GOLF CLUB HEAD
A golf club head including a body having a hollow interior. The body includes a hosel portion, a front strike face, a crown and a sole. The sole includes a floor and a sidewall extending from the floor to the crown. The crown and the sole extend rearward from the front strike face to form the rear portion of the body. The sidewall and the crown form a heel portion of the body and a toe portion of the body. The sidewall includes first and second bores positioned at the heel portion and the toe portion, respectively. The first and second bores define first and second bore axes. The first and second bore axes intersect each other at or near the crown.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/276,960 filed on Sep. 27, 2016, which claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/379,189 filed on Aug. 24, 2016 by Eric Sillies and entitled GOLF CLUB HEAD, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates generally to a golf club head for a golf club.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONGolf is a sport enjoyed by golfers of all ages and skill levels. Golfers at all levels continually strive to improve their game. One approach that many golfers use to improve their play is to customize their clubs to fit their game. Golf presents many challenges to golfers. For example, many golfers find their game changing over time. Additionally, golf courses present a variety of challenging holes that provide golfers the opportunity to use golf clubs of varying features and/or characteristics to best meet such challenges. As a result, golfers require a variety of different clubs to meet these challenges.
Although golfers may desire a large number of different clubs for their game, many practical considerations can prevent golfers from meeting this need. The 14 club rule in the Rules of Golf limits the number of clubs golfers can carry. Players, who prefer to carry their bags, often prefer to limit the number of clubs they carry to make the round more enjoyable and carrying their golf bag less burdensome. Another consideration is cost. Although players may desire three different drivers having different characteristics, many golfers simply can't justify the expense of purchasing such clubs.
Thus, a continuing need exists for a golf club that can be easily, simply and conveniently adjusted to obtain different golf club characteristics. What is needed is a golf club that performs well, and allows for the player to quickly and easily adjust the club head to match the golfer's particular needs or objectives at that time. There is a need for a club head that can be readily adjusted into a variety of different settings thereby eliminating the need for the golfer to carry multiple clubs to meet the different desired settings. Further, there is a need for a golf club that meets these needs while also providing an improved, pleasing aesthetic.
SUMMARYA golf club head may include a body having a hollow interior and a removable sole plate. The body may include a hosel portion, a front strike face, a crown and a sole. The sole may include a floor and sidewalls extending from the floor to the crown, wherein the floor may have openings opening into the hollow interior. The removable sole plate mounted to the sole over the openings of the floor the sole plate may include wings and a tail. The wings are proximate the front strike face and curve along the sidewalls towards the crown. The tail extends from the wings away from the front strike face.
A sole plate for a golf club head may include a front edge to be positioned proximate a strike face of the golf club head, a breast having a top face facing in an upwards direction to face a sole of a golf club head, wings laterally extending from the breast and forming the front edge and a rearwardly extending from the breast. The wings may curve away from the breast in the upwards direction.
A golf club head body for use with a set of interchangeable sole plates to form a golf club head may include a hollow interior, a hosel portion, a front strike face, a crown and a sole. The sole may include a bottom and sidewalls extending from the bottom to the crown. The sole may further include an upwardly extending recess extending into the bottom and the sidewalls, wherein the upwardly extending recess is to receive one of the interchangeable sole plates. The upwardly extending recess may have a ceiling with openings that open into the hollow interior, wherein the openings extend over at least 20% of the sole.
The shaft 12 is an elongate hollow tube extending along a first longitudinal axis. The shaft 12 tapers toward the tip end 15. The shaft 12 is formed of a lightweight, strong, flexible material, preferably as a composite material. In alternative embodiments, the shaft 12 can be formed of other materials such as, other composite materials, steel, other alloys, wood, ceramic, thermoset polymers, thermoplastic polymers, and combinations thereof. The shaft can be formed as one single integral piece or as a multi-sectional golf shaft of two or more portions or sections.
As used herein, the term “composite material” refers to a plurality of fibers impregnated (or permeated throughout) with a resin. The fibers can be co-axially aligned in sheets or layers, braided or weaved in sheets or layers, and/or chopped and randomly dispersed in one or more layers. The composite material may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers comprising a matrix of fibers impregnated with resin. In particularly preferred embodiments, the number layers can range from 3 to 8. In multiple layer constructions, the fibers can be aligned in different directions with respect to the longitudinal axis 18, and/or in braids or weaves from layer to layer. The layers may be separated at least partially by one or more scrims or veils. When used, the scrim or veil will generally separate two adjacent layers and inhibit resin flow between layers during curing. Scrims or veils can also be used to reduce shear stress between layers of the composite material. The scrim or veils can be formed of glass, nylon or thermoplastic materials. In one particular embodiment, the scrim or veil can be used to enable sliding or independent movement between layers of the composite material. The fibers are formed of a high tensile strength material such as graphite. Alternatively, the fibers can be formed of other materials such as, for example, glass, carbon, boron, basalt, carrot, Kevlar®, Spectra®, poly-para-phenylene-2, 6-benzobisoxazole (PBO), hemp and combinations thereof. In one set of preferred embodiments, the resin is preferably a thermosetting resin such as epoxy or polyester resins. In other sets of preferred embodiments, the resin can be a thermoplastic resin. The composite material is typically wrapped about a mandrel and/or a comparable structure, and cured under heat and/or pressure. While curing, the resin is configured to flow and fully disperse and impregnate the matrix of fibers.
In one implementation, the body 20 of the club head 16 can be formed as a single unitary, integral body through a combination of casting and welding. In another implementation, the club head 16 can be formed through a combination of forging and welding. In other implementations, the components of the body 20 of the club head 16 can be formed through casting, forging, welding, molding or a combination thereof. The body 20 of the club head 16 comprises a generally vertical front striking plate or strike face 22, a sole 24, a crown 26 and a hosel portion 28. The striking plate 22 extends from a heel portion 30 to a toe portion 32 of the club head 10.
As shown by
As shown by
The recessed region 60 can further include a narrow sight marker 62 positioned at the strike face 22 portion of the recessed region 60 and extending rearward over a portion of the recessed region 60. The sight marker 62 is centered about the strike face 22 and forms a ball alignment marker or ball sight for the user. The sight marker 62 is formed of a color that contrasts the color of the recessed region 60 surrounding the sight marker 62.
As shown by
The openings 44, 45 and ribs 42 43 of the sole 24 enable the weight of the sole 24 of the body 20 to be reduced. The openings 44, 45 also allow for the interior of the body 20 to be seen and visible and for any debris, or any particles or flakes that may break free from other locations of the body 20, to be readily removed from the body 24 by simply turning the body 24 such that the openings 44, 45 are orientated downward and the debris or other particles can be easily removed by gravity. The open structure of the sole 24 also eliminates the need to add a layer, or sections, of tacky material that is commonly utilized within many conventional club heads. The tacky material is intended to retain any particles or flakes that may break free from the club head during use or over time. Such particles or flakes have been known to cause a rattle or other noise that can be negatively received by the user. The absence of the tacky material due to the presence of the openings 44, 45 further reduces the weight of the body 20. The sole 24 defines a sole surface area, which is the lower surface of the club head 16 as shown in
The sole 24 includes a set of three threaded bores 46, 48 and 50. The first threaded bore 46 is positioned toward the rear of the sole 24, and the second and third threaded bores 48 and 50 of the sole are positioned on the skirt or sidewall of the sole toward the heel and toe of the body 20, respectively.
Breast 104 extends between neck portion 102 and tail 108. Breast 104 forms the flat lower surface, covering the flat bottom of sole 24 of head 16. Breast 104 extends across and covers the openings 44 between ribs 42 and 43.
Wings 106 laterally extend from breast 104 and form portions of front edge 100 on opposite side of neck portion 102. As best seen in
Tail 108 extends rearwardly from breast 104 and rearwardly from wings 106, in a direction away from neck 102 and strike plate 22. As shown by
Wings 106 and tail 108 form a generally T-shaped structure, wherein wings 106 extend parallel or at least substantially parallel to the front strike face 22, providing rigidity and further distributing weight along and close proximity to front strike 22. Wings 106 and tail 108 each include mounting apertures through which removable weights 42, also serving as fasteners, extend into engagement with the threaded bores 46, 48 and 50. Wings 106 each include side mounting apertures 110 while tail 108 includes tail mounting aperture 112. Side mounting apertures 110 extend through the upwardly curving portions of wings 106 for being aligned with threaded bores 48 and 50 along the skirt of club head 16 on opposite sides of the centerline of club head 16. Tail mounting aperture 112 extends through tail 106 proximate a rear of head 16. In the example illustrated, each of apertures 110, 112 comprise counter sinks 113 for receiving portions of weights 42.
