Patent Application
20230088687
This disclosure is related to golf club heads, and particularly to golf club heads for drivers and other wood-type club heads.
Much of the recent improvement activity in the field of golf has involved the use of new and increasingly more sophisticated materials in concert with advanced club-head engineering. For example, modern “wood-type” golf clubs (notably, “drivers,” “fairway woods,” and “utility or hybrid clubs”), with their sophisticated shafts and non-wooden club-heads, bear little resemblance to the “wood” drivers, low-loft long-irons, and higher numbered fairway woods used years ago. These modern wood-type clubs are generally called “metalwoods” since they tend to be made primarily of strong, lightweight metals, such as titanium.
An exemplary metalwood golf club such as a driver or fairway wood typically includes a hollow shaft having a lower end to which the club head is attached. Most modern versions of these club heads are made, at least in part, of a lightweight but strong metal such as titanium alloy. In many cases, the club head comprises a body made primarily of such strong metals.
Some current approaches to reducing structural mass of a metalwood club-head are directed to making one or more portions of the club head of an alternative material. Whereas the bodies and face plates of most current metalwoods are made of titanium alloys, some club heads are made, at least in part, of components formed from either graphite/epoxy-composite (or other suitable composite material) and a metal alloy. Graphite composites have a much lower density compared to titanium alloys, which offers an opportunity to provide more discretionary mass in the club-head.
The ability to utilize such materials to increase the discretionary mass available for placement at various points in the club-head allows for optimization of a number of physical properties of the club-head which can greatly impact the performance obtained by the user. Forgiveness on a golf shot is generally maximized by configuring the golf club head such that the center of gravity (“CG”) of the golf club head is optimally located and the moment of inertia (“MOI”) of the golf club head is maximized.
In addition to the use of various materials to optimize the strength-to-weight properties and acoustic properties of the club heads, advances have been made in the mass distribution properties provided by using thicker and thinner regions of materials, raising and lowering certain portions of the sole and crown, providing adjustable weight members and adjustable head-shaft connection assemblies, and many other club head engineering advances.
Disclosed herein are wood-type golf club heads that include a body having at least one raised sole portion that provides a region of the sole with an increased curvature, which can stiffen the sole, reduce the mass of the sole, change the sound the club head makes, and/or provides other beneficial features. The raised sole portion can be bounded by portions of the body, such as cantilevered ledges on the periphery of the body, that extend down below the edges of the raised sole portion, such that the raised sole portion is elevated above where a conventional sole might be located on a comparable conventional club head. Some disclosed golf club heads include a body having one or more sole openings in raised sole portions and further comprise a sole insert that is mounted inside the body over the sole openings. The sole can include channels and/or weight tracks as well, such as a front channel or weight track forward of the raised sole portion and/or a rear weight track that extends between a toe side raised sole portion and a heel side raised sole portion. A crown insert can also be included that is mounted over an upper opening in the body.
The sole and crown inserts can be made of a less dense material relative to the body to provide mass savings. The raised sole portions can further provide mass savings by reducing the area of the sole, providing thinner portions of the sole where less rigidity is needed, and/or increasing the curvature of the sole, which decreases the need for additional sole ribs that help stiffen the sole. Some embodiments can have a bi-level sole, such as with a toe-side portion of the sole being a raised sole portion and a heel-side portion of the sole having a lower, more rigid construction. Some embodiments can include a single raised sole portion that extends across a majority of the sole. Some embodiments can include a first raised sole portion on the toe side of the sole and a second raised sole portion on a heel side of the sole, with a non-raised sole portion therebetween. In some such embodiments, a front-rear sliding weight track can extend between the two raised sole portions. The disclosed combinations of multi-material multi-component construction, mass adjustability features, raised sole and cantilevered ledge features, and other novel features provide unprecedented performance properties when striking a golf ball, including greater distance, greater accuracy and ball flight control, more forgiveness on off-center strikes, superior acoustics and appearance, greater durability, and improved customizability.
Some disclosed golf club heads comprise a weight track and at least one weight mounted in the weight track, with the weight track having three or more track branches, and each of the track braches having a respective terminal end and a joining end, wherein at the joining end each track branch joins with another portion of the weight track, wherein the weight track is continuous such that the at least one weight is adjustably slidable about all of the track branches without removing the at least one weight from the weight track, and wherein the at least one weight is securable to the weight track at different selectable positions located along each of the track branches. The weight track can have the shape of a T, Y, X, K, H or similar shape, for example.
Some disclosed golf club heads include a smart feature, such as a smart weight, that includes one or more sensors to measure swing characteristics, locations, or other useful information about a golfer's game. The smart feature can also include data storage and/or data transmission device, and a power source. The smart feature can also include a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a head cover, golf bag, or other device to enable the smart feature to decide when to enter a sleep mode for power conservation and when to enter an active mode.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed technology will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
This disclosure describes embodiments of golf club heads in the context of driver-type golf clubs, but the principles, methods and designs described may be applicable in whole or in part to other wood-type golf clubs, such as fairway woods, utility clubs (also known as hybrid clubs), and the like.
The disclosed inventive features include all novel and non-obvious features disclosed herein, both alone and in novel and non-obvious combinations with other elements. As used herein, the phrase “and/or” means “and,” “or” and both “and” and “or.” As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” refer to one or more than one, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the terms “including” and “having” (and their grammatical variants) mean “comprising.”
This disclosure also makes reference to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments, but other embodiments may be formed and structural changes may be made without departing from the intended scope of this disclosure and the technology discussed herein. Directions and references (e.g., up, down, top, bottom, left, right, rearward, forward, heelward, toeward, etc.) may be used to facilitate discussion of the drawings but are not intended to be limiting. For example, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right” and the like. These terms are used where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships, particularly with respect to the illustrated embodiments. Such terms are not, however, intended to imply absolute relationships, positions and/or orientations, unless otherwise indicated. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Accordingly, the following detailed description shall not be construed in a limiting sense and the scope of property rights sought shall be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
The club head 10 also includes a front channel 36 in the body 12 near the front of the sole 30. The channel 36 extends in the toe-heel directions across the sole, with a heelward end 38 near the hosel 18 and an opposite toeward end 40. The heelward end 38 can have an enlarged width, which can allow for the fastener 16 to be inserted into the body from the channel to engage with the head-shaft connection assembly 14 within the hosel 18. The front channel can improve coefficient of restitution (COR) across the striking face and can provide increased forgiveness on off-center ball strikes. For example, the presence of the front channel can expand zones of the highest COR across the face of the club, particularly at the bottom of the club face near the channel, so that a larger fraction of the face area has a COR above a desired value, especially at the lower regions of the face. More information regarding the construction and performance benefits of the front channel 36 and similar front channels can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,870,678 and U.S. Publication Nos. 2016/0059094 A1, published Mar. 3, 2016, 2016/0023060 A1, published Jan. 28, 2016, and 2016/0023063 A1, published Jan. 28, 2016, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, and various of the other publications that are incorporated by reference herein.
The body 12 can include a front ground contact surface 54 on the body forward of the channel 36 adjacent the bottom of the face 34. The body can also have an intermediate ground contact surface, or sit pad, 50 rearward of the channel 36. The intermediate ground contact surface 50 can have an elevation and curvature congruent with that of the front ground contact surface 54. The body 12 can further comprise a downwardly extending rear sole surface 46 that extends around the weight port 44 and contains the weight assembly 42. In some embodiments, the rear sole surface 46 can act as a ground contact or sit pad as well, having a curvature and elevation congruent with that of the front ground contact surface 54 and the intermediate ground contact surface 50.
The body 12 can further include a raised sole portion 52 that is recessed/raised up from the intermediate ground contact portion 50 and from the rear sole surface 46. The raised sole portion 52 can span over any portion of the sole 30, and in the illustrated embodiment the raised sole portion 52 spans over most of the toeward and rearward portions of the sole. The sole 30 can include a sloped transition portion 53 where the intermediate ground contact surface 50 transitions up to the raised sole portion 52. The sole can also include other similar sloped portions around the boundary of the raised sole portion 52, such as the sloped portion 77 along the boundary of the rear sole surface 46 (
The body 12 can also include a cantilevered ledge 56 that extends downwardly and outwardly from the perimeter of the body below the level of the raised sole portion 52 on the toe side and rear side of the body. The ledge 56 can extend from the rear sole surface 46 around the body toward the toeward end of the front of the body, where the ledge can merge with the front ground contact portion 54 of the sole. The raised sole portion 52 can be surrounded, fully or partially, by a combination of the ledge 56, the front ground contact portion 54, and the toeward end 40 of the channel, the intermediate ground contact portion 50, and the rear sole surface 46. In this way, the raised sole portion 52 can form a recessed region surrounded by lower elevation portions of the body.
The cantilevered ledge 56 can be a peripheral extension of the crown that extends continuously past the point where the raised sole meets the crown. The ledge can have a terminal edge that is positioned about where a conventional sole would meet with the crown around the perimeter of the head. The terminal edge of the ledge 56 can include a curled or bent portion that extends inwardly a small distance, which can avoid having a sharp edge at the bottom of the ledge 56. The ledge 56 can also increase the silhouette area of the club head, such that the club head looks at least as large as a conventional club head when a user looks down on crown from above.
The cantilevered ledge 56 can extend beyond the edge of the raised sole portion 52 a distance from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 3 mm to about 15 mm, and/or from about 5 mm to about 10 mm. The cantilevered ledge 56 can have any thickness.
The raised sole portion 52 can optionally include grooves, channels, ridges, or other surface features that increase its rigidity, such as grooves 74 and 76. Similarly, the intermediate ground contact portion 50 can include stiffening surface features, such as grooves 78 and 80.
A sole such as the sole 30 of the golf club head 10 may be referred to as a two-tier construction, bi-level construction, raised sole construction, or dropped sole construction, in which one portion of the sole is raised relative to the other portion of the sole. The terms raised, lowered, dropped, etc. are relative terms depending on perspective. For example, the intermediate ground contact portion 50 could be considered “raised” relative to the raised sole portion 52 when the head is upside down with the sole facing upwardly as in
The raised sole constructions described herein are counterintuitive because the raised portion of the sole tends to raise the CG of the club (compared to a conventional sole position), which is normally considered disadvantageous. However, the raised sole portion 52 (and other raised sole portion embodiments disclosed herein) allows for a smaller radius of curvature for that portion of the sole (compared to a conventional sole without the raised sole portion) resulting in increased rigidity and better acoustic properties due to the increased stiffness from the geometry. This stiffness increase means fewer ribs or even no ribs are needed in that portion of the sole to achieve a desired first mode frequency, such as 3000 Hz or above, 3200 Hz or above, or even 3400 Hz or above. Fewer ribs provides a mass/weight savings, which allows for more discretionary mass that can be strategically placed elsewhere in the club head or incorporated into user adjustable movable weights.
Furthermore, the various sloped transition portions (e.g., 53, 77) around the raised sole portion 52, as well as the grooves 74, 76, and the optional ribs 58, can provide additional structural support and additional rigidity for the club head and also modify and even fine tune the acoustic properties of the club head. The sound and modal frequencies emitted by the club head when it strikes a golf ball are very important to the sensory experience of a golfer and provide functional feedback as to where the ball impact occurs on the face (and whether the ball is well struck).
In some embodiments, the raised sole portion 52 can be made of a relatively thinner and/or less dense material compared to other portions of the sole and body that take more stress, such as the ground contact portions 46, 54, 50, the face region, and the hosel region. By reducing the mass of the raised sole portion 52, the higher CG effect of raising that portion of the sole is mitigated while maintaining a stronger, heavier material on other portions of the sole and body to promote a lower CG and provide added strength in the area of the sole and body where it is most needed (e.g., in a sole region proximate to the hosel and around the face and shaft connection components where stress is higher).
In some embodiments, the raised sole portion 52 and/or optionally other portions of the body can include relatively thinner regions spaced apart in a web of thicker material. For example, as shown in
The body 12 can also include one or more internal ribs, such as ribs 82, 84, and 86 (see
As shown in
The crown opening 60 can be formed to have a recessed peripheral ledge or seat 62 to receive the crown insert 32, such that the crown insert is either flush with the adjacent surfaces of the body to provide a smooth seamless outer surface or, alternatively, slightly recessed below the body surfaces. The front of the crown insert 32 can join with a front portion of the crown 28 on the body to form a continuous, arched crown extend forward to the face. The crown insert 32 can comprise any suitable material (e.g., lightweight composite and/or polymeric materials) and can be attached to the body in any suitable manner, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.
The crown insert 32, disclosed in various embodiments herein, can help overcome manufacturing challenges associated with conventional club heads having normal continuous crowns made of titanium or other metals, and can replace a relatively heavy component of the crown with a lighter material, freeing up discretionary mass which can be strategically allocated elsewhere within the club head. For example, with the discretionary mass, additional ribs can be strategically added to the hollow interior of the club head and thereby improve the acoustic properties of the head. Discretionary mass in the form of ribs or other features also can be strategically located in the interior to shift the effective CG fore or aft, toeward or heelward or both (apart from any further CG adjustments made possible by adjustable weight features).
The front sit pad 112 is positioned in front of the sole channel 114 and the raised sole 110 extends rearwardly from the channel 114 to the rear sit pad 116 and perimeter ledges 118, 119. The raised sole 110 also extends heelward over most of the heel portion of the body and transitions into the hosel 103 where stresses are higher and thicker material is needed. At the toe side of the head 100, the raised sole 110 is bounded by the toe-side ledge 118 and the toe end 132 of the body that extends from front sit pad 112 adjacent the face. In the normal address position, the head rests on the ground with only the front and rear sit pads 112, 116 touching the ground, and the raised sole 110 spaced above the ground (see
The ledges 118 and 119 can be similar in structure and purpose to the ledge 56 of head 10, as described herein.
The raised sole portion 110 can optionally include grooves, channels, ridges, or other surface features that increase its rigidity, can have thick/thin regions, and/or can include internal ribs, as described with the raised sole portion 52 above.
The rear sit pad 116 can be positioned off-center toward the toe-side of the club head, where it best positioned to contact the ground when a user holds the club head at address with the head rocked toward the heel a bit. The rear sit pad 116 can have a general rectilinear shape that is also arcuate to match the arcuate shape of the rear of the head. The rear sit pad 116 can alternatively have various other shapes and sizes as desired, such as to adjust the mass properties, acoustic properties, or aerodynamic properties.
As with other embodiments herein, the head-shaft connection assembly 104 can include various components to allow adjustment to the loft, lie, and/or face angles of the head relative to the shaft, and can include components 120, 122, 124, 126 as shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, one or more ribs can be included within the body, such as one or more ribs that span the junction between the top of the face 130 and the front of the crown 136, such as the rib 140 shown in
As shown in
In any of the club heads disclosed herein, the club head can include at least one raised sole portion that provides a greater heel-toe curvature as compared to a conventional sole that normally would be included in place of the raised sole portion. For example, the raised sole portion can have a heel end that is bounded by a heel portion of the body (e.g., cantilevered ledge 119 in club head 100) and a toe end that is bounded by a toe portion of the body (e.g., cantilevered ledge 118 in club head 100), and a mid portion that is positioned below the heel end and toe end when the club head is a normal address position. The heel portion of the body extends below the heel end of the raised sole portion and the toe portion of the body extends below the toe end of the raised sole portion, such that the raised sole portion is elevated above where a normal sole would be located if it extended to the peripheral ends of the body, and such that the raised sole portion has an increased degree of curvature. Curvature is defined herein as the inverse of the radius of curvature.
The club head 100, for example, includes raised sole portion 110 that covers a majority of the sole. In the club head 10, as another example, the raised sole portion 52 provides a zone of higher curvature mostly on the toe side, in contrast to the lower sole portions 50, 54, 46, etc. As another example, the club head 200 (described further below) includes a toe-side raised sole portion (area including and around body opening 240) and a separate heel-side raised sole portion (area including and around body opening 242), with a weight track in between.
The heel-toe curvature of a raised sole portion can be measured at any heel-toe cross-section between the front and back of the club head. For example,
The average heel-toe curvature of the raised sole portion 302 can be defined by an arc 314 of constant radius passing through points B, D and F. Alternatively, the average heel-toe curvature of the raised sole portion 302 can be defined by an arc 316 of constant radius passing through points C, D and E. These are just two examples of how the heel-toe curvature of a raised sole portion can be measured or estimated. In any case, it is apparent that the curvature of the raised sole portion is greater than a reference curvature defined by reference arc 312 that extends through points A, D and G with a constant radius, which is approximately where a conventional sole would be located and approximates an average curvature of such a conventional sole.
In embodiments have a raised sole portion, the average heel-toe curvature of the raised sole portion can be greater than the reference heel-toe curvature by any degree, by at least 3%, by at least 5%, by at least 10%, by at least 15%, and/or by at least 20%.
In the example cross-section of
It should be noted that the foregoing comparisons of curvatures and dimensions are based on a cross-section of the club head body taken at a vertical cut located midway (50%) between the front and rear of the club head. Alternatively, such curvature comparisons can be made at other front-rear cross-section locations, such as 25%, 30%, 40%, 60%, 70%, or 75% of the distance from the from the front of the club head toward the rear of the club head, while yielding comparable results and conclusions.
For example, in one embodiment at a cross-section located at about 30% of the distance from the from the front of the club head toward the rear of the club head a toe arc curvature may be greater than about 0.0135 mm−1, preferably greater than about 0.0140 mm−1, more preferably greater than about 0.0145 mm−1, and most preferably greater than about 0.0150 mm−1. Additionally or alternatively, at that same 30% cross-section a heel arc curvature may be greater than about 0.0135 mm−1, preferably greater than about 0.0140 mm−1, more preferably greater than about 0.0145 mm−1, and most preferably greater than about 0.0150 mm−1. Similarly, at a cross-section located at about 70% of the distance from the from the front of the club head toward the rear of the club head a toe arc curvature may be greater than about 0.0115 mm−1, preferably greater than about 0.0120 mm−1, more preferably greater than about 0.0125 mm−1, and most preferably greater than about 0.0130 mm−1. Additionally or alternatively, at that same 70% cross-section a heel arc curvature may be greater than about 0.0135 mm−1, preferably greater than about 0.0140 mm−1, more preferably greater than about 0.0145 mm−1, and most preferably greater than about 0.0150 mm−1. The heel and toe curvatures may not necessarily be the same and in many instances the heel curvature may be greater than the toe curvature. As discussed above, at least one of the heel curvature and toe curvature may be greater than a reference heel-toe curvature by at least 3%, by at least 5%, by at least 10%, by at least 15%, and/or by at least 20%.
Looking again at
A non-constant curvature of the raised sole portion can be characterized in other ways as well. For example, the overall span can be broken up into N smaller segments, and the curvatures of each of the N segments can be summed together and then divided by N to calculate an approximate average curvature. In one such example, the raised sole portion can have an overall heel-toe arc length of about 120 mm, and can be broken up into 12 arc segments of about 10 mm each. The curvature of each of the 12 segments can be calculated, added together, and then divided by 12 to arrive at an approximate average curvature. In other examples, the N segments can each have different arc lengths. In such cases, for each segments, the product of the length and the curvature can be found. Those products can be summed and then divided by the sum of the lengths (the overall length) to arrive at an approximate average curvature. Regardless of the technique used to measure the average curvature of the raised sole portion, the average curvature of the raised sole portion can be greater than the reference curvature.
The head 200 comprises a body 202, a hosel 203, an adjustable head-shaft connection assembly 204, fastener 205, a crown insert 206 attached to an upper portion of the body, a sole insert 208 mounted inside the body on top of a lower portion of the body, the front weight assembly 210 slidably mounted in the front weight track 214, and the rear weight assembly 212 slidably mounted in the rear weight track 216. The two weight tracks form a T shape, with a rearwardly extending track branch, a toewardly extending track branch, and a heelwardly extending track branch, defining three terminal ends. In some embodiments, a similar weight track can have more of a Y shape, with all three branches extending at different angles. The head 200 includes a front sit pad, or ground contact surface, 226 between the front track 214 and the face 270, and a rear sit pad, or ground contact surface, 224 at the rear of the body to the heel side of the rear track 216, with the rest of the sole elevated above the ground when in the normal address position.
