US20160045795A1

US20160045795A1 - Stabilizing insert for a golf club head

Info

Publication number: US20160045795A1
Application number: US14/841,743
Authority: US
Inventors: Karl A. Clausen; Andrew Curtis
Original assignee: Cobra Golf Inc
Current assignee: Cobra Golf Inc
Priority date: 2012-02-28
Filing date: 2015-09-01
Publication date: 2016-02-18

Abstract

The invention generally provides a removable stabilizing insert releasably couplable to an adjustable golf club head. The removable stabilizing insert is configured to be releasably coupled to mounting portion on a sole of the club head and to further provide a region for surface contact such that, when a club is given different settings, if the club is held at address resting on a surface, the club naturally comes to a rest position in which it exhibits substantially the same face angle in any setting. Accordingly, the removable stabilizing insert is configured to optimize performance of the club head by balancing and maintaining the club head.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/830,228, filed Aug. 19, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/407,011, filed Feb. 28, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,114,292), the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/160,019, filed Jan. 21, 2014, which claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/755,564, filed Jan. 23, 2013, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/160,019 is also continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/565,146, filed Aug. 2, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,114,294), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/407,011, filed Feb. 28, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,114,292), the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/160,019 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No. 13/946,543, filed Jul. 19, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,870,673), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/711,097, filed Dec. 11, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,850), the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to interchangeable inserts for golf club heads to optimize performance of adjustable golf clubs.

BACKGROUND

Golfers make their best shots when provided with golf clubs that fit their playing style. A golfer may want a driver with a particular loft or face angle. For example, a closed face angle may help a golfer who consistently slices to the right. Another golfer with high speed, high accuracy drives may want a driver with a low loft for maximum distance. Accordingly, manufacturers offer adjustable clubs, such as drivers, fairways, and hybrids, with multiple settings for face angle, loft, or both.
Although current golf club designs allow for adjustability for various settings and playing characteristics, including loft and face angle, there can be problematic interrelationships between different settings of such designs. For example, in some clubs, if loft is increased, then when the club is held at address resting on a surface, the club tends to exhibit a closed face angle. If the loft is decreased and the club is held at address resting on a surface, that club will then exhibit an open face angle. A golfer's shot may be influenced by how the club rests at address. Thus, adjusting a setting on an adjustable club can cause the club to launch the ball in unexpected ways, resulting in unpredictable and inaccurate shots.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a stabilizing element (also referred to herein as “stabilizing insert”) that is couplable to a sole of a golf club head and configured to minimize unintended changes that may otherwise occur when the golf club is held at address in different positions or when loft or face angle of the club head is adjusted. More specifically, the stabilizing element is configured to mitigate the change in relationship between the club balance point and ground contact point at address, that most often manifests as a rotation to a “rest position” when adjustments are made to the club head. When coupled to the club head, the stabilizing element of the present invention is further configured to provide a lowest region of the sole of the club head to contact the ground in any effective club setting. For a club having the stabilizing element coupled to the sole, the spatial relationship between contact point and balance point is substantially the same in different settings. Thus, a club head that includes the stabilizing element of the present invention does not exhibit a problematic interrelationship between different address positions or adjustable loft and face angle settings, thereby overcoming the drawbacks associated with current adjustable club head designs.
The stabilizing element of the present disclosure is generally separate and discrete from the club head itself such that the stabilizing element is removable (e.g., separable from and recoupable to the club head). For example, the stabilizing element may be releasably coupled to the club head by way of any known releasable fastener or fastening means (e.g., adhesive, snap-fit, press-fit, etc.). Accordingly, a player may selectively attach/detach the stabilizing element as they see fit, as opposed to some club designs which are limited to elements that are built, or otherwise permanently fixed, to the club head. Therefore, in some embodiments, a player may be able to select from a variety of different interchangeable stabilizing elements (e.g., provided in a kit) for use with an adjustable golf club head. While all of the interchangeable stabilizing elements may generally minimize unintended changes that may otherwise occur when the golf club is held at address in different positions or when loft or face angle of the club head is adjusted, each of the stabilizing elements may have different mass properties, graphics, appearance, and the like. Accordingly, the interchangeable nature of the stabilizing element of the present disclosure provides a player with the ability to customize their golf club to suit their preferences or playing characteristics, all while minimizing unintended changes to the club head as a result of club head adjustments.
The removable nature of the stabilizing element further addresses potential drawbacks associated with the manufacturing of club head designs incorporating fixed or built-in components or features. For example, in certain club head designs, a feature may be incorporated into the overall form of the club head, such as a keel integrally formed on the sole of a club head. Manufacturing of such club head designs can be difficult, particularly in instances in which the built-in feature must have a relatively tight tolerance and any variation outside of that tolerance is unacceptable and may negatively impact or prevent the intended function of the built-in feature. For example, certain steps in the manufacturing process of club head may naturally result in a certain amount of variation and inconsistency from club head to club head, such as, for example, casting shrink, heat treatment deformations, stamping spring back, as well as hand polishing.
By providing a separate and discrete stabilizing element, the stabilizing element and golf club head can be manufactured separately under separate conditions and by separate machines and processes. Accordingly, specific manufacturing techniques that provide a high degree of precision and detail, which may otherwise be unavailable or impractical when manufacturing the club head, may be used to manufacture the stabilizing element and yield the tight tolerance that may be required. For example, specific dimensions of the stabilizing element, including, but not limited to, length, width, and height, must generally be within a certain range so as to allow the stabilizing element to function as intended, specifically to minimize unintended changes to the club head, such as mitigate the change in relationship between the club balance point and ground contact point at address, that most often manifests as a rotation to a “rest position” when adjustments are made to the club head.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a removable stabilizing insert for a golf club head. The removable stabilizing element includes a first portion couplable to a mounting portion on a sole of a club head and a second portion extending from the first portion and protruding from the sole of the club head when the first portion is coupled to the mounting portion. When a golf club, that includes the club head having the stabilizing insert coupled thereto, is held at address, the stabilizing insert maintains a spatial relationship between a contact point a balance point of the golf club head due to the stabilizing element protruding from the sole.
In some embodiments, the club head is adjustable between at least a first loft setting and a second loft setting. When a golf club, that includes the golf club head, is held at address, the stabilizing insert balances and maintains a heel-toe face angle in either one of the first and second loft settings due to the stabilizing element protruding from the sole.
In some embodiments, the stabilizing insert is releasably couplable to the mounting portion by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert is selectively removable from the mounting portion and interchangeable with one or more other stabilizing inserts.
In some embodiments, the stabilizing element protrudes from the sole by a height H, has a maximum length L, has a maximum width W, and has a setback S from a front-most point on the club face when a golf club including the club head is held at address. The height H is generally defined as, when the club head is held at address resting on flat ground, the average distance from the ground of points on the perimeter of the stabilizing insert directly fore and aft of a ground contact point. In some embodiments, height H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm. Additionally, in some embodiments, the length L may be between about 2.5 cm and about 12 cm, the width W may be between about 3 mm and about 20 mm, and setback S may be between about 1.5 cm and about 3.5 cm.
In some embodiments, the mounting portion on the sole of the club head may include an aperture extending through the sole of the club head from an exterior of the club head to an interior cavity of the club head. When the stabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the first portion of the stabilizing insert may be positioned within the interior cavity of the club head and the second portion of the stabilizing insert extends through the aperture to the exterior of the club head. The first portion of the stabilizing element may include a flange member extending along a perimeter of the stabilizing insert. The flange member is configured to contact an interior surface of the sole along a perimeter of the aperture when the stabilizing insert is coupled to the aperture. The second portion may include a protruding member configured to be received within and extend through the aperture to the exterior of the club head. The stabilizing insert is releasably couplable to the aperture by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means. For example, an adhesive may be placed between the flange member and the interior surface of the sole. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more portions of the stabilizing insert may be configured to interact with the aperture in a snap-fit or press-fit manner. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert may be “dropped in” the mounting portion from within the interior cavity of the club head. Thus, the club head itself may have an access portion, or other portion, for providing a player with access into the interior cavity.
In another embodiment, the mounting portion on the sole of the club head may include a recess on an exterior surface of the sole. When the stabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the first portion of the stabilizing insert is received within the recess and the second portion of the stabilizing insert extends from the recess. The stabilizing insert is releasably couplable to the aperture by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means. For example, an adhesive may be placed between the first portion of the stabilizing insert and an interior surface of the recess. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more portions of the stabilizing insert may be configured to interact with the recess in a snap-fit or press-fit manner. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert may be “dropped in” the recess from the exterior of the club head.
In another aspect, a golf club head is provided. The golf club head includes a club head body comprising a heel, a toe, a sole having a mounting portion, a crown, and a face. The golf club head further includes a removable stabilizing insert coupled to the mounting portion and protruding from the sole. When a golf club, that includes the club head having the stabilizing insert coupled thereto, is held at address, the stabilizing insert maintains a spatial relationship between a contact point a balance point of the golf club head due to the stabilizing insert protruding from the sole.
In some embodiments, the club head is adjustable between at least a first loft setting and a second loft setting. When a golf club, that includes the golf club head, is held at address, the stabilizing insert balances and maintains a heel-toe face angle in either one of the first and second loft settings due to the stabilizing insert protruding from the sole. The sole may further be configured such that, when the club head is held at address in either of a first or second configuration such that the face of the club head has the first or second loft setting, respectively, the club head makes contact with the ground only within the removable stabilizing insert.
The stabilizing insert is releasably coupled to the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the stabilizing insert is releasably coupled to the mounting portion by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert is selectively removable from the mounting portion and interchangeable with one or more other stabilizing inserts.
In some embodiments, the mounting portion on the sole of the club head may include an aperture extending through the sole of the club head from an exterior of the club head to an interior cavity of the club head. When the stabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the first portion of the stabilizing insert may be positioned within the interior cavity of the club head and the second portion of the stabilizing insert extends through the aperture to the exterior of the club head. The first portion of the stabilizing element may include a flange member extending along a perimeter of the stabilizing insert. The flange member is configured to contact an interior surface of the sole along a perimeter of the aperture when the stabilizing insert is coupled to the aperture. The second portion may include a protruding member configured to be received within and extend through the aperture to the exterior of the club head. The stabilizing insert is releasably couplable to the aperture by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means. For example, an adhesive may be placed between the flange member and the interior surface of the sole. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more portions of the stabilizing insert may be configured to interact with the aperture in a snap-fit or press-fit manner. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert may be “dropped in” the mounting portion from within the interior cavity of the club head. Thus, the club head itself may have an access portion, or other portion, for providing a player with access into the interior cavity.
In another embodiment, the mounting portion on the sole of the club head may include a recess on an exterior surface of the sole. When the stabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the first portion of the stabilizing insert is received within the recess and the second portion of the stabilizing insert extends from the recess. The stabilizing insert is releasably couplable to the aperture by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means. For example, an adhesive may be placed between the first portion of the stabilizing insert and an interior surface of the recess. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more portions of the stabilizing insert may be configured to interact with the recess in a snap-fit or press-fit manner. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert may be “dropped in” the recess from the exterior of the club head.
In some embodiments, the stabilizing element protrudes from the sole by a height H, has a maximum length L, has a maximum width W, and has a setback S from a front-most point on the club face when a golf club including the club head is held at address. The height H is generally defined as, when the club head is held at address resting on flat ground, the average distance from the ground of points on the perimeter of the stabilizing insert directly fore and aft of a ground contact point. In some embodiments, height H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm. Additionally, in some embodiments, the length L may be between about 2.5 cm and about 12 cm, the width W may be between about 3 mm and about 20 mm, and setback S may be between about 1.5 cm and about 3.5 cm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art golf club head.

FIG. 2 shows a prior art golf club head.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a golf club according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a prior art golf club head.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows the view of FIG. 5 with a prior art sole superimposed (dashed line).

FIG. 7 is a side view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a bottom-rear perspective view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a top-rear perspective view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention showing boundaries of regions of a sole.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention showing boundaries of regions of a sole.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention showing regions of a sole.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, exaggerated in the vertical direction and showing regions of a sole.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention showing regions of a sole.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, exaggerated in the vertical direction and showing measurements of a feature of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention showing measurements of a feature of the invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates properties of features of the invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates properties of features of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a top view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIGS. 23A-C are each a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line A-A′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 36 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attachable feature according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attached feature according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 38 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attachable feature according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head with an attached feature according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 40 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attached feature according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 41 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attachable feature according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head with an attached feature according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 43 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attached feature according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 44 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 45 is a side view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 46 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 47 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 48 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 49 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 50 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 53 is a bottom view of a golf club head illustrating a removable stabilizing insert to be releasably coupled to the golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 54 is a perspective bottom view of a golf club head illustrating a removable stabilizing insert releasably coupled to the sole of the golf club head.

FIG. 55 is a bottom view of a golf club head including the removable stabilizing insert showing measurements of the stabilizing insert.

FIG. 56 is a top view of a golf club head with a portion of the crown removed so as to provide a view into an interior cavity of the golf club head and further illustrate attachment of an removable stabilizing insert to the sole of the club head.

FIG. 57 is sectional view of the golf club head taken along line C-C of FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sole of the golf club head illustrating the removable stabilizing inert coupled to the aperture on the sole of the golf club head.

FIG. 59 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sole of the golf club head illustrating the removable stabilizing insert removed from engagement with the aperture on the sole of the golf club head.

FIG. 60 is a perspective bottom view of a golf club head illustrating a removable stabilizing insert to be releasably coupled to a recess on the sole of the golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 61 is a perspective bottom view of the golf club head illustrating the removable stabilizing insert releasably coupled to the recess.

FIG. 62 is a sectional view of the golf club head taken along line E-E of FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sole of the golf club head illustrating the removable stabilizing insert coupled to the recess on the sole of the golf club head.

FIG. 64 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sole of the golf club head illustrating the removable stabilizing insert removed from engagement with the recess on the sole of the golf club head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention generally relates to removable inserts for golf club heads to optimize performance of golf clubs. In some embodiments, the invention relates to a feature on the sole of a club head that protrudes and stabilizes the club head in two or more positions when a club is at address. In some embodiments described herein, the present invention provides a stabilizing element (also referred to herein as “stabilizing insert”) that is couplable to a sole of a golf club head and configured to minimize unintended changes that may otherwise occur when the golf club is held at address in different positions or when loft or face angle of the club head is adjusted. The stabilizing insert includes a first portion couplable to a mounting portion on a sole of a club head and a second portion extending from the first portion. When the stabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the second portion protrudes from the sole of the club head. When coupled to the club head, the stabilizing element is configured to minimize unintended changes when the golf club is held at address in different positions or when loft or face angle of the club head is adjusted.
For example, in some embodiments, when a golf club, that includes the club head having the stabilizing insert coupled thereto, is held at address, the stabilizing insert at least maintains a spatial relationship between a contact point a balance point of the golf club head due to the stabilizing element protruding from the sole. More specifically, the stabilizing element is configured to mitigate the change in relationship between the club balance point and ground contact point at address, that most often manifests as a rotation to a “rest position” when adjustments are made to the club head. When coupled to the club head, the stabilizing element of the present invention is further configured to provide a lowest region of the sole of the club head to contact the ground in any effective club setting. For a club having the stabilizing element coupled to the sole, the spatial relationship between contact point and balance point is substantially the same in different settings. Thus, a club head that includes the stabilizing element of the present invention does not exhibit a problematic interrelationship between different address positions or adjustable loft and face angle settings, thereby overcoming the drawbacks associated with current adjustable club head designs.
The stabilizing element of the present disclosure is generally separate and discrete from the club head itself, such that the stabilizing element is removable (e.g., separable from and recoupable to the club head). For example, the stabilizing element may be releasably coupled to the club head by way of any known releasable fastener or fastening means (e.g., adhesive, snap-fit, press-fit, etc.). Accordingly, a player may selectively attach/detach the stabilizing element as they see fit, as opposed to some club designs which are limited to elements that are built, or otherwise permanently fixed, to the club head. Therefore, in some embodiments, a player may be able to select from variety of different interchangeable stabilizing elements (e.g., provided in a kit) for use with an adjustable golf club head. While all of the interchangeable stabilizing elements may generally minimize unintended changes that may otherwise occur when the golf club is held at address in different positions or when loft or face angle of the club head is adjusted, each of the stabilizing elements may have different mass properties, graphics, appearance, and the like. Accordingly, the interchangeable nature of the stabilizing element of the present disclosure provides a player with the ability to customize their golf club to suit their preferences or playing characteristics, all while minimizing unintended changes to the club head as a result of club head adjustments.
The removable nature of the stabilizing element further addresses potential drawbacks associated with the manufacturing of club head designs incorporating fixed or built-in components or features. For example, in certain club head designs, a feature may be incorporated into the overall form of the club head, such as a keel integrally formed on the sole of a club head. Manufacturing of such club head designs can be difficult, particularly in instances in which the built-in feature must have a relatively tight tolerance and any variation outside of that tolerance is unacceptable and may negatively impact or prevent the intended function of the built-in feature. For example, certain steps in the manufacturing process of club head may naturally result in a certain amount of variation and inconsistency from club head to club head, such as, for example, casting shrink, heat treatment deformations, stamping spring back, as well as hand polishing.
By providing a separate and discrete stabilizing element, the stabilizing element and golf club head can be manufactured separately under separate conditions and by separate machines and processes. Accordingly, specific manufacturing techniques that provide a high degree of precision and detail, which may otherwise be unavailable or impractical when manufacturing the club head, may be used to manufacture the stabilizing element and yield the tight tolerance that may be required. For example, specific dimensions of the stabilizing element, including, but not limited to, length, width, and height, must generally be within a certain range so as to allow the stabilizing element to function as intended, specifically to minimize unintended changes to the club head, such as mitigate the change in relationship between the club balance point and ground contact point at address, that most often manifests as a rotation to a “rest position” when adjustments are made to the club head.
FIG. 1, panels D-F, show a prior art club head 11 positioned to produce different loft angles. In particular, panels D and A show prior art club head 11 having an 11.5° loft angle; panels E and B show prior art club head 11 having a 10° loft angle; and panels F and C show prior art club head 11 having an 8.5° loft angle. The invention mitigates the positional change of the sole relative to a club balance point 41 in different loft angles when club head 11 has different face angles (e.g., closed in panel A, neutral in panel B, and open in panel C).
FIG. 2 shows prior art golf club head 11. FIG. 2 includes high loft indicator 52 and low loft indicator 59 as well as high loft contact indicator 47 and low loft contact indicator 49. FIG. 2 further shows high loft balance line 62 and low loft balance line 69 of prior art club head 11. As shown in FIG. 2, if prior art club head 11 is set with a high loft setting, it has a balance line 62 substantially fore (e.g., between about 1 and about 5 cm) of corresponding contact point 47. If prior art club head 11 is set with a low loft setting, it has a balance line 69 substantially aft of that corresponding contact point 49.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a golf club head at address according to certain embodiments of the invention showing balance line 161 passing through grip point 187 and club center of gravity 181. Shaft axis 183 passes through the center of a hosel of club head 101.
When a club is at address resting on a surface, grip point 187 and contact point 42 together define an axis around which motion of the golf club is relatively unrestrained. If balance line 161 intersects the sole behind the contact point, the club will rock open. If balance line 161 intersects the sole in front of the contact point, the club will rock closed.
Thus, the invention provides club head 101 having a sole with a contour or feature such that, if the club is held at address in a variety of orientations, then the contact point is within a controlled, limited distance from the point at which the balance line intersects the sole. Accordingly, the club can be held at address, yet in two different orientations at different times. For example, a first address position can be offset from a second address position by a slight tilt (e.g., either in a heel-toe direction, a fore-aft direction, or a combination thereof) and the contact point will be within the contour or feature in each address positions. In some embodiments, the sole is configured such that, when a golf club including the club head is held at address in either of a first or second position, the club head makes contact with a surface only within a stabilizing element as described herein.
Thus the invention allows a club to be held in different address positions (e.g., as a player learns or experiments, due to ground inconsistencies, as one club is used by players of different height) and obtain a consistent, predictable club head orientation. Due to the fact that the club head makes contact with the ground within a controlled region below the club balance point, the club will not “rock” into unintended orientations when held at address resting on a surface.
In certain embodiments, the invention provides club head 101 having a sole with a contour or feature such that, if the club head is set in a variety of loft settings, then the contact point is within a controlled, limited distance from the point at which the balance line intersects the sole. Club head 101 can have an adjustable loft capable of being set in at least a first and second position. With the loft set in either of the first or second position, the club head can rest on the feature in one of at least a first and second disposition allowing a player to grip the club with a comfortable, relaxed grip in each position and with the face angle maintained constant between each position.
The invention allows a player to adjust a loft setting, hold the club at address resting on a surface, and obtain a consistent, predictable face angle. This benefit gives a player a reliable reference point when setting up a shot in that the player can rest the club head on a surface and see the loft setting and the face angle (while the player holds the club with a comfortable, relaxed grip). The player can then grip the club and pick it up to make a shot, thereby obtaining the same relative face angle for every shot.
FIG. 4 shows a prior art golf club head and FIG. 5 is a side view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention. FIG. 6 shows the view of FIG. 5 with a prior art sole superimposed (dashed line). As shown in FIG. 5, a golf club according to the invention generally has an area of relief on the sole providing a lower-most region 107 of the sole such that, if the club head is set in any of a range of loft angle settings, the contact point will be within region 107, and the region has a limited width W in the fore-aft direction. In general, the width W of the region in the fore-aft direction will be less than about 50 mm, for example, less than about 25 mm. In some embodiments, the contact points associated with various loft settings will be within less than about 20 or about 15 mm of each other in a fore-aft direction.
FIGS. 7-11 show club heads of various embodiments of the invention. As presented herein throughout, no figure is limited to an embodiment illustrated by another figure. While a golf club head according to the invention can exhibit all the views shown in FIGS. 7-11, a head having a sole as shown in FIG. 10 need not have a crown as shown in FIG. 11, and so for any pair of figures herein. Except where otherwise indicated, any disclosed measurement or definition of a measurement may apply to any embodiment pictured or discussed herein.
As shown in FIGS. 7-11, club head 101 has a region 107 that is generally the lowest area of the sole when the club head is at address. Region 107 can be discussed with reference to boundaries. FIG. 12 is a side view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention showing boundaries of regions of a sole.
As shown in FIG. 12, when club head 101 is at address on a plane 251, the foremost point of club head 101 defines a vertical plane at the front 201 of club head 101. Face-sole boundary 203 can be used to mark the fore edge of the sole. Region 107 begins at fore boundary 205. Region 107 is bounded in the aft direction by aft boundary 211.
For the purposes of describing region 107 according to the discussion below, a rear sole boundary 213 is defined as a plane a distance E back from aft boundary 211 that is the same as a distance E between fore boundary 205 and face-sole boundary 203. The rear-most point of club head 101 defines a vertical plane at the back 217 of the head, parallel to the plane at the front 201 of the head, and both orthogonal to plane 251.
FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention showing boundary regions of a sole. Fore boundary 205 and aft boundary 211 bound region 107 in the fore-aft direction.
Generally a club head 101 may have a transition between a face and a sole having length T (e.g., a rounded region, angled region, stepped region, or sharp region). Face-sole boundary 203 marks an edge between that transition and the substantially downward-facing sole. Rear sole boundary 213 is defined as the same distance E from aft boundary 211 as the distance E between fore boundary 205 and face-sole boundary 203. Fore-aft line 255, perpendicular to front plane 201 and lying along ground plane 251 through a club contact point 42 can be used to measure these distances.
FIGS. 14-16 illustrate regions of a sole defined by these boundaries. Particular reference is made to fore sole 302, region 107, and aft sole 502. Fore sole 302 is the area between fore boundary 205 and face-sole boundary 203. Region 107 is the area between fore boundary 205 and aft boundary 211. Aft sole 502 is the region between aft boundary 211 and rear boundary 213. By definition, aft sole 502 has the same extent E in the fore-aft direction as fore sole 302.
FIG. 15 shows a detail view of the sole illustrated in FIG. 14, greatly exaggerated in the vertical direction. As can be seen in FIG. 15, region 107 presents the lowest area of the sole when the club head is at address. Further as can be seen in FIG. 15, club head 101 of the invention makes contact with ground plane 251 within region 107 when at address.
Turning now to FIG. 17, which presents the same detail view as presented in FIG. 15, dimensions of region 107 can be defined.
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a distance between fore boundary 205 and aft boundary 211 measured along fore-aft line 255 can define a width W of region 107. A distance between front 201 and fore boundary 205 measured along fore-aft line 255 can define a setback S of region 107.
A length or extent E of fore sole 302 can be defined as a setback S of region 107 minus a length T of the face-sole transition. Alternatively, an extent E of fore sole 302 can be defined as an arbitrary measurement forward from fore boundary 205. Alternatively, in some embodiments, an extent E of fore sole 302 is equal to a width W of region 107. An extent E of aft sole 502 is, by definition, equal to an extent E of fore sole 302.
When club head 101 is at address, the average distance of fore sole 302 and aft sole 502 along fore-aft line 255 from ground plane 251 is shown by average sole height line 444. The vertical distance between height line 444 and ground plane 251 can define a height H of region 107.
Region 107 can be described with reference to a length L measured in a heel-toe direction.
Thus, according to the foregoing discussion, club head 101 according to embodiments of the invention generally has a protruding region 107 on the sole having a width W, a height H, and a length L, and being spaced away from the face of the club by a setback S. FIG. 18 shows region 107 having a generally rectangular shape in plan-view (i.e., map view). Region 107 need not have a rectangular shape in plan view and can be round, oblong, irregular, oval, curved, or any other shape. Generally, region 107 can be described with reference to width W, height H, and length L as maximum width W, maximum height H, and maximum length L, and setback S as minimum setback S.
Generally, S is greater than about 0.5 cm, L is more than about 0.5 cm, W is more than about 0.5 mm, and H is more than about 0.1 mm. In certain embodiments, S is between about 2.5 cm and about 3.5 cm; L is between about 2.5 cm and about 12 cm; W is between about 3 mm and about 25 mm; and H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm. For example, S can be between about 2.8 cm and about 3.3 cm; L can be greater than about 1 cm; W can be between about 9 mm and about 20 mm; and H can be between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm. Any combination of measurements disclosed herein is within the scope of the invention. For example, in certain embodiments, S is more than about 2.5 cm; L is greater than about 1 cm; W is between about 9 mm and about 20 mm; and H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm.
Golf club head 101 having region 107 according to embodiments of the invention exhibits desirable behaviors, particularly an adjustable loft that does not affect the face angle when the club is at address.
As shown in FIG. 19, whether club head 101 has an 11.5° loft angle (panel D), a 10° loft angle (panel E), or an 8.5° loft angle (panel F), club head 101 exhibits a substantially neutral face angle. Further, this relationship holds for any face angle. If club head 101 is set to have an open face angle, for example, and the loft is adjusted, club head 101 will still exhibit an open face angle (and so for a closed face angle).
