Adjustable bounce wedge

An iron type golf club head, including a body including a striking face, a topline located at a top of the striking face, a leading edge located at a bottom of the striking face, a body sole surface extending rearward from the leading edge, a hosel located at a heel side of the golf club head, a toe side opposite the heel side, a sole plate rotatably coupled to the body, wherein the sole plate comprises an adjustment member located between the body and the sole plate, wherein the adjustment member is adjustable between a maximum bounce position and a minimum bounce position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This present technology generally relates to systems, devices, and methods related to golf clubs, and more specifically to iron type golf club heads, and more specifically to wedge type golf club heads. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wedge type golf club head with an adjustable bounce sole surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY

Iron type golf clubs are generally used by golfers to hit golf shots from the turf, which means they are designed to hit golf shots that lay directly on the grass itself. Given that the sole of these types of golf club heads are the part of the golf club head that has the most surface area to contact the turf, the design of the sole profile often has a significant impact on the quality of the turf interaction.

U.S. Pat. No. 645,944 to Dalgleish illustrates one of the earlier attempts at improving the performance of the golf club by changing the sole profile. Despite the fact that the invention by Dalgleish was directed more of a “brassies” type wood or fiber golf club head, it illustrated an early recognition of the importance of sole interaction with a golf club and a design intended to improve the performance.

In a more modern context, U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,513 to Swanson illustrates “a golf club iron provided with protuberances or knobs on the bottom sole face thereof to minimize ‘fat’ shots, reduce the size of the divots, and to accommodate tilting of the club head on the turf laterally and in front to rear directions without spoiling the shot.”

U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,601 to McCabe et al. provides another illustration wherein the sole of the golf club head is improved for better performance, this time utilizing a crescent surface, a positive bounce surface, a heel surface, and a toe surface.

Different golfers often require different sole profiles to fit their different types of golf swings. The difference in sole profiles becomes more important in iron and wedge type golf club heads that consistently interact with the turf. U.S. Pat. No. 7,393,286 to Renegar illustrates one example of a golf club head that focuses on the sole of a golf club by creating a corrugates sole with one or more V-shaped cutouts in an attempt to make one golf club sole profile fit multiple different types of golf swings. However, most modern day golf club designers recognize that the varying golf swings are so dramatically different; it truly necessitates a different sole design profile depending on the needs of the golfer.

The present invention improves upon the previously mentioned designs by creating an adjustable bounce sole surface.

SUMMARY

The systems, methods, and devices described herein have innovative aspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized.

One non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes an iron type golf club head, including a body including a striking face; a topline located at a top of the striking face; a leading edge located at a bottom of the striking face; a body sole surface extending rearward from the leading edge; a hosel located at a heel side of the golf club head; a toe side opposite the heel side; a sole plate rotatably coupled to the body, wherein the sole plate comprises: a cavity area adjacent the body; a sole plate surface opposite the cavity area; an adjustment member located between the body and the sole plate; wherein the adjustment member is at least partially located within the cavity area of the sole plate; wherein the adjustment member is adjustable between a maximum bounce position and a minimum bounce position; wherein a majority of the sole plate is located furthest from the body when the adjustment member is located in the maximum bounce position and the majority of the sole plate is located closest to the body when the adjustment member is located in the minimum bounce position; a plate retention member configured to selectively lock the sole plate to the body in a locked position; wherein the sole plate rotates about a pivot axis; wherein the pivot axis is located adjacent the leading edge; and a pin passing through the body and the sole plate, the pin located along the pivot axis; wherein the sole plate comprises a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface; wherein the adjustment member abuts the first abutment surface when the adjustment member is in the minimum bounce position and the second abutment surface when the adjustment member is in the maximum bounce position; wherein the adjustment member is configured to slide between the maximum bounce position and the minimum bounce position when the plate retention member is in an unlocked position.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes an iron type golf club head, including a body including: a striking face; a topline located at a top of the striking face; a leading edge located at a bottom of the striking face; a body sole surface extending rearward from the leading edge; a hosel located at a heel side of the golf club head; a toe side opposite the heel side; a sole plate rotatably coupled to the body, wherein the sole plate comprises an adjustment member located between the body and the sole plate; wherein the adjustment member is adjustable between a maximum bounce position and a minimum bounce position; wherein a majority of the sole plate is located furthest from the body when the adjustment member is located in the maximum bounce position and the majority of the sole plate is located closest to the body when the adjustment member is located in the minimum bounce position; and a plate retention member configured to selectively lock the sole plate to the body in a locked position; wherein the adjustment member is configured to slide between the maximum bounce position and the minimum bounce position when the plate retention member is in an unlocked position.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the sole plate further comprises a cavity area adjacent the body and a sole plate surface opposite the cavity area, wherein the adjustment member is at least partially located within the cavity area of the sole plate.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the sole plate rotates about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is located adjacent the leading edge.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the sole plate comprises a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface, wherein the adjustment member abuts the first abutment surface when the adjustment member is in the minimum bounce position and the second abutment surface when the adjustment member is in the maximum bounce position.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the plate retention member comprises a threaded body, wherein the body comprises a threaded bore, and wherein rotation of the plate retention member forces the plate retention member between the locked position and the unlocked position, allowing the sole plate to rotate away from the body, allowing the adjustment member to translate between the maximum bounce position and the minimum bounce position.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the adjustment member comprises an adjustment indicator visible from an exterior of the golf club head, the adjustment indicator configured to indicate a position of the adjustment member.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the adjustment member is configured to slide from the heel side towards the toe side of the golf club head.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the body comprises a body locating feature, the adjustment member comprises an adjustment member locating feature, and wherein the body locating feature is configured to slidably engage the adjustment member locating feature.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the body locating feature comprises a rail and the adjustment member locating feature comprises a relief.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology including a washer residing between the plate retention member and the sole plate, the washer including a spherical surface, wherein the spherical surface abuts the plate retention member.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes an iron type golf club head, including: a body including:

a striking face; a topline located at a top of the striking face; a leading edge located at a bottom of the striking face; a body sole surface extending rearward from the leading edge; a hosel located at a heel side of the golf club head; a toe side opposite the heel side; a sole plate rotatably coupled to the body, wherein the sole plate comprises an adjustment member located between the body and the sole plate; wherein the adjustment member is adjustable between a maximum bounce position and a minimum bounce position; wherein a majority of the sole plate is located furthest from the body when the adjustment member is located in the maximum bounce position and the majority of the sole plate is located closest to the body when the adjustment member is located in the minimum bounce position; and wherein the sole plate comprises a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface, wherein the adjustment member abuts the first abutment surface when the adjustment member is in the minimum bounce position and the second abutment surface when the adjustment member is in the maximum bounce position.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the sole plate further comprises a cavity area adjacent the body and a sole plate surface opposite the cavity area, wherein the adjustment member is at least partially located within the cavity area of the sole plate.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the sole plate rotates about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is located adjacent the leading edge.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a plate retention member configured to selectively lock the sole plate to the body in a locked position, and wherein the adjustment member is configured to slide between the maximum bounce position and the minimum bounce position when the plate retention member is in an unlocked position.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the plate retention member comprises a threaded body, wherein the body comprises a threaded bore, and wherein rotation of the plate retention member forces the plate retention member between the locked position and the unlocked position, allowing the sole plate to rotate away from the body, allowing the adjustment member to translate between the maximum bounce position and the minimum bounce position.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the adjustment member comprises an adjustment indicator visible from an exterior of the golf club head, the adjustment indicator configured to indicate a position of the adjustment member.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the body comprises a body locating feature, the adjustment member comprises an adjustment member locating feature, and wherein the body locating feature is configured to slidably engage the adjustment member locating feature.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the body locating feature comprises a rail and the adjustment member locating feature comprises a relief.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a washer residing between the plate retention member and the sole plate, the washer including a spherical surface, wherein the spherical surface abuts the plate retention member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form part of this disclosure. For example, a system or device may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such a system or device may be implemented or such a method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein. Alterations and further modifications of inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

In describing the present technology, the following terminology may have been used: The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an item includes reference to one or more items. The term “plurality” refers to two or more of an item. The term “substantially” means that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. A plurality of items may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same lists solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms “and” and “or” are used in conjunction with a list of items, they are to be interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the listed items may be used alone or in combination with other listed items. The term “alternatively” refers to a selection of one of two or more alternatives, and is not intended to limit the selection of only those listed alternative or to only one of the listed alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicated otherwise.

