Abstract:
A golf club having a head with a series of tracks forming a three-dimensional pattern; weights for positioning along the channels; and a mechanism for securing the weights at positions along the channels so as to customize center of gravity and moment of inertia. The channels can all interconnect to allow a weight to be moved from one to another. The club can include a removable cover for at least a portion of the surface to cover the channels and the weights. The weights can comprise a spherical member disposed in a channel; a member external to a surface of the head; and a coupling between the spherical member and the external member to allow the spherical member and the external member to capture between them a wall in which a track is formed. The channels may be in the removable cover, or below the removable cover, in the head.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/833,970 filed on Aug. 3, 2007 now abandoned, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/835,048 filed on Aug. 3, 2006, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to golf clubs. More particularly, it relates to a scalable—unconventional approach for adjusting the weight distribution within a golf club&#39;s head, particularly a driver, fairway woods, iron or putter. 
     Background Art 
     The USGA governing body has allowed for the adjustments of weights within a golf club&#39;s head as part of fulfilling the criteria of approved conforming golf clubs. Many manufacturers have resorted to a very basic approach to capitalize on the advantage of adjusting the center of gravity (COG) within a club&#39;s design by simply interchanging ‘nuts and bolts’ on the golf club&#39;s head or affixing weights in areas of advantage in the club head. The problem with these approaches is that each time a user desires to adjust the COG within his club&#39;s design, the player must remove weighted elements from the club to do so or select a different club, which has a different playing characteristic. The former calls for the replacement or substitution of the removed parts in order to “guesstimate” the COG. Despite best effort, the COG variations are limited in both scenarios and determined by the finite number of nuts and bolts available for a particular club or manner in which the weights can be adjusted, added or subtracted. Moreover the removal of these nuts and bolts are time consuming, require specialized tools and calls for exhausting trial and error before the desire results can be achieved. When an undesired effect is appreciated, the player must tackle the golf club numerous times by interchanging a multiplicity of ‘nuts and bolts’ as before, carefully recalling ‘what goes where’ etc. 
     In other examples, manufacturers have created open “burrows” confined to the sole of the club head and have utilize a two dimensional (2D) approach to adjust the COG in that location only. Moreover, a single port of entry and exit to add and subtract weights to the club head can be seen in, for example, United States Patent Publication 2006/0122004 of Chen et al. Further the “burrows” are left opened to the elements thereby potentially affecting the club&#39;s functionality during play. For example, debris can become stuck in a part of the “burrow” which may affect the club&#39;s COG to some degree. These limitations mentioned here and to be mentioned later are all considered to be drawbacks for a versatile golf club, which adheres stringently to the USGA&#39;s rule. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,354 to Ahn et al. teaches a method to change the weight of a golf club&#39;s head to affect the COG. In Ahn et al., the removal and replacements of weights are stressed in all the cases, and the weights move across a two-dimensional plain as in the prior example. 
     In United States Patent Publication No. 2004/0242343, Chao et al. describe a method of interchanging and substituting weights within a golf club&#39;s head. The mass is generally changed when this is done. As before, the invention is limited in its design and function. Weights can only be fixed into a predetermined location and their removal is required for adjustments of the COG with the use of specialized tools. The position of the COG is severely restricted by this very basic approach. Moreover a multiplicity of weights cannot be removed or substituted at the same time. 
     In United States Patent Publication No. 2006/0122004, Chen et al. describe a method for placing weights in a “trough” located in the “back” of a club head, having a “larger width” and “insertion hole.” This approach limits the true dynamics of achieving versatile center of gravity, aesthetics or the ability to position the club&#39;s weight in a location of appreciable benefits; such as on the complexed countoured surface of the sole (without thickening the club) or along the outer perimeter of the club&#39;s head, which when achieve greatly maximizes the club&#39;s performance and versatility. As noted before there is a Single limited access (port of entry) for weight addition and removal at any given time. Moreover the weight is confined to a two-dimensional plain; has more than two components and locks using a pressure expansion-contraction system which secure the weights into the depths of the club volume, instead of outwards, and towards the surface or perimeter. These features do not ensure reliable performance and may pose a danger or liability if broken or snapped during play. A noticeable drawback once again is that it takes a considerable amount of time to modify the COG in the likes of Chen, Ahn and Chao et al. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a golf club with an adjustable center of gravity, moment of inertia and variable equilibrium. 
