from the club head. FIGS. 18, 21A, and 22 viewed in relation to one
another illustrate a snap-fit construction provided in certain
embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, a truss or a
medallion element can be snapped into place in the back of a club
head. For example, in some embodiments, each of truss member 12 can
be snapped of the club head for on-the-fly customization. A
medallion element such as the entire spoke array illustrated in
FIG. 22 can be snapped into the club head and subsequently removed.
A spoke-and-hub style medallion need not strictly have wire-style
spokes. FIG. 18 depicts a club head having an 8-spoke spoke-and-hub
style medallion that, in some embodiments, can be snapped out of
the club head. In some embodiments, any truss, combination of
trusses, or medallion-style element including spoke members or
truss members use a snap-fit assembly to be interchangeable,
allowing a golfer to customize their club to their preferences.
[0109] In certain aspects, the invention provides a kit for
customizing a golf club that includes one or more truss elements
that can be added to a club head. A kit may include plurality of
trusses of varying weights, stiffnesses, or appearances which a
golfer may select from based on personal preference or playing
style. For example, in some embodiments, each of truss member 12 as
shown in FIG. 21A is separable from the club head (either via a
snap-fit construction or through the use of a tool). A kit of
trusses is provided that may be sold, for example, with an
instruction card or pamphlet that illustrates concepts of moment of
inertia or other interesting material to a golfer. A golfer can use
the kit to customize a club head to his or her playing style, for
example, correcting a hook or a slice through the appropriate heel
or toe weighting as implemented by, for example, a heavyweight
truss near one of the heel and the toe and a lightweight truss near
the other. In some embodiments, a lightweight truss is a hollow
metal or plastic member (e.g., aluminum) and a heavyweight truss
includes tungsten or another high density metal.
[0110] In some embodiments, a club head includes one or more of
spoke member 89 that span a portion of a club head (e.g., not
necessarily terminate in a hub member). FIG. 23 is a rear view of a
spoke-style truss system in which a number (here, 4) of spoke
member 89 extend from a top line to a sole portion of a perimeter
of a club head. As shown in FIG. 23, a spoke member 89 can
terminate in a spoke nipple 87. A spoke nipple 87 may be rotatably
mounted in part of a club head. Where a spoke nipple 87 includes a
threaded interior surface and a spoke member 89 includes a threaded
end portion, a club can be adjusted for tension, strength, etc., by
rotating a spoke nipple 87. Spoke nipple 87 can be rotated (e.g.,
twisted, tightened, loosened) with a specialized tool such as, for
example, a spoke wrench (see, e.g., spoke wrench item #SW-2 offered
by Park Tool Co. (St. Paul, Minn.). Spoke member 89 may be metal,
plastic, a polymer and may have any structure including, for
example, single or double-butted. While shown in FIG. 23 as having
a generally bicycle spoke-like construction and functionality,
other embodiments are included in the invention including, for
example, members monolithically formed with a club head body. In
some embodiments, a spoke member 89 having a general orientation
and disposition as shown in FIG. 23, 24, or 25 are cast, forged,
molded, sintered, or otherwise formed as part of at least a portion
of a club head body (e.g., same material).
[0111] FIG. 24 is a rear view of a club head with eight-spoke plus
hub truss system. As shown in FIG. 24, hub member 81 can be
suspended near a center of a perimeter of a club head body through
the interaction of a number of spoke member 89. In this
configuration, hub member 81 can be spaced away from a back surface
22 of a striking face. Hub member 81 can have visible spoke heads
protruding on a surface, or such structures may be concealed. Hub
member 81 can presented a badge, medallion, or other cosmetic
element. Spoke member 89 and spoke nipple 87 can be functional, as
in a bicycle wheel, or non-functional (e.g., all of a solid molded
piece). Spoke nipple 87 as shown in FIG. 24 is an optional feature
of certain embodiments and in some embodiments, one or more of
spoke member 89 are simply mounted at an end portion, for example,
welded or protruding through a hole or formed with an adjacent
material.
[0112] In certain embodiments, a truss provides an informational
benefit to a golfer. For example, an array of trusses can be
provided in which, for any given golf shot, the spot on the face
that makes contact with the golf ball is indicated by the truss
that is subject to a maximum amount of stress. A truss can include
an indicator that reveals a relative amount of stress. For example,
in some embodiments, a truss includes a metal that exhibits a color
change as it fatigues. After, for example, ten or one hundred hits,
the truss members that exhibit the greatest color change indicate a
region of the face where the golfer is making contact with the
ball. In certain embodiments, each truss member includes a
piezoelectric mechanism that can, for example, illuminate in
response to a hit. FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate arrangements suitable
for active information truss according to certain embodiments. Each
truss could be a stress-indicating truss, or each nipple element
could include a piezoelectric sensor. In some embodiments, a truss
is further linked to a device such as a light-emitting diode to
indicate a hit. Other possible elements for active information
truss sets include one or more of a battery, wiring, counter,
etc.
[0113] FIG. 25 is a rear view of a club head with truss system with
adjustable mass. The elements as shown in FIG. 25 are for use with
any suitable embodiment of the invention including, e.g.,
embodiments disclosed throughout, and allow a center of gravity or
a moment of inertia of a club head to be customized. A club head
can include one or more of a truss member 12 or a spoke member 89
(shown in FIG. 25 generally having a spoke member construction)
having positioned thereon a movable weight mass element. A member
can include barrel weight 95, ring weight 93, or torus weight 91
partially or fully surrounding the truss or spoke member. A barrel
weight 95 can optionally have a gap along a side allowing it to be
clipped to a spoke or truss member (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
3,612,612). A ring weight 93 can have a closeable fastening
assembly such as is described, for example, in U.S. Pub.
2008/0101889. Any of barrel weight 95, ring weight 93, or torus
weight 91 can optionally be provided as closed ring or tubular
shaped elements that surround a spoke or truss member completely.
They can be dimensioned to exert enough compressional force on a
spoke or truss member to allow them to be manually moved, but to
retain their positioning while a club is in play. In some
embodiments, a club head such as is shown in any of FIGS. 14, 15,
23, 21A, 20A, 18, 17, or any other suitable embodiment of the
invention includes several repositionable weight members that can
be positioned to optimize mass properties of a club head. For
example, with continued reference to FIG. 25, in an alternative
embodiment, each of spoke member 89 includes two of barrel weight
95. A golfer who wants a very low center of gravity and a toe bias
can cut off or melt off those of barrel weight 95 that are above
the hub member or near the heel and can slide the other of barrel
weight 95 in a downward (when the club is at address) and toe-ward
direction.
[0114] FIGS. 26-29 show diagrams of possible arrangements for
trusses according to various embodiments. FIG. 26 shows a six-spoke
model in which six of truss member 12 define a radiating pattern
between hub member 81 and a perimeter body of a club head. FIG. 27
shows an embodiment in which a club head includes six trusses that
are substantially vertical. FIG. 28 shows a five-spoke model in
which trusses include repositionable weight members. The dotted
lines indicate a path along a truss along which a weight member can
slide. FIG. 29 shows an embodiment include two vertical trusses and
six trusses radiating from a hub.
[0115] As used throughout, any reference to direction that does not
otherwise specify is made with reference to a club head at
address.
[0116] While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of
the invention disclosed herein fulfill the objectives stated above,
it is appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments
may be devised by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be
understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such
modifications and embodiments, which would come within the spirit
and scope of the present invention.
[0117] References and citations to other documents, such as
patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books,
papers, web contents, have been made throughout this disclosure.
All such documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety for all purposes.
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