A method and apparatus for fine-tuning a wedge golf club head and manufacture thereof

Abstract

Described herein is a method and apparatus for fine tuning a wedge golf club head and manufacture thereof that incorporates a unique interchangeable modular head with an interchangeable flange design. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wedge golf club for enhanced tunability such as a combination of sole, bounce and / or centre of gravity through the use of adjustable dexterity neutral flanges and sole plates. The wedge golf club head disclosed above may also have a flat, straight leading edge to ensure the consistency of an interchangeable sole plate. The overall process conducted during a wedge golf club fitting assessment utilises an algorithm, App, and / or AI technologies that results in a wedge specification other than standard and which is specifically tailored to the end user.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application derives priority from New Zealand patent application number 123456 filed on 10 Jan. 2023 with WIPO DAS code 7171 incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Described herein is a method and apparatus for fine tuning a wedge golf club head and manufacture thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wedge golf club for enhanced tunability such as a combination of sole, bounce and / or centre of gravity through the use of adjustable dexterity neutral flanges and sole plates. The wedge golf club head disclosed above may also have a flat, straight leading edge to ensure the consistency of an interchangeable sole plate.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] In a modern world, more and more consumer products are being customised to the individual to better fit the task at hand. This is becoming more prevalent and commercially viable as technology continues to improve at a rapid rate. Rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach, individuals in the pursuit of better performance and results have shifted towards ‘finding the best fit’ for themselves. For example, in the golf equipment industry, manufacturers currently offer their customers various fitting applications to improve their equipment selection. By tailoring the equipment to the individual golfer's swing type, skill level, and the like, the individual golfer knows that he or she is being given the best opportunity to succeed on the course.

[0004] Wedge type golf clubs, more commonly known as wedges, are a particular type of golf club that generally has a higher loft angle. These higher lofted wedges tend to be precision instruments that allow a golfer to dial in short range golf shots with improved trajectory, improved accuracy, and improved control. The increased loft angle in wedges generally yield a golf shot with a higher trajectory because of the impact surface with the golf ball is not perpendicular to the trajectory of the club head; but rather, the golf ball interacts with the wedge at an inclination closely resembling the actual loft angle of the wedge itself. This inclination generally causes the golf ball to move up along the inclination of the wedge when struck by the wedge golf club, creating a backward rotation of the golf ball as it leaves the wedge club face. This backwards rotation of the golf ball is generally known as “back-spin” within the golf industry; and it is desirable in helping improve trajectory, accuracy, and control of a wedge type golf shot.

[0005] Backspin helps improve trajectory, accuracy, and control of a golf shot by giving the golf ball a gyroscopic effect, which stabilises ball flight, hence increasing accuracy. Moreover, backspin also serves to increase control of a golf shot as backspin minimises the roll of a golf ball after landing, creating a more predictable golf shot even after it lands on the ground.

[0006] A number of wedge type golf heads are generally known in the golf club art in an attempt to enhance performance characteristics such as improved backspin, ball speed and launch angle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,307,650 discloses an iron-type golf club head body and an adjustable member configured to be engaged with the iron-type golf club head body. The adjustable member may include a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the adjustable member may form at least a portion of the sole of the iron-type golf club head and at least a portion of the rear of iron type golf club head when the adjustable member is engaged with the iron-type golf club head body in a first orientation. Additionally, the second surface of the adjustable member may form at least a portion of the sole of the iron-type golf club head and at least a portion of the rear of iron-type golf club head when the adjustable member is engaged with the iron-type golf club head body in a second orientation, which is different from the first orientation. However, a problem with this two soled wedge configuration is that the leading edge creates a poor interaction with the componentry leading to vibration with this design and manufacture. Furthermore, the fasteners which are required to hold the components together are not angled towards the direct line of force of impact. Thus, the fasteners would likely work their way loose when in use, and the soles become displaced from the club head. Also, the attachment of these are specific to the designated wedge and are not configured to attach to other club heads such as a lob, sand, gap or pitching wedge due to their shape, dexterity, weight and bounce profile.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 10,661,128 relates to an adjustable club head having a main body adapted to be selectively attached to one of a plurality of sole components. In particular, a club assembly kit including a club head main body, a first sole component, and a second sole component interchangeably associated with the main body. When the first sole component is associated with the main body, the main body and the first sole component form a first club head comprising a sole surface having a first parting line, formed between the first sole component and the main body, and a first sole contour. When the second sole component is associated with the main body, the main body and the second sole component form a second club head comprising a second sole surface having a second parting line, formed between the second sole component and the main body and a second contour that differs from the first sole contour. However, a disadvantage of this interchangeable sole wedge configuration is that the join is directly located where the main part of turf interaction occurs when in use. Thus, dirt and debris is likely to collect at the join interface between the sole and club head main body thereby increasing the gap therebetween. Furthermore, the above configuration does not adjust the turf interaction or effective bounce of the club and only if presented with a very neutral shaft lean to have the desired effect. Also, the attachment of these are specific to the designated wedge and are not configured to attach to other club heads such as a lob, sand, gap or pitching wedge due to their shape, dexterity, weight and bounce profile.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 9,211,450 relates to a wedge type golf club having an adjustable centre of gravity. The club head has a high loft and a low centre of gravity allowing for increased back spin, increased launch angle and increased ball speed, wherein the centre of gravity may be adjusted based on different backing profiles that comprises at least one hollow chamber. In addition to the above, the present invention also discloses a golf club head with an increased topline thickness that varies with the loft of the golf club head. However, a disadvantage with this adjustable centre of gravity configuration is that it only moves the weight around the head of the club and is no different to a modern day driver and does not adjust the sole and bounce of the club. Also, the attachment of these are specific to the designated wedge and are not configured to attach to other club heads such as a lob, sand, gap or pitching wedge due to their shape, dexterity, weight and bounce profile.

[0009] US2014 / 0274441 discloses a golf club head comprising a club head body configured to be removably coupled at different times with a first attachment, and a first bounce height. Further when the club head body is coupled with the second attachment member, the golf club head comprises the loft angle, the bounce angle, and a second bounce height different than the first bounce height. However, a disadvantage of this interchangeable wedge configuration is that the join is directly located where the main part of turf interaction occurs when in use. Thus, dirt and debris is likely to collect at the join interface between the sole and club head main body thereby increasing the gap therebetween. Also, the attachment of these are specific to the designated wedge and are not configured to attach to other club heads such as a lob, sand, gap or pitching wedge due to their shape, dexterity, weight and bounce profile. Furthermore, the centre of gravity is not adjustable for this configuration. A similar variation is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,974,108 with the same disadvantages as aforementioned.

[0010] As it can be seen from the above, numerous attempts have been made to improve the loft, centre of gravity, back spin, and launch angle, especially when being hit with a wedge type golf club. However, there is a requirement for an adjustable wedge type golf club, that can be customised / tailored for an individual player that allows for adjustability of bounce, sole and centre of gravity of at least these three parameters in combination and / or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[0011] Further aspects and advantages of the methods, apparatus and manufacture thereof will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.SUMMARY

[0012] Described herein is a method and apparatus for fine tuning a wedge golf club head and manufacture thereof that incorporates a unique interchangeable modular head with an interchangeable flange design having the ability to adjust the bounce angle and width, centre of gravity (CG) location and weight.

[0013] In a first aspect there is provided a wedge type golf club head comprising:

[0014] a hosel;

[0015] an interchangeable modular club head body attached to the hosel; and

[0016] at least one interchangeable flange member having a sole and bounce configured to be engaged with the club head body;

[0017] wherein the interchangeable flange member is configured to adjust the bounce angle and width, centre of gravity location and weight of the club head body in combination when engaged with the club head body.

[0018] In a second aspect there is provided a method of manufacturing a modular wedge type golf club head as substantially described above.

