US20190118032A1 - Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints - Google Patents
Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190118032A1 US20190118032A1 US16/230,178 US201816230178A US2019118032A1 US 20190118032 A1 US20190118032 A1 US 20190118032A1 US 201816230178 A US201816230178 A US 201816230178A US 2019118032 A1 US2019118032 A1 US 2019118032A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- section
- polymeric
- adhesive
- club head
- golf club
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/047—Heads iron-type
- A63B53/0475—Heads iron-type with one or more enclosed cavities
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/078—Devices for bench press exercises, e.g. supports, guiding means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4029—Benches specifically adapted for exercising
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4029—Benches specifically adapted for exercising
- A63B21/4031—Benches specifically adapted for exercising with parts of the bench moving against a resistance during exercise
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0002—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms
- A63B22/0005—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms with particular movement of the arms provided by handles moving otherwise than pivoting about a horizontal axis parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0002—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms
- A63B22/001—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms by simultaneously exercising arms and legs, e.g. diagonally in anti-phase
- A63B22/0012—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms by simultaneously exercising arms and legs, e.g. diagonally in anti-phase the exercises for arms and legs being functionally independent
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/03575—Apparatus used for exercising upper and lower limbs simultaneously
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
- A63B23/1245—Primarily by articulating the shoulder joint
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/045—Strengthening ribs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0466—Heads wood-type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/047—Heads iron-type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
- A63B2022/0635—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers specially adapted for a particular use
- A63B2022/0652—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers specially adapted for a particular use for cycling in a recumbent position
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/072—Dumb-bells, bar-bells or the like, e.g. weight discs having an integral peripheral handle
- A63B21/0724—Bar-bells; Hand bars
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/32—Golf
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0694—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement without integral seat, e.g. portable mini ergometers being placed in front of a chair, on a table or on a bed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/002—Resonance frequency related characteristics
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/52—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with slits
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21K—MAKING FORGED OR PRESSED METAL PRODUCTS, e.g. HORSE-SHOES, RIVETS, BOLTS OR WHEELS
- B21K17/00—Making sport articles, e.g. skates
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/56—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits
- B29C65/565—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits involving interference fits, e.g. force-fits or press-fits
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/56—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits
- B29C65/58—Snap connection
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/72—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by combined operations or combined techniques, e.g. welding and stitching
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
- B29C66/118—Single monotone curved joints
- B29C66/1182—Single monotone curved joints the joint being C-shaped
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/124—Tongue and groove joints
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a golf club head including a combination of a mechanical joint and an adhesive joint.
- a golf club may generally include a club head disposed on the end of an elongate shaft. During play, the club head may be swung into contact with a stationary ball located on the ground in an effort to project the ball in an intended direction and with a desired vertical trajectory.
- a club head design must provide enough structural resilience to withstand repeated impact forces between the club and the ball, as well as between the club and the ground.
- the club head must conform to size requirements set by different rule setting associations, and the face of the club must not have a coefficient of restitution above a predefined maximum (measured according to applicable standards). Assuming that certain predefined design constraints are satisfied, a club head design for a particular loft can be quantified by the magnitude and location of the center of gravity, as well as the head's moment of inertia about the center of gravity and/or the shaft.
- the club's moment of inertia relates to the club's resistance to rotation (particularly during an off-center hit), and is often perceived as the club's measure of “forgiveness.”
- high moments of inertia are desired to reduce the club's tendency to push or fade a ball.
- Achieving a high moment of inertia generally involves moving mass as close to the perimeter of the club as possible (to maximize the moment of inertia about the center of gravity), and as close to the toe as possible (to maximize the moment of inertia about the shaft).
- this desire for increased moments of inertia have given rise to designs such as the cavity-back club head and the hollow club head.
- the location of the center of gravity behind the club face (and above the sole) generally affects the trajectory of a shot for a given face loft angle.
- a center of gravity that is positioned as far rearward (away from the face) and as low (close to the sole) as possible typically results in a ball flight that has a higher trajectory than a club head with a center of gravity placed more forward and/or higher.
- the total club head mass may generally be categorized into two categories: structural mass and discretionary mass.
- Structural mass generally refers to the mass of the materials that are required to provide the club head with the structural resilience needed to withstand repeated impacts. Structural mass is highly design-dependent, and provides a designer with a relatively low amount of control over specific mass distribution. On the other hand, discretionary mass is any additional mass that may be added to the club head design for the sole purpose of customizing the performance and/or forgiveness of the club. In an ideal club design, the amount of structural mass would be minimized (without sacrificing resiliency) to provide a designer with a greater ability to customize club performance, while maintaining a traditional or desired swing weight.
- a golf club head includes a metallic section and a polymeric section.
- the metallic section includes a face and the metallic section defines an opening.
- the polymeric section extends over the opening and is adhered to the metallic section to form an adhesive joint therebetween.
- the adhesive joint has an adhesive retaining strength that is configured to inhibit the polymeric section from being detached from the metallic section.
- the metallic section and the polymeric section are physically engaged with one another to form a mechanical joint therebetween.
- the mechanical joint has a mechanical retaining strength configured to inhibit the polymeric section from being detached from the metallic section.
- the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint is greater than the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint.
- a golf club head in another aspect of the disclosure, includes a forward section, a body, and an adhesive material.
- the forward section includes a face.
- the body is bonded to the forward section and includes a first polymeric section and a second polymeric section.
- the adhesive material is disposed between a portion of the first polymeric section and the second polymeric section to form an adhesive joint therebetween.
- the adhesive joint has an adhesive retaining strength configured to inhibit the first polymeric section from being detached from the second polymeric section when the adhesive material is at least partially cured.
- the first polymeric section and the second polymeric section are mechanically engaged with one another to form a mechanical joint therebetween having a mechanical retaining strength configured to inhibit the first polymeric section from being detached from the second polymeric section.
- the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint is greater than the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint when the adhesive material is at least partially cured.
- the golf club head is provided with a mechanical joint having a mechanical retaining strength that is not otherwise configured to withstand the loads and forces associated with impact between the golf club head and a golf ball, while still ensuring that the polymeric section and the metallic section are mechanically secured together until a sufficient cure time has passed and the adhesive material is at least partially cured. Therefore, the mechanical joint is configured with withstand the rigors shipment of the golf club head, subsequent manufacturing steps, and the like, when the adhesive material is not yet at least partially cured. Thus, the golf club head can be manufactured more quickly and/or be manufactured without having to use fixtures to hold the polymeric section relative to the metallic section, while waiting for the adhesive material to cure.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the rear portion of an iron-type, hollow golf club head.
- FIG. 2 schematic perspective view of the rear portion of the golf club head of FIG. 1 , with the face removed.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 , taken along line 3 - 3 .
- FIG. 3A is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the area marked “ FIG. 3A ” provided in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 , taken along line 4 - 4 .
- FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of the area marked “ FIG. 4A ” provided in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 5 schematic enlarged perspective view of the area marked “ FIG. 5 ” provided in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a wood-type golf club head.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded cross-sectional side view of the golf club head of FIG. 6 , taken along line 7 - 7 .
- FIG. 8 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the golf club head of FIG. 7 , taken along line 8 - 8 .
- FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of the polymeric section of the golf club head provided in FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 10 is a is a schematic perspective view of a lower portion of a polymeric section of a golf club head affixed to a metallic section of the golf club head.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic exploded partial cross-sectional side view of the polymeric section of the golf club head of FIG. 6 , taken along line 11 - 11 .
- FIG. 12 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the polymeric section of the golf club head of FIG. 6 , taken along line 12 - 12 .
- FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded perspective bottom view of another wood-type golf club head having a metallic section and a polymeric section.
- FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective bottom view of the golf club head of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the golf club head, taken along line 15 - 15 of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the golf club head, taken along line 16 - 16 of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of an underside of the polymeric section provided in FIG. 13 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a hollow golf club head 10 that includes a forward or metallic section (“metallic section 12 ”) and a body or polymeric section (“polymeric section 14 ”).
- the metallic section 12 defines an opening 36 .
- the polymeric section 14 covers the opening 36 and is attached to the metallic section 12 such that at least one mechanical joint 16 and at least one adhesive joint 18 is formed between the sections 12 , 14 .
- a closed internal cavity 20 is defined between the metallic section 12 and the polymeric section 14 .
- the metallic section 12 includes a face 22 , a lower portion (“sole 24 ”), an upper portion (“topline 26 ”), a rear wall 28 , and a hosel 30 .
- the sole 24 extends on an underside of the club head 10 from a toe portion 32 to a heel portion 34 and extends between the face 22 and the rear wall 28 .
- the sole 24 is configured to contact the ground when the club head 10 is held in a neutral hitting position.
- the rear wall 28 of the face 22 extends between the bole 24 and the topline 26 , with the rear wall 28 extending opposite the face 22 .
- the topline 26 is disposed in spaced relationship to the sole 24 .
- the topline 26 extends from the toe portion 32 to the heel portion 34 , between the face 22 and the rear wall 28 .
- the topline 26 provides structural support or reinforcement for the face 22 .
- the metallic section 12 is formed from a metallic material, through any suitable process, including, for example, stamping, forging, or casting. Additionally, the face 22 may either be integrally formed with the metallic section 12 , or else, may be separately fabricated and affixed to the metallic section 12 through, for example, welding, brazing, or gluing.
- the metallic section 12 may be formed from a metal or metal alloy, including, for example, alloys of steel (e.g., AISI type 1020 or AISI type 8620 steel), stainless steel (e.g., AISI type 304, AISI type 431, or AISI type 630 stainless steel) or titanium (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V Titanium alloy), however other metal alloys, metal amorphous alloys, and/or non-metallic materials known in the art may similarly be used.
- alloys of steel e.g., AISI type 1020 or AISI type 8620 steel
- stainless steel e.g., AISI type 304, AISI type 431, or AISI type 630 stainless steel
- titanium e.g., Ti-6Al-4V Titanium alloy
- the polymeric section 14 may include a polymeric material having a yield strength that is great enough to withstand the repeated stresses imparted by the ball impact with the face 22 of the metallic section 12 .
- a polymeric material may include one or more polyamides, polyimides, polyamide-imides, polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polycarbonates, engineering polyurethanes, and/or other similar materials.
- the polymeric material may be either thermoplastic or thermoset.
- a suitable material may be a structural polymer that has a tensile strength of at least about 180 MPa (according to ASTM D638), while in other configurations it may have a tensile strength of at least about 220 MPa.
- the polymeric material may be an aliphatic polyamide that is filled with a carbon filler material, such as chopped carbon fiber.
- a suitable material may be a structural polymer that has a tensile modulus of at least 25,000 MPa (according to ASTM D638), while in other configurations it may have a tensile modulus of at least 30,000 MPa.
- the polymeric section 14 is adhered to the metallic section 12 with an adhesive material 68 that is curable, such that the adhesive joint 18 is formed therebetween.
- the adhesive joint 18 exhibits an adhesive retaining strength configured to inhibit the polymeric section 14 from being detached from the metallic section 12 .
- the adhesive material 68 is curable, such that the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18 increases as a function of the amount of cure of the adhesive material 68 .
- polymers may provide weight saving advantages
- certain polymers such as polyamides
- an adhesive material 68 having a long cure time may be required in order to achieve an adhesive retaining strength that is suitable to prevent the polymeric section 14 from being detached from the metallic section 12 .
- a fixture may be required to hold the polymeric section 14 in position relative to the metallic section 12 until the suitable adhesive retaining strength is achieved, thus increasing the amount of time to assemble the club head 10 .
- the present design addresses this adhesion problem, however, by incorporating a physical engagement of the polymeric section 14 with the metallic section 12 to form the mechanical joint 16 therebetween.
- the mechanical joint 16 may be formed via at least one type of mechanical attachment, e.g., interference fit, clip, detent, dowel pin, etc.
- the mechanical joint 16 exhibits a mechanical retaining strength that is also configured to inhibit the polymeric section 14 from being detached from the metallic section 12 .
