GOLF CLUB HEAD HAVING A WEIGHT POSITIONING SYSTEM

Abstract

A golf club head for an iron-type club is provided. The club head includes a striking face, a slotted member and a first weight member. The striking face has a surface configured to engage a golf ball. The slotted member is positioned behind the striking face. The slotted member includes a slot network having at least two intersecting slots and at least three ends. The first weight member slidably engages the slot network to vary the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head with respect to the striking face.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/654,054, filed May 31, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to golf club heads. More particularly, the invention concerns an iron-type golf club head having a weight positioning system for modifying a position of a center of gravity of the golf club head.

BACKGROUND

A golf club head generally includes a substantially planar contact area for engaging a golf ball and propelling the golf ball in an intended direction. One factor that determines whether the golf ball is propelled in the intended direction relates to a position of a center of gravity of the golf club head. When the center of gravity is positioned behind the point of engagement on the contact surface, the golf ball follows a generally straight route. When the center of gravity is positioned to a side of the point of engagement, however, the golf ball may follow a route that curves left or right, which is often referred to as a hook or a slice. Similarly, when the center of gravity is positioned above or below the point of engagement, the route of the golf ball may exhibit a boring or climbing trajectory.

Most conventional golf club heads have a fixed center of gravity, which does not allow golfers to make adjustments to the center of gravity of a golf club head. However, a golfer may wish to make adjustments to the center of gravity of a particular golf club head in order to help square the golf club head face at impact with a golf ball. For example, a golfer may tend to misdirect the golf shot by hooking or slicing a golf shot. With this in mind, a number of systems have been developed to modify the weight distribution of a golf club head to help square the golf club head at impact with a golf ball. However, there still exists a need in the art for a simplified golf club head and weight positioning system that modifies a golf club head's center of gravity.

SUMMARY

The above-mentioned need in the prior art is satisfied by the golf club head of the present invention. The golf club head of the present invention may include a weight positioning system where the center of gravity is adjustable.

In an embodiment of the invention, a golf club head may include a heel, a toe, and a body that extends between the toe and the heel. The golf club head body may further include a striking face, a slotted member and a gap therebetween. The striking face provides a contact area for engaging a golf ball. The slotted member provides a weight positioning system including a network of slots and one or more weight members. The weight positioning system is configured to vary the position of a center of gravity of the golf club head with respect to the striking face.

Thus, according to certain aspects, a golf club head for an iron-type club is provided. The club head includes a striking face, a slotted member and a first weight member. The striking face has a surface configured to engage a golf ball. The slotted member is positioned behind the striking face. The slotted member includes a slot network having at least two intersecting slots and at least three ends. The first weight member slidably engages the slot network to vary the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head with respect to the striking face.

According to other aspects, the golf club head includes a striking face that provides a contact area for engaging a golf ball and a rear cavity opposite the striking face. A slotted member extends across and encloses the rear cavity. The slotted member has at least two slots intersecting at a first slot intersection. A weight member slidably engages the slotted member. The weight member is movable along a first slot to vary a position of a center of gravity of the golf club head.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a set of iron golf clubs includes a plurality of increasing numbered iron golf clubs. Each of the numbered iron golf clubs includes a golf club head as disclosed herein.

The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a golf club having a golf club head.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A illustrates a rear view of a golf club head with a slotted member in accordance with certain aspects.

FIG. 3B illustrates a rear view of a golf club head with a slotted member and a weight member in accordance with certain aspects.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a weight member in a slot of a slotted member as taken through section IV-IV of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 5A illustrates an additional rear view of a golf club head with a slotted member having a slot network configuration in accordance with certain aspects.

FIG. 5B illustrates a further rear view of a golf club head with a slotted member having a slot network configuration in accordance with certain aspects.

FIG. 5C illustrates a further rear view of a golf club head with a slotted member having a slot network configuration in accordance with certain aspects.

FIG. 6A illustrates a rear view of a golf club head with multiple weight members positioned on a weight member in accordance with other aspects.

FIG. 6B illustrates a rear view of a golf club head with multiple weight members positioned on a weight member in accordance with other aspects.

FIG. 6C illustrates a rear view of a golf club head with multiple weight members positioned on a weight member in accordance with other aspects.

FIG. 6D illustrates a rear view of a golf club head with multiple weight members positioned on a weight member in accordance with other aspects.

FIG. 6E illustrates a rear view of a golf club head with multiple weight members positioned on a weight member in accordance with other aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various iron golf clubs in accordance with the present invention. Each golf club includes a golf club head with a weight positioning system for varying a position of a center of gravity of the golf club head.

Referring to FIGS. 1—3, an embodiment of a golf club 10 includes a shaft 12 and a golf club head 14. The golf club head 14 of FIG. 1 may be representative of an iron golf club head of the present invention. The shaft 12 of golf club 10 may be made of various materials such as steel, titanium, graphite, or a composite material. A grip 16 may be positioned on the shaft 12 to provide a golfer with a slip resistant surface on which to grasp golf club 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the golf club head 14 comprises a body 15 that includes a heel 21 and toe 23, the body 15 extending between the heel 21 and the toe 23. A hosel 22 is provided for connecting the shaft 12 of FIG. 1 to the golf club head 14. The body 15 also includes a top portion 24 and a sole portion 25. A striking face 26 extends between the top portion 24 and the sole portion 25 and between the toe 23 and the heel 21. The striking face 26 provides a contact area for engaging and propelling a golf ball in an intended direction. The striking face 26 may include grooves 27 for the removal of water and grass from the striking face 26 and/or for gripping the golf ball. As shown in FIG. 3, body 15 may include a frame 28 extending rearwardly from the striking face 26 and at least partially around the perimeter of striking face 26. The body 15 of golf club head 14 may be constructed of various materials such as steel, titanium, aluminum, tungsten, graphite, polymers, plastics or composites.

For purposes of this disclosure and referring to FIG. 2, body 15, which extends between heel 21 and toe 23, may be divided into three regions: a heel region 15a, a central region 15b and a toe region 15c. The heel region 15a, the central region 15b and the toe region 15c may each comprise one-third of a total length (L) of body 15. Additionally, these three regions 15a, 15b, 15c may be further subdivided into upper, mid and lower regions. In the absence of any weight members (as will be disclosed below), the club head 14 has a center of gravity (CG₀) located at a height (h_CG). “Upper” and “lower” are determined relative to the center of gravity (CG₀) of the club head 14. Further, a CG-zone (Δh), i.e., a region within ±20% of h_CG, may be defined as a mid-region.

According to certain aspects and as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, golf club head 14 may include a slotted member 30 positioned behind the striking face 26 (see FIG. 2). Slotted member 30 may extend from the heel 21 to the toe 23. Slotted member 30 may also extend from the top 24 to the sole 25. Further, slotted member 30 may be positioned within the frame 28.

Slotted member 30 is provided with an outward (rearward) facing surface 31. According to some embodiments, slotted member 30 may be formed as a plate, i.e., having length and height dimensions that are significantly greater than a thickness dimensions. Outward facing surface 31 of slotted member 30 may be substantially planar or it may have a slight concave or convex curvature. Slotted member 30 may have a perimeter 33 that complementarily matches the shape of frame 28. Alternatively, perimeter 33 of slotted member 30 need not have the same shape as frame 28. Thus, for example, slotted member 30 may be made of various shapes such as rectangle, oval, triangle, trapezoid, square or other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes. Further, slotted member 30 may have a non-uniform thickness across its length and/or its width.

Slotted member 30 may be integrally formed with the golf club head 14. For example, slotted member 30 and body 15 may be formed in a single casting. As an alternative, slotted member 30 may be connected to the frame 28 via welding, brazing, interference fit, clamping, threaded fasteners, adhesives. Slotted member 30 may be attached to the body 15 of club head 14 in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. For example, slotted member 30 may be detachably attached to body 15, or alternatively, slotted member 30 may be permanently attached to body 15.

According to certain other aspects, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B, slotted member 30 includes one or more slots 32. Slots 32 are typically formed as elongated, relatively narrow openings extending in the length and/or height directions of slotted member 30. Slots 32 may extend through the thickness of slotted member 30. For purposes of this disclosure, a slot 32 is defined as a single option pathway, i.e., a slot provides only one option for moving “forward” (and, conversely, one option for moving “backward”). In other words, along a single option pathway, i.e., along a slot, one can move forward or backward only. A plurality of slots 32 may be interconnected, so as to form a slot network 34. Slot network 34 may be formed by at least two intersecting slots 32. For the purposes of this disclosure, an intersection of slots occurs where more than one option for moving “forward” is provided. In other words, if there exists more than one option for moving “forward” (i.e., a fork in the road), an intersection exists. For purposed of this disclosure, moving “forward” at an intersection encompasses any direction of moving other than moving back along the portion of slot that brought one to the intersection.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, slot network 34 includes a first slot 32a, a second slot 32b and a third slot 32c. First slot 32a extends generally from the heel 21 toward the toe 23 in a straight line. In this particular embodiment, first slot 32a extends substantially parallel to the ground (when the club is in a 60° address position). Further, in this particular embodiment, first slot 32a is approximately positioned in the mid-region (i.e., within ±20% of the height (h_CG) of the center of gravity (CG₀)). Second slot 32b extends from a central portion of slotted member 30 (and from an interior portion of first slot 32a) to an upper toe region of club head 14. Second slot 32b extends from first slot 32a at an angle to first slot 32a. Third slot 32c extends from a substantially central portion (slightly offset to the heel-side of club head 14) of slotted member 30 (and from an interior portion of a heel-side half of first slot 32a) to a lower heel region of club head 14. Third slot 32c also extends from first slot 32a at an angle to first slot 32a. In this particular embodiment, second slot 32b and third slot 32c are not aligned with one another. Further, in this particular embodiment, second slot 32b and third slot 32c extend at differing angles from first slot 32a.

Slot network 34 is formed by intersecting slots 32a, 32b and 32c. Further, slot network 34 is provided with a first intersection 34a and a second intersection 34b. First intersection 34a occurs where slot 32a and slot 32c join one another. Second intersection 34b occurs where slot 32a and slot 32b join one another.

Additionally, referring to FIG. 3A, slot network 34 may be provided with four ends 36. Specifically, a first end 36a may be located in a lower heel region; a second end 36b may be located in a heel region; a third end 36c may be located in a toe region; and a fourth end 36d may be located in an upper toe region. Even further, second end 36b and third end 36c may be located within the mid-region (Δh).

As would be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, other configurations of slot network 34 may be provided. FIGS. 5A—5C illustrate three example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 5A, slot network 34 includes a first slot 32a and a second slot 32b. First slot 32a extends generally from the heel 21 toward the toe 23 in a straight line. First slot 32a is generally located with the mid-region (Δh). Second slot 32b extends from a central portion of slotted member 30 and from a central portion of first slot 32a to an upper toe region of club head 14. Second slot 32b extends from first slot 32a at an angle to first slot 32a. Thus, slot network 34 of the embodiment of FIG. 5A is formed by intersecting slots 32a and 32b. Further, slot network 34 of the embodiment of FIG. 5A is provided with a first intersection 34a. First intersection 34a occurs where slot 32a and slot 32b join one another. Alternatively, first intersection 34a may be considered to be located where an item moving along slot 32a is provided with two alternative pathways: continue along slot 32a or turn onto slot 32b. Even further, still referring to the embodiment of FIG. 5A, slot network 34 is provided with three ends 36. Specifically, a first end 36a is located in the heel region within the mid-region (Δh); a second end 36b is located in the toe region within the mid-region (Δh); and a third end 36c is located in an upper toe region. FIG. 5A illustrates straight slots 32.

As shown in FIG. 5B, slot network 34 includes a first slot 32a, a second slot 32b and a third slot 32c. First slot 32a extends generally from the lower heel region toward the upper toe region in a straight line. Second slot 32b extends from a central portion of slotted member 30 (and from an interior portion of first slot 32a) to an upper heel region of club head 14. Second slot 32b is curved. Third slot 32c extends from a central region of slotted member (and from an interior portion of first slot 32a) to a lower toe region. Third slot 32c is also curved. Slot network 34 of the embodiment of FIG. 5B is formed by intersecting slots 32a, 32b and 32c. This slot network 34 includes first and second intersections 34a, 34b. Even further and still referring to the embodiment of FIG. 5A, slot network 34 is provided with four ends 36. Specifically, a first end 36a is located in a lower heel region; a second end 36b is located in upper heel region; a third end 36c is located in the lower toe region; and a fourth end 36d is located in an upper toe region.

FIG. 5C illustrates curved slots 32a and 32b. Slot 32a extends from heel region to toe region with a concave downward curvature. To be more specific, slot 32a extends from lower heel region to lower toe region. Slot 32b extends from upper heel region to upper toe region with a concave upward curvature. Slots 32a and 32b tangentially converge and overlap in the central region of slotted member 30. First and second intersections 34a, 34b are formed at this overlapped region. The slot network 34 of FIG. 5C is provided with four ends 36. Specifically, a first end 36a is located in a lower heel region; a second end 36b is located in upper heel region; a third end 36c is located in the lower toe region; and a fourth end 36d is located in an upper toe region.

According to certain embodiments and again referring to FIG. 3A, slot 32 includes a sliding surface 35. Sliding surface 35 may be provided as a separate element (for example, an elastomeric edging) that is attached to slots 32. Alternatively, sliding surface may be provided as a coating. Sliding surface 35 may be formed of the same or a different material from the rest of slotted member 30. For example, slotted member 30 may be constructed of various materials such as steel, titanium, aluminum, tungsten, graphite, polymers, plastics or composites, and sliding surface 35 may include a low friction polymer coating. According to some embodiments, sliding surface 35 is integrally formed with slot 32. For example, sliding surface 35 may be provided with a finer surface finish than the surrounding portions of slot 32.

According to some aspects, a cavity or gap 29 may be formed between slotted member 30 and the back surface of striking face 26. Thus, slotted member 30 may be offset from the back surface of striking face 26. Gap 29 may be visible through slot 32 (see FIG. 3A). Further, gap 29 may be completely enclosed, with the exception of the slot openings. In other words, in some embodiments, the only access to gap 29 may be via slot network 34.

According to further aspects, and as shown in FIG. 3B, slotted member 30 may accommodate a weight member 40 configured for movement along slot 32. According to other aspects and referring to FIG. 4, weight member 40 may include a shank 42 configured to slidingly engage slot 32. A sliding axis 43 of weight member 40 may be coincident with a longitudinal axis of the shank 42. Weight portions 44 may be located on either end (or both ends) of shank 42 and on either side (or both sides) (outward facing or inward facing) of slotted member 30. According to some embodiments, weight member 40 has a majority of its mass located on the side of slotted member 30 that is opposite to an outward facing surface 31. In these embodiments, the weight member 40 is securely positioned behind slotted member 30 and is less visually obvious. Other configurations of weight member 40, as would be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art given the benefits of this disclosure, may be provided. For example, weight member 40 may be provided as a multiple subcomponents (i.e., inner shank portion, outer shank portion, inner weight portion, outer weight portion, etc.) that are subsequently assembly to form weight member 40.

According to other aspects, weight member 40 may include a locking or clamping feature 46. Locking feature 46 fixes weight member 40 to slotted member 30, such that weight member 40 no longer slides freely within slots 32. For example, a set screw within shank 42 may draw locking feature 46 and weight portions 44 positioned on opposite sides of slotted member 30 towards each other, such that slotted member 30 becomes clamped between the weight portions 44 and weight member 40 becomes immobile. Other configurations of locking feature 46, as would be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art given the benefits of this disclosure, may be provided. For example, locking feature 46 may be a locking pin.

Those skilled in the art will realize that weight member 40 may be made of various shapes such as rectangle, oval, triangle, trapezoid, square or other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes. Weight member 40 may be centered on its sliding axis 43. In alternative embodiments, weight member 40 need not be centered on its sliding axis. For example, weight member 40 may be provided with an elliptical shape and the sliding axis extending through an end of the ellipse (as opposed to the center of the ellipse). Such an off-center, elliptical shaped weight member 40 may be rotated around its sliding axis 43 to vary the position of the center of gravity of golf club head 14 without having to slide the weight member 40 along slot 32. This feature may be used to “fine tune” the mass properties of the club head 14. For example, rotating an off-center, elliptical shaped weight member 40 such that the bulk of the weight is above the sliding axis would raise the center of gravity of golf club head 14. As noted above, raising the center of gravity of golf club head 14 allows a golfer to propel a golf ball with a lower and more controlled trajectory. Conversely, rotating and positioning the bulk of the off-center, elliptical shaped weight member 40 below the sliding axis lowers the center of gravity of golf club head 14. Lowering the center of gravity of golf club head 14 generally allows a golfer to propel a golf ball with additional loft.

Weight member 40 may also be made of various materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, aluminum, tungsten, graphite, polymers, plastics or composites. In addition, weight member 40 may be interchangeable with a plurality of alternative weights having different shapes and masses as compared to weight member 40. Those skilled in the art will also realize that more than one weight member 40 may be attached to slotted member 30.

During the game of golf, an individual holds grip 16 and swings golf club 10 such that golf club head 14 traverses a generally arcuate path and impacts a golf ball. A portion of the inertia of golf club 10, and particularly the inertia of golf club head 14, is then transferred to the golf ball and propels the golf ball toward an intended target. The position of a center of gravity of head 14 has an influence upon whether the golf ball curves right, curves left, or follows a generally straight route. More specifically, the golf ball follows a generally straight route when the center of gravity is positioned behind the point of engagement on striking face 26. When the center of gravity is positioned to one side of the point of engagement, however, the golf ball may follow a route that curves left or right. The position of the center of gravity of golf club head 14 also has an influence upon whether the golf ball exhibits a boring or climbing trajectory, depending upon whether the center of gravity is positioned above or below the point of engagement on striking face 26.

Although the concepts behind utilizing a golf club to propel a golf ball toward an intended target appear simplistic, the actual practice of propelling the golf ball in an intended manner is exceedingly complex. The golf ball may, for example, consistently curve right when, in fact, the individual intends to propel the golf ball along a straight route. Many conventional golf club heads have a center of gravity located at the striking face 26. However, changing the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 14 for different golf clubs may assist many golfers in squaring the club head face 14 upon impact with a golf ball. The positioning of the center of gravity off of the striking face 26 and towards the rear of the golf club head 14 may conform to the style and preferences of many golfers. Accordingly, these golfers may be able to correct or modify the route of the golf ball by using the golf club head 14 of the present invention as the center of gravity of golf club head 14 is repositioned with respect to striking face 26 as compared to other golf club heads.

The center of gravity of golf club head 14, otherwise referred to as the center of mass, is defined as an equilibrium point. The center of gravity of golf club head 14 may be changed by altering the weight distribution of the golf club head 14 away from the striking face 26. Altering the weight distribution of golf club head 14 may be accomplished with the use of slotted member 30 and weight member 40 of the present invention.

Slotted member 30 and weight member 40 increase the weight of the back of the golf club head 14 relative to the striking face 26 of the golf club head 14. This increase in weight towards the rear of golf club head 14 alters the center of gravity of golf club head 14. By moving the center of gravity lower and towards the rear of the golf club head 14, a golf shot will tend to have an increased loft upon impact. By moving the center of gravity higher and towards the rear of the golf club head 14, a golf shot will tend to have a decreased loft upon impact.

In addition, the shape and location of slotted member 30 and weight member 40 may also influence the location of the center of gravity of golf club head 14. For example, on the longer iron clubs, two iron through five iron, it is desirable to have the center of gravity lower than on the shorter iron clubs. On the longer iron clubs, a lower center of gravity will assist a golfer with obtaining additional loft on their golf shot. Therefore, the slotted member 30 for longer iron clubs may be positioned lower on the rear of the golf club head body 14 as compared to a slotted member 30 on shorter iron clubs.

Moving the center of gravity of golf club head 14 may be accomplished through the use of weight member 40. Weight member 40 increases the weight of the back of the golf club head 14 relative to the striking face 26. The increase in weight to the back of golf club head 14 relative to the striking face 26 alters the center of gravity of golf club head 14. In particular, moving the center of gravity of golf club head 14 relative to the striking face 26 may help the golfer drive a golf ball to the left or right of the fairway.

According to certain aspects, more than one weight member 40 may be provided with club head 14 for adjustable and slidable attachment to slotted member 30. FIGS. 6A—6E illustrate additional embodiments in which a plurality of weights 40 may be attached to a sliding member 30 in any number of configurations. Each of the plurality of weight members 40 may be independently moved to adjust the center of gravity of club head 14. By moving weight members 40 to different locations on slot network 34, as shown in FIGS. 6A—6E, the position of the center of gravity of a golf club head with respect to the striking face is varied. Interestingly, any of the plurality of weight members 40 may be slidably positioned anywhere in slot network 34 without having to remove any of the other of the weight members 40 from the slot network. This is because, weight members that would otherwise be in the way, may be temporarily placed in a “side slot” such that the weight member of interest may be located where desired.

For example, FIG. 6A shows a first weight member 40a located towards an upper toe region of golf club head 14 and a second weight member 40b located towards a lower toe region of club head 14. The location of weight members 40a, 40b towards the toe 23 will tend to drive a golf ball towards the right of a fairway.

In FIG. 6B, a first weight member 40a is located towards an upper heel region of the golf club head 14 and a second weight member 40b is located towards a lower heel region of club head 14. The weight members 40a, 40b as depicted in FIG. 6B will tend to drive a golf ball toward the left of the fairway.

In FIG. 6C, a first weight member 40a is fixed near upper toe region and a second weight member 40b is fixed near the upper heel region of club head 14.

In FIG. 6D, a first weight member 40a is fixed near the center of club head 14 and a second weight member 40b is fixed near the lower center portion of club head 14. Such a weight distribution may tend to produce a balanced shot directing the golf ball along a straight route towards the middle of the fairway.

In FIG. 6E, a first weight member 40a is fixed near the lower center portion of club head 14 and a second weight member 40b is fixed near the lower heel region of club head 14.

According to certain embodiments, weight members 40 may be positioned at set, incremental locations along slots 32 of slotted member 30. Alternatively, weights members 40 may be continuously positionable along slots 32. Furthermore, more than two weight members 40 may be moveably connected to slotted member 30, thereby adding additional weight to back of the club head 14 and further shifting the position of the center of gravity of golf club head 14. Thus, given the benefit of this disclosure, a person of skill in the art would realize that various other combinations of slotted members 30 and weight members 40 are possible.

Further, according to certain embodiments, the first and second weight members 40 may have the same mass and the same shape. Alternatively, the first and second weight members 40 may have different masses and/or different shapes. A golfer utilizing the golf club head 14 may position the various weight members 40 in multiple various locations along slots 32 of slot network 34. Weight members 40 may have individual masses ranging from 10 gm to 60 gm, from 10 gm to 50 gm, or even from 10 gm to 25 gm.

Golf club heads 14 of the present invention may be incorporated into a set of iron golf clubs. For example, the present invention may be used with a plurality of increasing numbered iron golf clubs such as a two iron, a three iron, a four iron, a five iron, a six iron, a seven iron, an eight iron, a nine iron, and a pitching wedge. With the present invention, a golfer may modify the position of center of gravity for each golf club to meet their unique requirements or playing style.

Various aspects of the present invention have been disclosed herein and various embodiments have been illustrated and referenced in the accompanying drawings. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the various embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf club head for an iron-type club, the club head comprising:

a striking face, the striking face having a surface configured to engage a golf ball;

a slotted member positioned behind the striking face, the slotted member including a slot network having at least two intersecting slots and at least three ends; and

a first weight member slidably engaging the slot network to vary the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head with respect to the striking face.

2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a gap is defined between the striking face and the slotted member.

3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein the only access to the gap is via the slot network.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein at least one of the ends is located in a heel region and at least one of the ends is located in a toe region.

7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein at least one of the ends is located in a heel region, at least one of the ends is located in a mid-region of a toe region, and at least one of the ends is located in an upper toe region.

8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein at least one of the ends is located in a heel region, at least one of the ends is located in a toe region, and at least one of the ends is located in a center region.

9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein at least one of the ends is located in a lower center region.

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first weight member includes a locking feature for fixing the weight member to a location in the slot network.

20. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first weight member includes a sliding axis and wherein the mass of the weight member is not symmetrical with respect to the sliding axis.

21. The golf club head of claim 1, further including a second weight member slidably engaging the slot network to vary the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head with respect to the striking face.

22. The golf club head of claim 21, wherein the first weight member can be slidably positioned anywhere in the slot network without having to remove the second weight member from the slot network.

23. (canceled)

24. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the slotted member is detachably joined to the remainder of the club head.

25. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first weight member has a majority of its mass located on the side of the slotted member that is opposite to an outward facing surface.

26. A golf club head for an iron-type club, the club head comprising:

a striking face that provides a contact area for engaging a golf ball;

a rear cavity opposite the striking face;

a slotted member extending across and enclosing the rear cavity, the slotted member having at least two slots intersecting at a first slot intersection; and

a weight member slidably engaged to the slotted member, the weight member being movable along a first slot to vary a position of a center of gravity of the golf club head.

27. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the slotted member further includes at least three slots.

28. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the slotted member further includes at least two slot intersections.

29. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein a gap is defined between the striking face and the slotted member.

30. (canceled)

31. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the slot network includes at least three ends and wherein at least one of the ends is located in a lower center region.

32. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the slotted network includes at least four ends.

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the first weight member includes a locking feature for fixing the weight member to a location in the slot network.

36. The golf club head of claim 26, wherein the first weight member includes a sliding axis and wherein the mass of the weight member is not symmetrical with respect to the sliding axis.

37. The golf club head of claim 26, further including a second weight member slidably engaging the slot network to vary the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head with respect to the striking face.

38. (canceled)

39. A set of iron golf clubs, the set including a plurality of increasing numbered irons, one or more of the irons has a club head comprising:

a striking face, the striking face having a surface configured to engage a golf ball;

a slotted member positioned behind the striking face, the slotted member including a slot network having at least two intersecting slots and at least three ends; and

a first weight member slidably engaging the slot network to vary the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head with respect to the striking face.

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)

43. (canceled)

44. (canceled)

45. The set of clubs of claim 39, wherein the first weight member is slidably movable to any of the ends.

46. (canceled)

47. (canceled)

48. The set of clubs of claim 39, further including a second weight member slidably engaging the slot network to vary the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head with respect to the striking face.

49. (canceled)

50. (canceled)