Patent Publication Number: US-9839823-B2

Title: CG height adjustability by conformal crown weighting

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/701,926, filed on May 1, 2015, and issued on Aug. 9, 2016, as U.S. Pat. No. 9,409,069, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/151,148, filed on Jan. 9, 2014, and issued on May 5, 2015, as U.S. Pat. No. 9,022,881, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/050,194, filed on Oct. 9, 2013, and issued on Apr. 8, 2014, as U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,708, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/797,404, filed on Mar. 12, 2013, now abandoned, which claims priority to 61/657,247, filed on Jun. 8, 2012. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a golf club head. More specifically, the present invention relates to a conformal weight for a golf club head. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Relatively little has been done with the placement of adjustable weights directly in the crowns of drivers. Positioning weights in a crown, especially near its highest point, is very effective in moving the vertical position of the center of gravity, and also is useful for controlling golf ball backspin, allowing the vertical component of golf ball trajectory to be optimized for different head speeds, swing styles and player preference. Unfortunately, achieving sufficient center of gravity range is difficult, such installations are visually distracting at address, the fixed structure of a weight port is inefficient and penalizes overall performance, and a concentrated mass located in the center of the crown can have an adverse effect on impact sound. Furthermore, impact sound may be noticeably different for different weighting configurations. 
     There are ways to deal with the appearance of a weight in the center of the crown. For instance, it is possible to cover the weight port with a medallion or cover piece. Unfortunately, this adds to the fixed portion of the adjustable weighting system mass and further detracts from its efficiency. The cover can also become a source of buzzing or can become detached and possibly lost. Mitigating such impact sound effects typically requires stiffeners, an increase in crown thickness, or both. Both of these approaches add to the fixed structural weight of the crown and tend to increase the center of gravity height. 
     Weight ports in the crown that are visible at address are not desirable. They are potentially distracting and can impact cosmetic appearance. In addition, the weight port structure adds to total crown mass. This additional fixed crown mass raises center of gravity of the head and provides little contribution to other important characteristics such as moment of inertia. In a typical weight port configuration the weight is contained within the outer mold line of the head. For a crown weight this means that its position is lower than ideal, thus reducing the achievable vertical center of gravity range. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The objective of this invention is to provide an adjustable crown weight with minimal or no effect on appearance at address while maximizing the ability of the weight to adjust center of gravity height. Additional goals include minimizing the fixed component of the structure dedicated to the weighting system and also minimizing any potential effect on impact sound. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is an adjustable weighting feature for vertical center of gravity control which is placed to maximize effectiveness and may be entirely concealed from view at address. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is an adjustable weighting feature for vertical center of gravity control which is placed to maximize effectiveness and is only visible at address on the aft portion of the crown. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is an adjustable weighting feature for vertical center of gravity control which is placed to maximize effectiveness and may also serve as an alignment aid. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a golf club head comprising a face component comprising a face component contact surface, a crown comprising a crown front edge, a crown aft edge, an edge support structure, and an aft opening in communication with the edge support structure, and a flexible weight comprising a weight front edge, a width, a depth, a length, and a weight rear edge, wherein the aft opening is sized to receive the flexible weight, wherein the flexible weight is removably retained within the edge support structure, and wherein the length of the flexible weight is greater than the width of the flexible weight. 
     In some embodiments, the weight front edge may abut one of the crown front edge and the face component contact surface when the weight is fully engaged within the edge support structure. In some embodiments, the golf club head may further comprise a sole having at least one weight port. In other embodiments, the crown may be composed of composite, and may comprise a doubly curved shallow shell structure. In other embodiments, the flexible weight may be aligned with a golf club head X-axis when the flexible weight is engaged with the edge support structure. In still other embodiments, the edge support structure may be integrally formed with the crown. In another embodiment, the flexible weight may comprise a polymer having a specific gravity value of 1.8 to 4.2. 
     In still other embodiments, the edge support structure may be selected from the group consisting of internal rails, an internal enclosed support structure, and external rails. In a further embodiment, the edge support structure may be internal rails, and the crown may comprise an opening disposed over the internal rails to form an external channel. In another embodiment, the weight front edge may have a shape selected from the group consisting of rectangular, tapered, and rounded. In another embodiment, the flexible weight may comprise a plurality of cutouts, which may be disposed at an edge of the flexible weight. In still other embodiments, the flexible weight may be preloaded when it is fully engaged with the edge support structure. In a further embodiment, the golf club head may comprise a fastener, which may place the flexible weight in compression within the edge support structure. This fastener may be a weight screw or a retainer clip or snap, or a combination thereof. In yet another embodiment, the flexible weight may have an initial un-deformed shape comprising a curvature that matches a curvature of the crown. In another embodiment, the golf club head may further comprise a damping layer disposed between the flexible weight and an interior surface the crown. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a driver-type golf club head comprising a face component comprising a face component contact surface, a molded composite crown comprising a crown aft edge, an internal surface, and an edge support structure disposed on the internal surface, a weight composed of a high density polymeric material, and a fastener, wherein the edge support structure is integrally formed with the crown, wherein the weight comprises a rectangular shape and a tapered front edge, wherein the weight is retained within the edge support structure, wherein the weight is aligned with a golf club head X-axis when the weight is engaged with the edge support structure, and wherein the weight is compressed between the fastener and the face component contact surface. In some embodiments, the weight may be hidden from view when it is fully engaged with the edge support structure. In another embodiment, the weight may comprise a plurality of weight protrusions. In yet another embodiment, the weight may comprise a thick-edged cross-sectional shape. 
     Having briefly described the present invention, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a position of a conformal weight within a golf club head. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a crown of a golf club head illustrating an orientation of a conformal weight and a local shell coordinate system. 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate cross-sectional configurations of different conformal weight installation sections on a crown of a golf club head. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrates multiple crowns of golf clubs with varying weight concealment ranging from fully hidden, aft section exposed and full exposed. 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate multiple configuration and construction options for a flexible conformal weight for a golf club head. 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate multiple cross-section options for a flexible conformal weight for a golf club head. 
         FIGS. 7A-7E  illustrate multiple alternatives for a flexible conformal weight for a golf club head. 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate cross-sectional configurations of multiple types of fasteners that can be used to secure the flexible conformal weight to the golf club head. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the design approach described here is based on the construction used in Callaway Golf Company&#39;s RAZR Fit driver head  10 , characterized by a composite crown  20  adhesively bonded to a cast Titanium body  30 , which comprises a face  32 , a sole  34 , and sometimes a ribbon  36 . This particular construction approach permits the crown  20  configuration to be adapted to the hidden conformal weighting system  100  described herein with minimal impact to weight and function. However, this weighting system  100  may be used with other constructions including all Titanium, all composite and composite body with metal face cup. It is also intended to work in conjunction with at least one adjustable weight port on the sole of the driver head  10 . Shifting weight between the crown weighting system  100  described herein and a port located on the sole  34  allows for control of center of gravity height. In the most general case the sole  34  weighting technique will be different than the crown  20 . 
     In the primary configuration, shown in  FIG. 1 , the crown  20  is a doubly curved composite shallow shell structure adhesively bonded to the body  30  at its perimeter  35 . The weight  40  is termed conformal in that it closely follows the crown  20  shape to maximize its height and effect on vertical center of gravity position. The conformal weight  40  preferably is oriented front to back and aligned close to the head X-axis, as shown in  FIG. 2 . However, the conformal weight  40  can be angled with respect to the head X-axis to accommodate performance or alignment needs without significant reduction in performance. 
     To hold the conformal weight  40 , the internal surface  25  of the crown  20  is modified by the addition of edge support structures  50 , oriented fore and aft and aligned essentially parallel to the head Y-axis. These support structures  50  may be integrally molded from the crown  20  parent material or be secondarily bonded to the crown  20 . In the preferred embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3A , the crown  20  comprises internal edge rails  52  which hold the conformal weight  40  in place. In an alternative embodiment, the crown  20  comprises an internal enclosed support structure  54 , which completely sandwiches the conformal weight  40  between the support structure  54  and the internal surface  25  of the crown  20  as shown in  FIG. 3B . In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3C , the crown  20  is formed with an external channel  60  oriented fore and aft with internal edge rails  56  at the lateral edges of the channel  60  to hold the weights in place. In this approach, the conformal crown weight  40  is visually apparent, but its visual effects are minimized by finishing the conformal weight  40  in a manner identical to the surrounding crown  20 . Alternatively, the conformal weight&#39;s  40  geometry and cosmetics can be intentionally configured in a manner to make it an alignment aid at address. In yet another embodiment, external edge rails  58  are formed with or added to the crown  20  as shown in  FIG. 3D . A benefit of these edge support structures  50  is that they increase stiffness of the crown  20  to counteract the mass effect of the conformal weights  40 , thus mitigating effects on vibrational behavior. In this manner the edge supports  50  serve two functional roles; stiffener and weight guide. 
     The conformal weights  40  of the present invention preferably are inserted into or removed from the crown  20  via an opening  70  at the aft edge  22  of the crown  20  or, in an alternative embodiment, via an aft section of the ribbon portion of the body (not shown). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A , the opening  70  extends the entire length of the crown  20  along the X-axis, thus forming an external channel  60 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4B , the opening  70  extends approximately one third of the length of the crown  20  along the X-axis, while in  FIG. 4C , the opening  70  is located entirely at the aft edge  22  of the crown  20 . 
