EP0822021B1 - Hohler, metallischer Golfschlägerkopf und dessen Herstellung - Google Patents

Hohler, metallischer Golfschlägerkopf und dessen Herstellung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0822021B1
EP0822021B1 EP96305677A EP96305677A EP0822021B1 EP 0822021 B1 EP0822021 B1 EP 0822021B1 EP 96305677 A EP96305677 A EP 96305677A EP 96305677 A EP96305677 A EP 96305677A EP 0822021 B1 EP0822021 B1 EP 0822021B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
core body
head
wall
shell
wax
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP96305677A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0822021A1 (de
Inventor
Glenn H. Schmidt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp
Original Assignee
Callaway Golf Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Callaway Golf Co filed Critical Callaway Golf Co
Priority to DE69602438T priority Critical patent/DE69602438D1/de
Priority to EP96305677A priority patent/EP0822021B1/de
Priority to AT96305677T priority patent/ATE179915T1/de
Publication of EP0822021A1 publication Critical patent/EP0822021A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0822021B1 publication Critical patent/EP0822021B1/de
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0433—Heads with special sole configurations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0466—Heads wood-type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22C—FOUNDRY MOULDING
    • B22C7/00—Patterns; Manufacture thereof so far as not provided for in other classes
    • B22C7/02—Lost patterns
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D25/00—Special casting characterised by the nature of the product

Definitions

  • golf club metal heads are typically formed by casting metal about a core body, and in such manner that a large opening is formed at the head sole region.
  • a separate sole plate is subsequently welded to the head to cover that opening.
  • the weld extends in a large loop, and is the source of problems that include undesirable weight differentiations as between heads during their manufacture; weld variations around the loop; possible weld cracking during shock loading upon head high speed impact with a golf ball; and difficulties encountered during the welding process due to very thin walls being weld connected. There is need for method and means to overcome such problems.
  • the present invention is as claimed in the claims.
  • the method of one embodiment includes the steps:
  • the core body is pre-formed and may typically consist of molded ceramic material.
  • the port structure may extend through the head rear wall; and that port structure is typically formed to have an overall size substantially less than the overall size of the sole.
  • Multiple small access ports may be formed through the head rear wall, where stresses arising during head impact with a golf ball are substantially less than at other regions of the head wall structure. Such small ports may be closed by welding small closures to the head.
  • Casting formations of a metallic sole may define a medial ridge and two dished recesses at opposite sides of said ridge, the multiple access ports formed rearwardly of said dished recesses.
  • the core body may define an elongated recess sunk in the surface of the core body and corresponding to an elongated stiffener rib to be formed by the head wall structure at the interior side thereof.
  • the multiple access ports formed through the head rear wall are typically located at opposite sides of a plane defined by the stiffener rib.
  • Multiple core body positioning stand-offs may be provided to extend in the gap between the core body and the ceramic shell. Such stand-offs are typically provided during the formation of the ceramic shell about the wax shell.
  • a wax shell covered core body may be provided, in one embodiment, by:
  • the illustrated flow diagram basically includes steps (a)---(e), where step (a) may for example be accomplished by performing preliminary steps i)---iii).
  • Step i) consists of providing the pre-formed core body 10 itself. Such techniques are well known, and may include sintering a mass of ceramic particles held in shaped form by a resin binder.
  • Step ii) consists of positioning the body 10 within a cavity 33 formed by mold structure 34, to provide an initial gap 35 between the body 10 and the cavity wall. Gap 35 corresponds to gap 13, referenced above. Small stand-offS or spacers 36 are typically located between the surface of body 10 and the mold cavity wall, to fix the gap 35 thickness.
  • Step iii) consists of filling molten wax 11 into gap 35 to fill same, and about the stand-offs 36. After wax hardening, the mold structure 34 is removed. Note mold structure sections 34 a and 34 b , and parting line 34 c therebetween.
  • Figs. 8 and 8 a related to step ii) above, show closed mold sections 40 and 41 with a parting line 42 therebetween.
  • a mold cavity 33 is formed, and the pre-formed core body 10 is located in that cavity as by stand-offs or spacers 36, which may be glued to the mold body, as at locations 36 a .
  • a precision gap is thereby formed about the body 10.
  • a peripheral recess 46 sunk in the mold body extends about the body in a plane 44 and intersects body surfaces corresponding to the ultimate head front wall, medially of the sweet spot, head rear wall, head top wall, and the sole. See Fig. 5.
  • the plane 44 approximately bisects the head.
  • a stiffening rib 144 is thereby to be formed integrally with the head, at its inner side, as seen in Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 9 corresponds to step iii) above, and shows wax shell 11 formed by molten wax reception into gap 35, as via a port 45 in mold section 40, in Fig. 8.
  • Recess 46 is also filled with wax. Stand-offs or spacers 36 are removed, to produce openings 36 a in the wax shell.
  • Fig. 10 corresponds to step b) above, and shows formation of the layered ceramic shell 12 about the wax shell, as by successive dippings in a hydrated ceramic mix, such mixes being known.
  • the liquid mix fills the openings 36 a , as at 12 a .
  • the ceramic shell 12 is then allowed to harden, and solid ceramic stand-offs 12 aa are thereby formed, to position the core 10 when the wax is removed.
  • Fig. 11 corresponds to steps c) and d) above and shows the ceramic shell 12 and core 10 positioned therein, after the wax is removed, to form a gap 13 therebetween.
  • Ceramic stand-offs 12 a are formed during dip formation of 12. Molten metal such as steel is then cast into the gap, as via a port 47 formed in shell 12, to form the metal head. Finally, the outer shell 12 is fractured and removed, along with stand-offs 12 a .
  • An opening or openings 16 as described above are formed in the head rear wall to provide access to the head interior for fracturing and removing the core body 10.
  • the small openings formed in the metal wall as by stand-offs 36 and corresponding ceramic stand-offs 12 a can be welded shut. If desired, stand-off 36 can be formed integrally with the ceramic body 10.
  • two rear wall ports 16 are formed, at opposite sides of vertical plane 44. Those ports are located generally rearwardly of two dished recesses 50 and 51 formed in the sole wall, at opposite sides of a downwardly convex central ridge 52 that extends from front to rear, at generally the same level. Plane 44 bisects that ridge. Ports 16 also lie just above the level of rear wall bevel 53.
  • the recesses 50 and 51, ridge 52 and bevel 53 may advantageously take the form as disclosed in EP-A-0 662 328 incorporated herein by reference. See also Fig. 12 herein, showing the bottom (sole area) of the latter, and with ports 16 formed in the lower rear wall. See also shaft 150 connected to the head. Ports 16 cannot be seen when the head is viewed from its top side. Ports 16 can be welded shut, if desired.
  • the metallic golf club head described has wall structure defining a front wall, a heel, a toe, a rear wall, a sole and a top wall, said head having at least one through opening formed in said rear wall at a level above the sole and so as to underlie a rear portion of the top wall.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Golf Clubs (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Claims (22)

  1. Verfahren zum Ausbilden eines hohlen Golfschlägerkopfs aus Metall mit einer eine Stirnwand (20), eine Ferse (21), eine Spitze (22), eine Rückwand (23), einen Boden (24) und eine obere Wand (25) bildenden Wandanordnung, das die Schritte aufweist
    a) Bereitstellen eines vorgeformten Kernkörpers (10), der von einer Wachsmaske (11) umhüllt ist, wobei die Dicke der Wachsmaske (11) der gewünschten Dicke der Wandanordnung entspricht,
    b) Ausbilden einer Keramik-Gießform (12) um die Wachsmaske (11),
    c) Entfernen der Wachsmaske (11) durch Ausschmelzen des Wachses, so daß ein offener Zwischenraum (13) zwischen der Keramik-Gießform und dem Kernkörper ausgebildet wird, und
    d) Gießen von geschmolzenem Metall in den offenen Zwischenraum (13), so daß die um den Kernkörper und an dem Boden (24) verlaufende Wandanordnung ausgebildet wird, wobei eine Anordnung rückseitiger Öffnungen (16) durch die von der Wandanordnung gebildete Rückwand (23) hindurch in einem Abstand von dem Boden (24) ausgebildet und beibehalten wird, und die Anordnung von Öffnungen direkt hinter der Hauptausdehnung des Kernkörpers (10) ausgebildet wird,
    e) Entfernen der Keramik-Gießform (12) von der Wandanordnung, und Entfernen des Kernkörpers (10) aus dem Inneren des ausgehärteten Kopfs durch die Öffnungsanordnung hindurch.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Kernkörper aus Keramik ist.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei dieses ferner den Schritt aufweist Einführen eines Werkzeugs durch die Anordnung von Öffnungen hindurch und in das Innere des Golfschlägerkopfs, so daß der Keramik-Kernkörper in kleine Stücke zerbrochen wird.
  4. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, wobei die Anordnung von Öffnungen so ausgebildet wird, daß ihre Gesamtgröße wesentlich geringer ist als die Gesamtgröße des Bodens.
  5. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, wobei die Anordnung von Öffnungen als eine Mehrzahl von Öffnungen durch die Rückwand des Kopfs hindurch ausgebildet ist.
  6. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, wobei dieses ferner den Schritt aufweist Schließen der Anordnung von Öffnungen durch Vorsehen und Befestigen einer Anordnung metallischer Verschlußeinrichtungen über der Anordnung von Öffnungen.
  7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, wobei dieses ferner den Schritt aufweist Schließen der Mehrzahl von Öffnungen durch Vorsehen und Befestigen von metallischen Verschlußeinrichtungen über der Mehrzahl von Öffnungen.
  8. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, wobei dieses ferner den Schritt aufweist Vorsehen von Abstandsmitteln, die sich in den Hohlraum zwischen der Keramik-Gießform und dem Kernkörper erstrecken.
  9. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, wobei der Boden so ausgebildet ist, daß er eine Mittelrippe und zwei einwärts gekrümmte Aussparungen auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten der Rippe aufweist, und die Mehrzahl von Öffnungen hinter den einwärts gekrümmten Aussparungen angeordnet sind.
  10. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, wobei der Kernkörper so vorgesehen ist, daß er eine in seine Oberfläche eingelassene längliche Aussparung aufweist, die mit einer länglichen Versteifungsrippe übereinstimmt, die in der Wandanordnung des Kopfs an deren Innenseite ausgebildet werden soll.
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei dieses ferner den Schritt aufweist Ausbilden der Mehrzahl von Öffnungen, so daß diese auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten einer von der Versteifungsrippe gebildeten Ebene durch die Rückwand des Kopfs hindurch verlaufen.
  12. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, wobei dieses ferner den Schritt aufweist Vorsehen einer Mehrzahl von keramischen Abstandsstücken zum Positionieren des Kernkörpers, so daß sich diese in dem Zwischenraum zwischen dem Kernkörper und der Keramik-Gießform erstrecken.
  13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, wobei die Abstandsstücke während des Ausbildens der Keramik-Gießform um die Wachsmaske herum erzeugt werden.
  14. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, wobei der von der Wachsmaske umhüllte Kernkörper in den Schritten bereitgestellt wird
    i) Vorsehen eines vorgeformten Kernkörpers, der insgesamt die Form des Kopfs aufweist,
    ii) Positionieren des Körpers in einem von der Formanordnung gebildeten Hohlraum, so daß ein vorläufiger Zwischenraum um den Kernkörper geschaffen wird,
    iii) und Einfüllen von Wachs in den vorläufigen Zwischenraum, so daß der Kernkörper bedeckt und die Wachsmaske ausgebildet wird.
  15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, wobei dieses ferner den Schritt aufweist Ausbilden einer länglichen Aussparung, die in die Oberfläche des Kernkörpers eingelassen ist und mit einer länglichen Versteifungsrippe übereinstimmt, die von der Wandanordnung des Kopfs an deren Innenseite ausgebildet werden soll.
  16. Verfahren nach Anspruch 15, wobei dieses ferner den Schritt aufweist Ausbilden der Rippe, so daß diese im wesentlichen in einer Schleife verläuft, die bezüglich der auszubildenden Wandanordnung des Kopfs nach vorn und nach hinten verläuft.
  17. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, wobei dieses den Schritt aufweist Ausbilden der rückseitigen Öffnungsanordnung, so daß deren Querschnittsfläche weniger als 3,2 cm2 (0,5 Quadratzoll) beträgt.
  18. Hohler metallischer Golfschlägerkopf mit einer eine Stirnwand (20), eine Ferse (21), eine Spitze (22), eine Rückwand (23), einen Boden (24) und eine obere Wand (25) bildenden Wandanordnung, wobei die Rückwand einen nach unten gekrümmten Abschnitt aufweist, der Kopf wenigstens eine Durchgangsöffnung (16) aufweist, die in dem nach unten gekrümmten Rückwandabschnitt in einer Höhe über dem Boden ausgebildet ist, so daß sie unter einem hinteren Abschnitt der oberen Wand liegt, die Stirnwand (20) vollständig geschlossen ist, so daß das Innere des hohlen Golfschlägerkopfs nicht durch die Stirnwand zugänglich ist, und die Öffnung (16) seitlich verlängert ist.
  19. Golfschlägerkopf nach Anspruch 18, wobei dieser in der Rückwand zwei der Durchgangsöffnungen aufweist.
  20. Golfschlägerkopf nach Anspruch 18, wobei die Durchgangsöffnung (16) eine Querschnittsfläche von weniger als 3,2 cm2 (0,5 Quadratzoll) aufweist.
  21. Golfschlägerkopf nach Anspruch 18, wobei die obere Wand (25), die Stirnwand (20) und die Rückwand (23) des Kopfes Innenseiten bilden, und eine einstückig an dem Kopf ausgebildete schleifenförmige Rippe aufweisen, die entlang bestimmter dieser Innenseiten angeordnet ist.
  22. Golfschlägerkopf nach Anspruch 21, wobei die Rippe eine aufrechtstehende Ebene bildet, die zwischen den beiden Durchgangsöffnungen (16) hindurch verläuft.
EP96305677A 1996-08-01 1996-08-01 Hohler, metallischer Golfschlägerkopf und dessen Herstellung Expired - Lifetime EP0822021B1 (de)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE69602438T DE69602438D1 (de) 1996-08-01 1996-08-01 Hohler, metallischer Golfschlägerkopf und dessen Herstellung
EP96305677A EP0822021B1 (de) 1996-08-01 1996-08-01 Hohler, metallischer Golfschlägerkopf und dessen Herstellung
AT96305677T ATE179915T1 (de) 1996-08-01 1996-08-01 Hohler, metallischer golfschlägerkopf und dessen herstellung