     It is another object of the invention to permit the substitution of a given set of weights as a group instead of individually. A further objective is to have a given number of weights permanently fixed to the club&#39;s head, thereby negating the need to substitute weights, and thus maintaining a constant, fixed mass. The club&#39;s center of gravity is adjustable simply by relocating the number of given weights along a given three dimensional (3D) path/track or tracks, affecting its center of gravity and moment of inertia. 
     Weights may be configured within a cover. Removal of one or more weights can take place simultaneously (to affect the MOI/COG) by simply removing the cover located on at least part of the surface of the golf club head, and replacing the cover with another cover with different weight placement, but optionally, with the same total weight. 
     The present invention overcomes these inconveniences and promotes advancements by providing a way to conform to the USGA rule by making the golf club “plain in design” while honoring USGA rule #4 c by providing an option to allow the golf club&#39;s weights to be easy to adjust during training, but difficult to manipulate during regulation play; individual weight can be adjusted with the use of a coin or divot in one of several embodiments. 
     A relatively plain cover is provided which will prevent improper movement during regulation play in one of several embodiments. Weights can be added to the golf club&#39;s head by removing the cover plate from the club&#39;s head/body, allowing easy access to the tracks to then add or subtract one or more weights simultaneously or individually. 
     Another object and further enhancement of the invention is to provide a golf club, which is literally “plain in shape” as per USGA rules 4. In so doing, a smooth finish cover, made of opaque, translucent or transparent material, is provided to fit over the sole or perimeter in a complimentary way without adding or taking away from the club&#39;s overall shape. This cover may serve as a protection from the elements for the moveable weights and which can be securely and semi-permanently or permanently fixed to the golf club&#39;s body by a specially designed screw or lock mechanism that requires specialized tools for removal as dictated by the USGA. 
     In other embodiment of the invention classified as drivers and woods a series of separate or interconnecting recesses may be created in the sole of the club head in a three dimensional configuration. Individual spherical weights may be placed in each of the recesses and may be secured and protected by a cover as described. The cover may have slits to allow for the spheres to be further secured thereto by a frictional means along any given point of the recess. In so doing, the weights are not secured into the recesses and restricted to finite locations as seen in Chen &amp; Chao et al.; instead they are levitated and secured onto the removable cover/sole of the club head. 
     In additional embodiments for the driver variety of the invention, the recesses for the weights are incorporated into the sole of the removable cover, situated at least partially on the sole of the club head. As before in the second embodiment, slits are provided to allow easy access and manipulation of the underlying spherical weights to be adjusted in a three dimensional orientation, close to the surface of the club. 
     Other clubs within the golfer&#39;s array of approved (hybrids) or non-conforming clubs may be fashioned by design to incorporate the benefits of this invention. Henceforth, a putter or an iron or fairway woods or hybrid club can be designed to have moveable weights according to the scope of this invention. 
     Innovations specific for the so call irons and putter may have weights movable behind the club face and linked to the club handle via a cable, rod, axle or hydraulic means. By inserting a specialize key into the top of the golf club handle, the weights can be adjusted toward the heel or toe using such means coupled with a compressible and expandable spring member or members engineered to effect movement of the weight. 
     Further, the back or the club face may have a transparent or translucent cover to reveal at least a portion of the movable weight located in the head structure. 
     In another embodiment, the club shaft may be removed from the hosel and the movement of the weight in the club head may be accessed from within the hosel by turning the cable, rod, “worm” or using a hydraulic mechanism to move the weight towards the heel or forward to the toe of the club head. 
     Further, the club shaft can be engineered to affect the movement of weights as described. For example the shaft can be made to turn clockwise or anticlockwise or pushed up or down to affect the movement of the weights in the club head as described. 
     Yet still in other embodiments, the weights may be accessed from the heel or toe region of the golf club head 
     In accordance with the invention, golf club heads are provided with a scalable systems of weights which allows for a precision and convenient adjustment of the COG without having to remove, switch or change weights from a golf club&#39;s head, or change the club&#39;s orientation to access the weights in the club head. 
     The invention is an advanced golf club technology, which allows the movement of weights in three dimensions, that is, across a three dimensional surface, having complex slopes or curves. Moreover, the tracks or recesses, which house the movable weights, can be in a plate or cover which is detachable from the club head. The tracks can be designed to be connected to each other or separated as individual entities. 
     The removable plate structures is preferably designed for the sole and perimeter portion of the golf club, even though it can be fabricated for the entire club surface. 
     To traverse the complex contours of a golf club&#39;s head, the weights can have the shape of a sphere or globe, coupled with a screw member of various designs and finishes. The weight can have a biasing knob member, which limits its ability to turn left, right, up or down to approximately 90 degrees. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a prospective view of one embodiment of a golf club in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified, cross-sectional schematic view taken through the golf club of  FIG. 1 , showing a weight. 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded view of a golf club of  FIG. 1 , with the cover removed. 
         FIG. 4  is similar to  FIG. 1 , but illustrates a different track configuration on the perimeter and sole. 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged, detailed schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the 3D weight showing surface orientation. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged, perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, showing three dimensional track in the club head. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged, perspective view of a cover with tracks for the embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view showing a cover with slit in the tracks. 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , with the cover of  FIG. 8  in place and with weights. 
         FIG. 9A  is a plan view similar to  FIG. 9 , with the cover removed and the weights in place. 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of an embodiment with interconnected tracks in the cover. 
         FIG. 10  is a partially cut away view of yet another embodiment of the invention, showing a possible track configuration in a vertical plain, in the shape of an arch, wherein a horizontal arch (not shown) is also achievable. 
         FIG. 11  is a second schematic illustration of a mechanism for adjusting the position of weights, similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cut away view of a third embodiment of a iron or putter in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the hosel illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a back elevational view of, the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , illustrating another feature (transparent window) of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic view of another embodiment of an iron or putter in accordance with the invention, which shows a spring actuated weight system. 
         FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C  are views of a weight adjusting key for a screw head of a weight in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  there is shown a perspective view of a golf club  16  having a head  17  and a shaft  18 , incorporating features of the present invention. 
     Although the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. The type of golf club illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a generally referred to as a “wood”, and has a lower surface or sole  19 . 
     In accordance with general scheme of the invention, an interconnected series of tracks X, Y and Z define passageways for a movable series of weights each designated as  20 , which may be positioned along tracks X, Y and Z. Each weight  20  may have a mass of, for example, 6 grams. The series of tracks X, Y and Z follows the contour of sole  19 , and in general, defines a three-dimensional contour. Thus, not only can the weights be moved from one track to another, but they can be moved in three dimensions due to the three-dimensional nature of the tracks. While more weights may be added, it is preferable that the total mass be constant, and that the positions of the weights  20  be adjustable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , each of tracks X, Y and Z has associated with it a channel  21  in which a lower portion  22  of weight  20  is disposed. Portion  22  is configured with a threaded blind hole  23  for receiving a mating threaded extension portion  24  of an upper portion  25  of weight  20 . Upper portion  25  may also have protruding slightly from it a generally spherical portion  26  having a slot  27  for receiving a tightening tool, such as a screwdriver (not shown), for rotating upper portion  25  with respect to lower portion  22 , as represented by circle  28  to grip between them outer layer  29  of sole  19 , thereby securing weight  20  against unwanted movement along a track, but permitting it to be released for placement at a different position along a track. It will be understood that the upper surface of lower portion  22  may be treated with a non-skid material, or have some covering so that when in contact with the inner surface of outer layer or wall  29  of sole  19 , it is prevented from easily moving, therefore facilitating tightening by rotating spherical portion  26 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , a cover  30  is advantageously contoured to fit over sole  19 , and is secured to head  17  by a securing mechanism  31 , such as a screw  32  having a head  33  designed to be turned by a specialty tool (not shown). The end of screw  32  is received in a threaded hole  33  in a recess  34 . Cover  30  may be formed from a transparent engineering plastic, such as a polycarbonate, thus allowing the user of golf club  16 , or any other interested individual, to observe the positions of weights  20 , and to verify, if desired, that they have not moved from a previously set position. Cover  30  is placed on and removed from head  19  in the directions illustrated by arrows  37 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of the invention, wherein like components have reference numerals as in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , but with the suffix “A”. This embodiment has a series of interconnected tracks X′, Y′ and Z′, as well as an additional track Q. Track Q may extend parallel to the periphery of sole  19 A of head  17 A, in the illustrated embodiment has three eight gram weights  20 A, which may be positioned along its length. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another possible configuration for the weights  20  or  20 A. Like components have reference numerals as in  FIG. 2 , but with the suffix “A”. A screw  40  has a head  42  and a threaded portion  44  that extends into a mating threaded blind hole  46  in a spherical mass  48  (having a diameter of, for example, 1.0 cm and formed of a metal; lead, tungsten, iron or steel), which fits within a channel  21 A associated with a track such as track Q. Mass  48  is prevented from turning within channel  21 A more than a limited amount by a spherical protrusion  50  that hits the walls  52  of channel  21 A. Head  42  may be caused to rotate by a suitable tool (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) causing screw  40  to move into and out of mass  48 , as represented by arrows  54 . The outer layer or wall  29 A of sole  19 A may have a thickness of approximately 0.4 mm. 
