Patents by Inventor Benoit Vincent

Benoit Vincent has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110092311
    Abstract: The present invention resides in a golf club head having a high COR that is durable and has desirable acoustic qualities. The club head includes a body portion, a striking face and a crown forming a hollow cavity of at least 150 cc in volume. The body portion defines a front opening and an upper opening, and it includes a sole and a side section that extends rearward of the front opening. The striking plate is secured to the body portion, enclosing the front opening. While partially assembled, final weighting and/or other attachment of other members to the inner surface of the club head can be preformed, as desired. The crown is secured to the body portion, enclosing the upper opening. A surface veil may also be provided about a junction of the crown and body. The crown has a maximum thickness no greater than about 2 mm. The density of the crown is less than the density of the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Drew T. DeShiell, Kraig Willett, Michael Scott Burnett, Benoit Vincent, Joseph Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7887440
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for matching a test golfer with a particular golf club selected from a group of golf clubs having a plurality of styles. The method utilizes data set derived in an initial procedure in which the club style preferences for each of a large number of pre-test golfers is recorded and correlated with a set of performance parameters for the golf swings of such pre-test golfers. This data enables the pre-test golfers to be classified into subgroups, in which golfers within the same subgroup generally prefer the same club style and golfers in different subgroups generally prefer different club styles. After this data set has been established, the test golfer takes a golf swing with a golf club, while performance parameters for the swing are measured. Based on the measured performance parameters and the previously established data set, the test golfer is classified according to swing type, and the optimum golf-club is then selected from the plurality of styles of golf clubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian C. Wright, David Anderson, Peter J. Roberts, Benoit Vincent
  • Patent number: 7871340
    Abstract: A golf club head having a composite face insert attached to a metallic body is provided. The club head preferably has a volume of at least 200 cc and provides superior durability and club performance. The face insert includes prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight (FAW) of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert preferably has a thickness less than 4 mm and a mass at least 10 grams less than an insert of equivalent volume formed of the metallic material of the body of the club head. A metallic cap with a peripheral rim is also provided to protect the ends of the composite material of the face insert. Related methods of manufacturing and alternative materials are disclosed. The resin content of the prepreg plies can be controlled through management of the timing and environment in which the resultant prepreg plies are cured and soaked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bing-Ling Chao, Todd P. Beach, Jabaarr A. Flukers, Citra A. Ie, Benoit Vincent
  • Patent number: 7862452
    Abstract: A golf club head having a composite face insert attached to a metallic body is provided. The club head preferably has a volume of at least 200 cc and provides superior durability and club performance. The face insert includes prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight (FAW) of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert preferably has a thickness less than 4 mm and a mass at least 10 grams less than an insert of equivalent volume formed of the metallic material of the body of the club head. A metallic cap with a peripheral rim is also provided to protect the ends of the composite material of the face insert. Related methods of manufacturing and alternative materials are disclosed. The resin content of the prepreg plies can be controlled through management of the timing and environment in which the resultant prepreg plies are cured and soaked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bing-Ling Chao, Todd P. Beach, Jabaarr A. Flukers, Citra A. Ie, Benoit Vincent
  • Patent number: 7854364
    Abstract: The present invention resides in a golf club head having a high COR that is durable and has desirable acoustic qualities. The club head includes a body portion, a striking face and a crown forming a hollow cavity of at least 150 cc in volume. The crown is secured to the body portion, enclosing an upper opening. A surface veil may also be provided about a junction of the crown and body. The crown has a maximum thickness no greater than about 2 mm. The density of the crown is less than the density of the body portion. The golf club head has a maximum coefficient of restitution of at least 0.80.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Drew T. DeShiell, Kraig Alan Willett, Michael Scott Burnett, Benoit Vincent, Joseph Henry Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7850546
    Abstract: A golf club head having a composite face insert attached to a metallic body is provided. The club head preferably has a volume of at least 200 cc and provides superior durability and club performance. The face insert includes prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight (FAW) of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert preferably has a thickness less than 4 mm and a mass at least 10 grams less than an insert of equivalent volume formed of the metallic material of the body of the club head. A metallic cap with a peripheral rim is also provided to protect the ends of the composite material of the face insert. Related methods of manufacturing and alternative materials are disclosed. The resin content of the prepreg plies can be controlled through management of the timing and environment in which the resultant prepreg plies are cured and soaked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bing-Ling Chao, Todd P. Beach, Jabaarr A. Flukers, Citra A. Ie, Benoit Vincent
  • Patent number: 7846041
    Abstract: Embodiments of movable weights, such as weight assemblies and weight screws, for a golf club head are disclosed herein. One embodiment for a weight assembly, for example, comprises a mass element having a first end, a second end and a sidewall extending between the first end and the send end. The sidewall of the mass element defines a first bore extending through the mass element and at least a portion of the sidewall of mass element tapers in a direction from the first end to the second end. This embodiment further includes a retaining element configured to engage the first bore adjacent the first end of the mass element and defining a second bore. The weight assembly further includes an elongate fastener having a first end configured to be received within the second bore of the retaining element and a second end extending through the first bore and beyond the second end of the mass element when the mass element, retaining element and fastener are assembled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Bing-Ling Chao, Mark Vincent Greaney, Marc Kronenberg, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Alan Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7717805
    Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7717804
    Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20100099513
    Abstract: A golf club head having a composite face insert attached to a metallic body is provided. The club head preferably has a volume of at least 200 cc and provides superior durability and club performance. The face insert includes prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight (FAW) of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert preferably has a thickness less than 4 mm and a mass at least 10 grams less than an insert of equivalent volume formed of the metallic material of the body of the club head. A metallic cap with a peripheral rim is also provided to protect the ends of the composite material of the face insert. Related methods of manufacturing and alternative materials are disclosed. The resin content of the prepreg plies can be controlled through management of the timing and environment in which the resultant prepreg plies are cured and soaked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Bing-Ling Chao, Todd P. Beach, Jabaarr A. Flukers, Citra A. Ie, Benoit Vincent
  • Publication number: 20100096079
    Abstract: A golf club head having a composite face insert attached to a metallic body is provided. The club head preferably has a volume of at least 200 cc and provides superior durability and club performance. The face insert includes prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight (FAW) of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert preferably has a thickness less than 4 mm and a mass at least 10 grams less than an insert of equivalent volume formed of the metallic material of the body of the club head. A metallic cap with a peripheral rim is also provided to protect the ends of the composite material of the face insert. Related methods of manufacturing and alternative materials are disclosed. The resin content of the prepreg plies can be controlled through management of the timing and environment in which the resultant prepreg plies are cured and soaked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Bing-Ling Chao, Todd P. Beach, Jabaarr A. Flukers, Citra A. Ie, Benoit Vincent
  • Publication number: 20100048321
    Abstract: Embodiments of movable weights, such as weight assemblies and weight screws, for a golf club head are disclosed herein. One embodiment for a weight assembly, for example, comprises a mass element having a first end, a second end and a sidewall extending between the first end and the send end. The sidewall of the mass element defines a first bore extending through the mass element and at least a portion of the sidewall of mass element tapers in a direction from the first end to the second end. This embodiment further includes a retaining element configured to engage the first bore adjacent the first end of the mass element and defining a second bore. The weight assembly further includes an elongate fastener having a first end configured to be received within the second bore of the retaining element and a second end extending through the first bore and beyond the second end of the mass element when the mass element, retaining element and fastener are assembled together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Bing-Ling Chao, Mark Vincent Greaney, Marc Kronenberg, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Alan Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20100048323
    Abstract: A golf club head having a composite face insert attached to a metallic body is provided. The club head preferably has a volume of at least 200 cc and provides superior durability and club performance. The face insert includes prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight (FAW) of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert preferably has a thickness less than 4 mm and a mass at least 10 grams less than an insert of equivalent volume formed of the metallic material of the body of the club head. A metallic cap with a peripheral rim is also provided to protect the ends of the composite material of the face insert. Related methods of manufacturing and alternative materials are disclosed. The resin content of the prepreg plies can be controlled through management of the timing and environment in which the resultant prepreg plies are cured and soaked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Bing-Ling Chao, Todd P. Beach, Jabaarr A. Flukers, Citra A. Ie, Benoit Vincent
  • Patent number: 7632194
    Abstract: Embodiments of movable weights, such as weight assemblies and weight screws, for a golf club head are disclosed herein. One embodiment for a weight assembly, for example, comprises a mass element having a first end, a second end and a sidewall extending between the first end and the send end. The sidewall of the mass element defines a first bore extending through the mass element and at least a portion of the sidewall of mass element tapers in a direction from the first end to the second end. This embodiment further includes a retaining element configured to engage the first bore adjacent the first end of the mass element and defining a second bore. The weight assembly further includes an elongate fastener having a first end configured to be received within the second bore of the retaining element and a second end extending through the first bore and beyond the second end of the mass element when the mass element, retaining element and fastener are assembled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Bing-Ling Chao, Mark Vincent Greaney, Marc Kronenberg, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Alan Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7628707
    Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club information system for representing a plurality of golf club head configurations includes a first member having thereon a graphic depicting a golf club head with openings and a second member movably coupled to the first member having marks thereon corresponding to a golf club head configuration associated with a predicted golf ball flight path. The first and second members are movable relative to each other to display some of the marks on the second member within the openings in the first member. The displayed marks convey golf club head configuration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Thomas Olsavsky
  • Patent number: 7628712
    Abstract: A golf club head having a composite face insert attached to a metallic body is provided. The club head preferably has a volume of at least 200 cc and provides superior durability and club performance. The face insert includes prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight (FAW) of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert preferably has a thickness less than 4 mm and a mass at least 10 grams less than an insert of equivalent volume formed of the metallic material of the body of the club head. A metallic cap with a peripheral rim is also provided to protect the ends of the composite material of the face insert. Related methods of manufacturing and alternative materials are disclosed. The resin content of the prepreg plies can be controlled through management of the timing and environment in which the resultant prepreg plies are cured and soaked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bing-Ling Chao, Todd P. Beach, Jabaarr A. Flukers, Citra A. Ie, Benoit Vincent
  • Patent number: 7621823
    Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Bing-Ling Chao, Mark Greaney, Marc Kronenberg, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Zimmerman, Joseph Henry Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7591738
    Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7578753
    Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7568985
    Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman