Patent Grant
11110330
Golf club performance is an amalgam of many elements including a golf club's ability to efficiently transfer energy to a hit golf ball, ability to impart desirable spin characteristics to a ball, ability to generate feedback to a golfer responsive to a particular manner of impact, e.g. to impart “feel,” and ability to enable a golfer to exercise a wide array of shot types. In addition to this, what constitutes effective performance varies with the role of each club. An often overlooked aspect of performance, but considered of increased significance with higher-lofted clubs, is shot dispersion, i.e. the degree to which a set of golf shots (impacted with a particular club) fall within a desired distance from a target location. As the golfer nears the green, carry distance is wanes in importance as precision increases in importance.
This principle particular holds true in the case of wedge-type golf club heads. However, attempts at designing wedge-type golf club heads have generally been inadequate as steps taken to reduce dispersion often adversely affect other attributes expected of or desirable of wedge-type golf club heads. For example, traditional feel and design attributes necessary for instilling confidence in the golfer and for compliance with rules promulgated by one or more professional golf regulatory bodies (e.g. the United States Golf Association (USGA)) may be sacrificed. Also, attempts at decreasing dispersion often result in the relocation of club head mass in locations that adversely affect spin, trajectory shape, effective bounce, and/or ability to successfully carry out a full range of shot types typically associated with wedge-type club heads.
A need exists for reducing shot dispersion in high-lofted club heads (e.g. wedge-type club heads), while maintaining other performance attributes typically expected and/or desired of such club heads.
A golf club head, according to an example of the invention, and when oriented in a reference position relative to a ground plane, may include a striking face having a face center, a leading edge, and a virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the striking face. The golf club head further includes a sole portion, a top portion, a rear portion, and a loft L no less than 40°. A virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the striking face plane passes through the face center. A club head center of gravity is spaced from the virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a distance D1 that is no greater than 6.0 mm. The golf club head further includes a hosel including a virtual hosel axis and an internal bore configured to receive a golf shaft. The internal bore includes a peripheral side wall and a shaft abutment surface configured to abut a tip end of the golf club shaft. The hosel further comprises an auxiliary recess extending sole-ward from the abutment surface of the internal bore.
In another example of the present invention, a golf club head may include a golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position, includes a sole portion, a top portion, a heel portion, and a toe portion. The club head further includes a striking face having a face center, a leading edge, a virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the striking face, and a plurality of scorelines having a heel-most extent and a toe-most extent. The club head further includes a hosel portion having an internal bore configured to receive a golf shaft, a first virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the striking face plane and passing through the heel-most extent of the plurality of scorelines, a heel-most region defined as the entire portion of the club head located heelward of the first virtual vertical plane, a recessed region delimiting a volume such that the majority of the volume is located in the heel-most region. The club head has a loft L no less than 40°. A second virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the striking face plane passes through the face center. A club head center of gravity is spaced from the second virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a distance D1 that is no greater than 6.0 mm.
In another example of the present invention, a golf club head may include a golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position relative to a virtual ground plane, includes a striking face having a face center, a leading edge, and a virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the striking face. The club head further includes a sole portion, a top portion, a rear portion, and a loft L no less than 40°. A virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the striking face plane passes through the face center. A point P1 is located at the intersection of the leading edge and the virtual vertical plane. A center of gravity is spaced from the virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a distance D1 that is no greater than 5.5 mm, spaced from the striking face plane by a minimum distance D2 such that: D2≤3.58 mm−(0.053 mm/°)×L, and vertically spaced from the point P1 by a distance D3 such that: D3≥29.5 mm−(0.3 mm/°)×L.
In another example of the present invention, a golf club head may include a golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position relative to a virtual ground plane, includes a striking face having a face center, a leading edge, and a virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the striking face. The club head further includes a sole portion, a top portion, a rear portion, and a loft L no less than 40°. A virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the striking face plane passes through the face center. A point P1 is located at the intersection of the leading edge and the virtual vertical plane. A center of gravity is spaced from the virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a distance D1 that is no greater than 5.0 mm, spaced from the striking face plane by a minimum distance D2 no greater than 0.50 mm, and vertically spaced from the point P1 by a distance D3 such that: D3≥29.5 mm−(0.3 mm/°)×L.
The various exemplary aspects described above may be implemented individually or in various combinations.
These and other features and advantages of the golf club heads according to the invention in its various aspects and demonstrated by one or more of the various examples will become apparent after consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
The drawings described below are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Exemplary implementations will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
For purposes of illustration, these figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. In all figures, same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals.
Representative examples of one or more novel and non-obvious aspects and features of a golf club head according to the present disclosure are not intended to be limiting in any manner. Furthermore, the various aspects and features of the present disclosure may be used alone or in a variety of novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations with one another.
