Patent Grant
11491375
The present application generally relates to golf clubs, and more particularly, to golf club heads with turbulators and methods to manufacture golf club heads with turbulators.
When air flows over a golf club head, viscous forces near the surface of the club head create a velocity gradient from the surface to the free stream region. Accordingly, air flow velocity near the surface may be relatively slow and gradually increases toward the free stream velocity, which is the air flow region where air velocity is not influenced by the club head. This velocity gradient region is called a boundary layer. Flow separation occurs when the boundary layer travels on the golf club head far enough against an adverse pressure gradient that the air flow velocity in the boundary layer relative to the surface of the club head falls almost to zero. The air flow becomes detached from the surface of the club head and takes the form of eddies and vortices. Flow separation may result in increased drag, which may be caused by the pressure differential between the front and rear surfaces of the club head. The increased drag may reduce the speed of the club head, which in turn may lower the velocity of a golf ball that is struck by the club head.
Described herein is a golf club head comprising a turbulator including a plurality of ridges to trip the air flow on the crown to create turbulence within the boundary layer. The turbulence energizes the boundary layer to delay the separation of the air flow on the crown and move the separation region toward the aft region of the crown. This movement of the separation region toward the aft region of the crown reduces the drag force during golf club swings. In many embodiments, each ridge of the plurality of ridges comprises a front surface, a top surface, a rear surface, and a ridge apex defined as a maximum height of the ridge measured in a direction perpendicular from the base of the ridge. Each ridge of the plurality of ridges of the turbulator comprises multiple planar surfaces and a ridge apex positioned further back from the leading edge compared to previous turbulator embodiments to delay the trip of air flow on the crown to reduce the drag force during golf club swings.
Referring to
To delay air flow separation or detachment as described above, the golf club head 100 includes turbulators positioned on the crown 110 as described in detail below. Referring to
The turbulators can further be orientated at an angle relative to the club face 102, or leading edge 112, wherein the turbulartors do not parallel the contour of the club face 102. The turbulators can be orientated at an angle ranging from 20 degrees to 70 degrees. For example, the turbulators can have an angle of 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, or 70 degrees relative to the club face 102, or leading edge 112.
In some embodiments, the turbulators can be linear. In other embodiments, the turbulators can be curvilinear to any degree of curvature. In other embodiments, the turbulators can be linear and curvilinear. For example, the turbulators can be linear at one end, and begin to be curvilinear toward the other end.
An example of a turbulator 300 is shown in
The turbulator 300 shown in the example of
The turbulator 300, for example, may have a height that does not exceed 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). In one embodiment, the turbulator 300 may have a height that is greater than 0.02 inches (0.05 cm) but less than 0.2 inches (0.51 cm). In one embodiment, the width 303 of the turbulator may be less than 0.75 inches (1.91 cm). The turbulator 300 may have a peak-to-peak distance 305 that contributes to the delay in airflow separation. The location of the turbulator 300 may vary depending on the physical characteristics of the club head 100 and the flow pattern on the crown 110. The turbulator 300 may be located on the crown 110 at an oblique angle relative to the club face 102 as shown in
Referring to
The width 303, the distance 305, the thickness 307, the height and/or the angles 309 and 311 may be constant along the length of the turbulator as shown in
The turbulator 300 is shown to be a continuous strip in
The turbulator 300 may be constructed from any type of material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, various other metals or metal alloys, composite materials, natural materials such as wood or stone or artificial materials such as plastic. If the turbulator 300 is constructed from metal, it may be formed on the club head 100 or simultaneously with the club head 100 by stamping (i.e., punching using a machine press or a stamping press, blanking, embossing, bending, flanging, or coining, casting), injection molding, forging, machining or a combination thereof, or other processes used for manufacturing metal parts. With injection molding of metal or plastic materials, a one-piece or a multi-piece mold can be constructed which has interconnected cavities corresponding to the above-described parts of the club head 100 and/or the turbulator 300. Molten metal or plastic material is injected into the mold, which is then cooled. The club head 100 and/or the turbulator 300 is then removed from the mold and may be machined to smooth out irregularities on the surfaces thereof or to remove residual parts. If the turbulator 300 is manufactured separately from the club head 100, the turbulator 300 can be fixedly or removably attached to the crown 110 with fasteners, adhesive, welding, soldering, or other fastening methods and/or devices. In one example, the turbulator 300 may be formed from a strip of material having an adhesive backing. Accordingly, the turbulator 300 may be attached to the club head 100 at any location on the crown with the adhesive backing.
Referring to
The angle 417 for each ridge 401-408 may be configured so that each ridge 401-408 is oriented generally perpendicular, parallel or oblique relative to the leading edge 112 and/or relative to each other. In one embodiment, the angle 417 may be between 20° and 70°. In the example of
Each ridge 401-408 is shown to be a linear. However, each of the ridges 401-408 can be curved, have variable base width 413 along the length 411, have variable cross-sectional shapes, have variable height 415 along the length 411 and/or the base width 413, have sharp or blunt leading edges 410 or trailing edges 414, have sharp or blunt tops 412, have different surface textures, and/or have other physical variations along the length 411, the base width 413 and/or the height 415. The distance 409 may increase for each ridge 401-408 from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106 to approximately correspond with the location of the separation line 120 on the crown 110. However, as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The angle 517 for each ridge may be configured so that each ridge 501-507 is oriented generally perpendicular, parallel or oblique relative to the leading edge 112 and/or relative to each other. In one embodiment, the angle 517 may be between 20° and 70°. In the example of
Each ridge 501-507 is shown to be a linear. However, each of the ridges 501-507 can be curved, have variable base width 513 along the length 511, have variable cross-sectional shapes, have variable height 515 along the length 511 and/or the base width 513, have sharp or blunt leading edges 510 or trailing edges 514, have sharp or blunt tops 512, have different surface textures, and/or have other physical variations along the length 511, the base width 513 and/or the height 515. The distance 509 may increase for each ridge 501-507 from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106 to approximately correspond with the location of the separation line 120 on the crown 110. However, as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
The angle 617 for each ridge may be configured so that each ridge 601-608 is oriented generally perpendicular, parallel or oblique relative to the leading edge 112 and/or relative to each other. In one embodiment, the angle 617 may be between 20° and 70° in the absolute value. In the example of
The ridges 604 and 605 symmetrically straddle the centerline 127 and generally point toward the centerline 127. Accordingly, the ridges 604 and 605 can function as an alignment device to assist a player in generally aligning the ball with the centerline 127.
Each ridge 601-608 is shown to be a linear. However, each of the ridges 601-608 can be curved, have variable base width 613 along the length 611, have variable cross-sectional shapes, have variable height 615 along the length 611 and/or the base width 613, have sharp or blunt leading edges 610 or trailing edges 614, have sharp or blunt tops 612, have different surface textures, and/or have other physical variations along the length 611, the base width 613 and/or the height 615. The distance 609 may increase for each ridge 601-608 from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106 to approximately correspond with the location of the separation line 120 on the crown 110. However, as shown in
Referring to
The turbulator 400, 500 or 600 may be constructed from any type of material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, various other metals or metal alloys, composite materials, natural materials such as wood or stone or artificial materials such as plastic. If the turbulator 400, 500 or 600 is constructed from metal, it may be formed on the club head 100 or simultaneously with the club head 100 by stamping (i.e., punching using a machine press or a stamping press, blanking, embossing, bending, flanging, or coining, casting), injection molding, forging, machining or a combination thereof, or other processes used for manufacturing metal parts. With injection molding of metal or plastic materials, a one-piece or a multi-piece mold can be constructed which has interconnected cavities corresponding to the above-described parts of the club head 100 and/or the turbulator 400, 500 or 600. Molten metal or plastic material is injected into the mold, which is then cooled. The club head 100 and/or the turbulator 400, 500 or 600 is then removed from the mold and may be machined to smooth out irregularities on the surfaces thereof or to remove residual parts. If the turbulator 400, 500 or 600 is manufactured separate from the club head 100, the turbulator 400, 500 or 600 can be fixedly or removably attached to the crown 110 with fasteners, adhesive, welding, soldering, or other fastening methods and/or devices. In one example, the turbulator 400, 500 or 600 may be formed from metallic material. The turbulator 400, 500 or 600 can then be attached to the crown 110 with an adhesive. In another example, the turbulator 400 may include an elongated projection that slides into a correspondingly sized slot on the crown 110 to removably attached the turbulator 400, 500 or 600 to the crown 110. Thus, the turbulators 400, 500 or 600 may include removable connection mechanisms so that each turbulator 400, 500 or 600 can be selectively connected to or removed from the club head 100. The turbulators on the crown 110 are described above to be defined by ridges. However, any one or more of the turbulators may be defined by grooves formed in the crown 110. The turbulators may be formed by cutting grooves in the crown 110 by various methods such machining, laser cutting, or the like.