Features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description” one will understand how the illustrated features serve to explain certain principles of the present disclosure.

Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems, devices, and methods related to wedge type golf club heads. More specifically, some embodiments relate to wedge type golf club heads having adjustable bounce sole plates.

FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head100.FIG.2illustrates a front view of the golf club head100ofFIG.1. In a preferred embodiment, the golf club head100is an iron type golf club head. In a more preferred embodiment, the golf club head100is a wedge type golf club head. The golf club head includes a body118having a striking face102. The striking face102is configured to strike a golf ball. The striking face includes scorelines104configured to increase the coefficient of friction between the striking face102and the golf ball during impact, increasing backspin, which increases the stopping power of the golf ball on the green. The golf club head100includes a hosel112on a heel side114. The hosel112is configured to receive a golf club shaft (not illustrated). The golf club head100includes a toe side116opposite the heel side114. The golf club head includes a topline106above the striking face102and a sole110below the striking face102. The intersection of the sole110and the striking face102forms the leading edge108.

FIG.3illustrates and exploded view of the golf club head100ofFIG.1.FIG.4illustrates a toe-side view of the golf club head ofFIG.1.FIG.5illustrates an additional perspective view of the golf club head100ofFIG.1.FIG.6illustrates the golf club head ofFIG.5missing the sole plate122.FIG.7illustrates the golf club head ofFIG.6missing the adjustment member148.FIG.8Aillustrates a cross-sectional view A-A′ of the golf club head100ofFIG.2.FIG.8Billustrates a detail view of the cross-sectional view A-A′ of the golf club head100ofFIG.8A.

The sole110of the golf club head100includes a body sole surface120adjacent the leading edge108. The golf club head100also includes an adjustable sole plate122. The sole plate122includes a sole plate surface124. The sole plate surface124abuts the body sole surface120and extends aft away from the leading edge108. The body sole surface120and the sole plate surface124form the sole110of the golf club head100.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the golf club head100is shown at address wherein the golf club head100is sitting upon the ground plane10at prescribed loft and lie. The hosel is aligned parallel to a plane which is perpendicular to the ground plane10and extending heel to toe across the striking face102such that the golf club shaft (not illustrated) is not inclined forward or rearward. The geometry of the sole110relative to the ground plane10at address changes the way the golf club head100interacts with the turf11during the swing. Traditionally, the swing of a wedge type golf club head delivers the golf club head into the turf11and below the ground plane10prior to impacting a golf ball. The angle of the sole110relative to the ground plane10changes the amount of effective bounce of the golf club head, which is the tendency of the golf club head to resist passing through the ground plane10into the turf11. The preferred amount of effective bounce depends on the player's swing and turf conditions. Too little effective bounce for the player's swing and turf conditions and the golf club head100can dig into the turf11, resulting in a large reduction in club head speed prior to impacting the golf ball. Too much effective bounce for the player's swing and turf conditions and the golf club may not penetrate far enough into the turf and the leading edge can strike the golf ball, leading to unpredictable ball flight.

The inventive golf club head100described herein, provides for adjustment of the sole plate122and the sole plate surface124relative to body118of the golf club head and thus the ground plane10when in an address position, therefore adjusting the effective bounce of the golf club head100. This allows a golfer to dial in the amount of effective bounce necessary for the turf conditions they are playing that particular day. The sole plate122is configured to pivot relative to the body118of the golf club head100around a pivot axis141. The pivot axis141is preferably located aft of and adjacent to the leading edge108. The sole plate122can rotate about a pin142. The body118of the golf club head can include a pin receptacle143configured to accept and retain the pin142. The sole plate122can include a pin aperture156configured to rotatably receive the pin142. The pin aperture156can be formed through a plate lower portion132. In another embodiment, not illustrated, rather than being rotatably coupled via a pin, the sole plate can be rotatably coupled to the body via a deformable living hinge.

In one embodiment, the angle of the sole plate122can be continuously adjustable between a minimum bounce position and a maximum bounce position. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole plate122is adjustable to a finite number of positions between and including a minimum bounce position and a maximum bounce position. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole plate122is adjustable between three positions, a minimum bounce position, a medium bounce position, and a maximum bounce position. In other embodiments, the sole plate122may be adjustable between additional positions, which may include, for example, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. positions. The golf club head includes an adjustment member148configured to abut the body118of the golf club head100and the sole plate122of the golf club head100. As illustrated inFIG.7, the body118can include a rear void154configured to accept the adjustment member148. The adjustment member148is configured to slide in a heel-toe direction within the void154. The void154can also include a locating rail150to facilitate smooth and controlled translation of the adjustment member148. The adjustment member148can include a locating relief152configured to slidably receive the locating rail150. When the adjustment member148and sole plate122are in a maximum bounce position a majority of the sole plate122is located furthest from the body118of the golf club head100. When the adjustment member148and sole plate122are in a minimum bounce position a majority of the sole plate122is located closest to the body118of the golf club head100.

FIG.9illustrates a perspective view of the sole plate122, adjustment member148, pin142, and sole plate retention member128of the golf club head100ofFIG.1.FIG.10illustrates a perspective view of the sole plate122, pin142, and sole plate retention member128of the golf club head100ofFIG.1.FIG.11illustrates a perspective view of the adjustment member148of the golf club head100ofFIG.1.

As illustrated inFIGS.9and10, the sole plate122can include a recessed cavity area155configured to receive the adjustment member148. The cavity area155is located opposite the sole plate sole surface124and is located adjacent the body118of the golf club head100. The cavity area155can include a plurality of abutment surfaces158,160,162configured to abut the adjustment member148. Each of the abutment surfaces158,160,162can have a different thickness such that placing the adjustment member148against each of the abutment surfaces158,160,162results in a different bounce position for the sole plate122. The first abutment surface158, located towards a plate heel portion134, produces a minimum bounce position, the second abutment surface160, located centrally, produces the medium bounce position, and the third abutment surface162, located towards a plate toe portion136, produces the maximum bounce position. The adjustment member148inFIG.9is located in the maximum bounce position. The adjustment member148can include an adjustment indicator138which may also be utilized to move the adjustment member148between bounce positions. Additionally, the adjustment member148can include an aperture164to reduce the mass of the adjustment member148. In other embodiments, not illustrated, the abutment surfaces could be oriented such that the adjustment member translates towards the leading edge or topline when being moved from one bounce position to another rather than towards the heel or toe as described above.

As illustrated inFIGS.8and8D, the golf club head100includes a plate retention member128configured to retain the sole plate122to the golf club head100. The body118of the golf club head100includes a retention feature144configured to receive the plate retention member128. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate retention member128is a threaded fastener and the retention feature144is a threaded bore. The sole plate122includes a retention bore131configured to receive the plate retention member128. The bore131is preferably formed in the upper plate portion130. The body118of the golf club head100can also include a sole plate relief146configured to receive the upper plate portion130in the various bounce positions. Additionally, in some embodiments and as illustrated inFIG.8B, the golf club head100can include a washer129with a spherical surface abutting the head127of the retention member128and the sole plate122. The spherical surface of the washer129allows the washer129to flushly abut the sole plate122through its various bounce positions as the retention member128maintains its axis of engagement with the body118of the golf club head100.

In order to adjust the bounce position of the golf club head100, the golfer will loosen the plate retention member128, unlocking the sole plate122from the body118, adjust the adjustment member148to the preferred bounce position, and tighten the plate retention member128, locking the sole plate122to the body118. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.8and8D, the head127of the plate retention member128can be configured to abut a portion of the sole plate122as the plate retention member128is loosened, angling the sole plate122away from the body118of the golf club head100, allowing the adjustment member148to slide to the desired position. In other embodiments, not illustrated, the adjustment member may be rotated into different bounce positions rather than translated.

In an additional embodiment, not illustrated, a deformable member may be incorporated between the sole plate and the body of the golf club head such that the effective bounce of the golf club head changes dynamically based on the normal force applied to the sole plate during impact with the turf. With such an embodiment, a hard turf environment would provide a higher normal force and deflect the sole plate further, resulting in a lower effective bounce. A lower effective bounce is preferably in a hard turf environment. A soft turf environment would provide a lower normal force and deflect the sole plate less far, resulting in a higher effective bounce. A higher effective bounce is preferable in a soft turf environment. This club would provide preferable effective bounce depending on the turf it is impacting.

Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure as well as the principle and novel features disclosed herein.