Golf club or golf club head having an adjustable ball striking face

This invention relates generally to golf clubs or golf club heads, having an adjustable ball striking face. The golf club head includes a club head body, a ball striking face, and a brace extending from a sole of the club head body to an inner surface of the ball striking face. The brace may further include an end portion engaged with the inner surface of the ball striking face, a fixed rod located between the end portion and an inner surface of the club head at the sole, a biasing member attached to the fixed rod. The biasing member may provide a biasing force to the ball striking face such that the ball striking face is adjustable between a first direction thereby adjusting a face angle of the club head and a second direction thereby adjusting a loft angle of the club head.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to golf clubs or golf club heads, having an adjustable ball striking face. Certain aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs and golf club heads having a brace with a biasing member extending from the sole area of the club to a rear surface of the ball striking face.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players—players of different genders, and players of dramatically different ages and skill levels. Golf is somewhat unique in the sporting world in that such diverse collections of players can play together in golf outings or events, even in direct competition with one another (e.g., using handicapped scoring, different tee boxes, etc.), and still enjoy the golf outing or competition. These factors, together with increased golf programming on television (e.g., golf tournaments, golf news, golf history, and/or other golf programming) and the rise of well known golf superstars, at least in part, have increased golfs popularity in recent years, both in the United States and across the world.

Golfers at all skill levels seek to improve their performance, lower their golf scores, and reach that next performance “level.” Manufacturers of all types of golf equipment have responded to these demands, and recent years have seen dramatic changes and improvements in golf equipment. For example, a wide range of different golf ball models now are available, with some balls designed to fly farther and straighter, provide higher or flatter trajectory, provide more spin, control, and feel (particularly around the greens), etc.

Being the sole instrument that sets a golf ball in motion during play, the golf club also has been the subject of much technological research and advancement in recent years. For example, the market has seen improvements in golf club heads, shafts, and grips in recent years. Additionally, other technological advancements have been made in an effort to better match the various elements of the golf club and characteristics of a golf ball to a particular user's swing features or characteristics (e.g., club fitting technology, ball launch angle measurement technology, etc.).

Despite the various technological improvements, golf remains a difficult game to play at a high level. For a golf ball to reliably fly straight and in the desired direction, a golf club must meet the golf ball square (or substantially square) to the desired target path. Moreover, the golf club must meet the golf ball at or close to a desired location on the club head face (i.e., on or near a “desired” or “optimal” ball contact location) to reliably fly straight, in the desired direction, and for a desired distance. Off-center hits may tend to “twist” the club face when it contacts the ball, thereby sending the ball in the wrong direction, imparting undesired hook or slice spin, and/or robbing the shot of distance. Club face/ball contact that deviates from squared contact and/or is located away from the club's desired ball contact location, even by a relatively minor amount, also can launch the golf ball in the wrong direction, often with undesired hook or slice spin, and/or can rob the shot of distance. Accordingly, club head features that allow a user to make adjustments to the club to help the ball fly straighter and truer, in the desired direction, and with improved and/or reliable distance, would be welcome in the art.

The present device is provided to address the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior golf clubs or golf club heads of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts and aspects of the invention in a general form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.

Aspects of the invention relate to golf clubs and golf club heads, with a head comprising: a club head body having a front, a crown, a sole, and a face engaging area extending around the outer perimeter of the front of the club head body between the crown and the sole; a ball striking face configured for striking a ball with an outer surface thereof, wherein the ball striking face is configured to engage the face engaging area; a brace extending from the sole to a contact point on an inner surface of the ball striking face, wherein the brace includes a biasing member such that the ball striking face is adjustable between a first direction thereby adjusting a face angle of the club head and a second direction thereby adjusting a loft angle of the club head.

According to another aspect of the invention, a wood-type golf club head comprises: a club head body having a front, a crown, a sole, and a support rib extending around the outer perimeter of the front of the club head body between the crown and the sole; a ball striking face configured for striking a ball with an outer surface thereof, wherein the ball striking face is configured to engage the support rib; a brace extending from the sole to an inner surface of the ball striking face, wherein the brace includes: an end portion engaged with the inner surface of the ball striking face, a fixed rod located between the end portion and an inner surface of the club head at the sole, wherein the fixed rod also includes a retractable rod located within the fixed rod, and a biasing member attached to the retractable rod, wherein the biasing member surrounds at least a portion of the fixed rod and provides a biasing force to the ball striking face such that the ball striking face is adjustable between a first direction thereby adjusting a face angle of the club head and a second direction thereby adjusting a loft angle of the club head.

According to other aspects of this invention, the ball striking face may further include a plurality of adjustment points. Each of the plurality of adjustment points may comprise a screw that engages the ball striking face to the face engaging area. In one configuration, the plurality of adjustment points may include a first adjustment point located approximately at a high-heel area of the ball striking face, a second adjustment point located approximately at a high-toe area of the ball striking face, and a third adjustment point located approximately between a low-heel area and a low-toe area of the ball striking face. In a second configuration, the plurality of adjustment points may include a first adjustment point located approximately at a high-heel area of the ball striking face, a second adjustment point located approximately at a high-toe area of the ball striking face, a third adjustment point located approximately between a low-heel area and a low-toe area of the ball striking face, and a fourth adjustment point located approximately between the high-heel area and the high-toe area of the ball striking face.

According to other aspects of this invention, the club head may further comprise a second brace extending from the sole to the inner surface of the ball striking face, wherein the second brace applies a biasing force to the ball striking face. The second brace may further comprise a second ball-joint connection located adjacent to the ball striking face to connect the second brace to the ball striking face. The second brace may further comprise a second spring loaded member located adjacent to the sole. Additionally, the club head may further comprise a third brace extending from the sole to the inner surface of the ball striking face, wherein the third brace provides a biasing force to the ball striking face. The third brace may further comprise a second ball-joint connection located adjacent to the ball striking face to connect the third brace to the ball striking face. The third brace may further comprise a third spring loaded member located adjacent to the sole.

According to other aspects of this invention, the face angle of the club head is adjustable +/−3 degrees. In another example structure in accordance with this invention, the face angle of the club head is adjustable +/−1 degree. In another example structure in accordance with this invention, the loft angle of the club head is adjustable +/−5 degrees. In another example structure in accordance with this invention, the loft angle of the club head is adjustable +/−3 degrees. In another example structure in accordance with this invention, the loft angle of the club head is adjustable +/−1 degree.

According to further aspects of the invention, the golf club head may be part of a golf club. In such a configuration, a shaft may be connected to the head, such as by a hosel connected to or integrally formed as part of the head.

The reader is advised that the drawings included herewith are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances, various lines, structures, or details may be omitted from the drawings so as not to obscure the various features being described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientation during typical use. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention.

A. General Description of Aspects of this Invention

In general, aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs or golf club heads, and the like. Golf clubs, according to at least some examples of the invention, may include a golf club head and a ball striking surface. Some more specific aspects of this invention relate to wood-type golf clubs and golf club heads, including drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, and the like, as well as iron-type golf clubs and golf club heads, including 1-irons through 9 irons, all types of wedges, iron-type hybrid clubs, and the like.

According to various aspects of this invention, the golf club head may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials, such as metals (including metal alloys, such as steels, titanium, titanium alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, etc.), ceramics, polymers, composites, fiber-reinforced composites, and wood. The golf clubs or golf club heads may be formed in one of a variety of configurations, without departing from the scope of the invention. In some examples, some or all components of the head, including the ball striking face and at least a portion of the body of the head, are made of metals or metal alloys. It is understood that the head may contain components made of several different materials. Additionally, the components may be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components may be formed by forging, molding, casting, machining, and/or other known techniques. In other example structures, composite components, such as carbon fiber-polymer composites, can be included in the club head structure. Such components may be manufactured by a variety of composite processing techniques, such as prepreg processing, powder-based techniques, mold infiltration, and/or other known techniques. In general, aspects of this invention may be practiced with any desired materials, configured in any desired manners, including with conventional materials, configured and manufactured in conventional manners, as are known and used in the golf club art.

1. Wood-Type Golf Club Heads According to Examples of this Invention

More specific example aspects of this invention relate to wood-type golf clubs and golf club heads (e.g., drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, etc.) that include: (a) a club head body having a front, a crown, a sole, and a face engaging area extending around the outer perimeter of the front of the club head body between the crown and the sole; (b) a face configured for striking a ball with an outer surface thereof, wherein the ball striking face is configured to engage the face engaging area; and (c) a brace extending from the sole to a contact point on an inner surface of the ball striking face, wherein the brace includes a biasing member such that the ball striking face is adjustable between a first direction thereby adjusting a face angle of the club head and a second direction thereby adjusting a loft angle of the club head.

Another example aspect of this invention relates to wood-type golf clubs and golf club heads (e.g., drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, etc.) that include: (a) a club head body having a front, a crown, a sole, and a support rib extending around the outer perimeter of the front of the club head body between the crown and the sole; (b) a ball striking face configured for striking a ball with an outer surface thereof, wherein the ball striking face is configured to engage the support rib; (c) a brace extending from the sole to an inner surface of the ball striking face, wherein the brace includes: (1) an end portion engaged with the inner surface of the ball striking face, (2) a fixed rod located between the end portion and an inner surface of the club head at the sole, wherein the fixed rod also includes a retractable rod located within the fixed rod, and (3) a biasing member attached to the retractable rod, wherein the biasing member surrounds at least a portion of the fixed rod and provides a biasing force to the ball striking face such that the ball striking face is adjustable between a first direction thereby adjusting a face angle of the club head and a second direction thereby adjusting a loft angle of the club head.

2. Additional Potential Features of Golf Club Heads According to Examples of this Invention

In some example structures in accordance with this invention, the club head body and the face engaging area may comprise a support rib configured to engage the ball striking face when the ball striking face is attached to the club head. Additionally, the club head body and the ball striking face may comprise a plurality of support blocks configured to engage the ball striking face when the ball striking face is attached to the club head. Additionally, the club head body and the ball striking face may define a cavity, wherein the brace may extend through a portion of the cavity between the sole and the ball striking face.

In other example structures in accordance with this invention, the brace may further include a ball-joint connection located adjacent to the contact point or end portion to connect the brace to the ball striking face. Additionally the biasing member of the brace may maintain a constant force applied to the ball striking face when the ball striking face is adjusted between the first direction and the second direction. The biasing member may comprise a spring loaded member located adjacent to the sole.

In other example structures in accordance with this invention, the ball striking face may further include a plurality of adjustment points. Each of the plurality of adjustment points may comprise a screw that engages the ball striking face to the face engaging area. In one configuration, the plurality of adjustment points may include a first adjustment point located approximately at a high-heel area of the ball striking face, a second adjustment point located approximately at a high-toe area of the ball striking face, and a third adjustment point located approximately between a low-heel area and a low-toe area of the ball striking face. In a second configuration, the plurality of adjustment points may include a first adjustment point located approximately at a high-heel area of the ball striking face, a second adjustment point located approximately at a high-toe area of the ball striking face, a third adjustment point located approximately between a low-heel area and a low-toe area of the ball striking face, and a fourth adjustment point located approximately between the high-heel area and the high-toe area of the ball striking face.

In other example structures in accordance with this invention, the club head may further comprise a second brace extending from the sole to the inner surface of the ball striking face, wherein the second brace applies a biasing force to the ball striking face. The second brace may further comprises a second ball-joint connection located adjacent to the ball striking face to connect the second brace to the ball striking face. The second brace may further comprise a second spring loaded member located adjacent to the sole. Additionally, the club head may further comprise a third brace extending from the sole to the inner surface of the ball striking face, wherein the third brace provides a biasing force to the ball striking face. The third brace may further comprise a second ball-joint connection located adjacent to the ball striking face to connect the third brace to the ball striking face. The third brace may further comprise a third spring loaded member located adjacent to the sole.

In other example structures in accordance with this invention, the face angle of the club head is adjustable +/−3 degrees. In another example structure in accordance with this invention, the face angle of the club head is adjustable +/−1 degree. In another example structure in accordance with this invention, the loft angle of the club head is adjustable +/−5 degrees. In another example structure in accordance with this invention, the loft angle of the club head is adjustable +/−3 degrees. In another example structure in accordance with this invention, the loft angle of the club head is adjustable +/−1 degree.

Additional aspects of this invention relate to methods of producing golf club heads having braces of the types described above (and described in more detail below) and methods of controlling and customizing the flexibility of a golf club face using braces of the types described above (and described in more detail below). Still additional aspects of this invention include golf clubs and methods of making golf clubs, including heads of the types described above.

Given this general description of various aspects of this invention, a more detailed description of specific example structures in accordance with this invention will be provided below.

C. Detailed Description of Examples of this Invention

The various figures in this application illustrate examples of golf clubs and golf club heads according to this invention. When the same reference number appears in more than one drawing, that reference number is used consistently in this specification and the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts throughout.

At least some examples of golf clubs according to this invention relate to golf club head structures, including heads for wood-type and iron-type golf clubs. Such heads may include a one-piece construction or a multiple-piece construction. An example structure of a “wood-type” golf club head according to this invention will be described in detail below in conjunction withFIGS. 1 through 12, and it will be referred to generally using reference numeral “110.” As is known in the art, “wood-type” golf club heads may be made from any desired materials, including any of the various materials noted above.

FIG. 1illustrates an example of a golf club100, in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. As is conventional, the golf club100includes a club head110, a hosel102that connects the club head110to a shaft104, and a grip member106engaged with the shaft104. Various example features and aspects of the club head structure110will be described below in conjunction with the remaining figures.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the club head110may be engaged with the shaft104via the hosel102in any desired manner, including manners that are known and used in the art (e.g., via cements or adhesives, via mechanical connections, via releasable mechanical connections, via welding, soldering, brazing, or other fusing techniques, etc.). Any desired material may be used for the shaft member104, including conventional materials that are known and used in the art, such as steel, graphite, polymers, composite materials, combinations of these materials, etc. Likewise, the grip member106may be engaged with the shaft104in any desired manner, including in manners that are known and used in the art (e.g., via cements and adhesives, via mechanical connectors, via releasable mechanical connections, etc.). Any desired material may be used for the grip member106, including conventional materials that are known and used in the art, such as rubber, polymeric materials, cork, rubber or polymeric materials with cord or other fabric elements embedded therein, cloth or fabric, tape, etc.

The golf club heads110shown inFIGS. 2A through 12contain many common features, which are referenced by similar reference numerals in the description below. As shown inFIGS. 2A-5, the club head110generally includes a ball striking face112, a club head body114, and at least one brace140. The at least one brace140may be attached to or engaged with the ball striking face112and/or the club head body114. The brace140may provide support to the ball striking face112such that the ball striking face112may be adjusted left or right (for hook and slice) or up and down (for loft and de-loft). This adjustability feature may allow a golfer to adjust the direction of the ball upon impact by adjusting the angle and orientation of the ball striking face112which strikes the ball.

The club head110may generally have a top or crown116, a bottom or sole118, a heel120proximate the hosel102, a toe122distal from the hosel102, a front124, and a rear126. The shape and design of the club head110and the club head body114may be partially dictated by the intended use of the golf club100. In the golf club head110shown inFIGS. 1 through 12, the head110has a relatively large volume, as the golf club head110is designed for use as a driver or other wood-type golf club, intended to hit the ball accurately over long distances. In other applications, such as for different types of golf clubs, the head may be designed to have different dimensions and configurations. When configured as a driver, the club head110may have a volume of at least 400 cc, and in some structures, at least 450 cc, or even at least 460 cc. Other appropriate sizes and constructions for other club heads may be readily determined by those skilled in the art.

In the example golf club head110illustrated inFIGS. 2A through 5, the club head110has a hollow structure defining an inner cavity128(e.g., defined by the ball striking face112and the body114). Thus, the club head110has a plurality of inner surfaces defined therein. The inner surfaces include an inner face surface130(i.e., the rear side of the ball striking face112) and a plurality of inner body surfaces136. As illustrated inFIG. 4A, the hollow center cavity128may be filled with air (or another gas). However, in other example structures, the head110could be filled or partially filled with another material, such as a foam material. In still further examples, the solid materials of the head110may occupy a greater proportion of the volume, and the head110may have a smaller interior cavity128or no inner cavity or open space at all. It is understood that the inner cavity128may not be completely enclosed in some embodiments.

Additionally, the golf club head110may include a face engaging area. In an example according to aspects of this invention, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A through 5, the face engaging area may include a plurality of support blocks161162163. The support blocks161162163may be engaged with or attached to the inner body surfaces136and extend from the perimeter of the club head inner body surfaces136. The support blocks161162163may be configured to support the ball striking face112, when the ball striking face112is attached to the club head body114. Additionally, as described more below, the support blocks161162163may include attachment means for the ball striking face112, such as screw holes, etc. The support blocks161162163may be manufactured as an integral component to the club head body in accordance with aspects of this invention. In another embodiment in accordance with this invention, the support blocks161162163may also be manufactured as separate parts that may be attached to the club head body114. The support blocks161162163may be attached to the club head body114in any one of various “engaging” techniques known and used in the art, such as: bonding using adhesives or cements; engaging using welding, brazing soldering, or other fusing techniques; attachment using mechanical connectors including user releasable connectors (such as screws, bolts, nuts, or the like); and the like. The support blocks161162163may include one or more metal alloys.

As illustrated inFIG. 2AthroughFIG. 5, the ball striking face112is located at the front124of the club head110, and has a ball striking surface113located thereon. The ball striking surface113is configured to face and contact a ball in use, and it is adapted to strike the ball when the golf club100is set in motion, such as by swinging. As shown, the ball striking surface113may be relatively flat, occupying most of the ball striking face112. For reference purposes, the portion of the ball striking face112near the top or crown116and the heel120of the club head110is referred to herein as the “high-heel area”; the portion of the ball striking face112near the top or crown116and toe122of the club head110is referred to herein as the “high-toe area”; the portion of the ball striking face112near the bottom or sole118and heel120of the club head110is referred to herein as the “low-heel area”; and the portion of the ball striking face112near the bottom or sole118and toe122of the club head110is referred to herein as the “low-toe area.” The ball striking face112may include some curvature in the top to bottom and/or heel to toe directions (e.g., bulge and roll radii), as is known and is conventional in the art. In the embodiment shown, the ball striking surface113is inclined slightly with respect to the general plane of the sole118(i.e., to provide a loft angle), to give the ball slight lift and spin when struck. In other embodiments, the ball striking surface113may have different inclines or loft angles, grooves, and/or other structures, e.g., to affect the trajectory or spin of the ball when propelled. Additionally, the ball striking face112may have a variable thickness in some embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the ball striking face112of a given club head110has a face angle. The face angle is the angle of the ball striking face112of the club head110relative to the target. If the club head110is “square” or with a face angle at zero degrees, the ball striking face112will be directly facing the target on address.FIG. 3Aillustrates a ball striking face112of the club head that has a “square” face angle. If the club head110is “closed” or with a face angle of minus degrees, the ball striking face112will be aligned to the left of the target (for right-handed players; the opposite is true for left-handed players). If the club head110is “open” or with a face angle of positive degrees, the ball striking face112will be aligned to the right of the target (for right-handed players; the opposite is true for left-handed players). As will be discussed further below, the face angle of the ball striking face112of the present invention may be adjusted in accordance with this invention. For example, in accordance with at least some examples of the invention, the face angle of the ball striking face112may be adjusted (either positive or minus) by at least approximately 1 degree. In another embodiment in accordance with at least some examples of the invention, the face angle of the ball striking face112may be adjusted (either positive or minus) by at least approximately 3 degrees. In another embodiment in accordance with at least some examples of the invention, the face angle of the ball striking face112may be adjusted (either positive or minus) by at least approximately 5 degrees.FIG. 3Billustrates an example club head110with the ball striking face112adjusted for face angle, specifically, with the ball striking face112with an open, or positive face angle.

Additionally, in the illustrative embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the ball striking surface113is inclined slightly (i.e., at a loft angle), to give a golf ball slight lift and spin when struck. Generally, the loft angle is the main determining factor in golf ball trajectory.FIG. 4Aillustrates the ball striking face112with a loft angle with no adjustments. The loft angle of a ball striking face112can be varied to effect the trajectory, distance, backspin, and roll of a golf ball struck by a club head110. As will be discussed further below, the loft angle of the ball striking face112of the present invention may be adjusted in accordance with this invention. For example, in accordance with at least some examples of the invention, the loft angle of the club head110may be adjusted (increased or decreased) by at least approximately 2 degrees. In another embodiment in accordance with at least some examples of the invention, the loft angle of the club head110may be adjusted (increased or decreased) by at least approximately 4 degrees. In another embodiment in accordance with at least some examples of the invention, the loft angle of the club head110may be adjusted (increased or decreased) by at least approximately 6 degrees.FIG. 4Billustrates an example club head110with the ball striking face112adjusted for loft angle, specifically, increasing the loft angle.

Additionally, the face angle and the loft angle of the ball striking face112may be adjusted in combination together. For example, the face angle may be adjusted with an open or positive face angle and the loft angle may be increased in combination with each other. In another example, the face angle may be adjusted with a closed or negative face angle and the loft angle may be decreased in combination with each other. Any combination of the face angle and the loft angle of the ball striking face112may be utilized without departing from this invention.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the ball striking face112may include a plurality of adjustment points131132133which may allow a user or club fitter to adjust the loft angle and face angle. Each adjustment point may include a screw171172173and a corresponding screw hole171A172A173A located in the ball striking face112. In accordance with other examples of this invention, the adjustment point131132133may include additional or different means of adjusting the loft angle and face angle as presently known in the art, such as set screws, bolts, or other mechanical connectors as known and used in the art. Additionally, these set screws, bolts, or other mechanical connectors may include female heads such as known and used in the art, for example Phillips heads or star-torque heads, etc. As specifically illustrated in the example club head110in accordance with this invention inFIG. 2A, the ball striking face112includes a first adjustment point131, a second adjustment point132, and a third adjustment point133. The first adjustment point131may be located approximately at the high-heel area122of the ball striking face112. The second adjustment point132may be located approximately at the high-toe area120of the ball striking face112. The third adjustment point133may be located approximately between the low-heel area122and the low-toe area120of the ball striking face112.

As illustrated in the embodiment of the golf club heads110shown inFIGS. 3A through 5, the club head110may also include a brace system or brace140. The brace140could also be identified or referenced as a support member. In this example golf club head110, the brace140may extend from an inner surface136of the club head body110, across at least a portion of the cavity128, to the inner surface130of the ball striking face112. In the example golf club head110illustrated inFIG. 4A, the brace140extends from the sole of the club head body114to the inner surface130of the ball striking face112. In other structures, the brace140may extend from a different one of the inner surfaces136of the body114, for example, from the top116to the inner surface130of the ball striking face112. The golf club head110need not have an inner cavity, or the inner cavity128may be filled with another material, and the brace140may extend across or through a solid material or a filler material between the inner body surface136and the ball striking face112.

The brace140may extend to and contact the sole118or top116of the golf club head110at any desired position without departing from this invention, provided the brace140is positioned and oriented (or angled) to provide the desired supporting or bracing and adjustable functions. The brace140may extend to and contact the sole118by being integrally formed or contacted with the sole118. In another embodiment in accordance with this invention, the brace may extend to and contact the sole118at a sole engagement portion142. The sole engagement portion142, as illustrated inFIG. 4A, may be attached to the sole118or top116of the golf club head110. Additionally the sole engagement portion142may provide the brace140an engagement area to contact the sole118or top116of the club head110. The sole engagement portion142may include a receptacle to receive the brace140. Additionally, the sole engagement portion142may include other attachment means known and used in the art.

As some more specific examples, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the brace140may intersect with or contact the sole118or top116at a location rearward from the ball striking face112within a range of 25% to 95% of its overall depth D in the front to rear direction (Zone A inFIG. 9), and in some examples, within 25% to 75% of the overall depth (Zone B inFIG. 9), or even within 30% to 65% of the overall depth (Zone C inFIG. 9). For driver structures, the brace140may intersect with or contact the sole118or top116at a location between 1.25 and 4.75 inches from the ball striking face112, and in some examples, within 1.25 to 3.75 inches from the ball striking face112, or even within 1.5 to 3.25 inches from the ball striking face112.

In the golf club head110shown inFIGS. 3A through 4B, the brace140may include a fixed rod144, an end portion152, and a biasing member154. The end portion152may be connected to or engaged with the inner face surface130to form a contact point between the brace140and the ball striking face112. The fixed rod144may be located between the end portion152and the inner surface136of the club head110, with the biasing member154surrounded outside a portion of or the entire fixed rod144. In an alternate embodiment in accordance with this invention, the fixed rod144may be located between the end portion152and the biasing member154. The biasing member154may provide a biasing force to the ball striking face112such that the ball striking face112may be adjustable to a user.

Furthermore, the fixed rod144may also include a retractable rod146located within or extending from the fixed rod144. The retractable rod146may be attached to the biasing member154such that the retractable rod146may retract into the fixed rod144when pressure is placed against the ball striking face112(such as when a ball contacts the ball striking face112). The fixed rod144and the retractable rod146may be made of materials known and used in the art, such as metals or plastics, etc. The fixed rod144and the retractable rod146may have different cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, oval, or rectangular in accordance with this invention.

Additionally, the end portion152or contact point may include a ball-joint connection engaged with the end portion152that contains a mating male ball-joint150. The ball-joint connection may provide additional support when the ball striking face112is adjusted. The end portion152may also include a ball support member148. The ball support member148may be engaged with one or more of the biasing member154, the fixed rod144, or the retractable rod146. Additionally, the ball joint150may be engaged with the ball support member148. The ball joint150may be engaged such that as the ball striking face112is adjusted up or down and/or left or right, the ball joint150pivots to allow the club head110loft angle and/or face angle to be adjusted. The ball joint150allows movement of the ball striking face112in a plurality of directions. Additionally, the ball joint150may be engaged with the end portion152that is engaged with or connected to the ball striking face112.

The end portion152or the contact point may have any desired sizes without departing from the invention, e.g., to produce the localized stiffness features described above. As some more specific examples, the end portion152may cover an area of the inner surface130of the ball striking face112of at least 0.1 square inches, or even within the range of 0.1 square inches to 3 square inches. In other examples, this area of the end portion152may be in the range of 0.25 square inches to 2.5 square inches, or even in the range of 0.5 square inches to 1.75 square inches. The end portion152also may be positioned at any desired location on the ball striking face112without departing from this invention. Similarly, the brace140may be sized and positioned with respect to the ball striking face112and the club head body114such that it extends rearward from the ball striking face112and makes any desired angle with respect to the ball striking face112.

The example golf club100illustrated inFIGS. 3A through 4Bmay also include a biasing member154. The biasing member154may be located at any point along the fixed rod144and/or the retractable rod146. In the example as shown inFIGS. 3A through 4B, the biasing member154is located adjacent to the location where the fixed rod144is connected to the sole118. The biasing member154may consist of a mechanical spring, shock absorber or any other dynamic structure or similar type device capable of providing a biasing force against the ball striking face112. Additionally, the biasing member154may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials, such as metals (including metal alloys, such as steels, titanium, titanium alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, etc.), ceramics, polymers, composites, or fiber-reinforced composites. The biasing member154may provide a biasing force to the ball striking face112such that the ball striking face112may be adjustable. As shown inFIG. 2B, the biasing member154may allow the ball striking face112to be adjustable in at least two directions, a first direction134and a second direction135. The first direction134may be a left or right direction, which may adjust the face angle of the club head110. By adjusting the face angle, the club head110may be configured to either hook or slice a golf ball. The second direction135may be an up or down direction, which may adjust the loft angle of the club head110. By adjusting the loft angle, the club head110may be configured to either loft or deloft the ball striking face, thereby causing the golf ball to either go higher or lower, respectively.

The brace140may be made from any desired materials and/or any desired number of separate parts without departing from this invention. For example, the brace140(or at least some portions thereof) may be made from a relatively stiff or rigid material, like metals (e.g., titanium, aluminum, steel, or other metal materials (including alloys) conventionally used in golf club construction), polymers, ceramics, etc. The brace140also may be sized and constructed such that the majority of its weight is located toward the sole engagement portion142, to help keep a low overall center of gravity for the club head110.

While the invention has been described above in conjunction with wood-type golf clubs and golf club heads (including drivers), aspects of this invention are not limited to such clubs. Rather, the various aspects and features of this invention may be applied for use in iron-type golf clubs and golf club heads.

It is understood that the ball striking faces of the various club head structures described herein may have additional features affecting the flexibility of the ball striking face or areas thereof For example, the ball striking faces may have areas of relatively increased or decreased thickness. Additionally, the heads described herein may contain more than one brace, optionally, creating multiple areas of relative stiffness and flexibility.

The heads disclosed herein may be used as a golf club or a part thereof For example, a wood-type golf club100as shown inFIG. 1or an iron-type golf club may be manufactured by attaching a shaft or handle104to the head110, as described above. Such shaft attachments may be accomplished in conventional manners that are known and used in the art, including with releasable golf club head and shaft connection assemblies. In other embodiments, different types of golf clubs can be manufactured according to the principles described herein.

The golf club heads of the present invention include the feature of adjusting the loft angle and/or the face angle of the club head. Referring toFIGS. 2A and 5, a user may adjust the ball striking face112by adjusting one or more of the plurality of adjustment points131132133on the club head110. In one example, the user may want to adjust the ball striking face112to be more lofted or increase the loft angle of the club head110. In this example, the user may rotate the bottom screw173counterclockwise, thereby loosening the screw173from the support block163and the club head body114. This loosening action will allow the bottom of the ball striking face112to move outward away from the club head body114, thereby increasing the loft angle of the club head110.FIG. 4Billustrates a club head110with a ball striking face112with an increased loft angle. Additionally, the user may rotate both of the upper face screws171172clockwise, thereby tightening the screws171172into the support blocks161162and the club head body114. This tightening action will allow the top of the ball striking face112to move inward toward the club head body114, thereby also increasing the loft angle of the club head110. During these actions, the brace140, along with the biasing member154, provides an outward biasing force to maintain the ball striking face112in the correct position along the club head body114.FIG. 4Billustrates a club head110with a ball striking face112with an increased loft angle.

In another example in accordance with this invention, the user may want to adjust the ball striking face112to be de-lofted or decrease the loft angle of the club head110. In this example, the user may rotate both of the upper face screws171172counterclockwise, thereby loosening the screws171172from the support blocks161162and the club head body114. This loosening action will allow the top of the ball striking face112to move outward from the club head body114, thereby decreasing the loft angle of the club head110. Additionally, the user may rotate the bottom screw173clockwise, thereby tightening the screw173into the support block163and the club head body114. This tightening action will allow the bottom of the ball striking face112to move inward toward the club head body114, thereby also decreasing the loft angle of the club head110. During these actions, the brace140, along with the biasing member154, provides an outward biasing force to maintain the ball striking face112in the correct position along the club head body114.

In another example in accordance with this invention, the user may want to adjust the ball striking face112to be closed and adjust the face angle of the club head110. In this example, the user may rotate the high-toe screw172counterclockwise, thereby loosening the screw172from the support block162and the club head body114. This loosening action will allow the toe side of the ball striking face112to move outward away from the club head body114, thereby closing the face angle of the club head110. Additionally, the user may rotate the high-heel screw171clockwise, thereby tightening the screw171into the support block161and the club head body114. This tightening action will allow the heel side of the ball striking face112to move inward toward the club head body114, thereby closing the face angle of the club head110. During these actions, the brace140, along with the biasing member154, provides an outward biasing force to maintain the ball striking face112in the correct position along the club head body114.

In yet another example in accordance with this invention, the user may want to adjust the ball striking face112to be open and adjust the face angle of the club head110. In this example, the user may rotate the high-heel screw171counterclockwise, thereby loosening the screw171from the support block161and the club head body114. This loosening action will allow the heel side122of the ball striking face112to move outward away from the club head body114, thereby opening the face angle of the club head110. Additionally, the user may rotate the high-toe screw172clockwise, thereby tightening the screw172into the support block162and the club head body114. This tightening action will allow the toe side120of the ball striking face112to move inward toward the club head body114, thereby opening the face angle of the club head110. During these actions, the brace140, along with the biasing member154, provides an outward biasing force to maintain the ball striking face112in the correct position along the club head body114.FIG. 3Billustrates a club head110with a ball striking face112with an open or positive face angle.

Additionally, the face angle and the loft angle of the ball striking face112may be adjusted in combination together. For example, the face angle may be adjusted with an open or positive face angle and the loft angle may be increased in combination with each other. In another example, the face angle may be adjusted with a closed or negative face angle and the loft angle may be decreased in combination with each other. Any combination of the face angle and the loft angle of the ball striking face112may be utilized without departing from this invention. These adjustments may be completed by adjusting both the loft angle as described above and the face angle as described above.

FIGS. 6A through 6Cillustrate additional potential features of golf club heads in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. In addition to, or in place of the support blocks as illustrated above inFIGS. 2A through 5, the golf club head610may include a face engaging area that includes a support rib662. The support rib662may extend laterally towards the inner cavity628from the perimeter of the club head inner body surfaces636. The support rib662may be configured to support the ball striking face612, when the ball striking face612is engaged with or attached to the club head body614. Additionally, as described more below, the support rib662may include attachment means for the ball striking face612, such as screws671672673and screw holes671A672A673A, etc. In accordance with this invention, the support rib662may be manufactured as an integral component to the club head body614. In another embodiment in accordance with this invention, the support rib662may also be manufactured as a separate member that may be attached to the club head body614. The support rib662may be attached to the club head body614in any one of various “engaging” techniques known and used in the art, such as: bonding using adhesives or cements; engaging using welding, brazing soldering, or other fusing techniques; attachment using mechanical connectors including user releasable connectors (such as screws, bolts, nuts, or the like); and the like. The support rib662may include one or more metal alloys.

In other example club heads in accordance with this invention, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, the club head may include a ball striking face that includes a different configuration of adjustment points as is described above and illustrated inFIGS. 2A through 5. For example, as shown inFIG. 7, the club head710may include a ball striking face712that includes a total of four adjustment points, which include a first adjustment point731, a second adjustment point732, a third adjustment point733, and a fourth adjustment point734. The first adjustment point731may be located approximately at the high-heel area122of the ball striking face712. The second adjustment point732may be located approximately at the high-toe area120of the ball striking face712. The third adjustment point733may be located approximately at the low-heel area122of the ball striking face712. The fourth adjustment point734may be located approximately at the low-toe area120of the ball striking face712. It is understood that the ball striking face712can be adjusted from top to bottom and from side to side. Adjustments can also be made using a combination of the adjustment points.

In another example club head810in accordance with this invention, as shown inFIG. 8, the club head810may include a ball striking face812that includes a total of four adjustment points, which include a first adjustment point831, a second adjustment point832, a third adjustment point833, and a fourth adjustment point834. The first adjustment point831may be located approximately at the high-heel area122of the ball striking face812. The second adjustment point832may be located approximately at the high-toe area120of the ball striking face812. The third adjustment point833may be located approximately between the low-heel area122and the low-toe area120of the ball striking face812. The fourth adjustment point834may be located approximately between the high-heel area122and the high-toe area120of the ball striking face812. It is understood that the ball striking face712can be adjusted from top to bottom and from side to side. Adjustments can also be made using a combination of the adjustment points.

For the club heads illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, with different adjustment point configurations, the same procedures and principles apply. To adjust the loft angle of the club head, the ball striking face may be adjusted either up or down. To adjust the face angle of the club head, the ball striking face may be adjusted either to the toe or heel side of the club head. Each of these adjustments may be made to the corresponding plurality of adjustment points associated with each adjustment point configuration as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8. Additionally, other adjustment point configurations may be utilized on the club head and the ball striking face without departing from this invention.

FIGS. 10 and 11illustrate additional potential features of golf club heads10101110in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. These figures illustrate a brace system located at multiple different locations and/or different orientations with respect to a ball striking face10121112and a club head body10141114. Generally, the brace system may include more than one brace as is illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11. Additionally, the brace system may have different angular configurations in providing support to the ball striking face10121112.

For example, as shown inFIG. 10, a first brace system1040A may be located proximate the heel area120of the club head structure1010(to apply force at the heel area120of the ball striking face1012), and a second brace system1040B may be located in the toe area122of the club head structure1010(to apply force at the toe area122of the ball striking face1012). If desired, braces inserted through any of the inlet ports may be sized, shaped, and adapted to extend to any of the desired face contact locations (e.g., so that a brace inserted at the toe end122contacts the middle or heel location120on the ball striking face1012).

Another example golf club head1110in accordance with this invention, as shown inFIG. 11, includes a first brace system1140A may be located in the heel area120of the club head structure1110(to apply force at the heel area120of the ball striking face1112), a second brace system1140B may be located in the central area of the club head structure1110, between the heel area120and the toe area122(to apply force at the central area of the ball striking face1112), and a third brace system1140C may be located in the toe area122of the club head structure1110(to apply force at the toe area122of the ball striking face1112). If desired, braces inserted through any of the inlet ports may be sized, shaped, and adapted to extend to any of the desired face contact locations (e.g., so that a brace inserted at the toe end122contacts the middle or heel location120on the ball striking face1112).

An individual club head may have any one or more brace system orientations available, and the user or a club fitter can select which brace system orientation to use for a specific golfer, e.g., based on the contact pattern where the club head face tends to meet the ball. For example, using the club head as illustrated inFIG. 11, if the user predominantly makes contact at the toe end122of the ball striking face1112, use of the heel oriented brace system1140A may be most appropriate (e.g., to keep the toe end122more flexible but to maintain an overall COR response within the limitations of the rules). If the user predominantly makes contact at the heel end120of the ball striking face1112, use of the toe oriented brace system1140C may be most appropriate (e.g., to keep the heel end120more flexible but to maintain an overall COR response within the limitations of the rules). If the user has a very high swing speed or if his or her contact does not fall within a discernible, repeatable pattern, then use of the central brace system1140B may be the most appropriate (e.g., to provide a backstop to prevent club damage and/or to maintain the ball striking face COR characteristics within the limitations of the rules). The various brace systems may include structure to receive the braces, e.g., in any of the various manners described above, and the various brace systems within a single club head (when multiple brace systems are present) may be the same or different without departing from this invention.

FIG. 12illustrates additional potential features of golf club heads in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. In addition to, or in place of the support blocks or support ribs as illustrated above inFIGS. 2A through 6C, the golf club head1210may include a face engaging area that includes a resilient support member1258. Additionally, in this embodiment, the golf club head1210may not include a brace system as is illustrated above inFIGS. 2A through 5. The resilient support member1258may extend laterally towards the inner cavity1228from the perimeter of the club head inner body surfaces1236. The resilient support member1258may be configured to support the ball striking face1212, when the ball striking face1212is engaged with or attached to the club head body1214. Additionally, as described more below, the resilient support member1258may include a plurality of adjustment points123112321233that may include attachment means for the inner face surface1230of the ball striking face1212, such as screws127112721273and screw holes1271A1272A1273A, etc.

In accordance with this embodiment, the resilient support member1258may be manufactured as a resilient member attached to the club head body1214. Additionally, the resilient support member1258may be attached to a plurality of support blocks126112621263as is similarly illustrated inFIGS. 2A through 5. In another embodiment in accordance with this invention, the resilient support member1258may be attached to a support rib as is similarly illustrated inFIGS. 6A through 6C. The resilient support member1258may be attached to the club head body1214in any one of various “engaging” techniques known and used in the art, such as: bonding using adhesives or cements; engaging sing welding, brazing soldering, or other fusing techniques; attachment using mechanical connectors including user releasable connectors (such as screws, bolts, nuts, or the like); and the like. The resilient support member1258may be manufactured in any resilient type of material, for examples rubbers, such as fluorocarbon elastomers, butyl rubber, neoprene, gum rubber, latex rubber, vinyl rubber, or Buna-N rubber.

The resilient support member1258may be positioned and oriented (or angled) to provide the desired supporting or bracing and biasing for the adjustable features as described above. The resilient support member1258may provide a biasing force to the ball striking face1212such that the ball striking face1212may be adjustable to a user. The resilient support member1258may provide additional support when the ball striking face1212is adjusted. The resilient support member1258may be engaged such that as the ball striking face1212is adjusted up or down and/or left or right, the resilient support rib1262contracts or expands to allow the club head1210loft angle and/or face angle to be adjusted. The resilient support member1258allows movement of the ball striking face1212in a plurality of directions. As described above forFIGS. 2A through 5, the resilient support member1258may allow the ball striking face1212to be adjustable in at least two directions, a left or right direction, which may adjust the face angle of the club head1210; and an up or down direction, which may adjust the loft angle of the club head1210.

Additionally, the club head body may contain markings to assist the user when the user is adjusting the face angle and/or the loft angle of the club head110. These markings may be located on the screws, the support blocks, the support rib, the inner area of the club head body, or any other area which may assist the user in viewing the adjustments.

Additionally, in another embodiment in accordance with this invention, the golf club head may include an alternate bracing system to be included with the golf club heads as shown inFIGS. 2A through 5and described above. The alternate bracing system may include an electronic/automatic adjustment mechanism in place of the manual adjustment on the ball striking face. The electronic/automatic adjustment mechanism may be a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS). The MEMS is operably connected to the ball striking face and may be part of bracing system to include the brace. A user can automatically adjust the bracing system via the MEMS to adjust the face angle and/or the loft angle of the ball striking face on a golf club head. Other adjustment systems may also be utilized such as systems using bi-stable structures as well as other mechanical or electro-mechanical structures.

The golf clubs and golf club heads as described herein provide many benefits and advantages over existing products. For example, the brace can be strategically located and designed to provide local stiffness and local flexibility in the ball striking face of the head so that certain areas of the ball striking face will have a COR response that is higher than other areas, without exceeding COR limits set by regulatory authorities. Golfers and club fitters can take advantage of aspects of this invention by having a user make multiple swings with a golf club and determining the area on the club head face where the golfer tends to make contact with the ball (e.g., using pressure sensitive contact tape). If an area of predominant contact is identified (e.g., the golfer tends to hit the ball in the toe area of the club), a head can be constructed so that the area of the ball striking face that most frequently impacts the ball during play will have a higher COR response. This can be accomplished by locating a contact area and providing a brace at the rear surface of the club head at a location away from the predominant contact area (at the heel area, in this example). A ball impacting these specific locations on the ball striking face (areas located away from the contact area and the brace) will have more energy and velocity transferred to it, thus resulting in longer hits.

An additional advantage of this invention relates to the ability to adjust the club head characteristics from golfer to golfer or even from shot to shot. As was described above, the club head includes a plurality of adjustment points which may be used to adjust the configuration of the ball striking face against the club body. The adjustment points may be adjusted to adjust the ball striking face in the up or down direction, thereby adjusting the loft angle of the club head. For example, golfers and club fitters can take advantage of this aspect of the invention by having a user make multiple swings with a golf club and determining the flight path of the ball after contact with the club head. If the golf ball consistently follows a boring or low shot pattern, the golfer or club fitter can increase the loft angle by adjusting the ball striking face up. Conversely, if the golf ball consistently follows a ballooning or high shot pattern, the golfer or club fitter can decrease the loft angle by adjusting the ball striking face down.

Additionally, the adjustment points may be adjusted to adjust the ball striking face in the left or right direction, thereby adjusting the face angle of the club head. For example, golfers, and club fitters can take advantage of this aspect of the invention by having a user make multiple swings with a golf club and determining the flight path of the ball after contact with the club head. In one example, the golfer consistently slices the ball because, due to a number of swing errors, the golfer delivers the club face to impact with the ball with the ball striking face open to the intended target. This swing causes the ball to slide, then roll, across the ball striking face from the heel toward the toe, which in turn causes the ball to leave the ball striking face with a slicing sidespin action. In accordance with example golf clubs of this invention, the golfer or club fitter can adjust the ball striking face to the left (for a right-handed golfer), thereby closing the ball striking face to the intended target. By changing the club head with a more closed face angle, the number of degrees that the golfer delivers the ball striking face open to impact with the ball is reduced, thereby reducing the slice sidespin imparted on the ball. In another example, the golfer consistently hooks the ball because, due to a number of swing errors, the golfer delivers the club face to impact with the ball with the ball striking face closed to the intended target. This hook swing causes the ball to slide, then roll, across the ball striking face from the toe toward the heel, which in turn causes the ball to leave the ball striking face with a hooking sidespin action. In accordance with example golf clubs of this invention, the golfer or club fitter adjust the ball striking face to the right (for a right-handed golfer), thereby opening the ball striking face to the intended target. By changing the club head with a more opened face angle, the number of degrees that the golfer delivers the ball striking face closed to impact with the ball is reduced, thereby reducing the hook sidespin imparted on the ball.

Additional golf club and golf club heads with reinforced or localized stiffened face portion structures may be used without departing from this invention, such as those shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/430,485 filed Apr. 27, 2009, in the name of John T. Stites, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and methods. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.