US20120129620A1 - Golf club head - Google Patents
Golf club head Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120129620A1 US20120129620A1 US13/133,480 US200913133480A US2012129620A1 US 20120129620 A1 US20120129620 A1 US 20120129620A1 US 200913133480 A US200913133480 A US 200913133480A US 2012129620 A1 US2012129620 A1 US 2012129620A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- golf club
- club head
- port
- tubular structure
- user
- 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
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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
- 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
- A63B53/0441—Heads with visual indicators for aligning the golf club
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A63B2209/02—Characteristics of used materials with reinforcing fibres, e.g. carbon, polyamide fibres
- A63B2209/023—Long, oriented fibres, e.g. wound filaments, woven fabrics, mats
-
- 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
- A63B53/0437—Heads with special crown configurations
-
- 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
- A63B60/50—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with through-holes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3676—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for putting
- A63B69/3682—Visual means not attached to the body for aligning, positioning the trainee's head or for detecting head movement, e.g. by parallax
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3676—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for putting
- A63B69/3685—Putters or attachments on putters, e.g. for measuring, aligning
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a golf club head, which is provided with advantageous head alignment capabilities and an enhanced polar moment of inertia.
- the stability of a golf club head is largely influenced by the so-called polar moment of inertia (PMOI) of the golf club head.
- PMOI polar moment of inertia
- the alignment of the golf club head is facilitated or hindered by geometric features that enable the golfer to align the golf club head face toward the intended target.
- the golf club can vary in its position relative to five degrees of freedom:
- the present invention provides a golf club head, according to the claim 1 proposed in the following.
- the golf club head comprises a front portion, a rear portion, an upper portion and a lower portion.
- the upper portion of the golf club head comprises an upper port that is formed therethrough and is defined by a first inner edge thereof.
- the lower portion of the golf club head is arranged below the upper portion, from which it is vertically spaced.
- the lower portion of the golf club head comprises a lower port, which is formed therethrough and is defined by a second inner edge thereof.
- Said upper and lower ports are arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the second inner edge and the first inner edge appear to the user in a predefined mutual spatial relationship.
- the mentioned vertically-displaced ports of the golf club are arranged such that they remarkably aid in the alignment of the club head.
- the shape of said ports may be any, according to the needs.
- the upper and lower ports are oval in shape with the major axis of each port perpendicular to the golf club head face.
- the upper and lower ports are arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the second inner edge defining said lower port is fully visible to the user through said upper port.
- the lower port is advantageously sized slightly smaller than the upper port so that when proper alignment of the golf club head is achieved, the two ports are positioned concentric to each other and the edges of the lower port are visible through the upper port.
- the bottom port is visible to him within the top port, and is concentrically positioned.
- the golfer may control the golf club head position and orientation relative to five degrees of freedom as described below:
- said upper and lower ports are arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the second inner edge defining said lower port is fully hidden to the user by said the upper port.
- the lower port is advantageously formed so that it is slightly larger than the upper port. Consequently, the golfer achieves alignment of such a golf club head by adjusting the position of the head so that the edges of the golf club head are obscured by the edges of the upper port.
- the alignment process according to which the golfer can control the golf club head position and orientation, relative to five degrees of freedom, now involves alignment criteria that are complementary with those described above.
- the golfer may control the golf club head position and orientation relative to five degrees of freedom as described below:
- the golf club head is advantageously structured such that its PMOI is remarkably enhanced.
- the golf club head comprises a plurality of inward components and one or more outward components, which are relatively farther away from the centre of gravity of the golf club head than the inward components.
- the mass, weight, volume and/or density of the inward and outward components may be advantageously arranged such that the PMOI of the golf club head is improved.
- the outward components may be more massive and/or may weigh substantially more than the inward components.
- the outward components may comprise a material that is denser than a material comprised in the inward components, or at least one thereof.
- this material may be selected as steel, tungsten, titanium or another suitable material.
- this material may be selected as a polymer, a fibre reinforced composite such as carbon fibre reinforced epoxy or another suitable material.
- the outward components may have a greater volume than that of the inward components.
- a plurality of vertically-displaced ports are formed on the upper and lower portions of the golf club head, so that no mass of the golf club head is present at or near the vertical region defined by the ports.
- the PMOI/weight ratio is relatively high.
- the golf club head mass centre does in fact not need to necessarily coincide with the golf club head geometric centre.
- the mentioned alignment axis needs to necessarily coincide with the golf club head mass centre.
- the golf club head may thus be arranged so that to improve the ball impact and reduce the arising of undesired spinning phenomena when shooting the ball.
- the upper portion and/or the lower portion of the golf club head may comprise a wall structure.
- the upper portion and/or the lower portion of the golf club head may comprise a tubular structure.
- the upper portion and/or the lower portion may comprise a tubular structure comprising at least one leg having at least one aperture, for example a port or a blind hole.
- the present invention applies preferably to golf putter heads but it may be suitable also for heads of golf clubs of different type.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 4A-4D are some schematic views indicate how the golf club head of FIG. 1 should be reoriented or moved to achieve a proper alignment for a shot.
- FIG. 5 is an top view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention.
- FIG. 6 is an top view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention.
- FIG. 7 is an top view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention.
- FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the golf club head of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention.
- FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invent ion.
- the present invention relates to an improved golf club head 10 , 100 , 200 , 300 .
- the golf club head 10 , 100 , 200 , 300 comprises a front portion 16 , 116 , 216 , 316 , a rear portion 18 , 118 , 218 , 318 , an upper portion 12 , 112 , 212 , 312 and a lower portion 14 , 114 , 214 , 314 arranged below the upper portion and vertically spaced therefrom.
- the upper portion 12 , 112 , 212 , 312 comprises at least an upper port 26 , 126 , 226 , 227 , which is formed therethrough and is defined by a first inner edge 27 , 127 , 227 , 327 thereof.
- the lower portion 14 , 114 , 214 , 314 comprises at least a lower port 28 , 128 , 228 , 328 , which is formed therethrough and is defined by a second inner edge thereof 29 , 129 , 229 , 329 .
- said upper and lower ports are arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head is aligned therewith along a certain predetermined alignment axis 61 , the second inner edge 29 , 129 , 229 , 329 , which defines the mentioned lower port, can be seen by the user in a predefined spatial relationship with respect to said first inner edge 27 , 127 , 227 , 327 defining the upper port.
- the front portion 16 , 116 , 226 , 326 and the rear portion 18 , 118 , 218 , 318 may be made of one or more relatively denser materials with respect to one or more materials of the upper portion 12 , 112 , 212 , 312 and the lower portion 14 , 114 , 214 , 314 .
- the front portion 16 , 116 , 216 , 316 , the rear portion 18 , 118 , 218 , 318 and the lower portion 14 , 114 , 214 , 314 can be made of one or more relatively denser materials with respect to one or more materials of the upper portion 12 , 112 , 212 , 312 .
- the upper portion and/or the lower portion of the golf club head 10 may comprise wall structures, such as a top wall 12 and a bottom wall 14 .
- FIGS. 1-3 show a first embodiment of the golf club according to the invention.
- the golf club head 10 comprises the front portion 16 and the rear portion 18 .
- the golf club head comprises a front face 20 and a recessed cavity 22 located within the front portion 16 to accommodate a golf club shaft.
- the golf club head 10 of FIG. 3 comprises a top wall 12 and a bottom wall 14 respectively forming the upper portion and the lower portion.
- top wall 12 Between the top wall 12 and bottom wall 14 is a hollow interior.
- the top and bottom walls 12 and 14 are preferably made of a low weight material, such as a polymer plastic, or fibre reinforced resin such as carbon fibre reinforced epoxy.
- the top wall 12 or the bottom wall 14 may also be manufactured of a heavier material such as steel to change the centre of gravity vertically. For example, if the bottom wall 14 were made from steel, this would lower the centre of gravity toward the ground plane.
- Optional recessed areas 24 may be used to further reduce the weight of the central region of the golf club head 10 .
- the recessed areas 24 may be present at the bottom wall 14 and/or the upper wall 12 .
- recessed areas may be present also at the front portion 16 and/or the rear portion 18 .
- a port 26 is formed in the top wall 12 , which passes through the top wall thickness and is defined by the first inner edge 27 .
- the port 26 is advantageously oval shaped with the major axis in line with the direction of shooting and in the desired strike location of the golf ball.
- the port 26 removes all weight from the centre portion of the top wall 12 , creating a zero mass state for this zone.
- a further port 28 is formed in the bottom wall 14 , passing through said bottom wall, and it is defined by the second inner edge 29 .
- the port 28 is similar in shape, orientation and relative location as port 26 .
- the port 28 removes all weight from the centre zone of the bottom wall 14 , creating a zero mass state for this zone.
- the front portion 16 , the bottom wall 14 and the rear portion 18 may be made of the same material, while the top wall 12 may be made of a different material.
- the front portion 16 and the rear portion 18 , as well as the bottom wall 14 may be made of steel with a density of approximately 8 g/cm 3 .
- At least one of the golf club head portions 14 , 18 and 16 may be made of tungsten with a density of approximately 19 g/cm 3 and/or titanium with a density of approximately 4.7 g/cm 3 .
- the top wall 12 is made of carbon fibre/epoxy with a density of approximately 1.7 g/cm 3 , or glass fibre/epoxy at 2.7 g/cm 3 .
- FIGS. 1-5 show embodiments of the present invention, according to which the upper and lower ports 26 and 28 are arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis 61 , the second inner edge 29 defining the lower port 28 is fully visible to the user through the upper port 26 .
- FIG. 2 where it is shown a top plan view of the golf club head 10 in proper position and alignment relative to the viewpoint of a golfer preparing to take a shot using the golf club head 10 .
- Both the upper port 26 and lower port 28 are visible and the lower port 28 is concentric and slightly smaller with respect to the upper port 26 .
- ports 28 and 26 will not appear concentric.
- edges 27 and 29 of the ports 26 and 28 define a closed plane figure when viewed from above by the golfer and that said curved edges 27 , 29 bear a predetermined relationship to each other that is readily recognized by the golfer and indicates proper alignment of the golfer with the golf club head.
- edges 27 and 29 are curved, aligning one with the other thereby aligns the golf club head in two dimensions.
- FIGS. 4A through 4D can be considered to understand how the golf club head of FIG. 2 should be reoriented or moved to achieve proper alignment for a shot.
- either the golf club head 10 is forward of the correct position so that the right side of the edge 29 of the lower port 28 is obscured, or else the golfer has rotated the golf club head so that its rear portion 18 is high relative to its face 20 .
- edge 29 of the lower port 28 appears to be too far to the right relative to the edge 27 of the upper port 26 .
- FIG. 4B illustrates the condition where the golf club head 10 is behind the correct position or the head 10 has been rotated relative to a horizontal axis parallel to the golf club head's face 20 , so that the edge 29 of the lower port 28 appears to be shifted to the left relative to the edge 27 of the upper port 26 .
- FIG. 4C illustrates the condition where the golf club head 10 is too far from the golfer or the head 10 has been rotated relative to a horizontal axis perpendicular to the golf club head's face 16 , so that the edge 29 of the lower port 28 appears to be shifted down relative to the edge 27 of the upper port 26 .
- FIG. 4D illustrates the condition where the golf club head 10 is too close to the golfer or the head 10 has been rotated relative to a horizontal axis perpendicular to the golf club head's face 20 , so that the edge 29 of the lower port 28 appears to be shifted upwardly relative to the edge 27 of the upper port 26 .
- the golfer can readily adjust the position or orientation of the putter's head to correctly align it for a shot as indicated by the golfer's ability to view the edge 29 of the lower port 28 in its entirety, as well as an axial alignment of the upper and lower ports 26 and 28 .
- FIG. 5 it is shown an embodiment of the golf club, according to the invention, in which the upper port 26 and the lower port 28 have different shapes.
- edges 26 and 28 are curved so as to allow an easy aligning of the golf club head in two dimensions.
- FIGS. 6-7 show alternative embodiments of the present invention, according to which the upper port 26 and the lower port 28 are arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head 10 is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the second inner edge 29 defining the lower port 28 is fully hidden to the user by the upper port 28 .
- the lower port 28 is preferably formed so that it is slightly larger than the upper port 27 .
- the golfer can thus achieve alignment of the golf club head 10 by adjusting the position of the head 20 so that the edge 29 of the lower port 28 is obscured by the edge 27 of the upper port 26 .
- edge 29 of the lower port 28 will result partially visible to the eye of the user, who may move the golf club head 10 in order to obtain the full obscuration of the edge 29 of the lower port 28 .
- both the upper and the lower ports 26 and 29 have a same oval shape while in the embodiment of FIG. 7 the ports 26 and 28 have different shapes.
- the upper portion and/or the lower portion lower portion of the golf club head may comprise a tubular structure.
- FIGS. 8-10 show different views of a golf club 100 , according to the present invention, in which both the upper portion and the lower portion of the golf club comprise tubular structures.
- the golf club head 100 comprises a top tubular structure 112 , a bottom tubular structure 114 , a front portion 116 , and a rear portion 118 .
- the golf club head 100 further includes a front face 120 and a recessed cavity located within the front portion 116 to accommodate a shaft (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity).
- Each of the tubular structures 112 and 114 has preferably a hollow interior.
- the tubular structures 112 and 114 are made of a low weight material such as a polymer plastic, or fibre reinforced resin such as carbon fibre reinforced epoxy.
- top tubular structure 112 or bottom tubular structure 114 may instead be manufactured of a relatively denser material such as aluminum, steel, or titanium to change the centre of gravity along a vertical axis of the golf club head.
- Inner edge 127 of the top tubular structure 112 defines an upper port 126 .
- the port 126 is advantageously oval shaped with the major axis in line with the direction of shooting and in the desired strike location of the golf ball.
- the port 126 may have a different shape.
- the port 126 excludes all material from the central zone of the golf club 100 , creating a zero mass state for this zone.
- the bottom tubular structure 114 forms a lower port 128 , which is similar in shape, orientation and relative location to port 126 but slightly smaller.
- the port 126 may have a different shape.
- port 128 excludes all material from the centre area of the golf club head 100 , creating a zero mass state for this zone.
- the ports 126 and 128 are arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head 100 is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis 61 , the second inner edge 129 defining the lower port 128 is fully visible to the user through the upper port 126 .
- FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the golf club head 100 in proper position and alignment relative to the golfer for making a shot.
- Both the upper port 126 and lower port 128 are visible.
- the lower port 128 is concentric and slightly smaller with respect to the upper port 126 .
- ports 128 and 126 will not appear concentric as in FIG. 9 .
- each of ports 126 and 128 defines a closed plane figure when viewed from above by the golfer and that the curved edges 127 and 129 of the ports 126 and 128 bear a predetermined relationship to each other that is readily recognized by the golfer and indicates proper alignment of the golfer with the golf club head 100 .
- the ports 126 and 128 may also be arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head 100 is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the second inner edge 129 is fully hidden to the user by the upper port 126 .
- the lower tubolar structure 114 will be arranged to define a lower port 128 that is slightly larger than the upper port 126 .
- edge 129 of the lower port 128 will be partially visible to the eye of the user, who can achieve alignment of the golf club head 100 by adjusting the position of the head so that the edge 129 of the lower port 128 is obscured by the edge 127 of the upper port 126 .
- the bottom tubular structure 114 is on more than one level, as it is formed into the shape of a “W” with the outermost legs 114 A a greater distance from the ground plane than the innermost legs 114 B, forming the lower port 128 .
- the golf club head 100 is enabled to resist deformation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the face 120 .
- the legs 114 A- 114 B of the lower portion 114 are arranged at the same or various angles to the horizontal and/or vertical planes, and are attached to the front and rear portions 116 and 118 of the golf club head 100 at selected locations, in order to achieve either a more rigid or more flexible structure of the golf club head as a desired result.
- the top tubular structure and/or the bottom tubular structure of the golf club head may comprise one or more legs having at least one aperture.
- FIG. 11 it is shown a golf club head 200 , which has a similar construction to that one illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 .
- the golf club head 200 comprises a front portion 216 , a rear portion 218 and upper and lower tubular structures 212 and 214 respectively forming the upper and lower portions of the golf club head.
- Ports 226 and 228 may be formed respectively by the tubular structures 212 and 214 . Such ports may be arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head 200 is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the second inner edge 229 defining the lower port 228 is fully visible or hidden to the user through the upper port 226 .
- Both the tubular structures 212 and 214 comprise one or more legs 212 A and 214 A, which are provided with one or more apertures 250 extending along a main axis 250 A substantially vertical, i.e. perpendicular with respect to the ground plane.
- Each of the apertures 250 may be a port, which passes through the thickness of the corresponding leg 212 A or 214 A, or a blind hole.
- the lower tubular structure 214 may have legs 214 A at different heights from the ground plane.
- FIG. 12 it is illustrated a golf club head 300 that is basically similar to that one shown in FIG. 11 .
- the golf club head 300 comprises a front portion 316 , a rear portion 318 and upper and lower tubular structures 312 and 314 , respectively forming the upper and lower portions of the golf club head.
- Ports 326 and 328 may also in this case be arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head 300 is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the second inner edge 329 defining the lower port 328 is fully visible or hidden to the user through the upper port 326 .
- Both the tubular structures 312 and 314 comprise one or more legs 312 A and 314 A, which are provided with one or more apertures 350 .
- the apertures 350 extend along a main axis 350 A that is substantially horizontal, i.e. parallel with respect to the ground plane.
- Each of the apertures 350 may be a port passing through the thickness of the corresponding leg or a blind hole.
- the lower tubular structure 314 may have legs at different heights from the ground plane.
- Apertures 250 and 350 on the upper and/or lower tubular structures of the golf club head 200 , 300 provide remarkable advantages.
- They may be used to accommodate properly shaped inserts in order to modify the weight distribution of the golf club head according to the needs.
- apertures 250 and 350 may be properly arranged and designed to remarkably improve the aesthetic appearance of the golf club head.
- the apertures 250 , 350 may extend along different orientations or they may a shape different than oval.
- certain portions or inward components of the golf club head 10 , 100 , 200 , 300 are arranged close to its centre of gravity, such as the top wall 12 and/or the bottom wall 14 , the top tubular structure 112 , 212 , 312 and/or the bottom tubular structure 114 , 214 , 314 may be fabricated of multiple layers of aligned carbon filaments held together with an epoxy binder, i.e., so-called “graphite” material.
- the fibres in the various plies are parallel to one another, but the various plies preferably have varying fibre orientations.
- the mass of the golf club head closest to its centre of gravity is advantageously reduced both by forming ports in the central portion, as well as by forming the central portion of the putter body with relatively lightweight materials.
- This weight savings can be redistributed to the perimeter of the golf club head, such as at the outward portions or components 18 , 118 , 218 , 318 and 16 , 116 , 216 , 316 to further increase the PMOI about a vertical axis, resulting in improved stability of the golf club head and better ball directional control.
- a carbon fibre reinforced epoxy prepreg may be advantageously used.
- a prepreg is formed by embedding the fibres, such as carbon, glass, and others, in resin.
- the resin of the prepreg is at a “B Stage”, meaning that only heat and pressure are required to complete cross linking to harden and cure the resin.
- Thermoset resins like epoxy are popular because they are available in liquid form at room temperature, which facilitates the embedding process.
- thermoset is created by a chemical reaction of two components, forming a material in a non-reversible process.
- the two components are available in liquid form, and after mixing together, will remain a liquid for a period of time before the cross-linking process begins.
- thermoset materials are epoxy, polyester, vinyl, phenolic, polyimide, and others.
- the prepreg sheets are cut and stacked according to a specific sequence, as described hereinbelow, paying attention to the fibre orientation of each ply.
- Each prepreg layer comprises an epoxy resin combined with unidirectional parallel fibres selected from the class of fibres including but not limited to carbon fibres, glass fibres, aramid fibres, and boron fibres.
- the prepreg is cut into strips at various angles and laid up on a table.
- the strips are then stacked in an alternating fashion such that the fibres of each layer are different to the adjacent layers.
- one layer may be +45 degrees, the next layer ⁇ 45 degrees.
- a fibre angle such as zero degrees is used.
- This lay-up which comprises various strips of prepreg material, is then prepared for moulding.
- the walls 12 and 14 of the golf club head 10 may be formed by compressing the prepreg material between two plates having the desired contour of the surfaces of the walls 12 and 14 .
- the walls 12 and 14 are formed and the ports 26 and 28 can be moulded in or removed in a post-moulding machining operation.
- the tubular structures 112 , 212 , 312 and 114 , 214 , 314 of the golf club head 100 , 200 , 300 may be formed by rolling the prepreg material into a tubular form. A polymeric bladder is inserted into the tubular form.
- Air pressure is applied to the bladders to internally pressurize them to expand and consolidate the prepreg form against the cavity of the mould.
- the mould is heated up which allows the epoxy resin to flow and eventually cross link and cure.
- the internal pressure of the bladder combined with the higher moulding temperature will cause the epoxy risen to lower in viscosity, allowing the prepreg to assume the shape of the mould cavity before cross-linking and setting.
- the mould is opened and the tubular structure removed.
- the apertures 250 and 350 can be moulded in or removed in a post-moulding machining operation.
- the operation of fixing the walls or the tubular structures to the front portion and the rear portion of the golf club head may be accomplished by adhesive bonding or fixing with some mechanical fasteners.
- front and rear portions could be provided as two pieces, which are then assembled with the walls or tubular structures using mechanical fasteners.
- the fixing of the wall structures or the tubular structures can be performed directly in the mould by an over-injection or a co-moulding process or the like.
- the wall structures or the tubular structures can be fixed to the front portion and rear portion by means of a co-moulding operation in which the front and rear portions are provided as metal components and inserted into a mould, and the wall structures or tubular structures are formed of a carbon fibre composite material formed thereabout.
- front and rear portions can be pressure fitted with the wall structures or the tubular structures.
- the composite material used is preferably carbon fibre reinforced epoxy because the objective is to provide reinforcement at the lightest possible weight.
- fibres may be used such as fibreglass, aramid, boron and others.
- thermoset resins may be used such as polyester and vinyl ester.
- Thermoplastic resins may also be used such as nylon, ABS, PBT and others.
- the ports 16 , 126 , 226 , 326 and 28 , 128 , 228 , 328 can have any desired shape.
- the alignment ports in particular the bottom ports 28 , 128 , 228 , 328 , may have open ends or open edges or straight lines to aid in the alignment of the golf club head.
- the ports of the golf club head may have a circular shape.
- they have a square, rectangular, diamond or other quadrilateral shape, or else a shape having more or less than four sides.
- the shape of the alignment ports is a combination of one or more curved portions and one or more straight segments.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a golf club head, which is provided with advantageous head alignment capabilities and an enhanced polar moment of inertia.
- It is known that the performance of certain golf club heads, such as golf putter heads, is largely determined by alignment and stability.
- The stability of a golf club head is largely influenced by the so-called polar moment of inertia (PMOI) of the golf club head.
- The higher is the PMOI value of the golf club head, the larger is the resistance offered by the golf club head to change its position.
- The alignment of the golf club head is facilitated or hindered by geometric features that enable the golfer to align the golf club head face toward the intended target.
- Basically, the golf club can vary in its position relative to five degrees of freedom:
- a) translation parallel to the shooting direction; and
- b) translation perpendicular to the shooting direction; and
- c) rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the shooting direction; and
- d) rotation about a horizontal axis parallel to the shooting direction; and
- e) rotation about a vertical axis.
- A variety of features and techniques have been proposed during years to facilitate the golfer's ability to align the head of a golf club for a shot.
- These typically require lining up multiple pairs of symbols formed or painted on the golf club head. The golfer must look from one pair of symbols to another to carry out the alignment process.
- Frequently, the symbols are relatively difficult to see because they are small or have fine features.
- Existing golf club head designs tend to be unstable because they are easily rotated around a vertical axis. When this occurs during a shot, the golfer loses control over the direction of the ball.
- Thus, there exists a continuing need for an improved golf club head that has the combined features of improved alignment capabilities and stability.
- In order to satisfy this need, the present invention provides a golf club head, according to the claim 1 proposed in the following.
- In a general definition, the golf club head, according to the invention, comprises a front portion, a rear portion, an upper portion and a lower portion.
- The upper portion of the golf club head comprises an upper port that is formed therethrough and is defined by a first inner edge thereof.
- The lower portion of the golf club head is arranged below the upper portion, from which it is vertically spaced.
- The lower portion of the golf club head comprises a lower port, which is formed therethrough and is defined by a second inner edge thereof.
- Said upper and lower ports are arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the second inner edge and the first inner edge appear to the user in a predefined mutual spatial relationship.
- The mentioned vertically-displaced ports of the golf club, according to the invention, are arranged such that they remarkably aid in the alignment of the club head.
- The shape of said ports may be any, according to the needs.
- Preferably the upper and lower ports are oval in shape with the major axis of each port perpendicular to the golf club head face.
- According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the upper and lower ports are arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the second inner edge defining said lower port is fully visible to the user through said upper port.
- In this case, the lower port is advantageously sized slightly smaller than the upper port so that when proper alignment of the golf club head is achieved, the two ports are positioned concentric to each other and the edges of the lower port are visible through the upper port.
- When the golfer adjusts the position of the golf club head relative to his line of sight to align the two ports, the bottom port is visible to him within the top port, and is concentrically positioned.
- By doing so, the golfer may control the golf club head position and orientation relative to five degrees of freedom as described below:
-
- Translation parallel to the shooting direction: if the golf club head is positioned too far to the right, the left end of the bottom port will not be visible, and vice versa;
- Translation perpendicular to the shooting direction: if the golf club head is positioned too far away from the golfer, the nearest edge of the bottom port will not be visible, and vice versa;
- Rotation about a horizontal axis parallel to the shooting direction: if the hands of the golfer are positioned too far away from the golfer, the nearest edge of the bottom port will not be visible, and vice versa;
- Rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the shooting direction: if the hands of the golfer are positioned too far to the right, the left edge of the bottom port will not be visible, and vice versa;
- Rotation about a vertical axis: if the club head is rotated about the axis of the shaft, the concentricity of the bottom port with the top port will not be maintained.
- According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, said upper and lower ports are arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the second inner edge defining said lower port is fully hidden to the user by said the upper port.
- In this case, the lower port is advantageously formed so that it is slightly larger than the upper port. Consequently, the golfer achieves alignment of such a golf club head by adjusting the position of the head so that the edges of the golf club head are obscured by the edges of the upper port.
- The alignment process, according to which the golfer can control the golf club head position and orientation, relative to five degrees of freedom, now involves alignment criteria that are complementary with those described above.
- In fact, the golfer may control the golf club head position and orientation relative to five degrees of freedom as described below:
-
- Translation parallel to the shooting direction: if the golf club head is positioned too far to the right, the right end of the bottom port will be visible, and vice versa;
- Translation perpendicular to the shooting direction: if the golf club head is positioned too far away from the golfer, the far edge of the bottom port will be visible, and vice versa;
- Rotation about a horizontal axis parallel to the shooting direction: if the hands of the golfer are positioned too far away from the golfer, the far edge of the bottom port will be visible, and vice versa;
- Rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the shooting direction: if the hands of the golfer are positioned too far to the right, the right edge of the bottom port will be visible, and vice versa;
- Rotation about a vertical axis: if the club head is rotated about the axis of the shaft, the concentricity of the bottom port with the top port will not be maintained.
- The golf club head, according to the present invention, is advantageously structured such that its PMOI is remarkably enhanced.
- Preferably, the golf club head comprises a plurality of inward components and one or more outward components, which are relatively farther away from the centre of gravity of the golf club head than the inward components.
- According to the invention, the mass, weight, volume and/or density of the inward and outward components may be advantageously arranged such that the PMOI of the golf club head is improved.
- For example, the outward components may be more massive and/or may weigh substantially more than the inward components.
- For example, the outward components may comprise a material that is denser than a material comprised in the inward components, or at least one thereof.
- Where the outward components comprise a denser material, this material may be selected as steel, tungsten, titanium or another suitable material.
- Where the inward components comprise a relatively less dense material, this material may be selected as a polymer, a fibre reinforced composite such as carbon fibre reinforced epoxy or another suitable material.
- In yet a further example, the outward components may have a greater volume than that of the inward components.
- According to the present invention, a plurality of vertically-displaced ports are formed on the upper and lower portions of the golf club head, so that no mass of the golf club head is present at or near the vertical region defined by the ports.
- As a consequence, in the golf club head, according to the invention, the PMOI/weight ratio is relatively high.
- It should be noticed that the golf club head mass centre does in fact not need to necessarily coincide with the golf club head geometric centre. Nor, the mentioned alignment axis needs to necessarily coincide with the golf club head mass centre.
- The golf club head may thus be arranged so that to improve the ball impact and reduce the arising of undesired spinning phenomena when shooting the ball.
- According to the present invention, the upper portion and/or the lower portion of the golf club head may comprise a wall structure.
- According to the present invention, the upper portion and/or the lower portion of the golf club head may comprise a tubular structure.
- According to the present invention, the upper portion and/or the lower portion may comprise a tubular structure comprising at least one leg having at least one aperture, for example a port or a blind hole.
- The present invention applies preferably to golf putter heads but it may be suitable also for heads of golf clubs of different type.
- For a better understanding of the invention and its advantages, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention:
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention; and -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIGS. 4A-4D are some schematic views indicate how the golf club head ofFIG. 1 should be reoriented or moved to achieve a proper alignment for a shot; and -
FIG. 5 is an top view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention; and -
FIG. 6 is an top view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention; and -
FIG. 7 is an top view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention; and -
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention; and -
FIG. 9 is a top view of the golf club head ofFIG. 8 ; and -
FIG. 10 is a side view of the golf club head ofFIG. 8 ; and -
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invention; and -
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the golf club head, according to the invent ion. - The
golf club head front portion rear portion upper portion lower portion - The
upper portion upper port inner edge - The
lower portion lower port - According to the invention, said upper and lower ports are arranged such that when an eye of a user of the golf club head is aligned therewith along a certain
predetermined alignment axis 61, the secondinner edge inner edge - Advantageously, the
front portion rear portion upper portion lower portion - Alternatively, the
front portion rear portion lower portion upper portion - According to some embodiments of the present invention (
FIGS. 1-7 ), the upper portion and/or the lower portion of thegolf club head 10 may comprise wall structures, such as atop wall 12 and abottom wall 14. -
FIGS. 1-3 show a first embodiment of the golf club according to the invention. - The
golf club head 10 comprises thefront portion 16 and therear portion 18. - At the
front portion 16, the golf club head comprises afront face 20 and a recessedcavity 22 located within thefront portion 16 to accommodate a golf club shaft. - The
golf club head 10 ofFIG. 3 comprises atop wall 12 and abottom wall 14 respectively forming the upper portion and the lower portion. - Between the
top wall 12 andbottom wall 14 is a hollow interior. - The top and
bottom walls - This creates a light central region for the
golf club head 10, so that a relatively greater weight can be located on thefront portion 16 andrear portion 18 to increase the PMOI of thegolf club head 10. - The
top wall 12 or thebottom wall 14 may also be manufactured of a heavier material such as steel to change the centre of gravity vertically. For example, if thebottom wall 14 were made from steel, this would lower the centre of gravity toward the ground plane. - Optional recessed
areas 24 may be used to further reduce the weight of the central region of thegolf club head 10. The recessedareas 24 may be present at thebottom wall 14 and/or theupper wall 12. - Further recessed areas may be present also at the
front portion 16 and/or therear portion 18. - A
port 26 is formed in thetop wall 12, which passes through the top wall thickness and is defined by the firstinner edge 27. - The
port 26 is advantageously oval shaped with the major axis in line with the direction of shooting and in the desired strike location of the golf ball. - The
port 26 removes all weight from the centre portion of thetop wall 12, creating a zero mass state for this zone. - A
further port 28 is formed in thebottom wall 14, passing through said bottom wall, and it is defined by the secondinner edge 29. - In this case, the
port 28 is similar in shape, orientation and relative location asport 26. - As with the
port 26, theport 28 removes all weight from the centre zone of thebottom wall 14, creating a zero mass state for this zone. - The
front portion 16, thebottom wall 14 and therear portion 18 may be made of the same material, while thetop wall 12 may be made of a different material. - For example, the
front portion 16 and therear portion 18, as well as thebottom wall 14 may be made of steel with a density of approximately 8 g/cm3. - As an alternative, at least one of the golf
club head portions - Preferably, the
top wall 12 is made of carbon fibre/epoxy with a density of approximately 1.7 g/cm3, or glass fibre/epoxy at 2.7 g/cm3. -
FIGS. 1-5 show embodiments of the present invention, according to which the upper andlower ports predetermined alignment axis 61, the secondinner edge 29 defining thelower port 28 is fully visible to the user through theupper port 26. - This feature is apparent from
FIG. 2 , where it is shown a top plan view of thegolf club head 10 in proper position and alignment relative to the viewpoint of a golfer preparing to take a shot using thegolf club head 10. - Both the
upper port 26 andlower port 28 are visible and thelower port 28 is concentric and slightly smaller with respect to theupper port 26. - If the golfer has not positioned or oriented the golf club head properly,
ports - When the
golf club head 10 has been properly positioned relative to the golfer's eye, as inFIG. 2 , it will be seen that the inner edge defining thelower port 28 is fully visible to the golfer through theupper port 26, so that the inner edges defining theports - It will be appreciated that the
edges ports curved edges - Since the
edges - It should be appreciated how this feature simplifies the alignment process.
-
FIGS. 4A through 4D can be considered to understand how the golf club head ofFIG. 2 should be reoriented or moved to achieve proper alignment for a shot. - With reference to
FIG. 4A , either thegolf club head 10 is forward of the correct position so that the right side of theedge 29 of thelower port 28 is obscured, or else the golfer has rotated the golf club head so that itsrear portion 18 is high relative to itsface 20. - Therefore, the
edge 29 of thelower port 28 appears to be too far to the right relative to theedge 27 of theupper port 26. - An appropriate reorientation or movement of the golf club head will bring the two
oval ports whole edge 29 of thelower port 28 will be visible to the golfer. - It will be seen that only two features of the
golf club head 10, that is, theedges oval ports - It will also be appreciated that these features are sufficiently large and prominent to enable the golfer to view them with ease in the process.
-
FIG. 4B illustrates the condition where thegolf club head 10 is behind the correct position or thehead 10 has been rotated relative to a horizontal axis parallel to the golf club head'sface 20, so that theedge 29 of thelower port 28 appears to be shifted to the left relative to theedge 27 of theupper port 26. -
FIG. 4C illustrates the condition where thegolf club head 10 is too far from the golfer or thehead 10 has been rotated relative to a horizontal axis perpendicular to the golf club head'sface 16, so that theedge 29 of thelower port 28 appears to be shifted down relative to theedge 27 of theupper port 26. -
FIG. 4D illustrates the condition where thegolf club head 10 is too close to the golfer or thehead 10 has been rotated relative to a horizontal axis perpendicular to the golf club head'sface 20, so that theedge 29 of thelower port 28 appears to be shifted upwardly relative to theedge 27 of theupper port 26. In each of the cases 4A-4D, the golfer can readily adjust the position or orientation of the putter's head to correctly align it for a shot as indicated by the golfer's ability to view theedge 29 of thelower port 28 in its entirety, as well as an axial alignment of the upper andlower ports - In
FIG. 5 , it is shown an embodiment of the golf club, according to the invention, in which theupper port 26 and thelower port 28 have different shapes. - When the
golf club head 10 has been properly positioned relative to the golfer's eye, as inFIG. 5 , it will be seen that theinner edge 29 defining the squaredlower port 28 is fully visible to the golfer through the ovalupper port 26, so that theinner edges ports - It will be appreciated that the curved edges of the
ports - Also in this case the
edges -
FIGS. 6-7 show alternative embodiments of the present invention, according to which theupper port 26 and thelower port 28 are arranged such that when an eye of a user of thegolf club head 10 is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the secondinner edge 29 defining thelower port 28 is fully hidden to the user by theupper port 28. - To this aim, the
lower port 28 is preferably formed so that it is slightly larger than theupper port 27. The golfer can thus achieve alignment of thegolf club head 10 by adjusting the position of thehead 20 so that theedge 29 of thelower port 28 is obscured by theedge 27 of theupper port 26. - Therefore, in this case when the
golf club head 10 is not in the correct position theedge 29 of thelower port 28 will result partially visible to the eye of the user, who may move thegolf club head 10 in order to obtain the full obscuration of theedge 29 of thelower port 28. - In the golf club head of
FIG. 6 , both the upper and thelower ports FIG. 7 theports - According to the present invention, the upper portion and/or the lower portion lower portion of the golf club head may comprise a tubular structure.
-
FIGS. 8-10 show different views of agolf club 100, according to the present invention, in which both the upper portion and the lower portion of the golf club comprise tubular structures. - The
golf club head 100 comprises a toptubular structure 112, a bottomtubular structure 114, afront portion 116, and arear portion 118. - The
golf club head 100 further includes afront face 120 and a recessed cavity located within thefront portion 116 to accommodate a shaft (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity). - Each of the
tubular structures - The
tubular structures - This creates a light central region so that relatively greater weight can be included in the
front portion 116 andrear portion 118 to increase the PMOI of thegolf club head 100. - Either the top
tubular structure 112 or bottomtubular structure 114 may instead be manufactured of a relatively denser material such as aluminum, steel, or titanium to change the centre of gravity along a vertical axis of the golf club head. - For example, if the bottom
tubular structure 114 were made from steel, this would lower the centre of gravity toward the ground plane. -
Inner edge 127 of the toptubular structure 112 defines anupper port 126. - The
port 126 is advantageously oval shaped with the major axis in line with the direction of shooting and in the desired strike location of the golf ball. - Of course, the
port 126 may have a different shape. - The
port 126 excludes all material from the central zone of thegolf club 100, creating a zero mass state for this zone. - The bottom
tubular structure 114 forms alower port 128, which is similar in shape, orientation and relative location to port 126 but slightly smaller. - Nonetheless, the
port 126 may have a different shape. - As with
port 126,port 128 excludes all material from the centre area of thegolf club head 100, creating a zero mass state for this zone. - The
ports golf club head 100 is aligned therewith along apredetermined alignment axis 61, the secondinner edge 129 defining thelower port 128 is fully visible to the user through theupper port 126. -
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of thegolf club head 100 in proper position and alignment relative to the golfer for making a shot. - Both the
upper port 126 andlower port 128 are visible. - In addition, the
lower port 128 is concentric and slightly smaller with respect to theupper port 126. - If the golfer has not positioned or oriented the golf club head properly,
ports FIG. 9 . - When the
golf club head 100 has been properly positioned relative to the golfer's eye, as inFIG. 9 , it will be seen that theinner edge 129 defining thelower port 128 is fully visible to the golfer through theupper port 126, so that the inner edges defining theports - It will be appreciated that the edge of each of
ports curved edges ports golf club head 100. - Since the
edges golf club head 100 in two dimensions. This simplifies the alignment process. - According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the
ports golf club head 100 is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the secondinner edge 129 is fully hidden to the user by theupper port 126. - In this case, the
lower tubolar structure 114 will be arranged to define alower port 128 that is slightly larger than theupper port 126. - When the
golf club head 10 is not in the correct position theedge 129 of thelower port 128 will be partially visible to the eye of the user, who can achieve alignment of thegolf club head 100 by adjusting the position of the head so that theedge 129 of thelower port 128 is obscured by theedge 127 of theupper port 126. - In the
golf club head 100, the bottomtubular structure 114 is on more than one level, as it is formed into the shape of a “W” with theoutermost legs 114A a greater distance from the ground plane than theinnermost legs 114B, forming thelower port 128. - In this way, the
golf club head 100 is enabled to resist deformation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to theface 120. - In various alternative embodiments, the
legs 114A-114B of thelower portion 114 are arranged at the same or various angles to the horizontal and/or vertical planes, and are attached to the front andrear portions golf club head 100 at selected locations, in order to achieve either a more rigid or more flexible structure of the golf club head as a desired result. - According to the present invention (
FIGS. 11-12 ), the top tubular structure and/or the bottom tubular structure of the golf club head may comprise one or more legs having at least one aperture. - In
FIG. 11 , it is shown agolf club head 200, which has a similar construction to that one illustrated inFIGS. 8-10 . - The
golf club head 200 comprises afront portion 216, arear portion 218 and upper and lowertubular structures -
Ports tubular structures golf club head 200 is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the secondinner edge 229 defining thelower port 228 is fully visible or hidden to the user through theupper port 226. - Both the
tubular structures more legs more apertures 250 extending along a main axis 250A substantially vertical, i.e. perpendicular with respect to the ground plane. - Each of the
apertures 250 may be a port, which passes through the thickness of thecorresponding leg - The lower
tubular structure 214 may havelegs 214A at different heights from the ground plane. - In
FIG. 12 , it is illustrated agolf club head 300 that is basically similar to that one shown inFIG. 11 . Thegolf club head 300 comprises afront portion 316, arear portion 318 and upper and lowertubular structures -
Ports golf club head 300 is aligned therewith along a predetermined alignment axis, the secondinner edge 329 defining thelower port 328 is fully visible or hidden to the user through theupper port 326. - Both the
tubular structures more legs more apertures 350. - In this case, the
apertures 350 extend along amain axis 350A that is substantially horizontal, i.e. parallel with respect to the ground plane. - Each of the
apertures 350 may be a port passing through the thickness of the corresponding leg or a blind hole. - The lower
tubular structure 314 may have legs at different heights from the ground plane. -
Apertures golf club head - They may be used to accommodate properly shaped inserts in order to modify the weight distribution of the golf club head according to the needs.
- Further, the
apertures - Variations of the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 11-12 are possible. For example, theapertures - According to the present invention, certain portions or inward components of the
golf club head top wall 12 and/or thebottom wall 14, the toptubular structure tubular structure - The fibres in the various plies are parallel to one another, but the various plies preferably have varying fibre orientations.
- This creates a low weight but strong structure.
- Therefore, the mass of the golf club head closest to its centre of gravity is advantageously reduced both by forming ports in the central portion, as well as by forming the central portion of the putter body with relatively lightweight materials.
- This weight savings can be redistributed to the perimeter of the golf club head, such as at the outward portions or
components - In order to form the light portions of the golf club head a carbon fibre reinforced epoxy prepreg may be advantageously used.
- A prepreg is formed by embedding the fibres, such as carbon, glass, and others, in resin.
- This is typically done using a prepreg machine, which applies the non-cured resin over the fibres so they are all wetted out.
- The resin of the prepreg is at a “B Stage”, meaning that only heat and pressure are required to complete cross linking to harden and cure the resin.
- Thermoset resins like epoxy are popular because they are available in liquid form at room temperature, which facilitates the embedding process.
- A thermoset is created by a chemical reaction of two components, forming a material in a non-reversible process.
- Usually, the two components are available in liquid form, and after mixing together, will remain a liquid for a period of time before the cross-linking process begins.
- It is during this “B Stage” that the prepreg production process is carried out, where the resin coats the fibres.
- Common thermoset materials are epoxy, polyester, vinyl, phenolic, polyimide, and others.
- The prepreg sheets are cut and stacked according to a specific sequence, as described hereinbelow, paying attention to the fibre orientation of each ply.
- Each prepreg layer comprises an epoxy resin combined with unidirectional parallel fibres selected from the class of fibres including but not limited to carbon fibres, glass fibres, aramid fibres, and boron fibres.
- The prepreg is cut into strips at various angles and laid up on a table.
- The strips are then stacked in an alternating fashion such that the fibres of each layer are different to the adjacent layers. For example, one layer may be +45 degrees, the next layer −45 degrees.
- If more bending stiffness is desired, a fibre angle such as zero degrees is used.
- If more torsional stiffness is desired, a higher proportion of higher angle strips such as +/−45 degree strips are used. Other fibre angles may also be used.
- This lay-up, which comprises various strips of prepreg material, is then prepared for moulding.
- The
walls golf club head 10 may be formed by compressing the prepreg material between two plates having the desired contour of the surfaces of thewalls - Upon applying heat and pressure, the
walls ports - The
tubular structures golf club head - This is packed into a mould, which is then placed into a hot press that closes the mould.
- Air pressure is applied to the bladders to internally pressurize them to expand and consolidate the prepreg form against the cavity of the mould.
- The mould is heated up which allows the epoxy resin to flow and eventually cross link and cure.
- The internal pressure of the bladder combined with the higher moulding temperature will cause the epoxy risen to lower in viscosity, allowing the prepreg to assume the shape of the mould cavity before cross-linking and setting.
- Once the moulding operation is complete, the mould is opened and the tubular structure removed.
- The
apertures - The operation of fixing the walls or the tubular structures to the front portion and the rear portion of the golf club head may be accomplished by adhesive bonding or fixing with some mechanical fasteners.
- For example, the front and rear portions could be provided as two pieces, which are then assembled with the walls or tubular structures using mechanical fasteners.
- As an alternative, the fixing of the wall structures or the tubular structures can be performed directly in the mould by an over-injection or a co-moulding process or the like.
- For example, the wall structures or the tubular structures can be fixed to the front portion and rear portion by means of a co-moulding operation in which the front and rear portions are provided as metal components and inserted into a mould, and the wall structures or tubular structures are formed of a carbon fibre composite material formed thereabout.
- As a further option, the front and rear portions can be pressure fitted with the wall structures or the tubular structures.
- The composite material used is preferably carbon fibre reinforced epoxy because the objective is to provide reinforcement at the lightest possible weight.
- Other fibres may be used such as fibreglass, aramid, boron and others.
- Other thermoset resins may be used such as polyester and vinyl ester.
- Thermoplastic resins may also be used such as nylon, ABS, PBT and others.
- As evidenced above, the
ports - In certain embodiments, the alignment ports, in particular the
bottom ports - In certain embodiments, the ports of the golf club head may have a circular shape.
- In certain embodiments, they have a square, rectangular, diamond or other quadrilateral shape, or else a shape having more or less than four sides.
- In certain embodiments, the shape of the alignment ports is a combination of one or more curved portions and one or more straight segments.
- With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
- Although various embodiments have been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other embodiments, modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.
Claims (27)
Priority Applications (1)
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US13/133,480 US20120129620A1 (en) | 2008-12-19 | 2009-12-17 | Golf club head |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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US13930608P | 2008-12-19 | 2008-12-19 | |
US13/133,480 US20120129620A1 (en) | 2008-12-19 | 2009-12-17 | Golf club head |
PCT/IB2009/055825 WO2010070610A2 (en) | 2008-12-19 | 2009-12-17 | An improved golf club head |
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US20120129620A1 true US20120129620A1 (en) | 2012-05-24 |
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US13/133,480 Abandoned US20120129620A1 (en) | 2008-12-19 | 2009-12-17 | Golf club head |
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JP (1) | JP2012512693A (en) |
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US20160089582A1 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2016-03-31 | Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads |
KR101987899B1 (en) * | 2018-03-19 | 2019-06-11 | 주식회사 알피온 | Golf putter |
US11020640B2 (en) | 2018-10-01 | 2021-06-01 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Multi-component putter |
US11458375B2 (en) | 2018-10-01 | 2022-10-04 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Multi-component putter |
US11813508B2 (en) | 2018-10-01 | 2023-11-14 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Multi-component putter |
US11857848B1 (en) * | 2020-04-17 | 2024-01-02 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of a golf club |
US20240091600A1 (en) * | 2020-04-17 | 2024-03-21 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of a golf club |
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US7166036B2 (en) * | 1999-09-03 | 2007-01-23 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf club |
WO2008074093A1 (en) * | 2006-12-21 | 2008-06-26 | Christopher Pierias | An alignment device and a golf club including the alignment device |
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2009
- 2009-12-17 US US13/133,480 patent/US20120129620A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-12-17 WO PCT/IB2009/055825 patent/WO2010070610A2/en active Application Filing
- 2009-12-17 EP EP09806201A patent/EP2379181A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-12-17 CN CN2009801507627A patent/CN102256670A/en active Pending
- 2009-12-17 JP JP2011541703A patent/JP2012512693A/en active Pending
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US7481713B2 (en) * | 2006-05-04 | 2009-01-27 | Kyle Beckman | Golf club head with aiming device |
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Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160089582A1 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2016-03-31 | Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads |
US10258844B2 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2019-04-16 | Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads |
US10646758B2 (en) | 2014-04-28 | 2020-05-12 | Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads |
US11173361B2 (en) | 2014-04-28 | 2021-11-16 | Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads |
KR101987899B1 (en) * | 2018-03-19 | 2019-06-11 | 주식회사 알피온 | Golf putter |
US11020640B2 (en) | 2018-10-01 | 2021-06-01 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Multi-component putter |
US11458375B2 (en) | 2018-10-01 | 2022-10-04 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Multi-component putter |
US11813508B2 (en) | 2018-10-01 | 2023-11-14 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Multi-component putter |
US11857848B1 (en) * | 2020-04-17 | 2024-01-02 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of a golf club |
US20240091600A1 (en) * | 2020-04-17 | 2024-03-21 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of a golf club |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2010070610A3 (en) | 2010-08-19 |
EP2379181A2 (en) | 2011-10-26 |
CN102256670A (en) | 2011-11-23 |
WO2010070610A2 (en) | 2010-06-24 |
JP2012512693A (en) | 2012-06-07 |
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