Abstract:
An adjustable golf club head and method of manufacturing the adjustable golf club head. The adjustable golf club head consists of a striking face, a soleplate, a crown, and a skirt connecting the face, the soleplate and the crown with the flange and hosel assembly being adjustably attached to the skirt. The flange and hosel assembly may be moved: laterally, tilted, vertically, both laterally and vertically, allowing for the optimization of one or more of the following specifications—loft angle, lie angle, face angle, center of gravity and face progression.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/634,206 filed Dec. 9, 2009, entitled “CLUBHEAD WITH EXTERNAL HOSEL,” which application is based on and takes priority from Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/210,014, filed Mar. 13, 2009, entitled “CLUB HEAD WITH EXTERNAL FLANGE.” Both of these applications are incorporated in their entireties in this application by this reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention pertains to a golf apparatus, and more particularly to golf clubs, and more particularly to golf woods, adjustable golf woods, drivers, fairway metal clubs and hybrid style clubs. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Golf club makers may use slightly different manufacturing processes. Some parts of the manufacturing process may be unique to one company and regarded as trade secrets. Regardless of the type of process, woods, which may be drivers, fairway woods, and hybrid style clubs, generically “woods,” are typically designed the same. Throughout this disclosure, “club head” and “wood head” may be used interchangeably. The head is comprised of a sole (bottom), skirt (about the periphery), a crown (top) and a face (the hitting surface). Formed in the crown and adjacent, and attached to, the skirt is a hosel, which receives the club shaft. The hosel is typically constructed within the periphery of the skirt. When a club is swung, it rotates about the longitudinal axis of the club shaft, and hence the hosel. The speed of rotation is greater as the distance increases along an axis perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the club shaft. In conventional woods the center of gravity is positioned in the vicinity of the longitudinal axis of the club shaft, at some midpoint of the club head, and separated from the horizontal axis of the shaft. The stability of the wood head is adequate because of the relation between the point of application of force, the hosel, and the center of gravity since the axial moment of inertia about the shaft is small. Maximum force is imparted to the golf ball by impacting the wood head where the center of gravity projects to the face of the club. Club manufacturers endeavor to adjust the center of gravity of the club head by placing weights interior to the club head so as to move the center of gravity from the hosel without materially affecting the stability and feel of the club. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,526 teaches a club head wherein the hosel is extended from the club head in order to increase the axial moment of inertia. Additionally, the &#39;526 patent discloses a club head in which the hosel is a continuation of, and integral to, the crown of the club head. Both the club face and the soleplate are connected to the neck/hosel. However, any benefits derived from increasing the moment of inertia are lost due to an increase in vibration and loss of stability. The present invention is designed to minimize these problems while increasing the axial moment of inertia of the club head, with the additional benefit of providing adjustability. 
         [0007]    In addition to the methodology described above, adjustable woods which may be drivers, fairway woods, and hybrid style clubs, generically “woods”, are typically designed the same. The adjustable club head is comprised of a crown (top), a sole (bottom), a skirt (about the periphery) and a face (the hitting surface). Formed in the crown is a hosel designed to accept the adjustability adaptor sleeve which is secured to the shaft. The bottom of the hosel structure contains a seating mechanism to position the shaft at the desired rotational position. A threaded screw type connector extends upward through the bottom of the hosel structure and connects the adaptor sleeve, securing it in place. This adjustability design affects loft, lie and face angle with the goal of fine tuning and optimizing club head performance to fit a golfer&#39;s specific needs. Other key design elements such as center of gravity location and face progression can be interrelated with loft, lie and face angle to optimize adjustable club head performance. 
         [0008]    Loft is measured in degrees of the angle at which the club face lies in relation to a plane perpendicular to the intended target line and perpendicular to the ground. Loft of a club head determines the launch angle of a golf ball at impact. Players seek an initial launch angle that will provide a desired trajectory. The desired trajectory is one that will maximize overall distance (carry and roll) while also maintaining a desired accuracy range. Club head speed and consistency in delivering the club head “square” to the target line are major factors in determining the ideal loft. 
         [0009]    Lie angle is measured in degrees and is the angle between the center of the shaft and the club head&#39;s sole. The lie angle of the club head establishes the directional plane of the loft. When the club head strikes the golf ball in the desired lie position, the plane of the face will be perpendicular or square to the target. Thus the ball will start on the intended line of direction. If the toe of the club head is higher than the heel at impact, the face will be aligned “closed” to the target line and the ball will start left of the target (for a right handed player). Conversely if the heel of the club is higher than the toe at impact, the face will be aligned “open” to the target line and the ball will start right of the target (for a right handed player). 
         [0010]    Face angle is measured in degrees and refers to the position of a golf club&#39;s face relative to the target line. Face angle has a direct relationship on the effective or real loft of the club face at impact, the tendency to impart hooking or slicing sidespin to the ball and also the tendency to push the ball from the intended line of flight. Players with a tendency to “over rotate” the club face just prior to impact may benefit from a slightly “open” face angle in their clubs. This will help them deliver the club face square or perpendicular to the target line at impact. Conversely, players who have difficulty rotating the club face to the square position just prior to impact may benefit from a closed face angle to help them deliver the club face square or perpendicular to the target line at impact. 
         [0011]    Center of gravity location in a club head represents a point inside the club head determined by the vertical intersection of two or more points where the club head balances. The lower the club head&#39;s center of gravity, toward the sole, the higher the ball flight and the higher a club head&#39;s center of gravity, toward the crown, the lower the ball flight given all other design characteristics remain unchanged. The farther back from the club head&#39;s face the center of gravity is located the higher the ball flight and the closer to a club head&#39;s face the center of gravity is located the lower the ball flight given all other design characteristics remain unchanged. 
         [0012]    Face progression is measured as the distance from the centerline of the shaft to the farthest front portion of the face on its centerline. When face progression is reduced, the plane intersecting the centerline of the shaft lying perpendicular to the target line is moved closer to the face&#39;s front leading edge. The result when executing a swing is the club face arrives to the ball later in the swing, allowing the player more time to “square” the club face to the target line prior to impact. When face progression is increased, the distance between the plane intersecting the centerline of the shaft and lying perpendicular to the target line is moved farther from the face&#39;s leading edge. The result when executing a swing is the club face arrives sooner to the ball allowing a player less time to “square” the club face to the target line prior to impact. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a golf club head including a club head body that includes a striking face, a soleplate, a skirt, a toe, and a heel. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a golf club head wherein the hosel is displaced from the club head by means of a flange. It is also another object of the present invention to provide a club head wherein the flange and hosel assembly may be placed at any point along the skirt of the club head. 
         [0014]    In the present invention the flanged hosel, and thus the club shaft, positioned in an external location from the club head. The flanged hosel may be adjustably placed at any location on the periphery of the skirt. A range of shaft position options (relative to the plane of the club face) are possible by the permanent or adjustable positioning of the flanged hosel at various positions on the skirt of the club head. The flanged hosel does not at any point intersect with the crown, sole or face of the club head. This adjustable design allows the club head to maintain a consistent shape, allows for an offering of shaft positions that are pleasing to the eye and deliver the club head to an impact position based on the individual player type&#39;s needs, and thus performance will be improved. 
         [0015]    In view of the above, adjustability in a club head plays an important role in optimizing club head performance and the present invention provides for an adjustable club head design and a method of manufacturing an adjustable head. The adjustable club head body is comprised of a face (hitting surface), a sole (bottom), a crown (top) and a skirt (about the periphery) wherein the hosel is displaced from the club head by means of a flange. 
         [0016]    An object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable club head including an adjustable club head body that is comprised of a face, sole, crown and skirt wherein the skirt comprises a periphery and a flange and hosel assembly is adjustably attached to the periphery of the skirt. 
         [0017]    An object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable club head including an adjustable club head body that is comprised of a face, sole, crown and skirt wherein the flange and hosel assembly is affixed to the skirt and an adjustable shaft adaptor system is located in the hosel. With the flange and hosel assembly permanently fixed in one location, the hosel may be configured in such a way to accept and secure an adaptor system connected to the shaft. This allows for the club to be adjusted for desired loft, lie angle and face angle. 
