Adjusting block for golf club head

Abstract

A golf club head includes a body having a cutaway recession and an adjusting block mounted in the cutaway recession. The body includes a striking face for striking a golf ball. The adjusting block includes a chamber in which at least one accessory member is mounted. The accessory member may be a weight member, damping member, or an ornamental cover for a golf club.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an adjusting block for a golf club head. In particular, the present invention relates to an adjusting block for adjusting the center of gravity and moment of inertia of a golf club head.

2. Description of Related Art

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0214657 A1 discloses a golf club head comprises a main body, a striking plate, and a weight. The main body includes a ring frame, and the striking plate is combined with a front side of the main body. The striking plate includes a front surface for striking a golf ball and a rear surface for combining with the weight. The main body, the striking plate, and the weight are made of metal.

The density of the weight is greater than those of the main body and the striking plate such that the weight has a relatively smaller volume. In manufacture, a smaller weight is adopted and thus could not completely fill the volume of a specific space in the body. A space must be preserved in a particular location in the main body for the weight, leading to difficult adjustment in the center of gravity and moment of inertia. Further, the size of the main body is reduced if the size of the weight, leading to a reduction in the area of the striking plate. The striking effect is adversely affected accordingly.

In brief, there is a need in an improved arrangement for the main body and the weight to allow flexible adjustment of the center of gravity and moment of inertia of the golf club head.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an adjusting block that allows flexible adjustment of the center of gravity of a golf club head.

Anther object of the present invention is to provide an adjusting block that allows flexible adjustment of the moment of inertia of a golf club head.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an adjusting block that can be easily assembled to or detached from a golf club head.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a golf club head that provides a space for receiving a weight as well as other head components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a golf club head comprises a body having a cutaway recession and an adjusting block mounted in the cutaway recession. The body includes a striking face for striking a golf ball. The adjusting block includes a chamber in which at least one accessory member is mounted.

Preferably, a wall delimiting the cutaway recession includes an engaging portion. Preferably, the adjusting block includes an engaging section engaged with the engaging portion when the adjusting block is mounted in the cutaway recession of the body. Preferably, the engaging portion includes at least one guiding face for guiding the engaging section of the adjusting block into the engaging portion.

The body may further include an upper reinforcing wall delimiting the cutaway recession. The body may further include a lower reinforcing wall delimiting the cutaway recession.

In an embodiment of the invention, the cutaway recession tapers outward for improving engaging strength of the adjusting block in the cutaway recession. In another embodiment of the invention, the cutaway recession tapers inward for allowing easy mounting of the adjusting block.

In an embodiment of the invention, a bottom wall delimiting the cutaway recession includes a recess, and the adjusting block includes a protrusion engaged in the recess.

In another embodiment of the invention, a bottom wall delimiting the cutaway recession includes a recess, and a vibration-absorbing member is mounted in the recess and sandwiched between the adjusting block and a bottom wall delimiting the recess.

In a further embodiment of the invention, at lease one of two sidewalls delimiting the chamber of the adjusting block protrudes into the chamber. At least one of two sidewalls delimiting the cutaway recession presses against the at least one of the sidewalls delimiting the chamber of the adjusting block, slightly expanding the adjusting block and reliably fixing the adjusting block in the cutaway recession.

Preferably, the accessory member includes a section with a width greater than that of the chamber for slightly expanding the adjusting block and reliably fixing the adjusting block in the cutaway recession.

In still another embodiment of the invention, a casing covers the adjusting block and includes at least one notch allowing expansion of the adjusting block. The casing includes a slot aligned with the chamber of the adjusting block, allowing insertion of the accessory member into the chamber of the adjusting block.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the cutaway recession is defined in an upper portion of the body.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the cutaway recession is delimited by an upper reinforcing wall and a lower reinforcing wall to form a compartment.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a golf club head comprises a body including a cutaway recession, an adjusting block mounted in the cutaway recession, and a casing covering the adjusting block. The adjusting block includes a chamber in which at least one accessory member is mounted.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a golf club head comprises a body including a compartment, an adjusting block mounted in the compartment, and a casing covering the adjusting block. The adjusting block includes a chamber in which at least one accessory member is mounted.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a golf club head in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded sectional view of the golf club head in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the golf club head in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the golf club head in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along plane 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the golf club head in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the golf club head in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is another sectional view of the golf club head in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the golf club head in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the golf club head in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is another sectional view of the golf club head in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the golf club head in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the golf club head in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the golf club head in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the golf club head in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the golf club head in accordance with the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a golf club head in accordance with the present invention comprises a body 1, a striking plate 10, and an adjusting block 2. The adjusting block 2 allows adjustment of the center of gravity and moment of inertia of the body 1.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 1 is preferably made of metal selecting from a group consisting of stainless steel (such as 17-4PH stainless steel), carbon steel, low carbon steel, alloy steel, low alloy steel, Fe—Mn—Al alloy, cast iron, nickel-based alloy, structural steel, super alloy steel, and titanium alloy (such as Ti-6Al-4V).

The body 1 includes a perimeter wall (not labeled) having a sole. The striking plate 10 is engaged with a front end of the body 1 and connected to the perimeter wall of the body 1. The striking plate 10 includes a front face (striking face) for striking a golf ball and a rear face surrounded by the perimeter wall.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the body 1 includes a cutaway recession 11 for tightly receiving the adjusting block 1. Preferably, the cutaway recession 11 is located in the sole of the body 1 to reduce the mass of the sole of the body 1. The cutaway recession 11 has a predetermined specification that corresponds to that of the adjusting block 1.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cutaway recession 11 of the body 1 is delimited by a bottom wall 112 and two sidewalls 111 on two sides of the bottom wall 112. In the illustrated embodiment, each sidewall 111 includes an engaging portion 113 in the form of a groove. Preferably, the engaging portions 113 on the sidewalls 111 are aligned with each other. The engaging portions 113 on the sidewalls 111 may be omitted when appropriate.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting block 2 as a whole is a block made of elastomeric material selected from a group consisting of resins (such as epoxy resin), high molecular polymers, rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane and combinations thereof. The adjusting block 2 includes a chamber 20 for receiving at least one accessory member 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting block 2 includes an engaging section 21 on each of two lateral walls thereof. Each engaging section 21 includes at least one guiding face 211 to allow easy mounting/removal of the adjusting block 2 into/from the cutaway recession 11 of the body 1. In the illustrated embodiment, each engaging section 21 is a protrusion having an inner guiding face 211 and an outer guiding face 211.

The accessory member 3 may be a weight member, damping member, or an ornamental cover for a golf club. Preferably, the accessory member 3 includes an expanding section for pressing against an inner periphery delimiting the chamber 20 of the block 2, thereby resiliently expanding and deforming the block 2. The accessory member 3 includes a first width W1 and a second width W2. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner side of the accessory member 3 has the second width W2 that is equal to a width of the chamber 2, and the outer side of the accessory member 3 has the first width W1 that is greater than the second width W2. Thus, when the accessory member 3 is inserted into the chamber 20 of the engaging block 2, the outer perimeter of the adjusting block 2 deforms and expands outward. On the other hand, if the accessory member 3 is removed from the chamber 20 of the engaging block 2, the outer perimeter of the engaging block 2 resumes its original shape.

Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, in assembly, the engaging block 2 is inserted into the cutaway recession 11 of the body 1, and the accessory member 3 is then inserted into the chamber 20 of the engaging block 2. In normal use, disengagement of the adjusting block 2 from the cutaway recession 11 of the body 1 is less likely to occur, as the outer perimeter of the adjusting block 2 deforms and expands outward after the accessory member 3 is inserted into the chamber 20 of the engaging block 2. Thus, the adjusting block 2 is mounted to the sole of the body 1 to form a golf club head.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the engaging sections 21 of the engaging block 2 are engaged with the engaging portions 113 of the cutaway recession 11. This provides a tight engagement between the engaging block 2 and the cutaway recession 11 of the body 1 and thus further avoids disengagement of the engaging block 2 from the cutaway recession 11 of the body 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, as mentioned above, when the outer side with a width W1 of the accessory member 3 is inserted into the chamber 20 of the engaging block 2, the engaging block 2 deforms and expands outward. Thus, the sidewalls of the engaging block 2 tightly press against the sidewalls 111 delimiting the cutaway recession 11. Further, the engaging sections 21 of the adjusting block 2 expand outward and thus firmly engaged in the engaging sections 113 of the cutaway recession 11. The inner guiding face 211 of each engaging section 21 of the adjusting block 2 allows smooth insertion of the engaging section 21 into the associated engaging portion 113.

Still referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, when replacing the adjusting block and/or the accessory member 3, the accessory member 3 is removed from the chamber 20 of the adjusting block 2, and the adjusting block 2 is then removed from the cutaway recession 11 of the body 1. The outer guiding face 211 of each engaging section 21 of the adjusting block 2 allows easy removal of the engaging section 21 from the associated engaging portion 113.

FIGS. 6 through 8 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the cutaway recession 11 is further delimited by an upper reinforcing wall 114 connected between the sidewalls 111. The upper reinforcing wall 114 reinforces the structure of the cutaway recession 11. Namely, the bottom wall 112, the sidewalls 111, and the upper reinforcing wall 114 together delimit the cutaway recession 11. Further, at least one sidewall 22 delimiting the chamber 20 of the adjusting block 2 protrudes into the chamber 20. Thus, when the accessory member 3 is inserted into the chamber 20 of the adjusting block 2, the adjusting block 2 slightly deforms and expands outward, thereby tightly fixing the adjusting block 2 in the cutaway recession 11 of the body 1.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the cutaway recession 11 tapers outward toward an opening section (not labeled) of the cutaway recession 11, thereby reinforcing the engagement between the adjusting member 2 and the cutaway recession 11.

FIGS. 9 through 11 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the cutaway recession 11 is further delimited by a lower reinforcing wall 114′ connected between the sidewalls 111. The lower reinforcing wall 1114′ reinforces the structure of the cutaway recession 11. Namely, the bottom wall 112, the sidewalls 111, and the lower reinforcing wall 114′ together delimit the cutaway recession 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the cutaway recession 11 tapers inward, allowing easy mounting and removal of the adjusting block 2.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the adjusting block 2 includes a protrusion 21′ on an inner side thereof, and wherein the bottom wall 112 delimiting the cutaway recession 11 includes a recess 113′ for engaging with the protrusion 21′. Thus, the engaging strength of the adjusting block 2 in the cutaway recession 11 is improved.

FIG. 14 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the invention modified from the fourth embodiment, wherein the protrusion 21′ on the adjusting block 2 is omitted. Instead, a separate vibration-absorbing member 24 is mounted in the recess 113′ and sandwiched between a bottom wall delimiting the recess 113′ and the inner side of the adjusting block 2. The vibration-absorbing member 24 is made of a material having a density different from that of the

Preferably, the material for forming the vibration-absorbing member is selected from a group consisting of aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, titanium alloy, copper alloy, stainless steel, tungsten alloy, nickel-based alloy, resins (such as epoxy resin), high molecular polymers, rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane and combinations thereof.

Further, the adjusting block 2 is covered by a substantially U-shaped casing 23 having a slot 231 in an intermediate section thereof. The slot 231 of the casing 23 is aligned with the chamber 20 of the adjusting block 2, allowing insertion of the accessory member 3 into the chamber 20 via the slot 231. The U-shaped casing 23 further includes two openings or notches 231 respectively in two sides thereof. The engaging sections 21 of the adjusting block 2 are respectively located in the notches 231, allowing lateral expansion of the adjusting block 2, whereas expansion of the adjusting block 2 in the vertical direction is restrained by the casing 23.

FIG. 15 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the invention, wherein the cutaway recession 11′ is defined in an upper portion of the body 1 for receiving the adjusting block 2, allowing adjustment of the mass of the body 1. A compartment is delimited by an upper reinforcing wall 114, a lower reinforcing wall 114′, a bottom wall 112, and two sidewalls 111 each having an engaging portion 113 in the form of a groove.

FIG. 16 illustrates a seventh embodiment of the invention, wherein the body 1′ is of wooden club type. A cutaway recession 11 is defined in the body 1′ and delimited by a bottom wall 112 having a recess 113′ and two sidewalls 111 each having an engaging portion 113 in the form of a groove. The adjusting block 2 includes two engaging sections (protrusions) 21 respectively formed on two lateral sides thereof and a protrusion 21′ on an inner side thereof for respectively engaging with the engaging portions 113 and the recess 113′ of the cutaway recession 11.

While the principles of this invention have been disclosed in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that these descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and that any modification and variation without departing the spirit of the invention is intended to be covered by the scope of this invention defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising:

a body including a cutaway recession, the body further including a striking face for striking a golf ball; and

an adjusting block mounted in the cutaway recession of the body, the adjusting block including a chamber, at least one accessory member being mounted in the chamber of the adjusting block that is mounted in the cutaway recession of the body.

2. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

a wall of the cutaway recession including an engaging portion,

the adjusting block includes an engaging section engaged with the engaging portion when the adjusting block is mounted in the cutaway recession of the body.

3. The golf club head as claimed in claim 2, wherein the engaging portion includes at least one guiding face for guiding the engaging section of the adjusting block into the engaging portion.

4. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body further includes an upper reinforcing wall delimiting the cutaway recession.

5. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body further includes a lower reinforcing wall delimiting the cutaway recession.

6. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutaway recession tapers outward for improving engaging strength of the adjusting block in the cutaway recession.

7. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutaway recession tapers inward for allowing easy mounting of the adjusting block.

8. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bottom wall of the cutaway recession including a recess, and wherein the adjusting block includes a protrusion engaged in the recess.

9. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bottom wall of the cutaway recession including a recess, further including a vibration-absorbing member mounted in the recess and sandwiched between the adjusting block and the recess.

10. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein at lease one engaging sidewall formed in the chamber of the adjusting block, at least one sidewall of the accessory member pressing against said at least one engaging sidewall of the chamber of the adjusting block, thereby slightly expanding the adjusting block and reliably fixing the adjusting block in the cutaway recession.

11. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accessory member includes a section with a width greater than that of the chamber for slightly expanding the adjusting block and reliably fixing the adjusting block in the cutaway recession.

12. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a casing for covering the adjusting block, the casing including at least one notch allowing expansion of the adjusting block.

13. The golf club head as claimed in claim 12, wherein the casing includes a slot aligned with the chamber of the adjusting block, allowing insertion of the accessory member into the chamber of the adjusting block.

14. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutaway recession is defined in an upper portion of the body.

15. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutaway recession is delimited by an upper reinforcing wall and a lower reinforcing wall to form a compartment.

16. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is selected from a wood type club head.

17. A golf club head comprising:

a body including a cutaway recession;

an adjusting block mounted in the cutaway recession, the adjusting block including a chamber, at least one accessory member being mounted in the chamber; and

a casing covering the adjusting block.

18. The golf club head as claimed in claim 17, wherein:

a wall of the cutaway recession including an engaging portion,

the adjusting block includes an engaging section engaged with the engaging portion when the adjusting block is mounted in the cutaway recession of the body.

19. The golf club head as claimed in claim 17, wherein the body further includes an upper reinforcing wall delimiting the cutaway recession.

20. The golf club head as claimed in claim 17, wherein the body further includes a lower reinforcing wall delimiting the cutaway recession.

21. The golf club head as claimed in claim 17, wherein the cutaway recession tapers outward for improving engaging strength of the adjusting block in the cutaway recession.

22. The golf club head as claimed in claim 17, wherein the cutaway recession tapers inward for allowing easy mounting of the adjusting block.

23. The golf club head as claimed in claim 17, wherein a bottom wall of the cutaway recession including a recess, and wherein the adjusting block includes a protrusion engaged in the recess.

24. The golf club head as claimed in claim 17, wherein a bottom wall of the cutaway recession including a recess, further including a vibration-absorbing member mounted in the recess and sandwiched between the adjusting block and the recess.

25. The golf club head as claimed in claim 17, wherein at lease one sidewall formed in the chamber of the adjusting block, at least one sidewall of the accessory member pressing against said at least one engaging sidewall of the chamber of the adjusting block, thereby slightly expanding the adjusting block and reliably fixing the adjusting block in the cutaway recession.

26. A golf club head comprising:

a body including a compartment;

an adjusting block mounted in the compartment, the adjusting block including a chamber, at least one accessory member being mounted in the chamber; and

a casing covering the adjusting block.

27. The golf club head as claimed in claim 26, wherein:

a wall of the compartment including an engaging portion,

the adjusting block includes an engaging section engaged with the engaging portion when the adjusting block is mounted in the compartment of the body.

28. The golf club head as claimed in claim 26, wherein a bottom wall of the compartment including a recess, and wherein the adjusting block includes a protrusion engaged in the recess.

29. The golf club head as claimed in claim 26, wherein a bottom wall of the cutaway recession including a compartment, further including a vibration-absorbing member mounted in the compartment and sandwiched between the adjusting block and the compartment.

30. The golf club head as claimed in claim 26, wherein at lease one engaging sidewall formed in the chamber of the adjusting block, at least one sidewall of the accessory member pressing against said at least one engaging sidewall of the chamber of the adjusting block, thereby slightly expanding the adjusting block and reliably fixing the adjusting block in the compartment.