- the adhesive material 68 is disposed between the metallic section 12 and the polymeric section 14 to form the adhesive joint therebetween. Since the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18 increases as a function of the amount of cure of the adhesive material 68 , the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 16 , alone, is greater than the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18 , alone, only until the adhesive material 68 is partially cured, as will be explained in more detail below. Hence, once the adhesive material 68 is partially cured, the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18 , alone, is sufficient to prevent the polymeric section 14 from being detached from the metallic section 12 .
- the adhesive material 68 may include any substance that cures, or otherwise hardens, to adhere to both the polymeric section 14 and the metallic section 12 , while also binding the polymeric section 14 to the metallic section 12 to form the adhesive joint 18 .
- the adhesive material 68 is suitable to bond with both the metallic material of the metallic section 12 and the polymeric material of the polymeric section 14 , to form the adhesive joint 18 .
- Such an adhesive material 68 may include epoxy adhesives, methacrylate adhesives, urethane adhesives, and the like.
- the adhesive material may include a two-part acrylic epoxy such as DP-810, available from the 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. While most adhesives will readily bond to metals, typical bond strengths to polymers are comparatively lower, since such polymers may have lower surface energy.
- the polymeric section 14 may be pre-treated prior to assembly.
- Surface modification techniques may be used to change the chemical composition of the surface of the polymeric section 14 to increase the surface energy and allow a broader number of adhesives to be considered. These techniques may include flame, corona or plasma treatment, acid etching or use of solvent based adhesion promoters that contain higher surface energy resins which entangle with the low surface energy substrate when the solvent swells the surface. Once the surface is modified it is easier for the adhesive material 68 to flow out on or wet the treated surface and make a suitable bond.
- the adhesive material 68 requires curing for over a duration of time (i.e., a cure time) until the adhesive material 68 is at least partially cured, before the polymeric section 14 is inhibited from being detached from the metallic section 12 .
- a cure time i.e., a duration of time
- the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 16 alone, is sufficient to inhibit the polymeric section 14 from being detached from the metallic section 12 , while the adhesive material 68 cures.
- the mechanical joint 16 exhibits a mechanical retaining strength that is sufficient to prevent the polymeric section 14 from being detached from the metallic section 12 , while the golf club head 10 is being assembled, shipped, and the like.
- the mechanical joint 16 is configured to provide the functionality of fixtures, jigs, clamps, and the like, that may otherwise be used during manufacture of the golf club head 10 to prevent the polymeric section 14 from being detached from, or otherwise moved relative to, the metallic section 12 , during assembly.
- the point in time when the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive material 58 , alone, is partially cured is the point in time when the polymeric section 14 is prevented from being detached from the metallic section 12 , irrespective of the mechanical retaining strength provided by the mechanical joint 16 . Therefore, the point in time when the adhesive material 68 has partially cured (e.g., 15 minutes, 2 hours, etc.) is the point in time when the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18 has increased to be at least equal to the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 16 .
- the adhesive material 68 continues to cure from the point in time of being partially cured to a point in time when the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive material 68 increases to achieve a working strength and, eventually, increases to achieve the strength of a full cure.
- the working strength of the adhesive material 68 is defined as being when the adhesive material 68 reaches a strength that is sufficient for the club head 10 to withstand a load experienced when impacting the face 22 of the golf club head 10 with a golf ball at a desired swing speed, such that the polymeric section 14 is not detached from the metallic section 12 .
- the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive material 68 is at least equal to the working strength
- the adhesive retaining strength, alone is sufficient to withstand a load experienced between the face 22 of the golf club head 10 and a golf ball, at the desired swing speed of at least 150 miles per hour (mph). More preferably, the adhesive retaining strength, alone, is sufficient to withstand a load experienced between the face 22 of the golf club head 10 and a golf ball at the desired swing speed of at least 95 mph. Even more preferably, the adhesive retaining strength, alone, is sufficient to withstand a load experienced between the face 22 of the golf club head 10 and a golf ball at the desired swing speed of at least 50 mph.
- the working strength of the adhesive material 68 may be achieved when the adhesive material 68 is at roughly 60% of the strength exhibited when the adhesive material 6 is at the full cure. It should be appreciated, however, that the working strength of the adhesive material 68 may be attained when the adhesive material 68 is at different percentage of the full cure, so long as the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18 , alone, is sufficient to withstand the load experienced between the face 22 of the golf club head 10 and a golf ball, at the desired swing speed. Therefore, once the adhesive material 68 is fully cured, the adhesive retaining strength is at a maximum, i.e., at its final bond strength.
- the mechanical joint 16 is only configured to exhibit a mechanical retaining strength that is suitable to hold the polymeric section 14 relative to the metallic section 12 during assembly and shipping of the club head 10 , the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 16 , alone, is not configured to be capable of withstanding a load experienced by the club head 10 when impacting the face 22 and a golf ball with a swing speed of at least 50 mph.
- the mechanical joint 16 and the adhesive joint 18 are shown.
- the mechanical joint 16 is shown as being formed via a mechanical engagement between the polymeric section 14 and the metallic section 12 .
- the rear wall 28 of the metallic section 12 defines an opening 36 and includes a receiving portion 38 that at least partially surrounds the opening 36 .
- the receiving portion 38 is recessed within the rear wall 28 and includes a peripheral wall 44 and a ledge 40 .
- the peripheral wall 44 extends inwardly from the rear wall 28 , toward the face 22 , to present an inwardly facing surface 46 .
- the ledge 40 extends generally perpendicularly from the peripheral wall 44 to present an outwardly facing surface 42 , configured to support the polymeric section 44 .
- the polymeric section 14 includes a first surface 50 and a second surface 52 , opposing the first surface 50 .
- An outer wall 54 extends between the first and second surfaces 50 , 52 to surround the polymeric section 14 .
- the adhesive material 68 is applied to the outwardly facing surface 42 , the inwardly facing surface 46 , and/or the first surface 50 before the polymeric section 14 is positioned in the receiving portion 38 to cover the opening 36 .
- the adhesive material 68 may be disposed between the first surface 50 and/or the outer wall 54 of the polymeric section 14 and the corresponding outwardly facing surface 44 of the ledge 40 and/or the inwardly facing surface 46 of the peripheral wall 44 to form the adhesive joint 18 therebetween.
- the peripheral wall 44 of the metallic section 12 may include at least one first retention feature 48 and the outer wall 54 of the polymeric section 14 may include at least one second retention feature 56 .
- each first retention feature 48 may be disposed in corresponding relationship to each second retention feature 56 , such that the first and second retention features 48 , 56 mechanically engage one another to form the mechanical joint 16 therebetween, i.e., interlock with one another.
- the club head 10 may include more than one mechanical joint 16 , i.e., one mechanical joint 16 for each corresponding first and second retention feature 48 , 56 .
- the first and second retention features 48 , 56 may be protrusions, recesses, detents, grooves, slots, and the like, formed into, or on, the respective peripheral wall 44 and outer wall 54 .
- the first retention features 48 may be slots and the second retention features 56 may be protrusions 58 .
- the protrusions 58 are illustrated as having a hemispherical shape. It should be appreciated that the first and second retention features 48 , 56 of FIGS. 1-5 are schematically illustrated and are not intended to be shown in scale.
- the first and second retention features 48 , 56 are actually configured to provide a sufficient interference to allow for the compressibility of the polymeric material of the polymeric section 14 when snapping or attaching the polymeric section 14 to the metallic section 12 to form the mechanical joint 16 .
- the interference may be between approximately 0.01 and 0.02 millimeters (mm).
- other interferences are also possible, and may be a function of the material properties of the polymeric material of the polymeric section 14 .
- the mechanical joint 16 may be formed via an interference fit between the metallic and polymeric sections 12 , 14 .
- the peripheral wall 44 of the metallic section 12 and the outer wall 54 of the polymeric section 14 may be sized to interference with one another and provide an interference fit therebetween.
- the interference may be between 0.01 and 0.02 mm, but other interferences are also possible, and would be a function of the material properties of the polymeric material of the polymeric section 14 .
- the mechanical retaining strength, provided by the mechanical joint 16 , alone, is greater than the adhesive retaining strength, provided by the adhesive joint 18 , alone, up until the adhesive material 68 is at least partially cured.
- the mechanical joint 16 is configured to provide enough retaining strength to prevent separation of the polymeric section 14 from the metallic section 12 at the time of assembly and shipment, such that fixtures, jigs, etc. may not be required.
- the adhesive retaining strength, alone is at least equal to the mechanical retaining strength, provided by the mechanical joint(s) 16 , alone.
- the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive material 68 increases and becomes even greater than the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 16 , alone.
- the club head 100 is a wood-type golf club head 100 that includes a metallic section 112 and a polymeric section 114 .
- the metallic section 112 defines an opening 136 .
- the polymeric section 114 covers the opening 136 and is attached to the metallic section 112 along a seam 170 such that at least one mechanical joint 116 and at least one adhesive joint 118 is formed between the sections 112 , 114 .
- a closed internal cavity 120 is defined between the metallic section 112 and the polymeric section 114 .
- the metallic section 112 includes a face 122 , a frame 176 that surrounds the face 122 , and a hosel 130 that extends from the frame 176 .
- the metallic section 112 includes a flange 172 that extends from the frame 176 to surround the opening 136 .
- the hosel 130 is configured to receive a shaft adapter or otherwise couple with an elongate shaft to be gripped by a golfer.
- the face 122 is intended to impact a golf ball during a golf swing.
- the metallic section 112 is formed from one or more metallic materials that are suitable to withstand any expected impact loading. Examples of suitable material may include, but are not limited to, various alloys of stainless steel or titanium.
- the face 122 may be integrally formed with the frame 176 , or else, may be separately fabricated and affixed to the frame 176 through, for example, welding, brazing, gluing, and the like.
- the polymeric section 114 includes a sole 124 and a topline (“crown 126 ”).
- the polymeric section 114 is formed from a polymeric material, as previously described with respect to the club head 10 of FIGS. 1-5 .
- the polymeric section 114 includes a receiving portion 186 corresponding to at least a portion of the flange 172 .
- the receiving portion 186 of the polymeric section 114 is configured to be attached to the flange 172 of the metallic section 112 such that at least one mechanical joint 116 and at least one adhesive joint 118 is formed between the sections 112 , 114 .
- the receiving portion 186 of the polymeric section 114 includes a first retention feature 148 configured to mate with the flange 172 .
- the first retention feature 148 may be a channel, or other relief, configured to receive the flange 172 in a tongue-in-groove style. As such, the flange 172 is received by the first retention feature 148 to form the mechanical joint 116 , which exhibits a mechanical retaining strength. Therefore, the receiving portion 186 and the flange 172 may be sized so as to provide an interference fit therebetween.
- the flange 172 is illustrated and described as being provided on the metallic section 112 and the receiving portion 138 is illustrated as being provided on the polymeric section 114 , as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10 , the flange 172 may also be provided on the polymeric section 114 and the receiving portion 138 may be provided on the metallic section 112 to form the mechanical joint 116 .
- the flange 172 includes at least one second retention feature 156 , such as, tabs, nubs, projections, and the like, that extend from at least one side of the flange 172 .
- the first and second retention features 148 , 156 may be sized to provide an interference fit therebetween when the flange 172 is disposed within first retention feature 148 of the polymeric section 114 , such that the mechanical joint 116 formed.
- the adhesive joint 118 is formed when an adhesive material 68 is disposed between the metallic section 112 and the polymeric section 114 .
- the adhesive material 68 is disposed within the retention feature 148 of the polymeric section 114 , such that the adhesive material 68 is disposed between the retention feature 148 and the flange 172 .
- the adhesive material 68 is not limited to being disposed within the retention feature 148 and the flange 172 , as the adhesive material 68 may be disposed in other locations, to form the adhesive joint 118 and adhere the polymeric section 114 to the metallic section 112 .
- the adhesive joint 118 exhibits an adhesive retaining strength that increases as a function of the amount of cure of the adhesive material 68 . Therefore, the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 116 , alone, is greater than the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 118 , alone, only until the point in time when the adhesive material 68 is partially cured. Hence, once the adhesive material 68 is partially cured, the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 118 , alone, becomes sufficient to prevent the polymeric section 114 from being detached from the metallic section 112 when the face 122 of the club head 100 experiences a load from impact with a golf ball at a desired swing speed.
- the club head 100 may include other mechanical and adhesive joints 116 , 118 .
- the polymeric section 114 may be a multi-piece construction including the crown 126 and the sole 124 .
- the crown 126 and the sole 124 may be joined together in a clamshell-style arrangement to define at least a portion of the internal cavity 120 .
- the sole 124 and the crown 126 meet at a body seam 182 that extends around a portion of a perimeter of the polymeric section 114 .
- the body seam 182 may approximately divide the polymeric section 114 in half. While FIG. 9 illustrates a body design that includes two portions/components, other designs may include three or more components.
- various portions of the polymeric section 114 may be affixed together to form at least one mechanical joint 116 and at least one adhesive joint 118 therebetween, by employing a similar tongue-in-groove style joint as between the metallic section 112 and the polymeric section 114 , as described above.
- Such a design may promote alignment of the upper and lower portions 24 , 26 with one another and maximize a total bond surface area such that the adhesive joint 118 resists removal, via sheer strength, once the adhesive material 68 of the adhesive joint 118 has at least partially cured.
- mechanical joint 116 between the polymeric sections 124 , 126 is not limited to being a tongue-in-groove style joint, as other mechanical joints 116 may also be employed.
- mechanical joints 116 may be formed, for example, by employing a dowel pin to provide a dowel-in-hole style joint, a retaining clip to provide a clip-in-hole style joint, and/or the like.
- a clip-in-hole style joint may be formed using a retaining clip, such as a Christmas tree style clip that extends from one of the sections and provides a low insertion force with a high extraction force.
- barbs disposed along a post of the Christmas tree style clip may be configured to provide positive feedback to an operator, in the form of a clicking noise, as the clip is inserted into a corresponding hole in the opposite section.
- using a dowel pin or a retaining clip promotes alignment between the corresponding sections by virtue of having to align the dowel or retaining clip with the corresponding hole in the corresponding section.
- the dowel-in-hole style joint and the clip-in-hole style joints are not limited to being employed between the polymeric sections 124 , 126 , but may also be employed between the metallic section 112 and the polymeric section 114 .
- the body seam 182 includes a mechanical joint 116 and/or an adhesive joint 118 .
- the sole 124 includes a lip 174 that extends within a mating receiving portion 186 of the crown 126 to form the body seam 182 .
- FIGS. 11 and 12 provide cross-sectional views of the body seam 182 to more clearly illustrate the lip 174 and receiving portion 186 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates the crown 126 spaced from the sole 124 , where the crown 126 has adhesive material 68 disposed thereon.
- FIG. 12 illustrates the crown 126 secured to the sole 124 to form the mechanical joint 116 and the adhesive joint 118 therebetween.
- the receiving portion 186 may also include at least one nub 162 and the lip 174 may include at least one recess 163 .
- the lip 174 of the sole 124 extends within the receiving portion 186 of the crown 126
- the nub 162 is received within the corresponding recess 163 , to interlock the crown 126 to the sole 124 , and form the mechanical joint 116 therebetween.
- the adhesive material 68 may be disposed between the lip 174 and the receiving portion 186 to provide the adhesive joint 118 therebetween.
- the mechanical joint 116 is not limited to having the nub 162 being formed on the crown 126 and the recess 163 being defined in the lip 174 of the sole 124 , as any other suitable arrangement to provide the mechanical joint 116 may also be employed, so as to secure the crown 126 to the sole 124 until the bonding adhesive 68 is at least partially cured, as described above.
- the crown 126 of the polymeric section 114 may further include a support flange 188 that extends into the internal cavity 120 and into a channel 178 defined by the sole 124 .
- the sole 124 may include a pair of spaced walls 190 that define the channel 178 therebetween.
- the support flange 188 may serve as a reinforcing strut that is operative to stiffen the club head 100 (e.g., increase one or more modal frequencies) or to allow one or both of the crown 126 and the sole 124 to be made thinner and/or lighter, while still maintaining at least a desired minimum stiffness.
- the support flange 188 may either directly extend out from the body seam 182 into the internal cavity 120 , or, may more generally lie in a plane that intersects the body seam 182
- the support flange 188 may extend into the channel 178 such that a mechanical joint 116 and/or an adhesive joint 118 are formed therebetween. Similar to the mechanical and the adhesive joints 116 , 118 already described, the support flange 188 may be secured and adhered using a tongue-in-groove-style joint that maximizes bond surface area to prevent removal, primarily via sheer strength, once the adhesive material 68 is fully cured.
- the support flange 188 of FIGS. 7 and 9 extends into the channel 178 that is defined between the two spaced walls 190 .
- the adhesive material 68 may be disposed in the channel 178 , prior to insertion of the support flange 188 , such that an adhesive joint 118 is formed therebetween.
- the walls 190 are spaced a first distance 192 from one another.
- the support flange 188 may be configured to have a thickness that is at least equal to the first distance 192 of the spaced walls 190 . As such, when the support flange 188 is inserted between the walls 190 , an interference fit results, thus forming a mechanical joint 116 therebetween.
- the thickness 194 may be slightly larger than the first distance 192 , e.g., between 0.01 and 0.02 mm.
- the walls 190 are spaced a first distance 192 from one another.
- the walls 190 may include a first retention feature 148 and the support flange 188 may include a second retention feature 156 .
- the first retention feature 148 of the walls 190 may be at least one protrusion 158 that extends into the channel 178 .
- the second retention feature 156 of the support flange 188 may similarly include at least one protrusion 158 .
- two projections 158 extend from the walls 190 in facing relationship to one another, such that the two projections 158 are spaced a first distance 194 from one another.
- the projections 158 extend from the support flange 188 such that a thickness 196 is defined between the opposing projections 158 of the support flange 88 .
- There first distance 194 is configured to be less than the thickness 196 such that when the support flange 188 is inserted into the channel 178 , there is no clearance between the protrusions 158 of the support flange 188 and the protrusions of the walls 190 .
- the walls 190 of the receiving portion 138 and/or the protrusions 158 of the support flange 188 temporarily deform to allow the protrusions 158 of the support flange 188 move past the respective protrusions 158 of the walls 190 to enter the channel 178 and form the mechanical joint 116 therebetween.
- adhesive material 68 may be disposed within the channel 178 before insertion of the support flange 88 to also form the adhesive joint 118 therebetween.
- the golf club head 200 is another hollow wood-type golf club head 200 , as described above, that includes a first section (“metallic section” 212 ) and a second section (“polymeric section 214 ”).
- the metallic section 212 defines an opening 236 .
- the polymeric section 214 covers the opening 236 and is attached to the metallic section 212 such that at least one mechanical joint 216 and at least one adhesive joint 218 is formed between the sections 212 , 214 .
- a closed internal cavity 220 is defined between the metallic section 212 and the polymeric section 214 .
- the club head 200 includes a face 222 , a sole 224 , and a hosel 230 . More specifically, the metallic section 212 of the club head 200 includes the face 222 , a first portion 224 A of the sole 224 , and the hosel 230 .
- the metallic section 212 may be formed from a light-weight metal alloy, as described above.
- the first portion 224 A of the sole 224 of the metallic section 212 may define the opening 236
- the polymeric section 214 is configured to cover the opening 236
- the polymeric section 214 may include a second portion 224 B of the sole 224 such that when the polymeric section 214 is received in the opening 236 , the second portion 224 B and the first portion 224 A combine to provide the entire sole 224 .
- the metallic section 212 includes a receiving portion 238 that extends relative to the first portion 224 A of the sole 224 , to at least partially surround the opening 236 .
- the receiving portion 238 is configured to support the polymeric section 214 , when the polymeric section 214 covers the opening 236 .
- the receiving portion 238 may include a peripheral wall 244 that extends generally perpendicularly from the first portion 224 A of the sole 224 and presents an inwardly facing surface 246 .
- a ledge 240 extends generally perpendicularly from the peripheral wall 244 to at least partially surround the opening 236 .
- the polymeric section 214 may be a polymeric component that is attached to the metallic section 212 in a manner that provides a mechanical joint 216 and an adhesive joint 218 .
- the polymeric section 214 includes a first surface 250 and a second surface 252 , opposing the first surface 250 .
- the polymeric section 214 is sized to fit within the recessed portion of the sole 224 to cover the opening 236 of the metallic section 212 , such that at least a portion of the first surface 250 is operatively supported by the outwardly facing surface 242 of the ledge 240 , as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 .
- the peripheral wall 244 may include at least one first retention feature 248 . More specifically, the first retention feature 248 may be a slot 284 , defined by the peripheral wall 244 . In the present design, the flange may also act as a first retention feature 248 , as explained in more detail below.
- the first surface 250 includes a plurality of second retention features 256 .
- One or more of the second retention features 256 may be a tab 290 extending generally longitudinally from a perimeter of the second portion 224 B of the sole 224 .
- the tab 290 corresponds to the slot 284 defined in the peripheral wall 244 of the metallic section 212 .
- a plurality of cantilever snap-fits 286 may extend from the perimeter of the second portion 224 B of the polymeric section 214 . More specifically, in one embodiment, the cantilever snap-fits 286 may extend generally perpendicularly from the second surface 250 of the polymeric section 214 .
- the snap-fits 286 are configured to correspond with an inner edge 288 of the ledge 240 . Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , three snap-fits 286 extend from the second surface 250 in spaced relationship to one another. It should be appreciated that the number of snap-fits 286 may be more or less than the four illustrated in the present design.
- Each snap-fit 286 includes a beam 288 that extends from the second surface 252 to a head 289 .
- An undercut 290 is defined between the beam 288 and the head 289 .
- the polymeric section 214 is oriented relative to the metallic section 212 such that the tab 290 is aligned with, and then inserted into, the slot 284 of the metallic section 212 .
- the polymeric section 214 is pivoted relative to the slot 284 until the head of each snap-fit 286 contacts the ledge 240 .
- a force from the contact causes the head 289 of the snap-fit 286 to deflect, such that the head 289 moves around the ledge 240 until the undercut 290 engages an underside 292 of the ledge 240 , opposite the sole 224 , to form a mechanical joint 216 therebetween. Therefore, the polymeric section 214 may be forced toward the metallic section 212 until all of the snap-fits 286 are engaged with the underside 292 of the ledge 240 , to form four mechanical joints 216 .
- the polymeric section 214 may be secured to the metallic section 212 such that the polymeric section 214 entirely covers the opening 236 .
- the mechanical and adhesive joints 216 , 218 are formed, thus providing the same functionality and the same benefits, as described previously with respect to the mechanical and adhesive joints 16 , 18 of FIGS. 1-5 .
- the adhesive material 68 is disposed on the metallic section 212 and/or the polymeric section 214 such that the adhesive material 68 becomes disposed between the polymeric section 214 and the metallic section 212 when the polymeric section 214 is mechanically attached to the metallic section 212 .
- the adhesive material 68 is disposed within the receiving portion 238 of the metallic section 212 , such that the adhesive material 68 is disposed between the ledge 240 of the receiving portion 238 and the first surface 250 of the polymeric section 214 .
- the adhesive material 68 is not limited to being disposed within the within the receiving portion 238 , as the adhesive material 68 may be disposed in other locations, to form the adhesive joint 218 and adhere the polymeric section 214 to the metallic section 212 .
- the adhesive joint 218 exhibits an adhesive retaining strength that increases as a function of the amount of cure of the adhesive material 68 . Therefore, the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joints 216 , alone, is greater than the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 218 , alone, only until the point in time when the adhesive material 68 is partially cured. Hence, once the adhesive material 68 is partially cured, the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 218 , alone, becomes sufficient to prevent the polymeric section 214 from being detached from the metallic section 212 when the face 222 of the club head 200 experiences a load from impact with a golf ball at a desired swing speed.
- the disclosure is not limited to the mechanical joints described and illustrated herein, as other types of mechanical joints are also contemplated, such that the mechanical joints have a mechanical strength that is less than the adhesive strength when the adhesive material 68 is at least partially cured.
- Some of the other contemplated mechanical joints include, but are not limited to, a post press-fit into a hole defined in a boss.