According to one example shown in
As described above, any of the physical characteristics of the turbulators 400, 500 or 600; the locations thereof on the crown; and/or the orientations thereof relative to any part of the crown, the centerline 127 and/or the leading edge 112 may be configured to provide a particular boundary layer effect. According to one embodiment, the turbulators may be located a distance Q from the leading edge 112 according to the following relation:
Q>0.05DA
where DA is the distance from the leading edge 112 to the apex 111 of the crown (i.e., the highest point on the crown). According to another embodiment, the angle γ, which is the angle of each ridge relative to the leading edge 112 may follow the relation:
γ>Loft
where Loft is the loft angle of the club head 100. According to another embodiment, the distance P, which is the distance between each ridge, may follow the relation:
2L cos(γ)>P>0.8L cos(γ)
where L is the length of a ridge.
Tables 1 and 2 show experimental results for a golf club head 100 without any turbulators, with the turbulator 300, and with turbulators 400. Table 1 shows measured values of aerodynamic drag expressed in lbs for different orientation angles of the club head 100. The speed of the club head 100 is directly affected by the orientation angle. An increase in orientation angle results in an increase in the speed of the club head 100.
As shown in Table 1, when the club head 100 has an orientation angle of greater than 60°, the aerodynamic drag force on the club head 100 is reduced for the club head 100 having the turbulator 300 or the turbulators 400. The reduction in drag is much greater for an orientation angle of 90°. Referring to
Table 2 shows measured values of lift expressed in lbs for different orientation angles of the club head. When the club head 100 has an orientation angle of greater than 60°, the lift generated by the club head does not drop as sharply for the club head 100 having the turbulator 300 or the turbulators 400 as compared to the club head 100 without any turbulators. Referring to
Referring to
Club head 1000 includes a plurality of turbulators 1201-1204 and 1301-1304 on the sole 1008, which may be generally referred to herein as turbulators 1200 and 1300, respectively. The turbulators 1200 and 1300 energize the boundary layer on the sole 1008 during the downswing, the impact position, and the follow through phases of the golf swing. During the initial part of the downswing, the air that is upstream of the club head 1000 flows generally over the heel 1004 and onto the sole 1008 and the crown 1010. During the intermediate part of the downswing, the air flows generally over the transition area between the heel 1004 and the face 1002 and onto the sole 1008 and the crown 1010. During the final part of the downswing just prior to the impact position, the air flows generally over the face 1002 and onto the sole 1008 and the crown 1010. Arrow 1210 of
After the face 1002 strikes the ball in the impact position, the club head 1000 is rotated during the follow through. The air that is upstream of the club head 1000 flows generally over the face 1002 and onto the sole 1008 and the crown 1010 during the initial part of the follow through. During the intermediate part of the follow through, the air flows generally over the transition area between the toe 1006 and the face 1002 and onto the sole 1008 and the crown 1010. During the final part of the follow through, the air may flow generally over the toe 1006 and onto the sole 1008 and the crown 1010. As shown in
The turbulators 1201-1204 may be defined by grooves that generally extend from near the heel end 1004 in a direction toward the toe end 1006. Each turbulator 1201-1204 has a first end 1211-1214 and a second end 1215-1218, respectively. The first ends 1211-1214 are located near the heel end 1004 and may generally follow the contour of the heel end 1004. Accordingly, the first ends 1211-1214 of the turbulators 1201-1204 may have approximately the same distance from the heel end 1004. However, the first ends 1211-1214 may be located anywhere on the sole 1008 to delay airflow separation on the sole 1008.
The turbulators 1201-1204 may have the same dimensions and extend parallel to each other or may have different dimensions and extend non-parallel to each other. Depending on the position of the airflow separation region during the downswing, which is shown by example with line 1250 in
The grooves defining the turbulators 1201-1204 may be wider at the first ends 1211-1214 and narrower at the second ends 1215-1218, respectively. The depth of the grooves may also gradually decrease from the first ends 1211-1214 to the second ends 1215-1218, respectively. The grooves may be formed in any shape on the sole 1008. For example, the grooves can be narrow at the first ends 1211-1214 and the second ends 1215-1218 and then gradually or abruptly widen toward the centers of the grooves 1201-1204. In contrast, the grooves can be wider at the first ends 1211-1214 and the second ends 1215-1218 and then gradually or abruptly narrow toward the centers of the grooves 1201-1204. The depth of the grooves may also vary in any manner, such as according to the variation in width of the grooves.
The width, length, depth, location (i.e., x and y location), angle 1242, and the shapes of the grooves that define the turbulators 1200 can be varied from the face 1002 to the rear 1009 to provide a particular flow pattern for generally all rotation angles of the club head 1000 during the downswing. Furthermore, the number of turbulators 1200 can also be varied to provide a particular flow pattern on the sole 1008. For example, five, six or more turbulators 1200 can be provided on the sole 1008. The turbulators 1200 may be located on the sole 1008 adjacent to each in a direction from the face 1002 to the rear 1009, and/or may be in tandem.
Table 3 below shows exemplary configurations for the turbulators 1201-1204. The x and y locations refer to the x and y locations of the second ends 1215-1218. All of dimensions in Table 3 are expressed in inches. Furthermore, the depth and width of the grooves defining the turbulators 1201-1204 are measured at the first ends 1211-1214 of the turbulators 1201-1204, respectively. Table 3 represents only an example of the turbulators 1201-1204 and in no way limits the properties of the turbulators 1200.
The turbulators 1301-1304 may be defined by grooves that generally extend from near a portion of the face that is close to the toe end 1006 toward the rear 1009. The grooves may also extend generally from near a transition area between the face 1002 and the toe end 1006 toward the rear 1009. Additionally, the grooves may extend from near the toe end 1006 toward the rear 1009. Each turbulator 1301-1304 has a first end 1311-1314 and a second end 1315-1318, respectively. The first ends 1311-1314 are located near the face 1002 or the toe end 1006 and may either extend in a direction from the face 1002 toward the rear 1009 or generally follow the contour of the toe end 1006. However, the first ends 1311-1314 may be located anywhere on the sole 1008 to delay airflow separation on the sole 1008.
The turbulators 1301-1304 may have the same dimensions and extend parallel to each other or may have different dimensions and extend non-parallel to each other. Depending on the position of the airflow separation region, which is shown by example with line 1350 in
The grooves defining the turbulators 1301-1304 may be wider at the first ends 1311-1314 and narrower at the second ends 1315-1318, respectively. The depth of the grooves may also gradually decrease from the first ends 1311-1314 to the second ends 1315-1318, respectively. The grooves may be formed in any shape on the sole 1008. For example, the grooves can be narrow at the first ends 1311-1314 and the second ends 1315-1318 and then gradually or abruptly widen toward the centers of the grooves 1301-1304. In contrast, the grooves can be wider at the first ends 1311-1314 and the second ends 1315-1318 and then gradually or abruptly narrow toward the centers of the grooves 1301-1304. The depth of the grooves may also vary in any manner, such as according to the variation in width of the grooves.
The width, length, depth, location (i.e., x and y location), angle 1242, and the shapes of the grooves defining the turbulators 1300 can be varied from the face 1002 toward the toe end 1006 and from the toe end 1006 toward the rear 1009 to provide a particular flow pattern for generally all rotation angles of the club head 1000 during follow through. Furthermore, the number of turbulators 1300 can also be varied to provide a particular flow pattern on the sole 1008. For example, five, six or more turbulators 1300 can be provided on the sole 1008. The turbulators 1300 may be located on the sole 1008 adjacent to each other and/or in tandem.
Table 4 below shows exemplary configurations for the turbulators 1301-1304. The x and y locations refer to the x and y locations of the second ends 1315-1318. All of the dimensions shown in Table 4 are expressed in inches. Furthermore, the depth and width of the grooves defining the turbulators 1301-1304 are measured at the first ends 1311-1314 of the turbulators 1301-1304, respectively. Table 3 is only an exemplary configuration of the grooves 1301-1304 and in no way limits the properties of the turbulators 1300.
The turbulator 1200 and 1300 are described above to be defined by grooves in the sole 1008. Accordingly, the turbulators 1200 and 1300 may be formed on the golf club 1000 by cutting the grooves into the sole 1008 of the golf club 1000 by various methods such machining, laser cutting, or the like. Alternatively, any one or more of the turbulators 1200 and/or the turbulators 1300 may be defined by ridges or projections on the sole 1008. Such grooves or ridges may be formed simultaneously with the club head 1000 by stamping (i.e., punching using a machine press or a stamping press, blanking, embossing, bending, flanging, or coining, casting), injection molding, forging, machining or a combination thereof, or other processes used for manufacturing metal parts. With injection molding of metal or plastic materials, a one-piece or a multi-piece mold can be constructed which has interconnected cavities corresponding to the above-described parts of the club head 1000 and/or the turbulators 1200 and 1300. Molten metal or plastic material is injected into the mold, which is then cooled. The club head 1000 and/or the turbulators 1200 and 1300 is then removed from the mold and may be machined to smooth out irregularities on the surfaces thereof or to remove residual parts. If the turbulators 1200 and 1300 are in the form of ridges and are to be be manufactured separately from the club head 1000, the turbulator 300 can be fixedly or removably attached to the sole 1008 with fasteners, adhesive, welding, soldering, or other fastening methods and/or devices. In one example, the turbulator 1200 or 1300 may be formed from a strip of material having an adhesive backing. Accordingly, the turbulators 1200 and 1300 may be attached to the club head 1000 at any location on the sole 1008 with the adhesive backing.
The grooves 1401-1404 may be arranged adjacent to each other on the sole 1008 along the contour of the heel end 1004. The grooves 1401-1404 may have the same dimensions and extend parallel to each other or may have different dimensions and extend non-parallel to each other. For example, the grooves 1401-1404 are shown in
Increasing the size of a golf club head may provide a larger golf club face for better face response, allow the center of gravity of the golf club to be lowered and/or moved rearward, and/or allow the moment of inertia of the golf club to be optimized. However, the size of a golf club head may be limited to a particular size. For example, a golf governing body may limit a head of a driver-type golf club to a certain volume, such as 460 cubic centimeters. To increase the size of a golf club head without exceeding a certain volume limitation, the depth, width, length and other characteristics of the grooves 1401-1404 and 1451-1454 may be determined so that a reduction in volume of the club head as a result of providing the grooves is used to increase the size of the club head. For example, if the volume of a golf club head is limited to 460 cubic centimeters, the grooves 1401-1404 and 1451-1454 may be formed to provide a volume reduction of about 20 cubic centimeters in the golf club head. In other words, the volume defined by the grooves 1401-1404 and 1451-1454 may be about 20 cubic centimeters. Accordingly, the golf club head may be constructed to be as large as a golf club head having a volume of 480 cubic centimeters, yet have a volume of 460 cubic centimeters by having the grooves 1401-1404 and 1451-1505. Thus, the grooves 1401-1404 and 1451-1454, or any grooves formed on a golf club head as described herein, allow a golf club head to be made larger without exceeding a certain volume limitation. According to another example, a golf club head may be constructed having a volume of 478 cubic centimeters. By forming the grooves 1401-1404 to define a volume of 4 cubic centimeters and the grooves 1451-1454 to define a volume of 6 cubic centimeters, the volume of the golf club head may be reduced to 468 cubic centimeters and yet have generally the same size as a club head having a volume of 478 cubic centimeters.
The grooves 1401-1404 and 1451-1454 may increase the rigidity or stiffness of the sole 1008 of a golf club head by functioning as reinforcing ribs. The increased rigidity may be provided by the shape of the grooves as defined by the angled connections between the end wall 1460, the side walls 1462 and the bottom 1464. The increased rigidity of the sole 1008 of a golf club head may prevent denting of the golf club head due to impact with a golf ball, possible impact with the ground, possible impact with an object other than a golf ball, and/or repeated use. Furthermore, the increased rigidity of the sole 1008 may allow the sole 1008 of a golf club head to be constructed with a reduced thickness to reduce the weight of a golf club head without affecting the structural integrity of the golf club head. Changing the thickness of the sole 1008 of a golf club may also affect the sound characteristics of the golf club. For example, the thickness of the sole 1008 may directly affect the frequency and/or the amplitude of the sound wave produced by a golf club head when impacting a ball. A thinner sole 1008 may produce a lower frequency sound, i.e., lower pitch, while a thicker sole 1008 may produce a higher frequency sound, i.e., higher pitch. Accordingly, by providing the grooves 1401-1404, 1451-1454 and/or any of the disclosed grooves on a golf club head, the thickness of the sole 1008 or other portions of the golf club head may be determined so that a certain sound is produced by the golf club head when impacting a golf ball.
The grooves 1401-1404 and/or the grooves 1451-1454 may be configured to provide certain sound characteristics for a golf club head. Changing the width, length and/or depth profile characteristics of one or more of the grooves and/or changing the distance between each groove may change the frequency and/or amplitude of the sound waves produced when the golf club head strikes a golf ball. For example, a plurality of deep and/or wide grooves may produce a lower frequency sound while a plurality of shallow and/or narrow grooves may produce a high frequency sound. In another example, placing the grooves closer together may produce a higher frequency sound while placing the grooves farther apart may produce lower frequency sound. Accordingly, the grooves 1401-1404, 1451-1454 and/or any of the disclosed grooves on a golf club head can be configured so that a certain sound is produced by the golf club head when impacting a golf ball.
The grooves 1501-1503 may be arranged adjacent to each other on the sole 1008 along the contour of the heel end 1004. The grooves 1501-1503 may have the same dimensions and extend parallel to each other or may have different dimensions and extend non-parallel to each other. For example, the grooves 1501-1503 are shown in
Increasing the size of a golf club head may provide a larger golf club face for better face response, allow the center of gravity of the golf club to be lowered and/or moved rearward, and/or allow the moment of inertia of the golf club to be optimized. However, the size of a golf club head may be limited to a particular size. For example, a golf governing body may limit a head of a driver-type golf club to a certain volume, such as 460 cubic centimeters. To increase the size of a golf club head without exceeding a certain volume limitation, the depth, width, length and other characteristics of the grooves 1501-1503 and 1551-1554 may be determined so that a reduction in volume of the club head as a result of providing the grooves is used to increase the size of the club head. For example, if the volume of a golf club head is limited to 460 cubic centimeters, the grooves 1501-1503 and 1551-1554 may be formed to provide a volume reduction of about 20 cubic centimeters in the golf club head. In other words, the volume defined by the grooves 1501-1503 and 1551-1554 may be about 20 cubic centimeters. Accordingly, the golf club head may be constructed to be as large as a golf club head having a volume of 480 cubic centimeters, yet have a volume of 460 cubic centimeters by having the grooves 1501-1503 and 1551-1554. Thus, the grooves 1501-1503 and 1551-1554, or any grooves formed on a golf club head as described herein, allow a golf club head to be made larger without exceeding a certain volume limitation. According to another example, a golf club head may be constructed having a volume of 478 cubic centimeters. By forming the grooves 1501-1503 to define a volume of 4 cubic centimeters and the grooves 1551-1554 to define a volume of 6 cubic centimeters, the volume of the golf club head may be reduced to 468 cubic centimeters and yet have generally the same size as a club head having a volume of 478 cubic centimeters.
The grooves 1501-1503 and 1551-1554 may increase the rigidity or stiffness of the sole 1008 of a golf club head by functioning as reinforcing ribs. The increased rigidity may be provided by the shape of the grooves as defined by the angled connections between the end wall 1560, the side walls 1562 and the bottom 1564. The increased rigidity of the sole 1008 of a golf club head may prevent denting of the golf club head due to impact with a golf ball, possible impact with the ground, possible impact with an object other than a golf ball, and/or repeated use. Furthermore, the increased rigidity of the sole 1008 may allow the sole 1008 of a golf club head to be constructed with a reduced thickness to reduce the weight of a golf club head without affecting the structural integrity of the golf club head. Changing the thickness of the sole 1008 of a golf club may also affect the sound characteristics of the golf club. For example, the thickness of the sole 1008 may directly affect the frequency and/or the amplitude of the sound wave produced by a golf club head when impacting a ball. A thinner sole 1008 may produce a lower frequency sound, i.e., lower pitch, while a thicker sole 1008 may produce a higher frequency sound, i.e., higher pitch. Accordingly, by providing the grooves 1501-1503 and 1551-1554 and/or any of the disclosed grooves on a golf club head, the thickness of the sole 1008 or other portions of the golf club head may be determined so that a certain sound is produced by the golf club head when impacting a golf ball.
The grooves 1501-1503 and/or the grooves 1551-1554 may be configured to provide certain sound characteristics for a golf club head. Changing the width, length and/or depth profile characteristics of one or more of the grooves and/or changing the distance between each groove may change the frequency and/or amplitude of the sound waves produced when the golf club head strikes a golf ball. For example, a plurality of deep and/or wide grooves may produce a lower frequency sound while a plurality of shallow and/or narrow grooves may produce a high frequency sound. In another example, placing the grooves closer together may produce a higher frequency sound while placing the grooves farther apart may produce lower frequency sound. Accordingly, the grooves 1501-1503, 1551-1554 and/or any of the disclosed grooves on a golf club head can be configured so that a certain sound is produced by the golf club head when impacting a golf ball.
Referring to
Referring also to
Each of the ridges 1601-1606 may have any length, width, height and/or cross-sectional profile, such as any profile as described herein. As described above, each ridge 1601-1606 may be positioned at or near the leading edge 112 and may extend toward the separation region 120 or toward the rear 109 of the golf club head. In the example of
Referring to
Referring to the example of
Referring to the example of
Referring to the example of
Referring to the example of
The turbulators 1600 may be positioned at any location on the crown 110 so that a portion of the front surface 1620 of at least one of the turbulators 1600 is tangent to or is positioned aft of a leading edge plane 1614. The leading edge angle 1616 may be within any range, such as 0° to 90°. For example, as shown in the example of
The turbulators 1600 may be sized, shaped and/or positioned on the crown 110 to provide any type of air flow properties over the crown 110. Each turbulator may have a certain length, width, height, longitudinal shape, cross-sectional shape, surface properties (i.e., texture or frictional properties), angular orientation, or any other physical characteristics that may provide certain flow characteristics over the crown 110. Examples of turbulator characteristics are provided in
The characteristics of each turbulator may depend on the profile of the separation region and the change in the location and the profile of the separation region during the entire golf club swing. For example, air flow separation may be greatest near the toe end 106 and decrease in a direction from the toe end 106 to the center of the crown 110. Accordingly, as shown in
Each ridge 1601-1606 may be oriented generally perpendicular, parallel or oblique relative to the leading edge 112 and/or relative to each other. Each ridge 1601-1606 may be curved, have variable base width along the length of the ridge, have variable cross-sectional shapes, have variable height along the length of the ridge and/or the width of the ridge, have sharp or blunt edges, front surfaces and/or trailing edges, have sharp or blunt tops, have different surface textures, and/or have other physical variations along the length, the width and/or the height of the ridge. The ridges 1601-1606 of the turbulators 1600 may be similar in many respects to other ridges of the turbulators according to the disclosure.
Referring to
Each ridge 1651-1656 may be oriented generally perpendicular, parallel or oblique relative to the leading edge 112 and/or relative to each other. For example, each ridge 1651-1656 may be oriented at an angle that may in a range of about 20° to about 70° relative to the leading edge 112. In the example of
Referring to
Any one or all of the grooves 1701-1706 may be positioned on the crown 110 as close as possible to the leading edge 112 or at least partly on the leading edge 112 such that each groove does not extend beyond the leading edge plane 1614 (shown in
The turbulators 1700 may be sized, shaped and positioned on the crown to provide any type of air flow properties over the crown. Each turbulator 1700 may have a certain length, width, depth, longitudinal shape, cross-sectional shape, surface properties (i.e., texture or frictional properties), angular orientation, or any other physical characteristics that may provide certain flow characteristics over the crown. In the example of
Each groove 1701-1706 may be oriented generally perpendicular, parallel or oblique relative to the leading edge 112 and/or relative to each other. For example, each groove 1701-1706 may be oriented at an angle between 20° and 70° relative to the leading edge 112. Each groove 1701-1706 may be curved, have variable base width along the length of the grooves, have variable cross-sectional shapes, have variable depth along the length of the groove and/or the width of the groove, have sharp or blunt groove edges, have different surface textures, and/or have other physical variations along the length, the width and/or the depth of the groove.
As illustrated in
The turbulator 1800 in
In this exemplary embodiment of
Referring again to
The front surface 1820 of the ridges 1801-1806 define a portion of the ridges 1801-1806 closest to the club face 102 of the golf club head 100; while the rear surface of the ridges 1810-1806 define a portion of the ridges 1801-1806 closest to the rear 109 of the golf club head 100. The front surface 1820 of the ridges 1801-1806 can be offset from the leading edge 112, and extends from near the faceplate toward the rear 109 of the golf club head. The leading edge 112 can comprise the leading edge plane 1614 forming the leading edge angle 1616 with the loft plane 1618 as described previously, wherein the front surface of the plurality of ridges 2101-2106 being at least partly located between the leading edge plane 1614 and the rear 109, but not extending beyond the leading edge plane 1614.
The front surface 1820 of each ridge 1801-1806 can be positioned at a distance offset from the leading edge and extending towards the back of the crown 110. The offset distance may vary from 0.01 inch to 0.6 inch. For example, the front surface 1820 may be offset from the leading edge 112 by 0.1 inch or 0.2 inch or 0.3 inch or 0.4 inch or 0.5 inch or 0.6 inch. Additionally, the distance between the leading edge 112 and the front surface 1820 may vary for each ridge 1801-1806 from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106 to approximately correspond with the location of the separation line 120. In a specific embodiment, illustrated in
Additionally, the ridges 1801-1806 include a height that will increase across their front surface 1820. The height of each ridge 1801-1806 is measured in a direction perpendicular from the base 1813 of each ridge 1801-1806. The height of each ridge 1801-1806 can range from 0.01 to 0.35 inches. For example, the height of each ridge 1801-1806 can be 0.01 inches, 0.05 inches, 0.10 inches, 0.15 inches, 0.20 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.30 inches, or 0.35 inches.
Referring to
In a specific embodiment, illustrated in
Referring to
In a specific embodiment, illustrated in
In some embodiments, the transition between the side walls 1816 and the top surface 1817 can comprise a round or a fillet or a chamfer. For example, the transition between the side walls 1816 and the top surface 1817 can comprise a round having a radius of between 0.01 and 0.1 inches. In other embodiments, the transition between the side wall 1816 and the top surface 1817 can comprise a round having a radius of between 0.01 to 0.03, 0.02 to 0.04, 0.03 to 0.05, 0.04 to 0.06, 0.05 to 0.07, 0.06 to 0.08, 0.07 to 0.09, or 0.08 to 0.1 inches. Further, in some embodiments, the transition between the side walls 1816 and the crown 110 can also comprise a round or a fillet or a chamfer. For example, the transition between the side walls 1816 and the crown 110 can comprise a round having a radius of between 0.05 and 1.0 inches. In other embodiments, the transition between the side wall 1816 and the crown 110 can comprise a round having a radius of between 0.05 to 0.15, 0.1 to 0.2, 0.2 to 0.3, 0.3 to 0.4, 0.4 to 0.5, 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, or 0.9 to 1.0 inches.
In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 1817 can have a curved surface extending between the side walls 1816. In other embodiments, the top surface 1817 can comprise a planar surface extending between the side walls 1816 creating a flatter profile than the turbulator 1800 illustrated. The top surface 1817 can further comprise a top surface radius as the measure of curvature from between the side walls 1816. The top radius can be at least 0.2 degrees or greater. As illustrated in
Each ridge 1801-1806 can be curved, can have a variable base width 1813 along the length, can have a variable cross-sectional shapes, can have a variable height along the length and/or the base width 1813, can have a different surface textures, and/or can have a other physical variations along the length, the base width 1813 and/or the height. The length of each ridge can vary from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106 to approximately correspond with the location of the separation line 120 on the crown 110. Further, the length of each ridge can be substantially greater than the base width. In many embodiments, the turbulator 1800 is shown to comprise 6 ridges 1801-1806. In other embodiments, the turbulator 1800 can include more or less than 6 turbulators 1800.
