Patent Grant
10918919
This disclosure relates generally to sports equipment and relates more particularly to golf club heads and related methods.
Various characteristics of a golf club can affect the performance of the golf club. For example, the center of gravity, the moment of inertia, and the coefficient of restitution of the club head of the golf club are each characteristics of a golf club that can affect performance.
The center of gravity and moment of inertia of the club head of the golf club are functions of the distribution of mass of the club head. In particular, distributing mass of the club head to be closer to a sole of the club head, farther from a face of the club head, and/or closer to toe and heel ends of the club head can alter the center of gravity and/or the moment of inertia of the club head. For example, distributing mass of the club head to be closer to the sole of the club head and/or farther from the face of the club head can increase a flight angle of a golf ball struck with the club head. Meanwhile, increasing the flight angle of a golf ball can increase the distance the golf ball travels. Further, distributing mass of the club head to be closer to the toe and/or heel ends of the club head can affect the moment of inertia of the club head, which can alter the forgiveness of the golf club.
Further, the coefficient of restitution of the club head of the golf club can be a function of at least the flexibility of the face of the club head. Meanwhile, the flexibility of the face of the club head can be a function of the geometry (e.g., height, width, and/or thickness) of the face and/or the material properties (e.g., Young's modulus) of the face. That is, maximizing the height and/or width of the face, and/or minimizing the thickness and/or Young's modulus of the face, can increase the flexibility of the face, thereby increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club head; and increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club head of the golf club, which is essentially a measure of the efficiency of energy transfer from the club head to a golf ball, can increase the distance the golf ball travels after impact, decrease the spin of the golf ball, and/or increase the ball speed of the golf ball.
However, although thinning the face of the club head can permit mass from the face to be redistributed to other parts of the club head and can make the face more flexible, thinning the face of the club head also can result in increased bending in the face to the point of buckling and failure. Accordingly, devices and methods for preventing the face of a club head from buckling as the face of the club head is thinned are needed.
To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which:
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.
The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.
“Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.
The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.
Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head comprises a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. Further, the golf club head comprises a face element. The face element comprises a face surface located at the front end, and the face surface comprises a face center and a face perimeter. Also, the face element comprises a rear surface located at the rear end and being approximately opposite to the face surface, and the rear surface comprises a rear center approximately opposite the face center and a rear perimeter. Further still, the golf club head comprises a reinforcement device located at the rear surface. In these embodiments, an x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the rear center; a y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis, and intersects the rear center; and a z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, and intersects the rear center. Further, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and equidistant between the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top end and the bottom end and equidistant between the toe end and the heel end; and the z-axis extends through the front end and the rear end and equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the top end and the rear end. Further in these embodiments, the reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement element comprising a geometric center approximately located at the z-axis, the reinforcement element extends out from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end, and the reinforcement element comprises a looped rib. Meanwhile, the face surface can be nearer to the rear surface proximal to the face center than proximal to the face perimeter.
Other embodiments include a golf club head. In some embodiments, the golf club head comprises an iron-type golf club head. The golf club head comprises a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. Further, the golf club head comprises a face element. The face element comprises a face surface located at the front end, and the face surface comprises a face center and a face perimeter. Also, the face element comprises a rear surface located at the rear end and being approximately opposite to the face surface, and the rear surface comprises a rear center approximately opposite the face center and a rear perimeter. Further still, the golf club head comprises a reinforcement device located at the rear surface. Even further still, the golf club head comprises a perimeter wall element (i) extending out from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end and (ii) extending entirely around the perimeter of the rear surface. The perimeter wall element comprises a first perimeter wall portion extending along the perimeter of the rear surface at the top end and a second perimeter wall portion extending along the perimeter of the rear surface at the bottom end. In these embodiments, an x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the rear center; a y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis, and intersects the rear center; and a z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, and intersects the rear center. Further, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and equidistant between the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top end and the bottom end and equidistant between the toe end and the heel end; and the z-axis extends through the front end and the rear end and equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the top end and the rear end. Further in these embodiments, the reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement element comprising a geometric center approximately located at the z-axis, the reinforcement element extends out from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end, and the reinforcement element comprises a closed circular looped rib. Also, the golf club head comprises an iron-type golf club head, a center thickness from the face center to the rear center is less than or equal to approximately 0.203 centimeters, and at least part of the second perimeter wall portion is thinner than is the face element proximal to the face perimeter.
Some embodiments further include an insert that at least partially fills in a cavity of the reinforcement element that is formed by the looped rib. In some embodiments, the cavity can be a central cavity. The central cavity can also be partially covered by a badge. The badge can be separate from the insert or integral with the insert. In other embodiments, the badge can be integral with the reinforcement element. The insert can be of a lightweight material of about 3 g or less and may not significantly affect the center of gravity of the swing of the golf club head. In alternative embodiments, the insert can weigh more than 3 g, such as between 5 g and 10 g, and may contribute to the swing weight or the center of gravity of the club head.
Further embodiments include a vibration attenuating feature disposed on the rear surface of the golf club head to reduce noise, to produce a more desirable sound, and to reduce vibration of the golf club head. The vibration attenuating feature can be composed of any material or composition capable of damping or removing vibrations such as damping foil, rubber, or pressure sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymer. The vibration attenuating feature may be pressure sensitive, leading to lessening or removal of vibration from the golf club head when a golf ball is struck. The viscoelastic damping feature provides the golf club head with a more desirable sound combined with getting greater performance in a thin-face golf club head. The vibration attenuating feature is at least partially applied to the rear surface of the golf club head. The vibration attenuating feature can also be applied to the reinforcement element. The vibration attenuating feature may be further applied to all or part of the cavity of the reinforcement element. The cavity can be a central cavity. The central cavity of the rear surface can also be partially covered by the vibration attenuating feature. The central cavity can also be partially covered by a badge, and the vibration attenuating feature can be disposed beneath the badge.
Further embodiments include a method of providing a golf club head. The method can comprise: providing a face element comprising: (i) a face surface located at the front end and comprising a face center and a face perimeter; and (ii) a rear surface located at the rear end and being approximately opposite to the face surface, the rear surface comprising a rear center approximately opposite the face center and a rear perimeter; and providing a reinforcement device at the rear surface. In these embodiments, the golf club head comprises a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. Further, an x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the rear center; a y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis, and intersects the rear center; and a z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, and intersects the rear center. Further still, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and equidistant between the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top end and the bottom end and equidistant between the toe end and the heel end; and the z-axis extends through the front end and the rear end and equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the top end and the rear end. Meanwhile, the reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement element comprising a geometric center approximately located at the z-axis, the reinforcement element extends out from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end, and the reinforcement element comprises a looped rib. Also, the face surface can be nearer to the rear surface proximal to the face center than proximal to the face perimeter.
Some embodiments include a golf club. The golf club comprises a shaft and a golf club head coupled to the shaft. The golf club head comprises a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. Further, the golf club head comprises a face element. The face element comprises a face surface located at the front end, and the face surface comprises a face center and a face perimeter. Also, the face element comprises a rear surface located at the rear end and being approximately opposite to the face surface, and the rear surface comprises a rear center approximately opposite the face center and a rear perimeter. Further still, the golf club head comprises a reinforcement device located at the rear surface. In these embodiments, an x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the rear center; a y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis, and intersects the rear center; and a z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, and intersects the rear center. Further, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and equidistant between the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top end and the bottom end and equidistant between the toe end and the heel end; and the z-axis extends through the front end and the rear end and equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the top end and the rear end. Further in these embodiments, the reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement element comprising a geometric center approximately located at the z-axis, the reinforcement element extends out from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end, and the reinforcement element comprises a looped rib. Meanwhile, the face surface can be nearer to the rear surface proximal to the face center than proximal to the face perimeter.
Turning to the drawings,
Generally, club head 100 can comprise a golf club head. Golf club head 100 can be part of a corresponding golf club. For example, a golf club 1400 (
For reference purposes, club head 100 comprises a top end 101 and a bottom end 102 opposite top end 101, a front end 203 (
Meanwhile, x-axis 107, y-axis 108, and z-axis 109 provide a Cartesian reference frame for club head 100. Accordingly, x-axis 107, y-axis 108, and z-axis 109 are perpendicular to each other. Further, x-axis 107 extends through toe end 105 and heel end 106 and is equidistant between top end 101 and bottom end 102; y-axis 108 extends through top end 101 and bottom end 102 and is equidistant between toe end 105 and heel end 106; and z-axis 109 extends through front end 203 (
Club head 100 comprises a club head body 110. Club head body 110 can be solid, hollow, or partially hollow. When club head body 110 is hollow and/or partially hollow, club head body 110 can comprise a shell structure, and further, can be filled and/or partially filled with a filler material different from a material of shell structure. For example, the filler material can comprise plastic foam.
Club head body 110 comprises a face element 111 and a reinforcement device 112. In many embodiments, club head body 110 can comprise a perimeter wall element 113.
In many embodiments, face element 111 comprises a face surface 214 (
In these or other embodiments, face surface 214 (
By reference, x-axis 107 and y-axis 108 can extend approximately parallel to face surface 214 (
In various embodiments, scoring lines 223 (
In many embodiments, reinforcement device 112 comprises one or more reinforcement elements 120 (e.g., reinforcement element 121). Reinforcement device 112 and/or reinforcement element(s) 120 are located at rear surface 115 and extend out from rear surface 115 toward rear end 104 and away from front end 203 (
Reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 are configured to reinforce face element 111 while still permitting face element 111 to bend, such as, for example, when face surface 214 (
Testing of golf clubs comprising an embodiment of golf club head 100 was performed. Overall, when compared to an iron golf club with a standard reinforced strikeface and custom tuning port, the testing showed more forgiveness, as indicated by higher moments of inertia around the x-axis and/or the y-axis and a tighter statistical area of the impact of the golf ball on the face of the golf club head. In some testing, the moment of inertia about the x-axis increased by approximately 2%, the moment of inertia about the y-axis increased by approximately 4%, and/or the statistical area of the impact of the golf ball on the face of the golf club head was reduced by approximately 15-50 percent. Additionally, increased ball speed of the golf ball, higher launch angle of the golf ball, and/or decreased spin of the golf ball were found. As an example, in testing an embodiment of golf club 100 on a 5 iron golf club, it was found that the ball speed of the golf ball increased by approximately 1.5 mph (2.41 kph), the golf ball had an approximately 0.3 degree higher launch angle, and the spin of the golf ball decreased by approximately 250 revolutions per minute (rpm). In another example, in testing an embodiment of golf club 100 on a 7 iron golf club, it was found that the ball speed of the golf ball increased by approximately 2.0 mph (3.22 kph), the golf ball had approximately no launch angle degree change, and the spin of the golf ball decreased by approximately 450 rpm. As an additional example, in testing an embodiment of golf club 100 on a wedge iron golf club, it was found that the ball speed of the golf ball had approximately no change in speed, the golf ball had an approximately 0.1 degree higher launch angle, and the spin of the golf ball decreased by approximately 200 rpm.
Notably, in many examples, when face element 111 comprises scoring line(s) 223 (
Club head 100 having reinforcement device 112 may also have a uniform transition thickness 550 (
Specifically, turning ahead in the drawings,
As demonstrated at
Turning now back to
Meanwhile, reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 are further able to provide these benefits when implemented as a closed structure (e.g., one or more looped ribs) because such closed structures are able to resist deformation as a result of circumferential (i.e., hoop) stresses acting on reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120. For example, circumferential (i.e., hoop) stresses acting on reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 can prevent opposing sides of reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 from rotating away from each other, thereby reducing bending.
Further, reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 absorb a substantial portion of the stress on club head 100 at impact, thereby preventing stress from being absorbed by other portions of club head 100 at impact, such as face element 111, face surface 214, and rear surface 115. Directing stress toward reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 improves the durability of face element 111 and club head 100 compared to club head 300, devoid of a reinforcement device and reinforcement elements, or compared to a club head having reinforcement device 112 without or with fewer reinforcement element(s) 120.
In implementation, reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcement element 121) can be implemented in any suitable shape(s) (e.g., polygonal, elliptical, circular, etc.) and/or in any suitable arrangement(s) configured to perform the intended functionality of reinforcement device 112 and/or reinforcement element(s) 120 as described above. Further, when reinforcement element(s) 120 comprise multiple reinforcement elements, two or more reinforcement elements of reinforcement element(s) 120 can be similar to another, and/or two or more reinforcement elements of reinforcement element(s) 120 can be different from another.
In some embodiments, reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcement element 121) can be symmetric about x-axis 107 and/or y-axis 108. When reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcement element 121) are implemented with an oblong shape, in many embodiments, a largest dimension (e.g., major axis) of the reinforcement element(s) can be parallel and/or co-linear with one of x-axis 107 or y-axis 108. However, in other embodiments, the largest dimension (e.g., major axis) can be angled with respect to x-axis 107 and/or y-axis 108, as desired. Further, in many embodiments, reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcement element 121) can be centered at z-axis 109, but in some embodiments, one or more of reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcement element 121) can be biased off-center of z-axis 109, such as, for example, biased toward one or two of top end 101, bottom end 102, toe end 105, and heel end 106.
In many embodiments, each reinforcement element of reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcement element 121) can comprise one or more looped ribs 127 (e.g., looped rib 122). Specifically, reinforcement element 121 can comprise looped rib 122. In these or other embodiments, when looped rib(s) 127 comprise multiple looped ribs, looped rib(s) 127 can be concentric with each other about a point and/or axis (e.g., z-axis 109). In other embodiments, when looped rib(s) 127 comprise multiple looped ribs, two or more of looped rib(s) 127 can be nonconcentric. Further, in these or other embodiments, two or more of looped rib(s) 127 can overlap. Meanwhile, in these embodiments, looped rib 122 can comprise an elliptical looped rib, and in some of these embodiments, looped rib 122 can comprise a circular looped rib. As noted above, implementing reinforcement element(s) 120 as looped rib(s) 127 can be advantageous because of the circumferential (e.g., hoop) stress provided by the closed structure of looped rib(s) 127. In many embodiments, one or more of (or each of) looped rib(s) 127 is a continuous closed loop.
In these or other embodiments, each looped rib of looped rib(s) 127 comprises an outer perimeter surface and an inner perimeter surface. Meanwhile, in these embodiments, the outer perimeter surface of each reinforcement element (e.g., reinforcement element 121) comprises the outer perimeter surface of the looped rib corresponding to that reinforcement element (e.g., looped rib 122). For example, looped rib 122 can comprise outer perimeter surface 128 and inner perimeter surface 129. Further, inner perimeter surface 129 can be steep and substantially orthogonal at rib height 540 (
In some embodiments, one or more outer perimeter surface(s) of reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., outer perimeter surface 126 of reinforcement element 121) can be filleted with rear surface 115. In these or other embodiments, one or more inner perimeter surface(s) of looped rib(s) 127 (e.g., inner perimeter surface 129 of looped rib 122) can be filleted with rear surface 115. Filleting the outer perimeter surface(s) of reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., outer perimeter surface 126 of reinforcement element 121) with rear surface 115 can permit a smooth transition of reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., outer perimeter surface 126 of reinforcement element 121) into rear surface 115. Further, filleting the outer perimeter surface(s) of reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., outer perimeter surface 126 of reinforcement element 121) with rear surface 115 can direct stresses from impact into reinforcement element(s) 120 and away from the face surface 214. Meanwhile, outer perimeter surface(s) of reinforcement element(s) (e.g., outer perimeter surface 126 of reinforcement element 121) or inner perimeter surface(s) of looped rib(s) 127 (e.g., inner perimeter surface 129 of looped rib 122) can be filleted with rear surface 115 with a fillet 117 having a radius of greater than or equal to approximately 0.012 centimeters. For example, in some embodiments, the fillet 117 of the outer perimeter surface 126 with the rear surface 115 can range from approximately 0.012 centimeters to approximately 2.0 centimeters, from approximately 0.50 centimeters to approximately 3.0 centimeters, or from approximately 1.0 centimeters to approximately 4.0 centimeters. For further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 117 of the inner perimeter surface 129 with the rear surface 115 can range from approximately 0.012 centimeters to approximately 2.0 centimeters, from approximately 0.50 centimeters to approximately 3.0 centimeters, or from approximately 1.0 centimeters to approximately 4.0 centimeters.
In some embodiments, the outer perimeter surface(s) of reinforcement element(s) can be filleted directly with rear surface 115. In these embodiments, the face thickness decreases gradually along the fillet 117 from face thickness at rib height 540 to face thickness at rear surface 115.
