Patent Application
20050124435
This application relates generally to a golf club head, and more particularly to a golf club head with one or more air flow ports.
Conventional golf club designs include a variety of configurations to maximize the range and distance of a golf ball. Some designs improve swing speed by allowing the club head to strike the ball harder increasing the distance that the ball travels, while other golf club designs compensate for swing error allowing the ball to travel straighter.
Swing speed and club stability play a significant role in the launch conditions of the ball at the moment of head impact. Among the innovations that increase swing speed and head stability include lighter club shafts, longer overall shaft length, and selective weight distribution in the club head.
With respect to weight distribution, combinations of high and low density materials are typically used to achieve a desired weight effect in the club head. For example, weight concentrated at the bottom of the club head provides a low center of gravity at the moment of impact that helps propel a golf ball at a higher launch angle and with a lower spin rate which can increase distance. However, weight concentrated at the bottom of the club head does not provide a maximum level of stability during the downswing.
Perimeter weighting of the club head or concentrating the weight at the toe and heel of the club head minimizes twisting of the golf club and provides greater club stability. Twisting is also minimized by a larger club head which provides a higher moment of inertia. However, the improved stability of perimeter weighting, toe and heal weighting, or a larger club head sacrifices ball distance as the maximum physical mass of these configurations is not directly behind the impact point of the ball during the downswing.
Weighting the club head, increasing the size of the club head, using a lighter club shaft, or increasing the overall length of the golf club alone do not maximize both swing speed and club stability during a golfer's downswing.
The Air XTreme diver that is commercially available from Golf Technologies (http://www.golf-technologies.com) includes “exhaust holes” in the front and rear of the club head. Specifically, six pairs of exhaust holes are shown. The holes are described to “allow air to flow through the club head, creating less wind resistance and providing more distance to the user.” The exhaust holes in the front of the club are positioned in a hexagonal configuration around what is typically referred to by those of skill in the art as the “sweet spot” of the club. Like most metal drivers, the club shown therein is believed to be substantially hollow. The exhaust holes are symmetrical and geometrically and symmetrically positioned around the “sweet spot.” The absence of non-symmetrically positioned exhaust holes, as well as the absence of non-symmetrical exhaust holes precludes the golf club from being used to correct a faulty swing path (e.g., slice or hook), diminishing the occurrence of such faulty swing path as well as diminishing any negative outcomes associated with the occurrence of such faulty swing path (e.g., loss of distance or loss of accuracy).
Accordingly, what is needed is a golf club head configured to provide maximum swing speed, improved stability and accuracy.
The various embodiments described herein relate to a golf club head. The teachings provided herein solve the earlier mentioned problems and other problems not stated herein.
The present structure provides a golf club head configured to provide maximum swing speed, improved stability and accuracy. In another embodiment, the present structure provides a golf club head configured to provide swing correction.
The present structure provides a golf club head having opposing sole and crown sides that are adjacent to opposing proximal heal and distal toe sides. Opposing face and rear sides are adjacent to the opposing sole and crown sides and the opposing proximal heal and distal toe sides. At least one aperture extends a length from the face side of the head to the rear side of the head along the sole side forming at least one port configured to allow the passage of air.
The present structure also provides a golf club head having opposing sole and crown sides that are adjacent to opposing proximal heal and distal toe sides. Opposing face and rear sides are adjacent to the opposing sole and crown sides and the opposing proximal heal and distal toe sides. At least one aperture extends a length from the face side of the head to the rear side of the head along the sole side forming at least one port configured to allow the passage of air. The at least one port independently includes at least one channel on the interior surface of the at least one port.
Embodiments of the invention may be best understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings which illustrate such embodiments. The numbering scheme for the Figures included herein are such that the leading number for a given reference number in a Figure is associated with the number of the Figure. Reference numbers are the same for those elements that are the same across different Figures. For example, a club head 5 depicting the crown side 9 can be located in
In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the various embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. The following description and drawings provide examples for illustration, but are not intended in a limiting sense and are not intended to provide an exhaustive treatment of all possible implementations.
It should be noted that references to “an”, “one”, or “various” embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment. Additionally, reference to “at least one” includes one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). Such reference contemplates one, and only one. Such reference also contemplates more than one. When such reference is made, reference to “independently” contemplates any one or more of the “at least one” having the contemplated limitation. Additionally, when “at least one” of the referenced item “independently” includes a limitation, any one of the referenced items can be the same or can be different, compared to the other referenced item(s), provided that referenced item includes the contemplated limitation.