- first and second retention features shown in the Figures are schematically illustrated and are not intended to be shown to scale. Therefore, the first and second retention features are actually configured to provide a sufficient interference to allow for the compressibility of the material of the polymeric section when snapping (i.e., interlocking, press-fitting, and the like) the polymeric section onto the metallic section and/or when snapping the upper section to the lower section. Therefore, in one embodiment, the interference between the first and second retention features may be between approximately 0.01 and 0.02 millimeter. However, other interferences are possible, and are a function of the material properties of the polymeric section 14 .
Abstract
Description
- This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/961,185 filed Dec. 7, 2015, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to a golf club head including a combination of a mechanical joint and an adhesive joint.
- A golf club may generally include a club head disposed on the end of an elongate shaft. During play, the club head may be swung into contact with a stationary ball located on the ground in an effort to project the ball in an intended direction and with a desired vertical trajectory.
- Many design parameters must be considered when forming a golf club head. For example, the design must provide enough structural resilience to withstand repeated impact forces between the club and the ball, as well as between the club and the ground. The club head must conform to size requirements set by different rule setting associations, and the face of the club must not have a coefficient of restitution above a predefined maximum (measured according to applicable standards). Assuming that certain predefined design constraints are satisfied, a club head design for a particular loft can be quantified by the magnitude and location of the center of gravity, as well as the head's moment of inertia about the center of gravity and/or the shaft.
- The club's moment of inertia relates to the club's resistance to rotation (particularly during an off-center hit), and is often perceived as the club's measure of “forgiveness.” In typical club designs, high moments of inertia are desired to reduce the club's tendency to push or fade a ball. Achieving a high moment of inertia generally involves moving mass as close to the perimeter of the club as possible (to maximize the moment of inertia about the center of gravity), and as close to the toe as possible (to maximize the moment of inertia about the shaft). In iron-type golf club heads, this desire for increased moments of inertia have given rise to designs such as the cavity-back club head and the hollow club head.
- While the moment of inertia affects the forgiveness of a club head, the location of the center of gravity behind the club face (and above the sole) generally affects the trajectory of a shot for a given face loft angle. A center of gravity that is positioned as far rearward (away from the face) and as low (close to the sole) as possible typically results in a ball flight that has a higher trajectory than a club head with a center of gravity placed more forward and/or higher.
- While a high moment of inertia is obtained by increasing the perimeter weighting of the club head or by moving mass toward the toe, an increase in the total mass/swing weight of the club head (i.e., the magnitude of the center of gravity) has a strong, negative effect on club head speed and hitting distance. Said another way, to maximize club head speed (and hitting distance), a lower total mass is desired; however a lower total mass generally reduces the club head's moment of inertia (and forgiveness).
- In the tension between swing speed (mass) and forgiveness (moment of inertia), it may be desirable to place varying amounts of mass in specific locations throughout the club head to tailor a club's performance to a particular golfer or ability level. In this manner, the total club head mass may generally be categorized into two categories: structural mass and discretionary mass.
- Structural mass generally refers to the mass of the materials that are required to provide the club head with the structural resilience needed to withstand repeated impacts. Structural mass is highly design-dependent, and provides a designer with a relatively low amount of control over specific mass distribution. On the other hand, discretionary mass is any additional mass that may be added to the club head design for the sole purpose of customizing the performance and/or forgiveness of the club. In an ideal club design, the amount of structural mass would be minimized (without sacrificing resiliency) to provide a designer with a greater ability to customize club performance, while maintaining a traditional or desired swing weight.
- A golf club head includes a metallic section and a polymeric section. The metallic section includes a face and the metallic section defines an opening. The polymeric section extends over the opening and is adhered to the metallic section to form an adhesive joint therebetween. The adhesive joint has an adhesive retaining strength that is configured to inhibit the polymeric section from being detached from the metallic section. The metallic section and the polymeric section are physically engaged with one another to form a mechanical joint therebetween. The mechanical joint has a mechanical retaining strength configured to inhibit the polymeric section from being detached from the metallic section. The adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint is greater than the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint.
- In another aspect of the disclosure, a golf club head includes a forward section, a body, and an adhesive material. The forward section includes a face. The body is bonded to the forward section and includes a first polymeric section and a second polymeric section. The adhesive material is disposed between a portion of the first polymeric section and the second polymeric section to form an adhesive joint therebetween. The adhesive joint has an adhesive retaining strength configured to inhibit the first polymeric section from being detached from the second polymeric section when the adhesive material is at least partially cured. The first polymeric section and the second polymeric section are mechanically engaged with one another to form a mechanical joint therebetween having a mechanical retaining strength configured to inhibit the first polymeric section from being detached from the second polymeric section. The adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint is greater than the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint when the adhesive material is at least partially cured.
- The golf club head is provided with a mechanical joint having a mechanical retaining strength that is not otherwise configured to withstand the loads and forces associated with impact between the golf club head and a golf ball, while still ensuring that the polymeric section and the metallic section are mechanically secured together until a sufficient cure time has passed and the adhesive material is at least partially cured. Therefore, the mechanical joint is configured with withstand the rigors shipment of the golf club head, subsequent manufacturing steps, and the like, when the adhesive material is not yet at least partially cured. Thus, the golf club head can be manufactured more quickly and/or be manufactured without having to use fixtures to hold the polymeric section relative to the metallic section, while waiting for the adhesive material to cure.
- The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present technology are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the rear portion of an iron-type, hollow golf club head. -
FIG. 2 schematic perspective view of the rear portion of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 , with the face removed. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 , taken along line 3-3. -
FIG. 3A is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the area marked “FIG. 3A ” provided inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 , taken along line 4-4. -
FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of the area marked “FIG. 4A ” provided inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 5 schematic enlarged perspective view of the area marked “FIG. 5 ” provided inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a wood-type golf club head. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded cross-sectional side view of the golf club head ofFIG. 6 , taken along line 7-7. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the golf club head ofFIG. 7 , taken along line 8-8. -
FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of the polymeric section of the golf club head provided inFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 10 is a is a schematic perspective view of a lower portion of a polymeric section of a golf club head affixed to a metallic section of the golf club head. -
FIG. 11 is a schematic exploded partial cross-sectional side view of the polymeric section of the golf club head ofFIG. 6 , taken along line 11-11. -
FIG. 12 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the polymeric section of the golf club head ofFIG. 6 , taken along line 12-12. -
FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded perspective bottom view of another wood-type golf club head having a metallic section and a polymeric section. -
FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective bottom view of the golf club head ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the golf club head, taken along line 15-15 ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the golf club head, taken along line 16-16 ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of an underside of the polymeric section provided inFIG. 13 . - Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like or identical components in the various views,
FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a hollowgolf club head 10 that includes a forward or metallic section (“metallic section 12”) and a body or polymeric section (“polymeric section 14”). Themetallic section 12 defines anopening 36. Thepolymeric section 14 covers theopening 36 and is attached to themetallic section 12 such that at least one mechanical joint 16 and at least one adhesive joint 18 is formed between thesections FIG. 3 , a closedinternal cavity 20 is defined between themetallic section 12 and thepolymeric section 14. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2-4 , themetallic section 12 includes aface 22, a lower portion (“sole 24”), an upper portion (“topline 26”), arear wall 28, and ahosel 30. Referring specifically toFIGS. 3 and 4 , the sole 24 extends on an underside of theclub head 10 from atoe portion 32 to aheel portion 34 and extends between theface 22 and therear wall 28. As such, the sole 24 is configured to contact the ground when theclub head 10 is held in a neutral hitting position. Therear wall 28 of theface 22 extends between the bole 24 and the topline 26, with therear wall 28 extending opposite theface 22. - The topline 26 is disposed in spaced relationship to the sole 24. The topline 26 extends from the
toe portion 32 to theheel portion 34, between theface 22 and therear wall 28. The topline 26 provides structural support or reinforcement for theface 22. - The
metallic section 12 is formed from a metallic material, through any suitable process, including, for example, stamping, forging, or casting. Additionally, theface 22 may either be integrally formed with themetallic section 12, or else, may be separately fabricated and affixed to themetallic section 12 through, for example, welding, brazing, or gluing. Themetallic section 12 may be formed from a metal or metal alloy, including, for example, alloys of steel (e.g., AISI type 1020 or AISI type 8620 steel), stainless steel (e.g., AISI type 304, AISI type 431, or AISI type 630 stainless steel) or titanium (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V Titanium alloy), however other metal alloys, metal amorphous alloys, and/or non-metallic materials known in the art may similarly be used. - In one configuration, the
polymeric section 14 may include a polymeric material having a yield strength that is great enough to withstand the repeated stresses imparted by the ball impact with theface 22 of themetallic section 12. Examples of such material may include one or more polyamides, polyimides, polyamide-imides, polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polycarbonates, engineering polyurethanes, and/or other similar materials. In general, the polymeric material may be either thermoplastic or thermoset. In one configuration, a suitable material may be a structural polymer that has a tensile strength of at least about 180 MPa (according to ASTM D638), while in other configurations it may have a tensile strength of at least about 220 MPa. For example, in one configuration, the polymeric material may be an aliphatic polyamide that is filled with a carbon filler material, such as chopped carbon fiber. Further, in one configuration, a suitable material may be a structural polymer that has a tensile modulus of at least 25,000 MPa (according to ASTM D638), while in other configurations it may have a tensile modulus of at least 30,000 MPa. - With reference to
FIGS. 3, 3A, 4, 4A, 5 , thepolymeric section 14 is adhered to themetallic section 12 with anadhesive material 68 that is curable, such that the adhesive joint 18 is formed therebetween. The adhesive joint 18 exhibits an adhesive retaining strength configured to inhibit thepolymeric section 14 from being detached from themetallic section 12. Theadhesive material 68 is curable, such that the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18 increases as a function of the amount of cure of theadhesive material 68. - However, in general, while polymers may provide weight saving advantages, certain polymers, such as polyamides, may be difficult to adhere due to their low surface energies. Therefore, an
adhesive material 68 having a long cure time may be required in order to achieve an adhesive retaining strength that is suitable to prevent thepolymeric section 14 from being detached from themetallic section 12. Further, a fixture may be required to hold thepolymeric section 14 in position relative to themetallic section 12 until the suitable adhesive retaining strength is achieved, thus increasing the amount of time to assemble theclub head 10. The present design addresses this adhesion problem, however, by incorporating a physical engagement of thepolymeric section 14 with themetallic section 12 to form the mechanical joint 16 therebetween. As will be explained in more detail below, the mechanical joint 16 may be formed via at least one type of mechanical attachment, e.g., interference fit, clip, detent, dowel pin, etc. The mechanical joint 16 exhibits a mechanical retaining strength that is also configured to inhibit thepolymeric section 14 from being detached from themetallic section 12. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A and 4A , theadhesive material 68 is disposed between themetallic section 12 and thepolymeric section 14 to form the adhesive joint therebetween. Since the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18 increases as a function of the amount of cure of theadhesive material 68, the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 16, alone, is greater than the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18, alone, only until theadhesive material 68 is partially cured, as will be explained in more detail below. Hence, once theadhesive material 68 is partially cured, the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18, alone, is sufficient to prevent thepolymeric section 14 from being detached from themetallic section 12. - The
adhesive material 68 may include any substance that cures, or otherwise hardens, to adhere to both thepolymeric section 14 and themetallic section 12, while also binding thepolymeric section 14 to themetallic section 12 to form the adhesive joint 18. Theadhesive material 68 is suitable to bond with both the metallic material of themetallic section 12 and the polymeric material of thepolymeric section 14, to form the adhesive joint 18. Such anadhesive material 68 may include epoxy adhesives, methacrylate adhesives, urethane adhesives, and the like. By way of a non-limiting example, the adhesive material may include a two-part acrylic epoxy such as DP-810, available from the 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. While most adhesives will readily bond to metals, typical bond strengths to polymers are comparatively lower, since such polymers may have lower surface energy. - In one embodiment, in order to improve an adhesive bonding strength of the
adhesive material 68 with the polymeric material of thepolymeric section 14, thepolymeric section 14 may be pre-treated prior to assembly. Surface modification techniques may be used to change the chemical composition of the surface of thepolymeric section 14 to increase the surface energy and allow a broader number of adhesives to be considered. These techniques may include flame, corona or plasma treatment, acid etching or use of solvent based adhesion promoters that contain higher surface energy resins which entangle with the low surface energy substrate when the solvent swells the surface. Once the surface is modified it is easier for theadhesive material 68 to flow out on or wet the treated surface and make a suitable bond. - As already mentioned, the
adhesive material 68 requires curing for over a duration of time (i.e., a cure time) until theadhesive material 68 is at least partially cured, before thepolymeric section 14 is inhibited from being detached from themetallic section 12. Hence, the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 16, alone, is sufficient to inhibit thepolymeric section 14 from being detached from themetallic section 12, while theadhesive material 68 cures. As such, the mechanical joint 16 exhibits a mechanical retaining strength that is sufficient to prevent thepolymeric section 14 from being detached from themetallic section 12, while thegolf club head 10 is being assembled, shipped, and the like. Therefore, the mechanical joint 16 is configured to provide the functionality of fixtures, jigs, clamps, and the like, that may otherwise be used during manufacture of thegolf club head 10 to prevent thepolymeric section 14 from being detached from, or otherwise moved relative to, themetallic section 12, during assembly. - The point in time when the adhesive retaining strength of the
adhesive material 58, alone, is partially cured is the point in time when thepolymeric section 14 is prevented from being detached from themetallic section 12, irrespective of the mechanical retaining strength provided by the mechanical joint 16. Therefore, the point in time when theadhesive material 68 has partially cured (e.g., 15 minutes, 2 hours, etc.) is the point in time when the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18 has increased to be at least equal to the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 16. - Further, the
adhesive material 68 continues to cure from the point in time of being partially cured to a point in time when the adhesive retaining strength of theadhesive material 68 increases to achieve a working strength and, eventually, increases to achieve the strength of a full cure. The working strength of theadhesive material 68 is defined as being when theadhesive material 68 reaches a strength that is sufficient for theclub head 10 to withstand a load experienced when impacting theface 22 of thegolf club head 10 with a golf ball at a desired swing speed, such that thepolymeric section 14 is not detached from themetallic section 12. As such, when the adhesive retaining strength of theadhesive material 68 is at least equal to the working strength, the adhesive retaining strength, alone, is sufficient to withstand a load experienced between theface 22 of thegolf club head 10 and a golf ball, at the desired swing speed of at least 150 miles per hour (mph). More preferably, the adhesive retaining strength, alone, is sufficient to withstand a load experienced between theface 22 of thegolf club head 10 and a golf ball at the desired swing speed of at least 95 mph. Even more preferably, the adhesive retaining strength, alone, is sufficient to withstand a load experienced between theface 22 of thegolf club head 10 and a golf ball at the desired swing speed of at least 50 mph. - Additionally, by way of one non-limiting example, the working strength of the
adhesive material 68 may be achieved when theadhesive material 68 is at roughly 60% of the strength exhibited when the adhesive material 6 is at the full cure. It should be appreciated, however, that the working strength of theadhesive material 68 may be attained when theadhesive material 68 is at different percentage of the full cure, so long as the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18, alone, is sufficient to withstand the load experienced between theface 22 of thegolf club head 10 and a golf ball, at the desired swing speed. Therefore, once theadhesive material 68 is fully cured, the adhesive retaining strength is at a maximum, i.e., at its final bond strength. - Conversely, since the mechanical joint 16 is only configured to exhibit a mechanical retaining strength that is suitable to hold the
polymeric section 14 relative to themetallic section 12 during assembly and shipping of theclub head 10, the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 16, alone, is not configured to be capable of withstanding a load experienced by theclub head 10 when impacting theface 22 and a golf ball with a swing speed of at least 50 mph. - Referring again to
FIGS. 3, 3A, and 4 , the mechanical joint 16 and the adhesive joint 18 are shown. The mechanical joint 16 is shown as being formed via a mechanical engagement between thepolymeric section 14 and themetallic section 12. Therear wall 28 of themetallic section 12 defines anopening 36 and includes a receivingportion 38 that at least partially surrounds theopening 36. The receivingportion 38 is recessed within therear wall 28 and includes aperipheral wall 44 and aledge 40. Theperipheral wall 44 extends inwardly from therear wall 28, toward theface 22, to present an inwardly facing surface 46. Theledge 40 extends generally perpendicularly from theperipheral wall 44 to present an outwardly facingsurface 42, configured to support thepolymeric section 44. - With continuing reference to
FIGS. 3, 3A, and 4 , thepolymeric section 14 includes a first surface 50 and asecond surface 52, opposing the first surface 50. An outer wall 54 extends between the first andsecond surfaces 50, 52 to surround thepolymeric section 14. - The
adhesive material 68 is applied to the outwardly facingsurface 42, the inwardly facing surface 46, and/or the first surface 50 before thepolymeric section 14 is positioned in the receivingportion 38 to cover theopening 36. After thepolymeric section 14 is positioned in the receivingportion 38 to cover theopening 36, theadhesive material 68 may be disposed between the first surface 50 and/or the outer wall 54 of thepolymeric section 14 and the corresponding outwardly facingsurface 44 of theledge 40 and/or the inwardly facing surface 46 of theperipheral wall 44 to form the adhesive joint 18 therebetween. - With specific reference to
FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4, and 5 , theperipheral wall 44 of themetallic section 12 may include at least onefirst retention feature 48 and the outer wall 54 of thepolymeric section 14 may include at least onesecond retention feature 56. After thepolymeric section 14 is inserted within the receivingportion 38 to cover theopening 36, eachfirst retention feature 48 may be disposed in corresponding relationship to eachsecond retention feature 56, such that the first and second retention features 48, 56 mechanically engage one another to form the mechanical joint 16 therebetween, i.e., interlock with one another. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , theclub head 10 may include more than one mechanical joint 16, i.e., one mechanical joint 16 for each corresponding first andsecond retention feature - The first and second retention features 48, 56 may be protrusions, recesses, detents, grooves, slots, and the like, formed into, or on, the respective
peripheral wall 44 and outer wall 54. As best shown inFIGS. 2, 3A, and 5 , the first retention features 48 may be slots and the second retention features 56 may be protrusions 58. Theprotrusions 58 are illustrated as having a hemispherical shape. It should be appreciated that the first and second retention features 48, 56 ofFIGS. 1-5 are schematically illustrated and are not intended to be shown in scale. Therefore, the first and second retention features 48, 56 are actually configured to provide a sufficient interference to allow for the compressibility of the polymeric material of thepolymeric section 14 when snapping or attaching thepolymeric section 14 to themetallic section 12 to form the mechanical joint 16. As such, in one configuration, the interference may be between approximately 0.01 and 0.02 millimeters (mm). However, other interferences are also possible, and may be a function of the material properties of the polymeric material of thepolymeric section 14. - Alternatively, the mechanical joint 16 may be formed via an interference fit between the metallic and
polymeric sections peripheral wall 44 of themetallic section 12 and the outer wall 54 of thepolymeric section 14 may be sized to interference with one another and provide an interference fit therebetween. As previously described, the interference may be between 0.01 and 0.02 mm, but other interferences are also possible, and would be a function of the material properties of the polymeric material of thepolymeric section 14. - As previously described, the mechanical retaining strength, provided by the mechanical joint 16, alone, is greater than the adhesive retaining strength, provided by the adhesive joint 18, alone, up until the
adhesive material 68 is at least partially cured. Thus, the mechanical joint 16 is configured to provide enough retaining strength to prevent separation of thepolymeric section 14 from themetallic section 12 at the time of assembly and shipment, such that fixtures, jigs, etc. may not be required. Then, once theadhesive material 68 is at least partially cured, the adhesive retaining strength, alone, is at least equal to the mechanical retaining strength, provided by the mechanical joint(s) 16, alone. As theadhesive material 68 continues to cure, the adhesive retaining strength of theadhesive material 68 increases and becomes even greater than the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 16, alone. - Referring now to the design illustrated in
FIGS. 6-12 , another embodiment of the golf club head is shown at 100. Theclub head 100 is a wood-typegolf club head 100 that includes ametallic section 112 and apolymeric section 114. Themetallic section 112 defines anopening 136. Thepolymeric section 114 covers theopening 136 and is attached to themetallic section 112 along aseam 170 such that at least onemechanical joint 116 and at least one adhesive joint 118 is formed between thesections FIGS. 7 and 10 , a closedinternal cavity 120 is defined between themetallic section 112 and thepolymeric section 114. - As generally illustrated in
FIG. 6 , themetallic section 112 includes a face 122, aframe 176 that surrounds the face 122, and ahosel 130 that extends from theframe 176. Referring now toFIGS. 7 and 10 , themetallic section 112 includes aflange 172 that extends from theframe 176 to surround theopening 136. Thehosel 130 is configured to receive a shaft adapter or otherwise couple with an elongate shaft to be gripped by a golfer. The face 122 is intended to impact a golf ball during a golf swing. Because an impact with a golf ball can generate considerably large stresses near the point of impact of theclub head 10 with the golf ball, themetallic section 112 is formed from one or more metallic materials that are suitable to withstand any expected impact loading. Examples of suitable material may include, but are not limited to, various alloys of stainless steel or titanium. The face 122 may be integrally formed with theframe 176, or else, may be separately fabricated and affixed to theframe 176 through, for example, welding, brazing, gluing, and the like. - With reference to
FIGS. 7, 9, and 10 , thepolymeric section 114 includes a sole 124 and a topline (“crown 126”). Thepolymeric section 114 is formed from a polymeric material, as previously described with respect to theclub head 10 ofFIGS. 1-5 . Thepolymeric section 114 includes a receivingportion 186 corresponding to at least a portion of theflange 172. The receivingportion 186 of thepolymeric section 114 is configured to be attached to theflange 172 of themetallic section 112 such that at least onemechanical joint 116 and at least one adhesive joint 118 is formed between thesections - The receiving
portion 186 of thepolymeric section 114 includes afirst retention feature 148 configured to mate with theflange 172. In one non-limiting example, thefirst retention feature 148 may be a channel, or other relief, configured to receive theflange 172 in a tongue-in-groove style. As such, theflange 172 is received by thefirst retention feature 148 to form the mechanical joint 116, which exhibits a mechanical retaining strength. Therefore, the receivingportion 186 and theflange 172 may be sized so as to provide an interference fit therebetween. It should be appreciated that while theflange 172 is illustrated and described as being provided on themetallic section 112 and the receivingportion 138 is illustrated as being provided on thepolymeric section 114, as shown inFIGS. 7, 9, and 10 , theflange 172 may also be provided on thepolymeric section 114 and the receivingportion 138 may be provided on themetallic section 112 to form themechanical joint 116. - Referring again to
FIGS. 7 and 10 , in one non-limiting example, theflange 172 includes at least onesecond retention feature 156, such as, tabs, nubs, projections, and the like, that extend from at least one side of theflange 172. Accordingly, the first and second retention features 148, 156 may be sized to provide an interference fit therebetween when theflange 172 is disposed withinfirst retention feature 148 of thepolymeric section 114, such that the mechanical joint 116 formed. - Additionally, the adhesive joint 118 is formed when an
adhesive material 68 is disposed between themetallic section 112 and thepolymeric section 114. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 , theadhesive material 68 is disposed within theretention feature 148 of thepolymeric section 114, such that theadhesive material 68 is disposed between theretention feature 148 and theflange 172. It should be appreciated that theadhesive material 68 is not limited to being disposed within theretention feature 148 and theflange 172, as theadhesive material 68 may be disposed in other locations, to form the adhesive joint 118 and adhere thepolymeric section 114 to themetallic section 112. - As previously discussed, the adhesive joint 118 exhibits an adhesive retaining strength that increases as a function of the amount of cure of the
adhesive material 68. Therefore, the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 116, alone, is greater than the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 118, alone, only until the point in time when theadhesive material 68 is partially cured. Hence, once theadhesive material 68 is partially cured, the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 118, alone, becomes sufficient to prevent thepolymeric section 114 from being detached from themetallic section 112 when the face 122 of theclub head 100 experiences a load from impact with a golf ball at a desired swing speed. - With continued reference to the
polymeric section 114 shown inFIGS. 7 and 9-12 , theclub head 100 may include other mechanical andadhesive joints FIG. 9 , thepolymeric section 114 may be a multi-piece construction including thecrown 126 and the sole 124. Thecrown 126 and the sole 124 may be joined together in a clamshell-style arrangement to define at least a portion of theinternal cavity 120. With reference toFIG. 7 , the sole 124 and thecrown 126 meet at abody seam 182 that extends around a portion of a perimeter of thepolymeric section 114. In one configuration, thebody seam 182 may approximately divide thepolymeric section 114 in half. WhileFIG. 9 illustrates a body design that includes two portions/components, other designs may include three or more components. - Referring now to
FIGS. 7, 8, 11, and 12 , various portions of thepolymeric section 114 may be affixed together to form at least onemechanical joint 116 and at least one adhesive joint 118 therebetween, by employing a similar tongue-in-groove style joint as between themetallic section 112 and thepolymeric section 114, as described above. Such a design may promote alignment of the upper andlower portions 24, 26 with one another and maximize a total bond surface area such that the adhesive joint 118 resists removal, via sheer strength, once theadhesive material 68 of the adhesive joint 118 has at least partially cured. - It should be appreciated, however, that the mechanical joint 116 between the
polymeric sections mechanical joints 116 may also be employed. Such,mechanical joints 116 may be formed, for example, by employing a dowel pin to provide a dowel-in-hole style joint, a retaining clip to provide a clip-in-hole style joint, and/or the like. A clip-in-hole style joint may be formed using a retaining clip, such as a Christmas tree style clip that extends from one of the sections and provides a low insertion force with a high extraction force. Further, barbs disposed along a post of the Christmas tree style clip may be configured to provide positive feedback to an operator, in the form of a clicking noise, as the clip is inserted into a corresponding hole in the opposite section. Additionally, using a dowel pin or a retaining clip promotes alignment between the corresponding sections by virtue of having to align the dowel or retaining clip with the corresponding hole in the corresponding section. It should also be appreciated that the dowel-in-hole style joint and the clip-in-hole style joints are not limited to being employed between thepolymeric sections metallic section 112 and thepolymeric section 114. - In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 7 and 9-12 , thebody seam 182 includes a mechanical joint 116 and/or an adhesive joint 118. More specifically, the sole 124 includes alip 174 that extends within amating receiving portion 186 of thecrown 126 to form thebody seam 182.FIGS. 11 and 12 provide cross-sectional views of thebody seam 182 to more clearly illustrate thelip 174 and receivingportion 186.FIG. 11 illustrates thecrown 126 spaced from the sole 124, where thecrown 126 hasadhesive material 68 disposed thereon.FIG. 12 illustrates thecrown 126 secured to the sole 124 to form the mechanical joint 116 and the adhesive joint 118 therebetween. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 11 and 12 , the receivingportion 186 may also include at least one nub 162 and thelip 174 may include at least onerecess 163. When thelip 174 of the sole 124 extends within the receivingportion 186 of thecrown 126, the nub 162 is received within thecorresponding recess 163, to interlock thecrown 126 to the sole 124, and form the mechanical joint 116 therebetween. Further, theadhesive material 68 may be disposed between thelip 174 and the receivingportion 186 to provide the adhesive joint 118 therebetween. It should be appreciated that the mechanical joint 116 is not limited to having the nub 162 being formed on thecrown 126 and therecess 163 being defined in thelip 174 of the sole 124, as any other suitable arrangement to provide the mechanical joint 116 may also be employed, so as to secure thecrown 126 to the sole 124 until thebonding adhesive 68 is at least partially cured, as described above. - Referring to
FIGS. 7-10 , thecrown 126 of thepolymeric section 114 may further include asupport flange 188 that extends into theinternal cavity 120 and into achannel 178 defined by the sole 124. More specifically, by way of non-limiting example, the sole 124 may include a pair of spacedwalls 190 that define thechannel 178 therebetween. Thesupport flange 188 may serve as a reinforcing strut that is operative to stiffen the club head 100 (e.g., increase one or more modal frequencies) or to allow one or both of thecrown 126 and the sole 124 to be made thinner and/or lighter, while still maintaining at least a desired minimum stiffness. Thesupport flange 188 may either directly extend out from thebody seam 182 into theinternal cavity 120, or, may more generally lie in a plane that intersects thebody seam 182 - In the design provided in
FIGS. 7-10 , thesupport flange 188 may extend into thechannel 178 such that a mechanical joint 116 and/or an adhesive joint 118 are formed therebetween. Similar to the mechanical and theadhesive joints support flange 188 may be secured and adhered using a tongue-in-groove-style joint that maximizes bond surface area to prevent removal, primarily via sheer strength, once theadhesive material 68 is fully cured. - Referring specifically to
FIG. 8 , thesupport flange 188 ofFIGS. 7 and 9 extends into thechannel 178 that is defined between the two spacedwalls 190. Theadhesive material 68 may be disposed in thechannel 178, prior to insertion of thesupport flange 188, such that an adhesive joint 118 is formed therebetween. - Further, the
walls 190 are spaced afirst distance 192 from one another. Thesupport flange 188 may be configured to have a thickness that is at least equal to thefirst distance 192 of the spacedwalls 190. As such, when thesupport flange 188 is inserted between thewalls 190, an interference fit results, thus forming a mechanical joint 116 therebetween. By way of a non-limiting example, the thickness 194 may be slightly larger than thefirst distance 192, e.g., between 0.01 and 0.02 mm. - Additionally, referring to the embodiment, shown in
FIG. 8 , thewalls 190 are spaced afirst distance 192 from one another. Thewalls 190 may include afirst retention feature 148 and thesupport flange 188 may include asecond retention feature 156. Thefirst retention feature 148 of thewalls 190 may be at least oneprotrusion 158 that extends into thechannel 178. Thesecond retention feature 156 of thesupport flange 188 may similarly include at least oneprotrusion 158. Referring to the design provided inFIG. 8 , twoprojections 158 extend from thewalls 190 in facing relationship to one another, such that the twoprojections 158 are spaced a first distance 194 from one another. Likewise, theprojections 158 extend from thesupport flange 188 such that athickness 196 is defined between the opposingprojections 158 of the support flange 88. There first distance 194 is configured to be less than thethickness 196 such that when thesupport flange 188 is inserted into thechannel 178, there is no clearance between theprotrusions 158 of thesupport flange 188 and the protrusions of thewalls 190. Therefore, as thesupport flange 188 is being inserted into thechannel 178, thewalls 190 of the receivingportion 138 and/or theprotrusions 158 of thesupport flange 188 temporarily deform to allow theprotrusions 158 of thesupport flange 188 move past therespective protrusions 158 of thewalls 190 to enter thechannel 178 and form the mechanical joint 116 therebetween. - Additionally,
adhesive material 68 may be disposed within thechannel 178 before insertion of the support flange 88 to also form the adhesive joint 118 therebetween. - Referring now to the design illustrated in
FIGS. 13-17 , another embodiment of the golf club head is shown at 200. Thegolf club head 200 is another hollow wood-typegolf club head 200, as described above, that includes a first section (“metallic section” 212) and a second section (“polymeric section 214”). Themetallic section 212 defines anopening 236. Thepolymeric section 214 covers theopening 236 and is attached to themetallic section 212 such that at least onemechanical joint 216 and at least one adhesive joint 218 is formed between thesections FIG. 14 , a closedinternal cavity 220 is defined between themetallic section 212 and thepolymeric section 214. - Referring to
FIG. 13 , theclub head 200 includes a face 222, a sole 224, and ahosel 230. More specifically, themetallic section 212 of theclub head 200 includes the face 222, afirst portion 224A of the sole 224, and thehosel 230. Themetallic section 212 may be formed from a light-weight metal alloy, as described above. - With continued reference to
FIG. 13 , thefirst portion 224A of the sole 224 of the themetallic section 212 may define theopening 236, and thepolymeric section 214 is configured to cover theopening 236. Thepolymeric section 214 may include a second portion 224B of the sole 224 such that when thepolymeric section 214 is received in theopening 236, the second portion 224B and thefirst portion 224A combine to provide the entire sole 224. - With continued reference to
FIG. 13 , themetallic section 212 includes a receivingportion 238 that extends relative to thefirst portion 224A of the sole 224, to at least partially surround theopening 236. The receivingportion 238 is configured to support thepolymeric section 214, when thepolymeric section 214 covers theopening 236. The receivingportion 238 may include aperipheral wall 244 that extends generally perpendicularly from thefirst portion 224A of the sole 224 and presents an inwardly facing surface 246. Aledge 240 extends generally perpendicularly from theperipheral wall 244 to at least partially surround theopening 236. - The
polymeric section 214 may be a polymeric component that is attached to themetallic section 212 in a manner that provides a mechanical joint 216 and an adhesive joint 218. Referring toFIGS. 13 and 17 , thepolymeric section 214 includes afirst surface 250 and asecond surface 252, opposing thefirst surface 250. Thepolymeric section 214 is sized to fit within the recessed portion of the sole 224 to cover theopening 236 of themetallic section 212, such that at least a portion of thefirst surface 250 is operatively supported by the outwardly facingsurface 242 of theledge 240, as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 . - With reference to
FIGS. 13-16 , theperipheral wall 244 may include at least onefirst retention feature 248. More specifically, thefirst retention feature 248 may be a slot 284, defined by theperipheral wall 244. In the present design, the flange may also act as afirst retention feature 248, as explained in more detail below. - Referring to
FIG. 17 , thefirst surface 250 includes a plurality of second retention features 256. One or more of the second retention features 256 may be atab 290 extending generally longitudinally from a perimeter of the second portion 224B of the sole 224. Thetab 290 corresponds to the slot 284 defined in theperipheral wall 244 of themetallic section 212. Likewise, a plurality of cantilever snap-fits 286 may extend from the perimeter of the second portion 224B of thepolymeric section 214. More specifically, in one embodiment, the cantilever snap-fits 286 may extend generally perpendicularly from thesecond surface 250 of thepolymeric section 214. The snap-fits 286 are configured to correspond with aninner edge 288 of theledge 240. Referring toFIGS. 16 and 17 , three snap-fits 286 extend from thesecond surface 250 in spaced relationship to one another. It should be appreciated that the number of snap-fits 286 may be more or less than the four illustrated in the present design. Each snap-fit 286 includes abeam 288 that extends from thesecond surface 252 to ahead 289. An undercut 290 is defined between thebeam 288 and thehead 289. - Referring to
FIGS. 15 and 16 , during assembly of theclub head 200, thepolymeric section 214 is oriented relative to themetallic section 212 such that thetab 290 is aligned with, and then inserted into, the slot 284 of themetallic section 212. Next, thepolymeric section 214 is pivoted relative to the slot 284 until the head of each snap-fit 286 contacts theledge 240. A force from the contact causes thehead 289 of the snap-fit 286 to deflect, such that thehead 289 moves around theledge 240 until the undercut 290 engages an underside 292 of theledge 240, opposite the sole 224, to form a mechanical joint 216 therebetween. Therefore, thepolymeric section 214 may be forced toward themetallic section 212 until all of the snap-fits 286 are engaged with the underside 292 of theledge 240, to form fourmechanical joints 216. - As generally shown in
FIG. 14 , thepolymeric section 214 may be secured to themetallic section 212 such that thepolymeric section 214 entirely covers theopening 236. The mechanical andadhesive joints adhesive joints FIGS. 1-5 . - Additionally, prior to mechanically attaching the
polymeric section 214 to themetallic section 212 to form themechanical joints 216, theadhesive material 68 is disposed on themetallic section 212 and/or thepolymeric section 214 such that theadhesive material 68 becomes disposed between thepolymeric section 214 and themetallic section 212 when thepolymeric section 214 is mechanically attached to themetallic section 212. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13-17 , theadhesive material 68 is disposed within the receivingportion 238 of themetallic section 212, such that theadhesive material 68 is disposed between theledge 240 of the receivingportion 238 and thefirst surface 250 of thepolymeric section 214. It should be appreciated that theadhesive material 68 is not limited to being disposed within the within the receivingportion 238, as theadhesive material 68 may be disposed in other locations, to form the adhesive joint 218 and adhere thepolymeric section 214 to themetallic section 212. - As previously discussed, the adhesive joint 218 exhibits an adhesive retaining strength that increases as a function of the amount of cure of the
adhesive material 68. Therefore, the mechanical retaining strength of themechanical joints 216, alone, is greater than the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 218, alone, only until the point in time when theadhesive material 68 is partially cured. Hence, once theadhesive material 68 is partially cured, the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 218, alone, becomes sufficient to prevent thepolymeric section 214 from being detached from themetallic section 212 when the face 222 of theclub head 200 experiences a load from impact with a golf ball at a desired swing speed. - It should be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the mechanical joints described and illustrated herein, as other types of mechanical joints are also contemplated, such that the mechanical joints have a mechanical strength that is less than the adhesive strength when the
adhesive material 68 is at least partially cured. Some of the other contemplated mechanical joints include, but are not limited to, a post press-fit into a hole defined in a boss. - Further, it should be appreciated that the first and second retention features shown in the Figures are schematically illustrated and are not intended to be shown to scale. Therefore, the first and second retention features are actually configured to provide a sufficient interference to allow for the compressibility of the material of the polymeric section when snapping (i.e., interlocking, press-fitting, and the like) the polymeric section onto the metallic section and/or when snapping the upper section to the lower section. Therefore, in one embodiment, the interference between the first and second retention features may be between approximately 0.01 and 0.02 millimeter. However, other interferences are possible, and are a function of the material properties of the
polymeric section 14. - “A,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; about or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, disclosure of ranges includes disclosure of all values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Each value within a range and the endpoints of a range are hereby all disclosed as separate embodiment. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated items, but do not preclude the presence of other items. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items. When the terms first, second, third, etc. are used to differentiate various items from each other, these designations are merely for convenience and do not limit the items.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/230,178 US20200188729A9 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2018-12-21 | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/961,185 US10258842B2 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2015-12-07 | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints |
US16/230,178 US20200188729A9 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2018-12-21 | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/961,185 Continuation US10258842B2 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2015-12-07 | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints |
US14/961,195 Continuation US9878201B1 (en) | 2013-06-06 | 2015-12-07 | Exercise equipment and methods of using the same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190118032A1 true US20190118032A1 (en) | 2019-04-25 |
US20200188729A9 US20200188729A9 (en) | 2020-06-18 |
Family
ID=58799521
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/961,185 Active US10258842B2 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2015-12-07 | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints |
US16/230,178 Abandoned US20200188729A9 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2018-12-21 | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/961,185 Active US10258842B2 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2015-12-07 | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US10258842B2 (en) |
JP (2) | JP6795595B2 (en) |
GB (2) | GB2596665B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017100194A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11185747B2 (en) | 2014-10-24 | 2021-11-30 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head with open back cavity |
US20160271462A1 (en) * | 2015-03-17 | 2016-09-22 | Dean L. Knuth | Golf club with low and rearward center of gravity |
US10427018B2 (en) * | 2015-06-22 | 2019-10-01 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club head with sound damping |
US10258842B2 (en) * | 2015-12-07 | 2019-04-16 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints |
US10987551B2 (en) | 2017-12-08 | 2021-04-27 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club heads with stiffening ribs |
DE102016210664A1 (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2017-12-21 | Bayerische Motorenwerke Aktiengesellschaft | Method for connecting two components and component arrangement |
US11369847B2 (en) | 2019-03-07 | 2022-06-28 | Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads |
US11446555B2 (en) * | 2018-12-13 | 2022-09-20 | Acushnet Company | Golf club head with improved inertia performance and removable aft body coupled by metal-composite joint |
KR20210100733A (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2021-08-17 | 카스턴 매뉴팩츄어링 코오포레이숀 | Golf club head with reinforcing ribs |
WO2020219987A1 (en) | 2019-04-26 | 2020-10-29 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Forged iron head |
US10881926B1 (en) * | 2019-07-29 | 2021-01-05 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Iron golf club head |
TWM593275U (en) * | 2019-11-08 | 2020-04-11 | 莊繼舜 | Golf club head |
KR20220100533A (en) * | 2021-01-08 | 2022-07-15 | 파슨스 익스트림 골프, 엘엘씨 | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads |
GB2619449A (en) * | 2021-03-02 | 2023-12-06 | Karsten Mfg Corp | Golf club head with vibrational damping system |
KR102569306B1 (en) * | 2022-09-06 | 2023-08-21 | 배기웅 | Club head for park golf |
Citations (35)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4824110A (en) * | 1986-02-28 | 1989-04-25 | Maruman Golf, Co., Ltd. | Golf club head |
US5421577A (en) * | 1993-04-15 | 1995-06-06 | Kobayashi; Kenji | Metallic golf clubhead |
US5447311A (en) * | 1992-07-10 | 1995-09-05 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Iron type golf club head |
US5713800A (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 1998-02-03 | Su; Charles | Golf club head |
JPH10151231A (en) * | 1996-09-27 | 1998-06-09 | Nippon Steel Corp | Golf club head and manufacture thereof |
US5899821A (en) * | 1997-09-15 | 1999-05-04 | Chien Ting Precision Casting Co. Ltd | Golf club head |
US6030295A (en) * | 1997-11-20 | 2000-02-29 | Kabushiki Kaisha Endo Seisakusho | Golf club |
JP2000084126A (en) * | 1998-09-16 | 2000-03-28 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Iron club head |
JP2001314535A (en) * | 2000-05-08 | 2001-11-13 | Mizuno Corp | Hollow iron head |
JP2003062133A (en) * | 2001-08-28 | 2003-03-04 | Mizuno Corp | Iron golf club |
JP2003284794A (en) * | 2002-03-28 | 2003-10-07 | Mizuno Corp | Iron golf club head |
US6743120B1 (en) * | 2003-02-13 | 2004-06-01 | Archer C. C. Chen | Iron golf club head |
JP2004313777A (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2004-11-11 | Mizuno Corp | Iron golf club head and manufacturing method thereof |
WO2005056125A1 (en) * | 2003-12-12 | 2005-06-23 | Yonex Kabushiki Kaisha | Golf club head |
US6942580B2 (en) * | 2004-02-18 | 2005-09-13 | Nelson Precision Casting Co., Ltd. | Vibration-absorbing plate for golf club head |
US6971961B2 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2005-12-06 | Fu Sheng Industrial Co., Ltd. | Connection structure for a striking plate of a golf club head |
US6984180B2 (en) * | 2002-03-14 | 2006-01-10 | Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. | Golf club head and golf club set |
JP2006212066A (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2006-08-17 | Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd:The | Golf club head |
US7303489B2 (en) * | 2005-08-18 | 2007-12-04 | Acushnet Company | Golf club |
US7491134B2 (en) * | 1999-11-01 | 2009-02-17 | Callaway Golf Company | Multiple material golf club head |
US7662051B2 (en) * | 2007-09-11 | 2010-02-16 | Cindy Rhodes | Golf head |
US8062150B2 (en) * | 2007-09-13 | 2011-11-22 | Acushnet Company | Iron-type golf club |
US8133129B2 (en) * | 2008-05-21 | 2012-03-13 | Nike, Inc. | Golf club and golf club head with interchangeable body component |
JP2012061095A (en) * | 2010-09-15 | 2012-03-29 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Iron golf club head |
US8147353B2 (en) * | 2007-09-13 | 2012-04-03 | Acushnet Company | Iron-type golf club |
US8187117B2 (en) * | 2008-12-24 | 2012-05-29 | Sri Sports Limited | Golf club head |
US8206241B2 (en) * | 2009-07-27 | 2012-06-26 | Nike, Inc. | Golf club assembly and golf club with sole plate |
US8475293B2 (en) * | 2010-09-13 | 2013-07-02 | Acushnet Company | Iron golf club head with improved performance |
US8715105B2 (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2014-05-06 | Nike, Inc. | Golf club head having an interchangeable bridge member |
US8920261B2 (en) * | 2012-12-17 | 2014-12-30 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Badge for golf club head |
US8974317B1 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2015-03-10 | Callaway Golf Company | Multiple-material iron |
US9039543B2 (en) * | 2010-12-29 | 2015-05-26 | Sri Sports Limited | Golf club head |
US9517393B2 (en) * | 2015-05-11 | 2016-12-13 | Nike, Inc. | Hollow golf club head with polymeric cap |
US10076692B2 (en) * | 2007-09-13 | 2018-09-18 | Acushnet Company | Set of golf clubs |
US10258842B2 (en) * | 2015-12-07 | 2019-04-16 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints |
Family Cites Families (79)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5410798A (en) * | 1994-01-06 | 1995-05-02 | Lo; Kun-Nan | Method for producing a composite golf club head |
CA2161040A1 (en) * | 1994-10-21 | 1996-04-22 | Delbert D. Derees | Vehicle assembly method |
US5924932A (en) | 1996-11-14 | 1999-07-20 | Centerfire Golf Corporation | Ballistic impeller golf club |
US6248025B1 (en) * | 1997-10-23 | 2001-06-19 | Callaway Golf Company | Composite golf club head and method of manufacturing |
US6050904A (en) | 1998-10-27 | 2000-04-18 | Kuo; Allen H. W. | Golf club head |
US6565452B2 (en) * | 1999-11-01 | 2003-05-20 | Callaway Golf Company | Multiple material golf club head with face insert |
US6491592B2 (en) * | 1999-11-01 | 2002-12-10 | Callaway Golf Company | Multiple material golf club head |
US6354962B1 (en) * | 1999-11-01 | 2002-03-12 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf club head with a face composed of a forged material |
TW577761B (en) * | 1999-11-01 | 2004-03-01 | Callaway Golf Co | Multiple material golf club head |
US6374570B1 (en) * | 2000-08-25 | 2002-04-23 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Apparatus and method for joining dissimilar materials to form a structural support member |
US6623378B2 (en) * | 2001-06-11 | 2003-09-23 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Method for manufacturing and golf club head |
US7475541B2 (en) * | 2001-10-09 | 2009-01-13 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Rankine cycle system and vehicle therewith |
US6602149B1 (en) * | 2002-03-25 | 2003-08-05 | Callaway Golf Company | Bonded joint design for a golf club head |
AU2003224300A1 (en) * | 2002-04-26 | 2003-11-10 | Andrew Robertson Drummond | Method of constructing a desiccant container |
US6945727B2 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2005-09-20 | The Boeing Company | Apparatuses and methods for joining structural members, such as composite structural members |
TW535624U (en) * | 2002-08-16 | 2003-06-01 | Ching-Chi Chen | Wood golf club head |
US6887164B2 (en) * | 2002-09-20 | 2005-05-03 | Callaway Golf Company | Iron golf club head |
US6743118B1 (en) * | 2002-11-18 | 2004-06-01 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf club head |
JP4131849B2 (en) * | 2002-12-02 | 2008-08-13 | 美津濃株式会社 | Golf club head and manufacturing method thereof |
TWI277435B (en) * | 2002-12-02 | 2007-04-01 | Mizuno Kk | Golf club head and method for producing the same |
US20040116207A1 (en) * | 2002-12-11 | 2004-06-17 | De Shiell Drew T. | Golf club head and method of manufacture |
US20040113483A1 (en) | 2002-12-11 | 2004-06-17 | Sylvester Michael S. | Method of adhering decorative wheel cover to automobile wheel |
US6974393B2 (en) * | 2002-12-20 | 2005-12-13 | Ceramixgolf.Com | Golf club head |
JP2004229890A (en) * | 2003-01-30 | 2004-08-19 | Daiwa Seiko Inc | Golf club head |
JP2004242938A (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2004-09-02 | Sumitomo Rubber Ind Ltd | Golf club head |
JP2005028106A (en) * | 2003-06-18 | 2005-02-03 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Golf club head |
JP4714293B2 (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2011-06-29 | Sriスポーツ株式会社 | Manufacturing method of golf club head |
US20050043115A1 (en) * | 2003-08-18 | 2005-02-24 | Chon-Chen Lin | Golf club head and method for manufacturing the golf club head |
US6805643B1 (en) | 2003-08-18 | 2004-10-19 | O-Ta Precision Casting Co., Ltd. | Composite golf club head |
US7651412B2 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2010-01-26 | Acushnet Company | Golf club head with progressive face stiffness |
US7025692B2 (en) * | 2004-02-05 | 2006-04-11 | Callaway Golf Company | Multiple material golf club head |
US7063628B2 (en) * | 2004-03-23 | 2006-06-20 | Callaway Golf Company | Plated magnesium golf club head |
JP4410594B2 (en) * | 2004-03-29 | 2010-02-03 | Sriスポーツ株式会社 | Golf club head |
US7226366B2 (en) * | 2004-06-01 | 2007-06-05 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf club head with gasket |
JP4410606B2 (en) * | 2004-06-03 | 2010-02-03 | Sriスポーツ株式会社 | Golf club head |
US7134972B2 (en) * | 2004-06-07 | 2006-11-14 | O-Ta Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Golf head |
US7082665B2 (en) * | 2004-06-22 | 2006-08-01 | Callaway Golf Company | Method for processing a golf club head with cup shaped face component |
JP2006102053A (en) * | 2004-10-04 | 2006-04-20 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Golf club head |
US7549935B2 (en) * | 2005-01-03 | 2009-06-23 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf club head |
US7651414B2 (en) * | 2004-10-13 | 2010-01-26 | Roger Cleveland Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club head having a displaced crown portion |
JP4639749B2 (en) * | 2004-10-20 | 2011-02-23 | ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 | Manufacturing method of golf club head |
US20060217216A1 (en) * | 2004-12-06 | 2006-09-28 | Macgregor Golf Company | Fairway wood with titanium face member |
US20060240908A1 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2006-10-26 | Adams Edwin H | Golf club head |
US20130178305A1 (en) | 2011-07-29 | 2013-07-11 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with multi-component contruction |
US7803065B2 (en) * | 2005-04-21 | 2010-09-28 | Cobra Golf, Inc. | Golf club head |
US20130178306A1 (en) * | 2005-04-21 | 2013-07-11 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with separable component |
US8303433B2 (en) * | 2005-04-21 | 2012-11-06 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with moveable insert |
US7658686B2 (en) * | 2005-04-21 | 2010-02-09 | Acushnet Company | Golf club head with concave insert |
US8147354B2 (en) * | 2009-12-21 | 2012-04-03 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with multi-component construction |
US8523705B2 (en) * | 2005-04-21 | 2013-09-03 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head |
US20120172147A1 (en) * | 2009-12-21 | 2012-07-05 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with multi-component construction |
US7938740B2 (en) * | 2005-04-21 | 2011-05-10 | Cobra Golf, Inc. | Golf club head |
US7393488B2 (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2008-07-01 | The Boeing Company | Methods of joining structures and joints formed thereby |
JP4741388B2 (en) * | 2006-03-03 | 2011-08-03 | Sriスポーツ株式会社 | Golf club head |
US8388464B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2013-03-05 | Acushnet Company | Iron-type golf clubs |
JP4965385B2 (en) * | 2006-07-21 | 2012-07-04 | コブラ ゴルフ インコーポレイテッド | Multi-material golf club head |
US9700764B2 (en) * | 2006-08-03 | 2017-07-11 | Vandette B. Carter | Golf club with adjustable center of gravity head |
US7887668B2 (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2011-02-15 | Dow Global Technologies Inc. | Amine organoborane polymerizable compostion and uses therefor |
TW200819174A (en) * | 2006-10-30 | 2008-05-01 | Chen Ching Chi | Golf club head |
US7601078B2 (en) * | 2007-03-29 | 2009-10-13 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head with non-metallic body |
JP2009022571A (en) * | 2007-07-20 | 2009-02-05 | Ota Precision Industry Co Ltd | Golf club head |
US7993216B2 (en) * | 2008-11-17 | 2011-08-09 | Nike, Inc. | Golf club head or other ball striking device having multi-piece construction |
US8187116B2 (en) * | 2009-06-23 | 2012-05-29 | Nike, Inc. | Golf clubs and golf club heads |
US9033822B1 (en) * | 2009-09-15 | 2015-05-19 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf club head with a compression-molded, thin-walled aft-body |
US8529370B1 (en) * | 2009-09-24 | 2013-09-10 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf club head with a compression-molded, thin-walled aft-body |
US8202174B2 (en) | 2010-02-22 | 2012-06-19 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club |
WO2012024689A1 (en) | 2010-08-20 | 2012-02-23 | Nike International Ltd. | A set of iron type golf clubs |
US8579724B2 (en) * | 2010-09-13 | 2013-11-12 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf club head with adjustable weighting |
JP5814677B2 (en) * | 2010-09-17 | 2015-11-17 | ダンロップスポーツ株式会社 | Golf club |
JP5906055B2 (en) * | 2011-10-25 | 2016-04-20 | ダンロップスポーツ株式会社 | Golf club head and golf club |
JP5902912B2 (en) * | 2011-10-31 | 2016-04-13 | ダンロップスポーツ株式会社 | Golf club head and golf club |
KR101326493B1 (en) * | 2011-11-23 | 2013-11-08 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Device and method for joining carbon fiber/polymer composites and metallic plates |
JP5886652B2 (en) * | 2012-02-16 | 2016-03-16 | ダンロップスポーツ株式会社 | Golf club head |
US8968114B2 (en) * | 2012-05-31 | 2015-03-03 | Nike, Inc. | Golf club head or other ball striking device with weighted body member |
CZ306406B6 (en) * | 2013-01-16 | 2017-01-11 | Varroc Lighting Systems, s.r.o. | A coupling system of lights components, in particular vehicle lights |
US9403071B2 (en) | 2013-08-05 | 2016-08-02 | Nike, Inc. | Polymeric golf club head with metallic face |
US20160332040A1 (en) * | 2015-05-12 | 2016-11-17 | Nike, Inc. | Golf club head with selectively detachable face |
US9833666B2 (en) * | 2015-05-28 | 2017-12-05 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head with molded polymeric body |
GB2592534B (en) * | 2016-05-27 | 2022-03-02 | Karsten Mfg Corp | Mixed material golf club head |
-
2015
- 2015-12-07 US US14/961,185 patent/US10258842B2/en active Active
-
2016
- 2016-12-06 WO PCT/US2016/065162 patent/WO2017100194A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-12-06 GB GB2113118.0A patent/GB2596665B/en active Active
- 2016-12-06 JP JP2018529285A patent/JP6795595B2/en active Active
- 2016-12-06 GB GB1809303.9A patent/GB2562630B/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-12-21 US US16/230,178 patent/US20200188729A9/en not_active Abandoned
-
2020
- 2020-11-12 JP JP2020188632A patent/JP7174026B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (35)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4824110A (en) * | 1986-02-28 | 1989-04-25 | Maruman Golf, Co., Ltd. | Golf club head |
US5447311A (en) * | 1992-07-10 | 1995-09-05 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Iron type golf club head |
US5421577A (en) * | 1993-04-15 | 1995-06-06 | Kobayashi; Kenji | Metallic golf clubhead |
JPH10151231A (en) * | 1996-09-27 | 1998-06-09 | Nippon Steel Corp | Golf club head and manufacture thereof |
US5713800A (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 1998-02-03 | Su; Charles | Golf club head |
US5899821A (en) * | 1997-09-15 | 1999-05-04 | Chien Ting Precision Casting Co. Ltd | Golf club head |
US6030295A (en) * | 1997-11-20 | 2000-02-29 | Kabushiki Kaisha Endo Seisakusho | Golf club |
JP2000084126A (en) * | 1998-09-16 | 2000-03-28 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Iron club head |
US7491134B2 (en) * | 1999-11-01 | 2009-02-17 | Callaway Golf Company | Multiple material golf club head |
JP2001314535A (en) * | 2000-05-08 | 2001-11-13 | Mizuno Corp | Hollow iron head |
JP2003062133A (en) * | 2001-08-28 | 2003-03-04 | Mizuno Corp | Iron golf club |
US6984180B2 (en) * | 2002-03-14 | 2006-01-10 | Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. | Golf club head and golf club set |
JP2003284794A (en) * | 2002-03-28 | 2003-10-07 | Mizuno Corp | Iron golf club head |
US6743120B1 (en) * | 2003-02-13 | 2004-06-01 | Archer C. C. Chen | Iron golf club head |
US6971961B2 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2005-12-06 | Fu Sheng Industrial Co., Ltd. | Connection structure for a striking plate of a golf club head |
JP2004313777A (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2004-11-11 | Mizuno Corp | Iron golf club head and manufacturing method thereof |
US8715105B2 (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2014-05-06 | Nike, Inc. | Golf club head having an interchangeable bridge member |
WO2005056125A1 (en) * | 2003-12-12 | 2005-06-23 | Yonex Kabushiki Kaisha | Golf club head |
US6942580B2 (en) * | 2004-02-18 | 2005-09-13 | Nelson Precision Casting Co., Ltd. | Vibration-absorbing plate for golf club head |
JP2006212066A (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2006-08-17 | Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd:The | Golf club head |
US7303489B2 (en) * | 2005-08-18 | 2007-12-04 | Acushnet Company | Golf club |
US7662051B2 (en) * | 2007-09-11 | 2010-02-16 | Cindy Rhodes | Golf head |
US8062150B2 (en) * | 2007-09-13 | 2011-11-22 | Acushnet Company | Iron-type golf club |
US10076692B2 (en) * | 2007-09-13 | 2018-09-18 | Acushnet Company | Set of golf clubs |
US8147353B2 (en) * | 2007-09-13 | 2012-04-03 | Acushnet Company | Iron-type golf club |
US8133129B2 (en) * | 2008-05-21 | 2012-03-13 | Nike, Inc. | Golf club and golf club head with interchangeable body component |
US8187117B2 (en) * | 2008-12-24 | 2012-05-29 | Sri Sports Limited | Golf club head |
US8206241B2 (en) * | 2009-07-27 | 2012-06-26 | Nike, Inc. | Golf club assembly and golf club with sole plate |
US8475293B2 (en) * | 2010-09-13 | 2013-07-02 | Acushnet Company | Iron golf club head with improved performance |
JP2012061095A (en) * | 2010-09-15 | 2012-03-29 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Iron golf club head |
US9039543B2 (en) * | 2010-12-29 | 2015-05-26 | Sri Sports Limited | Golf club head |
US8974317B1 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2015-03-10 | Callaway Golf Company | Multiple-material iron |
US8920261B2 (en) * | 2012-12-17 | 2014-12-30 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Badge for golf club head |
US9517393B2 (en) * | 2015-05-11 | 2016-12-13 | Nike, Inc. | Hollow golf club head with polymeric cap |
US10258842B2 (en) * | 2015-12-07 | 2019-04-16 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20170157474A1 (en) | 2017-06-08 |
GB2562630B (en) | 2021-10-27 |
US20200188729A9 (en) | 2020-06-18 |
KR20180123470A (en) | 2018-11-16 |
JP6795595B2 (en) | 2020-12-02 |
GB202113118D0 (en) | 2021-10-27 |
GB2596665A (en) | 2022-01-05 |
US10258842B2 (en) | 2019-04-16 |
JP2021037319A (en) | 2021-03-11 |
WO2017100194A1 (en) | 2017-06-15 |
GB2596665B (en) | 2022-07-13 |
JP2019501693A (en) | 2019-01-24 |
JP7174026B2 (en) | 2022-11-17 |
GB201809303D0 (en) | 2018-07-25 |
GB2562630A (en) | 2018-11-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20190118032A1 (en) | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints | |
US10814192B2 (en) | Golf club head with polymeric face | |
US9517393B2 (en) | Hollow golf club head with polymeric cap | |
JP6770143B2 (en) | Polymer golf club head with metal face | |
US10092799B2 (en) | Golf club head with molded polymeric body | |
US20190054354A1 (en) | Golf club head with polymeric insert | |
US9427631B1 (en) | Golf club head with molded cavity structure | |
US11338182B2 (en) | Golf club heads with stiffening ribs | |
US10350465B2 (en) | Golf club head with molded cavity structure | |
US11071893B2 (en) | Golf club head with molded cavity structure | |
EP3897882A1 (en) | Golf club head with stiffening ribs | |
KR102658306B1 (en) | Golf club head with mechanical joints and adhesive joints | |
KR20240054397A (en) | Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints | |
JP2006115927A (en) | Golf club head |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: SENT TO CLASSIFICATION CONTRACTOR |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: APPLICATION DISPATCHED FROM PREEXAM, NOT YET DOCKETED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |