Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Morris

Thomas C. Morris 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).

  • Patent number: 9849356
    Abstract: A composite material golf club head is provided having a body made from a first metal and a face insert press fitted to a portion of the body and made from a second metal The metals are chosen so that the first metal is heavier than the second metal. The second metal is disposed towards the front and top of the body, and is preferably hard-anodized. In addition, an interlocking structure, for example rectangular or dove tail shaped channels, is provided in the body so that the face insert becomes embedded in the interlocking structure to anchor the face insert to the body. Portions of the golf club head, such as the face insert or sole plate, are anodized to protect against corrosion. The anodized coating is colored to improve aesthetic characteristics or infused with a polymer to increase or reduce friction. Disclosed herein is a golf club head having a body portion and a face insert. The front of the body portion further comprises a cutout sized and dimensioned to receive the face insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Ryan L. Roach, Thomas C. Morris
  • Patent number: 9669271
    Abstract: A golf club head having a low-density interchangeable insert located in a top portion thereof. The interchangeable insert may be only in the top line of the club head or extend from the heel around the toe and optionally be visible from above when the club is at address. The interchangeable insert may extend through a hosel and optionally be visible on a heel-side surface. The interchangeable insert may be mounted on a back surface of a striking face, and may extend a distance down the back surface. The interchangeable insert may extend into, and provide part of, a golf ball striking face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: COBRA GOLF INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Peter L. Soracco, Ryan L. Roach, Thomas C. Morris
  • Publication number: 20160346639
    Abstract: A composite material golf club head is provided having a body made from a first metal and a face insert press fitted to a portion of the body and made from a second metal The metals are chosen so that the first metal is heavier than the second metal. The second metal is disposed towards the front and top of the body, and is preferably hard-anodized. In addition, an interlocking structure, for example rectangular or dove tail shaped channels, is provided in the body so that the face insert becomes embedded in the interlocking structure to anchor the face insert to the body. Portions of the golf club head, such as the face insert or sole plate, are anodized to protect against corrosion. The anodized coating is colored to improve aesthetic characteristics or infused with a polymer to increase or reduce friction. Disclosed herein is a golf club head having a body portion and a face insert. The front of the body portion further comprises a cutout sized and dimensioned to receive the face insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Ryan L. Roach, Thomas C. Morris
  • Publication number: 20160250524
    Abstract: A golf club head having a low-density interchangeable insert located in a top portion thereof. The interchangeable insert may be only in the top line of the club head or extend from the heel around the toe and optionally be visible from above when the club is at address. The interchangeable insert may extend through a hosel and optionally be visible on a heel-side surface. The interchangeable insert may be mounted on a back surface of a striking face, and may extend a distance down the back surface. The interchangeable insert may extend into, and provide part of, a golf ball striking face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Peter L. Soracco, Ryan L. Roach, Thomas C. Morris
  • Patent number: 9393470
    Abstract: A composite material golf club head is provided having a body made from a first metal and a face insert press fitted to a portion of the body and made from a second metal The metals are chosen so that the first metal is heavier than the second metal. The second metal is disposed towards the front and top of the body, and is preferably hard-anodized. In addition, an interlocking structure, for example rectangular or dove tail shaped channels, is provided in the body so that the face insert becomes embedded in the interlocking structure to anchor the face insert to the body. Portions of the golf club head, such as the face insert or sole plate, are anodized to protect against corrosion. The anodized coating is colored to improve aesthetic characteristics or infused with a polymer to increase or reduce friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Ryan L. Roach, Thomas C. Morris
  • Publication number: 20150045134
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club, and more particularly to a wood-type club head with a separable body component. In certain aspects, the invention provides a golf club head with a face and hosel body member and one or more of an interchangeable aft body member. The invention further provides a variety of insights and mechanisms for coupling the interchangeable member to the body member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Joshua G. Breier, Andrew Curtis, Michael T. McDonnell, Steven M. Mitzel, Thomas C. Morris, Thomas W. Preece, Ryan L. Roach, Peter L. Soracco
  • Patent number: 8771097
    Abstract: A golf club with a plurality of protrusions separated by a trough and capable of improving turf interaction for various turf conditions with various turf undulations is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a metal wood type golf club having a plurality of protrusions separated by a trough on its sole that is capable of changing the lie angle of the metal wood type golf club head by varying the combination of protrusions that come into contact with the ground to provide improved turf interaction for various types of lies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Orrin Bennett, Thomas C. Morris, Thomas W. Preece, Douglas E. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20140113743
    Abstract: A composite material golf club head is provided having a body made from a first metal and a face insert press fitted to a portion of the body and made from a second metal The metals are chosen so that the first metal is heavier than the second metal. The second metal is disposed towards the front and top of the body, and is preferably hard-anodized. In addition, an interlocking structure, for example rectangular or dove tail shaped channels, is provided in the body so that the face insert becomes embedded in the interlocking structure to anchor the face insert to the body. Portions of the golf club head, such as the face insert or sole plate, are anodized to protect against corrosion. The anodized coating is colored to improve aesthetic characteristics or infused with a polymer to increase or reduce friction. Disclosed herein is a golf club head having a body portion and a face insert. The front of the body portion further comprises a cutout sized and dimensioned to receive the face insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: COBRA GOLF INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ryan L. Roach, Thomas C. Morris
  • Patent number: 8616997
    Abstract: A composite material golf club head is provided having a body made from a first metal and a face insert press fitted to a portion of the body and made from a second metal The metals are chosen so that the first metal is heavier than the second metal. The second metal is disposed towards the front and top of the body, and is preferably hard-anodized. In addition, an interlocking structure, for example rectangular or dove tail shaped channels, is provided in the body so that the face insert becomes embedded in the interlocking structure to anchor the face insert to the body. Portions of the golf club head, such as the face insert or sole plate, are anodized to protect against corrosion. The anodized coating is colored to improve aesthetic characteristics or infused with a polymer to increase or reduce friction. Disclosed herein is a golf club head having a body portion and a face insert. The front of the body portion further comprises a cutout sized and dimensioned to receive the face insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Ryan L. Roach, Thomas C. Morris
  • Patent number: 8491412
    Abstract: A golf club head formed of multiple materials is disclosed. Those portions of the club head that are subject to high stresses during normal use of the golf club head are formed of a metallic material. Most of the material beyond what is required to maintain structural integrity, however, is removed and replaced with a lightweight material. This freed-up mass that can be redistributed to other, more beneficial locations of the club head. The lightweight material also damps vibrations generated during use of the golf club. This vibration damper may be retained in a state of compression to enhance the vibration damping. One or more weight members may be included to obtain desired center of gravity position, moments of inertia, and other club head attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Ryan L. Roach, Peter Soracco, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Scott A. Rice, Thomas C. Morris, Christopher B. Best
  • Patent number: 8485920
    Abstract: An improved golf club head is disclosed which comprises the positioning of secondary weights at such low, rearward and outward locations that it causes an alteration in the traditional look of the club head wherein each secondary weight has a portion of the weight that bulges outwards of the natural contour of the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Joshua G. Breier, Thomas C. Morris, Kevin C. Chau, Scott A. Rice, Peter L. Soracco
  • Publication number: 20130178305
    Abstract: A golf club head with a multi-component construction. The golf club head can include one or more components such as inserts, panels, plates, or body members that fasten to one another to form a club head body or that fasten to a club head body. The club head can include one or more components that snap-fit into a club head body. An insert can be made entirely or partially of plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: COBRA GOLF INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Joshua G. Breier, Andrew Curtis, Michael T. McDonnell, Steven M. Mitzel, Thomas C. Morris, Thomas W. Preece, Peter L. Soracco
  • Publication number: 20130178306
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club, and more particularly to a wood-type club head with a separable body component. In certain aspects, the invention provides a golf club head with a face and hosel body member and one or more of an interchangeable aft body member. The invention further provides a variety of insights and mechanisms for coupling the interchangeable member to the body member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: COBRA GOLF INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Joshua G. Breier, Andrew Curtis, Michael T. McDonnell, Steven M. Mitzel, Thomas C. Morris, Thomas W. Preece, Ryan L. Roach, Peter L. Soracco
  • Publication number: 20130095952
    Abstract: A golf club with a plurality of protrusions separated by a trough and capable of improving turf interaction for various turf conditions with various turf undulations is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a metal wood type golf club having a plurality of protrusions separated by a trough on its sole that is capable of changing the lie angle of the metal wood type golf club head by varying the combination of protrusions that come into contact with the ground to provide improved turf interaction for various types of lies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Orrin Bennett, Thomas C. Morris, Thomas W. Preece, Douglas E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8393976
    Abstract: A golf club head having a recess located in a top portion thereof between the heel and the toe and extending toward the sole. The recess may be only in the top line of the club head or extend from the heel around the toe. An insert may be placed within the recess. The insert may have a density that is less than the density of the club head body to lower the center of gravity and moment of inertia or greater than the density of the club head body to raise the center of gravity and moment of inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter L. Soracco, Ryan L. Roach, Thomas C. Morris
  • Patent number: 8360897
    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: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Morris, Gregory Haralson, Peter L. Soracco, Scott A. Rice, Scott A. Knutson, Thomas W. Preece
  • Publication number: 20120316843
    Abstract: Systems and methods of broadcasting real time information regarding a game of golf to multiple users across a network. An embodiment involves receiving requests from one or more users interested in a golf player currently playing a game of golf, receiving sensor data from one or more sensors related to a golf player, applying predictive models to the received sensor data, and transmitting the predicted data to external users. Embodiments of the systems and methods may be used to provide alerts to users or to provide statistics or other useful information to users, including the golf player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Andrew Curtis, Michael T. McDonnell, Thomas C. Morris, James O'Shea, III, Ryan L. Roach, Peter L. Soracco
  • Patent number: 8328658
    Abstract: A golf club with a plurality of rails wherein the plurality of rails is capable of improving turf interaction for various turf conditions with various turf undulations is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a metal wood type golf club having a plurality of rails on its sole that is capable of changing the lie angle of the metal wood type golf club head by varying the combination of the rails on the sole that comes into contact with the ground to provide improved turf interaction for various types of lies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Orrin Bennett, Thomas C. Morris, Thomas W. Preece, Douglas E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8308583
    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: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas C. Morris, Peter L. Soracco
  • Patent number: D682376
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Austin B. Oliveiro, Douglas E. Roberts, Thomas C. Morris