AU660089B2 - Golf club - Google Patents

Description

1

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 SKIS ROSSIGNOL S.A.

660089

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT I I Invention Title: GOLF CLUB The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us:-

-IA-

The invention relates to a novel golf club,'also called a "stick", in particular of the iron type.

Although in the rest of the description the invention is more particularly described in its application to irons, it may also be applied to woods. It is sufficient for the striking face of the club, which is plane or slightly buJged, to be inclined with respect to the ground.

For the sake of convenience, and in order to facilitate the description of such a stick (or club), the club should be positioned virtually in space in a system of orthogonal planes: P1, P2 and P3 (see Figure in which the axis I-I' of the shaft, also called the rod, is situated in the plane PI, the plane P3 designating the ground and the plane P2 the plane orthogonal to the ground passing through the axis of the striking zone and orthogonal to the plane i0:: 20 containing the shaft of the club. The shaft of the club forms an angle beta, also called the "lie angle", with respect to the axis Ox defining the ground.

e ':As stated above, Figure 1 represents a golf club shown in the normal addressing position, that is to say in the position of striking the ball.

~Figures 2 to 4 represent a conventional golf club termed an iron, respectively in front view (Figure 2), and whose head is shown in detail in Figures 3 and 4, respectively in front view (Figure 3) and in side view (Figure 4).

Such an iron, designated by the general reference essentially comprises a shaft ending in a grip and joined to the head by a hosel receiving the other end of the shaft This hosel is joined to the head by a neck located at the end of the heel The head proper generally made of moulded or forged metal, comprises a plane striking face inclined by an angle gamma (see Figure 4) with respect to the axis Oy (see Figure called the opening angle or "loft angle". The striking face comprises a grooved striking face proper delimited on the bottom by a lower edge located at the front of the upper edge (12) which is inclined in projection onto the plane P1 by an angle alpha (see Figure 3) with respect to the axis Ox defining the inclined striking plane.

The grip then the shaft define a longitudinal axis along which the hosel for 0' connection of the shaft onto the neck is located, The inclined striking face comprises two smooth lateral zones and (10) located on either side of the grooved striking zone The wide free extreme zone (10) is termed the "toe", whereas the narrow opposite zone joined to the shaft comprises a joining 25 zone (13) located between the striking zone and the neck this smooth joining zone (13) ends in the heel which merges with the bottom of the neck (6) comprising the hosel Thus, the neck comprises two main parts, respectively a joining portion (13) merged with the .heel most of the time located tangentially and at the end of this heel and a straight portion comprising the hosel joining with the shaft Currently, the hosel is aligned with the shaft along the longitudinal axis and is, as stated above, located at the end of the heel that is to say at the narrowest end of the striking face and more precisely at the end, termed the heel of the smooth joining zone (13).

It is known that during impact of the head (4) with the ball, the shock produced generates a twisting moment and vibrations which propagate along the shaft until reaching the grip This produces discomfort, then fatigue for the player, which can go as far as causing injury in the arm of the player.

In document US-A-4,986,541, a series of irons is described which are easier to play with for intermediate or inexperienced players. In this document, a law of variation for the "progression face" is proposed, that is to say, seen in profile, the distance between the longitudinal axis of the grip and the foremost point of the lower edge (11) of the head As is known, the more the axis is located to the rear of the lower edge the more the ball tends to rise.

This makes the use of long irons difficult, that is to say irons whose striking faca has a small angle c inclination gamma, for example lying between ten and twenty degrees. In order to obtain this offset of the "progression face", irons produced according to the teachings of this document US-A-4,986,541 have a neck which is offset in the plane P2 (see Figure 3c of this document).

In document US-A-3,947,041, an iron is described in which the hosel merges with the heel, but also forms a bend which is, however, located to the front of the striking face.

In document GB-A-2,109,249, a golf club is described in which the shaft is connected to the neck of the striking head by a bend and a hosel. In this arrangement, the shaft is intended to be oriented with the aim of being able to alter, as required, the positioning of the head with respect to the shaft.

Unfortunately, when the shaft is angularly offset in the hosel, all the relevant parameters vary, so that in practice this club is difficult to use, besides it being expensive and fragile when used.

In document US-A-2,784,969, an iron is described in which the striking face is located slightly to the front of the straight longitudinal axis However, in all the embodiments of clubs other than putters described in the abovi documents, in the fashion of current clubs, the attachment of the neck in other words the narrow joining zone, is always tangent to the narrowest end of the head proper In other words, the attacbhment merges with the heel Because of this, this attachment is relatively distant from the striking zone and therefore from the ideal centre of percussion. In this way, during impact, an appreciable twisting moment is still observed.

25 In document GB-B-876,414, an iron is described in which the hosel joined to the heel is bent, but in the plane containing the axis so that the extension of the shaft meets the striking face. This theoretical embodiment is not, unfortunately, in accordance with the Rules in force, in particular of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of Saint Andrews (Appendix II-4-lb), which specify that the shaft and the socket should remain in line with the heel or with a point situated to the right or to the left of the latter, seen in the addressing position.

5 The invention attempts to overcome these drawbacks.

It relates to a golf club of the type in question with an inclined striking face, having a reduced twisting moment and therefore being easier to employ for intermediate or inexperienced players.

The golf club according to the invention, of the iron or wood type, comprises: an elongate shaft which is straight over its entire length, with an aligned grip, the combination defining a longitudinal axis; a head comprising an inclined striking face, which includes a grooved striking zone proper, delimited on either lateral side by an outer zone forming a toe and an inner zone forming a heel, and delimited on the bottom by a lower edge delimiting the front of a sole, and on the top by an upper edge; a neck having a linking portion with the striking surface located in the zone forming the heel between a tip end of the heel and the grooved striking zone, and a hosel for connection with the shaft aligned with the shaft, wherein the linking'portion of the neck with the heel is located in the vicinity of the upper edge in front of 25 the plane comprising the striking surface and is slightly offset with respect to the ttp end of the heel in the direction of the toe; the prolongation of the longitudinal axis of the shaft onto the ground meets the plane of the striking face 30 in the grooved zone; 5/1 and wherein, when the head rests on the ground, whatever the number of the iron chosen, the distance A-B between a point A representing the projection onto the ground of the foremost point of the lower edge and a point B representing the intersection of the prolongation of the longitudinal axis of the shaft with the ground, is at most thirty millimetres.

S 8 t*tl to e *1 i a In other words, the invention consists: first in'locating the portion joining the neck to the striking surface no longer at the end and in the extension c the heel, but substantially set back from the end of the heel in the narrow smooth zone and near the grooved striking zone proper, which brings the longitudinal axis of the shaft closer to the centre of gravity of the head; this arrangement and this location then attenuate the twisting couple due to the impact of the ball, and reduce, after impact, the time for the head to return into its normal position; next, in that the foremost point of the lower edge is as close as possible to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

In this way, the combination of these two characteristics combine to reduce the twisting couple by reducing the distance, and by distributing the mass on either side of the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Preferably, the distance between the end of 20 the heel and the longitudinal axis of the shaft, or more exactly its extension, is close to 8 millimetres.

Advantageously, the joining portion is located mid-way in the narrow smooth zone made between the end of the heel and the side of the grooved part of the striking zone.

Advantageously, in practice, the distance AB, expressed in millimetres, varies as a function of the number of the iron variation law: iron No. 1: iron No. 2: iron No. 3: iron No. 4: iron No. 5: iron No. 6: iron No. 7: iron No. 8: iron No. 9: PW: 26 5 AB SW: 26 5 AB In another chosen according to the following 18 5 AB 5 22 19 AB 5 23 20 S AB 5 24 21 5 AB 5 22 5 AB 26 23 5 AB 27 24 5 AB 5 28 25 5 AB 5 29 26 AB S 5 embodiment, this characteristic another simplified law, distance AB varies according to namely: r ri r u

I

for long irons (irons 1, 2 and between 0 and 20 millimetres: for medium irons 5 and between 20 and millimetres; and for short irons (7 to SW), between 25 and millimetres.

In another embodiment, this distance AB is equal to zero.

In one variant, the neck is bent in the planes P1 and/or P2.

In one embodiment, the neck is straight.

In a preferred embodiment for irons, the head of this iron has a peripheral distribution of the weight at the back of the striking surface, and more precisely on the sole, which has the advantage of giving better resistance to torsional effects during off-centred shots.

In order to do this, the sole is formed of three separate zones, respectively two extreme lateral zones and a central zone. According to a first characteristic, the k o extreme zones are wider and thicker than the centtal zone. overall, each of these zones adopts a general curvilinear shape; for example, the rear edge of the sole, seen from the top, has a general shape which is convex at each of the two ends, and concave at the centre.

The outer shape of the sole, that is to say that intended to come into contact with the ground, is convex overall, and its inner shape, that is to say that which is situated opposite, is concave overall.

In this way, the various geometrical characteristics distribute the masses predominantly over the ends of the sole on either side of the striking centre, which allows for mis-hits, which are known to be frequent amongst intermediate or inexperienced players.

The manner in which the invention may be embodied, and the advantages which stem therefrom, will S..emerge better from the embodiments which follow, in the light of the attached figures.

e* As already stated, Figure 1 represents the positioning of a traditional iron with respect to thq three reference planes P1, P2 and P3.

Figures 2, 3 and 4 represent this traditional iron respectively seen from the front in Figure 2, and whose head is shown in detail in Figure 3, seen from the front, and seen from the side in Figure 4.

Figures 5 to 7 illustrate an iron in accordance with the invention, shown respectively in front view (Figure side view (Figure top view (Figure 7).

Figure 8 represents a traditional iron in rear view.

Figures 9 to 1I represent an iron head in accordance with the invention seen respectively from the rear (Figure from the bottom (Figure 10), from the top (Figure 11).

For the sake of simplicity, in Figures 5 to 7, the same elements have been represented with the same references as in Figures 2 and 4. In thtes figures, the reference (15) designates the sole, which is generally bulged.

The point A designates the projection of the foremost point of the lower edge (11) on the ground (1- (see Figures 5 and when the club is addressing the ball. The reference (17) designates the vertical, median line of the grooved zone of the strikin; face The angle beta designates, as already stated, the lie angle, whereas the angle gamma designates the opening angle or loft angle of the striking face The reference RI (Figure 5) designates the radius of the lower edge (11) limiting the sl at least when the latter, as is shown, is convex, from the heel as far as the toe Similarly, this sole (see Figure is convex from the front lower edge to the rear lower edge (lla) with a radius of curvature R2.

In a practical embodiment, R1 is close to 120 to 130 millimetres, and R2 is close to 50 millimetres.

.According to a first characteristic of the invention (Figures 5 and the attachment portion (13) of the neck is located half-way between the i.arrow end of the heel of the striking face and the first side (20) of the grooved striking zone proper The distance between the end of the heel and the longitudinal axis is at least eight millimetres, and preferably lies between 8 and 16 millimetres.

S. Moreover, the longitudinal axis of the shaft meets the plane striking face in the grooved striking zone (see Figure in the bottom part of this striking zone In this way, the axis is closer to the centre of gravity of the head than it is in the traditional clubs shown in Figures 2 to 4.

25 In one variant, this axis may meet the extension of the inclined plane forming the striking face just in front of the lower edge (11).

In practice, the length of the neck varies as a function _f the loft angle gamma of the club head.

30 Advantageously, this neck is formed of a first cylindrical straight portion in order to connect to the shaft in the substantially vertical plane PI, then of a second progressively flattened and curved bent portion in order to connect to the connection zone (13).

11 Thus, the cross-section of the neck varies progressively from top to bottom from a circular crosssection (straight portion) to a flattened elliptical portion (bent portion), to form an asymmetrical elliptical portion at the level of the connection (13) with the plane of the striking face By virtue of the combination of these characteristics., and the fact that the projection of the axis of the shaft is formed on the plane of the striking zone, during impact, the shock causes a very small twisting moment and therefore generates strongly attenuated vibrations. The result of this is, in contrast to a current traditional club, better comfort and above all reduced fatigue for the player, in particular for an intermediate player. Finally, this allows, after impact, better return to normal with less energy.

As already stated, in an advantageous embodiment the characteristic distance AB varies according to one of the laws given above.

According co another advantageous characteristic of the invention, for irons, shown in Figures 9 and part of the weight of the head is concentrated over the 4 lower part of the perimeter of the rear face For this purpose, the upper rim (22) has a thickness (el) and a width (11) which are substantially constant from the heel as far as the toe In contrast, the wall formed by the concave internal face (25) and the sole (15) (see Figures 9 and 10) is thicker and wider than the upper rim (22).

o 30 This wall grows then decreases in width (12) and decreases in thickness (e2) from the heel or the toe (10) towards the middle that is to say that it is thicker and wider in the lateral portions (26,27) than in the central portion in order better to concentrate the mass on the ends (7 and 10) and on either side of the striking zone.

In practice, this internal wall (25) has, first of all at its centre a recess connected by two curvilinear portions (26,27) respectively to the heel and to the toe (10) (see Figures 9 and 10). The thickness (e2) of the sole (15) measured in the plane coinciding with the rear face (21) decreases progressively from the toe (10) as far as the heel Similarly, each of the three portions (26,27,28) of the wall forming the sole (15) adopts, in a plane parallel to the plane of the striking face a slightly arched concave general shape (Figure 9).

The portion (30) made between the lower wall forming the sole and the upper rim (22) is flat and is parallel to the striking plane The thickness of this recessed portion (30) is substantialy constant and close to 4.5 millimetres, in order better to concentrate the weight on the base The lower wall forming the base (15) is notched in the middle so as further better to redistribute the weight on the ends (7,10) and better to centre the centre of gravity in the head.

These arrangements, taken in combination, improve the redistribution of the weight at the periphery, over the rear of the striking face, and in proximity to the base This peripheral distribution of the weight minimises the twisting of the head during mis-hits. In this way, in contrast to traditional clubs, clubs according to the invention give a better feeling of S 30 comfort and reduce fatigue, especially in intermediate or less experienced players.

Claims (3)

1. 7. Golf iron club according to one of the claims 1 to 6, in which the weight of the head is concentrated in a back surface of the sole behind the striking face, characterized in that said back surface has a rearwardly extending ridge which merges with a top surface of general convex shape and extends rearwardly at least along the upper edge of said back surface from said heel portion to said toe portion, wherein said ridge decreases in thickness, when measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to said front face, from said heel and toe portions to a thinner central zone thereof, such that the mass of said ridge is concentrated in the heel and toe portions thereof.
2. 8. Golf iron club according to claim 7, characterized in that the heel and toe portions which form two lateral zones of the back surface have a greater depth in the rearward direction than the central zone, and in that an outer edge of each of the zones adopts a general shape which is convex for each of the lateral zones and concave for the central zone.
3. 9. Golf iron head, comprising: an inclined striking face, comprising a grooved striking zone proper, delimited on either side by a smooth zone, respectively an outer zone forming a toe, and an inner zone forming a heel, and delimited on the bottom by a lower edge delimiting the front of the face, and on the top by an upper edge, the said edges defining the inclined plane of the striking face; a neck having a portion linking with the striking surface, and a hosel for connection with the shaft, and in which a longitudinal axis of the shaft meets o. the striking face within the grooved striking zone: S. wherein: the portion of the neck linking with the striking 16 surface is offset with respect to the end of the heel; when the head rests on the ground, whatever the number of the iron chosen, the distance A-B between a point A representing the projection onto the ground of the foremost point of the lower edge, and a point B representing the projection onto the ground of the longitudinal axis of the shaft, is at most thirty millimetres; the thickness of a lower wall forming the sole, measured in the direction parallel to the striking face, is smaller in a central zone than in extreme lateral zones; and wherein the two extreme lateral zones of the sole are wider and thicker than the central zone, and the outer edge of each of the zones adopts a general shape which is convex for the extreme lateral zones, connected to a general concave shape for the central zone. A golf iron club as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 5-11. DATED this 15 day of February 1995 SKIS ROSSIGNOL SA Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: F.B. RICE CO. o oo ,b i ABSTRACT GOLF CLUB Golf club, which comprises: a straight shaft with a grip; a head comprising an inclined striking face 8 having a grooved delimited striking zone proper; a neck comprising two main parts, respectively: a portion (13) linking with the striking face a hosel aligned with the shaft and in which the longitudinal axis of the shaft meets the striking face within the grooved striking zone characterised: i, in that the portion (13) of the neck linking with the striking surface is offset with respect to the end of the heel -and in that the distance A-B is at most thirty millimetres. Figures 5 and 6. r 9 L b4