Referring to
The striking face comprises a generally planar surface. For example, the striking face generally conforms to a planar hitting surface suitable for striking a golf ball, but may deviate to a minor extent as it may preferably include formed therein a plurality of scorelines extending in the heel-to-toe direction. In some embodiments, the striking face may also possess bulge and/or roll of a constant or variable radius that are customary of a wood-type or hybrid-type club head (e.g. a radius no less than about 9 in). In some embodiments, the striking face may have formed therein one or more texture patterns. For example, the striking face may include a surface milled region (as described below), a media-blasted region, a chemical etched region, a laser-milled region. Such regions may be formed in a striking face in combination, either in discrete mutually exclusive regions or at least partially (or fully) overlapping. Preferably, textured striking face regions are located at least in a central region that includes the majority (and more preferably the entirety) of the plurality of scorelines. In such cases, interaction between the striking face and golf ball may be enhanced (e.g. by increasing friction), thereby better controlling and/or increasing spin. In some embodiments, in addition to the a central region that exhibits a media-blasted and/or surface milled texture, heel and toe regions peripheral to such central region exhibit high polish surface textures.
The striking face 116 further includes a face center 130. The face center 130, for all purposes herein, denotes the location on the striking face that is both equidistant between: (a) the heel-most extent 124 and the toe-most extent 126 of the plurality of scorelines 118; and (b) the top-most extent 134 and the bottom-most extent 136 of the plurality of scorelines 118. The striking face 116 corresponds to a virtual striking face plane (see e.g.
The plurality of scorelines 118 further comprise an overall lateral width D6, measured from the heel-most extent 124 to the toe-most extent, of preferably between 49 mm and 55 mm, more preferably between 50 mm and 52 mm.
The striking face 116 further include a leading edge 144 corresponding to the nexus of forwardmost points on the striking face corresponding to the nexus of incremental front-to-rear vertical profiles taken through the striking face 116. For example, as particularly shown in
The club head 100 further includes a toe-wardmost extent P2. As particularly illustrated in
As shown in
The golf club head 100 preferably comprises an iron-type club head, and more preferably a wedge-type club head. Additionally, the club head 100 is preferably a “blade”-type club head. In such embodiments, the club head 100 comprises a upper blade portion 148 and a lower muscle portion 150. The upper blade portion is preferably of substantially uniform thickness. Preferably, the club head, as a “blade”-type club head lacks any perimeter-weighting features. However, in some embodiments, the club head may embody a perimeter-weighting feature, although such perimeter weighting element preferably has a maximum depth that is no greater than about 10 mm, and more preferably no greater than about 5 mm. “Blade”-type club heads provide for more disparity in feel resulting in a high degree of tactile feedback to the golfer upon impact. Minimizing perimeter-weighting also increases workability of the club head, providing for a wider array of potential shot types and resulting trajectories. These features are sought after, particularly in the case of high-lofted club heads (e.g. club heads having a loft greater than 30°), and more particularly in the case of wedge-type club heads.
In effort to achieve these and other benefits, and in part as a result of constituting a “blade”-type club head, the center of gravity 132 of the club head 100 is preferably located relatively close to the striking face plane (see
Additionally, or alternatively, the center of gravity 132 is located sole-ward of the striking face plane 138. However, in alternative embodiments, the center of gravity 132 is locate above the striking face plane 138.
Additionally, or alternatively, the relative location of center of gravity is loft-dependent. Thus, in a set of iron-type or wedge-type golf club heads, the center of gravity location varies from club head to club head with loft angle. Preferably, the club head 100 is configured such that the distance D2 is related to club head loft angle in accordance with the following equation:
D2≤3.58 mm−(0.053 mm/°)×L
Such attributes ensure the advantages associated with blade-type construction are achieved, while accounting for natural variations in club head design properties that may be associated with club head loft angle, thus more precisely providing a high performance club head.
The club head further comprises a center of gravity 132. The inventors have recognized that center of gravity location plays a critical role in reducing shot dispersion for a particular club head. Preferably, in part to minimize shot dispersion, the center of gravity is located central of the striking face. Preferably, the center of gravity 132 is spaced from the face center 130 by a heel-to-toe distance D1 of no greater than 6.0 mm, more preferably no greater than 5.5 mm, and even more preferably no greater than 5.0 mm. Most preferably, the center of gravity 132 is aligned with the face center 130 in the heel-to-toe direction (i.e. coplanar with a vertical plane passing through the face center and perpendicular to the striking face plane). However, pure alignment is difficult to achieve at least for presence of typical manufacturing tolerances.
As shown below in Table 1, shot dispersion is substantially reduced in comparison to a similarly structured wedge of the same loft, but with significantly greater lateral center of gravity spacing from the face center 130 of the striking face 116.
In addition, or alternatively, the center of gravity 132 is preferably heelward of the face center 130, albeit by the degree of spacing (D1) as described above. Positioning the center of gravity 132 toe-ward of the face center 130, although an option, is likely to require a significant degree of relocation of discretionary mass, given the natural heel-ward bias of club head mass distribution given the presence of the hosel 110. Although possible, such a degree of mass shift may have a deleterious effect on other key attributes correlated with performance expected or desired in a wedge-type club head. For example, the structural integrity of the club head may be affected.
Also, particularly for a blade-type club head, e.g. the club head 100, mass is concentrated in the muscle portion 150. Because mass is not an independently adjustable club head attribute (i.e. corresponds with the location of actual material), a lateral center of gravity shift may naturally disproportionately affect the design of the sole portion. This natural design tendency, in some cases, may be considered deleterious. For example, mass added to the muscle portion 150 may affect the effective bounce of the club head 100 (i.e. the manner in which the club head 100 interacts with turf), desired dynamic loft, and spin-generating attributes. Thus, preferably, the center of gravity is positioned, laterally, as described above—but in a manner so as to not adversely affect other key club head attributes. The difficulty inherent in this trade-off may be exacerbated by the fact that wedge-type club heads are necessarily compact in shape thereby provide little discretionary weight that may be positioned or repositioned solely for purposes of mass property manipulation.
In one manner of the above design aspects, in some embodiments, the center of gravity height is desirably maintained provided the lateral center of gravity location attributes described above. For example, as shown in
D3≥29.5 mm−(0.3 mm/°)×L
More preferably, D3 corresponds with the loft L of the club head 100 in accordance with the following equation:
D3≥29.8 mm−(0.3 mm/°)×L
Measuring center of gravity height relative to P1 (i.e. leading edge location) may be advantageous in that sole contour features, e.g. those related to various effective bounce options, are removed from consideration. In this manner, a more pure relationship between center of gravity height measurement and actual effect on performance emerges.
In another manner of the above design aspects, in some embodiments, the shape of the bottom (sole) portion 104 is desirably maintained provided the lateral center of gravity location attributes described above. As an exemplary indicator of maintaining desirable sole shape, the club head 100 includes a sole width D8 (see
In yet another manner of the above design aspects, in some embodiments, the golf club head 100 maintains a desirable upper blade portion maximum thickness D5 (see
The club head preferably has a head mass of between 250 g and 350 g, more preferably between 270 g and 310 g, even more preferably between 285 g and 300 g. Additionally, or alternatively, the club head 100 include a moment of inertia (Izz) measured about a virtual vertical axis passing through the center of gravity 132. The moment of inertia Izz is preferably no less than 2500 kg*cm2, more preferably between 2650 kg*cm2 and 3100 kg*cm2.
As variously described above, in some embodiments, it is desirable to position the center of gravity 132, laterally, in close proximity to the face center 130 in a manner that does not deleteriously affect other key wedge-type club attributes. Accordingly, in some embodiments, mass is removed from a generally heel-ward location and relocated to other portions of the club head or distributed uniformly about remaining regions of the club head.
In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 include a virtual heel-most region 152, which refers to the entirety of the club head 100 located heel-ward of a virtual vertical plane 154 perpendicular to the striking face plane 138 and including the heel-wardmost extent 126 of the plurality of scorelines 118. Preferably, a recessed region 156 is located at least partially in the heel-wardmost region 152. More preferably, at least a majority of the recessed region 156 (measured by displaced volume) is located within the heel-wardmost region 152. Most preferably, the recessed region 156 in its entirety is located within the heel-wardmost region 152 of the club head 100.
As shown particularly in
The internal bore 158 preferably includes a diameter that ranges from a maximum diameter of about 10.5 mm, proximate an upper end of the internal bore 158, to a minimum diameter of about 8.5 mm. The diameter of the internal bore 158, in some embodiments, gradually decreases in the sole-ward direction. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one stepped region is located in the side wall 160 of the internal bore, e.g. for housing epoxy and/or ferrule component when the club head 100 is secured to a shaft assembly.
The abutment surface 162 (or peripheral ledge 162 in the particular embodiment shown in
The recessed region 156 (in the particular embodiment of
As an alternative to cast-in formation, the auxiliary recess, in some embodiments, is machined into the club head 100 subsequent to formation of the club head main body (e.g. by investment casting). In such embodiments, preferably the auxiliary recess 156 is milled by applying a tapered bit configured to rotate about, and penetrate along, the virtual hosel axis 112.
Additionally, or alternatively, as another means of reducing lateral spacing between the face center 130 of the striking face 116 and the center of gravity 132, the hosel length is preferably reduced. Specifically, the distance D4 from the uppermost extent of the hosel 110 to the ground plane 114, measured along the virtual hosel axis 112, is preferably no greater than 75 mm and more preferably between 70 mm and 75 mm. By shortening the hosel length, discretionary mass may be removed from points distal the face center 130 and redistributed throughout the club head 100, thereby relocating the center of gravity 132 of the club head 100 closer to the face center 130, while minimizing any deleterious adverse effects on performance.
In some embodiments, the auxiliary recess is at least partially filled. In some such embodiments, the auxiliary recess is entirely filled with a filler material. Such may be advantages for dampening of vibrations emanating from impact with a golf ball. In such embodiments, the filler material is preferably a material having a density less than that of the main body of the club head. Alternatively, or additionally, the density of the auxiliary recess filler material is no greater than 7 g/cm3 and more preferably no greater than 4 g/cm3. Additionally, or alternatively, the filler material has a hardness less than that of the main body and optionally comprises a resilient material such as a polymeric material, natural or synthetic rubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), an open- or closed-cell foam, a gel, a metallic foam, a visco-elastic material, or resin.
Further attributes, in conjunction with the mass-related attributed described above, are believed to further reduce shot dispersion. For example, in some embodiments, the striking face club head 100 preferably includes a texture pattern located at least in a central region, i.e. a region delimited by the heel-wardmost extent 126 and the toe-wardmost extent 124 of the plurality of scorelines 118. Preferably, the texture pattern comprises a surface milled pattern, e.g. any of the surface milled patterns described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/219,850 (Ripp et al.), hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In particular, the surface milled pattern preferably includes a plurality of small-scale arced grooves superimposed on the plurality of scorelines 118. In some embodiments, the surface milled pattern includes a single plurality generally parallel arced grooves, optionally formed in a single pass at a constant or variable feed rate, at a constant or variable spin rate, and at a constant or variable cutting depth. However, in other embodiments, the surface milled pattern includes a first set of generally parallel arced grooves, formed optionally in a single, first pass, and a second set of generally parallel arced grooved, formed optionally in a singled second pass to be superimposed on the plurality of arced grooves formed in the first pass. Preferably, one the first or second pluralities of arced grooved defines upwardly concave paths, while the respective second or first pluralities of arced grooves defines upwardly convex paths. In any case, the striking face 118 preferably includes a surface roughness Ra, particularly in the central region, of between about 120 μin and 180 μin, more preferably between 140 μin and 180 μin, such surface roughness measured at standard ASME conditions.
Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of scorelines 118 are formed by machining, e.g. milling, and not cast and thereby exhibit those structural feature associated with machined scorelines, e.g. higher precision, generally non-warped surface portions, and sharper corners formed between the scorelines 118 and the striking face 116.
In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a golf club head 100 is shown in
In particular, the club head 100, includes a rear portion 142 having a blade portion 148 and a muscle portion 150. The rear portion 142 further includes a recessed region located centrally and sandwiched between a raised heel region 170 and toe region 172. The heel region 170 and toe region 172 each preferably have a thickness greater than the centrally-located recessed region 168. Preferably the difference in thickness between either or both of: (a) the heel region 170 and the recessed region 168; and (b) the toe region 172 and the recessed region 168 is no less than 2 mm, and more preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm. By repositioning further weight from the center of the club head 100 to peripheral regions, the moment of inertia Izz about a virtual vertical axis passing through the center of gravity 132 may be increased to a degree. As a result, the club head 100 may provide greater forgiveness on off-centered golf shots, of particularly benefit to golfers with a higher handicap. However, as described above, increasing the forgiveness of the club head, particularly for a wedge-type club head, may deleteriously affect workability, e.g. the ability of the club head to effectively perform a wide array of golf shots and/or achieve a wide array of shot trajectories. Hence, the upper limit of 4 mm for a range of thickness variances between the central recessed portion and the heel region and/or toe region is preferable.
The golf club head 100 of
In some embodiments, referring again to the club head 100 of
The resilient insert includes a polymeric material, a natural or synthetic rubber, a polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), an open- or closed-cell foam, a gel, a metallic foam, or a resin. In some embodiments, the resilient insert exhibits vibration dampening properties (e.g. visco-elastic properties), thereby controlling vibration-emanation characteristics of the club head, e.g. based on impact with a golf ball.
