US20060094526A1 - Golf club head with removable rails - Google Patents
Golf club head with removable rails Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060094526A1 US20060094526A1 US11/260,488 US26048805A US2006094526A1 US 20060094526 A1 US20060094526 A1 US 20060094526A1 US 26048805 A US26048805 A US 26048805A US 2006094526 A1 US2006094526 A1 US 2006094526A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- club head
- golf club
- rail member
- head according
- facing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0433—Heads with special sole configurations
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0466—Heads wood-type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B2053/0491—Heads with added weights, e.g. changeable, replaceable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/047—Heads iron-type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0487—Heads for putters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/06—Heads adjustable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/06—Heads adjustable
- A63B53/065—Heads adjustable for putters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/02—Ballast means for adjusting the centre of mass
Definitions
- This invention relates to a golf club head employing a soleplate system for a golf club head. More particularly, the invention relates to a golf club head employing one or more removable rail members that are selectively secured within slots along the sole of the golf club head, wherein the rail members are manufactured with different heights, weights and profiles.
- metal wood type golf club heads have replaced solid wood club heads.
- the metal wood type golf club heads offer the opportunity to enhance the striking characteristics of the club head by shifting the weight distribution within the club head, altering the materials from which the metal wood type golf club head is manufactured and increasing the overall size and “sweet spot” of the club head without substantially increasing the weight of the club head.
- weights are often added at various internal and external locations along the club head to improve, based upon personal preferences of a golfer, the launch angle and flight trajectory of a golf ball.
- the weight members are commonly manufactured from high-density material that adds to the weighting characteristics of the club head.
- mass produced golf clubs are manufactured with weight distributions chosen to assist a large range of golfers.
- the weight distribution of a mass produced golf club head may be too heavy or too light for a specific golfer.
- the weight distribution may be positioned too far toward the striking face, too far toward the rear of the club head, too far toward the heel of the club head or too far toward the toe of the club head to suit individual golfers.
- the present invention provides a club head offering a selectively adjustable removable soleplate system that provides for reliable and secure attachment of a plurality of sole rail members such that a golfer may readily customize his or her golf club head to enhance performance by specifically tuning the golf club head for producing desired swing characteristics.
- a golf club head including a club head body having a striking face, a sole, a crown, a toe and a heel.
- the club head also includes an adjustable soleplate system including at least one rail member adapted for selective attachment to the sole of the club head body.
- the rail member includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis extending substantially from a rear of the club head body toward the striking face of the club head body.
- the rail member includes a facing first surface and a connecting second surface, the facing first surface being shaped and dimensioned to ride along a striking surface and the connecting second surface being shaped and dimensioned for attachment to the sole of the club head body.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club head in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a golf club head shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 1 along the line III-III.
- FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the gold club head shown in FIG. 3 along the line IV-IV.
- FIG. 5 shows various cross sectional shapes that may be used for the rail members in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show various alternate embodiments in accordance with the present invention.
- the golf club head 10 includes a club head body 12 and an adjustable soleplate system 14 adapted for the selective attachment of rail members 16 along the sole 18 of the club head body 12 .
- the club head body 12 is preferably formed of metal, for example, a titanium alloy, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.
- the club head body 12 includes a striking face 20 , a sole 18 , a crown 22 , a toe 24 , a heel 26 and a hosel 28 to which a shaft 30 is secured.
- the adjustable soleplate system 14 includes a plurality of selectively removable rail members 16 shaped and dimensioned for attachment within recesses 32 formed in the sole 18 of the club head body 12 .
- each the rail members 16 is generally composed of an elongated body 34 having a first end 44 and a second end 46 .
- the elongated body 34 also includes a longitudinal axis 48 extending substantially from the rear 42 of the club head body 12 toward the striking face 20 of the club head body 12 .
- the rail members 16 are releasably secured within the recesses 32 via coupling structures, such as, screws 33 .
- a plurality of rail members 16 of various weights and sizes are provided with the club head 10 . This allows the user to selectively choose the rail members 16 for use in optimizing the weight distribution and swing characteristics of the club head 10 .
- a preferred club head 10 is disclosed herein with an adjustable soleplate system 14 in which two recesses 32 are respectively provided adjacent the heel 26 and toe 24 of the golf club head 10 for attachment of two rail members 16 , other system variations may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention.
- a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein in conjunction with metal wood type club heads.
- the soleplate system of the present invention may be employed in conjunction with other golf club heads without departing from the spirit of the present invention. That is, the concepts underlying the present soleplate system may be employed in conjunction with irons, hybrid clubs and putters without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- each rail member 16 is composed of an elongated body 34 having a facing first surface 36 and a connecting second surface 38 .
- the facing first surface 36 is shaped and dimensioned to ride along the grass, sand or other striking surface of the golf course or driving range as the club head 10 strikes the ball.
- the facing first surface 36 may take a variety of shapes (see FIG. 5 ) so as to provide golfers with choices regarding the swing characteristics offered by the golf club head 10 .
- the various profiles contemplated for use in conjunction with the facing first surface 36 of the rail member 16 may be used in such a way that the rail member 16 has a consistent profile from its first end 44 to its second end 46 (see FIGS. 1 through 4 ) or, and in accordance with an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the profile of the rail member 116 along the facing first surface 136 may be varied along the length of the rail member 116 between the first end 144 and the second end 146 thereof so as to vary the surface characteristics as the club head 110 moves from the striking face 120 to the rear 142 thereof.
- the connecting second surface 38 is shaped and dimensioned for engagement within connecting recesses 32 formed along the sole 18 of the club head 10 .
- the connecting second surface 38 of the rail members 16 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within slots 32 formed along the sole 18 of golf club head 10 .
- the second connecting surface 38 is selectively coupled to respective slots 32 utilizing screws 33 or other coupling structures known to those skilled in the art.
- the body 34 of the rail member 16 is composed of a high density material and, as will be discussed below in greater detail, is designed to enhance both the weight characteristics of the golf club head 10 and the movement characteristics of the club head 10 as the sole 18 of the golf club head 10 passes along the ground.
- the rail members 16 may have various cross sections designed to enhance movement of the rail members 16 along the grass, sand or other striking surface of the golf course or driving range as the club head 10 strikes the ball.
- the facing first surface 36 of the rail members 16 may be rectangular, trapezoidal or even circular.
- a trapezoid shape for example, like a wedge, would make the face sit up or hug the ground, changing the launch angle, face angle and allowing for more weight to be positioned at the fat end of the rail member.
- the rail members may be formed with sharp edges like on a rectangle or smooth edges like on a rod.
- the rails may be formed with a variety of shapes and cross sectional profiles designed to provide different movement characteristics as the rails dig into the grass, sand or other surface upon impact.
- the movement characteristics of the golf club head 10 as it passes along the grass, sand or other striking surface of the golf course or driving range as the club head 10 strikes the ball during impact may be readily changed to suit specific golfers.
- the weight distribution of the golf club head 10 can be altered by utilizing rail members 16 of different weights and shapes. For example, different height rail members 16 will make the striking face 20 of the club head 10 either sit up or hug the ground and rail members 16 of different weights will shift the center of gravity accordingly. The different heights of the rail members 16 could also change the face angle of the club head 10 .
- While the embodiment disclosed with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4 utilizes rail members 16 wherein the weight distribution is evenly distributed along the length of the rail member 16 , an embodiment employing rail members 216 having non-uniform weight distribution along the length thereof is also contemplated, that is, the first end 244 may be heavier or lighter than the second end 246 (see FIG. 7 ). It is contemplated the weight variation may be achieved by utilizing different materials at the first and second ends or by structuring the first and second ends in such a way that the weight at the first end is different from the weight and the second end. By providing a non-uniform weight distribution, the rail member 216 will allow a golfer to move the center of gravity around the club head 210 by simply choosing rail members 216 with desired weight characteristics.
- the center of gravity will be shifted toward the rear 242 of the golf club head 210 translating into different hitting characteristics. Similar scenarios would be achieved by moving weight toward the toe 224 or heel 226 or striking face 220 .
- a rail member 216 with a non-uniform weight distribution is further enhanced by providing a coupling structure as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4 , which allows for reversal of the rail members 216 . That is, the coupling structure permits the first end 244 to be positioned either adjacent the striking face 220 or the rear 242 of the club head body 212 depending upon the specific needs of the golfer (see and compare identical rail members 216 positioned adjacent the toe 224 and heel 226 of the club head body 212 where the first end 244 is adjacent the striking face 220 on the heel side and the second end 246 is adjacent the striking face 220 on the toe side).
- the symmetrical nature of the coupling structure further allows for shifting of the weight members between the toe and heel based upon the fact the coupling structure employed for all rail members is both identical and symmetrical.
- rail members with uniform weight distribution and uniform facing first surface profiles are disclosed with reference to the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1 through 4
- rail members with a non-uniform facing surface profile are disclosed with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 6
- rail members with non-uniform weight distribution are disclosed with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 7
- a rail member 316 a of uniform shape and weight is used in conjunction with a rail member 316 b having a non-uniform shape and weight.
Abstract
Description
- This application is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/622,613, entitled “GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH REMOVABLE RAILS”, filed Oct. 28, 2004.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to a golf club head employing a soleplate system for a golf club head. More particularly, the invention relates to a golf club head employing one or more removable rail members that are selectively secured within slots along the sole of the golf club head, wherein the rail members are manufactured with different heights, weights and profiles.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- Over the past twenty years, metal wood type golf club heads have replaced solid wood club heads. The metal wood type golf club heads offer the opportunity to enhance the striking characteristics of the club head by shifting the weight distribution within the club head, altering the materials from which the metal wood type golf club head is manufactured and increasing the overall size and “sweet spot” of the club head without substantially increasing the weight of the club head.
- Current oversized driver heads commonly exceed 300 cc in volume and are conventionally manufactured from lightweight alloys, for example, titanium alloys. In an effort to enhance the striking characteristics of these relatively large club heads, weights are often added at various internal and external locations along the club head to improve, based upon personal preferences of a golfer, the launch angle and flight trajectory of a golf ball. The weight members are commonly manufactured from high-density material that adds to the weighting characteristics of the club head.
- However, mass produced golf clubs are manufactured with weight distributions chosen to assist a large range of golfers. The weight distribution of a mass produced golf club head may be too heavy or too light for a specific golfer. In addition, the weight distribution may be positioned too far toward the striking face, too far toward the rear of the club head, too far toward the heel of the club head or too far toward the toe of the club head to suit individual golfers.
- In addition to the positioning of weights within metal wood type golf club heads, various sole configurations are used in enhancing the striking characteristics of a club head for individual golfers. As with the use of specific weight distributions with golf club heads, different sole constructions are oftentimes best suited for only a specific group of golfers.
- With the foregoing in mind, a need exists for a golf club head that allows a golfer to fine tune the weight distribution and sole characteristics of a golf club head for his or her swing. The present invention provides a club head offering a selectively adjustable removable soleplate system that provides for reliable and secure attachment of a plurality of sole rail members such that a golfer may readily customize his or her golf club head to enhance performance by specifically tuning the golf club head for producing desired swing characteristics.
- It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a golf club head including a club head body having a striking face, a sole, a crown, a toe and a heel. The club head also includes an adjustable soleplate system including at least one rail member adapted for selective attachment to the sole of the club head body.
- It is also an object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the soleplate system includes a recess formed in the sole of the club head body and the rail member is shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment within the recess.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the recess is a slot formed along the sole of club head body which is shaped and dimensioned for receiving the rail member.
- It is also a further object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the club head body is formed of a titanium alloy.
- It is also another object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the rail member includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis extending substantially from a rear of the club head body toward the striking face of the club head body.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a golf club head further including a plurality of rail members.
- It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the rail member includes a facing first surface and a connecting second surface, the facing first surface being shaped and dimensioned to ride along a striking surface and the connecting second surface being shaped and dimensioned for attachment to the sole of the club head body.
- It is also an object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the soleplate system includes a facing slot formed along the sole of club head body which is shaped and dimensioned for receiving the connecting second surface of the rail member.
- It is also another object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the facing first surface includes a rectangular profile.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the facing first surface includes a trapezoidal profile.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the facing first surface includes a circular profile.
- It is also an object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the facing first surface includes a uniform profile as it extends from the first end of the rail member toward the second end of the rail member.
- It is also a further object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the facing first surface includes a non-uniform profile as it extends from the first end of the rail member toward the second end of the rail member.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the rail member includes uniform weight distribution as it extends from the first end of the rail member toward the second end of the rail member.
- It is also an object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the rail member includes a non-uniform weight distribution as it extends from the first end of the rail member toward the second end of the rail member.
- Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club head in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a golf club head shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the golf club head shown inFIG. 1 along the line III-III. -
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the gold club head shown inFIG. 3 along the line IV-IV. -
FIG. 5 shows various cross sectional shapes that may be used for the rail members in accordance with the present invention. -
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show various alternate embodiments in accordance with the present invention. - The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. Since various similar embodiments are disclosed herein, the same reference numerals are used for different embodiments where the structure being referenced is similar.
- With reference to the various figures, a
golf club head 10 is shown. Thegolf club head 10 includes aclub head body 12 and anadjustable soleplate system 14 adapted for the selective attachment ofrail members 16 along the sole 18 of theclub head body 12. - The
club head body 12 is preferably formed of metal, for example, a titanium alloy, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Theclub head body 12 includes astriking face 20, a sole 18, acrown 22, atoe 24, aheel 26 and ahosel 28 to which ashaft 30 is secured. - The
adjustable soleplate system 14 includes a plurality of selectivelyremovable rail members 16 shaped and dimensioned for attachment withinrecesses 32 formed in the sole 18 of theclub head body 12. Although rail members of various shapes and sizes may be used in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention as discussed below in greater detail, each therail members 16 is generally composed of anelongated body 34 having afirst end 44 and asecond end 46. Theelongated body 34 also includes alongitudinal axis 48 extending substantially from the rear 42 of theclub head body 12 toward thestriking face 20 of theclub head body 12. - The
rail members 16 are releasably secured within therecesses 32 via coupling structures, such as,screws 33. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality ofrail members 16 of various weights and sizes are provided with theclub head 10. This allows the user to selectively choose therail members 16 for use in optimizing the weight distribution and swing characteristics of theclub head 10. Although a preferredclub head 10 is disclosed herein with anadjustable soleplate system 14 in which tworecesses 32 are respectively provided adjacent theheel 26 andtoe 24 of thegolf club head 10 for attachment of tworail members 16, other system variations may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention. - A preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein in conjunction with metal wood type club heads. However, it is contemplated the soleplate system of the present invention may be employed in conjunction with other golf club heads without departing from the spirit of the present invention. That is, the concepts underlying the present soleplate system may be employed in conjunction with irons, hybrid clubs and putters without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- More particularly, and with regard to a preferred embodiment of the present
adjustable soleplate system 14, eachrail member 16 is composed of anelongated body 34 having a facingfirst surface 36 and a connectingsecond surface 38. The facingfirst surface 36 is shaped and dimensioned to ride along the grass, sand or other striking surface of the golf course or driving range as theclub head 10 strikes the ball. As will be discussed below, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the facingfirst surface 36 may take a variety of shapes (seeFIG. 5 ) so as to provide golfers with choices regarding the swing characteristics offered by thegolf club head 10. The various profiles contemplated for use in conjunction with the facingfirst surface 36 of therail member 16 may be used in such a way that therail member 16 has a consistent profile from itsfirst end 44 to its second end 46 (seeFIGS. 1 through 4 ) or, and in accordance with an alternate embodiment shown inFIG. 6 , the profile of therail member 116 along the facingfirst surface 136 may be varied along the length of therail member 116 between thefirst end 144 and thesecond end 146 thereof so as to vary the surface characteristics as theclub head 110 moves from thestriking face 120 to the rear 142 thereof. - The connecting
second surface 38 is shaped and dimensioned for engagement within connectingrecesses 32 formed along the sole 18 of theclub head 10. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connectingsecond surface 38 of therail members 16 is shaped and dimensioned to fit withinslots 32 formed along the sole 18 ofgolf club head 10. The second connectingsurface 38 is selectively coupled torespective slots 32 utilizingscrews 33 or other coupling structures known to those skilled in the art. - The
body 34 of therail member 16 is composed of a high density material and, as will be discussed below in greater detail, is designed to enhance both the weight characteristics of thegolf club head 10 and the movement characteristics of theclub head 10 as the sole 18 of thegolf club head 10 passes along the ground. - As shown in
FIGS. 1, 2 , 3, 4 and 5, therail members 16 may have various cross sections designed to enhance movement of therail members 16 along the grass, sand or other striking surface of the golf course or driving range as theclub head 10 strikes the ball. For example, and with reference toFIG. 5 , the facingfirst surface 36 of therail members 16 may be rectangular, trapezoidal or even circular. A trapezoid shape, for example, like a wedge, would make the face sit up or hug the ground, changing the launch angle, face angle and allowing for more weight to be positioned at the fat end of the rail member. In addition, the rail members may be formed with sharp edges like on a rectangle or smooth edges like on a rod. With this in mind, and as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the rails may be formed with a variety of shapes and cross sectional profiles designed to provide different movement characteristics as the rails dig into the grass, sand or other surface upon impact. - By providing a
soleplate system 14 in whichrail members 16 of various weights and shapes may be employed, the movement characteristics of thegolf club head 10 as it passes along the grass, sand or other striking surface of the golf course or driving range as theclub head 10 strikes the ball during impact may be readily changed to suit specific golfers. In addition, the weight distribution of thegolf club head 10 can be altered by utilizingrail members 16 of different weights and shapes. For example, differentheight rail members 16 will make thestriking face 20 of theclub head 10 either sit up or hug the ground andrail members 16 of different weights will shift the center of gravity accordingly. The different heights of therail members 16 could also change the face angle of theclub head 10. - While the embodiment disclosed with reference to
FIGS. 1 through 4 utilizesrail members 16 wherein the weight distribution is evenly distributed along the length of therail member 16, an embodiment employingrail members 216 having non-uniform weight distribution along the length thereof is also contemplated, that is, thefirst end 244 may be heavier or lighter than the second end 246 (seeFIG. 7 ). It is contemplated the weight variation may be achieved by utilizing different materials at the first and second ends or by structuring the first and second ends in such a way that the weight at the first end is different from the weight and the second end. By providing a non-uniform weight distribution, therail member 216 will allow a golfer to move the center of gravity around theclub head 210 by simply choosingrail members 216 with desired weight characteristics. For example, if more weight is added to thesecond end 246 of therail member 216 closest to the back of the sole 218 and the rear 242 of thegolf club head 210, the center of gravity will be shifted toward the rear 242 of thegolf club head 210 translating into different hitting characteristics. Similar scenarios would be achieved by moving weight toward thetoe 224 orheel 226 orstriking face 220. - The implementation of a
rail member 216 with a non-uniform weight distribution is further enhanced by providing a coupling structure as described above with reference toFIGS. 1 through 4 , which allows for reversal of therail members 216. That is, the coupling structure permits thefirst end 244 to be positioned either adjacent thestriking face 220 or the rear 242 of theclub head body 212 depending upon the specific needs of the golfer (see and compareidentical rail members 216 positioned adjacent thetoe 224 andheel 226 of theclub head body 212 where thefirst end 244 is adjacent thestriking face 220 on the heel side and thesecond end 246 is adjacent thestriking face 220 on the toe side). The symmetrical nature of the coupling structure further allows for shifting of the weight members between the toe and heel based upon the fact the coupling structure employed for all rail members is both identical and symmetrical. - Although rail members with uniform weight distribution and uniform facing first surface profiles are disclosed with reference to the embodiment disclosed in
FIGS. 1 through 4 , rail members with a non-uniform facing surface profile are disclosed with reference to the embodiment ofFIG. 6 , and rail members with non-uniform weight distribution are disclosed with reference to the embodiment ofFIG. 7 , it is contemplated these variations may be used in various combinations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, and as shown inFIG. 8 , a rail member 316 a of uniform shape and weight is used in conjunction with a rail member 316 b having a non-uniform shape and weight. - While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (15)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/260,488 US20060094526A1 (en) | 2004-10-28 | 2005-10-28 | Golf club head with removable rails |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US62261304P | 2004-10-28 | 2004-10-28 | |
US11/260,488 US20060094526A1 (en) | 2004-10-28 | 2005-10-28 | Golf club head with removable rails |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060094526A1 true US20060094526A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
Family
ID=36262771
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/260,488 Abandoned US20060094526A1 (en) | 2004-10-28 | 2005-10-28 | Golf club head with removable rails |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060094526A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080153623A1 (en) * | 2006-12-21 | 2008-06-26 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club head |
US20110077101A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-03-31 | Thomas Orrin Bennett | Golf club with rails |
US20130053163A1 (en) * | 2011-08-24 | 2013-02-28 | Yuki MOTOKAWA | Iron golf club set and golf club head |
US20130072319A1 (en) * | 2011-09-20 | 2013-03-21 | Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd. | Correlated set of golf club heads |
US20150011327A1 (en) * | 2013-07-08 | 2015-01-08 | Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd. | Golf club |
US20150165285A1 (en) * | 2009-08-25 | 2015-06-18 | Nike, Inc. | Golf clubs and golf club heads having a configured shape |
US10022599B1 (en) | 2017-08-09 | 2018-07-17 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with interchangeable rail system |
US10512827B1 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2019-12-24 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with a hollow rail |
US11020636B2 (en) * | 2019-04-09 | 2021-06-01 | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. | Golf club head |
US20220032135A1 (en) * | 2020-08-03 | 2022-02-03 | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. | Golf club head |
Citations (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1133129A (en) * | 1913-03-06 | 1915-03-23 | James Govan | Golf-club. |
US3064980A (en) * | 1959-12-29 | 1962-11-20 | James V Steiner | Variable golf club head |
US3606327A (en) * | 1969-01-28 | 1971-09-20 | Joseph M Gorman | Golf club weight control capsule |
US3897066A (en) * | 1973-11-28 | 1975-07-29 | Peter A Belmont | Golf club heads and process |
US3979123A (en) * | 1973-11-28 | 1976-09-07 | Belmont Peter A | Golf club heads and process |
US4754977A (en) * | 1986-06-16 | 1988-07-05 | Players Golf, Inc. | Golf club |
US4869507A (en) * | 1986-06-16 | 1989-09-26 | Players Golf, Inc. | Golf club |
US5013041A (en) * | 1990-01-22 | 1991-05-07 | Cipa Manufacturing Corporation | Golf driver with variable weighting for changing center of gravity |
US5213329A (en) * | 1990-09-25 | 1993-05-25 | The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. | Golf club head |
US5316305A (en) * | 1992-07-02 | 1994-05-31 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Golf clubhead with multi-material soleplate |
US5385348A (en) * | 1993-11-15 | 1995-01-31 | Wargo; Elmer | Method and system for providing custom designed golf clubs having replaceable swing weight inserts |
US5429356A (en) * | 1991-11-27 | 1995-07-04 | Bill-Ding Technology, Inc. | Golf putter |
US5518243A (en) * | 1995-01-25 | 1996-05-21 | Zubi Golf Company | Wood-type golf club head with improved adjustable weight configuration |
US5803830A (en) * | 1994-08-01 | 1998-09-08 | Austin; Michael Hoke | Optimum dynamic impact golf clubs |
US5916042A (en) * | 1995-10-11 | 1999-06-29 | Reimers; Eric W. | Adjustable balance weighting system for golf clubs |
US5947840A (en) * | 1997-01-24 | 1999-09-07 | Ryan; William H. | Adjustable weight golf club |
US6077171A (en) * | 1998-11-23 | 2000-06-20 | Yonex Kabushiki Kaisha | Iron golf club head including weight members for adjusting center of gravity thereof |
US6123627A (en) * | 1998-05-21 | 2000-09-26 | Antonious; Anthony J. | Golf club head with reinforcing outer support system having weight inserts |
US6306048B1 (en) * | 1999-01-22 | 2001-10-23 | Acushnet Company | Golf club head with weight adjustment |
US20010049310A1 (en) * | 2000-05-31 | 2001-12-06 | Bernard Cheng | Golf club head and a method for manufacturing the same |
US6348014B1 (en) * | 2000-08-15 | 2002-02-19 | Chih Hung Chiu | Golf putter head and weight adjustable arrangement |
US6379265B1 (en) * | 1998-12-21 | 2002-04-30 | Yamaha Corporation | Structure and method of fastening a weight body to a golf club head |
US20020137576A1 (en) * | 2000-03-09 | 2002-09-26 | Per Dammen | Golf club head with adjustable weights |
US6773360B2 (en) * | 2002-11-08 | 2004-08-10 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club head having a removable weight |
US20040176177A1 (en) * | 2002-06-17 | 2004-09-09 | The Top-Flite Golf Company | Golf club head with peripheral weighting |
US6805643B1 (en) * | 2003-08-18 | 2004-10-19 | O-Ta Precision Casting Co., Ltd. | Composite golf club head |
-
2005
- 2005-10-28 US US11/260,488 patent/US20060094526A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1133129A (en) * | 1913-03-06 | 1915-03-23 | James Govan | Golf-club. |
US3064980A (en) * | 1959-12-29 | 1962-11-20 | James V Steiner | Variable golf club head |
US3606327A (en) * | 1969-01-28 | 1971-09-20 | Joseph M Gorman | Golf club weight control capsule |
US3897066A (en) * | 1973-11-28 | 1975-07-29 | Peter A Belmont | Golf club heads and process |
US3979123A (en) * | 1973-11-28 | 1976-09-07 | Belmont Peter A | Golf club heads and process |
US4869507A (en) * | 1986-06-16 | 1989-09-26 | Players Golf, Inc. | Golf club |
US4754977A (en) * | 1986-06-16 | 1988-07-05 | Players Golf, Inc. | Golf club |
US5013041A (en) * | 1990-01-22 | 1991-05-07 | Cipa Manufacturing Corporation | Golf driver with variable weighting for changing center of gravity |
US5213329A (en) * | 1990-09-25 | 1993-05-25 | The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. | Golf club head |
US5429356A (en) * | 1991-11-27 | 1995-07-04 | Bill-Ding Technology, Inc. | Golf putter |
US5316305A (en) * | 1992-07-02 | 1994-05-31 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Golf clubhead with multi-material soleplate |
US5385348A (en) * | 1993-11-15 | 1995-01-31 | Wargo; Elmer | Method and system for providing custom designed golf clubs having replaceable swing weight inserts |
US5803830A (en) * | 1994-08-01 | 1998-09-08 | Austin; Michael Hoke | Optimum dynamic impact golf clubs |
US5518243A (en) * | 1995-01-25 | 1996-05-21 | Zubi Golf Company | Wood-type golf club head with improved adjustable weight configuration |
US5916042A (en) * | 1995-10-11 | 1999-06-29 | Reimers; Eric W. | Adjustable balance weighting system for golf clubs |
US5947840A (en) * | 1997-01-24 | 1999-09-07 | Ryan; William H. | Adjustable weight golf club |
US6123627A (en) * | 1998-05-21 | 2000-09-26 | Antonious; Anthony J. | Golf club head with reinforcing outer support system having weight inserts |
US6077171A (en) * | 1998-11-23 | 2000-06-20 | Yonex Kabushiki Kaisha | Iron golf club head including weight members for adjusting center of gravity thereof |
US6379265B1 (en) * | 1998-12-21 | 2002-04-30 | Yamaha Corporation | Structure and method of fastening a weight body to a golf club head |
US6306048B1 (en) * | 1999-01-22 | 2001-10-23 | Acushnet Company | Golf club head with weight adjustment |
US20020137576A1 (en) * | 2000-03-09 | 2002-09-26 | Per Dammen | Golf club head with adjustable weights |
US20010049310A1 (en) * | 2000-05-31 | 2001-12-06 | Bernard Cheng | Golf club head and a method for manufacturing the same |
US6348014B1 (en) * | 2000-08-15 | 2002-02-19 | Chih Hung Chiu | Golf putter head and weight adjustable arrangement |
US20040176177A1 (en) * | 2002-06-17 | 2004-09-09 | The Top-Flite Golf Company | Golf club head with peripheral weighting |
US6773360B2 (en) * | 2002-11-08 | 2004-08-10 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club head having a removable weight |
US6805643B1 (en) * | 2003-08-18 | 2004-10-19 | O-Ta Precision Casting Co., Ltd. | Composite golf club head |
Cited By (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7594865B2 (en) | 2006-12-21 | 2009-09-29 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club head |
US20080153623A1 (en) * | 2006-12-21 | 2008-06-26 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club head |
US10751588B2 (en) | 2009-08-25 | 2020-08-25 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf clubs and golf club heads having a configured shape |
US9937396B2 (en) * | 2009-08-25 | 2018-04-10 | Karsten Maufacturing Corporation | Golf clubs and golf club heads having a configured shape |
US20150165285A1 (en) * | 2009-08-25 | 2015-06-18 | Nike, Inc. | Golf clubs and golf club heads having a configured shape |
US11358038B2 (en) | 2009-08-25 | 2022-06-14 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf clubs and golf club heads having a configured shape |
US10335654B2 (en) | 2009-08-25 | 2019-07-02 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf clubs and golf club heads having a configured shape |
US8328658B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2012-12-11 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club with rails |
US8771097B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2014-07-08 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club with trough in sole |
US20130095952A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2013-04-18 | Thomas Orrin Bennett | Golf club with trough in sole |
US20110077101A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-03-31 | Thomas Orrin Bennett | Golf club with rails |
US8870675B2 (en) * | 2011-08-24 | 2014-10-28 | Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd. | Iron golf club set and golf club head |
US20130053163A1 (en) * | 2011-08-24 | 2013-02-28 | Yuki MOTOKAWA | Iron golf club set and golf club head |
US9061185B2 (en) * | 2011-09-20 | 2015-06-23 | Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd. | Correlated set of golf club heads |
US9782644B2 (en) | 2011-09-20 | 2017-10-10 | Dunlop Sports Co., Ltd. | Correlated set of golf club heads |
US20130072319A1 (en) * | 2011-09-20 | 2013-03-21 | Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd. | Correlated set of golf club heads |
US20150011327A1 (en) * | 2013-07-08 | 2015-01-08 | Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd. | Golf club |
JP2015013078A (en) * | 2013-07-08 | 2015-01-22 | ダンロップスポーツ株式会社 | Golf club |
US9480890B2 (en) * | 2013-07-08 | 2016-11-01 | Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd. | Golf club |
US10463930B1 (en) | 2017-08-09 | 2019-11-05 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with an interchangeable rail system |
US10022599B1 (en) | 2017-08-09 | 2018-07-17 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with interchangeable rail system |
US10786710B1 (en) | 2017-08-09 | 2020-09-29 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with an interchangeable rail system |
US10512827B1 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2019-12-24 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with a hollow rail |
US10821337B1 (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2020-11-03 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Golf club head with a hollow rail |
US11020636B2 (en) * | 2019-04-09 | 2021-06-01 | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. | Golf club head |
US20220032135A1 (en) * | 2020-08-03 | 2022-02-03 | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. | Golf club head |
US11786785B2 (en) * | 2020-08-03 | 2023-10-17 | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. | Golf club head |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11819741B2 (en) | Golf club head and golf club head structures | |
US11577133B2 (en) | Golf club and golf club head structures | |
US20060094526A1 (en) | Golf club head with removable rails | |
US8016694B2 (en) | Golf club head and golf clubs | |
US7018304B2 (en) | Putter head | |
US6123627A (en) | Golf club head with reinforcing outer support system having weight inserts | |
US7611424B2 (en) | Golf club head and golf club | |
US6569029B1 (en) | Golf club head having replaceable bounce angle portions | |
US6719641B2 (en) | Golf iron having a customizable weighting feature | |
US8758163B2 (en) | Iron type golf clubs and golf club heads having adjustable weighting features | |
US7244188B2 (en) | Multi-piece golf club head with improved inertia | |
US6692378B2 (en) | Golf club head with alignment channel | |
US20150360099A1 (en) | Golf club head | |
US20050014573A1 (en) | Golf iron | |
JP2002502643A (en) | Golf Club Associated Set | |
EP0786271A2 (en) | Adjustable weight golf club | |
US10821337B1 (en) | Golf club head with a hollow rail | |
US20160325155A1 (en) | Wave sole for a golf club head | |
JP2006130206A (en) | Putter head and putter with the same | |
JP2000288129A (en) | Set of golf club | |
JP2006191949A (en) | Golf putter head and golf putter provided with the same | |
US9028339B2 (en) | Hybrid golf club heads and hybrid golf clubs incorporating the same | |
US20100093465A1 (en) | Hybrid golf club |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ADAMS GOLF IP, L.P., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:REED, TIM;REEL/FRAME:018284/0447 Effective date: 20060918 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WACHOVIA BANK, TEXAS Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ADAMS GOLF IP, L.P.;REEL/FRAME:020206/0645 Effective date: 20071113 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TAYLORMADE GOLF COMPANY, INC. (AS SUCCESSOR IN INT Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (AS SUCCESSOR TO WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION);REEL/FRAME:044228/0678 Effective date: 20171113 |