     The conformal weights  40  of the present invention preferably are thin flexible elements sized to fit within the edge support structure  50  and to follow the curvature of the crown  20 . In the preferred embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5A , the conformal weight  40  is a flexible strip of material having a consistent length L, width W, and depth D. In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5B , the conformal weight  40  is a flexible strip of material having attached weight protrusions  42 . In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5C , the conformal weight  40  is segmented such that it does not have a consistent depth D. In yet another embodiment, the conformal weight  40  is laminated so that it has a variable depth D. 
     A range of weight values for the conformal weights  40  of the present invention can be achieved using loaded polymers or a polymer substrate with attached weights. High density polymers with sufficient bending flexibility exist with specific gravity values ranging from 1.8 to 4.2. Another approach is to use segmented conformal weights  40  with flexible connectors. It is also possible to attach conformal weights  40  to a flexible substrate or laminate highly loaded polymer layers to a flexible substrate. Mass distribution within the flexible weight does not have to be evenly distributed. In fact, it is beneficial to concentrate weight near the forward half of the conformal weight  40  to maximize its effect on center of gravity height. The conformal weight  40  also need not be flat, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . Instead, in the preferred embodiment, the initial un-deformed shape of the conformal weight  40  includes a slight curvature that is similar to the crown  20  contour to reduce insertion contact forces and the resulting friction. In yet another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 6D , the conformal weight  40  may have a thick-edged cross-sectional shape. In general, the cross-sectional shape of the conformal weight  40  must provide sufficient volume while maintaining flexibility to permit easy insertion and removal. 
     The conformal weights  40  of the present invention preferably are inserted via the aft opening  70  and move along the edge support structures  50  until the conformal weights  40  engage with a contact surface  80  disposed proximate at the forward edge of the crown  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4A-4C . This allows the high loads caused by impact to be taken in bearing and transferred directly to the crown  20  structure of the face cup, if one is used. In one embodiment, the shape of the conformal weight  40  is a simple rectangle, as shown in  FIG. 7 . In the preferred embodiment, the front edge  45  of the conformal weight  40  is modified with a taper, as shown in  FIG. 7B , to improve engagement and alignment of the conformal weight  40  at the contact surface  80 . In an alternative embodiment, the front edge  45  of the conformal weight is modified with a rounded section, as shown in  FIG. 7C . Reducing weight and increasing flexibility of the conformal weight  40  is accomplished by including cutouts  46  in the center of the conformal weight  40  or along its edge  43 . Minimizing vibration and buzz of the conformal weights  40  can be achieved by adding snubbers or a damping layer  110  between the weight and crown surface, but these elements must be carefully designed to avoid adding unnecessarily to the force required to insert or remove the conformal weight  40 . 
     A fastener  90  at the aft edge  22  of the crown  20  or on the aft ribbon section as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 8A, 8B, and 8C  is used to secure the conformal weight  40  for play. The fastener  90  ideally preloads the conformal weight  40  in compression to minimize vibration and ensure proper load transfer at impact. This is possible because the predominant load at impact is taken in compression by the front edge  45  of the conformal weight  40  near the face  32 . Out of plane and lateral loads are absorbed by the edge support structures  50 . The fastener  90  also serves as a swingweight adjustment weight, if needed, as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C . In these Figures, the fastener  90  is a weight screw that moves mass towards the rear end of the golf club head  10 , on the crown  20  or the ribbon  36 . As shown in these Figures, the weight screw fastener  90  extends through openings (not shown) in the conformal weight  40 , the crown  20 , and the body  30  to secure these structures together. A washer  92  can be affixed to the threads of the weight screw fastener  90  to prevent it from moving, or the body  30  may comprise a threaded port (not shown) to engage the weight screw fastener  90 . Alternatively, or in addition to the fastener  90  as shown in  FIG. 8B , a snap fit or clip restraint fastener  95  can be used at the aft end  48  of the conformal weight  40 . 
     The approaches detailed herein are well suited to a composite crown due to its extremely low structural weight. The composite may be a discontinuous short or long fiber molded composite or a laminated composite. It is also possible to utilize aluminum, magnesium or titanium alloy. 
     Varying the amount of weight in the crown may have an effect on driver sound at impact. A relatively flexible conformal weight  40  will mass load the crown  20 , thus affecting vibration modes with significant crown  20  participation. This effect can be mitigated by the use of stiff edge support structures  50  and matching the stiffness of the conformal weight system  100  to the local crown  20  structure. 
     In alternative embodiments, the conformal weighting configurations, including the edge support structures and weights, disclosed herein are used in connection with a composite sole  34  of the golf club head  10  instead of the crown  20 , and/or a ribbon  36 . 
     From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes, modifications and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims.