U.S. patent application number 15/410281 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-19 for golf club head with adjustable weighting system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cobra Golf Incorporated. Invention is credited to D. Clayton Evans, Steven M. Mitzel.
Application Number | 20180200590 15/410281 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62839006 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180200590 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Evans; D. Clayton ; et
al. |
July 19, 2018 |
GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH ADJUSTABLE WEIGHTING SYSTEM
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a weighting system allowing
for rapid addition and removal of interchangeable weighted inserts
to a golf club. The weighting system includes one or more weight
housings strategically positioned on the sole of the club head,
wherein each housing includes a receptacle configured to receive
one or more weighted inserts within and a corresponding cover
assembly configured to be releasably coupled to the receptacle to
either retain one or more weighted inserts within the receptacle or
simply cover an otherwise empty receptacle. The receptacle is
weight-relieved to compensate for the mass of the cover assembly.
Due to the conservation of mass achieved as a result of the
weight-relief design on the receptacles, the weight system allows
for covers to be used to cover both filled and empty receptacles
alike, without undermining the intended weight distribution which
occurs in current club head designs.
Inventors: |
Evans; D. Clayton;
(Carlsbad, CA) ; Mitzel; Steven M.; (Carlsbad,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cobra Golf Incorporated |
Carlsbad |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62839006 |
Appl. No.: |
15/410281 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/06 20130101;
A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 53/0466 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/06 20060101
A63B053/06; A63B 53/04 20060101 A63B053/04 |
Claims
1. A golf club head comprising: a club head body comprising a front
portion, a rear portion, a ball-striking face at the front portion
of the club head body, a heel, a toe, a crown or topline, and a
sole; and at least one weight housing disposed on a portion of the
club head body, the weight housing comprising: a receptacle
comprising a weight-relieved frame defining an interior volume
configured to receive one or more interchangeable weighted inserts
therein; and a cover assembly configured to be attached to and
removed from the receptacle, the cover assembly configured to
substantially enclose the interior volume of the frame, wherein
mass properties of the golf club head are adjustable based on
placement of the one or more interchangeable weighted inserts
within the interior volume of the weight-relieved frame.
2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a mass of the weight
housing is approximately equal to or less than a mass of a
non-weight-relieved frame comprising substantially identical
dimensions and identical material as the weight-relieved frame.
3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the weight-relieved frame
comprises one or more openings resulting from removal of one or
more corresponding portions of material from the frame.
4. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein a mass of the cover
assembly is approximately equal to or less than a combined mass of
the one or more portions of the material removed from the
frame.
5. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the interior volume of
the weight-relieved frame is in fluid communication with an
interior cavity of the golf club head by way of the one or more
openings.
6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the weight housing
comprises a metallic material, a non-metallic material, or a
combination of metallic and non-metallic materials.
7. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein the weight-relieved frame
comprises a fibre-reinforced plastic or polymer (FRP).
8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the weight housing is
disposed on at least one of the sole, the crown or topline, a rear
portion, a portion of the heel, and a portion of the toe of the
club head body.
9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the golf club head is a
hollow, wood-type club head or an iron-type club head.
10. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the weight-relieved
frame is configured to receive at least two interchangeable
weighted inserts.
11. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein the interior volume of
the weight-relieved frame comprises at least two sub-compartments,
wherein each sub-compartment is configured to receive one of the at
least two interchangeable weighted inserts.
12. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cover assembly
comprises: a cover member; and a support member coupled to the
cover member.
13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein the cover member
comprises a transparent portion through which the interior volume
of the weight-relieved frame is visible when the cover assembly is
attached to the weight-relieved frame.
14. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein, when the one or more
interchangeable weighted inserts are positioned in the interior
volume of the weight-relieved frame, the transparent portion of the
cover member provides a view of the one or more interchangeable
weighted inserts from an exterior of the golf club head.
15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein each weighted insert
has a marking indicating a mass of the weighted insert, wherein the
marking is visible through the transparent portion of cover
member.
16. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein the cover assembly
further comprises a fastener configured to releasably couple the
cover member and support member to a portion of the weight-relieved
frame.
17. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein each of the
weight-relieved frame and the cover assembly comprises a perimeter
having corresponding dimensions.
18. The golf club head of claim 17, wherein the weight-relieved
frame and cover assembly have corresponding annular perimeters or
corresponding pentagonal perimeters.
19. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the golf club head
comprises at least two weight housings disposed portions of the
sole of the club head body, wherein a first weight housing is
positioned on the sole closer to the front portion of the club head
and a second weight housing is positioned on the sole closer to the
rear portion of the club head body.
20. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein the first weight
housing is positioned closer to the heel than to the toe along an
axis defined by the heel and the toe.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to golf club heads with
adjustable mass properties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Golfers are notoriously deliberate in their selection of
clubs because they want to choose a club that will give the right
trajectory for each shot. The center of gravity of the club head is
a critical parameter that affects how the ball travels after the
club strikes it. The location of the center of gravity depends on
the amount and distribution of weight within the club head.
Consequently, in an effort to make the center of gravity of a given
club head adjustable, designers have made heads that have weighted
pieces that can be added to, removed from, or repositioned within
the club head.
[0003] Existing designs for club heads with adjustable weighting
are fraught with deficiencies. Typically, adjustable golf club
heads include one or more pockets on the sole of the head, and the
weight distribution of the head can be altered by either placing a
weighted insert into a given pocket or leaving the pocket empty.
Empty pockets, however, are problematic. If an empty pocket is left
uncovered, the user may be distracted by the sound (e.g.,
whistling) and aerodynamics of the club while swinging. An empty
pocket can also trap grass, dirt, and other debris, which can
affect the player's swing. In addition, if an uncovered, empty
pocket exposes a hole for a fastener, e.g., the bore for a screw,
the club head may not conform to official golfing rules and
guidelines.
[0004] One alternative is to cover the empty pocket in an attempt
to recapitulate the feel of an unadulterated club head. However,
current covers used for weight pockets have drawbacks. For example,
a covering, which may include a cover and a screw or bolt for
affixing the cover in place, may have an overall mass that is
significant when compared to the mass of a weighted insert that
would have otherwise been placed within the pocket. Consequently,
the combined mass of an empty pocket fitted with a covering begins
to approach the combined mass of a pocket holding a weighted insert
within. As a result of using a covering, more total mass is
unintentionally added to the club head, which can have a negative
impact and undermine the intended weight distribution in the club
head, as compared to leaving the empty pocket uncovered. In other
words, due to the additional mass of the covering, adding the
covering over the empty pocket generally undermines the advantage
otherwise gained by leaving the pocket empty.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention is directed to a golf club head having
adjustable mass properties via a weighting system that allows for
greater flexibility in modifying the center of gravity, mass moment
of inertia, and/or swingweight of the golf club head while
addressing the drawbacks associated with current adjustable
weighting arrangements. In particular, the weighting system
includes one or more weight housings strategically positioned on
the sole of the club head, wherein each housing includes a
receptacle or pocket configured to receive one or more weighted
inserts within and a corresponding cover assembly configured to be
releasably coupled to the receptacle. The cover assembly may be
used (i.e., secured to the receptacle) to either retain one or more
weighted inserts within the receptacle or simply cover an otherwise
empty receptacle.
[0006] The receptacle is weight-relieved (i.e., altered to reduce
its mass without changing its shape and size) to compensate for the
mass of the cover assembly. For example, rather than comprising a
solid frame throughout, the receptacle may have voids or openings
within the body of the receptacle, to thereby decrease the mass of
the receptacle to account for the mass of the cover assembly. As a
result, the mass of the entire weight housing (empty receptacle
with attached cover assembly) may be approximately equal to, or
less than, the mass of a non-weight-relieved receptacle (i.e., a
receptacle having a solid frame). Accordingly, due to the
conservation of mass achieved as a result of the weight-relief
design on the receptacles, the weight system allows for covers to
be used to cover both filled and empty receptacles alike, without
undermining the intended weight distribution which occurs in
current club head designs. Therefore, the weighting systems afford
a wide range of variability of the center of gravity from
relatively small changes in the total mass of the club head.
Furthermore, the use of covers addresses the problems associated
with exposed receptacles, specifically reducing the risk of
trapping grass, dirt, or other debris within an otherwise exposed
receptacle as well as preventing the unattractive sound or poor
aerodynamics associated with an exposed receptacle.
[0007] In some embodiments, a club head consistent with the present
disclosure includes multiple weight housings provided in different
locations to provide various weight placement configurations. For
example, in some embodiments, a club head may include a first
weight housing positioned at front or forward portion of the sole
proximal to the club face and a second weight housing positioned at
a rear or aft portion of the sole distal to the club face, with
both the first and second weight housings being centrally
positioned on the sole relative to a heel-toe axis.
[0008] The specific positioning of the first and second weight
housings on the sole of the club head as well as the placement of
weighted inserts in one or both of the weight housings allows for a
player to modify at least one of the center of gravity, mass moment
of inertia, and swingweight of the club head to thereby adjust
ball-striking characteristics.
[0009] For example, a user may arrange the first and second weight
housings in a first configuration, which includes the first weight
housing being fully loaded with weighted inserts, while the second
weight housing is left empty. This first configuration results in a
center of gravity closer to the front of the club head (i.e.,
closer to the club face) and closer to the sole, which may yield a
reduced spin rate and reduced launch angle, resulting in lower
trajectory of ball flight and greater rolling distance upon
landing. In a second configuration, the second weight housing may
be fully loaded with weighted inserts and the first weight housing
may be left empty, which in turn results in movement of the center
of gravity away from the club face and sole and towards the rear
and crown of the club head. This second configuration may yield a
higher spin rate and higher launch angle, resulting in a higher
trajectory and greater air-travel distance. It should be noted that
intermediate parameters can be achieved by partially loading either
of the first and second housings or by adding equal weight to the
two weight housings, which may yield spin rates and launch angles
within a range between the spin rate and launch angle achieved in
either of the first and second configurations.
[0010] It should be noted that the first and second weight housing
placements are not limited strictly to the front to rear (fore-aft)
positioning as previously described. For example, in one
embodiment, the first weight housing may be placed on a portion of
the sole adjacent to the heel and the second weight housing may be
positioned at a rear or aft portion of the sole closer to a central
position on the sole relative to a heel-toe axis. This particular
positioning of the weight housings may allow for adjustment of the
center of gravity along the heel-toe axis, which, in addition to
affecting the vertical trajectory of the ball, may also affect the
lateral spin of the ball, thereby allowing a player to better
control draw or fade shots or to compensate for a natural tendency
to hit hook or slice shots.
[0011] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a golf club head
consistent with the present disclosure may include at three or more
weight housings positioned on the sole to further increase the
number of weight placement configurations, thereby increasing the
degree of adjustability for a player. For example, in one
embodiment, first and second weight housings may be placed in the
fore-aft positions and centrally positioned on the sole relative to
a heel-toe axis. A third weight housing may be placed on a portion
of the sole adjacent to the heel.
[0012] In one aspect, the present invention provides a golf club
head including a club head body having a front portion, a rear
portion, a ball-striking face at the front portion of the club head
body, a heel, a toe, a crown or topline, and a sole. The golf club
head further includes at least one weight housing disposed on a
portion of the club head body. The weight housing includes a
receptacle including a weight-relieved frame defining an interior
volume configured to receive one or more interchangeable weighted
inserts therein and a cover assembly configured to be attached to
and removed from the receptacle. The cover assembly is configured
to substantially enclose the interior volume of the frame. The mass
properties of the golf club head are adjustable based on placement
of the one or more interchangeable weighted inserts within the
interior volume of the weight-relieved frame.
[0013] In some embodiments, a mass of the weight housing is
approximately equal to or less than a mass of a non-weight-relieved
frame comprising substantially identical dimensions and identical
material as the weight-relieved frame. In some embodiments, the
weight-relieved frame may include comprises one or more openings
resulting from removal of one or more corresponding portions of
material from the frame. In some embodiments, a mass of the cover
assembly is approximately equal to or less than a combined mass of
the one or more portions of the material removed from the frame.
The interior volume of the weight-relieved frame may be in fluid
communication with an interior cavity of the golf club head by way
of the one or more openings. For example, the golf club head may be
a hollow, wood-type club head. However, in some embodiments, the
golf club head may be an iron-type club head. Yet still, in other
embodiments, the golf club head may be a hybrid-type club head.
[0014] In some embodiments, the weight housing may include a
metallic material, a non-metallic material, or a combination of
metallic and non-metallic materials. For example, the
weight-relieved frame may include a fibre-reinforced plastic or
polymer (FRP).
