Patent Application
20240367010
This invention generally relates to golf equipment, and more particularly, to golf club heads having slits and flexure inserts to increase the flexure of the strike face for club head loft, ball speed, and ball spin manipulation.
Many golf club heads, in particular wood-type golf club heads (i.e. drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids), comprise features designed to control the flexure of the strike face at impact. In general, increasing the flexure of the strike face improves the performance of the club head by increasing ball speed and lowering spin, both of which can lead to gains in ball distance. Many prior art club heads seek to increase strike face flexure by providing an elongated slit proximate the strike face (also referred to herein as a “slot”) comprising an aperture through a portion of the club head body and into the interior cavity. The slit is typically then filled with a lightweight, flexible insert to plug the aperture and seal the interior cavity. The insert is typically formed of a uniform viscoelastic material that absorbs and dissipates energy under compression, thereby reducing the overall energy transfer between the club head and the golf ball. Reduced energy transfer, in turn, reduces ball speed and negatively impacts the performance of the club head. Furthermore, the materials and uniform structure limit conventional inserts to a consistent response across the slit.
Described herein are various embodiments of wood type golf club heads (e.g. drivers, fairway woods, or hybrids) comprising slits and flexure inserts to strategically increase the flexure of the strike face. The flexure insert can be designed with variable stiffness and bending properties to locally reinforce high-stress areas of the slit and locally allow for maximum flexure in low-stress areas of the slit. The club head comprises a flexure insert tailored to provide a desired amount of strike face flexure. The flexure insert provides benefits over a uniform prior art insert, which comprises uniform stiffness and bending properties across the entire slit. In some embodiments, the flexure insert can comprise a cantilevered arm extending forward from an interior sole surface into the slit to abut and reinforce the front wall of the slit. In other embodiments, the flexure insert comprises a multi-material construction wherein the flexure insert comprises a cap and a spring component. The flexure insert always comprises two or more materials. The flexure insert provides benefits over a slit insert comprising a single material. The spring component can be provided in specific regions of the slit provide the desired stiffness profile of the flexure insert. Further, the spring component provides a spring effect that increases the energy transfer between the club head and the golf ball. The flexure insert allow for the stiffness and flexibility of the slit to be varied at different locations with the slit, allowing for more precise control over strike face flexure. The club head comprising a multi-material flexure insert provides performance benefits over the prior art inserts, which are typically made of a uniform shape and material and therefore do not provide variability to the stiffness or flexibility profile of the slit.
Further, the flexure insert embodiments described herein can lead to an increase in energy transfer between the club head and the golf ball. The spring component can be formed of a material with linearly elastic properties. The spring component efficiently stores internal energy as the flexure insert compresses at impact and releases said internal energy upon expansion. The linearly elastic nature of the spring component allows for more internal energy to be retained and released back to the strike face than a viscoelastic insert, such as the prior art. The purely viscoelastic inserts of the prior art dissipate a greater amount of energy. The club head comprising a flexure insert with a spring component provides increased ball speed and other performance benefits over a club head with an insert made of a purely viscoelastic material.
The club head described herein comprising a slit and multi-material flexure insert can result in significant improvements in strike face flexure and launch conditions over the single-material, viscoelastic prior art inserts. In particular, the slit and flexure insert comprising a spring component can lead to an increase in ball speed between 0.5 mph and 4.5 mph and an increase in internal energy between 3 lbf-in. and 20 lbf-in that can equate to an increase in carry distance by 2 to 10 yards. Further, the slit and flexure insert comprising a spring component can provide other performance benefits, such as an increase in strike face deflection, increased dynamic lofting, and a reduction in ball spin rate.
The wood type golf club heads described in this disclosure can combine a slit and flexure insert with other club head features that improve performance. In some embodiments, the club head can utilize a multi-material design to increase MOI. In some embodiments, the club head can comprise a large mass pad located rearward the slit to provide a desirable CG location, increase ball speed and ball distance, and improve launch conditions. Any one or combination of the features described above can be combined with the slit and flexure insert to provide a high-performing club head.
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 apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
The term “strike face,” as used herein, refers to a club head front surface that is configured to strike a golf ball. The term strike face can be used interchangeably with the term “face.”
The term “strike face perimeter,” as used herein, can refer to an edge of the strike face. The strike face perimeter can be located along an outer edge of the strike face where the curvature deviates from a bulge and/or roll of the strike face.
The term “geometric centerpoint,” or “geometric center” of the strike face, as used herein, can refer to a geometric centerpoint of the strike face perimeter, and at a midpoint of the face height of the strike face. In the same or other examples, the geometric centerpoint also can be centered with respect to an engineered impact zone, which can be defined by a region of grooves on the strike face. As another approach, the geometric centerpoint of the strike face can be located in accordance with the definition of a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).
The term “ground plane,” as used herein, can refer to a reference plane associated with the surface on which a golf ball is placed. The ground plane can be a horizontal plane tangent to the sole at an address position.
The term “loft plane,” as used herein, can refer to a reference plane that is tangent to the geometric centerpoint of the strike face.
The term “loft angle,” as used herein, can refer to an angle measured between the loft plane and the XY plane (defined below in relation to the XYZ coordinate system).
The term “face height,” as used herein, can refer to a distance measured parallel to loft plane between a top end of the strikeface perimeter and a bottom end of the strikeface perimeter.
The term “lie angle,” as used herein, can refer to an angle between a hosel axis, extending through the hosel, and the ground plane. The lie angle is measured from a front view.
The “depth” of the golf club head, as described herein, can be defined as a front-to-rear dimension of the golf club head.
The “height” of the golf club head, as described herein, can be defined as a crown-to-sole dimension of the golf club head. In many embodiments, the height of the club head can be measured according to a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).
The “length” of the golf club head, as described herein, can be defined as a heel-to-toe dimension of the golf club head. In many embodiments, the length of the club head can be measured acm3ording to a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).
The “face height” of the golf club head, as described herein, can be defined as a height measured parallel to loft plane between a top end of the strike face perimeter near the crown and a bottom end of the strike face perimeter near the sole.
The “geometric center height” of the fairway-type golf club head, as described herein, is a height measured perpendicular from the ground plane to the geometric centerpoint of the golf club head.
The “leading edge” of the club head, as described herein, can be identified as the most sole-ward portion of the strike face perimeter.
Illustrated in
The term or phrase “center of gravity position” or “CG location” can refer to the location of the club head center of gravity (CG) 199 with respect to the XYZ coordinate system, wherein the CG position is characterized by locations along the X-axis 3040, the Y-axis 3050, and the Z-axis 3060. The term “CGx” can refer to the CG location along the X-axis 3050, measured from the origin point 120. The term “CG height” can refer to the CG location along the Y-axis 3050, measured from the origin point 120. The term “CGy” can be synonymous with the CG height. The term “CG depth” can refer to the CG location along the Z-axis 3060, measured from the origin point 120. The term “CGz” can be synonymous with the CG depth.
The XYZ coordinate system of the golf club head, as described herein defines an XY plane extending through the X-axis 3040 and the Y-axis 3050. The coordinate system defines XZ plane extending through the X-axis 1040 and the Z-axis 3060. The coordinate system further defines a YZ plane extending through the Y-axis 3050 and the Z-axis 3060. The XY plane, the XZ plane, and the YZ plane are all perpendicular to one another and intersect at the coordinate system origin located at the geometric center 120 of the strike face 102. In these or other embodiments, the golf club head 100 can be viewed from a front view when the strike face 102 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane. Further, in these or other embodiments, the golf club head 100 can be viewed from a side view or side cross-sectional view when the heel 104 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the YZ plane.
Illustrated in
The term or phrase “moment of inertia” (hereafter “MOI”) can refer to values measured about the CG 199. The term “MOIxx” can refer to the MOI measured in the heel-to-toe direction, about the X′-axis 3070. The term “MOIyy” can refer to the MOI measured in the sole-to-crown direction, about the Y′-axis 3080. The term “MOIzz” can refer to the MOI measured in the front-to-back direction, about the Z′-axis 3090. The MOI values MOIxx, MOIyy, and MOIzz determine how forgiving the club head 100 is for off-center impacts with a golf ball.
“Driver” or “Driver-type” club heads, as used herein, comprise a loft angle less than approximately 16 degrees, less than approximately 15 degrees, less than approximately 14 degrees, less than approximately 13 degrees, less than approximately 12 degrees, less than approximately 11 degrees, or less than approximately 10 degrees. Further, in many embodiments, “driver golf club heads” as used herein comprises a volume greater than approximately 400 cc, greater than approximately 425 cc, greater than approximately 445 cc, greater than approximately 450 cc, greater than approximately 455 cc, greater than approximately 460 cc, greater than approximately 475 cc, greater than approximately 500 cc, greater than approximately 525 cc, greater than approximately 550 cc, greater than approximately 575 cc, greater than approximately 600 cc, greater than approximately 625 cc, greater than approximately 650 cc, greater than approximately 675 cc, or greater than approximately 700 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the driver can be approximately 400 cc-600 cc, 425 cc-500 cc, approximately 500 cc-600 cc, approximately 500 cc-650 cc, approximately 550 cc-700 cc, approximately 600 cc-650 cc, approximately 600 cc-700 cc, or approximately 600 cc-800 cc.
“Fairway wood” or “fairway wood-type” club heads, as used herein, comprise a loft angle less than approximately 35 degrees, less than approximately 34 degrees, less than approximately 33 degrees, less than approximately 32 degrees, less than approximately 31 degrees, or less than approximately 30 degrees. Further, in some embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood club heads can be greater than approximately 12 degrees, greater than approximately 13 degrees, greater than approximately 14 degrees, greater than approximately 15 degrees, greater than approximately 16 degrees, greater than approximately 17 degrees, greater than approximately 18 degrees, greater than approximately 19 degrees, or greater than approximately 20 degrees. For example, in other embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood can be between 12 degrees and 35 degrees, between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, between 20 degrees and 35 degrees, or between 12 degrees and 30 degrees.
Further, “fairway wood” or “fairway wood-type” club heads as used herein can comprise a volume less than approximately 400 cc, less than approximately 375 cc, less than approximately 350 cc, less than approximately 325 cc, less than approximately 300 cc, less than approximately 275 cc, less than approximately 250 cc, less than approximately 225 cc, or less than approximately 200 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the fairway wood can be approximately 100 cc-200 cc, approximately 150 cc-250 cc, approximately 150 cc-300 cc, approximately 150 cc-350 cc, approximately 150 cc-400 cc, approximately 300 cc-400 cc, approximately 325 cc-400 cc, approximately 350 cc-400 cc, approximately 250 cc-400 cc, approximately 250-350 cc, or approximately 275-375 cc.