         [0018]    An object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable club head including an adjustable club head body that is comprised of a face, sole, crown, and skirt wherein the flange and hosel assembly is laterally adjustable about the periphery of the skirt of the club head. This will allow the amount of face progression to be varied to fit the eye and playability characteristics desired by that individual player. Additionally, the lateral movement of the flange and hosel assembly will also reposition the club head&#39;s center of gravity in a lateral direction thus affecting trajectory. When face progression is reduced, the plane intersecting the centerline of the shaft and lying perpendicular to the target line is moved closer to the face&#39;s front leading edge. The result when executing the act of swinging at a ball is the club face arrives to the ball later in the swing, allowing the player more time to “square the clubface” to the intended target line prior to impacting the ball. When face progression is increased, the distance between the plane intersecting the centerline of the shaft and lying perpendicular to the target is moved farther from the face&#39;s leading edge. The result when executing the act of swinging at a ball is the clubface arrives sooner to the ball allowing the player less time to “square” itself to the intended target line prior to impacting the ball. 
         [0019]    An object of the invention is to provide an adjustable club head including an adjustable club head body that is comprised of a face, sole, crown, and skirt wherein the flange and hosel assembly is attached to the skirt and may be configured in a manner to allow it to tilt vertically and then be re-secured in an adjusted position, clockwise or counterclockwise. When the flange and hosel assembly is tilted in a clockwise direction, the hosel is repositioned higher and closer to the crown than it was for its original neutral position. As the hosel moves higher, the effective loft of the club head is reduced. Conversely, when the flange and hosel assembly is tilted in a counterclockwise direction, the hosel moves lower and away from the crown than it was in its original neutral position. As the hosel moves lower, the effective loft of the club head increases. This particular method isolates loft adjustment from other characteristics of the club head&#39;s specifications. 
         [0020]    An object of the invention is to provide an adjustable club head including an adjustable club head body that is comprised of a face, sole, crown, and skirt wherein the flange and hosel assembly may be configured in such a manner to allow it to be adjusted for position vertically along the periphery of the skirt. As the flange and hosel assembly is moved higher, closer to the crown, the effective lie angle measurement will increase and the center of gravity will be repositioned following the direction of the flange and hosel assembly&#39;s movement upward. When the flange and hosel assembly is moved lower, away from the crown, the effective lie angle measurement will decrease and the center of gravity will be repositioned following the direction of the flange hosel assembly&#39;s movement downward. 
         [0021]    An object of the invention is to provide an adjustable club head including an adjustable club head body that is comprised of a face, sole, crown, and skirt wherein the flange and hosel assembly may be configured to allow it to be moved both laterally and vertically about the periphery of the skirt from its neutral position. This will allow the player to adjust face progression, lie angle and center of gravity location simultaneously. Once the flange and hosel assembly has been located in its desired position it is re-secured. 
         [0022]    An object of the invention is to provide an adjustable club head including an adjustable club head body that is comprised of a face, sole, crown, and skirt wherein the periphery of the skirt is indented to form a slide track mechanism which in turn would receive the adjustable flange and hosel assembly. The adjustable flange and hosel assembly would move laterally, vertically and tilt within the perimeter of the slide track mechanism. 
         [0023]    An object of this invention is to provide an adjustable club head including and adjustable club head body that is comprised of a face, sole, crown, and skirt wherein the minimum displacement of the adjustable flange and hosel assembly is 1 mm from the face and where the face maintains an unobstructed 360 degree striking surface. 
         [0024]    An object of this invention is to provide an adjustable club head including an adjustable club head body that is comprised of a face, sole, crown, and skirt wherein the flange and hosel assembly is secured to the skirt by means of an attachment assembly. 
