Patent Grant
10780329
Not Applicable
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to a golf club head, and more specifically, to a golf club head having a main body adapted to be selectively attached to one of a plurality of detachable plates or inserts to modify the structural characteristics of the club head for purposes of achieving desired performance characteristics.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is well known that the physical properties of a golf club have a significant impact on how the club “feels” during use. One particular term commonly used in the golf industry in reference to the way a club performs or feels during use is the “effective bounce” of the golf club. The effective bounce of a golf club is typically not dictated by a single physical characteristic of the golf club. Rather, the effective bounce relates to several club head factors, such as the sole length, sole width, “take-off angle” (as described in further detail below), etc. A golfer's preferred effective bounce may be dictated by the golfer's particular swing characteristics, as well as the playing conditions of the golf course. For instance, low bounce wedges may be preferred for shots off tight lies and in bunkers with very little or very firm sand, as well as for golfers with very steep swings. High bounce wedges may be preferred from the rough, soft lies, bunkers with lots of sand or very soft sand, as well as for golfers with generally flat swings.
In view of the variability associated with effective bounce, golf club manufacturers have designed various club heads having different bounce characteristics. Bounce variability in club heads is particularly prevalent in relation to the design of wedge-type golf clubs. Along these lines, many currently commercially available wedges of a prescribed loft are provided in separate low, medium and high bounce models, the design of any particular wedge being limited to a prescribed effective bounce. Thus, if a golfer wants, for example, to take advantage of high bounce and low bounce wedges to accommodate e.g., differing course conditions, typically several different wedges of the same loft much be purchased since, as indicated above, current conventional wedge designs do not accommodate any bounce variability. Furthermore, players desiring to be fit for proper club head sole characteristics, e.g., bounce angle, are typically inconvenienced by a lack of test clubs have simple back and forth sole adjustment to accommodate such fitting.
Accordingly, there is a need for a club head, and more particularly a wedge, which provides adaptability in the effective bounce associated with the club head. Various aspects of the present disclosure address this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an iron-type (and more particularly a wedge-type) golf club head assembly kit including a main body, a first sole component and a second sole component interchangeably associable with the main body. The main body includes a striking face having a face center, a leading edge, a virtual striking face plane. The main body also has a rear surface opposite the striking face, and a hosel defining a hosel axis. When the first sole component is associated with the main body, the main body and the first sole component collectively form a first club head comprising a sole surface having a first parting line formed between the first sole component and the main body, and a first sole contour. When the first club head is oriented in a reference position, in a virtual central vertical plane passing through the face center and perpendicular to the striking face plane, in a direction perpendicular to the virtual striking face plane, the parting line is spaced rearwardly from the striking face by a distance D1 and the club head has a maximum depth D2 such that D1/D2 is no less than 0.40. When the second sole component is associated with the main body, the main body and the second sole component collectively form a second club head comprising a second sole surface having a second parting line, formed between the second sole component and the main body, and a second sole contour that differs from the first sole contour.
The golf club head assembly kit may further include a screw member having a screw head and a screw shaft that defines a screw shaft axis. The screw member may be configured to secure one of the first or second sole components to the main body to form a corresponding one of the first and second club heads such that when either of the first and second club heads is oriented in the reference position, the screw shaft axis intersects a virtual vertical hosel plane that contains the hosel axis at a screw shaft angle of between about 75° and about 110°.
When the golf club head assembly is configured as first club head, and such first club head is oriented in the reference position, in the virtual central vertical plane, and measured in the direction perpendicular to the virtual striking face plane: (a) the first sole component may further comprise a forward-most point defining a sole component forward plane parallel to the striking face plane and a rearward-most point defining a sole component rearward plane parallel to the striking face plane; (b) a plane passing through the first parting line and parallel to the striking face plane may be rearwardly spaced from the sole component forward plane by a distance D3; and (c) the sole component rearward plane may be rearwardly spaced from the sole component forward plane by a distance D4 such that D3/D4 is no less than 0.30.
When the first club head is oriented in the reference position, in the virtual central vertical plane, the parting line may be rearwardly spaced from the leading edge by a horizontal distance of no less than 0.35 in.
The first club head may further comprise a loft angle no less than 38°.
When respectively oriented in the reference position, the first club head may include a first leading edge height and the second club head may include a second leading edge height that differs from the first leading edge height by at least 0.15 mm.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an iron-type golf club head, such as a wedge-type golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position, comprises a main body and a sole component removably secured to the main body. The main body includes a striking face having a face center, a leading edge, a virtual striking face plane. The main body also includes a rear surface opposite the striking face, and a hosel defining a hosel axis. A sole surface is collectively formed by the main body and the sole component, with the sole surface having a sole contour, and a first parting line formed between the sole component and the main body. In a virtual central vertical plane passing through the face center and perpendicular to the virtual striking face plane, measured in a direction perpendicular to the striking face, the parting line is spaced rearward from the striking face by a distance D1 and the club head has a maximum depth D2 such that D1/D2 is no less than 0.50.
It is contemplated that D1/D2 may be no less than 0.70.
The golf club head may further comprise a virtual vertical hosel plane that includes the hosel axis, and a fastener configured to secure the sole component to the main body.
In yet another implementation of the present disclosure, there is provided an iron-type golf club head, such as a wedge-type golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position, comprises a main body and a sole component removably secured to the main body. The main body includes a striking face having a face center, a leading edge, and a virtual striking face plane. The main body also includes a rear surface opposite the striking face, and a hosel defining a hosel axis. A sole surface is collectively formed by the main body and the sole component, with the sole surface having a sole contour and a first parting line formed between the first sole component and the main body. In a virtual central vertical plane passing through the face center and perpendicular to the virtual striking face plane, the parting line is spaced rearwardly from the striking face by a horizontal distance D5 that is no less than 0.35 in.
D5 may be between about 0.40 in and 0.70 in.
In the virtual central vertical plane, the sole surface may further comprise a sole surface horizontal length D6 such that D5/D6 is no less than 0.50. D5/D6 may also be no less than 0.60.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an iron-type golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position relative to a virtual ground plane, comprises a main body including a topline, and a sole in generally opposed relation to the topline, with at least a portion of the sole resting on the ground plane when the golf club head is in the reference position. The main body further includes a striking face extending between the topline and the sole and a rear face in generally opposed relation to the striking face. A rear cavity extends from the rear face toward the striking face, and a sole cavity extends into the sole. The golf club head further comprises at least one rear plate removably secured within the rear cavity along a first axis, and at least one sole plate removably secured within the sole cavity. The golf club head includes a center of gravity vertically spaced from the virtual ground plane by between 13.5 mm and 16.0 mm.
The rear plate may include a first pair of opposed faces which are substantially parallel to each other to define a substantially uniform rear plate thickness therebetween. The sole plate may include a second pair of opposed faces which are substantially parallel to each other to define a substantially uniform sole plate thickness therebetween.
In accordance with an alternative implementation, the rear plate may include a pair of opposed faces which are non-parallel to each other to define a variable rear plate thickness therebetween. Furthermore, the sole plate may include a pair of opposed faces which are non-parallel to each other to define a variable sole plate thickness therebetween. At least one of the rear plate thickness and the sole plate thickness may vary in a vertical direction when the club head is in the reference position. At least one of the rear plate thickness and the sole plate thickness may vary in the heel to toe direction when the club head is in the reference position.
The club head may include at least one of a rear plate fastener configured to couple the at least one rear plate to the main body, and a sole plate fastener configured to couple the at least one sole plate to the main body. At least one of the rear plate fastener and the sole plate fastener may include a threaded screw member. At least one of the rear plate fastener and the sole plate fastener may include a magnet.
At least one of the at least one rear plate and the at least one sole plate may be formed from tungsten.
The present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which:
Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of an adjustable iron-type golf club head, and in particular an adjustable rear and/or sole portion of a wedge-type golf club head, and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various structure and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structure and/or functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the present disclosure find particularly utility in relation to wedge type golf clubs, the structural and functional features described below may be applied to other iron-type golf club heads as well. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities. All recitations of parameter values as “approximate” values are intended to serve as implicit recitations of the precise values of such parameters as optional characteristics of the one or more embodiments to which they pertain.
Referring to
The golf club head 10 is an iron-type golf club head, and more particularly a wedge, with the main body 12 including a striking face 16 and a rear surface 18 in opposed relation to the striking face 16. The club head 10 preferably defines a blade portion being an upper portion and (via combination of the main body 12 and the sole component 14) a lower muscle portion associated with the blade portion. The blade portion preferably defines a striking wall thickness, “T,” between the striking and rear faces 16, 18. According to various embodiments, the striking wall thickness T is preferably equal to approximately 0.15-0.50 inches, more preferably equal to 0.20-0.30 inches, and most preferably equal to approximately 0.22 inches. The striking face 16 includes a face center 20 and a leading edge 21, and defines a striking face plane 22, with the striking face 16 being adapted to repeatedly strike a golf ball during the lifespan of the club head 10. In this respect, the striking face 16 may include a plurality of grooves to impart spin to the golf ball on impact and/or to displace water or grass from the face 16 to allow for more direct impact between the club head 10 and the golf ball. The main body 12 further includes a heel 24, a toe 26, a top line 28, and an opposing sole 30. A recess 31 (see e.g.
The main body 12 defines a loft angle, Φ, as the angle between the hosel plane 35 and the striking face plane 22, as shown in
As noted above, the main body 12 is specifically adapted for interchangeable use with a plurality of differently configured sole components 14, particular examples of which will be described in more detail below with reference to
In general, each sole component 14 includes an inner surface 36, a top surface 38, a bottom surface 40, and a rear surface 42, with the sole component 14 defining a heel portion and a toe portion. A counter-bore 48 is formed through the sole component 14 and defines a counter-bore axis 50, which passes through the rear surface 42 and the inner surface 36.
According to one embodiment, the sole component 14 may be attached to the main body 12 by positioning the sole component 14 within the recess 31, with the inner surface 36 of the sole component 14 facing the main body 12. The boss 35 may assist in properly locating the sole component 14 relative to the main body 12, such that the counter-bore 48 is coaxially aligned with the bore 33 formed on the main body 12. A mechanical fastener, such as a screw 52, may be used to secure the sole component 14 to the main body 12. The sole component 14 and main body 12 are preferably configured such that the sole component 14 abuts both an inner surface 36 of the recess 31, a recess upper sidewall 31a and a recess lower sidewall 31b. By configuring the sole component 14 to abut these respective recess sidewalls 31a and 31b, the sole component 14 and main body 12 combination may be more likely to behave as a solid component upon an impact of the club head 10 with a golf ball during typical play. For example, slight movement (which may result in clicking) of the sole component may be further minimized due to the abutment of plural surfaces that are angled relative to each other (as opposed to abutment generally about a surface in a single plane). In this regard, feel is improved, enabling such an adjustable club head to be more likely accepted as a replacement for a similar non-adjustable type club head (which may likely actually be formed of a single unitary component). As a corollary, by providing a more solid feel, such an adjustable club head, if used as a fitting tool, is more likely to feel like a conventional purchasable non-adjustable club head to which such adjustable club head may have been intended to correspond. In this case, a golfer undergoing a bounce fitting is less likely to be disappointed that an actual purchased club does not feel like a test club intended to represent the purchased club (or at a minimum feel that the fitting operation was of little value). In some embodiments, at least one of (and in some cases both of) the sidewalls 31a and 31b of the recess 31 is tapered in complementary manner to a tapered portion of the upper surface 38 and lower surface 40 of the sole component 14. In this manner, the association between the main body 12 and the sole component 14 may be made more snug and/or accommodate manufacturing tolerances. By solidly securing the sole portion 14 to the main body 12, generating relatively thin regions in the sole component 12 (e.g. to blend into the blade portion of the club head) may be avoided. Such thin portions may be associated with propagating unwanted vibrations upon impact of the striking face 16 with a golf ball in typical use.
Referring now to
The sole component 14 and main body 12, when attached to each other, collectively define a sole surface 54 having a sole contour including a parting line 56 at the intersection of the main body 12 and sole component 14. In view of the sole component 14 defining a portion of the sole surface 54, the contour of the sole surface 54 may be varied by interchanging one sole component 14 for another. Along these lines, a set of at least three sole components 14a, 14b and 14c are shown in
Referring now specifically to
The screw member 52 is configured to secure the sole component 14 to the main body 12 to form the club head 10 such that, when the club head 10 is oriented in the reference position, the screw shaft axis 62 intersects a virtual vertical hosel plane 64 that contains the hosel axis at a screw shaft angle, Θ, of between about 75° and about 110°, more preferably between 80°-100°, and more preferably equal to about 90°. Along these lines, the bore 33 is internally threaded and configured to engage with the external threads on the screw shaft 60, with the bore 33 being disposed about a bore axis 66, which is equal to the screw shaft angle Θ. The bore 33 extends into the main body 12 deep enough to allow for a sufficient number of thread turns. The counter-bore 48 formed in the sole component 14 includes a first section that is of a first diameter larger than the diameter of the screw shaft 60 and smaller than the diameter of the screw head 58, and a second section that is of a second diameter larger than the diameter of the screw head 58, such that when the screw is completely advanced into the bore 33, the screw head 58 is received within the second section of the counter-bore 48, as shown in
It is also contemplated that an optional tape layer or other adhesives may be used in addition to the screw member 52 to couple the sole component 14 to the main body 12. The tape layer may improve the feel and further reduce “clicking,” although in most instances, the use of the screw member 52 without an additional tape layer may be considered sufficient.
According to another embodiment, a captive screw may be used to secure the sole component 14 to the main body 12. The use of a captive screw may permit unthreading to remove the sole component 14 while keeping the screw retained in the main body 12.
It is further contemplated that the sole component 14 and main body 12 may be coupled using any fastening element or technique known in the art. For instance, the sole component 14 may be coupled to the main body 12 using one or more magnets, or a screw having a spring to enable quick release or quick-turn options in reducing the time associated with interchanging sole components.
According to one embodiment, the distance D1 is preferably greater than or equal to approximately 0.25 inches, and more preferably greater than or equal to approximately 0.35 inches, even more preferably between approximately 0.40 inches and 0.60 inches, still even more preferably between approximately 0.42 inches and 0.50 inches, and most preferably equal to approximately 0.47 inches.
According to another embodiment, the distance D2 is preferably greater than or equal to approximately 0.50 inches, more preferably between approximately 0.60 inches and 0.75 inches, and most preferably equal to approximately 0.63 inches.
According to still another embodiment, the distance D3 is preferably greater than or equal to approximately 0.25 inches, more preferably between approximately 0.30 inches and 0.40 inches, and most preferably equal to approximately 0.35.
According to yet another embodiment, the distance D4 is preferably greater than approximately 0.35 inches, more preferably between approximately 0.45 inches and 0.60 inches, and most preferably equal to approximately 0.51 inches.
In addition to the foregoing dimensions, there are several preferred ratios associated with the club head 10. According to one embodiment, the ratio of D1/D2 is preferably greater than or equal to approximately 0.40, more preferably greater than or equal to approximately 0.50, even more preferably greater than or equal to approximately 0.70, and most preferably equal to approximately 0.74. The ratio of D3/D4 is preferably greater than or equal to approximately 0.30, more preferably greater than or equal to approximately 0.50, even more preferably greater than or equal to 0.60, yet more preferably greater than or equal to approximately 0.65, and most preferably equal to approximately 0.68. By configuring the adjustable club head 10 in this regard, the parting line proximate the sole surface 54 is relatively rearward with respective to the club head 10. This minimizes the possibly-detrimental effect of the parting line on feel as it is located at or near a point of primary turf interaction. Accordingly, the above described configurations enable such an adjustable club head to be more likely accepted as a replacement for such a typical non-adjustable club head. As a corollary, by providing a more similar feel, such an adjustable club head 10, if used as a fitting tool, is more likely to feel like a conventional purchasable non-adjustable club head to which such adjustable club head 10 may have been intended to correspond. In this case, a golfer undergoing, e.g., a bounce fitting is less likely to be disappointed that an actual purchased club does not feel like a test club intended to represent the purchased club (or at a minimum feel that the fitting operation was of little value).
Referring now to
Furthermore,
The club head 10 preferably is of a head mass that is greater than or equal to approximately 200 g, more preferably between 240-300 g, even more preferably between 250-290 g, and most preferably equal to approximately 276 g. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the moment of inertia through the center of gravity 76 about a vertical axis when the club head 10 is in the reference position is no less than approximately 3000 g*cm2, more preferably no less than approximately 3400 g*cm2, even more preferably between approximately 3500-3800 g*cm2, and most preferably equal to approximately 3600 g*cm2. By configuring the adjustable club head 10 in this regard, the feel of the club head may be more similar to a typical non-adjustable unitary club head, enabling such an adjustable club head to be more likely accepted as a replacement for such a typical non-adjustable club head. As a corollary, by providing a more similar feel, such an adjustable club head 10, if used as a fitting tool, is more likely to feel like a conventional purchasable non-adjustable club head to which such adjustable club head 10 may have been intended to correspond. In this case, a golfer undergoing, e.g., a bounce fitting is less likely to be disappointed that an actual purchased club does not feel like a test club intended to represent the purchased club (or at a minimum feel that the fitting operation was of little value).
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
The first, second, and third sole components 14a-c each define respective contours, which modify the overall structural characteristics of the first, second, and third club heads 10a-c, with the aim being to provide different bounce characteristics for each club head 10a-c. In some cases, as shown a rear portion of the sole is ground to varying degrees. By increase the degree of grinding, the location of sole contact may vary, resulting in changes to take-off angle β and leading edge height H. More specifically, for instance, according to one embodiment, the location of the first ground contact point 82a relative to the main body 12 differs from the location of the second and third ground contact points 82b, 82c, with the location of the first ground contact point 82a being located closer to the leading edge 80 than the location of the second and third ground contact points 82b, 82c. Furthermore, the leading edge height may vary from one club head to the next. For instance, the first leading edge height H1 may be smaller than the second and third leading edge heights H2 and H3. According to various embodiments, the first leading edge height H1 varies from the second and/or third leading edge heights H2, H3 by an amount Δ, which is approximately equal to 0.15-0.40 mm, more preferably equal to approximately 0.20-0.25 mm, and most equal to approximately 0.218 mm. According to one embodiment, the first leading edge height H1 is less than the second and/or third leading edge heights H2, H3 by the amount Δ. Moreover, the grind heights, G1-3, may vary between the sole components 14a-c, such that in one implementation, the first grind height G1 is greater than the second grind height G2 and the third grind height G3. By configuring the adjustable club head 10 in this regard, the feel of the club head may be more similar to a typical non-adjustable unitary club head, enabling such an adjustable club head to be more likely accepted as a replacement for such a typical non-adjustable club head. As a corollary, by providing a more similar feel, such an adjustable club head 10, if used as a fitting tool, is more likely to feel like a conventional purchasable non-adjustable club head to which such adjustable club head 10 may have been intended to correspond. In this case, a golfer undergoing, e.g., a bounce fitting is less likely to be disappointed that an actual purchased club does not feel like a test club intended to represent the purchased club (or at a minimum feel that the fitting operation was of little value).
The various sole components 14a-c may provide certain benefits in different playing environments and/or for players having different swing characteristics. For instance, the first sole component 14a may be preferable when playing from firm conditions and tight lies. The first sole component 14a may also be more suitable for players with shallow attack angles. The second sole component 14b may be most accommodating for the largest variety of sand, turf and swing types. The third sole component 14c may be preferred when used on softer turf conditions and bunkers, or for use with players having a steep attack angle.
The ability to interchange the sole components 14a-c enables a user to easily test different feels, and thus, the sole components 14a-c effectively provide three club heads in one. A user may quickly move between different bounces with a single club by swapping one sole component 14 (e.g., sole components 14a, 14b, 14c) for another. Furthermore, it is easier to carry around several sole components 14 than it is to carry several different clubs, particularly around the course or on tour. The sole components 14 are also easier to manufacture at a lesser cost than entirely separate club heads. In addition, some golfers become accustomed to a particular striking face, which has been “worked” over a period of time, and thus, the golfer may be able to use different sole components 14 with the same striking face to achieve different bounce characteristics, rather than switching to an entirely different club.
It is contemplated that the various components described herein may be sold as a kit, wherein the main body 12 is sold with a plurality of sole components 14. The main body 12 may be sold in conjunction with a club shaft, or separate from a club shaft. It is further contemplated that the main body 12 and sole components 14 may be sold separate from each other.
Referring now to
The club heads 110 shown in
The main body 112 cooperates with the rear plate 114 and the sole plate 116 via a rear cavity 128 and a sole cavity 130, respectively, which are separated from each other by a partition 132 extending across the rear of the club head 110 between the heel 134 and toe 136. According to one embodiment, when the club head 110 is in the reference position relative to the ground plane 122, the partition 132 extends between the heel 134 and the toe 136 in a generally horizontal direction.
The rear cavity 128 extends in a first direction into the main body 112 from the rear face 126 toward the striking face 124 and terminates at a rear recessed surface 138 to define a rear cavity depth. The rear cavity 128 also extends in a second direction from the partition 132 toward the topline 118, with the upper periphery 128a of the rear cavity 128 being similar in shape to, e.g. parallel with, the topline 118. In this regard, the periphery of the rear cavity 128 adjacent the partition 132 (i.e. the lower periphery portion 128b) follows a generally linear path. In this manner, the lower periphery portion 128b of the rear cavity 128 generally follows, e.g. is parallel with, the junction between the blade portion of the club head and the muscle portion of the club head 110. In the particular embodiment shown in
The sole cavity 130 extends into the sole 120 in a first direction from a sole rear surface 140 and terminates at a sole recessed surface 142 and in a second direction from the partition 132 toward a sole bottom surface 144. In this regard, the periphery 130a of the sole cavity 130 adjacent the partition 132 (i.e. the upper periphery portion 130a) follows a generally linear path. In this manner, the upper periphery portion 130a of the sole cavity 130 generally follows, e.g. is parallel with, the junction between the blade portion of the club head and the muscle portion of the club head 110. In the particular embodiment shown in
The configuration of the main body 112 described above can be used with any of the rear plates 114 or sole plates 116 shown in
Referring first to
The rear plate 114a is configured to be removably secured within the rear cavity 128. In some embodiments, the rear plate 114a includes a throughbore for receiving a fastener 154 therethrough. The fastener 154 preferably include a threaded screw defining a shaft axis coincident with a rear cavity axis 152. The rear plate 114 may include a pair of openings or such throughbores, which are aligned with corresponding recesses formed on the main body 112 to enable a pair of rear plate fasteners 154, such as a screw or other mechanical fastener to be received therein for securing the rear plate 114a to the main body 112. In cases in which the fasteners include plural threaded screws, each define screw axes that are parallel to each other. It is also contemplated that tape, magnets or other fasteners known in the art may be used to secure the rear plate 114a to the main body 112.
The sole plate 116a is complementary in shape to the sole cavity 130 and includes a first face 156 and an opposing second face 158 to define a sole plate thickness therebetween. In the embodiment depicted in
The sole plate 116a is configured to be removably secured within the sole cavity 130. In some embodiments, the sole plate 116a includes a throughbore for receiving a fastener 162 therethrough. The fastener 162 preferably includes a threaded screw defining a shaft axis coincident with a sole cavity axis 160, which is angularly offset from the rear cavity axis 152. It is also contemplated that tape, magnets or other fasteners known in the art may be used to secure the sole plate 116a to the main body 112. In cases in which the fasteners include plural threaded screws, each define screw axes that are parallel to each other.
The rear and sole plates 114a, 116a may be configured to have respective thicknesses which fill the corresponding rear and sole cavities 128, 130, exceed the rear and sole cavities 128, 130, or alternatively, only partially fill the rear and sole cavities 128, 130. Preferably, the rear and sole plates 114, 116 fill the rear sole cavities 128, 130, respectively, such that their exterior surfaces are substantially flush (e.g. allowing for tolerances in manufacturing) with respective adjacent surrounding exterior surfaces of the club head 110. Such provides for retention of the tradition appearance of the club head, promoting confidence, and minimizes sharp contours which may collect debris.
Referring now to
The sole plate 116b also includes a “vertical slant,” which is defined by a first surface 170 and an opposing second surface 172, wherein the distance between the first and second surfaces 170, 172 varies, with the distance being the smallest adjacent the sole bottom surface 144, and the distance being the largest adjacent the partition 132. The vertical slant of the sole plate 116b results in more mass being positioned adjacent the partition 132 when the sole plate 116b is attached to the main body 112, so as to elevate the center of gravity of the club head 110b.
Although the embodiment shown in
Referring now to
The sole plate 116c also includes a first surface 180 and an opposing second surface 182, wherein the distance between the first and second surfaces 180, 182 varies, with the distance being the least adjacent the heel 134, and the distance being the greatest adjacent the toe 136. Therefore, when the sole plate 116c is attached to the main body 112, more mass is located adjacent the toe 136, which results in the center of gravity of the club head 110c being moved closer to the toe 136.
Although
The use of the rear and sole plates 114, 116 as shown in
Although
In addition, although the club head 110 shown in
The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes of illustrative discussion, and are not presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show any more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the different features of the various embodiments, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how these may be implemented in practice.
This application is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/876,731 filed Oct. 6, 2015, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
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| Entry |
|---|
| US 8,777,770 B2, 07/2014, Yashiki (withdrawn) |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170095708 A1 | Apr 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14876731 | Oct 2015 | US |
| Child | 15144598 | US |