In some embodiments, club head 100 can further include a lip 552 on rear surface 115 of club head 100. Referring to
In many embodiments, the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcement element 120 and the lip 552 corresponds to faceplate bending and ball speed. As the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcement element 120 and the lip 552 decreases, the outer perimeter surface of reinforcement element 120 can bend more during impact with a golf ball. Increased bending of the outer perimeter surface of reinforcement element 120 on impact allows increased faceplate deflection resulting in increased energy transfer to the golf ball and increased ball speed. For example, the golf club head 100 illustrated in
In some embodiments, when reinforcement element 121 comprises looped rib 122, looped rib 122 can comprise cavity 131. In other embodiments, when reinforcement element 121 comprises looped rib 122, looped rib 122 does not comprise cavity 131. In embodiments without cavity 131, the center thickness 537 (
As discussed in some detail above, by implementing reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120, face surface 214 (
Turning ahead briefly in the drawings,
In some embodiments, face thickness at rib height 540 can be approximately 0.30 cm to approximately 0.70 cm. In some embodiments, face thickness at rib height 540 can be approximately 0.30 cm to approximately 0.50 cm. In some embodiments, face thickness at rib height 540 can be approximately 0.40 cm to approximately 0.60 cm. In some embodiments, face thickness at rib height 540 can be approximately 0.50 cm to approximately 0.70 cm. In some embodiments, face thickness at rib height 540 can be greater than 0.30 cm, greater than 0.40 cm, greater than 0.50, or greater than 0.60 cm.
In some embodiments, face thickness 542 outside of reinforcement element 120 can vary.
In many embodiments, face thickness 542 outside of reinforcement element 120 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, face thickness 542 outside of reinforcement element 120 can be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In many embodiments, top thickness 546 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, top thickness 546 can be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In many embodiments, bottom thickness 548 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, bottom thickness 548 can be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm.
In many embodiments, face thickness 542 outside of reinforcement element 120 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.300 cm, and center thickness 537 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.300 cm, without requiring a backing material for support (e.g. without a filler materials such as an elastomer positioned behind the faceplate). For example, face thickness 542 outside of reinforcement element 120 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.300 cm without having an elastomer or other flexible material positioned behind face thickness 542 outside of reinforcement element 120. For further example, center thickness 537 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.300 cm without having an elastomer or other flexible material positioned behind face center thickness 537.
Typically, golf club head faceplates are designed to maximize ball speed (e.g. by reducing faceplate thickness) for particular swing speed requirements. Generally, faceplate thickness can be reduced with lower swing speed durability requirements (e.g. for a ladies golf club head compared to a men's golf club head), as the forces on impact with the club head decrease with swing speed. For example, a club head having lower swing speed durability requirements can have a lower center thickness 537, a lower face thickness at rib height 540, a lower top thickness 546, a lower bottom thickness 548, or any combination of the above described reductions in thickness compared to a club head with a higher swing speed durability requirement. In some embodiments, center thickness 537 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.250 cm, top thickness 546 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.250 cm, and bottom thickness 548 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.250 cm, to allow the club head 100 to withstand swing speeds less than 100 miles per hour (mph) (160.9 kilometers per hour, kph), less than 90 mph (144.8 kph), less than 80 mph (128.7 kph), less than 70 mph (112.6 kph), or less than 60 mph (96.6 kph). In some embodiments, center thickness 537 can be approximately 0.200 cm to approximately 0.300 cm, top thickness 546 can be approximately 0.200 cm to approximately 0.300 cm, and bottom thickness 548 can be approximately 0.200 cm to approximately 0.300 cm, to allow the club head 100 to withstand swing speeds less than 130 mph (209.2 kph), less than 120 mph (193.1 kph), less than 110 mph (177.0 kph), less than 100 mph (160.9 kph), or less than 90 mph (144.8 kph).
In many embodiments, scoring lines 223 can have a depth of approximately 0.030 cm to approximately 0.060 cm. In some embodiments, scoring lines 223 can have a depth less than 0.060 cm, less than 0.055 cm, less than 0.050 cm, less than 0.045 cm, less than 0.040 cm, or less than 0.035 cm. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in
In some embodiments, a width of the rib can change throughout looped rib 122 (
In some embodiments, largest rib span 538 can be approximately 0.609 cm to approximately 1.88 cm. In some embodiments, largest rib span 538 can be approximately 1.0 cm. In some embodiments, when largest span 538 is too large (e.g., greater than approximately 1.88 centimeters), looped rib 122 (
Further, looped rib 122 (
Further still, looped rib 122 (
In many embodiments, center thickness 537, largest rib span 538, rib thickness 539, and/or rib height 540 can depend on one or more of each other. For example, center thickness 537 can be a function of rib thickness 539 and rib height 540. That is, for an increase in rib thickness 539 and/or rib height 540, center thickness 537 can be decreased, and vice versa. Meanwhile, rib thickness 539 and rib height 540 can be dependent on each other. For example, increasing rib thickness 539 can permit rib height 540 to be decreased, and vice versa.
Returning now to
In many embodiments, club head body 110 can comprise (i) a top surface 132 at least partially at first perimeter wall portion 124 and/or top end 101, and/or (ii) a sole surface 133 at least partially at second perimeter wall portion 125 and/or bottom end 102. Accordingly, in some embodiments, first perimeter wall portion 124 can comprise at least part of top surface 132; and/or second perimeter wall portion 125 can comprise at least part of sole surface 133. Further, top surface 132 can interface with face surface 214 (
In some embodiments, at least part of second perimeter wall portion 125 can be approximately equal thickness with or thinner than face element 111 at face perimeter 217 (
Rear surface 115 comprises a first rear surface portion and a second rear surface portion. The first rear surface portion can refer to the part of rear surface 115 covered by perimeter wall element 113, and the second rear surface portion can refer to the remaining part of rear surface 115. In many embodiments, reinforcement element 121 (e.g., looped rib 122) can cover greater than or equal to approximately 25 percent of a surface area of the second rear surface portion of rear surface 115 and/or less than or equal to approximately 40 percent of a surface area of the second rear surface portion of rear surface 115. In other embodiments, reinforcement element 121 (e.g., looped rib 122) can cover greater than or equal to approximately 30 percent of a surface area of the second rear surface portion of rear surface 115. In some embodiments, reinforcement element 121 (e.g., looped rib 122) can cover approximately 25 percent, 28 percent, 31 percent, 34 percent, 37 percent or 40 percent of a surface area of the second rear surface portion of rear surface 115.
Further, club head body 110 can comprise hosel 134 or any other suitable mechanism (e.g., a bore) for receiving and coupling a shaft to club head 100 and/or club head body 110. The other suitable mechanism can be similar to hosel 134 in one or more respects.
Meanwhile, generally speaking, hosel 134 can be located at or proximate to heel end 106. Although a shaft is not illustrated at the drawings, hosel 134 can be configured to receive a shaft (i.e., via an opening of hosel 134), such as, for example, a golf club shaft. Accordingly, hosel 134 can receive the shaft and permit the shaft to be coupled (e.g., permanently or removably) to club head 100 and/or club head body 110 when hosel 134 receives the shaft.
Further, in some embodiments, second perimeter wall portion 125 can comprise weight cavity 135. In these embodiments, weight cavity 135 can be configured to receive a removable or permanent weighted insert. The weighted insert can be positioned in weight cavity 135 such that the weighted insert is positioned closer to the bottom end 102 of club head 100 than the center of gravity of club head 100. In other words, the weighted insert can be positioned in weight cavity 135 such that the center of gravity of club head 100 is positioned closer to the top end 101 of club head 100 than the weighted insert. The weighted insert can be configured to alter a center of gravity of club head 100.
Turning ahead in the drawings,
Club head 600 can be similar or identical to club head 100 (
Reinforcement element(s) 620 can comprise first reinforcement element 621 and second reinforcement element 641. First reinforcement element 621 and/or second reinforcement element 641 each can be similar to first reinforcement element 121 (
In these embodiments, first reinforcement element 621 and/or first looped rib 622 can comprise a circular looped rib, and second reinforcement element 622 and/or second looped rib 642 can comprise an elliptical looped rib. Second reinforcement element 622 and/or second looped rib 642 can enclose first reinforcement element 621 and/or first looped rib 622. In many embodiments, a major axis of the elliptical looped rib can be approximately parallel with an x-axis of club head 600. The x-axis can be similar or identical to x-axis 107 (
Club head 600 having reinforcement device 612 may also have uniform transition thickness 550 (not shown) extending from front end 203 to bottom end 102. Uniform transition thickness 550 absorbs stress directed to the region of club head 600 having reinforcement device 612 between front end 203 and bottom end 102. Uniform transition thickness 550 may range from approximately 0.20-0.80 inches. For example, uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches.
