Patents by Inventor Scott Rice

Scott Rice 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: 20120071266
    Abstract: A golf club shaft having a weight distribution such that the balance point percentage is less than or equal to 44.50%. The weight distribution of the shaft allows for an increase in length and/or club head weight of a golf club while having a reduced impact on the swing weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Scott A. Rice, Donald S. Bone, Dustin A. Barksdale
  • Patent number: 8133130
    Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head and a fastener. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The fastener retains the shaft sleeve in the hosel. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features are provided that provide discreet orientations between the shaft and club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Morris, Scott A. Rice, Peter L. Soracco
  • Patent number: 8128509
    Abstract: A hitting face of a golf club head having improved flexural stiffness properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. Each material has a different tensile modulus of elasticity, where the center of the hitting face has a much higher tensile modulus of elasticity than the surrounding portions of the hitting face. This creates a stiff center and a more easily deflected concentric portion. In another embodiment, the materials have different yield strengths and elongation, where the center of the hitting face has a very high yield strength compared to the surrounding portions of the hitting face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Peter L. Soracco, Scott A. Rice, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Patent number: 8096039
    Abstract: A golf club head is disclosed. The golf club head includes a first body member and a second body member. The first body member includes a strike face and a top portion. The second body member is coupled to the first body member and extends away from the first body member in a direction opposite the strike face. At least a top portion of the second body member is camouflaged. A preferred method of camouflage is color differentiation, wherein the second body member is darker than the first body member. Specific color values and club head geometries are also disclosed and claimed. The club head may include a body member and a weight member such as a bar that extends rearward from the body member. A cover may be included to camouflage the weight member. A separate core member and high visibility sight lines may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter L. Soracco, Scott A. Rice, Christopher B. Best, Thomas C. Morris
  • Publication number: 20120010014
    Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head and a fastener. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The fastener retains the shaft sleeve in the hosel. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features are provided that provide discreet orientations between the shaft and club head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas C. Morris, Scott A. Rice, Peter L. Soracco
  • Publication number: 20120004047
    Abstract: A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, comprising of a body portion and a crown portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high-density material in the body portion, with a low-density material in the crown portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios. The material for the crown portion is preferably a composite. A vibration dampening gasket is disposed between the ledge and lip sections of the body and crown respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Meyer, Scott A. Rice, Raymond L. Poynor
  • Patent number: 8066583
    Abstract: A golf club shaft having a weight distribution such that the balance point percentage is less than or equal to 44.50%. The weight distribution of the shaft allows for an increase in length and/or club head weight of a golf club while having a reduced impact on the swing weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Rice, Donald S. Bone, Dustin A. Barksdale
  • Publication number: 20110287854
    Abstract: A hitting face of a golf club head having improved flexural stiffness properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. The main portion of the hitting face is a plate-like face made from a first material having a first density. A dense insert made from a second material having a second density that is greater than the first density is attached directly or indirectly to the plate-like face at or near the geometric center thereof. The dense insert increases the flexural stiffness of in a central zone of the hitting face so that a golf club head that has a larger zone of substantially uniform high initial ball speed. In another embodiment, the hitting face includes an insert that includes main plate and at least one wing extending therefrom. The insert is welded to the golf club head so that the main plate does not deflect separately from the remainder of the hitting face. The geometry of the insert controls the stiffness in the axial directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Scott A. Rice, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Patent number: 8057323
    Abstract: A weight adjusting structure of a golf club head comprises a 360-degree rotatable rotary table installed in a body of a golf club head, wherein the rotary table is combined with an incomplete annular weight block at a peripheral portion on an arbitrary side thereof, so that the rotary table and the weight block form a rotary table assembly whose weight orientation can be adjusted. The weighted rotary table assembly installed in the body of the golf club head can be used to adjust a distribution of different weights around 360 degrees, whereby a preferred location of the club head's gravity center can be set according to a golfer's swing posture and a location of the club head's gravity center the golfer is used to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Ming-Ching Liang, Tien-Ken Liang, Scott A. Rice, Thomas C. Morris, Peter L. Soracco
  • Publication number: 20110275448
    Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head and a fastener. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The fastener retains the shaft sleeve in the hosel. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features are provided that provide discreet orientations between the shaft and club head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas C. Morris, Gregory Haralson, Peter L. Soracco, Scott A. Rice, Scott A. Knutson, Thomas W. Preece
  • Publication number: 20110272846
    Abstract: A hollow golf club head with a concave portion is disclosed and claimed. The club head includes a metallic portion and a light-weight portion, which may be formed of plastic, composite, or the like. The concave portion allows the club designer to make a club head having very thin portions while still maintaining the requisite structural integrity. Convex bulges may optionally be provided to house weight inserts to enhance the playing characteristics of the golf club. The metallic portion of the club head may take on the appearance of a frame, into which several light-weight inserts are positioned. These light-weight inserts may be positioned in the crown, skirt, and sole of the club head. The club head may be formed by co-molding, eliminating the need for welding or adhesives, freeing mass to be used in more beneficial ways. The club head may be large to increase playability and forgiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: COBRA GOLF, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joshua G. Breier, Gregory Haralson, Scott A. Rice, Allan Saliba
  • Patent number: 8047930
    Abstract: A hitting face of a golf club head having improved flexural stiffness properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. The main portion of the hitting face is a plate-like face made from a first material having a first density. A dense insert made from a second material having a second density that is greater than the first density is attached directly or indirectly to the plate-like face at or near the geometric center thereof. The dense insert increases the flexural stiffness of in a central zone of the hitting face so that a golf club head that has a larger zone of substantially uniform high initial ball speed. In another embodiment, the hitting face includes an insert that includes main plate and at least one wing extending therefrom. The insert is welded to the golf club head so that the main plate does not deflect separately from the remainder of the hitting face. The geometry of the insert controls the stiffness in the axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Rice, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Publication number: 20110256955
    Abstract: A hitting face of a golf club head having a location of longest characteristic time shifted away from the geometric center of the hitting face. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. In another embodiment, the hitting face as a central zone that is thicker than the surrounding material. In another embodiment, a dense insert is attached directly or indirectly to a plate-like face insert at or near the geometric center of the insert. In another embodiment, the central zone of the hitting face is reinforced with ribs. In another embodiment, the central zone is elliptical with varying thickness. In this embodiment, the central zone minor axis is thinner than the major axis. The central zone is positioned within the hitting face such that the minor axis is oriented from the low heel region to the high toe region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Scott A. Rice, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Patent number: 8038544
    Abstract: A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, comprising of a body portion and a crown portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high-density material in the body portion, with a low-density material in the crown portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios. The material for the crown portion is preferably a composite. A vibration dampening gasket is disposed between the ledge and lip sections of the body and crown respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Meyer, Scott A. Rice, Raymond L. Poynor
  • Patent number: 8025590
    Abstract: A hitting face of a golf club head having improved flexural stiffness properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. The main portion of the hitting face is a plate-like face made from a first material having a first density. A dense insert made from a second material having a second density that is greater than the first density is attached directly or indirectly to the plate-like face at or near the geometric center thereof. The dense insert increases the flexural stiffness of in a central zone of the hitting face so that a golf club head that has a larger zone of substantially uniform high initial ball speed. In another embodiment, the hitting face includes an insert that includes main plate and at least one wing extending therefrom. The insert is welded to the golf club head so that the main plate does not deflect separately from the remainder of the hitting face. The geometry of the insert controls the stiffness in the axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Rice, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Patent number: 8007371
    Abstract: A hollow golf club head with a concave portion is disclosed and claimed. The club head includes a metallic portion and a light-weight portion, which may be formed of plastic, composite, or the like. The concave portion allows the club designer to make a club head having very thin portions while still maintaining the requisite structural integrity. Convex bulges may optionally be provided to house weight inserts to enhance the playing characteristics of the golf club. The metallic portion of the club head may take on the appearance of a frame, into which several light-weight inserts are positioned. These light-weight inserts may be positioned in the crown, skirt, and sole of the club head. The club head is thus contoured such that its surface area is substantially large. The club head may also be formed of a single, relatively light-weight material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Cobra Golf, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua G. Breier, Peter L. Soracco, Scott A. Rice, Gregory Haralson
  • Publication number: 20110201450
    Abstract: A hitting face of a golf club head having improved flexural stiffness properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. Each material has a different tensile modulus of elasticity, where the center of the hitting face has a much higher tensile modulus of elasticity than the surrounding portions of the hitting face. This creates a stiff center and a more easily deflected concentric portion. In another embodiment, the materials have different yield strengths and elongation, where the center of the hitting face has a very high yield strength compared to the surrounding portions of the hitting face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Peter L. Soracco, Scott A. Rice, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Patent number: 7980959
    Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head and a fastener. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The fastener retains the shaft sleeve in the hosel. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features are provided that provide discreet orientations between the shaft and club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Morris, Gregory Haralson, Peter L. Soracco, Scott A. Rice, Scott A. Knutson, Thomas W. Preece
  • Patent number: 7980963
    Abstract: A hitting face of a golf club head having a location of longest characteristic time shifted away from the geometric center of the hitting face. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. In another embodiment, the hitting face as a central zone that is thicker than the surrounding material. In another embodiment, a dense insert is attached directly or indirectly to a plate-like face insert at or near the geometric center of the insert. In another embodiment, the central zone of the hitting face is reinforced with ribs. In another embodiment, the central zone is elliptical with varying thickness. In this embodiment, the central zone minor axis is thinner than the major axis. The central zone is positioned within the hitting face such that the minor axis is oriented from the low heel region to the high toe region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Rice, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Publication number: 20110152005
    Abstract: A golf club head with an improved sweet spot, defined as a portion of the striking face that has at least 99.7% of the maximum ballspeed is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head with a significantly circular sweet spot that encompasses at least about 1.5% of the total striking face. A golf club head in accordance with the present invention may generally have a improved face geometry with an elliptical factor of greater than about 0.5, a beveled transition portion around the striking face of the golf club head, a variable face thickness region with decreases thickness, or even a tilted bulge and roll radius all helping improve the performance of the golf club head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curtis, Charles E. Golden, Scott A. Rice, Douglas E. Roberts, Thomas W. Preece