US1675437A

US1675437A - Method of and apparatus for shaping golf-club faces and club produced thereby

Info

Publication number: US1675437A
Application number: US210470A
Authority: US
Inventors: Frederick A Waldron
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1927-08-04
Filing date: 1927-08-04
Publication date: 1928-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 1945-07-03

Description

July 3, 1928. 1,675,437

- F. A. WALDRON Manon 0? mm APPARATUS FOR SHAPING sow cwa FACES AND CLUB PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Aug. 4, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 /Z lNVEN'i'OR Frrderz'a/r A. Waldron ATTORNEY July 3, 1928. 1,675,437

F. A. WALDRON union or AND APPARATUS FOR SHAPING ecu cLuB FACES AND CLUB PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Aug. 4, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY 5 Sheets-Sheet F. A. WALDRON METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR SHAPING GOLF CLUB FACES AND CLUB PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Aug. 4, 1927 mail- 0 Rr Y 3% 3 M A .6 m Y \MB/ \Nv July 3, 1928.

F. A. WALDRON METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR SHAPING GOLF CLUB FACES AND CLUB PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Aug. 4, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR fk'aQrz'ck/l M/dran ATTORNEY July 3, 192a. 1,675,437

F. A. WALDRON IETHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR SHAPING GOLF CLUB FACES AND CLUB PRODUCED THEREBY Fiied Aug. 4, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 a LJ so INVENTOR 20 ATTORNEY Patented July 3, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK A. WALDRON, OF WESTFIELD, NEW JERSEY.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR SHAPING GOLF-CLUB FACES AND CLUB PRODUCED THEREBY.

Application filed August 4,

The present invention relates to method of and apparatus for shaping golf club faces, and club produced thereby.

When a golf club is being swung toward a golf ball to strike the ball, the club head acquires kinetic energy according to the square of the velocity it attains in the downward swing, and at the impact of the club head against the ball, a portion of this energy is transferred to the ball to start it on its flight. The distance accomplished by the stroke is affected by a number of factors in addition to the speed of the club head and the strength and direction of the blow. Slicing and pulling are to a considerable extent caused by the whirling of the ball as it passes through the air. This whirling is produced by movement of the club face relative to the ball surface during the time the club and ball are in contact. \Vhen the striking face is exactly normal to the line of flight at the time the ball leaves the club, whirling is a minimum and the effectiveness of the stroke a maximum.

In addressing the ball it is customary to grasp the club grip, place the club head adjacent the ball and then adjust its striking face to such a position relative to the ball and the desired direction of drive as appears to be best according to the experience of the player. When making these observations and adjustments, the club head is not, however, in the position relative to the grip which it assumes when delivering the blow to the ball. This is on account of the reaction of the ball on the moving club head which momentarily retards the club head permitting the grip to continue its advance thereby affecting the normal loft of the club.

The extent of the relative movement of the club head and grip is considerable. and the amount of the deflection depends upon a number of factors such as the strength of the blow, club speed, the stiffness of the shaft to lateral deflection, the torsional resistance of the shaft, and the effect of whip action and Wind resistance. The effect of these factors will, of course, vary considerably, depending principally upon the size of the shaft, and the material from which it is constructed.

In addressing the ball the player is in the 1927. Serial No. 210,470.

habit of giving the club a slight twist or roll before swinging the club up to begin the stroke, but the reason for such a manipulation and the factors compensated for by it are almost invariably unknown to the player who makes the same blindly. An analysis of the conditions obtaining when the ball is struck will show however that thls operation is an attempt to overcome the efl'ect of the whip and ball on the club. As so many variables are then present, and as no two clubs are alike, it is apparent that the player is under a considerable handicap okiyling to the crudeness of the clubs availa e.

The present invention contemplates the provision of a golf club wherein the striking face is located at an angle relative to the club grip to compensate for the deflection of the club head during impact so that the striking face when delivering the blow is normal to the line of flight and the direction of motion of the club head whereby the ball may be started in its flight with a minimum of whirling motion.

In order to produce a club which will function as desired under predetermined conditions, the club face must, as I have found, be located very carefully, taking into consideration the variable contributing factors, and the present invention accordingly, contemplates the process of sl'iaping golf club faces under artificially produced and readily controlled conditions which closely simulate those existing during play. In carrying out this process. the present invention contemplates holding the club grip sta tionary while applying pressnrt'i against the unfinished front face of the club head to produce a predetermined moment relative to the grip which will, owing to the lateral and torsional flexibility of the shaft bring about a movement of the club head into a corresponding deflected position, whereupon the striking face is shaped accordingly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus by means of which the shaping of club faces may be readily accomplished so as to produce clubs wherein the striking face bears proper relation to the other parts of the club and the particular use for which it is intended.

Other and further objects of the present ill) invention will be pointed out as the specification proceeds.

The accompanying drawings show for purposes of illustration, a preferred 9lllllt tll ment of an apparatus for shaping the striking faces of golf clubs, and illustrate the process employed in sha nng the same, 1t being understood that the drawings are illustrative of the invention rather than 11111- iting the same.

Figure 1 is a front view of a right handed golf club and a golf hall illustrating in full lines the addressing of the ball, and in dott d lines club deflection;

Figures 2 and 3 are enlarged end and top plan views of a golf club head illustrating in dot and daslrlines the deflection of the club due to whip, and in dotted lines the deflection upon striking the ball:

Figure 3" is a face view of a club head;

Figure 4 is a frontyiew of an apparatus for shaping golf club faces, the cutting tool being in mid position, parts being omitted;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of one of the grip clamps taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 1:

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrow 6 of Figure 4:

Figure 7 is a top plan view taken in the direction of the arrow 7 of Figure 6-,

Figure 8 is a fragmentary plan view with the cutting tool to one side and the pressure applying device in position;

Figure 9 is an elevational view taken in the direction of the arrow 9 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a section of a pressure applying device; and

Figures 11 and 12 are fragmentary side and front views of a modified form of apparatus.

The class of golf clubs to which the present invention pertains includes drivers, brassies. and spoons. In using any one of these clubs, the hall is struck after taking a full swing and in substantially the same manner by the player so that the interaction of the ball and club head take place practically the same each time the club is used. Such a club is indicated in Figure 1 and consists of a club grip 10, a flexible club shaft 11, and head 12. The shaft is made of metal or wood and carries the club head having a striking face 13, the centre of which is known as the sweet spot 14.

In addressing the ball, the player places the feet in the: proper position relative to the ball and the desired line of flight and brings the striking face of the club adjacent the ball. twists the club backward slightly, wagglcs the club and takes a swing to strike the ball. Up to the time of the downward swing of the club. the club is straight and its parts all have the same relative position without distortion. As the club head acquires greater and greater velocity in the downward swing, there is some deflection of the club head owing to the air resistance and whip action of the club as shown in dot and dash lines in Figur s 2 and 3.

it the instant the club head tirst engages the hall (which is then stationary) the club head is retarded owing to the reaction of the hall on the sweet spot 11- of the club face. This reaction pressure is applied to the club face so that it produces a moment relative to the grip. As this pressure is not applied in line with the axis 15 of the club shaft and grip, but at an appreciable distance to one side of this axis as shown in Figure 3, the reaction pressure is divided into two components. one tending to bend the shaft further backward and the other tending to twist it on its axis. This cases the club head to move bodily backward and to turn angularty an amount which varies with the strength of the blow, mass of the club head, the loft. of the striking face, and the lateral and torsional flexibility of the shaft.

The deflection of the club head caused by the impact is added to that produced during the downward swing and results in bending the club shaft out of its normal axis, displacing the club head a. very considerable amount from the normal position and allowing the grip to advance beyond the club head, such a deflection may he demonstrated by gripping the club in the ordinary manner and pressing the club face against a stationary ball or other object. The flexing of the shaft will simulate that produced during play. The apparent backward movement of the club head may range from onehalf inch to two inches and the angular twist of the striking face will vary several degrees. Such movei'i'ients of the head relative to the ball are illustrated in the dotted lines of Figures 2 and 3 while the flexing of the club shaft. out of its normal axis is similarly shown in Figure 1. From this it will be apparent that the club grip is in advance of the club head, that the striking face has been twisted clockwise when viewed from above and counter clockwise when viewed from the toe. As this is the position of the club head when it starts the hall from its position of rest it may be seen that the direction of flight, angle of elevation and amount of rolling or whirling of the ball will depend on conditions at this instant.

In golf clubs heretofore. available the striking face has been cut in accordance with the fancy of the designer, with no accurate information as to the conditions to be overcome and no consideration for the non-uniformity of materials used or peculiarities of the individual to use the club. The clubs available on the market are stock articles and may or may not suit the stroke of the player. The cflicient handling of any such particular club has required a long tryout and considerable experience to overcome the deficiencies of the club in the hands of the user. In many cases this has been impossible and the player is unable to overcome slicing or pulling the ball.

I have, however, discovered that these defects in the club may largely be overcome when the club is properly faced for the particular use intended, and will now describe a convenient method of so shaping the faces of the clubs and a suitable form of apparatus for carrying out the operations.

This apparatus may conveniently be supported on a base plate or casting 20 adapted to be placed 011 a suitable pedestal or bench, not shown. A bracket arm 21 bolted or otherwise fastened to the under rear part of the base is indicated at The upper end 23 of this bracket is a sli ht distance above the top 24 of the base and carries an obliquely upwardliy extending rod or pipe 25, these parts being clamped together in any convenient manner, such as by saddle piece 26 and bolts 27.

The pipe 25 is approximately the length of a golf club shaft and grip and extends at about the angle of the axis of a golf club when addressing a ball. Near the upper end of this club supporting rod are two clamping

devices

28 and 29 for the club grips. As here shown these grip clamps each include a casting 30 adjustably carried on the rod 25, and clamped in place by a screw 31. The upper front portions of the clamp casting 30 are bifurcated as indicated at and S3 and each bifurcation is apcrtured as indicated at 34 and

Blocks

36 and 37 are slidably carried in these apertures and may be secured in any desired position by lock screws 38 and 39. These blocks are threaded as indicated at 40 and 41 and clamping screws 42'and 43, provided with a club grip engaging jaw 44 and 45, are carried in the blocks. This arrangement of grip clamps allows one to clamp a club in place and adjust it as desired. The club is shown in position in Figures 4, 8 and 9.

in adjusting the club in the clamps, the club head 12 which has been shaped, except for the front face 113 is placed with its lower, or bottom face, on a ground plate 4-6 preferably removably carried on the top face 24 of the base 20. This ground plate may be made of wood, and the club head will now bear the same relation to it as it will to the ground when in use.

()n the right front end of the base 20. the apparatus is provided, as here shown, with a movably mounted abutment member 47 fastened in place by a screw 48 and having a threaded hole 49 near its upper end. W'hcn this member is in the position indicated in Figure 9, the axis of this hole is at the same elevation as the sweet spot of the club head 12. A pressure adjustment screw 50 is carried in this hole.

To apply pressure to the club face 13*, a device 51 such shown in Figure 10 may be used as illustrated in Figures 8 and t). This device consists of a cage 52 carrying a pointed tip 53, slidable plunger 54, and interposed spring 55. The spring tends to hold the parts in extended position as indicated in Figure It). This pressure appliying device is placed between the club face and tip of screw 50 and the screw tightened up until the indicator 56, carried in the slot 57 of the casing 52 shows that the desired pressure has been applied. This spring may be calibrated in pounds pressure, or preferably the calibration will be in accordance with the length of drive of the player for whom the club is being faced. Hence it is possible to apply pressure on the sweet spot the same as the reaction of the ball and effect of whip of the club so that the club head bears the same position relative to the normal axis of the club grip as it does during play. Such a position of the club head is indicated in (lot and dash lines in Figure 8.

A club head clamping device (it) is carried on the left end of the apparatus as viewed in the drawings. This clamping device includes a C-shaped member (51 which may be fastened on the top face 24 of the. base 20 in any desired position by a bolt (32. The lower part of this member has three spring pressed plungers 63, (i4, and '65 which are adapted to press up against the lower face of the club head in the deflected position. These plunge/rs may be locked in position by

set screws

66, 67, and 68 so that they form a secure platform for supporting the lower face 16 of the club head after which screw 69 is forced down onto the upper face l7 of the club head so that the club is fixed in distort ed position. The pressure applying device may then be removed.

The upper right hand end of the base 2U is provided with guide ways 70 on which is slidably mounted a plate 71. The plate 7t carries a threaded stud 72 which carries a clamping member 73 between two

nuts

74 and 75. The clamping member may be clamped to the base 20 by a locking screw 76. The plate 71 is provided with a transverse guide way 77 which may be curved or straight as desired. A tool support 78 is slidably carried in the guidcway 77 and a tool holder 79 is pivotally carried on a shaft 80 in the tool support. A tool 8l, which may be in the form of a rotary cutter is carried on a shaft 82 mounted in the tool support and a hand wheel 83 is provided to rotate the cutter. The tool support may he moved back and forth along the guideway 77 by a threaded rod 84 connected to the tool support and passing through a swiveled ltld yoke 85 supported from the plate 71. A hand wheel 86 threaded on the rod 84- feeds the tool support across the guidcway 77.

After the club head has been clamped in the jaws of the club head clamping device and the pressure applying device removed. the abutment l? is swung down out of the way and the ground plate 46 removed. The tool holder 79 is brought to the proper angle of loft by adjusting it on axis 80 the screw 76 is loosened and the plate 7! slid over toward the work and clamped in place. The tool is fed across the face of the club by actuating the hand wheel 86 and additional cuts across the club face are made by adjusting the plate 71 by the nuts 74 and 75. The club may then be removed from the apparatus and one may now have a club wherein the striking face is accurately placed for the desired loft and direction. The striking face of the club, when in use, will be exactly normal to the line of flight and straight drives may be obtained.

lv'hilc I have shown the guidcway 77 as curved. which is preferred for facing wooden club heads. it is of course understood that this may be straight. if desired. A metal driver, brassie or spoon does not have the need for the curved striking face.

Instead of finishing the club face by a tool carried by the apparatus, it is entirely feasible to scribe the face onto the deflected club head and then cut it with a. chisel, tile or other hand tool. A form of apparatus suitable for this operation is indicated in Figures 11 and This apparatus may use substantially the same form of supporting base. club-grip clamping means, and club head clamping device heretofore described in detail. A fragment of the base of the apparatus is indicated at 87. It extends to the right and in front of the striking face 13 of the club as indicated. ()n the upper top face of the base 87 an angle plate 88 is slitlably mounted by means of bolts 85) passing through slots .90 in the angle plate. This plate extends upwardly as indicated in the drawing at. an oblique angle and is apertured at 91 to receive the club head and lower end of the club shaft. The angle at which this plate extends is determined by the loft desired. After the club head has been deflected as above described, it may be clamped or not as desired, and the plate 88 slid over to the left as indicated in dotted lines. and clamped into position by the bolts 85). One can then mark on the club head lines to which it is to be trimmed and the trimming done after the club has been removed from the apparauts, or in case a clamping means is provided. one can clamp the club head in position and shape the club face as determined by the sliding plate 88 which will form a guide for the tool. In carrying out this finishing operation, one

can use a saw, tile, chisel, or similar device.

\Vhat I claim is:

l. A golf club having a grip, shaft, and club 11 ad provided with a striking face, and wherein the angle of the striking face is fixedly related to both the lateral and torsional flexibility of the shaft and a predetermined moment produced by pressure on the striking face.

2. A golf club whose striking face is positioned relative to the grip according to a predetermined strength of blow to be struck and according to the deflection of the club head produced by such blow.

A golf club having a grip, shaft and club head provided with a striking face wherein the outer portion of club face is in advance of the inner portion thereof an amount which bears a definite relation to the lateral flexibility of the shaft whereby the striking face is brought parallel with the normal axis of the club when delivering a predetermined blow.

l. The process of shaping the face of a golf club. which consists in cutting the striking face of the club at an angle relative to the normal axis of the club shaft and grip which is determined in accordance with the deflection of the club head under a predetermined moment produced by pressure on the striking face.

5. In the process of determining the proper angle for the face of a golf club head relative to the normal axis of the club shaft and grip for predetermined moments produced by pressure on the striking face, the step which consists in laterally deflecting and twisting the club shaft and head an amount corresponding thereto.

(5. The process of shaping the face of a golf club, which consists in fixedly clamping the grip of the golf club, applying a predetermined pressure to the unfinished face of the club in a direction approximately in the line of flight of a ball to deflect the club shaft and head, and finishing the face of the deflected club head to a predetermined angle relative to the normal axis of the club grip.

7. in the shaping of the striking face of a golf club head, the process which consists in clamping the grip of the club. applying a predetermined pressure to the unfinished face of the club in a direction approximately in the line of flight of a ball to deflect the club shaft and head. clamping the club head in deflected position, and finishing the face of the club head to a predetermined angle relative to the normal axis of the club grip.

8. The process of shaping the face of a golf club. which consists in clamping the grip of the club. laterally deflecting and twisting the club head shaft an amount corresponding with a stroke of predetermined strength and cutting back the face of the club to an angle so that it is at a predetermined loft and substantially parallel with the normal axis of the club grip and shaft.

9. An apparatus for shaping' golf club faces, comprising means for fixedly clamping a got f club grip, pressure applying means for producing a moment, in the club shaft relative to the fixedly clanuied grip to laterally bend and twist the club shaft and dc fleet the club head, and means for cutting the club face to have, when so deflected, a predetermined loft and to be substantially parallel with the normal axis of the club shaft and grip.

10. An apparatus for shaping golf club faces, comprising, means for fixedly clamping a golf club grip, pressure a 'iplyintf means for producing a moment in the club shaft relative to the fixedly clamped grip to laterally bend and twist the club shaft and deflect the club head, means for ctamping the club head in deflected position. and means for cutting the club face to have. when so deflected, a predetermined loft and to be substantially parallel with the normal axis of the club shaft and grip.

11. An apparatus for shaping golf club faces. comprising. means for fixedly clamping a golf club grip, pressure applying means having pressure indicating means for producing a predetermined moment in the club shaft relative to the fixedly clamped grip to laterally bend and twist the club shaftand deflect the club head an amount corresponding to a blow of n'edetcrmined strength. and means for cutting the club face to have, when so deflected. a predetermined loft and to he sul'istantially parallel with the normal axis of the club shaft and grip 12. An apparatus for shaping golf club faces. comprising. means for tixedly clamping a golf club grip, removahly mounted pressure applying means for producing a moment in the club shaft relative to the fixedly clamped grip to laterally bend and twist the club shaft and deflect the club head. means to clamp the club head in deflected position after which the pressure applying means may he removed. a cutter, means to adjust the cutter to a predetermined loft. and means to guide the cutter across the club face to cut the club face substantially parallel with the normal axis of the club shaft and grip.

13. An apparatus for shaping golf club faces, comprising. a horizontal ground plate. means for clamping the club grip at substantially the playing angle relative to the ground plate, with the club head resting on the ground plate, a pressure applying device engageable with the sweet spot of the club face to apply a predetermined pressure against the club head and push the club head rearwardly to bend and twist the club shaft, means to clamp the club head in deflected position so that the pressure applying device may be removed, and a cutting tool mounted for transverse movement for cutting and shaping the deflected face at a predetermined loft.

it. An apparatus for shaping golf club faces, comprising, a horizontal ground plate, means for clamping the club grip at substantially the playing angle relative to the ground plate, with the club head resting on the ground plate, a pressure applying device engageable with the sweet spot of the club face to apply a predetermined pressure against the club head and push the club head rearwardly to bend and twistthe club shaft, a. movable jaw which may be brought into engagement with the deflected club head and to which the club head may be clamped in deflected position, means for fixedly clamping the jaw, so that the pressure applying device may he removed without releasing the club head, and a cutting tool mounted for transverse movement for cutting and shaping the deflected face at a predetermined loft.

.15. An apparatus for shaping golf club faces, comprising, a horizontal ground plate, means for clamping the club grip at substantially the playing angle relative to the ground plate, with the club head resting on the ground plate, a pressure applying device engageahlc with the sweet spot of the club face to apply a nedetermilied pressure against the club head and push the club head rear 'ardly to bend and twist the club shaft, means to clamp the club head in deflected position so that the pressure applying device may be removed without releasing the club head, a horizontal tool guide, and a tool mounted therein for cutting and shaping the deflected club face, the tool being mounted on a. horizontal axis to permit varying the angle of loft of the club face.

16. A golf club facing device having a jaw for clamping a club head in fixed position, a. tool guide, a tool support carried on the tool guide, a tool mounted in the tool support, means for adjusting the angle of the tool support to determine the angle of loft of the club face. and means to move the tool along the tool guide to cause the tool to cut across the club face.

17. In an apparatus for shaping golf club faces, a clamping device for fixedly supporting a golf club grip with the shaft and head free to ties and deflect though delivering a blow to a golf ball, a pressure applying device for so flexing the shaft and deflecting the head and holding the same in such position, and a second clamping device to receive the deflected club head and hold it in such position after the pressure has been removed.

18. An apparatus for shaping golf club faces. comprising a ground plate, means for fixedly clamping a golf club grip with the club at substantially playing angle relative to the ground plate, a stationary transverse guide for a cutter arranged in front of the ground plate, a longitudinally movable clamping device, pressure applying means for producing a moment in the club shaft relative to the grip for moving the head backWar-dly into the clamping device, means for securing the deflected head therein, and a cutter carried in the transverse guide for cutting the club face at a predetermined angle relative to the clamps.

vices being adjustable to permit variation of the vertical and horizontal angle of the club grip, pressure applying means acting on the club face for producing a moment in the club shaft to deflect it, a club head clamping device carried by the base for clamping the club head in deflected position and a cutter adjustably carried by the base for cutting the club face at a predetermined horizontal angle relative to the base and at a predetermined angle of loft.

20. An apparatus for shaping golf club faces, comprising, club grip clamping means for clamping a club at substantially playing angle, club head clamping means for holding the club head in deflected position relative to the grip, and a cutter for cutting the club face at predetermined angles of loft and substantially parallel With the normal axis of club grip and shaft.

FREDERICK A. VVALDRON.