The protrusion 2010 can be located in a region beginning adjacent to the leading edge 112 of the club head 100 and extending toward the rear end of the club head 100. In many embodiments, from a front to rear 109 of the golf club head 100, ⅓ of the crown 110 can comprise the protrusions 2010. In other embodiments, from a front to rear 109 of the golf club head 100, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of the crown 110 can comprise the protrusions 2010.
In specific embodiments illustrated in
The protrusions 2010 may comprise various geometries. Each protrusion 2010 includes a height extending outward from the outer surface of the crown 110. In many embodiments, the height of the protrusions can be less than approximately 0.02 inch. However, the height of each protrusion 2010 can range from 0.005 inch to 0.04 inch. When viewed from above, the protrusions can comprise any shape. For example the protrusions can be circular, elliptical, triangular, trapezoidal or any other suitable geometric shape. In the illustrated embodiments of
The plurality of protrusion 2010 can form any pattern across the surface of the club head. For example, the protrusions 2010 can create a linear pattern running in any direction, a checkered pattern, a zigzag pattern or any other suitable pattern. Further, the protrusion 2010 can be positioned in a non-uniform manner with the goal to improve the aerodynamics of the club head. In specific examples,
The protrusions 2010 can comprise any suitable material. In many embodiments, the protrusions can comprise a polymer based paint that can include other powdered materials to add structural integrity. The protrusions can be applied to the club head 100 by layered screen printing, or by any other suitable method.
Referring to
The ridges 1901-1906 can have any cross-sectional shape. For example, the ridges 1901-1906 can have a cross-sectional shape in the form of a square, a triangle, a half-circle or any other suitable geometric shape. Additionally, the ridges 1901-1906 can include a height that can increase across their front surface 1920. Further, the height of the ridges 1901-1906 can increase, decrease or remain the same from the apex point 1915 towards the rear of the club head 100. The ridges 1901-1906 can comprise a wider base 1913 and/or top surface 1917 similar to the widths described above corresponding to the ridges 1801-1806. In other embodiments, the ridges 1901-1906 can comprise a narrower top surface 1917 similar to the shape of the turbulators 1600, 1700.
Each ridge 1901-1906 can be curved, can have a variable base width along the length, can have a variable cross-sectional shapes, can have a variable height along the length and/or the base width, can have a different surface textures, and/or can have other physical variations along the length, the base width and/or the height. The length of each ridge can vary from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106 to approximately correspond with the location of the separation line 120 on the crown 110. Further, the length of each ridge can be substantially greater than the base width. In many embodiments the turbulator 1900 can comprise 6 ridges 1901-1906. In other embodiments the turbulator 1800 can comprise more or less than 6 ridges (1 ridge, two ridges, three ridges, four ridges, five ridges, six ridges, seven ridges, or eight ridges).
The protrusions 1910 are located in a region beginning adjacent to the leading edge 112 of the club head 100 and extending toward the rear end of the club head 100. In many embodiments, from the club face 102 to the rear 109, ⅓ of the crown can comprise the protrusions 1910 In other embodiments, from the club face 102 to the rear 109, any percent of the surface area of the crown 110, such as 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% can comprise the protrusions 1910. The protrusions 1910 are positioned between the plurality of ridges 1901-1906.
The protrusions 1910 can comprise various geometries. Each protrusion 1910 includes a height extending outward from the outer surface of the crown 110. In many embodiments, the height of the protrusions can be less than approximately 0.02 inch. However, the height of each protrusion 1910 can range from 0.005 inch to 0.04 inch. When viewed from above, the protrusions can comprise any shape. For example, the protrusions can be circular, elliptical, triangular, trapezoidal or any other suitable geometric shape. In the illustrated embodiments of
The plurality of protrusion 1910 can form any pattern across the surface of the club head. For example, the protrusions 1910 can create a linear pattern running in any direction, a checkered pattern, a zigzag pattern or any other suitable pattern. Further, the protrusion 1910 can be positioned in a non-uniform manner with the goal to improve the aerodynamics of the club head. In specific examples,
The protrusions 1910 can comprise any suitable material. In many embodiments, the protrusions can comprise a polymer based paint that can include other powdered materials to add structural integrity. The protrusions can be applied to the club head 100 by layered screen printing, or by any other suitable method.
In the illustrated embodiment, the overall shape of the ridges 2101-2106 can be similar to the overall shape of the ridges 1801-1806 of the turbulator 1800, can comprise a wider base 2113 and wider top surface 2125. However, in contrast to the ridges 1801-1806, the ridges 2101-2106 can comprise a ridge apex 2115 which can be positioned closer to a rear surface 2130 or a rear end (second end) 2117 of the ridge 2101-2106 than it is to a front surface 2120 or a front end (first end) 2111 of the ridges 2101-2106.
Referring now to
Referring again to
Referring now to
As illustrated in
In a specific embodiment, illustrated in
Further, each ridge 2101-2106 can extend in a planar or curved manner from the front end 2111 to the rear end 2117 of the ridges 2101-2106. The base 2113, and/or top surface 2125 widths can increase, decrease, or remain constant along the length of each ridge 2101-2106. Further, the height of each ridged 2101-2106 can increase, decrease or remain constant across both the length and the width of the ridge 2101-2106. Each ridge 2101-2106 can have the same cross-sectional shape or the ridges 2101-2106 can have different cross-sectional shapes. Additionally, the cross-sectional shapes of each ridge can change across the length of the ridge. In some embodiments, the surface texture can remain the same or can vary across the length and or width of the ridges 2101-2106. Further, each individual ridge 2101-2106 can have the same surface texture or each ridge 2101-2106 can have a different surface texture.
In some embodiments, the length of each ridge 2101-2106 of the turbulator 2100 can vary from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106 of the club head, to approximately correspond with the location of the separation line 120 on the crown 110. Further, the length of each ridge 2101-2106 can be substantially greater than the base 2113 width. In other embodiments, the length of each ridge 2101-2106 can be substantially less than its base 2113 width. Further, in many embodiments the turbulator 2100 can comprise 6 ridges 2101-2106. In other embodiments the turbulator 2100 may include more or less than 6 ridges 2101-2106.
Tables 5-7 show experimental results for a golf club head with the turbulator 1800 (having the ridge apex 1815 positioned closer to the front surface 1820 than to the rear surface 1830) and a golf club head with the turbulator 2100 (having the ridge apex 2115 positioned closer to the front edge 2111 than to the rear edge 2117). Table 5 shows measured values of the aerodynamic drag expressed in lbf for different orientation angles of the club head at 80 mph. The orientation angles are measured with respect to a club head which is square to the ball at impact. Therefore the orientation angles of 0°, 20° and 40° represent different points in a swing. The 0° face angle is considered to be at the point of impact. The 20° and 40° face angles are considered to be at points in the swing wherein the club head 100 is behind the point of impact.
Table 6 shows measured values of the aerodynamic drag expressed in lbf for different orientation angles of the club head at 100 mph.
Table 7 shows measured values of the aerodynamic drag expressed in lbf for different orientation angles of the club head at 110 mph.
Generally, the golf club head should address the ball at 0° (or “be square to the ball”) during impact with the golf ball. Therefore, it is important that the club head have the greatest speed and least drag at this point. Tables 5-7 show that at speeds of 80 mph, 100 mph, and 110 mph when the club head is at the 0° orientation angle (at impact with the ball) the turbulators 2100 can reduced the drag force by as much as approximately 20% when compared to the turbulator 1800. This can result in a golf club head 100 which comprises the turbulators 2100 having increased club head speeds at the point of impact resulting in increased ball speed and longer ball trajectories.
A club head may include one or a combination of the turbulators 300, 400, 500, 600, 1200, 1300, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and/or 2100; and/or grooves 1400 and 1500; and/or protrusions 2010. For example, a club head may include the turbulators 400 on the crown and turbulators 1200 on the sole. In another example, a club head may include the turbulators 500 and protrusion 2010 on the crown and turbulators 1200 and 1300 on the sole. Thus, any combination of turbulators and/or protrusions according to the disclosure may be provided on the crown and/or the sole to provide a particular flow pattern on the club head. Furthermore, any combination of turbulators as described herein may be provided with the grooves on the sole 1008 of the golf club head according to the examples of
Further, a club head may include any of the turbulators 300, 400, 500, 600, 1200, 1300, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and/or 2100 in any turbulator configuration or arrangement. Referring to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring now to
Referring now to
As illustrated in
The turbulator 3000 as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the ridges 3001-3006 of the turbulator 3000 can be equidistant from one another. In other embodiments, the ridges 3001-3006 can be positioned at any distance from one another. The ridges 3001-3006 can have a minimum distance from one another ranging from 0.20 inch to 0.40 inch, 0.25 inch to 0.30 inch, 0.30 inch to 0.35 inch, 0.35 inch to 0.40 inch, or 0.25 inch to 0.35 inch. For example, the minimum distance between each of the ridges 3001-3006 can be 0.20 inch, 0.24 inch, 0.28 inch, 0.32 inch, 0.36 inch, or 0.40 inch.