The head 200 has a raised sole that is defined by a combination of the body 202 and the sole insert 208. As shown in
The head 200 also includes a toe-side cantilevered ledge 232 extending around the perimeter from the rear weight track 216 or rear sit pad 224 around to toe region adjacent the face, where the ledge 232 joins with a toe portion 230 of the body that extends toeward from the front sit pad 226. One or more optional ribs 236 can join the toe portion 230 to the raised sole adjacent a forward end of the toe-side opening 240 in the body. Three such triangular ribs are illustrated in
The head 200 also includes a heel-side cantilevered ledge 234 that extends from near the hosel region rearward to the rear sit pad 224 or to the rear end of the rear weight track 216. In some embodiments, the two cantilevered ledges 232 and 234 can meet and/or form a continuous ledge that extends around the rear of the head. The rear sit pad 224 can optionally include a recessed rear portion 222 (as shown in
The lower portion of the body 202 that forms part of the sole can include various features, thickness variations, ribs, etc, to provide enhanced rigidity where desired and weight saving when rigidity is less desired. The body can include thicker regions 238, for example, near the intersection of the two weight tracks 214, 216. The body can also include thin ledges or seats 260 around the openings 240, 242, with the ledges 260 configured to receive and mate with sole insert 208. The lower surfaces of the body can also include various internal ribs to enhance rigidity and acoustics, such as ribs 262, 263, 265, and 267 shown in
The upper portion of the body can also include various features, thickness variations, ribs, etc, to provide enhanced rigidity where desired and weight saving when rigidity is less desired. For example, the body includes a thinner seat region 250 around the upper opening to receive the crown insert 206. As shown in
The sole insert 208 has a geometry and size selected to at least cover the openings 240, 242, 244 in the bottom of the body, and can be secured to the frame by adhesion or other secure fastening technique. In some embodiments, the ledges 260 may be provided with indentations to receive matching protrusions or bumps on the underside of the sole insert to further secure and align the sole insert on the frame.
Like the sole, the crown also has an opening 246 that reduces the mass of the body 202, and more significantly, reduces the mass of the crown, a region of the head where increased mass has the greatest impact on raising (undesirably) the CG of the head. Along the periphery of the opening 246, the frame includes a recessed ledge 250 to seat and support the crown insert 206. The crown insert 206 (see
In various embodiments, the ledges of the body that receive the crown and sole inserts (e.g. ledges 250 and 260) may be made from the same metal material (e.g., titanium alloy) as the body and, therefore, can add significant mass to the golf club head. In some embodiments, in order to control the mass contribution of the ledge to the golf club head, the width of the ledges can be adjusted to achieve a desired mass contribution. In some embodiments, if the ledges add too much mass to the golf club head, it can take away from the decreased weight benefits of a sole and crown inserts, which can be made from a lighter materials (e.g., carbon fiber or graphite composites and/or polymeric materials). In some embodiments, the width of the ledges may range from about 3 mm to about 8 mm, preferably from about 4 mm to about 7 mm, and more preferably from about 4.5 mm to about 5.5 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the ledges may be at least four times as wide as a thickness of the respective insert. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ledges may range from about 0.4 mm to about 1 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 0.8 mm, and more preferably from about 0.6 mm to about 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ledges may range from about 0.5 mm to about 1.75 mm, preferably from about 0.7 mm to about 1.2 mm, and more preferably from about 0.8 mm to about 1.1 mm. Although the ledges may extend or run along the entire interface boundary between the respective insert and the body, in alternative embodiments, the ledges may extend only partially along the interface boundaries.
The periphery of crown opening 246 can be proximate to and closely track the periphery of the crown on the toe-, rear-, and heel-sides of the head 200. In contrast, the face-side of the crown opening 246 can be spaced farther from the face 270 region of the head. In this way, the head can have additional frame mass and reinforcement in the crown area 252 just rearward of the face 270. This area and other areas adjacent to the face along the toe, heel and sole support the face and are subject to the relatively higher impact loads and stresses due to ball strikes on the face. As described elsewhere herein, the frame may be made of a wide range of materials, including high strength titanium, titanium alloys, and/or other metals. The opening 246 can have a notch at the front side which matingly corresponds to the crown insert projection 207 to help align and seat the crown insert on the body.
The front and rear weight tracks 214, 216 are located in the sole of the club head and define tracks for mounting two-piece slidable weight assemblies 210, 212, respectively, which may be fastened to the weight tracks by fastening means such as screws. The weight assemblies can take forms other than as shown in
The sole of the body 202 preferably is integrally formed with the front weight track 214 extending generally parallel to and near the face of the club head and generally perpendicular to the rear weight track 216, which extends rearward from near the middle of the front track toward the rear of the head.
In the illustrated embodiments, the weight tracks each only include one weight assembly. In other embodiments, two or more weight assemblies can be mounted in either or both of the weight tracks to provide alternative mass distribution capabilities for the club head.
By adjusting the CG heelward or toeward via the front weight track 214, the performance characteristics of the club head can be modified to affect the flight of the ball, especially the ball's tendency to draw or fade and/or to counter the ball's tendency to slice or hook. By adjusting the CG forward or rearward via the rear weight track 216, the performance characteristics of the club head can be modified to affect the flight of the ball, especially the ball's tendency to move upwardly or resist falling during flight due to backspin. The use of two weights assemblies in either track can allow for alternative adjustment and interplay between the two weights. For example, with respect to the front track 214, two independently adjustable weight assemblies can be positioned fully on the toe side, fully on the heel side, spaced apart a maximum distance with one weight fully on the toe side and the other fully on the heel side, positioned together in the middle of the weight track, or in other weight location patterns. With a single weight assembly in a track, as illustrated, the weight adjustment options are more limited but the effective CG of the head still can be adjusted along a continuum, such as heelward or toeward or in a neutral position with the weight centered in the front weight track.
As shown in
The weight assemblies can be adjusted by loosening the screws and moving the weights to a desired location along the tracks, then the screws can be tightened to secure them in place. The weights assemblies can also be swapped out and replaced by other weight assemblies having different masses to provide further mass adjustment options. If a second or third weight is added to the weight track, many additional weight location and distribution options are available for additional fine tuning of the head's effective CG location in the heel-toe direction and the front-rear direction, and combinations thereof. This also provides great range of adjust of the club head's MOI properties.
Any of the weight assemblies disclosed herein, such as 210, 212, can comprise a three piece assembly including an inner weight member, an outer weight member, and a fastener coupling the two weight members together. The assemblies can clamp onto front, back, or side ledges of the weight tracks by tightening the fastener such that the inner member contacts the inner side the ledge and the outer weight member contacts the outer side of the ledge, and the fastener is in tension, with enough clamping force to hold the assembly stationary relative to the body throughout a round of golf. Any of the weight members disclosed herein and/or the associated assemblies can be shaped and/or configured to be inserted into the weight track by inserting the inner weight member into the inner channel past the ledge(s) at a usable portion of the weight track, as opposed to inserting the inner weight at an enlarged opening at one end of the weight track where the weight assembly is not configured to be secured in place. This can allow for elimination of such a wider, non-functional opening at the end of the track, and allow the track to be shorter or to have a longer functional ledge length over which the weight assembly can be secured. To allow the inner weight member to be inserted into the track in the middle of the track (for example) past the ledge, the inner weight member can be inserted at an angle that is not perpendicular to the ledge, e.g., an angled insertion. Moreover, the insertion of the inner member into the channel can be in a direction that is not parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel. Also, the weight member cannot be removed from the channel solely by movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel. The weight member can be inserted at an angle and gradually rotated into the inner channel to allow insertion past the clamping ledge at a usable portion of the track. In some embodiments, the inner weight member can have a rounded, oval, oblong, arcuate, curved, or otherwise specifically shaped structure to better allow the weight member to insert into the channel past the ledge at a useable portion of the track. In addition, in some embodiments one or both weight members of an assembly can have a non-circular shape and/or shaped to prevent rotation of the weight member upon tightening then threaded fastening bolt. More information regarding weight assemblies and weight tracks can be found in U.S. Pub. No. 2017/0072277, published Mar. 16, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In the golf club heads of the present disclosure, the ability to adjust the relative positions and masses of the slidably adjusted weights and/or threadably adjustable weights, coupled with the weight saving achieved by incorporation of the light-weight crown insert and/or sole insert, further coupled with the discretionary mass provided by the raised sole configurations, allows for a large range of variation of a number properties of the club-head all of which affect the ultimate club-head performance including the position of the CG of the club-head, MOI values of the club head, acoustic properties of the club head, aesthetic appearance and subjective feel properties of the club head, and/or other properties.
In certain embodiments, the front weight track and the rear weight track have certain track widths. The track widths may be measured, for example, as the horizontal distance between a first track wall and a second track wall that are generally parallel to each other on opposite sides of the inner portion of the track that receives the inner weight member of the weight assembly. With reference to
Additionally, both the front track and rear track have a certain track length. Track length may be measured as the horizontal distance between the opposing longitudinal end walls of the track. For both the front track and the rear track, their track lengths may be between about 30 mm and about 120 mm, such as between about 50 mm and about 100 mm, or such as between about 60 mm and about 90 mm. Additionally, or alternatively, the length of the front track may be represented as a percentage of the striking face length. For example, the front track may be between about 30% and about 100% of the striking face length, such as between about 50% and about 90%, or such as between about 60% and about 80% mm of the striking face length.
The track depth, width, and length properties described above can also analogously also be applied to the front channel 36 of the club head 10.
In
Referring to
In one embodiment, the vertical distance between the level of the ground contact surfaces of the sit pads and the adjacent surfaces of the raised sole portions may be in the range of about 2-12 mm, preferably about 3-9 mm, more preferably about 4-7 mm, and most preferably about 4.5-6.5 mm. In one example, the vertical distance is about 5.5 mm.
The wood-type club heads disclosed herein have a volume, typically measured in cubic-centimeters (cm3) equal to the volumetric displacement of the club head, assuming any apertures are sealed by a substantially planar surface. (See United States Golf Association “Procedure for Measuring the Club Head Size of Wood Clubs,” Revision 1.0, Nov. 21, 2003). In other words, for a golf club head with one or more weight ports within the head, it is assumed that the weight ports are either not present or are “covered” by regular, imaginary surfaces, such that the club head volume is not affected by the presence or absence of ports. In embodiments disclosed herein, a golf club head can be configured to have a head volume between about 110 cm3 and about 600 cm3. In some embodiments, the head volume is between about 250 cm3 and about 500 cm3. In yet other embodiments, the head volume is between about 300 cm3 and about 500 cm3, between 400 cm3 and about 500 cm3, between about 400 cm3 and about 460 cm3 or between about 420 cm3 and about 450 cm3.
In the case of a driver (as illustrated), any of the disclosed golf club heads can have a volume between about 300 cm3 and about 600 cm3, between about 350 cm3 and about 600 cm3, and/or between about 350 cm3 and about 500 cm3, and can have a total mass between about 145 g and about 260 g, such as between about 195 g and about 205 g. In the case of a fairway wood (analogous to the illustrated embodiments), the golf club head may have a volume between about 100 cm3 and about 300 cm3, such as between about 150 cm3 and about 250 cm3, and a total mass between about 125 g and about 260 g. In the case of a utility or hybrid club (analogous to the illustrated embodiments), the golf club head may have a volume between about 60 cm3 and about 150 cm3, and a total mass between about 125 g and about 280 g.
Generally, the center of gravity (CG) of a golf club head is the average location of the weight of the golf club head or the point at which the entire weight of the golf club-head may be considered as concentrated so that if supported at this point the head would remain in equilibrium in any position. A club head origin coordinate system can be defined such that the location of various features of the club head, including the CG can be determined with respect to a club head origin positioned at the geometric center of the striking surface and when the club-head is at the normal address position (i.e., the club-head position wherein a vector normal to the club face substantially lies in a first vertical plane perpendicular to the ground plane, the centerline axis of the club shaft substantially lies in a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane substantially perpendicularly intersect).
The head origin coordinate system defined with respect to the head origin includes three axes: a z-axis extending through the head origin in a generally vertical direction relative to the ground; an x-axis extending through the head origin in a toe-to-heel direction generally parallel to the striking surface (e.g., generally tangential to the striking surface at the center) and generally perpendicular to the z-axis; and a y-axis extending through the head origin in a front-to-back direction and generally perpendicular to the x-axis and to the z-axis. The x-axis and the y-axis both extend in generally horizontal directions relative to the ground when the club head is at the normal address position. The x-axis extends in a positive direction from the origin towards the heel of the club head. The y axis extends in a positive direction from the head origin towards the rear portion of the club head. The z-axis extends in a positive direction from the origin towards the crown. Thus for example, and using millimeters as the unit of measure, a CG that is located 3.2 mm from the head origin toward the toe of the club head along the x-axis, 36.7 mm from the head origin toward the rear of the clubhead along the y-axis, and 4.1 mm from the head origin toward the sole of the club head along the z-axis can be defined as having a CGx of −3.2 mm, a CGy of −36.7 mm, and a CGz of −4.1 mm.
Further as used herein, Delta 1 is a measure of how far rearward in the club head body the CG is located. More specifically, Delta 1 is the distance between the CG and the hosel axis along the y axis (in the direction straight toward the back of the body of the golf club face from the geometric center of the striking face). It has been observed that smaller values of Delta 1 result in lower projected CGs on the club head face. Thus, for embodiments of the disclosed golf club heads in which the projected CG on the ball striking club face is lower than the geometric center, reducing Delta 1 can lower the projected CG and increase the distance between the geometric center and the projected CG. Note also that a lower projected CG can create a higher dynamic loft and more reduction in backspin due to the z-axis gear effect. Thus, for particular embodiments of the disclosed golf club heads, in some cases the Delta 1 values are relatively low, thereby reducing the amount of backspin on the golf ball helping the golf ball obtain the desired high launch, low spin trajectory.
The embodiments disclosed herein can be provided with one or more adjustable weights, which can have a mass selected to vary Delta 1 of the club head to a value greater than 5 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 15 mm, and greater than 18.5 mm.
Similarly Delta 2 is the distance between the CG and the hosel axis along the x axis (in the direction straight toward the back of the body of the golf club face from the geometric center of the striking face).
Adjusting the location of the discretionary mass in a golf club head as described herein can provide the desired Delta 1 value. For instance, Delta 1 can be manipulated by varying the mass in front of the CG (closer to the face) with respect to the mass behind the CG. That is, by increasing the mass behind the CG with respect to the mass in front of the CG, Delta 1 can be increased. In a similar manner, by increasing the mass in front of the CG with the respect to the mass behind the CG, Delta 1 can be decreased.
In addition to the position of the CG of a club-head with respect to the head origin another important property of a golf club-head is a projected CG point on the golf club head striking surface which is the point on the striking surface that intersects with a line that is normal to the tangent line of the ball striking club face and that passes through the CG. This projected CG point (“CG Proj”) can also be referred to as the “zero-torque” point because it indicates the point on the ball striking club face that is centered with the CG. Thus, if a golf ball makes contact with the club face at the projected CG point, the golf club head will not twist about any axis of rotation since no torque is produced by the impact of the golf ball. A negative number for this property indicates that the projected CG point is below the geometric center of the face.
In terms of the MOI of the club-head (i.e., a resistance to twisting) it is typically measured about each of the three main axes of a club-head with the CG as the origin of the coordinate system. These three axes include a CG z-axis extending through the CG in a generally vertical direction relative to the ground when the club head is at normal address position; a CG x-axis extending through the CG origin in a toe-to-heel direction generally parallel to the striking surface (e.g., generally tangential to the striking surface at the club face center), and generally perpendicular to the CG z-axis; and a CG y-axis extending through the CG origin in a front-to-back direction and generally perpendicular to the CG x-axis and to the CG z-axis. The CG x-axis and the CG y-axis both extend in generally horizontal directions relative to the ground when the club head is at normal address position. The CG x-axis extends in a positive direction from the CG origin to the heel of the club head. The CG y-axis extends in a positive direction from the CG origin towards the rear portion of the golf club head. The CG z-axis extends in a positive direction from the CG origin towards the crown. Thus, the axes of the CG origin coordinate system are parallel to corresponding axes of the head origin coordinate system. In particular, the CG z-axis is parallel to z-axis, the CG x-axis is parallel to x-axis, and CG y-axis is parallel to y-axis.
Specifically, a club head as a moment of inertia about the vertical axis (“Izz”), a moment of inertia about the heel/toe axis (“Ixx”), and a moment of inertia about the front/back axis (“Iyy”). Typically, however, the MOI about the z-axis (Izz) and the x-axis (Ixx) is most relevant to club head forgiveness.
A moment of inertia about the golf club head CG x-axis (Ixx) is calculated by the following equation:
Ixx=∫(y2+z2)dm
where y is the distance from a golf club head CG xz-plane to an infinitesimal mass dm and z is the distance from a golf club head CG xy-plane to the infinitesimal mass dm. The golf club head CG xz-plane is a plane defined by the golf club head CG x-axis and the golf club head CG z-axis. The CG xy-plane is a plane defined by the golf club head CGx-axis and the golf club head CG y-axis.
Similarly, a moment of inertia about the golf club head CG z-axis (Izz) is calculated by the following equation:
Izz=∫(x2+y2)dm
where x is the distance from a golf club head CG yz-plane to an infinitesimal mass dm and y is the distance from the golf club head CG xz-plane to the infinitesimal mass dm. The golf club head CG yz-plane is a plane defined by the golf club head CG y-axis and the golf club head CG z-axis.
A further description of the coordinate systems for determining CG positions and MOI can be found US Patent Publication No. 2012/0172146 A1 published on Jul. 5, 2012, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.
As shown in Tables 1 and 2 below, the clubs of the present disclosure are able to achieve extremely high ranges of CGx, CGz, Delta 1 and Delta 2 and Ixx, Izz and projected CG position within the adjustability ranges of the club head. Table 1 below provides exemplary data for embodiments of the golf club heads 10 and 100 disclosed herein.
Table 2 below provides exemplary data for configurations of the golf club head 200 disclosed herein, with the front weight assembly 210 and rear weight assembly 212 in various positions. In each case, both weight assemblies have a mass of 15 grams (though weights with any other mass values can be used). In Table 2, “C/F” means the front weight assembly is in the center of the front track and the rear weight assembly is at the front of the rear track. “C/M” means the front weight assembly is in the center of the front track and the rear weight assembly is at the middle of the rear track. “C/B” means the front weight assembly is in the center of the front track and the rear weight assembly is at the back of the rear track.
As shown in Tables 1 and 2 above, embodiments of the present disclosure are able to achieve high MOI (Ixx and Izz), relatively low CG (CGz) and a desirable Center of Gravity projection on the club face, also known as “balance point on the face” (BP Proj.). CGx and CGz represent center of gravity locations on the x and z coordinate axes, respectively. Delta 1 (D1) represents the distance between the club head's CG and its hosel axis along the Y axis (in a direction straight toward the back of the body of the club head face from the geometric center of the face). Thus, for embodiments disclosed herein in which the projected CG (BP Proj.) on the ball striking face is lower than the geometric center, reducing Delta 1 produces a lower projected CG and a lower dynamic loft and creates a desirable further reduction in backspin due to the Z-axis gear effect. Thus, some embodiment disclosed herein can facilitate a club design having a desirable high launch angle and yet relatively low spin rate. High launch trajectories are normally associated with higher spin rates. “Mass” denotes the mass of the club head in grams. Ixx and Izz denote the moment of inertia of the club head about the x and z axes, respectively. The Delta 1 value may have a range of adjustability due to the adjustable front-to-back weight(s) of at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm or at least 18.5 mm, for example. The adjustability in one exemplary embodiment may range from about 5 to 28.1 mm, for example. The foregoing properties and values may also be achieved with relatively light polymer (or composite) sole and crown inserts.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) regulations constrain golf club head shapes, sizes, and moments of inertia. Due to theses constraints, golf club manufacturers and designers struggle to produce club heads having maximum size and moment of inertia characteristics while maintaining all other golf club head characteristics. For example, one such constraint is a volume limitation of 460 cm3. In general, volume is measured using the water displacement method. However, the USGA will fill any significant cavities in the sole or series of cavities which have a collective volume of greater than 15 cm3.
To produce a more forgiving golf club head designers struggle to maximize certain parameters such as face area, moment of inertia about the z-axis and x-axis, and address area. A larger face area makes the club head more forgiving. Likewise, higher moment of inertia about the z-axis and x-axis makes the club head more forgiving. Similarly, a larger front to back dimension will generally increase moment of inertia about the z-axis and x-axis because mass is moved further from the center of gravity and the moment of inertia of a mass about a given axis is proportional to the square of the distance of the mass away from the axis. Additionally, a larger front to back dimension will generally lead to a larger address area which inspires confidence in the golfer when s/he addresses the golf ball.
However, when designers seek to maximize the above parameters it becomes difficult to stay within the volume limits and club head mass targets. Additionally, the sole curvature begins to flatten as these parameters are maximized. A flat sole curvature provides poor acoustics. To counteract this problem, designers may add a significant amount of ribs to the internal cavity to stiffen the overall structure and/or thicken the sole material to stiffen the overall structure. See for example FIGS. 55C and 55D and the corresponding text of U.S. Publication No. 2016/0001146 A1, published Jan. 7, 2016. This, however, wastes discretionary mass that could be put elsewhere to improve other properties like moment of inertia about the z-axis and x-axis.
As discussed above, a raised sole portion is counterintuitive because it raises the CG of the club head. However, the raised sole portion has a greater curvature resulting in increased rigidity and better acoustic properties due to the increased stiffness from the geometry, which means fewer ribs are needed to stiffen the overall structure. Fewer ribs results in more discretionary mass that can be used to increase moment of inertia about the z-axis and x-axis and/or incorporated into user adjustable movable weights.
Because the USGA fills any significant cavities in the sole or series of cavities which have a collective volume of greater than 15 cm3, the designers have found when using the water displacement method of measuring volume it is best to target a volume less than 445 cm3, and preferably less than 440 cm3 to conform to the rules. Using the water displacement method of measuring volume without filling any cavities, in some embodiments a club head may have a volume between 380 cm3 and 445 cm3, such as between 420 cm3 and 445 cm3, such as between 430 cm3 and 440 cm3. Some golfers may prefer a smaller head size in which case the volume may range from 380 cm3 and 425 cm3, such as between 380 cm3 and 420 cm3, such as between 390 cm3 and 410 cm3.
The inventors found a good measure of a club heads overall forgiveness can be determined by applying the following equation:
Forgiveness ratio=(hosel axis to back dimension)*(face area)/(volume)
This forgiveness ratio leads to a dimensionless quantity because the hosel axis to back dimension is in mm, face area is in mm2, and volume is in cm3. The hosel axis to back of club head dimension represents the distance between the rearward most portion of the club head and the club head hosel axis along the Y axis (in a direction straight toward the back of the body when the club head is in the address position). The face area is equivalent to the striking surface area or face size. See U.S. Pat. No. 8,012,038 for further information on measuring face size and address area, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. As discussed above, volume is measured using the water displacement method without filling in any cavities.
The forgiveness ratio is preferably at least 0.915, such as at least 0.930, such as at least 0.945, such as at least 0.960, such as at least 0.965, such as at least 0.970, such as at least 0.975, such as at least 0.980, and such as at least 0.990.
For example, in one embodiment the club head volume is about 433 cm3, face area is about 3944 mm2, and the hosel to back length is about 100.9 mm yielding a forgiveness ratio of about 0.919. In another embodiment, the club head volume is about 436 cm3, face area is about 4283 mm2, and the hosel to back length is about 100.6 mm yielding a forgiveness ratio of about 0.988. In yet another embodiment, the club head volume is about 435 cm3, face area is about 4461 mm2, and the hosel to back length is about 103.9 mm yielding a forgiveness ratio of about 1.0655. The above are non-limiting examples and each of the parameters may be varied to achieve the various forgiveness ratios listed above.
Another measure of forgiveness of a club head are its moment of inertia about the z-axis and x-axis. Preferably, the moment of inertia about the z-axis is at least 350 kg-mm2, such as at least 400 kg-mm2, such as at least 450 kg-mm2, such as at least 500 kg-mm2. Preferably, the moment of inertia about the x-axis is at least 20 kg-mm2, such as at least 270 kg-mm2, such as at least 290 kg-mm2, such as at least 300 kg-mm2, such as at least 310 kg-mm2. Preferably, the moment of inertia about the z-axis divided by the volume is greater than 0.99 kg/m, and more preferably greater than 1 kg/m.
A large moment of inertia about the hosel axis increases the resistance to closing the face of the golf club head during impact making it difficult to square the face at impact resulting in a right tendency. Accordingly, it is desirable to increase the moment of inertia about the z-axis without significantly increasing the moment of inertia about the hosel axis. Preferably, in some embodiments the moment of inertia about the hosel axis divided by the moment of inertia about the z-axis is less than 1.6, such as less than 1.59, such as less than 1.57, such as less than 1.55, such as less than 1.53, such as less than 1.51. For example, in one embodiment the club head volume is about 433 cm3, face area is about 3944 mm2, and the hosel to back length is about 100.9 mm, the moment of inertia about the z-axis is about 454 kg-mm2, and the moment of inertia about the hosel axis is about 711 kg-mm2 mm yielding a ratio of about 1.56. In another embodiment, the club head volume is about 436 cm3, face area is about 4283 mm2, the hosel to back length is about 100.6, the moment of inertia about the z-axis is about 502 kg-mm2, and the moment of inertia about the hosel axis is about 749 kg-mm2 mm yielding a ratio of about 1.49.
Importantly, as face area increases so does the overall mass of the club head, which is a deterrent to making golf club heads with a large area face. The inventors target a club head mass between 195 grams and 205 grams, and as face area is increased it becomes challenging to stay within this range so the inventors target a face area between 3900 mm2 and 4600 mm2. In the past, some designers have made large area faces out of non-metal composite material to save weight. However, non-metallic faces have several drawbacks that are challenging to overcome the first being the acoustics or sound and feel of the club head. A non-metal composite face does not ring the way a metal face does and as a result sounds muted compared to a metallic face, which fails to meet certain design metrics and is additionally unappealing to the golfer. A second problem with non-metallic faces is their ability to perform consistently in a variety of weather, such as wet weather. In wet weather, the ball tends knuckle ball off the face, which again fails to meet certain design metrics. A third problem is golfers typically mark their golf ball with a permanent marker and this permanent marker transfers to the face of the golf club during impact, but unfortunately is very difficult to remove from a non-metallic face without damaging the face. For at least the above reasons, the inventors chose to use a metallic face over a non-metallic face.
As discussed above, the inventors chose to use non-metallic materials in other areas of the club head, such as the crown and/or sole, instead of the face. This achieves weights savings without the issues described above. However, acoustics are still effected, but to a lesser degree because the crown and sole are not used to impact the golf ball.
Another important parameter that golf club head designers consider is Zup or the location of the center of gravity in the vertical axis (z-axis) direction from the ground plane to the CG when the club head is in the address position. For the embodiments described, Zup is preferably less 30 mm, such as less than 29 mm, such as less than 28 mm, such as less than 27 mm, such as less than 26 mm, such as less than 25 mm. Another parameter is Zup relative to half head height (Zup−(Head Height/2)) which is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/259,026, filed Sep. 7, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. For the embodiments described, Zup−(Head Height/2) is preferably less than −4.0 mm, such as less than −4.5 mm, such as less than −5.0 mm, such as less than −5.5 mm, such as less than −6.0 mm, such as less than −6.5 mm, such as less than −7.0 mm.
Table 3 below contains additional data and ratios for the various club head embodiments disclosed herein. Club heads 200a and 200b correspond to two different versions of the club head 200 shown in
Club heads 200a and 200b are essentially the same club head just different volumes. Both Club heads 200a and 200b have front to back and heel to toe sliding weight tracks. The different parameters listed for club heads 200a and 200b are for different weight positions. The position of the weight in the heel to toe weight track is given first and the position of the weight in the front to back track is given second e.g. Center Back means the weight in the heel to toe sliding weight track is centered and the weight in the front to back sliding weight track is positioned in the back most or rearward position of the track. The values for various weight positions are provided to show the change in moment of inertia as well as the change in CGx, CGy, and CGz. Notably CGy may be adjusted by more than 3 mm, which has a significant impact on Izz, CG projection, and the amount of backspin imparted to the ball during impact.
Methods of making any of the golf club heads disclosed herein, or associated golf clubs, may include one or more of the following steps:
The bodies of the golf club heads disclosed herein, and optionally other components of the club heads as well, serve as frames and may be made from a variety of different types of suitable materials. In some embodiments, for example, the body and/or other head components can be made of a metal material such as a titanium or titanium alloy (including but not limited to 6-4 titanium, 3-2.5, 6-4, SP700, 15-3-3-3, 10-2-3, or other alpha/near alpha, alpha-beta, and beta/near beta titanium alloys), or aluminum and aluminum alloys (including but not limited to 3000 series alloys, 5000 series alloys, 6000 series alloys, such as 6061-T6, and 7000 series alloys, such as 7075). The body may be formed by conventional casting, metal stamping or other known processes. The body also may be made of other metals as well as non-metals. The body can provide a framework or skeleton for the club head to strengthen the club head in areas of high stress caused by the golf ball's impact with the face, such as the transition region where the club head transitions from the face to the crown area, sole area and skirt area located between the sole and crown areas.
In some embodiments, the sole insert and/or crown insert of the club head may be made from a variety of composite materials and/or polymeric materials, such as from a thermoplastic material, preferably from a thermoplastic composite laminate material, and most preferably from a thermoplastic carbon composite laminate material. For example, the composite material may comprise an injection moldable material, thermoformable material, thermoset composite material or other composite material suitable for golf club head applications. One exemplary material is a thermoplastic continuous carbon fiber composite laminate material having long, aligned carbon fibers in a PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) matrix or base. One commercial example of this type of material, which is manufactured in sheet form, is TEPEX® DYNALITE 207 manufactured by Lanxess.
TEPEX® DYNALITE 207 is a high strength, lightweight material having multiple layers of continuous carbon fiber reinforcement in a PPS thermoplastic matrix or polymer to embed the fibers. The material may have a 54% fiber volume but other volumes (such as a volume of 42% to 57%) will suffice. The material weighs about 200 g/m2.
Another similar exemplary material which may be used for the crown insert and/or sole insert is TEPEX® DYNALITE 208. This material also has a carbon fiber volume range of 42% to 57%, including a 45% volume in one example, and a weight of 200 g/m2. DYNALITE 208 differs from DYNALITE 207 in that it has a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) matrix or base rather than a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) matrix.
By way of example, the TEPEX® DYNALITE 207 sheet(s) (or other selected material such as DYNALITE 208) are oriented in different directions, placed in a two-piece (male/female) matched die, heated past the melt temperature, and formed to shape when the die is closed. This process may be referred to as thermoforming and is especially well-suited for forming sole and crown inserts.
Once the crown insert and/or sole insert are formed (separately) by the thermoforming process just described, each is cooled and removed from the matched die. The sole and crown inserts are shown as having a uniform thickness, which lends itself well to the thermoforming process and ease of manufacture. However, the sole and crown inserts may have a variable thickness to strengthen select local areas of the insert by, for example, adding additional plies in select areas to enhance durability, acoustic or other properties in those areas.
As shown in
In an alternative embodiment, the sole insert and/or crown insert can be made by a process other than thermoforming, such as injection molding or thermosetting. In a thermoset process, the sole insert and/or crown insert may be made from prepreg plies of woven or unidirectional composite fiber fabric (such as carbon fiber) that is preimpregnated with resin and hardener formulations that activate when heated. The prepreg plies are placed in a mold suitable for a thermosetting process, such as a bladder mold or compression mold, and stacked/oriented with the carbon or other fibers oriented in different directions. The plies are heated to activate the chemical reaction and form the sole (or crown) insert. Each insert is cooled and removed from its respective mold.
The carbon fiber reinforcement material for the thermoset sole/crown insert may be a carbon fiber known as “34-700” fiber, available from Grafil, Inc., of Sacramento, Calif., which has a tensile modulus of 234 Gpa (34 Msi) and tensile strength of 4500 Mpa (650 Ksi). Another suitable fiber, also available from Grafil, Inc., is a carbon fiber known as “TR50S” fiber which has a tensile modulus of 240 Gpa (35 Msi) and tensile strength of 4900 Mpa (710 Ksi). Exemplary epoxy resins for the prepreg plies used to form the thermoset crown and sole inserts are Newport 301 and 350 and are available from Newport Adhesives & Composites, Inc., of Irvine, Calif.
In one example, the prepreg sheets have a quasi-isotropic fiber reinforcement of 34-700 fiber having an areal weight of about 70 g/m2 and impregnated with an epoxy resin (e.g., Newport 301), resulting in a resin content (R/C) of about 40%. For convenience of reference, the primary composition of a prepreg sheet can be specified in abbreviated form by identifying its fiber areal weight, type of fiber, e.g., 70 FAW 34-700. The abbreviated form can further identify the resin system and resin content, e.g., 70 FAW 34-700/301, R/C 40%.
Once the sole insert and crown insert are formed, they can be joined to the body in a manner that creates a strong integrated construction adapted to withstand normal stress, loading and wear and tear expected of commercial golf clubs. For example, the sole insert and crown insert each may be bonded to the frame using epoxy adhesive, with the crown insert seated in and overlying the crown opening and the sole insert seated in and overlying the sole opening. Alternative attachment methods include bolts, rivets, snap fit, adhesives, other known joining methods or any combination thereof.
Exemplary polymers for the embodiments described herein may include without limitation, synthetic and natural rubbers, thermoset polymers such as thermoset polyurethanes or thermoset polyureas, as well as thermoplastic polymers including thermoplastic elastomers such as thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic polyureas, metallocene catalyzed polymer, unimodalethylene/carboxylic acid copolymers, unimodal ethylene/carboxylic acid/carboxylate terpolymers, bimodal ethylene/carboxylic acid copolymers, bimodal ethylene/carboxylic acid/carboxylate terpolymers, polyamides (PA), polyketones (PK), copolyamides, polyesters, copolyesters, polycarbonates, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), polyolefins, halogenated polyolefins [e.g. chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)], halogenated polyalkylene compounds, polyalkenamer, polyphenylene oxides, polyphenylene sulfides, diallylphthalate polymers, polyimides, polyvinyl chlorides, polyamide-ionomers, polyurethane ionomers, polyvinyl alcohols, polyarylates, polyacrylates, polyphenylene ethers, impact-modified polyphenylene ethers, polystyrenes, high impact polystyrenes, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, styrene-acrylonitriles (SAN), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylonitriles, styrene-maleic anhydride (S/MA) polymers, styrenic block copolymers including styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, (SEBS) and styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS), styrenic terpolymers, functionalized styrenic block copolymers including hydroxylated, functionalized styrenic copolymers, and terpolymers, cellulosic polymers, liquid crystal polymers (LCP), ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), ethylene-propylene copolymers, propylene elastomers (such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,157, to Kim et al, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference), ethylene vinyl acetates, polyureas, and polysiloxanes and any and all combinations thereof.
Of these preferred are polyamides (PA), polyphthalimide (PPA), polyketones (PK), copolyamides, polyesters, copolyesters, polycarbonates, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), polyphenylene oxides, diallylphthalate polymers, polyarylates, polyacrylates, polyphenylene ethers, and impact-modified polyphenylene ethers. Especially preferred polymers for use in the golf club heads of the present invention are the family of so called high performance engineering thermoplastics which are known for their toughness and stability at high temperatures. These polymers include the polysulfones, the polyetherimides, and the polyamide-imides. Of these, the most preferred are the polysufones.
Aromatic polysulfones are a family of polymers produced from the condensation polymerization of 4,4′-dichlorodiphenylsulfone with itself or one or more dihydric phenols. The aromatic polysulfones include the thermoplastics sometimes called polyether sulfones, and the general structure of their repeating unit has a diaryl sulfone structure which may be represented as -arylene-SO2-arylene-. These units may be linked to one another by carbon-to-carbon bonds, carbon-oxygen-carbon bonds, carbon-sulfur-carbon bonds, or via a short alkylene linkage, so as to form a thermally stable thermoplastic polymer. Polymers in this family are completely amorphous, exhibit high glass-transition temperatures, and offer high strength and stiffness properties even at high temperatures, making them useful for demanding engineering applications. The polymers also possess good ductility and toughness and are transparent in their natural state by virtue of their fully amorphous nature. Additional key attributes include resistance to hydrolysis by hot water/steam and excellent resistance to acids and bases. The polysulfones are fully thermoplastic, allowing fabrication by most standard methods such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. They also enjoy a broad range of high temperature engineering uses.
Three commercially significant polysulfones are:
a) polysulfone (PSU);
b) Polyethersulfone (PES also referred to as PESU); and
c) Polyphenylene sulfoner (PPSU).
Particularly important and preferred aromatic polysulfones are those comprised of repeating units of the structure —C6H4SO2—C6H4—O— where C6H4 represents an m- or p-phenylene structure. The polymer chain can also comprise repeating units such as —C6H4—, C6H4—O—, —C6H4-(lower-alkylene)-C6H4—O—, —C6H4—O—C6H4—O—, —C6H4—S—C6H4—O—, and other thermally stable substantially-aromatic difunctional groups known in the art of engineering thermoplastics. Also included are the so called modified polysulfones where the individual aromatic rings are further substituted in one or substituents including
wherein R is independently at each occurrence, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a hydrocarbon group or a combination thereof. The halogen atom includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine atoms. The hydrocarbon group includes, for example, a C1-C20 alkyl group, a C2-C20 alkenyl group, a C3-C20 cycloalkyl group, a C3-C20 cycloalkenyl group, and a C6-C20 aromatic hydrocarbon group. These hydrocarbon groups may be partly substituted by a halogen atom or atoms, or may be partly substituted by a polar group or groups other than the halogen atom or atoms. As specific examples of the C1-C20 alkyl group, there can be mentioned methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, amyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl and dodecyl groups. As specific examples of the C2-C20 alkenyl group, there can be mentioned propenyl, isopropepyl, butenyl, isobutenyl, pentenyland hexenyl groups. As specific examples of the C3-C20 cycloalkyl group, there can be mentionedcyclopentyl and cyclohexyl groups. As specific examples of the C3-C20 cycloalkenyl group, there can be mentioned cyclopentenyl and cyclohexenyl groups. As specific examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group, there can be mentioned phenyl and naphthyl groups or a combination thereof.
Individual preferred polymers, include,
having the abbreviation PSF and sold under the tradenames Udel®, Ultrason® S, Eviva®, RTP PSU,
having the abbreviation PPSF and sold under the tradenames RADEL® resin; and
having the abbreviation PPSF and sometimes called a “polyether sulfone” and sold under the tradenames Ultrason® E, LNP™, Veradel®PESU, Sumikaexce, and VICTREX® resin, “.and any and all combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, a composite material, such as a carbon composite, made of a composite including multiple plies or layers of a fibrous material (e.g., graphite, or carbon fiber including turbostratic or graphitic carbon fiber or a hybrid structure with both graphitic and turbostratic parts present. Examples of some of these composite materials for use in the metalwood golf clubs and their fabrication procedures are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,267,620; 7,140,974; and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/642,310, 11/825,138, 11/998,436, 11/895,195, 11/823,638, 12/004,386, 12,004,387, 11/960,609, 11/960,610, and 12/156,947, which are all incorporated herein by reference. The composite material may be manufactured according to the methods described at least in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/825,138, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
Alternatively, short or long fiber-reinforced formulations of the previously referenced polymers. Exemplary formulations include a Nylon 6/6 polyamide formulation which is 30% Carbon Fiber Filled and available commercially from RTP Company under the trade name RTP 285. The material has a Tensile Strength of 35000 psi (241 MPa) as measured by ASTM D 638; a Tensile Elongation of 2.0-3.0% as measured by ASTM D 638; a Tensile Modulus of 3.30×106 psi (22754 MPa) as measured by ASTM D 638; a Flexural Strength of 50000 psi (345 MPa) as measured by ASTM D 790; and a Flexural Modulus of 2.60×106 psi (17927 MPa) as measured by ASTM D 790.
Also included is a polyphthalamide (PPA) formulation which is 40% Carbon Fiber Filled and available commercially from RTP Company under the trade name RTP 4087 UP. This material has a Tensile Strength of 360 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Elongation of 1.4% as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Modulus of 41500 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Flexural Strength of 580 MPa as measured by ISO 178; and a Flexural Modulus of 34500 MPa as measured by ISO 178.
Also included is a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) formulation which is 30% Carbon Fiber Filled and available commercially from RTP Company under the trade name RTP 1385 UP. This material has a Tensile Strength of 255 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Elongation of 1.3% as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Modulus of 28500 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Flexural Strength of 385 MPa as measured by ISO 178; and a Flexural Modulus of 23,000 MPa as measured by ISO 178.
An example is a polysulfone (PSU) formulation which is 20% Carbon Fiber Filled and available commercially from RTP Company under the trade name RTP 983. This material has a Tensile Strength of 124 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Elongation of 2% as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Modulus of 11032 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Flexural Strength of 186 MPa as measured by ISO 178; and a Flexural Modulus of 9653 MPa as measured by ISO 178.
Another examiner is a polysulfone (PSU) formulation which is 30% Carbon Fiber Filled and available commercially from RTP Company under the trade name RTP 985. This material has a Tensile Strength of 138 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Elongation of 1.2% as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Modulus of 20685 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Flexural Strength of 193 MPa as measured by ISO 178; and a Flexural Modulus of 12411 MPa as measured by ISO 178.
Also an option is a polysulfone (PSU) formulation which is 40% Carbon Fiber Filled and available commercially from RTP Company under the trade name RTP 987. This material has a Tensile Strength of 155 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Elongation of 1% as measured by ISO 527; a Tensile Modulus of 24132 MPa as measured by ISO 527; a Flexural Strength of 241 MPa as measured by ISO 178; and a Flexural Modulus of 19306 MPa as measured by ISO 178.
The foregoing materials are well-suited for composite, polymer and insert components of the embodiments disclosed herein, as distinguished from components which preferably are made of metal or metal alloys.
More information regarding the various aspects of the disclosed technology can be found in the following references, which are incorporated by reference herein:
The track system 403 can be attached to the body and detached from the body via fasteners, such as bolts 406 and 412, or by other attached mechanisms. If the track system is a multi-piece track system where the front track is not permanently integrated with the rear track, then the two tracks can be individually attached and detached to the body. For example, the front track can be attached to the body and the rear track can be detached from the body, or vice versa. The weights can remain coupled to the modular T-shaped track system when it is removed from the body and/or when it is attached to the body.
The track system 403 can optionally be removed from the body 402 and the club head can be used without the track system and weights. When the track system is removed, the fasteners 406 and 412 can optionally be inserted back into their holes.
In some embodiments, various different types of alternative modular track systems can be coupled to the body to provide different properties and/or adjustment abilities. In some embodiments, the track system can be removed and weight members can be fastened directly to the body using the same fasteners and openings in the body that were used to attached the track system. For example, a single weight can be coupled to the rear of the sole where the rear fastener of the rear track 410 is inserted, which can move the CG rearward and can increase the moment of inertia of the club head, making it more forgiving. For another example, a single weight can be coupled to the front of the sole using one of the forward fastener openings, which can move the CG forward and reduce backspin on struck balls, increasing distance. Individual weights can also be couple to the toe side or heel side fastener openings to generate side spin on struck balls, which can help correct a players natural slice or hook.
In some embodiments, the two tracks 404 and 410 can form a single continuous track, such that the weights mounted in the tracks 404 and 410 can slide along both tracks without detaching the weights from the tracks. For example, the front end of the rear track 410 can merge into an intermediate portion of the front track 404 so that a weight mounted in the rear track can slide forward into the front track and then be slid laterally along the front track, and vice versa.
Other types of components can also be attached to the body instead of the track system 403 using the same fasteners and openings in the body. For example, a smooth sole cover can be attached to the sole to provide a smooth, continuous lower surface for the club head and/or to provide improved aerodynamics or aesthetics.
The golf club head 400 can comprise multiple different materials to advantageously distribute mass and strength properties. The body 402 can comprise a stronger, more rigid material, such as titanium or steel (e.g., the darker grey colored portions in
The track system 403 can comprise various different materials, such as lightweight materials (e.g., aluminum, polymers, composites, etc.) or stronger materials (e.g., titanium, steel, etc.). The use of less dense, lighter weight material can allow mass savings that can be redistributed elsewhere, such as in the weights themselves. The use of stronger materials can help make the club head more rigid, resist damage from ground contact, and/or improve the sound characteristics of the club head.
In some embodiments, the track 704 can be fastened to the body using fastener bolts secured to a generic set of fastener openings in the sole of the club head, and the same set of generic fastener openings can receive alternative weight tracks have different shapes. The same for the track 604 of club head 600. For example, the club heads 600 and 700, according to one embodiment, can utilize a common club head body with a generic set of fastener openings in the sole, and a straight weight track 604 can be attached to form the club head 600 or a curved weight track 704 can be attached to form the club head 700.
The club head 1400 can include lighter-weight components, such as sole inserts 1410 and 1412 and a crown insert 1414, to reduce mass in certain areas. These inserts can be made of composite materials, for example, with a low density while maintaining relatively high strength-to-mass and durability properties. The body 1402 can include a toe-side sole opening 1450 and sole-side sole opening 1452 that receive the toe-side sole insert 1410 and heel-side sole insert 1412, respectively. The sole inserts can be mounted/inserted to the body from the outside of the body (e.g., from below the sole) or from the inside of the body (e.g., through the upper crown opening and down onto the inside of the sole). The crown insert 1414 is mounted over crown opening 1454 in a similar manner.
The club head 1400 also includes adjustability features, including an adjustable head-shaft connection assembly 1442 and weight assemblies 1430, 1432 that are slidably adjustable along a multi-branched weight track 1416. The weight track 1416 has a “Y” shape with three branches that joint at a common intersection, including a front-rear branch 1422, a rear-toe branch 1424, and a rear-heel branch 1426. Each branch has a terminal end opposite from the intersection end. Any number of weights or weight assemblies, such as weight assemblies 1430, 1432, can be mounted to the weight track at a time. The weights can slide about substantially all of the track branches without being removed from the weight track.
Placing the weights nearer to the front 1403 of the club head can reduce backspin and create a lower trajectory for more distance, and placing the weights nearer to the rear 1405 of the club head can create more backspin and a higher trajectory, and also increase MOI for more forgiveness. Placing the weights nearer to the toe side can generate more side spin to create a fade, and placing the weights nearer to the heel side can generate more side spin in the opposite direction to create a draw. As shown, the rear branches 1424, 1426 can be angled to extend rearwardly as they extend laterally apart from the front-rear branch 1422. Weight assemblies can be insertable anywhere along the weight track 1416, such as at the front terminal end of the front-rear branch 1422, at the rear terminal end of one or both rear branches 1424, 1426, or therebetween.
At the front 1403 of the sole, the club head can further include a sole channel with a toe end portion 1406, a sole end portion 1408, and an intermediate channel portion 1404. The intermediate channel portion 1404 can bounded on the toe and heel sides by rigid walls/supports forming transitions between the end portions 1406, 1408 and the intermediate portion. In some embodiments, as shown, the intermediate channel 1404 can include a generally trapezoidal or rectangular wall structure or perimeter, which can help increase the rigidity of the front of the sole and the bottom of face despite the presence of the front channel in the sole. In some embodiments, the front sole channel can extend through the body into the interior cavity of the club head, or at least part of the channel, such as the intermediate portion 1404, can. The heel channel portion 1408 can include a fastener hole for a screw 1444 to be placed for securing the head-shaft connection assembly 1442 and a shaft to the club head. The illustrated front channel 1404/1406/1408 and the associated structure at the lower front portion of the club head can provide many benefits and advantages, as discussed elsewhere herein, including helping to improve/optimize the contact time and coefficient of restitution when striking a golf ball, particularly below the center of the face.
The club head 1400 can also include various internal ribs that can reinforce the club head at strategic locations and/or provide enhanced acoustic properties for the club head.
The club head 1400 includes a weight track 1416 that has three track branches generally forming a Y shape. The front branch 1422 extends from a forward terminal end just behind the front-center channel 1404 rearwardly across generally the middle of the sole. The rear-toe branch 1424 extends from a terminal end along the toe side of the sole forwardly and heelwardly to join with the rear end of the front track 1422. The rear-heel branch 1426 extends from a terminal end along the heel side of the sole forwardly and toewardly to join with the rear end of the front track as well. The three branches each have joining ends to join together at a common intersection. Each of the weight assemblies 1430, 1432 can travel across the intersection to move from any one of the branches to any other of the branches without being removed from the weight track. The weight assemblies just need to be loosened partially to be moved around the weight track. Then they can be tightened to fix them in place at desired locations along the weight track.
In one embodiment, the club head 1400 including the two weight assemblies 1430, 1432 can have a mass of about 200-205 grams and a volume of about 435-440 cc, and due to the adjustability of the weight track, the club head can have a CGx in a range of about −3.4 mm to about −0.6 mm, a Delta CGx of at least about 2.8 mm, a CGz in a range of about −3.7 mm to about −2.0 mm, a Delta CGz of at least about 1.56 mm, a Zup from about 26.4 mm to about 28 mm, an Ixx of from about 262 to about 337, an Iyy of from about 262 to about 268, and an Izz of from about 402 to about 495. The body 1402 can account for about 152.5 grams of mass, with a density of about 4.36 g/m3.
Further, as can be seen in
Another notable feature of the club head 1600 is the front channel that extends in the heel-toe direction just behind the face and in front of the weight track. The channel can include a smaller heel portion when the fastener is located from the head-shaft assembly, and a longer center-toe portion that extends across the middle and toe sections of the sole.
Another notable feature of the club head 1600 is that the sole can include a raised sole portion toward of the weight track and rearward of the front channel, as shown in
In the golf club heads 1200, 1300, 1400, 1600 the plural slidable weight assemblies can travel about the entire weight track to any desired combination of positions, without being removed. Because the tracks have multiple joined branches, the weight assemblies can also be switched in position readily. For example, any of the weight assemblies can be the front weight, the rear weight, the toe side weight, or the heel side weight. If one assembly has more mass than the other, switching their positions can provide greater variety of possible mass distribution properties.
In any of the disclosed embodiments, such as the club heads 1200, 1300, 1400, 1600 the weight tracks can include inner and outer channels separated by one or more ledges, with an inner weight member in the inner channel and an outer weight member in the outer channel, such that tightening the fastener of the weight assembly clamps the two weight members onto the ledge to fix the position. In inner and outer channels can be at least as wide as the weight members to allow them to slide along the channels. In some embodiments, the inner and/or outer weight channels can have a width of about 10 mm to about 20 mm, about 13 mm to about 17 mm, such as about 15 mm for example. One or more portions of the channels can be a bit wider to allow angled insertion of the weight member, such as about 15 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 17.5 mm for example. The inner and outer channels can be accessed via an exterior slot that is narrower than the width of the weight members, such that there is an overhanging ledge that partially covers the weight members. The exterior slot can be fairly narrow for most of the length of the weight tracks, so long as there is enough width to insert a tool to tighten and loosen the fastener, such as an Allen wrench or similar tool. The exterior slot can have a width from about 3 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 8.5 mm in one example. This allows a user to insert a tool to access the fastener, while substantially covering the weight members inside the channels to provide a smoother exterior surface on the sole and provide superior aerodynamic properties. The exterior slot can be somewhat wider at at least one location to allow insertion and removal of the weight members while still being a useable portion of the weight track.
In some embodiments, any of the club heads disclosed herein can include a “smart” club feature, which can include various types of sensors, measurement systems, data transmission systems, electronic or computerized systems, or the like. Smart club features can comprise smart weights, for example. Any of the movable or stationary weights disclosed herein can comprise or be swapped out for a smart weight. A smart weight can include one or more sensors/measurement devices and/or one or more data transmission or data storage systems. Exemplary sensors and measurement devices can include GPS systems, gyroscopic sensors, accelerometers, magnometers, and the like. Exemplary data transmission systems can comprise Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy transmitters, RFID transmitters, NFC transmitters, etc. Such smart weights and/or other smart features can be used to measure, analyze, store, and/or transmit data related to a golfers swings, locations on a golf course, impacts with balls and surfaces, club usage frequency, and many other useful metrics. Data related to a golfers swings can include swing speeds, club head angles, club positions, hand speed, hand rotation, impact time, impact duration, ball trajectory, ball speed, ball spin, and many other useful metrics. These data can be collected during any activities, can be stored and/or transmitted, and can be analyzed remotely to provide useful feedback for a club and for a golfer.
Smart features can also include a power source, such as a battery (rechargeable or not). Some smart club features can be powered via a small “coin cell” battery, such as a 550 mAh coin cell battery or similar. Batteries can last at least a year, at least two years, or longer before needing to be replaced or recharged. In some embodiments, the power source can be recharged via motions of the host club, allowing the smart feature to remain continuously charged. Smart features can be located in safe portions of a golf club to protect them, such as away from the striking face and away from ground contact surfaces. For example, a smart weight can be located at the rear of the sole away from impact. Smart features can also be located inside the body, on or in the crown, the shaft, grip, and/or other portions of the club.
In some embodiments, smart features can comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) containing the desired components and a battery. The PCB and battery may be side by side (such as to create a low profile), one above the other (such as to fit inside a weight member), or combined together in some other way. Multiple PCB's in one or more smart features may be powered by a common battery in some embodiments.
Depending on the construction of the smart feature and its location in the club, its durability can vary. In some embodiment, a smart feature can be configured to last for at least 1000 club head impacts, at least 2000 club head impacts, or at least 3000 club head impacts with losing functionality due to damaged, loss of power, or other failure.
A smart weight can be part of a set of weights that includes regular non-smart weights, so that the smart weight can be coupled to the club at desired times for data collection, and a regular weight can be substituted for the smart weight at other times. Two or more smart weights can also be included in a set and/or coupled to a club head at the same time. Smart weights can have any mass, though often smart weights have a relative higher mass comparted to other weights in a set due to the sensors, transmitters, storage devices, or other smart features included in the smart weights. A set can include a smart weight of a given mass and also a dummy weight having the same mass as the smart weight. A dummy weight and a smart weight of the same mass can be interchangeable without changing the mass properties (e.g., CG, MOI, etc.) or other performance properties of the club head, such that the club head performs the same with either weight installed.
Whether part of a weight member or included elsewhere in a club, a smart feature can have a size and mass to provide desirable club properties. When in a weight member, it may be desirable for the smart feature to have more mass but smaller dimensions, wherein when embedded in the club head body a smart feature can have larger dimensions but maybe less mass is desirable, for example. In some embodiment, a smart feature is embedded in a wall of the body, such as in the sole or in the crown. In such embodiments and others, it can be desirable to have a low profile smart feature that is very narrow in at least a thickness dimension, but can be long and/or wide in other dimensions. For example a thickness of such a smart feature can be from 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 5 mm to about 15 mm, such as about 8 mm to about 12 mm. A length and/or width can be about 10 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 15 mm to about 45 mm, such as about 20 mm to about 40 mm. The overall volume of a smart feature can be any value, such as about 0.5 cc to about 25 cc, such as about 1 cc to about 20 cc, such as about 2 cc to about 15 cc, such as about 4 cc to about 10 cc. A ratio of the volume of the smart feature to the overall volume of the club head can be about 0.1% to about 10%, such as about 0.5% to about 5%, such as about 1% to about 3%. The mass of the smart feature can be any value, such as about 1 gram to about 50 grams, such as about 2 grams to about 25 grams, such as about 4 grams to about 10 grams. A ratio of the mass of the smart feature to the overall mass of the club head can be about 1% to about 25%, such as about 2% to about 20%, such as about 3% to about 15%, such as about 4% to about 10%.
In some embodiments, the club head can be prepared for play with two weight assemblies (e.g., such as weight assemblies 1320/1322 or 1500) mounted in the weight track, and one of two weight assemblies can comprise a smart weight while the other weight assembly comprises a traditional (non-smart) weight assembly. Or both assemblies can comprise smart weights. Further, for any given weight assembly, either one of the internal weight member and the external weight member can include a smart feature, or both can.
In any of the disclosed embodiments that include adjustable weights, the club head can include at least two interchangeable weights that can alternatively be attached to the club head, or simultaneously attached to the club head. The at least two interchangeable weights can include at least a first weight, having a first mass, and at least a second weight, having a second mass. Either of the two weights can comprise a smart weight, for example. Additional weights with their own respective masses can also be included. In some embodiments, the first mass and the second mass both fall within a range of from about 1 gram to about 25 grams. Further, the second mass can be larger than the second mass, such as at least two times, at least three times, or at least four times the first mass, while still within the 1-25 gram range. For example, the first mass can be 5 grams and the second mass can be 20 grams. In another example, the first mass is between about 1 gram and about 3 grams, and the second mass is between about 6 grams and about 18 grams. Where more than two weights are included, the masses can all have varied masses, though some may have the same mass, such as a smart weight and a corresponding dummy weight. More information about weights, weight kits, weight masses, weight fasteners, relative masses of several weights in a kit, and related information can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2015/0375070, published on Dec. 31, 2015, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In some embodiments, a head cover can be used with the golf club head. A head cover can be placed over the club head when the club is not in use to protect the club head. The head cover can be removed to use the club to strike a ball, then the head cover can be placed back on the club head until the next use of the club. In some embodiments, the head cover can interact with the club head. For example, the head cover can include a magnet or other magnetic field generator and the club head can include a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the magnet or magnetic field and responds by making a change to the club head. For example, the club head can awaken a smart feature in the club head when it detects the absence of the magnetic field, such as when the head cover is removed from the club head. The club head can also cause the smart feature to go into a “sleep mode” of low energy use when the magnetic field is detected again, such as when the head cover is placed back on the club head. A magnetic field can be detected by a magnetometer, for example. The club head can include a magnetometer, such as in a smart weight or elsewhere in the club head. In some embodiments, different types of wireless communication can be used in place of, or in addition to, a magnetic field. For example, the head cover and club head can communicate using an NFC tag and tag reader, an RF field generator and RF detector, wifi, optical sensors and/or light emitters, or any other form of wireless communication. In some embodiments, a wired or other physical connection and de-connection can be employed between the club head and the head cover. For example, the head cover and club head can have one or more plugs or electrodes that touch the other object and electrically couple them together, or the club head can include a button or pressure sensor that is activated by the head cover when it is on the club head, and not activated when the head cover is removed. No matter what means is used to detect when the head cover is on or off the club head, the club head smart feature can activate when the head cover is off such that the smart feature can be functional when the club head is being used. The magnetometer or other detector in the smart device can check for the presence of the head cover at regular intervals, such as every 20 seconds or so. Once the presence of the head cover is no longer detected the device can change from sleep mode to a wakened mode activating all sensors, where the device is expecting a golf swing and ready to capture data related to the golf swing. The head cover can also include a data storage device to store data collected from the club head, a data transmission device to communicate data with the club head and/or with a remote computing device or the like, and/or a power source. The head cover can in some embodiments include a power source and can charge a power source in the club head coupled to the smart feature when the head cover is on the club head. Power can be transmitted to the club head via a direct electrical connection or via wireless means, such as inductive charging. The head cover can include a rechargeable battery that can be charged up between rounds and can store enough power to supply the smart weight for an entire round, or multiple rounds. In any of these examples, the head cover can be substituted with a golf club bag, golf cart, a tag that is placed on the club, or any other device that can be located near the club when the club is not in use, and not located near the club when the club is in use.
In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed technology may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only exemplary implementations of the disclosed technology and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is at least as broad as the following claims and their equivalents.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/105,168, filed Nov. 25, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/283,527, filed Feb. 22, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,874,922, issued Dec. 29, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/996,854, filed Jun. 4, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/628,094, filed Feb. 8, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/515,401, filed Jun. 5, 2017, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62628094 | Feb 2018 | US | |
| 62515401 | Jun 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17105168 | Nov 2020 | US |
| Child | 17881339 | US | |
| Parent | 16283527 | Feb 2019 | US |
| Child | 17105168 | US | |
| Parent | 15996854 | Jun 2018 | US |
| Child | 16283527 | US |
