BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a complex striking plate structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention applied to an iron-type golf club head;
FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the complex striking plate structure in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention applied to a wood-type golf club head;
FIG. 2 is a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the complex striking plate structure having a first plate and a second plate combined together in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
FIG. 3 is a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the complex striking plate structure having the first plate and the second plate combined together in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the complex striking plate structure having the first plate and the second plate combined together in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the complex striking plate structure having the first plate and the second plate combined together in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the complex striking plate structure having the first plate and the second plate combined together in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the complex striking plate structure having the first plate and the second plate combined together in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the complex striking plate structure having the first plate and the second plate combined together in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the complex striking plate structure having the first plate and the second plate combined together in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 10 is a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the complex striking plate structure having a first plate, a second plate and a metal combined together in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring initially to FIGS. 1A and 1B, views of two golf club heads each having a complex striking plate structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention are shown. Preferably, the golf club head utilized in practicing the embodiment of the present invention can be selected from iron-type club head, a wood-type club head or a putter-type club head. By way of example, the golf club head utilized in practicing this illustrated embodiment of the present invention is selected from an iron-type club head or a wood-type club head.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the golf club head in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention includes a golf club head body designated numeral 1 and a complex striking plate designated numeral 2. The golf club head body 1 has an opening 10 and a connecting end portion 11 at its front side. The connecting end portion 11 of the golf club head body 1 delimits a periphery of the opening 10, and connects with the complex striking plate 2 in the intended manner.
It will be appreciated that the complex striking plate 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention may be implemented using two plates which are combined together to form a two-layer striking plate as is described in more detail below. Alternatively, the complex striking plate 2 may be implemented using three plates combined together to form a three-layer striking plate. In the present invention, the term “complex” refers to a multi-layer plate.
Turning now to FIG. 2, a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view of the complex striking plate structure, depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, the complex striking plate 2 includes a first plate 21 and a second plate 22 combined together in a substantially parallel relationship. The first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are preferably made from similar or dissimilar metals. The first plate 21 may have a peripheral outline corresponding to that of the second plate 22. A series of elastically deformable spaces 23 is provided between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 for providing a high degree of elastic deformability of the complex striking plate 2 in striking a golf ball (not shown).
With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, constructions of the first plate 21 shall be described in further detail. The first plate 21 has a front surface to provide a striking surface 211 for impacting the golf ball (not shown), and a rear surface to provide a first connecting surface 212 for confronting with the second plate 22. An upright bent wall 213 is formed from a peripheral edge of the first plate 21 to cover a peripheral edge of the second plate 22, by particularly referring to FIG. 1A. In a preferred embodiment, the upright bent wall 213 extends reward a predetermined distance so as to enhance the elastic deformability of the complex striking plate 2. The upright bent wall 213 is designed to provide a second connecting end portion 214 to connect with the first connecting end portion 11 of the golf club head body 1 when the golf club head body 1 and the complex striking plate 2 are assembled. It is apparent from FIG. 1A that the complex striking plate 2 can be implemented on an iron-type club head. However, those skilled in the art will recognized that such an upright bent wall 213 of the complex striking plate 2 may be implemented on an iron-type club head or other club head without departing from the scope of the invention.
Referring back to FIG. 1B, in an alternative embodiment, the first plate 21 is designed to provide a second connecting periphery 215 which may extend beyond the peripheral edge of the second plate 22 when the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are combined. In this preferred embodiment, the golf club head is absent the complex striking plate 2 that has the upright bent wall 213 formed from the first plate 21 for the sake of simplicity of the structure. It is apparent from FIG 1B that the complex striking plate 2 can be implemented on a wood-type club head without departing from the scope of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognized that such a type of the complex striking plate 2 may be implemented on an iron-type club head or other club head without departing from the scope of the invention.
Referring again to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, the first plate 21 has an area greater than that of the second plate 22. In the first embodiment, the percentage of the area of the first plate 21 occupied by the second plate 22 may vary according to design needs. Those skilled in the art will recognized that the second plate 22 occupies an entire area of sweet spot of the complex striking plate 2. In striking a golf ball, the second plate 22 can reinforce the structural strength of the first plate 11 of the complex striking plate 2.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the golf club head body 1 may be made from metals. Examples of suitable metals include carbon steel, stainless steel (17-4PH stainless steel), alloy steel, Fe—Mn—Al alloy, nickel-based alloy, cast iron, super alloy steel, titanium alloy, copper alloy and aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the golf club head body 1 may be made from nonmetal such as carbon fiber.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first plate 21 of the complex striking plate 2 is made from a metal possessing a high degree of elastic deformability characteristic. For example, the metal material of the first plate 21 is preferably selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, Fe—Mn—Al alloy titanium alloy, copper alloy and aluminum alloy.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the second plate 22 of the complex striking plate 2 is made from a metal possessing a high degree of vibration absorbability characteristic. For example, the metal material of the second plate 22 is preferably selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, low carbon steel, stainless steel (17-4PH stainless steel), alloy steel, nickel-based alloy, cast iron, titanium alloy, copper alloy, aluminum alloy and super alloy steel. Alternatively, the second plate 22 may be made from nonmetal such as carbon fiber.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the first plate 21 is formed from a one-piece flat plate which is in an ordinary or common form. Attached to the first plate 21 is the second plate 22 for reinforcing the structure. Constructions of the second plate 22 shall be described in further detail. Preferably, the second plate 22 is also formed from a one-piece member. The second plate 22 has a second connecting surface 221, a rear surface 222 and a plurality of upraised engaging members 223. The second connecting surface 221 is designed to connect with the first connecting surface 212 of the first plate 21. In a preferred embodiment, the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are made from dissimilar metals or materials.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, the upraised engaging members 223 are equi-spaced on the second connecting surface 221, and are substantially parallel each other. In a preferred embodiment, each of the upraised engaging members 223 is formed from an upright rib which is protruded a predetermined length from the second connecting surface 221. Any two of the adjacent upraised engaging members 223 define a longitudinal groove extending across the second connecting surface 221 of the second plate 22. In assembling operation of the complex striking plate 2, the upraised engaging members 223 of the second plate 22 are connected with the first connecting surface 212 of the first plate 21. The upraised engaging members 223 of the second plate 22 are functioned to uniformly transmit a stress due to a golf ball impacted on the first plate 21. In a preferred embodiment, the upraised engaging members 223 of the second plate 22 may be surface relief structures of the second connecting surface 221.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, each of the elastically deformable spaces 23 is defined between the first connecting surface 212 of the first plate 21 and any two of the adjacent upraised engaging members 223 of the second plate 22. The series of the elastically deformable spaces 23 arranged between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 is designed to provide a high degree of elastic deformability of the complex striking plate 2. The elastically deformable spaces 23 can effectively enhance elastic deformations of the first connecting surface 212 of the first plate 21 while impacting the golf ball (not shown). Accordingly, the first plate 21 of the complex striking plate 2 can provide a better rebound factor in striking the golf ball.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, in combining operation, the second plate 22 covers the entire area of the sweet spot of the first plate 21 which may be located at a center portion of the first plate 21. In a preferred embodiment, the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are combined by means of suitable manners, including braze welding, explosion welding, press rolling and adhesion. A series of connecting layers are formed between the first connecting surface 212 of the first plate 21 and the upraised engaging member 223 of the second plate 22 when braze welding, explosion welding or press rolling is applied to the complex striking plate 2. The connecting layer may be one of braze welding layer, explosion welding layer, press rolling layer. Alternatively, a series of adhesive-connecting layer are also formed between the first connecting surface 212 of the first plate 21 and the upraised engaging member 223 of the second plate 22 when adhesive is utilized. In this embodiment, the connecting layer separates any two of the adjacent elastically deformable spaces 23.
Turning now to FIG. 3, a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view of the complex striking plate structure of the golf club head in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. In comparison with the first embodiment, the upraised engaging member 223 of the second embodiment tilts a predetermined angle with respect to the second connecting surface 221 of the second plate 22 to form a tilted rib. Each of the upraised engaging members 223 has a tilt to a side. Preferably, any two of the upraised engaging members 223 tilt to opposite sides or toward each other.
Turning now to FIG. 4, a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view of the complex striking plate structure of the golf club head in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. In comparison with the first embodiment, the upraised engaging member 223 of the third embodiment includes an upright flat wall and a curved end wall connected thereto. The upright flat wall has a distal end connecting with the curved end wall. In assembling operation of the complex striking plate 2, two ends of the curved end wall of the upraised engaging member 223 connect with the first connecting surface 212 of the first plate 21.
Turning now to FIG. 5, a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view of the complex striking plate structure of the golf club head in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. In comparison with the first embodiment, each side of the upraised engaging members 223 of the fourth embodiment is formed from an inclined surface having an inclination to the second connecting surface 221 of the second plate 22. In this embodiment, any two of the adjacent upraised engaging members 223 define a V-shaped groove extending across the second connecting surface 221 of the second plate 22. Consequently, the upraised engaging members 223 are shaped in a saw-toothed form.
Turning now to FIG. 6, a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view of the complex striking plate structure of the golf club head in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. In comparison with the first embodiment, the second plate 22 of the fifth embodiment is made from a single sheet formed with a series of square waves. Preferably, the second plate 22 may be formed in a single stamping operation. Accordingly, the upraised engaging members 223 of the second plate 22 are peaks of the square waves such that the elastically deformable spaces 23 are defined between the first connecting surface 212 of the first plate 21 and wave troughs of the square waves.
Turning now to FIG. 7, a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view of the complex striking plate structure of the golf club head in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown. In comparison with the first embodiment, the first plate 21 of the sixth embodiment further includes a plurality of protruded reinforcing members 216 corresponding to the upraised engaging members 223 of the second plate 22. The protruded reinforcing members 216 are equi-spaced and extended across the first connecting surface 212 of the first plate 21. Each of the protruded reinforcing members 216 is preferably formed from an upright rib which is protruded a predetermined length from the first connecting surface 212 of the first plate 21. Advantageously, a thickness of the first plate 21 can be relatively thin due to the fact that the protruded reinforcing members 216 reinforce the entire structure of the first plate 21.
In assembling operation, each of the protruded reinforcing members 216 of the first plate 21 correspondingly extends into any two of the adjacent upraised engaging members 223 of the second plate 22 so as to define the elastically deformable spaces 23 of the complex striking plate 2. In this way, the protruded reinforcing members 216 and the upraised engaging members 223 are arranged in a staggered manner when the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are combined together. Preferably, the protruded reinforcing members 216 are in contact with the second connecting surface 221 of the second plate 22. Each of the elastically deformable spaces 23 is arranged between the protruded reinforcing members 216 and the upraised engaging members 223.
Turning now to FIG. 8, a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view of the complex striking plate structure of the golf club head in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown. In comparison with the sixth embodiment, the protruded reinforcing members 216 of the seventh embodiment are selected from reinforcing blocks to engage with the upraised engaging members 223 of the second plate 22. The first plate 21 possesses a high degree of elastic deformability by using such an arrangement of the protruded reinforcing members 216 and the upraised engaging members 223.
Turning now to FIG. 9, a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view of the complex striking plate structure of the golf club head in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The protruded reinforcing members 216 and the upraised engaging members 223 are arranged in a staggered manner when the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are combined together. In comparison with the sixth embodiment, each of the protruded reinforcing members 216 of the eighth embodiment extends into any two of the adjacent upraised engaging members 223, and is not in contact with the second connecting surface 221 of the second plate 22. Using such an arrangement of the protruded reinforcing members 216 can be successful in reducing the thickness of the first plate 21, and cannot affect the elastic deformability of the first plate 21.
Turning now to FIG. 10, a fragmental, enlarged cross-sectional view of the complex striking plate structure of the golf club head in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention is shown. In comparison with the first embodiment, the complex striking plate 2 further includes a third plate 24 for reinforcing the second plate 22 such that the second plate 22 is sandwiched in-between the first plate 21 and the third plate 24. Preferably, the second plate 22 is made from a single sheet formed with a series of sine waves. Examples of suitable shapes of the second plate 22 in implementing the present invention may include square waves, triangular waves, zigzag shapes and other wavy shapes. A series of elastically deformable spaces 25 are further formed between the second plate 22 and the third plate 24.
In combining operation, the third plate 24 is attached to the rear surface 222 of the second plate 22. Preferably, the third plate 24 is formed from a one-piece flat plate which is in an ordinary or common form. The third plate 24 is made from a material possessing a high degree of elastic deformability or vibration absorbability characteristic. For example, the metal material of the third plate 24 possessing elastic deformability characteristic is preferably selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, Fe—Mn—Al alloy titanium alloy, copper alloy and aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the material of the third plate 24 possessing vibration absorbability characteristic may be selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, low carbon steel, stainless steel (17-4PH stainless steel), alloy steel, nickel-based alloy, cast iron, titanium alloy, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, super alloy steel and nonmetal material such as carbon fiber.
Referring back to FIGS. 3 through 10, combining means for using between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 or between the second plate 22 and the third plate 24 described in the second to ninth embodiments are the same with that of the first embodiment, and the detail descriptions thereof are omitted for the sake of clarity.
It will be apparent from the aforementioned discussions that although it would be advantageous to design a conventional striking plate provided with the separate second plate, thereby successfully reducing the thickness of the first plate, the structure of the complex striking plate is weakened or the elastic deformability of the complex striking plate is affected. Conversely, the second plate 22 of the present invention can enhance performing a high degree of the elastic deformability of the first plate 21. Furthermore, the third plate 24 of the present invention can be used to adjust the elastic deformability and vibration absorbability of the complex striking plate 2 in striking the golf ball. Meanwhile, the third plate 24 of the present invention can also reinforce the strength of the entire structure of the complex striking plate 2.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to its presently preferred embodiment, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
Patent Application
20080076595