     The configuration of  FIG. 5  has the advantage, due to the spherical nature of mass  48 , of providing sufficient clearance from the wall of a channel to allow weights  20 A to be positioned along tracks in convex or concave surfaces. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , another embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein like components have reference numerals as in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , but with the suffix “C”. Instead of receiving movable weights directly within the body of head  17 , as in  FIG. 1 , weights  20 C are received in tracks X″, Y″ and Z″ of a cover  70  ( FIG. 7 ) for a portion of the sole  19 C of head  17 C. The outer periphery of cover  70  is received in a slight recess  60  in sole  19 C. Lower portions of weights  20 C are received in channels  21 C defined in thicker portions of cover  70  associated with tracks X″, Y″ and Z″. These thicker portions are received in channels  62 ,  64  and  66  in head  17 C, when cover  70  is placed on head  17 C ( FIG. 6 ). If necessary or permitted by appropriate rule, recesses  67  and  68  may be filed with an appropriate material of a density needed to provide a specific weight. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8, 9 and 9A , wherein like components have reference numerals as in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , but with the suffix “D”, in a preferred embodiment, weights may be configured as in  FIG. 5 , wherein screws have heads  42 D and a threaded portion that extends into a mating threaded blind hole in a spherical mass  48 D (having a diameter of, for example, 1.0 cm and formed of tungsten or steel), which fits within one of channels  62 ,  64  and  66 , formed in head  17 C, when cover  70  is placed on head  17 D, as illustrated being placed, and placed thereon in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , respectively. Hollow recess  67  and  68  may be provided in head  17 C to provide proper weight. Again, if necessary or permitted by appropriate rule, recesses  67  and  68  may be filed with an appropriate material of a density needed to provide a specific weight. 
     The heads  42 D of the screws for the weights may be turned by a specialty tool for purposes of loosening the screws to allow movement and tightening the screws to fix weights  20 C in place, as discussed above. A different tool or key, having three prongs at its end, as illustrated in  FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C  may be used for the different heads of weights  20 D of the embodiment of  FIGS. 9 and 9A . The cover  17 D may be secured to head  17 D by securing mechanisms  31 D similar to  31  of  FIGS. 1 and 3 , as described above. 
     In the golf club of  FIG. 9B , tracks  62 ,  64  and  66  in the cover are interconnected so that a weight  20 E can be moved from one track to another. 
     The embodiments of the invention described with respect to  FIG. 6  to  FIG. 9  have a major advantage. A golfer may adjust the position of the weights, and then remove the cover, and replace it with another cover with the weights secured in different positions. Thus, if the golfer has several favorite configuration of weights for specific positions of the COG, of specific moments of inertia, each cover, and its associated weights can effectively “store” that information, without the golfer having to laboriously reposition the weights, which can lead to inaccuracy in positions, and the need for much trial and error, until a favorite configuration is re-established. It is even possible for a golfer using a set of clubs in accordance with the invention, that are not the golfer&#39;s own, to simply bring along a cover with weights appropriately positioned, and to install the cover prior to beginning a game or practice session. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a golf club  16 E generally in the form of an iron, having a head  17 E and shaft  18 E. Head  17 E has hollow portions  92 ,  94 ,  96  and  98 , separated by shaped weights  90 ,  100  and  110 . An arbitrary number of movable weights  20 E, of the type illustrated in  FIG. 5  (or of a type described elsewhere herein), may be moved and then secured in position along an arcuate channel  21 E, having an associated track (not shown in  FIG. 10  due to its cut away nature) at arbitrary positions along channel  21 E. In  FIG. 10 , there are four weights  20 E at positions corresponding to lines A, B, C and D. The arcuate nature of channel  21 E, and the fact that in most irons, the surface of head  17 E is at an acute angle with respect to the shaft  18 E, causes the weights to effectively move in a three dimensional path from the toe to the heel of the head  17 E. Advantageously, one or more weights may be positioned behind the ideal impact area or “sweet spot” of the face of the iron or putter. 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of a mechanism for adjusting the position of weights. Golf club  16 F has head  17 F and shaft  18 F. A weight  122  in a channel  123  within head  17 F is connected to a flexible rod  124 . A series of spacers  127   a ,  127   b ,  127   c ,  127   d ,  127   e  and  127   f  (six spacers are shown, but more may be placed along the interior length of shaft  18 F) define a passageway within shaft  18 F through which rod  124  may move. A knob  130  having a blind, threaded hole  126 , accepts the threaded end  124 A  126  of rod  124 . Knob  130  is fixed at the end of shaft  18 F, but may rotate with respect to shaft  18 F. A slot  128  may receive the blade of a screwdriver (not shown) to rotate knob  130 . Such rotation causes the end of rod  124  to move into or out of knob  130  (depending on the direction of rotation), thus causing motion of weight  122  within channel  123  through a maximum distance:
 
Δ F 2= F 3− F 1, where:
 
F3 is the length of channel  123 , and F1 is the length of weight  122 .