         [0025]    An object of this invention is to provide a method of manufacturing an adjustable club head including an adjustable club head body comprising the following steps: a face, a soleplate, a crown and a skirt connecting the face the soleplate and the crown and the adjustable flange and hosel assembly is attached to the skirt by way of an attachment assembly. Other devices, apparatus, systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0026]    The invention may be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a conventional prior art golf club head. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a conventional prior art golf club head. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3   a  is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a wood-type club head of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3   b  is a lay-out view of the components of a flanged club head. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a wood-type club head of the invention showing displacement of the flange from the sole and showing the displacement of the hosel from the heel of the club head. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of club head of the invention showing displacement of the flange from the crown from the heel of the club head. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the club head of the invention as seen from the heel of the club head. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the club head of the invention showing the gap between hosel and the club face. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of a hybrid club head of the type of the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of a fairway wood club head of the type of the invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective of a golf club head showing a shaft adaptor attached to the shaft positioned above the hosel and a threaded fastener positioned below the hosel. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is a cutaway view of a hosel with a shaft adaptor attached to a shaft positioned above the hosel opening and a treaded fastener positioned below the hosel. 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  is a side cutaway view of a shaft adaptor and shaft positioned inside the adaptor. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of a golf club head showing a threaded fastener securing an adaptor located in the hosel and attached to the shaft. 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  is a lay-out view of the components of a flanged club head. 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  is a front perspective of a golf club head of the invention with the flange attached to the hosel and shaft. 
           [0043]      FIG. 16  is a side perspective of a golf club head of the invention with an adjustable flange. 
           [0044]      FIG. 17  is a front view of a flange containing a hosel. 
           [0045]      FIG. 18  is a side perspective of a golf club head with an adjustability feature located on the heel side skirt. 
           [0046]      FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of a golf club head and separate adjustable flange. 
           [0047]      FIG. 20  is a top perspective of a golf club head showing a method of attachment of an adjustable flange. 
           [0048]      FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of a golf club head showing an adjustable flange secured in place with a fastening system. 
           [0049]      FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of a golf club head and adjustable flange system. 
           [0050]      FIG. 23  is a top perspective view of a golf club head with an adjustable flange secured to the club head. 
           [0051]      FIG. 24  is a side perspective of a golf club head as seen from the heel of the club. 
           [0052]      FIG. 25  is a front view of a flange containing a hosel. 
           [0053]      FIG. 26  is a rear or outside view of a flange containing a hosel. 
           [0054]      FIG. 27  is a top perspective view of a golf club head with a flange and hosel assembly secured to a club head. 
           [0055]      FIG. 28  is a top perspective view of a golf club head positioned with the leading edge of the face touching a reference line. 
           [0056]      FIG. 29  is a top perspective view of a golf club head positioned with the leading edge of the face touching a reference line. 
           [0057]      FIG. 30  is a side perspective view of a golf club head as seen from the heel side of the club head. 
           [0058]      FIG. 31  is a side perspective view of a golf club head as seen from the heel side of the club head. 
           [0059]      FIG. 32  is a side perspective view of a golf club head as seen from the heel side of the club head. 
           [0060]      FIG. 33  is a side perspective view of a golf club head as seen from the heel side of the club head. 
           [0061]      FIG. 34  is a side perspective view of a golf club head as seen from the heel side of the club head. 
           [0062]      FIG. 35  is a side perspective view of a golf club head as seen from the heel side of the club head. 
           [0063]      FIG. 36  is a side perspective view of a golf club head as seen from the heel side of the club head. 
           [0064]      FIG. 37  is a side perspective view of a golf club head as seen from the heel side of the club head. 
           [0065]      FIG. 38  is a side perspective view of a golf club head as seen from the heel side of the club head. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0066]    The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. 
         [0067]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a prior art golf club head is shown. The golf club head  1  includes a face  3 , a soleplate  11 , a crown  2 , a toe  5 , a heel  6 , a skirt  7 , or other structure, used in connecting the crown  2  to the soleplate  11 , and a hosel  4  to which a golf club shaft  12  is secured, as well as any weight member(s) which might be incorporated into the club head  1 . As is readily apparent, the hosel is within the periphery of club head  1 , and flows directly from crown  2 . 
         [0068]    Although a driver type golf club head, frequently called a “wood,” is disclosed herein in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the concepts underlying the present invention may be applied to a variety of golf club head types, for example, fairway woods and hybrids, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0069]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , these figures describe a wood of the invention wherein the hosel is displaced from the body of the wood club head, i.e., on the periphery of skirt  27  of the club head. The golf club head  20  includes a face  23 , a soleplate  21 , a crown  22 , a toe  25 , a heel  26 , and a skirt  27 . Affixed to skirt  27  is flange  29 , which is constructed to receive hosel  24  to which a golf club shaft  32  is secured. The flange  29  forms a channel  32   a  between the skirt  27  and the hosel  24 . The face  23  has a plurality of score lines or grooves  33  thereon to provide spin to the golf ball. Also, the face  23  is attached to the club head  20  around a periphery or rim  1000  of the face  23  (see  FIG. 5 ). As can be seen in the figures, the crown  22 , face  23  and soleplate  21  do not intersect any portion of flange  29 . This allows club head  20  to maintain a consistent shape and design without altering the components of club head  20 . The displacement of hosel  24  from club head  20  permits a more aerodynamic design of the club head. 