As shown by
As further shown by
In the example illustrated, portions of sole 24 not occupied by recess 120 are further provided with additional cavities or recesses, reducing the weight of head 16 and providing additional structural strength about recess 120. In the example illustrated, sole 24 additionally comprises front side recesses 160 and rear side recesses 132. Front side recesses 160 have ceilings and sidewalls projecting upward into sole 24. Front side recesses 160 are each located between respective wing recesses 128 and strike face 22 on opposite sides of head 16. Likewise, rear side recesses 132 have ceilings and sidewalls projecting upward from into sole 24. Rear side recesses 132 are each located between respective wing recesses 128 and the rear or tale of club head 16.
As further shown by
In one implementation, the club head 16 can be produced with a single removable sole plate 40. In another implementation, the club head 16 can be sold or configured with one or more extra or spare sole plates. The sole plates 40 can have different weights, different textures, different colors, different graphics, different indicia and combinations thereof. In another implementation, the club head 16 can be sold or configured as a set with three or more weights 52 and two or more removable sole plates 40 that provide the user with a large number of different options for customizing the weight, weight distribution and appearance of the club head. The present invention allows for a high degree of customization and adjustability of the club head.
The removable sole plate 40 can be formed of a composite material. In another implementation, the sole plate 40 can be formed of an alloy, such as a titanium alloy or an aluminum alloy. In other implementations, the removable sole plate can be formed of other alloys, other metals, a composite/metal hybrid, or combinations thereof. The body 20 of the club head 16 is made of a high tensile strength, durable material, preferably a stainless steel or titanium alloy. Alternatively, the body 20 of the club head 16 can be made of other materials, such as, for example, a composite material, aluminum, other steels, metals, alloys, wood, ceramics or combinations thereof.
As further shown by
Sole plate 240 is similar to sole plate 40 described above except that sole plate 240 has a rounded or curved front edge 300, more closely matching the rounded or curved strike face 22 of head 216. Sole plate 240 comprises mounting apertures 310, 312 through which weights 242, 243 extend into engagement with corresponding threaded bores 46, 48 and 50 in body 20 of head 216. The club head 216 further includes a groove 250 defined by the forward portion of the sole 224 and a forward region 252 of the sole plate 240. The groove 250 extends from the heel to the toe of the club head 216, and can follow or correspond to the curvature of the face or strike plate 22 of the club head 216.
Weights 242, 243 are similar to weights 42 described above in that weights 242, 243 are each configured to extend through sole plate 240 while being threaded into their corresponding threaded bores in body 20 of head 216. In the example illustrated, weights 242 have a size smaller than weight 243 and passed through wings 106 of sole plate 40.
Weight 243 has a size and weight larger than weights 242 and extends through a front portion of tail 108. As shown by
Weight 243 may have a weight within the range of 1 gram to 20 grams. In one implementation, weight 243 has a weight within the range of 2 to 12 grams. In other implementations, golf club head 216 may include additional weights 242, 243 add additional alternative locations. In other implementations, the club head 216 can be configured with one or more extra or spare weights identical in size and configuration as weights 242, 243, but with different weight distribution or overall weight characteristics. Weights 242, 243 provide the user with greater flexibility in adjusting the overall weight of the club head, and the weight distribution or configuration of the club head. The weights 242, 243 are formed of one or more alloys. In other implementations, the weights can be formed of a heavy metal, other alloys, and combinations thereof.
The disclosed features of golf clubs 10 and 210 provide numerous advantages over existing golf clubs. The weights and sole plates can be easily, simply and conveniently removed, replaced and/or adjusted to obtain a number of different golf club characteristics. The weights and sole plates optimize the adjustability and customization of the club head. The assembly performs well, and allows for the player to quickly and easily adjust the club head to match the golfer's particular needs or objectives at that time. The present assembly also can be readily adjusted into a variety of different settings thereby eliminating the need for the golfer to carry multiple clubs to meet the different desired settings. Further, the present invention provides a golf club that meets these needs while also providing an improved, pleasing aesthetic. The adjustment assembly is also configured for use in competitive play including tournament play by satisfying the requirements of The Rules of Golf as approved by the U.S. Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland effective Jan. 1, 2012 (“The Rules of Golf”). Accordingly, the term “assembly is configured for organized, competitive play” refers to a golf club head that fully meets the golf shaft rules and/or requirements of The Rules of Golf.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. One of skill in the art will understand that the invention may also be practiced without many of the details described above. Accordingly, it will be intended to include all such alternatives, modifications and variations set forth within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Further, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail because such structures or functions would be known to one skilled in the art. Unless a term is defined in this specification, the terminology used in the present specification is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though may be used conjunction with the description of certain specific embodiments of the present invention.
Claims
1. A golf club head comprising:
- a body having a hollow interior, the body comprising: a hosel portion; a front strike face; a crown; and a sole comprising a floor and a sidewall extending from the floor to the crown, the crown and the sole extending rearward from the front strike face to form the rear portion of the body, the sidewall and the crown forming a heel portion and a toe portion of the body, the sidewall including first and second bores positioned at the heel portion and the toe portion, respectively, the body having a total maximum height measured about a first reference plane extending from the floor of the sole to the top of the crown, the body having a body width measured about a second reference plane extending through the centers of the first and second bores from the heel portion to the toe portion of the body, the first and second bores having first and second bore heights, respectively, measured with respect to the first reference plane from the bottom of the floor of the sole to the center of the first and second bores, each of the first and second bore heights being at least one quarter of the total maximum height of the body, the first bore being positioned toward the heel portion so as to be within a quarter of the body width from a heel side of the body, and the second bore being positioned toward the toe portion so as to be within a quarter of the body width from a toe side of the body.
2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second bore heights are at least one third of the total maximum height of the body.
3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first and second bores define first and second bore axes, and wherein the first and second bore axes intersect each other at or near the crown.
4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the sole includes a third bore positioned at the rear portion of the body.
5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the third bore has a third bore height measured with respect to the first reference plane from the bottom of the floor of the sole to the center of the third bore, and wherein the first and second bore heights are greater than the third bore height.
6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the sole has openings opening into the hollow interior.
7. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein the openings define an openings surface area, wherein the sole has a sole surface area, and wherein the openings surface area is at least 20 percent of the sole surface area.
8. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a first sole plate removably mounted to the sole using at least the first and second bores.
9. The golf club head of claim 6, further comprising a first sole plate removably mounted to the sole using at least the first and second bores, wherein the first sole plate extends over the openings in the sole.
10. The golf club head of claim 8, further comprising at least first and second weight members, wherein the first and second bores are threaded, and wherein the first and second weight members extend through the sole plate and threadably engage the threaded first and second bores, respectively.
11. The golf club head of claim 8 further comprising a second sole plate interchangeable with the first sole plate to folio a kit, the second sole plate having different weight characteristics than the sole plate.
12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the second sole plate has a shape identical to that of the first sole plate.
13. The golf club head of claim 1 further comprising a central recessed region in the crown forming a sight line for the golf club head.
14. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the central recessed region has a length of at least 2 inches and a width of at least 0.5 inch, wherein the central recessed region including a narrow sight marker extending in a direction from the strike face extending rearward over a portion of the central recessed region, and wherein the crown has a first color and the central recessed region is formed of at least a second color that contrasts with the first color.
15. A golf club head comprising:
- a body having a hollow interior, the body comprising: a hosel portion; a front strike face; a crown; and a sole comprising a floor and a sidewall extending from the floor to the crown, the crown and the sole extending rearward from the front strike face to form the rear portion of the body, the sidewall and the crown forming a heel portion and a toe portion of the body, the sidewall including first and second bores positioned at the heel portion and the toe portion, respectively, the first and second bores defining first and second bore axes, and wherein the first and second bore axes intersect each other at or near the crown.
16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the body has a total maximum height measured with respect to a first reference plane from the floor of the sole to the top of the crown, wherein the first and second bores have first and second bore heights, respectively, measured with respect to the first reference plane from the bottom of the floor of the sole to the center of the first and second bores, and wherein each of the first and second bore heights are at least one quarter of the total maximum height of the body.
17. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the body has a body width measured about a second reference plane extending through the centers of the first and second bores from the heel portion to the toe portion of the body, and wherein the first bore is positioned toward the heel portion so as to be within a quarter of the body bore width from a heel side of the body, and the second bore is positioned toward the toe portion so as to be within a quarter of the body bore width from a toe side of the body.
18. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second bore heights are at least one third of the total height of the body.
19. A golf club head comprising:
- a body having a hollow interior, the body comprising: a hosel portion; a front strike face; a crown including a central recessed region having a length of at least 2 inches and a width of at least 0.5 inch, the central recessed region including a narrow sight marker extending in a direction from the strike face extending rearward over a portion of the central recessed region, the crown has a first color and the central recessed region is formed of at least a second color that contrasts with the first color; and a sole comprising a floor and sidewalls extending from the floor to the crown.
20. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein the central recessed region is formed of at least a second and third color, and wherein the second color transitions into the third color.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 22, 2018
Publication Date: May 24, 2018
Inventor: Eric Sillies (Cincinnati, OH)
Application Number: 15/876,657