Without being bound by any theory of operation, FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate properties of club head 101. When set with high loft 152, contact point 87 is close to balance line 162. When set with low loft 159, contact point 89 is relatively close to balance line 169. In each loft setting, club head 101 makes contact with the ground through a portion of the material within region 107.
FIG. 21 is a top view of club head 101. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21. In some embodiments, club head 101 has a shape illustrated in FIGS. 22-33, however, FIGS. 22-33 can represent exaggerations of a shape of club head 101. In general, these figures illustrate a general morphology, and dimensions may be referred to independently of any figure.
FIGS. 23A-C are each a cross-sectional views of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line A-A′ in FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 23A, region 107 may protrude down from club head 101 such that it has a length L in the heel-toe direction between about 5 cm and about 9 cm. As shown in FIG. 23B, region 107 may smoothly span from the heel to the toe of club head 101, such that it has a length L between about 9 cm and about 13 cm. As shown in FIG. 23C, region 107 may have a length L between about 3 cm and about 5 cm. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 23C, region 107 may be off-center in a heel-toe dimension, in either direction or by any amount. In some embodiments, region 107 is centered, biased towards a heel, or biased towards a toe.
FIGS. 24-27 are cross-sectional views according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 24. a setback S can be between about 3 cm and about 6 cm or a width W can be between about 0.5 cm and about 4 cm. As shown in FIG. 25, a setback S can be between about 1 cm and about 3 cm, or a width W can be between about 0.1 mm and about 9 mm. As shown in FIG. 26, a setback S can be between about 1 cm and about 3 cm, or a width W can be between about 0.5 cm and about 6 cm. As shown in FIG. 27, a setback S can be between about 0.5 cm and about 4 cm or a width W can be between about 0.5 cm and about 4 cm.
As shown in FIGS. 24-27, an extent E of fore sole 302 (by definition, equal to an extent E of aft sole 502) can be between about 0.3 cm and about 6 cm.
As discussed above, region 107 can be described with reference to length, width, height, and setback. Independently or additionally region 107 can be described according to other aspects of club head 101. Club head 101 will generally exhibit certain geometric properties as described herein.
FIG. 28 shows a side view of club head 101 according to certain embodiments of the invention at address. As shown in FIG. 28, region 107 is generally disposed between fore boundary 205 and aft boundary 211. As shown in FIG. 28, club head 101 has a loft between about 10° and about 11°.
Fore boundary 205 intersects ground plane 251 defining an intersection line. A front plane 403 intersects this line at a setback distance S from the front of the club, defining a fore angle 703 of X degrees with the ground. Front plane 403 is tangent to the sole.
Aft boundary 211 intersects ground plane 251 along a line. A back plane 407 intersects this line and is tangent to the sole. Back plane 407 defines a back angle 707 of Y degrees with ground plane 251.
When club head 101 is at address and resting on a plane 251, the sole makes contact with the surface within region 107 and X+Y is greater than 0°. In certain embodiments, X+Y is between about 0.01° and about 40°. Setback S and width W can each independently be any measurement. For example, setback S can be between about 5 mm and about 80 mm. Width W can be between about 1 mm and about 60 mm. Preferably, S is between about 20 mm and about 40 mm, e.g., between about 30 mm and about 35 mm, while W is between about 5 mm and about 30 mm, e.g., between about 5 mm and about 15 mm or between about 15 mm and about 25 mm. Preferably X+Y is between about 3° and about 23° (e.g., between about 5° and about 12°).
FIGS. 29-33 each show a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21. As shown in FIGS. 29-33, a region 107 can be provided on a club head such that a front plane 403 (tangent to the sole) meets ground plane 251 at fore boundary 205 to define a fore angle 703 of X degrees with ground plane 251. Front plane 403 is tangent to the sole. Similarly, back plane 407 (tangent to the sole) meets ground plane 251 at aft boundary 211 to define a back angle 707 of Y degrees with ground plane 251. When club head 101 is at address with a loft between about 10° and about 11°, each of X or Y may independently be between about 0.5° and about 8°, preferably between about 1° and about 8°. In certain embodiments, either of X or Y is between about 0.5° and about 5° (e.g., X between about 1.5° and about 5° and Y between about 0.5° and about 5°).
In a preferred embodiment, where club head 101 is part of a club having a loft that is adjustable from a minimum loft P to a maximum loft Q, the following will hold:
(X+Y)>(Q−P) (1)
As shown in equation 1, fore angle 703 and back angle 707 together preferably define a range equal to or greater than the total range of adjustable loft for club head 101. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a golf club is provided in which the loft can be set at two or more effective settings including a setting at about 8.5° loft and a setting at about 11.5° (range of adjustable loft is at least about 3°), and a sole of the club head has a region 107 with boundaries that define a front plane 403 and a back plane 407 (both tangent to the sole) creating angles with the ground that together are at least about 3°.
FIG. 29 shows a cross sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the invention. As seen by comparing FIGS. 29-33, this geometry is attainable with various combinations of setback S and width W and morphologies of the sole of club head 101.
Region 107 of club head 101 will generally satisfy at least one of the foregoing descriptions. A variety of embodiments are provided by the invention. For example, FIG. 34 shows a bottom view of club head 101 having a thin bar-like region 107 extending in a heel-toe direction. FIG. 35 shows a cross section view of a thin bar-like region 107. As shown in FIG. 34 or FIG. 35, region 107 can have a setback S between about 30 mm and about 35 mm or a width W between about 1 mm and about 9 mm.
In some embodiments, region 107 is provided by a separate component. For example, FIG. 36 shows a separate component providing region 107. The component has one or more fastening holes 911 positioned to correspond to anchor holes 913 on club head 101. FIG. 37 shows club head 101 having the component installed.
In another example, FIG. 38 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attachable feature according to certain embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 38, the attachable component is configured to fit with one or more braze-ons or ramps (which may be welded, glued, riveted, molded, cast, or otherwise formed to club head 101). FIG. 39 shows a cross sectional view through fastening hole 911 and hardware element 917 (e.g., a screw or bolt) of club head 101 with attachable region 107 attached. FIG. 40 shows a bottom view of club head 101 with attachable region 107 attached. As shown in FIG. 40, region 107 may be biased, e.g., in a heel direction. For example, in the heel-toe direction, region 107 may begin near the center of the sole, and have a length L between about 1.5 cm and about 7.5 cm.
In another example, FIG. 41 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attachable feature according to certain embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 41, region 107 is provided by an adhesive-backed element, here shown as a crack-and-peel accessory 803 (e.g., silicone polymer, rubber, molded or pliable plastic, cell phone, etc.). The sole of club head 101 can optionally be printed with registration marks 801 in any pattern, arrangement, color, or appearance, to show a suggested installation position for adhesive-backed accessory 803. FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view showing installed accessory 803 to provide a region 107 meeting aspects of the region discussed above. FIG. 43 is a bottom view of club head 101 showing installed accessory 803.
FIGS. 44-46 show region 107 being provided by “irregular” or non-rectangular areas of contours on the sole of club head 101. The lines in FIG. 44 or FIG. 46 may represent contour lines and need not be visible as lines on a sole. As shown in FIG. 44, region 107 may be provided as a somewhat oblong bi-lobed shape. Region 107 could be oval or teardrop shaped or any other shape. FIG. 46 shows region 107 provided by about six substantially parallel tear-drop shaped contours, for example, to provide smooth turf interaction for club head 101.
FIGS. 47-50 show region 107 being provided by one or more discrete areas of relief. In FIGS. 47-50, a discrete area of relief is shown as a coin-shaped or button-like area, although any specific geometry is included in the invention. FIGS. 47, 48, and 49 show three, two, and one, respectively, areas of relief to provide region 107.
FIG. 50 shows region 107 provided by a single small area of relief. Region 107 can have a length L between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, a width W between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, a height H between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm, and setback S between about 5 mm and about 6 cm. Region 107 may provide fore angle 703 of X degrees and back angle 707 of Y degrees where each of X or Y may independently be between about 0.1° and about 8°, preferably between about 0.5° and about 4° (e.g., when club head is set at its centermost effective loft). Preferably, X+Y is between about 0.5° and about 7° in any loft setting. In some embodiments, region 107 is provided by a dot or “point-point” projection, i.e., having any height H described herein with an arbitrarily small length L and width W (e.g., less than about 1 mm).
FIGS. 51 and 52 each present a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.
FIGS. 53-64 illustrate various embodiments of a removable stabilizing insert releasably couplable to a club head. As will be described herein, region 107 may be provided by a separate releasable component. For example, the following description refers to various embodiments of a removable insert for golf club head and configured to optimize performance of adjustable golf clubs. As will be described in greater detail herein, the various embodiments of the stabilizing element are generally separate and discrete from the club head itself, such that the stabilizing element is removable (e.g., separable from and recoupable to the club head). Accordingly, a player may selectively attach/detach the stabilizing element as they see fit, as opposed to some club designs which are limited to elements that are built into, or otherwise permanently fixed to, the club head. In some embodiments, each of the stabilizing inserts described herein may have substantially similar or identical dimensions (e.g., width W, length L, setback S, and height H) as that of the region 107 previously described herein. Accordingly, when coupled to the sole of a club head, the removable stabilizing inserts are configured to minimize unintended changes that may otherwise occur when the golf club is held at address in different positions or when loft or face angle of the club head is adjusted. While each of the stabilizing inserts may have the same dimensions, the removable nature allows for customization of other properties of individual inserts, such as varying the mass properties so as to allow for adjusting mass characteristics of the club head (e.g., switch out different inserts depending on desired weight), different graphics and appearance, and the like. Accordingly, the removable nature of the stabilizing inserts of the present invention provides a player with the ability to customize their golf club to suit their preferences or playing characteristics, all while minimizing unintended changes to the club head as a result of club head adjustments.
FIG. 53 is a bottom view of a golf club head 101 illustrating a removable stabilizing insert (also referred to herein as “stabilizing element”) to be releasably coupled to the golf club head. As shown, the insert 921 is generally separate and discrete from the club head 101, such that the stabilizing insert 921 is removable (e.g., separable from and recoupable to the club head 102). Accordingly, a player may selectively attach/detach the stabilizing element as they see fit, as opposed to some club designs which are limited to elements that are built-into, or otherwise permanently fixed to, the club head. The club head 101 may generally include one or more mounting portions 919 along one or more areas of the club head 101 configured to receive and/or retain the stabilizing insert 921. For example, as shown and described herein, the club head 101 includes at least one mounting portion 919 on the sole 102.
As will be described in greater detail herein, the mounting portion 919 may include different embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the mounting portion 919 resembles a cavity or recess defined on the exterior of the club head, shaped and/or sized to receive a portion of the insert 921 within and retain the insert 921 by a releasable fastener or other fastening means (e.g., adhesive, press-fit, snap-fit, etc.). In other embodiments, the mounting portion 919 may include an aperture formed on the sole extending from an interior cavity to an exterior surface of the club head. In this embodiment, the insert 921 is configured to be mounted to the aperture 919 from within the interior cavity of the club head, such that a portion of the insert 921 is positioned within the interior cavity while another portion extends through the aperture 919 and protrudes from the sole. The insert 921 may be coupled to the aperture by a releasable fastener or other fastening means (e.g., adhesive, press-fit, snap-fit, etc.). Accordingly, in this embodiment, the stabilizing insert 921 may be “dropped in” the mounting portion from within the interior cavity of the club head. Thus, the club head itself may have an access portion, or other portion, for providing a player with access into the interior cavity.
As shown in FIG. 54, upon coupling the stabilizing insert 921 to the mounting portion 919, the stabilizing insert 921 is mounted to the sole 102 of the club head and configured to minimize unintended changes to the club head 101 that may otherwise occur when a golf club, including the club head 101 and stabilizing insert 921, is held at address in different positions or when loft or face angle of the club head is adjusted. For example, the stabilizing insert 921 functions similarly as region 107 previously described herein. More specifically, the stabilizing insert is configured to mitigate the change in relationship between the club balance point and ground contact point at address, that most often manifests as a rotation to a “rest position” when adjustments are made to the club head. When coupled to the club head, the stabilizing insert of the present invention is further configured to provide a lowest region of the sole of the club head to contact the ground in any effective club setting. For a club having the stabilizing insert coupled to the sole, the spatial relationship between contact point and balance point is substantially the same in different settings. Thus, a club head that includes the stabilizing insert of the present invention does not exhibit a problematic interrelationship between different address positions or adjustable loft and face angle settings, thereby overcoming the drawbacks associated with current adjustable club head designs.
FIG. 55 is a bottom view of a golf club head including the removable stabilizing insert 921 showing measurements of the stabilizing insert 921. As previously described with reference to FIG. 3, when a club is at address resting on a surface, grip point 187 and contact point 42 together define an axis around which motion of the golf club is relatively unrestrained. If balance line 161 intersects the sole behind the contact point, the club will rock open. If balance line 161 intersects the sole in front of the contact point, the club will rock closed.
The stabilizing insert 921, similar to the region 107 described previously herein, has dimensions or contours such that, if a golf club including the club head 101 is held at address in a variety of orientations, then the contact point is within a controlled, limited distance from the point at which the balance line intersects the sole. Accordingly, the club can be held at address, yet in two different orientations at different times. For example, a first address position can be offset from a second address position by a slight tilt (e.g., either in a heel-toe direction, a fore-aft direction, or a combination thereof) and the contact point will be within the contour or feature in each address positions. In some embodiments, the stabilizing insert 921 is configured such that, when a golf club including the club head 101 is held at address in either of a first or second position, the club head 101 makes contact with a surface only within the boundaries of the stabilizing insert 921.
Accordingly, the invention allows a club to be held in different address positions (e.g., as a player learns or experiments, due to ground inconsistencies, as one club is used by players of different height) and obtain a consistent, predictable club head orientation. Due to the fact that the club head 101 makes contact with the ground within a controlled region below the club balance point, the club will not “rock” into unintended orientations when held at address resting on a surface.
In certain embodiments, the stabilizing element is configured such that, if the club head 101 is set in a variety of loft settings, then the contact point is within a controlled, limited distance from the point at which the balance line intersects the sole. Club head 101 can have an adjustable loft capable of being set in at least a first and second position. With the loft set in either of the first or second position, the club head can rest on the feature in one of at least a first and second disposition allowing a player to grip the club with a comfortable, relaxed grip in each position and with the face angle maintained constant between each position. Thus, due to the stabilizing element 921, a player may adjust a loft setting, hold the club at address resting on a surface, and obtain a consistent, predictable face angle. This benefit gives a player a reliable reference point when setting up a shot in that the player can rest the club head on a surface and see the loft setting and the face angle (while the player holds the club with a comfortable, relaxed grip). The player can then grip the club and pick it up to make a shot, thereby obtaining the same relative face angle for every shot.
As shown in FIG. 55, when coupled to the mounting portion 919, the stabilizing insert 921 has a set of dimensions, including, but not limited to, a width W, a length L (measured in heel-toe direction), and being spaced away from the face of the club by a setback S. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 57, the stabilizing insert 921, when coupled to the mounting portion 919, further protrudes from the sole 102 by a height H. It should be noted that, although FIG. 55 shows the stabilizing insert 921 as having a generally rectangular shape in plan-view (i.e., map view), the insert 921 may need not have a rectangular shape in plan view and can be round, oblong, irregular, oval, curved, or any other shape.
Generally, the stabilizing insert 921 can be described with reference to width W, height H, and length L as maximum width W, maximum height H, and maximum length L, and setback S as minimum setback S. The height H is defined as, when the club head 101 is held at address resting on flat ground, the average distance from the ground of points on the perimeter of the stabilizing insert 921 directly fore and aft of a ground contact point (e.g., see FIGS. 24-27).
Generally, S is greater than about 0.5 cm, L is more than about 0.5 cm, W is more than about 0.5 mm, and H is more than about 0.1 mm. In certain embodiments, S is between about 1.5 cm and about 3.5 cm; L is between about 2.5 cm and about 12 cm; W is between about 3 mm and about 25 mm; and H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm. For example, S can be between about 2.8 cm and about 3.3 cm; L can be greater than about 1 cm; W can be between about 9 mm and about 20 mm; and H can be between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm. Any combination of measurements disclosed herein is within the scope of the invention. For example, in certain embodiments, S is more than about 2.5 cm; L is greater than about 1 cm; W is between about 9 mm and about 20 mm; and H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm.
A golf club head 101 having the stabilizing insert 921 according to embodiments of the invention exhibits desirable behaviors, particularly an adjustable loft that does not affect the face angle when the club is at address. For example, specific dimensions of the stabilizing insert 921, including, but not limited to, length L, width W, and height H, and setback S, must generally be within a certain range so as to allow the stabilizing insert 921 to function as intended, specifically to minimize unintended changes to the club head, such as maintain a constant face angle, regardless of changes to a loft setting of the club head.
In addition to maintaining a club face angle despite adjustments to the club head, the removable stabilizing inserts 921 of the present invention provide additional benefits. For example, the removable nature of the stabilizing insert addresses potential drawbacks associated the manufacturing of club head designs incorporating fixed or built-in components or features.
As previously described, certain club head designs include features that may be incorporated into the overall form of the club head, such as a keel integrally formed on the sole of a club head. The manufacturing of such club head designs can be difficult, particularly in instances in which the built-in feature must have a relatively tight tolerance and any variation outside of that tolerance is unacceptable and may negatively impact or prevent the intended function of built-in feature. By providing a separate and discrete stabilizing insert, the stabilizing insert and golf club head of the present invention can be manufactured separately under separate conditions and by separate machines and processes. Accordingly, specific manufacturing techniques that provide a high degree of precision and detail, which may otherwise be unavailable or impractical when manufacturing the club head, may be used to manufacture the stabilizing insert and yield the tight tolerance that may be required. For example, the stabilizing insert can be manufactured by a variety of different machines and techniques, including, but not limited to, CNC machined, forged, metal injection molding, cast, injection molded, and the like. Accordingly, the specific dimensions of the stabilizing insert, including, but not limited to, length, width, height, and setback, which must generally be within a certain range so as to allow the stabilizing insert to function as intended, can be maintained.
Furthermore, because the stabilizing insert and club head are separately manufactured, a plurality of interchangeable stabilizing inserts can be manufactured (e.g., provided in a kit), wherein a player may further customize and personalize their club head to suit their preferences or playing characteristics based on the interchangeability of the inserts. For example, while each stabilizing element includes the same dimensions, the removable nature allows for customization of other properties of individual inserts, such as varying the mass properties between inserts so as to allow for modification of mass characteristics of the club head (e.g., a player switches out different inserts depending on desired weight and resulting playing characteristic), different graphics and appearance, and the like. Accordingly, the removable nature of the stabilizing inserts of the present invention provides a player with the ability to customize their golf club to suit their preferences or playing characteristics, all while minimizing unintended changes to the club head as a result of club head adjustments.
The stabilizing insert 921 of the present invention may be made of any suitable material, including metals, non-metallic materials, composites, ceramics, polymers, and the like. In some embodiments, the stabilizing insert may be formed of carbon steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber, tungsten, tungsten loaded polymer, combinations of one or more of these materials, and the like. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the stabilizing insert may be formed of a flexible material to allow some bending or flex. In other embodiments, some portions of the stabilizing insert may be formed of stiffer materials. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the stabilizing element may be formed of a metal material, such as aluminum or steel, and forged into the desired shape. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the stabilizing element may be formed using molding techniques, such as injection molding.
FIG. 56 is a top view of a golf club head 101 with a portion of the crown removed so as to provide a view into an interior cavity of the golf club head and further illustrate attachment of a removable stabilizing insert to a mounting portion on the sole of the club head. FIG. 57 is sectional view of the golf club head 101 taken along lines C-C of FIG. 56. As shown, the mounting portion on the sole 102 of the club head 101 may include an aperture 919 a. The aperture 919 a extends through the sole 102 of the club head 101, from an interior cavity 108 to an exterior 109 of the club head 101. The aperture 919 a generally includes similar dimensions as that of a portion of the stabilizing insert 921 a to pass through the aperture 919 a and protrude from the sole 102. For example, the aperture 919 a generally has substantially the same length L and width W (may be slightly larger for accommodation) as the portion of the stabilizing insert 921 a that is to protrude from the sole 102 and function as intended. Furthermore, the aperture 919 a is formed along a portion of the sole 102 and spaced away from the face 106 of the club head 101 by a setback S distance.
As show in FIG. 57, when coupling the stabilizing insert 921 a to the aperture 919 a, the stabilizing insert 921 a is configured to be “dropped in” the aperture 919 a from within the interior cavity 108 of the club head 101. For example, when coupled to the club head 101, the stabilizing insert 921 a has a first portion configured to remain positioned within the interior cavity 108 and a second portion that extends through the aperture 919 a to the exterior 109 of the club head 101. Thus, the club head 101 may have an access portion, or other portion, for providing a player with access into the interior cavity 108. Exemplary club heads having accessible interiors are discussed in Golf Club Head with Removable Component, U.S. Publication 2014/0187346, Golf Club Head with Accessible Interior, U.S. Publication 2014/0228142, Golf Club Head with Accessible Interior, U.S. Publication 2014/0349777, and Releasable Threaded Component for a Golf Club Having a Mechanism for Preventing Over Rotation, U.S. Publication 2015/0190687, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIG. 58 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sole 102 of the golf club head 101 illustrating the removable stabilizing inert 921 a coupled to the aperture 919 a. FIG. 59 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the removable stabilizing inert 921 a removed from engagement with the aperture 919 a. As shown, the stabilizing insert 921 a includes a first portion 923 including a flange member 929 extending along a perimeter of the insert 921 a and a second portion including a protruding member 925 extending from the flange member 923.
As shown in FIG. 58, the insert 921 a is configured to be releasably coupled to the aperture 919 a, as indicated by arrow 927. The stabilizing insert 921 a may be releasably couplable to the aperture 919 a by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means. For example, when coupled to the aperture 919 a, the flange member 929 is configured to contact an interior surface 931 of the sole 102 along a perimeter of the aperture 919 a, as indicated by arrow 933. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a releasable adhesive may be placed between the flange member 929 and the interior surface 931. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more portions of the stabilizing insert 921 a may be configured to interact with the aperture 919 a in a snap-fit or press-fit manner. For example, a portion of the protruding member 925 adjacent the flange member 929 may have a width and/or length slightly greater than a width and/or length of the aperture 919 a such that, upon applying sufficient pressure to the insert 921 a, the protruding member 925 may engage the aperture 919 a via a press- or snap-fit manner. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a portion of the protruding member 925 or aperture 919 a may be deformable so as to provide a press- or snap-fit between one another.
Upon being coupled to the aperture 919 a, the protruding member 925 is configured to extend through the aperture 919 a to the exterior 109 of the club head 101. Accordingly, the protruding member 925 is configured to protrude from the sole 102 by a height H. Accordingly, at least the protruding member 925 has the specific set of dimensions, including, but not limited to, height H that it protrudes from the sole, a width W, a length L (measured in heel-toe direction), and being spaced away from the face of the club by a setback S.
FIGS. 60 and 61 are perspective bottom views of a golf club head illustrating another embodiment of a stabilizing insert 921 b releasably couplable to another embodiment of a mounting portion 919 b on the sole of the club head. As shown, the mounting portion 919 b may include a cavity or recess 935 defined on the exterior of the sole 102 club head 101 and configured to receive at least a portion of a stabilizing insert 921 b within.
FIG. 62 is a sectional view of the golf club head 101 taken along line E-E of FIG. 61. FIGS. 63 and 64 are enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating the removable stabilizing insert 921 b coupled to and removed from the recess 919 b, respectively. As shown, the recess 935 is formed on the exterior of the club head 101. Thus, in order to couple the insert 921 b to the mounting portion 919 a, a player need only releasably attach the insert 921 b to the recess 935, which has a corresponding shape and/or size and is configured to receive at least a portion of the insert 921 b within. The insert 921 b includes a first portion configured to be received within the recess 935 and the second portion extending from the first portion of the stabilizing insert 921 b and further extends from the recess. The first portion includes a base member 937 having at least bottom surface configured to contact an interior surface of the recess 935 when the stabilizing insert 921 b is coupled to the recess 935. The second portion includes a protruding member 939 extending from the base member 937 and protruding from the sole by height H.
The recess 935 generally includes similar dimensions as that of the base member 937 of the stabilizing insert 921 b. For example, the recess 935 generally has substantially the same length L and width W (may be slightly larger for accommodation) as the base member 937. Furthermore, the recess 935 is formed along a portion of the sole 102 and spaced away from the face 106 of the club head 101 by a setback S distance. The recess 935 may have a depth sufficient to allow the protruding member 939 to protrude from the sole 102 within the specific range previously described herein (e.g., 0.3 mm to 2 mm).
As shown in FIG. 64, the insert 921 b is configured to be releasably coupled to the recess 935, as indicated by arrow 941. The stabilizing insert 921 b may be releasably couplable to the recess 935 by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means. For example, when coupled to the recess 935, the bottom surface of the base member 937 is configured to contact an interior surface of the recess 935. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a releasable adhesive may be placed between the interior surface of the recess 935 and at least the bottom surface of the base member 937. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more portions of the stabilizing insert 921 b may be configured to interact with the recess 935 in a snap-fit or press-fit manner. For example, a portion of the base member 937 may have a width or length slightly greater than a width or length of the recess 935, such that, upon applying sufficient pressure to the insert 921 b, the base member 937 may engage the recess 935 via a press- or snap-fit manner. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a portion of the base member 937 or recess 935 may be deformable so as to provide a press- or snap-fit between one another.
Upon being coupled to the recess 935, the protruding member 939 protrudes from the sole 102 by a height H. Accordingly, at least the protruding member 929 has the specific set of dimensions, including, but not limited to, height H that it protrudes from the sole, a width W, a length L (measured in heel-toe direction), and being spaced away from the face of the club by a setback S.
In various embodiments, region 107 (including the stabilizing insert of FIGS. 53-64) is provided on drivers, hybrids, woods, and irons. By providing a club head including a stabilizing element of the invention, a club can be made to provide a golfer with two or more reliable ranges for shot distances.
As generally understood, a set of golf clubs will typically include 14 clubs, each intended for hitting the golf ball a certain range. For example, a golfer may have a driver, a 2 wood, a 5 wood, 3-9 irons, 3 wedges, and a putter. The variations are as numerous as the temperaments of the players. Some golfers will have a driver, a wood, a hybrid, six irons, four wedges, and a putter.
Drivers are used for very long shots—drives—off the tee whereas wedges are used for short shots. With a given club, a golfer will be able to reliably make good shots over a certain range of distances. While the precise numbers will vary from golfer to golfer, Table 1 lists an exemplary set of golf clubs and, for each, shows the distance range within which the club will perform reliably for the golfer.

TABLE 1

Distance range for reliable shots by club for a hypothetical golfer

	Distance range
Club	(yards)	Club	Distance range

1 wood (driver)	225-260	8 iron	125-135
3 wood	205-225	9 iron	115-125
5 wood	185-205	Pitch wedge	105-115
3 iron	175-185	Gap wedge	95-105
4 iron	165-175	Sand wedge	85-95
5 iron	155-165	Lob wedge	75-85
6 iron	145-155	Putter	On the green

7 iron	135-145

As can be seen from Table 1, club designers have engineered clubs that, taken as a set, provide reliable performance over a wide range of distances.
However, Table 1 lists 15 clubs and PGA rules allow 14 clubs in a set. So choosing a set of golf clubs requires choosing a range of distances for which your clubs provide poor coverage. For example, many golfers will choose to have all the clubs listed in Table 1 but the 5 wood. The hypothetical golfer of Table 1, leaving behind their 5 wood, would have no club well-suited to 200 yard shots.
Some golfers may try to fill their distance gap by using a hybrid. Table 1 shows an exemplary club set including two hybrids, and a set of ranges that a hypothetical golfer may be able to reliably hit the ball using those clubs.

TABLE 2

Distance range for reliable shots by club for a hypothetical golfer

	Distance range
Club	(yards)	Club	Distance range

1 wood (driver)	225-260	8 iron	125-135
3 wood	205-225	9 iron	115-125
19° hybrid	185-205	Pitch wedge	105-115
22° hybrid	175-185	Gap wedge	95-105
		Sand wedge	85-95
5 iron	155-165	Lob wedge	75-85
6 iron	145-155	Putter	On the green

7 iron	135-145

As can be seen in Table 2, this set has a problematic gap for shots that must travel 165 to 180 yards. Table 3 shows another exemplary set that a golfer may employ.

TABLE 3

Distance range for reliable shots by club for a hypothetical golfer

	Distance range
Club	(yards)	Club	Distance range

1 wood (driver)	225-260	8 iron	125-135
3 wood	205-225	9 iron	115-125
5 wood	185-205	Pitch wedge	105-115
		Gap wedge	95-105
25° hybrid	165-175	Sand wedge	85-95
5 iron	155-165	Lob wedge	75-85
6 iron	145-155	Putter	On the green
7 iron	135-145

The set shown in Table 3 is plagued by a gap at 180 to 195 yards.
Thus, for many golfers, a set of clubs inherently defines a gap in the distances that their shots can cover. This gap has been described as the ‘distance gap’. The persistence of the distance gap problem is evidenced by the tips that golfers exchange on the course, “Choke up on the handle of your 5 wood to take 5 yards off!” or, “Strengthen your grip on your 4 iron to add 5 yards.”
In one embodiment, the invention generally provides a set of golf clubs, each having a shaft with a club head and a grip on opposing ends. At least one club of the set is an adjustable club in that it has an adjustment mechanism operable to provide two or more effective loft settings. The adjustable club may include a stabilizing mechanism that gives the club the same face angle while having any of the two or more effective loft settings. By these means, the club can play (at least) “double duty” in a golfer's set. This way, a golfer can get clubs suited for 15 different types of shots out of 14 individual clubs. Table 4 lists an exemplary club set made to include an adjustable hybrid.

TABLE 4

Exemplary club set including adjustable hybrid.

	Distance range
Club	(yards)	Club	Distance range

1 wood (driver)	225-260	8 iron	125-135
3 wood/16 h	205-225	9 iron	115-125
19°\|22° adj hybrid	175-185, 185-205	Pitch wedge	105-115
		Gap wedge	95-105
25° hybrid	165-175	Sand wedge	85-95
5 iron	155-165	Lob wedge	75-85
6 iron	145-155	Putter	On the green

7 iron	135-145

While generally presented here in terms of the longer-range clubs (e.g., woods, hybrids, and irons), any club can be made adjustable. Further, the tables presented herein are illustrative of ranges that some hypothetical golfer may get out of their personal set of clubs, and it will be appreciated that the invention provides the operative idea of a set of clubs for any golfer, whatever range values obtain for that golfer for their clubs personally. Thus, the specific ranges shown herein are not limiting and merely illustrate the operation of the inventive concept.
For example, some golfer out there may derive great satisfaction from their 3 wood and their 5 wood. This golfer may normally forgo the use of a 3 iron, and thus have a problematic distance gap between their 4 iron and their 5 wood. Make use of an adjustable club of the invention, this hypothetical golfer may solve this problem by equipping themselves with an adjustable hybrid having a 25° loft angle and a 22° loft angle, and leaving behind both their 3 iron and their 4 iron. This golfer's golf bag would then include the clubs listed in Table 5.

TABLE 5

Contents of golf bag of golfer using inventive
club set with 3 wood and 5 wood.

	Distance range
Club	(yards)	Club	Distance range

1 wood (driver)	225-260	8 iron	125-135
3 wood/16 h	205-225	9 iron	115-125
5 wood/19 h	185-205	Pitch wedge	105-115
		Gap wedge	95-105
25°\|22° adj hybrid	165-175, 175-185	Sand wedge	85-95
5 iron	155-165	Lob wedge	75-85
6 iron	145-155	Putter	On the green

7 iron	135-145

To contrast the example given with respect to Table 5, some other golfer may personally prefer to not use hybrids. This other golfer has traditionally gone to the course without a 5 wood, instead just carrying a 3 wood, a 3 iron, a 4 iron, and so on. This golfer may now obtain an adjustable wood according to the invention, the adjustable wood providing the role of a 3 wood and a 5 wood. This golfer's set is represented as now listed in table 6.
The ability of a club head of the invention to provide two or more reliable ranges for a given golfer relates to the provision of a stabilizing element, generally protruding from the sole of a club. The invention proceeds from the insight that prior art adjustable clubs provided poor playability due to poor control over face angle when a loft angle was adjusted.
To contrast the example given with respect to Table 5, some other golfer may personally prefer to not use hybrids. This other golfer has traditionally gone to the course without a 5 wood, instead just carrying a 3 wood, a 3 iron, a 4 iron, and so on. This golfer may now obtain an adjustable wood according to the invention, the adjustable wood providing the role of a 3 wood and a 5 wood. This golfer's set is represented as now listed in table 6.

TABLE 6

Golf club set of invention for golfer who disfavors hybrids.

	Distance range
Club	(yards)	Club	Distance range

1 wood (driver)	225-260	8 iron	125-135
3\|5 adj wood	185-205, 205-225	9 iron	115-125
		Pitch wedge	105-115
3 iron	175-185	Gap wedge	95-105
4 iron	165-175	Sand wedge	85-95
5 iron	155-165	Lob wedge	75-85
6 iron	145-155	Putter	On the green

7 iron	135-145

The invention generally relates to a feature on the sole of a club head that protrudes and stabilizes the club head in two or more positions when a club is at address. In various embodiments, region 107 is provided on drivers, hybrids, woods, and irons. By providing a club head including a stabilizing element of the invention, a club can be made to provide a golfer with two or more reliable ranges for shot distances.
The ability of a club head of the invention to provide two or more reliable ranges for a given golfer relates to the provision of a stabilizing element, generally protruding from the sole of a club. The invention proceeds from the insight that prior art adjustable clubs provided poor playability due to poor control over face angle when a loft angle was adjusted.
By providing a club head including a stabilizing element of the invention, a club can be made to provide a golfer with two or more reliable ranges for shot distances. To illustrate, a golfer may include in their bag the fourteen clubs listed in Table 7 to take advantage of the invention.

TABLE 7

Club set according to certain embodiments.

	Distance range
Club	(yards)	Club	Distance range

1 wood (driver)	225-260	8 iron	125-135
3 wood	205-225	9 iron	115-125
19° hybrid	195-205	Pitch wedge	105-115
22° hybrid	175-185	Gap wedge	95-105
		Sand wedge	85-95
29°\|25° adj hybrid	155-165, 165-175	Lob wedge	75-85
6 iron	145-155	Putter	On the green
7 iron	135-145

The set shown in Table 7 includes an adjustable hybrid having at least two loft settings: 29° and 25°.
Golf rules generally allow fourteen clubs in a bag. Many golfers experience a distance-gapping problem only among or within certain parts of their sets. In some embodiments, the invention solves a golfer's distance-gapping problem by providing a set of golf clubs including fewer than fourteen clubs (e.g., two clubs, three clubs, four clubs, . . . ) for the golfer to use with other of their clubs to fill their bag. One insight of the invention is that the beneficial results of the set include the results provided by replacing the club that is “adjacent” to the distance-gap in a golfer's range list. Thus there is great value to many golfers in providing a set of two or three clubs, at least one of which is an adjustable club according to the invention.
For example, a golfer having the clubs listed in Table 1 may purchase a set including an adjustable wood and two adjustable hybrids. This golfer may then use this new set of adjustable clubs instead of their 3 wood, 5 wood, 3 iron, and 4 iron, to arrive at the clubs listed in Table 8.

TABLE 8

14 clubs including 3 adjustable clubs of invention.

	Distance range
Club	(yards)	Club	Distance range

1 wood (driver)	225-260	8 iron	125-135
4\|3 adj wood/16 h	190-210,	9 iron	115-125
	205-225
19°\|16° adj hybrid	185-205, 205-225	Pitch wedge	105-115
		Gap wedge	95-105
25°\|22° adj hybrid	165-175, 175-185	Sand wedge	85-95
5 iron	155-165	Lob wedge	75-85
6 iron	145-155	Putter	On the green

7 iron	135-145

That is to say, a set of clubs according to the invention can be fewer than 14 or 14 clubs. Table 9 gives another exemplary set of 14 clubs according to the invention.

TABLE 9

Exemplary set of 14 clubs. Golfer may purchase only
first 3 as set and may already own the other 11,
or the golfer may purchase all 14 as a set.

	Distance range
Club	(yards)	Club	Distance range

1 wood (driver)	225-260	8 iron	125-135
3\|5 adj wood	185-205, 205-225	9 iron	115-125
		Pitch wedge	105-115
25°\|22° adj hybrid	165-175, 175-185	Gap wedge	95-105
4 iron	165-175	Sand wedge	85-95
5 iron	155-165	Lob wedge	75-85
6 iron	145-155	Putter	On the green

7 iron	135-145

In certain embodiments, a wood is provided in which the loft can be set at two or more effective settings including a setting at about 13° loft and a setting at about 16° (range of adjustable loft is at least about 3°), and a sole of the club head has a region 107 with boundaries that define a front plane 403 and a back plane 407 (both tangent to the sole) creating angles with the ground that together are at least about 3°. In certain embodiments, a hybrid is provided in which the loft can be set at two or more effective settings including a setting at about 16° loft and a setting at about 25° (range of adjustable loft is at least about 9°), and a sole of the club head has a region 107 with boundaries that define a front plane 403 and a back plane 407 (both tangent to the sole) creating angles with the ground that together are at least about 9°. In certain embodiments, an iron is provided in which the loft can be set at two or more effective settings and a sole of the club head has a region 107 with boundaries that define a front plane 403 and a back plane 407 (both tangent to the sole) creating angles with the ground that together are at least the difference between the two effective settings.
The inventive method of providing a set of golf clubs can be employed to beneficially improve a golfer's game. The method includes receiving information about a golfer and the hitting ranges with the golfer's clubs. With this information, one identifies a distance gap in the golfer's hitting ranges.
Then, one may select an adjustable club of the invention that covers the golfer's distance gap. A set of clubs including the selected club is provided to the golfer. Table 10 shows an exemplary set that may be provided to a hypothetical golfer by methods of the invention.

TABLE 10

Distance range for reliable shots by club for a hypothetical golfer

	Distance range
Club	(yards)	Club	Distance range

1 wood (driver)	225-260	8 iron	125-135
3 wood	205-225	9 iron	115-125
5 wood	185-205	Pitch wedge	105-115
		Gap wedge	95-105
25°\|22° adj hybrid	165-175, 175-185	Sand wedge	85-95
5 iron	155-165	Lob wedge	75-85
6 iron	145-155	Putter	On the green
7 iron	135-145

The method may be implemented through the use of a computer, either within a store or other facility or over the Internet. Thus in some embodiments, the method includes saving the information to a tangible, non-transitory memory operably coupled to a processor in a computer apparatus and using the processor in the identifying, determining, and selecting steps.
In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and systems for making, shipping, stocking, and selling golf clubs requiring only a single club head that satisfies consumer demand for different lofts and aesthetic features. For each of a plurality of customers, a golf club can be provided having a selected color, graphical depiction, loft, and/or face angle.
Due to the fact that a single club head of the invention can provide a club with a variety of features, such as color, graphics, and settings for loft or face angle, a store can stock fewer different club heads than would be required if only prior art club heads were available. Thus the invention allows for a configurable golf club to be provided that allows, for example, a store to sell golf clubs having a large number of configurations while only stocking a small number of club heads, shafts, and related hardware.
Accordingly, a golf club head having a sole with region 107 according to embodiments of the invention is provided for use with reconfigurable and interchangeable combinations of golf club parts (e.g., shafts, heads, ferrules, etc.). Mechanisms and methods for setting different club configurations are described in Interchangeable Shaft System, U.S. Pub. 2009/0197694; Interchangeable Shaft System, U.S. Pub. 2009/0264214; Interchangeable Shaft System, U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,717; Interchangeable Shaft System, U.S. Pub. 2011/0143854; Interchangeable Shaft and Club Head Connection System, U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,921; Interchangeable Shaft and Club Head Connection System, U.S. Pub. 2010/0261543; Interchangeable Shaft and Club head Connection System, U.S. Pub. 2009/0247316; Quick Release Connection System for Golf Clubs, U.S. Pub. 2008/0125239; Two-Part Hosel Connection System for Golf Clubs, U.S. Pub. 2008/0254909; and Interchangeable Shaft for a Golf Club, U.S. Pat. No. 7,476,160, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Due to the fact that a club head of the invention prevents unwanted deviations from an intended orientation when held at address in different positions, a club head having a sole with region 107 according to embodiments of the invention is provided for use with any golf club (i.e., clubs that are not interchangeable, adjustable, or reconfigurable, as well as those that are). The invention provides a club head that can be permanently affixed to a shaft as well as other non-adjustable clubs.
Due to the fact that a club head of the invention enables a supplier (e.g., a store, pro-shop, wholesaler, sales rep, manufacturer, etc.) to offer a wider variety of clubs while stocking fewer independent parts, the invention provides the ability for a supplier to carry a greater variety of parts as defined by some other property, such as color, model, or trim level. For example, because a supplier can fit a customer with a driver having any loft and face angle using a single club head, a certain driver type can be provided for a large variety of customers using only a single stock-keeping unit (SKU) in a database or inventory system of the supplier. This means, relative to a supplier not using a club head of the invention, a large number of SKUs are “freed up” and can be used for other products. Similarly, a large amount of display space and storage space in the supply chain is likewise made available. Thus, these freed up resources can be used to provide clubs having, for example, a variety of colors.
Club heads of the invention enable suppliers to provide a variety of different clubs (e.g., requiring different SKUs, for example, one for each different color), where before, suppliers were limited to using those resources (SKUs and space) to carry enough versions of a single club head to satisfy the fitting requirements of a number of different customers.
The invention results in unexpected efficiencies in the manufacturing process because a club head can be brought to market having a variety of fits with only one form factor, a single manufacturing tool (e.g., mold) is required, thus lowering the cost of bringing a product to market. The single manufacturing tool can be used to produce club heads having a variety of colors, finishes, or “trim levels.” Generally, trim level includes a brand name, decorative element, functional accessories, price, or combination thereof. For example, a driver may be sold having a single club head, but given both an SE and LE (e.g., “special edition” and “luxury edition”) trim level, including silver stripes and a rubber grip on the SE model while having gold stripes, leather grip, and electronic components on the LE model. Also, the single manufacturing tool can be used to produce club heads having a variety of colors.
Because club heads that fit a variety of golfers can be made with a single tool, resources are freed to make club heads in a variety of colors and, more specifically, color can be provided in smaller runs, e.g., changed on a batch-by-batch basis. In some embodiments, the invention provides a set of club heads having a shared form factor and in a variety of colors. Club heads can be primary and secondary colors, fluorescent colors, regular or irregular patterns (e.g., plaid, speckled, tie-dyed, marbleized). Club heads can be made in limited runs having a distinctive color (e.g., the trademark color of a partnering luxury goods manufacturer or the trademark stripes or plaid pattern of a corporate partner).
Due to the fact that a manufacturer can offer a whole line of a particular club (e.g., a particular driver) to fit a variety of customers, by providing a single head, and that the color can be varied easily among the heads, manufacturers can offer distributors great flexibility and extensibility in the colors they offer to their customers. Due to this flexibility and extensibility, in certain embodiments, a retail store can offer clubs in small lots having truly customized colors. For example, a golf team or group can be provided with a set of clubs in which all of the club heads match the official colors of the group.
The invention provides personalized or customized color heads. Since all of a club head for a particular club can be provided by a single tool, manufacturing resources are greatly freed up by the invention. Thus, a manufacturer can repurpose its available resources, for example, to provide personalized customized color. In certain embodiments, a customer may choose a color (e.g., from a book, through an HTML color picker, etc.) or provide information about a color (e.g., provide a specimen, Pantone number, etc.) and a manufacturer can produce one or more club heads having the corresponding color.
A club head can be made having region 107 by any method known in the art. Club head 101 can be molded, cast, forged, or assembled from components by adhesives, welding, snap-fit, press-fit, or any other method known, or combination of any of the foregoing. Exemplary clubs and methods of making them are discussed in Multi-Piece Golf Club head with Improved Inertia, U.S. Pub. 2010/0056297; Golf Club Head with Moveable Insert, U.S. Pub. 2010/0105499; Golf Club Head, U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,065; Metal Wood Golf Club Head, U.S. Pub. 2008/0227564; Golf Club Head With Multi-Component Construction, U.S. Pub. 2011/0152003; Golf Club Heads, U.S. Pub. 2011/0151989; Method of Making Golf Clubs, U.S. Pub. 2011/0277313; and Method of Making Golf Clubs, U.S. Pub. 2010/0298065, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Club head 101 can have any combination of one or more rib, weight, or other structural element beneficial to playability of the club.
A club head of the invention can include additional weights or moveable (e.g., rotatable or sliding) or interchangeable weight members, for example, to optimize a center of gravity or a moment of inertia of club head 101. Any method known in the art can be used to add adjustable weight or further functionalize club head 101. Rotatable members are described in Adjustable Golf Club, U.S. Pat. No. 2,593,368; Club Head with Movable Weight, U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,731; Weight Adjusting Structure of Golf Club Head, U.S. Pub. 2009/0215551; and Golf Club Head with Moveable Insert, U.S. Pub. 2010/0105499 (see, e.g., FIGS. 22-24); and Adjustable Golf Club, U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,414, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Non-rotatable (e.g., sliding, interchangeable, repositionable, etc.) mechanisms are described in Adjustable Weight Golf Clubs, U.S. Pub. 2008/0020861 and Golf Club Head with Alignment System, U.S. Pub. 2011/0190070 (see, e.g., FIG. 8), the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Replaceable or interchangeable weight is described in Golf Club With Peripheral Weighting, U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,818, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Weight of club head 101 can be minimized, allowing weight to be re-distributed to other areas, through the use of lightweight inserts. Weight-saving inserts are described in Golf Club With Concave Insert, U.S. Pub. 2011/0275455, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

References and citations to other documents, such as patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books, papers, web contents, have been made throughout this disclosure. All such documents 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.

Claims

1. A removable stabilizing insert for a golf club head, the removable stabilizing insert comprising:

a first portion couplable to a mounting portion on a sole of a club head; and

a second portion extending from the first portion and protruding from the sole of the club head when the first portion is coupled to the mounting portion;

wherein, when a golf club, that includes the club head having the removable stabilizing insert coupled thereto, is held at address, the removable stabilizing insert maintains a spatial relationship between a contact point and a balance point of the golf club head due to the stabilizing element protruding from the sole.

2. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 1, wherein the club head is adjustable between at least a first loft setting and a second loft setting and, when a golf club, that includes the golf club head, is held at address, the removable stabilizing insert balances and maintains a heel-toe face angle in either one of the first and second loft settings due to the stabilizing element protruding from the sole.

3. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 1, wherein the removable stabilizing insert is releasably couplable to the mounting portion by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means.

4. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 1, wherein the removable stabilizing insert is selectively removable from the mounting portion and interchangeable with one or more other removable stabilizing inserts.

5. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing element protrudes from the sole by a height H, has a maximum length L, has a maximum width W, and has a setback S from a front-most point on the club face when a golf club including the club head is held at address.

6. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 5, wherein:

H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm;

L is between about 2.5 cm and about 12 cm;

W is between about 3 mm and about 20 mm; and

S is between about 1.5 cm and about 3.5 cm.

7. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 5, wherein H is defined as the average distance from the ground of points on the perimeter of the stabilizing element directly fore and aft of a ground contact point when the club head is held at address resting on flat ground.

8. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 1, wherein the mounting portion comprises an aperture extending through the sole of the club head from an exterior of the club head to an interior cavity of the club head, and wherein, when the removable stabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the first portion of the removable stabilizing insert is positioned within the interior cavity of the club head and the second portion of the removable stabilizing insert extends through the aperture to the exterior of the club head.

9. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 8, wherein the first portion comprises a flange member extending along a perimeter of the removable stabilizing insert, the flange member is configured to contact an interior surface of the sole along a perimeter of the aperture when the removable stabilizing insert is coupled to the aperture, and wherein the second portion comprises a protruding member configured to be received within and extend through the aperture to the exterior of the club head.

10. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 1, wherein the mounting portion comprises a recess on an exterior surface of the sole of the club head, and wherein, when the removable stabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the first portion of the removable stabilizing insert is received within the recess and the second portion of the removable stabilizing insert extends from the recess.

11. A golf club head comprising:

a club head body comprising a heel, a toe, a sole having a mounting portion, a crown, and a face; and

a removable stabilizing insert releasably coupled to the mounting portion and protruding from the sole,

wherein, when a golf club, that includes the club head, is held at address, the removable stabilizing insert maintains a spatial relationship between a contact point and a balance point of the golf club head due to the removable stabilizing insert protruding from the sole.

12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the club head is adjustable between at least a first loft setting and a second loft setting.

13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein, when a golf club, that includes the golf club head, is held at address, the removable stabilizing insert balances and maintains a heel-toe face angle in either one of the first and second loft settings due to the removable stabilizing insert protruding from the sole.

14. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the sole is further configured such that, when the club head is held at address in either of a first or second configuration such that the face of the club head has a first or second loft setting, respectively, the club head makes contact with the ground only within the removable stabilizing insert.

15. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the removable stabilizing insert is releasably couplable to the mounting portion by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means.

16. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the removable stabilizing insert is selectively removable from the mounting portion and interchangeable with one or more other removable stabilizing inserts.

17. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the mounting portion comprises an aperture extending through the sole of the club head body.

18. The golf club head of claim 17, wherein, when the removable stabilizing insert is coupled to the aperture, a first portion of the removable stabilizing insert is positioned within an interior cavity of the club head body and a second portion of the removable stabilizing insert extends through the aperture to an exterior of the club head body and protrudes from the sole.

19. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the first portion comprises a flange member extending along a perimeter of the removable stabilizing insert, the flange member is configured to contact an interior surface of the sole along a perimeter of the aperture when the removable stabilizing insert is coupled to the aperture.

20. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the second portion comprises a protruding member configured to be received within and extend through the aperture to an exterior of the club head body.

21. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the mounting portion comprises a recess on an exterior surface of the sole of the club head body.

22. The golf club head of claim 21, wherein, when the removable stabilizing insert is coupled to the recess, a first portion of the removable stabilizing insert is received within the recess and a second portion of the removable stabilizing insert extends from the recess.

23. The golf club head of claim 22, wherein the first portion comprises a base member having at least bottom surface configured to contact an interior surface of the recess when the removable stabilizing insert is coupled to the recess and the second portion comprises a protruding member extending from the base member and protruding from the sole.

24. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the removable stabilizing insert protrudes from the sole by a height H, has a maximum length L, has a maximum width W, and has a setback S from a front-most point on the club face when a golf club including the club head is held at address.

25. The golf club head of claim 24, wherein:

H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm;

L is between about 2.5 cm and about 12 cm;

W is between about 3 mm and about 20 mm; and

S is between about 1.5 cm and about 3.5 cm.

26. The golf club head of claim 24, wherein H is defined as the average distance from the ground of points on the perimeter of the removable stabilizing insert directly fore and aft of a ground contact point when the club head is held at address resting on flat ground.