As described above, a generally laterally center of gravity 132 is desirable in part for reducing shot dispersion. However, such attribute preferably is achieved without deleterious effect on other desirable features of a club head, particularly a wedge-type club head. The club heads 100 of
Referring to
In
In
In
In
In
In
Referring to
In
Preferably, the weight ports 301(a)-301(d) and weight elements 303(a)-303(b) system is configured to provide the capability of shifting the club head center of gravity 332 toward the face center, laterally, in the manners described with regard to
Alternatively, or additionally, such weight-shifting capability may be met by proving a set of weight elements having differing weight values, by virtue of either spatial attribute and/or by density. E.g., the weight ports 301(a)-301(d) and weight elements system may provide for a state in which one or more high-density weight elements are positioned in toe-proximate weight ports, while lower-density weight elements are place in heel-proximate weight ports. Preferably, at least one weight element of the set of weight elements 303 exhibits a density no less than 7 g/cm3, more preferably no less than 9 g/cm3. Preferably, in such embodiments, density is increased by the provision of tungsten. Specifically, such weight elements have a composition including tungsten in an amount at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight.
Additionally, or alternatively, in such set, at least one other weight element exhibits a density no greater than 7 g/cm3, and more preferably no greater than 4 gh/cm3. Additionally, or alternatively, at least a first weight element of the set of weight elements 303 comprises a weight no less than 7 g, and optionally a second weight element of the set of weight elements comprises a weight no greater than 4 g. Accordingly, mass is removed, thereby shifting the center of gravity 332 of the club head 300 toward the center, without adversely affecting other key attributes.
In
In
Preferably, the toe-side cavity 309 is dimensioned to be larger than the heel-side cavity 307. For example, the toe-side cavity 309 preferably has a depth greater than the depth of the heel-side cavity 307. Additionally, or alternatively, the toe-side cavity 309 preferably comprises a characteristic length (i.e. the maximum distance between any two points along the periphery of the cavity) greater than the characteristic length of the heel-side cavity 307. Additionally, or alternatively, the toe-side cavity 309 preferably comprises a displaced volume greater than a displaced volume of the heel-side cavity 307. These dimension enable shifting the center of gravity 332 of the club head 300, laterally toward the face center, e.g. to counteract mass occupied by the hosel 310. Accordingly, mass is removed, thereby shifting the center of gravity 332 of the club head 300 toward the center, without adversely affecting other key attributes.
In
In conjunction with the recess 319, mass is also preferably relocated to a toe-ward (and preferably upper) region of the club head 300. For example, as shown in
The presence of the chamfered junction 327 enables the relocation of mass to the upper and toe-ward region of the club head 300, assisting to achieve the desired mass properties described above with regard to the club head embodiment illustrated in
Referring to
Specifically, the golf club head 400 includes a blade portion 448 and a muscle portion 450. The muscle portion 450 is located proximate the sole portion 404, which includes a sole upper surface 415 and a sole lower surface 417. The upper surface of the sole 415 includes a sole-ward extending recess 419. The recess 419, in some embodiments, is enclosed at both a recess toe end and a recess heel end. However, in other embodiments (as shown), the recess 419 is open at e.g. the toe end 431 by virtue of a notch 433.
Further, in some embodiments, a secondary recess 437 extends sole-ward from the upper surface 415 of the sole portion 404. The secondary recess 437 optionally contains, housed within it, an aft-attached insert 435. However, in alternative embodiments, a filler material is poured into the secondary recess 437 and cured in place.
Preferably, the insert 435 exhibits a density no less than 7 g/cm3, more preferably no less than 9 g/cm3. Preferably, in such embodiments, density is increased by the provision of tungsten. Specifically, the insert 435 has a composition including tungsten in an amount at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight. In some cases, the insert 435 may comprise a steel-, tungsten-, or other metal-alloy. In other embodiments, the insert may compromise a tungsten-impregnated polymeric material.
Referring to
Specifically, the club head 500 comprises a rear portion 542 including a lower muscle portion 550 and an upper blade portion 548. The blade portion 548 preferably comprises a generally planar rear surface 539 which opposes a striking face (not shown) adapted for impacting a golf ball. The blade portion 548 preferably varies in thickness. Preferably the blade portion 548 varies generally gradually in thickness such that the thickness increases upwardly, preferably substantially from a first location at the junction between the blade portion 548 and the muscle portion 550 to the uppermost extent of the rear surface 539 of the blade portion 539 of the rear portion 542. Additionally, or alternatively, the thickness of the blade portion 548 tapers heel-wardly.
Structuring the blade portion 548 to exhibit such variations in thickness provides a means for controlling the location of the center of gravity 532 to be relatively central, laterally, as described above with regard to the embodiments of the present disclosure shown in
Referring to
Additionally, or alternatively, referring again to
The beveled surface 541 preferable forms a generally crescent shape where a location of maximum width generally coincides with the upper toe-most corner of the club head 500. The upper toe-most corner, as used herein, refers to the point along the periphery of the club head 500, located above and toe-ward of the face center 530, that is spaced a maximum radial distance from a virtual axis perpendicular to the striking face 516 and passing through the face center 530). The width of the beveled region 541 preferably tapers in the toe-to-heel direction from such corner, and in the top-to-bottom direction from such corner, in both cases along the periphery of the rear surface 539.
Referring to
Referring to
Additionally, or alternatively, the sole portion 604 of the club head 600 includes a minimum sole thickness D15 and a corresponding location on the sole associated with minimum sole thickness D15. Preferably, this location is located heel-ward of the virtual vertical plane 628. More preferably, this location is located heel-ward of the virtual plane by a distance no less than 0.5*D7.
Additionally, or alternatively, the difference between the maximum sole thickness D14 and the minimum sole thickness D15 is no less than 5.5 mm, more preferably no less than 6 mm, and most preferably no less than 7 mm. As described above, in each of these cases, mass relocation occurs in a manner that minimizes adverse effects on overall performance, e.g. effecting effective bounce, location-based aspects of the center of gravity other than lateral spacing from a face center, and/or workability.
Referring to
Specifically, the rear portion 742 includes an upper blade portion 748 and a lower muscle portion 750. The blade portion 748 comprises a portion of generally uniform thickness and includes a rear surface 739 that is generally planar. Preferably, a mass element 743 is position in the upper, toe region of the rear surface 739. In some embodiments, the mass element 739 is cast-in and may constitute a generally raised region of generally uniform thickness. Alternatively, or additionally, the raised region 743 may include a textured rear surface 745, e.g. containing a surface-milled pattern.
In alternative embodiments, the mass element 743 may constitute an aft-attached weighted insert or medallion (see
The insert 743 may be attached by mechanical means, e.g. a threaded fastener or interference fit, or by chemical adhesive, e.g. double-sided tape optionally comprising a visco-elastic material sandwiched between two layers of adhesive tape. In some embodiments, the mass element 743 is spaced from the periphery of the blade portion 748. In other embodiments, a side edge 747 of the mass element 743 is substantially flush with the periphery of the blade portion 748 of the club head 700. Particularly, mass is redistributed from heel-ward locations to toe-ward locations for purposes of effecting the mass-related properties described with regard to the embodiment of
Referring to
The rear portion 842 includes an upper blade portion 848 and a lower muscle portion 850. The blade portion 848 and muscle portion 850 define a rear surface 839. A stepped-down region 849 is provided in the rear surface 839. The stepped down region 849 is preferably recessed from the general contour of the rear surface 839, and comprises a substantially constant depth therefrom. The substantially constant depth is preferably no less than 0.25 mm and more preferably no less than 0.5 mm, even more preferably no less than 1.0 mm.
Additionally, or alternatively, a majority of the surface area of the rear surface 839 occupied by the stepped-down region 849 is located heel-ward of a face center of a striking face of the club head 800 (not shown) (see
Additionally, or alternatively, an aft-attached insert or poured-in filler 851 is located at least partially, or optionally fully, within the stepped-down region. In some cases, an insert 851 both substantially fills the stepped-down region 849 and extends from the stepped-down region 849 above the contour of adjacent portions of the rear surface 839 of the club head 800. In such cases, the insert 851 preferably comprises a density less than the density of the main body and/or a density no greater than 4 g/cc.
These attributes provide for redistribution of mass from heel-ward locations to toe-ward locations for purposes of effecting the mass-related properties described with regard to the embodiment of
Referring to
Referring specifically to
The stepped down regions 949 are preferably recessed from the general contour of the club head 900 and comprises a substantially constant depth therefrom. The substantially constant depth is preferably no less than 0.25 mm, more preferably no less than 0.5 mm and most preferably no less than 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the stepped-down regions 949 vary in depth from each other. In other embodiments, the stepped-down regions 949 are of a substantially constant depth from one to others.
Additionally, or alternatively, a majority of the surface area of the club head 900 occupied by the stepped-down regions 949 is located heel-ward of a face center of a striking face of the club head 900 (not shown). More preferably, the stepped-down regions 949 are located entirely heel-ward of the face center of the striking face of the club head 900. In some embodiments, the stepped-down regions 949 are adjacent (and share an edge with) a periphery of the club head 900.
Preferably, in some embodiments, in some regions of the exterior surface of the club head 900, the stepped-down regions 949 are so spaced such that they form one or more trusses (or ribs) 953 therebetween. Preferably, the trusses 953 are of substantially constant width and are located at least on the exterior surface of the club head 900 proximate the hosel 910. In some cases, the trusses 953 form a zig-zag pattern whereby the stepped-down regions 949 form alternating triangular-shaped features. Particularly, mass is redistributed from heel-ward locations to toe-ward locations for purposes of effecting the mass-related properties described with regard to the embodiment of
Referring to the golf club head 900 as shown in
Referring to the golf club head 900 as shown in
Referring to
Referring again to
While various features have been described in conjunction with the examples outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, and/or improvements of those features and/or examples may be possible. Accordingly, the examples, as set forth above, are intended to be only illustrative. Various changes may be made without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the underlying principles.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/037,547, filed Jul. 17, 2018, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/342,822, filed Nov. 3, 2016, which in turn is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/402,616, filed Sep. 30, 2016. The contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
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|---|---|---|---|
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| 6077171 | Yoneyama | Jun 2000 | A |
| 6533681 | Inoue et al. | Mar 2003 | B2 |
| 6547675 | Sherwood | Apr 2003 | B2 |
| 6776726 | Sano | Aug 2004 | B2 |
| 7037213 | Otoguro | May 2006 | B2 |
| 7147572 | Kohno | Dec 2006 | B2 |
| 7153219 | Reed et al. | Dec 2006 | B2 |
| 7413518 | Cole | Aug 2008 | B2 |
| 7513835 | Belmont | Apr 2009 | B2 |
| 7575523 | Yokota | Aug 2009 | B2 |
| 7588502 | Nishino | Sep 2009 | B2 |
| 7883430 | Thomas | Feb 2011 | B2 |
| 7931543 | Burrows | Apr 2011 | B2 |
| 7980960 | Gilbert | Jul 2011 | B2 |
| 8133133 | Gilbert | Mar 2012 | B2 |
| 8221259 | Thomas | Jul 2012 | B2 |
| 8235837 | Bennett | Aug 2012 | B2 |
| 8388464 | Gilbert | Mar 2013 | B2 |
| 8535172 | O'Shea, III | Sep 2013 | B2 |
| 8684861 | Carlyle | Apr 2014 | B2 |
| 8740721 | Yamamoto | Jun 2014 | B2 |
| 8801536 | O'Shea, III | Aug 2014 | B2 |
| 8870677 | Chick et al. | Oct 2014 | B2 |
| 8961336 | Parsons et al. | Feb 2015 | B1 |
| 10039963 | Ripp | Aug 2018 | B2 |
| 10238930 | Ripp | Mar 2019 | B2 |
| 10493335 | Issertell et al. | Dec 2019 | B2 |
| 10561909 | Ripp | Feb 2020 | B2 |
| 10661129 | Seagram et al. | May 2020 | B2 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 09271544 | Oct 1997 | JP |
| H109271544 | Oct 1997 | JP |
| 2001231896 | Aug 2001 | JP |
| 2001231896 | Aug 2001 | JP |
| 2003199850 | Jul 2003 | JP |
| 2003199850 | Jul 2003 | JP |
| 2005185751 | Jul 2005 | JP |
| 2005185751 | Jul 2005 | JP |
| Entry |
|---|
| Aug. 22, 2017 Office Action issued in U.S. Appl. No. 15/342,822. |
| CG 588 Altitude Irons, Mar. 19, 2014, <http://www.golf.com/equipment/cleveland-588-altitude-irons-golf-magazine-clubtest-2014-best-golf-irons>. |
| CG 588 CB Wedges, Dec. 24, 2011, <http://www.golfwrx.com/7149/2012-cleveland-588-irons-and-wedges/>. |
| CG 588 MB wedges, Dec. 24, 2011, <http://www.golfwrx.com/7149/2012-cleveland-588-irons-and-wedges/>. |
| CG 588 MT irons, Jun. 20, 2013, <http://www.golfwrx.com/103546/cleveland-588-mt-and-tt-irons-editor-review/>. |
| CG 588 TC irons, Jan. 14, 2013 <http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/775205-d-toms-with-cleveland-588-tc-irons-at-the-humana-challenge/>. |
| CG 588 TT irons, Jun. 20, 2013, <http://www.golfwrx.com/103546/cleveland-588-mt-and-tt-irons-editor-review/>. |
| CG 588 RTX 2.0, Apr. 24, 2013, <http://www.golfwrx.com/87775/cleveland-golf-588-rtx-wedges-editor-review/>. |
| CG Black irons, 2015, <http://www.golf.com/equipment/cleveland-cg-black-irons-review-clubtest-2015>. |
| CG Gold irons, Oct. 30, 2007, <http://www.worldgolf.com/golf-equipment/cleveland-cg-gold-irons-game-improvement-clubs-6144.htm>. |
| CG Red irons, Oct. 26, 2007, <https://thesandtrap.com/b/clubs/cleveland_cg_red_irons_review>. |
| CG Tour irons, Jul. 24, 2009, < http://www.bladegolfirons.com/Cleveland/CG-Tour. |
| CG CG1 irons, Jun. 2, 2005, < http://sirshanksalot.com/210-cleveland-cg1-iron-review/>. |
| CG CG1 Tour irons, Feb. 3, 2010, < http://www.sandbox8.com/2010/02/03/hands-on-cleveland-golf-cg1-tour-irons/>. |
| CG CG10, 2016, < http://www.thegolfspy.net/best-golf-wedge/>. |
| CG CG11, Jun. 23, 2006, < https://thesandtrap.com/b/page/2?s=cleveland+cg+tour+irons+review>. |
| CG CG16 Tour irons and CG16 irons, Apr. 1, 2011, < http://www.golf.com/equipment/cleveland-cg16-and-cg16-tour-irons>. |
| CG cg16 tc, Dec. 1, 2010, < http://www.golfalot.com/equipment-reviews/cleveland-cg16-tour-irons-review-636.aspx>. |
| CG CG16 TT, Apr. 4, 2017, < https://www.thoughtco.com/cleveland-cg16-irons-1562993>. |
| CG CG2, May 30, 2005, < http://sirshanksalot.com/217-cleveland-cg2-iron-review/>. |
| CG CG4 TC, Oct. 24, 2015, < http://www.spygolfer.com/cleveland-cg4-game-improvement-irons/>. |
| CG CG7, Mar. 1, 2010, < http://www.golf.com/equipment/cleveland-cg7-cg7-tour-black-pearl-irons>. |
| CG CG7 TC, Jan. 6, 2009, < http://www.golfalot.com/equipment-reviews/cleveland-cg7-tour-irons-review-486.aspX>. |
| CG cg7 tour, Mar. 1, 2010, < http://www.golf.com/equipment/cleveland-cg7-cg7-tour-black-pearl-irons>. |
| CG CG Red, Sep. 20, 2014, < http://dw4golf.com/golf-irons-reviews/cleveland-irons-reviews/cleveland-cg-gold-irons-review/>. |
| CG Hibore, May 19, 2006, < https://thesandtrap.com/b/clubs/cleveland_hibore_driver_review>. |
| CG Hibore Xli, Sep. 9, 2008, < http://www.golfalot.com/equipment-reviews/cleveland-hibore-xli-irons-review-466.aspx>. |
| CG Launcher Iron, Nov. 26, 2015, < http://www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/equipment/golf-clubs/irons/cleveland/launcher/cleveland-launcher-combo-irons/>. |
| CG Mashie, 2012, < http://www.golf.com/equipment/cleveland-mashie>. |
| CG Niblick, Jun. 23, 2014, < https://www.thoughtco.com/review-cleveland-niblick-short-iron-hybrid-1562990>. |
| CG TA, Oct. 25, 2011, < http://www.golfproductnews.com/cleveland-gunmetal-iron-review/>. |
| CG TA1, Oct. 25, 2011, < http://www.golfproductnews.com/cleveland-gunmetal-iron-review/>. |
| CG TA6, 1997, < http://www.eagleusagolf.com/proshop/makers/cleveland/cl04i_ta6_e.html>. |
| CG TA7, Sep. 13, 2004, < http://sirshanksalot.com/238-cleveland-ta7-and-ta7-tour-iron-review/>. |
| Nike Engage Square, Sep. 14, 2015, < http://pluggedingolf.com/nike-engage-wedge-review/>. |
| Nike Engage Toe Sweep, Sep. 14, 2015, < http://pluggedingolf.com/nike-engage-wedge-review/>. |
| Scor 4161, Nov. 10, 2011, < https://www.mygolfspy.com/scor-4161-wedge-reviews/>. |
| Srixon Z355 PW, 2016, < http://www.golf.com/equipment/srixon-z-355-irons-review-clubtest-2016>. |
| Srixon Z745 AW, Jul. 25, 2016, < https://www.thehackersparadise.com/forum/showthread.php?84838-Srixon-Z-765-Irons-THP-Review-Thread>. |
| Apr. 19, 2018 Office Action issued in U.S. Appl. No. 15/645,420. |
| Apr. 9, 2018 Notice of Allowance issued in U.S. Appl. No. 15/342,822. |
| Feb. 27, 2019 Office Action issued in U.S. Appl. No. 16/037,547. |
| Sep. 11, 2020 Office Action issued in U.S. Appl. No. 16/264,839. |
| Feb. 18, 2021 Notice of Allowance issued in U.S. Appl. No. 16/264,839. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200147457 A1 | May 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62402616 | Sep 2016 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16037547 | Jul 2018 | US |
| Child | 16739196 | US | |
| Parent | 15342822 | Nov 2016 | US |
| Child | 16037547 | US |
