Patents by Inventor Douglas E. Roberts
Douglas E. Roberts 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).
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Publication number: 20180241854Abstract: An exemplary golf club head having an increased amount of discretionary mass may be realized by utilizing improved drop angles, an improved average crown height, and/or articulation points. The discretionary mass may be placed low and deep in the club head to improve the location of the center of gravity as well as the inertial properties. A preferred break length may also be utilized to further improve the depth of the center of gravity. In one example, the center of gravity may be positioned to substantially align the sweet spot with the face center of the club head.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Applicant: SRI SPORTS LIMITEDInventors: John J. RAE, Nathaniel J. RADCLIFFE, Daniel J. STONE, Trent E. GARNER, Brad S. HOOLEY, Robert J. HORACEK, Sam G. LACEY, Jeff D. BRUNSKI, Kevin SCHAEFFER, Scott A. CARLYLE, Stephen C. CHIEN, Craig R. SCHNELL, Douglas E. ROBERTS, Dan S. NIVANH, Michael J. WALLANS
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Patent number: 10010769Abstract: An exemplary golf club head having an increased amount of discretionary mass may be realized by utilizing improved drop angles, an improved average crown height, and/or articulation points. The discretionary mass may be placed low and deep in the club head to improve the location of the center of gravity as well as the inertial properties. A preferred break length may also be utilized to further improve the depth of the center of gravity. In one example, the center of gravity may be positioned to substantially align the sweet spot with the face center of the club head.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: SRI SPORTS LIMITEDInventors: John J. Rae, Nathaniel J. Radcliffe, Daniel J. Stone, Trent E. Garner, Brad S. Hooley, Robert J. Horacek, Sam G. Lacey, Jeff D. Brunski, Kevin Schaeffer, Scott A. Carlyle, Stephen C. Chien, Craig R. Schnell, Douglas E. Roberts, Dan S. Nivanh, Michael J. Wallans
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Patent number: 9968833Abstract: The invention generally relates to golf clubs with adjustable mass properties. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and mechanisms for adjusting a club head center of gravity and/or moment of inertia by way of an adjustable weight assembly positionable along the sole of the club head body. When in a first position, the weight assembly provides a lower center of gravity so as to increase launch angle and reduce spin rate, resulting in greater overall distance of ball flight. When in a second position, the weight assembly provides a greater mass moment of inertia, which effectively enlarges the sweet spot and produces a more forgiving club for off-center hits.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Cobra Golf IncorporatedInventors: Joshua G. Breier, Andrew Curtis, Oswaldo Gonzalez, Scott H. Moreira, Douglas E. Roberts, Ryan L. Roach
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Patent number: 9908018Abstract: A muscle-back iron golf club head includes a blade-like upper mass, a muscle-like lower mass, a planar front surface, a top surface, a sole surface, a heel surface, a toe surface, and a rear surface having a first contour. A recess is in the rear surface, the recess having a first portion in the blade-like upper mass and a second portion in the muscle-like lower mass. An insert may be provided in the recess, and such insert may substantially fill the recess and may include a back surface having a second contour which is different from the first contour of the club head rear surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd.Inventors: Douglas E. Roberts, Trent E. Garner, Kevin A. Wolfe, Daniel J. Stone, Christopher J. Beck, Todd D. Harman, Brent L. Newsome, Michael J. Wallans, Nathaniel J. Radcliffe
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Patent number: 9855474Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head that includes a weight adjustment system inside of the club head. Preferably, when the club is played, no part of the adjustment system is directly accessible or exposed to an exterior of the club. The club head may include a panel that opens or is removable, or the club head may be disassembled to provide access to the internal weight adjustment system. A weight adjustment system generally includes at least one mechanism by which a mass distribution of the golf club head can be changed.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Cobra Golf IncorporatedInventors: Tim A. Beno, Karl A. Clausen, Andrew Curtis, Cameron J. Day, Caleb Kroloff, Douglas E. Roberts, Richard Romo Sanchez, Peter L. Soracco, Michael S. Yagley
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Publication number: 20170209754Abstract: An iron-type golf club head includes a striking face; a base surface opposite the striking face; and a perimeter weighting element surrounding the base surface and including a top-line portion, a sole portion, a heel portion, and a toe portion. A first auxiliary cavity is delimited by the perimeter weighting element and a first perimeter wall, the first perimeter wall coupled to the sole portion and to the heel portion of the perimeter weighting element. A second auxiliary cavity is delimited by the perimeter weighting element and a second perimeter wall, the second perimeter wall coupled to the sole portion and to the toe portion of the perimeter weighting element. A central cavity is at least partially delimited by the base surface, the perimeter weighting element, the first perimeter wall, and the second perimeter wall, and an insert is within the central cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2017Publication date: July 27, 2017Applicant: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventors: Sharon J. PARK, Douglas E. ROBERTS, Andrew P. CHICK
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Patent number: 9643066Abstract: An iron-type golf club head includes a striking face; a base surface opposite the striking face; and a perimeter weighting element surrounding the base surface and including a top-line portion, a sole portion, a heel portion, and a toe portion. A first auxiliary cavity is delimited by the perimeter weighting element and a first perimeter wall, the first perimeter wall coupled to the sole portion and to the heel portion of the perimeter weighting element. A second auxiliary cavity is delimited by the perimeter weighting element and a second perimeter wall, the second perimeter wall coupled to the sole portion and to the toe portion of the perimeter weighting element. A central cavity is at least partially delimited by the base surface, the perimeter weighting element, the first perimeter wall, and the second perimeter wall, and an insert is within the central cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventors: Sharon J. Park, Douglas E. Roberts, Andrew P. Chick
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Publication number: 20170100647Abstract: An exemplary golf club head having an increased amount of discretionary mass may be realized by utilizing improved drop angles, an improved average crown height, and/or articulation points. The discretionary mass may be placed low and deep in the club head to improve the location of the center of gravity as well as the inertial properties. A preferred break length may also be utilized to further improve the depth of the center of gravity. In one example, the center of gravity may be positioned to substantially align the sweet spot with the face center of the club head.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: SRI SPORTS LIMITEDInventors: John J. RAE, Nathaniel J. RADCLIFFE, Daniel J. STONE, Trent E. GARNER, Brad S. HOOLEY, Robert J. HORACEK, Sam G. LACEY, Jeff D. BRUNSKI, Kevin SCHAEFFER, Scott A. CARLYLE, Stephen C. CHIEN, Craig R. SCHNELL, Douglas E. ROBERTS, Dan S. NIVANH, Michael J. WALLANS
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Patent number: 9616301Abstract: The invention includes a releasable component for use on a golf club head, wherein the component itself may serve as a portion of the club head face, crown, sole, or other portion of the club head body when attached to the club head. The component includes an anti-over rotation mechanism configured to prevent overtightening of the component to a corresponding counterbore on the golf club head. The anti-over rotation mechanism is embodied as a taper design defined on a flange of a threaded component and a corresponding taper design on a flange surface of a counterbore. The counterbore is configured to receive and retain the releasable component by way of a threaded engagement, wherein the interaction between the corresponding taper flange designs of the releasable component and counterbore prevents over rotation of the releasable component, particularly resisting rotation due to ball strike impacts.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Cobra Golf IncorporatedInventors: Karl Clausen, Tim A. Beno, Caleb Kroloff, Douglas E. Roberts
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Publication number: 20170072278Abstract: The invention generally relates to golf clubs with adjustable mass properties. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and mechanisms for adjusting a club head center of gravity and/or moment of inertia by way of an adjustable weight assembly positionable along the sole of the club head body. When in a first position, the weight assembly provides a lower center of gravity so as to increase launch angle and reduce spin rate, resulting in greater overall distance of ball flight. When in a second position, the weight assembly provides a greater mass moment of inertia, which effectively enlarges the sweet spot and produces a more forgiving club for off-center hits.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Joshua G. Breier, Andrew Curtis, Oswaldo Gonzalez, Scott H. Moreira, Douglas E. Roberts, Ryan L. Roach
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Patent number: 9561405Abstract: An exemplary golf club head having an increased amount of discretionary mass may be realized by utilizing improved drop angles, an improved average crown height, and/or articulation points. The discretionary mass may be placed low and deep in the club head to improve the location of the center of gravity as well as the inertial properties. A preferred break length may also be utilized to further improve the depth of the center of gravity. In one example, the center of gravity may be positioned to substantially align the sweet spot with the face center of the club head.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: SRI SPORTS LIMITEDInventors: John J. Rae, Nathaniel J. Radcliffe, Daniel J. Stone, Trent E. Garner, Brad S. Hooley, Robert J. Horacek, Sam G. Lacey, Jeff D. Brunski, Kevin Schaeffer, Scott A. Carlyle, Stephen C. Chien, Craig R. Schnell, Douglas E. Roberts, Dan S. Nivanh, Michael J. Wallans
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Publication number: 20160354658Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head that includes a weight adjustment system inside of the club head. Preferably, when the club is played, no part of the adjustment system is directly accessible or exposed to an exterior of the club. The club head may include a panel that opens or is removable, or the club head may be disassembled to provide access to the internal weight adjustment system. A weight adjustment system generally includes at least one mechanism by which a mass distribution of the golf club head can be changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Karl A. Clausen, Andrew Curtis, Cameron J. Day, Caleb Kroloff, Douglas E. Roberts, Richard Romo Sanchez, Peter L. Soracco, Michael S. Yagley
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Patent number: 9498686Abstract: The invention generally relates to golf clubs with adjustable mass properties. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and mechanisms for adjusting a club head center of gravity and/or moment of inertia by way of an adjustable weight assembly positionable along the sole of the club head body. When in a first position, the weight assembly provides a lower center of gravity so as to increase launch angle and reduce spin rate, resulting in greater overall distance of ball flight. When in a second position, the weight assembly provides a greater mass moment of inertia, which effectively enlarges the sweet spot and produces a more forgiving club for off-center hits.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Cobra Golf IncorporatedInventors: Joshua G. Breier, Andrew Curtis, Oswaldo Gonzalez, Scott H. Moreira, Douglas E. Roberts, Ryan L. Roach
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Patent number: 9433836Abstract: The invention generally relates to golf clubs with adjustable mass properties. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and mechanisms for adjusting a club head center of gravity and/or moment of inertia by way of an adjustable weight assembly positionable along the sole of the club head body. When in a first position, the weight assembly provides a lower center of gravity so as to increase launch angle and reduce spin rate, resulting in greater overall distance of ball flight. When in a second position, the weight assembly provides a greater mass moment of inertia, which effectively enlarges the sweet spot and produces a more forgiving club for off-center hits.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Cobra Golf IncorporatedInventors: Joshua G. Breier, Andrew Curtis, Oswaldo Gonzalez, Scott H. Moreira, Douglas E. Roberts, Ryan L. Roach
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Patent number: 9427632Abstract: Golf club heads with enlarged grooves, wherein a portion of the finish adjacent or within the groove is removed to create the visual appearance of enlarged grooves. The surface finish of the groove enhancement area surrounding the groove is matched to be the same as the surface finish of the groove, preferably a bright, smooth or shiny metallic finish. This surface finish of the remainder of the striking face of the golf club is a second surface finish, preferably a dark or black matte, or rough finish. The contrast between the two finishes gives the perception that the grooves are larger than they are physically.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Cobra Golf IncorporatedInventors: Joshua G. Breier, Douglas E. Roberts, James G. Lewis
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Patent number: 9421438Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head that includes a weight adjustment system inside of the club head. Preferably, when the club is played, no part of the adjustment system is directly accessible or exposed to an exterior of the club. The club head may include a panel that opens or is removable, or the club head may be disassembled to provide access to the internal weight adjustment system. A weight adjustment system generally includes at least one mechanism by which a mass distribution of the golf club head can be changed.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Cobra Golf IncorporatedInventors: Tim A. Beno, Karl A. Clausen, Andrew Curtis, Cameron J. Day, Caleb Kroloff, Douglas E. Roberts, Richard Romo Sanchez, Peter L. Soracco, Michael S. Yagley
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Publication number: 20160089583Abstract: The invention generally relates to golf clubs with adjustable mass properties. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and mechanisms for adjusting a club head center of gravity and/or moment of inertia by way of an adjustable weight assembly positionable along the sole of the club head body. When in a first position, the weight assembly provides a lower center of gravity so as to increase launch angle and reduce spin rate, resulting in greater overall distance of ball flight. When in a second position, the weight assembly provides a greater mass moment of inertia, which effectively enlarges the sweet spot and produces a more forgiving club for off-center hits.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Joshua G. Breier, Andrew Curtis, Oswaldo Gonzalez, Scott H. Moreira, Douglas E. Roberts, Ryan L. Roach
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Publication number: 20160082326Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunctional cover for a golf club head. In addition to serving as a protective cover for a golf club head, the cover is configured to provide a standing means for the golf club. The cover is shaped and designed so as to be placed on a ground surface (e.g., grass playing surface on course, display floor of a retail store), or any relatively level surface, and provide the golf club in an upright position when the club head is inserted and positioned within the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Cameron J. Day, Douglas E. Roberts
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Publication number: 20160074716Abstract: The invention relates to golf club heads with improved mass distribution provided by novel cellular features. Because a club head can have very low mass density in certain parts, the club head can have much more mass in other parts, while keeping the overall club head mass equal to the mass of prior art club heads. A club head can be provided with optimized MOI and CG. The novel cellular structures of invention provide extensible functionality in the form of pockets, recesses, and windows and provide materials with excellent strength and restitution properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Ryan L. Roach, Joshua G. Breier, Douglas E. Roberts, Lauren Wilson
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Publication number: 20160051870Abstract: A plurality of golf club heads wherein the difference in spin is minimized is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a plurality of fairway wood type golf club head with a volume of between about 110 cubic centimeters (cc) and about 250 cc, wherein the change in backspin between any two clubs within the plurality of metal wood type golf club heads is less than about 600 revolutions per minute (rpm). A plurality of golf clubs in accordance with the present invention may generally have all of its clubs maintain a center of gravity (CG) location that is less than about 8.0 mm away from a neutral axis of the golf club head regardless of the difference in loft of the specific golf club head within the plurality of golf club heads.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2015Publication date: February 25, 2016Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Douglas E. Roberts