[0015] The weight housing may be disposed on at least one of the
sole, the crown or topline, a rear portion, a portion of the heel,
and a portion of the toe of the club head body. For example, in one
embodiment, the golf club head may include at least two weight
housings disposed portions of the sole of the club head body,
wherein a first weight housing is positioned on the sole closer to
the front portion of the club head and a second weight housing is
positioned on the sole closer to the rear portion of the club head
body. The first weight housing may be positioned closer to the heel
than to the toe along an axis defined by the heel and the toe.
Accordingly, the specific positioning of the first and second
weight housings on the sole of the club head as well as the
placement of weighted inserts in one or both of the weight housings
allows for a player to modify at least one of the center of
gravity, mass moment of inertia, and swingweight of the club head
to thereby adjust ball-striking characteristics.
[0016] In some embodiments, the weight-relieved frame is configured
to receive at least two interchangeable weighted inserts. The
interior volume of the weight-relieved frame may include at least
two sub-compartments, wherein each sub-compartment is configured to
receive one of at least two interchangeable weighted inserts.
[0017] In some embodiments, the cover assembly includes a cover
member and a support member coupled to the cover member. The cover
member may include a transparent portion through which the interior
volume of the weight-relieved frame is visible when the cover
assembly is attached to the weight-relieved frame. In some
embodiments, when the one or more interchangeable weighted inserts
are positioned in the interior volume of the weight-relieved frame,
the transparent portion of the cover member provides a view of the
one or more interchangeable weighted inserts from an exterior of
the golf club head. In some embodiments, each weighted insert has a
marking indicating a mass of the weighted insert, wherein the
marking is visible through the transparent portion of cover member.
The cover assembly may also include a fastener configured to
releasably couple the cover member and support member to a portion
of the weight-relieved frame. In some embodiments, each of the
weight-relieved frame and the cover assembly includes a perimeter
having corresponding dimensions. For example, in some embodiments,
the weight-relieved frame and cover assembly may have corresponding
annular perimeters or corresponding pentagonal perimeters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a wood-type golf club that may
be used with the weighting systems described herein.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a front view of a golf club head.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a top view of the golf club head shown in FIG.
2.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a weight housing
according to certain embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an oblique bottom view of an empty,
non-weight-relieved receptacle.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an oblique bottom view of an empty,
weight-relieved receptacle according to certain embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 7 is an oblique bottom view of the weight-relieved
receptacle of FIG. 6 loaded with a weighted insert.
[0025] FIG. 8 is an exploded, oblique top view of a cover assembly
and weighted inserts according to certain embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an oblique top view of the assembled cover
assembly shown in FIG. 8.
[0027] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional side view of a weight housing
loaded with a weighted insert according to some embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 10B is a top view of the weight housing shown in FIG.
10A.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a top view of the empty weight-relieved
receptacle of FIG. 6.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a top view of the weight-relieved receptacle
loaded with one weighted insert.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a top view of the weight-relieved receptacle
loaded with two weighted inserts.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a top view of the weight-relieved receptacle with
the cover assembly of FIG. 8 secured thereto.
[0033] FIG. 15A is an oblique bottom view of a golf club head that
has two weight housings consistent with the present disclosure
positioned on a sole of the club head according to certain
embodiments.
[0034] FIG. 15B is an oblique bottom view of the golf club head of
FIG. 15A illustrating a cover assembly associated with the
rear-positioned weight housing in an exploded view.
[0035] FIG. 16A is side, partly sectional view of the golf club
head of FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrating the front-positioned weight
housing in an exploded view and having two weighted inserts loaded
therein and the rear-positioned weight housing being empty.
[0036] FIG. 16B a side, sectional view of the golf club head from
FIG. 16A, showing the weighted inserts seated in the front
housing.
[0037] FIG. 17A is a side, partly sectional view of the golf club
head of FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrating both the front-positioned
and rear-positioned weight housings in exploded view and each
having one weighted insert loaded therein.
[0038] FIG. 17B a side, sectional view of the golf club head from
FIG. 17A, showing one weighted inserts seated in the front housing
and one weighted insert seated in the rear housing.
[0039] FIG. 18A is a side, partly sectional view of the golf club
head of FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrating the rear-positioned weight
housing in an exploded view and having two weighted inserts loaded
therein and the front-positioned weight housing being empty.
[0040] FIG. 18B a side, sectional view of the golf club head from
FIG. 18A, showing the weighted inserts seated in the rear
housing.
[0041] FIG. 19A is an oblique top view of another embodiment of a
weight housing consistent with the present disclosure, the weight
housing being loaded with two weighted inserts according to certain
embodiments.
[0042] FIG. 19B is a side, partly sectional view of the weight
housing of FIG. 19A with the fastener shown in phantom.
[0043] FIG. 20A is an oblique bottom view of the weight-relieved
receptacle of FIG. 19A including weighted inserts loaded
therein.
[0044] FIG. 20B is an oblique top view of the weight-relieved
receptacle of FIG. 19A including weighted inserts loaded
therein.
[0045] FIG. 21 is an oblique bottom view of a golf club head that
two weight housings in its sole according to certain
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] The present invention is generally directed to a weight
system for adjusting the mass properties of a golf club head to
alter the performance characteristics of the club head. More
specifically, the present invention provides a weighting system
that allows for greater flexibility in modifying at least one of
the center of gravity, mass moment of inertia, and swingweight of a
golf club.
[0047] As used herein, the terms "mass" and "weight" are used
interchangeably, although it is understood that these terms refer
to different properties in a strict physical sense.
[0048] The weight distribution of a golf club head generally
determines the location of the center of gravity of the club head.
The position of the center of gravity within the club head affects
the head's performance characteristics, such as launch angle and
flight trajectory on impact with a golf ball. For example, when the
center of gravity is positioned behind the point of engagement on
the contact surface, the golf ball follows a generally straight
route when struck. When the center of gravity is spaced to a side
of the point of engagement, however, the golf ball may fly in an
unintended direction and/or may follow a route that curves left or
right, including ball flights that often are referred to as pulls,
pushes, draws, fades, hooks, or slices. Moving the center of
gravity toward the rear of the club head yields shots with more
climbing trajectories, whereas shifting it forward toward the
ball-striking face produces shots with more boring
trajectories.
[0049] Referring to the figures and following description, golf
clubs and golf club heads in accordance with the present invention
are described. The golf club and club head structures described
herein may be described in terms of wood-type golf clubs. However,
the present invention is not limited to the precise embodiments
disclosed herein but applies to golf clubs generally, including
hybrid clubs, iron-type golf clubs, utility-type golf clubs, and
the like.
[0050] Example golf club and golf club head structures in
accordance with this invention may relate to "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. Although these club head structures may
have little or no actual "wood" material, they still may be
referred to conventionally in the art as "woods" (e.g., "metal
woods," "fairway woods," etc.). Alternatively, golf clubs and golf
club head structures of the invention may relate to "iron-type"
golf clubs and golf club heads.
[0051] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a golf club 100 that may be
used in accordance with embodiments of the golf club heads
described herein. As shown, the golf club 100 may include a
wood-type golf club head 102, a shaft 104, and a grip or handle 107
attached to one end of the shaft 104. In the illustration, the
shaft 104 is engaged with the club head 102 via a hosel 106. The
shaft 104 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.
[0052] The grip or handle 107 may be attached to, engaged with,
and/or extend from the shaft 104 in any suitable or desired manner,
including in conventional manners known and used in the art, e.g.,
using adhesives or cements, etc. As another example, if desired,
the grip or handle 107 may be integrally formed as a unitary,
one-piece construction with the shaft 104. Additionally, any
desired grip or handle materials may be used without departing from
this disclosure, including, but not limited to, rubber materials,
leather materials, other materials including cord or other fabric
material embedded therein, polymeric materials, and the like.
[0053] Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the golf
club 100 may include a hosel 106. The shaft 104 may be received in
and/or inserted into and/or through the hosel 106. The hosel 106
may be configured such that the shaft 104 may be engaged with the
hosel 106 in a releasable manner using mechanical connectors to
allow easy interchange of one shaft for another on the head. For
example, threads, locking mechanisms, etc. may be incorporated into
the hosel 106, and the end of the shaft 104 that is to be engaged
with the hosel 106 may be configured with a corresponding
configuration. In some embodiments, the hosel 106 may be
adjustable, such that a golfer can loosen a bolt coupling the shaft
104 to the club head 102 and adjust the hosel (e.g., rotate the
hosel about an axis of the shaft) so as to adjust a loft or lie
angle of the club head. Embodiments of an adjustable hosel are
disclosed in application Ser. No. 13/363,886, filed Feb. 1, 2012,
and titled "SETTING INDICATOR FOR GOLF CLUB", the content of which
is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0054] Alternatively, the shaft 104 may be secured to the hosel 106
via bonding with adhesives or cements, welding (e.g., laser
welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques, etc. Yet
still, in other embodiments, the shaft 104 is directly attached to
the golf club head 102 without the aid of a hosel. For example, the
shaft may be attached by bonding with adhesives or cements, welding
(e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusing
techniques.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a front view of a golf club head according to
embodiments of the invention. As illustrated, the golf club head
102 has a club head body 108 having a hosel 106, a front portion
110, a rear portion (not shown), a heel 112, a toe 114, a crown
116, a sole 118, a ball-striking face 120. The ball-striking face
120 may include a ball-striking plate insert 122. The ball-striking
plate insert 122 may be composed of one or more materials. The
material(s) of the ball-striking plate insert should be relatively
durable to withstand the repeated impacts with the golf ball. For
example, the ball-striking plate insert 122 may comprise a
high-strength steel, titanium, or other metal or alloy. FIG. 3 is a
top view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 2. In addition to the
features described in reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 illustrates a
rear portion 111 of the club head body and a crown panel insert
124.
[0056] As generally understood, 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 may be made from multiple pieces that
are connected, e.g., by welding, adhesives, or other fusing
techniques; by mechanical connectors; etc. The various parts (e.g.,
heel, toe, crown, sole, ball-striking face, portions of the body,
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. More specific examples of suitable
lightweight metal materials include steel, titanium and titanium
alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, magnesium and magnesium
alloys, etc.
[0057] In addition, in order to reduce the mass of the club head
102, one or more portions of the club head 102 may be made from a
composite material, such as from carbon fiber composite materials
that are conventionally known and used in the art. Other suitable
composite or other non-metal materials that may be used for one or
more portions of the club head 102 include, for example, fiberglass
composite materials, basalt fiber composite materials, polymer
materials, etc. At least some portion(s) of the body 108 may be
made from composite or other non-metal materials. As yet further
examples, the entire body 108 of the club head 102 may be made from
composite or other non-metal materials without departing from this
invention. The composite or other non-metal material(s) may be
incorporated as part of the club head 102 in any desired manner,
including in conventional manners that are known and used in the
art.
[0058] Reducing the mass of the club head (e.g., through the use of
composite or other non-metal materials, lightweight metals,
metallic foam or other cellular structured materials, etc.) allows
club designers and/or club fitters to selectively position
additional mass in the club head 102. This may be desirable, for
example, to increase the moment of inertia, affect the location of
the center of gravity, or affect other playability characteristics
of the club head 102 (e.g., to draw or fade bias a club head; to
help get shots airborne by providing a low center of gravity; to
help produce a lower, more boring ball flight; to help correct or
compensate for swing flaws that produce undesired ball flights,
such as hooks or slices, ballooning shots, etc.).
[0059] The various individual parts that make up a club head 102
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, a ball-striking plate insert 122
may be joined to the ball-striking face 120, or a crown panel
insert 124 may be joined to the club head body 108 (directly or
indirectly through intermediate members). These parts may be held
together by adhesives, cements, welding, soldering, or other
bonding or finishing techniques, and the like. Alternatively, the
various parts of the club head 102 may be joined by mechanical
connectors, such as threads, screws, nuts, bolts, and the like. In
some embodiments, the mating edges of various parts of the club
head 102 (e.g., the edges where heel, toe, crown, sole,
ball-striking face, and/or other parts of the body contact and join
to one another) may include one or more raised ribs, tabs, ledges,
or other engagement elements that fit into or onto corresponding
grooves, slots, surfaces, ledges, openings, 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 102
together.
[0060] One way to improve performance of the club is by adjusting
mass distribution properties of the club head, i.e., transferring
mass to or from one or more regions of the head. This allows
changes in the center of gravity, mass moment of inertia, and/or
swingweight of the club head, which can alter the accuracy,
distance, and trajectory of a shot. Described below are golf club
heads having weighting systems allowing for adjustment of mass
properties of the club head. As described in greater detail herein,
the weighting system includes one or more weight housings
strategically positioned on the sole of the club head, wherein each
housing includes a receptacle or pocket configured to receive one
or more weighted inserts within and a corresponding cover assembly
configured to be releasably coupled to the receptacle. The cover
assembly may be used (i.e., secured to the receptacle) to either
retain one or more weighted inserts within the receptacle or simply
cover an otherwise empty receptacle.
[0061] FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a weight housing
202 consistent with the present disclosure. In the illustrated
embodiment, the weight housing 202 includes a receptacle 204 and a
cover assembly 206 that includes a cover (not shown), support 212,
fastener 214, and clip 216. The housing includes an interior volume
218 that can receive one or more weighted inserts (not shown). The
cover assembly 206 and receptacle 204 are complementary in shape
and size, i.e., they have perimeters of corresponding dimensions,
to allow them to fit together securely. As described in greater
detail herein, the receptacle 204 is weight-relieved (i.e., altered
to reduce its mass without changing its shape and size) to
compensate for the mass of the cover assembly 206. For example,
rather than comprising a solid frame throughout, the receptacle 204
may have voids or openings within the body of the receptacle 204,
to thereby decrease the mass of the receptacle to account for the
mass of the cover assembly. The receptacle 204 may be made
primarily from a given material and having a given size and shape
has a reduced mass compared to a non-weight-relieved receptacle
made primarily from the same material and having the same size and
shape.
[0062] FIG. 5 is an oblique bottom view of an empty,
non-weight-relieved receptacle 208. The receptacle 208 illustrated
is cylindrical and has a floor 220 and circular wall 222 that can
hold a weighted insert (not shown). In the illustration, the
non-weight-relieved receptacle 208 has a threaded central bore 224
that can engage with a threaded fastener, such as a screw or bolt,
from the cover assembly.
[0063] FIG. 6 is an oblique bottom view of an empty,
weight-relieved receptacle 204 according to certain embodiments of
the invention. Like the non-weight-relieved receptacle shown in
FIG. 5, the weight-relieved receptacle shown in FIG. 6 is
cylindrical and has a floor 220 and circular wall 222 that can hold
a weighted insert (not shown). In addition, the two receptacles are
made of the same material. However, portions of the wall and floor
have been removed from the floor and wall of the receptacle of FIG.
6 to reduce the mass of the receptacle, i.e., to relieve the
receptacle of weight. Thus, although the receptacles in FIGS. 5 and
6 have the same cylindrical dimensions (i.e., height, radius,
thickness of floor and wall), the weight-relieved receptacle in
FIG. 6 has a lower mass than the non-weight-relieved receptacle in
FIG. 5.
[0064] The weight-relieved receptacle shown in FIG. 6 may include
one or more openings 226 in the wall 222 and/or floor 220 due to
the removal of material from these structures. As a result of the
openings 226, the weight-relieved receptacle may form a framework,
such as a basket-like or cage-like structure. Although the
weight-relieved receptacle shown in FIG. 6 has openings, other
mechanisms of weight relief are possible within the scope of the
invention. For example, the weight-relieved receptacle may include
one or more hollow portions or one or more portions made from a
different, less-dense material. The weight-relieved receptacle may
be made from strong and lightweight materials, such as metals,
non-metallic materials, composites, ceramics, polymers, and the
like. Examples of suitable materials include titanium, a titanium
alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy,
steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber, tungsten,
tungsten loaded polymer, fibre-reinforced plastic, and combinations
of one or more of these materials.
[0065] The weight-relieved receptacle may be of any shape that can
accommodate one or more weighted inserts. The receptacle may have a
shape that has a uniform, two-dimensional cross-section, such as a
cylinder, cube, or box. For example and without limitation, the
two-dimensional cross-section may be a circle, oval, ellipse, or
polygon (e.g., square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon,
octagon, trapezoid, parallelogram, or other polygon). The
receptacle may have a shape that varies in three dimensions. For
example and without limitation, the receptacle may be conical,
spherical, ovoid, or bowl-shaped. The shape and size of the
weight-relieved receptacle can be defined by geometric dimension.
For example, a cylindrical receptacle can be defined by its height,
radius, and thickness of its floor and wall. In other embodiments
described herein, the receptacle may have a pentagonal shape (shown
in FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 20-21). Thus, a pentagonal prism receptacle
can be defined by its height, side length, and thickness of its
floor and walls.
[0066] The weight-relieved receptacle 204 shown in FIG. 6 has a
threaded central bore 224 that can engage with a threaded fastener,
such as a screw or bolt, from the cover assembly. As seen in FIGS.
4 and 10A, the bore may include a protruding portion that extends
upward from the floor of the receptacle, thus increasing the
surface area of engagement between the fastener shaft 234 and
central bore 224. However, other means of coupling the cover
assembly 206 with the weight-relieved receptacle 204 may be used.
For example and without limitation, the cover assembly may have
multiple fasteners that engage with multiple pores in different
positions; the cover assembly may engage the weight-relieved
receptacle without the use of separate fasteners, e.g., through the
use of threads, clips, hooks, snaps, or the like on the cover
and/or the support.
[0067] FIG. 7 is an oblique bottom view of the weight-relieved
receptacle 204 of FIG. 6 loaded with a weighted insert 228 and with
the cover assembly (not shown) secured. The fastener 214 of the
cover assembly extends through the central bore of the receptacle
204. In the illustration, the weighted insert 228 does not extend
into the openings 226 in the floor and wall of the receptacle 204.
In other embodiments, however, the openings 226 may accommodate a
portion of the weighted insert 228 to help secure the weighted
insert 228 within the weight housing 202.
[0068] FIG. 8 is an exploded, oblique top view of a cover assembly
206 and weighted inserts 228a and 228b that engage with a
weight-relieved receptacle. In the illustration, the cover assembly
206 includes a fastener 214, support 212, cover 210, and clip 216.
However, other arrangements are possible within the scope of the
invention. For example, one or more of the components shown
separately here may be integrally formed. Alternatively, one or
more of the components shown separately here may be formed
separately but permanently attached to each other. For example, in
some embodiments, the entire cover assembly may be a single piece.
In some embodiments, the cover assembly may not include a separate
fastener, as described above. In some embodiments, the cover and
support may be a single integral piece or may be single piece
resulting the permanent attachment of two separate pieces. In some
embodiments, the cover assembly may not include a clip.
[0069] The receptacle is weight-relieved (i.e., altered to reduce
its mass without changing its shape and size) to compensate for the
mass of the cover assembly. For example, rather than comprising a
solid frame throughout, the receptacle may have voids or openings
within the body of the receptacle, to thereby decrease the mass of
the receptacle to account for the mass of the cover assembly. As a
result of the receptacle 204 having a weight-relieved structure,
the mass of the entire weight housing (empty receptacle with
attached cover assembly) may be approximately equal to, or less
than, the mass of a non-weight-relieved receptacle (i.e., a
receptacle having a solid frame). Accordingly, due to the
conservation of mass achieved as a result of the weight-relief
design on the receptacles, the weight system allows for covers to
be used to cover both filled and empty receptacles alike, without
undermining the intended weight distribution which occurs in
current club head designs. Therefore, the weighting systems afford
a wide range of variability of the center of gravity from
relatively small changes in the total mass of the club head.
Furthermore, the use of covers addresses the problems associated
with exposed receptacles, specifically reducing the risk of
trapping grass, dirt, or other debris within an otherwise exposed
receptacle as well as preventing the unattractive sound or poor
aerodynamics associated with an exposed receptacle.
[0070] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the fastener 214 has a
threaded shaft 234 that engages with the threaded central bore 224
of the weight-relieved receptacle and a head 232 that secures the
support 212 and cover 210. In some embodiments, the fastener is a
screw or bolt. However, the fastener may be any fastener suitable
for the purpose; many such fasteners are known in the art. The
cover assembly illustrated in FIG. 8 also includes a clip 216. The
clip may be a nut, washer, gasket, or the like. In some
embodiments, the fastener and the clip are made from a strong and
lightweight metal, such as steel, titanium, a titanium alloy,
aluminum, an aluminum alloy, magnesium, or a magnesium alloy.
Alternatively, the fastener, clip, or both may be made from a
non-metallic or composite material, such as fibre-reinforced
plastic.
[0071] The support 212 provides structural strength to the cover
assembly and retains any weighted inserts inside the weight
housing. However, it is desirable to keep the mass of the cover
assembly as low as possible. Therefore, the support may be made
from strong and lightweight materials, such as metals, non-metallic
materials, composites, ceramics, polymers, and the like. Examples
of suitable materials include titanium, a titanium alloy, aluminum,
an aluminum alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, steel, carbon
steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber, tungsten, tungsten loaded
polymer, fibre-reinforced plastic, and combinations of one or more
of these materials. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the support 212 may
have struts 230 that cover one or more portions of the weighted
inserts and/or one or more portions of the cover. The use of a
support 212 with struts 230 allows the support 212 to fulfill its
functional purpose without adding excessive mass to the cover
assembly. The support 212 may contact one or more portions of the
sole of the club head body to properly position the cover assembly
and retain any weighted inserts inside the weight housing.
[0072] The cover 210 provides a physical barrier that separates the
interior volume of the weight housing from the external
environment. The presence of the cover 210 prevents dirt, grass,
and other debris from accumulating inside the weight housing. The
cover 210 may have a patterned surface complementary to a pattern
on the support 212 that facilitates the proper alignment of these
two pieces of the cover assembly. Alternatively, the cover 210 may
be permanently attached to the support 212 by any suitable means,
for example, by mechanical fasteners, by bonding with adhesives or
cements, by welding or brazing, etc. The cover 210 may contain one
or more transparent portions 244 that allow the user to see whether
the housing contains any weighted inserts without having to remove
the cover assembly (see FIGS. 19A and 19B for illustrations). In
some embodiments, the entire cover is transparent. The transparent
portions 244 of the cover 210 may be made of a durable,
transparent, thermoplastic material, such as acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene or polycarbonate.
[0073] In FIG. 8, the removable weighted inserts 228a and 228b are
shown as semi-circular arcs that fit into a donut-shaped interior
volume 218 in the weight housing 202. However, the weighted inserts
may have any shape that allows them to be loaded into the weight
housing 202, which includes the weight-relieved receptacle 204 and
cover assembly 206. The shapes of the weighted inserts 228a and
228b may generally conform closely to the contour and shape of the
interior volume of the receptacle 204 and weight housing 202 so
that the weighted inserts 228a and 228b sit steadily within the
weight housing 202 while the club is being swung. At the same time,
it is desirable that the shapes of the weighted inserts 228a and
228b allow them to be easily inserted and removed from the
weight-relieved receptacle 204 when the cover assembly 206 is
removed from the receptacle 204. Similarly, the number of weighted
inserts that fit into a single receptacle can vary. Generally, the
variety of adjustability of the center of gravity of the golf club
head increase as the number of weighted inserts that can be fitted
within a single weight housing increases. Therefore, it is
desirable that each weight housing be configured to hold at least
two or more weighted inserts. Accordingly, the different number of
combinations of weights and weight placement within any given
weight housing has an impact on the degree to which the center of
gravity can be adjusted.
[0074] FIG. 9 is an oblique top view of the assembled cover
assembly 206 shown in FIG. 8. As shown, the support 212 sits on top
of the cover 210. The fastener 214 and clip 216 secure the cover
and support to the weight-relieved receptacle (not shown). As
indicated above, however, other arrangements are possible within
the scope of the invention.
[0075] FIG. 10A is a side view of a weight housing 202 loaded with
a weighted insert 228. The interior volume of the weight housing
202 is occupied by the weighted insert 228. FIG. 10B is a top view
of the weight housing 202 shown in FIG. 10A. From this view, only
the cover assembly 206 is visible.
[0076] FIG. 11 is a top view of an empty weight-relieved receptacle
204 according to certain embodiments. The weight-relieved
receptacle 204 includes openings 226 in the floor to reduce mass
and a threaded central bore 224 to engage with a fastener of the
cover assembly.
[0077] Each weighted insert has sufficient mass that the addition
and removal of the weighted insert from a weight housing 202
affects the center of gravity of the golf club head. For example,
the mass of any given weighted insert may be in the range of 1 gram
to 30 grams. In some embodiments, a weighted insert may have a mass
between approximately 2 grams to 16 grams. For a weighting system
that includes multiple interchangeable weighted inserts, each
weighted insert in a set may have the same mass or may have
different masses.
[0078] A weighted insert may contain a mark 240, such as a number,
letter, color, insignia, or the like, that indicates the mass of
the insert (see FIGS. 12 and 13 for illustrations). The mark 240
may be positioned on the weighted insert so that the mark 240 is
externally visible when the weighted insert is seated within the
weight-relieved receptacle and the cover assembly is not attached.
If the cover assembly includes a transparent portion (i.e., a
window), the mark 240 may be positioned on the weighted insert so
that it is externally visible through the window when the cover
assembly is secured to the weight-relieved receptacle.
[0079] The weighted insert may include a tool interface feature 242
that facilitates removal of the weighted insert with a tool (see
FIGS. 12 and 13 for illustrations). The tool interface feature 242
may be a patterned indentation that can accommodate the end of
tool. Non-limiting examples of tool interface features include, but
are not limited to, star-shaped, hexagonal, slotted, and
cross-shaped indentations, which are suited for Torx wrenches,
hexagonal wrenches, slotted screwdrivers, and Phillips-head
screwdrivers, respectively.
[0080] The weighted insert may be made of any material with
sufficient density to form weighted inserts that a small enough to
fit into the weight housing but massive enough to affect the center
of gravity of the golf club head. For example, the weighted inserts
may be made of metals, non-metallic materials, composites,
ceramics, polymers, and the like. Examples of suitable materials
include aluminum, iron, steel, carbon steel, stainless steel,
carbon fiber, tungsten, tungsten loaded polymer, and combinations
of these materials. The weighted inserts 228 may be formed of a
metal material, such as aluminum or steel, and forged into the
desired shape. Alternatively, the weighted inserts may be formed
using molding techniques, such as injection molding.
[0081] FIG. 12 is a top view of the weight-relieved receptacle 204
of FIG. 11 loaded with one weighted insert 228a. In the illustrated
embodiment, weighted insert 228a includes a mass-indicating mark
240 and a tool interface feature 242 on the face of the insert that
are exposed when the insert is seated in the weight-relieved
receptacle.
[0082] FIG. 13 is a top view of the weight-relieved receptacle 204
of FIG. 11 loaded with two weighted inserts 228a and 228b. In the
illustrated embodiment, each weighted insert includes a
mass-indicating mark 240 and tool interface feature 242 on the face
of the insert that are exposed when the insert is seated in the
weight-relieved receptacle.
[0083] FIG. 14 is a top view of the weight-relieved receptacle 204
of FIG. 11 with the cover assembly secured. The support 212, cover
210, and fastener 214 of the cover assembly can be seen in this
illustration, and weighted inserts 228a and 228b are obscured from
view by the cover assembly.
[0084] FIG. 15A is an oblique bottom view of a golf club head 102
that has two weight housings 202a and 202b in its sole. FIG. 15B is
an oblique bottom view of the golf club head 102 shown in FIG. 15A
in which the cover assembly on the rear weight housing is shown in
an exploded view. The components of the rear cover assembly 206b
are as shown in FIG. 8. Each weight housing has its cover assembly
attached to the corresponding receptacle. As shown in the
illustration, weight housing 202a is positioned toward the front
near the ball-striking face on the front-rear axis and in the
center along the heel-toe axis, i.e., it is located near the front
center of the club head. The weight housing 202b is positioned
toward the rear along the front-rear axis and in the center along
the heel-toe axis, i.e., it is located near the rear center of the
club head. The positioning of the weight housings shown in FIG. 15A
is for illustrative purposes only, and other arrangements are
possible. For example, one or more of the weight housings may be
displaced along the heel-toe axis, as discussed further below. In
addition, the club head may contain more than two weight housings.
For example, the club head may contain three, four, five, six, or
more weight housings.
[0085] The golf club head illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15B includes a
pair of weight housings in the sole of a wood-type club head.
However, weight housings located on other portions of the club head
and on other types of club heads are possible within the scope of
the invention. For example, a club head may have one or more weight
housings located on the crown or topline, ball-striking face, rear
portion, heel, or toe. In addition, the club head may be a
wood-type club head, iron-type club head, driver club head, fairway
wood club head, or hybrid club head.
[0086] A golf club head with the weighting system described above
can be used to adjust the weight distribution, and thus the
performance, of the club as described below.
[0087] FIG. 16A is an exploded side view of the golf club head 102
according to FIGS. 15A-15B with one distribution of weighted
inserts 228a and 228b. In this illustration, weighted inserts 228a
and 228b have equal mass and are both loaded into the
weight-relieved receptacle 204a of the front housing 202a, while
the weight-relieved receptacle 204b of the rear housing 202b is
empty. Dashed reference lines A and B represent axes that pass
through the center of gravity of the club head when one of weighted
inserts 228a and 228b is loaded into the front weight housing 202a
and the other of weighted inserts 228a and 228b is loaded into the
rear weight housing 202b (as shown in FIGS. 17A-17B). Some lines
that represent internal and external surface markings and patterns
on the club head are shown.
[0088] FIG. 16B a side view of the golf club head 102 from FIG. 16A
with weighted inserts 228a and 228b seated in the front housing
202a. x represents the distance between the forward-most point of
the club head and the center of gravity along the horizontal axis ,
and y represents the distance between lowest point of the club head
(shown here inverted, with the sole facing up) and the center of
gravity along the vertical axis. Values of x.sub.1 and y.sub.1 for
a club head 102 having this particular distribution of weighted
inserted 228a and 228b are 33.9 mm and 28.1 mm, respectively. In
this weight distribution, the center of gravity 236a is displaced
towards the ball-striking face of the club head and slightly
towards the sole. Consequently, when a ball is struck with a club
head having this weight distribution, the ball tends to have less
spin and travels with a lower trajectory for a shorter air-travel
distance, and roll farther upon landing.
[0089] FIG. 17A is an exploded side view of the golf club head 102
according to FIGS. 15A-15B with another distribution of weighted
inserts 228a and 228b. In this illustration, weighted insert 228a
is loaded into the weight-relieved receptacle 204a of the front
weight housing 202a, and weighted insert 228b, of equal mass to
weighted insert 228a, is loaded into the weight-relieved receptacle
204b of the rear housing 202b. Dashed reference lines A and B are
the same as in FIG. 16A. Thus, the reference lines A and B
represent axes that pass through the center of gravity of the club
head for this particular configuration, and the center of gravity
at the intersection of the two axes is indicated as 236b.
[0090] FIG. 17B a side view of the golf club head 102 from FIG. 17A
with weighted insert 228a seated in the front housing 202a and
weighted insert 228b seated in the rear housing 202b. Values of
x.sub.2 and y.sub.2 for a club head 102 having this particular
distribution of weighted inserted 228a and 228b are 36.9 mm and
28.5 mm, respectively. This weight distribution places the center
of gravity of the club head in an intermediate position.
