GOLF CLUB WITH VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE CENTER OF GRAVITY

• US 20130324299A1
• Filed: 06/03/2013
• Published: 12/05/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Cobra Golf Company (Puma SE)
• Original Assignee: Cobra Golf Company (Puma SE)
• Inventors: Clausen, Karl A., Soracco, Peter L., Sanchez, Richard Romo, Breier, Joshua G., Roach, Ryan L., Beno, Tim A., Curtis, Andrew, Morelock, David, Newmiller, Bret A.
• Application Number:
  US13/908,269
• Publication Number:
  US 20130324299A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/335
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2053/0491 with added weights, e.g. changeable, replaceable
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/08 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/042 the face insert consisting of a material different from that of the head
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/0433 with special sole configurations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/0437 with special crown configurations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/045 Strengthening ribs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/0466 wood-type
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/047 iron-type

Abstract

The invention generally relates to golf clubs with adjustable mass properties. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and mechanisms for adjusting a club head center of gravity in a vertical direction. Changing a center of gravity in the vertical direction can be done without substantially changing the center of a gravity in other directions.

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising:

a face, a hosel, an aft body, and a mechanism operable to change a position of a center of gravity of the club head in a direction that has a substantial component that is vertical when the club head is at address.

2. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises an openable cap.

3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a reversible member.

4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a separable cartridge member.

5. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises repositionable weights.

6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a non-uniformly weighted member.

7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a track for weight travel.

8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises weights accessible at an exterior surface of a club head.

9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the mechanism is substantially concealed within the club head.

10. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the mechanism is both accessible at an exterior surface and substantially contained within the club head.

11. A golf club head comprising:

a mechanism for adjusting a center of gravity in a vertical direction without substantially changing the center of a gravity in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

12. The club head of claim 11, wherein the mechanism comprises a separable member that can be attached to the club head in at least two different orientations.

13. The club head of claim 11, wherein the mechanism comprises a separable bent strap that can be attached to the club head in a corresponding recess in an aft portion of the club head.

14. The club head of claim 11, wherein the mechanism comprises an elevator member that includes a threaded shaft, rotation of which changes a height of the center of gravity substantially only in the vertical direction.

15. The club head of claim 11, wherein the mechanism comprises a plurality of ports, each configured to receive and retain a weight.

16. The club head of claim 15, wherein the plurality of ports are accessible by opening a single hatch on the club head.

17. The club head of claim 11, wherein the mechanism comprises a hole in a surface of the club head, the hole being configured to receive a weight pylon that attaches to the surface and positions a weight member within the club head spaced away from the surface.

18. The club head of claim 11, wherein the mechanism comprises an aft portion of the club head that is moveable relative to the rest of the club head.

19. A method for changing a vertical center of gravity of a golf club head, the method comprising:

adjusting a center of gravity in a golf club head in a vertical direction without substantially changing the center of gravity in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising repositioning a separable member, wherein the separable member is one selected from the list consisting of:

a separable member that can be attached to the club head in at least two different orientations,

a separable member with a non-uniform mass distribution,

a separable member that can be attached to the club head in a corresponding recess in an aft portion of the club head,

a separable member with a tab on one end dimensioned to be received by a slot on the club head,

a separable member that can be attached to the club head in two orientations related by a 180°

rotation of the separable member, and

a threaded member.