[0019] Advantages of the above include design characteristics for wedges comprising a typical pitching, gap, and lob wedge sets with adjustable flange plates covering the full range of lofts from 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees. Thus, only four wedges are required to be carried in a golf bag covering all the above typical ranges of lofts. Wedge head forgings are set up to have different offsets where advantageously blanks depending on their intended characteristics are allocated an offset and complementary bounce. In prior art wedges, when an offset is adjusted, the loft and bounce are compromised. For example, most other wedges when creating a high offset sand wedge (56 degrees) require modifying a branded 60 degree and manually bending it to 56 degrees. However, this modification reduces the bounce angle by 4 degrees while decreasing the loft and increasing the offset. The flange plates are dexterity neutral which enables multi-purpose attachments to be used on both left handed or right handed clubs.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further aspects of the apparatus, methods and uses will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear plan view of one exemplary flange with high centre of gravity and mid bounce characteristics;

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the exemplary flange with high centre of gravity and mid bounce characteristics;

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a side profile view of the exemplary flange with high centre of gravity and mid bounce characteristics;

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a front plan view of the exemplary flange with high centre of gravity and mid bounce characteristics;

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates the exemplary flange with high centre of gravity and mid bounce characteristics attached and assembled to a club head;

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a spreadsheet of desired fitting effect of player attribute characteristics for strike, turf interaction and ball flights;

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a graphic view of wedges for the bounce effect (degree of bounce) for preferred gap, sand and lob wedges;

[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates a chart of exemplary flanges generated from a matrix tuned for low, mid and high centre of gravity combined with extra low, low, mid, high and extra high characteristics for a series of exemplary gap, sand and lob wedges;

[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear plan view of one further exemplary flange;

[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates top and bottom perspective views of one further exemplary flange;

[0031] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of one further exemplary flange;

[0032] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section view of one further exemplary flange;

[0033] FIG. 13 illustrates one further exemplary flange with holes or ports for housing weight members;

[0034] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary wedge back unassembled to an exemplary flange (not shown);

[0035] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary line up of assembled flanges with two width of sole profiles in either a high or low centre of gravity (CG); and

[0036] FIG. 16 illustrates a further generated table for the bounce effect (degree of bounce) for preferred gap, sand and lob wedges.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] As noted above, a method and apparatus for fine tuning a wedge golf club head and manufacture thereof that incorporates a unique interchangeable modular head with an interchangeable flange design having the ability to adjust the bounce angle and width, centre of gravity (CG) location and weight.

[0038] For the purposes of this specification, the term ‘about’ or ‘approximately’ and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

[0039] The term ‘substantially’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to at least about 50%, for example 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.

[0040] The term ‘comprise’ and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements.

[0041] The term ‘offset’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to the position of the clubface in relation to the shaft of the club, specifically when the face is pushed back instead of being positioned in line with the shaft. A club with offset will feature a hosel that is located in front of the line of the clubface whereas a club with no offset will see the hosel become the heel of the club on a direct line or very close to one. Clubs with offset are meant to be more forgiving to golfers who have a tendency to slice the ball.

[0042] The term ‘hosel’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to the hollow section onto which the club shaft is inserted located at the top of the clubhead. It serves as the bonding point between the club shaft and the clubhead and is sometimes referred to as the neck, or the socket.

[0043] The term ‘sole’ or grammatical variations thereof refers is located at the bottom of the clubhead and refers to the area located between the heel and the toe, and between the leading and trailing edges. The marking or engraving that identifies the golf club in question will usually be found on the sole of the club. In other cases, the name of the club manufacturer would also be found herein. Soles can also be found in different shapes and not only in their perfectly flat version. For example, a sand wedge will feature a sole that is angled towards the ground rather than resting flat against it. This is especially true for sand wedges that have high bounce. How a sole is shaped will impact how the club will be used and under which condition it will perform best. For example, a club whose sole is perfectly flat will make it difficult for the club to bounce off the sand for a bunker shot and will have a tendency to dig into the sand instead.

[0044] The term ‘leading edge’ or grammatical variations thereof is located at the bottom of the clubface and refers to the border of the sole as it meets the clubface, or in other words, the area where the clubface meets the sole. It is the area of the club head that is meant to penetrate the ground first when striking a ball, with an iron or a wedge for example. A ball struck by the leading edge (instead of the sweet spot) is called a thin shot and will fly very low as a result and is best avoided.

[0045] The term ‘trailing edge’ or grammatical variations thereof is located at the bottom of the back of the clubhead and refers to the edge of the back part of the sole of the club, or in other words, the area where the sole meets the back of the clubhead.

[0046] The term ‘top edge’ or grammatical variations thereof is the ridge located at the top of the clubface and refers to the ridge formed by the top of the clubface and the back of the club. A ball struck using the top edge-which can occur when a ball is sitting up in fluffy lies-will fly straight up and will not travel very far forward. Such a shot is known as a sky shot.

[0047] The term ‘flange’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to the area of the sole that extends back from the clubface. In a sand wedge, the flange is given an angle towards the ground which is called the bounce angle.

[0048] The term ‘bounce’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to the angle formed by the line of the sole of the club in relation to the line of the ground. When a club has no bounce the sole lies completely flat against the ground. Conversely, a club with a big bounce will prevent the leading edge from touching the ground, the trailing edge being grounded instead.

[0049] The term ‘loft’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to the angle formed by the intersection of the line of the clubface and the line of the shaft. Each club found in a golfer's bag will have a different loft angle up to around 60° for a lob wedge. In comparison the putter will usually have a loft angle that is close to 0° which translates into a near vertical clubface.

[0050] The term ‘lie’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to the angle formed by the intersection of the line of the shaft and the line of the ground when the clubhead is resting flat on the ground. That angle number is located between 0 and 90 degree and varies from club to club. Indeed, it will generally be smallest in the driver and much larger for a short wedge such as a lob wedge. The putter—with its shaft almost perpendicular to the ground in some instances—has the largest lie angle at close to 90 degrees.

[0051] In a first aspect there is provided a wedge type golf club head comprising:

[0052] a hosel;

[0053] an interchangeable modular club head body attached to the hosel; and

[0054] at least one interchangeable flange member having a sole and bounce configured to be engaged with the club head body;

[0055] wherein the interchangeable flange member is configured to adjust the bounce angle and width, centre of gravity location and weight of the club head body when engaged with the club head body.

[0056] In a second aspect there is provided a method of manufacturing a modular wedge type golf club head as substantially described above.

[0057] As described above, the wedge type golf club may comprise an interchangeable modular head having an interchangeable flange member. In this way, the flange member may be configured to adjust the bounce angle and width, centre of gravity (CG) location and weight in combination.

[0058] In one embodiment, a fitting system may comprise at least 15 flange member plates that may attach to the club head utilising a locating tab. In this way, this ensures correct alignment and positioning of a join before a critical turf interaction point. Advantageously, it also may allow manufacturing repeatability and versatility of a sole to other multiple club heads.

[0059] In preferred embodiments, the flange members may be symmetrical. In this way, the flange members may be applied to either a right hand or left hand golf club head.

[0060] In one embodiment, the club head bodies may comprise allocated positions of pitching, gap, sand and / or lob within a set of wedges, wherein forgings are dimensioned to have different offsets.

[0061] The tuning system may comprise blanks where depending on its intended functionally and desired characteristics may be allocated an offset and complementary bounce in order to manufacture a tailored complete wedge type club, wherein the loft and bounce are not compromised. This compares with prior art clubs where if an offset is adjusted, the loft and bounce may be compromised. This is because with other prior art wedges for example, to create a high offset sand wedge (56 degrees), requires taking a regular 60 degree wedge and manually bending it to 56 degrees. However, this would reduce the bounce angle by 4 degrees while lowering the loft and increasing the offset. Advantageously, the present system utilises a set club head which may be bent to increase the offset, wherein a selected flange member may be attached therein having desired complementary bounce and / or centre of gravity characteristics. Conversely, this configuration may also be reversed to reduce offset and reduce bounce parameters. In this way, the adjustable offset variant may be provided from manufacture without further adjustment required.

[0062] In other embodiments, a fitting system may be configured to allow for strike conditions and the wedge type club may be adjusted to remedy them through turf interaction and strike location. For example, a player creating a low strike (i.e. striking the bottom two grooves on the face) may present the sole to the turf in a number of different ways and be adjusted accordingly with the flange member plates derived from a fitting matrix.

[0063] It is envisaged that there may be other standard fitting variables added to the fitting matrix such as but not limited to length, flex, lie, grip size and / or swing weight and the like.

[0064] The ability to accurately determine wedge specifications for an individual or user may be derived from consistent analysis of a data set from grouped data of golfers of which can be determine trends. The grouped data may be data formed by aggregating individual observations of a variable into groups, so that a frequency distribution of these groups may serve as a convenient means of summarising or analysing the data.

[0065] When reviewing a range of golfers' wedge techniques, it can be seen that there are a number of different styles and tendencies such that it looks difficult to organise the variables. However, the inventor has developed an inventive solution in the form of an App and associated algorithms. The App may assess for every style or tendency, such that the App will determine the correct wedge fit somewhere in a predetermined range of parameters, be that for an individual and uncommon, to a fit that may be more textbook and / or ideal parameters obtained from within a matrix system.

[0066] In further embodiments, an AI system and technologies may be developed and used in the wedge fitting system to automatically recommend the most suitable option from the fitting matrix.

[0067] Preferably, the flange member plate may comprise a flat, straight leading edge. In this way, this configuration is integral to ensure the consistency of an interchangeable sole plate that may also be reversable and dexterity neutral. As aforementioned, dexterity neutral flanges may allow for multi-purpose attachments to be utilised on both left handed or right handed clubs, as well as multiple club heads. This compares to prior art adjustable bounce designs which are head specific and may only work for that specified head whereas the bounce configurations of the flanges of the present invention may accommodate use on any wedge club head.

[0068] The flange member plate may comprise a tapered locating tab, wherein the tab steps down from one plane to another plane. In this way, the tab may provide a consistent midpoint for symmetry of the flanges and wherein the tab may locate a leading edge of the flange member. In this way, the tapered locating tab may divert force from fixings and the locating lugs.

[0069] In alternative embodiments, the flange plate may comprise a tapered locating tab with a leading edge matched profile that may enable the ability to remain modular across a PW, GW, SW or LW. In this way, a mid-section or sole of the flange may be specific to what fitting solution is trying to be achieved.

[0070] This also may have locating bosses around the hole to allow for deeper thread depth and also further secure against movement of the flange. Preferably, round locating bosses larger than the thread may be inserted. In this way, the screw may be able to have more thread to minimise the chance of it pulling out or bending and the flange coming loose or gaps increasing where the flange connects to the head.

[0071] The fixings may be angled towards the direct line of force of impact. In this way, the fasteners may be prevented from working their way loose when in use, thus preventing the flange from becoming displaced from the club head.

[0072] In alternative embodiments, the flange may be clamped on back of the club head without the requirement of fixing screws.

[0073] In further alternative embodiments, the clubhead and flange may comprise complementary slotted teeth for engagement with each other. In this way the lie angle may be altered.

[0074] Furthermore, the bounce flange attachment may house weight members or ports for weight adjustability. In one embodiment, a flange with a base weight of 75 g, the flange may accommodate up to an additional 50 g of weight by using tungsten to fill the port holes. It is envisaged this may be achieved with silicone plugs, silicone covered weights, or epoxy (sometimes mixed with tungsten) or the like to achieve the exact desired head weight. In this way, the weight members may also act as a vibration damper as the softer compound of the silicone weights or epoxy help to grip the head from the flange. Preferably, the weights may be clamped into place (by the screws that hold the flange to the head) or in alternative embodiments may be epoxied in or screwed into the flange attachment.

[0075] The interchangeable modular club head body and the at least one interchangeable flange member are configured for optimal sole interaction of each tailored wedge. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that sole interaction is the way the clubhead interacts with the turf and also has a relationship to the strike location. This is mainly directed at the functional part of the sole which is the bounce shape and angle of the clubhead. If there is insufficient bounce, the sole interaction occurs closer to the leading edge and the club will want to grab or dig. Conversely, if it is too far back, the interaction will pop the club up or present more leading edge to the ball resulting in thin or bladed shots. In one embodiment, if it is central on the sole, the club will flatten through the hitting area making strike more consistent. If it is towards the heel of the club, the face angle respectively aims closed to target and indicates a too upright lie angle, vice versa, toward the toe the club lie angle is too flat and would push the ball open to the target.

[0076] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the strike location may refer to the position of impact respective to the face. In preferred embodiments, the strike location may optimally be at the position of the centre of gravity on the head so the strike is “sweet” and the club may not twist around the CG axis. If it is low, potentially there is too much bounce or turf interaction, or if it is high, there may be too little. It is envisaged that other practice fitting variables such as length and weight may also affect the strike location, but not from turf interaction.

[0077] The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.

[0078] Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the embodiments relate, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.WORKING EXAMPLES

[0079] The above described apparatus, methods and uses thereof are now described by reference to specific examples.Example 1

[0080] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, a method and apparatus for fine tuning an exemplary wedge golf club head and manufacture thereof is described below.

[0081] The overall process conducted during a wedge golf club fitting assessment results in a wedge specification other than standard and which is specifically tailored to the end user.

[0082] The fitting process utilises an App, similar to that as described in the Applicant's corresponding patent WO 2021 / 150127 which uses assessment of player's attributes in relation to strike, turf interaction and ball flight as shown in FIG. 6. For example, a player creating a low strike (i.e. striking the bottom two grooves on the face) may present the sole to the turf in a number of different ways and it can be adjusted accordingly by decreasing the bounce, increasing the offset, having a club head with a low CG, flattening the lie and increasing both the weight and shaft length-optimum parameters derived from the fitting ‘effect’ matrix of FIG. 6.

[0083] In this example, FIG. 7 illustrates a generated table from an algorithm for the bounce effect (degree of bounce) for custom gap (50 degree loft), sand (55 degree loft) and lob (60 degree loft) wedges where an extra high (XH) degree of bounce is required e.g. for a player that tends to hit the ball high (fat) on the club face and leading edge with the turf. The calculations of FIG. 7 show an XH flange with a gap wedge of 15 degree bounce, a sand wedge with 20 degree bounce and lob wedge with 25 degree bounce respectively. The dimensions of 15 flange plates with varying parameters of CG and bounce for each plate is shown in FIG. 8.

[0084] FIGS. 1-4 show a further flange variation with high centre of gravity and mid bounce characteristics and FIG. 5 shows this flange attached and assembled to a club head.Example 2

[0085] With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a method and apparatus for fine tuning an exemplary wedge golf club head and manufacture thereof is further described below.

[0086] The Fine-Tuned™ wedges have the ability to create a fitting solution using modular construction so there is optimum performance without compromise.

[0087] In particular, FIG. 15 shows a wedge line up with two widths of sole profiles. These are the Slim(S) and Wide (W) flanges. This is represented on the back of the flange by the letter in front of the number. For example, W 50 (Wide 50) where 50 indicates degree of loft.

[0088] It has been found that the width of the sole also plays a role in the forgiveness and versatility of the bounce.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 15, the attachments are also available in either a High or Low Centre of Gravity (CG) and these can be differentiated from the back of the wedge. This will assist in centring the strike respective to their tendencies and control of ball flight characteristics.

[0090] A unique feature is the interchangeable bounce flange. The flange is modular between all of the wedges in a player's set, meaning you can use one bounce flange to create three different bounces. See for example below of a S50M attachment (FIG. 7) where a Bounce Angle of 10 degrees is achieved for a 50 degree loft wedge by the following calculation:

[0091] Example: 50 degree wedge with a S 50 bounce flange fitted.Loft⁢ of⁢ Wedge-90⁢ degrees+Attachment⁢ Value=Bounce⁢ Angle⁢ in Degrees⁢ 50-90+50=10⁢ degrees

[0092] FIG. 16 illustrates a further generated table for the bounce effect (degree of bounce) for preferred gap, sand and lob wedges and their static properties.

[0093] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

Claims

1. A wedge type golf club head comprising:a hosel;an interchangeable modular club head body attached to the hosel; andat least one interchangeable flange member having a sole and bounce configured to be engaged with the club head body;wherein the interchangeable flange member is configured to adjust the bounce angle and width, centre of gravity location and weight of the club head body when engaged with the club head body.

2. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein the golf club comprises an interchangeable modular head having the interchangeable flange member.

3. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein a fitting or tuning system comprises at least 15 flange member plates that are attached to the club head utilising a locating tab.

4. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 3, wherein the flange member plates are symmetrical such that the flange member plates are applied to either a right hand or left hand golf club head.

5. (canceled)6. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 3, wherein the tuning system comprises blanks, wherein depending on its intended functionality and desired characteristics are allocated an offset and complementary bounce in order to manufacture a tailored complete wedge type club, and wherein the loft and bounce are not compromised.

7. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tuning system configuration is also reversed to reduce offset and reduce bounce parameters.

8. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fitting system is configured to allow for strike conditions and the wedge type club is adjusted to remedy the strike conditions through turf interaction and strike location and are adjusted accordingly with the flange member plates derived from a fitting matrix, and wherein the fitting matrix comprises other fitting variables selected from any one or more of the following: length, flex, lie, grip size, or swing weight.

9. (canceled)10. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein determining wedge specifications for an individual or user is derived from consistent analysis of a data set from grouped data of golfers used to determine trends, and wherein the grouped data is data formed by aggregating individual observations of a variable into groups, so that a frequency distribution of these groups serves as a means of summarising or analysing the data.

11. (canceled)12. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein a developed App and associated algorithms assess for every style or tendency, such that the App will determine the correct wedge fit somewhere in a predetermined range of parameters, be that for an individual and uncommon, to a fit that is more textbook and / or ideal parameters obtained from within a matrix system, wherein an AI system and technologies are utilised in the wedge fitting system to automatically recommend the most suitable option from the fitting matrix.

13. (canceled)14. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange member comprises a flat, straight leading edge such that this configuration is integral to ensure the consistency of an interchangeable sole plate that is also reversable and dexterity neutral.

15. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange member comprises a tapered locating tab, wherein the tab steps down from one plane to another plane, such that the tab provides a consistent midpoint for symmetry of the flanges, and wherein the tab locates a leading edge of the flange member such that the tapered locating tab diverts force from fixings and locating lugs.

16. (canceled)17. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange plate comprises a tapered locating tab with a leading edge matched profile that enables the wedge to remain modular across a pitching wedge PW, gap wedge GW, sand wedge SW and / or lob wedge LW, and wherein the flange plate has locating bosses around a hole to allow for deeper thread depth and also further secure against movement of the flange.

18. (canceled)19. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein fixings are angled towards the direct line of force of impact.

20. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange is clamped on back of the club head without the requirement of fixing screws.

21. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clubhead and flange comprises complementary slotted teeth for engagement with each other, such that the lie angle is altered.

22. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bounce flange attachment houses weight members or ports for weight adjustability.

23. (canceled)24. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 22, wherein the weight members comprises material selected from any one of the following: silicone plugs, silicone covered weights, or epoxy (sometimes mixed with tungsten) or the like to achieve the exact desired head weight.

25. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 24, wherein the weight members also act as a vibration damper.

26. The wedge type golf club as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interchangeable modular club head body and the at least one interchangeable flange member are configured for optimal sole interaction of each tailored wedge.

27. A method of manufacturing a modular wedge type golf club head as claimed in claim 1.

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