Patent Publication Number: US-7722477-B2

Title: Impact force dampening system for use with a golf driver or fairway club head

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This Application is a Continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/297,188 filed on Dec. 8, 2005 for IMPACT FORCE DAMPENING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A GOLF PUTTER HEAD. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to golfing clubs and, in particular, golf putters. More specifically, the present invention discloses a force dampening and redirection system for use with a golf driver or fairway club head, incorporating a vibration-inducing component and which, in operation, increases an effective “sweet spot”, this historically being the location of center of gravity of the golf club head and which results in straight and maximum travel of the golf ball, associated with the club head striking face providing straight directional travel of a golf ball. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The prior art is well documented with examples of golf club putter devices. A major objective of such devices is the ability to transfer, in a substantially lineal and consistent fashion, forces of impact associated with the forward travel of the putter head against a golf ball during a putting stroke. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,381, issued to Spalding, teaches a putter incorporating a plurality of line spring wires distributed along its lengthwise extending face and including an angled leg portion, which extends upward and outward away from the initial leg portion. As the putter is swung, the angled leg portions spring inward and then upward and outward due to contact with the golf ball. This spring action simultaneously imparts both a forward and topspin motion to the golf ball, the professed objective being to impart a rolling motion (and as opposed to non-rotative and primarily “scooting” motion) as early on as possible during the putting stroke and in order to provide better direction and control of the ball. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,481, issued to Raudman, teaches an improved golf putter employing an elastomeric material between the putter face and body in order to dampen vibrations caused by impact of the moving putter face on the golf ball. Of relevant note, the vibrations are directed by the putter body configuration in such a way as to maximize the dampening function. In order to provide enhanced rolling motion to the struck ball, weighting is focused towards the bottom of the putter head. Angular design of the face, bottom and heel acts to decrease potential blade turf drag, enhancing the smooth feel of the club system. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,117, issued to Gilbert, discloses a golf club head having a substantially perimeter weighted club head, including the interposing of three inserts, including among them a striking face insert, a dampening insert, and a back insert. The dampening insert is preferably constructed of a lead alloy, and is interposed between the other inserts to provide for changes in club swing weight, as well as relief for vibration and acoustical variations. The striking face insert is further preferably made from a stainless steel alloy and the back insert from a carbon graphite. Gilbert further discloses the dampening insert being maneuvered into varied positions to effect a change in the specific gravity of each club head of a golf club set. 
   Another interesting example of a vibrational dampening putter is set forth in WO 98/32500, to Cobra Golf, and which teaches a cavity backed design with three piece construction. A club head body portion includes a strike face insert cavity for receiving a strike face insert, this further exhibiting a central cavity. An additional recess is formed within the strike face insert cavity and may receive a vibration dampening material. The sizes of the strike face insert cavity, vibration dampening insert recess and aperture are progressively varied in accordance with the particular golf club characteristics, in order to improve weight distribution and/or vibration dampening and to increase strike face surface area. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention discloses a golf club capable of increasing the “sweet spot” associated with the club head striking face, and which results in the imparting of substantially perpendicular and lineal ball travel relative to the striking face. As defined previously, the “sweet spot” of a golf club head is traditionally its center of gravity and, upon striking a ball at this location upon the putter striking face, resultant ball travel is maximized as to both distance and straightness. The present invention utilizes vibration generating/redirecting components associated with the putter head, offsetting the twisting tendencies of the putter head from acting upon a golf ball contacted offset from a mass centerline associated with the putter head. 
   In a first embodiment, a putter bead includes a semi-circular shaped and coiled spring securing at first and second ends to associated surface locations of the putter head arranged opposite the ball striking face. The spring contacting ends may further be encased within at least one elongated and interiorly hollowed closure secured to the putter head. The closure may likewise be semi-circular shaped or, in the instance of a pair of independent coiled portions, be provided as separate components. 
   In further related embodiments associated with the putter head, the vibration inducing components are provided by tuning-fork shaped articles secured to each of first and second surface locations of the putter head arranged opposite the ball striking face. Either the miniaturized tuning forks or, alternatively, the spring contacting portions, can be provided in any of in-line, arcuate or angularly offset manner relative to the associated mounting surface of the putter head, and in order to adjust the desired degree of vibration induced dampening associated with a given off centerline location of the club head. 
   In a further embodiment, the spring dampening physics are incorporated into the three dimensional interior of a driver or fairway club head. This can further include the provision of a spring exhibiting a pseudo elliptical bend, or semi-circular when viewed in an inner cutaway plan illustration, and which is installed at both heel and toe locations so that the spring arcuately extends about a hollow interior of the three dimensional body. Additional mass is located at both the toe and heel locations to more readily transfer an off-center striking force to the spring. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of a golf putter exhibiting force-dampening features according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan cutaway view of the golf putter head and further illustrating the vibration inducing spring component associated with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective illustration of a golf putter head, and illustrating a pair of individual vibration inducing components secured to the putter head according to a further embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a cutaway view of a selected vibration-inducing component illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective illustration of a golf putter head, similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 3 , and according to a still further embodiment exhibiting an angular orientation associated with each of the individually secured vibration inducing components; 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration similar to that shown in  FIG. 4 , and showing a selected vibration inducing component according to a yet further embodiment according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective illustration of an impact force dampening system incorporated into a hollow three dimensional interior associated with a driver or fairway club; 
       FIG. 8  is a rotated rear view of the club head illustrated in  FIG. 7  and showing a set screw for attaching the spring at the heel end of the club; 
       FIG. 9  is a frontal cutaway view of the club head shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a further cutaway view, taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 , and showing the configuration of the interiorly supported spring from a top position; and 
       FIG. 11  is a cutaway illustration similar to that shown in  FIG. 10 , with the exception that a second set screw is substituted for the spring to club toe connection. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective illustration is shown at  10  of a golf putter exhibiting impact force dampening and redirection characteristics according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the present invention utilizes vibration generating/redirecting components associated with the putter head, these acting to offset the twisting tendencies of the putter head about its associated center line, to thereby prevent an undesirable angle of direction being imparted upon a golf ball contacted outside of the ideal mass centerline associated with the putter head. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the putter includes an elongated handle  12  terminating in a three-dimensional shaped putter head  14 . The putter head  14  is constructed of a wood, metallic or plasticized, such as in particular nylon, material (such material further being understood as capable of transferring the vibrationally induced component through the body of the putter head and to its front face) and typically exhibits a substantially rectangular shape in configuration with a substantially smooth front ball striking face  16  and an opposite rear face  18 . It is also envisioned that the putter head  14  can adapt any other desired configuration within the ordinary skill of one in the relevant art. 
   A vibration inducing component according to the initial embodiment is generally illustrated at  20  and exhibits a semi-circular shaped coiled spring element (see at  22  in  FIG. 2 ) and which is secured to first  24  and second  26  surface locations associated with the rear face  18  of the putter head  14 . The surface mounting locations  24  and  26  are further evidenced in the illustrated embodiment by three-dimensional shaped supports, these interconnecting the ends of the vibration inducing and arcuate coil spring  22  with the body of the putter head  14 . Beyond the manner of interconnecting the spring  22 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , it is also understood that any other suitable structure can be employed within the scope of the invention for mechanically and vibrationally communicating the spring  22  (or other suitable vibration inducing component) with the putter striking surface  16 . 
   Also illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is the provision of a likewise arcuate and elongated (interiorly hollowed) closure  28  secured to the support and enclosing the vibration inducing component. It is understood that, the provision of a suitably configured enclosure  28  is optional and, as with the degree of tension and coil density associated with the spring  22 , may be modified to vary the vibrational inducing force applied to the front face  16  of the putter head  14 . 
   Upon impacting a golf ball (not shown) along a center line (see at  30  in each of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) associated with the front striking face  16 , this vertically intersecting a center of mass associated with the putter head  14 , the golf ball is caused to travel in a substantially straight direction, corresponding with a perpendicular relative to the putting face  16  and as is referenced at  32  in  FIG. 2 . 
   The present invention is intended to address the inevitable non-linear (or more accurately the non-perpendicularly) extending travel of the golf ball, resulting from the striking motion of the putter head against the ball outside of the centerline “sweet spot”. In this instance, the inevitable physical rotation of the putter head  14  causes it to rotate about its center of mass (again resulting from the combined physical effect of the putter head&#39;s mass and its connection location to the elongated handle  12 ), imparting an undesirable “push” or “pull” to the ball causing it to travel in a non-linear direction. 
   The vibration inducing component of the present invention operates to counteract this inevitable twisting of the putter head, through the creation of a vibrational inducing/offsetting component which acts upon the point of contact with a golf ball contacted by the putter head offset from either side of the centerline/center of mass. The mounting of the vibration inducing component, to either end of the putter rear face  18 , results in the intensity of the vibrational created component increasing as a variable of the lateral distance from the centerline location  30 , thereby increasing an effective surface area of the striking face by which a desired perpendicular travel direction of the ball relative to the putting face is maintained. The purpose of the vibrational inducing components is to collect and redirect the impact forces associated with a non-centerline striking of a golf ball by the putting face (not the creation or new or additional forces) to “correct” inevitable rotation of the putting head about its mass center and to again thereby increase the surface area (sweet spot) of the putter striking face achieving substantially perpendicular directed motion of the ball. 
   Additional features associated with the disclosed embodiment  10  include the provision of aligning and interiorly threaded apertures associated with the putter head  14  and each of the supports  24  and  26  (see in particular  FIG. 2 ). A pair of mounting screws  34  and  36  secure the supports  24  and  26  to the edge locations of the forward ball striking face  16 , whereas spring mounting knobs  38  and  40  (again  FIG. 2 ) which structurally secure the spring and associated housing to the rear side of the putter head, thereby structurally and (vibrationally) interconnected the inducing component  22  through the putter head and across its front lace  16 . 
   As is illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the recesses defined in the forward facing surface of the putter head may be dovetailed to provide a flush end appearance to the screw heads, however it is further understood that any suitable means for securing the vibration inducing component to the desired locations of the putter head is also contemplated, such further including the provision of welding, adhesives or the like. It is also envisioned that, while the preferred embodiment contemplates the mounting locations of the semi-circular spring  22  as corresponding to the rear face of the putter head  14 , it is further envisioned that the vibration inducing components can be mounted in alternate locations, provided that the required degree and direction of the vibrational generated force is established for acting upon the golf ball. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective illustration  42  of a golf putter head is shown according to a further embodiment. Common features associated with the putter handle and head are repeated from  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the embodiment  42  further including a pair of individual vibration inducing components in the form of individual and substantially linear (rearwardly) extending springs  44  and  46  secured to the putter head. As with the previously described embodiment  10 , the springs  44  and  46  each secure to respective rearward mounted supports  24  and  26  in order to impart a desired compensating level of vibrationally induced and redirecting force. As is also referenced by the cutaway view of  FIG. 4 , each vibration-inducing component, illustrated as spring component  44 , may also, and optionally, include an elongated and interiorly hollowed closure, such as illustrated at  48  for spring inducing component  44  as well as at  50  for spring inducing component  46 . 
     FIG. 5  is a perspective illustration  52  of a golf putter head, similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 3 , and according to a still further embodiment. Of note, the embodiment of  FIG. 5  exhibits an angular orientation associated with each of the individually secured vibration inducing components, i.e., vibrational inducing springs shown at  44 ′ and  46 ′ and including likewise angularly oriented enclosures  48 ′ and  50 ′ respectively.  FIG. 5  illustrates the manner by which the vibration inducing and redirecting components can be arranged in any of arcuate, in-line or angular extending fashion as set forth in the preceding embodiments within the scope of the invention. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , a sectional illustration  54  is shown of a selected vibrational inducing component according to a yet further embodiment and which illustrates a tuning-fork shaped article  56  secured to the selected surface locations of the putter head arranged opposite the ball striking face. The illustration of the tuning fork article stresses that any suitable vibration inducing article may be incorporated into the golf putter design within the scope of the invention. 
   As with the previously disclosed embodiments, the vibration inducing component  56  may, optionally, be enclosed by a suitable enclosure  58  and is in structural (and thereby vibrational) communication with the front face  16  of the putter head. Reference is further made to mounting base  60  for securing the tuning fork  56  (with or without separately secured enclosure  58 ) to the rear face secured support  24 , and to thereby provide the desired vibrational inducing characteristics as previously described. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective illustration is generally shown at  62  of an impact force dampening system incorporated into a hollow three dimensional interior associated with a driver or fairway club head. An elongated handle is shown at  64  and connects to a generally heel location of the head  62 , and which further can incorporate any desired material construction (such as again metal, wood or plasticized composition) consistent with known driver or fairway club head designs. 
   A generally elongated and pseudo elliptical or semi-circle shaped spring dampening coil is illustrated in phantom at  66  and includes a first heel mounting end  68  and a second toe mounting end  70 . As further shown in  FIG. 7 , the club head incorporates a frontal and substantially planar ball striking face  72  (such as also possible including an integrally formed nylon surface), with the spring dampening coil  66  extending in an opposite and generally inwardly spaced fashion relative to the depth extending contour of club head, with the heel and toe mounting locations being disposed in spaced fashion relative to the front lace  72  of the club. 
   As further shown in  FIG. 8 , as well as each of the succeeding cutaway views of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a specially constructed manufacturing set screw  74  is provided for attaching the associated heel end  68  of the spring  66  to the heel of the club  62 . The set screw  74  exhibits a plurality of threads and which rotatably inter-engage with additional threads formed interiorly with a seating aperture associated with the club head (see again as best shown in  FIG. 10 ). The associated end  68  of the spring  66  is support by a rounded edge projection  76  which is integrally formed with the set screw  74  and insertingly seats through the end  68  of the spring. A further rounded edge projection is shown at  78  and, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-10 , is supported upon an inner facing shelf  80  defining a fixed toe mounting end of the club head. 
   Additionally, the spring can be welded or set with a permanent type adhesive. It is also most evident in  FIG. 10  that the spring  66  can exhibit an overall “pseudo” or half elliptical/circular configuration. Furthermore, the additional mass located at both the heel and toe ends of the club head interior, as best shown in the interior cutaway views of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , translate into a better capability of an off-center striking force applied to the club face  72  being more readily and evenly transferred to the spring  66  (e.g. resulting in more complete vibration dampening). 
   Referring finally to  FIG. 11 , a cutaway illustration is shown generally at  82 , which is similar in most respects to that shown in  FIG. 10 , with the exception that a second special manufacturing set screw  84  is substituted for the spring to club toe connection and which likewise seats within associated and inwardly facing threads for providing an additional degree of toe end compressive load retention. The reconfigured toe end of the club head (as shown at  86 ) includes an angled entry passageway which substitutes for the fixed inner shelf  80  of  FIG. 10 . This is similar to a lead in passageway also referenced at  88  and associated with the heel end set screw again shown at  74 . 
   It is therefore evident that the present invention discloses a novel and useful force dampening and redirection system for use with such as a golf driver or fairway club head, incorporating a vibration-inducing component and which, in operation, increases an effective “sweet spot”, this historically being the location of center of gravity of the golf club head. In practice, this results in straight and maximum travel of the golf ball, associated with the club head striking face, thereby providing straight directional travel of a golf ball. In the instance of spring inducing elements, their respective length and wire diameter, as well as again their number of coils, can be modified to provide a different range of vibrational input (or feel to the user) during the club contact. It is also envisioned that a single or plural number of springs can be utilized in any effective manner consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
   Having described my invention, additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.