Consequently, when a ball is struck with a club having this weight
distribution, the ball's spin, trajectory, and air-travel distance
tend to be greater than those produced by a club head with weighted
inserts only in the forward weight housing, as shown in FIGS.
16A-16B, but less than those produced by a club head with weighted
inserts only in the rear weight housing, as shown in FIGS.
18A-18B.
[0091] FIG. 18A is an exploded side view of the golf club head 102
according to FIGS. 15A-15B with still another distribution of
weighted inserts 228a and 228b. In this illustration, weighted
inserts 228a and 228b have equal mass and are both loaded into the
weight-relieved receptacle 204b of the rear housing 202b, while the
weight-relieved receptacle 204a of the front housing 202a is
empty.
[0092] FIG. 18B a side view of the golf club head 102 from FIG. 18A
with weighted inserts 228a and 228b seated in the rear housing
202b. Values of x.sub.3 and y.sub.3 for a club head 102 having this
particular distribution of weighted inserted 228a and 228b are 40
mm and 28.8 mm, respectively. In this weight distribution, the
center of gravity 236c is displaced towards the rear of the club
head and slightly towards the crown. Consequently, when a ball is
struck with a club having this weight distribution, the ball tends
to have more spin and travel with a higher trajectory for a longer
air-travel distance, and roll less upon landing.
[0093] As illustrated in FIGS. 16A-18B, the addition or removal of
weighted inserts from the weight housings allows the center of
gravity to be moved toward the front or rear of the club head. Due
to the curvature of the sole, the center of gravity also moves
slightly along the crown-sole axis, i.e., essentially parallel to
the shaft of the golf club. It should be noted that other weighted
insert arrangements are possible to further vary the center of
gravity of the golf club head. For example, the placement of a
single weighted insert 228 within a weight housing can be varied.
In the illustration shown in FIGS. 17A-17B, weighted insert 228a is
positioned in the front half and of the front weight housing 202a,
and weighted insert 228b is positioned in the rear half of the rear
weight housing 202b. However, both weighted inserts can be placed
in the front halves or in the rear halves of the two weight
housings. Another variation is to place a single weighted insert in
one weight housing and zero or two weighted inserts in the other
weight housing so that the club head has a total of one or three
weighted inserts rather than two. Another option is to use two or
more weighted inserts of different masses and place them in various
positions with the club head.
[0094] In the club head illustrated in FIGS. 15A-18B, the weight
housings are displaced in two dimensions but aligned along the
heel-toe axis. Thus, redistribution of the weighted inserts between
the weight housings does not significantly shift the center of
gravity along the heel-toe axis. However, the weighting system can
be used in other arrangements of weight housings within a club head
that allow the user to move the center of gravity along the
heel-toe axis
[0095] FIG. 19A is an oblique top view of another embodiment of a
weight housing 302 consistent with the present disclosure. In the
illustrated embodiment, the weight housing 302 includes a
receptacle 304 loaded with two weighted inserts 228a and 228b (only
weighted insert 228b is visible in this view). The weight housing
302 includes a weight-relieved receptacle 304 and cover assembly
306. As illustrated, the weight-relieved receptacle 304 is
generally in the form of a pentagonal prism. The cover assembly 306
includes a pentagonal support 312, a transparent cover 344, a
fastener 314, and, in some embodiments, a clip (not shown). In the
weight housing 302 as illustrated, the entire cover 344 is
transparent. However, other configurations are possible. For
example, the cover may have transparent portions, i.e., windows,
and other portions that are impermeable to light. The support 312
has struts, which provide structural strength but reduce the mass
of the support compared to a solid pentagonal structure made from
the same material. The fastener 314 is engaged through a central
bore (not shown) in the weight-relieved receptacle 304. FIG. 19B is
a side, partly sectional view through the center of the loaded
weight housing 302 in which the fastener 314 is in phantom to
facilitate viewing of other structures. In this view, the clip 316
can be seen.
[0096] FIG. 20A is an oblique bottom view of the weight-relieved
receptacle 304 and weighted inserts 328a and 328b from the weight
housing 302 shown in FIGS. 19A-19B. The cover assembly 306 has been
removed in the illustration, and the central bore 324 of the
receptacle 304 is visible. FIG. 20B is an oblique top view of the
weight-relieved receptacle 304 and weighted inserts 328a and 328b
shown in FIG. 20A.
[0097] FIG. 21 is an oblique bottom view of a golf club head 102
that has two weight housings 302a and 302b in its sole. As shown in
the illustration, weight housing 302a is positioned toward the heel
side on the heel-toe axis and near the center along the front-rear
axis. Weight housing 302b is positioned in the center along the
heel-toe axis and toward the rear along the front-rear axis. With
this configuration, movement of weighted inserts between the two
weight housings causes the center of gravity to move along both the
front-rear and heal-toe axes.
[0098] In some embodiments, one or more portions of the golf club
head may include markings or indicia representative of a
performance characteristic associated with placement of the weight
assembly in each of the first and second positions. For example,
portions of the sole may include markings indicating whether adding
mass to a given weight housing via the addition of weighted inserts
tends to increase or decrease loft, spin, roll, etc. of a struck
ball.
[0099] The percentage of mass of the golf club head that comes from
the weighting system, including the weight housings and any
weighted inserts contained therein, may vary depending on a variety
of factors, such as player preference, player experience, degree of
adjustability sought, etc. For example, the weighting system may
comprise approximately 5% to 20% of the total mass of the golf club
head.
[0100] While several embodiments of the present disclosure have
been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in
the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or
structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the
results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and
each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within
the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled
in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions,
materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be
exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials,
and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or
applications for which the teachings of the present disclosure
is/are used.
[0101] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many
equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described
herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing
embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within
the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the
disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described and claimed. The present disclosure is directed to each
individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method
described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if
such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods
are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0102] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0103] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0104] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified, unless clearly
indicated to the contrary.
[0105] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the
phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0106] 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.
Equivalents
[0107] Various modifications of the invention and many further
embodiments thereof, in addition to those shown and described
herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
full contents of this document, including references to the
scientific and patent literature cited herein. The subject matter
herein contains important information, exemplification and guidance
that can be adapted to the practice of this invention in its
various embodiments and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *