Patent Publication Number: US-2016236048-A1

Title: Golf club with vertically adjustable center of gravity

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a non-provisional of 61/655,669 filed Jun. 5, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to golf clubs with adjustable mass properties. 
     BACKGROUND 
     When a golfer hits a golf ball, he would like for the ball to go a great distance. The total distance the ball travels is influenced by initial conditions such as ball speed, launch angle, and spin. Every golfer hits uniquely, and to get the best distance, each golfer must strive for that combination of launch angle, ball speed, and spin that produces the greatest carry distance. A golfer can influence those initial conditions by changing their club head speed, their stroke, or their golf club. For example, all other things being equal, using a golf club with a higher loft will produce a higher launch angle. 
     Unfortunately, changing a golf club to optimize one of those initial conditions can compromise others. For example, a golfer who starts using a driver with a certain loft to obtain just the right launch angle may find that their ball launches with too much spin. Changing the loft angle to control the spin then compromises the launch angle. As such, the golfer may have to settle for a loft angle that reflects a least-objectionable compromise in which neither the launch angle nor the spin is wrong, but neither is just right. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention provides a golf club head with a mechanism that can be operated to adjust a height of a club head center of gravity, allowing initial conditions such as spin and launch angle to be adjusted independently of one another. A golfer can have a club head with a loft angle that optimizes spin and then can raise or lower the center of gravity of the club head to decrease or increase, respectively, the launch angle. A club head in which the location of the center of gravity can be adjusted in a direction with a component that is vertical when the club head is at address may uncouple spin and launch angle. Since a golfer may control initial conditions of ball flight independently of one another due to the fact that they are uncoupled, the golfer may optimize those initial conditions to get the combination that produces the greatest carry distance. Thus using a club head of the invention, when the golfer hits a ball, the ball will go a great distance. 
     The invention includes the insights that adjusting physical parameters of a club head can influence initial ball flight conditions in various ways. While different golfers may get their own unique results from a club head, it may be found for some golfers that lowering the center of gravity can increase launch angle, increasing loft may increase spin, distance is highest at a certain medium-high spin rate, or a combination thereof. 
     Adjusting the center of gravity in the vertical direction solves problems presented by one-size-fits-all clubs. A golfer who needs a more forgiving club can lower the center of gravity while a golfer who desires greater distance can raise the center of gravity. One insight of the invention is that, in one club, all other things being equal, a high center of gravity aids in making a shot that bores forward. A low center of gravity tends to impart high loft to a ball. Some players find that golf club head with a low center of gravity is more forgiving to off-center hits. While some very skilled players prefer a high center of gravity because they find they can make shots with great distance. The application of this insight is in the provision of golf clubs that include a mechanism by which to adjust a center of gravity in a vertical direction when a club is at address. 
     An unexpected benefit of the invention is that by providing a mechanism that allows for the adjustment of center of gravity in the vertical direction, a golf club can include a mechanism that can accommodate unwanted changes that result from adjusting some other property of the club head, such as moment of inertia, loft angle, face angle, heel-toe center of gravity, or face-back center of gravity. 
     Further, mechanisms are provided that allow a club to have a varied center of gravity without requiring separate manufacturing of manufacturing tools. Since a single club head form factor can be manufactured that provides varied centers of gravity, production costs and times are reduced even where club makers want to provide a variety of clubs with different vertical centers of gravity. 
     In certain aspects, the invention provides a golf club head having a face, a hosel, and an aft body, and further includes a mechanism operable to change a position of a center of gravity of the club head in a direction that has a substantial component that is vertical when the club head is at address. The mechanism may include an openable cap (e.g., to provide access to weight ports, or a non-uniformly weighed cap that can be opened and closed back in different orientation); a reversible member (e.g., such as a strap, dowel, or screw that has a non-uniform density along its length); or a separable cartridge member (e.g., non-uniformly weighted and loadable in different orientations, with ports for weights, interchangeable with other such cartridges, or a combination thereof). The mechanism may operate by including repositionable weights, a non-uniformly weighted member, a track for weight travel, or other features. In some embodiments, the mechanism comprises weights accessible at an exterior surface of a club head. In certain embodiments, the mechanism is substantially concealed within the club head. Alternatively, the mechanism could be both accessible at an exterior surface and substantially contained within the club head. 
     In related aspects, the invention provides a golf club head that includes a mechanism for adjusting a center of gravity in a vertical direction without substantially changing the center of a gravity in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. The mechanism may use a separable member that can be attached to the club head in at least two different orientations. In some embodiments, the club head includes a separable bent strap that can be attached in a corresponding recess in an aft portion of the club head. The mechanism may include numerous ports that each receive and retain a weight (e.g., accessible from an outer surface or by opening a single hatch on the club head). Alternatively or additionally, the mechanism can use an aft portion of the club head that is moveable relative to the rest of the club head. 
     In certain embodiments, the invention provides an internal elevator that includes a threaded shaft, rotation of which changes a height of the center of gravity substantially only in the vertical direction. 
     In some embodiments, a hole in a surface of the club head is configured to receive a weight pylon (e.g., one of a set) that attaches to the surface and positions a weight member within the club head spaced away from the surface. 
     Aspects of the invention provide a method for changing a vertical center of gravity of a golf club head by adjusting a center of gravity in a golf club head in a vertical direction without substantially changing the center of gravity in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. 
     The method may include repositioning a separable member (a separable member that can be attached to the club head in at least two different orientations; a separable member with a non-uniform mass distribution; a separable member that can be attached to the club head in a corresponding recess in an aft portion of the club head; a separable member with a tab on one end dimensioned to be received by a slot on the club head; a separable member that can be attached to the club head in two orientations related by a 180° rotation of the separable member, or a threaded member). 
     In certain aspects, the invention provides a golf club head with a mechanism for adjusting a center of gravity in a vertical direction. Changing a center of gravity in the vertical direction can be done without substantially changing the center of a gravity in other directions. Clubs included in the invention include all types (e.g., putters, irons, woods, hybrids, drivers, and wedges). The mechanism can operate according to a variety of principles and can include a mechanistic device such as a hinge, truss, spoke, door, port, pylon, separable member, or repositionable weight. 
     In certain embodiments, a club head is provided with a separable member that can be mounted on the club head in more than one position (e.g., rotated 180°) or that can be replaced with another member having a similar shape but different mass properties. If the separable member has a non-uniform weight distribution, mounting it in a different orientation can change a center of gravity in a vertical direction. In some embodiments, a separable member can be attached to the club head in a corresponding recess in an aft portion of the club head. 
     In certain embodiments, a mechanism involves a threaded member (e.g., a removable rod with a non-uniform weight distribution or an elevator mechanism). Elevator mechanisms may include a threaded member configured to rotate to cause the weight member to change position in a vertical direction within the club head. In certain embodiments, an elevator mechanism comprises a threaded member and a post member that extend through a weight member. 
     In some embodiments, a club head includes a door that can be opened or closed and/or a port adapted to receive a weight (e.g., one or more ports dimensioned to receive weights can be provided within or behind the door). The door can be provided, for example, as an aft portion of a club head. 
     In certain aspects, the invention provides a kit for adjusting a center of gravity that includes two members, each of which is adapted to be attached to a club head. In some embodiments, each of the two members has a non-uniform mass distribution, each of the two members has a mass distribution different from the other, or both. Other features provided by the members in various embodiments include threaded surfaces, truss-mountable weights, and interchangeable pylons. 
     A kit can further include printed matter such as, for example, information about center of gravity in golf clubs, tools for interchanging the members, or both. 
     In certain aspects, the invention provides a method for changing a vertical center of gravity of a golf club head. Methods may include adjusting a center of gravity in a golf club head in a vertical direction without substantially changing the center of gravity in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. Methods may further include use of any of the embodiments described herein. 
     In certain aspects, the invention provides a method of providing golf clubs by obtaining two or more golf clubs that are substantially the same and that are configured so a center of gravity of each golf club can be independently adjusted in a vertical direction optionally without substantially changing the center of gravity in a direction orthogonal to the vertical. The golf clubs can be provided, for example, to a retail store or to an end-user (e.g., customer golfer). Methods of the invention allow a greater variety of clubs to be provided through commercial distribution channels without requiring a dedicated manufacturing process for each club with a unique center of gravity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows a club head with a non-uniformly weighted member. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  show a club head with a repositionable member. 
         FIG. 3  shows a club head with a weight member with ports. 
         FIG. 4  shows a club head and a weight member with ports. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates areas of a face of a club. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  give a top and rear view of a club head with an opening member. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  give a top and rear view of a club head with an open member. 
         FIG. 8  shows an inside view of a weight member. 
         FIG. 9  shows a club head with an open weight member. 
         FIG. 10  shows a club head with repositionable, interchangeable weights. 
         FIGS. 11A-11C  show a club head with a rotatable member. 
         FIG. 12A-12E  show a club head with a repositionable, interchangeable member. 
         FIG. 13A-13E  show a club head with a repositionable, interchangeable member. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate an elevator. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view of a club head including an elevator. 
         FIG. 16  shows a club head and a pylon. 
         FIG. 17  shows a club head with a mount for a pylon. 
         FIGS. 18-20  show interchangeable pylons. 
         FIG. 21  shows a top view of a club including a threaded member. 
         FIG. 22  shows a threaded member. 
         FIG. 23  shows a cross-sectional view of a club with mounts for a threaded member. 
         FIGS. 24A-24D  show a club head with an openable member. 
         FIGS. 25A and 25B  show a club head with a repositionable, interchangeable member. 
         FIGS. 26A and 26B  show a club head with a moveable weight. 
         FIG. 27  shows a club head with moveable weights. 
         FIG. 28  shows a club head with a moveable barrel weight. 
         FIG. 29  shows a club head configured to receive a weight member. 
         FIG. 30  shows weight member for insertion into club head. 
         FIG. 31  shows club head having weight member installed therein. 
         FIGS. 32-34  depict an embodiment in which a club head includes interchangeable weight members. 
         FIGS. 35-37  show an embodiment in which a club head has interchangeable weight members. 
         FIGS. 38-40  reveal an embodiment in which a club head has recesses to receive interchangeable weights. 
         FIGS. 41-43  illustrate a club head with a cartridge with multiple weight ports. 
         FIG. 44  shows a cavity-backed wood-type club head that includes a cavity. 
         FIG. 45  illustrates a club head with a cavity with a surface that includes a component that is substantially vertical when club head is at address. 
         FIGS. 46-48  show a club head that includes a slider to adjust a height of a center of gravity. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The invention provides methods and mechanisms for adjusting a center of gravity of a golf club head. As used herein throughout, reference to a direction or orientation of a center of gravity, such as vertical, is made with reference to a club head at address. The invention further provides golf club heads with a center of gravity that is adjustable in a vertical direction. In certain embodiments, a golf club head of the invention has a center of gravity that can be adjusted in a vertical direction without simultaneously substantially changing the center of gravity in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. 
       FIG. 1  shows a club head  1  with a non-uniformly weighted member. The club shown in  FIG. 1  can be described with respect to a baseline center of gravity. Club head  1  includes a repositionable member  3  coupled to the back of the club head. Member  3  has a non-uniform mass distribution and a mass. The point shown on club head  1  in  FIG. 1A  represents what would be the center of gravity of club head  1  if member  3  had the a uniform distribution of mass. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the lower edge of member  3  has a greater mass concentration that the rest of member  3 . Further, member  3  can be removed from club head  1  and re-connected to it in an inverted configuration (relative to how it is shown in  FIG. 1 ), with the dense mass portion nearer to the crown of the club head. The repositionable nature of member  3  and its non-uniform mass distribution provides a range of distance in a vertical direction over which mass can be repositioned, thereby changing the center of gravity of club head  1  in a vertical direction. 
     The body of club head  1 , member  3 , or any other club head or member disclosed herein, can include any suitable materials known in the art such as a metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum, stainless steel) or a plastic, a polymer, or a composite (e.g., carbon fiber, various hard plastics, etc.). Member  3  can couple to club head  1  in any suitable way such as, for example, a screw, a snap-together construction, or an adhesive. In some embodiments, member  3  includes one or more pins protruding from a forward-facing (when club at address) surface and club head  1  includes corresponding holes. The arrangement of pins and holes is symmetrical in the vertical direction (i.e., across a horizontal line). Member  3  is mated to and fixed on club head  1  by pushing the pins into the holes. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show a club head  2  with a repositionable member. Operating under a principle substantially similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 1 , here, weight member  7  mounts in a slot in the back of club head  2 . Weight member  7  includes a mass, denser than the rest of member  7 , at a position off of a vertical center of member  7 . Member  7  can be mated to and coupled to club head  2  in either of two different configurations, thereby adjusting a vertical center of gravity. 
     Member  3  in  FIG. 1  and member  7  in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , as well as any other suitable removable member shown herein, can be provided as one of a set of interchangeable members. For example, in some embodiments, club head  2  can be provided with a non-uniform member  7  as well as a one or more other members that fit in the same slot, each having different mass characteristics. In some embodiments, a club head of the invention comes with a “neutral” or “baseline” member having a uniform mass distribution as well as a member having non-uniform mass distribution. Use of the baseline member provides a club head that has a substantially baseline center of gravity. 
       FIG. 3  shows a club head  4  with openable cap  15  that includes ports  11  for receiving weights. In some embodiments, cap  15  is removable and re-connectable to club head  4 . Cap  15  includes one or more of port  11  (here, shown with three of port  11 ). Insertable weights are provided that can be mounted in port  11 . 
     In some embodiments, a port  11  is only visible and only accessible from an inside surface of cap  15 . In certain embodiments, port  11  are open to, and accessible from, an inside surface of cap  15 , but further include a viewing window so that a golfer may see which of port  11  are occupied. A viewing window can include an open void space dimensioned so that weight members do not fall out or can include a clear material (such as a plastic or other polymer like poly(methyl methacrylate), polyvinyl chloride, PDMS, etc.). 
     In some embodiments, one or more of port  11  are open to, and accessible from, an outside surface of cap  15 . 
     A golfer can remove cap  15  from club head  4 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , and insert one or any number of weight members into desired positions of port  11  and mount cap  15  on the back of club head  4 , resulting in a club substantially as shown in  FIG. 3 . By positioning different weights in different arrangements in port  11 , a vertical center of gravity is adjusted. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates areas of a face of a club. Without being bound by any particular mechanism of action, it may be theorized that lowering a vertical center of gravity tends to shift which region of a face (low, med, or high) transfers momentum to or makes contact with a ball during a shot. Hits from a lower part of the club head face may go high and be more forgiving. Hits from a top portion of the club face (here labeled low) may tend to drive the ball forward, favoring long-distance shots. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  give a top and rear view of a club head  25  with an openable cap while  FIGS. 7A and 7B  give a top and rear view of a club head with an open cap. As shown in  FIGS. 6A-7B , club head  24  includes opening cap  31 . Opening cap  31  may open by any suitable mechanism such as, for example, pivot  27  (shown here), a hinge (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 24A-24D ), pins and holes (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9  or  FIG. 11B ). 
       FIG. 8  shows an inside view of cap  31 . In certain embodiments, cap  31  includes one or more of port  39  disposed therein. In some embodiments, club head  26  includes one or more of ports  35  disposed therein. A weight member (e.g., lead, tungsten, other material) can be pushed into, and retained by, a port. 
     A cap may be taken to refer to a cover or panel that cooperates with a remainder of a club head to provide an overall shape of the club head. For example,  FIGS. 9 and 11A-11C  depict a cap on an aft end of a club head;  FIGS. 16-20  illustrate pylons that can act as a cap in a base of a club head;  FIGS. 24A-24D  show a club head with a hinged cap; and  FIG. 43  shows a removable cap that carries with it a removable cartridge. 
       FIG. 9  shows a club head  50  with an open weight member  51 . Weight member  51  includes one or more of port  53  (similar to cap  15  described above in reference to  FIG. 3 ). As shown in  FIG. 9 , member  51  pivots about a pin-hinge. One or more of weight insert  53  can be positioned in one or more of port  53 . 
     In some embodiments, the invention provides a club head with a center of gravity that is adjustable in a vertical direction based on one or more repositionable weight inserts fixably connectable to the club head.  FIG. 10  shows a club head  60  with repositionable, interchangeable weights. Each of crown weight  57 , aft crown weight  61 , aft sole weight  69 , a sole weight (not show, substantially beneath crown weight  57 ), heel-side weight  65  and a similarly situated toe-side weight can be provided to fit into a corresponding recess in the club head. In some embodiments, the weight inserts are provided as a firm but soft material, such as a urethane compound, optionally impregnated with a high-density material such as lead or tungsten (e.g., in filings, ingots, cubes, etc.) that can be, for example, embedded in the material. The weight inserts are pushed into the recess to weight the club head. In some embodiments, the weight members are removed through the use of a tool, such as by digging a small knife or screwdriver into the recess and prying the weight out. In some embodiments, the weight members snap-fit into the recesses. 
     Club head  60  can further be provided with “blanks”—cosmetic cover pieces that take the place of a weight insert to give club head  60  a finished appearance without substantially affecting a mass distribution. 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  show a club head  70  with a rotatable cap  71 . As shown here, cap  71  includes a mass-dense portion  73 . Member  71  mates to club head  70  to create a smooth, finished appearance. In the illustrated embodiment, cap  71  mounts on head  70  through the use of a matching pin-and-hole sets. In some embodiments, cap  71  mounts to head  70  through the use of a screw, or high-powered magnets (e.g., rare-earth magnets). In some embodiments, cap  71  is cemented to club head  70 . Club head  70  (or a golf club including club head  70 ) can be provided with one or a plurality of cap  71 . By mounting cap  71  in a different orientation, or by mounting a different cap  71  from a set, a vertical center of gravity of club head  70  can be adjusted. Noting that mass-dense portion  73  is called out in the illustrations here,  FIGS. 11A and 11C  show a high and a low, respectively, positioning of a center of gravity of club head  70  in a vertical direction. 
       FIG. 12A-12E  show a club head  80  with a repositionable, interchangeable bent strap  85 . Member  85  includes a weight mass  93  at one end. A channel is formed on the back of club head  80  and bent strap  85  can be inserted therein so that ends of bent strap  85  slide into slots under the outermost surface (e.g., the crown and sole) of club head  80 . The slots may be dimensioned to exert pressure on the ends of bent strap  85 , thereby retaining it in place. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of set screw  87  can be used to fix bent strap  85  in place. As shown by arrow B, bent strap  85  can be inserted in multiple orientations so that weight mass  93  is high, or low, on club head  80 . Further, club head  80  may be provided with multiples of bent strap  85 , each exhibiting different mass properties. 
       FIG. 13A-13E  show a club head  90  with a repositionable, interchangeable bent strap  97  having weight mass  101 . Similar to that shown in  FIGS. 12A-12E , bent strap  97  can be removably coupled to club head  90  via one or more of a press-fit slot, set screw, adhesive, Velcro, snap-fit retention mechanism, or similar, or a combination thereof. As shown by arrow C, bent strap  97  can be attached in multiple orientations to adjust a center of gravity of club head  90  in a vertical direction. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate an elevator member. Central shaft  125  extends from cap member  105  to base member  121 . Either of cap member  105  or base member  121  can be provided by part of a golf club head, or can be pieces that are affixed to a golf club head. As shown in  FIG. 14B , base member  121  is seated within sole portion  117  of a golf club head, while cap member  105  is provided by a portion of a golf club crown. Weight  113  is mounted on central shaft  125  through a threaded interface and bar  109  extends through weight  113 . 
     In some embodiments as pictured in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , rotation of base member  121  (e.g., by manual manipulation of a spoke-like structure therein) causes bar  109  to revolve around shaft  125 . An end of bar  109  distal from base  121  may be engaged with a circular groove in cap member  105  to aid smooth revolution. As bar  109  revolves around shaft  125  it rotates weight  113  around its axis. Shaft  125  is fixed in cap member  121 . Due to the threaded interface between cap member  105  and shaft  125 , weight  113  moves in an upward or downward direction while base member  121  is rotated. 
     In alternative embodiments, cap member  105 , base member  121 , and bar  109  are fixed together with no motion possible between or among them. Shaft  125  is rotatably mounted as shown in  FIG. 14B  having weight  113  threaded thereon. Shaft  125  can be rotated by engaging a tool in a mating recess on one end. Rotating shaft  125  causes weight  113  to move up or down because bar  109  prevents weight  113  from rotating with shaft  125 . 
     Mechanisms like the one pictured in  FIGS. 14A-14B  can include any suitable material known in the art. In some embodiments, one or more of the included components are a polymer material such as plastic, or a metal, or a composite material. Weight  113  can be a metal or can be a plastic or composite material with a metal weight member mounted therein. In some embodiment, shaft member  125 , weight member  113 , another component, or any combination thereof include a low friction material such as PTFE.  FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view generally showing how an elevator member as shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  may be installed within a club head. 
       FIG. 16  shows a club head  130  and weight pylon  137 . Arrow E indicates how pylon  137  may be mated with or removed from club head  130 . Viewing  FIG. 17  in conjunction with  FIGS. 18-20 , it will be appreciated that a weighting pylon may be mounted in mount hole  141  on a portion of club head  130  (here, hole  141  is shown in a sole). While hole  141  may be at any position on club head  130 , when it is on a sole,  FIG. 18  shows a low CG pylon  145 .  FIGS. 18 and 20  show an intermediate CG pylon  149  and a high CG pylon  153 , respectively. A CG pylon may be positioned in club head  130  by inserting it through hole  141 . 
     In some embodiments, hole  141  includes one or more of a set hole  143  configured to match to mounting mechanism  157  on a base of a pylon. Mounting mechanism  157  can include a hole and a screw that threads through the pylon into hole  143 . In certain embodiments, mounting mechanism  157  on a pylon is a barbed pointer that clips through hole  143 . 
     One benefit of the mechanism for adjusting vertical center of gravity as shown in  FIGS. 16-20  is that the mass of club head  130  is limited to the sole, crown, face plate, etc.—the positions on a club head where the mass would be anyway. Because a pylon protrudes into the free space of club head  130 , and is not surrounded by the material of an indention in club head  130 , a golfer is given maximum control over a vertical position of the center of gravity. 
       FIGS. 21-23  show a mechanism for adjusting a center of gravity of a club head in a vertical direction. Club head  160  includes one or more of threaded bore portion  173 . Threaded member  181  can be mounted in club head  160  by threading it through bore portion  173 . 
     In some embodiments, threaded member  181  is generally made to include a low or neutral density material such as a plastic or a composite. In certain embodiment, to facilitate insertion or removal of member  181 , it includes a low-friction material such as a polymer like PTFE. Positioning member  181  in club head  160  can adjust a center of gravity of the club head in a vertical direction. For example, member  181  can include a weight mass  185  located at an off-center position. A golfer can mount member  181  in club head  160  in either orientation to change a vertical center of gravity. Further, a club head  160  can be provided with one of or a set of member  181 . In a set, each of member  181  can include different mass distribution properties. For example, weight mass  185  can be progressively more distant from a center of member  181  within members of a set. 
     Member  181  can further include a mechanism to aid in insertion or removal. In certain embodiments, member  181  includes a screwing slot  177  that allows for rotating member  181  about an axis through the use of a tool. In some embodiments, slot  177  is dimensioned to receive an edge of a coin, such as a nickel or penny. 
       FIGS. 24A-24D  show a club head  190  with an openable door  201  (e.g., a hinged cap) that can provide functionality in a number of ways. In some embodiments,  FIGS. 24A-24D  show a club head  190  with an openable door  201  that provides a mechanism for adjusting a club head center of gravity in a vertical direction. Member  201  is mounted on club head  190  via hinge  197 . Member  201  optionally includes fastening mechanism  193  to maintain club head  190  in a closed configuration (as shown in  FIGS. 24A and 24B ).  FIGS. 24C and 24D  show club head  190  in an open configuration. Body member  191  can optionally include a component  217  of fastening mechanism  193 . In some embodiments, fastening mechanism  193  includes a set screw (e.g., on openable door  201 ) and a threaded receiving hole (e.g., on body member  191 ). In some embodiments, fastening mechanism  193  includes a magnet such as, for example, a high powered magnet (e.g., a rare-earth element magnet). 
     Club head  190  includes a center of gravity that is adjustable in a vertical direction. In some embodiments, high port  205  and low port  209  are provided as recesses in door  201  (e.g., on an inside surface so that they are not visible when club head  190  is in a closed configuration). One or more weight members may be provided that mount in any of the ports. A weight member may be retained in a port by any suitable method. Suitable methods for retaining a weight member in a port include: dimensioning the weight and club head so that a back of the body member  191  holds the weight in place when club head  190  is in a closed configuration; adhesives; magnets (e.g., high powered magnets such as rare earth elements); a press-fit construction; a snap fit construction; one or more of a screw or similar fastener; spot-welding; or other similar methods. 
     By repositioning weight members among the ports depicted in  FIG. 24D , a golfer may adjust a center of gravity in a vertical direction. In some embodiments, a door  201  further includes ports in a center, near a heel end, near a toe end, or anywhere else within. 
       FIGS. 25A and 25B  show a club head  220  with a repositionable, interchangeable member  229  for adjusting a center of gravity in a vertical direction. As can be seen in  FIG. 15B , member  229  can include a first end mass  233  and a second end mass  237 . These masses can include different masses (e.g., by including materials of different densities, by having different volumes, by including a void space in one of them, or a combination thereof). Club head  220  can be provided with one of or a set of member  229 . Where two or more are provided, they can be interchangeable and each can provide unique mass characteristics. Since each of member  229  can be positioned on club head  220  in two different configurations, a set of two members can provide four different vertical center of gravity settings for club head  220 . 
     In certain embodiments, member  229  is a separable cartridge with ports  209  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 24D ) therein for carrying removable weight members. 
     In certain embodiments, member  229  includes an indicator window (e.g., positioned off-center) in a position to correspond to indicia printed on club head  220  to indicate a presently effective mass property setting. Suitable setting indicator windows are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/363,886, filed Feb. 1, 2012, and titled SETTING INDICATOR FOR GOLF CLUB, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     Member  229  can be attached to club head  220  as shown by arrow F in  FIG. 25B  and fixed in place by any suitable means. Suitable methods for retaining member  229  in club head  220  include: adhesives; magnets (e.g., high powered magnets such as rare earth elements); a press-fit construction; a snap fit construction; one or more of a screw or similar fastener; spot-welding; or other similar methods. 
     Club head  220  generally includes a recess for receiving member  229 . One or more of pocket  241  is separated by bridge  245 . In some embodiments, bridge  245  and member  229  include a ferromagnetic material, at least one of which is a permanent magnet (i.e., magnetized). In some embodiments, either or both use a strong magnet such as a rare earth element magnet. 
       FIGS. 26A and 26B  show a club head  250  with a moveable weight  257  that allows a center of gravity of club head  250  to be adjusted in a vertical direction. As can be seen in  FIGS. 26A and 26B , club head  250  includes one or more of truss element  252  extending vertically one portion of the club to another (here, from a sole to the topline). As shown here, truss element  252  is spaced away from back surface  255  of a striking face of club head  250 . 
     One or more of truss element  252  can include one more of weight  257  repositionably mounted thereon. In some embodiments, weight  257  slides a long a length of truss element  252 . In some elements, weight  257  can be separated from, and reattached to, truss element  252 . Weight  257  can be fixed into position on truss member  252  by any suitable means, such as a clamp-on mechanism, a set-screw, or other means. 
       FIG. 27  shows a club head  280  with moveable donut weights  287 . Moveable weights as shown in  FIG. 27  generally may be provided having a torus shape to fit snugly on spoke member  289 .  FIG. 28  shows a club head  290  with a moveable barrel weight  297  disposed on one of spoke member  289  (here, spaced away from a back surface  22  of a strike face of club head  290 ). As shown in either of  FIG. 27  or  FIG. 28 , a donut weight  287  or a barrel weight  297  can be slidably positioned on a spoke member  289 . A spoke may be a separate piece of metal (similar to a bicycle spoke) or maybe a piece of a body portion of club head  280  (or  290 ) extending in a spoke like conformation. By slidably positioning donut weight  287  or barrel weight  297 , a golfer can adjust a center of gravity of a club head in a vertical direction. 
       FIG. 29  shows a club head  301  configured to receive a weight member  319 . Club head  301  preferably includes an internal boss  309  to receive and stabilize a location of weight member  319  and a surface-exposed boss  315 . Either or both of internal boss  309  and surface boss  315  may include a mechanism to mate with a portion of weight member  319 . Any suitable mechanism may be included such as a snap-fit tab or tabs, a threaded interface, press-fit parts, or other. 
       FIG. 30  shows weight member  319  for insertion into club head  301  to provide a position of a center of gravity that is adjustable in a vertical direction. Weight member  319  preferably has a non-uniform density. For example, weight member  319  may include a heavy portion  323  and a light portion  327  (e.g., at opposed ends of weight member  319 ) and the heavy portion could weigh more (e.g., anywhere from 1 to 10 grams more). In certain embodiments, one end of member  319  weights about 6 to 9 grams more than the other end (e.g., if you cut member  319  in half at the middle and weight each half separately). Weight member  319  may also include a tool interface surface  335 . Club head  301  may be used with a plurality of members  319  that have different weight properties (e.g., a set or kit). 
       FIG. 31  shows club head  301  having weight member  319  installed therein. In some embodiments, weight member  319  may be installed and removed by using a tool on tool interface surface  335  (e.g., to unscrew member  319  at threaded ends from bosses  309  and  315 ). In certain embodiments, member  319  is a screw that may be inserted from the sole to connect to a boss on the interior surface of the crown. Surface boss  315  can have a smooth bore (e.g., with an internal diameter large enough for an end of screw  319  to pass through, such that screw  319  attaches to club head  301  only at internal boss  309 . 
       FIGS. 32-34  depict an embodiment in which a club head  341  includes interchangeable weight members  345 . Weight members  345  may be positioned in receiving wells  347 . Club head  341  can include a retaining member  349  that can be caused to engage weight members  345  through the use of tool  343 . As shown for example in  FIG. 34 , tool  343  can access retaining members  349  through a dedicated tool entry port  357  (also visible in  FIG. 33 ). Preferably, weight members  345  are available with different weights (e.g., at least two of weight members  345  differ by an amount between about 1 g and about 10 g or more). 
     In certain embodiments, weight members  345  slide into or out of receiving wells  347 . Since this attachment is not threaded, weight members  345  and wells  347  need not be circular. Thus, the weight provided by members  345  can be concentrated into certain locations (e.g., close to a fore-aft plane) and thus using weight members  345  need not substantially influence mass distribution properties of club head  341  other than a vertical position of a center of gravity of club head  341 . Club head  341  may be provided with a plurality of weight members  345 , such as two, or three, or seven, or twenty, or any number—so that a golfer can personalize their golf club. 
       FIGS. 35-37  show an embodiment in which a club head  371  has interchangeable weight members  389  that can be held within pop-out turret  385  or  381 . Tool  377  can be used to engage turrets  381  and  385 . For example, club head  371  may have a threaded barrel rotatably mounted adjacent a threaded hemi-cylindrical face in an edge of turret  381  or  385 . When turret  381  or  385  is brought against the threaded barrel, tool  377  can be used to rotate the barrel, causing the threads to engage, and driving turrets  381  or  385  into or out of club head  371 . Turrets  381  or  385  can be provided with one or a plurality of weight ports  391  for receiving weight members  389 . Through the use of weight members  389  of different weights, a vertical position of a center of gravity of club head  371  can be adjusted. 
       FIGS. 38-40  reveal an embodiment in which a club head  401  has recesses  413  to receive interchangeable weights  405 . Here, recesses  413  include an inner coupling portion and an outer shaped area. Each weight  405  has an outer perimeter shaped to correspond to the outer shaped area of a recess  413 . Each weight  405  has a rotatable coupling barrel that corresponds to the inner coupling portion of a recess  413 . An outer surface of weight  405  may include a tool engagement surface. A weight  405  can be positioned in recess  413  and tool  409  may be used to attach weight  405  to club head  401 . The inner coupling portion and the rotating coupling barrel may both be threaded and may screw together. In a related embodiment, recess  314  and the corresponding portion of weight  405  are not threaded but included corresponding tab and groove structures to lock together. 
       FIGS. 41-43  illustrate a club head  441  that embodies an adjustable center of gravity concept in which a cartridge  425  with multiple weight ports can be inserted and removed from a receiving chamber  445  in club head  441 . Weight slugs  429  can be selectively inserted into the weight ports, and cartridge  425  can be inserted and locked into club head  441 . 
     In certain embodiments, cartridge  425  includes a tool engagement surface  437 . Cartridge  425  and receiving chamber  445  may interact through a combination of tabs  431  and slots  451  (which may each be on either of cartridge  425  and receiving chamber  445 ). Club head  441  can be caused to have a center of gravity with a different height when the club head is at address by removing and interchanging slugs  429  in cartridge  425 . 
     In certain aspects, the invention provides a cavity-backed wood-type club head that employs a surface of the club head that has a vertical component when the club head is at address. 
       FIG. 44  shows a cavity-backed wood-type club head  461  that includes a cavity  467 . At least one surface of cavity  467  has a component that is substantially vertical when club head  461  is at address. Preferably, a surface within cavity  467  includes two points (e.g., at least about 1 cm apart, preferably at least two cm apart) defining a surface vector s. With club head  461  held at address, x, y, and z orthogonal axes may be defined wherein z is vertical and x is normal to a center of a ball striking face. The surface vector s may be decomposed into x, y, and z components. Surface vector s of club head  461  will include a non-trivial z component (e.g., at least a cm or two long). Here, slot  471  may be taken to lie along the surface vector. 
     Club head  461  includes a slot  471  in cavity  467  oriented to include a component that is substantially vertical when club head  461  is at address. Club head  461  includes slider  473  that can be repositioned along slot  471  to adjust a height of a center of gravity of club head  461 . Slider  473  may include a tool engagement surface that requires a tool to slide the slider (e.g., most of slider  473  is within club head  461  and only a portion of slider  473  is accessible through slot  471 , that portion bearing a special feature for engagement with a special tool). 
       FIG. 45  illustrates a related embodiment in that club head  461  includes cavity  467  with a surface that includes a component that is substantially vertical when club head  461  is at address. Here, the vertical surface includes a plurality of weight port  477  dimensioned to receive weight slugs  429 . By interchanging weight slugs (e.g., of different weight, through selective inclusion and exclusion, or both) a height of a center of gravity of club head  461  may be adjusted. Preferably, interchanging weight slugs requires use of a tool that engages a base of a slug  429  for insertion and removal. 
     A slot and slider (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 44 ) need not strictly have a vertical component to adjust a vertical position of a center of gravity. 
       FIGS. 46-48  show a club head  501  that includes a slider  511  that travels along a crown or a sole of the club head to adjust a height of a center of gravity. Here, slider  511  can travel along slot  505 . Club head  501  includes an internal track  515  that has a component that is substantially vertical when club head  501  is at address. A weight member  519  may be mounted on track  515  such that moving weight member  519  to different positions (e.g., by sliding) along track  515  adjusts a height of a center of gravity. Alternatively, member  519  may interface with track  515  by rollers, gears, etc., or track  515  may be a wire fixed to member  519  wherein track  515  itself travels through opposed pulleys mounted in club head  501 . 
     Slider  511  may be linked to member  519  via linkage arm  523 , which may preferably include a material with some stiffness and optionally stiffness with just a bit of pliability, such as a metal (like aluminum or titanium) or a plastic or other polymer (e.g., TEFLON). Track  515  may be rigid and may have a form for extra strength, such as a cross-sectional I-beam profile. Track  515  may be disposed in club head  501  with a desired positioning such as predominantly up-and-down or angled. As shown in  FIGS. 47 and 48 , track  515  curves down towards the face so that a position of a club head center of gravity can be adjusted to be biased lower or towards the back. It will be appreciated that the orientation could be reversed, so that the one extreme is down and towards the back, and moving slider  511  adjusts the position forwards and upwards. Other possible orientations and combinations of any of the possible orientations are within the scope of the invention and will be appreciated. 
     It may be found that changing the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head for different golf clubs may compensate for the swing characteristics of certain golfers so as to optimize initial ball flight conditions. For example, increasing loft may increase launch angle, decreasing total distance. So, a golfer may want a low-loft club head. However, a golfer may find that a high spin increases distance, so the golfer may want a club head with a high center of gravity. While every different golfer is unique, some may find that the ideal driver is one in which a point on the face directly in line with a club head center of gravity is also the point on the face which has the correct loft angle to generate the golfer&#39;s optimum launch angle. Such a golfer may procure a driver of the invention with a given loft angle and strike point and adjust the center of gravity accordingly. 
     A mechanism for adjusting a vertical component of a position of a club head of center of gravity may have particular benefit in a club head that also includes a mechanism for adjusting or configuring another physical parameter such as a loft angle. 
     Adjustable or configurable golf clubs are discussed further in U.S. Pat. No. 8,262,507; U.S. Pat. No. 7,771,291; U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,573; U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,354; U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,840; U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,075; U.S. Pub. 2011/0151990; U.S. Pub. 2010/0331102; and U.S. Pub. 2010/0075773, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     A golf club head that includes a mechanism for adjusting a position of a club head center of gravity in a direction that includes a component that is substantially vertical when the club head is at address may be characterized by one or a combination of categories of features. Categories include: reversible member; separable cartridge member; repositionable/interchangeable weights; openable hatch; non-uniformly weighted member; track for weight travel; others; and combinations thereof. Embodiments that employ a reversible member are depicted, for example, in  FIGS. 1A, 2A, 2B, 11A-11C, 12E, 13E, 21, 25B, 29-31 , among others. Embodiments that show use of a separable cartridge member can be found in  FIGS. 3, 4, 9, 25A, 30, and 41-43 , for example. The use of weights that are repositionable, interchangeable weights, or both is depicted in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3, 4 , 7A-8, 10, 16-20, 24D, 26A, 28, 32-43 , and  45  among others. The use of an openable hatch or lid—i.e., a cap—is illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 3, 4, 6A-7B, 9, 11A-11C, 24A-24D, 37, and 43 . Non-uniformly weighted member-based adjustment mechanisms are shown at least in  FIGS. 1A-2B, 3-4, 9, 11B, 12E, 13E, 21-22, 25A-25B, 30, 41 . Mechanisms that includes a track for weight travel are shown in  FIGS. 14A-15, 26A-28, 44, and 46-48 . A theme that may be preferred for ease of access and use is weights accessible at an exterior surface of a club head such as is shown in  FIGS. 10, 12, 16, 32-34, 38-40, 44, and 45 . In some embodiments, a mechanism for adjusting a center of gravity is substantially concealed within a club head which may be preferred for aerodynamics and structural soundness (e.g., keep weight mechanism parts retained in club head during high-energy use). This is depicted, for example, in  FIGS. 6A-8, 14A-15, 21-23, 24A-24D, 29-31, 35-37, 41-43, 46-48 , etc. A center of gravity adjustment mechanism can be both accessible at an exterior surface and still substantially contained within a club head, as shown for example in  FIGS. 6A-8, 21-23, 29-31, 35-37, 41-43 , among others. 
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     References and citations to other documents, such as patents and patent publications, are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
     EQUIVALENTS 
     Various modifications of the invention and many further embodiments thereof, in addition to those shown and described herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the full contents of this document, including references to the scientific and patent literature cited herein. The subject matter herein contains important information, exemplification and guidance that can be adapted to the practice of this invention in its various embodiments and equivalents thereof.