VARIABLE BOUNCE HEIGHT CLUB HEADS AND RELATED METHODS

Info

Publication number: 20140274441
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 25, 2013
Publication Date: Sep 18, 2014
Applicant: KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (Phoenix, AZ)
Inventor: Evan Greer (Anthem, AZ)
Application Number: 13/870,817

Abstract

Some embodiments include a variable bounce height club head. Other embodiments of related club heads and methods are also disclosed.

Description

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/780,217, filed Mar. 13, 2013. U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/780,217 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and relates more particularly to club heads and related methods.

BACKGROUND

The bounce angle of a golf club can impact the flight distance and/or accuracy of the golf ball, but the bounce height (i.e., the rise in the bounce angle) can have an even greater impact on the flight distance and/or accuracy of the golf ball. Specifically, the bounce angle and/or bounce height can determine how easily a golf club head can penetrate the ground under the golf ball during a golf club swing. However, ground conditions are subject to change such that the ground may be harder or softer at certain times due to weather, grooming, etc. Accordingly, a club head with a particular bounce angle and/or bounce height configuration may be better in certain circumstances than in other circumstances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top, front, heel side view of a first club head body of a first club head next to two or more first club head attachment members of the first club head, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom, rear, toe side view of the first club head body of FIG. 1 next to the two or more first club head attachment members of FIG. 1, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a bottom side view of a club head body of a club head coupled to an exemplary club head attachment member, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a heel side view of the first club head of FIG. 1 when the first club head body is coupled to one of the first club head attachment members of the two or more first club head attachment members, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 & 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top, front, heel side view of a second club head body of a second club head next to two or more second club head attachment members, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, & 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom, rear, toe side view of the second club head body of FIG. 5 next to two or more second club head attachment member(s), according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, 4, & 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a heel side view of the second club head of FIG. 5 when the second club head body is coupled to one of the second club head attachment members of the two or more second club head attachment members, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, & 4-6; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

“Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.

The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.

DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head can comprise a club head body configured to be removably coupled at different times with a first attachment member and a second attachment member. When the club head body is coupled with the first attachment member, the golf club head comprises a loft angle, a bounce angle, and a first bounce height. Further, when the club head body is coupled with the second attachment member, the golf club head comprises the loft angle, the bounce angle, and a second bounce height different than the first bounce height.

Many embodiments include a set of golf club heads. The set of golf club heads can comprise a first club head and a second club head. The first club head can comprise a first club head body configured to be removably coupled at different times with a first attachment member and a second attachment member. Meanwhile, the second club head can comprise a second club head body configured to be removably coupled at different times with a third attachment member and a fourth attachment member. When the first club head body is coupled with the first attachment member, the first club head comprises a first loft angle, a first bounce angle, and a first bounce height; and when the first club head body is coupled with the second attachment member, the first club head comprises the first loft angle, the first bounce angle, and a second bounce height different than the first bounce height. Further, when the second club head body is coupled with the third attachment member, the second club head comprises a second loft angle, a second bounce angle, and a third bounce height; and when the second club head body is coupled with the fourth attachment member, the second club head comprises the second loft angle, the second bounce angle, and a fourth bounce height different than the third bounce height.

Other embodiments include one or more golf club heads. The golf club head(s) comprise a first club head comprising a first club head body configured to be removably coupled at different times with a first club head first attachment member and a first club head second attachment member. When the first club head body is coupled with the first club head first attachment member, the first club head comprises a first loft angle, a first bounce angle, and a first bounce height. Further, when the first club head body is coupled with the first club head second attachment member, the first club head comprises the first loft angle, the first bounce angle, and a second bounce height different than the first bounce height.

In these embodiments, the golf club head(s) can also comprise a second club head. The second club head comprises a second club head body configured to be removably coupled at different times with a second club head first attachment member and a second club head second attachment member. When the second club head body is coupled with the second club head first attachment member, the second club head comprises a second loft angle, a second bounce angle, and a third bounce height. Further, when the second club head body is coupled with the second club head second attachment member, the second club head comprises the second loft angle, the second bounce angle, and a fourth bounce height different than the third bounce height.

In these or other embodiments, at least one of (i) the second loft angle can be greater than the first loft angle, (ii) the second bounce height can be greater than the first bounce height, and the third bounce height can be greater than or approximately equal to the first bounce height, or (iii) the fourth bounce height can be greater than the third bounce height, and the fourth bounce height can be greater than or approximately equal to the second bounce height.

Further embodiments include multiple attachment members. The multiple attachment members can comprise a first attachment member and a second attachment member, each being configured to be removably coupled at different times with a first club head body of a first golf club head. When the first attachment member is coupled with the first club head body, the first golf club head comprises a first loft angle, a first bounce angle, a first bounce height, and a first sole width. Further, when the second attachment member is coupled with the first club head body, the first golf club head comprises the first loft angle, the first bounce angle, a second bounce height different than the first bounce height, and a second sole width different than the first sole width.

Some embodiments include a method comprising: providing a first attachment member; and providing a second attachment member. The first attachment member and the second attachment member are each configured to be removably coupled at different times with a club head body of a golf club head. When the first attachment member is coupled with the club head body, the golf club head comprises a loft angle, a bounce angle, a first bounce height, and a first sole width. Further, when the second attachment member is coupled with the club head body, the golf club head comprises the loft angle, the bounce angle, a second bounce height different than the first bounce height, and a second sole width different than the first sole width.

Other embodiments include a method comprising: providing a first club head first attachment member; and providing a first club head second attachment member. The first club head first attachment member and the first club head second attachment member are each configured to be removably coupled at different times with a first club head body of a first golf club head. When the first club head first attachment member is coupled with the first club head body, the first golf club head comprises a first loft angle, a first bounce angle, a first bounce height, and a first sole width. Further, when the first club head second attachment member is coupled with the first club head body, the first golf club head comprises the first loft angle, the first bounce angle, a second bounce height different than the first bounce height, and a second sole width different than the first sole width.

In these embodiments, the method can further comprise: providing a second club head first attachment member; and providing a second club head second attachment member. The second club head first attachment member and the second club head second attachment member are each configured to be removably coupled at different times with a second club head body of a second golf club head. When the second club head first attachment member is coupled with the second club head body, the second golf club head comprises a second loft angle, a second bounce angle, a third bounce height, and a third sole width. Further, when the second club head second attachment member is coupled with the second club head body, the second golf club head comprises the second loft angle, the second bounce angle, a fourth bounce height different than the third bounce height, and a fourth sole width different than the third sole width.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top, front, heel side view of a first club head body 108 of a first club head 101 of one or more club heads 100 next to two or more first club head attachment members 109 of first club head 101, according to an embodiment. Meanwhile, FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom, rear, toe side view of first club head body 108 of first club head 101 of club head(s) 100 next to first club head attachment members 109, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. Club head(s) 100 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Club head(s) 100 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.

Generally, club head(s) 100 can comprise one or more golf club heads. Each of the golf club head(s) can be part of a corresponding golf club. Further, the golf club head(s) can be part or all of a set of golf club heads and/or the golf club(s) can be part or all of a set of golf clubs. Although club head(s) 100 can comprise any suitable type of golf club head, in many examples, club head(s) 100 comprises one or more iron-type golf club heads. Further, the iron-type golf club head(s) can comprise a muscle-back or cavity-back configuration. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufactured described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring to FIG. 1, club head(s) 100 comprises first club head 101. As discussed in further detail herein, club head(s) 100 can also comprise one or more additional club heads (e.g., a second club head 501 (FIGS. 5-7)). When club head(s) 100 comprise the additional club heads, each of club head(s) 100 (and the corresponding constituent elements thereof) can be similar to each other.

First club head 101 comprises a top end 102, a bottom end 103, a front end 104, a rear end 105, a toe end 106, and a heel end 107. Further, first club head 101 can comprise a first club head body 108 and/or two or more first club head attachment members 109 (e.g., a first club head first attachment member 129, a first club head second attachment member 130, etc.). In some examples, first club head attachment members 109 can comprise any suitable number of first club head attachment members (e.g., three first club head attachment members, four first club head attachment members, five first club head attachment members, six first club head attachment members, etc.). In some embodiments, club head 100 can comprise hosel 110, which in other embodiments can be omitted. Although, in some embodiments, each of first club head attachment members 109 can be implemented as multiple elements, for ease and clarity of illustration, each of first club head attachment members 109 is discussed as being a single element.

Meanwhile, first club head 101 can comprise a front surface 111, a rear surface 212 (FIG. 2), a sole surface 213 (FIG. 2), and/or a custom tuning port (CTP) 224 (FIG. 2). Further, first club head body 108 can comprise a first club head body interface 225 (FIG. 2), and each of first club head attachment members 109 can comprise a corresponding one of first club head attachment member interfaces 126 (e.g., a first club head first attachment member interface 127, a first club head second attachment member interface 128, etc.). As applicable, (a) front surface 111 can comprise (i) a body front surface 114 and/or (ii) one of first club head attachment member front surfaces (not shown); (b) rear surface 212 (FIG. 2) can comprise (i) a body rear surface 215 (FIG. 2) and/or (ii) one of first club head attachment member rear surfaces 216 (e.g., a first club head first attachment member rear surface 217 (FIG. 2), a first club head second attachment member rear surface 218 (FIG. 2), etc.); and (c) sole surface 213 (FIG. 2) can comprise (i) a body sole surface 220 (FIG. 2) and/or (ii) one of first club head attachment member sole surface(s) 221 (e.g., a first club head first attachment member sole surface 222 (FIG. 2), a first club head second attachment member sole surface 223 (FIG. 2), etc.). However, in some embodiments, the first club attachment member front surfaces, body rear surface 215 (FIG. 2), and/or body sole surface 220 (FIG. 2) can be omitted.