The ridges 3001-3006 can comprise a general cross-sectional shape (e.g., triangular, semi-circle, square, rhombus, trapezoidal, pentagonal, or any other appropriate polygonal shape). In some embodiments, the ridge 3001, representing the other ridges 3002-3006 (i.e. same reference numbers), can comprise a pentagonal cross-sectional shape. From a front cross-sectional view of the ridge 3001 as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the top surface 3017 of the ridge 3001 can be a planar surface. In other embodiments as illustrated in
In many embodiments, the angled top surface edge 3017 can comprise an angle. The angle of the angled top surface edge 3017 can be measured between adjacent planar surfaces. In many embodiments, the angle of the angled top surface edge 3017 can range from 20 to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of the angled top surface edge 3017 can range from 20 to 60 degrees, 60 to 100 degrees, 100 to 140 degrees, or 140 to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of the angled top surface edge 3017 can range from 20 to 40 degrees, 40 degrees to 60 degrees, 60 degrees to 80 degrees, 80 degrees to 100 degrees, 100 degrees to 120 degrees, 140 degrees to 160 degrees, or 160 degrees to 180 degrees. For example, the angle of the angled top surface edge 3017 can be 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, 150 degrees, 153 degrees, 156 degrees, 159 degrees, 162 degrees, 165 degrees, 166 degrees, 167 degrees, 168 degrees, 169 degrees, 170 degrees, 171 degrees, 174 degrees, 177 degrees, or 180 degrees.
In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 3017 can have a curved surface extending between the side walls 3016. The top surface 3017 can further comprise a top surface radius as the measure of curvature from between the side walls 3016. The top radius can be at least 0.2 degrees or greater. In some embodiments, the top radius of the top surface 3017 can be 0.2 degrees to 1.5 degrees, 0.2 degrees to 0.5 degrees, 0.5 degrees to 0.8 degrees, 0.8 degrees to 1.1 degrees, 1.1 degrees to 1.4 degrees, 1.2 degrees to 1.5 degrees, 0.3 degrees to 0.9 degrees, or 0.9 degrees to 1.4 degrees. For example, the top radius of the top surface 3017 can be 0.2 degrees, 0.4 degrees, 0.6 degrees, 0.8 degrees, 1.0 degrees, 1.2 degrees, 1.4 degrees, or 1.5 degrees.
The side walls 3016 of the ridge 3001 can taper toward the top surface 3017 from the base 3013, forming an angle. The angle of the side walls 3016 is measured from the base 3013 of the ridge 3001 to the side walls 3016. The angle of the side walls 3016 can range from 70 degrees to 90 degrees, 70 degrees to 80 degrees, 80 degrees to 90 degrees, or 75 degrees to 85 degrees. For example, the angle of the side walls 3016 relative to the base 3013 can be 70 degrees, 73 degrees, 76 degrees, 79 degrees, 82 degrees, 85 degrees, 88 degrees, or 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of one side wall 3016 can be equal to the angle of the opposite side wall 3016. In other embodiments, the angle of one side wall 3016 can be less than, or greater than the angle of the opposite side wall 3016.
In this exemplary embodiment of
As illustrated in
In many embodiments, the width of the top surface 3017 can be less than the width of the base 3013. In some embodiments, the width of the top surface 3017 can be at least 75% of the width of the base 3013. In other embodiments, the width of the top surface 3017 can be at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of the width of the base 3013. In other embodiments, the width of the top surface 3017 can range between 40-95% of the width of the base 3013. In some embodiments, the width of the top surface 3017 can range between 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 50-70%, 50-90%, or 50-95% of the width of the base 3013. Further, in some embodiments, each of the ridges 3001-3006 can have a base 3013 and top surface 3017 comprising the same width. In other embodiments, the width of the base 3013 and/or top surface 3017 can vary between adjacent ridges 3001-3006. Further, the width of the base 3013 and/or top surface 3017 can increase, decrease, remain constant, or any combination thereof along the length of each ridge 3001-3006, moving in a direction from the club face 102 to the rear 109.
From a front perspective view of the ridge 3001, as illustrated in
The front surface 3020 of the ridges 3001-3006 can define a portion of the ridges 3001-3006 closest to the club face 102 of the golf club head 100; while the rear surface of the ridges 3010-3006 can define a portion of the ridges 3001-3006 closest to the rear 109 of the golf club head 100. More specifically, the front surface 3020 can comprise a first end 3022 positioned closest to the club face 102 and a second end 3024 positioned closest to the ridge apex 3015. In some embodiments, the first end 3022 of the front surface 3020 of the ridges 3001-3006 can be offset from the leading edge 112. The leading edge 112 can comprise the leading edge plane 1614 forming the leading edge angle 1616 with the loft plane 1618 as described previously, wherein the first end 3022 of the front surface 3020 of the plurality of ridges 3001-3006 can be at least partly located between the leading edge plane 1614 and the rear 109, but not extending beyond the leading edge plane 1614. In other embodiments, the first end 3022 of the front surface 3020 can be positioned on the leading edge 112.
The first end 3022 of the front surface 3020 of each ridge 3001-3006 can be positioned at a distance offset from the leading edge. In many embodiments, the offset distance can range from 0 to 0.60 inch. In some embodiments, the offset distance can range from 0 to 0.30 inch, or 0.30 to 0.60 inch. In some embodiments, the offset distance can range from 0 to 0.10 inch, 0.10 to 0.20 inch, 0.20 to 0.30 inch, 0.30 to 0.40 inch, 0.40 to 0.50 inch, or 0.50 to 0.60 inch. For example, the front surface 3020 may be offset from the leading edge 112 by 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, or 0.60 inch. Additionally, the distance between the leading edge 112 and the front surface 3020 may vary for each ridge 3001-3006 from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106 to approximately correspond with the location of the separation line 120. In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the front surface 3020 of the ridge 3001 can be a planar surface. In other embodiments as illustrated in
In many embodiments, the front surface 3020 can comprise an angle. The angle of the front surface 3020 can be measured from the loft plane 1618 or the leading edge plane 1614. In many embodiments, the angle of the front surface 3020 can range from 20 to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of the front surface 3020 can range from 20 to 60 degrees, 60 to 100 degrees, 87 to 100 degrees, 100 to 140 degrees, or 140 to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of the front surface 3020 can range from 20 degree to 40 degrees, 40 degrees to 60 degrees, 60 degrees to 80 degrees, 80 degrees to 100 degrees, 100 degrees to 120 degrees, 140 degrees to 160 degrees, or 160 degrees to 180 degrees. For example, the angle of the front surface 3020 can be 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 87 degrees, 89 degrees, 90 degrees, 91 degrees, 92 degrees, 93 degrees, 94 degrees, 95 degrees, 96 degrees, 97 degrees, 98 degrees, 99 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, 150 degrees, 160 degrees, 170 degrees, or 180 degrees.
In other embodiments, the front surface 3020 can comprise a curved surface. More specifically, the front surface 3020 can comprise a convex curvature (curving away from crown 110). In many embodiments, the convex curvature of the front surface 3020 can extend from the first end 3022 to the second end 3024 of the front surface 3020. The convex curvature can extend to the highest point of the top surface 3017 or the ridge apex 3015.
In many embodiments, the radius of the convex curvature of the front surface 3020 can range from 0.10 to 1.60 inch. In some embodiments, the radius of the convex curvature of the front surface 3020 can range from 0.10 to 0.40 inch, 0.40 to 0.80 inch, 0.80 to 1.20 inch, or 1.20 to 1.60 inch. For example, radius of the convex curvature of the front surface 3020 can be 0.10, 0.40, 0.70, 1.0, 1.30, 1.60 inch.
Additionally, the front surface 3020 of the ridges 3001-3006 can comprise a height. The height of the front surface 3020 of each ridge 3001-3006 is measured in a direction perpendicular from the base 3013. In many embodiments, the height of the front surface 3020 can increase from the base 3013 of the ridge toward the top surface 3017 in a club face 102 to rear 109 direction. In other embodiments, the height of the front surface 3020 of the ridges 3001-3006 can vary. In some embodiments, the height of the front surface 3020 can increase linearly, and/or exponentially.
Additionally, the front surface 3020 can have a length measured perpendicularly from the first end 3022 to the second end 3024. The length of the front surface 3020 can range from 0.09 inch to 0.13 inch. In other embodiments, the length of the front surface 3020 can range from 0.09 inch to 0.10 inch, 0.10 inch to 0.11 inch, 0.11 inch to 0.12 inch, 0.12 inch to 0.13 inch, 0.095 inch to 0.115 inch, or 0.115 inch to 0.125 inch. For example, the length of the front surface 3020 can be 0.09 inch, 0.095 inch, 0.10 inch, 0.105 inch, 0.11 inch, 0.115 inch, 0.12 inch, 0.125 inch, or 0.13 inch. In some embodiments, the front surface 3020 of the ridge 3001 can comprise a uniform length. In other embodiments as illustrated in
In other embodiments, the length of the front surface 3020 can range from 0.20 to 0.50 inch. In some embodiments, the length of the front surface 3020 can range from 0.20 to 0.2 inch, 0.25 to 0.30 inch, 0.30 to 0.35 inch, 0.35 to 0.40 inch, 0.40 to 0.45 inch, or 0.45 to 0.50 inch. For example, the length of the front surface 3020 can be 0.20, 0.23, 0.26, 0.29, 0.32, 0.35, 0.38, 0.41, 0.44, 0.47, or 0.50 inch.
In many embodiments, the rear surface 3030 of the ridge 3001 can be a planar surface. In other embodiments, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the ridge apex 3015 can be positioned closer to the front surface 3020 than to the rear surface 3030 of the ridge 3001-3006. In other embodiments, the ridge apex 3015 can be positioned closer to the rear surface 3030 than the front surface 3020 of the ridge 3001-3006. In some embodiments, the ridge apex 3015 can be positioned within the first 50%, the first 40%, the first 30%, the first 20%, the first 10%, the first 5%, or the first 1% of the length of the entire ridge 3001-3006. In other embodiments, the ridge apex 3015 can be positioned within 0.05 inch, within 0.1 inch, within 0.2 inch, within 0.3 inch, within 0.4 inch, within 0.5 inch, within 0.6 inch, within 0.7 inch, within 0.8 inch, within 0.9 inch, or within 1.0 inch from the first end 3022 of the front surface 3020.
In many embodiments, the ridge apex 3015 can be positioned a distance from the leading edge 112. In some embodiments, a portion of the ridge apex 3015 can be positioned on the leading edge 112. The distance of the ridge apex 3015 from the leading edge 112 can be measured as the perpendicular distance from the leading edge 112 to the ridge apex 3015 in the club face 102 to the rear 109 direction. The distance of the ridge apex 3015 from the leading edge 112 can range from 0 to 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the distance of the ridge apex 3015 from the leading edge 112 can range from 0 to 0.50 inch, or 0.50 to 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the distance of the ridge apex 3015 from the leading edge 112 can range from 0 to 0.20 inch, 0.20 to 0.40 inch, 0.40 to 0.60 inch, 0.60 to 0.80 inch, or 0.80 to 1.0 inch. For example, the distance of the ridge apex 3015 from the leading edge 112 can be 0, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, or 1.0 inch.
Referring again to
In many embodiments, the height of each ridge 3001-3006 can range from 0 to 0.40 inch. In some embodiments, the height of each ridge 3001-3006 can range from 0 to 0.15 inch, or 0.15 to 0.35 inch. In other embodiments, the height of each ridge 3001-3006 can range from 0 to 0.1 inch, 0.1 to 0.25 inch, or 0.25 to 0.35 inch. For example, the height of each ridge 3001-3006 can be 0 inch, 0.01 inch, 0.05 inch, 0.10 inch, 0.15 inch, 0.20 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.30 inch, or 0.35 inch.
The ridge 3001 can further comprise a transition region between the front surface 3020 and the top surface 3017. The transition region between the front surface 3020 and the top surface 3017 can comprise a round, a fillet, or a chamfer. As illustrated in
In other embodiments, the transition region between the front surface 3020 and the top surface 3017 can have a radius ranging from 0.20 to 1.60 inches. In some embodiments, the transition region between the front surface 3020 and the top surface 3017 can have a radius ranging from 0.20 to 0.40 inch, 0.40 to 0.60 inch, 0.60 to 0.08 inch, 0.08 to 1.00 inch, 1.00 to 1.20 inches, 1.20 to 1.40 inches, or 1.40 to 1.60 inches. For example, the transition region between the front surface 3020 and the top surface 3017 can have a radius of 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.80, 0.90, 1.00, 1.20, 1.30, 1.40, 1.50, or 1.60 inches.
In many embodiments, the ridge 3001 can further comprise a transition region between the front surface 3020 and each of the side walls 3016. The transition region between the front surface 3020 and each of the side walls 3016 can comprise a round, a fillet, or a chamfer. In many embodiments, the transition region between the front surface 3020 and each of the side walls 3016 can have a radius ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 inch. In some embodiments, the transition region between the front surface 3020 and each of the side walls 3016 can have a radius ranging from 0.05 to 0.25 inch, or 0.25 to 0.50 inch. In some embodiments, the transition region between the front surface 3020 and each of the side walls 3016 can have a radius ranging from 0.05 to 0.10 inch, 0.10 to 0.20 inch, 0.20 to 0.30 inch, 0.30 to 0.40 inch, or 0.40 to 0.50 inch. For example, the transition region between the front surface 3020 and each of the side walls 3016 can have a radius of 0.05, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, or 0.50 inch.
In many embodiments, the ridge 3001 can comprise a transition region between each side wall 3016 and the top surface 3017. The transition between each side wall 3016 and the top surface 3017 can comprise a round, a fillet, or a chamfer. For example, the transition region between each side wall 3016 and the top surface 3017 can have a radius ranging between 0.01 and 0.1 inch. In other embodiments, the transition region between each side wall 3016 and the top surface 3017 can have a radius ranging between 0.01 to 0.03 inch, 0.02 to 0.04 inch, 0.03 to 0.05 inch, 0.04 to 0.06 inch, 0.05 to 0.07 inch, 0.06 to 0.08 inch, 0.07 to 0.09 inch, or 0.08 to 0.10 inch. For example, the transition region between each side wall 3016 and the top surface 3017 can have a radius of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, or 0.10 inch.
Further, in some embodiments, the ridge 3001 can comprise a transition region between each side wall 3016 and the crown 110. The transition region between each side wall 3016 and the crown 110 can also comprise a round, a fillet, or a chamfer. For example, the transition region between each side wall 3016 and the crown 110 can have a radius ranging from 0.05 and 1.0 inch. In other embodiments, the transition region between each side wall 3016 and the crown 110 can have a radius ranging from 0.05 to 0.15 inch, 0.1 to 0.2 inch, 0.2 to 0.3 inch, 0.3 to 0.4 inch, 0.4 to 0.5 inch, 0.5 to 0.6 inch, 0.6 to 0.7 inch, 0.7 to 0.8 inch, 0.8 to 0.9 inch, or 0.9 to 1.0 inch. For example, the transition region between each side wall 3016 and the crown 110 can have a radius of 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.70, 0.80, 0.90, or 1.0 inch.
Referring to
The angled surface of the front surface 3020, the top surface 3017, or the rear surface 3030 of the ridges 3001-3006 can comprise at least two angled planar surfaces. The at least two angled planar surfaces of the front surface 3020, the top surface 3017, or the rear surface 3030 can extend the entire length of the ridges 3001-3006 from the club face 102 to the rear 109. Further, as illustrated in
The edge of the at least two angled planar surfaces of the front surface 3020, the top surface 3017, or the rear surface 3030 can comprise a round, a fillet, or a chamfer. In many embodiments, the edge of the front surface 3020, the top surface 3017, or the rear surface 3030 of the ridges 3001-3006 can have a radius ranging from 0.01 to 0.10 inch. In some embodiments, the edge of the front surface 3020, the top surface 3017, or the rear surface 3030 of the ridges 3001-3006 can have a radius ranging from 0.01 to 0.05 inch, or 0.05 to 0.10 inch. In some embodiments, the edge of the front surface 3020, the top surface 3017, or the rear surface 3030 of the ridges 3001-3006 can have a radius ranging from 0.01 to 0.02 inch, 0.02 to 0.03 inch, 0.03 to 0.04 inch, 0.04 to 0.05 inch, 0.05 to 0.06 inch, 0.06 to 0.07 inch, 0.07 to 0.08 inch, 0.08 to 0.09 inch, or 0.09 to 0.10 inch. For example, the edge of the front surface 3020, the top surface 3017, or the rear surface 3030 of the ridges 3001-3006 can have a radius of 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.095, or 0.10 inch.
Each ridge 3001-3006 can be curved, can have a variable base width 3013 along the length, can have a variable cross-sectional shapes, can have a variable height along the length and/or the base width 3013, can have a different surface textures, and/or can have a other physical variations along the length, the base width 3013 and/or the height. The length of each ridge can vary from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106 to approximately correspond with the location of the separation line 120 on the crown 110. Further, the length of each ridge can be substantially greater than the base width. In many embodiments, the turbulator 3000 is shown to comprise 6 ridges 3001-3006. In other embodiments, the turbulator 3000 can include more or less than 6 turbulators 3000.
Tables 8-10 show experimental results comparing a golf club head devoid of turbulators (hereinafter “CH1”), a golf club head comprising the turbulator arrangement 2200 having ridges 2201-2206 similar to the ridges 1801-1806 (
Table 8 shows measured values of the aerodynamic drag expressed in lbf for the different orientation angles of the club head at 80 mph.
As can be seen from the results in table 8, at swing speeds of 80 mph, club heads including turbulators experience reduced drag force through the swinging motion compared to club heads devoid of turbulators. The greater the reduction in drag force, the less force required by the user to achieve or increase the club head speed which can result in increased swing speeds and longer ball travel distances. From table 8 it should be noted that at a closed face angle the turbulators of CH2, CH3 and CH4 drastically reduce the drag force experienced by the club heads. Specifically, the turbulators of CH2, CH3 and CH4 reduce the drag forces on the club head by 42%, 19% and 61%, respectively. Further, it should be noted, that at the 20 degree face angle and 80 mph, the turbulator of CH2 reduces the drag force on the club head by 46%, while the turbulators of CH3 and CH4 reduce the drag force on the club head by 2%.
Table 9 shows measured values of the aerodynamic drag expressed in lbf for the different orientation angles of the club head at 100 mph.
As can be seen from the results in table 9, at swing speeds of 100 mph, club heads including turbulators experience reduced drag force through the swinging motion compared to club heads devoid of turbulators. The greater the reduction in drag force, the less force required by the user to achieve or increase the club head speed which can result in increased swing speeds and longer ball travel distances. From table 9, it should be noted that at a closed face angle the turbulators of CH2, CH3 and CH4 drastically reduce the drag force experienced by the club heads. Specifically, the turbulators of CH2, CH3 and CH4 reduce the drag forces on the club head by 51%, 15% and 65%, respectively. Further, it should be noted, that contradicting to the results shown in table 8 at 80 mph, at the 20 degree face angle each of the turbulators of CH2, CH3, Ch4 drastically reduce the drag force experienced by the club heads. Specifically, the turbulators of CH2, CH3 and CH4 reduce the drag forces on the club head by 78%, 14% and 63%, respectively.
Table 10 shows measured values of the aerodynamic drag expressed in lbf for the different orientation angles of the club head at 120 mph.
As can be seen from the results in table 10, at swing speeds of 120 mph, club heads including turbulators experience reduced drag force through the swinging motion compared to club heads devoid of turbulators. The greater the reduction in drag force, the less force required by the user to achieve or increase the club head speed, which can result in increased swing speeds and longer ball travel distances. From table 10, it should be noted that at a closed face angle, the turbulators of CH2, CH3 and CH4 drastically reduce the drag force experienced by the club heads. Specifically, the turbulators of CH2, CH3 and CH4 reduce the drag forces on the club head by 38%, 13% and 46%, respectively. Further, it should be noted, that at the 20 degree face angle and 120 mph, the turbulators of CH2 and CH4 reduce the drag force on the club head by 56% and 53%, respectively, while the turbulator of CH2 reduces the drag force on the club head by 3%.
In one exemplary embodiment, a golf club head comprises a club face, a rear opposite the club face, a heel end, a toe end opposite the heel end, a crown, a sole opposite the crown, and a leading edge. The crown comprise turbulators, wherein the turbulators are positioned from front to back within a third portion of the crown from the club face. The turbulators comprise a plurality of ridges. The ridges are curvilinear extending from a first end to a second end. The ridges are orientated such that they produce an angle relative to the leading edge of the golf club head.
In another exemplary embodiment, a golf club head comprises a club face, a rear opposite the club face, a heel end, a toe end opposite the heel end, a crown, a sole opposite the crown, and a leading edge. The crown comprise turbulators, wherein the turbulators are positioned from front to back within a fourth portion of the crown from the club face. The turbulators comprise a plurality of ridges. The turbulators comprise at least two ridges of the plurality of ridge to be curvilinear extending from a first end to a second end, and at least one ridge of the plurality of ridges to be linear. The at least one ridge is angled relative to the leading edge of the golf club head.
An exemplary golf club head 100 comprising a turbulator 3000 having a ridge apex 3015 positioned further from a leading edge 112 was compared to a similar control club head comprising a turbulator having a ridge apex positioned closer to the leading edge 112 (see Table 11). The ridge apex is defined as a maximum height of the ridge measured in a direction perpendicular from a base of the ridge. The turbulator 3000 of the exemplary golf club head 100 comprises a plurality of ridges 3001-3006 including the ridge apex 3015. The turbulator of the similar control club head comprises a plurality of ridges 1-6 including the ridge apex.
Table 11 compares the distance from the leading edge 112 to the ridge apex between the exemplary golf club head 100 with turbulator 3000 and the similar control club head with the turbulator. A test was conducted in an air tunnel comparing the exemplary golf club head 100 and the similar control club head for various club head speeds (e.g. 60 to 120 mph, see Tables 12 and 13) and various angles relative to the leading edge 112 (e.g. 0 degrees, 20 degrees, 40 degrees, see Tables 12 and 13). As illustrated in Table 11, the distances from the leading edge 112 to the ridge apex 3015 for each ridge of the turbulator 3000 of the exemplary golf club head 100 is approximately two times larger than the distances from the leading edge 112 to the ridge apex for each ridge of the turbulator of the similar control club head. As illustrated in Tables 12 and 13, the drag force increases as club head speed increases, where the increases in drag force for the turbulator 3000 of the exemplary golf club head 100 is on average lower than the increases in drag force for the turbulator of the similar control club head. Based on the distances from the leading edge 112 to the ridge apex for the ridges, the test resulted in the exemplary golf club head 100 with the turbulator 3000 having on average 5% less drag force on the crown 110 compared to the similar control club head with the turbulator. These results show that by increasing the distance between the ridge apex and the leading edge 112, the air flow separation distance 121 increases thereby delaying the separation of air flow towards the aft region 126 of the crown 110. The increased distance between the ridge apex 3015 and the leading edge 112 of the exemplary golf club head 100 provides the advantage of tripping the air flow later thereby reducing the drag force on the crown 110.
Any reference made herein to certain parts of a golf club head such as a face, a rear, a heel or heel end, a toe or toe end, a crown and a sole of a golf club head may refer to portions of the golf club head that generally represent those parts.
Although a particular order of actions is described above for making turbulators or club heads with turbulators, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more actions described above may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more actions may be performed in reversed order. Further, one or more actions described above may not be performed at all. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Although certain example systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this disclosure covers all systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/104,835, filed on Aug. 17, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/547,524, filed Aug. 18, 2017, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/656,340, filed Jul. 21, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,232,232, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/517,104, filed Jun. 6, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/515,363, filed Jun. 5, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/365,911, filed Jul. 22, 2016, which is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/354,697, filed Nov. 17, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/710,420, filed on May 12, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,555,294, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/093,967, filed on Dec. 2, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,168,432, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/775,982, filed on Mar. 11, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/093,967 is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/536,753, filed on Jun. 28, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,587; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/710,420 is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/536,753, filed on Jun. 28, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,587, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/651,392, filed on May 24, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/553,428, filed on Oct. 31, 2011, the contents of all of which are incorporated fully herein by reference.
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