 
     Channel  123  can be an arcuate channel, as in  FIG. 10 . Weight  122  may be an array of weights for movement along channel  123 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , an iron or putter shown generally as  131  has a head  135  and a shaft  139 . A generally cylindrical weight  136  is designed to slide along the bottom  158  of a hollow portion  150  of head  135  in the directions indicated by arrow  157 . Weight  136  is configured with thread like groves  162  which engage a worn gear  156 , which is driven to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise, as indicated by the arrows  160 , by a conical gear  155  at the end of worm gear  156 . Conical gear  155  engages a conical gear  154 , which is in turn caused to rotate by a rod  141   a . Rod  141   a  may extend to the gripping portion of shaft  139 , and be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, as represented by arrow  161 , to thus cause weight  136  to move within hollow portion  150  of head  135 , in response to rotation of a knob as described with respect to  FIG. 11 , or other appropriate mechanism. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , alternatively, the shaft  139  may be removed from the hosel  165  of head  135  to expose a disk  153  mounted for rotation when a key (not shown in  FIG. 13 ) is inserted into an opening  158  in disk  153 , and the key is rotated, thus changing the position of weight  136  within head  135 . As a further alternative, a knurled edge of disk  153  may extend from a slot in hosel  165 , allowing its rotation by the action of the finger of a user, without the need to remove shaft  139 . 
     In general, it will be appreciated that the position of the weight  136  may be controlled from the shaft of the golf club, or the handle of the golf club. For example, in yet other embodiments, the shaft, or a handle portion of the shaft, may be rotated with respect to the head, in order to rotate a gear which changes the position of weight  136  within head  131 . It is possible for the shaft to be configured at its bottom with teeth that engage a conical gear affixed to the worm gear, so that when a set screw is loosened, the shaft can rotate with respect to the head, and thus cause the position of the weight to change. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 15 , a transparent window  134  may be provided to allow observation of the position of weight  136  as it is moved within head  135  between a position of low moment of inertia “L” to a position of high moment of inertia “H”, along a scale  167  having markings  169 . The window may also be translucent, as long as the position of the weight, of a suitable color, can be visualized. Alternatively, the window  134  may be opaque, if it can be removed for adjustment and inspection of the position of weight  136  within head  135 . 
     In  FIG. 16 , weight  136  is urged into the high moment of inertia position by a spring  172 . A wire  141 , that loops around a pulley wheel  171 , is connected to weight  136 , and can be moved to thus move weight  136  by compressing or decompressing spring  172 . The end of wire  141  not connected to weight  136  is connected to a take up mechanism  173 , operated by a rotating disk  174 , within shaft  139 . Disk  174  may be rotated when a key (not shown in  FIG. 16 ) is inserted into an opening  178  in disk  174 , and the key is rotated, thus changing the position of weight  136  within head  135 . 
       FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C  illustrate a key useful with the invention. The key has three portions for being received in three corresponding portions of a screw head associated with a weight for use on a golf club. The key may also be used to turn a screw or screws to remove and replace the removable cover of some of the embodiments of the invention illustrated herein. 
     Thus, in accordance with the invention, a golfer can utilize one or more variable or similar weights to achieve a desired equilibrium, COG, or moment of inertia while maintaining a constant or scalable mass. Moreover, the weights are engineered to be secured onto the complex surface/contour of the club head, thereby permitting the movement of one or more weights in a 2D or 3D (three dimensional) configuration. The invention also features one or more detachable plates/cover, which houses the various tracks containing the weights. 
     Generally speaking, the invention allows the COG to be directed as close as possible to the surface of the club (namely the sole [bottom] and the rear). The continuously variable positioning of weights provides a nearly infinite combination of COG/MOI configurations. 
     By being able to position the weights close to the perimeter (surface), the COG can be located/positioned close to the bottom (sole of the club). The unique design of the weight within the removable cover, and through the cover allows for the easy manipulation/adjustment and location of the spheres/weights. In addition, in accordance with the invention, the weights are positionable to the rear of the club (which again offers some advantages of COG) flexibility. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.