US20130324282A1

US20130324282A1 - Golf clubs and golf club heads

Info

Publication number: US20130324282A1
Application number: US13/907,445
Authority: US
Inventors: John T. Stites; Chewei Tai
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corp
Priority date: 2012-05-31
Filing date: 2013-05-31
Publication date: 2013-12-05
Also published as: US9492719B2; JP2015517884A; EP2854965A1; US9101805B2; WO2013181534A1; US20130324284A1; EP2854965B1; JP6181164B2; US20150111659A1

Abstract

Golf club heads include a golf club head body, a ball striking face, and a shaft engaging member configured to engage a golf club shaft with the golf club head body. Further, the shaft engaging member may be configured to engage the golf club head body and the shaft below a center of gravity of the golf club head.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and is a non-provisional of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/653,639, filed on May 31, 2012, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety and made a part hereof.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to golf clubs and golf club heads. Particular example aspects of this disclosure relate to the configuration of golf club heads.

BACKGROUND

Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players—players of different genders and dramatically different ages and/or skill levels. Golf is somewhat unique in the sporting world in that such diverse collections of players can play together in golf events, even in direct competition with one another (e.g., using handicapped scoring, different tee boxes, in team formats, etc.), and still enjoy the golf outing or competition. These factors, together with the increased availability of golf programming on television (e.g., golf tournaments, golf news, golf history, and/or other golf programming) and the rise of well known golf superstars, at least in part, have increased golf's popularity in recent years, both in the United States and across the world.
Golfers at all skill levels seek to improve their performance, lower their golf scores, and reach that next performance “level.” Manufacturers of all types of golf equipment have responded to these demands, and in recent years, the industry has witnessed dramatic changes and improvements in golf equipment. For example, a wide range of different golf ball models now are available, with balls designed to complement specific swing speeds and/or other player characteristics or preferences, e.g., with some balls designed to fly farther and/or straighter; some designed to provide higher or flatter trajectories; some designed to provide more spin, control, and/or feel (particularly around the greens); some designed for faster or slower swing speeds; etc. A host of swing and/or teaching aids also are available on the market that promise to help lower one's golf scores.
Being the sole instrument that sets a golf ball in motion during play, golf clubs also have been the subject of much technological research and advancement in recent years. For example, the market has seen dramatic changes and improvements in putter designs, golf club head designs, shafts, and grips in recent years. Additionally, other technological advancements have been made in an effort to better match the various elements and/or characteristics of the golf club and characteristics of a golf ball to a particular user's swing features or characteristics (e.g., club fitting technology, ball launch angle measurement technology, ball spin rates, etc.). Still other advancements have sought to provide golf club constructions that provide improved feel to the golfer or enhanced energy transfer from the golf club to the golf ball.
While the industry has witnessed dramatic changes and improvements to golf equipment in recent years, there is room in the art for further advances in golf club technology. The present invention seeks to address certain of the shortcomings of prior golf club designs and to provide a design having advantages to heretofore provided.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of the disclosure and various aspects of it. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way, but it simply provides a general overview and context for the more detailed description that follows.
Golf club heads according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure include: a golf club head body, a ball striking face, and a shaft engaging member which is configured to engage the golf club head body with a golf club shaft. According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body and the shaft engaging member may be configured so as to engage with each other. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head may be configured to provide the connection between the golf club head body and the shaft connecting member wherein the connection is below the center of gravity of the golf club head and/or the center of gravity of the golf club head body. Additionally, according to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head may be configured so as to provide the connection between the golf club head body and the shaft connecting member below the center of the ball striking face of the golf club head or below other preferred impact positions between the golf ball and the ball striking face of the golf club head.
Additional aspects of this disclosure relate to golf club structures that include golf club heads, e.g., of the types described above. Such golf club structures further may include one or more of: a shaft attached to the club head (optionally via a separate shaft connecting member or a shaft connecting member provided as an integral part of one or more of the club head or shaft); a grip or handle attached to the shaft member; additional weight members; etc.
Still additional aspects of this disclosure relate to methods for producing golf club heads and golf club structures, e.g., of the types described above. Such methods may include, for example: (a) providing a golf club head of the various types described above, e.g., by manufacturing or otherwise constructing the golf club head, by obtaining the golf club head from another source, etc.; and (b) engaging the shaft with the golf club head (e.g., via the shaft connecting member). Other steps also may be included in these methods, such as engaging a grip with the shaft, club head body finishing steps, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative embodiment of an iron-type golf club structure according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the iron-type golf club head shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the iron-type golf club head shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is an illustrative embodiment of another iron-type golf club structure according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the iron-type golf club head shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative embodiment of another iron-type golf club structure according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 5A is another view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 1 wherein the center of gravity of the golf club head is symbolically illustrated;

FIG. 5B is a conventional iron-type golf club head wherein the center of gravity of the golf club head is symbolically illustrated;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative embodiment of an wood-type golf club structure according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the iron-type golf club head shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative embodiment of another wood-type golf club structure according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the wood-type golf club head shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10A is another view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 6 wherein the center of gravity of the golf club head is symbolically illustrated; and

FIG. 10B is a conventional wood-type golf club head.

The reader is advised that the various parts shown in these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and the accompanying figures disclose features of golf club heads and golf clubs in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE GOLF CLUB HEADS, GOLF CLUBS, AND METHODS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS DISCLOSURE

Aspects of this disclosure relate to iron-type golf club heads and iron-type golf clubs. Iron-type golf club heads according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include: (a) an iron-type golf club head body; (b) a ball striking face; and (c) a shaft engaging member that is configured to engage the iron-type golf club head with a shaft of the iron-type golf club.
According to aspects of this disclosure, the iron-type golf club head body and the shaft engaging member may be integrally formed and/or separate parts configured to engage with each other. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the iron-type golf club head body and the shaft engaging member may be configured to provide a connection between the iron-type golf club head body and the shaft engaging member, wherein the entire connection is completely below the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head and/or the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head body. Additionally, according to aspects of the disclosure, the iron-type golf club head body and the shaft engaging member may be configured to provide the entire connection between the iron-type golf club head body and the shaft connecting member completely below the center of the ball striking face of the iron-type golf club head or completely below other preferred impact positions between the golf ball and the ball striking face of the iron-type golf club head.
Further aspects of this disclosure relate to wood-type golf club heads and wood-type golf clubs. Wood-type golf club heads according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include: (a) a wood-type golf club head body; (b) a ball striking face; and (c) a shaft engaging member that is configured to engage the wood-type golf club head with a shaft of the wood-type golf club.
According to aspects of this disclosure, the wood-type golf club head may be configured such that an entire connection between the wood-type golf club head body and the shaft engaging member is completely below the center of gravity of the wood-type golf club head and/or the center of gravity of the wood-type golf club head body. Additionally, according to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head may be configured such that the entire connection between the wood-type golf club head body and the shaft engaging member is completely below the center of the ball striking face of the wood-type golf club head or below other preferred impact positions between the golf ball and the ball striking face of the wood-type golf club head.
Further, it is noted that, according to aspects of the disclosure, the iron-type or wood-type golf club head body and the shaft engaging member may be separate pieces configured to engage with each other. Additionally, according to other aspects of the disclosure, the iron-type or wood-type golf club head body and the shaft engaging member may be integrally formed as a unitary, one-piece construction.
Additional aspects of this disclosure relate to iron-type and wood-type golf club structures that include golf club heads, e.g., of the types described above. Such iron-type and wood-type golf club structures further may include one or more of: a shaft attached to the golf club head (optionally via a separate shaft engaging member or a shaft engaging member provided as a part of one or more of the club head and/or shaft); a grip or handle attached to the shaft; etc.
Still additional aspects of this disclosure relate to methods for producing iron-type and wood-type golf club heads and iron-type and wood-type golf club structures in accordance with examples of this disclosure. Such methods may include, for example, one or more of the following steps in any desired order and/or combinations: (a) providing a golf club head, e.g., of the various types described above (including any or all of the various structures, features, and/or arrangements described above), e.g., by manufacturing or otherwise constructing the golf club head body, by obtaining it from a third party source, etc.; (b) engaging a shaft with the golf club head (e.g., via the shaft engaging member); and (c) engaging a grip with the shaft.
Given the general description of various example aspects of the disclosure provided above, more detailed descriptions of various specific examples of golf clubs and golf club head structures according to the disclosure are provided below.

II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE GOLF CLUB HEADS, GOLF CLUB STRUCTURES, AND METHODS ACCORDING TO THE DISCLOSURE

The following discussion and accompanying figures describe various example golf clubs and golf club head structures in accordance with the present disclosure. When the same reference number appears in more than one drawing, that reference number is used consistently in this specification and the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts throughout.
More specific examples and features of iron-type golf club heads and golf club structures according to this disclosure will be described in detail below in conjunction with the example golf club structures illustrated in FIGS. 1-5A and 6-10A.
FIG. 1 generally illustrates an example of an iron-type golf club 100 according to aspects of the disclosure. As seen in FIG. 1, the iron-type golf club may include an iron-type golf club head 101 in accordance with the present disclosure.
In addition to the golf club head 101, the overall golf club structure 100 may include a shaft 103 and a grip or handle 105 attached to the shaft 103. The shaft 103 may be received in, engaged with, and/or attached to the golf club head 101, for example, through a shaft-receiving sleeve or element extending into the club head 101 (e.g., the shaft engaging member discussed below), via a hosel (e.g., a hosel included in the shaft engaging member discussed below), and/or in other manners as will be described in more detail below. The connections may be via adhesives, cements, welding, soldering, mechanical connectors (such as threads, retaining elements, or the like), etc. If desired, the shaft 103 may be connected to the golf club head 101 in a releasable and/or adjustable manner using mechanical connectors to allow easy interchange of one shaft for another on the head and/or adjustment of the shaft with respect to the head.
The shaft 103 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. Also, the grip or handle 105 may be attached to, engaged with, and/or extend from the shaft 103 in any suitable or desired manner, including in conventional manners known and used in the art, e.g., using adhesives or cements, mechanical connectors, etc. As another example, if desired, the grip or handle 105 may be integrally formed as a unitary, one-piece construction with the shaft 103. Additionally, any desired grip or handle materials may be used without departing from this disclosure, including, for example: rubber materials, leather materials, rubber or other materials including cord or other fabric material embedded therein, polymeric materials, and the like.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head 101 may include a golf club head body 107 and a shaft engaging member 109. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 101 may also include a ball striking face 111. In some example structures, the ball striking face 111 may be integrally formed with the golf club head body 107 as a unitary, one-piece construction. According to other examples, the ball striking face 111 may constitute a separate element, such as a face plate, which is configured to be engaged with the golf club head body 107. For example, the golf club head body 107 may include a structure, such as a recess, notch, frame or other configuration for receiving the face plate. According to aspects of the disclosure, the face plate may be engaged with the golf club head body 107 in a variety of ways. For example, the face plate may be engaged with the golf club head body 107 by press fitting; bonding with adhesives or cements; welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques; mechanical connectors; etc.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the ball striking face 111 may have a generally trapezoidal shape which extends between a top and a sole of the golf club head body 107 and, further, extends substantially between a toe and a heel of the golf club head body 107. Of course, the ball striking face 111 may have other configurations as well.
According to further aspects of the disclosure, the ball striking face 111 may be comprised of one or more materials. The material(s) of the ball striking face should be relatively durable to withstand the repeated impacts with the golf ball. As some more specific examples, the ball striking face 111 may comprise a high strength steel titanium or other metals, or other alloys as well.
Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the ball striking face 111 may include one or more score lines or grooves that extend generally horizontally across the ball striking face 111 (when the club is oriented in a ball address orientation). The score lines may interact with the dimpled surface of the golf ball during the impact of the golf club head 101 with a golf ball (e.g., during a golf swing) and affect the aerodynamics of the golf ball during the golf shot. For example, the score lines may cause a spin (e.g., back spin) of the golf ball during the golf shot.
Aspects of the disclosure relate to particular structures of the golf club head body 107 and the shaft engaging member 109. According to some examples of this invention, the golf club head body 107 and the shaft engaging member 109 may be separate pieces that are configured to be engaged with each other. FIGS. 2-3 illustrate various views of a golf club head 101 according to such an embodiment of this disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a front view of an illustrative embodiment of the golf club head 101 according to aspects of the disclosure and FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the golf club head 101 shown in FIG. 2.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 107 may be constructed in any suitable or desired manner and/or from any suitable or desired materials without departing from this disclosure, including from conventional materials and/or in conventional manners known and used in the art. For example, the club head body 107 and/or its various parts may be made by forging, casting, molding, and/or using other techniques and processes, including techniques and processes that are conventional and known in the art. According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 107 may be a blade type iron golf club head. According to other aspects the golf club head body 107 may be a perimeter weighted and/or cavity back type golf club head, a half cavity iron type golf club head, or other iron type golf club head structure.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 107 may include a top 107 a, a sole 107 b, a toe end 107 c, and a heel end 107 d. Further, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, according to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 107 may be configured in a generally trapezoidal shape.
According to aspects of the disclosure, at least a portion of the heel end 107 d of the golf club head body 107 may be substantially flat. For example, at least a portion of the heel end 107 d of the golf club head body 107 may formed as a relatively flat surface that extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the sole 107 b of the golf club head body 107 (e.g., the heel end 107 d may extend in a substantially vertical plane when the golf club head 101 is at the ball address position). Further, according to aspects of the disclosure and as seen in FIG. 3, the heel end 107 d may have a tapered configuration wherein the heel end 107 d becomes narrower as it extends vertically from the sole 107 b, such that the lower portion of the heel end 107 d is wider than the upper portion of the heel end 107 d.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 107 may be configured to engage with the shaft engaging member 109. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the golf club head body 107 may include a structure, such as a hole 108, configured to receive a portion of the shaft engaging member 109. According to aspects of the disclosure, the hole 108 may be provided in the golf club head body 107 in a variety of ways. For example, the hole 108 may be bored, or otherwise created an extrusion method. Also, the hole 108 may be formed in the golf club head body 107 during manufacturing, such as when the golf club head body 107 is created by forging, casting, molding, and/or other techniques and processes.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the hole 108 may be formed in a side of the golf club head body 107 which is configured to engage with the shaft engaging member 109. For example, the hole 108 may be positioned in the heel end 107 d of the golf club head body 107. Such an illustrative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 2-3. As seen in FIGS. 2-3, the hole 108 extends from the plane formed at the heel end 107 d of the golf club head body 107 into the golf club head body 107. According to aspects of the disclosure, the hole 108 may extend between 0.2-1.0 inches, 0.4-0.8 inches or 0.5-0.6 inches into the golf club head body 107. If desired, the hole 108 may be tapered so that the diameter becomes narrower as it extends farther into the golf club head body 107. As long as the shaft engaging member 109 and the golf club head body 107 are securely engaged, the distance or depth into the golf club head body 107 which the hole 108 extends may be varied as desired. For example, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the hole 108 may extend into the golf club head body 107 across substantially the entire length of the golf club head body 107 or the entire length of the length of the sole of the golf club head body 107. In other words, the hole 108 may extend into the golf club head body 107 over 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the length of the of the golf club head body 107 or 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the length of the length of the sole of the golf club head body 107.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the width (e.g., the diameter) at the opening of hole 108 may be varied as desired. According to some aspects of the disclosure, the opening of the hole 108 may have a width of 0.25-0.75 inches, 0.4-0.6 inches or 0.5-0.55 inches. Further, the opening of the hole 108 may be in a range of 20-70%, 30-60% or 40-50% of a total surface area of the heel end 107 d of the golf club head body 107. According to aspects of the disclosure, the shape of the opening of the hole 108 may be configured as desired. For example, the shape of the opening of the hole 108 may be circular, triangular, square or rectangular, other polygons, serrated, etc. Further, while only a single hole is shown in the depicted embodiment, multiple holes may be provided and used if desired.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the hole 108 may be configured as a horizontal, or relatively horizontal, hole in the golf club head body 107 (when the club head 101 is in a ball address orientation). For example, as seen in the depicted embodiment, the hole 108 extends in a horizontal fashion in the toe-heel direction of the golf club head body 107. However, if desired, the hole 108 may be configured to create an angled hole in the golf club head body 107. For example, the hole 108 may be angled upwardly or downwardly relative to the heel to toe direction for the golf club head 107.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the hole 108 may be positioned relatively low in the golf club head body 107 when the club head 101 is in a ball address orientation. For example, the hole 108 may be positioned closer to sole 107 b of the golf club head body 107 than the top 107 a of the golf club head body 107. As some more specific examples, the hole 108 may be positioned such that it is in the lower half, lower third, or lower quarter of an overall height, of the golf club head body 107 (e.g., as measured from the sole to the highest point of the golf club head body 107 when the when the club head 101 is in a ball address orientation). Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the hole 108 may be positioned such that it is just above the sole 107 b of the club head body 107 (e.g., the lower edge of the hole 108 may be within approximately 0.125 to 0.25 inches above the sole 107 b of the golf club head body 107).
As discussed above, the golf club head 101 may include a shaft engaging member 109. The shaft engaging member may 109 may be configured to receive the shaft 103 and, further, to engage the golf club head body 107. According to aspects of the disclosure, and the shaft engaging member 109 may be constructed in any suitable or desired manner and/or from any suitable or desired materials without departing from this disclosure, including from conventional materials and/or in conventional manners known and used in the art for making golf club heads and parts of golf club heads. For example, according to aspects of the disclosure, similarly to the golf club head body 107, the shaft engaging member 109 may be formed in a variety of ways, such as forging, casting, molding, and/or other techniques and processes and may be made from durable materials, such as metals (e.g., steel, alloys, etc.) plastics, polymers, etc. Further, as seen in FIGS. 2-3, according to aspects of the disclosure, the shaft engaging member 109 may include a first portion 109 a configured to engage with the shaft 103 of the golf club and a second portion 109 b configured to engage with the club head body 107.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the first portion 109 a may be oriented so that it extends upward and away from the golf club head body 107 when engaged with the golf club head body 107 and the golf club 100 is at the ball address position. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the first portion 109 a of the shaft engaging member 109 may include a hosel or other structure for engaging the shaft. According to aspects of the disclosure, the shaft 103 may be received in and/or inserted into and/or through the hosel.
If desired, the first portion 109 a of the shaft engaging member 109 may be configured such that the shaft 103 may be engaged with the first portion 109 a of the shaft engaging member 109 in a releasable and/or adjustable manner using mechanical connectors to allow easy interchange of one shaft for another on the head and/or to allow adjustment of the orientation of the shaft 103 with respect to the golf club head 107. For example, threads, locking mechanisms, etc. may be incorporated into the first portion 109 a of the shaft engaging member 109, and the end of the shaft 103 that is to be engaged with the first portion 109 a of the shaft engaging member 109 may be configured with a corresponding configuration. Alternatively, the shaft 103 may be secured to the shaft connecting member 109 via bonding with adhesives or cements, welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques, etc.
Further, optionally, if desired, the hosel may be eliminated and the shaft 103 may be otherwise attached to the golf club head 101 through the first portion 109 a of the shaft engaging member 109 of the golf club head 101. For example, the shaft 103 may be otherwise engaged with the first portion 109 a of the shaft engaging member 109 by butt welding, laser welding, other type of welding; bonding with adhesives or cements, soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques; etc.
As discussed above, according to aspects of the disclosure, the shaft engaging mechanism 109 may include a second portion 109 b that is configured to engage with the club head body 107. As seen in FIG. 2, according to aspects of the disclosure, the second portion 109 b may be oriented so that it extends horizontally, or relatively horizontally, when engaged with the golf club head body 107 and the golf club 100 is at the ball address position. If desired, the shaft engaging member 109 may be configured such that an obtuse angle is defined between the first portion 109 a of the shaft engaging member 109 and the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109. The angle formed between the second portion of the shaft connecting member 109 b and the first portion of the shaft connecting member 109 a may define the top of the second portion of the shaft connecting member 109 b. In such embodiments, the second portion of the shaft connecting member 109 b is considered to not extend above the horizontal, or relatively horizontal, line (when the club head 101 is at the ball address position) that defines, in part, the angle formed between the second portion of the shaft connecting member 109 b and the first portion of the shaft connecting member 109 a. FIG. 3 illustrates such a line in broken line format.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, according to aspects of the disclosure, the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 may be configured with an outer surface that aligns with a corresponding outer surface of the golf club head body 107. For example, the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 may be configured with a shoulder area 109 d such that the front surface of the shoulder area 109 d aligns with the front surface, or ball striking face 111, of the golf club head 101 when shaft engaging member 109 is engaged with the golf club head body 107. Similarly, the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 may be configured such that the bottom surface and rear surface of the shoulder area 109 d align with a respective sole surface and rear surface of the golf club head body 107 when shaft engaging member 109 is engaged with the golf club head body 107. In this way there may be a relatively seamless engagement between the shaft engaging member 109 and the golf club head body 107 (at least along a portion or a majority of the engaged surfaces) when shaft engaging member 109 is engaged with the golf club head body 107. Optionally, the seam between the golf club body 107 and the shaft engaging member 109 may be concealed, e.g., by paint, by chroming or electroplating, by coating, or in some other manner.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 may be configured such that the top of the second portion 109 b does not engage with the top of the golf club head body 107. For example, according to aspects of the disclosure, when engaged with the golf club head body 107, the top of the shoulder area 109 d of the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 may be at a position that is less than ¾ of the height of the heel end 107 d of the golf club head body 107 or less than ¾ of the height of the overall golf club head body 107. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, when engaged with the golf club head body 107, the top of the shoulder area 109 d of the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 may be at a position that is less than ½ or ¼ of the height of the heel end 107 d of the golf club head body 107.
Therefore, as seen in FIG. 2, in such a configuration, a space or gap is provided between heel end 107 d of the golf club head body 107 and the shaft engaging member 109. For example, according to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 107 and the shaft engaging member 109 may be configured to provide a space or gap between the upper portion (e.g., the upper ¾, ½, ¼, etc.) of the heel end 107 d of club head body 107 (or the upper portion (e.g., the upper ¾, ½, ¼, etc.) of the club head body 107 d) and the shaft engaging member 109 when the shaft engaging member 109 is engaged with the club head body 107. In this configuration, as seen in FIG. 2, the lower portion of the plane of the heel end 107 d may be engaged with the shaft engaging member 109 while an upper portion of the vertical plane of the heel end 107 d (e.g., the upper ¾, ½, ¼, etc.) is exposed and not engaged with the shaft engaging member 109.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 may be configured such that when engaged with the golf club head body 107, the connection between the shaft engaging member 109 and the golf club head body 107 (e.g., the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109) is below the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head 101 and/or below the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head body 107 and/or below the center of the ball striking face of the iron-type golf club head. For example, according to aspects of the disclosure, the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 may be configured such that when engaged with the golf club head body 107, the entire second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 is below the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head 101 and/or below the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head body 107 and/or below the center of the ball striking face of the iron-type golf club head.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the second portion 109 b may include a protrusion 109 c that extends from the second portion 109 b. According to aspects of the disclosure, the protrusion 109 c may extend from a side of the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109. As seen in FIG. 3, the protrusion 109 c may extend outward from a relatively vertical plane formed at the side of the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109.
Further, the protrusion 109 c may be configured to extend into and engage with the hole 108 of the club head body member 107. For example, the protrusion 109 c may be a tubular protrusion and fits into the hole 108 of the club head body member 107. Further, the protrusion 109 c may be sized and configured such that when engaged with the hole 108, an outer surface of the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 (i.e., the shoulder area 109 d shown in FIG. 3) matches and mates with a corresponding outer surface of the golf club head body 107 (e.g., in a relatively seamless manner such as described above). Thus, the protrusion 109 c and the hole 108 may have various corresponding or cooperating shapes.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the protrusion 109 c may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the protrusion 109 c may be formed in the shaft engaging member 109 during manufacturing, such as when the shaft engaging member 109 is created by forging, casting, molding, and/or other techniques and processes. Also, the protrusion 109 c may be attached to the shaft engaging member 109 after manufacture of the shaft engaging member 109. For example, according to aspects of the disclosure, protrusion 109 c may be a separate peg or dowel that is engaged with the shaft engaging member 109 (e.g., by welding, by cements, etc.).
According to aspects of the disclosure, the protrusion 109 c may extend between 0.2-1.0 inches, 0.4-0.8 inches or 0.5-0.6 inches away from the shoulder area 109 d of the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109. As long as the shaft engaging member 109 and the golf club head body 107 are securely engaged, the distance or depth that the protrusion 109 c extends out of the shaft engaging member 109 may be varied as desired. For example, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the protrusion 109 c may extend out of the shaft engaging member 109 for a length that is substantially the entire length of the golf club head body 107. In other words, the protrusion 109 c may extend out of the shaft engaging member 109 over 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the length of the of the golf club head body 107 or the 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the length of the sole of the golf club head body 107. In this way, the protrusion 109 c may engage with and fill a corresponding hole 108 that extends into the golf club head body 107 by the same or similar dimension.
FIGS. 3A and 3B shows an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the hole 108 and the protrusion 109 c have lengths which extend substantially the entire length of the golf club head body 107. It is noted that in such an embodiment, the weight of the golf club head 101 may be more centered. Further, the protrusions 109 c may be formed with a varied density along its length such that the protrusions may provide more weight a particular portion of the golf club head 101 (e.g., heel or toe weighted).
According to further aspects of the disclosure, the width (e.g., the diameter) of the protrusion 109 c may be varied as desired. According to some aspects of the disclosure, the protrusion 109 c may have a width of 0.25-0.75 inches, 0.4-0.6 inches or 0.5-0.55 inches. According to aspects of the disclosure, the shape of the protrusion 109 c may be configured as desired. For example, the shape of the protrusion 109 c may be circular, triangular, square or rectangular, etc. in order to correspond to the shape of the hole 108 in the golf club head body 107. It is noted that while only a single protrusion 109 c is shown in the depicted embodiment, multiple protrusions may be used if desired.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the protrusion 109 c may be configured to extend horizontally, or relatively horizontally, away from the shoulder area 109 d of the shaft engaging mechanism 109. For example, as seen in the depicted embodiment, the protrusion 109 c extends in a horizontal fashion in the toe-heel direction of the golf club head 101. However, if desired, the protrusion 109 c may be configured to extend from the shaft engaging member 109 at an angle. For example, the protrusion 109 c may be angled upwardly or downwardly relative to the heel to toe direction of the shaft engaging member 109.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the protrusion 109 c may be positioned relatively low in the shaft engaging member 109. For example, the protrusion 109 c may be positioned closer to the bottom of the shaft engaging member 109 than the top of the shaft engaging member 109. As some more specific examples, the protrusion 109 c may be positioned such that it is in the lower half, or lower quarter, of the shaft engaging member 109. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the protrusion 109 c may be positioned such that it is extends from the center of the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 (e.g., the lower edge of the protrusion 109 c may be within approximately 0.125 to 0.25 inches of the bottom of the shaft engaging member 109).
In the depicted embodiment as described above, the shaft engaging member 109 may be engaged with the golf club head body 107 by inserting the protrusion 109 c into the hole 108. Further, if desired, the golf club head 101 may include one or more securing or retaining features that aid in securing the engagement of the shaft engaging member 109 with the golf club head body 107.
For example, according to aspects of the disclosure, the protrusion 109 c may include one or more keys or ridges that correspond to one or more respective notches at the opening of the hole 108 or within the interior of the of club head body 107. Such keys or ridges on the protrusion 109 c may be configured to engage with corresponding notches or grooves in the hole 108 in order to engage or lock the club head body 107 with the shaft engaging member 109 (e.g., to prevent twisting of these parts with respect to one another). For example, the keys or ridges of the protrusion 109 c may be aligned with notches in the hole 108 to allow the protrusion 109 c to slide into the hole 108. Further, the hole 108 may be configured with grooves that allow the protrusion 109 c to be rotated from a first position, at which the keys or ridges are aligned with the notches to allow entry of the protrusion 109 c into the hole 108, to a second position, wherein the keys or ridges of the protrusion 109 c are no longer aligned with the notches of the hole 108. In this way, the shaft engaging member 109 may be secured or locked within the golf club head body 107. Of course, other securing or retaining features may be provided as well (e.g., threads, recesses, snap fit features, etc.). For example, the end of hole 108 (e.g., the end of the hole close to the toe of the golf club head 101) may include securing, retaining of locking members (e.g., mechanical connectors) which receive corresponding members on the protrusion 109 c (e.g., expandable/contractible members on the tip end of the protrusion 109 c) when the protrusion 109 c is inserted into the hole 108 and prevent the protrusion 109 c from being disengaged from the hole 108 once the expandable/contractible members on the tip end of the protrusion 109 c have been received and expanded in the securing, retaining or locking members at the end of the hole 108 and until they are contracted to release from the mechanical connectors.
According to example embodiments of the disclosure, the hole 108 may extend through the entire golf club head body 107. In such an embodiments, there are openings at both the toe end 107 c and the heel end 107 d of the golf club head body 107. Further, in such embodiments, the protrusion 109 may be secured via a mechanical connector extends from the opening at the toe end 107 c of the golf club head body 107.
Therefore, it is understood that the shaft engaging member 109 may be configured to be engaged with the golf club head body 107 in a releasable manner using mechanical connectors. It is noted that in such a configuration, if desired, easy interchange of one shaft for another (e.g., if the shaft 103 is permanently affixed to the shaft engaging member 109) may be accomplished. Further, it is noted that in addition to the above described mechanical connectors, the engagement between the shaft engaging member 109 the golf club head body 107 may be supplemented with other securing means such as bonding with adhesives or cements, welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques, etc.
Further, it is noted that while a hole and a protrusion are specifically described above, the shaft engaging member 109 may be engaged with the golf club head body 107 in any desired manner. For example, according to other embodiments of the disclosure, no protrusions and no holes are used. For example, the shaft engaging member 109 may be engaged with the golf club head body 107 via mechanical connectors (e.g., threads, recesses, snap fit features, etc.) which do not include the protrusion and hole described above. Also, if desired, in addition to such other mechanical connectors, the engagement between the shaft engaging member 109 and the golf club head body 107 may be supplemented with other securing means, such as bonding with adhesives or cements, welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques, etc.
Further, it is noted that as an alternative to mechanical connectors, such as described above, securing means, such as bonding with adhesives or cements, welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques, etc., may be employed to secure the shaft engaging member 109 with the golf club head body 107. For example, according to some aspects of the disclosure, the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 may be directly engaged with the golf club head body 107. For example, an outer surface of the second portion 109 b of the shaft engaging member 109 (e.g., the relatively vertical plane at a toe end of the shaft engaging member 109) may be directly engaged with a corresponding outer surface of the club head body 107 (e.g., the relatively vertical plane at the heel end 107 d of the club head body 107). For example, according to aspects of the disclosure, such portions of the shaft engaging member 109 and the club head body 107 may be engaged via a butt welding process.
It is noted that the shaft engaging member 109 and club head body 107 may have other configurations than shown in the depicted embodiment. For example, golf club head body 107 and shaft engaging member 109 may have corresponding configurations, such as corresponding notches and recesses, corresponding stair step configurations, etc.
Further, it is also noted that, if desired, according to other aspects of the disclosure, the shaft engaging member 109 may be integral with the shaft 103. For example, the shaft 103 may be relatively permanently engaged with the shaft engaging member 109 instead of the shaft 103 being easily removable from the shaft engaging member 109 as described above.
Further, it is also noted that, if desired, according to other aspects of the disclosure, no shaft engaging member 109 is needed. For example, the shaft 103 may be attached directly to the golf club head body 109 or the golf club head 101. For example, the shaft 103 may be configured at its end that is opposite the grip 105 with a configuration to directly engage with the golf club head body 109 or the golf club head 101. For example, the shaft 103 may include a thicker portion that is joined with the golf club head body 109 or the golf club head 101 via mechanical connectors, bonding with adhesives or cements, welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques, etc. (e.g., joined such that the entire connection is completely below the center of gravity of the golf club head and/or the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head body and/or the center of the face of the golf club head).
Additionally, it is noted that while the above described embodiments reference a shaft engaging member 109 that is a separate element that is configured to be engaged with the golf club head body 107, according to other aspects of the disclosure, the shaft engaging member 109 may be integral with the golf club head body 107. For example, the golf club head 101 may be formed as a single integral piece. An illustrative embodiment of such a golf club head 201 according to such aspects of the disclosure is shown in FIG. 4. The features of the golf club head 201 are similar to the embodiments described above and, therefore, will not be discussed in more detail here for the sake of brevity.
However, it is noted that golf club head 201 may be primarily, or solely, a single integral, piece which includes the golf club head body 207 and the shaft engaging member 209. For example, the club head 201 may be made by forging, casting, molding, and/or using other techniques and processes, including techniques and processes that are conventional and known in the art. The golf club head 201 also may be constructed in any other suitable or desired manner and/or from any suitable or desired materials without departing from this disclosure, including from conventional materials and/or in conventional manners known and used in the art.
Further, it is noted that in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, similarly to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3B, the entire connection between the golf club head body 207 and the shaft engaging member 209 is located below the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head 201 and/or below the center of gravity of the iron type golf club head body 207. Additionally, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 may allow for the entire connection between the golf club head body 207 and the shaft engaging member 209 to be below the center of the ball striking face of the iron-type golf club head 201.
For example, FIG. 5A illustrates the golf club head 101 wherein the center of gravity of the golf club head 101 is shown symbolically at reference numeral 113. Further, the axis along which the golf club head body 107 and the shaft engaging member 109 are connected is shown symbolically at reference numeral 115. As seen in FIG. 5A, the entire connection between the golf club head body 107 and the shaft engaging member 109 is below the center of gravity 113 of the iron-type golf club head 101 (when the club head is oriented in a ball address position).
In contrast, FIG. 5B illustrates a conventional iron-type golf club head 301. As seen in FIG. 5B, the golf club head 301 is a single integral piece wherein the hosel portion of the golf club head 301 is integral with the remainder of the golf club head 301 along the entire heel portion of the golf club head 301. Hence, in contrast to the example golf club head 101 construction shown in FIGS. 1-4, golf club head 301 does not have an entire connection between the golf club head body and the shaft engaging member below the center of gravity of the golf club head.
An iron-type golf club head configured according to aspects of the disclosure can be particularly advantageous. For example, as will be described in detail below, positioning the connection between the golf club head body and the shaft engaging member below the center of gravity of the golf club head and/or the center of gravity of the golf club head body and below the preferred impact position between the golf ball and the ball striking face, may act to provide increased energy transfer.
Further, as will be described in detail below, positioning the connection between the golf club head body and the shaft engaging member below the center of gravity of the golf club head and/or the center of gravity of the golf club head body and below the preferred impact position between the golf ball and the ball striking face, may act to increase “feel” of the golf club, or provide better frequencies of feel to the golfer.
A wide variety of overall club head constructions are possible without departing from this disclosure. For example, it is noted that the dimensions and/or other characteristics of the golf club heads 101 and 201 according to examples of this disclosure may vary significantly without departing from the disclosure. For example, the above described features and configurations may be incorporated into any iron-type club heads including, for example: wedges (e.g., pitching wedges, lob wedges, gap wedges, sand wedges, etc.), iron-type hybrid clubs, driving irons, 0 through 10 irons, etc.
Further, the above described features and configurations in the aspects of the disclosure may be incorporated into blade type golf club heads, perimeter weighted and/or cavity back type golf club heads or other iron type golf club head structures. For example, perimeter weighted and/or cavity back iron-type golf club heads including the golf club head body 107 according to aspects of the disclosure, may include a rear surface opposite the ball striking face 111 that includes a perimeter weighting member extending rearward from the ball striking face and along at least a portion of a circumferential area of the golf club head body.
While iron-type golf clubs and iron-type golf club heads have been described in detail above, other aspects of this disclosure relate to wood-type golf clubs and wood-type golf club heads. For example, FIG. 6 generally illustrates an example of a wood-type golf club 400 according to aspects of the disclosure. As seen in FIG. 6, the wood-type golf club may include an wood-type golf club head 401 in accordance with the present disclosure.
In addition to the golf club head 401, the overall golf club structure 400 may include a shaft 403 and a grip or handle 405 attached to the shaft 403. The shaft 103 may be received in, engaged with, and/or attached to the golf club head 401, for example, through a shaft-receiving sleeve or element extending into the club head 401 (e.g., the shaft engaging member discussed below), via a hosel (e.g., a hosel included in the shaft engaging member discussed below), and/or directly to the club head structure 401, e.g., via adhesives, cements, welding, soldering, mechanical connectors (such as threads, retaining elements, or the like). If desired, the shaft 403 may be connected to the golf club head 401 and/or the shaft engaging member in a releasable manner using mechanical connectors to allow easy interchange of one shaft for another on the head.
The shaft 403 and handle 405 may have any of the features, materials, and/or characteristics of shaft 103 and handle 105 described above, including conventional features, materials, and/or characteristics as are known and used in the art.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head 401 may include a golf club head body 407 and a shaft engaging member 409. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 401 may also include a ball striking face 411. In some example structures, the ball striking face 411 may be integrally formed with at least some portion of the golf club head body 407 as a unitary, one-piece construction. According to other examples, the ball striking face 411 may include a separate element, such as a face plate, which is configured to be engaged with the golf club head body 407. For example, the golf club head body 407 may include a structure, such as a recess, notch, frame, or other configuration for receiving the face plate. According to aspects of the disclosure, the face plate may be engaged with the golf club head body 407 in a variety of ways. For example, the face plate may be engaged with the golf club head body 407 by press fitting; bonding with adhesives or cements; welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques; mechanical connectors; etc.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the ball striking face 411 may be comprised of one or more materials. The material(s) of the ball striking face should be relatively durable to withstand the repeated impacts with the golf ball. According to aspects of the disclosure, the ball striking face 411 may comprise a high strength steel. Further, other materials, such as titanium or other metals or alloys may be used as well. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the ball striking face 411 may include one or more score lines or groove that extend generally horizontally across the ball striking face 411 (when the club head is oriented in a ball address position).
As described above, the golf club head 401 may include the golf club head body 407 and the shaft engaging member 409. Aspects of the disclosure relate to particular structures of the golf club head body 407 and the shaft engaging member 409. According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 407 and the shaft engaging member 409 may be integral. FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of the golf club head 401 wherein the golf club head body 407 and the shaft engaging member 409 are integrally formed as a unitary, one-piece construction.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 407 may be constructed in any suitable or desired manner and/or from any suitable or desired materials without departing from this disclosure, including from conventional materials and/or in conventional manners known and used in the art. In fact, it is noted that wide varieties of overall club head constructions are possible without departing from this disclosure. For example, if desired, some or all of the various individual parts of the club head body described above may be made from multiple pieces that are connected together (e.g., by adhesives or cements; by welding, soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques; by mechanical connectors; etc.). The various parts (e.g., crown, sole, face, etc.) 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 (e.g., titanium, titanium alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, etc.), composite materials, polymer materials, etc. The club head 401 and/or its various parts may be made by forging, casting, molding, machining, stamping, and/or using other techniques and processes, including techniques and processes that are conventional and known in the art.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 407 may include a crown 407 a, a sole 407 b, a toe end 407 c, and a heel end 407 d. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the heel end 407 d of the golf club head body 407 may be relatively curved. For example, the heel end 407 d of the golf club head body 407 may formed as a relatively arcuate surface that extends from the sole 407 b of the golf club head body 407 (e.g., the heel end 407 d may extend substantially upward in an arcuate fashion when the golf club head 401 is at the ball address position).
As discussed above, the golf club head 401 may include a shaft engaging member 409. The shaft engaging member may 409 may be configured to receive the shaft 403. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 407 and the shaft engaging member 409 may be integral. For example, according to aspects of the disclosure, when the golf club head 401 is formed (e.g., through one of the above described methods) the golf club head body 407 and the shaft engaging member 409 are formed as part of golf club head 401 during the manufacturing process.
According to aspects of the disclosure, and as shown in FIG. 7, the golf club head 401 may be configured such that the shaft engaging member 409 extends from the sole 407 b or the heel end 407 d of the golf club head body 407. For example, the shaft engaging member 409 may extend from the sole 407 b of the golf club head body 407 or a lower portion (e.g., a lower ½, ⅓, or ¼) of the heel end 407 d of the golf club head body 407 or a lower portion (e.g., a lower ½, ⅓, or ¼) of the overall golf club head body 407. For example, the shaft engaging member 409 may be oriented so that at least a portion of the shaft engaging member 409 extends horizontally, or relatively horizontally, from the sole 407 b of the golf club head body 407 or a lower portion (e.g., a lower ½, ⅓, or ¼) of the heel end 407 d of the golf club head body 407 or a lower portion (e.g., a lower ½, ⅓, or ¼) of the overall golf club head body 407. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the shaft engaging member 409 may be curved, or bent, so that at least a portion of the shaft engaging member 409 extends relatively upward and away from the golf club head body 407 when the golf club 400 is at the ball address position.
Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, shaft engaging member 409 may include a hosel. According to aspects of the disclosure, the shaft 403 may be received in and/or inserted into and/or through the hosel. If desired, the shaft engaging member 409 may be configured such that the shaft 403 may be engaged with the shaft engaging member 409 in a releasable and/or adjustable manner using mechanical connectors to allow easy interchange of one shaft for another on the head and/or to allow adjustment of the orientation of the shaft 403 with respect to the golf club head 407. For example, threads, locking mechanisms, and the like may be incorporated into the shaft engaging member 409 and the end of the shaft 403 that is to be engaged with the shaft engaging member 409 may be configured with a corresponding configuration. Also, the shaft 403 may be secured to the shaft connecting member 409 via bonding with adhesives or cements, welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques, etc.
Further, optionally, if desired, the hosel may be eliminated and the shaft 403 may be otherwise attached to the golf club head 401 through the shaft engaging member 409 of the golf club head 401. For example, the shaft 403 may be otherwise engaged with the shaft engaging member 409 by bonding with adhesives or cements; welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques; etc.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the shaft engaging member 409 may be configured such that the bottom portion of the shaft engaging member 409 that extends from the golf club head body 407 in a generally horizontal manner does not engage with the crown of the golf club head body 407. For example, according to aspects of the disclosure, the bottom portion of shaft engaging member 409 that extends from the golf club head body 407 may be at a position that is less than ¾, ½, or ¼, of the overall height of the golf club head body 407 or is less than ¾, ½, or ¼, of the overall height of the heel end of the golf club head body 407.
Therefore, as seen in FIG. 7, in such a configuration, a space or gap may be provided between heel end 407 d of the golf club head body 407 and the shaft engaging member 409. For example, according to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body 407 and the shaft engaging member 409 may be configured to provide a space or gap between the upper portion (e.g., the upper ¾, ½, ¼, etc.) of the heel of club head body 407 d and the shaft engaging member 409. In this configuration, as seen in FIG. 7, an upper portion of the heel end 407 d (e.g., the upper ¾, ½, ¼, etc.) is exposed and does not contact the shaft engaging member 409.
According to aspects of the disclosure, the shaft engaging member 409 may be configured such that the point where the shaft engaging member 409 extends from the golf club head body 407 (or the entire connection between the shaft engaging member 409 and the golf club head body 407) is below the center of gravity of the wood-type golf club head 401 and/or below the center of gravity of the wood-type golf club head body 407 and/or below the center of the ball striking face of the wood-type golf club head. For example, according to aspects of the disclosure, the shaft engaging member 409 may be configured such that the entire portion of shaft engaging member 409 that is directly contacting the golf club head body 409 is below the center of gravity of the wood-type golf club head 401 and/or below the center of gravity of the wood-type golf club head body 407 and/or below the center of the ball striking face of the wood-type golf club head.
Additionally, it is noted that while the above described embodiments reference a golf club head wherein the golf club head body and the shaft engaging member are integral, according to other aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head body and the shaft engaging member may be separate pieces that are configured to be engaged with each other. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate various views of a golf club head 501 according to such an embodiment of this disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a front view of an illustrative embodiment of the golf club head 501 according to aspects of the disclosure and FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the golf club head 501 shown in FIG. 8.
As seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the golf club head body 507 and the shaft engaging member 509 may be formed as separate pieces configured to be engaged with each other. For example, the shaft engaging member 509 may include a protrusion 509 c that is configured to engage with a hole in the golf club head body 507. Further any other connection means and methods, such as the ones described above, may be employed here as well. In fact, it is noted that the features of the golf club head 501 are similar to the embodiments described above and, therefore, will not be again described in great detail here for the sake of brevity.
However, it is noted that in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the entire connection between the golf club head body 507 and the shaft engaging member 509 may be located below the center of gravity of the wood-type golf club head.
It is noted that the above described configurations of golf club head 401 may allow for the shaft engaging member 409 to be extend from the golf club head body 407 at a point that is below the center of gravity of the wood-type golf club head 401. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the above described configurations of golf club head 401 may allow for the entire connection between the golf club head body 407 and the shaft engaging member 409 to be below the center of gravity of the wood-type golf club head 401.
For example, FIG. 10A illustrates the golf club head 401 wherein the center of gravity of the golf club head 401 is shown symbolically at reference numeral 413. As seen in FIG. 10A, the entire connection between the golf club head body 407 and the shaft engaging member 409 is below the center of gravity 413 of the wood-type golf club head 401.
In contrast, FIG. 10B illustrates a conventional golf club head 601. As seen in FIG. 10B, the golf club head is a single integral piece wherein the hosel portion of the golf club head 601 is integral with the remainder of the golf club head 601 and in the upper portion of the golf club head 601. Hence, in contrast to the golf club head 401 of the present disclosure, golf club head 601 does not have an entire connection between the golf club head body and the shaft engaging member below the center of gravity of the golf club head.
A wood-type golf club head configured according to aspects of the disclosure can be particularly advantageous. For example, as will be described in detail below, positioning the connection between the golf club head body and the shaft engaging member below the center of gravity of the golf club head and/or the center of gravity of the golf club head body and below the preferred impact position between the golf ball and the ball striking face, may act to provide increased energy transfer.
Further, as will be described in detail below, positioning the connection between the golf club head body and the shaft engaging member below the center of gravity of the golf club head and/or the center of gravity of the golf club head body and below the preferred impact position between the golf ball and the ball striking face, may act to increase “feel” of the golf club, or provide better frequencies of feel to the golfer.
A wide variety of overall club head constructions are possible without departing from this disclosure. For example, it is noted that the dimensions and/or other characteristics of the golf club heads 401 and 501 according to examples of this disclosure may vary significantly without departing from the disclosure. For example, the above described features and configurations may be incorporated into any wood-type club heads including, for example: wood-type hybrid clubs, fairway woods, drivers, etc.

III. CONCLUSION

The present disclosure is described above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of example structures, features, elements, and combinations of structures, features, and elements. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. For example, the various features and concepts described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 10 may be used individually and/or in any combination or subcombination without departing from this disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A golf club head comprising:

an iron-type golf club head body having a striking face configured for striking a ball, the golf club head body having connecting structure; and

a shaft engaging member engaged with the connecting structure of the golf club head body, wherein the shaft engaging member is configured to be engaged with a golf club shaft to connect the shaft to the golf club head body,

wherein the shaft engaging member is engaged with the connecting structure at a location completely below a center of gravity of the golf club head body.

2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the shaft engaging member comprises a first portion and a second portion that are angled with respect to each other, wherein the first portion extends upward and away from the golf club head body and the second portion is received in the connecting structure and extends into the golf club head body in a heel-to-toe direction.

3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the connecting structure comprises a hole located below the center of gravity of the golf club head body and wherein the shaft engaging member comprises a protrusion that is received in the hole and extends into the golf club head body in a heel-to-toe direction, wherein the protrusion is positioned completely below the center of gravity of the golf club head body.

4. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the protrusion has a length, and wherein a density of the protrusion varies along the length of the protrusion.

5. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the protrusion has a diameter, and wherein the diameter varies along a length of the protrusion.

6. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the protrusion extends from the shaft engaging member in a range of 60%-95% of a length of the club head body.

7. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the hole and protrusion have respective lengths that extend substantially an entire length of the golf club head body.

8. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the hole extends into the club head body in a range of approximately 60% to 95% of a length of the club head body, wherein the protrusion is dimensioned to extend completely into the hole.

9. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the club head body defines a height, and wherein the hole is positioned in a lower quarter of the height of the club head body.

10. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the golf club head body has a substantially flat heel surface, and wherein the connecting structure comprises a hole defined in the substantially flat heel surface and receiving a portion of the shaft engaging member therein.

11. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein the shaft engaging member comprises a first portion configured to engage the golf club shaft and a second portion engaging the connecting structure of the golf club head body, wherein the second portion comprises a shoulder area engaging the substantially flat heel surface around the hole

12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the shoulder area has at least one surface that is aligned with an adjacent surface of the golf club head body.

13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein the shoulder area has a front surface aligned with the striking face, a bottom surface aligned with a sole surface of the golf club head body, and a rear surface aligned with a rear surface of the golf club head body.

14. A golf club comprising the golf club head of claim 1 and a shaft connected to the shaft engaging member.

15. A golf club head comprising:

a golf club head body having a striking face configured for striking a ball, the golf club head body having connecting structure comprising a hole extending into the golf club head body, wherein the hole is located below a center of gravity of the golf club head body; and

a shaft engaging member comprising a first portion configured to be engaged with a golf club shaft to connect the shaft to the golf club head body and a second portion engaged with the connecting structure of the golf club head body, wherein the second portion comprises a protrusion received in the hole and extending into the golf club head body in a heel-to-toe direction, wherein the protrusion is positioned completely below the center of gravity of the golf club head body, and wherein the first portion is angled with respect to the second portion and extends upward and away from the golf club head body.

16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the golf club head body has a substantially flat heel surface, and wherein the hole is defined in the substantially flat heel surface.

17. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the second portion comprises a shoulder area engaging the substantially flat heel surface around the hole

18. The golf club head of claim 17, wherein the shoulder area has at least one surface that is aligned with an adjacent surface of the golf club head body.

19. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the shoulder area has a front surface aligned with the striking face, a bottom surface aligned with a sole surface of the golf club head body, and a rear surface aligned with a rear surface of the golf club head body.

20. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the hole is located below a geometric center of the striking face, and the protrusion is positioned completely below the geometric center of the striking face.

21. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein a top of the second portion of the shaft engaging member is configured to extend less than ¾ of a height of a heel end of the iron-type golf club head body, and wherein a gap is defined between at least an upper ¼ of the heel end of the golf club head body and the shaft engaging member.

22. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein a top of the second portion of the shaft engaging member is configured to extend less than ½ of a height of a heel end of the iron-type golf club head body, and wherein a gap is defined between at least an upper ½ of the heel end of the golf club head body and the shaft engaging member.

23. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the golf club head is a wood-type golf club head, and the golf club head body is a wood-type golf club head body.

24. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the golf club head is an iron-type golf club head, and the golf club head body is an iron-type golf club head body.

25. A golf club comprising the golf club head of claim 15 and a shaft connected to the shaft engaging member.

26. A golf club head comprising:

a golf club head body having a striking face configured for striking a ball, the golf club head body having connecting structure comprising a hole extending into the golf club head body, wherein the hole is located below a geometric center of the striking face; and

a shaft engaging member comprising a first portion configured to be engaged with a golf club shaft to connect the shaft to the golf club head body and a second portion engaged with the connecting structure of the golf club head body, wherein the second portion comprises a protrusion received in the hole and extending into the golf club head body in a heel-to-toe direction, wherein the protrusion is positioned completely below the geometric center of the striking face, and wherein the first portion is angled with respect to the second portion and extends upward and away from the golf club head body.

27. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the golf club head body has a substantially flat heel surface, and wherein the hole is defined in the substantially flat heel surface.

28. The golf club head of claim 27, wherein the second portion of the shaft engaging member comprises a shoulder area engaging the substantially flat heel surface around the hole

29. The golf club head of claim 28, wherein the shoulder area has at least one surface that is aligned with an adjacent surface of the golf club head body.

30. The golf club head of claim 29, wherein the shoulder area has a front surface aligned with the striking face, a bottom surface aligned with a sole surface of the golf

31. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the protrusion has a length, and wherein a density of the protrusion varies along the length of the protrusion.

32. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the protrusion has a diameter, and wherein the diameter varies along a length of the protrusion.

33. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the protrusion extends from the shaft engaging member in a range of 60%-95% of a length of the club head body.

34. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the hole and protrusion have respective lengths that extend substantially an entire length of the golf club head body.

35. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the hole extends into the club head body in a range of approximately 60% to 95% of a length of the club head body, wherein the protrusion is dimensioned to extend completely into the hole.

36. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the club head body defines a height, and wherein the hole is positioned in a lower quarter of the height of the club head body.

37. A golf club comprising the golf club head of claim 26 and a shaft connected to the shaft engaging member.