U.S. patent application number 16/509420 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-31 for golf club having removeable weight.
This patent application is currently assigned to Acushnet Company. The applicant listed for this patent is Acushnet Company. Invention is credited to Thomas Orrin Bennett, Stephanie Luttrell.
Application Number | 20190329106 16/509420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54321128 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190329106 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luttrell; Stephanie ; et
al. |
October 31, 2019 |
GOLF CLUB HAVING REMOVEABLE WEIGHT
Abstract
A golf club head including a hosel, a ball striking face, a sole
extending aftward from a lower edge of the ball striking face, a
crown extending aftward from an upper edge of the ball striking
face, a skirt extending between the sole and the crown, a weight
mount including a recess disposed on at least one of the sole, the
crown, and the skirt, a weight member located in the recess,
wherein the weight mount is configured to house the weight member
in a plurality of positions within the weight mount, a retainer
spanning the recess, wherein the weight mount comprises a bevel
configured to receive a portion of the retainer, wherein the
retainer comprises an angled abutment surface at a first end of the
retainer configured to engage the bevel.
Inventors: |
Luttrell; Stephanie;
(Carlsbad, CA) ; Bennett; Thomas Orrin; (Carlsbad,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Acushnet Company |
Fairhaven |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Acushnet Company
Fairhaven
MA
|
Family ID: |
54321128 |
Appl. No.: |
16/509420 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16132053 |
Sep 14, 2018 |
10391371 |
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16509420 |
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15629263 |
Jun 21, 2017 |
10092803 |
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16132053 |
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14788243 |
Jun 30, 2015 |
9700770 |
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15629263 |
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14143330 |
Dec 30, 2013 |
9095753 |
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14788243 |
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13337910 |
Dec 27, 2011 |
8684863 |
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14143330 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0433 20200801;
A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 53/06 20130101; A63B 53/0441 20200801;
A63B 53/0408 20200801; A63B 53/047 20130101; A63B 2053/0491
20130101; A63B 53/0466 20130101; A63B 53/0437 20200801; A63B
53/0487 20130101; A63B 53/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/06 20060101
A63B053/06; A63B 53/04 20060101 A63B053/04 |
Claims
1. A golf club head, comprising: a hosel; a ball striking face; a
sole extending aftward from a lower edge of said ball striking
face; a crown extending aftward from an upper edge of said ball
striking face; a skirt extending between said sole and said crown;
a weight mount including a recess, wherein said weight mount is
disposed on at least one of said sole, said crown and said skirt; a
weight member located in said recess; wherein said weight mount is
configured to house said weight member in a plurality of positions
within said weight mount; a retainer spanning said recess, said
retainer configured to retain said weight member in said recess,
said retainer configured to selectively retain said weight member
in each of said plurality of positions within said weight mount;
wherein said weight mount comprises a bevel configured to receive a
portion of said retainer; wherein said retainer comprises an angled
abutment surface configured to engage said bevel; wherein said
weight mount comprises a fastener receptacle; wherein said retainer
comprises a weight bore configured to receive said fastener; and a
fastener configured to pass through said weight bore of said
retainer and engage said fastener receptacle.
2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein installation of said
fastener causes said fastener to engage said retainer, forcing said
retainer against said weight mount, clamping said weight member
into one of said plurality of positions.
3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein installation of said
fastener causes said angled abutment surface into said bevel of
said weight mount, said bevel of said weight mount engaging said
angled abutment surface of said retainer and forcing said retainer
against said weight mount.
4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said retainer only
requires a single threaded fastener to retain said weight member in
said recess.
5. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said fastener receptacle
comprises a threaded bore and wherein installation of said fastener
comprises rotation of said fastener.
6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said weight member
comprises an anchoring recess configured to engage an anchoring
protrusion and limit movement of said weight member relative to
said weight mount.
7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said retainer spans said
plurality of positions.
8. A golf club head, comprising: a hosel; a ball striking face; a
sole extending aftward from a lower edge of said ball striking
face; a crown extending aftward from an upper edge of said ball
striking face; a skirt extending between said sole and said crown;
a weight mount including a recess, wherein said weight mount is
disposed on at least one of said sole, said crown and said skirt; a
weight member located in said recess; wherein said weight mount is
configured to house said weight member in a plurality of positions
within said weight mount; a retainer spanning said recess, said
retainer configured to retain said weight member in said recess,
said retainer configured to selectively retain said weight member
in each of said plurality of positions within said weight mount;
wherein said retainer spans said plurality of positions; wherein
said weight mount comprises a fastener receptacle; wherein said
retainer comprises a weight bore configured to receive said
fastener; and a fastener configured to pass through said weight
bore of said retainer and engage said fastener receptacle; wherein
said retainer only requires a single threaded fastener to retain
said weight member in said recess.
9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein installation of said
fastener causes said fastener to engage said retainer, forcing said
retainer against said weight mount, clamping said weight member
into one of said plurality of positions.
10. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein said fastener receptacle
comprises a threaded bore and wherein installation of said fastener
comprises rotation of said fastener.
11. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein said weight member
comprises an anchoring recess configured to limit movement of said
weight member relative to said weight mount.
12. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein said retainer spans said
plurality of positions.
13. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein said weight mount
comprises a bevel configured to receive a portion of said retainer,
wherein said retainer comprises an angled abutment surface
configured to engage said bevel.
14. A golf club head, comprising: a hosel; a ball striking face; a
sole extending aftward from a lower edge of said ball striking
face; a crown extending aftward from an upper edge of said ball
striking face; a skirt extending between said sole and said crown;
a weight mount including a recess, wherein said weight mount is
disposed on at least one of said sole, said crown and said skirt; a
weight member located in said recess; wherein said weight mount is
configured to house said weight member in a plurality of discrete
positions within said weight mount; a retainer spanning said
recess, said retainer configured to retain said weight member in
said recess, said retainer configured to selectively retain said
weight member in each of said plurality of discrete positions
within said weight mount; wherein said retainer spans said
plurality of discrete positions; wherein said weight mount
comprises a fastener receptacle; wherein said retainer comprises a
weight bore configured to receive said fastener; and a fastener
configured to pass through said weight bore of said retainer and
engage said fastener receptacle; wherein said weight member
comprises an anchoring recess configured to limit movement of said
weight member relative to said weight mount.
15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein installation of said
fastener causes said fastener to engage said retainer, forcing said
retainer against said weight mount, clamping said weight member
into one of said plurality of discrete positions.
16. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein said fastener
receptacle comprises a threaded bore and wherein installation of
said fastener comprises rotation of said fastener.
17. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein said retainer only
requires a single threaded fastener to retain said weight member in
said recess.
18. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein said retainer spans
said plurality of discrete positions and is configured to retain
said weight member in one of said plurality of discrete
positions.
19. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein said weight mount
comprises a bevel configured to receive a portion of said retainer,
wherein said retainer comprises an angled abutment surface
configured to engage said bevel.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The current application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/132,053, filed Sep. 14, 2018, currently
pending, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/629,263, filed Jun. 21, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,092,803,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/788,243, filed on Jun. 30, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,700,770,
which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/143,330 filed on Dec. 30, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No.
9,095,753, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/337,910, filed on Dec. 27, 2011, now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,684,863, the disclosure of which are incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to golf clubs, and more particularly,
to golf club heads having a removable weight.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The trend of lengthening golf courses to increase their
difficulty has resulted in a high percentage of amateur golfers
constantly searching for ways to achieve more distance from their
golf shots. The golf industry has responded by providing golf clubs
specifically designed with distance and accuracy in mind. The size
of wood-type golf club heads has generally been increased while
multi-material construction and reduced wall thicknesses have been
included to provide more mass available for selective placement
through the head. The discretionary mass placement has allowed the
club to possess a higher moment of inertia (MOI), which translates
to a greater ability to resist twisting during off-center ball
impacts and less of a distance penalty for those off-center ball
impacts.
[0004] Various methods are used to selectively locate mass
throughout golf club heads, including thickening portions of the
body casting itself or strategically adding separate weight
elements during the manufacture of the club head. An example, shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,190, discloses a golf club head comprising a
number of moveable weights attached to the body of the club head.
The club head includes a number of threaded ports into which the
moveable weights are screwed. Though the mass characteristics of
the golf club may be manipulated by rearranging the moveable
weights, the cylindrical shape of the weights and the receiving
features within the golf club body necessarily moves a significant
portion of the mass toward the center of the club head, which may
not maximize the peripheral weight of the club head or the MOI.
[0005] Alternative approaches for selectively locating mass in a
club head utilize composite multi-material structures. These
composite structures utilize two, three, or more materials that
have different physical properties including different densities.
An example of this type of composite club head is shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,720,674. The club head comprises an arcuate portion of
high-density material bonded to a recess in the back-skirt. Because
composite materials like those found in the club head must be
bonded together, for example by welding, swaging, or using bonding
agents such as epoxy, they may be subject to delamination or
corrosion over time. This component delamination or corrosion
results in decreased performance in the golf club head and can lead
to club head failure.
[0006] Though many methods of optimizing the mass properties of
golf club heads exist, there remains a need in the art for a golf
club head comprising at least a removable weight having secure
attachment and a low-profile so that the weight does not protrude
into the center of the club head and negatively affect the location
of the center of gravity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The systems, methods, and devices described herein have
innovative aspects, no single one of which is indispensable or
solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting
the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now
be summarized.
[0008] The present technology is directed to a golf club head
having a portion comprising at least one removable weight member.
The removable weight member is preferably located toward the back
of the sole and may be substantially centered between the heel and
toe of the club head. Alternatively, the removable weight member
may be situated toward the back and heel or toward the back and toe
of the club head, depending on the desired mass characteristics,
e.g., center of gravity, loft and moment of inertia, of the club
head.
[0009] One non-limiting embodiment of the present technology
includes a golf club head, comprising: a hosel; a ball striking
face; a sole extending aftward from a lower edge of said ball
striking face; a crown extending aftward from an upper edge of said
ball striking face; a skirt extending between said sole and said
crown; a weight mount including a fastening feature, wherein said
weight mount is disposed on at least one of said sole, said crown,
and said skirt; a weight member configured to reside in said weight
mount; wherein said weight member comprises a bore; a fastener
configured to reside in said bore; a retainer configured to
rotatably couple said fastener to said weight member; wherein said
fastener comprises a shank, said shank comprising a longitudinal
axis, said shank comprising projections oriented substantially
perpendicular to said longitudinal axis; wherein said fastening
feature comprises circumferential ramps; wherein rotation of said
fastener about said longitudinal axis forces said projections along
said circumferential ramps; wherein said fastener goes from an
unlocked position to a locked position in less than one full turn
of said fastener relative to said weight mount; wherein rotation of
said fastener compresses said retainer; wherein said
circumferential ramps comprise detents, wherein said projections
are configured to reside in said detents when said fastener is in
said locked position.
[0010] In another non-limiting embodiment said fastener goes from
an unlocked position to a locked position in less than half of one
full turn of said fastener relative to said weight mount.
[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment said fastener comprises a
circumferential channel, said bore of said weight member comprises
a circumferential channel, and said retainer resides in both said
circumferential channel of said fastener and said circumferential
channel of said weight member.
[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment said retainer is a
spring, and wherein said spring locks said projections in said
detents.
[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment said retainer is a wave
washer.
[0014] Another non-limiting embodiment includes a hosel; a ball
striking face; a sole extending aftward from a lower edge of said
ball striking face; a crown extending aftward from an upper edge of
said ball striking face; a skirt extending between said sole and
said crown; a weight mount disposed on at least one of said sole,
said crown, and said skirt; a weight member configured to reside in
said weight mount; a fastener; a retainer configured to rotatably
couple said fastener to said weight member; wherein said fastener
goes from an unlocked position to a locked position in less than
one full turn of said fastener relative to said weight mount;
wherein rotation of said fastener compresses said retainer.
[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment said weight member
comprises a bore, and wherein said fastener resides in said
bore.
[0016] In another non-limiting embodiment said fastener comprises a
circumferential channel, said bore of said weight member comprises
a circumferential channel, and said retainer resides in both said
circumferential channel of said fastener and said circumferential
channel of said weight member.
[0017] In another non-limiting embodiment said retainer is a wave
washer.
[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment said weight mount
comprises a fastening feature comprising circumferential ramps.
[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment said fastener comprises a
shank, said shank comprising a longitudinal axis, said shank
comprising projections oriented substantially perpendicular to said
longitudinal axis.
[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment rotation of said fastener
about said longitudinal axis forces said projections along said
circumferential ramps.
[0021] In another non-limiting embodiment said circumferential
ramps comprise detents, wherein said projections are configured to
reside in said detents when said fastener is in said locked
position.
[0022] The golf club head of claim 13, wherein said retainer is a
spring, and wherein said spring locks said projections in said
detents.
[0023] In another non-limiting embodiment said fastener goes from
an unlocked position to a locked position in less than half of one
full turn of said fastener relative to said weight mount.
[0024] Another non-limiting embodiment includes a hosel; a ball
striking face; a sole extending aftward from a lower edge of said
ball striking face; a crown extending aftward from an upper edge of
said ball striking face; a skirt extending between said sole and
said crown; a weight mount disposed on at least one of said sole,
said crown, and said skirt; a weight member configured to reside in
said weight mount; a fastening nut; a retainer configured to
rotatably couple said fastening nut to said weight member; wherein
said fastening nut goes from an unlocked position to a locked
position in less than one full turn of said fastener relative to
said weight mount; wherein rotation of said fastening nut
compresses said retainer.
[0025] In another non-limiting embodiment said fastener nut goes
from an unlocked position to a locked position in less than half of
one full turn of said fastener nut relative to said weight
mount.
[0026] In another non-limiting embodiment said fastener nut
comprises a circumferential channel, said bore of said weight
member comprises a circumferential channel, and said retainer
resides in both said circumferential channel of said fastener nut
and said circumferential channel of said weight member.
[0027] In another non-limiting embodiment said retainer is a
spring, and rotation of said fastener nut compresses said
retainer.
[0028] In another non-limiting embodiment said fastener nut
comprises circumferential ramps, wherein said circumferential ramps
comprise detents, wherein said weight mount comprises a fastener,
said fastener comprises projections, and wherein rotation of said
fastener nut forces said circumferential ramps along said
projections, and wherein said retainer locks said projections into
said detents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club head;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aft portion of a golf
club head of the present invention including a removable weight
member;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf
club head and removable weight member of FIG. 2;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aft portion of the golf
club head of FIG. 2 without the removable weight member;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative construction
of the aft portion of the golf club of FIG. 4 without a removable
weight member;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aft portion of another
embodiment of a golf club head including a removable weight member
of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the golf club
head of FIG. 6 without the removable weight member;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an outer side of the removable
weight member of FIG. 6;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an inner side of the removable
weight member of FIG. 8;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative aft portion
of a golf club head without the removable weight member;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an inner side of a removable
weight member constructed to be installed on the golf club head of
FIG. 10;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the removable weight
member of FIG. 11;
[0041] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an aft portion of another
embodiment of a golf club head including a removable weight
member;
[0042] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head and
removable weight member of FIG. 13;
[0043] FIG. 15 is another cross-sectional view of the golf club
head and removable weight member of FIG. 13;
[0044] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an aft portion of another
embodiment of a golf club head including a removable weight
member;
[0045] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head and
removable weight member of FIG. 16;
[0046] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an aft portion of another
embodiment of a golf club head including a removable weight
member;
[0047] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head and
removable weight member of FIG. 18;
[0048] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an aft portion of another
embodiment of a golf club head including a removable weight
member;
[0049] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the golf club head and
removable weight member of FIG. 20;
[0050] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an aft portion of another
embodiment of a golf club head including a removable weight
member;
[0051] FIG. 23 is a plan view of the portion of the golf club head
and outer side of the removable weight member of FIG. 22;
[0052] FIG. 24 is another plan view of the portion of the golf club
head and outer side of the removable weight member of FIG. 22;
[0053] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the golf
club head and removable weight member of FIG. 22;
[0054] FIG. 26 is a plan view of another golf club head and
removable weight member;
[0055] FIG. 27 is a plan view of a sole, aft portion of the golf
club head of FIG. 26 without the removable weight member;
[0056] FIG. 28 is a plan view of an outer side of the removable
weight member of FIG. 26;
[0057] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf
club head of FIG. 26;
[0058] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf
club head, and the removable weight member, of FIG. 26;
[0059] FIG. 31 is a plan view of an aft portion of another golf
club head and an outer side of removable weight member;
[0060] FIG. 32 is a plan view of an outer side of the removable
weight member of FIG. 31;
[0061] FIG. 33 is a plan view of an inner side of the removable
weight member of FIG. 31;
[0062] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head and
removable weight member of FIG. 31;
[0063] FIG. 35 is a plan view of an inner side of a portion of
another golf club head and an inner side of a removable weight
member;
[0064] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head and
removable weight member of FIG. 35;
[0065] FIG. 37 is a plan view of an aft portion of another golf
club head and an outer side of a removable weight member;
[0066] FIG. 38 is a plan view of the outer side of the removable
weight member of FIG. 37;
[0067] FIG. 39 is a side view of a fastener included in the golf
club head of FIG. 37;
[0068] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head and
removable weight member of FIG. 37;
[0069] FIG. 41 is a plan view of an aft portion of another golf
club head and an outer side of a removable weight member;
[0070] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the golf
club head, removable weight member and fastener of FIG. 41;
[0071] FIG. 43 is a plan view of an aft portion of another golf
club head and an outer side of a removable weight member;
[0072] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the golf
club head, removable weight member and fastener of FIG. 43;
[0073] FIG. 45 is an exploded view of a portion of another golf
club, removable weight member and fastener;
[0074] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of another
golf club head, removable weight member and fastener of FIG.
45;
[0075] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an aft portion of another
embodiment of a golf club head including a removable weight member
of the present invention;
[0076] FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf
club head and removable weight member of FIG. 47;
[0077] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an aft portion of another
embodiment of a golf club head including a removable weight
member;
[0078] FIG. 50 is another perspective view of the aft portion of
the golf club head of FIG. 49 without the removable weight
member;
[0079] FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf
club head and removable weight member of FIG. 49;
[0080] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf
club head and removable weight member of FIG. 50;
[0081] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of an aft portion of another
embodiment of a golf club head including a removable weight
member;
[0082] FIG. 54 is a plan view of the portion of the golf club head
and outer side of the removable weight member of FIG. 53;
[0083] FIG. 55 is another plan view of the portion of the golf club
head and outer side of the removable weight member of FIG. 53;
[0084] FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the golf
club head and removable weight member of FIG. 53;
[0085] FIG. 57 is a plan view of a portion of another golf club,
removable weight member and fastener;
[0086] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of another
golf club head, removable weight member and fastener of FIG.
57;
[0087] FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of one
embodiment of a golf club head and removable weight member;
[0088] FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of one
embodiment of a golf club head and removable weight member;
[0089] FIG. 61 is a plan view of one embodiment of a golf club head
and weight recess;
[0090] FIG. 62 is a plan view of the golf club head of FIG. 61
including one embodiment of a weight member;
[0091] FIG. 63 is a plan view of a sole, aft portion of the golf
club head of FIG. 62;
[0092] FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf
club head and removable weight member of FIG. 62;
[0093] FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of an additional
embodiment of a portion of a golf club head and removable weight
member;
[0094] FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of an additional
embodiment of a portion of a golf club head and removable weight
member;
[0095] FIG. 67 is a plan view of one embodiment of a golf club head
and plurality of weight recesses;
[0096] FIG. 68 is a plan view of the golf club head of FIG. 67
including one embodiment of a retainer;
[0097] FIG. 69 is a cross section view of a portion of the golf
club head and retainer of FIG. 68;
[0098] FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional of a sole, aft portion of the
golf club head of FIG. 69;
[0099] FIG. 71 is a plan view of one embodiment of a golf club head
and plurality of weight mounts; and
[0100] FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf
club head and weight mount of FIG. 71.
[0101] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a weight
member in a weight mount.
[0102] FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the weight member of FIG.
73 including one embodiment of a fastener.
[0103] FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the weight mount of FIG.
73.
[0104] FIG. 76 is a perspective view of the underside of the
fastening feature of the weight mount of FIG. 75.
[0105] FIG. 77 is a perspective view of a fastener in an unlocked
position in the fastening feature of FIG. 76.
[0106] FIG. 78 is a cross-sectional view of the weight mount of
FIG. 75.
[0107] FIG. 79 is a perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 74
including one embodiment of a retainer.
[0108] FIG. 80 is a perspective view of the weight member of FIG.
74.
[0109] FIG. 81 is a cross-sectional view of the weight member,
fastener, and retainer of 74.
[0110] FIG. 82 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
weight member, fastening nut, retainer, and weight mount.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0111] Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise
expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values
and percentages such as those for amounts of materials, moments of
inertias, center of gravity locations, loft and draft angles, and
others in the following portion of the specification may be read as
if prefaced by the word "about" even though the term "about" may
not expressly appear with the value, amount, or range. Accordingly,
unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set
forth in the following specification and attached claims are
approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties
sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least,
and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of
equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter
should at least be construed in light of the number of reported
significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding
techniques.
[0112] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters
setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations,
the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are
reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however,
inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the
standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth
herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values
inclusive of the recited values may be used.
[0113] The golf club head of the present invention is preferably
hollow, such as a metal wood type golf club head, but may include
any club head type, such as iron-type club heads. The golf club
head generally includes a hosel, a hitting face, a crown, a sole,
and a skirt that combine to define a hollow interior cavity.
[0114] The inventive golf club head also has a low profiled weight
member disposed on a portion of the club head, and preferably on
the crown, sole and/or skirt of the golf club head. The embodiments
described below are generally illustrated so that the weight member
is attached at least partially to the sole for convenience.
However, as will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill,
weight mounts and weight members having the same structures as
those described may be located on any portion of the golf club
head, such as the crown and/or skirt.
[0115] An equivalent plan area (Area.sub.EP) of the weight member
is preferably greater than approximately 200 mm.sup.2 where
equivalent plan area is:
Area.sub.EP=V/T.sub.ave
where V is the volume of the weight member and T is an average
thickness taken generally normal to an outer surface of the weight
member and toward the interior of the golf club head. In weight
members including an elongate fastener that extends toward an
interior of the club head, the average thickness is calculated
disregarding the elongate fastener. In each of the embodiments
described below, it is preferred that the mass of the weight member
range between 2 grams and 30 grams and that the equivalent plan
area be greater than approximately 200 mm.sup.2 and even more
preferably greater than 250 mm.sup.2. Also, weight member
preferably has an average thickness that is less than about 8 mm,
and more preferably less than about 6 mm.
[0116] An exemplary club head is shown FIGS. 1-4. Club head 10
includes a sole 12, a crown 14, a hitting face 16, a skirt 18, a
hosel 20, and a weight member 22. Sole 12 generally provides the
lower surface of golf club head 10 when the club head is placed in
an address position. Sole 12 includes a weight mount 24, which is
configured to couple weight member 22 to sole 12. In the present
embodiment, mount 24 is a recessed portion of sole 12 that is
shaped to complement the shape of weight member 22. For example,
weight member 22 is generally trapezoidal in plan shape and weight
mount 24 includes a generally trapezoidally-shaped recess.
[0117] Mount 24 includes a fastener 26, a bevel 28 and a receiver
30. Mount 24 is constructed to clamp weight member 22 between bevel
28 and fastener 26. In particular, mount 24 is constructed so that
when weight member 22 is located on mount 24, and fastener 26 is
tightened, fastener 26 forces weight member 22 at least partially
laterally against bevel 28. As a result, a portion of weight member
22 is drawn tighter against sole 12 by the interaction between the
weight member and the bevel.
[0118] In the present embodiment, receiver 30 is a recessed portion
of sole 12 and skirt 18 and aligns weight member 22 relative to the
remainder of the golf club head when weight member 22 is disposed
in mount 24. Receiver 30 includes a fastener portion 32 and a
support portion 34. Fastener portion 32 includes a threaded bore 36
that receives a threaded shank 38 of fastener 26. Support portion
34 includes a generally planar support surface 35 that extends
between fastener portion 32 and bevel 28 and provides support for
weight member 22 when weight member 22 is disposed in receiver 30.
The recessed configuration of receiver 30 also limits the movement
of weight member 22 laterally relative to bevel 28.
[0119] Bevel 28 forms an undercut portion of mount 24 that receives
a portion of weight member 22. Bevel 28 extends from support
surface 35 at a location that is spaced from fastener 26 and is
angled relative to support surface 35 by a bevel angle .alpha. that
is an acute angle. Bevel angle .alpha. is acute so that as weight
member 22 is forced into bevel 28, weight member 22 is forced
against support surface 35. Bevel angle .alpha. is preferably
between about 25.degree. and about 65.degree., and more preferably
between about 35.degree. and about 55.degree. relative to support
surface 35, and in particular relative to a planar portion of
support surface 35 that is adjacent a base 29 of bevel 28.
[0120] Weight member 22 includes an angled abutment surface 42 and
a fastener engagement feature 43. Angled abutment surface 42 is a
surface that complements the shape of bevel 28 of mount 24 and that
abuts bevel 28 when weight member 22 is installed on mount 24.
Bevel 28 and abutment surface 42 are angled so that as weight
member 22 is forced into abutment with bevel 28 a force component
along the abutting surfaces causes weight member 22 to slide
against bevel 28 and to be forced against sole 12.
[0121] Fastener 26 is oriented so that as it is tightened in club
head 10 it forces weight member 22 toward bevel 28. Threaded bore
36 is angled relative to support surface 35 so that interaction
between fastener 26 and weight member 22 causes weight member 22 to
move laterally, generally parallel to support surface 35, when
fastener 26 is tightened. Fastener 26 engages club head 10 at a
coupling angle .beta., relative to support surface 35, which has a
magnitude that is less than 90.degree. so that at least a component
of the force applied by tightening fastener 26 is directed toward
bevel 28, as shown by force component Fz. Preferably, coupling
angle is less than 45.degree. so that the Fz forms a larger force
component than Fy, which is generally normal to support surface
35.
[0122] Mount 24 is preferably located in an aft portion of club
head 10 so that weight member 22 is positioned behind and below the
center of gravity of club head 10 without weight member 22. The
inclusion of weight member 22 in this location aids in moving the
center of gravity of the club head rearward and lower than the club
head without the weight member.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a mount 44 will
be described. Mount 44 is similar to mount 24 of the previous
embodiment, but does not include a recess for receiving the weight
member so that a support surface 50 is flush with the laterally
adjacent portions 51 of the sole. Mount 44 is configured to clamp
weight member 22 (illustrated by dashed lines) between a bevel 48
and a fastener 46. In particular, when weight member 22 is located
on mount 44, and fastener 46 is tightened, the interaction between
fastener 46 and weight member 22 forces weight member 22 at least
partially laterally and against bevel 48. Forcing weight member 22
against bevel 48 causes weight member 22 to slide along bevel 48
and into the undercut formed by bevel 48 so that weight member 22
is forced against support surface 50. As a result, weight member 22
is forced tightly against sole 12 by the angled interface
interaction between the weight member and the bevel.
[0124] Mount 44 includes fastener 46, bevel 48, support surface 50
and a fastener portion 52. A portion of the club head body defines
bevel 48, support surface 50 and fastener portion 52. Support
surface 50 extends between bevel 48 and fastener portion 52 and is
a surface that abuts the underside of weight member 22 when it is
installed in mount 44. Support surface 50 may be a generally planar
surface, as shown, so that it complements a generally planar
abutment surface of the weight member. Fastener portion 52 includes
a threaded bore 54 that receives a threaded shank 56 of fastener
46.
[0125] Similar to the previous embodiment, bevel forms an undercut
portion that receives a portion of the weight member. Bevel 48
extends outward from sole 12 and support surface 50 at a location
that is spaced from fastener 46. Bevel 48 is angled relative to
support surface 50 by a bevel angle .alpha. that is acute relative
to support surface 50.
[0126] Mount 44 also includes lateral walls 58 that are located
adjacent bevel 48. Lateral walls 58 extend toward fastener portion
52 and form alignment features for weight member 22 when it is
disposed on mount 44. In particular, lateral walls limit relative
lateral motion between weight member 22 and bevel 48 so that the
portion of weight member 22 that engages bevel 48 remains in
contact with bevel 48 when it is installed. Lateral walls 58 extend
outward and away from support surface 50 so that they are raised
relative to the support surface 50. The height of lateral walls 58
is preferably less than, or equal to, the height of bevel 48 from
support surface 50. For example, lateral walls 58 have a height
relative to support surface 50 that is about 25%-100% of the height
of bevel 48. Preferably, the height of lateral walls 58 is about
50% of the height of bevel 48.
[0127] Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, another embodiment of a golf
club head including a weight will be described. Golf club head 60
includes a sole 62, a crown 64, a hitting face, a skirt 68, a
hosel, and a weight member 72. Sole 62 includes a weight mount 74,
which is configured to couple weight member 72 to the club head. In
the present embodiment, mount 74 is constructed flush with adjacent
portions of sole 62 (i.e., not recessed), so that an abutment
surface 76 of weight member 72 is approximately flush with the
adjacent portions of sole 62.
[0128] Mount 74 generally includes fastener 78, bevel 80, a support
surface 82 and a fastener portion 84. A portion of the club head
body defines bevel 80, support surface 82 and fastener portion 84.
A portion of sole 62 that extends between bevel 80 and fastener
portion 84 forms support surface 82. Support surface 82 is
generally illustrated by the dashed line, but is contiguous with
the adjacent portions of sole 62. Support surface 82 is shaped to
complement abutment surface 76 of weight member 72 so that it abuts
the underside of weight member 72 when the weight member is
installed in mount 74. Fastener portion 84 includes a threaded bore
86 that receives a threaded shank 88 of fastener 78. Fastener 78
extends into skirt 68 so that as it is tightened in threaded bore
86 it translates generally toward bevel 80. As a result, when
weight member 72 is installed and fastener 78 is tightened, the
weight member is translated toward bevel 80 and into the undercut
formed by bevel 80.
[0129] In the present embodiment, mount 74 includes an alignment
feature in the form of tab 90 that interacts with weight member 72.
Tab 90 is constructed as a tapered rib that extends aft-ward from
bevel 80 toward fastener portion 84 and outward from support
surface 82. Tab 90 tapers so that it narrows in the direction from
bevel 80 toward fastener portion 84 and outward from support
surface 82.
[0130] Weight member 72 includes an angled abutment surface 92 and
a fastener engagement feature 94. Additionally, weight member 72
includes an alignment feature in the form of slot 96 that receives
tab 90 when weight member 72 is installed on mount 74. Slot 96 is
dimensioned so that as it receives tab 90 the tapered surfaces abut
and limit relative movement between weight member 72 and the
remainder of club head 60 while still allowing angled abutment
surface 92 to slide along bevel 80. In particular as weight member
72 slides against bevel 80 it abuts tab 90. The interaction between
the tapered tab 90 and the tapered slot 96 limits the amount that
weight member 72 is able to slide against bevel 80 toward sole 62
and also limits relative lateral motion, i.e., relative motion
generally in the heel-to-toe direction, between weight member 72
and bevel 80.
[0131] Angled abutment surface 92 is a surface that complements the
shape of bevel 80 of mount 74 and that abuts bevel 80 when weight
member 72 is installed on mount 74. Bevel 80 and abutment surface
92 are oriented so that as weight member 72 is forced into abutment
with bevel 80 by the tightening of fastener 78, the abutment forces
weight member 72 against sole 62.
[0132] Slot 96 is defined by weight member 72 and extends through a
portion of angled abutment surface 76. In the present embodiment,
the height of slot 96 is less than the thickness of weight member
72 so that it does not extend through the outer surface of weight
member 72. As a result, and as shown in FIG. 6, neither slot 96 nor
tab 90 are visible when weight member 72 is installed in club head
60.
[0133] Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, and
includes a golf club head 100 that includes a weight member 102.
The appearance of the mounted weight member 102 is nearly identical
to the appearance of the golf club of FIG. 6, so the mounted weight
member 102 is only illustrated in phantom in FIG. 10. In this
embodiment, golf club head 100 has a structure similar to that of
the previous embodiment with the exception of the alignment
feature. In particular, weight member 102 has a structure similar
to that of the previous embodiment, but the associated alignment
feature is shaped and sized to complement the alignment feature of
the weight mount included on golf club head 100.
[0134] Golf club head 100 includes a sole 104, a crown 106, a
hitting face, a skirt 108, a hosel, and weight member 102. Sole 104
includes a weight mount 109, which is configured to couple weight
member 102 and sole 104. In the present embodiment, mount 109 has a
structure similar to that of the previous embodiment. However, the
alignment feature has been modified. In particular, mount 109
generally includes fastener 110, bevel 112, a support surface 114
and a fastener portion 116.
[0135] The alignment feature has been modified to reduce the
constraints placed on weight member 102 relative to mount 109 by
the interaction between the alignment feature and weight member
102. Namely, the alignment feature is configured to control only
lateral movement of weight member 102 relative to mount 109 and so
that the construction of the alignment features is simplified.
Mount 109 includes an alignment feature in the form of tab 118. Tab
118 is constructed as a straight rib that extends aft-ward from
bevel 112 toward fastener portion 116, and outward from support
surface 114. Tab 118 includes generally parallel sidewalls so that
the width of tab 118 remains approximately constant over the length
of tab 118.
[0136] Weight member 102 includes an angled abutment surface 120, a
fastener engagement feature 122, and an alignment feature in the
form of slot 124. Slot 124 engages tab 118 when weight member 102
is installed on mount 109 and is dimensioned so that its width
closely matches the width of tab 118. As a result, the engagement
of slot 124 and tab 118 limits lateral movement of weight member
102 relative to the remainder of club head 100. Angled abutment
surface 120 is a surface that complements the shape of bevel 112
(i.e., the angled abutment surface of bevel 112) of mount 109 and
that abuts bevel 112 when weight member 102 is installed on mount
109. Similar to previous embodiments, bevel 112 and abutment
surface 120 are oriented so that as weight member 102 is forced
into abutment with bevel 112, by the tightening of fastener 110,
weight member 102 is forced against sole 104 in mount 109.
[0137] In a similar embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48, a
golf club head 500 includes a sole 504, a crown 506, a hitting
face, a skirt 508, a hosel, and a weight member 502. Sole 504
includes a weight mount 509, which is configured to couple weight
member 502 and sole 504. Mount 509 generally includes a fastener
510, a bevel 512, a support surface 514 and a fastener portion
516.
[0138] Mount 509 includes an alignment feature in the form of tab
518 that interacts with weight member 502. Tab 518 is constructed
as a rib with generally parallel lateral sides that extends
aft-ward from bevel 512 toward fastener portion 516 and outward
from support surface 514.
[0139] Weight member 502 includes an angled abutment surface 520
and a fastener engagement feature 522. Weight member 502 includes
an alignment feature in the form of slot 524 that receives tab 518
when weight member 502 is installed on mount 509. Slot 524 is
dimensioned so that as it receives tab 518 the side surfaces of the
tab and slot are in close proximity to each other and preferably
slide against each other to limit relative lateral movement between
weight member 502 and the remainder of club head 500 while still
allowing angled abutment surface 520 to slide along bevel 512. The
height from support surface of tab 518 and slot 524 are selected so
that clearance is provided between the tab and the weight member
and the length from bevel 512 of tab 518 and slot 524 are selected
so that clearance is provided between the aftward end of tab 518
and slot 524. As a result of those clearances, the interaction of
tab 518 and slot do not limit the interaction between angled
abutment surface 520 and bevel 512.
[0140] Angled abutment surface 520 is a surface that complements
the shape of bevel 512 of mount 509 and that abuts bevel 512 when
weight member 502 is installed on mount 509. Bevel 512 and abutment
surface 520 are oriented so that as weight member 502 is forced
into abutment with bevel 512 by the tightening of fastener 510, the
abutment forces weight member 502 against sole 504.
[0141] Slot 524 is defined by weight member 502 and extends through
a portion of angled abutment surface 520. In the present
embodiment, the height of slot 524 is less than the thickness of
weight member 502 so that it does not extend through the outer
surface of weight member 502. As a result, and as shown in FIG. 47,
neither slot 524 nor tab 518 are visible when weight member 502 is
installed in club head 500.
[0142] A portion of sole 504 that extends between bevel 512 and
fastener portion 516 forms support surface 514. Support surface 514
is shaped to abut the underside of weight member 502 when the
weight member is installed in mount 509. Fastener portion 516
includes a fastener post 526 that is received by fastener 510. In
the present embodiment, fastener 510 is a threaded nut that
receives a threaded portion of fastener post 526, rather than a
threaded bolt like previous embodiments, to illustrate an
alternative fastener that may also be substituted in other
embodiments. As fastener 510 is tightened on fastener post 526 and
against weight member 502, weight member 502 is forced to translate
toward bevel 512 and into the undercut formed by bevel 512.
[0143] Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, another embodiment of a golf
club head 130 with a weight member 132 is illustrated. The portion
of golf club head 130 that is shown includes a sole 134 and a skirt
136. Weight member 132 is installed in a weight mount 138 that
extends across a portion of sole 134 and a portion of skirt
136.
[0144] Mount 138 includes a bevel 140, a support surface 142, a
fastener portion 144 and a fastener 146. Bevel 140 is disposed at
an end of mount 138 and includes an angled surface 148 that
forcibly abuts an angled engagement surface 149, which is may be a
planar surface, of weight member 132 when the weight member is
fully installed on mount 138. In the illustrated embodiment, weight
member 132 includes angled engagement surfaces 149 at opposite ends
so that weight member 132 may be installed in one of two
orientations rotated 180.degree. relative to each other.
[0145] In the present embodiment, mount 138 includes a contoured
support surface 142 to simplify the removal of weight member 132
from mount 138. The contoured support surface 142 generally
includes an abutment portion 150 that is located adjacent bevel
140, and a recessed portion 152. Abutment portion 150 provides a
surface that limits the translation of weight member 132 toward the
remainder of the golf club head when one of the angled abutment
surfaces 149 is forced against bevel 148.
[0146] Recessed portion 152 permits weight member 132 to be tilted
relative to mount 138 during its insertion and removal, as shown in
FIG. 15. In particular, the ability to tilt weight member 132
assists in its removal from mount 138 and so that fastener 146 need
not be fully removed during insertion and removal of weight member
132. Recessed portion 152 is disposed between abutment portion 150
and fastener portion 144 and extends toward the interior of club
head 130 relative to abutment portion 150. Recessed portion 152 is
sized and located in mount 138 so that weight member 132 covers
recessed portion 152 when it is installed in mount 138. Recessed
portion 152 may be stepped, curved or tapered to provide any
desired amount of movement of weight member 138 and the desired
amount of clearance relative to fastener. Recessed portion may also
be configured to receive an optional secondary weight member 151.
It should be appreciated, however, that an optional secondary
weight member may be included in any of the embodiments described
and shown herein. For example, any of the other embodiments may
include a secondary weight member mounted in the support surface of
the mount.
[0147] All of the weight members of the present invention are
preferably removable from the golf club head without requiring the
full disengagement of the fastener from the fastener portion of the
mount. For example, in the present embodiment, fastener 146 is
partially backed out from fastener portion 144, which provides
clearance for weight member 132 to be slid toward fastener 146
within mount 138, tilted, and then removed from mount 138. The
shape and dimensions of recessed portion 152 are selected so that
weight member 132 may be removed after backing fastener 146 out by
a predetermined amount. In an embodiment, recessed portion 152 is
dimensioned and shaped so that weight member 132 may be removed
after backing the fastener out by less than 0.250 inch, more
preferably by less than 0.125 inch.
[0148] One or more grip features 154 are also included on weight
member 132. Grip feature 154 provides a recessed, or raised,
portion on weight member 132 that allows a user to grip the weight
member, especially during removal. Grip feature 154 is preferably
sized and shaped to engage with a user's fingertip, or another
blunt tool to drag and tilt the weight member relative to the
remainder of club head 130.
[0149] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a golf club
head 160 includes a weight member 162 that is retained on club head
160 using a fastener 164 and a retainer 166. Similar to the
previous embodiments, golf club head 160 includes a sole 168, a
crown 170, a hitting face, a skirt 172, a hosel, and weight member
162. Sole 168 includes a weight mount 174, which is configured to
couple weight member 162 and sole 168.
[0150] Mount 174 generally includes fastener 164, a bevel 178, a
support surface 180 and a fastener portion 182 and is recessed into
a portion of club head 160 that extends from sole 168 to skirt 172.
A portion of the club head body defines bevel 178 that extends
outward from support surface 180 at a location that is spaced from
fastener 164. Bevel 178 is angled relative to a portion support
surface 180 immediately adjacent bevel 178 by a bevel angle
.alpha.. Preferably, bevel angle .alpha. is acute relative to
support surface 180.
[0151] Support surface 180 extends between bevel 178 and fastener
portion 182 and is a generally curved surface that abuts the
underside of weight member 162 when it is installed in mount 164.
Fastener portion 182 includes a threaded bore 184 that receives a
threaded shank 186 of fastener 164.
[0152] Weight member 162 includes an angled abutment surface 188
and a retainer engagement feature 190. The outer perimeter of
weight member 162 acts as an alignment feature and complements the
size and shape of the recessed mount 174. Angled abutment surface
188 is a surface that complements the shape of bevel 178 of mount
174 and that abuts bevel 178 when weight member 162 is installed on
mount 174. Bevel 178 and abutment surface 188 are oriented so that
as weight member 162 is forced into abutment with bevel 178 by the
tightening of fastener 164 and retainer 166. The abutment of the
angled surfaces forces weight member 162 to be drawn against
support surface 180 in mount 174.
[0153] Another embodiment of a golf club head 200 with a weight
member 202 is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. Similar to the
previous embodiment, weight member 202 is retained on club head 200
by a retainer 204. Retainer 204 is a component that is separate
from weight member 202 and forces weight member 202 to abut an
undercut 206 included in a weight mount 208. Undercut 206 is
illustrated with an alternative construction, but it should be
appreciated that the undercut may alternatively be formed by a
bevel. Mount 208 is configured so that as retainer 204 is drawn
into mount 208 by a fastener 218 the retainer 204 abutment with
weight member 202 forces the weight member toward undercut 206
[0154] Mount 208 includes a weight portion 209 and a retainer
portion 211. Weight portion 209 receives weight member 202 and
includes undercut 206. Retainer portion 211 receives retainer 204
and includes a fastener engagement feature 213 that engages
fastener 218 so that retainer 204 is removably coupled to club head
200.
[0155] Weight member 202 has a low profile configuration similar to
previous embodiments. Weight member 202 includes an angled abutment
surface 210 and a retainer engagement feature 212, which may be a
flange, as shown. Angled abutment surface 210 engages an abutment
edge 214 of mount 208 that is adjacent undercut 206, and undercut
206 is dimensioned so that as angled abutment surface 210 is forced
against abutment edge 214, clearance is provided for a portion of
weight member 202 to enter undercut 206 while weight member 202 is
forced tighter against a support surface 216 of mount 208.
[0156] Retainer 204 also has a low profile configuration and is
received in a portion of mount 208. Retainer 204 extends toward
weight member 202 so that an abutment flange 220 of retainer 204
abuts a portion of weight member 202. Retainer 204 also includes a
fastener bore 222 that receives fastener 218 so that fastener 218
extends through a portion of retainer 214 and engages fastener
engagement feature 213, which may be a threaded bore, as shown.
[0157] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 49-52, a golf
club head 540 includes a weight member 542 that is retained on club
head 540 by a retainer 544. Golf club head 540 includes a sole 546,
a crown 548, a hitting face, a skirt 550, a hosel, and weight
member 542. Sole 546 includes a weight mount 552, which is
configured to couple weight member 542 and sole 546. Mount 552
generally includes a fastener 554, a bevel 556, a support surface
558 and a fastener portion 560.
[0158] Retainer 544 is a component that is separate from weight
member 542 that is pivotally mounted to sole 546 of golf club head
540 at pivots 568. Retainer 544 forces weight member 542 to abut an
undercut formed by bevel 556. Mount 552 is configured so that
tightening fastener 554 forces retainer 544 toward sole 546 and
against an aft portion of weight member 542. The interaction
between retainer 544 and weight member 542 forces weight member 542
forward toward and into abutment with bevel 556.
[0159] Weight member 542 has a low profile configuration similar to
previous embodiments. Weight member 542 includes an angled abutment
surface 562 and a retainer engagement feature 564, which may be an
angled surface, as shown. Angled abutment surface 562 engages bevel
556 when retainer 544 is forced against weight member 542.
Additionally, and as shown, retainer engagement feature 564 may
have the same shape and size as angled abutment surface 562 so that
weight member 542 may be installed in one of two orientations
rotated 180.degree. from each other. Preferably, in such an
embodiment more mass is concentrated toward one of angled abutment
surface 562 and retainer engagement feature 564 than the other so
that the two orientations provide different mass distribution.
[0160] Retainer 544 is pivotally connected to sole 546 adjacent to
support surface 558 so that it may be pivoted between a first
position and a second position. In the first position, shown in
FIGS. 49 and 51, retainer 544 is positioned so that weight member
542 is interposed between retainer 544 and bevel 556. In that
position, an abutment surface 566 of retainer 544 abuts the angled
surface that forms the retainer engagement feature 564 and that
abutment forces weight member 542 laterally toward bevel 556. In
the second position, shown in FIGS. 50 and 52, retainer 544 is
tilted away from support surface 558 and provides clearance for
weight member 542 to be translated away from bevel 556 and removed
from weight mount 552.
[0161] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, golf club
head 230 includes a weight member 232 that is coupled to the club
head by a retainer 234. Retainer 234 also provides a cover for
weight member 232 so that the shape and appearance of the outer
surface of golf club head 230 remains the same while one of a
plurality of weight members 232 having different masses or
configurations may be incorporated.
[0162] Additionally, an alternative fastener configuration is
included in the present embodiment. In particular, a weight mount
236 includes a stud 238 that extends through weight member 232 and
retainer 234, and engages a nut 240. Nut 240 is removably attached
to stud 238 so that it forces retainer 234 against weight member
232 and into mount 236.
[0163] Mount 236 is shaped to complement the shape of weight member
232 and is generally recessed into a portion of a sole 231 and a
skirt 233 of golf club head 230. Mount 236 includes a primary
recess 242 and a secondary recess 244. Primary recess 242 is shaped
to complement the perimeter shape of weight member 232 and retainer
234 so that both fit inside mount 236. Secondary recess 244 is
shaped and sized to receive an optional projection 246 included on
weight member 232. The size and shape of projection 246 is selected
based on the overall desired mass of weight member 232. The
location of weight member 232 is determined by the interaction
between weight member 232 and primary recess 242. As a result,
projection 246 may either fully or partially extend into secondary
recess 244.
[0164] An optional cap 248 is also included in the present
embodiment. Cap 248 provides a cover for nut 240. By covering nut
240, cap 248 provides a secondary locking feature to nut 240 and/or
protection to nut 240.
[0165] Referring to FIGS. 22-25, a golf club head 260 includes a
low profile weight member 262. In the present embodiment, weight
member 262 is shaped so that it must be in a predetermined
orientation relative to a mount 264 for it to be inserted into
mount 264, then the weight member trapped in the mount by rotating
the weight member relative to the mount. In particular, a first
width W1 of weight member 262 is less than a second width W2 of
weight member 262. Mount 264 includes an opening 266 that has a
width W3 that is greater than first width W1 of weight member 262,
but less than second width W2. As a result, weight member 262 may
be slid into mount 264 only in a predetermined orientation
corresponding to the first width W1 extending across opening 266.
Then, by rotating weight member 262 within mount 264 the weight
member becomes captured in mount 264. A tool engagement feature 276
may be included on weight member 262 so that weight member 262 may
be rotated using a tool that is inserted into tool engagement
feature 276, such as a hex key or screw driver.
[0166] Mount 264 also includes an undercut 268 that extends around
at least a portion of the perimeter of mount 264. In the present
embodiment, undercut 268 is a bevel that receives an angled
engagement surface 270 of weight member 262. The interaction
between undercut 268 and engagement surface 270 limits translation
of the weight member 262 relative to mount 264 outward and away
from club head 260 while allowing weight member 262 to rotate
within mount 264 so that weight member 262 may be installed and
removed from mount 264. Preferably, undercut 268 and engagement
surface 270 are located on weight mount 264 and weight member 262
so that when weight member 262 is installed the undercut and
engagement surface engage adjacent opening 266. More preferably,
undercut 268 and engagement surface 270 extend around a majority of
the circumferences of mount 264 and weight member 262.
[0167] An anti-rotation and clamping feature, such as screw 272 is
also included in mount 264 that engages a recess 274 so that the
rotation of weight member 262 in mount 264 may be selectively
prevented, or limited to a predetermined amount. The anti-rotation
feature is constructed so that when screw 272 engages recess 274 of
weight member 262, it locks weight member 262 into a particular
orientation relative to mount 264 that is different than the
orientation that allows weight member 262 to be removed from mount
264. Additionally, screw 272 is oriented so that it urges weight
member 262 toward a side of mount 264 so that angled engagement
surface 270 abuts a portion of undercut 268. The orientation of
screw 272 illustrated in FIGS. 22-24 results in screw 272 forcing
weight member 262 toward opening 266 so that the portions of
undercut 268 adjacent opening 266 abut corresponding portions of
engagement surface 270.
[0168] Screw 272 may lock weight member 262 into one of a plurality
of orientations by selectively engaging one of a plurality of
recesses 274, or it may limit the rotation of weight member 262
relative to mount 264 to a predetermined range of angular rotation
by selectively an extended recess 274a that extends along a portion
of the perimeter of weight member 262.
[0169] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the orientations of weight
member 262 for installation and removal will be described. Weight
member 262 is illustrated fully installed in mount 264 in FIG. 23.
Weight member 262 is inserted into mount 264 by orienting weight
member 262 so that the portion of weight member 262 having width W1
is oriented across opening 266, as shown in FIG. 24. Then, weight
member 262 is slid into mount 264, relative to club head 260, until
an end of weight member 262 is adjacent screw 272 with screw 272
being at least partially backed out of mount 264. Weight member 262
is rotated to a fully installed orientation in which it is oriented
so that screw 272 is aligned with a recess 274. Screw 272 is then
tightened so that it is positioned partially within recess 274 and
further rotation of weight member 262 within, and relative to,
mount 264 is prevented.
[0170] The removal of weight member 262 is accomplished by
reversing the installation procedure described above. In
particular, screw 272 is disengaged from recess 274 so that weight
member 262 is free to rotate within mount 264. Next, weight member
262 is rotated so that a portion of weight member 262 that is
narrower than opening 266 (e.g., a portion with width W1) is
aligned with opening 266. Finally, weight member 262 is slid
through opening 266 and removed from mount 264.
[0171] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 53-56, a golf
club head 580 includes a weight member 582 that is inserted and
removed from a weight mount 584 similar to the weight member of the
previous embodiment. As a result, many of the features of the golf
club head are identical and will be designated by the same numbers
used in the previous embodiment and will not be further
described.
[0172] Weight member 582 has a low profile and is shaped so that it
must be in a predetermined orientation relative to a mount 584 for
it to be inserted into mount 584, then the weight member trapped in
the mount by rotating the weight member relative to the mount. In
particular, a first width W1 of weight member 582 is less than a
second width W2 of weight member 582. Mount 584 includes an opening
266 that has a width W3 that is greater than first width W1 of
weight member 582, but less than second width W2. As a result,
weight member 582 may be slid into mount 584 only in a
predetermined orientation corresponding to the first width W1
extending across opening 266. Then, by rotating weight member 582
within mount 584 the weight member becomes captured in mount
584.
[0173] Mount 584 includes an undercut 268 and an anti-rotation and
clamping feature. Undercut 268 receives an angled engagement
surface 270 of weight member 582. An anti-rotation and clamping
feature, such as tab 586 is also included in mount 584 that engages
a recess 588 so that the rotation of weight member 582 in mount 584
may be selectively prevented, or limited to a predetermined amount.
Tab 586 is coupled to the sole of the club head adjacent weight
mount 584 by a fastener so that tab can be tightened into an
adjacent recess 588 of weight member 582. The anti-rotation feature
is constructed so that when tab 586 engages recess 588 of weight
member 582, it locks weight member 582 into a particular
orientation relative to mount 584 that is different than the
orientation that allows weight member 582 to be removed from mount
584. Tab 586 may lock weight member 582 into one of a plurality of
orientations by selectively engaging one of a plurality of recesses
588, or it may limit the rotation of weight member 582 relative to
mount 584 to a predetermined range of angular rotation by
selectively an extended recess 588a that extends along a portion of
the perimeter of weight member 582.
[0174] FIGS. 54 and 55 illustrate the orientations of weight member
582 for installation and removal. In particular, weight member 582
is illustrated fully installed in mount 584 in FIG. 54. Weight
member 582 is inserted into mount 584 by orienting weight member
582 so that the portion of weight member 582 having width W1 is
oriented across opening 266, as shown in FIG. 55. Then, weight
member 582 is slid into mount 584, relative to club head 580, until
an end of weight member 582 is adjacent tab 586 with tab 586 being
rotated away from weight member 582. Weight member 582 is rotated
to a fully installed orientation in which it is oriented so that
tab 586 is aligned with a recess 588. Tab 586 is then tightened so
that it is positioned partially within recess 588 and further
rotation of weight member 582 within, and relative to, mount 584 is
prevented.
[0175] The removal of weight member 582 is accomplished by
reversing the installation procedure described above. In
particular, tab 586 is disengaged from recess 588 so that weight
member 582 is free to rotate within mount 584. Next, weight member
582 is rotated so that a portion of weight member 582 that is
narrower than opening 266 (e.g., a portion with width W1) is
aligned with opening 266 and weight member 582 is slid through
opening 266 and removed from mount 584.
[0176] Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
26-30. In particular, a golf club head 280 includes a sole 282, a
crown (not shown), a hitting face (not shown), a skirt 284, a hosel
286, and a weight member 288. Sole 282 includes a weight mount 290,
which is configured to couple weight member 288 to sole 282. In the
present embodiment, mount 290 is a recessed portion of sole 282
that is shaped to complement the shape of weight member 288. For
example, weight member 288 is generally trapezoidal in plan shape
and weight mount 290 includes a generally trapezoidally-shaped
recess.
[0177] Mount 290 is configured to clamp weight member 288 between a
conical bevel 292 and a fastener 294. The conical bevel 292
provides lateral, heel-toe positioning in addition to fore-aft
positioning of weight member 288 relative to mount 290. Mount 290
is configured so that when weight member 288 is located on mount
290, and fastener 294 is tightened, the interaction between
fastener 294 and weight member 288 results in forces that translate
weight member 288 laterally against bevel 292. The interaction
between weight member 288 and bevel 292 causes at least a portion
of weight member 288 to be drawn tighter against a support portion
298.
[0178] In the present embodiment, mount 290 is partially recessed
and extends into a portion of sole 282 and skirt 284. Mount 290 is
shaped to complement the shape of weight member 288 so that it
provides alignment for weight member 288. Mount 290 includes a
fastener portion 296 and support portion 298. Fastener portion 296
includes a threaded bore 300 that receives a threaded shank of
fastener 294. Support portion 298 is a generally planar surface
that extends between fastener portion 296 and bevel 292 and
provides support for weight member 288.
[0179] Bevel 292 extends from support portion 298 at a location
that is spaced from fastener 294. Bevel 292 is angled relative to
support portion 298 by a bevel angle .alpha. that is preferably
acute relative to support portion 298. The conical bevel 292 also
provides an efficient construction for manufacture. For example,
bevel 292 may be constructed using a single pass of a dovetail-type
cutter, as shown by phantom lines in FIG. 27 and in FIG. 29.
[0180] Weight member 288 has a low profile configuration and
includes an angled abutment surface 304 and a fastener engagement
feature 306. Angled abutment surface 304 is a surface that
complements the shape of bevel 292 of mount 290 and that abuts
bevel 292 when weight member 288 is installed on mount 290. Bevel
292 and abutment surface 304 are oriented so that as weight member
288 is forced into abutment with bevel 292, that abutment forces
weight member 288 to be drawn tighter against sole 282 in mount
290.
[0181] Fastener 294 is configured so that it forces weight member
288 toward bevel 292 as it is tightened in club head 280. In the
present embodiment, the shape of fastener 294 and the configuration
of engagement between fastener 294 and weight member 288 are
selected so that weight member 288 is forced into bevel 292.
Fastener 294 includes a threaded shank 308 that engages a threaded
bore 300 of mount 290. In the present embodiment, instead of
utilizing the angle of fastener to drive weight member 288 toward
bevel 292, the mating configuration of fastener with weight member
288 is utilized. Threaded bore 300 extends into fastener portion
296 of mount 290 and is oriented so that it is about normal to
support portion 298. Fastener 294 includes a tapered engagement
portion that abuts a tapered portion 310 of weight member 288. The
angled interaction between the fastener and the weight member
forces the weight member toward bevel 292 so that weight member 288
becomes captured on sole 282. Fastener 294 engages club head 280 at
a coupling angle .beta., that has a magnitude that is about
90.degree. and the tapered portion of the fastener provides a
component of force that is directed toward bevel 28 as fastener 26
is tightened.
[0182] Bevel angle .alpha. is selected so that as weight member 288
is forced into bevel 292, weight member 288 is forced against
support portion 298 and tighter against sole 282. Bevel angle
.alpha. is preferably 25.degree.-65.degree., and more preferably
35.degree.-55.degree..
[0183] In a still further embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 31-34,
golf club head 320 includes a sole 322, a crown, a hitting face, a
skirt 324, a hosel, and a weight member 326. Weight member 326 is
attached to club head 320 at a weight mount 328. Weight member 326
and mount 328 are shaped and sized to complement each other and so
that relative rotation is limited. For example, weight member 326
has a generally polygonal shape and mount 328 has a matching shape
and is recessed into sole 322 so that when weight member 326 is
installed it is prevented from rotation relative to mount 328.
[0184] Weight member 326 includes a weight body 330 that defines a
fastener bore 332 and pads 334 that extend from a lower surface of
weight body 330. Fastener bore 332 receives a fastener 336 that
extends through weight body 330 and into an engagement feature
included in mount 328, such as threaded bore 338. A plurality of
pads 334 are disposed on weight body 330 and extend from the lower
surface of body 330 by a length L. Fastener bore 332 is located
within a polygonal area that is defined by a polygon drawn so that
each pad 334 forms a vertex of the polygon. For example, and as
illustrated in FIG. 33, weight member 326 includes three (3) pads
334 that define a triangle (illustrated by the shaded area) and
fastener bore 332 is located within an area circumscribed by that
triangle.
[0185] Pads 334 are included on weight member 326 so that weight
member 326 is able to flex during insertion. In particular,
fastener 336 extends through fastener bore 332 and engages threaded
bore 338. As fastener 336 is tightened, weight member 326 is drawn
into mount 328. Pads 334 contact a support surface 340 of mount
328. As fastener 336 is tightened further, it causes weight member
326 to flex (shown by dashed lines in FIG. 34), which increases the
load on fastener 336 and helps to assure that fastener 336 does not
loosen during impact. The height and distance between pads 334 is
selected to provide the desired flex of weight member 326 and load
on fastener 336. In an embodiment, the height of pads is between
about 0.030 inch to about 0.125 inch. Preferably, the pads are
dimensioned so that a majority of a bottom surface of the weight
member is spaced from the support surface by a distance
approximately equal to the pad height.
[0186] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, a weight
member 354 is coupled to a mount 356 that is located on a sole 352
of a golf club head 350. Weight member 354 is coupled to mount 356
by a fastener 358 that extends through weight member 354 and into a
fastening feature 360 of mount 356. Fastener 358 and fastening
feature 360 are constructed so that fastener 358 is placed in a
fully locked position with less then a full turn relative to mount
356.
[0187] Fastening feature 360 includes a through-bore 362 and
keyways 364 that are sized to receive a shank 366 and projections
368 on fastener 358. Fastener 358 is aligned with keyways 364 and
inserted. After it is fully inserted, fastener 358 is turned so
that projections 368 slide along circumferential ramps 370 and into
detentes 372. In the present embodiment, detentes 372 are portions
of ramps 370 that are recessed toward a support surface 374 of
mount 356.
[0188] Support surface 374 includes step portions 376, which may be
discrete pads, and/or elongate shoulders, that support weight
member 354 at its edges. Additionally, an optional resilient layer
378, which is preferably constructed of a resilient polymeric
material such as polyurethane, or a resilient foam material.
Similar to the previous embodiment, as fastener 358 is tightened it
causes weight member 354 to be drawn onto step portions 376 and to
flex. The flexing of weight member 354 increases the load on
fastener 358 and draws projections 368 into detentes 372.
[0189] Now referring to FIGS. 37-40, a golf club head 390 includes
a sole 392, a crown, a hitting face, a skirt 394, a hosel, and a
weight member 396. Weight member 396 is attached to club head 390
at a weight mount 398. Weight member 396 and mount 398 are shaped
and sized to complement each other and so that relative rotation is
limited. For example, weight member 396 has a generally polygonal
shape and mount 398 has a matching shape and is partially recessed
into sole 392 so that when weight member 396 is installed it is
prevented from rotation relative to mount 398.
[0190] Mount 398 is partially recessed and extends into a portion
of sole 392 and skirt 394. Mount 398 is shaped to complement the
shape of weight member 396 so that is provides alignment for weight
member 396. Mount 398 includes a fastener portion 400 and a support
portion 402. Fastener portion 400 includes a recess 404 that
defines an abutment portion 405, such as an edge or surface. During
installation of weight member 396, recess 404 receives a tapered
portion of a fastener 406 that abuts abutment portion 405 and
forces weight member 396 toward a bevel 408.
[0191] Bevel 408 extends from support portion 402 at a location of
support portion 402 that is spaced from fastener 406 and fastener
portion 400. Bevel 408 is angled relative to support portion 402 by
a bevel angle .alpha.. Preferably, bevel angle .alpha. is acute
relative to support portion 402.
[0192] Weight member 396 includes an angled abutment surface 412
and a fastener engagement feature 414. Angled abutment surface 412
is a surface that complements the shape of bevel 408 of mount 398
and that abuts bevel 408 when weight member 396 is installed on
mount 398. Bevel 408 and abutment surface 412 are oriented so that
as weight member 396 is forced into abutment with bevel 408, that
abutment forces weight member 396 to be drawn tighter against sole
392 in mount 398.
[0193] Fastener engagement feature 414 of weight member 396 is a
threaded bore that threadably engages a threaded portion of
fastener 406. Fastener 406 is configured so that it forces weight
member 396 toward bevel 408, generally along a translation axis A,
as it is tightened in weight member 396. In the present embodiment,
instead of utilizing the angle of the fastener relative to the golf
club head or the interaction between the fastener and the weight
member to drive the weight member toward the bevel, the engagement
between fastener 406 and mount 398 is utilized. Fastener 406
includes a tapered engagement portion 416 and a threaded portion
418. Fastener 406 threads into a threaded bore 419 of weight member
396, and tapered engagement portion 416 abuts abutment portion 405
of weight mount 398.
[0194] The engagement between fastener 406 and mount 398 is
constructed so that a component of force is directed toward bevel
408. In the present embodiment, another component of force is
directed generally normal to support portion 400 and away from club
head 390.
[0195] The interaction between weight member 396 and mount 398 is
constructed so that the component of force that is normal to
support portion 400 is counteracted. As a result, weight member 396
is not lifted from mount 398 when fastener is tightened. For
example, the length and location of bevel 408 may be selected to
counteract the force. In particular, bevel 408 and angled abutment
surface 412 of weight member 396 extend along a relatively large
portion of the perimeter of the weight member 396, as shown in FIG.
37. In that example, bevel 408 extends from a location that is
forward of recess 404 to a location that is aftward of recess 404.
As shown in FIG. 37, bevel 408 extends from the forward most
portion of mount 398 to a location that is spaced laterally from
recess 404. As a result, a lateral axis L that is perpendicular to
a translation axis T, and that extends through fastener 406
generally horizontal to sole 392, extends through a portion of
bevel 408. Preferably, axis L extends through portions of bevel 408
on opposite heel and toe sides of weight member 396 so that an aft
portion of weight member 396 is prevented from lifting from mount
398 when fastener 406 is tightened.
[0196] In addition, or as an alternative to bevel 408, one or more
retainer 420 may be utilized that are spaced from bevel 408 so that
fastener 406 is interposed between bevel and retainer 420. For
example, retainer 420 is disposed on an opposite side of fastener
406 relative to bevel 408 in the direction corresponding to the
orientation of axis T (e.g., in a fore/aft direction as shown).
Retainer 420 may be a single member that extends across mount 398,
or a plurality of retainers may be provided on opposite ends of
mount 398. Retainer 420 is spaced from support portion 402 so that
a space is provided that has a height dimension that is
approximately equal to the thickness of weight member 396 so that
weight member 396 is unable to move away from support portion 402
of mount 398 when fastener 406 is tightened.
[0197] Similar to previous embodiments, bevel angle .alpha. is
selected so that as weight member 396 is forced into bevel 408,
weight member 396 is forced against support portion 402 and tighter
against sole 392. Bevel angle .alpha. is preferably
25.degree.-65.degree., and more preferably
35.degree.-55.degree..
[0198] Referring to FIGS. 41 and 42, an embodiment that includes
engagement between a fastener and a weight member that assists in
the removal of weight member from a recessed mount will be
described. In particular, referring to FIGS. 41 and 42, a fastener
430 is employed to retain a weight member 432 on a mount 434.
Fastener 430 generally includes a head 436 and a shank 438. Head
436 includes an intermediate neck portion 440 that receives an edge
442 of weight member 432. Neck portion 440 is dimensioned so that
it receives a portion of edge 442 when weight member 432 is
installed. As a result, when fastener 430 is removed, the lower
portion of head 436 abuts edge 442 and lifts weight member 432 from
mount 434.
[0199] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 44, a
fastener 450 retains a weight member 452 on a mount 454. Fastener
450 includes a head 456 and a shank 458. Weight member 452 includes
an edge 460 that defines a recess 462. When weight member 452 is
installed on mount 454, recess 462 receives a portion of head 456
of fastener 450. Recess 462 and head 456 are dimensioned so that as
fastener 450 is removed, the upper surface of head 456 abuts an
upper edge of recess 462 and lifts weight member 450 from mount
454. Preferably, the upper surface of fastener 450 is curved
convexly to provide smooth sliding between weight member 452 and
fastener 450.
[0200] Referring now to FIGS. 45 and 46, a weight member 470 is
installed on a mount 472 using an elongate fastener 473. Both
weight member 470 and mount 472 are constructed so that weight
member 470 self-centers on mount 472. For example, the outer, lower
edges 474 of weight member 470 formed by the junction of a lower
surface and a side wall of weight member 470 are tapered.
Additionally, the side wall 479 of mount 472 is tapered so that as
the weight member 470 is drawn into mount 472, weight member 470
becomes centered by the sliding interaction of the tapers.
[0201] Mount 472 includes a base surface 477 and side wall 479 that
extends between base surface 477 and an adjacent portion of the
club head body. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion
of side wall 479 and the lower corners 476 of mount 474, and the
outer and lower edges 474 of weight member 470 are tapered with
radiuses, but it should be appreciated that they may alternatively
be chamfered and/or radiused. In particular, lower edges 474 of
weight member 470 are tapered with radius R1 and side wall 479 of
mount 472 are tapered by radius R2, and radius R1 is less than
radius R2.
[0202] In the present embodiment, weight member 470 is rotatably
coupled to fastener 473 by a retainer 475. Weight member 470
includes a bore 478 that receives fastener 473 and at least a
portion of a fastener head 480. A portion of fastener 473 includes
a circumferential channel 482 that is configured to receive a
portion of retainer 475 when fastener 473 is assembled with weight
member 470, as shown in FIG. 46. Bore 478 also includes a
circumferential channel 484 that receives a portion of retainer 475
in the assembly.
[0203] In a similar embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 57 and 58, a
weight member 490 is installed on a mount using an elongate
fastener 473 and self-centers on a mount 492. Mount 492 projects
from an adjacent portion of the club head and includes a base
surface 497 and a side wall 499 that extends between base surface
497 and the adjacent portion of the club head. The junction between
side wall 499 and the adjacent portion of the club head body forms
lower corners 496. At least a portion of side wall 499, preferably
at or adjacent lower corners 496, of mount 492 are tapered.
Additionally, weight member 490 includes a recess 491, that
receives the projected mount 492, and that is defined by side wall
493. The inner, lower edges of side wall 493 of weight member 490
are tapered so that weight member 490 becomes centered on mount 492
by sliding interaction. In particular, lower edges 494 of weight
member 490 are tapered with radius R1 and side wall 499 of mount
492 is tapered with a chamfer. As a result, the radius of weight
member 490 slides along side wall 499 as fastener 473 draws weight
member 490 toward mount 492 and weight member 490 self-centers on
mount 492. Fastener 473 includes a circumferential channel 482 that
receives a retainer 475 when fastener 473 is assembled with weight
member 490.
[0204] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 59, the sole
1012 can include a weight mount 1024, which is configured to couple
the weight member 1022 to sole 1012. In the present embodiment, the
weight mount 1024 is a recessed portion of the sole 1012, forming a
weight recess 1242 that is shaped to complement the shape of weight
member 1022. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 59, the
weight mount 1024 can include a stud 1238 that extends through the
weight bore 1332 of the weight member 1022 and engages a nut 1240.
The stud 1238 can include an external thread and the nut 1240 can
include an internal thread. The nut 1240 is removably attached to
the stud 1238 so that it forces the weight member 1022 into the
weight mount 1024.
[0205] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 60, the stud
1238 can include a tapered portion 1239 configured to engage the
weight member 1022. The weight bore 1332 of the weight member 1022
can include a complimentary tapered engagement portion 1333
configured to engage the tapered portion 1239 of the stud 1238, the
combination allowing the weight member 1022 to be self-locating and
limit lateral movement of the weight member 1022. As the nut 1240
is tightened down, the tapered engagement portion 1333 of the
weight member 1022 can engage the tapered portion 1239 of the stud
1238 and help to locate the weight member 1240 within the weight
recess 1242 and limit movement of the weight member 1022 relative
to the weight mount 1024.
[0206] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 61, the sole
2012 can include a weight mount 2024, which is configured to couple
the weight member 2022 to the sole 2012. In some embodiments, and
as illustrated in FIGS. 62-64, the weight member 2022 can comprise
a non-circular shape and the weight recess 2242 of the weight mount
2024 can be shaped to complement the shape of the weight member
2022. The weight member 2022 can comprise, for example, a shape
resembling a square, rectangle, polygon, an organic shape, etc. As
described above in relation to other embodiments, the weight mount
2024 can include a stud 2238 which includes an external thread. In
the present embodiment, the weight member 2022 includes a nut 2240
rotatably coupled to the weight member 2022. The weight member 2022
can be configured such that the nut 2240 can be rotated relative to
the weight member 2022. Rotation of the nut 2240 can force the
weight member 2022 into the weight mount 2024. In some embodiments,
including the embodiment illustrated in 62-64, the nut 2240 can be
located in a weight bore 2332 formed through the weight member
2022. The nut 2240 can be circular such that it is able to rotate
within the weight bore 2332 of the weight member 2022.
[0207] In some embodiments, the nut 2240 can include a threaded
bore 2338 configured to engage the stud 2238. In some embodiments,
and as illustrated in FIG. 64, the threaded bore 2338 can be blind
and not pass all the way through the nut 2240. The weight member
2022 can include a plurality of engagement bores 2241 for a tool to
engage. Each engagement bore 2241 can be configured to receive a
portion of a tool to transfer torque from the tool to the weight
member 2022. A plurality of engagement bores 2241 surrounding the
stud 2238 can be advantageous, allowing the thickness of the nut
2240 to be minimized without the engagement bores 2241 interfering
with the stud 2240. In other embodiments, the nut 2240 can include
a single engagement bore 2241, preferably in a central location of
the nut 2240. In other embodiments, the nut 2240 can include a
through threaded bore and pass all the way through the nut 2240.
The through bore could be plugged with a cap.
[0208] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 64, the nut 2240
can be rotatably coupled to the weight member 2022 via a snap ring
2600. The nut 2240 and the weight member 2022 can include
corresponding snap ring grooves 2251, 2252 to receive the snap ring
2600, allowing the nut 2240 to rotate relative to the weight member
2022, but also allowing the nut 2240 to transmit force to the
weight member 2022 in a direction substantially in line with a
longitudinal axis of the stud 2238. In addition, the snap ring 2600
can cause the weight member 2022 to be forced away from the weight
mount 2024 as the nut 2240 is loosened, aiding in removal of the
weight member 2022. In some embodiments, the nut 2240 can also
include a lip portion 2250 with a diameter larger than the
remainder of the nut 2240 and the weight member 2022 can comprise a
corresponding shelf 2023 configured to receive the lip portion 2250
of the nut 2240. The lip portion 2250 of the nut 2240 can transmit
force to the weight member 2022 towards the weight mount 2024
without transmitting significant force through the snap ring 2600.
In some embodiments, not illustrated, the weight member 2022 can
include a snap ring groove 2252 above the nut 2240 such that the
snap ring 2600 engages the top of the nut 2240, the portion
opposite the threaded portion, and the snap ring 2600 only
transfers force from the nut 2240 to the weight member 2022 in a
single direction, away from the weight mount 2024, and the lip
portion 2250 and shelf 2023 described above transfer force from the
nut 2240 to the weight member 2022 in the opposite direction,
towards the weight mount 2024.
[0209] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 65, the weight
member 2022 can be taller than the nut 2240. The weight member 2022
can be configured such that when the nut 2240 is tightened, the
weight member 2022 contacts the weight mount 2024 and the nut 2240
does not contact the weight mount 2024. Such a configuration can
limit movement of the weight member 2022 relative to the weight
mount 2024 as the weight member 2022 is clamped between the nut
2240 and the weight mount 2024.
[0210] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 66, the weight
member 2022 can include a tapered portion 2025 configured to engage
the weight mount 2024. The weight mount 2024 can include a tapered
engagement portion 2027 configured to engage the tapered portion
2025 of the weight member 2022. As the nut 2240 is tightened, the
tapered portion 2025 will engage the tapered engagement portion
2027, limiting movement of the weight member 2022 relative to the
weight mount 2024.
[0211] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 67, the sole
3012 can include a weight mount 3024, which is configured to
receive the weight member 3022 (See FIG. 69). In other embodiments,
the weight mount 3024 may be located on another portion of the golf
club head which may include the crown for example. The weight mount
3024 can include a plurality of recesses 3701, 3702, 3703, each of
which is configured to receive the weight member 3022. A weight
member 3022 can be inserted into one of the plurality of recesses
3701, 3702, 3703, or in some embodiments, weight members 3022 can
be inserted into more than one of the plurality of recesses 3701,
3702, 3703. A weight member 3022 can be removed from one of the
recesses 3701, 3702, 3703, and inserted into another recess 3701,
3702, 3703, in order to shift the location of the center of gravity
of the golf club head. In some embodiments, the weight mount 3024
can include three recesses as illustrated in FIG. 67. In other
embodiments, the weight mount 3024 can a single recess, two
recesses, four recesses, or more than four recesses.
[0212] In some embodiments, the weight member 3022 can be held in
place with a retainer 3234 as illustrated in FIGS. 68-70. The
retainer 3234 is a component separate from the weight member 3022
and forces the weight member 3022 into the recess 3701, 3702, 3703
of choice in the weight mount 3024. The retainer 3234 can include a
plurality of windows 3801, 3802, 3803 formed through the retainer
3234 providing a line of sight to each recess 3701, 3702, 3703,
allowing a user to determine the location of the weight member 3022
or weight members without the need to remove the retainer 3234. The
retainer 3234 can include a window 3801, 3802, 3803 corresponding
to each recess 3701, 3702, 3703. In other embodiments, a single
window could span a plurality of recesses 3701, 3702, 3703. In some
embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 69, the recesses 3701, 3702,
3703 can include an anchoring protrusion 3900 configured to engage
a portion of a weight member 3022, and further limit movement of
the weight member 3022 within the recess 3701, 3702, 3703. The
weight member 3022 can include a corresponding anchoring recess
configured to engage the anchoring protrusion 3900. In some
embodiments, the weight mount 3024 can include a coating to ensure
a tight fit and limit vibration of the weight member 3022 within
the weight mount 3024. The coating can comprise, for example,
plastic, Teflon, rubber, etc. In some embodiments, the weight mount
3024 can include an insert to ensure a tight fit and limit
vibration of the weight member 3022 within the weight mount 3024.
The insert can comprise, for example, plastic, Teflon, rubber,
etc.
[0213] The weight mount 3024 can include a bevel 3028, as
illustrated in FIG. 69, configured to receive a first end of the
retainer 3234. In some embodiments, the bevel 3028 can comprise an
undercut taper, a chamfer, or a dovetail surface. A first end 3028
of the retainer 3234 can include an angled abutment surface 3042
configured to engage the bevel 3028 of the weight mount. The second
end of the retainer 3234, opposite the first end, can include a
weight bore 3332 configured to receive a fastener 3026. The weight
bore 3332 can comprise a thru hole passing all the way through the
retainer 3234. The first end of the retainer 3234 can be inserted
into the bevel 3028, a fastener 3026 inserted into the weight bore
3332 of the retainer 3234 and into a threaded bore 3338 formed in
the weight mount 3024, and the fastener 3026 rotated, forcing the
retainer 3234 into the weight member 3022 and clamping the weight
member 3022 into a recess 3701, 3702, 3703 of the weight mount
3024. In other embodiments, the retainer 3234 can utilize other
fastening mechanisms which may include for example, clips, pins,
mechanical locking mechanisms, etc. In some embodiments, the weight
mount 3024 can include a fastener receptacle configured to receive
the fastener. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 70, the
weight bore 3332 in the retainer 3234 can include a tapered portion
3310 and the fastener 3026 can include a tapered engagement portion
3027. As the fastener 3026 is tightened, the tapered engagement
portion 3027 can engage the tapered portion 3310 of the retainer
3234, not only forcing the retainer 3234 downward towards the
weight member 3022 but also towards the bevel 3028 of the weight
mount 3024, clamping the retainer 3234 in place and limiting
movement of the retainer 3234 relative to the weight mount 3024 as
well as limiting movement of the weight member 3022 relative to the
weight mount 3024. As the retainer 3234 is forced towards the bevel
3028, the interaction between the bevel 3028 and the angled
abutment surface 3042 forces the retainer 3234 down, further
compressing the weight member 3022 into a recess 3701, 3702, 3703
of the weight mount 3024 and limiting movement of the weight member
3022.
[0214] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 71 and 72,
the sole 4012 can include a plurality of weight mounts 4024A,
4024B. Each weight mount 4024A, 4024B can comprise a recessed
portion of the sole 4012 forming a weight recess 4701, 4702 shaped
to complement the shape of weight member 4022. In the embodiment
illustrated, the weight recesses 4701, 4702 as well as the weight
member 4022 are tapered to further limit movement of the weight
member 4022 when retained in the weight recess 4701, 4702. Each
weight mount 4024A, 4024B can include a retainer 4234, 4235
configured to retain the weight member 4022 in the weight recess
4701, 4702 of the weight mount 4024A, 4024B. The retainer 4234,
4235 can be removed in order to access the weight recess 4701,
4702, and either remove or install a weight member 4022. The weight
member 4022 can be moved between the plurality of weight mounts
4024A, 4024B to achieve a desired location of the center of gravity
of the club head.
[0215] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 71 and 72, the
retainer 4234, 4235 does not require a threaded fastener. At least
a portion of the retainer 4234, 4235 can be configured to flex,
deform, or bend, allowing the retainer 4234, 4235 to be installed
and removed quickly and easily. In some embodiments, each weight
mount 4024A, 4024B can include at least one bevel 4028 configured
to receive an angled abutment surface 4042 of the retainer 4234,
4235. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 72, the
weight mount 4024A, 4024B can include two bevels 4028. The retainer
can include a flexible member 4950 configured to extend into a
bevel 4028 in a default orientation to retain the retainer 4234,
4235 in the weight mount 4024A, 4024B and also retain the weight
member 4022 in the weight mount 4024A, 4024B. The flexible member
4950 can be deflected by forcing it out of the bevel 4028, allowing
the retainer 4234, 4235 to be removed from the weight mount 4024A,
4024B. In some embodiments, the flexible member 4950 can include a
deflectable angled abutment surface 4043 configured to engage a
bevel 4028 of the weight mount 4024A, 4024B. In some embodiments,
the opposite end of the retainer 4234, 4235 can include a rigid
angled abutment surface 4042 configured to engage an additional
bevel 4028 of the weight mount 4024A, 4024B. When the flexible
member 4950 is released, causing the moveable angled abutment
surface 4043 to engage the bevel 4028 of the weight mount 4024A,
4024B, each angled abutment surface 4043, 4042 can engage their
respective bevel 4028, forcing the retainer 4234, 4235 into the
weight mount 4024A, 4024B, into the weight member 4022, and
limiting movement of the weight member 4022. In some embodiments,
the retainer 4234, 4235 can be manipulated with bare hands and not
require tools to remove or install the retainer 4234, 4235 and
weight members 4012 beneath the retainers 4234, 4235. The retainers
4234, 4235 can also include a window 4801, 4802 allowing a user to
determine the location of the weight member 4022 or weight members
without the need to remove the retainers 4234, 4235. In an
alternative embodiment, one or more of the bevels 4028 could be
replaced by undercuts and the angle abutment surfaces 4043, 4042
could be adapted to engage an undercut.
[0216] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 73-81, a weight member
5022 is coupled to a weight mount 5072. The weight mount can be
incorporated into various portions of a golf club head which may
include, for example, the sole, the crown, the skirt, etc. FIGS.
73-78 illustrate only a portion of the sole 5052 for the purpose of
illustrating the mount 5072 and fastening feature 5060. The weight
member 5022 is coupled to the base surface 5077 of the mount 5072
by a fastener 5058 that extends through the bore 5078 of the weight
member 5022 and into a fastening feature 5060 of mount 5072.
Fastener 5058 and fastening feature 5060 are constructed so that
fastener 5058 is placed in a fully locked position with less than a
full turn of rotation relative to mount 5072. Preferably, fastener
5058 is placed in a fully locked position with less than a half
turn of rotation relative to mount 5072.
[0217] FIGS. 76 and 77 illustrate a portion of the inner surface of
the sole 5052 which is the reverse side of the sole 5052 as
illustrated in FIG. 75 for the purpose of further discussing the
fastening feature 5060. FIG. 78 is a cross section of mount 5072.
Fastening feature 5060 includes a through-bore 5062 that is sized
to receive the shank 5066 of the fastener 5058. The fastening
feature 5060 also includes keyways 5064, adjacent the through-bore
5062, configured to receive the projections 5068 protruding from
the shank 5066 of the fastener 5058. The fastener 5058 is aligned
such that the projections 5068 are aligned with the keyways 5064
and then inserted. The fastener 5058 is inserted in a direction
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shank 5066 of the fastener
5058. After the fastener 5058 is fully inserted, the fastener 5058
is rotated so that the projections 5068 slide along the
circumferential ramps 5070 and into the detents 5073. The fastener
5058 is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The detents 5073 are
portions of the ramps 5070 that are recessed towards the support
surface 5074 or the mount 5072.
[0218] As illustrated in FIGS. 79-81, the fastener 5058 is
rotatably coupled to the weight member 5070 by a retainer 5075. The
head 5080 of the fastener 5058 includes a circumferential channel
5082 to receive the retainer 5075. The bore 5078 of the weight
member also includes a circumferential channel 5084 configured to
receive the retainer 5075. In some embodiments, and as illustrated
in FIGS. 79 and 81, the retainer 5075 can be compressible. In some
embodiments, the retainer 5075 can compress as the fastener 5058 is
rotatably coupled to the weight member 5070 and the projections
5068 are forced towards the base surface 5077 by the
circumferential ramps 5070. The retainer 5075 can then lock the
fastener 5058 in place by forcing the projections 5068 into the
detents 5073. In some embodiments, the retainer 5075 can be a
spring, and more preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 79, a wave
washer. The retainer 5075 can also include a break in its
circumference much like a retaining ring or snap ring, such that
the retainer 5075 can be expanded and/or compressed for
installation onto the fastener 5058 and the weight member 5070.
[0219] FIG. 82 illustrates an additional embodiment of the weight
member 5070B which essentially reverses the fastener 5058 and
fastening feature 5060. As illustrated in FIG. 82, the fastener
5058B can be affixed to the base surface 5077B of the mount 5072B
and the fastening feature 5060B can be incorporated into a
fastening nut 5061B. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 82 operates
much the same as earlier embodiments, only the fastening feature
5060B is rotated relative to mount 5072B and the fastener 5058B
remains affixed to the mount 5072B. In many ways, this embodiment
functions similarly to that which is depicted in FIGS. 63-66, only
that this particular weight member 5070B is placed in a fully
locked position with less than a full turn of rotation of the
fastening nut 5061B relative to mount 5072B, via the use of the
fastener 5058B, fastening feature 5060B, and retainer 5075B. In
this embodiment, the fastening nut 5061B incorporates a
circumferential channel 5082B to receive the retainer 5075B.
[0220] While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of
the invention disclosed herein fulfill the objectives of the
present invention, it is appreciated that numerous modifications
and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art.
Additionally, feature(s) and/or element(s) from any embodiment may
be used singly or in combination with other embodiment(s) and steps
or elements from methods in accordance with the present invention
can be executed or performed in any suitable order. Therefore, it
will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover
all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *