IP Library Granted Patent US 8,317,635
Granted Patent B2
US 8,317,635 · App. 13/069,224 · Granted Nov 27, 2012

Iron-type golf clubs

Assignee: Acushnet Company
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,317,635
App. No.
13/069,224
Granted
Nov 27, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long, mid- and short irons with channel back configurations and a mass control insert. The mass of the insert is systematically varied through the set such that the mass distribution properties of the set may be systematically varied while retaining a continuous look and feel through the set. The mass of the insert is varied by altering the volume or the density of the insert through the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. In one embodiment, the mass control insert comprises a dense insert and a lightweight cover. The density of the dense insert can be easily varied to change the mass distribution properties of the club head. One application of the mass control insert is to provide customization of the club head at the point of sale or distribution.

Claims (28)

1. A method of customizing a golf club head comprising the steps of:

(i) providing the golf club head, wherein the golf club head comprises a hitting face that is spaced from a lower flange to define a channel;

(ii) providing a plurality of mass control inserts;

(iii) testing the golf club head with each of at least two of the plurality of mass control inserts secured temporarily to the golf club head by at least partially inserting the mass control insert into the channel; and

(iv) securing a preferred one of the plurality of mass control inserts to the golf club head;

wherein at least one of the plurality of mass control inserts includes a first insert and a second insert, wherein the second insert is disposed within the first insert and is sandwiched between the first insert and the hitting face, and

wherein the second insert is constructed from a material having a higher density than the material of the first insert.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of mass control inserts includes a plurality of mass control inserts constructed of materials having different densities.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising securing the second insert to the first insert.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein step (iii) comprises testing a demonstration set of golf clubs.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein step (iii) comprises the steps of

(iii) securing temporarily one of the plurality of mass control inserts to the golf club head, and

(iv) removing the temporarily secured mass control insert to test another of the plurality of mass control insert to the golf club head.

6. A method of customizing a golf club head comprising the steps of:

(i) providing the golf club head, wherein the golf club head comprises a hitting face that is spaced from a lower flange to define a channel;

(ii) providing at least two mass control inserts having different weights;

(iii) testing the golf club head with each of the at least two mass control inserts secured temporarily to the golf club head by at least partially inserting the mass control insert into the channel;

(v) selecting a preferred mass control insert, and

(v) securing the preferred mass control insert to the golf club head,

wherein at least one of the plurality of mass control inserts includes a first insert and a second insert, wherein the second insert is disposed within the first insert and is sandwiched between the first insert and the hitting face, and

wherein the second insert is constructed from a material having a higher density than the material of the first insert.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the at least two mass control inserts includes mass control inserts constructed of materials having different densities.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein securing one of the plurality of mass control inserts includes adhesively securing the mass control insert.

9. The method of claim 6 , further comprising securing the second insert to the first insert.

10. The method of claim 6 , wherein step (iii) comprises testing a demonstration set of golf clubs.

11. The method of claim 6 , wherein step (iii) comprises the steps of

(iii) securing temporarily one of the plurality of mass control inserts to the golf club head, and

(iv) removing the temporarily secured mass control insert to test another of the plurality of mass control insert to the golf club head.

Assignments (5)
ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS (ASSIGNS 039506-0030) Recorded Aug 3, 2022
From: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS RESIGNING ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS SUCCESSOR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 061521/0414 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME (027345/0877) Recorded Sep 7, 2016
From: KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH
To: ACUSHNET COMPANY
Reel/Frame 039939/0087 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 28, 2016
From: ACUSHNET COMPANY
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 039506/0030 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Dec 8, 2011
From: ACUSHNET COMPANY
To: KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH
Reel/Frame 027345/0877 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 13, 2011
From: GILBERT, PETER J.; PETTIBONE, BRUCE R.; BURNETT, MICHAEL SCOTT; KAYS, CHRISTOPHER R.; DIAZ, TOMAS
To: ACUSHNET COMPANY
Reel/Frame 026121/0023 →
Continuity (5)
Continuation 12501917 · Jul 13, 2009
Division 11367472 · Mar 3, 2006
Continuation In Part 11193745 · Jul 29, 2005
Continuation In Part 11105631 · Apr 14, 2005
Related Publication 20110172023A1 · Jul 14, 2011