U.S. patent application number 15/996854 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-06 for golf club heads.
This patent application is currently assigned to Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian Bazzel, Todd P. Beach, James Edward Michael Cornish, Christopher John Harbert, Justin David Kleinert, Robert Nunez, Nick Robbie, Nathan T. Sargent.
Application Number | 20180345099 15/996854 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64459123 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180345099 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harbert; Christopher John ;
et al. |
December 6, 2018 |
GOLF CLUB HEADS
Abstract
Some disclosed golf club heads include body having at least one
raised sole portion and a cantilevered ledge extending down around
a perimeter of the club head below the level of the raised sole
portion. Some disclosed golf club heads include one or more sole
openings in the body and a sole insert that is mounted inside the
body over the sole openings. The sole can include weight tracks as
well, and a rear weight track can extend between a toe side sole
opening and a heel side sole opening. A crown insert can also be
included that is mounted over an upper opening in the body.
Inventors: |
Harbert; Christopher John;
(Carlsbad, CA) ; Sargent; Nathan T.; (Oceanside,
CA) ; Kleinert; Justin David; (San Clemente, CA)
; Beach; Todd P.; (Encinitas, CA) ; Bazzel;
Brian; (Carlsbad, CA) ; Nunez; Robert; (Vista,
CA) ; Cornish; James Edward Michael; (Carlsbad,
CA) ; Robbie; Nick; (Carlsbad, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. |
Carlsbad |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Taylor Made Golf Company,
Inc.
Carlsbad
CA
|
Family ID: |
64459123 |
Appl. No.: |
15/996854 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62628094 |
Feb 8, 2018 |
|
|
|
62515401 |
Jun 5, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/62 20130101;
A63B 2220/833 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 60/00 20151001;
A63B 60/04 20151001; A63B 60/002 20200801; A63B 2209/023 20130101;
A63B 53/04 20130101; A63B 2102/32 20151001; A63B 2220/12 20130101;
A63B 2220/40 20130101; A63B 53/06 20130101; A63B 24/0003 20130101;
A63B 53/08 20130101; A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 53/0433 20200801;
A63B 2209/02 20130101; A63B 2225/01 20130101; A63B 2220/89
20130101; A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B
53/0466 20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 2220/35 20130101;
A63B 60/46 20151001; A63B 2225/54 20130101; A63B 53/0437 20200801;
A63B 2220/803 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/06 20060101
A63B053/06; A63B 53/04 20060101 A63B053/04; A63B 53/08 20060101
A63B053/08 |
Claims
1. A golf club head comprising a weight track and at least one
weight mounted in the weight track, the weight track having three
or more track branches, each of the track branches having a
respective terminal end and a joining end, wherein at the joining
end each track branch joins with another portion of the weight
track, wherein the weight track is continuous such that the at
least one weight is adjustably slidable about all of the track
branches without removing the at least one weight from the weight
track, and wherein the at least one weight is securable to the
weight track at different selectable positions located along each
of the track branches.
2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the joining ends of at
least three of the track branches join together at a common
intersection of the weight track, and the at least one weight can
slide through the intersection to move from one of the track
branches to another of the track branches.
3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein the weight track forms a
T shape or a Y shape.
4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the three or more track
branches comprise four track branches having four respective
terminal ends.
5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the weight track forms an
H shape, a K shape, or an X shape.
6. The golf club head of claim 4, further comprising an
intermediate connecting track portion of the weight track, wherein
the joining ends of the four track branches each join with the
intermediate connecting track portion.
7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein at least two of the track
branches are aligned along a common linear axis.
8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the weight track is on a
sole of the golf club head.
9. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a sole channel
positioned forward of the weight track.
10. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein at least two of the
track branches are oriented such that their terminal ends are
adjacent to a skirt of the golf club head.
11. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable
head-shaft connection assembly.
12. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising two composite
sole inserts in a sole of the golf club head, one composite sole
insert located at a toe side of the sole and one composite sole
insert located at a heel side of the sole, and wherein a portion of
the weight track extends between the two composite sole
inserts.
13. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a composite
sole portion that overlies at least a portion of the weight
track.
14. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a sole
portion that underhangs a portion of the weight track and is
capable of being positioned below the at least one weight when the
golf club head is in a normal address position.
15. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the weight track is
detachable from a main body of the golf club head.
16. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the weight track is
securable to a main body of the golf club head in two of more
different orientations.
17. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the at least one weight
comprises a weight assembly having only two weight members,
including an inner weight member having a round shape and an outer
weight member having a rectangular shape, wherein the inner and
outer weight members are securable together to clamp the weight
assembly onto a ledge of the weight track.
18. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein that at least one weight
comprises a smart weight that includes at least one sensor that is
capable of detecting at least one dynamic property of the golf club
head during a swing.
19. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the golf club head
further comprises at least one magnetometer that is capable of
detecting whether a club head cover is positioned on the golf club
head by detecting a presence or absence of a magnetic field from
the club head cover.
20. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein the golf club head
further comprises a sensor, and wherein the golf club head is
configured to activate the sensor in response to the magnetometer
detecting the absence of a magnetic field from the club head cover.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/628,094, filed Feb. 8, 2018 and U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/515,401, filed Jun. 5, 2017, both of
which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure is related to golf club heads, and
particularly to golf club heads for drivers and other wood-type
club heads.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Much of the recent improvement activity in the field of golf
has involved the use of new and increasingly more sophisticated
materials in concert with advanced club-head engineering. For
example, modern "wood-type" golf clubs (notably, "drivers,"
"fairway woods," and "utility or hybrid clubs"), with their
sophisticated shafts and non-wooden club-heads, bear little
resemblance to the "wood" drivers, low-loft long-irons, and higher
numbered fairway woods used years ago. These modern wood-type clubs
are generally called "metalwoods" since they tend to be made
primarily of strong, lightweight metals, such as titanium.
[0004] An exemplary metalwood golf club such as a driver or fairway
wood typically includes a hollow shaft having a lower end to which
the club head is attached. Most modern versions of these club heads
are made, at least in part, of a lightweight but strong metal such
as titanium alloy. In many cases, the club head comprises a body
made primarily of such strong metals.
[0005] Some current approaches to reducing structural mass of a
metalwood club-head are directed to making one or more portions of
the club head of an alternative material. Whereas the bodies and
face plates of most current metalwoods are made of titanium alloys,
some club heads are made, at least in part, of components formed
from either graphite/epoxy-composite (or other suitable composite
material) and a metal alloy. Graphite composites have a much lower
density compared to titanium alloys, which offers an opportunity to
provide more discretionary mass in the club-head.
[0006] The ability to utilize such materials to increase the
discretionary mass available for placement at various points in the
club-head allows for optimization of a number of physical
properties of the club-head which can greatly impact the
performance obtained by the user. Forgiveness on a golf shot is
generally maximized by configuring the golf club head such that the
center of gravity ("CG") of the golf club head is optimally located
and the moment of inertia ("MOI") of the golf club head is
maximized.
[0007] In addition to the use of various materials to optimize the
strength-to-weight properties and acoustic properties of the club
heads, advances have been made in the mass distribution properties
provided by using thicker and thinner regions of materials, raising
and lowering certain portions of the sole and crown, providing
adjustable weight members and adjustable head-shaft connection
assemblies, and many other club head engineering advances.
SUMMARY
[0008] Disclosed herein are wood-type golf club heads that include
a body having at least one raised sole portion that provides a
region of the sole with an increased curvature, which can stiffen
the sole, reduce the mass of the sole, change the sound the club
head makes, and/or provides other beneficial features. The raised
sole portion can be bounded by portions of the body, such as
cantilevered ledges on the periphery of the body, that extend down
below the edges of the raised sole portion, such that the raised
sole portion is elevated above where a conventional sole might be
located on a comparable conventional club head. Some disclosed golf
club heads include a body having one or more sole openings in
raised sole portions and further comprise a sole insert that is
mounted inside the body over the sole openings. The sole can
include channels and/or weight tracks as well, such as a front
channel or weight track forward of the raised sole portion and/or a
rear weight track that extends between a toe side raised sole
portion and a heel side raised sole portion. A crown insert can
also be included that is mounted over an upper opening in the
body.
[0009] The sole and crown inserts can be made of a less dense
material relative to the body to provide mass savings. The raised
sole portions can further provide mass savings by reducing the area
of the sole, providing thinner portions of the sole where less
rigidity is needed, and/or increasing the curvature of the sole,
which decreases the need for additional sole ribs that help stiffen
the sole. Some embodiments can have a bi-level sole, such as with a
toe-side portion of the sole being a raised sole portion and a
heel-side portion of the sole having a lower, more rigid
construction. Some embodiments can include a single raised sole
portion that extends across a majority of the sole. Some
embodiments can include a first raised sole portion on the toe side
of the sole and a second raised sole portion on a heel side of the
sole, with a non-raised sole portion therebetween. In some such
embodiments, a front-rear sliding weight track can extend between
the two raised sole portions. The disclosed combinations of
multi-material multi-component construction, mass adjustability
features, raised sole and cantilevered ledge features, and other
novel features provide unprecedented performance properties when
striking a golf ball, including greater distance, greater accuracy
and ball flight control, more forgiveness on off-center strikes,
superior acoustics and appearance, greater durability, and improved
customizability.
[0010] Some disclosed golf club heads comprise a weight track and
at least one weight mounted in the weight track, with the weight
track having three or more track branches, and each of the track
branches having a respective terminal end and a joining end,
wherein at the joining end each track branch joins with another
portion of the weight track, wherein the weight track is continuous
such that the at least one weight is adjustably slidable about all
of the track branches without removing the at least one weight from
the weight track, and wherein the at least one weight is securable
to the weight track at different selectable positions located along
each of the track branches. The weight track can have the shape of
a T, Y, X, K, H or similar shape, for example.
[0011] Some disclosed golf club heads include a smart feature, such
as a smart weight, that includes one or more sensors to measure
swing characteristics, locations, or other useful information about
a golfer's game. The smart feature can also include data storage
and/or data transmission device, and a power source. The smart
feature can also include a sensor that detects the presence or
absence of a head cover, golf bag, or other device to enable the
smart feature to decide when to enter a sleep mode for power
conservation and when to enter an active mode.
[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the disclosed technology will become more apparent from the
following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to
the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary golf
club head disclosed herein.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of the body of the golf club head of
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the golf club head
of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a heel-side view of the body of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of the body of FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the body taken along
line 6-6 in FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top-down view of a lower portion
of the body of FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a toe portion of
the body of FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a front portion of the sole of
the body of FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a hosel-shaft assembly
of the golf club head of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of another exemplary
golf club head disclosed herein.
[0024] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the golf club
head of FIG. 11.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a heel-side view of the body of the golf club
head of FIG. 11.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a top view of the body of FIG. 13.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the body taken along
line 15-15 in FIG. 14.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of a toe portion of
the body of FIG. 13.
[0029] FIG. 17 is bottom plan view of the body of FIG. 13.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a front portion of the sole of
the body of FIG. 13.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional top-down view of a lower
portion of the body of FIG. 13.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of yet another
exemplary golf club head disclosed herein.
[0033] FIG. 21 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the golf
club head of FIG. 20.
[0034] FIG. 21A is an exploded side perspective view of the golf
club head of FIG. 20.
[0035] FIG. 22 is a top view of the body of the golf club head of
FIG. 20.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the body taken along
line 23-23 in FIG. 22.
[0037] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the golf club head of FIG.
20.
[0038] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 in
FIG. 24.
[0039] FIG. 26 is a heel side view of the golf club head of FIG.
20.
[0040] FIG. 26A is a toe side view of the golf club head of FIG.
20.
[0041] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional top-down view of a lower
portion of the body of FIG. 22.
[0042] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of a toe portion of
the body of FIG. 22.
[0043] FIG. 29 is a bottom view of a front portion of the sole of
the body of FIG. 22.
[0044] FIG. 30 is an enlarged detail cross-section view of a
side-to-side weight track taken generally along line 30-30 of FIG.
29.
[0045] FIG. 31 is another enlarged detail cross-section view of the
side-to-side weight track taken generally along line 31-31 of FIG.
29.
[0046] FIG. 32 is a bottom view of a portion of the sole of the
body of FIG. 22 including a front-to-rear weight track.
[0047] FIG. 33 is an enlarged detail cross-section view of the
front-to-rear weight track taken generally along line 33-33 of FIG.
32.
[0048] FIG. 34 is another enlarged detail cross-section view of the
front-to-rear weight track taken generally along line 34-34 of FIG.
32.
[0049] FIG. 35A is a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 20 with
a crown portion removed, showing a sole portion positioned in the
body.
[0050] FIG. 35B is a top view of the sole portion of the golf club
head of FIG. 20.
[0051] FIG. 35C is a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 20 with
the crown portion in place.
[0052] FIG. 35D is a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 20 with
both the crown portion and the sole portion removed.
[0053] FIG. 36A is a front side view of the sole portion of the
golf club head of FIG. 20.
[0054] FIG. 36B is a bottom view of the sole portion of the golf
club head of FIG. 20.
[0055] FIG. 36C is a side view of the crown portion of the golf
club head of FIG. 20.
[0056] FIG. 36D is a top view of the crown portion of the golf club
head of FIG. 20.
[0057] FIG. 37 shows a vertical cross-section of a body of an
exemplary golf club head with a raised sole portion and
cantilevered ledges extending downwardly at the toe side and heel
side of the body, and with a crown insert not included.
[0058] FIG. 38 is a bottom view of an exemplary club head having a
detachable T-shaped weight track system.
[0059] FIG. 39 is a bottom view of an exemplary club head having a
T-shaped weight track system that can be flipped around 180
degrees.
[0060] FIG. 40 is a bottom view of an exemplary club head having a
pivoting weight track.
[0061] FIG. 41 is a bottom view of an exemplary club head having a
weight track that extends around a majority of the perimeter of the
sole.
[0062] FIG. 42A is a bottom view of an exemplary club head having a
grid shaped array of weight attachment locations.
[0063] FIG. 42B is a cross-sectional illustration showing a weight
attachment recess between two ridges on the sole of the club head
of FIG. 42A.
[0064] FIG. 43 is a bottom view of an exemplary club head having
several attachment zones.
[0065] FIG. 44 is a bottom view of an exemplary club head having a
circular or oval shaped weight track on the sole.
[0066] FIG. 45 is a bottom view of an exemplary club head having a
weight arm that pivots around in a circular path on the sole.
[0067] FIG. 46 is a bottom view of an exemplary club head having a
continuous weight track system on the sole, with toe and heel front
branches and toe and heel rear branches, where the weights can
slide about all the track branches without removing them from the
club head.
[0068] FIG. 47A and FIG. 47B are bottom views of another exemplary
club head having a continuous weight track system on the sole, with
toe and heel front branches and toe and heel rear branches, where
the weights can slide about all the track branches without removing
them from the club head.
[0069] FIG. 48 is a bottom perspective view of another exemplary
club head having a continuous Y-shaped weight track system on the
sole, with a front-rear track portion and toe and heel rear track
branches. The club head also includes a crown insert, a toe-side
sole insert, and a heel-side sole insert, along with an adjustable
head-shaft connection assembly.
[0070] FIG. 49 is an exploded view of the club head of FIG. 48.
[0071] FIG. 50 is a front view of the body of the club head of FIG.
48.
[0072] FIG. 51 is a top view of the club head of FIG. 48.
[0073] FIG. 52 is a top view of the body of the club head of FIG.
48.
[0074] FIG. 53 is a heel-side view of the club head of FIG. 48.
[0075] FIG. 54 is a heel-side view of the body of the club head of
FIG. 48.
[0076] FIG. 55 is a bottom view of the body of the club head of
FIG. 48.
[0077] FIG. 56 is a rear view of the club head of FIG. 48.
[0078] FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a
forward portion of the body of the club head of FIG. 48.
[0079] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a
heel-side portion of the body of the club head of FIG. 48.
[0080] FIG. 59 is another cross-sectional view showing the inside
of a heel-side portion of the body of the club head of FIG. 48.
[0081] FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view showing a thickness
profile of the club head body along a vertical front-rear
plane.
[0082] FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a
bottom portion of the body of the club head of FIG. 48, looking
down from above.
[0083] FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a
top portion of the body of the club head of FIG. 48, looking up
from below.
[0084] FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the
front portion of the club head body from behind.
[0085] FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of a forward and toeward
portion of the club head.
[0086] FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view showing a side-to-side
profile of the front-rear weight track.
[0087] FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view showing a profile of the
heel-side weight track.
[0088] FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view showing a front-rear
profile of the front-rear weight track.
[0089] FIG. 68 is an enlarged view of a nub shown in FIG. 67.
[0090] FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view of a length profile of the
heel-side weight track.
[0091] FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional view showing a length profile
of the toe-side weight track.
[0092] FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of a rear portion of the
club head, from the front, showing a weight assembly mounted in the
front-rear weight track.
[0093] FIG. 72 is an enlarged view of the mounted weight assembly
of FIG. 71.
[0094] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of an inner weight member of
the weight assembly.
[0095] FIG. 74 is a plan view of the inner weight member.
[0096] FIG. 75 is a side view of the inner weight member.
[0097] FIG. 76 is a cross-sectional view of the inner weight
member.
[0098] FIG. 77 is a perspective view of the outer weight member of
the weight assembly.
[0099] FIG. 78 is another perspective view of the outer weight
member, from the other side.
[0100] FIG. 79 is a side view of the outer weight member.
[0101] FIG. 80 is a bottom plan view of the outer weight
member.
[0102] FIG. 81 is a top plan view of the outer weight member.
[0103] FIG. 82 is a cross-sectional view of the outer weight
member.
[0104] FIG. 83 is a perspective view of an exemplary two-piece
weight assembly including a rounded inner member having a male
fastener member and a square outer member having a female fastener
opening.
[0105] FIG. 84 is a perspective view of the rounded inner weight
member.
[0106] FIG. 85 is a cross-sectional view, looking from the front
toward the rear, showing the two-piece weight assembly of FIG. 83
mounted in the club head body of FIG. 48.
[0107] FIG. 86 is a perspective bottom view of another exemplary
club head having a multi-branched weight track and front sole
channel.
[0108] FIG. 87 shows the club head of FIG. 86 without the weight
assemblies installed.
