EP2747850B1 - Bâton de golf et structures de tête de bâton de golf - Google Patents

Bâton de golf et structures de tête de bâton de golf Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2747850B1
EP2747850B1 EP12768936.2A EP12768936A EP2747850B1 EP 2747850 B1 EP2747850 B1 EP 2747850B1 EP 12768936 A EP12768936 A EP 12768936A EP 2747850 B1 EP2747850 B1 EP 2747850B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
club head
golf club
weight
weighted member
golf
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.)
Active
Application number
EP12768936.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2747850A1 (fr
Inventor
Robert Boyd
Andrew G. V. Oldknow
Hiroshi Kawaguchi
James S. Thomas
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.)
Nike Innovate CV USA
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Nike Innovate CV USA
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP2747850A1 publication Critical patent/EP2747850A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2747850B1 publication Critical patent/EP2747850B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
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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
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • 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
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B2053/0491—Heads with added weights, e.g. changeable, replaceable

Definitions

  • aspects of this invention relate generally to golf clubs and golf club heads, and, in particular, to golf clubs and golf club heads having an adjustable weight that may be arranged in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club.
  • the "feel” of a golf club comprises the combination of various component parts of the club and various features associated with the club that produce the sensations experienced by the player when a ball is swung at and/or struck.
  • Club weight, weight distribution, swing weight, aerodynamics, swing speed, and the like all may affect the "feel” of the club as it swings and strikes a ball.
  • “Feel” also has been found to be related to the sound produced when a club head strikes a ball to send the ball in motion.
  • a club head makes an unpleasant, undesirable, or surprising sound at impact
  • a user may flinch, give up on his/her swing, decelerate the swing, lose his/her grip, and/or not completely follow-through on the swing, thereby affecting distance, direction, and/or other performance aspects of the swing and the resulting ball motion.
  • User anticipation of this unpleasant, undesirable, or surprising sound can affect a swing even before the ball is hit.
  • the performance of a golf club can vary based on several factors, including weight distribution about the head, which affects the location of the center of gravity of the golf club head.
  • the center of gravity When the center of gravity is positioned behind the point of engagement on the contact surface, the golf ball follows a generally straight route.
  • the center of gravity When the center of gravity is spaced to a side of the point of engagement, however, the golf ball may fly in an unintended direction and/or may follow a route that curves left or right, including ball flights that often are referred to as “pulls,” “pushes,” “draws,” “fades,” “hooks,” or “slices.”
  • the center of gravity when the center of gravity is spaced above or below the point of engagement, the flight of the golf ball may exhibit more boring or climbing trajectories, respectively.
  • Weight distribution can further impact golf ball trajectory by providing a change in ball spin.
  • the distance and direction of ball flight can be significantly affected by the spin imparted to the ball by the impact with the club head. Additionally, the spin of the ball can change the behavior of the ball as it rolls and bounces after impact with the ground.
  • Club designers are often looking for new ways to redistribute weight associated with a golf club and/or golf club head. For instance, club designers are often looking to distribute weight to provide more forgiveness in a club head, improved accuracy, better spin control, or to provide a particular golf ball trajectory and the like. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a golf club head having increased weighting configurations or improved distribution of weight throughout the club head.
  • the present invention relates to a golf club head in accordance with claim 1 having a weight member that is configurable in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head.
  • the weight member is arranged in a sole of the golf club head and includes ends having different weighting characteristics.
  • the position of the weight member may be adjusted to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head. For instance, the weight member may be removed and rotated to position a heavier end where a lighter end was previously positioned.
  • aspects of this invention relate to a golf club head structure. More detailed descriptions of aspects of this invention follow.
  • the golf club head body has a front, a rear, a top, a sole, a toe and a heel.
  • a recess is formed in the sole of the golf club head body and extends in a front to rear direction along the sole of the golf club head body.
  • An adjustable weighted member is configured to be received in the recess.
  • the adjustable weighted member has a first end having a first weight and a second end having a second weight different from the first weight.
  • the adjustable weighted member is removable from the golf club head to adjust a position of the first end and the second end
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B generally illustrate an example golf club 100 and/or golf club head 102 in accordance with this invention.
  • the overall golf club structure 100 of this example includes a hosel 104, a shaft 106 received in and/or inserted into and/or through the hosel 104, and a grip or handle 108 attached to the shaft 106.
  • the external hosel 104 may be eliminated and the shaft 106 may be directly inserted into and/or otherwise attached to the head 102 (e.g., through an opening provided in the top of the club head 102, through an internal hosel (e.g., provided within an interior chamber defined by the club head 102), etc.).
  • the shaft 106 may be received in, engaged with, and/or attached to the club head 102 in any suitable or desired manner, including in conventional manners known and used in the art, without departing from the invention.
  • the shaft 106 may be engaged with the club head 102 via a hosel 104 and/or directly to the club head structure 102, e.g ., via adhesives, cements, welding, soldering, mechanical connectors (such as threads, retaining elements, or the like), etc.; through a shaft-receiving sleeve or element extending into the club head body 102; etc.
  • the shaft 106 also may be made from any suitable or desired materials, including conventional materials known and used in the art, such as graphite based materials, composite or other non-metal materials, steel materials (including stainless steel), aluminum materials, other metal alloy materials, polymeric materials, combinations of various materials, and the like.
  • the grip or handle 108 may be attached to, engaged with, and/or extend from the shaft 106 in any suitable or desired manner, including in conventional manners known and used in the art, e.g., using adhesives or cements; via welding, soldering, adhesives, or the like; via mechanical connectors (such as threads, retaining elements, etc.); etc.
  • the grip or handle 108 may be integrally formed as a unitary, one-piece construction with the shaft 106.
  • any desired grip or handle 108 materials may be used without departing from this invention, including, for example: rubber materials, leather materials, rubber or other materials including cord or other fabric material embedded therein, polymeric materials, and the like.
  • the club head 102 itself also may be constructed in any suitable or desired manner and/or from any suitable or desired materials without departing from this invention, including from conventional materials and/or in conventional manners known and used in the art.
  • the club head 102 includes a front face 102a that generally includes a ball striking surface 102b (optionally including a ball striking face plate integrally formed with the ball striking surface 102a or attached to the club head such that the face plate and a frame together constitute the overall ball striking surface 102a).
  • the club head 102 may further include a top or crown 102c, a sole 102d, a toe 107 and a heel 109.
  • the club head 102 may also include a rear (not shown in FIG. 1 ).
  • club head 102 may be made from multiple pieces that are connected together (e.g., by welding, adhesives, or other fusing techniques; by mechanical connectors; etc.).
  • the various parts e.g., crown, sole, front face, rear, etc.
  • the various parts may be made from any desired materials and combinations of different materials, including materials that are conventionally known and used in the art, such as metal materials, including lightweight metal materials, and the like. More specific examples of suitable lightweight metal materials include steel, titanium and titanium alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, magnesium and magnesium alloys, etc.
  • the various parts of the club head may be formed of one or more composite materials.
  • the club head 102 also may be made by forging, casting, or other desired processes, including club head forming processes as are conventionally known and used in the art.
  • the various individual parts that make up a club head structure 102 may be engaged with one another and/or held together in any suitable or desired manner, including in conventional manners known and used in the art.
  • the various parts of the club head structure 102 such as the front face 102a, ball striking surface 102b, the top 102c, the sole 102d, etc., may be joined and/or fixed together (directly or indirectly through intermediate members) by adhesives, cements, welding, soldering, or other bonding or finishing techniques; by mechanical connectors (such as threads, screws, nuts, bolts, or other connectors); and the like.
  • the mating edges of various parts of the club head structure 102 may include one or more raised ribs, tabs, ledges, or other engagement elements that fit into or onto corresponding grooves, slots, surfaces, ledges, openings, or other structures provided in or on the facing side edge to which it is joined. Cements, adhesives, mechanical connectors, finishing material, or the like may be used in combination with the raised rib/groove/ledge/edge or other connecting structures described above to further help secure the various parts of the club head structure 102 together.
  • a golf club head structure may vary significantly without departing from the invention, and the dimensions may be consistent with those commonly used in the art for similar club heads and clubs.
  • FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate one example golf club head having an adjustable weight member that is configurable in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head.
  • FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective view of the golf club head 200.
  • the bottom or sole 202 includes a recess 204 configured to receive an adjustable weight member 210.
  • the recess 204 extends in a front 203 to rear 205 direction.
  • the recess 204 may be generally rectangular and have a major longitudinal axis and a minor lateral axis.
  • the major longitudinal axis is generally transverse to the ball striking face of the club head in an exemplary embodiment.
  • the lateral axis extends in a heel to toe direction on the club head.
  • the adjustable weight member 210 is positioned in the recess 204 and, in some examples, be connected to the golf club head 200 via a screw or other fastener extending through aperture 212. It is also noted that the club head may have a channel 207 extending across the sole of the club head 200 from a heel to a toe and generally adjacent the ball striking face. The channel allows a certain amount of compression of the club head upon ball impact. This feature may cooperate with the other club head structures and weighting characteristics to further enhance performance of the club.
  • the weight member 210 may be connected to the golf club head 200 in the recess 204 via a mating connection portion 220.
  • the mating connection portion may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the weight member 210 in order to aid in aligning the weight member 210 and maintaining the position of the weight member 210.
  • the mating connection portion 220 may define a raised portion wherein the aperture to receive the fastener is generally centrally located in the raised portion. It is understood that the weight member 210 may have a corresponding cutout portion to accommodate and receive the mating connection portion 220 when the weight member is fastened to the golf club head as can be appreciated from FIG. 2A .
  • the cut-out portion removes weight from a central portion of the weight member 210 whereby weight can be more focused at the ends of the weight member 210.
  • the weight member 210 may be connected to the golf club head 200 via a fastener, such as a screw, extending through aperture 212 and into the mating connecting portion 220.
  • a fastener such as a screw
  • the weight member 210 is dimensioned such that the weight member 210 is generally flush with the overall sole surface of the club head 200 when received in the recess 204.
  • the position of the weight member 210 may be adjusted by removing the fastener, removing the weight member 210 and "flipping" it around, such that the first end 210a is proximal the front 203 of the golf club head and the second end 210b is proximal the rear 205 of the golf club head.
  • the fastener may be inserted and tightened to maintain the position of the weight member.
  • the weight member 210 includes different weight characteristics along a length of the weight member 210.
  • the weight member 210 includes two ends 210a and 210b having different weight characteristics.
  • the two ends 210a and 210b are formed of different materials (either formed as a single piece of two different materials or formed separately from different materials and joined). In some examples, one material may be heavier, denser, etc. than a second material. Thus, each end 210a, 210b of the weight member 210 has different weight characteristics (e.g., one end may be heavier than the other). This allows for distribution of weight associated with the golf club head 200 as desired.
  • the two ends may be constructed differently, in order to provide different weight characteristics at each end 210a, 21 0b of the weight member 210.
  • one end of the weight member 210a may be thicker than another end 210b in order to provide additional weight.
  • one end 210b has a hollow construction in order to reduce the weight of that end 210b relative to an opposite end 210a of the weight member 210.
  • FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate another golf club head having an adjustable weight arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein.
  • the sole 302 of the golf club head 300 includes a recess 304 having a mating connection portion 320 arranged therein.
  • the weighted member 3 10 may be positioned in the recess 304 to correspond to the mating connection portion 320 which aids in alignment of the weight member and positioning of the weight member 310.
  • the weighted member 310 may then be connected to the golf club head 300 via a screw or other fastener extending between the weight member 310 and the mating connection portion 320.
  • the club head 300 may also have a channel along the sole as described above.
  • the mating connection portion 320 may be arranged within the golf club head 300 such that it is not visible from a top of the golf club head 300.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged, close-up view of the weighted member 310 of FIGS. 3A-3C .
  • FIG. 5 is a cross section of the weighted member 310 taking along line 5-5 in FIG. 4 .
  • the weighted member is rectangular, various other shapes may be used without departing from the invention, as will be discussed below.
  • the weighted member 310 is generally rectangular having a major longitudinal axis and a minor longitudinal axis generally corresponding to the recess provided in the club head.
  • one end 310a may be heavier, denser, etc. than an opposite end 310b.
  • the ends may be formed of different materials or have different construction in order to provide the different weight characteristics.
  • one end may be formed of the same material as a central, connecting portion of the weighted member 310, while the other end 310a is formed of a different material (e.g., a heavier material).
  • the difference in weight of the ends 310a, 310b of the weight member 310 may allow a user to position the weighted member to provide desired performance characteristics of the golf club head 300. That is, if a user desires to move the center of gravity of a golf club head toward the rear of the golf club head 300, he or she may position the weighted member 310 with the heavier end proximal the rear of the golf club head 300. As further shown in FIGS.
  • the weight member 310 has a cut-out portion 311 that receives the mating connecting portion 320. Notwithstanding the cut-out portion, the underside surface of the weight member 310 is generally planar. In particular, the underside surface is generally planar at the respective ends 310a, 310b wherein the weights are concentrated. There is an absence of any depending structures at the ends 310, 310b.
  • the weighted member 310 and the ends 310a, 310b of the member 310 may be formed of any suitable materials.
  • the heavier end may be formed of steel or other heavy metal, while the lighter end may be formed of lightweight metals, such as aluminum, titanium, etc., metal alloys, composite materials, plastics, and the like.
  • the weighted member 310 may be formed as a single piece with the two ends 310a, 310b being formed of different materials or denser/less dense forms of the same material (e.g., in a two shot process). Additionally or alternatively, the weighted member 310 may be formed in one or more pieces that are joined using known methods, such as snap fits; mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, and the like.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the adjustable nature of the weighted member according to at least some aspects described herein.
  • the golf club head 400 includes a weighted member 410 similar to those discussed above. As discussed above, one end, a first end 410a, may have a greater weight then an opposite end 410b. This may be due to different materials being used to form the ends 410a, 410b, different construction of the ends 410a, 410b, etc.
  • the heavier end 410a is positioned proximal the rear 405 of the golf club head while the lighter end 410b is proximal the front 403 of the golf club head.
  • FIG. 6B the weight member 410 has been reversed and the heavier end 410a is proximal the front 403 of the golf club head while the lighter end 410b is proximal the rear 405 of the golf club head.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate golf club head 500 having an alternative weighted member arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein.
  • FIG. 7B is a cross section of the golf club head 500 of FIG: 7A taken along line 7B-7B.
  • the weighted member has a slender center portion joining the two ends 510a and 510b. As the slender center portion defines a reduced width, more weight can be focused on the ends of the weighted member to maximize the effect of the weighted member on the performance characteristics of the club head.
  • the ends 510a and 510b may have different weight characteristics and the weight member 510 may be adjustable to position the weight member 510 in a position to provide desired performance characteristics of the golf club head 500.
  • the weighted member 510 may be connected to the golf club head 500 at two points, one at each end.
  • the weight member 510 may be connected to the golf club head using screws or other fasteners.
  • the weighted member 510 is positioned within a recess in the sole of the golf club head 510. Notches 518 provide a sufficient recess for the weighted member 510 to protect the member from debris, wear, etc. during use of the golf club. Further, the recess may aid in preventing the weighted member 510 from protruding outward from the sole of the golf club head and/or becoming loose due to contact with the ground, etc.
  • the upward incline of the sole of the golf club head 510 further aids in adjusting the weight of the golf club head. For instance, positioning the heavier end of the weighted member nearer the front of the club may shift the center of gravity down, toward the sole. On the other hand, positioning the heavier end of the weighted member nearer the rear of the club may shift the center of gravity back, toward the rear.
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded view of one weighted member fastening arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein.
  • the weighted member 610 includes two fastening points, similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 7A .
  • the weighted member 610 may be connected to the golf club head via one or more threaded fasteners.
  • a portion of the threaded fastener 650a, 650b is threaded, and may be inserted into the golf club head.
  • a second portion of the threaded fastener 650a, 650b may be smooth.
  • the threaded fastener 650a, 650b may include a threaded protrusion 651a, 651b that extends through the aperture in the weighted member 610 and connects to a nut 652a, 652b on the opposite side of the weighted member 610 to secure the weighted member 610 to the golf club head.
  • the weighted member 610 may have different weight properties at each end of the weighted member 610 (e.g., one end may be heavier or denser than an opposite end). The weighted member 610 may then be connected to the golf club head with the desired weight properties in the desired position in order to adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head. It is further understood that the threaded fasteners 650a, 650b may also possess different weighting characteristics as desired.
  • FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a golf club head 700, similar to the golf club head 500 of FIGS. 7A and 7B .
  • the weighted member 710 is connected to the golf club head at two points.
  • the weighted member 710 may be connected to the golf club head 700 using threaded fasteners 752a, 752b. Similar to the arrangements discussed above, the weighted member 710 may be positioned in a recess 704 formed in the sole of the golf club head 700 to prevent wear and to aid in maintaining the position of the weighted member 710.
  • End 710a has a slightly different appearance from end 710b that may indicate the end 710a has different weight characteristics than end 710b.
  • end 710a may be formed of a different material than end 710b, thereby making it heavier or lighter than end 710b.
  • the construction of end 710a may be different from that of 710b (e.g., 710a may be hollow while 710b is solid, vice versa). The difference in appearance between ends 710a and 710b may aid in determining a desired position of the weighted member 710.
  • a user may easily identify the heavier or lighter end based on the different in appearance and can connect the weighted member 710 to the golf club head 700 with the weighted member 710 in the desired orientation based on the appearance.
  • the difference in appearance may be provided by different materials being used or may be provided during manufacture, and may include different colors, shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and the like.
  • the ends 710a, 710b may have a substantially similar or substantially identical appearance such that the ends may look the same while having different weight characteristics.
  • the golf club head 800 of FIG. 10 includes a weighted member 810 in which ends 810a, 810b have a substantially similar appearance. Despite the substantially similar appearance of the ends 810a, 810b, the ends 810a, 810b may have different weight characteristics, as discussed above.
  • FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate a golf club head 800 configured to receive a weighted member but with the weighted member, fasteners, etc. removed.
  • the golf club head 800 includes a recess 804 formed in the sole 802 and configured to receive the weighted member. Similar to the arrangements described above, the recess 804 may be generally shaped to correspond to the shape of the weighted member.
  • the golf club head 800 may include a further recessed area 807 which may be provided to protect the weighted member from damage, wear, etc. during use. That is, in some examples, the weighted member may be positioned below the sole 802 of the golf club and may make minimal or no contact with the ground during use.
  • the weighted member may have two ends, each having different weighting characteristics.
  • a user may determine one or more desired performance characteristics for the golf club head 800 and may position the weighted member in the recess 804 to provide the desired performance characteristics.
  • the recess 804 for receiving the weighted member may be visible from a rear 805 of the golf club head 800 and may be positioned to minimize contact with the ground during use.
  • FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate various alternate arrangements of golf club heads and weighted members according to one or more aspects described herein.
  • FIG. 12A illustrates a golf club head 900 having a weighted member 919.
  • the weighted member 919 may be connected to the golf club head 900 at two points, similar to some arrangements described above.
  • the weighted member 919 may be substantially oval in shape. Similar to the arrangements discussed above, one end of the weighted member 919 may have different weight characteristics than another end of the weighted member, thus providing customizable performance characteristics of the golf club head 900 based on a position of the weighted member 919.
  • FIG. 12B illustrates another golf club head 920 having a weighted member 929.
  • the weighted member 929 may be substantially rectangular and may be connected to the golf club head at two points. Further, as shown in FIG. 12B , the appearance of each end of the weighted member 929 may be different, to indicate a different in weight or performance characteristics associated with each end of the weighted member 929. The difference in appearance may be the result of different materials being used to form the weighted member or may be provided during manufacture to provide a visual indication of the different characteristics of the ends of the weighted member 929.
  • FIG. 12C illustrates yet another golf club head 940 having a weighted member 949.
  • the weighted member 949 may be substantially oval, similar to the arrangement of FIG. 12A .
  • the appearance of the ends of the weighted member 949 may be different. As discussed above, the difference in appearance may be due to different materials used to form the ends or may be provided during manufacturing to provide a visual indicate of the different weight characteristics of each end.
  • the weighted member 949 is connected to the golf club head 940 at two points and may be removed from the golf club head and repositioned (e.g, the weighted member 949 may be turned or "flipped" to put a first end in the previous position of a second end and vice versa) to adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head 940.
  • FIG. 12D illustrates yet another golf club head 960 having a weighted member 969.
  • the weighted member 969 may have a shape similar to other weighted members discussed above and may be connected to the golf club head 960 at two points. The ends of the weighted member 969 may have different weighting characteristics adjustment of the position of the weighted member 969 within the golf club head 960 may adjust one or more performance characteristics of the golf club head 960.
  • one end 969b may be differently shaped form another end 969a.
  • end 969b may be longer than end 969a, thus resulting in more material causing end 969b to be heavier or have more weight associated with it than end 969a.
  • the recess into which the weighted member 969 is received may be rectangular in order to accommodate any position of the weighted member 969.
  • the respective club head recesses and weight members may have alternate positions.
  • the recess and weight member may have a skewed or angled position.
  • the recess and weight member may be angled with respect to a longitudinal axis that is generally transverse to the ball striking face of the club head. Such an angled position provides further customization of the weighting characteristics of the golf club head.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates another golf club head 1000 having an adjustable weighted member 1010.
  • the weighted member 1010 in FIG. 13 is shown removed from the golf club head 1000 and, in particular, from the recess 1004 formed in the sole 1002 of the golf club head 1000.
  • Arrows 1015 indicate that the weighted member 1010 may be rotated and replaced in the recess 1004 in an alternate configuration to adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head 1000, similar to arrangements described above.
  • Fig.14 illustrates another example golf club head 1100 having an adjustable weight member 1110.
  • the adjustable weight member 1110 may have two ends, each having different weighting characteristics.
  • the ends of the weighted member 1110 may have different appearances, to provide a visual indication of the different weight characteristics of each end.
  • the shape of the weighted member 1110 may be symmetrical in order to be received in the golf club head in any suitable arrangement. However, the appearance of one end of the weighted member 1110 extends over more than half of the weighted member 1110 to provide a somewhat asymmetrical appearance. The difference in appearance may indicate that the end having the appearance extending over more than half of the weighted member 1110 may be a heavier end.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates yet another golf club head 1200 having an adjustable weighted member 1210.
  • the weighted member 1210 is positioned in the sole of the golf club head 1200 and may be removed and repositioned to adjust one or more performance characteristics of the golf club head 1200.
  • the shape of the weighted member may be varied as shown in the various figures.
  • the ends of the weighted member may be square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, or triangular, to provide two different weight regions in the single weighted member.
  • the weighted member may have a streamlined central portion or central portion having a reduced lateral dimension wherein weight can be more focused at distal ends of the weighted member.
  • any suitable means may be used to connect the weighted member to the golf club head may be used such as screws and bolts.
  • Protrusions may be present to guide the weighted member into position and also provide some weight characteristics.
  • U.S. Patent 7, 153,220 discloses examples of protrusions.
  • the weighted member may be formed using one or more known methods of manufacture, including various molding processes, casting, machining and the like. Further, some arrangements may include post manufacture processing steps, such as coating, painting, etc. to finish the weighted member.
  • the adjustable weighted member may be made of any suitable material, including metals, non-metallic materials, composites, ceramics, polymers, and the like.
  • the adjustable weighted member may be formed of carbon steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber, tungsten, tungsten loaded polymer, combinations of one or more of these materials, and the like.
  • the adjustable weighted material may be formed of a flexible material to allow some bending or flex in the adjustable weighted member.
  • the adjustable weighted member may be formed of stiffer materials. In order to provide the first end and second end with different weight characteristics, the first end and second end are formed of different materials.
  • the weighted member may also be formed with materials utilizing suspended particles to provide desired weighting characteristics.
  • the adjustable weight member has many benefits. Adjusting the weight member from a first configuration to a second configuration may influence the energy and velocity transferred to the ball by the impact, as well as the moment of inertia and the center of gravity of the club head. The moment of inertia of the golf club head can also be affected by the different weighting configurations. In addition, the center of gravity of the club head can be affected by the different weighting configurations.
  • different weighting configurations can further affect the performance characteristics of the golf club head.
  • the following descriptions regarding the different weighting configurations make certain assumptions such as identical club head speeds, impact location and golf ball used.
  • the weight member is positioned such that the heavier weight is positioned towards the rear of the club head.
  • the center of gravity of the golf club head is more towards the rear of the golf club head.
  • the golf club shaft bows more wherein right before ball impact, the club head face has a more lofted position and the face angle is more closed.
  • a higher launch angle is provided and having more ball spin and more loft.
  • the golf ball trajectory will have a greater tendency to be towards the left for a right-handed golfer.
  • the weight member is positioned such that the heavier weight is positioned towards the front of the club head.
  • the center of gravity of the golf club head is more towards the front of the golf club head.
  • the golf club shaft bows less than in the first weight configuration and wherein right before ball impact, the club head face has a less lofted position and the face angle is less closed.
  • a lower launch angle is provided and having less ball spin and less loft.
  • the golf ball trajectory will have a greater tendency to be towards the right for a right-handed golfer.
  • a ball spin differential is achieved by positioning the weight member in the different weighting configurations. More ball spin is achieved with the heavier weight located towards the rear of the club head, and less ball spin is achieved with the heavier weight located towards the front of the club head.
  • golfers have the ability to customize the golf club head to provide desired characteristics such as ball spin.
  • exemplary embodiments of the invention include golf club heads described herein and that also are capable of having adjustable parameters.
  • a golf club head may have adjustment mechanisms associated therewith allowing the adjustment of certain parameters such as adjustment of loft angle of the golf club head.
  • the adjustment mechanisms may take various forms but generally are operably associated with the golf club head.
  • the adjustment mechanism may be a hosel-based mechanism such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 8, 1 82,357 and U.S. Patent Appln. Serial Nos. 61/577,660 and 61/526,325 .
  • Such adjustment mechanisms may allow a golfer to adjust the loft angle of a driver type golf club to a higher loft setting such as but not limited to 11 degrees, 11.5 degrees, 12 degrees or 12.5 degrees. Having the adjustable weight member positioned with the heavier weight towards the rear of the club head provides a low center of gravity that is further back in the golf club head. Such a configuration further may provide beneficial launch conditions for such higher loft settings, and increased forgiveness resulting from a higher club head moments of inertia. Other golfers, oftentimes more skilled golfers, prefer a less lofted golf club head and would utilize the adjustment mechanism to provide a loft setting such as but not limited to 7.5 degrees, 8 degrees or 8.5 degrees and even 9 degrees.
  • Such loft settings generally allow the golfer to hit more boring and less lofted golf shots.
  • Such golfers also generally prefer the ability to control, or shape, their golf shots and such control may be hampered if the center of gravity is too far back towards the rear of the golf club head.
  • the adjustable weighted member of the present invention the heavier end of the weighted member can be positioned towards the front of the golf club head. This provides a center of gravity that is more forward in the golf club head and lower club head moments of inertia. In such a position with a lower loft setting (e.g., 7.5-9 degrees), skilled golfers may benefit from enhanced shot shaping capabilities with the club head and improved launch conditions.
  • the adjustable weighted member utilized in conjunction with other adjustment mechanisms provides further customization options to the golfer. It is understood that in addition to driver type golf clubs, such features are equally applicable to other golf clubs such as fairway woods, hybrids and the like.
  • club head features that permit the weighting and weight distribution of the head to be adjusted or customized may provide improved performance in several ways including ball trajectory, ball speed, loft, distance, and spin.
  • the adjustable weight feature can be used to customize the dub head to produce desired characteristics for a particular golf ball being used.

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

Claims (12)

  1. Tête de club de golf (102) comprenant :
    - un corps de tête de club de golf ayant une partie avant (102a), une partie de dessus (102c), une semelle (102d), une pointe (107) et un talon (109),
    - une cavité (204) formée dans la semelle du corps de la tête de club et s'étendant de la partie avant (203) à la partie arrière (205) le long de la semelle du corps de la tête de club de golf, et
    - un élément pondéré réglable (210) réalisé pour être logé dans la cavité, l'élément pondéré réglable ayant une première extrémité (210a) réalisée en un premier matériau et ayant un premier poids et une seconde extrémité (210b) réalisée en un second matériau et ayant un second poids différent du premier poids et une partie centrale située entre la première extrémité et la seconde extrémité,
    - le second matériau étant différent du premier matériau,
    - l'élément pondéré réglable pouvant être extrait de la tête de club de golf pour régler la position de la première extrémité et de la seconde extrémité, et
    - la seconde extrémité ayant une configuration creuse.
  2. Tête de club de golf conforme à la revendication 1, dans laquelle le second poids est plus léger que le premier poids.
  3. Tête de club de golf conforme à la revendication 1, dans laquelle la première extrémité et la seconde extrémité ont une ouverture (212) permettant la réception d'un organe de fixation.
  4. Tête de club de golf conforme à la revendication 1, dans laquelle la première extrémité a une première configuration et la seconde extrémité a une seconde configuration différente de la première configuration.
  5. Tête de club de golf conforme à la revendication 4, dans laquelle la première extrémité est plus épaisse que la seconde extrémité.
  6. Tête de club de golf conforme à la revendication 1, dans laquelle la cavité comporte en outre une partie de connexion appariée (220) ayant une forme correspondant à la forme de l'élément pondéré réglable.
  7. Tête de club de golf conforme à la revendication 1, dans laquelle la première extrémité a une apparence différente de celle de la seconde extrémité pour permettre d'obtenir une indication visuelle entre le premier poids et le second poids.
  8. Tête de club de golf conforme à la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un shaft (106) couplé à la tête de club de golf pour former un club de golf (100).
  9. Tête de club de golf conforme à la revendication 1, dans laquelle la première extrémité de l'élément pondéré réglable est positionnée vers la partie arrière de la tête de club de golf et donne à la balle de golf au moins une caractéristique différente de celle obtenue lorsque la seconde extrémité est positionnée vers la partie arrière de la tête de club de golf.
  10. Tête de club de golf conforme à la revendication 9, dans laquelle la caractéristique est choisie dans le groupe formé par les caractéristiques suivantes : angle de lancement de la balle, vitesse de la balle et spin de la balle.
  11. Tête de club de golf conforme à la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'élément pondéré réglable est fixé de manière amovible au corps de la tête de club de golf par un organe de fixation.
  12. Tête de club de golf conforme à la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'élément pondéré réglable a une surface inférieure essentiellement plane.
EP12768936.2A 2011-08-23 2012-08-23 Bâton de golf et structures de tête de bâton de golf Active EP2747850B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161526327P 2011-08-23 2011-08-23
PCT/US2012/052050 WO2013028853A1 (fr) 2011-08-23 2012-08-23 Bâton de golf et structures de tête de bâton de golf

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EP2747850A1 EP2747850A1 (fr) 2014-07-02
EP2747850B1 true EP2747850B1 (fr) 2017-11-22

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110354467B (zh) * 2016-02-23 2020-12-08 卡拉韦高尔夫公司 具有结构柱的高尔夫球杆头
JP6838281B2 (ja) 2016-04-11 2021-03-03 住友ゴム工業株式会社 ゴルフクラブのウェイトパターン決定装置及び推奨装置
US10653926B2 (en) 2018-07-23 2020-05-19 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club heads
US11192005B2 (en) * 2018-12-13 2021-12-07 Acushnet Company Golf club head with improved inertia performance
US11406881B2 (en) * 2020-12-28 2022-08-09 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club heads
US11759685B2 (en) * 2020-12-28 2023-09-19 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club heads

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5297794A (en) * 1993-01-14 1994-03-29 Lu Clive S Golf club and golf club head
US6773360B2 (en) * 2002-11-08 2004-08-10 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club head having a removable weight
US7407447B2 (en) * 2002-11-08 2008-08-05 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Movable weights for a golf club head
US7153220B2 (en) 2004-11-16 2006-12-26 Fu Sheng Industrial Co., Ltd. Golf club head with adjustable weight member
JP2006320493A (ja) * 2005-05-18 2006-11-30 Sri Sports Ltd ゴルフクラブヘッド
NZ561380A (en) 2007-09-10 2010-04-30 Puku Ltd An adjustable connector
JP5049099B2 (ja) * 2007-11-07 2012-10-17 ダンロップスポーツ株式会社 ゴルフクラブヘッド

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WO2013028853A1 (fr) 2013-02-28
EP2747850A1 (fr) 2014-07-02
CN103889517A (zh) 2014-06-25
JP2014524343A (ja) 2014-09-22
JP6122008B2 (ja) 2017-04-26
WO2013028853A9 (fr) 2013-04-18

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