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP96305677A EP0822021B1 (de) 1996-08-01 1996-08-01 Hohler, metallischer Golfschlägerkopf und dessen Herstellung

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EP0822021A1 EP0822021A1 (de) 1998-02-04
EP0822021B1 true EP0822021B1 (de) 1999-05-12

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EP96305677A Expired - Lifetime EP0822021B1 (de) 1996-08-01 1996-08-01 Hohler, metallischer Golfschlägerkopf und dessen Herstellung

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AT (1) ATE179915T1 (de)
DE (1) DE69602438D1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101134236B (zh) * 2007-09-30 2011-06-22 东莞市高鑫机电科技服务有限公司 一种一体式高尔夫球杆头的制造方法及制品

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001008757A2 (en) * 1999-07-28 2001-02-08 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Enlarged wood-type head

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0673562B2 (ja) * 1989-03-17 1994-09-21 マルマンゴルフ株式会社 ゴルフクラブのアイアンヘツドの製造法
JPH0724915B2 (ja) * 1990-02-05 1995-03-22 三井造船株式会社 一体型Ｔｉ合金製ゴルフヘッドの製造方法
US5480152A (en) * 1990-10-16 1996-01-02 Callaway Golf Company Hollow, metallic golf club head with relieved sole and dendritic structure
US5460376A (en) * 1990-10-16 1995-10-24 Callaway Golf Company Hollow, large, metallic, golf club head
US5538798A (en) * 1995-04-12 1996-07-23 Niemin Porter & Co. D/B/A Cast Alloys, Inc. Investment casting gating for metal wood golf club heads

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101134236B (zh) * 2007-09-30 2011-06-22 东莞市高鑫机电科技服务有限公司 一种一体式高尔夫球杆头的制造方法及制品

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EP0822021A1 (de) 1998-02-04
ATE179915T1 (de) 1999-05-15
DE69602438D1 (de) 1999-06-17

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