Club weight-adjusting member for a golf club head

Abstract

A golf club head includes a golf club head body and at least one weight-adjusting member mounted thereto. The golf club head body is provided with at least one assembling portion to combine the club weight-adjusting member. The club weight-adjusting member is made from a material selected from a mixture of macromolecular materials and metal powders such that the club weight-adjusting member functions to adjust a center of gravity of the golf club head and to absorb vibrations in striking a golf ball.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a club weight-adjusting member for a golf club head. Particularly, the present invention relates to the club weight-adjusting member made from a mixture of macromolecular materials and metal powders. More particularly, the present invention relates to the club weight-adjusting members provided on different predetermined positions of a golf club head body for balance.

2. Description of the Related Art

A conventional golf club head disclosed in Taiwanese Patent Publication No. M265079 includes a golf club head body, a plurality of club weight screws and a plurality of washers. The golf club head body is provided with a plurality of screw holes at predetermined positions. Disposed in the screw holes are the club weight screws having different weights. The club weight screw has a head portion and a threaded portion connected thereto. The club weight screws are so configured to screw-connect with the screw holes of the golf club head body. Furthermore, each of the club weight screws extends through an axial hole of the washer such that the washer can be mounted between the head portion of the club weight screw and a periphery of the screw hole of the golf club head body.

Although it would be advantageous to adjust a center of gravity of the golf club head body, such a structure of the club weight screw or the washer 5 is generally made of a metal material. Accordingly, the problematic aspects of such club weight screws and washers are due to the fact that the metal material possesses a relatively low deformability. This results in poor vibration-absorbability of the golf club head. Disadvantageously, the club weight screw is susceptible to vibrations and may be automatically fallen off from the golf club head body during long-term use. Hence, there is a need for improving such a structure of the club weight screw so as to eliminate the above problem.

Another conventional golf club head disclosed in Taiwanese Patent Publication No. 322789 includes a golf club head body and at least one club weight member. The golf club head body is made of a metal material, and provided with a hosel portion, a blade portion, a sole portion and a rear portion. An assembling hole is selectively formed on one of the blade portion, the sole portion and the rear portion. The club weight member can be inserted into the assembling hole of the golf club head body by mean of plastic deformation so that a desired weight of the golf club head body can be obtained. In this case, the club weight member is designed for having various weights by selecting materials, specific gravities and volumes so as to adjust a center of gravity of the golf club head body.

However, such a club weight member is generally made of a metal material that possesses a relatively low deformability. This results in poor vibration-absorbability of the golf club head. Disadvantageously, the club weight member may be automatically fallen off from the golf club head body during long-term use. Similarly, there is a need for improving such a club weight member so as to eliminate the above problem.

Yet another golf club head disclosed in related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/125,147 is incorporated herein by reference for purposes including, but not limited to, indicating the background of the present invention and illustrating the state of the art. The golf club head includes a golf club head body and at least two elastic weight members. However, the two elastic weight members are connected each other while assembling with the golf club head body. Although it would be advantageous to provide the difference that requires weight members, the manufacturing method for creating the two elastic weight members require performing a number of complicated steps.

As is described in greater detail below, the present invention intends to provide a golf club head having a club weight-adjusting member which is made from a material selected from a mixture of macromolecular materials and metal powders. The club weight-adjusting member is designed to have a high degree of elastic deformability and to provide inertial properties in such a way as to mitigate and overcome the above problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of this invention is to provide a club weight-adjusting member for a golf club head, wherein the club weight-adjusting member is made from a material selected from a mixture of macromolecular materials and metal powders. Accordingly, the club weight-adjusting member is designed to have a high degree of elastic deformability and to provide inertial properties for the golf club head.

The secondary objective of this invention is to provide the club weight-adjusting members of the golf club head, wherein at least two club weight-adjusting members are arranged at two different positions of a golf club head body for balance. Accordingly, the golf club head can be weighted to provide golfers with better feel of striking and better control of the golf ball.

The golf club head in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes a golf club head body and at least one weight-adjusting member mounted thereto. The golf club head body is provided with at least one assembling portion to combine the club weight-adjusting member. The club weight-adjusting member is made from a material selected from a mixture of macromolecular materials and metal powders such that the club weight-adjusting member functions to adjust a center of gravity of the golf club head and to absorb vibrations in striking a golf ball.

In a separate aspect of the present invention, the macromolecular material is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene.

In a further separate aspect of the present invention, the macromolecular material is selected from the group consisting of polyester resin, polycarbonate, nylon resin, fluorocabon, ABS resin, polyacetals, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomer.

In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the metal powder is selected from the group consisting of tungsten, lead, molybdenum, copper, cobalt, nickel, niobium, iron, manganese, tin, chromium, zinc, vanadium, titanium, aluminum, magnesium, metallic oxide thereof and metal compound thereof.

In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the club weight-adjusting member is selected from a screw-like element or a nameplate.

In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the club weight-adjusting member is colored.

In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the assembling portion of the golf club head body and the club weight-adjusting members are separately prefabricated.

Further scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an iron-type golf club head and club weight-adjusting members in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the iron-type golf club head and the club weight-adjusting member in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention related to that of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a wood-type golf club head and club weight-adjusting members in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the wood-type golf club head and the club weight-adjusting member in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention related to that of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, views of an iron-type golf club head in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. The golf club head typically includes a golf club head body designated numeral 1 and a club weight-adjusting member designated numeral 2. It will be understood that the club weight-adjusting member 2 in accordance with the present invention may be applied to the iron-type, is utility-type or putter-type club head. The club weight-adjusting member 2 can function to adjust a center of gravity of the golf club head, and to absorb vibrations in striking a golf ball (not shown).

Constructions of the golf club head body 1 shall be described in detail, still referring to FIG. 1. In the first embodiment, the golf club head body 1 is an iron which is made from a material selected from a metal, an alloy and a non-metal. The golf club head body 1 generally includes a striking plate 11, a hosel 12 and a rear portion 13 and the structures of which are ordinary or common forms of parts of the iron-type golf club head that are well known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the golf club head body 1 may be selected from a one-piece design. In another preferred embodiment, the striking plate 11, the hosel 12 and the rear portion 13 may be formed on the golf club head body 1 by welding, braze welding, press fitting, screw connection, adhesion or other equivalent attachment structure, resulting in a “hybrid” one-piece design of the golf club head body 1. The rear portion 13 is disposed on a rear side of the golf club head body 1 while the striking plate 11 is disposed on a front side of the golf club head body 1. Preferably, the striking plate 11, the rear portion 13 and the sole portion of the golf club head body 1 define a rear cavity 10 which has an undercut configuration. In the first embodiment, the golf club head body 1 is provided with a pair of assembling holes 14 on the sole portion to combine the club weight-adjusting member 2. Preferably, the assembling holes 14 as well as assembling portions are selected from screw holes with a threaded portion.

Constructions of the club weight-adjusting member 2 shall be described in detail, still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2. In the first embodiment, the club weight-adjusting member 2 has a screw member, including a head portion and a body portion connected thereto. The club weight-adjusting member 2 is made from a material selected from a mixture of at least one type of macromolecular materials and at least one type of metal powders. In a more preferred embodiment, the macromolecular material may be selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (GPPS, PS). In another preferred embodiment, the macromolecular material may be selected frorfi the group consisting of polyester resin (PE), polycarbonate (PC), nylon resin, fluorocabon, ABS resin, polyacetals, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and other macromolecular materials. In another preferred embodiment, the metal powder may be selected from the group consisting of tungsten (density 19.35 g/cm³), lead (density 11.34 g/cm³), molybdenum (density 10.20 g/cm³), copper (density 8.92 g/cm³), cobalt (density 8.90 g/cm³), nickel (density 8.90 g/cm³), niobium (density 8.57 g/cm³), iron (density 7.86 g/cm³), manganese (density 7.30 g/cm³), tin (density 7.29 g/cm³), chromium (density 7.20 g/cm³), zinc (density 7.14 g/cm³), vanadium (density 6.10 g/cm³), titanium (density 4.50 g/cm³), aluminum (density 2.70 g/cm³), magnesium (density 1.74 g/cm³), metallic oxides thereof and metal compounds thereof. In the most preferred embodiment, the metal powder may be selected from tungsten (density 19.35 g/cm³). In a preferred embodiment, the mixture of macromolecular materials and metal powders has a specific weight in the range of 1.1 g/cm³ to 10.0 g/cm³. In use the macromolecular material of the club weight-adjusting member 2 functions to absorb vibrations while striking the golf ball.

Preferably, the body portion of the club weight-adjusting member 2 is provided with a threaded portion that constitutes a screw-type member or a screw-like element. In installing operation, the threaded portion of the club weight-adjusting member 2 is corresponding to that of the assembling holes 14 of the golf club head body 1. In manufacture, the weight of the club weight-adjusting member 2 can be adjusted by changing the ratio of macromolecular materials to metal powders. In a further alternative, the weight of the club weight-adjusting member 2 can be adjusted by selecting different macromolecular materials or metal powders or the amount thereof.

By referring back to FIG. 1, two of the club weight-adjusting members 2 are arranged at a toe-side portion and a heel-side portion. The two club weight-adjusting members 2 may be selected from the same weight or different weights according to the design need. In a preferred embodiment, the club weight-adjusting members 2 may be added at least one additional colored material, or directly colored. Advantageously, the colored weight-adjusting members 2 can increase the additional value of club head products and enhance the appearance thereof. Depending on different weights, the colored weight-adjusting members 2 can possess different colors for easy classification.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, prior to assembling the golf club head, the assembling holes 14 of the golf club head body 1 and the club weight-adjusting members 2 are separately prefabricated. The club weight-adjusting members 2 may be designed to change in both specific gravities and coefficients of restitution. In assembling operation, a tool can manually actuate the club weight-adjusting members 2 to be engaged with the assembling holes 14 of the golf club head body 1 by means of screw connection. Conversely, in disassembling operation, the tool can be used to release the club weight-adjusting members 2 from the assembling holes 14 of the golf club head body 1. More preferably, the assembling holes 14 are arranged in vibration-concentrated areas of the rear portion 13 of the golf club head body 1 such as toe-side and heel-side portions. To provide golfers with better feel and striking control of the golf ball, the club weight-adjusting members 2 function to adjust a center of gravity and to enhance striking ability.

In striking the golf ball, vibrations of the striking plate 11 may transmit to the rear portion 13 of the golf club head body 1 until the macromolecular material of the club weight-adjusting member 2 completely absorbs them. In addition to this, it would be advantageous to make the club weight-adjusting member 2 having a high degree of elastic deformability, thereby ensuring an assembled relationship of the club weight-adjusting member 2 with the assembling hole 14 of the golf club head body 1. In a preferred embodiment, the club weight-adjusting member 2 may be provided on one of a rear portion, a side portion, a blade portion and a sole portion of the golf club head body 1 or a rear face of the striking plate 11 according to design needs.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, views of a wood-type golf club head in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. In comparison with the first embodiment, the golf club head body 1′ of the second embodiment is a wood and the assembling hole is a recessed portion 14′ for receiving the club weight-adjusting member 2′. In this embodiment, the club weight-adjusting member 2′ is selected from a nameplate that has embossed structures or patterns. In assembling, the club weight-adjusting member 2′ can be mounted in the recessed portion 14′ by means of welding, brazing, screw-connection or adhesion. In a preferred embodiment, the club weight-adjusting member 2′ may be provided on one of a rear-wall portion, a sidewall portion, a crown portion and a sole portion of the golf club head body 1 or a rear face of the striking plate 11′ according to design needs.

As will be discussed above, the prior art is absent a golf club head that has a club weight-adjusting member composed of a material that possesses vibration absorbability. Conversely, the club weight-adjusting member 2 in accordance with the present invention is composed of macromoleculars material and metal powders that can adjust the center of gravity of the golf club head and provide vibration absorbability.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to its presently preferred embodiment, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising:

a golf club head body; and

a club weight-adjusting member made from a mixture of macromolecular materials and metal powders, the club weight-adjusting member connected with a predetermined assembling portion of the golf club head body so as to adjust a center of gravity of the golf club head and to provide vibration-absorbability.

2. The golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein the macromolecular material is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene.

3. The golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein the macromolecular material is selected from the group consisting of polyester resin, polycarbonate, nylon resin, fluorocabon, ABS resin, polyacetals, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomer.

4. The golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein the metal powder is selected from the group consisting of tungsten, lead, molybdenum, copper, cobalt, nickel, niobium, iron, manganese, tin, chromium, zinc, vanadium, titanium, aluminum, magnesium, metallic oxide thereof and metal compound thereof.

5. The golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein the club weight-adjusting member is selected from a screw-like element.

6. The golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein the club weight-adjusting member is selected from a nameplate.

7. The golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein the club weight-adjusting member is colored.