“Hybrid” or “hybrid-type” club heads, as used herein, comprise a loft angle less than approximately 40 degrees, less than approximately 39 degrees, less than approximately 38 degrees, less than approximately 37 degrees, less than approximately 36 degrees, less than approximately 35 degrees, less than approximately 34 degrees, less than approximately 33 degrees, less than approximately 32 degrees, less than approximately 31 degrees, or less than approximately 30 degrees. Further, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid can be greater than approximately 16 degrees, greater than approximately 17 degrees, greater than approximately 18 degrees, greater than approximately 19 degrees, greater than approximately 20 degrees, greater than approximately 21 degrees, greater than approximately 22 degrees, greater than approximately 23 degrees, greater than approximately 24 degrees, or greater than approximately 25 degrees.
Further, “hybrid” or “hybrid-type” as used herein comprise a volume less than approximately 200 cc, less than approximately 175 cc, less than approximately 150 cc, less than approximately 125 cc, less than approximately 100 cc, or less than approximately 75 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the hybrid can be approximately 100 cc-150 cc, approximately 75 cc-100 cc, approximately 100 cc-125 cc, or approximately 75 cc-125 cc.
The golf club heads described in this disclosure can be formed from a metal, a metal alloy, a composite, or a combination of metals and composites. For example, the golf club head can be formed from, but not limited to, steel, steel alloys, stainless steel alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, titanium alloys, an amorphous metal alloy, or other similar materials. For further example, the golf club head can be formed from, but not limited to, C300 steel, C350 steel, 17-4 stainless steel, or T9s+ titanium.
Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or embodiment and the arrangement of components as set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure from covering all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like or identical components in various views,
The strike face 102 and the body 101 can define an internal cavity 107 (shown in further figures below) of the club head 100. The body 101 can extend over the crown 110, the sole 112, the heel 104, the toe 106, the rear 111, and a perimeter of the front 108. In these embodiments, the strike face 102 can be located solely on the front 108 of the club head 100. In other embodiments, the strike face 102 can extend over the perimeter of the front 108 and can form a forward portion of at least one of the crown 110, the sole 112, the heel 104, and the toe 106. In such embodiments, the club head 100 can resemble a “cup face” or “face wrap” design. The strike face 102 comprises a striking surface 113 configured to impact a golf ball, and a back face (illustrated in later embodiments) opposite the striking surface 113.
As illustrated in
In many embodiments, the club head 100 can comprise a multi-material design. The strike face 102 can be formed from a metal material, and the body 101 can be formed from one or more metals or non-metal materials. In such embodiments, the body 101 can comprise a metallic first component 118 and a non-metallic second component 119. As illustrated in
Referring to
In many embodiments, the slit 130 can be located proximate to the strike face 112, and can be separated from the leading edge 103 by a forward sole portion 117. By proximity to the strike face 112, the slit 130 increases strike face 102 flexure at impact. Further, the slit 130 being proximate the strike face 102 can increase dynamic loft and/or reduce spin. Details of the slit 130 location, shape, and geometry are discussed further below.
Described herein are various embodiments of golf club heads comprising a slit 130 to improve the bending of the strike face 120. The sole 112 defines the slit 130. The slit 130 is configured to retain a flexure insert 150. Although the dimensions, characteristics, and features of the slit 130 are described in relation to club head 100, any slit 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1730, 1830 described herein can be combined with any club head embodiment described herein. For example, any of the flexure inserts 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750, 950, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1450, 1550, 1650, 1750, 1850 described in the embodiments below can be applied to any slit geometry described herein. Any of the flexure insert embodiments described above can be applied to a basic slit 130, wherein the slit 130 is devoid of any retaining walls or complex geometries. In other embodiments, any of the flexure inserts described above can be applied to a slit 130 comprising one or more retaining walls or other features described and illustrated in the following embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more retaining walls or other slit 130 geometries can complement the flexure insert 150 by providing further control over the flexure of the strike face 152 or by helping to retain the flexure insert 150 within the slit 130.
As described above and illustrated in
The slit 130 strategically weakens sole 112 proximate the strike face 102, allowing the strike face 102 to bend at impact. Accordingly, the slit 130 provides improved strike face 102 bending dynamics to provide beneficial golf ball performance characteristics such as increased speed, higher launch, and lower spin. As described in more detail below, the sole 112 can define various slit 130 embodiments to improve the flexure of the strike face 102.
The geometry and dimensions of the slit 130 are significant in determining the nature of the strike face 102 flexure at impact. The size, shape, and location of the slit 130 when viewed from the sole, as illustrated by
Referring to
The slit 130 profile can further be characterized by a slit width and a slit length. The width of the slit can be measured as a transverse width between the forward edge and the rearward edge. In many embodiments, the width of slit can range from 3.5 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the slit can be approximately 3.5 mm, 3.8 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, or 10 mm. The slit length can be measured as a distance between a heel most point of the slit 130 to a toe most point of the slit 130, measured parallel to the X-axis 1040. In many embodiments, the length of slit 130 can range from 70 mm to 90 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the slit can be approximately 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, or 90 mm.
The slit 130 profile can be further characterized by the shape of the slit 130. The slit 130 can be an elongated slit 130 extending across the sole 112 in a heel-to-toe direction. FIG. 28 illustrates an elongated slit 130 embodiment. The slit 130 can comprise a heel end 219 and a toe end 131. The heel end 129 and the toe end 131 can comprise rounded ends.
In some embodiments, the heel end 129 and the toe end 131 of the slit 130 can be angled with respect to the center of the slit 130. The heel end 129 and toe end 131 of the slit 130 can be angled rearward toward the rear 111 of the club head 101. The angled toe end 129 and heel end 131 of the slit 130 increases the length Ls of the slit 130 in the heel-to-toe direction. The heel end 129 and the toe end 131 of the slit 130 can extend rearward the strike face 102. Described in another way, a portion of a forward edge 132 of the slit 130 can be parallel with the strike face 102, while other portions of the slit forward edge 132 are non-parallel. The orientation of the slit forward edge 132 contributes to lengthening the slit 130, thereby increasing the flexure of the sole 112. Increasing the length Ls of the slit 130 increases the flexure of the sole 112. The angled heel end 129 and toe end 131 may also help secure the flexure insert within the slit 130.
Furthermore, the angle of the heel end 129 and the toe end 131 can aid in reducing overall stress that the slit 130 experiences. Due to the geometry of the elongated slit 130, the club head 100 experiences a buildup in stress at the ends 129, 131 upon impact with the golf ball. At impact, the forward edge 132 of the slit 130 deflects rearwardly, more so than at the center. When the slit 130 deflects, stress builds up at the toe end 129 and heel end 131. The angle of the heel end 129 and toe end 131 allow for more mass to be placed around the ends of the slit 130 to be able to withstand the stress buildup.
In other embodiments, the slit 130 profile can comprise other shapes and geometries to increase the flexure and durability of the slit 130. For example, the heel end 129 and toe end 131 can comprise a greater angle. The center of the slit 130 may also be angled or curved with respect to the leading edge. The heel end 129 and toe end 131 may also comprise a greater width or more rounded ends, similar to a dumbbell shape.
As discussed above and as illustrated in
The flexure insert 150 can comprise various configurations to adjust the overall stiffness of the slit 130 to achieve a desired flexure and support of the slit 130. In some embodiments, the flexure insert 150 can be stiffer near the center of the slit 130 than the near the heel end 129 or the toe end 131. In other embodiments, the flexure insert 150 can be stiffer near the heel end 129 or the toe end 131 if desired. Furthermore, the degree of stiffness of the flexure insert 150 can also be adjusted to provide a desired flexure and support of the slit 130. As such, the flexure insert 150 may be customized or specifically designed to adjust the overall performance of the slit 130 to achieve a desired flexure and support by targeting specific areas of the slit 130 to be stiffer or by adjusting the stiffness of the flexure insert 150 itself.
The stiffness of the flexure insert 150 can be adjusted by providing the flexure insert 150 with at least two materials. The flexure inserts described herein comprise at least two materials. The first material can comprise a first stiffness value and the second material can comprise a second stiffness value different the first. The first material and second material be arranged in any configuration to provide a desired stiffness profile of the slit, as described above.
In many embodiments, as illustrated and described below, the flexure insert 150 can comprise a spring component 160 and a cap 180. The flexure insert 150 is a separate component formed from a different material than the strike face 102 and the body 101. The flexure insert 150 is not integral (i.e. not formed from a same material as the sole 112) with the club head 100. The spring component 160 acts like a brace or support structure that prevents the slit 130 from over flexing to the point of failure. The spring component 160 can further aid in increasing internal energy of the club head 100 upon impact with the golf ball. The spring component 160 stores energy when it is compressed during impact and returns energy upon expansion thereby increasing overall performance of the slit 130. The spring component 160 provides improvement over previously used inserts by returning more energy back into the club head. The spring component functions in a linear-elastic manner while previously used inserts (polymeric and similar inserts) function in a viscoelastic manner. Viscoelastic compression will result in energy loss when compared to a linear elastic compression. Viscoelastic compressions absorb and dissipate energy such that energy does not return back into the system, resulting in a significant energy loss. The spring component 160 can comprise a plastic, composite, a spring steel, a titanium, or any other material which provides sufficient linear elastic compression. The linear elastic compression returns a majority, if not all, of the energy back into the system and club head, resulting in an increase in energy. The cap 180 seals the interior cavity 107 of the club head 100. The cap 180 can be formed from a polymer material. The cap 180 fills the remaining space of the slit 130 to close off communication between the exterior of the club head 100 and the interior cavity 107.
During a golf ball impact, the slit 130 allows the club head body 101 to flex more than a club head sole devoid of a slit 130. However, if the slit 130 flexes too much, this over flexing of the slit 130 will lead to cracks and failure. To prevent over flexing, the flexure insert 150 braces or supports the slit 130 as the sole 112 flexes under the impact of the golf ball. The flexure insert 150 prevents the sole 112 from over flexing during the golf ball impact thereby improving club head durability. Improved club head durability allows the club head 100 to achieve desirable strike face 102 flexing to increase ball speed, spin, and/or distance. In some embodiments, the flexure insert 150 can reduce the need for sole walls built up and around the slit 130. Additional built-up walls provide unnecessary weight additions in the forward sole portion that negatively affect MOI properties and CG location. Furthermore, the sole walls directly around the slit can be made thinner which will increase flexure and ball speed while also providing an increase in discretionary mass. The slit 130 and flexure insert 150 of the present invention provides maximum flexure of the strike face 102 and sole 112 while improving golf ball performance (e.g. ball speed, spin, and distance).
The flexure insert 150 comprising a spring component 160 provides performance benefits in comparison to traditional inserts devoid of a spring component. Traditional inserts are made of uniform viscoelastic materials which dissipate energy at impact rather than returning energy to the strike face 102. In comparison, the flexure insert 150 comprises a linearly elastic spring component 160 which efficiently stores and returns internal energy at impact, increasing ball speed and the overall internal energy of the club head.