In another embodiment,
In some cases, the weight of insert 805 can be less than about 3 g so as to not significantly affect the swing weight or the center of gravity of club head 800. In other embodiments, insert 805 weight can be more than about 3 g, such as about 5 g to about 10 g, and can contribute substantially to the swing weight and/or the center of gravity of club head 800. In some embodiments, insert 805 can be adhered to cavity 131 using an epoxy adhesive, a viscoelastic foam tape, the vibration attenuating feature, or a high strength tape such as 3M™ VHB™ tape. In other embodiments, insert 805 can be poured and bonded directly into cavity 131. The badge can be bonded with similar adhesives. In some embodiments, insert 805 or the badge can be flush with looped rib 122 (
In some embodiments, at least one vibration attenuating feature (e.g., insert 805 (
As seen in
Returning to
Club head 800 having insert 805 may also have uniform transition thickness 550 (
In another embodiment, as illustrated in
The top end 901 of the club head body 910 comprises a top rail 924 extending in an arcuate fashion away from the front end 903, toward the rear end 904 and the bottom end 902. The top rail 924 extends along the top end 901, from the toe end 905 to the heel end 906. A recess within the curvature located between the rear surface 915 of the face element 911, and the top rail 924 defines an undercut 950. In many embodiments, the undercut 950 extends along the top rail 924 from the toe end 905 to the heel end 906. In other embodiments, the undercut 950 can extend along the top rail 924, and into a portion of the toe end 905, a portion of the heel end 906, or a combination of a portion of the toe end 905, and a portion of the heel end 906. The undercut 950 can also be applied to club heads 300, 600 and 800.
The face element 911 further comprises a reinforcement device 912 similar to the reinforcement device 112, and 612. The reinforcement device 912 is located on the rear surface 915 generally at the rear center 918. The reinforcement device 912 extends from the rear surface 915 away from the front end 903. The reinforcement device 912 comprises one or more reinforcement elements 920. In many embodiments, each reinforcement element of the reinforcement elements 920 comprises an outer perimeter surface 926, an inner perimeter surface 929, and a geometric center. The reinforcement elements 920 can further comprise looped ribs 927. In these or other embodiments, the geometric center(s) of one or more of reinforcement elements 920 can be at the rear center 918 of the rear surface 915.
In some embodiments, the looped ribs 927 can comprise multiple looped ribs, wherein each looped rib 927 can be concentric with each other. In other embodiments, when looped ribs 927 comprise multiple looped ribs, two or more of looped ribs 927 can be nonconcentric. Further, in these or other embodiments, two or more of looped rib 927 can overlap. Meanwhile, in some embodiments, looped ribs 927 can comprise an elliptical looped rib, and in other embodiments, looped ribs 927 can comprise a circular looped rib.
In implementation, reinforcement element(s) 920 and looped ribs 927 can be implemented in any suitable shape(s) (e.g., polygonal, elliptical, circular, etc.) and/or in any suitable arrangement(s) configured to perform the intended functionality of reinforcement device 912 and/or reinforcement element(s) 920 as described above. Further, when reinforcement element(s) 920 comprise multiple reinforcement elements, two or more reinforcement elements of reinforcement element(s) 920 can be similar to another, and/or two or more reinforcement elements of reinforcement element(s) 1520 can be different from another.
In some embodiments, one or more outer perimeter surfaces 926 of reinforcement elements 920 can be filleted with rear surface 915. In these or other embodiments, one or more inner perimeter surfaces 929 of looped ribs 927 can be filleted with rear surface 915. Filleting the outer perimeter surface 926 of reinforcement elements 920 with rear surface 915 can permit a smooth transition of reinforcement elements 920 into rear surface 915. Further, filleting the outer perimeter surface 926 of reinforcement elements 920 with rear surface 915 can direct stresses from impact into reinforcement elements 920 and away from the face surface 914. Meanwhile, outer perimeter surface 926 of reinforcement elements 920 or inner perimeter surface 929 of looped ribs 927 can be filleted with rear surface 915 with a fillet 923 having a radius of greater than or equal to approximately 0.012 centimeters. For example, in some embodiments, the fillet 923 of the outer perimeter surface 926 with the rear surface 915 can range from approximately 0.012 centimeters to approximately 2.0 centimeters, from approximately 0.50 centimeters to approximately 3.0 centimeters, or from approximately 1.0 centimeters to approximately 4.0 centimeters. For further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 923 of the inner perimeter surface 929 with the rear surface 915 can range from approximately 0.012 centimeters to approximately 2.0 centimeters, from approximately 0.50 centimeters to approximately 3.0 centimeters, or from approximately 1.0 centimeters to approximately 4.0 centimeters.
In some embodiments, the outer perimeter surface 926 of reinforcement elements 920 can be filleted directly with rear surface 915. In these embodiments, the face thickness decreases gradually along the fillet 923 from face thickness at an apex of the reinforcement element 920 to face thickness at rear surface 915.
In some embodiments, club head 900 can further include a lip (not pictured) on rear surface 915 of club head 900 similar to the lip 552 as described above and
The bottom end 902 of the club head body 910 may further comprise a sole 961, wherein the sole 961 comprises an inner sole surface 962. Further, the sole 961 can be also be a feature in club heads 300, 600 and 800. As illustrated in
The undercut 950 increases the structural integrity of the face element 911 of club head 900. More specifically, the location of the undercut allows for a larger distribution area of the stresses the face element 911 experiences at the top end 901 during impact with a ball, wherein the stress moves along the top rail 924. The distribution of stresses in the top rail of the top end 901 can prevent permanent deformation of the face element 911. Maintaining the structural integrity of the face element 911 allow for the club head body 910 to produce consistent optimal performance characteristics and feel, wherein the performance (i.e., ball speed, ball trajectory) do not degrade over time and after multiple uses.
Further, the undercut 950 located directly rearward of the front end 903 on the top end 901 allows the face element 911 to have a greater deflection during impact. The deflection of the face element 911 affects the coefficient of restitution (COR) of the club head 900. The COR measures the elasticity of an object in collision and is the ratio of the object's final relative speed to the objects' initial relative speed. A higher COR results in increased ball speed and distance, and a lower COR results in decreased ball speed and distance. Therefore, the undercut 950 of the club head 900 affects the distance and speed of the ball after impact. As the undercut 950 increases the deflection of the face element 911, the distance and speed of the ball also increases.
Further still, the undercut 950 allows for removal of mass from the top end 901 of the club head. The removed mass can then be redistributed to other locations on the club head (e.g., the bottom end 902, the toe end 905, the heel end 906, or any combination thereof). The redistribution of mass provides the club head with higher performance characteristics such as increased moment of inertia (MOI) and ideal center of gravity (CG) placement. Increased MOI and ideal CG placement can lead to increased ball speeds as well as prevent rotation of the club head 900 from toe end 905 to heel end 906 during a swing. Preventing the rotation of the club head 900 from toe end 905 to heel end 906 allows for better contact with the ball and a more ideal trajectory of the ball (i.e. straight).
As described previously, reinforcement device 912 and reinforcement element(s) 920 are configured to reinforce face element 911 while still permitting face element 911 to bend, such as, for example, when face surface 914 impacts a golf ball. As a result, face element 911 can be thinned to permit mass from face element 911 to be redistributed to other parts of club head 900 and to make face element 911 more flexible without buckling and failing under the resulting bending. Advantageously, because face element 911 can be thinner when implemented with reinforcement device 912 and reinforcement element(s) 920, the center of gravity, the moment of inertia, and the coefficient of restitution of club head 900 can be altered to improve the performance characteristics of club head 900. For example, implementing reinforcement device 912 and reinforcement element(s) 920 can increase a flight distance of a golf ball hit with face surface 914 by increasing launch angle, increasing the ball speed, and/or decreasing spin of the golf ball. In these examples, reinforcement device 912 and reinforcement element(s) 920 can have the effect of countering some of the gearing on the golf ball provided by face surface 914.