A golf club typically includes a shaft sized for a handle at a proximal end of the golf club and a head at a distal end of the golf club. When in use, the golfer holds the handle and positions the head distally attached to the shaft behind the golf ball. The head includes a face side generally perpendicular to the golf ball and configured to strike the golf ball. The head also includes a rear side that is opposite the face side and generally perpendicular to the golf ball. An opposing sole side and crown side are adjacent to the face and rear sides separating the face and rear sides from each other. When in use, the crown side generally faces the golfer and the sole side generally faces the ground. The face side, rear side, sole side and crown side of the club head are adjacent to an opposing heal side and toe side. When the club head addresses the ball, the heal side is closest to the golfer and the toe side is furthest from the golfer, respectively.
Regarding the club head 5, at least one aperture 19 extends a length 31 from the face side 15 of the head 5 to the rear side 17 of the head 5 along the sole side 7. In one embodiment, the at least one aperture 19 forms at least one port 21 configured to allow the passage of air from the face side 15 to the rear side 17 of the head 5 along the sole side 7. In another embodiment, the at least one aperture 19 forms at least one port 21 configured to allow the passage of air from the face side 15 to the rear side 17 of the head 5 along the toe side 13.
The one or more ports 21 includes a variety of lengths 31, widths 33 and heights 35 configured to allow the passage of air to flow more aerodynamically through and about the club head 5. In one embodiment, the one or more ports 21 includes a uniform length 31. In another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 includes a non-uniform length 31.
In one embodiment, the length 31 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.1 centimeter to about 10.5 centimeters. In another embodiment, the length 31 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.5 centimeter to about 7.0 centimeters. In yet another embodiment, the length 31 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 1.5 centimeters to about 5.25 centimeters. In still yet another embodiment, the length 31 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 2.5 centimeters to about 3.0 centimeters.
In another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 includes a uniform width 33. In one option, the uniform width 33 is uniformly curved. In another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 includes a non-uniform width 33. In one option, the non-uniform width 33 is non-uniformly curved. In another option, the non-uniform width 33 is narrower at the face side 15 of the head 5 and wider at the rear side 17 of the head 5. In yet another option, the non-uniform width 33 is wider at the face side 15 of the head 5 and narrower at the rear side 17 of the head 5.
In one embodiment, the width 33 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.5 centimeter to about 10.5 centimeters. In another embodiment, the width 33 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 1.75 centimeters to about 8.5 centimeters. In yet another embodiment, the width 33 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 3.0 centimeters to about 5.5 centimeters. In still yet another embodiment, the width 33 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 3.75 centimeters to about 4.75 centimeters.
In one embodiment, the width 33 of the one or more ports 21 is substantially parallel to the sole side 7 of the head 5 from the horizontal. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the one or more ports 21 is positioned about 10° to about −10° from the horizontal. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the one or more ports 21 is positioned about 8° to about −8° from the horizontal. In yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the one or more ports 21 is positioned about 5° to about −5° from the horizontal. In still yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the one or more ports 21 is positioned about 2.5° to about −2.5° from the horizontal.
In another embodiment, the at least one port 21 includes a uniform height 35. In yet another embodiment, the at least one port 21 includes a non-uniform height 35. In one embodiment, the height 35 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.05 centimeter to about 3.0 centimeters. In another embodiment, the height 35 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 1.0 centimeter to about 2.75 centimeters. In still another embodiment, the height 35 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 1.5 centimeters to about 2.25 centimeters. In still yet another embodiment, the height 35 of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 1.75 centimeters to about 2.0 centimeters.
In one embodiment, the one or more ports 21 includes one or more channels 40 configured to direct the flow of air though the head 5. In one option, the one or more channels 40 is substantially parallel with the length 31 of the one or more ports 21. In another embodiment, the one or more channels 40 includes a spiral configuration that directs air in a substantially spiral path through the interior surface 37 of the one or more ports 21. In yet another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 includes a wave-like configuration extending the length 31 of the one or more ports 21. In yet another embodiment, the wave-like configuration of the one or more ports 21 is spirally configured on the interior surface 37 of one or more ports 21 to direct air in a substantially spiral path through the interior surface 37 of the one or more ports 21.
In one embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is configured above the perimeter of the sole side 7 of the head 5. In one embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.1 centimeter to about 0.5 centimeter above the bottom perimeter of the sole side 7 of the head 5. In another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.175 centimeter to about 0.4 centimeter above the bottom perimeter of the sole side 7 of the head 5. In yet another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.25 centimeter to about 0.35 centimeter above the bottom perimeter of the sole side 7 of the head 5. In still yet another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.275 centimeter to about 0.3 centimeter above the bottom perimeter of the sole side 7 of the head 5.
In one embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is configured about the perimeter of the toe side 13 of the head 5. In one embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.25 centimeter to about 1.0 centimeter from the perimeter of the toe side 13 of the head 5. In another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.35 centimeter to about 0.8 centimeter from the perimeter of the toe side 13 of the head 5. In yet another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.4 centimeter to about 0.75 centimeter from the perimeter of the toe side 13 of the head 5. In still yet another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.5 centimeter to about 0.6 centimeter from the perimeter of the toe side 13 of the head 5.
In one embodiment, the surface area of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.5% to about 8% of the surface area of the face side 15 of the head 5. In another embodiment, the surface area of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 1% to about 6% of the surface area of the face side 15 of the head 5. In still yet another embodiment, the surface area of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 2% to about 4.5% of the surface area of the face side 15 of the head 5.
In another embodiment, the surface area of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 5% to about 100% of the surface area of the sole side 7 extending to the heal side 11, the toe side 13, or both the heal 11 and toe 13 sides of the head 5. In yet another embodiment, the surface area of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 10% to about 75% of the surface area of the sole side 7 extending to the heal side 11, the toe side 13, or both the heal 11 and toe 13 sides of the head 5. In still yet another embodiment, the surface area of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of the sole side 7 extending to the heal side 11, the toe side 13, or both the heal 11 and toe 13 sides of the head 5.
In one embodiment, the volume of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.1% to about 10% of the volume of the head 5. In another embodiment, the volume of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 0.5% to about 9% of the volume of the head 5. In yet another embodiment, the volume of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 1% to about 7% of the volume of the head 5. In still yet another embodiment, the volume of the one or more ports 21 is independently from about 2.5% to about 5% of the volume of the head 5.
In one embodiment, a club head 5 includes an opposing sole side 7 and crown side 9. The opposing sole side 7 and crown side 9 are adjacent to an opposing proximal heal side 11 and distal toe side 13. The head 5 includes an opposing face side 15 and rear side 17 adjacent to the opposing sole side 7 and crown side 9 and the opposing proximal heal side 11 and distal toe side 13. At least one aperture 19 extends a length 31 from the face side 15 of the head 5 to the rear side 17 of the head 5 along the sole side 7 forming at least one port 21 configured to allow the passage of air.
In another embodiment, the at least one port 21 independently includes at least one channel 40 on the interior surface 37 of the at least one port 21. In yet another embodiment, at least one aperture 19 extends a length 31 from the face side 15 of the head 5 to the rear side 17 of the head 5 along the toe side forming at least one port 21 configured to allow the passage of air.
In one embodiment, the at least one port 21 includes two ports 21. In another embodiment, the at least one port 21 includes three ports 21. In yet another embodiment, the at least one port 21 includes four or more ports 21. In one embodiment, the configuration of the at least one port 21 includes rectangular shapes, square shapes, circular shapes, oval shapes, free-formed shapes, or a combination thereof.
In one embodiment, the at least one port 21 includes a uniform length 31. In another embodiment, the at least one port 21 includes a non-uniform length 31. In another embodiment, the at least one port 21 includes a uniform width 33. In one option, the uniform width 33 is uniformly curved. In another embodiment, the at least one port 21 is non-uniform in width 33. In one option, the non-uniform width 33 is non-uniformly curved. In another option, the non-uniform width 33 is narrower at the face side 15 of the head 5 and wider at the rear side 17 of the head 5. In yet another option, the non-uniform width 33 is wider at the face side 15 of the head 5 and narrower at the rear side 17 of the head 5. In another embodiment, the at least one port 21 includes a uniform height 35. In yet another embodiment, the at least one port 21 includes a non-uniform height 35.
The one or more ports 21 allow air to flow at an increased speed from the sole side 7 adjacent with the face side 15 directly through to the sole side 7 adjacent with the rear side 17 of the head 5 during the golf swing. The increased air speed through the one or more ports 21 decreases the air pressure on the outer walls 29 of the one or more ports 21 and the inner walls 30 (in the case of multiple ports 21) and decreases the air pressure on the upper and the lower walls 22 of the one or more ports 21 of the head 5. The increase in air speed reduces the air pressure on a lower portion of the face side 15, the sole side 7, and the rear side 17 of the head 5 reducing the air pressure variance of these areas with respect to the air pressure about the heal 11 and the toe 13 sides of the head 5. The net result of the decrease in air resistance about these areas is a reduction in drag on the head 5 and an increase in stability of the head 5 during the downswing of the golf club.
In one embodiment, the one or more ports 21 independently includes at least one channel 40 on the interior surface 37 of the one or more ports 21. In another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is non-uniform in width 33. In yet another embodiment, the one or more ports 21 independently includes at least one non-uniform channel 40 on the interior surface 37 of the at least one port 21.
In embodiments where the one or more ports 21 includes a width 33 that is wider at the rear side 17 of the head 5 than the width 33 at the face side 15 of the head 5, air pressure is decreased at the sole side 7 adjacent to the face side 15 at a greater ratio than the air pressure at the sole side 7 adjacent to the rear side 17 of the head 5 (See,
In embodiments where the one or more ports 21 includes a width 33 that is wider at the face side 15 of the head 5 than the width 33 at the rear side 17 of the head 5, air pressure is decreased at the sole side 7 adjacent to the rear side 17 at a greater ratio than the air pressure at the sole side 7 adjacent to the face side 15 of the head 5 (See,
In embodiments where the one or more ports 21 independently includes at least one channel 40 on the interior surface 37, air pressure is decreased along the sole side 7 during the downswing as air is channeled at an increased speed along a specific path within the one or more ports 21. (See,
Many golfers hit the golf ball on the downswing where the face side 15 of the head 5 is open (to the right for right-handed golf swings) at the moment of impact. When the ball is hit in this manner or “sliced”, friction is created at the forward moving edge of the ball causing the ball to be pushed to the right and spin clockwise (from an above position). A ball that is sliced travels in an undesirable path angled above the horizontal.
In embodiments where the one or more ports 21 is located on the toe side 13 of the head 5, air is able to move at a greater speed at the toe side 13 of the head 5 than the heal side 11 of the head 5 (See,
The invention includes a method of manufacturing a golf club head 5. The method includes shaping the head 5 having opposing sole 7 and crown 9 sides where the opposing sole 7 and crown 9 sides are adjacent to the opposing proximal heal 11 and distal toe 13 sides. The method of manufacturing the head 5 also includes shaping opposing face 15 and rear 17 sides adjacent to the opposing sole 7 and crown 9 sides and the opposing proximal heal 11 and distal toe 13 sides. At least one aperture 19 extends a length 31 from the face side 15 of the head 5 to the rear side 17 of the head 5 along the sole side 7 forming at least one port 21. The at least one port 21 is configured to allow the passage of air.
The head 5 can be manufactured by any method practiced by those of skill in the art. One such manufacturing process utilizes a bladder molding process as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,025 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,623, that is hereby incorporated by reference.
In one embodiment, forming the head 5 includes forming the face side 15 by placing a first predetermined quantity of plies of pre-preg sheets containing a resin within a cavity configured to approximate the face side 15. A first predetermined quantity of plies of pre-preg sheets for the face side 15 is compressed creating a stack of compressed plies. A second predetermined quantity of plies of pre-preg sheets containing a resin for the face side 15 is placed within the cavity over the first compressed plies. The second predetermined quantity of plies of pre-preg sheets for the face side 15 is compressed to create a stack of more compressed plies. This process is repeated until a desired thickness of the face side 15 is achieved.
The crown side 9 is formed by laying a plurality of plies of pre-preg sheets containing a resin over the face side 15 and the sole side 7 is formed by laying a plurality of plies of pre-preg sheets containing a resin with an optional plurality of weighted members about the face side 15. In one embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is formed by placing spacers between a selected number of plies of pre-preg sheets forming the sole side 7. The plies of pre-preg sheets are folded over forming a ribbon and the bottom wall 27. The ribbon generally extends from the toe side 13 to a heel side 11 beginning at one end of the face side 15 and ending at an opposite end of the face side 15. The face side 15, the crown side 9, the sole side 7 and the sole side 7 are assembled to form an assembled unit.
An inflatable bladder is fitted within the interior of the assembled unit during the assembly process and an access end of the bladder is placed through a bladder port. The assembled unit is placed within a compaction device and pre-compacted forming a pre-compacted unit. The pre-compacted unit is placed within a compression mold where the bladder of the pre-compacted unit is molded.
During the molding of the bladder, the bladder is inflated within the hollow interior of the pre-compacted unit by pressurized gas. The expanded bladder engages the inside surface of the pre-compacted unit, forcing the plies of pre-preg sheets against the inner wall of the compression mold. The mold is heated at a predetermined temperature for a period of time sufficient to allow proper curing of the resin within the pre-preg sheets. The bladder is then depressurized and removed through the bladder port and the molded unfinished head 5 is removed from the compression mold. The molded head 5 is then finished to create a finished club head 5.
In one option, the head 5 is weighted during manufacturing. The weighting of the head 5 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,722. In one embodiment, the head 5 is constructed to include a single weighted material configured about the one or more ports 21. In another embodiment, multiple weighted materials are configured about the one or more ports 21 where a high density material is attached to a lower density material. In one embodiment, the single or multiple weighted materials are attached to the head 5 by mechanical means including friction fitting, bonding, fasteners, screws, or a combination thereof.
In another embodiment, the head 5 is weighted by one or more high density materials in combination with a carrier fluid. A particulate form of the high density material is mixed with the carrier fluid and poured into a reservoir in the head 5. The one or more ports 21 is preserved by spacers wherein the carrier fluid is allowed to solidify to form a composite weighted material about the one or more ports 21. Carrier fluids include, but are not limited to thermoset polymers (e.g., epoxy), thermoplastic polymers (e.g., polypropylene), or a combination thereof.
In one embodiment, the head 5 and the first weighted material are raised to a temperature sufficient to maintain a second weighted material in a fluid or liquid phase. In one embodiment, a heated conveyor is used to raise the temperature of the head 5 and the first weight material to at least 325° F.
After heating the first weight material, the second weight material is dispensed into the internal cavity of the head 5. A mounting pad is used to tilt the head 5 to a desired orientation where the head 5 is attached to a mechanical vibrating machine allowing the first weighted material to migrate to the lowest point in the internal cavity of the head 5 under the influence of vibrational energy. Ideally, the second weighted material is in a liquid phase while exposed to the vibration energy to prevent the first weighted material from migrating out of the second weighted material.
The head 5 is cooled to allow the second weighted material to solidify. Cooling of the bi-material weight includes, but is not limited to refrigeration, immersion of the head 5 in a cold fluid, supplying forced air over the head 5, or by simply allowing the head 5 to cool naturally to ambient temperature.
In one embodiment, the one or more ports 21 is formed in the head 5 by any number of conventional techniques, including but not limited to die casting, drilling, reaming, boring, punching, or a combination thereof. The one or more ports 21 can also be subsequently enlarged by filing, re-drilling, or the like.
The head 5 as illustrated in the embodiments is composed of materials suitable in the construction of the head 5. In one embodiment, the head 5 is composed of metal alloys. In another embodiment, the head 5 is composed of titanium. In yet another embodiment, the head 5 is composed of stainless steel. In still yet another embodiment, the head 5 is composed of carbon steel. Other materials used in the construction of the head 5, include but are not limited to wood, plastics, vitreous metals, graphite, ceramics, composites, carbon fibers and other fibrous materials. The one or more ports 21 is formed from materials including, but not limited to, the materials that form the head 5.
In one embodiment, the dimensions of the head 5 include a range between about 6.35-8.89 centimeters (2.5-3.5 inches) in length 31 measured along a horizontal central axis of the club head 5, between about 1.12-1.91 centimeters (0.5-0.75 inches) in width 33 measured along a horizontal central axis of the club head 5, and between about 3.81-5.08 centimeters (1.5-2.0 inches) in height 35 measured along a vertical central axis of the club head 5.
In another embodiment, the dimensions of the head 5 have a range between about 8.25-10.16 centimeters (3.25-4.0 inches) in length 31 measured along a horizontal central axis of the club head 5, between about 6.99-8.89 centimeters (2.75-3.5 inches) in width 33 measured along a horizontal central axis of the club head 5, and between about 3.81-5.72 centimeters (1.5-2.25 inches) in height 35 measured along a vertical central axis of the club head 5.
A method of using a golf club head 5 includes swinging a shaft 6 sized for a handle at a proximal end and the head 5 at a distal end. The head 5 includes opposing face 15 and rear 17 sides adjacent to opposing sole 7 and crown 9 sides and opposing proximal heal 11 and distal toe 13 sides. Swinging the head 5 includes swinging the head 5 adapted for at least one aperture 19 extending a length 31 from the face side 15 of the head 5 to the rear side 17 of the head 5 along the sole side 7 forming at least one port 21. The at least one port 21 is configured to allow the passage of air. In one embodiment, swinging the head 5 includes swinging the head 5 configured with two or more ports 21. Swinging the head 5 includes swinging the head 5 making contact with a golf ball.
All publications, patents, and patent documents cited herein are incorporated by reference herein, as though individually incorporated by reference. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60528116 | Dec 2003 | US |