In many embodiments, the flexure insert 150 comprising a spring component 160 can lead to an increase of internal energy at impact over a club head comprising an insert devoid of a spring component by between 3 lbf-in. and 25 lbf-in. In many embodiments, the increase in internal energy at impact can be between 3 and 5 lbf-in., between 5 and 10 lbf-in., between 10 and 15 lbf-in., between 15 and 20 lbf-in., or between 20 and 25 lbf-in. In many embodiments, the increase in internal energy at impact can be approximately 3 lbf-in., approximately 4 lbf-in., approximately 5 lbf-in., approximately 6 lbf-in., approximately 7 lbf-in., approximately 8 lbf-in., approximately 9 lbf-in., approximately 10 lbf-in., approximately 11 lbf-in., approximately 12 lbf-in., approximately 13 lbf-in., approximately 14 lbf-in., approximately 15 lbf-in., approximately 16 lbf-in., approximately 17 lbf-in., approximately 18 lbf-in., approximately 19 lbf-in., approximately 20 lbf-in., approximately 21 lbf-in., approximately 22 lbf-in., approximately 23 lbf-in., approximately 24 lbf-in., or approximately 25 lbf-in.
Likewise, in many embodiments, the flexure insert 150 comprising a spring component 160 can lead to an increase in ball speed at impact (measured at a club head speed of 100 mph) over a club head comprising an insert devoid of a spring component by between 0.5 mph and 4.5 mph. In many embodiments, the increase in ball speed at impact can be between 0.5 mph and 1.0 mph, between 1.0 mph and 1.5 mph, between 1.5 mph and 2.0 mph, between 2.0 mph and 2.5 mph, between 2.5 mph and 3.0 mph, between 3.0 mph and 3.5 mph, between 3.5 mph and 4.0 mph, or between 4.0 mph and 4.5 mph. In some embodiments, the increase in ball speed at impact can be approximately 0.5 mph, approximately 0.6 mph, approximately 0.7 mph, approximately 0.8 mph, approximately 0.9 mph, approximately 1.0 mph, approximately 1.1, approximately 1.2 mph, approximately 1.3 mph, approximately 1.4 mph, approximately 1.5 mph, approximately 1.6 mph, approximately 1.7 mph, approximately 1.8 mph, approximately 1.9 mph, approximately 2.0 mph, approximately 2.1 mph, approximately 2.2 mph, approximately 2.3 mph, approximately 2.4 mph, approximately 2.5 mph, approximately 2.6 mph, approximately 2.7 mph, approximately 2.8 mph, approximately 2.9 mph, approximately 3.0 mph, approximately 3.1 mph, approximately 3.2 mph, approximately 3.3 mph, approximately 3.4 mph, approximately 3.5 mph, approximately 3.6 mph, approximately 3.7 mph, approximately 3.8 mph, approximately 3.9 mph, approximately 4.0 mph, approximately 4.1 mph, approximately 4.2 mph, approximately 4.3 mph, approximately 4.4 mph, or approximately 4.5 mph.
As described in more detail below, the club head 100 comprises a flexure insert 150 configured to be inserted within the slit 130. In one embodiment, the flexure insert 150 can comprise a spring component 160 and a cap 180. The spring component 160 is configured to limit the flexure of the slit 130 during a golf ball impact while also increasing internal energy of the club head 100. The cap 180 is configured to seal the interior cavity 107 of the club head 100. The spring component 160 can be formed from a polymer, plastic, composite, a spring steel, or a titanium. The cap 180 can be formed from a polymer or plastic material.
In many embodiments, the spring component 160 is positioned in the center of the slit 130. In other embodiments, the spring component 160 can be positioned near the heel end 129 of the slit 130, near the center of the slit 130, near the toe end 131 of the slit 130, or any combination thereof. Typically, the middle of the sole 112 near the strike face 102 experiences a greater amount of flexing compared to portions of the sole 112 near the heel 104 or toe 106. In many embodiments, the spring component 160 is positioned near the center of the slit 130, where the sole 112 experiences the greatest amount of flexing.
The flexure insert 150 can comprise one spring component 160. In other embodiments, the flexure insert can comprise one, two, or three spring components 160. For embodiments comprising two spring components (not shown), a first spring component can be positioned near the center of the slit 130, and the second spring component can be positioned near the heel end 129 or near the toe end 131 of the slit 130. For embodiments comprising three spring components, a first spring component can be positioned into the central portion of the slit 130, a second spring component can be positioned near the heel end 129 of the slit 130, and a third spring component can be positioned near the toe end 131 of the slit 130.
Similar to a spring, the spring component 160 stores energy upon compression in a linear elastic manner. The spring component 160 of the flexure insert 150 undergoes compression upon impact of the golf ball. Upon impact, the forward edge 132 of the slit 130 flexes, or translates rearwardly, thereby compressing the flexure insert 150. The spring component 160 will both limit the amount of translation or flexion of the forward edge 132 of the slit 130 to prevent failure and increase energy returned back to the slit 130 while decompressing. In other words, the spring component 160 limits flexing of the slit 130 but will push, or spring, the slit 130 back to original shape, improving performance and durability. This provides improved structural integrity and an increase an internal energy over a viscoelastic polymeric insert.
The spring component 160 comprises a first material. The first material may be selected from the group consisting of: plastic, composite thermoset, steel, stainless steel, spring steel, titanium, and aluminum.
The spring component 160 further comprises a first modulus of elasticity value. In some embodiments, the first modulus of elasticity value can range from approximately 20 to 210 GPa. For example, the first modulus of elasticity value can range from approximately 20-70 GPa, 70-120 GPa, 120-170 GPa, or 170-210 GPa.
As discussed above, the flexure insert 150 comprises a cap 180 configured to seal the interior cavity 157 of the club head. The cap 180 can extend across the entirety of the profile of the slit 160 heel end 129 to the toe end 131 and from the forward edge 132 to the rearward edge 134 of the slit 130. The cap 180 closes off the slit 130 and separates the interior cavity 107 from the exterior of the club head 100. The cap 180 can comprise a cap exterior surface 188 that forms a portion of the sole 112 at the slit 130. The cap 180 blocks water and debris from entering the hollow interior cavity 107 and may also provide structural support to the slit 130 to assist in preventing the slit 130 from over flexing.
As described above, the flexure insert 150 comprises a cap 180 in addition to the spring component 160. The cap 180 comprises a second material. The second material may be an injected molded polymer such as TPE, TPU, silicon, butyl rubber, foam metal, or any other suitable material or combination thereof.
The cap 180 further comprises a second modulus of elasticity value. In some embodiments, the second modulus of elasticity value can range from approximately 0.1 GPa to 30 GPa. For example, the second modulus of elasticity value can range from approximately 0.1 to 1 GPa, 1 to 5 GPa, 5 to 10 GPa, 10 to 20 GPa, or 20 to 30 GPa. In other embodiments, the spring component may comprise a modulus of elasticity of at least 30 GPa, at least 31 GPa, at least 32 GPa, at least 33 GPa, at least 33 GPa, at least 34 GPa, at least 35 GPa, at least 40 GPa, at least 45 GPa, at least 50 GPa, at least 60 GPa, at least 70 GPa, at least 80 GPa, at least 90 GPa, or at least 100 GPa. The spring component 160 comprises a greater modulus of elasticity value than the cap 180 such that the first modulus of elasticity value is greater than the second modulus of elasticity value.
In many embodiments, and as illustrated in the embodiments in
As described above, the flexure insert 150 provides multiple benefits. The flexure insert 150 seals the interior cavity 107, reinforces the slit 130, and prevents over flexing of the slit 130. Specifically, the multi-material flexure insert 150 comprising a spring component 160 and a cap 180 can provide performance benefits over a traditional insert. The spring component 160 creates a spring effect that increases the internal energy transferred between the club head 100 and the golf ball, improving golf ball performance (i.e. ball speed, spin, and distance).
a. Flexure Insert with U-Shaped Spring Component
The front wall 162 and the rear wall 164 are configured to abut the front surface and the rear surface of the slit 130, respectively. In other embodiments, the front wall 162 and rear wall 164 may be offset from the front surface and rear surface of the slit. The front wall 162 and the rear wall 164 of the spring component 160 comprise a front protrusion 167 and rear protrusion 168 extending forward and rearwardly, respectively. The front and rear protrusions 167, 168 are configured to be received in a front recessed portion 140 and rear recessed portion 142, respectively. The protrusions 167, 168 allow for the spring component 160 to be secured within the slit 130. In other embodiments, the spring component 160 may have any number of other protrusions. For example, the spring component 160 may lack protrusions, the spring component 160 may have one protrusion, or the spring component 160 may have three or more protrusions.
As illustrated in
Upon impact with a golf ball, the front surface of the slit 130 deflects backwards, pushing the front wall 162 of spring component 160 rearward and closer to the rear wall 164. The top wall 166 of the spring component 160 will bend, due to the curved shape, loading the spring component 160 and storing internal energy. Once the spring component 160 has reached max compression and bending, the front wall 162 will spring forward, returning the front surface of the slit 130 back to the pre-impact position.
The spring component 160 comprises a length Lsc that is the distance from the heel most point of the spring component 160 to the toe most point of the spring component 160. In this embodiment, the spring component length Lsc is approximately 0.20 inches. In other embodiments, the spring component length Lsc can range from approximately 0.10 inches to 1.50 inches. The spring component length Lsc can also be expressed as a percentage of the total slit length Ls. The spring component length Lsc, in the illustrated embodiment, is approximately 32% of the total slit length Ls. In other embodiments, the spring component length Lsc can range from approximately 10% to 50% of the total slit length Ls.
The flexure insert 150 further comprises a cap 180. In this embodiment, the cap 180 covers the entire slit 130 and covers the spring component 160 such that the spring component 160 cannot be viewed from the exterior of the club. The spring component 160 is partially embedded in the cap 180 such that a portion of the spring component 160 can be seen from the interior of the club head. The cap 180 comprises a heel portion 182, a central portion 184, and a toe portion 186. The cap 180 can further comprise a thickness tc measured from the exterior surface 187 of the cap 180 to the interior surface 188 of the cap 180. In many embodiments, the cap 180 thickness tc can be greater in the heel portion and the toe portion than in the central portion.
The flexure insert 150 provides an increase in slit durability by stiffening the central portion of the slit. Furthermore, the U-shaped spring component 160 loads under deflection of the slit and stores energy. After maximum deflection occurs, the U-shaped spring component 160 returns energy back into the club head, increasing ball speed, spin, and distance. The U-shaped spring component 160 also prevents failure of the slit by preventing the slit from deflecting to the point of cracking.
In this embodiment, the spring component 160 comprises a U-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the spring component 160 can comprise other shaped configurations such as a V-shape or W-shaped configurations. In each of these embodiments, a portion of the spring component extends into the interior of the cavity such that a portion of the spring component is not embedded within the cap and can be seen from an interior view of the club head. In each of these embodiments, the spring component 160 contacts both the front and rear wall of the slit.
The geometries of the slit 130 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 130 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 150 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 150 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 130.
b. Flexure Insert with Suspended Spring Component
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In this embodiment, the spring component 260 comprises a continuous perimeter. The continuous perimeter enables the spring component 260 to bend and return back to shape. The spring component may be made into any desirable shape wherein the shape comprises a continuous perimeter. A discontinuity in the perimeter of the embedded spring component will negatively affect the spring components ability to store energy and spring back to shape as the spring component is not rigidly fixed to a wall of the slit.
The geometries of the slit 230 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 230 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 250 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 250 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 230.
c. Flexure Insert with N-Shaped Spring Component
The front arm 361 comprises a front arm top end 371 and a front arm bottom end 373 opposite the front arm top end 371. The front arm 361 forms a spring front wall 362 extending vertically between the front arm top end 371 and the front arm bottom end 373. The spring front wall 362 forms the forwardmost surface of the flexure insert 350 and is configured to engage the front surface of the slit 330.
Similarly, the rear arm 363 comprises a rear arm top end 375 and a rear arm bottom end 377 opposite the front arm top end 375. The rear arm 363 forms a spring rear wall extending vertically between the rear arm top end 375 and the rear arm bottom end 377. The spring rear wall 363 forms the rearward-most surface of the flexure insert 350 and is configured to engage the rear surface of the slit 330.
The cross arm 365 extends between the front arm 361 and the rear arm 363. In many embodiments, the cross arm 365 extends diagonally from the front arm top end 371 to the rear arm bottom end 377. This orientation forms an “N” shape when viewed in cross-section (as illustrated by
The N-shaped spring component 360 forms a front joint 378 located at the juncture between the cross arm 365 and the front arm 361 and a rear joint 379 located at the juncture between the cross arm 365 and the rear arm 363. The front joint 378 and the rear joint 379 create strategic weak points in the N-shaped spring component 360 that allows the component to compress in a front-to-rear direction. The N-shaped spring component 360 further defines a front joint angle defined as the acute angle formed between the front arm 361 and the cross arm 365. Similarly, the N-shaped spring component 360 defines a rear joint angle defined as the acute angle formed between the rear arm 363 and the cross arm 365. In many embodiments, the front joint angle and the rear joint angle can be substantially similar. In other embodiments, the front joint angle and the rear joint angle can be different. In many embodiments, the front joint angle and/or the rear joint angle can be between approximately 25 degrees and 65 degrees. For example, the front joint angle and/or rear joint angle can be between approximately 25 and 35 degrees, 35 and 45 degrees, 45 and 55 degrees, or 55 and 65 degrees. The front joint angle and the rear joint angle are each measured when the spring component is in a “rest” position wherein the club head is not experiencing any impact forces.
The N-shaped spring component 360 works in conjunction with the cap 380 to form the flexure insert 350. In some embodiments, both the front arm bottom end 373 and the rear arm bottom end 377 can be embedded within the cap 380 such that no portion of the N-shaped spring component 360 is exposed to the exterior of the club head. In some embodiments, the front arm top end 371 and the front arm bottom end 373 may not be embedded within the cap 380, such that the front arm top end 371 and the front arm bottom end 373 are exposed to the hollow interior cavity. In other embodiments, the N-shaped spring component 360 may be entirely embedded within the cap 380 wherein no portion of the N-shaped spring component 360 is exposed to either the exterior of the club head or the hollow interior cavity.
The N-shaped spring component is 360 configured to flex under load of golf ball impact while also providing structural support to the edges and surfaces of the slit 330 to prevent over flexing of the slit 330. Upon impact between the club head and a golf ball, the front joint 378 and the rear joint 379 allow the N-shaped spring component 360 to compress in response to the load applied to the front and rear arms 361, 363 by the edges of the slit 330. The further the N-shaped spring component 360 compresses, the greater resistance the spring component 360 applies to the edges of the slit 330. In this way, the N-shaped spring component 360 allows the slit 330 to flex without over flexing.
The N-shaped spring component 360 is configured to be placed within the central portion 390 of the slit 330 such that the heel and toe portions of the slit 330 lack the spring component 360. The spring component 360 targets and reinforces the central portion 390 of the slit to prevent over bending. In other embodiments, the spring component 360 may be configured to abut the heel or toe portions of the slit 330.
The geometries of the slit 330 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 330 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 350 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 350 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 330.
d. Flexure Insert with Hook Shaped Spring Component
The bumper 474 is located at a front end of the hook-shaped spring component 460, proximate the front surface 433 of the slit 430. The bumper 474 forms a bumper surface 476 configured to contact the slit front surface 433 as the slit 430 flexes upon impact with a golf ball. The bumper 474 can extend down into the slit 430 from the shank portion 461. In some embodiments, the bumper surface 476 can be substantially flat so as to sit flush against the front surface 433 of the slit 430. In other embodiments, as illustrated by
The anchor 463 is located at a rear end of the hook-shaped spring component 460 and attaches within an interior recess 470 of the sole rearward of the slit 430. As illustrated in
In many embodiments, the recess 470 can be located corresponding to the heel-to-toe location of the hook-shaped spring component 460 of a particular embodiment. For example, in many embodiments wherein the hook-shaped spring component 460 is located in the central portion of the slit 430, the recess 470 may be located within a central portion 490 of the sole rearward of the central portion 490 of the slit 430.
As mentioned above, the bumper portion 474 and the anchor 463 of the hook-shaped spring component 460 are connected by a shank portion 461. The shank portion 461 can extend substantially in a front-to-rear direction. The shank portion 461 can be partially located within the slit 430 and partially located within the hollow interior cavity. Because the bumper 474 is located within the slit 430 and the anchor 463 is housed within a recess 470 that is spaced rearwardly from the slit 430, the shank portion 461 can extend from the slit 430 to the recess 470 through the interior cavity. In many embodiments, as illustrated in
The hook-shaped spring component 460 is configured to flex under load of golf ball impact while also providing structural support to the edges and surfaces of the slit 430 to prevent over flexing of the slit 430. The hook-shaped spring component 460 can be compressed in a front-to-back direction upon impact with a golf ball. As the slit 430 flexes, the hook-shaped spring component 460 is compressed between the slit front surface, which applies a rearward force against the bumper 474 and the recess rear wall, forcing the bumper in a downward direction and bending the overall spring component 460, which applies a forward force on the anchor. The further the hook-shaped spring compresses, the greater resistance the spring component applies to the edges of the slit. In this way, the hook-shaped spring allows the slit to flex without over flexing.
The geometries of the slit 430 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 430 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 450 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 450 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 430.
e. Flexure Insert with Elongated U-Shaped Spring Component
The spring component 960 comprises a front wall 962, a rear wall 964, and a top wall 966 to create an elongated U-shaped appearance. The rear wall 964 comprises a protrusion 969 which extends rearwardly away from the rear wall 964 at the top portion of the rear wall 964. The protrusion 969 is configured to be received by the recess 937 of the rear surface 935 of the slit 930.
Upon impact with a golf ball, the front surface 933 of the slit 930 translates forward thereby compressing the spring component 960. The front wall 962 of the insert will also translate forwards, decreasing the distance between the front wall 962 and rear wall 964. The front wall 962 and rear wall 964 bend around the top wall 966.
The geometries of the slit 930 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 930 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 950 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 950 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 930.
f. Flexure Embodiment with Cross Arm
The spring component 1060 can comprise geometry that is similar in many ways to the “N” shaped spring component 360, described previously. The spring component 1060 comprises a front arm 1062, a rear arm 1064, and a cross arm 1066 connecting the front arm 1061 and the rear arm 1063. The spring component 1060 is configured to flex within the slit 1030 in response to the force of golf ball impact while providing resistance against over flexing of the slit 1030. The front arm 1061, rear arm 1063, and cross arm 1065 are configured to connect and function similarly to those of the front arm 361, rear arm 363, and cross arm 365 of the “N” shaped spring component 360. The upper surface protrusion 1039 can abut both the cross arm 1065 and the rear arm 1063 of the spring component 1060. As illustrated in
Upon impact with a golf ball, the front surface 1033 of the slit 1030 translates forward thereby compressing the spring component 1060. The front arm 1062 also translated rearward, decreasing the distance between the front arm 1062 and the cross arm 1066.
The geometries of the slit 1030 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 1030 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 1050 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 1050 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 1030.
g. Flexure Insert with Spring Component Comprising Concave Converging Walls
The spring component 1160 can comprise geometry that is similar in many ways to the “U” shaped spring component 160, described previously. The spring component 1160 comprises a front wall 1162, a rear wall 1164, and a top wall 1166 connecting the front wall 1162 and the rear wall 1164. The spring component 1160 is configured to flex within the slit 1130 in response to the force of golf ball impact while providing resistance against over flexing of the slit 1130. The front wall 1162, rear wall 1164, and cross wall 1166 are configured to connect and function similarly to those of the front wall 162, rear wall 164, and top wall 166 of the “U” shaped spring component 160. The front wall 1162 of the spring component 1160 comprises a protrusion 1169 configured to be received by the recess 1137.
Upon impact with a golf ball, the front surface 1133 of the slit 1130 translates forward thereby compressing the spring component 1160. The front wall 1162 of the insert will also translate forwards, decreasing the distance between the front wall 1162 and rear wall 1164. The front wall 1162 and rear wall 1164 bend around the top wall 1166.
The geometries of the slit 1130 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 1130 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 1150 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 1150 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 1130.
h. Flexure Insert with V-Shaped Spring Component
The “V” shaped spring component 1160 can comprise geometry that is similar in many ways to the “U” shaped spring component 160, described previously. The spring component 1260 comprises a front wall 1261, a rear wall 1263, and a top wall 1265 connecting the front wall 1261 and the rear wall 1263. The spring component 1260 is configured to flex within the slit 1230 in response to the force of golf ball impact while providing resistance against over flexing of the slit 1230. The front wall 1262, rear wall 1264, and cross wall 1266 are configured to connect and function similarly to those of the front wall 162, rear wall 164, and top wall 166 of the “U” shaped spring component 160.
Upon impact with a golf ball, the front surface 1233 of the slit 1230 translates forward thereby compressing the spring component 1260. The front wall 1262 of the insert will also translate forwards, decreasing the distance between the front wall 1262 and rear wall 1264. The front wall 1262 and rear wall 1264 bend around the top wall 1266.
The geometries of the slit 1230 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 1230 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 1250 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 1250 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 1230.
i. Flexure Insert Comprising U-Shaped Spring Component with Curved Rear Wall
The spring component 1360 can comprise geometry that is similar in many ways to the “U” shaped spring component 160, described previously. The spring component 1360 comprises a front wall 1360, a rear wall 1362, and a top wall 1366 connecting the front wall 1362 and the rear wall 1364. The spring component 1360 is configured to flex within the slit 1330 in response to the force of golf ball impact while providing resistance against over flexing of the slit 1330. The front wall 1362, rear wall 1364, and top wall 1366 are configured to connect and function similarly to those of the front wall 162, rear wall 164, and top wall 166 of the “U” shaped spring component 160. The rear wall 1364 comprises complimentary geometry to the curved rear surface 1335 of the slit 1330.
Upon impact with a golf ball, the front surface 1333 of the slit 1330 translates forward thereby compressing the spring component 1360. The front wall 1362 of the insert will also translate forwards, decreasing the distance between the front wall 1362 and rear wall 1364. The front wall 1362 and rear wall 1364 bend around the top wall 1366.
The geometries of the slit 1330 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 1330 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 1350 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 1350 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 1330.
j. Flexure Insert with U-Shaped Spring Component and Curved Surface
The spring component 1460 can comprise geometry that is similar in many ways to the “U” shaped spring component 160, described previously. The spring component 1460 comprises a front wall 1460, a rear wall 1462, and a bottom wall 1466 connecting the front wall 1462 and the rear wall 1464. The spring component 1460 is configured to flex within the slit 1430 in response to the force of golf ball impact while providing resistance against over flexing of the slit 1430. The front wall 1462, rear wall 1464, and bottom wall 1466 are configured to connect and function similarly to those of the front wall 162, rear wall 164, and top wall 166 of the “U” shaped spring component 160. The rear wall 1464 comprises complimentary geometry to the curved rear surface 1435 of the slit 1430.
Upon impact with a golf ball, the front surface 1433 of the slit 1430 translates forward thereby compressing the spring component 1460. The front wall 1462 of the insert will also translate forwards, decreasing the distance between the front wall 1462 and rear wall 1464. The front wall 1462 and rear wall 164 bend around the bottom wall 1466.
The geometries of the slit 1430 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 1430 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 1450 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 1450 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 1430.
k. Flexure Insert with Two Cross Arms
The spring component 1560 can comprise geometry that is similar in many ways to the “N” shaped spring component 360, described previously. The spring component 1560 comprises a front arm 1562, a rear arm 1564, a first cross arm 1566 connecting the front arm 1562 and the rear arm 1564, and a second cross arm 1568 connecting the front arm 1562 and the rear arm 1564. The first cross arm 1566 can be more proximate the interior cavity of the club head. The second cross arm 1568 can be more proximate the sole of the golf club. The first cross arm 1566 and the second cross arm 1568 can be spaced a distance from each other. The spring component 1560 is configured to flex within the slit 1530 in response to the force of golf ball impact while providing resistance against over flexing of the slit 1530. The front arm 1562, rear arm 1564, and cross arm 1566 are configured to connect and function similarly to those of the front arm 361, rear arm 363, and cross arm 365 of the “N” shaped spring component 360. The upper surface protrusion 1539 can abut both the cross arm 1566 and the rear arm 1564 of the spring component 1560. As illustrated in
Upon impact with a golf ball, the front surface 1533 of the slit 1530 translates forward thereby compressing the spring component 1560. The front arm 1562 of the insert will also translate forwards, decreasing the distance between the front arm 1562 and rear arm 1564. The orientation and angle of the first cross arm 1566 and second cross arm 1568 will cause the front arm 1562 to also move slightly inward toward the interior of the club head when the spring component 1560 is compressed.
The geometries of the slit 1530 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 1530 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 1550 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 1550 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 1530.
l. Flexure Insert with Z-Shaped Spring Component
The spring component 1660 can comprise a “Z-shaped” configuration, wherein the spring component 1660 comprises a top arm 1662, a cross arm 1664, and a bottom arm 1666. The spring component 1660 comprises complimentary geometry to the surface of the front wall 1631 and rear wall 1641 of the slit 1630. The “Z-shaped” configuration improves the inserts 1650 ability to be held within the slit 1630.
The geometries of the slit 1630 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 1630 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 1650 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 1650 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 1630.
m. Flexure Insert with Upside-Down U-Shaped Spring Component and Protrusions
The spring component 1760 can comprise geometry that is similar in many ways to the “U” shaped spring component 160, described previously. The spring component 1760 comprises a front wall 1762, a rear wall 1764, and a top wall 1766 connecting the front wall 1762 and the rear wall 1764. The spring component 1760 is configured to flex within the slit 1730 in response to the force of golf ball impact while providing resistance against over flexing of the slit 1730. The front wall 1762, rear wall 1764, and a top wall 1766 are configured to connect and function similarly to those of the front wall 162, rear wall 164, and top wall 166 of the “U” shaped spring component 160. In the present embodiment the top wall 1766 is locate proximate the interior cavity of the golf club head. The front wall 1762 of the spring component 1760 comprises a first protrusion 1769 and a second protrusion 1770 configured to be received by the first recess 1737 and the second recess 1738.
Upon impact with a golf ball, the front surface 1733 of the slit 1730 translates forward thereby compressing the spring component 1760. The front wall 1762 of the insert will also translate forwards, decreasing the distance between the front wall 1762 and rear wall 1764. The front wall 1762 and rear wall 1764 bend around the top wall 1766.
The geometries of the slit 1730 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 1730 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 1750 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 1750 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 1730.
n. Flexure Elongated U-Shaped Spring Component with Protrusions
The spring component 1860 can comprise geometry that is similar in many ways to the “U” shaped spring component 160, described previously. The spring component 1860 comprises a front wall 1862, a rear wall 1864, and a bottom wall 1866 connecting the front wall 1862 and the rear wall 1864. The spring component 1860 is configured to flex within the slit 1830 in response to the force of golf ball impact while providing resistance against over flexing of the slit 1830. The front wall 1862, rear wall 1864, and bottom wall 1866 are configured to connect and function similarly to those of the front wall 162, rear wall 164, and top wall 166 of the “U” shaped spring component 160. In the present embodiment the bottom wall 1866 is locate proximate the sole of the golf club head. The front wall 1862 of the spring component 1860 comprises a first protrusion 1869 and a second protrusion 1870 configured to be received by the first recess 1837 and the second recess 1838.
Upon impact with a golf ball, the front surface 1833 of the slit 1830 translates forward thereby compressing the spring component 1860. The front wall 1862 of the insert will also translate forwards, decreasing the distance between the front wall 1862 and rear wall 1864. The front wall 1862 and rear wall 1864 bend around the bottom wall 1866.
The geometries of the slit 1830 as illustrated in the figures are not to be construed as limiting but rather illustrated as an exemplary embodiment. For example, the width, length, profile, and walls of the slit 1830 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the geometries of the flexure insert 1850 may also be adjusted so that flexure insert 1850 is complimentary to the walls of the slit 1830.
o. Enveloping Cap with Exposed Spring Component
The spring component 2260, in this embodiment, is a solid slat or leaf spring. The spring component 2260 extends from the heel side wall 2286 to the toe side wall 2288 of the cap 2280. As illustrated in
The thickness of the spring component 2260 can be adjusted to affect the overall flexure properties of the slit. The thickness of the spring component 2260 can be varied along the length of the spring component 2260. For example, in some embodiments, the spring component 2260 is thicker in the middle than at the heel and toe ends. In other embodiments, the thickness of the spring component 2260 is constant along the entire length of the spring component 2260. The thickness of the spring component, measured from the front surface to the rear surface, can be between 0.050 inch and 0.50 inch. In some embodiments, the thickness can be between 0.050 and 0.10 inch, 0.10 and 0.20 inch, 0.20 and 0.30 inch, 0.30 and 0.40 inch, or between 0.40 and 0.50 inch.
In the illustrated embodiment, the spring component 2260 comprises a length that is greater than 85% of the length of the cap 2280. In other embodiments, the spring component 2260 can have a length less than 85% of the length of cap 2280. For example, in some embodiments, the spring component 2260 has a length that is at least 85%, 90%, or 95% of the length of the cap 2280. In other examples, the spring component 2260 can have a length that is less than 85%, 75%, 65%, or less than 60% of the length of the cap 2280.
In this embodiment, the spring component 2260 is made from a first material having a first elastic modulus. The material of the spring component 2260 can be a polymer, plastic, composite, a spring steel, titanium, or aluminum. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring component 2260 is made from an aluminum material. The cap 2280 is made from a second material having a second elastic modulus. The second modulus is less than the first modulus. As such, the modulus of the spring component 2260 determines the flexibility or rigidity of the slit.
p. U-shape Cap with Stepped Spring Component
q. Embedded Spring Component
In the illustrated embodiment of
r. U-shape Cap with Cantilever Spring Component
As mentioned above, the bumper 2560 contacts the front wall 2533 of the slit during significant deflection (i.e., contact with a ball at normal/average swing speeds with wood-type club heads). The bumper 2560 is made from a different material than the cantilever arm 2550 and then separately attached to the tip end 2552. The bumper 2560 can be made from a non-metal material to prevent galling during contact with the front wall 2533. The bumper 2560 can be made from a non-metal that enables sufficient and unrestricted sliding of the bumper 2560 with minimal friction with the front wall 2533. For example, in some embodiments, the bumper 2560 is made from a Delrin material or an acetal plastics such polyoxymethylene (POM). In other embodiments, the bumper 2560 can be made from other thermoplastics, thermosets, ceramics, or composites.
The cantilevered arm 2550 can be integrally formed with the interior surface of the sole or it can be separately attached. In some embodiments, the cantilevered arm 2550 is coupled to a mass pad located on the interior sole of the golf club head. The mass pad is an area of increased thickness compared to the surrounding walls of the club head. For example, the mass pad can be at least 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm thicker than the surrounding wall thickness. The cantilever arm 2560 can be made from the same material as the body of the club head or can be made from a different material such as a spring steel or any other of the aforementioned materials for spring components described above. The material of the cantilevered arm 2550 can be selected to adjust energy storage characteristics and to provide a desired stiffness and/or bending characteristic.
Furthermore, the thickness and length of the cantilevered arm can be adjusted to provide a desired stiffness or bending characteristic. The thickness is directly proportional to stiffness. The thickness can be reduced to lower the stiffness or increased to raise the stiffness. In some embodiments, the thickness of the cantilevered arm can be between 0.030 and 0.50 inch. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness can be between 0.030 and 0.10 inch, 0.10 and 0.20 inch, 0.20 and 0.30 inch, 0.30 and 0.40 inch, or between 0.40 and 0.50 inch.
The length of the cantilevered arm, also referred to as the rear offset distance 2565 and illustrated in
The radius of curvature of the cantilevered arm 2550 can be adjusted to further provide a desired stiffness. The radius of curvature can be reduced to lower the stiffness, or the radius of curvature can be increased to increase the stiffness. The radius of curvature of the cantilever arm 2550 can be non-uniform between the tip end and the fixed end. The radius of curvature can vary between 0.25 inch to 5 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the radius of curvature can vary between 0.25 and 1 inch, 1 and 2 inches, 2 and 3 inches, 3 and 4 inches, or vary between 4 and 5 inches.
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the bumper 2560 and cantilevered arm 2550 are located approximately in a center portion of the slit. In other embodiments, the bumper 2560 and cantilever arm 2550 can be located more toeward or more heelward. The cantilevered arm 2550 can be positioned to reinforce desired regions in a heel-toe direction to achieve desired performance characteristics. In some embodiments, the club head can comprise two or more cantilevered arm to reinforce two or more desired regions. In other embodiments, the cantilevered arm can comprise two or more tip ends while only having one fixed end. For example, the cantilevered arm can comprise a Y-shape appearance with two tip ends. In this embodiment, each tip end comprises a separate bumper. The Y-shaped cantilevered arm strategically reinforces two distinct regions of the slit.
In some embodiments, the slit rear wall 2535 can comprise a rear wall indentation 2540, as shown in
As illustrated in
As described above, the cantilever arm 2550 flexes and bends during impact with a golf ball. As such, the cantilever arm 2550 comprises an unloaded configuration and a loaded configuration. The unloaded configuration can be defined by the bumper offset from the front wall of the slot by a distance greater than 0 inch. The loaded configuration can be defined by the bumper contacting the front wall. In the loaded configuration, the amount of bending or translation can vary depending on the club head speed and contact location of the golf ball on the face. The bumper should be placed sufficiently close to the front wall so that the front wall can contact the bumper over the entire period of contact with a golf ball. For example, the bumper should be placed less than 0.025 inch away from the front wall.
V. Single-Material Flexure Insert with Lattice Structure
In many embodiments, the club head can comprise a single-material flexure insert 2050 comprising a variable effective density, as shown in
The flexure insert 2050 can comprise a polymeric material, such as a polymer matrix composite. The polymer matrix composite can comprise a glass-filled elastomer, a stainless steel-filled elastomer, a tungsten-filled elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composite, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) composite, or any other elastomer matrix composite, a Kevlar® (aramid) fiber-reinforced polymer, a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, polymer-based foam, any combination of a suitable resin and a suitable reinforcing fiber, or any combination of the above materials.
In many embodiments, the flexure insert 2050 can comprise a material density between 0.75 and 2.0 g/cm3. In many embodiments, the flexure insert 2050 can comprise a material density between 0.75 and 1.0 g/cm3, between 1.0 and 1.25 g/cm3, between 1.25 and 1.5 g/cm3, between 1.5 and 1.75 g/cm3, or between 1.75 and 2.0 g/cm3.
In many embodiments, the flexure insert 2050 can comprise a material durometer between shore 30A and shore 90D. In some embodiments, the material hardness of the flexure insert 2050 can be between shore 30A and shore 50A, between shore 50A and shore 70A, between shore 70A and shore 90A, between shore 10D and shore 30D, between shore 30D and shore 50D, between shore 50D and shore 70D, or between shore 70D and shore 90D.
In many embodiments, the effective density of the flexure insert 2050 can be between 0.35 and 1.0 g/cm3. In many embodiments, at least a portion of the flexure insert 2050 can have an effective density between 0.35 and 0.50 g/cm3, between 0.40 and 0.55 g/cm3, between 0.45 and 0.60 g/cm3, between 0.50 and 0.65 g/cm3, between 0.55 and 0.70 g/cm3, between 0.60 and 0.75 g/cm3, between 0.65 and 0.80 g/cm3, between 0.70 and 0.85 g/cm3, between 0.75 and 0.90 g/cm3, between 0.80 and 0.95 g/cm3, or between 0.85 and 1.0 g/cm3. Different portions of the flexure insert 2050 can have different effective densities to provide a desired stiffness and modulus of the slit.
In many embodiments, the flexure insert 2050 has a higher effective density in portions of the slit 2030 that require reinforcement (i.e., in high-stress areas). In many embodiments, the flexure insert 2050 can also have a lower effective density in portions of the slit 2030 that do not require reinforcement (i.e., in low-stress areas), therefore allowing greater flexure in said portions without compromising the durability of the slit 2050.
In the embodiment illustrated in
The flexure insert 2050, illustrated in
The central portion 2084 can comprise the maximum effective density of the flexure insert 2050. In many embodiments, the maximum effective density of the flexure insert 2050 can be between 0.75 g/cm3 and 1.0 g/cm3. Further, the heel portion 2082 and/or the toe portion 2086 can comprise the minimum effective density of the flexure insert 2050. In many embodiments, the minimum effective density of the flexure insert 2050 can be between 0.35 g/cm3 and 0.5 g/cm3.
Providing the flexure insert 2050 with a greater effective density in the central portion 2084 and a lesser effective density in the heel portion 2082 and the toe portion 2086 can locally reinforce the center of the slit 2030 while allowing for maximum flexure of the slit 2030 near the heel end 2029 and the toe end 2031. This embodiment can be useful to provide in a slit 2030 that experiences high stress near the center.
Further, as illustrated in
The heel portion 2182 and/or the toe portion 2186 can comprise the maximum effective density of the flexure insert 2150. In many embodiments, the maximum effective density of the flexure insert 2150 can be between 0.75 g/cm3 and 1.0 g/cm3. Further, the central portion 2184 can comprise the minimum effective density of the flexure insert 2150. In many embodiments, the minimum effective density of the flexure insert 2150 can be between 0.35 g/cm3 and 0.5 g/cm3.
Providing the flexure insert 2150 with a greater effective density in the heel portion 2182 and toe portion 2186 and a lesser effective density in the central portion 2184 can locally reinforce the heel end 2129 and the toe end 2131 of the slit 2130 while allowing for maximum flexure of the slit 2130 near center. This embodiment can be useful to provide in a slit 2130 that experiences high stress near the heel end 2129 and the toe end 2131. The flexure insert 2150 can further comprise a base layer 2185 similar to base layer 2085, which seals the interior cavity 2107 and prevents dirt or debris from entering the flexure insert 2150 or the interior cavity 2107.
The performance of the slit 130 (i.e. the amount of strike face 102 flexure the slit creates) can depend on the structure of the slit 130. The slit 130 structure refers to the structure surrounding the through-opening created by the slit 130 and can include various walls of the slit 130 and features of the club head 100 that are adjacent to the slit 130. The structure of the slit 130 can influence how the slit 130 bends as well as how the flexure insert 150 is retained within the slit 130. In some cases, the slit 130 structure can further influence the durability of the slit 130 and can help in preventing failure of the sole 112. In many embodiments, it can be desirable to provide a minimal complexity to the slit 130 structure to allow for a simplified manufacture. In many embodiments, structure of the slit 130 can include features such a mass pads (described in further detail below) that can alter the mass properties of the club head 100 to compensate for the addition of the slit 130.
As described above, in many embodiments, the slit 130 can be a basic opening through the sole 112. In such embodiments, the slit 130 structure is not formed by any retaining walls or built-up structure around the slit 130, the walls and surfaces of the slit 130 are simply formed by the thickness of the sole 112. In many such embodiments, the thickness of the sole 112 at the forward edge 132 of the slit 130 can be similar or equal to the thickness of the sole 112 at the rearward edge 134 of the slit 130.
In many embodiments, rather than a forming a basic slit 130, the club head 100 can comprise a slit 130 with a structure containing one or more retaining walls or other built-up features surrounding the slit 130. As described above, the slit 130 structure can improve the durability and flexibility properties of the slit 130 as well as the ability of the slit 130 to retain a flexure insert 150.
In the embodiment of
Similarly, the rear retaining wall 592b can be a vertical wall extending substantially perpendicular to the interior surface 521 of the sole 512. The rear retaining wall 592b further comprises a front surface 594a disposed toward the slit 530 and configured to abut the flexure insert 550 and a rear surface 595b disposed toward the rear 511 of the club head 500. Similar to the front retaining wall 592a, the rear retaining wall 592b comprises a base 596b at the junction between the rear retaining wall 592b and the sole 512 and a free top end 597b opposite the base 596b. In many embodiments, the front retaining wall 592a and the rear retaining wall 592b can be substantially parallel to one another. In other embodiments, one or both retaining walls 592 can be angled with respect to the other.
Being located on the forward edge 532 and the rearward edge 534, respectively, of the slit 530, the front retaining wall 592a and the rear retaining wall 592b are spaced apart from one another in a front-to-rear direction and form a through-opening from the exterior of the club head 500 into the interior cavity 507. The slit 530 forms an exterior opening 538 between the front retaining wall base 596a and the rear retaining wall base 596b. The exterior opening 538 forms the entrance into the slit 530 from the exterior of the club head 500. The slit 530 further forms an interior opening 536 between the front retaining wall top end 597a and the rear retaining wall top end 597b. The interior opening 536 forms the exit of the slit 530 into the interior cavity 507.
The retaining walls 592 illustrated in
Referring to
Further, the front retaining wall 692a comprises a front wall upper portion 698a extending from the end of the front transition portion 693a opposite the base 696a and further into the interior cavity 607. The front wall upper portion 698a can be substantially vertical such that the front wall upper portion 698a is approximately perpendicular to the sole interior surface 621. Said gradual change in geometry can improve durability by minimizing stress risers occurring around front retaining wall 692a.
Similar to the front retaining wall 692a, the rear retaining wall 692b can comprise a rear wall transition portion 693b beginning at the base 696b of the rear retaining wall 692b and extending into the interior cavity 607. The rear wall transition portion 693b can be angled relative to the sole interior surface 621. In many embodiments, the rear surface 695b of the rear wall transition portion 693b can be angled relative to the sole interior surface 621 by an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the rear surface 695b of the rear wall transition portion 693b and the sole interior surface 621 can be between 30 and 40 degrees, 35 and 45 degrees, 40 and 50 degrees, 45 and 55 degrees, or 50 and 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the rear surface 695b of the rear wall transition portion 693b and the sole interior surface 621 can be approximately 30 degrees, approximately 35 degrees, approximately 40 degrees, approximately 45 degrees, approximately 50 degrees, approximately 55 degrees, or approximately 60 degrees. The angle of the rear wall transition portion 693b provides a gradual change in geometry between the sole 612 and the rear retaining wall 692b. Said gradual change in geometry can improve durability by minimizing stress risers occurring around rear retaining wall 692b.
Further, the rear retaining wall 692b comprises a rear wall upper portion 698b extending from the end of the rear transition portion 698b opposite the base 696b and further into the interior cavity 607. The rear wall upper portion 698b can be substantially vertical such that the rear wall upper portion 698b is approximately perpendicular to the sole interior surface 621. In many embodiments, the rear wall upper portion 698b can be parallel to the front wall upper portion 698a.
Although the embodiment of
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
VII. Club Head with Slit and Strike Face Crown Return
The club heads described herein can comprise various additional features that work in conjunction with the slit (either directly or indirectly) to provide a high-performing club head. Any of the additional features described below can be provided in combination with any of the various slits 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1730, 1830 and flexure inserts 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750, 950, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1450, 1550, 1650, 1750, 1850 described herein.
In many embodiments, as illustrated in
In many embodiments, the strike face 702 and the body 701 are formed of different materials. In many embodiments, the strike face 702 comprises a higher-strength material than the body 701. Forming a portion of the crown 710 with the crown return 727 provides higher-strength material along the transition from the front end 708 to the crown 710. The crown return 727 thereby increases the durability of said areas, which are typically at an increased risk for failure at impact.
Providing the crown return 727 places higher-strength strike face 702 material on a forward portion of the crown 710, in doing so, said forward portion of the crown 710 can be thinned without sacrificing durability. Thinning this portion of the crown 710 can increase the flexure of the strike face 702, complementing the internal energy gains created by the slit 730 to provide a maximum increase in ball speed. In many embodiments, the crown return 727 can comprise a thickness (measured from an exterior surface of the crown return 727 to an interior surface) less than 0.040 inch. In many embodiments, the crown return 727 can comprise a thickness less than 0.038 inch, less than 0.036 inch, less than 0.034 inch, less than 0.032 inch, less than 0.030 inch, less than 0.028 inch, less than 0.026 inch, less than 0.024 inch, less than 0.022 inch, or less than 0.020 inch.
Typically, the strike face 702 can be formed by stamping, pressing, or forging, rather than through a casting process. This makes it difficult for the strike face 702 to be formed into a complicated geometry. In many embodiments of the club head 700 comprising a slit 730, particularly the embodiments above describing one or more retaining walls, the geometry of the slit 730 must be cast into the sole 712. The close proximity of the slit 730 to the front end 708 in many embodiments makes it disadvantageous to form any portion of the sole 712 by the strike face 702. As such, the strike face 702 may be devoid of a sole return. In such embodiments, the strike face 702 can form a portion of the crown 710 via the crown return 727, but no portion of the sole 712.
In other embodiments (not shown), particularly embodiments with a simple slit 730 design, the strike face 702 may comprise a sole return extending rearward from the striking surface portion 728 along the sole 712. In such embodiments, the sole return may comprise one or more edges forming one or more edges of the slit 730. The strike face 702 comprising a crown return 727 can be provided in combination with any of the various slit geometries described herein and in combination with any of the various flexure insert embodiments 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750, 950, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1450, 1550, 1650, 1750, 1850 described herein.
VIII. Club Head with Slit and Mass Pad
In many embodiments, the club head comprises an internal mass pad to provide a desirable CG location that further improves golf ball performance characteristics. Referring to
In many embodiments, as illustrated in
In other embodiments (not shown), it may be desirable for the mass pad 745 to be directly adjacent the slit 730 such that the mass pad 745 forms a portion of the slit 730. In such embodiments, the mass pad 745 can form at least a portion of the slit rear edge 734. Providing the mass pad 745 directly adjacent to the slit 730 can provide a more aggressive forward CG 799 position, resulting in improved golf ball launch characteristics (i.e. lower spin rate).
In many embodiments, the mass pad 745 can comprise a mass between 25 grams and 40 grams. In some embodiments, the mass pad 745 can comprise a mass between 25 and 30 grams, between 30 and 35 grams, or between 35 and 40 grams. As discussed above, in many embodiments, the mass pad 745 is integrally formed with the sole 712. In other embodiments, the mass pad 745 can be separately formed and attached to the sole 712 (either from the interior or the exterior) via adhesive and/or mechanical attachment means.
The club heads described herein provide a means for improving strike face bending dynamics to provide beneficial golf ball performance characteristics such as increased speed, higher launch, and lower spin. As described above, the slit 130 is located proximate to the strike face 102 to influence the bending properties of the strike face 102. The following mass properties are applicable to any combination of the various slits 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1730, 1830 and flexure inserts 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750, 950, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1450, 1550, 1650, 1750, 1850 described herein.
Slit considerations often remove mass in the front of the club head which can negatively impact center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI) properties. However, the club heads described herein comprise an enhanced center of gravity location thereby providing improved moment of inertia properties. Specifically, the club heads comprising the slit described herein comprise a low and rear center of gravity position, which provides a high moment inertia. Club heads comprising a high moment inertia provide increased forgiveness for off-center hits. Therefore, the various configurations of club heads comprising a slit as described herein provide improved feel, increased forgiveness, and improved playability.
To achieve the enhanced center of gravity position and high moment of inertia properties, the club head can further comprise structures that affect the mass properties of the club head such as removable weights, mass pads, thinned crown, weighted inserts, and/or lightweight crown formed from a non-metal material. These structures allow for adjustments to the mass properties to achieve a low and rear CG position and high moment of inertia properties. Described below are enhanced CG locations that provide a low and rear CG position to increase the moment of inertia and club head forgiveness.
For various embodiments of drivers-type club heads, the CGx location can range between −2 mm to 6 mm. In some embodiments, the drivers-type club head comprises a CGx location between −2 mm to 2 mm, or 2 mm to 6 mm. In some embodiments, the drivers-type club head comprises a CGx location of approximately −2 mm, −1.5 mm, −1 mm, 0 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, or 6 mm.
For various embodiments of fairway wood-type club heads, the CGx location can range between −7 mm to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the fairway wood-type club head comprises a CGx location between −7 mm to −3 mm, or −3 mm to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the fairway wood-type club head comprises a CGx location of approximately −7 mm, −6 mm, −5 mm, −4 mm, −3 mm, −2 mm, −1 mm, 0 mm, 0.5 mm, or 1 mm.
For various embodiments of hybrid-type club heads, the CGx location can range between −5 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the hybrid-type club head comprises a CGx location between −5 mm to −1 mm, or −1 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the hybrid-type club head comprises a CGx location between −4 mm to 0 mm, −3 mm to 1 mm, or −2 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the hybrid-type club head comprises a CGx location of approximately −5 mm, −4 mm, −3 mm, −2.5 mm, −2 mm, −1.5 mm, −1 mm, −0.5 mm, 0 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm.
For various embodiments of drivers-type club heads, the CG comprises CGy location ranging between −4 mm to −10 mm. In some embodiments, the drivers-type club head comprises a CGy location ranging between −4 to −7 mm, or −7 mm to −10 mm. In some embodiments, the drivers-type club head comprises a CGy location of approximately −4 mm, −5 mm, −6 mm, −7 mm, −8 mm, −9 mm, or −10 mm.
For various embodiments of fairway wood-type club heads, the CG comprises a CGy location ranging between −3 mm to −12 mm. In some embodiments, the fairway wood-type club head comprises a CGy location ranging between −3 mm to −7 mm, or −7 mm to −12 mm. In some embodiments, the fairway wood-type club head comprises a CGy location of approximately −3 mm, −4 mm, −5 mm, −6 mm, −7 mm, −8 mm, −9 mm, −10 mm, −11 mm, or −12 mm.
For various embodiments of hybrid-type club heads, the CG comprises CGy location ranging between −3 mm to −12 mm. In some embodiments, the hybrid-type club head comprises a CGy location ranging between −3 mm to −8 mm, or −8 mm to −12 mm. In some embodiments, the hybrid-type club head comprises a CGy location ranging between −4 mm to −8 mm, −5 mm to −9 mm, −6 mm to −10 mm, −7 mm to −11 mm, or −8 mm to −12 mm. In some embodiments, the hybrid-type club head comprises a CGy location of approximately −3 mm, −4 mm, −5 mm, −6 mm, −7 mm, −8 mm, −9 mm, −10 mm, −11 mm, or −12 mm.
For various embodiments of drivers-type club heads, the CG comprises a CGz location greater than 38 mm, greater than 40 mm, greater than 42 mm, greater than 45 mm, or greater than 48 mm. In some embodiments, the drivers-type club head comprises a CGz location ranging between 38 mm to 55 mm. In some embodiments, the drivers-type club head comprises a CGz location ranging between 38 mm to 45 mm, or 45 to 55 mm. In some embodiments, the drivers-type club head comprises a CGz location of approximately 38 mm, 39 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, 46 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, or 55 mm.
For various embodiments of fairway wood-type club heads, the CG can comprise a CGz location greater than 25 mm, greater than 28 mm, or greater than 30 mm. In some embodiments, the fairway wood-type club head comprises a CGz location ranging between 25 mm to 40 mm. In some embodiments, the fairway wood-type club head comprises a CGz location between 25 mm to 32 mm, or 32 mm to 40 mm. In some embodiments, the fairway wood-type club head comprises a CGz location of approximately 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm, 30 mm, 31 mm, 32 mm, 33 mm, 34 mm, 35 mm, 36 mm, 37 mm, 38 mm, 39 mm, or 40 mm.
For various embodiments of hybrid-type club heads, the CG can comprise a CGz location greater than 15 mm, greater than 18 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 22 mm, or greater than 24 mm. In some embodiments, the hybrid-type club head comprises a CGz location ranging between 15 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the hybrid-type club head comprises a CGz location between 15 mm to 25 mm, or 25 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the hybrid-type club head comprises a CGz location between 16 mm to 26 mm, 17 mm to 27 mm, 18 mm to 28 mm, 19 mm to 29 mm, or 20 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the hybrid-type club head comprises a CGz location of approximately 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, or 30 mm.
As described above and with reference to
For various embodiments of drivers-type club heads, in many embodiments, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can be greater than approximately 3000 g-cm2, greater than approximately 3250 g-cm2, greater than approximately 3500 g-cm2, greater than approximately 3750 g-cm2, greater than approximately 4000 g-cm2, greater than approximately 4250 g-cm2, greater than approximately 4500 g-cm2, greater than approximately 4750 g-cm2, or greater than approximately 5000 g-cm2. For various embodiments of drivers-type club heads, in many embodiments, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range between 3000 g-cm2 to 5000 g-cm2. In other embodiments, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range between 3000 g-cm2 to 4000 g-cm2, or 4000 g-cm2 to 5000 g-cm2. For example, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can be 3000 g-cm2, 3100 g-cm2, 3200 g-cm2, 3300 g-cm2, 3400 g-cm2, 3500 g-cm2, 3600 g-cm2, 3700 g-cm2, 3800 g-cm2, 3900 g-cm2, 4000 g-cm2, 4100 g-cm2, 4200 g-cm2, 4300 g-cm2, 4400 g-cm2, 4500 g-cm2, 4600 g-cm2, 4700 g-cm2, 4800 g-cm2, 4900 g-cm2, or 5000 g-cm2.
For various embodiments of fairway wood-type club heads, in many embodiments, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can be greater than approximately 1200 g-cm2, greater than approximately 1300 g-cm2, greater than approximately 1400 g-cm2, greater than approximately 1500 g-cm2, greater than approximately 1600 g-cm2, greater than approximately 1700 g-cm2, greater than approximately 1800 g-cm2, or greater than approximately 1900 g-cm2. In other embodiments, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range between 1200 g-cm2 to 2200 g-cm2. In other embodiments, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range between 1200 g-cm2 to 1700 g-cm2, or 1700 g-cm2 to 2200 g-cm2. For example, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can be 1200 g-cm2, 1300 g-cm2, 1400 g-cm2, 1500 g-cm2, 1600 g-cm2, 1700 g-cm2, 1800 g-cm2, 1900 g-cm2, 2000 g-cm2, 2100 g-cm2, or 2200 g-cm2.
For various embodiments of hybrid-type club heads, in many embodiments, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can be greater than approximately 880 g-cm2, greater than approximately 890 g-cm2, greater than approximately 900 g-cm2, greater than approximately 910 g-cm2, greater than approximately 920 g-cm2, greater than approximately 930 g-cm2, greater than approximately 940 g-cm2, greater than approximately 950 g-cm2, or greater than approximately 960 g-cm2. In other embodiments, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range from 880 g-cm2 to 1500 g-cm2. In other embodiments, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range from 880 g-cm2 to 1200 g-cm2, or 1200 g-cm2 to 1500 g-cm2. In other embodiments still, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range from 900 g-cm2 to 1300 g-cm2, 1000 g-cm2 to 1400 g-cm2, or 1100 g-cm2 to 1500 g-cm2. For example, the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx can be 880 g-cm2, 900 g-cm2, 920 g-cm2, 930 g-cm2, 940 g-cm2, 950 g-cm2, 960 g-cm2, 970 g-cm2, 980 g-cm2, 990 g-cm2, 1000 g-cm2, 1020 g-cm2, 1100 g-cm2, 1200 g-cm2, 1300 g-cm2, 1400 g-cm2, or 1500 g-cm2.
For various embodiments of drivers-type club heads, in many embodiments, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can be greater than approximately 4500 g-cm2, greater than approximately 4800 g-cm2, greater than approximately 5000 g-cm2, greater than approximately 5150 g-cm2, greater than approximately 5250 g-cm2, greater than approximately 5500 g-cm2, greater than approximately 5750 g-cm2, or greater than approximately 6000 g-cm2. In other embodiments, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 4500 g-cm2 and 6000 g-cm2. In other embodiments, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 4500 g-cm2 to 5200 g-cm2, or 5200 g-cm2 to 6000 g-cm2. For example, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can be 4500 g-cm2, 4600 g-cm2, 4700 g-cm2, 4800 g-cm2, 4900 g-cm2, 5000 g-cm2, 5100 g-cm2, 5200 g-cm2, 5300 g-cm2, 5400 g-cm2, 5500 g-cm2, 5600 g-cm2, 5700 g-cm2, 5800 g-cm2, 5900 g-cm2, or 6000 g-cm2.
For various embodiments of fairway wood-type club heads, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can be greater than approximately 2700 g-cm2, greater than approximately 2800 g-cm2, greater than approximately 2900 g-cm2, greater than approximately 3000 g-cm2, greater than approximately 3100 g-cm2, greater than approximately 3200 g-cm2, or greater than approximately 3300 g-cm2. In other embodiments, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 2700 g-cm2 and 3500 g-cm2. In other embodiments, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 2700 g-cm2 to 3100 g-cm2, or 3100 g-cm2 to 3500 g-cm2. In other embodiments still, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 2700 g-cm2 to 3200 g-cm2, or 3200 g-cm2 to 3500 g-cm2. For example, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can be 2700 g-cm2, 2800 g-cm2, 2900 g-cm2, 3000 g-cm2, 3100 g-cm2, 3200 g-cm2, 3300 g-cm2, 3400 g-cm2, or 3500 g-cm2.
For various embodiments of hybrid-type club heads, in many embodiments, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can be greater than approximately 2400 g-cm2, greater than approximately 2500 g-cm2, greater than approximately 2600 g-cm2, greater than approximately 2700 g-cm2, greater than approximately 2800 g-cm2, greater than approximately 2900 g-cm2, or greater than approximately 3000 g-cm2. In other embodiments, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range from 2400 g-cm2 to 3200 g-cm2. In other embodiments, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range from 2400 g-cm2 to 2700 g-cm2, or 2700 g-cm2 to 3200 g-cm2. In other embodiments still, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range from 2400 g-cm2 to 2900 g-cm2, 2500 g-cm2 to 3000 g-cm2, 2600 g-cm2 to 3100 g-cm2, or 2700 g-cm2 to 3200 g-cm2. For example, the heel-to-toe moment of inertia Iyy can be 2400 g-cm2, 2500 g-cm2, 2600 g-cm2, 2700 g-cm2, 2750 g-cm2, 2800 g-cm2, 2850 g-cm2, 2900 g-cm2, 2950 g-cm2, 3000 g-cm2, 3100 g-cm2, or 3200 g-cm2.
For various embodiments of drivers-type club heads, the combined moment of inertia (i.e. the sum of the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx and the heel-to-sole moment of inertia Iyy) can be greater than 8000 g-cm2, greater than 8500 g-cm2, greater than 9000 g-cm2, greater than 9500 g-cm2, greater than 10000 g-cm2, greater than 11000 g-cm2, or greater than 12000 g-cm2.
For various embodiments of fairway wood-type club heads, the combined moment of inertia (i.e. the sum of the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx and the heel-to-sole moment of inertia Iyy) can be greater than 4000 g-cm2, greater than 4100 g-cm2, greater than 4200 g-cm2, greater than 4300 g-cm2, greater than 4400 g-cm2, greater than 4500 g-cm2, greater than 4600 g-cm2, greater than 4700 g-cm2, or greater than 4800 g-cm2.
For various embodiments of hybrid-type club heads, the combined moment of inertia (i.e. the sum of the crown-to-sole moment of inertia Ixx and the heel-to-sole moment of inertia Iyy) can be greater than 3500 g-cm2, greater than 3600 g-cm2, greater than 3700 g-cm2, greater than 3800 g-cm2, greater than 3900 g-cm2, greater than 4000 g-cm2, greater than 4100 g-cm2, or greater than 4200 g-cm2.
A comparative example was performed comparing a control club head to an exemplary embodiment according to aspects of the present invention. The exemplary embodiment was a club head similar to the club head illustrated in
The data was collected using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The FEA simulation featured a golf ball striking the center of the face at approximately 100 MPH. The FEA simulation determined that the exemplary embodiment comprises a 0.67 MPH increase in ball speed over the control club head. Therefore, the strike face crown return, in which the crown return comprises the same material as the strike face, had an improvement in ball speed over the control club head which lacked the strike face crown return. The strike face crown return allows the crown to made thinner, and as such, bend more upon impact with a golf ball resulting in an increase in ball speed.
A comparative example was performed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) looking at the energy storage characteristics and reaction forces of club heads with slits and inserts. The FEA test compared the performance of an exemplary club head with a flexure insert according to an embodiment of the present invention to a control cub head with a single material insert. The exemplary flexure insert being used in the test is similar to the cantilever arm of
The FEA test showed that the exemplary club head had a 0.7 MPH increase in ball speed over the control club head while having similar stress values within the durability limits. The cantilevered arm comprising a bumper strategically reinforces the slit with the highest deflection while returning more energy back into the slit during the rebound phase, thereby increasing internal energy and ball speed over a slit with a single material insert without a spring component. The cantilevered arm further allows for the face to be made thinner due to the reinforcing characteristics which improve the durability of the club head body. The exemplary club head of the present example comprised a face plate that has a minimum thickness of 0.067″ and a max thickness of 0.071″.
Furthermore, the FEA test also showed the resultant force of the bumper on the front wall of the slit during the impact with a golf ball, as shown in the graph of
Clause 1: A golf club head, comprising: a strike face comprising a striking surface for impacting a golf ball; a body coupled to the strike face to enclose a hollow interior cavity, the body having a crown, a sole, a heel, a toe, and a rear end, wherein the sole includes a front wall and a rear wall positioned proximate the strike face and spaced to define a slit open to the hollow interior cavity; a cantilevered arm comprising a fixed end coupled to an interior surface of the sole rearward of the rear wall, and a tip end opposite the fixed end, wherein the cantilevered arm extends arcuately from the fixed end and over the rear wall so that the tip end is disposed between the front and rear wall; and a bumper coupled to the tip end.
Clause 2: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the cantilevered arm comprises a spring steel.
Clause 3: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein a cap is configured to be received by the slit to seal the hollow interior cavity.
Clause 4: The golf club head of clause 2, wherein the cap comprises a central cutout through which the front wall of the slit is exposed to the hollow interior cavity.
Clause 5: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the fixed end of the cantilever arm is coupled to the interior surface of the sole at a location between 0.1 and 0.5 inch rearward of the rear wall.
Clause 6: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the fixed end of the cantilever arm is coupled to a mass pad.
Clause 7: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the bumper is configured to contact a center portion of the front wall of the slit.
Clause 8: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein: the cantilever arm comprises a loaded position and an unloaded position; the loaded position is defined by the bumper contacting the front wall; and the unloaded position defined by the bumper spaced rearward of the front wall such that it does not touch the front wall.
Clause 9: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the bumper is formed from a polyoxymethylene material.
Clause 10: A golf club head, comprising: a strike face comprising a striking surface for impacting a golf ball; a body coupled to the strike face to enclose a hollow interior cavity, the body having a crown, a sole, a heel, a toe, and a rear end, wherein the sole includes a front wall and a rear wall positioned proximate the strike face and spaced to define a slit open to the hollow interior cavity; and an insert disposed in the slit and comprising: a first lattice zone located in a toe portion and comprising a first plurality of interconnected walls forming a first lattice structure having voids; a second lattice zone located in a heel portion and comprising a second plurality of interconnected walls forming a second lattice structure having voids; and a central zone disposed between the first lattice zone and the second lattice zone, wherein the central zone is solid.
Clause 11: The golf club head of clause 10, wherein the insert comprises a polymer material.
Clause 12: The golf club head of clause 10, wherein each of the first and second lattice zones has an effective density between 0.75 and 2.0 g/cm3.
Clause 13: The golf club head of clause 10, further comprising a solid base layer sized to engage the front and rear walls thereby to seal the slit.
Clause 14: A golf club head, comprising: a strike face comprising a striking surface for impacting a golf ball; a body coupled to the strike face to enclose a hollow interior cavity, the body having a crown, a sole, a heel, a toe, and a rear end, wherein the sole includes a front wall and a rear wall positioned proximate the strike face and spaced to define a slit open to the hollow interior cavity; and an insert disposed in the slit and comprising: a cap comprising a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a heel side wall, and a toe side wall, that together form an opening, the cap comprising a first material having a first elastic modulus; and a spring component sized for insertion into the opening and extending between the front wall, rear wall, heel side wall, and toe side wall of the cap, the spring component comprising a second material having a second elastic modulus greater than the first elastic modulus.
Clause 15: The golf club head of clause 14, wherein the second material comprises aluminum.
Clause 16: The golf club head of clause 15, wherein the spring component comprises a thickness between 0.10 and 0.30 inch.
Clause 17: The golf club head of clause 14, wherein the spring component is embedded within the cap.
Clause 18: The golf club head of clause 14, wherein the spring component comprises: a central portion contacting the front wall; a toe end contacting the rear wall and joined to the central portion by a first stepped portion; and a heel end contacting the rear wall and joined to the central portion by a second stepped portion.
Clause 19: The golf club head of clause 18, wherein the front wall of the cap defines a recess sized to receive the central portion of the spring component.
This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/618,184, filed Jan. 5, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/512,261, file Jul. 6, 2023, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/153,829, filed on Jan. 12, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/371,613, filed Aug. 16, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/266,722, filed Jan. 12, 2022, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63618184 | Jan 2024 | US | |
| 63512261 | Jul 2023 | US | |
| 63371613 | Aug 2022 | US | |
| 63266722 | Jan 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18153829 | Jan 2023 | US |
| Child | 18766532 | US |