The reinforcement device 912 and reinforcement element(s) 920 are further able to provide stress reducing benefits when implemented as a closed structure (i.e., looped ribs 927) because such closed structures are able to resist deformation as a result of circumferential (i.e., hoop) stresses acting on reinforcement device 912 and reinforcement element(s) 920. For example, circumferential (i.e., hoop) stresses acting on reinforcement device 912 and reinforcement element(s) 920 can prevent opposing sides of reinforcement device 912 and reinforcement element(s) 920 from rotating away from each other, thereby reducing bending.
The cascading sole 955 allows some of the stress experienced by the face element 911 near the sole 961, to distribute to the first tier 959 and the second tier 960. The distribution of stress to the first tier 959 and the second tier 960 of the cascading sole 955 prevent the stress from collecting primarily at the thinnest section of the face element 911 near the sole 961. The distribution of stresses in the first tier 959 and the second tier 960 in the sole 961 can prevent permanent deformation, and maintain the structural integrity of the face element 911. Therefore, the face element 911 can produce more consistent performance and feel after a plurality of impacts with the ball.
The club head 1500 further comprises a hosel 1521. The hosel 1521 is integrally formed with the club head body 1510. As illustrated in
In many embodiments, the face element 1511 of the club head body 1510 comprises a face surface 1514 positioned on the front end 1503, and a rear surface 1515 positioned on the rear end 1504 opposite the face surface 1514. The face surface 1514 can refer to a striking face or a striking plate of club head 1500, and be configured to impact a golf ball (not shown). The face surface 1514 comprises a face center 1516 located at a general center of the face surface 1514, and a face perimeter 1517 along the periphery of the face surface 1514, wherein the face perimeter 1517 abuts against the dashed line A-A at the heel end 1506 of the club head body 1510. The rear surface 1515 of the face element 1511 comprises a rear center 1518 opposite the face center 1516, and a rear perimeter 1519 opposite the face perimeter 1517, wherein the rear perimeter 1519 abuts against the dashed line A-A at the heel end 1506 of the club head body 1510.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The bottom end 1502 of the club head body 1510 comprises a sole 1508 that integrally forms into a rear portion 1509 extending upward toward the top end 1501 over a portion of the rear surface 1515. The rear upward extension of the rear portion 1509 over the rear surface 1515 forms a second cavity 1542 between the rear surface 1515 and the rear portion 1509. The rear portion 1509 can extend from the heel end 1506 to the toe end 1505; likewise, the second cavity 1542 between the rear surface 1515 and the rear portion can extend from the heel end 1506 to the toe end 1505. The rear portion 1509 can cover approximately 30% to 55% of the rear surface 1515. For example, the rear portion 1509 can cover approximately 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or 55% of the rear surface 1515. In some embodiments, the rear portion 1509 extending upward toward the top end 1501 can cover approximately 45% of the rear surface 1515. This percent coverage of the rear portion 1509 over the rear surface 1515 is related to a second depth 1532 of the second cavity 1542.
As illustrated in
At the toe end 1505 of the club head body 1510, as illustrated in
The toe ledge 1526 can cover a portion of the rear surface 1515. More specifically, the toe ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A can cover approximately 7% to 15% of the rear surface 1515. For example the toe ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A can cover approximately 7%, 9%, 11%, 13%, or 15% of the rear surface 1515. In some embodiments, the toe ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A covers approximately 9% of the rear surface 1515. The percent coverage of the toe ledge 1526 is greatest and most pronounced at the first toe end portion 1505A; likewise a third depth 1533 (explained in greater detail below) of third cavity 1543 associated with the percent coverage of the toe ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A is very also pronounced. The percent coverage by the toe ledge at the first end is more pronounce, this can help to increase the top/toe weighting to improve the moment of inertia. The percent coverage by the toe ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A decreases toward the second toe end portion 1505B, wherein the percent coverage of the toe ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B is the smallest of the two.
As illustrated in
The fourth cavity 1544 of the toe end 1505 and adjacent to the sole 1508 is associated with the toe ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B. The toe ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B can cover a portion of the rear surface 1515 ranging from approximately 4% to 10%. For example. The toe ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B can cover approximately 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10% of the rear surface 1515. In some embodiments, the toe ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B can cover approximately 5% of the rear surface 1515. The percent coverage of the toe ledge 1526 is the least at the second toe end portion 15050B; similarly, a fourth depth 1534 (described in more details below) of the fourth cavity 1544 associated with the percent coverage of the toe ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B is also very small. The percent coverage of the toe ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B is much smaller than the percent coverage at the first toe end portion 1505A. In other embodiments, the percent coverage of the rear surface 1515 at the second toe end portion 1505B can be greater, or the same as the percent coverage of the rear surface 1515 at the first toe end portion 1505A. The percent coverage of the toe ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B is kept substantially constant and slightly increases toward the third toe end portion 1505C until it integrally forms with the rear portion 1509.
The fourth cavity 1544 of the toe end 1505 between the third cavity 1543 adjacent the top rail 1507, and the second cavity 1542 at the sole 1508 comprises the fourth depth 1534. The fourth depth 1534 is the distance measured from the opening of the fourth cavity 1544 to the rear perimeter 1519 at edge of the second toe end portion 1505B, parallel to the face surface 1514. It can be seen the fourth depth 1534 varies along the fourth cavity 1544, but in other embodiments, could also be consistent along the fourth cavity 1544. The fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 can range from approximately 0.140 inch to 0.165 inch. For example, the fourth depth 1534 can be approximately 0.140 inch, 0.144 inch, 0.148 inch, 0.152 inch, 0.156 inch, 0.160 inch, or 0.165 inch. In some embodiments, the fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 can be approximately 0.150 inch. As stated above, the fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 is correlated with the percent of the rear surface 1515 covered by the toe ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B. Because the percent coverage of the rear surface 1515 by the toe ledge 1526 is smaller at the second toe end portion 1505B than at the first toe end portion 1505A, thereby the fourth depth 1534 is smaller than the third depth 1533. In other embodiments, wherein the percent coverage of the rear surface 1515 by the toe ledge 1526 is greater at the second toe end portion 1505B than the first toe end portion 1505A, the fourth depth 1534 can also be greater than the third depth 1533. In other embodiments, wherein the percent coverage of the rear surface 1515 by the toe ledge 1526 is the same at the second toe end portion 1505B and the first toe end portion 1505A, the fourth depth 1534 can also be the same as the third depth 1533.
At the heel end 1506 of the club head body 1510 a heel ledge 1524 can extend in a curved manner toward the top rail 1507, the sole 1508, and the toe end 1505. A fifth cavity 1545 is formed between the rear surface 1515 and the heel ledge 1524. The heel ledge 1524 extends from the top end 1501 to the bottom end 1502 and is integrally formed with the top rail 1507, and the rear portion 1509. The heel ledge 1524 can cover a portion of the rear surface 1515. The heel ledge 1524 can cover approximately 3% to 8% of the rear surface 1515. For example, the heel ledge 1524 can cover approximately 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, or 8% of the rear surface 1515. In some embodiments, the heel ledge 1524 can cover approximately 4% of the rear surface 1515. The percent coverage of the heel ledge 1524 over the rear surface 1515 is related to a fifth depth 1535 of the fifth cavity 1545.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The face element 1511 of the club head body 1510 comprising the several cavities described above to form a 360 undercut 1550 can further comprise a face thickness. The face thickness of the face element 1511 can help distribute stress and allow for further face inflection during ball impact along with the undercut 1550. In many embodiments, the face thickness of the face element 1511 can vary from the toe end 1505 to the heel end 1506, from the top end 1501 to the bottom end 1502, or any combination thereof.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the club head body 1510 can be void of a reinforcement device 1512 and reinforcement elements 1520. In these exemplary embodiments, the face element 1511 near the face center 1516 (the first thickness 1551 and the second thickness 1552) can comprise a face thickness greater than 0.088 inch (from approximately 0.088 inch to 0.100 inch, 0.088 inch to 0.220 inch, 0.100 inch to 0.220 inch, or 0.140 inch to 0.180 inch) inch to absorb distribute stress. For example, the face element 1511 near the face center 1516 can comprise a first thickness 1551, and a second thickness 1552 of approximately 0.088 inch, 0.090 inch, 0.092 inch, 0.094 inch, 0.096 inch, 0.098 inch, 0.100 inch, 0.110 inch, 0.114 inch, 0.180 inch, or 0.220 inch.
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, looped ribs 1527 can comprise multiple looped ribs, wherein each looped rib 1527 can be concentric with each other. In other embodiments, when looped ribs 1527 comprise multiple looped ribs, two or more of looped ribs 1527 can be nonconcentric. Further, in these or other embodiments, two or more of looped rib 1527 can overlap. Meanwhile, in some embodiments, looped ribs 1527 can comprise an elliptical looped rib, and in other embodiments, looped ribs 1527 can comprise a circular looped rib.
In implementation, reinforcement element(s) 1520 and looped ribs 1527 can be implemented in any suitable shape(s) (e.g., polygonal, elliptical, circular, etc.) and/or in any suitable arrangement(s) configured to perform the intended functionality of reinforcement device 1512 and/or reinforcement element(s) 1520 as described above. Further, when reinforcement element(s) 1520 comprise multiple reinforcement elements, two or more reinforcement elements of reinforcement element(s) 1520 can be similar to another, and/or two or more reinforcement elements of reinforcement element(s) 1520 can be different from another.
In some embodiments, one or more outer perimeter surfaces 1626 of reinforcement elements 1520 can be filleted with rear surface 1515. In these or other embodiments, one or more inner perimeter surfaces 1629 of looped ribs 1627 can be filleted with rear surface 1515. Filleting the outer perimeter surface 1626 of reinforcement elements 1520 with rear surface 1515 can permit a smooth transition of reinforcement elements 1520 into rear surface 1515. Further, filleting the outer perimeter surface 1626 of reinforcement elements 1520 with rear surface 1515 can direct stresses from impact into reinforcement elements 1520 and away from the face surface 1514. Meanwhile, outer perimeter surface 1626 of reinforcement elements 1520 or inner perimeter surface 1629 of looped ribs 1627 can be filleted with rear surface 1515 with a fillet 1523 having a radius of greater than or equal to approximately 0.012 centimeters. For example, in some embodiments, the fillet 1523 of the outer perimeter surface 1626 with the rear surface 1515 can range from approximately 0.012 centimeters to approximately 2.0 centimeters, from approximately 0.50 centimeters to approximately 3.0 centimeters, or from approximately 1.0 centimeters to approximately 4.0 centimeters. For further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 1523 of the inner perimeter surface 1629 with the rear surface 1515 can range from approximately 0.012 centimeters to approximately 2.0 centimeters, from approximately 0.50 centimeters to approximately 3.0 centimeters, or from approximately 1.0 centimeters to approximately 4.0 centimeters.
In some embodiments, the outer perimeter surface 1626 of reinforcement elements 1520 can be filleted directly with rear surface 1515. In these embodiments, the face thickness decreases gradually along the fillet 1523 from face thickness at the second face thickness 1552 (face surface 1514 to the apex of the reinforcement element 1520) to face thickness at rear surface 1515.
In some embodiments, club head 1500 can further include a lip (not pictured) on rear surface 1515 of club head 1500 similar to the lip 552 as described above and
As described previously, reinforcement device 1512 and reinforcement element(s) 1520 are configured to reinforce face element 1511 while still permitting face element 1511 to bend, such as, for example, when face surface 1514 impacts a golf ball. As a result, face element 1511 can be thinned to permit mass from face element 1511 to be redistributed to other parts of club head 1500 and to make face element 1511 more flexible without buckling and failing under the resulting bending. Advantageously, because face element 1511 can be thinner when implemented with reinforcement device 1512 and reinforcement element(s) 1520, the center of gravity, the moment of inertia, and the coefficient of restitution of club head 1500 can be altered to improve the performance characteristics of club head 1500. For example, implementing reinforcement device 1512 and reinforcement element(s) 1520 can increase a flight distance of a golf ball hit with face surface 1514 by increasing launch angle, increasing the ball speed, and/or decreasing spin of the golf ball. In these examples, reinforcement device 1512 and reinforcement element(s) 1520 can have the effect of countering some of the gearing on the golf ball provided by face surface 1514.
The reinforcement device 1512 and reinforcement element(s) 1520 are further able to provide stress reducing benefits when implemented as a closed structure (i.e., looped ribs 1527) because such closed structures are able to resist deformation as a result of circumferential (i.e., hoop) stresses acting on reinforcement device 1512 and reinforcement element(s) 1520. For example, circumferential (i.e., hoop) stresses acting on reinforcement device 1512 and reinforcement element(s) 1520 can prevent opposing sides of reinforcement device 1512 and reinforcement element(s) 1520 from rotating away from each other, thereby reducing bending.
The undercut 1550 of the club head body 1510 can produce similar performance characteristics of the reinforcement device 1512 as described above. In some embodiments, the club head body 1510 can be devoid of the reinforcement device 1512, wherein the club head body 1510 comprising the undercut 1550 can perform similar to a club head body 1510 with both the reinforcement device 1512, and the undercut 1550. The undercut extending in 360 degrees comprising the first cavity 1541, the second cavity 1542, the third cavity 1543, the fourth cavity 1544 and the fifth cavity 1545 allow for optimal bending and deflection of the face element 1511 during impact. In similar club head bodies void of a 360 degree undercut, the face element cannot bend or deflect as much. More specifically, similar club head bodies void of a third cavity 1543, a fourth cavity 1544, and/or a fifth cavity 1545 cannot bend or deflect at the heel end and at the toe end. The deflection of similar club heads are limited at the heel end 1506 and toe end 1505 is due to the rear surface of the face element not having any space to bend back. The 360 degree undercut 1550 of the club head body 1510 specifically comprising the third cavity 1543, and the fourth cavity 1544 at the toe end 1505, and the fifth cavity 1545 at the heel end 1506 prevents the rear surface 1515 of the face element 1511 from contacting the toe ledge 1526 and heel ledge 1524 during impact, thus the face element 1511 can freely bend for greater deflection. The fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 further prevents the rear surface 1515 of the face element 1511 from coming into contact with the toe ledge 1526 during impact for increased deflection; due to the small fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1543 (i.e., the toe ledge 1526 is not as pronounced), the face element 1511 near the toe end 1505 can extend farther back.
The deflection of the face element 1511 affects the coefficient of restitution (COR) of the club head 1500. The COR measures the elasticity of an object in collision and is the ratio of the object's final relative speed to the objects' initial relative speed. A higher COR results in increased ball speed and distance, and a lower COR results in decreased ball speed and distance. Therefore, the increased deflection of the 360 degree undercut 1550 of the club head 1500 affects the distance and speed of the ball after impact. As the undercut 1550 increases the deflection of the face element 1511, the distance and speed of the ball also increases.
Further still, the 360 degree undercut 1550 allows for removal of mass from the perimeter of the face element 1511 that experiences the least amount of stress (i.e., the rear perimeter 1519 between located between the rear surface 1515, and the rear portion 1509 top rail 1507, toe ledge 1526, and heel ledge 1524). The removed mass can then be redistributed to other locations on the club head 1500 (e.g., the bottom end 1502, near the toe end 1505, near the heel end 1506, or any combination thereof). The redistribution of mass can shift the center of gravity (CG) lower and back toward the rear end 1504, which can provide the club head with higher performance characteristics such as increased moment of inertia (MOI). The width of the first portion 1526A can further affect the mass distribution for CG and MOI. The width of the first portion 1526A as illustrated in
The club head body 1510 can further comprise a cascading sole 1555 located on an inner cavity the sole 1508 at the bottom of the second cavity 1542 located between the rear portion 1509 and the rear surface 1515. The cascading sole 1555 of club head body 1510 can be similar to the cascading sole 955 of club head body 910 as described above having a first tier (not pictured) and a second tier (not pictured). The cascading sole 1555 of club head body 1510 allows some of the stress experienced by the face element 1511 near the sole 1508, to distribute to the first tier and the second tier of the club head body 1510. The first tier and the second tier of the cascading sole 1555 of club head body 1510 prevent the stress from collecting primarily at the thinnest section of the face element 1511 near the sole 1508. The distribution of stresses in the first tier and the second tier in the sole 1508 can prevent permanent deformation of the face element 1511, thus more consistent performance characteristic and feel after a plurality of impacts with the ball.
The golf club head 100, 300, 600, 800, 900, 1500 can be part of a set of club heads having varying loft angles. In some embodiments, center thickness 537, face thickness 542 outside reinforcement element 120, top thickness 546, bottom thickness 548, face thickness at rib height 540, or a combination of the described thicknesses can vary with loft angle of the club heads within the set of club heads.
Turning now to the next drawing,
Method 1000 can comprise an activity 1001 of providing a face element. The face element can be similar or identical to face element 111 (
Method 1000 can comprise an activity 1002 of providing a reinforcement device. The reinforcement device can be similar or identical to reinforcement device 112 (
For example, activity 1002 can comprise an activity 1101 of providing a first reinforcement element. The first reinforcement element can be similar or identical to first reinforcement element 121 (
Further, activity 1002 can comprise an activity 1102 of providing a second reinforcement element. The second reinforcement element can be similar or identical to second reinforcement element 641 (
Turning back to
In some embodiments, method 1000 can comprise an activity 1004 of providing an insert within a central cavity within the reinforcement device provided in activity 1002. In some embodiments, activity 1004 can be omitted.
In many embodiments, two or more of activities 1001-1004 can be performed sequentially or can be performed approximately simultaneously with each other. In these or other embodiments, activities 1001-1004 can be performed implementing any suitable manufacturing techniques (e.g., casting, forging, molding, machining, joining, etc.).
Although the golf club head(s) and related methods herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that activities 1001-1004 of
Referring to Table 1 below, a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) test was done to evaluate the internal energy (measured in lbf·inches) of two similar golf club heads during impact with a golf ball at 90 mph. Three points of impact on the face element of the golf club heads were chosen for the FEA test, the toe end, the face center, and the heel end. The first golf club head tested was club head 1500, which comprised the 360 degree undercut 1550 wherein the undercut 1550 is continuous and comprises the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth cavities 1541, 1542, 1542, 1544, and 1545 as described above of club head body 1510. For comparative measure, the control golf club head used was similar in size and structure, comprising an cavity within the top rail, and the sole, but was devoid of a 360 degree undercut (i.e., devoid of a cavity in the heel end and the toe end).
The FEA test measured the internal energy produced by the face element, wherein 7.8 lbf·inches equated to approximately 1 mph. As shown in Table 1 above, the golf club head produced golf ball speeds of approximately 123.0 mph at the heel end 1506, approximately 125.3 mph at the face center 1516, and approximately 123.2 mph at the toe end 1505. Compared to the club head 1500, the control golf club head produced slower golf ball speeds of approximately 122.4 mph at the heel end, approximately 124.3 mph at the face center, and approximately 121.9 mph at the toe end. The club head 1500 comprised of the full 360 undercut 1550 comprising the integrally continuous first cavity 1541, second cavity 1542, third cavity 1543, fourth cavity 1544, and fifth cavity 1545 had an increase in ball speed in all three points tested, compared to the similar control golf club head with only a cavity in the top rail and the sole (i.e., devoid of a cavity in the heel end and the toe end). More specifically, the club head 1500 had an increase of approximately 0.5-0.75 mph (approximately 0.5% increase) in the heel end 1506, an increase of approximately 1 mph (approximately 0.8% increase) in the face center, and an increase of approximately 1-1.5 mph (approximately 1.1% increase) in the toe end 1505 over the control golf club head.
The FEA test further showed the peak deflection the face elements of the golf club heads experienced during impact with the golf ball. The peak deflection was measured in FEA from a face surface of the face element at a starting position to the face surface of the face element at an end of impact position, prior to the face element rebounding back to the start position. The face element 1511 of the club head 1500 having the 360 degree undercut experienced a peak deflection of 0.040 inch to 0.050 inch, while the face element of the control golf club head had a cavity in the top rail, and a cavity in the sole, but devoid of the cavity in the heel end and the toe end experienced a peak deflection of 0.030 inch to 0.040 inch. Therefore, the face element 1511 of the club head 1500 having the 360 degree undercut has a 28.6% increase in peak deflection.
As shown in Table 1 and explained above, the club head 1500 increased ball speed in the heel end 1506, the face center 1516, and the toe end 1505, as well as increased peak deflection of the face element 1511 compared to the control golf club head. The increased performance results of the club head 1500 are due mainly to the 360 undercut 1550 comprised of the first cavity 1541, the second cavity 1542, the third cavity 1543, the fourth cavity 1544, and the fifth cavity 1545; this is compared to the similarly structured and sized control golf club head that had a cavity in the top rail and a cavity in the sole but was devoid of the cavity in the heel end and the toe end.
A continuous 360 degree undercut 1550, specifically comprising the third and fourth cavities 1543, and 1544 at the toe end 1505, and the fifth cavity 1545 at the heel end 1506, allowed more room for the face element 1511 to deflect. Therefore, more internal energy was produced, which equates to more ball speed. A higher ball speed can result in other performance characteristics, such as launch angle ball spin and tightening the statistical area in which the ball lands, which all effect the distance of the ball during a game. More specifically, the increase ball speed experienced by the club head 1500 can equate to a 0.1 to 0.3 degree higher launch angle and a 100 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 300 rpm lower ball spin compared to the similar control club had with only the top rail and sole cavities. A higher launch angle and lower ball spin can increase the distance the ball travels after impact. The increase in launch angle and decrease in spin rate of the club head 1500 comprising the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth cavities 1541, 1542, 1542, 1544, and 1545 had an increase of 2 yards to 5 yards of ball distance compared to the control club head devoid of a toe and heel end cavity.
The club head 1500 comprised of the 360 degree undercut 1550 not only increased in ball speed, but maintained a similar MOI as the control club head with only the top rail and sole cavities. Having a similar MOI as a club head with lower balls speeds means the club head 1500 can behave as a more forgiving club without giving up faster ball speeds. The club head 1500 is further forgiving, due to more consistent ball speeds across the face element 1511 (from the toe end 1505 to the heel end 1506). A more consistent ball speed across the face element 1511 can thereby produce more consistent ball flight and distance during mishits (i.e., impact at the heel end 1506 or the toe end 1505).
Further, while the above examples may be described in connection with an iron-type golf club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf clubs such as a wood-type golf club or a putter-type golf club. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable other type of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc.
Additional examples of such changes and others have been given in the foregoing description. Other permutations of the different embodiments having one or more of the features of the various figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the specification, claims, and drawings herein are intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of this application shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.
Clause 1: A golf club head comprising a front end and a rear end, a face element comprising a face surface located at the front end and a rear surface located at the rear end, wherein the rear surface comprises a rear center, a rear perimeter, and a reinforcement device, a top end having a top rail extending in an arcuate fashion toward the bottom end to form a top rail wall, a bottom having a sole integrally forming into a rear portion extending upward toward the top end, a toe end divided into a first toe end portion, a second toe end portion, and a third toe end portion, wherein the first toe end portion is adjacent and integrally formed with the top end, the third toe end portion is adjacent and integrally formed with the bottom end, and the second toe end portion is positioned between the first toe end portion and the third toe end portion, and wherein the toe end has a toe ledge extending in a curved manner toward the top rail, the sole, and the heel end, the toe ledge is integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion, a heel end comprising a heel ledge extending in a curved manner toward the top rail, the sole, and toe end, wherein the heel ledge is integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion, an undercut comprising a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, a fourth cavity, and a fifth cavity, wherein the first cavity is formed between the rear surface and the top rear wall, the first cavity having a first depth ranging from 0.115 inch to 0.135 inch, the second cavity is formed between the rear surface and the rear portion, the second cavity having a second depth ranging from 0.460 inch to 0.580 inch, the third cavity is formed between the rear surface and the toe ledge at the first toe end portion having a third depth ranging from 0.215 inch to 0.245 inch, the fourth cavity is formed between the rear surface and the toe ledge at the second to end portion having a fourth depth ranging from 0.140 inch to 0.165 inch, the fifth cavity is formed between the rear surface and the heel ledge, the fifth cavity having a fifth depth ranging from 0.080 inch to 0.110 inch, the reinforcement element comprises a looped rib having an outer perimeter surface and an inner perimeter surface, and the outer perimeter surface of the reinforcement element is filleted with the rear surface.
Clause 2: The golf club head of clause 1 wherein the looped rib is symmetric about the x-axis, or the looped rib is symmetric about the y-axis.
Clause 3: The golf club head of clause 1 wherein the first cavity, second cavity, third cavity, fourth cavity, and fifth cavity are all integrally connected and continuous.
Clause 4: The golf club head of clause 1 wherein the first cavity, second cavity third cavity, fourth cavity, and fifth cavity are interrupted and non-continuous by an interrupting structure.
Clause 5: The golf club head of clause 1 wherein the face element comprises a first thickness, measured perpendicular from a face center of the face surface to the rear center, ranging from 0.055 inch to 0.075 inch, the face element comprises a second thickness, measured perpendicular from an apex of the reinforcement element to the face surface, ranging from 0.150 inch to 0.200 inch, the face element comprises a third thickness, measured perpendicular from the face surface to the rear surface devoid of the reinforcement device and adjacent the rear perimeter and rear center, ranging from 0.050 inch to 0.060 inch, and the face element comprises a fourth thickness at the rear perimeter ranging from 0.050 inch to 0.070 inch.
Clause 6: The golf club head of clause 1 further comprises a cascading sole at the bottom of the second cavity, wherein the cascading sole comprises a first tier and a second tier.
Clause 7: The golf club head of clause 6 wherein the first tier comprises a greater thickness than a thickness of the second tier.
Clause 8: The golf club head of clause 1 wherein the inner perimeter surface of the looped rib is filleted with the rear surface.
Clause 9: The golf club head of clause 1 wherein the first depth of the first cavity is approximately 0.125 inch, the second depth of the second cavity is approximately 0.500 inch, the third depth of the third cavity at the first toe end portion is approximately 0.225 inch, the fourth depth of the fourth cavity at the second toe end portion is approximately 0.120 inch, and the fifth depth of the fifth cavity at the heel end is approximately 0.080 inch.
Clause 10: The golf club head of clause 1 wherein the toe ledge covers a percentage of the rear surface, wherein the toe ledge is most pronounced at the first toe end portion, decreases toward the second toe end portion, is substantially constant, and slightly increases toward the third toe end portion.
Clause 11: A golf club head comprising a front end and a rear end, a face element comprising a face surface located at the front end and a rear surface located at the rear end, wherein the rear surface comprises a rear center, and a rear perimeter, a top end having a top rail extending in an arcuate fashion toward the bottom end to form a top rail wall, a bottom having a sole integrally forming into a rear portion extending upward toward the top end, a toe end divided into a first toe end portion, a second toe end portion, and a third toe end portion, wherein the first toe end portion is adjacent and integrally formed with the top end, the third toe end portion is adjacent and integrally formed with the bottom end, and the second toe end portion is positioned between the first toe end portion and the third toe end portion, and wherein the toe end has a toe ledge extending in a curved manner toward the top rail, the sole, and the heel end, the toe ledge is integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion, a heel end comprising a heel ledge extending in a curved manner toward the top rail, the sole, and toe end wherein the heel ledge is integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion an undercut comprising a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, a fourth cavity, and a fifth cavity, wherein the first cavity is formed between the rear surface and the top rear wall, the first cavity having a first depth ranging from 0.115 inch to 0.135 inch, the second cavity is formed between the rear surface and the rear portion, the second cavity having a second depth ranging from 0.460 inch to 0.580 inch, the third cavity is formed between the rear surface and the toe ledge at the first toe end portion having a third depth ranging from 0.215 inch to 0.245 inch, the fourth cavity is formed between the rear surface and the toe ledge at the second to end portion having a fourth depth ranging from 0.140 inch to 0.165 inch, and the fifth cavity is formed between the rear surface and the heel ledge, the fifth cavity having a fifth depth ranging from 0.080 inch to 0.110 inch.
Clause 12: The golf club head of clause 11 wherein the face element comprises a first thickness, measured perpendicular from a face center of the face surface to the rear center, ranging from 0.088 inch to 0.100 inch, the face element comprises a second thickness, measured perpendicular from face surface to the rear surface adjacent the rear center, ranging from 0.088 inch to 0.100 inch, the face element comprises a third thickness, measured perpendicular from the face surface to the rear surface, adjacent the second thickness, and adjacent the rear perimeter ranging from 0.050 inch to 0.060 inch, and the face element comprises a fourth thickness at the rear perimeter ranging from 0.050 inch to 0.070 inch.
Clause 13: The golf club head of clause 11 wherein the cascading sole comprises a first tier and a second tier.
Clause 14: The golf club head of clause 11 wherein the first tier is proximal to the front end and the second tier is proximal the rear end, and the first tier transitions to the second tier.
Clause 15: The golf club head of clause 11 wherein the first tier comprises a thickness greater than a thickness of the second tier.
Clause 16: The golf club head of clause 11 wherein the first depth of the first cavity is approximately 0.125 inch, the second depth of the second cavity is approximately 0.500 inch, the third depth of the third cavity at the first toe end portion is approximately 0.225 inch, the fourth depth of the fourth cavity at the second toe end portion is approximately 0.120 inch, and the fifth depth of the fifth cavity at the heel end is approximately 0.080 inch.
Clause 17: The golf club head of clause 11 wherein the first cavity, second cavity, third cavity, fourth cavity, and fifth cavity are all integrally connected and continuous.
Clause 18: The golf club head of clause 11 wherein the first cavity, second cavity third cavity, fourth cavity, and fifth cavity are interrupted and non-continuous by an interrupting structure.
Clause 19: The golf club head of clause 11 wherein a weight can be disposed within the second cavity between the rear portion and the rear surface.
Clause 20: The golf club head of clause 11 wherein the toe ledge covers a percentage of the rear surface, wherein the toe ledge is most pronounced at the first toe end portion, decreases toward the second toe end portion, is substantially constant, and slightly increases toward the third toe end portion.
Clause 21: A golf club head comprising a front end, and a rear end, a toe end, and a heel end, a top end having a top rail extending from the toe end to the heel end, a bottom having a sole comprising an inner sole surface, wherein the top rail extends in an arcuate fashion away from the front end, toward the rear end and the bottom end, a face element comprising a face surface located at the front end, a rear surface located at the rear end, opposite to the face surface, the rear surface comprising a rear center, a reinforcement device located at the rear surface, and a recess located between the rear surface of the face element and the top rail define an undercut, the undercut extends along the top rail from the toe end to the heel end, wherein the reinforcement element comprises looped ribs having an outer perimeter surface and an inner perimeter surface, and the outer perimeter surface of the reinforcement element is filleted with the rear surface.
Clause 22: The golf club head of clause 21 further comprising an internal radius transition from the rear surface of the face element to the inner sole surface, the internal radius transition comprises a cascading sole.
Clause 23: The golf club head of claim 22 wherein the cascading sole comprises a first tier and a second tier
Clause 24: The golf club head of clause 23 wherein the first tier is proximal to the front end and the second tier is proximal the rear end, and the first tier transitions to the second tier.
Clause 25: The golf club head of clause 23 wherein the first tier comprises a thickness greater than a thickness of the second tier.
Clause 26: The golf club head of clause 21 wherein the looped ribs comprise an elliptical looped rib or a circular looped rib.
Clause 27: The golf club head of clause 21 wherein the looped ribs comprise multiple looped ribs, wherein each looped rib is concentric with each other.
The golf club heads and related methods discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.
Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claim.
As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.
This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/644,653, filed on Jul. 7, 2017 which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/521,998, filed on Jun. 19, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/359,450, filed Jul. 7, 2016, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/170,593, filed on Jun. 1, 2016, which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/280,035, filed Jan. 18, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/266,074, filed on Dec. 11, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/169,089, filed on Jun. 1, 2015, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/710,236, filed May 12, 2015, which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/146,783, filed Apr. 13, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/101,926, filed on Jan. 9, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/023,819, filed on Jul. 11, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 61/994,029, filed on May 15, 2014. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/644,653 further claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/628,639, filed Jun. 20, 2017, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/920,484, filed on Oct. 22, 2015, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/920,480, filed on Oct. 22, 2015, both of which claim the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/206,152, filed Aug. 17, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/131,739, filed on Mar. 11, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/105,460, filed on Jan. 20, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/105,464, filed on Jan. 20, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/068,232, filed on Oct. 24, 2014. The contents of all of the above-described disclosures are incorporated fully herein by reference in their entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 15644653 | Jul 2017 | US |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 15170593 | Jun 2016 | US |
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