[0109] FIG. 88 is a bottom plan view of the head of FIG. 86.
[0110] FIG. 89 is a toe side elevation view of the head of FIG.
86.
[0111] FIG. 90 is a front elevation view of the head of FIG.
86.
[0112] FIG. 91 is a heel side elevation view of the head of FIG.
86.
[0113] FIG. 92 is a top plan view of the head of FIG. 86.
[0114] FIG. 93 is a rear elevation view of the head of FIG. 86.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0115] This disclosure describes embodiments of golf club heads in
the context of driver-type golf clubs, but the principles, methods
and designs described may be applicable in whole or in part to
other wood-type golf clubs, such as fairway woods, utility clubs
(also known as hybrid clubs), and the like.
[0116] The disclosed inventive features include all novel and
non-obvious features disclosed herein, both alone and in novel and
non-obvious combinations with other elements. As used herein, the
phrase "and/or" means "and," "or" and both "and" and "or." As used
herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" refer to one or more
than one, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used
herein, the terms "including" and "having" (and their grammatical
variants) mean "comprising."
[0117] This disclosure also makes reference to the accompanying
drawings which form a part hereof. The drawings illustrate specific
embodiments, but other embodiments may be formed and structural
changes may be made without departing from the intended scope of
this disclosure and the technology discussed herein. Directions and
references (e.g., up, down, top, bottom, left, right, rearward,
forward, heelward, toeward, etc.) may be used to facilitate
discussion of the drawings but are not intended to be limiting. For
example, certain terms may be used such as "up," "down," "upper,"
"lower," "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right" and the like.
These terms are used where applicable, to provide some clarity of
description when dealing with relative relationships, particularly
with respect to the illustrated embodiments. Such terms are not,
however, intended to imply absolute relationships, positions and/or
orientations, unless otherwise indicated. For example, with respect
to an object, an "upper" surface can become a "lower" surface
simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the
same object. Accordingly, the following detailed description shall
not be construed in a limiting sense and the scope of property
rights sought shall be defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0118] FIGS. 1-10 illustrate an exemplary driver-type club head 10
that embodies certain inventive technologies disclosed herein. The
head 10 comprises a body 12 (shown isolated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5),
an adjustable head-shaft connection assembly 14 (illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 10) via which a golf club shaft may be coupled to the
hosel 18 via fastener 16, a crown insert 32 (see FIG. 3) that is
attached to the body, and a sole weight assembly 42 (see FIGS. 1
and 3) that is adjustably mounted to the body. The head 10 defines
a front end 20, rear end 22, toe side 24, heel side 26, lower side
or sole 30, and upper side or crown 28 (all embodiments disclosed
herein share similar directional references). The front end 20
includes a face or strike plate 34 (FIG. 2) for striking a golf
ball, which may be an integral part of the body 12 or a separate
insert. For example, though not shown, the body 12 can include a
face opening to receive a face plate or strike plate 34 that is
attached to the body by welding, braising, soldering, screws or
other fastening means. A threaded weight port 44 at the rear of the
sole threadably receives the adjustable weight 42, such that the
weight can be adjusted vertically, or swapped out for other weights
of different mass, as desired to change the mass properties of the
club head.
[0119] The club head 10 also includes a front channel 36 in the
body 12 near the front of the sole 30. The channel 36 extends in
the toe-heel directions across the sole, with a heelward end 38
near the hosel 18 and an opposite toeward end 40. The heelward end
38 can have an enlarged width, which can allow for the fastener 16
to be inserted into the body from the channel to engage with the
head-shaft connection assembly 14 within the hosel 18. The front
channel can improve coefficient of restitution (COR) across the
striking face and can provide increased forgiveness on off-center
ball strikes. For example, the presence of the front channel can
expand zones of the highest COR across the face of the club,
particularly at the bottom of the club face near the channel, so
that a larger fraction of the face area has a COR above a desired
value, especially at the lower regions of the face. More
information regarding the construction and performance benefits of
the front channel 36 and similar front channels can be found in
U.S. Pat. No. 8,870,678 and U.S. Publication Nos. 2016/0059094 A1,
published Mar. 3, 2016, 2016/0023060 A1, published Jan. 28, 2016,
and 2016/0023063 A1, published Jan. 28, 2016, all of which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, and various
of the other publications that are incorporated by reference
herein.
[0120] The body 12 can include a front ground contact surface 54 on
the body forward of the channel 36 adjacent the bottom of the face
34. The body can also have an intermediate ground contact surface,
or sit pad, 50 rearward of the channel 36. The intermediate ground
contact surface 50 can have an elevation and curvature congruent
with that of the front ground contact surface 54. The body 12 can
further comprise a downwardly extending rear sole surface 46 that
extends around the weight port 44 and contains the weight assembly
42. In some embodiments, the rear sole surface 46 can act as a
ground contact or sit pad as well, having a curvature and elevation
congruent with that of the front ground contact surface 54 and the
intermediate ground contact surface 50.
[0121] The body 12 can further include a raised sole portion 52
that is recessed/raised up from the intermediate ground contact
portion 50 and from the rear sole surface 46. The raised sole
portion 52 can span over any portion of the sole 30, and in the
illustrated embodiment the raised sole portion 52 spans over most
of the toeward and rearward portions of the sole. The sole 30 can
include a sloped transition portion 53 where the intermediate
ground contact surface 50 transitions up to the raised sole portion
52. The sole can also include other similar sloped portions around
the boundary of the raised sole portion 52, such as the sloped
portion 77 along the boundary of the rear sole surface 46 (FIG. 1).
In some embodiments, as illustrated, one or more ribs or struts 58
can be included on the sole that span over the sloped transition
portion 53 from the intermediate ground contact portion 50 to the
raised sole portion 52, to provide increased stiffness and rigidity
to the sole.
[0122] The body 12 can also include a cantilevered ledge 56 that
extends downwardly and outwardly from the perimeter of the body
below the level of the raised sole portion 52 on the toe side and
rear side of the body. The ledge 56 can extend from the rear sole
surface 46 around the body toward the toeward end of the front of
the body, where the ledge can merge with the front ground contact
portion 54 of the sole. The raised sole portion 52 can be
surrounded, fully or partially, by a combination of the ledge 56,
the front ground contact portion 54, and the toeward end 40 of the
channel, the intermediate ground contact portion 50, and the rear
sole surface 46. In this way, the raised sole portion 52 can form a
recessed region surrounded by lower elevation portions of the
body.
[0123] The cantilevered ledge 56 can be a peripheral extension of
the crown that extends continuously past the point where the raised
sole meets the crown. The ledge can have a terminal edge that is
positioned about where a conventional sole would meet with the
crown around the perimeter of the head. The terminal edge of the
ledge 56 can include a curled or bent portion that extends inwardly
a small distance, which can avoid having a sharp edge at the bottom
of the ledge 56. The ledge 56 can also increase the silhouette area
of the club head, such that the club head looks at least as large
as a conventional club head when a user looks down on crown from
above.
[0124] The cantilevered ledge 56 can extend beyond the edge of the
raised sole portion 52 a distance from about 1 mm to about 20 mm,
such as from about 3 mm to about 15 mm, and/or from about 5 mm to
about 10 mm. The cantilevered ledge 56 can have any thickness.
[0125] The raised sole portion 52 can optionally include grooves,
channels, ridges, or other surface features that increase its
rigidity, such as grooves 74 and 76. Similarly, the intermediate
ground contact portion 50 can include stiffening surface features,
such as grooves 78 and 80.
[0126] A sole such as the sole 30 of the golf club head 10 may be
referred to as a two-tier construction, bi-level construction,
raised sole construction, or dropped sole construction, in which
one portion of the sole is raised relative to the other portion of
the sole. The terms raised, lowered, dropped, etc. are relative
terms depending on perspective. For example, the intermediate
ground contact portion 50 could be considered "raised" relative to
the raised sole portion 52 when the head is upside down with the
sole facing upwardly as in FIG. 1. On the other hand, the
intermediate ground contact portion 50 portion can also be
considered a "dropped sole" part of the sole, since it is located
closer to the ground relative to the raised sole portion 52 when
the club head is in the normal address position with the sole
facing the ground.
[0127] The raised sole constructions described herein are
counterintuitive because the raised portion of the sole tends to
raise the CG of the club (compared to a conventional sole
position), which is normally considered disadvantageous. However,
the raised sole portion 52 (and other raised sole portion
embodiments disclosed herein) allows for a smaller radius of
curvature for that portion of the sole (compared to a conventional
sole without the raised sole portion) resulting in increased
rigidity and better acoustic properties due to the increased
stiffness from the geometry. This stiffness increase means fewer
ribs or even no ribs are needed in that portion of the sole to
achieve a desired first mode frequency, such as 3000 Hz or above,
3200 Hz or above, or even 3400 Hz or above. Fewer ribs provides a
mass/weight savings, which allows for more discretionary mass that
can be strategically placed elsewhere in the club head or
incorporated into user adjustable movable weights.
[0128] Furthermore, the various sloped transition portions (e.g.,
53, 77) around the raised sole portion 52, as well as the grooves
74, 76, and the optional ribs 58, can provide additional structural
support and additional rigidity for the club head and also modify
and even fine tune the acoustic properties of the club head. The
sound and modal frequencies emitted by the club head when it
strikes a golf ball are very important to the sensory experience of
a golfer and provide functional feedback as to where the ball
impact occurs on the face (and whether the ball is well
struck).
[0129] In some embodiments, the raised sole portion 52 can be made
of a relatively thinner and/or less dense material compared to
other portions of the sole and body that take more stress, such as
the ground contact portions 46, 54, 50, the face region, and the
hosel region. By reducing the mass of the raised sole portion 52,
the higher CG effect of raising that portion of the sole is
mitigated while maintaining a stronger, heavier material on other
portions of the sole and body to promote a lower CG and provide
added strength in the area of the sole and body where it is most
needed (e.g., in a sole region proximate to the hosel and around
the face and shaft connection components where stress is
higher).
[0130] In some embodiments, the raised sole portion 52 and/or
optionally other portions of the body can include relatively
thinner regions spaced apart in a web of thicker material. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, the raised sole portion 52
includes oval shaped thin regions 70 spaced apart by thicker
regions 72 that form a web. Such thick/thin sole construction can
provide optimal stiffness benefits while also providing further
mass/weight savings in the raised portion of the sole to mitigate
adverse CG effects and improve the acoustic properties of the sole.
Any number of thin regions 70 can be provided, with any dimensions
and spacing. More details regarding thick/thin zones in golf club
head walls, such described herein, can be found in various of the
references incorporated by reference herein.
[0131] The body 12 can also include one or more internal ribs, such
as ribs 82, 84, and 86 (see FIGS. 5, 7, and 8) that are integrally
formed with or attached to the inner surfaces of the body. Such
ribs can vary in size, shape, location, number and stiffness, and
can be used strategically to reinforce or stiffen designated areas
of the body's interior and/or fine tune acoustic properties of the
club head. One or more additional ribs can be included within the
body that span the junction between the top of the face 34 and the
front of the crown 28, such as rib 90 shown in FIG. 8, which can
stiffen the upper portion of the face and the crown.
[0132] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the club head 10 can optionally
include a separate crown insert 32 that is secured to the body 12
to cover a large opening 60 at the top and rear of the body,
forming part of the crown 28 of the club head. The crown insert 32
covers a substantial portion of the crown's surface area as, for
example, at least 40%, at least 60%, at least 70% or at least 80%
of the crown's surface area. The crown's outer boundary generally
terminates where the crown surface undergoes a significant change
in radius of curvature, e.g., near where the crown transitions to
the head's sole, hosel, and face. In some embodiments, the crown
insert can be set back from the front 20 of the head and has a
forwardmost edge that generally extends between the toe and heel
and defines a centrally located notch which protrudes toward the
face (see, for example, the notch/protrusion 207 in the crown
insert 206 shown in FIGS. 36C and 36D). In other embodiments the
notch may protrude away from the face.
[0133] The crown opening 60 can be formed to have a recessed
peripheral ledge or seat 62 to receive the crown insert 32, such
that the crown insert is either flush with the adjacent surfaces of
the body to provide a smooth seamless outer surface or,
alternatively, slightly recessed below the body surfaces. The front
of the crown insert 32 can join with a front portion of the crown
28 on the body to form a continuous, arched crown extend forward to
the face. The crown insert 32 can comprise any suitable material
(e.g., lightweight composite and/or polymeric materials) and can be
attached to the body in any suitable manner, as described in more
detail elsewhere herein.
[0134] The crown insert 32, disclosed in various embodiments
herein, can help overcome manufacturing challenges associated with
conventional club heads having normal continuous crowns made of
titanium or other metals, and can replace a relatively heavy
component of the crown with a lighter material, freeing up
discretionary mass which can be strategically allocated elsewhere
within the club head. For example, with the discretionary mass,
additional ribs can be strategically added to the hollow interior
of the club head and thereby improve the acoustic properties of the
head. Discretionary mass in the form of ribs or other features also
can be strategically located in the interior to shift the effective
CG fore or aft, toeward or heelward or both (apart from any further
CG adjustments made possible by adjustable weight features).
[0135] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the head-shaft
connection assembly 14 mounted within the hosel 18 and secured via
fastener 16. The head-shaft connection assembly 14 can coupled a
shaft (not shown) to the club head 12 in various different
orientations that allow for adjustment of the resulting golf club's
loft angel, lie angle, and/or face angle. The head-shaft connection
assembly can include components 92, 94, 95, 96, 98, and 99, in
addition to the fastener 16 and hosel 18, as shown in FIG. 10. More
information about the adjustable head-shaft connection systems that
can be included in the disclosed heads is provided in the various
referenced that are incorporated by reference herein.
[0136] FIGS. 11-19 illustrate another exemplary wood-type golf club
head 100. The head 100 comprises a body 102 with a hosel 103, a
face 130, an adjustable head-shaft connection assembly 104, 106, a
crown insert 108, a raised sole 110, a sole channel 114, a front
sit pad 112 and rear sit pad 116, a toe cantilevered ledge 118
extending around the toward side of the raised sole 110 and a heel
cantilevered ledge 119 along the heel-ward side of the raised sole.
Instead of the bi-level sole construction as described with the
head 10 above, the head 100 has a majority of its sole raised up
above the level of the lower ground contact surfaces of the sit
pads 112 and 116. In this way, the sole is reduced in area and
mass, and increased in curvature, compared to a conventional sole
that is flush with the sit pads 112, 116, the hosel 103, and ledges
118, 119.
[0137] The front sit pad 112 is positioned in front of the sole
channel 114 and the raised sole 110 extends rearwardly from the
channel 114 to the rear sit pad 116 and perimeter ledges 118, 119.
The raised sole 110 also extends heelward over most of the heel
portion of the body and transitions into the hosel 103 where
stresses are higher and thicker material is needed. At the toe side
of the head 100, the raised sole 110 is bounded by the toe-side
ledge 118 and the toe end 132 of the body that extends from front
sit pad 112 adjacent the face. In the normal address position, the
head rests on the ground with only the front and rear sit pads 112,
116 touching the ground, and the raised sole 110 spaced above the
ground (see FIGS. 13 and 15). To provide the front sit pad with
increased surface area while keeping the channel 114 close to the
face, the front sit pad includes a rear lip 113 that partially
overhangs the channel 114.
[0138] The ledges 118 and 119 can be similar in structure and
purpose to the ledge 56 of head 10, as described herein.
[0139] The raised sole portion 110 can optionally include grooves,
channels, ridges, or other surface features that increase its
rigidity, can have thick/thin regions, and/or can include internal
ribs, as described with the raised sole portion 52 above.
[0140] The rear sit pad 116 can be positioned off-center toward the
toe-side of the club head, where it best positioned to contact the
ground when a user holds the club head at address with the head
rocked toward the heel a bit. The rear sit pad 116 can have a
general rectilinear shape that is also arcuate to match the arcuate
shape of the rear of the head. The rear sit pad 116 can
alternatively have various other shapes and sizes as desired, such
as to adjust the mass properties, acoustic properties, or
aerodynamic properties.
[0141] As with other embodiments herein, the head-shaft connection
assembly 104 can include various components to allow adjustment to
the loft, lie, and/or face angles of the head relative to the
shaft, and can include components 120, 122, 124, 126 as shown in
FIG. 12. More information about the adjustable head-shaft
connection systems that can be included in the disclosed heads is
provided in the various referenced that are incorporated by
reference herein.
[0142] As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the body 102 can include a crown
opening 138 bounded by a recessed ledge 134 that receives the crown
insert 108, similar to the head 10. The crown insert 108 and a
forward portion 136 of the body form an arched crown that slopes
down to the face and hosel.
[0143] In some embodiments, one or more ribs can be included within
the body, such as one or more ribs that span the junction between
the top of the face 130 and the front of the crown 136, such as the
rib 140 shown in FIG. 16, which can stiffen the upper portion of
the face and the crown.
[0144] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the sole channel 114 can have a
similar construction to that of the channel 36 in the head 10, with
an enlarged heel end 144 adjacent a fastener opening 146 in the
hosel and an opposite channel end 142 near the toe. As shown, the
lip 113 of the front sit pad 112 partially overhangs the
intermediate region of the channel between the ends 142, 144.
[0145] In any of the club heads disclosed herein, the club head can
include at least one raised sole portion that provides a greater
heel-toe curvature as compared to a conventional sole that normally
would be included in place of the raised sole portion. For example,
the raised sole portion can have a heel end that is bounded by a
heel portion of the body (e.g., cantilevered ledge 119 in club head
100) and a toe end that is bounded by a toe portion of the body
(e.g., cantilevered ledge 118 in club head 100), and a mid portion
that is positioned below the heel end and toe end when the club
head is a normal address position. The heel portion of the body
extends below the heel end of the raised sole portion and the toe
portion of the body extends below the toe end of the raised sole
portion, such that the raised sole portion is elevated above where
a normal sole would be located if it extended to the peripheral
ends of the body, and such that the raised sole portion has an
increased degree of curvature. Curvature is defined herein as the
inverse of the radius of curvature.
[0146] The club head 100, for example, includes raised sole portion
110 that covers a majority of the sole. In the club head 10, as
another example, the raised sole portion 52 provides a zone of
higher curvature mostly on the toe side, in contrast to the lower
sole portions 50, 54, 46, etc. As another example, the club head
200 (described further below) includes a toe-side raised sole
portion (area including and around body opening 240) and a separate
heel-side raised sole portion (area including and around body
opening 242), with a weight track in between.
[0147] The heel-toe curvature of a raised sole portion can be
measured at any heel-toe cross-section between the front and back
of the club head. For example, FIG. 37 shows a heel-toe
cross-sectional view of the body of an exemplary club head 300
(similar to club head 100) taken at a midpoint between the front
and rear of the club. As shown in FIG. 37, the club head 300
includes a raised sole portion 302 that extends between a toe side
ledge 304 and a heel side ledge 308 that extend down and outwardly
beyond the ends of the raised sole portion. The body also includes
seats 306 and 310 that receive a crown insert (not shown). The
point A is the toeward most point on the body 300, and the point G
is the heelward most point on the body. The point D is a point in
the sole midway between the points A and G. The point D divides the
raised sole portion into a toe side and a heel side. The distance
L.sub.1 is the horizontal heel-toe distance between points A and G.
The point B on the toe end of the raised sole portion is a distance
L.sub.2 horizontally from the point A, which is 10% of L.sub.1.
Similarly, the point F on the heel end of the raised sole portion
is the same distance L.sub.2 horizontally from the point G. The
point C on the toe side of the raised sole portion is a distance
L.sub.3 horizontally from the point A, which is 20% of L.sub.1.
Similarly, the point E on the heel end of the raised sole portion
is the same distance L.sub.3 horizontally from the point G.
[0148] The average heel-toe curvature of the raised sole portion
302 can be defined by an arc 314 of constant radius passing through
points B, D and F. Alternatively, the average heel-toe curvature of
the raised sole portion 302 can be defined by an arc 316 of
constant radius passing through points C, D and E. These are just
two examples of how the heel-toe curvature of a raised sole portion
can be measured or estimated. In any case, it is apparent that the
curvature of the raised sole portion is greater than a reference
curvature defined by reference arc 312 that extends through points
A, D and G with a constant radius, which is approximately where a
conventional sole would be located and approximates an average
curvature of such a conventional sole.
[0149] In embodiments have a raised sole portion, the average
heel-toe curvature of the raised sole portion can be greater than
the reference heel-toe curvature by any degree, by at least 3%, by
at least 5%, by at least 10%, by at least 15%, and/or by at least
20%.
[0150] In the example cross-section of FIG. 37, L.sub.1 can be
about 123 mm, L.sub.2 can be about 12.3 mm, L.sub.3 can be about
24.6 mm, the arc ADG can have a curvature of about 0.0121
mm.sup.-1, the arc BDF can have a curvature of about 0.0137
mm.sup.-1, and the arc CDE can have a curvature of about 0.0123
mm.sup.-1. The arc BDF is longer and extends further toward the
higher curvature portions nearer to the crown, and is thus a better
approximation of the average heel-toe curvature of the whole span
of the raised sole portion compared to the relatively flatter lower
span segment approximated by the arc CDE. The ratio of the BDF
curvature to the ADG curvature is about 1.132 in this example,
which illustrates that the raised sole portion can have a curvature
that is more than 10% greater than the reference curvature. Of
course FIG. 37 is just one example and the dimensions can vary
significantly in other embodiments.
[0151] It should be noted that the foregoing comparisons of
curvatures and dimensions are based on a cross-section of the club
head body taken at a vertical cut located midway (50%) between the
front and rear of the club head. Alternatively, such curvature
comparisons can be made at other front-rear cross-section
locations, such as 25%, 30%, 40%, 60%, 70%, or 75% of the distance
from the from the front of the club head toward the rear of the
club head, while yielding comparable results and conclusions.
[0152] For example, in one embodiment at a cross-section located at
about 30% of the distance from the from the front of the club head
toward the rear of the club head a toe arc curvature may be greater
than about 0.0135 mm.sup.-1, preferably greater than about 0.0140
mm.sup.-1, more preferably greater than about 0.0145 mm.sup.-1, and
most preferably greater than about 0.0150 mm.sup.-1. Additionally
or alternatively, at that same 30% cross-section a heel arc
curvature may be greater than about 0.0135 mm.sup.-1, preferably
greater than about 0.0140 mm.sup.-1, more preferably greater than
about 0.0145 mm.sup.-1, and most preferably greater than about
0.0150 mm.sup.-1. Similarly, at a cross-section located at about
70% of the distance from the from the front of the club head toward
the rear of the club head a toe arc curvature may be greater than
about 0.0115 mm.sup.-1, preferably greater than about 0.0120
mm.sup.-1, more preferably greater than about 0.0125 mm.sup.-1, and
most preferably greater than about 0.0130 mm.sup.-1. Additionally
or alternatively, at that same 70% cross-section a heel arc
curvature may be greater than about 0.0135 mm.sup.-1, preferably
greater than about 0.0140 mm.sup.-1, more preferably greater than
about 0.0145 mm.sup.-1, and most preferably greater than about
0.0150 mm.sup.-1. The heel and toe curvatures may not necessarily
be the same and in many instances the heel curvature may be greater
than the toe curvature. As discussed above, at least one of the
heel curvature and toe curvature may be greater than a reference
heel-toe curvature by at least 3%, by at least 5%, by at least 10%,
by at least 15%, and/or by at least 20%.
[0153] Looking again at FIG. 37, it is apparent in the illustrated
example 300 that the heel side of the raised sole portion 302 has a
greater curvature than the toe side. In fact, in many examples, the
actual curvature varies considerably moving in the heel-toe
directions across the sole, with some portions having a
continuously variable curvature and some portions having a constant
curvature over certain spans. For this reason, it can be more
convenient to characterize the overall curvature of the raised sole
portion using an approximation, such as the arcs BDF and CDE of
constant curvature.
[0154] A non-constant curvature of the raised sole portion can be
characterized in other ways as well. For example, the overall span
can be broken up into N smaller segments, and the curvatures of
each of the N segments can be summed together and then divided by N
to calculate an approximate average curvature. In one such example,
the raised sole portion can have an overall heel-toe arc length of
about 120 mm, and can be broken up into 12 arc segments of about 10
mm each. The curvature of each of the 12 segments can be
calculated, added together, and then divided by 12 to arrive at an
approximate average curvature. In other examples, the N segments
can each have different arc lengths. In such cases, for each
segments, the product of the length and the curvature can be found.
Those products can be summed and then divided by the sum of the
lengths (the overall length) to arrive at an approximate average
curvature. Regardless of the technique used to measure the average
curvature of the raised sole portion, the average curvature of the
raised sole portion can be greater than the reference
curvature.
[0155] FIGS. 20-36D illustrate yet another exemplary wood-type golf
club head 200. The head 200 also includes a raised sole
construction with the benefits provided thereby described above,
but also includes two weight tracks 214, 216 with slidably
adjustable weights assemblies 210, 212. The head 200 further
comprises both a crown insert 206 (akin to those described above)
as well as a sole insert 208 (see exploded views in FIGS. 21 and
22).
[0156] The head 200 comprises a body 202, a hosel 203, an
adjustable head-shaft connection assembly 204, fastener 205, a
crown insert 206 attached to an upper portion of the body, a sole
insert 208 mounted inside the body on top of a lower portion of the
body, the front weight assembly 210 slidably mounted in the front
weight track 214, and the rear weight assembly 212 slidably mounted
in the rear weight track 216. The two weight tracks form a T shape,
with a rearwardly extending track branch, a toewardly extending
track branch, and a heelwardly extending track branch, defining
three terminal ends. In some embodiments, a similar weight track
can have more of a Y shape, with all three branches extending at
different angles. The head 200 includes a front sit pad, or ground
contact surface, 226 between the front track 214 and the face 270,
and a rear sit pad, or ground contact surface, 224 at the rear of
the body to the heel side of the rear track 216, with the rest of
the sole elevated above the ground when in the normal address
position.
[0157] The head 200 has a raised sole that is defined by a
combination of the body 202 and the sole insert 208. As shown in
FIGS. 22 and 27, for example, the lower portion of the body 202
include a toe-side opening 240, a heel-side opening 242, and a rear
track opening 244, all of which are covered by the sole insert 208.
The rear weight track 216 is positioned below the sole insert 208.
As shown in FIG. 24, the toe-side opening 240 and heel-side opening
242 can can include a ledge or seat around the openings that
receive the sole insert 208.
[0158] The head 200 also includes a toe-side cantilevered ledge 232
extending around the perimeter from the rear weight track 216 or
rear sit pad 224 around to toe region adjacent the face, where the
ledge 232 joins with a toe portion 230 of the body that extends
toeward from the front sit pad 226. One or more optional ribs 236
can join the toe portion 230 to the raised sole adjacent a forward
end of the toe-side opening 240 in the body. Three such triangular
ribs are illustrated in FIG. 20 and FIG. 26A.
[0159] The head 200 also includes a heel-side cantilevered ledge
234 that extends from near the hosel region rearward to the rear
sit pad 224 or to the rear end of the rear weight track 216. In
some embodiments, the two cantilevered ledges 232 and 234 can meet
and/or form a continuous ledge that extends around the rear of the
head. The rear sit pad 224 can optionally include a recessed rear
portion 222 (as shown in FIG. 26).
[0160] The lower portion of the body 202 that forms part of the
sole can include various features, thickness variations, ribs, etc,
to provide enhanced rigidity where desired and weight saving when
rigidity is less desired. The body can include thicker regions 238,
for example, near the intersection of the two weight tracks 214,
216. The body can also include thin ledges or seats 260 around the
openings 240, 242, with the ledges 260 configured to receive and
mate with sole insert 208. The lower surfaces of the body can also
include various internal ribs to enhance rigidity and acoustics,
such as ribs 262, 263, 265, and 267 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.
[0161] The upper portion of the body can also include various
features, thickness variations, ribs, etc, to provide enhanced
rigidity where desired and weight saving when rigidity is less
desired. For example, the body includes a thinner seat region 250
around the upper opening to receive the crown insert 206. As shown
in FIG. 21A, the seats 250 and 260 for the crown and sole inserts
can be close to each other, even sharing a common edge, around the
outer perimeter of the body.
[0162] FIGS. 35A-D show top views of the head 200 in various states
with the crown and sole inserts in place and/or removed. FIGS.
36A-D show the crown and sole inserts in more detail. As shown in
FIGS. 36A and 36B, the sole insert 208 can have an irregular shape
with a concave upper surface and convex lower surface. The sole
insert 208 can also include notches 209 at the rear-heel end to
accommodate fitting around the rear sit pad 224 area, where
enhanced rigidity is needed due to ground contact forces. In
various embodiments, the sole insert can cover at least about 50%
of the surface area of the sole, at least about 60% of the surface
area of the sole, at least about 70% of the surface area of the
sole, or at least about 80% of the surface area of the sole. In
another embodiment, the sole insert covers about 50% to 80% of the
surface area of the sole. The sole insert contributes to a club
head structure that is sufficiently strong and stiff to withstand
the large dynamic loads imposed thereon, while remaining relatively
lightweight to free up discretionary mass that can be allocated
strategically elsewhere within the club head.
[0163] The sole insert 208 has a geometry and size selected to at
least cover the openings 240, 242, 244 in the bottom of the body,
and can be secured to the frame by adhesion or other secure
fastening technique. In some embodiments, the ledges 260 may be
provided with indentations to receive matching protrusions or bumps
on the underside of the sole insert to further secure and align the
sole insert on the frame.
[0164] Like the sole, the crown also has an opening 246 that
reduces the mass of the body 202, and more significantly, reduces
the mass of the crown, a region of the head where increased mass
has the greatest impact on raising (undesirably) the CG of the
head. Along the periphery of the opening 246, the frame includes a
recessed ledge 250 to seat and support the crown insert 206. The
crown insert 206 (see FIGS. 36C and 36D) has a geometry and size
compatible with the crown opening 246 and is secured to the body by
adhesion or other secure fastening technique so as to cover the
opening 246. The ledge 260 may be provided with indentations along
its length to receive matching protrusions or bumps on the
underside of the crown insert to further secure and align the crown
insert on the body. The crown insert may also include a forward
projection 207 that extends in to the forward crown portion 252 of
the body.
[0165] In various embodiments, the ledges of the body that receive
the crown and sole inserts (e.g. ledges 250 and 260) may be made
from the same metal material (e.g., titanium alloy) as the body
and, therefore, can add significant mass to the golf club head. In
some embodiments, in order to control the mass contribution of the
ledge to the golf club head, the width of the ledges can be
adjusted to achieve a desired mass contribution. In some
embodiments, if the ledges add too much mass to the golf club head,
it can take away from the decreased weight benefits of a sole and
crown inserts, which can be made from a lighter materials (e.g.,
carbon fiber or graphite composites and/or polymeric materials). In
some embodiments, the width of the ledges may range from about 3 mm
to about 8 mm, preferably from about 4 mm to about 7 mm, and more
preferably from about 4.5 mm to about 5.5 mm. In some embodiments,
the width of the ledges may be at least four times as wide as a
thickness of the respective insert. In some embodiments, the
thickness of the ledges may range from about 0.4 mm to about 1 mm,
preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 0.8 mm, and more preferably
from about 0.6 mm to about 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the
thickness of the ledges may range from about 0.5 mm to about 1.75
mm, preferably from about 0.7 mm to about 1.2 mm, and more
preferably from about 0.8 mm to about 1.1 mm. Although the ledges
may extend or run along the entire interface boundary between the
respective insert and the body, in alternative embodiments, the
ledges may extend only partially along the interface
boundaries.
[0166] The periphery of crown opening 246 can be proximate to and
closely track the periphery of the crown on the toe-, rear-, and
heel-sides of the head 200. In contrast, the face-side of the crown
opening 246 can be spaced farther from the face 270 region of the
head. In this way, the head can have additional frame mass and
reinforcement in the crown area 252 just rearward of the face 270.
This area and other areas adjacent to the face along the toe, heel
and sole support the face and are subject to the relatively higher
impact loads and stresses due to ball strikes on the face. As
described elsewhere herein, the frame may be made of a wide range
of materials, including high strength titanium, titanium alloys,
and/or other metals. The opening 246 can have a notch at the front
side which matingly corresponds to the crown insert projection 207
to help align and seat the crown insert on the body.
[0167] The front and rear weight tracks 214, 216 are located in the
sole of the club head and define tracks for mounting two-piece
slidable weight assemblies 210, 212, respectively, which may be
fastened to the weight tracks by fastening means such as screws.
The weight assemblies can take forms other than as shown in FIG.
21A, can be mounted in other ways, and can take the form of a
single piece design or multi-piece design. The weight tracks allows
the weight assemblies to be loosened for slidable adjustment along
the tracks and then tightened in place to adjust the effective CG
and MOI characteristics of the club head. For example, by shifting
the club head's CG forward or rearward via the rear weight assembly
212, or heelward or toeward via the front weight assembly 210, the
performance characteristics of the club head can be modified to
affect the flight of the golf ball, especially spin characteristics
of the golf ball. In other embodiments, the front weight track 214
can instead be a front channel without a movable weight.
[0168] The sole of the body 202 preferably is integrally formed
with the front weight track 214 extending generally parallel to and
near the face of the club head and generally perpendicular to the
rear weight track 216, which extends rearward from near the middle
of the front track toward the rear of the head.
[0169] In the illustrated embodiments, the weight tracks each only
include one weight assembly. In other embodiments, two or more
weight assemblies can be mounted in either or both of the weight
tracks to provide alternative mass distribution capabilities for
the club head.
[0170] By adjusting the CG heelward or toeward via the front weight
track 214, the performance characteristics of the club head can be
modified to affect the flight of the ball, especially the ball's
tendency to draw or fade and/or to counter the ball's tendency to
slice or hook. By adjusting the CG forward or rearward via the rear
weight track 216, the performance characteristics of the club head
can be modified to affect the flight of the ball, especially the
ball's tendency to move upwardly or resist falling during flight
due to backspin. The use of two weights assemblies in either track
can allow for alternative adjustment and interplay between the two
weights. For example, with respect to the front track 214, two
independently adjustable weight assemblies can be positioned fully
on the toe side, fully on the heel side, spaced apart a maximum
distance with one weight fully on the toe side and the other fully
on the heel side, positioned together in the middle of the weight
track, or in other weight location patterns. With a single weight
assembly in a track, as illustrated, the weight adjustment options
are more limited but the effective CG of the head still can be
adjusted along a continuum, such as heelward or toeward or in a
neutral position with the weight centered in the front weight
track.
[0171] As shown in FIGS. 29-34, each of the weight tracks 214, 216
preferably has a recess, which may be generally rectangular in
shape, to provide a recessed track to seat and guide the weight as
it adjustably slides along the track. Each track includes one or
more peripheral rails or ledges to define an elongate channel
preferably having a width dimension less than the width of the
weight placed in the channel. For example, as shown in FIGS. 29 and
30, the front track 214 includes opposing peripheral rails 288 and
284 and, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the rear track 216 includes
opposing peripheral rails 290 and 292. In this way, the weights can
slide in the weight track while the rails prevent them from passing
out of the tracks. At the same time, the channels between the
ledges permit the screws of the weight assemblies to pass through
the center of the outer weight elements, through the channels, and
then into threaded engagement with the inner weight elements. The
ledges serve to provide tracks or rails on which the joined weight
assemblies freely slide while effectively preventing the weight
assemblies from inadvertently slipping out of the tracks, even when
loosened. In the front track 214, the inner weight member of the
assembly 210 sits above the rails 284 and 288 in inner recesses 280
and 286, while the outer weight member is partially seated in
recess 282 between the forward rail 284 and the overhanging lip 228
of the front sit pad 226 (FIGS. 30, 31). In the rear track 216, the
inner weight member of the assembly 212 sits above the rails 290
and 292 in inner recesses 296 and 298, while the outer weight
member can be partially seated in recess 294 between the heel-side
rail 290 and an overhanging lip 225 of the rear sit pad 224.
[0172] The weight assemblies can be adjusted by loosening the
screws and moving the weights to a desired location along the
tracks, then the screws can be tightened to secure them in place.