For example, part of front surface 111 (e.g., body front surface 114) can be part of first club head body 108, and part of front surface 111 (e.g., an applicable one of the first club head attachment member front surfaces) can be part of an applicable one of first club head attachment members 109. Nonetheless, in other examples, body front surface 114 can comprise front surface 111, and the first club head attachment member front surfaces can be omitted. In these examples, body front surface 114 can form all of front surface 111.

Further, part of rear surface 212 (e.g., body rear surface 215 (FIG. 2)) can be part of first club head body 108, and part of rear surface 212 (e.g., an applicable one of first club head attachment member rear surfaces 216 (FIG. 2)) can be part of an applicable one of first club head attachment members 109. Nonetheless, in other examples, the applicable one of first club head attachment member rear surfaces 216 (FIG. 2) can comprise rear surface 212 (FIG. 2), and body rear surface 215 (FIG. 2) can be omitted. In these examples, the applicable one of first club head attachment member rear surfaces 216 (FIG. 2) can form all of rear surface 212 (FIG. 2).

Further still, part of sole surface 213 (e.g., body sole surface 220 (FIG. 2)) can be part of first club head body 108, and part of sole surface 213 (e.g., an applicable one of first club head attachment member sole surfaces 221 (FIG. 2)) can be part of an applicable one of first club head attachment members 109. Nonetheless, in other examples, the applicable one of first club head attachment member rear surfaces 221 (FIG. 2) can comprise sole surface 213 (FIG. 2), and body sole surface 220 (FIG. 2) can be omitted. In these examples, the applicable one of first club head attachment member rear surfaces 221 (FIG. 2) can form all of sole surface 213 (FIG. 2).

Meanwhile, rear surface 212 (FIG. 2), body rear surface 215 (FIG. 2), and/or an applicable one of first club head attachment member rear surfaces 216 (FIG. 2) can comprise and/or form CTP 224 (FIG. 2). In other embodiments, CTP 224 (FIG. 2) can be omitted.

Top end 102 is opposite bottom end 103; front end 104 is opposite rear end 105; and toe end 106 is opposite heel end 107. Front surface 111 can be located at front end 104; rear surface 212 (FIG. 2) can be located at rear end 105 and/or opposite of front surface 111; and sole surface 213 (FIG. 2) can be located at bottom end 103.

First club head body 108 is configured to be coupled (e.g., removably, seamlessly, and/or at different times) with each of first club head attachment members 109. For example, first club head body 108 can be coupled with first club head attachment members 109 at first club head body interface 225 (FIG. 2) and first club head attachment member interfaces 126 (e.g., first club head first attachment member interface 127, first club head second attachment member interface 128, etc.).

First club head body 108 and first club head attachment members 109 can be coupled together by any suitable coupling mechanism(s) (e.g., a fastener, a joint, and/or an adhesive, etc.). An exemplary fastener can comprise a screw, a nut and bolt, etc. An exemplary joint can comprise a mortise and tenon joint, a dovetail joint, etc. Further, where multiple coupling mechanisms are implemented, the coupling mechanisms can be the same or different from each other. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufactured described herein are not limited in this regard.

Further, first club head 101 can comprise an alignment aid. The alignment aid can comprise any pair of a body alignment aid and one of two or more attachment member alignment aids. The alignment aid, the body alignment aid, and/or the attachment member alignment aid(s) can be configured to facilitate coupling together first club head body 108 and first club head attachment members 109. For example, the alignment aid, the body alignment aid, and/or the attachment member alignment aid(s) can operate as a guide for coupling together first club head body 108 and first club head attachment members 109. In many examples, first club head body 108 can comprise the body alignment aid, and/or each of first club head attachment members 109 can comprise one of the attachment member alignment aids. In other examples, the alignment aid can be omitted. In some embodiments, one or more of the coupling mechanism(s) implemented to couple together first club head body 108 and first club head attachment members 109 can comprise the alignment aid. That is, one or more of the coupling mechanism(s) can also facilitate coupling together first club head body 108 and first club head attachment members 109, and/or the alignment aid can also couple together first club head body 108 and first club head attachment members 109.

When the alignment aid is implemented, the alignment aid can comprise any suitable mechanism(s) to facilitate coupling together first club head body 108 and first club head attachment members 109. In some examples, the alignment aid can comprise one or more markings (e.g., arrows, etc.). In these examples, the body alignment aid can comprise a marking, and/or the attachment member alignment aid(s) can each comprise a marking. The markings can be complimentary with each other. In these or other examples, the alignment aid can comprise one or more joints. In these examples, the body alignment aid can comprise one or more first joint features, and/or the attachment member alignment aid(s) can each comprise one or more second joint features complimentary to the first joint features. Each of the first joint features can be the same or different from each other, and each of the second joint features can be the same or different from each other. In other examples, the alignment aid can comprise one or more fasteners and/or fastener receptacles configured to receive the fasteners.

Turning ahead briefly in the drawings for illustration, FIG. 3 shows a bottom side view of club head body 308 of club head 301 of club head(s) 300 coupled to club head attachment member 329, according to an embodiment. Club head(s) 300 can be similar or identical to club head(s) 100 (FIG. 1), and club head 301 can be similar or identical to first club head 101 (FIG. 1). Further, club head body 308 can be similar or identical to first club head body 108 (FIG. 1), and/or club head attachment member 329 can be similar or identical to first club head first attachment member 129 (FIG. 1). Club head body 308 and club head attachment member 329 can be coupled together by first coupling mechanism 331 and by second coupling mechanism 332. Coupling mechanisms 331 and 332 can comprise screw-type fasteners. Further, club head 301 can comprise alignment aid 351. The body alignment aid (blocked from view by club head attachment member 329) of alignment aid 351 and attachment member alignment aid 352 (e.g., first coupling mechanism receptacle 353 corresponding to first coupling mechanism 331, and/or second coupling mechanism receptacle 354 corresponding to second coupling mechanism 332) of alignment aid 351 can help align club head body 308 with club head attachment members 329.

Referring now back to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, first club head 101 can comprise one or more optional dampening members 147. Dampening member(s) 147 can dampen vibrations between first club head body 108 and first club head attachment members 109, such as, for example, when first club head body 108 and any one of first club head attachment members 109 are coupled together. In some embodiments, first club head body 108 can comprise dampening member 248 (FIG. 2), such as, for example, at first club head body interface 125. In these or other embodiments, first club head attachment members 109 can each comprise a dampening member, such as, for example, at each of first club head attachment member interfaces 126 (e.g., dampening member 149 at first club head attachment member interface 127, dampening member 150 at first club head attachment member interface 128. In other embodiments, one or more of dampening member(s) 147 can be separate from first club head body 108 and first club head attachment members 109. Accordingly, although FIGS. 1 & 2 illustrate dampening member(s) 147 as being part of first club head body 108 and first club head attachment members 109, in other embodiments, one or more of dampening member(s) 147 (e.g., dampening member 248 (FIG. 2), dampening member 149, and/or dampening member 150) can be separate from first club head body 108 and/or first club head attachment members 109, as applicable. In still other embodiments, one or more of dampening member(s) 147 (e.g., dampening member 248 (FIG. 2), dampening member 149, and/or dampening member 150) can be omitted. Dampening member(s) 147 can comprise any suitable material(s) (e.g., an elastomeric or elastic material, such as, for example, rubber, etc.) configured to dampen vibrations.

Front surface 111 can refer to a strike face and/or strike plate of first club head 101, and can be configured to impact a golf ball (not shown). Front surface 111 can be substantially planar, and/or can comprise one or more scoring lines (e.g., grooves). The scoring line(s) can extend between toe end 106 and heel end 107. When front surface 111 comprises multiple scoring lines, the scoring lines can be parallel to each other.

Hosel 110 can be located at or proximate to heel end 107, and hosel 110 can extend from first club head 101 via a hosel transition portion. Hosel 110 can be configured to receive a shaft (not shown). In a different embodiment, club head 100 can comprise a bore (not shown) configured to receive the shaft. When hosel 110 (or the bore) receives the shaft, first club head 101 and the shaft can substantially provide a golf club, as described above.

Skipping ahead in the drawings, FIG. 4 illustrates a heel side view of first club head 101 when first club head body 108 is coupled to first club head attachment member 129, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 & 2.

First club head 101 comprises loft plane 433 and ground plane 434. Further, first club head 101 can also comprise leading edge 435, trailing edge 436, ground contact 437, edge line 438, contact line 439, and/or height plane 440. Loft plane 433, ground plane 434, edge plane 438, contact plane 439, and height plane 440 can refer to reference planes of first club head 101, and leading edge 435, trailing edge 436, and ground contact 437 can refer to reference points of first club head 101. Meanwhile, first club head 101 further comprises loft angle 441, effective bounce angle 442, traditional bounce angle 443, bounce height 444, and sole width 445.

Loft plane 433 intersects the foremost point or points (e.g., nearest front end 104 (FIGS. 1 & 2)) of front surface 111 (FIG. 1). In some examples, the foremost point can be leading edge 435. Further, loft plane 433 can be approximately parallel with front surface 111 (FIG. 1) when first club head 101 is positioned both to address a golf ball and in a resting state. When front surface 111 (FIG. 1) is planar and/or substantially planar, front surface 111 and loft plane 433 can be approximately co-planar. Meanwhile, when front surface 111 (FIG. 1) is curved (e.g., non-planar), as can frequently be implemented with wood-type club heads, loft plane 433 can refer to a reference plane intersecting an inflection point in the curvature of front surface 111. Accordingly, in these embodiments, at least part of front surface 111 (FIG. 1) can be located behind loft plane 433.

Leading edge 435 can refer to a foremost point of sole surface 213 (FIG. 2) when first club head 101 is positioned both to address a golf ball and in a resting state; trailing edge 436 can refer to a rearmost point of sole surface 213 (FIG. 2) when first club head 101 is positioned both to address a golf ball and in a resting state; and ground contact 437 can refer to a lowest point of sole surface 213 (FIG. 2) when first club head 101 is positioned both to address a golf ball and in a resting state.

Ground plane 434 refers to the plane generally formed by the ground below club head 101 when first club head 101 is positioned to address a golf ball. Ground plane 434 can intersect ground contact 437 when first club head 101 is positioned to address a golf ball. Meanwhile, edge line 438 refers to the line intersecting leading edge 435 and trailing edge 436; and contact line 439 refers to the line intersecting leading edge 435 and ground contact 437. Further, height plane 440 refers to a plane approximately parallel to ground plane 434 and intersecting leading edge 435.

Bounce height 444 can refer to a distance between ground plane 434 and height plane 440. Meanwhile, sole width 445 can refer to a distance between leading edge 435 and trailing edge 436.

Loft angle 441 can refer to an angle formed between loft plane 433 and normal line 446, which refers to a reference line orthogonal to ground plane 434 and intersecting leading edge 435 when first club head 101 is positioned to address a golf ball. Effective bounce angle 442 can refer to an angle formed between edge line 438 and ground plane 434, and traditional bounce angle 443 can refer to an angle formed between contact line 439 and ground plane 434.

First club head 101 can be configured such that loft angle 441, effective bounce angle 442, and/or traditional bounce angle 443 remain constant for first club head 101 while bounce height 444 and/or sole width 445 can be varied for first club head 101 as first club head body 108 is coupled with different ones of first club head attachment members 109. As a result, bounce height 444 and/or sole width 445 can be tailored as desired for first club head 101. That is, first club head 101 can be adjustable so that coupling different ones of first club head attachment members 109 to first club head body 108 can provide differing configurations of bounce height 444 and/or sole width 445. Further, when effective bounce angle 442 and/or traditional bounce angle 443 are held constant, bounce height 444 can be varied as a function of sole width 445, and vice versa.

As a general matter, bounce height (e.g., bounce height 444) can have more impact on how first club head 101 moves through turf than bounce angle (e.g., effective bounce angle 442 and/or traditional bounce angle 443). Increasing bounce height (e.g., bounce height 444) can cause first club head 101 to dig less into the turf while decreasing bounce height can cause first club head 101 to dig more into the turf. Accordingly, for softer ground conditions, it can be desirable to increase bounce height (e.g., bounce height 444), while for harder ground conditions, it can be desirable to decrease bounce height (e.g., bounce height 444). Advantageously, as indicated previously, bounce height 444 and/or sole width 445 of first club head 101 can be adjustable, such as, for example, according to the particular ground conditions before the round of golf begins or during the round of golf.

In some embodiments, loft angle 441 can be greater than or equal to approximately 15 degrees and less than or equal to approximately 65 degrees. In further embodiments, loft angle 441 can be greater than or equal to approximately 47 degrees and less than or equal to approximately 64 degrees, such as, for example, where first club head 101 comprises a wedge-type iron-type golf club head. In more specific examples, loft angle 441 can be one of approximately 56 degrees or approximately 60 degrees. Effective bounce angle 442 and/or traditional bounce angle 443 can be greater than or equal to approximately 0 degrees or less than or equal to approximately 20 degrees.

In some embodiments, bounce height 444 can be greater than or equal to approximately 0.500 centimeters or less than or equal to approximately 0.635 centimeters. Further, sole width 445 can be greater than or equal to approximately 0.6 centimeters or less than or equal to approximately 3.5 centimeters. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In addition to varying bounce height 444 and/or sole width 445, first club head attachment members 109 can also vary by shape, density, weight, and/or mass distribution. By varying the density, weight, and/or mass distribution of first club head attachment member 109, the weight and mass distribution of first club head 101 can also be varied. In turn, a center of gravity of first club head 101 can be selectively varied, as desired, to selectively alter one or more moment of inertia parameters of first club head 101.

In these embodiments, first club head attachment members 109 can further comprise two or more first club head attachment members providing the same bounce height 444 and/or sole width 445 of first club head 101, but having different density, weight, and/or mass distribution configurations so that the location of the center of gravity of first club head 101 can be selectively varied. For example, first club head attachment members 109 can comprise a first set of two or more first club head attachment members (e.g., first club head first attachment member 129, first club head second attachment member 130, etc.) varying according to bounce height and/or sole width, and a second set of two or more first club head attachment members corresponding to the first set and having the approximately equal bounce heights and/or sole widths to the first set, but varying according to density, weight, and/or mass distribution configuration.

In many examples, first club head body 108 can comprise any suitable material(s), such as, for example, any suitable metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, magnesium, etc.), any suitable non-metal (e.g., carbon fiber composite, polymer, fiber reinforced polymer, etc.), and/or any suitable alloys thereof. Further, first club head attachment members 109 can also comprise any suitable material(s), such as, for example, any suitable metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, magnesium, lead, tungsten, gold, silver, etc.), any suitable non-metal (e.g., carbon fiber composite, polymer, fiber reinforced polymer, etc.), and/or any suitable alloys thereof. The first club head body 108 and first club head attachment members 109 can comprise the same or different materials. Further, each of first club head attachment members 109 can comprise the same or different materials. These materials can be varied appropriately to affect the density, weight, and/or mass distributions of first club head attachment members 109.

In other embodiments, first club head 101 can be configured such that loft angle 441 and one or more of effective bounce angle 442, traditional bounce angle 443, bounce height 444, and sole width 445 remain constant for first club head 101 as first club head body 108 is coupled with different ones of first club head attachment members 109. Meanwhile, in these or other embodiments, one or more of effective bounce angle 442, traditional bounce angle 443, bounce height 444, and sole width 445 can be varied for first club head 101 as first club head body 108 is coupled with different ones of first club head attachment members 109.

Meanwhile, as indicated previously, in many embodiments, club head(s) 100 can also comprise one or more additional club heads, such as, for example, second club head 501 (FIGS. 5-7). FIG. 5 illustrates a top, front, heel side view of second club head body 508 of second club head 501 of club head(s) 100 next to second club head attachment members 509 of second club head 501, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, & 4. Meanwhile, FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom, rear, toe side view of second club head body 508 of second club head 501 of club head(s) 100 next to second club head attachment member(s) 509, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, 4, & 5. Further, FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom side view of second club head 501 when second club head body 508 is coupled to second club head attachment member 529, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, & 4-6.

In general, second club head 501 can be similar or identical to first club head 101 (FIGS. 1, 2, & 4) and/or club head 301 (FIG. 3). For example, elements of first club head 101 and/or club head 301 and second club head 501 referenced with reference numbers having the same last two digits can be similar or identical to each other. However, second club head 501 can differ in that the loft angle of second club head 501 can be different than the loft angle of one or more other ones of club head(s) 100 (e.g., first club head 101 (FIGS. 1, 2, & 4)). For example, loft angle 441 (FIG. 4) can be less than or greater than loft angle 741 (FIG. 7). Accordingly, club head(s) 100 can each comprise a different loft angle (e.g., loft angle 441, loft angle 741, etc.). Meanwhile, in some examples, the bounce angle (e.g., effective bounce angles 442 and 742, and/or traditional bounce angles 443 and 743, etc.) can be less than, greater than, or equal from club head to club head within club head(s) 100. In further examples, the bounce height (e.g., bounce height 444 and bounce height 744, etc.) and/or sole width (e.g., sole width 445 and sole width 745, etc.) can be less than, greater than, or equal from club head to club head within club head(s) 100, but can also be variable depending on the club head attachment members (e.g., first club head attachment members 109, second club head attachment members 509, etc.) being used.

Further, in other embodiments, second club head 501 can be configured such that loft angle 741 and one or more of effective bounce angle 742, traditional bounce angle 743, bounce height 744, and sole width 745 remain constant for second club head 501 as second club head body 508 is coupled with different ones of second club head attachment members 509. Meanwhile, in these or other embodiments, one or more of effective bounce angle 742, traditional bounce angle 743, bounce height 744, and sole width 745 can be varied for second club head 501 as second club head body 508 is coupled with different ones of second club head attachment members 509.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the club head bodies (e.g., first club head body 108, second club head body 508, etc.) and/or club head attachment members (first club head attachment members 109, second club head attachment members 509, etc.) of each club head of club head(s) 100 can be configured to prevent club head attachment members of one club head (e.g., first club head 101) of club head(s) 100 from being coupled to another club head (e.g., second club head 501) of club head(s) 100.

Advantageously, club head(s) 100 can be implemented to provide the attributes of multiple fixed sole club heads in a single club head. Accordingly, a user of club head(s) 100 need not buy, maintain, and/or carry multiple fixed sole club heads of each loft angle.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of method 800. Method 800 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 800 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the activities, the procedures, and/or the processes of method 800 can be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the activities, the procedures, and/or the processes of method 800 can be performed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more of the activities, the procedures, and/or the processes in method 800 can be combined or skipped.

Method 800 can comprise activity 801 of providing a first club head first attachment member. The first club head first attachment member can be similar or identical to one of first club head attachment members 109 (e.g., first club head first attachment member 129 (FIGS. 1, 2, & 4)) and/or club head attachment members 309 (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, performing activity 801 can comprise an activity of providing the first club head first attachment member so that the first club head first attachment member comprises a first weight. In further embodiments, performing activity 801 can comprise an activity of configuring a first bounce height of the first club head first attachment member to be greater than or equal to approximately 0.500 centimeters or less than or equal to approximately 0.635 centimeters; and/or an activity of configuring a first sole width to be greater than or equal to approximately 0.6 centimeters or less than or equal to approximately 3.5 centimeters.

Method 800 also can comprise activity 802 of providing a first club head second attachment member. The first club head second attachment member can be similar or identical to another one of first club head attachment members 109 (e.g., first club head second attachment member 130 (FIGS. 1, 2, & 4)). In some embodiments, performing activity 802 can comprise an activity of providing the first club head second attachment member so that the first club head second attachment member comprises a second weight different than the first weight.

In some embodiments, performing activities 801 and 802 can comprise (i) an activity of configuring a first loft angle to be greater than or equal to approximately 47 degrees and less than or equal to approximately 64 degrees; and/or (ii) an activity of configuring a first bounce angle to be greater than or equal to approximately 0 degrees or less than or equal to approximately 20 degrees.

Method 800 can further comprise activity 803 of providing a second club head first attachment member. The second club head first attachment member can be similar or identical to one of second club head attachment members 509 (e.g., second club head first attachment member 529 (FIGS. 5-7)).

Method 800 can still further comprise activity 804 of providing a second club head second attachment member. The second club head second attachment member can be similar or identical to another one of second club head attachment members 509 (e.g., second club head second attachment member 530 (FIGS. 5-7)).

Method 800 can additionally comprise activity 805 of providing a first club head body. The first club head body can be similar or identical to first club head body 108 (FIGS. 1, 2, & 4) and/or club head body 308 (FIG. 3).

Method 800 also can comprise activity 806 of coupling the first club head first attachment member to the first club head body. In some embodiments, performing activity 806 can comprise using a first alignment aid to couple the first club head first attachment member to the first club head body.

Method 800 can further comprise activity 807 of decoupling the first club head first attachment member from the first club head body. In some embodiments, one or both of activities 806 and 807 can be omitted.

Method 800 can still further comprise activity 808 of coupling the first club head second attachment member to the first club head body. In some embodiments, performing activity 808 can comprise using a first alignment aid to couple the first club head second attachment member to the first club head body.

Method 800 can additionally comprise activity 809 of decoupling the first club head second attachment member from the first club head body. In some embodiments, one or both of activities 808 and 809 can be omitted.

Method 800 also can comprise: activity 810 of providing a first dampening member of the first club head body; activity 811 of providing a second dampening member of the first club head first attachment member; and/or activity 812 of providing a third dampening member of the first club head second attachment member. The first dampening member can be similar or identical to dampening member 248 (FIG. 2), the second dampening member can be similar or identical to dampening member 149 (FIG. 1), and/or the third dampening member can be similar or identical to dampening member 150 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, activities 810, 811, and/or 812 can be omitted.

Method 800 also can comprise activity 813 of providing a second club head body. The second club head body can be similar or identical to second club head body 508 (FIGS. 5-7).

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top, front, heel side view of a first club head body 108 of a first club head 101 of one or more club heads 100 next to two or more first club head attachment members 109 of first club head 101

Although the golf club head(s), attachment members, and related methods herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that activities 801-813 of FIG. 8 may be comprised of many different procedures, processes, and activities and be performed by many different modules, in many different orders, that any element of FIGS. 1-8 may be modified, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments.

Further, while the above examples may be described in connection with an iron-type golf club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf clubs such as a wood-type golf club, a wedge-type golf club, or a putter-type golf club. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable other type of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc.

Additional examples of such changes and others have been given in the foregoing description. Other permutations of the different embodiments having one or more of the features of the various figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the specification, claims, and drawings herein are intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of this application shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

The golf club head(s), attachment members, and related methods discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.

All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claim.

As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1) A golf club head comprising:

a club head body configured to be removably coupled at different times with a first attachment member and a second attachment member;

wherein: when the club head body is coupled with the first attachment member, the golf club head comprises: a loft angle; a bounce angle; and a first bounce height; and when the club head body is coupled with the second attachment member, the golf club head comprises: the loft angle; the bounce angle; and a second bounce height different than the first bounce height.

2) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein:

when the club head body is coupled with the first attachment member, the golf club head comprises: a first sole width;

and

when the club head body is coupled with the second attachment member, the golf club head comprises: a second sole width different than the first sole width.

3) The golf club head of claim 2 wherein:

the first sole width is greater than or equal to approximately 0.6 centimeters and less than or equal to approximately 3.5 centimeters.

4) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein:

the golf club head comprises an iron-type golf club head.

5) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein:

the golf club head comprises a club head sole; and

the club head body is configured so that when one of the first attachment member or the second attachment member is coupled to the club head body, the one of the first attachment member or the second attachment member forms at least part of the club head sole.

6) The golf club head of claim 5 wherein:

the club head body is configured so that when the one of the first attachment member or the second attachment member is coupled to club head body, the one of the first attachment member or the second attachment member forms all of the club head sole.

7) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein:

the golf club head comprises an iron-type golf club head; and

the loft angle is greater than or equal to approximately 47 degrees and less than or equal to approximately 64 degrees.

8) The golf club head of claim 7 wherein:

the loft angle is one of approximately 56 degrees or approximately 60 degrees.

9) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein at least one of:

the club head body comprises a first dampening member; or

at least one of: (i) the first attachment member comprises a second dampening member, or (ii) the second attachment member comprises a third dampening member.

10) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein:

the club head body comprises a body alignment aid configured to facilitate coupling the club head body to the first attachment member or the second attachment member.

11) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein:

the bounce angle is greater than or equal to approximately 0 degrees or less than or equal to approximately 20 degrees.

12) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein:

the first bounce height is greater than or equal to approximately 0.500 centimeters or less than or equal to approximately 0.635 centimeters.

13) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein:

the first attachment member comprises a first weight and the second attachment member comprises a second weight different than the first weight.

14) The golf club head of claim 13 wherein:

the club head body is configured to be removably coupled with a third attachment member at different times than the first attachment member and the second attachment member;

wherein: the third attachment member comprises a third weight approximately equal to the first weight; and when the club head body is coupled with the third attachment member, the golf club head comprises: the loft angle; the bounce angle; and the first bounce height.

15) A set of golf club heads comprising:

a first club head comprising: a first club head body configured to be removably coupled at different times with a first attachment member and a second attachment member;

and

a second club head comprising: a second club head body configured to be removably coupled at different times with a third attachment member and a fourth attachment member;

wherein: when the first club head body is coupled with the first attachment member, the first club head comprises: a first loft angle; a first bounce angle; and a first bounce height; when the first club head body is coupled with the second attachment member, the first club head comprises: the first loft angle; the first bounce angle; and a second bounce height different than the first bounce height; when the second club head body is coupled with the third attachment member, the second club head comprises: a second loft angle; a second bounce angle; and a third bounce height; and when the second club head body is coupled with the fourth attachment member, the second club head comprises: the second loft angle; the second bounce angle; and a fourth bounce height different than the third bounce height.

16) The set of golf clubs of claim 15 wherein at least one of:

the second loft angle is greater than the first loft angle;

the second bounce height is greater than the first bounce height, and the third bounce height is greater than or approximately equal to the first bounce height; or

the fourth bounce height is greater than the third bounce height, and the fourth bounce height is greater than or approximately equal to the second bounce height.

17) Multiple attachment members comprising:

a first attachment member and a second attachment member, each being configured to be removably coupled at different times with a first club head body of a first golf club head,

wherein: when the first attachment member is coupled with the first club head body, the first golf club head comprises: a first loft angle; a first bounce angle; a first bounce height; and a first sole width; and when the second attachment member is coupled with the first club head body, the first golf club head comprises: the first loft angle; the first bounce angle; a second bounce height different than the first bounce height; and a second sole width different than the first sole width.

18) The multiple attachment members of claim 17 further comprising:

a third attachment member and a fourth attachment member, each being configured to be removably coupled at different times with a second club head body of a second golf club head,

wherein: when the third attachment member is coupled with the second club head body, the second golf club head comprises: a second loft angle; a second bounce angle; a third bounce height; and a third sole width; and when the fourth attachment member is coupled with the second club head body, the second golf club head comprises: the second loft angle; the second bounce angle; a fourth bounce height different than the third bounce height; and a fourth sole width different than the third sole width.

19) The multiple attachment members of claim 18 wherein:

the first attachment member and the second attachment member are configured to prevent the first attachment member and the second attachment member from being coupled with the second club head body.

20) A method comprising:

providing a first attachment member; and

providing a second attachment member;

wherein: the first attachment member and the second attachment member are each configured to be removably coupled at different times with a club head body of a golf club head; when the first attachment member is coupled with the club head body, the golf club head comprises: a loft angle; a bounce angle; a first bounce height; and a first sole width; and when the second attachment member is coupled with the club head body, the golf club head comprises: the loft angle; the bounce angle; a second bounce height different than the first bounce height; and a second sole width different than the first sole width.

21) The method of claim 20 further comprising at least one of:

providing the club head body;

coupling the first attachment member to the club head body;

coupling the second attachment member to the club head body;

decoupling the first attachment member from the club head body; or

decoupling the second attachment member from the club head body.

22) The method of claim 20 wherein:

the golf club head comprises a club head sole; and

the club head body is configured so that when one of the first attachment member or the second attachment member is coupled to the club head body, the one of the first attachment member or the second attachment member forms at least part of the club head sole.

23) The method of claim 20 wherein at least one of:

providing the first attachment member and providing the second attachment member each comprises: configuring the loft angle to be greater than or equal to approximately 47 degrees and less than or equal to approximately 64 degrees;

providing the first attachment member and providing the second attachment member each comprises: configuring the bounce angle to be greater than or equal to approximately 0 degrees and less than or equal to approximately 20 degrees;

providing the first attachment member comprises: configuring the first bounce height to be greater than or equal to approximately 0.500 centimeters and less than or equal to approximately 0.635 centimeters;

or

providing the first club head first attachment member comprises: configuring the first sole width to be greater than or equal to approximately 0.6 centimeters and less than or equal to approximately 3.5 centimeters.

24) The method of claim 20 wherein:

providing the first attachment member comprises providing a dampening member.

25) The method of claim 20 wherein:

providing the first attachment member comprises providing the first attachment member so that the first attachment member comprises a first weight; and

providing the second attachment member comprises providing the second attachment member so that the second attachment member comprises a second weight different than the first weight.