         [0070]    Hosel  24  is affixed to or molded with flange  29 . Hosel  24  is positioned at a selected angle upward from flange  29 . The longitudinal axis of hosel  24  may be at any selected angle relative to face  23  and/or to the heel  26  of club head  20 . In the preferred embodiment, this angle is about 60°. Hosel  24  may then receive a club shaft  32  of a selected length and with selected characteristics. Also shown in  FIGS. 3-6  and  8 - 9  are score marks  33 , traditionally etched on faces of drivers.  FIG. 4  discloses club head  20  with reference lines between the heel portion  26  of skirt  27  (where flange  29  attaches to the skirt) and hosel  24  to show the displacement d 1  of the hosel from the club head body. The hosel  24  may be displaced at any selected distance from club head  20 , but the minimum distance that hosel  24  may be displaced from the club head body is about 1 mm. Also shown on  FIG. 4  is the displacement d 2  between soleplate  21  and the lower edge of flange  29 . Flange  29  may be displaced any selected distance from soleplate  21 , however, the minimum distance that flange  29  may be displaced from soleplate  21  is about 2 mm.  FIG. 5  discloses club head  20  with reference lines between the heel end of crown  22  and the top portion of flange  29  where it meets skirt  27 , showing distance d 3 . Flange  29  may be displaced any selected distance from crown  22 , however, the minimum distance d 3  between crown  22  and the top of flange  29  is about 2 mm.  FIG. 5  also shows the width w of flange  29  between crown  22  and soleplate  21 .  FIG. 6  is a side prospective view of the club head of the invention as seen from the heel of the club head and showing a portion of flange  29  spanning skirt  27 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of club head  20  with soleplate  21  in plan view. The intersection of soleplate  21  and face  23  shows predominantly as a straight line. Distance d 4  is the displacement of flange  29  behind the leading edge of face  23 . Flange  29  may be displaced any selected distance behind the leading edge of face  23 , however, the minimum distance of d 4  is 1 mm. Also shown on  FIG. 7  is the lateral length l of flange  29  along skirt  27 . The length l and width w of the part of the flange attaching to skirt  27  determines the amount of stability of the club head. The minimum ratio of length l versus width w of flange  29  is about 1.25 to 1, but is much greater in this preferred embodiment. 
         [0072]    Club head  20  is fabricated in its normal manner except for the absence of hosel  24 . Flange  29  is securely fastened to skirt  27  at a selected point on skirt  27  of club head  20 , the flange  29  extending to a selected point along the periphery of skirt  27  and either toward the back of the club head, or toward soleplate  21 , for providing additional structural support to club head  20 . This flange reduces the amount of torque and vibration induced by the club head striking a golf ball and improves the characteristics of the golf club. Since flange  29  may be located at various positions on skirt  27 , a club head may be made to specification in order to address a particular golfer&#39;s swing and to enable the golfer to more easily square up the club face to the target line at impact, and thus reducing the tendency to miss hit the shot. 
         [0073]    With the ability to move hosel  24  forward or backward along the periphery of the club head, more design options are available to specifically relocate the center of gravity to the position delivering optimal performance to the golf ball. The center of gravity will change in the direction of the hosel location. If hosel  24  is situated higher on club head  20 , the center of gravity of club head  20  will be higher, and conversely, if hosel  24  is situated lower on club head  20 , the center of gravity will be lower. In addition, the additional amount of axial support by flange  29  will produce a better feel to the golfer. This construction also allows position of shaft  32  to be moved in relation to the plane of the club face without altering the design of the actual club head. This allows varying degrees of offset (measurement where the front of the hosel is located in front of the plane of the club face) to be designed into the club. When the shaft is located behind the plane of the club face the measurement (between the shaft&#39;s position and the club face plane) is defined as “face progression.” These different hosel positions are enabled by the various size and shape possibilities in flange design. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 8 and 9  disclose a hybrid and fairway wood, respectively, each constructed in the method of the invention with the same numbering for like components. 
         [0075]      FIG. 10  shows a golf club head  20 , with a flange  29  that contains the hosel  24  for securing the shaft  32 . The invention introduces an adaptor  34  attached to the shaft  32  and the adaptor  34  is to be positioned inside the hosel  24 , and secured in place by a threaded fastener  35 . 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , these figures show a method by which the adaptor  34  is secured to the hosel  24  by a threaded fastener  35  extending upward through an opening in the bottom of the hosel  24 . The adaptor has a scalloped shape (female) on the bottom that is laterally secured by the male fixturing located in the bottom interior walls of the hosel  24 . The adaptor can be lifted and rotated to a desired positioning and re-secured by the re-attachment of the threaded fastener  35 .  FIG. 12  shows a cross sectional view of the adaptor  34  with the shaft  32  positioned inside the adaptor. The shaft would typically be secured in its position with an epoxy type product. The shaft  32  is positioned in the adaptor at a slight angle. This designated angle allows the shaft to alter the relationship between the club face plane and the plane intersecting the centerline of the shaft that is positioned perpendicular to the intended target line as the shaft is rotationally repositioned. This desired result allows the golf club to be altered for loft, lie and club face angle. This adjustability feature allows the player to ‘fine tune’ the club&#39;s playing characteristics to his or her needs. 
         [0077]      FIG. 13  shows the threaded fastener  35  secured in place through an opening located in the bottom side of the hosel  24  and attaching to the adaptor  34 . The flange  29  and hosel  24  designed to accommodate the adaptor system of the invention may be permanently attached to the skirt  27  or the flange and hosel assembly may be adjustable in nature. 
         [0078]    Shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  are the components comprising the club head  20 , a face  23 , a crown  22 , a sole  21  and a skirt  27 . The club head is not altered in shape. The flange  29  and hosel  24  are attached to a shaft and then positioned at a desired location for isolating desired playability characteristic of said club. Those characteristics include the ability to alter and adjust loft, lie angle, face angle, center of gravity location and face progression. 
         [0079]      FIG. 16  discloses a club head  20  with a flange  29  that incorporates horizontal slots  36 , to allow the flange to be located at various horizontal locations along the skirt  27 . The flange is positioned in the desired location and then secured at the points of attachment  37  with a fastening system. As the flange  29  is moved toward or away from the plane intersecting the club face  23 , the hosel  24  whose purpose is to secure the shaft, will alter the positioning of the plane intersecting the centerline of the shaft and lying perpendicular to the target line. The distance between the centerline of the shaft and the most forward position of the club head  20  is defined as face progression. Face progression affects a player&#39;s ability to return the plane of the club face perpendicular or ‘square’ to the intended target line. The club head and club face rotates as the club is swung on the downswing. During the downswing, the toe of the club head is moving faster than the heel. Players vary in the speed with which they rotate the club head returning it to a square position at impact. Players who struggle to rotate the club head fast enough to return it to a square position at impact, benefit from a wood type club with less face progression. This will allow them slightly more time to complete rotating the club head back to a square position. Conversely, players who rotate the club head more actively on the down swing, benefit from a wood type club with more face progression, thus not giving them the additional time to over rotate the club face. 
         [0080]    The club head&#39;s center of gravity will move in the same direction the flange and hosel assembly is moved. This is a result of the weight of the flange and hosel assembly being repositioned about the periphery of the club head. Center of gravity (CG) has an effect on both launch angle and spin rates. The science behind the CG location; the farther forward the center of gravity is positioned toward the club face, the lower the trajectory and spin rate (with all other factors constant). Moving CG farther away from the club&#39;s face horizontally will increase launch angle and spin rate (with all other factors constant). 
         [0081]      FIG. 17  shows the inside surface of the flange  29  where it is secured to the skirt  27 . In this drawing two slots  36  are visible in the flange to allow it to be attached to the club head&#39;s skirt  27 . The inside surface of the flange  29  has been configured with ridges of teeth  38  to provide a secure fit against the skirt  27 . An enlargement is provided showing this feature in more detail. The attachment of the adjustable flange relies on structural mechanisms to resist various stresses at impact. Additionally, this configuration dampens vibration by solidifying the lateral surface contact of the flange to the skirt. 
         [0082]      FIG. 18  represents the heel side skirt  27  equipped with two threaded male connectors  40  to extend through the slots  36  in the flange  29 . These connectors allow the flange to be held solidly in place adjacent to the skirt  27 . Female connectors will lock and hold the flange securely in place. The skirt wall is also equipped with ridges of teeth  39  to engage with those located on the flange&#39;s inside surface. This serves as a locking mechanism to resist the lateral stresses occurring at impact. The secure fit of the flange and the skirt is key to reducing vibration. 
         [0083]    The top perspective view of  FIG. 19  shows the teeth ridges  39  positioned along the skirt wall and two threaded male connectors  40  extending outward from the skirt wall to receive the flange  29 . The flange  29  assembly has teeth ridges  38  to lock into those located on the skirt  27 . The slots  36  in the flange  29  allow for movement forward and backward in relation to the club head&#39;s face. 
         [0084]    In  FIG. 20  the flange  29  has been placed at a selected location about the skirt  27 . The flange is secured from lateral movement by a system of interlocking teeth located on the skirt  39  and teeth  38  positioned on the inside of the flange  29 . This interlocking system of teeth extends vertically on both the skirt  27  and flange  29 . The male fasteners  40  extending from the skirt pass through the slots located in the flange. Female locking connectors  41  are seen in alignment with the protruding threaded male fasteners  40 .  FIG. 21  shows the flange  29  now secured to the skirt  27  and club head, with the female locking connectors  41  in place. 
         [0085]      FIG. 22  shows an alternative method for utilizing a connector system wherein the skirt  27  contains a female connector  43  to receive a threaded male connector  42  that passes through the slot in the flange  29 . In  FIG. 23  a view of the flange  29  secured to the skirt  27  is presented with the male threaded connector  42  locked into place in the female connector  43  located in the skirt wall. The teeth  39  positioned on the skirt and the teeth  38  located on the flange are engaged securing the flange in place. 
         [0086]    A method for allowing the flange and hosel assembly to be adjusted laterally utilizing a slide track system is represented in  FIG. 24 . A hollow chamber  46  containing moveable and lockable female connectors  44  is included in the club head&#39;s skirt  27 . These female connectors  44  may be moved laterally, but the chamber&#39;s  46  configuration provides a surface structure lip  47  along the top and bottom. These surface structure lips  47  provide a foundation for resistance when locking down the female fasteners  44 . The inside surface of the flange shown in  FIG. 25  shows two threaded male fasteners  42  extending through the flange wall. These fasteners will be secured to the female connectors  44  located in the chamber on the skirt. These threaded male fasteners  42  have heads designed to be tightened into a locked position with a tightening tool as seen in  FIG. 26 . 
         [0087]    In  FIG. 27  a top perspective of the slide track system shows the flange  29  has been secured to the skirt  27  with the threaded male connectors  42  locked into place with the female connectors  44  located inside the chamber  46 . The inside of the surface lips  47  are configured with teeth  48  to lock the female fasteners in place along the channel&#39;s lips. The female fasteners  44  are designed with teeth  49  to interlock along the surface lips of the chamber. This locking system provides vibration dampening to the adjustable system improving feel and confidence for the player. 
         [0088]    In  FIG. 28  a club head is seen in the playing position. A longer dashed line positioned vertically, touches the extreme forward position of the club face  23 , or its leading edge. Displayed also is a dotted line intersecting the center of the shaft  32  and lying on the plane perpendicular to the target line. The distance d 2  between the dashed line and the dotted line represents the measure of face progression for this particular club head. In  FIG. 29  we see a club head with the extreme forward most part of its face  23  touching the long dashed vertical line. The dotted line intersecting the center line of the shaft  32  and lying on the plane perpendicular to the target line. The distance d 1  between the dashed line and the dotted line represents the measure of face progression for this particular club head. Looking at  FIGS. 28 and 29  together, we can see the flange  29 , hosel  24  and shaft  32  are located farther forward (toward the leading edge of the club head) in  FIG. 29  as compared to the club head shown in  FIG. 28 . Thus, the club head in  FIG. 29  has less face progression than the club head of  FIG. 28 . With a laterally adjustable flange and hosel assembly the player can adjust the club head&#39;s measure of face progression to best fit his game for optimal results. 
         [0089]      FIGS. 30 ,  31  and  32  represent the options available when the flange  29  is attached to the skirt  27  through a single point of attachment  37  as to allow the flange  29  to be tilted. A tilting of the flange  29  will reposition the angle of the hosel  24  designed to secure the shaft. The relationship between the plane intersecting the centerline of the hosel lying perpendicular to the target line and the plane of the club face is the club&#39;s loft. Loft is measured in degrees and in driver type clubs, generally ranges between 8 to 12 degrees. 
         [0090]    In  FIG. 30  we see a club head with the flange and hosel assembly positioned with the hosel in a “neutral” vertical position. In  FIG. 31  we see the flange and hosel assembly has been moved upward (counter clockwise) around a pivot point  37 . This adjustment reduces effective loft. When comparing the loft of the face  23  of the club head of  FIG. 30  (neutral position) and that of the face  23  of the club head shown in  FIG. 31 , the club head of  FIG. 31  has less loft than the club head of  FIG. 30 . 
         [0091]    In  FIG. 32  the flange and hosel assembly has been adjusted with forward portion of the assembly moving downward (counter clockwise) around pivot point  37 . This adjustment increases effective loft. When comparing the loft of the face  23  of the club head of  FIG. 32  and that of the face  23  of the club head of  FIG. 30  (neutral position) the club head of  FIG. 32  has more loft than the club head of  FIG. 30 . 
         [0092]    The ability to independently adjust loft while not affecting lie or face angle maintains the playing characteristics of the club for the player. Should playing conditions change, the player can simply alter the loft of the club to increase or decrease to a desired initial launch angle. 
         [0093]      FIGS. 33 ,  34  and  35  show a club head with a threaded male connector  40  extending from the skirt  27  and passing through the slot  36  in the flange  29 . The slot  36  in the flange  29  is positioned vertically. This allows the flange  29  and the hosel  24  contained within the flange to be moved vertically in relation to the club head.  FIG. 33  shows the threaded male fastener  40  positioned in the middle of the slot  36  located in the flange  29 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 34  presents the threaded male fastener positioned in the top of the slot  36  of the flange  29 . In comparison to the positioning of the flange and hosel assembly of  FIG. 33 , the flange and hosel assembly is positioned lower on the club head of  FIG. 34 . This lower positioning of the flange and hosel assembly will lower the club head&#39;s center of gravity location. This lowering of the club head&#39;s center of gravity location will produce an increase in the launch angle at impact and increase the golf ball&#39;s spin rate. 
         [0095]      FIG. 35  presents the threaded male fastener  40  positioned in the bottom of the slot  36  of the flange  29 . In comparison to the positioning of the flange and hosel assembly of  FIG. 33 , the flange and hosel assembly is positioned higher on the club head of  FIG. 35 . This higher positioning of the flange and hosel assembly will raise the club head&#39;s center of gravity location. This raising of the club head&#39;s center of gravity location will produce a lower launch angle at impact and decrease the golf ball&#39;s spin rate. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 36 ,  37  and  38  show a club head with a threaded male connector  40  extending from the skirt  27  and passing through the slot  36  in the flange  29 . The slot  36  in the flange  29  is formed in such a manner to allow horizontal adjustability and vertical adjustability.  FIG. 36  shows a threaded male fastener  40  located in a “neutral” or “central position” of the slot  36  of the flange  29 .  FIG. 37  shows the threaded male fastener positioned in the lower rear location of the slot  36  of the flange  29 .  FIG. 38  shows the threaded male fastener  40  positioned in the highest front location of the slot  36  of the flange  29 . The adjustment options presented in this adjustability configuration include; face progression through the lateral movement of the flange and hosel assembly, center of gravity location both laterally and vertically, and lie angle when the flange  29  and club head&#39;s skirt  27  are designed with a matching lateral and vertical radius. 
         [0097]    While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the introduction of new materials may change the characteristics of club design, and may permit reducing the size of the range. This invention may be embodied in many different forms should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure, the drawings and the claims.