The weights assemblies can also be swapped out and replaced by
other weight assemblies having different masses to provide further
mass adjustment options. If a second or third weight is added to
the weight track, many additional weight location and distribution
options are available for additional fine tuning of the head's
effective CG location in the heel-toe direction and the front-rear
direction, and combinations thereof. This also provides great range
of adjust of the club head's MOI properties.
[0173] Any of the weight assemblies disclosed herein, such as 210,
212, can comprise a three piece assembly including an inner weight
member, an outer weight member, and a fastener coupling the two
weight members together. The assemblies can clamp onto front, back,
or side ledges of the weight tracks by tightening the fastener such
that the inner member contacts the inner side the ledge and the
outer weight member contacts the outer side of the ledge, and the
fastener is in tension, with enough clamping force to hold the
assembly stationary relative to the body throughout a round of
golf. Any of the weight members disclosed herein and/or the
associated assemblies can be shaped and/or configured to be
inserted into the weight track by inserting the inner weight member
into the inner channel past the ledge(s) at a usable portion of the
weight track, as opposed to inserting the inner weight at an
enlarged opening at one end of the weight track where the weight
assembly is not configured to be secured in place. This can allow
for elimination of such a wider, non-functional opening at the end
of the track, and allow the track to be shorter or to have a longer
functional ledge length over which the weight assembly can be
secured. To allow the inner weight member to be inserted into the
track in the middle of the track (for example) past the ledge, the
inner weight member can be inserted at an angle that is not
perpendicular to the ledge, e.g., an angled insertion. Moreover,
the insertion of the inner member into the channel can be in a
direction that is not parallel to a longitudinal axis of the
channel. Also, the weight member cannot be removed from the channel
solely by movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
channel. The weight member can be inserted at an angle and
gradually rotated into the inner channel to allow insertion past
the clamping ledge at a usable portion of the track. In some
embodiments, the inner weight member can have a rounded, oval,
oblong, arcuate, curved, or otherwise specifically shaped structure
to better allow the weight member to insert into the channel past
the ledge at a useable portion of the track. In addition, in some
embodiments one or both weight members of an assembly can have a
non-circular shape and/or shaped to prevent rotation of the weight
member upon tightening then threaded fastening bolt. More
information regarding weight assemblies and weight tracks can be
found in U.S. Pub. No. 2017/0072277, published Mar. 16, 2017, which
is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0174] In the golf club heads of the present disclosure, the
ability to adjust the relative positions and masses of the slidably
adjusted weights and/or threadably adjustable weights, coupled with
the weight saving achieved by incorporation of the light-weight
crown insert and/or sole insert, further coupled with the
discretionary mass provided by the raised sole configurations,
allows for a large range of variation of a number properties of the
club-head all of which affect the ultimate club-head performance
including the position of the CG of the club-head, MOI values of
the club head, acoustic properties of the club head, aesthetic
appearance and subjective feel properties of the club head, and/or
other properties.
[0175] In certain embodiments, the front weight track and the rear
weight track have certain track widths. The track widths may be
measured, for example, as the horizontal distance between a first
track wall and a second track wall that are generally parallel to
each other on opposite sides of the inner portion of the track that
receives the inner weight member of the weight assembly. With
reference to FIGS. 29-31, the width of the front track 214 can be
the horizontal distance between opposing walls of the inner
recesses 280 and 286. With reference to FIGS. 32-34, the width of
the rear track 216 can be the horizontal distance between opposing
walls of the inner recesses 296 and 298. For both the front track
and the rear track, the track widths may be between about 5 mm and
about 20 mm, such as between about 10 mm and about 18 mm, or such
as between about 12 mm and about 16 mm. According to some
embodiments, the depth of the tracks (i.e., the vertical distance
between the uppermost inner wall in the track and an imaginary
plane containing the regions of the sole adjacent the outermost
lateral edges of the track) may be between about 6 mm and about 20
mm, such as between about 8 mm and about 18 mm, or such as between
about 10 mm and about 16 mm. For the front track 214, the depth of
the track can be the vertical distance from the inner surface of
the overhanging lip 228 to the upper surface of the inner recess
280 (FIG. 30). For the rear track 216, the depth of the track can
be the vertical distance from the inner surface of the overhanging
lip 225 to the upper surface of the inner recess 296 (FIG. 34).
[0176] Additionally, both the front track and rear track have a
certain track length. Track length may be measured as the
horizontal distance between the opposing longitudinal end walls of
the track. For both the front track and the rear track, their track
lengths may be between about 30 mm and about 120 mm, such as
between about 50 mm and about 100 mm, or such as between about 60
mm and about 90 mm. Additionally, or alternatively, the length of
the front track may be represented as a percentage of the striking
face length. For example, the front track may be between about 30%
and about 100% of the striking face length, such as between about
50% and about 90%, or such as between about 60% and about 80% mm of
the striking face length.
[0177] The track depth, width, and length properties described
above can also analogously also be applied to the front channel 36
of the club head 10.
[0178] In FIGS. 30 and 34, it can be seen that the lips 228, 225 of
the front and rear sit pads extend over or overhang the respective
weight tracks, restricting the track openings and helping retain
the weight(s) within the tracks.
[0179] Referring to FIG. 34, the sole area on the rear sit pad 224
on the heel side of the rear track 216 is lower than the sole area
on the toe side (bottom of ledge 292) by a significant vertical
distance when the head is in the address position relative to a
ground plane. This can be thought of as the head having a "dropped
sole" or "raised sole" construction with a portion of the sole
positioned lower (e.g., on the heel side) relative to another
portion of the sole (e.g., on the toe side). Put another way, a
portion of the sole (e.g., most of the sole except for the rear sit
pad 224) is raised relative to another portion of the sole (e.g.,
the rear sit pad). The same also applies at the front track 214
where the front sit pad 226 and its lip 228 are significantly lower
than the rear side of the front track (as shown in FIG. 30), in the
normal address position.
[0180] In one embodiment, the vertical distance between the level
of the ground contact surfaces of the sit pads and the adjacent
surfaces of the raised sole portions may be in the range of about
2-12 mm, preferably about 3-9 mm, more preferably about 4-7 mm, and
most preferably about 4.5-6.5 mm. In one example, the vertical
distance is about 5.5 mm.
[0181] The wood-type club heads disclosed herein have a volume,
typically measured in cubic-centimeters (cm.sup.3) equal to the
volumetric displacement of the club head, assuming any apertures
are sealed by a substantially planar surface. (See United States
Golf Association "Procedure for Measuring the Club Head Size of
Wood Clubs," Revision 1.0, Nov. 21, 2003). In other words, for a
golf club head with one or more weight ports within the head, it is
assumed that the weight ports are either not present or are
"covered" by regular, imaginary surfaces, such that the club head
volume is not affected by the presence or absence of ports. In
embodiments disclosed herein, a golf club head can be configured to
have a head volume between about 110 cm.sup.3 and about 600
cm.sup.3. In some embodiments, the head volume is between about 250
cm.sup.3 and about 500 cm.sup.3. In yet other embodiments, the head
volume is between about 300 cm.sup.3 and about 500 cm.sup.3,
between 400 cm.sup.3 and about 500 cm.sup.3, between about 400
cm.sup.3 and about 460 cm.sup.3 or between about 420 cm.sup.3 and
about 450 cm.sup.3.
[0182] In the case of a driver (as illustrated), any of the
disclosed golf club heads can have a volume between about 300
cm.sup.3 and about 600 cm.sup.3, between about 350 cm.sup.3 and
about 600 cm.sup.3, and/or between about 350 cm.sup.3 and about 500
cm.sup.3, and can have a total mass between about 145 g and about
260 g, such as between about 195 g and about 205 g. In the case of
a fairway wood (analogous to the illustrated embodiments), the golf
club head may have a volume between about 100 cm.sup.3 and about
300 cm.sup.3, such as between about 150 cm.sup.3 and about 250
cm.sup.3, and a total mass between about 125 g and about 260 g. In
the case of a utility or hybrid club (analogous to the illustrated
embodiments), the golf club head may have a volume between about 60
cm.sup.3 and about 150 cm.sup.3, and a total mass between about 125
g and about 280 g.
[0183] Generally, the center of gravity (CG) of a golf club head is
the average location of the weight of the golf club head or the
point at which the entire weight of the golf club-head may be
considered as concentrated so that if supported at this point the
head would remain in equilibrium in any position. A club head
origin coordinate system can be defined such that the location of
various features of the club head, including the CG can be
determined with respect to a club head origin positioned at the
geometric center of the striking surface and when the club-head is
at the normal address position (i.e., the club-head position
wherein a vector normal to the club face substantially lies in a
first vertical plane perpendicular to the ground plane, the
centerline axis of the club shaft substantially lies in a second
substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the
second substantially vertical plane substantially perpendicularly
intersect).
[0184] The head origin coordinate system defined with respect to
the head origin includes three axes: a z-axis extending through the
head origin in a generally vertical direction relative to the
ground; an x-axis extending through the head origin in a
toe-to-heel direction generally parallel to the striking surface
(e.g., generally tangential to the striking surface at the center)
and generally perpendicular to the z-axis; and a y-axis extending
through the head origin in a front-to-back direction and generally
perpendicular to the x-axis and to the z-axis. The x-axis and the
y-axis both extend in generally horizontal directions relative to
the ground when the club head is at the normal address position.
The x-axis extends in a positive direction from the origin towards
the heel of the club head. The y axis extends in a positive
direction from the head origin towards the rear portion of the club
head. The z-axis extends in a positive direction from the origin
towards the crown. Thus for example, and using millimeters as the
unit of measure, a CG that is located 3.2 mm from the head origin
toward the toe of the club head along the x-axis, 36.7 mm from the
head origin toward the rear of the clubhead along the y-axis, and
4.1 mm from the head origin toward the sole of the club head along
the z-axis can be defined as having a CG.sub.x of -3.2 mm, a
CG.sub.y of -36.7 mm, and a CG.sub.z of -4.1 mm.
[0185] Further as used herein, Delta 1 is a measure of how far
rearward in the club head body the CG is located. More
specifically, Delta 1 is the distance between the CG and the hosel
axis along the y axis (in the direction straight toward the back of
the body of the golf club face from the geometric center of the
striking face). It has been observed that smaller values of Delta 1
result in lower projected CGs on the club head face. Thus, for
embodiments of the disclosed golf club heads in which the projected
CG on the ball striking club face is lower than the geometric
center, reducing Delta 1 can lower the projected CG and increase
the distance between the geometric center and the projected CG.
Note also that a lower projected CG can create a higher dynamic
loft and more reduction in backspin due to the z-axis gear effect.
Thus, for particular embodiments of the disclosed golf club heads,
in some cases the Delta 1 values are relatively low, thereby
reducing the amount of backspin on the golf ball helping the golf
ball obtain the desired high launch, low spin trajectory.
[0186] The embodiments disclosed herein can be provided with one or
more adjustable weights, which can have a mass selected to vary
Delta 1 of the club head to a value greater than 5 mm, greater than
10 mm, greater than 15 mm, and greater than 18.5 mm.
[0187] Similarly Delta 2 is the distance between the CG and the
hosel axis along the x axis (in the direction straight toward the
back of the body of the golf club face from the geometric center of
the striking face).
[0188] Adjusting the location of the discretionary mass in a golf
club head as described herein can provide the desired Delta 1
value. For instance, Delta 1 can be manipulated by varying the mass
in front of the CG (closer to the face) with respect to the mass
behind the CG. That is, by increasing the mass behind the CG with
respect to the mass in front of the CG, Delta 1 can be increased.
In a similar manner, by increasing the mass in front of the CG with
the respect to the mass behind the CG, Delta 1 can be
decreased.
[0189] In addition to the position of the CG of a club-head with
respect to the head origin another important property of a golf
club-head is a projected CG point on the golf club head striking
surface which is the point on the striking surface that intersects
with a line that is normal to the tangent line of the ball striking
club face and that passes through the CG. This projected CG point
("CG Proj") can also be referred to as the "zero-torque" point
because it indicates the point on the ball striking club face that
is centered with the CG. Thus, if a golf ball makes contact with
the club face at the projected CG point, the golf club head will
not twist about any axis of rotation since no torque is produced by
the impact of the golf ball. A negative number for this property
indicates that the projected CG point is below the geometric center
of the face.
[0190] In terms of the MOI of the club-head (i.e., a resistance to
twisting) it is typically measured about each of the three main
axes of a club-head with the CG as the origin of the coordinate
system. These three axes include a CG z-axis extending through the
CG in a generally vertical direction relative to the ground when
the club head is at normal address position; a CG x-axis extending
through the CG origin in a toe-to-heel direction generally parallel
to the striking surface (e.g., generally tangential to the striking
surface at the club face center), and generally perpendicular to
the CG z-axis; and a CG y-axis extending through the CG origin in a
front-to-back direction and generally perpendicular to the CG
x-axis and to the CG z-axis. The CG x-axis and the CG y-axis both
extend in generally horizontal directions relative to the ground
when the club head is at normal address position. The CG x-axis
extends in a positive direction from the CG origin to the heel of
the club head. The CG y-axis extends in a positive direction from
the CG origin towards the rear portion of the golf club head. The
CG z-axis extends in a positive direction from the CG origin
towards the crown. Thus, the axes of the CG origin coordinate
system are parallel to corresponding axes of the head origin
coordinate system. In particular, the CG z-axis is parallel to
z-axis, the CG x-axis is parallel to x-axis, and CG y-axis is
parallel to y-axis.
[0191] Specifically, a club head as a moment of inertia about the
vertical axis ("Izz"), a moment of inertia about the heel/toe axis
("Ixx"), and a moment of inertia about the front/back axis ("Iyy").
Typically, however, the MOI about the z-axis (Izz) and the x-axis
(Ixx) is most relevant to club head forgiveness.
[0192] A moment of inertia about the golf club head CG x-axis (Ixx)
is calculated by the following equation:
Ixx=.intg.(y.sup.2+z.sup.2)dm
where y is the distance from a golf club head CG xz-plane to an
infinitesimal mass dm and z is the distance from a golf club head
CG xy-plane to the infinitesimal mass dm. The golf club head CG
xz-plane is a plane defined by the golf club head CG x-axis and the
golf club head CG z-axis. The CG xy-plane is a plane defined by the
golf club head CGx-axis and the golf club head CG y-axis.
[0193] Similarly, a moment of inertia about the golf club head CG
z-axis (Izz) is calculated by the following equation:
Izz=.intg.(x.sup.2+y.sup.2)dm
where x is the distance from a golf club head CG yz-plane to an
infinitesimal mass dm and y is the distance from the golf club head
CG xz-plane to the infinitesimal mass dm. The golf club head CG
yz-plane is a plane defined by the golf club head CG y-axis and the
golf club head CG z-axis.
[0194] A further description of the coordinate systems for
determining CG positions and MOI can be found US Patent Publication
No. 2012/0172146 A1 published on Jul. 5, 2012, the entire contents
of which is incorporated by reference herein.
[0195] As shown in Tables 1 and 2 below, the clubs of the present
disclosure are able to achieve extremely high ranges of CGx, CGz,
Delta 1 and Delta 2 and Ixx, Izz and projected CG position within
the adjustability ranges of the club head. Table 1 below provides
exemplary data for embodiments of the golf club heads 10 and 100
disclosed herein.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Embodiment: Golf Club Head 10 Golf Club Head
100 TOTAL MASS (w/snot): 200.2 199.9 VOLUME: 436 435 ADDRESS AREA:
12244 12756 CGX: 0.3 0.2 CGZ: -3.13 -3.57 Z UP: 28.7 27.2 ASM
DELTA-1: 19.4 24.6 Ixx: 320 403 lyy: 299 283 Izz: 486 564 CG ANGLE:
28.9 34.5 CFX: 54.2 49.6 CFY: 14.5 14.7 CFZ: 38.8 39.6 GND LOFT:
10.6 11.5 LOFT (FA = 0): 9.2 9.5 BODY LIE: 56 56 ASM LIE: 54.3 54.3
FACE ANGLE: 2.1 3 BULGE RADIUS: 330.2 330.2 ROLL RADIUS: 279.4
279.4 FACE HEIGHT: 56.7 62.1 FACE WIDTH: 87.2 85.7 FACE LENGTH:
50.8 53.6 BALANCE POINT L: 28.93 30.83 CG L: 23.4 25.18 FACE AREA:
4283 4461 FACE PROGRESSION: 17.5 17.9 HOSEL AXIS TO BACK 100.6
103.9 LENGTH CENTER FACE from GND: 31.8 30.7 HEAD HEIGHT: 67.3 64.8
HEAD LENGTH: 123.6 127.1 Shaft Rotation Angle 2.53502 3.6 D1' 19.4
24.6 CGx' 0.3 0.2 CGz' -3.13 -3.6 Square Loft 9.2 9.50 CG Projected
on Face 2.330236 2.97 CG Projected distance 2.349468 3.0 to CF
[0196] Table 2 below provides exemplary data for configurations of
the golf club head 200 disclosed herein, with the front weight
assembly 210 and rear weight assembly 212 in various positions. In
each case, both weight assemblies have a mass of 15 grams (though
weights with any other mass values can be used). In Table 2, "C/F"
means the front weight assembly is in the center of the front track
and the rear weight assembly is at the front of the rear track.
"C/M" means the front weight assembly is in the center of the front
track and the rear weight assembly is at the middle of the rear
track. "C/B" means the front weight assembly is in the center of
the front track and the rear weight assembly is at the back of the
rear track.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Golf Club Head 200 C/F C/M C/B B/B Face Area
3947 Address Area 12361 Face Height 60.8 Head Height 66.0 Loft
angle 9.6 Lie angle 56.5 Face Angle 2.0 Delta 1 17.8 20 22.6 24.9
Ixx 295 307 355 365 Izz 419 432 482 510 CG Projection 0.6 1 1.8 2.4
Aero eCT 256 Front/Back Track L 86.9 Delta 1 change 4.8
[0197] As shown in Tables 1 and 2 above, embodiments of the present
disclosure are able to achieve high MOI (Ixx and Izz), relatively
low CG (CG.sub.z) and a desirable Center of Gravity projection on
the club face, also known as "balance point on the face" (BP
Proj.). CGx and CGz represent center of gravity locations on the x
and z coordinate axes, respectively. Delta 1 (D1) represents the
distance between the club head's CG and its hosel axis along the Y
axis (in a direction straight toward the back of the body of the
club head face from the geometric center of the face). Thus, for
embodiments disclosed herein in which the projected CG (BP Proj.)
on the ball striking face is lower than the geometric center,
reducing Delta 1 produces a lower projected CG and a lower dynamic
loft and creates a desirable further reduction in backspin due to
the Z-axis gear effect. Thus, some embodiment disclosed herein can
facilitate a club design having a desirable high launch angle and
yet relatively low spin rate. High launch trajectories are normally
associated with higher spin rates. "Mass" denotes the mass of the
club head in grams. Ixx and Izz denote the moment of inertia of the
club head about the x and z axes, respectively. The Delta 1 value
may have a range of adjustability due to the adjustable
front-to-back weight(s) of at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least
15 mm or at least 18.5 mm, for example. The adjustability in one
exemplary embodiment may range from about 5 to 28.1 mm, for
example. The foregoing properties and values may also be achieved
with relatively light polymer (or composite) sole and crown
inserts.
[0198] The United States Golf Association (USGA) regulations
constrain golf club head shapes, sizes, and moments of inertia. Due
to theses constraints, golf club manufacturers and designers
struggle to produce club heads having maximum size and moment of
inertia characteristics while maintaining all other golf club head
characteristics. For example, one such constraint is a volume
limitation of 460 cm.sup.3. In general, volume is measured using
the water displacement method. However, the USGA will fill any
significant cavities in the sole or series of cavities which have a
collective volume of greater than 15 cm.sup.3.
[0199] To produce a more forgiving golf club head designers
struggle to maximize certain parameters such as face area, moment
of inertia about the z-axis and x-axis, and address area. A larger
face area makes the club head more forgiving. Likewise, higher
moment of inertia about the z-axis and x-axis makes the club head
more forgiving. Similarly, a larger front to back dimension will
generally increase moment of inertia about the z-axis and x-axis
because mass is moved further from the center of gravity and the
moment of inertia of a mass about a given axis is proportional to
the square of the distance of the mass away from the axis.
Additionally, a larger front to back dimension will generally lead
to a larger address area which inspires confidence in the golfer
when s/he addresses the golf ball.
[0200] However, when designers seek to maximize the above
parameters it becomes difficult to stay within the volume limits
and club head mass targets. Additionally, the sole curvature begins
to flatten as these parameters are maximized. A flat sole curvature
provides poor acoustics. To counteract this problem, designers may
add a significant amount of ribs to the internal cavity to stiffen
the overall structure and/or thicken the sole material to stiffen
the overall structure. See for example FIGS. 55C and 55D and the
corresponding text of U.S. Publication No. 2016/0001146 A1,
published Jan. 7, 2016. This, however, wastes discretionary mass
that could be put elsewhere to improve other properties like moment
of inertia about the z-axis and x-axis.
[0201] As discussed above, a raised sole portion is
counterintuitive because it raises the CG of the club head.
However, the raised sole portion has a greater curvature resulting
in increased rigidity and better acoustic properties due to the
increased stiffness from the geometry, which means fewer ribs are
needed to stiffen the overall structure. Fewer ribs results in more
discretionary mass that can be used to increase moment of inertia
about the z-axis and x-axis and/or incorporated into user
adjustable movable weights.
[0202] Because the USGA fills any significant cavities in the sole
or series of cavities which have a collective volume of greater
than 15 cm.sup.3, the designers have found when using the water
displacement method of measuring volume it is best to target a
volume less than 445 cm.sup.3, and preferably less than 440
cm.sup.3 to conform to the rules. Using the water displacement
method of measuring volume without filling any cavities, in some
embodiments a club head may have a volume between 380 cm.sup.3 and
445 cm.sup.3, such as between 420 cm.sup.3 and 445 cm.sup.3, such
as between 430 cm.sup.3 and 440 cm.sup.3. Some golfers may prefer a
smaller head size in which case the volume may range from 380
cm.sup.3 and 425 cm.sup.3, such as between 380 cm.sup.3 and 420
cm.sup.3, such as between 390 cm.sup.3 and 410 cm.sup.3.
[0203] The inventors found a good measure of a club heads overall
forgiveness can be determined by applying the following
equation:
Forgiveness ratio=(hosel axis to back dimension)*(face
area)/(volume)
[0204] This forgiveness ratio leads to a dimensionless quantity
because the hosel axis to back dimension is in mm, face area is in
mm.sup.2, and volume is in cm.sup.3. The hosel axis to back of club
head dimension represents the distance between the rearward most
portion of the club head and the club head hosel axis along the Y
axis (in a direction straight toward the back of the body when the
club head is in the address position). The face area is equivalent
to the striking surface area or face size. See U.S. Pat. No.
8,012,038 for further information on measuring face size and
address area, which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. As discussed above, volume is measured using the water
displacement method without filling in any cavities.
[0205] The forgiveness ratio is preferably at least 0.915, such as
at least 0.930, such as at least 0.945, such as at least 0.960,
such as at least 0.965, such as at least 0.970, such as at least
0.975, such as at least 0.980, and such as at least 0.990.
[0206] For example, in one embodiment the club head volume is about
433 cm.sup.3, face area is about 3944 mm.sup.2, and the hosel to
back length is about 100.9 mm yielding a forgiveness ratio of about
0.919. In another embodiment, the club head volume is about 436
cm.sup.3, face area is about 4283 mm.sup.2, and the hosel to back
length is about 100.6 mm yielding a forgiveness ratio of about
0.988. In yet another embodiment, the club head volume is about 435
cm.sup.3, face area is about 4461 mm.sup.2, and the hosel to back
length is about 103.9 mm yielding a forgiveness ratio of about
1.0655. The above are non-limiting examples and each of the
parameters may be varied to achieve the various forgiveness ratios
listed above.
[0207] Another measure of forgiveness of a club head are its moment
of inertia about the z-axis and x-axis. Preferably, the moment of
inertia about the z-axis is at least 350 kg-mm.sup.2, such as at
least 400 kg-mm.sup.2, such as at least 450 kg-mm.sup.2, such as at
least 500 kg-mm.sup.2. Preferably, the moment of inertia about the
x-axis is at least 20 kg-mm.sup.2, such as at least 270
kg-mm.sup.2, such as at least 290 kg-mm.sup.2, such as at least 300
kg-mm.sup.2, such as at least 310 kg-mm.sup.2. Preferably, the
moment of inertia about the z-axis divided by the volume is greater
than 0.99 kg/m, and more preferably greater than 1 kg/m.
[0208] A large moment of inertia about the hosel axis increases the
resistance to closing the face of the golf club head during impact
making it difficult to square the face at impact resulting in a
right tendency. Accordingly, it is desirable to increase the moment
of inertia about the z-axis without significantly increasing the
moment of inertia about the hosel axis. Preferably, in some
embodiments the moment of inertia about the hosel axis divided by
the moment of inertia about the z-axis is less than 1.6, such as
less than 1.59, such as less than 1.57, such as less than 1.55,
such as less than 1.53, such as less than 1.51. For example, in one
embodiment the club head volume is about 433 cm.sup.3, face area is
about 3944 mm.sup.2, and the hosel to back length is about 100.9
mm, the moment of inertia about the z-axis is about 454
kg-mm.sup.2, and the moment of inertia about the hosel axis is
about 711 kg-mm.sup.2 mm yielding a ratio of about 1.56. In another
embodiment, the club head volume is about 436 cm.sup.3, face area
is about 4283 mm.sup.2, the hosel to back length is about 100.6,
the moment of inertia about the z-axis is about 502 kg-mm.sup.2,
and the moment of inertia about the hosel axis is about 749
kg-mm.sup.2 mm yielding a ratio of about 1.49.
[0209] Importantly, as face area increases so does the overall mass
of the club head, which is a deterrent to making golf club heads
with a large area face. The inventors target a club head mass
between 195 grams and 205 grams, and as face area is increased it
becomes challenging to stay within this range so the inventors
target a face area between 3900 mm.sup.2 and 4600 mm.sup.2. In the
past, some designers have made large area faces out of non-metal
composite material to save weight. However, non-metallic faces have
several drawbacks that are challenging to overcome the first being
the acoustics or sound and feel of the club head. A non-metal
composite face does not ring the way a metal face does and as a
result sounds muted compared to a metallic face, which fails to
meet certain design metrics and is additionally unappealing to the
golfer. A second problem with non-metallic faces is their ability
to perform consistently in a variety of weather, such as wet
weather. In wet weather, the ball tends knuckle ball off the face,
which again fails to meet certain design metrics. A third problem
is golfers typically mark their golf ball with a permanent marker
and this permanent marker transfers to the face of the golf club
during impact, but unfortunately is very difficult to remove from a
non-metallic face without damaging the face. For at least the above
reasons, the inventors chose to use a metallic face over a
non-metallic face.
[0210] As discussed above, the inventors chose to use non-metallic
materials in other areas of the club head, such as the crown and/or
sole, instead of the face. This achieves weights savings without
the issues described above. However, acoustics are still effected,
but to a lesser degree because the crown and sole are not used to
impact the golf ball.
[0211] Another important parameter that golf club head designers
consider is Zup or the location of the center of gravity in the
vertical axis (z-axis) direction from the ground plane to the CG
when the club head is in the address position. For the embodiments
described, Zup is preferably less 30 mm, such as less than 29 mm,
such as less than 28 mm, such as less than 27 mm, such as less than
26 mm, such as less than 25 mm. Another parameter is Zup relative
to half head height (Zup-(Head Height/2)) which is described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/259,026, filed Sep. 7, 2016,
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. For the
embodiments described, Zup-(Head Height/2) is preferably less than
-4.0 mm, such as less than -4.5 mm, such as less than -5.0 mm, such
as less than -5.5 mm, such as less than -6.0 mm, such as less than
-6.5 mm, such as less than -7.0 mm.
[0212] Table 3 below contains additional data and ratios for the
various club head embodiments disclosed herein. Club heads 200a and
200b correspond to two different versions of the club head 200
shown in FIGS. 20-36 having two different volumes (433 cm.sup.3 and
406 cm.sup.3).
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Club Head 200a Club Head 200b Club Club
Center Center Center Heel Center Center- Center- Toe- Units Head 10
Head 100 Middle Front Back Back Middle Front Back Back Club Head
Mass: g 199.5 199.9 204.9 204.9 204.9 204.9 204.5 204.5 204.5 204.5
Vol. cm.sup.3 436 435 433 433 433 433 406 406 406 406 Zup mm 29
27.2 25.4 25.2 25.7 26 25.9 25.7 26.2 26.4 Address Area cm.sup.2
122 127 123 123 123 123 112 112 112 112 CGX: mm -0.42 0.2 0.9 0.9
0.9 2.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 -1.2 CGZ: mm -2.85 -3.57 -4.46 -4.66 -4.22
-3.86 -3.91 -4.01 -3.59 -3.33 CGY: mm 34.5 39.3 30.4 28.6 32.2 32.2
28.9 27.4 30.9 30.9 Ixx: kg-mm.sup.2 337 403 258 243 296 293 237
224 273 270 Iyy: kg-mm.sup.2 298 283 277 278 275 284 260 261 258
268 Izz: kg-mm.sup.2 502 564 403 386 442 454 362 349 401 412 I
HOSEL AXIS: kg-mm.sup.2 749 896 666 637 719 711 575 553 626 650
FACE AREA: mm.sup.2 4283 4461 3944 3944 3944 3944 3971 3971 3971
3971 HEAD HEIGHT: mm 67.3 64.8 65.5 65.5 65.5 65.5 66.3 66.3 66.3
66.3 HEAD LENGTH: mm 124 126 124 124 124 124 120 120 120 120 HOSEL
TO mm 101 104 101 101 101 101 94 94 94 94 BACK LENGTH: Forgiveness
Ratio N/A 0.99 1.07 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 Izz/vol
kg/m 1.15 1.30 0.93 0.89 1.021 1.048 0.892 0.860 0.988 1.02 Ixx/vol
kg/m 0.773 0.926 0.596 0.561 0.684 0.677 0.584 0.552 0.672 0.665
Zup-(HeadHeight/2) mm -4.7 -5.2 -7.4 -7.6 -7.1 -6.8 -7.3 -7.5 -7.0
-6.8 I HOSEL AXIS/Izz N/A 1.492 1.589 1.653 1.650 1.627 1.566 1.588
1.585 1.561 1.578
[0213] Club heads 200a and 200b are essentially the same club head
just different volumes. Both Club heads 200a and 200b have front to
back and heel to toe sliding weight tracks. The different
parameters listed for club heads 200a and 200b are for different
weight positions. The position of the weight in the heel to toe
weight track is given first and the position of the weight in the
front to back track is given second e.g. Center Back means the
weight in the heel to toe sliding weight track is centered and the
weight in the front to back sliding weight track is positioned in
the back most or rearward position of the track. The values for
various weight positions are provided to show the change in moment
of inertia as well as the change in CGx, CGy, and CGz. Notably CGy
may be adjusted by more than 3 mm, which has a significant impact
on Izz, CG projection, and the amount of backspin imparted to the
ball during impact.
[0214] Methods of making any of the golf club heads disclosed
herein, or associated golf clubs, may include one or more of the
following steps: [0215] forming a frame having a sole opening,
forming a composite laminate sole insert, injection molding a
thermoplastic composite head component over the sole insert to
create a sole insert unit, and joining the sole insert unit to the
frame; [0216] providing a composite head component which is a
weight track capable of supporting one or more slidable weights;
[0217] forming the sole insert from a thermoplastic composite
material having a matrix compatible for bonding with the weight
track; [0218] forming the sole insert from a continuous fiber
composite material having continuous fibers selected from the group
consisting of glass fibers, aramide fibers, carbon fibers and any
combination thereof, and having a thermoplastic matrix consisting
of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamides, polypropylene,
thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic polyureas,
polyamide-amides (PAI), polyether amides (PEI),
polyetheretherketones (PEEK), and any combinations thereof; [0219]
forming both the sole insert and weight track from thermoplastic
composite materials having a compatible matrix; [0220] forming the
sole insert from a thermosetting material, coating the sole insert
with a heat activated adhesive, and forming the weight track from a
thermoplastic material capable of being injection molded over the
sole insert after the coating step; [0221] forming the frame from a
material selected from the group consisting of titanium, one or
more titanium alloys, aluminum, one or more aluminum alloys, steel,
one or more steel alloys, and any combination thereof; [0222]
forming the frame with a crown opening, forming a crown insert from
a composite laminate material, and joining the crown insert to the
frame such that the crown insert overlies the crown opening; [0223]
selecting a composite head component from the group consisting of
one or more ribs to reinforce the head, one or more ribs to tune
acoustic properties of the head, one or more weight ports to
receive a fixed weight in a sole portion of the club head, one or
more weight tracks to receive a slidable weight, and combinations
thereof; [0224] forming the sole insert and crown insert from a
continuous carbon fiber composite material; [0225] forming the sole
insert and crown insert by thermosetting using materials suitable
for thermosetting, and coating the sole insert with a heat
activated adhesive; [0226] forming the frame from titanium,
titanium alloy or a combination thereof and has a crown opening,
and the sole insert and weight track are each formed from a
thermoplastic carbon fiber material having a matrix selected from
the group consisting of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamides,
polypropylene, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic
polyureas, polyamide-amides (PAI), polyether amides (PEI),
polyetheretherketones (PEEK), and any combinations thereof; and
[0227] forming the frame with a crown opening, forming a crown
insert from a thermoplastic composite material, and joining the
crown insert to the frame such that it overlies the crown
opening.
[0228] The bodies of the golf club heads disclosed herein, and
optionally other components of the club heads as well, serve as
frames and may be made from a variety of different types of
suitable materials. In some embodiments, for example, the body
and/or other head components can be made of a metal material such
as a titanium or titanium alloy (including but not limited to 6-4
titanium, 3-2.5, 6-4, SP700, 15-3-3-3, 10-2-3, or other alpha/near
alpha, alpha-beta, and beta/near beta titanium alloys), or aluminum
and aluminum alloys (including but not limited to 3000 series
alloys, 5000 series alloys, 6000 series alloys, such as 6061-T6,
and 7000 series alloys, such as 7075). The body may be formed by
conventional casting, metal stamping or other known processes. The
body also may be made of other metals as well as non-metals. The
body can provide a framework or skeleton for the club head to
strengthen the club head in areas of high stress caused by the golf
ball's impact with the face, such as the transition region where
the club head transitions from the face to the crown area, sole
area and skirt area located between the sole and crown areas.
[0229] In some embodiments, the sole insert and/or crown insert of
the club head may be made from a variety of composite materials
and/or polymeric materials, such as from a thermoplastic material,
preferably from a thermoplastic composite laminate material, and
most preferably from a thermoplastic carbon composite laminate
material. For example, the composite material may comprise an
injection moldable material, thermoformable material, thermoset
composite material or other composite material suitable for golf
club head applications. One exemplary material is a thermoplastic
continuous carbon fiber composite laminate material having long,
aligned carbon fibers in a PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) matrix or
base. One commercial example of this type of material, which is
manufactured in sheet form, is TEPEX.RTM. DYNALITE 207 manufactured
by Lanxess.
[0230] TEPEX.RTM. DYNALITE 207 is a high strength, lightweight
material having multiple layers of continuous carbon fiber
reinforcement in a PPS thermoplastic matrix or polymer to embed the
fibers. The material may have a 54% fiber volume but other volumes
(such as a volume of 42% to 57%) will suffice. The material weighs
about 200 g/m.sup.2.
[0231] Another similar exemplary material which may be used for the
crown insert and/or sole insert is TEPEX.RTM. DYNALITE 208. This
material also has a carbon fiber volume range of 42% to 57%,
including a 45% volume in one example, and a weight of 200
g/m.sup.2. DYNALITE 208 differs from DYNALITE 207 in that it has a
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) matrix or base rather than a
polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) matrix.
[0232] By way of example, the TEPEX.RTM. DYNALITE 207 sheet(s) (or
other selected material such as DYNALITE 208) are oriented in
different directions, placed in a two-piece (male/female) matched
die, heated past the melt temperature, and formed to shape when the
die is closed. This process may be referred to as thermoforming and
is especially well-suited for forming sole and crown inserts.
[0233] Once the crown insert and/or sole insert are formed
(separately) by the thermoforming process just described, each is
cooled and removed from the matched die. The sole and crown inserts
are shown as having a uniform thickness, which lends itself well to
the thermoforming process and ease of manufacture. However, the
sole and crown inserts may have a variable thickness to strengthen
select local areas of the insert by, for example, adding additional
plies in select areas to enhance durability, acoustic or other
properties in those areas.
[0234] As shown in FIGS. 36A-36D, the crown insert and/or sole
insert can have a complex three-dimensional curvature corresponding
generally to the crown and sole shapes of a driver-type club head
and specifically to the design specifications and dimensions of the
particular head designed by the manufacturer. It will be
appreciated that other types of club heads, such as fairway
wood-type clubs, may be manufactured using one or more of the
principles, methods and materials described herein.
[0235] In an alternative embodiment, the sole insert and/or crown
insert can be made by a process other than thermoforming, such as
injection molding or thermosetting. In a thermoset process, the
sole insert and/or crown insert may be made from prepreg plies of
woven or unidirectional composite fiber fabric (such as carbon
fiber) that is preimpregnated with resin and hardener formulations
that activate when heated. The prepreg plies are placed in a mold
suitable for a thermosetting process, such as a bladder mold or
compression mold, and stacked/oriented with the carbon or other
fibers oriented in different directions. The plies are heated to
activate the chemical reaction and form the sole (or crown) insert.
Each insert is cooled and removed from its respective mold.
[0236] The carbon fiber reinforcement material for the thermoset
sole/crown insert may be a carbon fiber known as "34-700" fiber,
available from Grafil, Inc., of Sacramento, Calif., which has a
tensile modulus of 234 Gpa (34 Msi) and tensile strength of 4500
Mpa (650 Ksi). Another suitable fiber, also available from Grafil,
Inc., is a carbon fiber known as "TR50S" fiber which has a tensile
modulus of 240 Gpa (35 Msi) and tensile strength of 4900 Mpa (710
Ksi). Exemplary epoxy resins for the prepreg plies used to form the
thermoset crown and sole inserts are Newport 301 and 350 and are
available from Newport Adhesives & Composites, Inc., of Irvine,
Calif.
[0237] In one example, the prepreg sheets have a quasi-isotropic
fiber reinforcement of 34-700 fiber having an areal weight of about
70 g/m.sup.2 and impregnated with an epoxy resin (e.g., Newport
301), resulting in a resin content (R/C) of about 40%. For
convenience of reference, the primary composition of a prepreg
sheet can be specified in abbreviated form by identifying its fiber
areal weight, type of fiber, e.g., 70 FAW 34-700. The abbreviated
form can further identify the resin system and resin content, e.g.,
70 FAW 34-700/301, R/C 40%.
[0238] Once the sole insert and crown insert are formed, they can
be joined to the body in a manner that creates a strong integrated
construction adapted to withstand normal stress, loading and wear
and tear expected of commercial golf clubs. For example, the sole
insert and crown insert each may be bonded to the frame using epoxy
adhesive, with the crown insert seated in and overlying the crown
opening and the sole insert seated in and overlying the sole
opening. Alternative attachment methods include bolts, rivets, snap
fit, adhesives, other known joining methods or any combination
thereof.
[0239] Exemplary polymers for the embodiments described herein may
include without limitation, synthetic and natural rubbers,
thermoset polymers such as thermoset polyurethanes or thermoset
polyureas, as well as thermoplastic polymers including
thermoplastic elastomers such as thermoplastic polyurethanes,
thermoplastic polyureas, metallocene catalyzed polymer,
unimodalethylene/carboxylic acid copolymers, unimodal
ethylene/carboxylic acid/carboxylate terpolymers, bimodal
ethylene/carboxylic acid copolymers, bimodal ethylene/carboxylic
acid/carboxylate terpolymers, polyamides (PA), polyketones (PK),
copolyamides, polyesters, copolyesters, polycarbonates,
polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), cyclic olefin copolymers (COC),
polyolefins, halogenated polyolefins [e.g. chlorinated polyethylene
(CPE)], halogenated polyalkylene compounds, polyalkenamer,
polyphenylene oxides, polyphenylene sulfides, diallylphthalate
polymers, polyimides, polyvinyl chlorides, polyamide-ionomers,
polyurethane ionomers, polyvinyl alcohols, polyarylates,
polyacrylates, polyphenylene ethers, impact-modified polyphenylene
ethers, polystyrenes, high impact polystyrenes,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, styrene-acrylonitriles
(SAN), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylonitriles, styrene-maleic
anhydride (S/MA) polymers, styrenic block copolymers including
styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene,
(SEBS) and styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS), styrenic
terpolymers, functionalized styrenic block copolymers including
hydroxylated, functionalized styrenic copolymers, and terpolymers,
cellulosic polymers, liquid crystal polymers (LCP),
ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate
copolymers (EVA), ethylene-propylene copolymers, propylene
elastomers (such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,157, to
Kim et al, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by
reference), ethylene vinyl acetates, polyureas, and polysiloxanes
and any and all combinations thereof.
[0240] Of these preferred are polyamides (PA), polyphthalimide
(PPA), polyketones (PK), copolyamides, polyesters, copolyesters,
polycarbonates, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), cyclic olefin
copolymers (COC), polyphenylene oxides, diallylphthalate polymers,
polyarylates, polyacrylates, polyphenylene ethers, and
impact-modified polyphenylene ethers. Especially preferred polymers
for use in the golf club heads of the present invention are the
family of so called high performance engineering thermoplastics
which are known for their toughness and stability at high
temperatures. These polymers include the polysulfones, the
polyetherimides, and the polyamide-imides. Of these, the most
preferred are the polysufones.
[0241] Aromatic polysulfones are a family of polymers produced from
the condensation polymerization of 4,4'-dichlorodiphenylsulfone
with itself or one or more dihydric phenols. The aromatic
polysulfones include the thermoplastics sometimes called polyether
sulfones, and the general structure of their repeating unit has a
diaryl sulfone structure which may be represented as
-arylene-SO.sub.2-arylene-. These units may be linked to one
another by carbon-to-carbon bonds, carbon-oxygen-carbon bonds,
carbon-sulfur-carbon bonds, or via a short alkylene linkage, so as
to form a thermally stable thermoplastic polymer. Polymers in this
family are completely amorphous, exhibit high glass-transition
temperatures, and offer high strength and stiffness properties even
at high temperatures, making them useful for demanding engineering
applications. The polymers also possess good ductility and
toughness and are transparent in their natural state by virtue of
their fully amorphous nature. Additional key attributes include
resistance to hydrolysis by hot water/steam and excellent
resistance to acids and bases. The polysulfones are fully
thermoplastic, allowing fabrication by most standard methods such
as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. They also enjoy
a broad range of high temperature engineering uses.
[0242] Three commercially significant polysulfones are:
[0243] a) polysulfone (PSU);
[0244] b) Polyethersulfone (PES also referred to as PESU); and
[0245] c) Polyphenylene sulfoner (PPSU).
[0246] Particularly important and preferred aromatic polysulfones
are those comprised of repeating units of the structure
--C.sub.6H.sub.4S.sub.02--C.sub.6H.sub.4--O--where C.sub.6H.sub.4
represents an m- or p-phenylene structure. The polymer chain can
also comprise repeating units such as --C.sub.6H.sub.4--,
C.sub.6H.sub.4--O--,
--C.sub.6H.sub.4-(lower-alkylene)-C.sub.6H.sub.4--O--,
--C.sub.6H.sub.4--O--C.sub.6H.sub.4--O--,
--C.sub.6H.sub.4--S--C.sub.6H.sub.4--O--, and other thermally
stable substantially-aromatic difunctional groups known in the art
of engineering thermoplastics. Also included are the so called
modified polysulfones where the individual aromatic rings are
further substituted in one or substituents including
##STR00001##
wherein R is independently at each occurrence, a hydrogen atom, a
halogen atom or a hydrocarbon group or a combination thereof. The
halogen atom includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine atoms.
The hydrocarbon group includes, for example, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20
alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.20
cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.20 cycloalkenyl group, and a
C.sub.6-C.sub.20 aromatic hydrocarbon group. These hydrocarbon
groups may be partly substituted by a halogen atom or atoms, or may
be partly substituted by a polar group or groups other than the
halogen atom or atoms. As specific examples of the C.sub.1-C.sub.20
alkyl group, there can be mentioned methyl, ethyl, propyl,
isopropyl, amyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl and dodecyl groups. As
specific examples of the C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, there can
be mentioned propenyl, isopropepyl, butenyl, isobutenyl,
pentenyland hexenyl groups. As specific examples of the
C.sub.3-C.sub.20 cycloalkyl group, there can be
mentionedcyclopentyl and cyclohexyl groups. As specific examples of
the C.sub.3-C.sub.20 cycloalkenyl group, there can be mentioned
cyclopentenyl and cyclohexenyl groups. As specific examples of the
aromatic hydrocarbon group, there can be mentioned phenyl and
naphthyl groups or a combination thereof.
[0247] Individual preferred polymers, include, [0248] (a) the
polysulfone made by condensation polymerization of bisphenol A and
4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone in the presence of base, and having
the main repeating structure
##STR00002##
[0248] having the abbreviation PSF and sold under the tradenames
Udel.RTM., Ultrason.RTM. S, Eviva.RTM., RTP PSU, [0249] (b) the
polysulfone made by condensation polymerization of
4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl and 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone in the
presence of base, and having the main repeating structure
##STR00003##
[0249] having the abbreviation PPSF and sold under the tradenames
RADEL.RTM. resin; and [0250] (c) a condensation polymer made from
4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone in the presence of base and having
the principle repeating structure
##STR00004##
[0250] having the abbreviation PPSF and sometimes called a
"polyether sulfone" and sold under the tradenames Ultrason.RTM. E,
LNP.TM., Veradel.RTM. PESU, Sumikaexce, and VICTREX.RTM. resin,
".and any and all combinations thereof.
[0251] In some embodiments, a composite material, such as a carbon
composite, made of a composite including multiple plies or layers
of a fibrous material (e.g., graphite, or carbon fiber including
turbostratic or graphitic carbon fiber or a hybrid structure with
both graphitic and turbostratic parts present. Examples of some of
these composite materials for use in the metalwood golf clubs and
their fabrication procedures are described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,267,620; U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,974; and U.S. patent application
Ser. Nos. 11/642,310, 11/825,138, 11/998,436, 11/895,195,
11/823,638, 12/004,386, 12,004,387, 11/960,609, 11/960,610, and
12/156,947, which are all incorporated herein by reference. The
composite material may be manufactured according to the methods
described at least in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/825,138,
the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
[0252] Alternatively, short or long fiber-reinforced formulations
of the previously referenced polymers. Exemplary formulations
include a Nylon 6/6 polyamide formulation which is 30% Carbon Fiber
Filled and available commercially from RTP Company under the trade
name RTP 285. The material has a Tensile Strength of 35000 psi (241
MPa) as measured by ASTM D 638; a Tensile Elongation of 2.0-3.0% as
measured by ASTM D 638; a Tensile Modulus of 3.30.times.10.sup.6
psi (22754 MPa) as measured by ASTM D 638; a Flexural Strength of
50000 psi (345 MPa) as measured by ASTM D 790; and a Flexural
Modulus of 2.60.times.10.sup.6 psi (17927 MPa) as measured by ASTM
D 790.
[0253] Also included is a polyphthalamide (PPA) formulation which
is 40% Carbon Fiber Filled and available commercially from RTP
Company under the trade name RTP 4087 UP. This material has a
Tensile Strength of 360 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile
Elongation of 1.4% as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Modulus of
41500 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Flexural Strength of 580 MPa as
measured by ISO 178; and a Flexural Modulus of 34500 MPa as
measured by ISO 178.
[0254] Also included is a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) formulation
which is 30% Carbon Fiber Filled and available commercially from
RTP Company under the trade name RTP 1385 UP. This material has a
Tensile Strength of 255 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile
Elongation of 1.3% as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Modulus of
28500 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Flexural Strength of 385 MPa as
measured by ISO 178; and a Flexural Modulus of 23,000 MPa as
measured by ISO 178.
[0255] An example is a polysulfone (PSU) formulation which is 20%
Carbon Fiber Filled and available commercially from RTP Company
under the trade name RTP 983. This material has a Tensile Strength
of 124 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Elongation of 2% as
measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Modulus of 11032 MPa as measured by
ISO 527; a Flexural Strength of 186 MPa as measured by ISO 178; and
a Flexural Modulus of 9653 MPa as measured by ISO 178.
[0256] Another examiner is a polysulfone (PSU) formulation which is
30% Carbon Fiber Filled and available commercially from RTP Company
under the trade name RTP 985. This material has a Tensile Strength
of 138 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Elongation of 1.2% as
measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Modulus of 20685 MPa as measured by
ISO 527; a Flexural Strength of 193 MPa as measured by ISO 178; and
a Flexural Modulus of 12411 MPa as measured by ISO 178.
[0257] Also an option is a polysulfone (PSU) formulation which is
40% Carbon Fiber Filled and available commercially from RTP Company
under the trade name RTP 987. This material has a Tensile Strength
of 155 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Elongation of 1% as
measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Modulus of 24132 MPa as measured by
ISO 527; a Flexural Strength of 241 MPa as measured by ISO 178; and
a Flexural Modulus of 19306 MPa as measured by ISO 178.
[0258] The foregoing materials are well-suited for composite,
polymer and insert components of the embodiments disclosed herein,
as distinguished from components which preferably are made of metal
or metal alloys.
[0259] More information regarding the various aspects of the
disclosed technology can be found in the following references,
which are incorporated by reference herein: [0260] 1. adjustable
weight features--U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,773,360, 7,166,040, 7,452,285,
7,628,707, 7,186,190, 7,591,738, 7,963,861, 7,621,823, 7,448,963,
7,568,985, 7,578,753, 7,717,804, 7,717,805, 7,530,904, 7,540,811,
7,407,447, 7,632,194, 7,846,041, 7,419,441, 7,713,142, 7,744,484,
7,223,180, 7,410,425 and 7,410,426, the entire contents of each of
which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein;
[0261] 2. slidable weight features--U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,775,905;
8,444,505; 8,734,271; 8,870,678; U.S. Patent Application No.
61/702,667, filed on Sep. 18, 2012; U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/841,325, filed on Mar. 15, 2013; U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/946,918, filed on Jul. 19, 2013; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/789,838, filed on Jul. 1, 2015; U.S. Patent
Application No. 62/020,972, filed on Jul. 3, 2014; U.S. Patent
Application No. 62/065,552, filed on Oct. 17, 2014; and Patent
Application No. 62/141,160, filed on Mar. 31, 2015, the entire
contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety; [0262] 3. aerodynamic shape
features--U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0123040A1, the entire
contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety; [0263] 4. removable shaft features--U.S. Pat. No.
8,303,431, the contents of which are incorporated by reference
herein in in their entirety; [0264] 5. adjustable loft/lie
features--U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,587, U.S. Pat. No. 8,235,831, U.S.
Pat. No. 8,337,319, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0312437A1,
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0258818A1, U.S. Patent Publication
No. 2012/0122601A1, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0071264A1,
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/686,677, the entire contents of
which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety;
[0265] 6. adjustable sole features--U.S. Pat. No. 8,337,319, U. S.
Patent Publication Nos. US2011/0152000A1, US2011/0312437,
US2012/0122601A1, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/686,677,
the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety; [0266] 7. variable thickness face
features--U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/006,060, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,997,820, 6,800,038, and 6,824,475, which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety; and [0267] 8. composite face
plate features--U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/998,435,
11/642,310, 11/825,138, 11/823,638, 12/004,386, 12/004,387,
11/960,609, 11/960,610 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,620, which are
herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Additional Embodiments and Features
[0268] FIG. 38 shows a bottom view of an exemplary golf club head
400 with a body 402 and a modular T-shaped track system 403 coupled
to the sole of the body. The track system 403 can include a front
track 404 extending in the heel-toe directions adjacent to the
bottom of the striking face, and a rear track 410 extending in the
fore-aft directions from near the middle of the front track back to
adjacent the rear end of the body. The two tracks can be integrated
together as a one-piece track system or can be two or more separate
pieces that are individually attachable and detachable from the
body. The weight track forms a T shape or Y shape, with a
rearwardly extending track branch, a toewardly extending track
branch, and a heelwardly extending track branch, defining three
terminal ends. The track system 403 can support any number of
weights, such as weights 420 and 422, that are slidably adjustable
along the extent of the tracks.
[0269] The track system 403 can be attached to the body and
detached from the body via fasteners, such as bolts 406 and 412, or
by other attached mechanisms. If the track system is a multi-piece
track system where the front track is not permanently integrated
with the rear track, then the two tracks can be individually
attached and detached to the body. For example, the front track can
be attached to the body and the rear track can be detached from the
body, or vice versa. The weights can remain coupled to the modular
T-shaped track system when it is removed from the body and/or when
it is attached to the body.
[0270] The track system 403 can optionally be removed from the body
402 and the club head can be used without the track system and
weights. When the track system is removed, the fasteners 406 and
412 can optionally be inserted back into their holes.
[0271] In some embodiments, various different types of alternative
modular track systems can be coupled to the body to provide
different properties and/or adjustment abilities. In some
embodiments, the track system can be removed and weight members can
be fastened directly to the body using the same fasteners and
openings in the body that were used to attached the track system.
For example, a single weight can be coupled to the rear of the sole
where the rear fastener of the rear track 410 is inserted, which
can move the CG rearward and can increase the moment of inertia of
the club head, making it more forgiving. For another example, a
single weight can be coupled to the front of the sole using one of
the forward fastener openings, which can move the CG forward and
reduce backspin on struck balls, increasing distance. Individual
weights can also be couple to the toe side or heel side fastener
openings to generate side spin on struck balls, which can help
correct a players natural slice or hook.
[0272] In some embodiments, the two tracks 404 and 410 can form a
single continuous track, such that the weights mounted in the
tracks 404 and 410 can slide along both tracks without detaching
the weights from the tracks. For example, the front end of the rear
track 410 can merge into an intermediate portion of the front track
404 so that a weight mounted in the rear track can slide forward
into the front track and then be slid laterally along the front
track, and vice versa.
[0273] Other types of components can also be attached to the body
instead of the track system 403 using the same fasteners and
openings in the body. For example, a smooth sole cover can be
attached to the sole to provide a smooth, continuous lower surface
for the club head and/or to provide improved aerodynamics or
aesthetics.
[0274] The golf club head 400 can comprise multiple different
materials to advantageously distribute mass and strength
properties. The body 402 can comprise a stronger, more rigid
material, such as titanium or steel (e.g., the darker grey colored
portions in FIG. 38). Other components, such as the crown and sole
insert 440 can comprise a low density material, such as carbon
fiber composites or other composite materials. In some embodiments,
the 50-60% of the sole can comprise a low density composite
material (e.g., the lighter colored portions in FIG. 38). The club
head can also include a sole with a raised sole portion (as is
described elsewhere herein) with a cantilevered ledge, e.g. ledge
432, around portions of the sole perimeter. The body can also
include an overhang portion 430 in the toe region that overlaps
part of the sole and creates an external cavity.
[0275] The track system 403 can comprise various different
materials, such as lightweight materials (e.g., aluminum, polymers,
composites, etc.) or stronger materials (e.g., titanium, steel,
etc.). The use of less dense, lighter weight material can allow
mass savings that can be redistributed elsewhere, such as in the
weights themselves. The use of stronger materials can help make the
club head more rigid, resist damage from ground contact, and/or
improve the sound characteristics of the club head.
[0276] FIG. 39 is a bottom view of an exemplary golf club head 500
that is similar to the club head 400. In the club head 500, a
modular track system 503 is couplable and decoupleable to the body
502 using fasteners or other means, similar to as described with
the club head 400. The track system 503 in the club head 500
includes front track 504 and rear track 506, with exemplary
slidable weights 510 and 512 mounted in the tracks. The weight
tracks form a T shape or Y shape, defining at least three track
branches, and defining at least three terminal ends. However, in
the club head 500, the track system 503 is configured to be rotated
180 degrees and attached to the body 502 in a reversed orientation,
with the track 504 located in the rear of the club head. The track
504 can be curved in the heel-toe axis such that (in the illustrate
configuration) the heel end and toe end arc slightly rearward and
an intermediate portion of the track 504 is the most forward
portion. The heel and toe ends of the track 504 can also be tapered
or pointed, as shown, such that when the track system is turned
around the ends of the track 504 follow better with the arced shape
of the rear of the club head. The fastener openings included in the
club head for attaching the track system can be arranged in a
symmetric pattern so that they can be used in either the
illustrated orientation or in the reversed orientation with the
track 504 in the rear. Additional fastener openings may also be
included in the rear toe portion and rear heel portion to
accommodate the track system in the reversed orientation. The track
system 503 of the club head 500 can also be detached and the club
head used without the track system. Also, like as described with
club head 400, individual weights, including smart weights, can be
attached anywhere along the track system or directly to the sole of
the club head with the track system removed. With the track system
in the illustrated forward orientation, more mass can be located
closer to the front of the club head, reducing back spin, and with
the track system in the reversed orientation more mass can be
located near the rear of the club head, increasing MOI and
forgiveness.
[0277] FIG. 40 illustrates a club head 600 having a body 602 and a
weight track 604 adjustably coupled to the sole such that that it
can pivot about a rear pin or fastener 610 and a front portions of
the track can be coupled to the sole in plural different positions.
As shown, the front end of the track can be coupled to the sole at
an intermediate location 612, a toe side location 614, or a heel
side location 616. This allows the track to pivot to three
different position. In other embodiments, the track can pivot to
two, four, five or more different positions about the rear pin or
fastener 610. The rear of the track can have a rounded contour that
allows the track to maintain a more consistent conformance with the
rear of the body in any of the pivot positions. A single fastener
can be used to fix the front end of the track in the desired one of
the various possible pivot positions. In other embodiments, each
position can have its own fastener. The track 604 can mount one or
more slidable weights, such as the illustrated weight 606. Smart
weights can also be included. The track can also be removed and the
club head used without the track. Individual weights can also be
attached to the sole without the track using the same fastener
openings used for the track. With the track and/or weight
positioned to the toe side, the GC can be moved toward, and with
the track and/or weights positioned to the heel side, the GC can be
moved heelward, effecting the side spin of a struck ball. The
pivoting track as illustrated can also be reversed in other
embodiments, with the front end of the track fixed with a pin or
fastener, and the rear end of the track being adjustable to any of
plural different heel-to-toe positions.
[0278] FIG. 41 illustrates a club head 700 comprising a body 702
and a single continuous weight track 704 extending around the
perimeter of the sole. The weight track 704 can comprise a cast
titanium track, for example, or can be formed of other materials.
The track 704 can extend in a full loop or in a partial loop as
shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the track 704 includes a
first end 704 at the front of the sole near the hosel. The track
extends toeward across the front of the sole to a toe a point 708
at near the toe of the club head, then curves rearward around to
the rear end 710 of the club head and then back around the heel
side to a second end 712 near the hosel. Any type of weights 720,
722 can be mounted on the track, and more than one weight can be
used at the same time at different points around the track. Because
the track 704 extends around the perimeter of the sole, the
position of the weights around the track strongly effect the CG and
MOI of the club head.
[0279] In some embodiments, the track 704 can be fastened to the
body using fastener bolts secured to a generic set of fastener
openings in the sole of the club head, and the same set of generic
fastener openings can receive alternative weight tracks have
different shapes. The same for the track 604 of club head 600. For
example, the club heads 600 and 700, according to one embodiment,
can utilize a common club head body with a generic set of fastener
openings in the sole, and a straight weight track 604 can be
attached to form the club head 600 or a curved weight track 704 can
be attached to form the club head 700.
[0280] FIG. 42A illustrates a club head 800 that includes a body
802 and a composite sole 804 that covers a large fraction of the
bottom of the club head. The sole 804 can include a "waffle" grid
structure comprised of a plural heel-to-toe ridges 810 and plural
front-rear ridges 812 that intersect to form a grid structure with
rectangular recesses between the ridges. Individual weights 830 can
be selectively attached to the sole in the recesses between the
ridges, as illustrated in FIG. 42B. Any number of weights can be
attached to the sole at the same time, and any combination of the
waffle grid recesses between the ridges.
[0281] FIG. 43 illustrates another club head 900 comprising a body
902 and a composite sole 904. The sole 904 includes plural
heel-to-toe ridges, or tracks, 906 extending between to end ridges
908, forming plural weights tracks formed between the ridges 906.
Weights such as weight 910 can be attached in the desired weight
tracks and can be slidable side to side between the end ridges 908
in the selected track.
[0282] FIG. 44 illustrates another club head 1000 comprising a body
1002 and a sole 1004. The sole 1004 can include a continuous looped
weight track 1006, and any number of weights can be attached to the
track and can be adjusted to any points around the loop. The looped
track 1006 can form a circle, oval, or other shape. The weight
track 1006 can be formed in a more rigid portion of the club head
and can be covered by an overlying composite sole cover that hides
the weight track and weights. In some embodiments, the sole cover
can include a groove or slot over the track that allows a user to
insert a tool through the cover to access the weight fasteners, in
order to adjust the position of the weights without removing the
sole cover.
[0283] FIG. 45 illustrates a club head 1100 comprising a body 1102
and a sole 1104. The sole 1104 can includes a continuous circular
weight track 1106 and a pivoting weight arm 1110. The weight arm
can include a base 1108 pivotably coupled to the sole and a weight
1112 at the radial end of the arm, such that the weight 1112 can
move in the circular weight track 1106 about the pivot point 1108.
More than one weight arm can be included with a common pivot point
in some embodiments. The track and weight arm can be covered by a
composite sole cover that overlies the sole and hides the weight
arm. The sole cover can include a groove or slot over the track
that allows a user to insert a tool through the cover to access a
weight fastener, in order to adjust the position of the weight arm
without removing the sole cover.
[0284] FIG. 46 illustrates an exemplary golf club head 1200. The
head 1200 comprises a body 1202 made of a relative more rigid
material that forms a main structural support for the club head.
The club head also includes lighter weight components, such as sole
inserts 1210 and 1212 and/or a crown insert. The body can include
openings in the sole that receive the sole inserts 1210, 1212. The
sole inserts can be elevated crownward relative to other parts of
the sole around the inserts. The sole inserts can be
mounted/inserted to the body from the outside of the body (e.g.,
from below the sole) or from the inside of the body (e.g., through
an upper crown opening and down onto the inside of the sole). The
club head 1200 also include a single, multi-branched weight track
system 1216 that includes a front-toe branch 1218, a front-heel
branch 1210, an intermediate front-rear branch 1222, a rear-toe
branch 1224, and a rear-heel branch 1226. Weights, such as weights
1230 and 1232 shown, can slide about all of the weight track
branches without being removed. The weight track system 1216 can
include outer ledges that overhang the weights to provide a
smoother, more aerodynamic exterior surface to the sole, and reduce
the amount of dirt and debris that gets into the weight tracks.
Placing the weights nearer to the front track branches can reduce
backspin and create a lower trajectory for more distance, and
placing the weights nearer to the rear track branches can create
more backspin and a higher trajectory, and also increase MOI for
more forgiveness. Placing the weights nearer to the toe side tracks
can generate more side spin to create a fade, and placing the
weights nearer to the heel side tracks can generate more side spin
in the opposite direction to create a draw. The various connected
branches can form a generally H shaped or K shaped track system. In
other embodiments, the weight track can have an X shape or a +
shape with four branches all meeting at a common joining
intersection, or a cross between X and H shapes with angled
terminal branches and an intermediate connecting branch. The weight
track includes five branches including four terminal track
branches, each with a terminal end and a joining end, the joining
ends joining with the intermediate front-rear branch 1222. As
shown, the rear branches 1224, 1226 can be angled to extend
rearward as they move apart from the intermediate branch 1222. The
weight track system 1216 can extend partially around the sole
openings that receive the sole inserts 1210, 1212. For example, the
insert 1210 can be positioned between the branches 1218, 1222, and
1224, while the insert 1212 can be positioned between the branches
1220, 1222, and 1226. At the front of the sole, the club head can
further include a sole channel with a toe end portion 1206, a sole
end portion 1208, and an intermediate channel portion 1204. The
intermediate channel portion 1204 can bounded on the toe and heel
sides by rigid walls/supports forming transitions between the end
portions 1206, 1208 and the intermediate portion. In some
embodiments, as shown, the body can include a generally trapezoidal
or rectangular wall structure around the intermediate channel 1204
at the bottom of the face, which can help increase the rigidity of
the lower portion of the face despite the presence of the front
channel in the sole. In some embodiments, the front sole channel
can extend through the body into the interior cavity of the club
head, or at least part of the channel, such as the intermediate
portion 1204, can. The illustrated front channel 1204/1206/1208 and
the associated structure at the lower front portion of the club
head can provide many benefits and advantages, as discussed
elsewhere herein, including helping to improve/optimize the contact
time and coefficient of restitution when striking a golf ball,
particularly below the center of the face. In one exemplary
embodiment, this structure can provide a desirable contact time of
about 242 microseconds and corresponding coefficient of restitution
of about 0.824.
[0285] FIGS. 47A and 47B illustrate another golf club head 1300
that is similar to the club head 1200. The head 1300 comprises a
body 1302 made of a relative more rigid material that forms a main
structural support for the club head. The club head also includes
lighter-weight components, such as sole inserts 1350 and 1352. The
body can include openings in the sole that receive the sole inserts
1350, 1352. The sole inserts can be elevated crownward relative to
other parts of the sole around the inserts. The sole inserts can be
mounted/inserted to the body from the outside of the body (e.g.,
from below the sole) or from the inside of the body (e.g., through
an upper crown opening and down onto the inside of the sole). The
body can also include overhanging portions 1360 at the toe and/or
heel areas that overhang the raised up sole inserts. The club head
also includes a single, multi-branched weight track that includes a
front-toe branch 1302, a front-heel branch 1304, an intermediate
front-rear branch 1306, a rear-toe branch 1308, and a rear-heel
branch 1310. Weights, such as weights 1320 and 1322 shown, can
slide about all of the weight track branches without being removed.
Placing the weights nearer to the front track branches can reduce
backspin and create a lower trajectory for more distance, and
placing the weights nearer to the rear track branches can create
more backspin and a higher trajectory, and also increase MOI for
more forgiveness. Placing the weights nearer to the toe side tracks
can generate more side spin to create a fade, and placing the
weights nearer to the heel side tracks (see FIG. 47A) can generate
more side spin in the opposite direction to create a draw. Placing
both of the weights in the middle of the sole (see FIG. 47B) can
produce a neutral effect. The various connected branches can form a
generally H shaped or K shaped track system. The weight track
includes five track branches, include four terminal branches each
having a terminal end and a joining end, the joining ends joining
with the intermediate front-rear branch. At the front of the sole,
the club head can further include a sole channel 1340 to provide
increased forgiveness and performance for balls struck at the
bottom of the face. In some embodiments, the front sole channel
1340 can extend through the body into the interior cavity of the
club head.
[0286] FIGS. 48-82 illustrate another exemplary golf club head 1400
that includes a multi-branched weight track and low density sole
and crown inserts, among other features. The club head has a face
place 1460, a hosel 1440, a crown 1462, and a sole having a front
end 1403 and a rear end 1405. The club head 1400 comprises a body
1402 made of a relatively rigid material that forms a main
structural support for the club head, and also includes additional
components coupled to the body 1402, such as light-weight sole and
crown inserts 1450, 1452, 1454, a head-shaft connection assembly
1442, and adjustable weight assemblies 1430, 1432.
[0287] The club head 1400 can include lighter-weight components,
such as sole inserts 1410 and 1412 and a crown insert 1414, to
reduce mass in certain areas. These inserts can be made of
composite materials, for example, with a low density while
maintaining relatively high strength-to-mass and durability
properties. The body 1402 can include a toe-side sole opening 1450
and sole-side sole opening 1452 that receive the toe-side sole
insert 1410 and heel-side sole insert 1412, respectively. The sole
inserts can be mounted/inserted to the body from the outside of the
body (e.g., from below the sole) or from the inside of the body
(e.g., through the upper crown opening and down onto the inside of
the sole). The crown insert 1414 is mounted over crown opening 1454
in a similar manner.
[0288] The club head 1400 also includes adjustability features,
including an adjustable head-shaft connection assembly 1442 and
weight assemblies 1430, 1432 that are slidably adjustable along a
multi-branched weight track 1416. The weight track 1416 has a "Y"
shape with three branches that joint at a common intersection,
including a front-rear branch 1422, a rear-toe branch 1424, and a
rear-heel branch 1426. Each branch has a terminal end opposite from
the intersection end. Any number of weights or weight assemblies,
such as weight assemblies 1430, 1432, can be mounted to the weight
track at a time. The weights can slide about substantially all of
the track branches without being removed from the weight track.
[0289] Placing the weights nearer to the front 1403 of the club
head can reduce backspin and create a lower trajectory for more
distance, and placing the weights nearer to the rear 1405 of the
club head can create more backspin and a higher trajectory, and
also increase MOI for more forgiveness. Placing the weights nearer
to the toe side can generate more side spin to create a fade, and
placing the weights nearer to the heel side can generate more side
spin in the opposite direction to create a draw. As shown, the rear
branches 1424, 1426 can be angled to extend rearwardly as they
extend laterally apart from the front-rear branch 1422. Weight
assemblies can be insertable anywhere along the weight track 1416,
such as at the front terminal end of the front-rear branch 1422, at
the rear terminal end of one or both rear branches 1424, 1426, or
therebetween.
[0290] At the front 1403 of the sole, the club head can further
include a sole channel with a toe end portion 1406, a sole end
portion 1408, and an intermediate channel portion 1404. The
intermediate channel portion 1404 can bounded on the toe and heel
sides by rigid walls/supports forming transitions between the end
portions 1406, 1408 and the intermediate portion. In some
embodiments, as shown, the intermediate channel 1404 can include a
generally trapezoidal or rectangular wall structure or perimeter,
which can help increase the rigidity of the front of the sole and
the bottom of face despite the presence of the front channel in the
sole. In some embodiments, the front sole channel can extend
through the body into the interior cavity of the club head, or at
least part of the channel, such as the intermediate portion 1404,
can. The heel channel portion 1408 can include a fastener hole for
a screw 1444 to be placed for securing the head-shaft connection
assembly 1442 and a shaft to the club head. The illustrated front
channel 1404/1406/1408 and the associated structure at the lower
front portion of the club head can provide many benefits and
advantages, as discussed elsewhere herein, including helping to
improve/optimize the contact time and coefficient of restitution
when striking a golf ball, particularly below the center of the
face.
[0291] The club head 1400 can also include various internal ribs
that can reinforce the club head at strategic locations and/or
provide enhanced acoustic properties for the club head. FIG. 52
shows several internal ribs 1470 located above the sole and above
the branches of the weight track 1416. FIGS. 56-59 show additional
internal lip ribs 1474 that are positioned at the transition
between the top of the face 1460 and the forward portion of the
crown 1462. As shown, the club head 1400 includes four lip ribs
1474, with at least one located toward the heel side and at least
one located toward the toe side of the club head. The lip ribs can
help reinforce the face and can provide desire contact time (CT)
and COR properties along a wider breadth across the face.
reinforcing local parts of the face can allow lowering CT values at
local portions of the face without lowering CT elsewhere on the
face, such as at the centerface location. This can provide more
consisitent CT values over the whole face. Furthermore, one or more
of the ribs 1470 along the sole/weight track can extend forwardly
to the lower end of the face 1460 (see FIGS. 59 and 61). As shown,
one of the ribs 1470 joins with the lower end of the face at a toe
side of the face, which can further reinforce the face and provide
more desirable contact times and COR properties in that region of
the face. The rib various ribs can be located to strategically
stiffen certain areas to provide local stiffness benefits (e.g.,
reducing vibrations/rattling along the weight track and lower
contact times on balls struck toward the toe, particularly well
above or below the centerface) and global club head benefits (e.g.,
increasing the pitch of the sound made when striking a golf
ball).
[0292] The club head 1400 includes a weight track 1416 that has
three track branches generally forming a Y shape. The front branch
1422 extends from a forward terminal end just behind the
front-center channel 1404 rearwardly across generally the middle of
the sole. The rear-toe branch 1424 extends from a terminal end
along the toe side of the sole forwardly and heelwardly to join
with the rear end of the front track 1422. The rear-heel branch
1426 extends from a terminal end along the heel side of the sole
forwardly and toewardly to join with the rear end of the front
track as well. The three branches each have joining ends to join
together at a common intersection. Each of the weight assemblies
1430, 1432 can travel across the intersection to move from any one
of the branches to any other of the branches without being removed
from the weight track. The weight assemblies just need to be
loosened partially to be moved around the weight track. Then they
can be tightened to fix them in place at desired locations along
the weight track.
[0293] FIG. 66 is a widthwise cross-section of the front branch
1426, showing two ledges 1482, 1484 on either side of the track,
and one of the internal ribs 1470 overlying the track. The weight
assemblies can clamp onto one or both of the ledges to be fixed in
place. FIG. 67 shows a lengthwise cross-section of the front branch
1422, showing the toe-side ledge 1482 and nubs 1480 (see also FIG.
68) along the ledge 1482 that can help secure the weight assembly
to the track at desired locations. FIG. 67 also show a front wall
1486 of the front track, which is also a rear wall of the center
channel 1404.
[0294] FIG. 69 shows a lengthwise cross-section of the rear-heel
branch 1426, showing one of its ledges 1482 and a nub 1480 located
on the ledge. Some of the ribs 1470 are also visible above the
branch 1426. FIG. 70 shows a lengthwise cross-section of the
rear-toe branch 1424, showing one of its ledges 1482 and nubs 1480
located on the ledge. Some of the ribs 1470 are also visible above
the branch 1424.
[0295] FIGS. 71 and 72 show a widthwise cross-section of the club
head cutting across the front track 1422 and one of the weight
assemblies 1432, and looking rearwardly. The position of the weight
assembly 1432 and its components is shown relative to the track and
ledges. FIG. 71 shows several of the internal ribs 1470 located
above the weight track, and shows the internal sides of the two
rear branches 1424, 1426. FIG. 72 shows how the internal weight
member 1490 is positioned above the ledges of the weight track and
the external weight member 1494 is positioned below the ledges,
such that tightening the fastener 1499 allows the internal and
external weight members to clamp onto the ledges. Loosening the
fastener partially allows the weight assembly to be slidable along
the weight track, moving over the nubs 1480 on the ledges, but
without letting the weight assembly come apart or letting the
internal weight member inadvertently come out of the weight
track.
[0296] FIGS. 73-82 show detailed views of the inner weight member
1490, external weight member 1494, and fastener 1499 that make up
the three-piece weight assemblies 1430 and 1432. The internal
weight member 1490 can be rectangular or square to cause it to fit
within the weight track without rotating (so it does not turn when
the fastener is turned to tighten/loosen the assembly). The
internal weight member 1490 includes a threaded opening 1491 to
mate with the fastener, a projection 1493 around the opening, and a
recess 1492 around the projection 1493. The projection 1493 and
recess 1492 face downward when installed in a weight track. The
external weight member 1494 includes a central passage 1495 for the
fastener to pass, a recess 1496 around the passage 1494 that
receives the projection 1493 of the internal member, and a raised
wall 1497 that fits into the recess 1492 of the internal member.
When mated, the rectangular raised wall 1497 cannot rotate relative
to the recess 1492, keeping the internal and external weight
members rotationally aligned. The can prevent the weight assemblies
from getting misaligned or mis-rotated, especially while traversing
the intersection between the different track branches. The external
member 1494 also includes a crenelated or notched perimeter surface
1498 that extends around four sides of the raised wall 1497 and
serves to receive one or more of the nubs 1480 on the ledges. When
a nub 1480 is seated in one of the notches of the perimeter surface
1498, and the assembly is fastened tightly to the ledge, the nub
helps prevent the weight assembly from inadvertently sliding along
the weight track.
[0297] In one embodiment, the club head 1400 including the two
weight assemblies 1430, 1432 can have a mass of about 200-205 grams
and a volume of about 435-440 cc, and due to the adjustability of
the weight track, the club head can have a CGx in a range of about
-3.4 mm to about -0.6 mm, a Delta CGx of at least about 2.8 mm, a
CGz in a range of about -3.7 mm to about -2.0 mm, a Delta CGz of at
least about 1.56 mm, a Zup from about 26.4 mm to about 28 mm, an
Ixx of from about 262 to about 337, an Iyy of from about 262 to
about 268, and an Izz of from about 402 to about 495. The body 1402
can account for about 152.5 grams of mass, with a density of about
4.36 g/m.sup.3.
[0298] FIGS. 83-85 illustrate an alternative weight assembly having
just two pieces. The two-piece weight assembly 1500 includes a
round internal member 1502 and a rectangular external member 1504.
There is no separate fastener. The internal member 1502 includes a
circular body 1508 and a male threaded projection 1506 that mates
with a female threaded opening in the external member 1504. The
external member 1504 can include a crenelated or notched perimeter
surface 1510 similar to the external member 1494. FIG. 85 shows the
two-piece assembly mounted in the front weight track branch 1422 of
club head 1400 instead of the three-piece weight assembly 1432
(compare to FIG. 72). The two members clamp onto the ledges of the
track branch 1422 when the internal member 1502 is rotated while
the external member 1504 stays stationary relative to the club
head. The circular shape of the internal body 1508 allows it to
turn tighten or loosen the assembly. The circular shape also helps
the weight member more easily move across the varying sole geometry
and around corners in the track. For example, the weight can
transition from the front track to one of the rear tracks without
getting caught on a corner or getting stuck diagonally in the
intersection between the branches. The two-piece weight assembly
1500 can have any desired total mass, such as from 1 gram to 18
grams. Further, any number of such assemblies can be mounted in the
weight track, and one assembly can be substituted out for two
assemblies each having half the mass so they still add up to the
same total mass. More mass assemblies can provide more flexibility
in mass positioning, allowing more customizable mass
adjustments.
[0299] FIGS. 86-93 show another exemplary golf club head 1600 that
includes many of the same features, or similar features, as
described with reference to the club head 1400. Notably, the weight
track is shaped differently, with two curved rear weight track
branches extending in opposing toeward and heelward directions from
the back end of the front track. The two rear branches can be
considered to form one continuously curved rear track that extends
along the rear portion of the sole below the skirt. Compared to the
club head 1400, the terminal ends of the three track branches are
in about the same location, but the intersection between the
joining ends of the three branches is moved rearward, such that the
front track is longer and extends further rearwardly. This track
formation allows more perimeter weighting options.
[0300] Further, as can be seen in FIGS. 86-88 and 93, the sole
includes an underhanging portions that partially extends under the
front track, such that is positioned between the weight track and
the ground when the club head is in the address position. This
underhang can help protect the weight track and weight assemblies
from damage and debris when the club head contacts the ground
during a swing, and can enhance the aerodynamics of the club head
during a swing.
[0301] Another notable feature of the club head 1600 is the front
channel that extends in the heel-toe direction just behind the face
and in front of the weight track. The channel can include a smaller
heel portion when the fastener is located from the head-shaft
assembly, and a longer center-toe portion that extends across the
middle and toe sections of the sole.
[0302] Another notable feature of the club head 1600 is that the
sole can include a raised sole portion toward of the weight track
and rearward of the front channel, as shown in FIG. 89. The club
head 1600 can also include a perimeter ledge that extends down
around the rear weight track branches, the raised sole portion, and
generally extends around a rear, toe, and heel perimeter of the
club head.
[0303] In the golf club heads 1200, 1300, 1400, 1600 the plural
slidable weight assemblies can travel about the entire weight track
to any desired combination of positions, without being removed.
Because the tracks have multiple joined branches, the weight
assemblies can also be switched in position readily. For example,
any of the weight assemblies can be the front weight, the rear
weight, the toe side weight, or the heel side weight. If one
assembly has more mass than the other, switching their positions
can provide greater variety of possible mass distribution
properties.
[0304] In any of the disclosed embodiments, such as the club heads
1200, 1300, 1400, 1600 the weight tracks can include inner and
outer channels separated by one or more ledges, with an inner
weight member in the inner channel and an outer weight member in
the outer channel, such that tightening the fastener of the weight
assembly clamps the two weight members onto the ledge to fix the
position. In inner and outer channels can be at least as wide as
the weight members to allow them to slide along the channels. In
some embodiments, the inner and/or outer weight channels can have a
width of about 10 mm to about 20 mm, about 13 mm to about 17 mm,
such as about 15 mm for example. One or more portions of the
channels can be a bit wider to allow angled insertion of the weight
member, such as about 15 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 17.5 mm
for example. The inner and outer channels can be accessed via an
exterior slot that is narrower than the width of the weight
members, such that there is an overhanging ledge that partially
covers the weight members. The exterior slot can be fairly narrow
for most of the length of the weight tracks, so long as there is
enough width to insert a tool to tighten and loosen the fastener,
such as an Allen wrench or similar tool. The exterior slot can have
a width from about 3 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 8.5 mm in one
example. This allows a user to insert a tool to access the
fastener, while substantially covering the weight members inside
the channels to provide a smoother exterior surface on the sole and
provide superior aerodynamic properties. The exterior slot can be
somewhat wider at at least one location to allow insertion and
removal of the weight members while still being a useable portion
of the weight track.
[0305] In some embodiments, any of the club heads disclosed herein
can include a "smart" club feature, which can include various types
of sensors, measurement systems, data transmission systems,
electronic or computerized systems, or the like. Smart club
features can comprise smart weights, for example. Any of the
movable or stationary weights disclosed herein can comprise or be
swapped out for a smart weight. A smart weight can include one or
more sensors/measurement devices and/or one or more data
transmission or data storage systems. Exemplary sensors and
measurement devices can include GPS systems, gyroscopic sensors,
accelerometers, magnometers, and the like. Exemplary data
transmission systems can comprise Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy
transmitters, RFID transmitters, NFC transmitters, etc. Such smart
weights and/or other smart features can be used to measure,
analyze, store, and/or transmit data related to a golfers swings,
locations on a golf course, impacts with balls and surfaces, club
usage frequency, and many other useful metrics. Data related to a
golfers swings can include swing speeds, club head angles, club
positions, hand speed, hand rotation, impact time, impact duration,
ball trajectory, ball speed, ball spin, and many other useful
metrics. These data can be collected during any activities, can be
stored and/or transmitted, and can be analyzed remotely to provide
useful feedback for a club and for a golfer.
[0306] Smart features can also include a power source, such as a
battery (rechargeable or not). Some smart club features can be
powered via a small "coin cell" battery, such as a 550 mAh coin
cell battery or similar. Batteries can last at least a year, at
least two years, or longer before needing to be replaced or
recharged. In some embodiments, the power source can be recharged
via motions of the host club, allowing the smart feature to remain
continuously charged. Smart features can be located in safe
portions of a golf club to protect them, such as away from the
striking face and away from ground contact surfaces. For example, a
smart weight can be located at the rear of the sole away from
impact. Smart features can also be located inside the body, on or
in the crown, the shaft, grip, and/or other portions of the
club.
[0307] In some embodiments, smart features can comprise a printed
circuit board (PCB) containing the desired components and a
battery. The PCB and battery may be side by side (such as to create
a low profile), one above the other (such as to fit inside a weight
member), or combined together in some other way. Multiple PCB's in
one or more smart features may be powered by a common battery in
some embodiments.
[0308] Depending on the construction of the smart feature and its
location in the club, its durability can vary. In some embodiment,
a smart feature can be configured to last for at least 1000 club
head impacts, at least 2000 club head impacts, or at least 3000
club head impacts with losing functionality due to damaged, loss of
power, or other failure.
[0309] A smart weight can be part of a set of weights that includes
regular non-smart weights, so that the smart weight can be coupled
to the club at desired times for data collection, and a regular
weight can be substituted for the smart weight at other times. Two
or more smart weights can also be included in a set and/or coupled
to a club head at the same time. Smart weights can have any mass,
though often smart weights have a relative higher mass comparted to
other weights in a set due to the sensors, transmitters, storage
devices, or other smart features included in the smart weights. A
set can include a smart weight of a given mass and also a dummy
weight having the same mass as the smart weight. A dummy weight and
a smart weight of the same mass can be interchangeable without
changing the mass properties (e.g., CG, MOI, etc.) or other
performance properties of the club head, such that the club head
performs the same with either weight installed.
[0310] Whether part of a weight member or included elsewhere in a
club, a smart feature can have a size and mass to provide desirable
club properties. When in a weight member, it may be desirable for
the smart feature to have more mass but smaller dimensions, wherein
when embedded in the club head body a smart feature can have larger
dimensions but maybe less mass is desirable, for example. In some
embodiment, a smart feature is embedded in a wall of the body, such
as in the sole or in the crown. In such embodiments and others, it
can be desirable to have a low profile smart feature that is very
narrow in at least a thickness dimension, but can be long and/or
wide in other dimensions. For example a thickness of such a smart
feature can be from 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 5 mm to
about 15 mm, such as about 8 mm to about 12 mm. A length and/or
width can be about 10 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 15 mm to
about 45 mm, such as about 20 mm to about 40 mm. The overall volume
of a smart feature can be any value, such as about 0.5 cc to about
25 cc, such as about 1 cc to about 20 cc, such as about 2 cc to
about 15 cc, such as about 4 cc to about 10 cc. A ratio of the
volume of the smart feature to the overall volume of the club head
can be about 0.1% to about 10%, such as about 0.5% to about 5%,
such as about 1% to about 3%. The mass of the smart feature can be
any value, such as about 1 gram to about 50 grams, such as about 2
grams to about 25 grams, such as about 4 grams to about 10 grams. A
ratio of the mass of the smart feature to the overall mass of the
club head can be about 1% to about 25%, such as about 2% to about
20%, such as about 3% to about 15%, such as about 4% to about
10%.
[0311] In some embodiments, the club head can be prepared for play
with two weight assemblies (e.g., such as weight assemblies
1320/1322 or 1500) mounted in the weight track, and one of two
weight assemblies can comprise a smart weight while the other
weight assembly comprises a traditional (non-smart) weight
assembly. Or both assemblies can comprise smart weights. Further,
for any given weight assembly, either one of the internal weight
member and the external weight member can include a smart feature,
or both can.
[0312] In any of the disclosed embodiments that include adjustable
weights, the club head can include at least two interchangeable
weights that can alternatively be attached to the club head, or
simultaneously attached to the club head. The at least two
interchangeable weights can include at least a first weight, having
a first mass, and at least a second weight, having a second mass.
Either of the two weights can comprise a smart weight, for example.
Additional weights with their own respective masses can also be
included. In some embodiments, the first mass and the second mass
both fall within a range of from about 1 gram to about 25 grams.
Further, the second mass can be larger than the second mass, such
as at least two times, at least three times, or at least four times
the first mass, while still within the 1-25 gram range. For
example, the first mass can be 5 grams and the second mass can be
20 grams. In another example, the first mass is between about 1
gram and about 3 grams, and the second mass is between about 6
grams and about 18 grams. Where more than two weights are included,
the masses can all have varied masses, though some may have the
same mass, such as a smart weight and a corresponding dummy weight.
More information about weights, weight kits, weight masses, weight
fasteners, relative masses of several weights in a kit, and related
information can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2015/0375070,
published on Dec. 31, 2015, which is expressly incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
[0313] In some embodiments, a head cover can be used with the golf
club head. A head cover can be placed over the club head when the
club is not in use to protect the club head. The head cover can be
removed to use the club to strike a ball, then the head cover can
be placed back on the club head until the next use of the club. In
some embodiments, the head cover can interact with the club head.
For example, the head cover can include a magnet or other magnetic
field generator and the club head can include a sensor that detects
the presence or absence of the magnet or magnetic field and
responds by making a change to the club head. For example, the club
head can awaken a smart feature in the club head when it detects
the absence of the magnetic field, such as when the head cover is
removed from the club head. The club head can also cause the smart
feature to go into a "sleep mode" of low energy use when the
magnetic field is detected again, such as when the head cover is
placed back on the club head. A magnetic field can be detected by a
magnetometer, for example. The club head can include a
magnetometer, such as in a smart weight or elsewhere in the club
head. In some embodiments, different types of wireless
communication can be used in place of, or in addition to, a
magnetic field. For example, the head cover and club head can
communicate using an NFC tag and tag reader, an RF field generator
and RF detector, wifi, optical sensors and/or light emitters, or
any other form of wireless communication. In some embodiments, a
wired or other physical connection and de-connection can be
employed between the club head and the head cover. For example, the
head cover and club head can have one or more plugs or electrodes
that touch the other object and electrically couple them together,
or the club head can include a button or pressure sensor that is
activated by the head cover when it is on the club head, and not
activated when the head cover is removed. No matter what means is
used to detect when the head cover is on or off the club head, the
club head smart feature can activate when the head cover is off
such that the smart feature can be functional when the club head is
being used. The magnetometer or other detector in the smart device
can check for the presence of the head cover at regular intervals,
such as every 20 seconds or so. Once the presence of the head cover
is no longer detected the device can change from sleep mode to a
wakened mode activating all sensors, where the device is expecting
a golf swing and ready to capture data related to the golf swing.
The head cover can also include a data storage device to store data
collected from the club head, a data transmission device to
communicate data with the club head and/or with a remote computing
device or the like, and/or a power source. The head cover can in
some embodiments include a power source and can charge a power
source in the club head coupled to the smart feature when the head
cover is on the club head. Power can be transmitted to the club
head via a direct electrical connection or via wireless means, such
as inductive charging. The head cover can include a rechargeable
battery that can be charged up between rounds and can store enough
power to supply the smart weight for an entire round, or multiple
rounds. In any of these examples, the head cover can be substituted
with a golf club bag, golf cart, a tag that is placed on the club,
or any other device that can be located near the club when the club
is not in use, and not located near the club when the club is in
use.
[0314] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the
principles of the disclosed technology may be applied, it should be
recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only exemplary
implementations of the disclosed technology and should not be taken
as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the
disclosure is at least as broad as the following claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *