Patent Grant
10792543
The present disclosure relates to golf club heads, golf clubs, and sets of golf clubs. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to golf club heads for iron type golf clubs, and golf clubs and sets of golf clubs including such golf club heads.
A golf set includes various types of clubs for use in different conditions or circumstances in which a ball is hit during a golf game. A set of clubs typically includes a “driver” for hitting the ball the longest distance on a course. A fairway “wood” can be used for hitting the ball shorter distances than the driver. A set of irons are used for hitting the ball within a range of distances typically shorter than the driver or woods. Every club has an ideal striking location or “sweet spot” that represents the best hitting zone on the face for maximizing the probability of the golfer achieving the best and most predictable shot using the particular club.
An iron has a flat face that normally contacts the ball whenever the ball is being hit with the iron. Irons have angled faces for achieving lofts ranging from about 18 degrees to about 64 degrees. The size of an iron's sweet spot is generally related to the size (i.e., surface area) of the iron's striking face, and iron sets are available with oversize club heads to provide a large sweet spot that is desirable to many golfers. Most golfers strive to make contact with the ball inside the sweet spot to achieve a desired ball speed, distance, and trajectory.
Conventional “blade” type irons have been improved upon by so-called “perimeter weighted” irons, which include “cavity-back” and “hollow” iron designs. Cavity-back irons have a cavity directly behind the striking plate which permits club head mass to be distributed about the perimeter of the striking plate, and such clubs tend to be more forgiving to off-center hits. Hollow irons have features similar to cavity-back irons, but the cavity is enclosed by a rear wall to form a hollow region behind the striking plate. Perimeter weighted, cavity back, and hollow iron designs permit club designers to redistribute club head mass to achieve intended playing characteristics associated with, for example, placement of club head center of mass or a moment of inertia. These designs also permit club designers to provide striking plates that have relatively large face areas that are unsupported by the main body of the golf club head.
A golf club head includes a club body including a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, and a face portion, the face portion having an ideal striking location, wherein said sole portion extends rearwardly from a lower end of said face portion.
The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.
The present disclosure describes iron type golf club heads typically including a head body and a striking plate. The head body includes a heel portion, a toe portion, a topline portion, a sole portion, and a hosel configured to attach the club head to a shaft. In various embodiments, the head body defines a front opening configured to receive the striking plate at a front rim formed around a periphery of the front opening. In various embodiments, the striking plate is formed integrally (such as by casting) with the head body.
Various embodiments and aspects will be described with reference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various embodiments. The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the disclosure. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of the various embodiments described herein.
As used herein, the terms “coefficient of restitution,” “COR,” “relative coefficient of restitution,” “relative COR,” “characteristic time,” and “CT” are defined according to the following. The coefficient of restitution (COR) of an iron club head is measured according to procedures described by the USGA Rules of Golf as specified in the “Interim Procedure for Measuring the Coefficient of Restitution of an Iron Club head Relative to a Baseline Plate,” Revision 1.2, Nov. 30, 2005 (hereinafter “the USGA COR Procedure”). Specifically, a COR value for a baseline calibration plate is first determined, then a COR value for an iron club head is determined using golf balls from the same dozen(s) used in the baseline plate calibration. The measured calibration plate COR value is then subtracted from the measured iron club head COR to obtain the “relative COR” of the iron club head.
To illustrate by way of an example: following the USGA COR Procedure, a given set of golf balls may produce a measured COR value for a baseline calibration plate of 0.845. Using the same set of golf balls, an iron club head may produce a measured COR value of 0.825. In this example, the relative COR for the iron club head is 0.825−0.845=−0.020. This iron club head has a COR that is 0.020 lower than the COR of the baseline calibration plate, or a relative COR of −0.020.
The characteristic time (CT) is the contact time between a metal mass attached to a pendulum that strikes the face center of the golf club head at a low speed under conditions prescribed by the USGA club conformance standards.
As used herein, the term “volume” when used to refer to a golf club head refers to a club head volume measured according to the procedure described in Section 5.0 of the “Procedure For Measuring the Club head Size of Wood Clubs,” Revision 1.0.0, published Nov. 21, 2003 by the United States Golf Association (the USGA) and R&A Rules Limited. The foregoing procedure includes submerging a club head in a large volume container of water. In the case of a volume measurement of a hollow iron type club head, any holes or openings in the walls of the club head are to be covered or otherwise sealed prior to lowering the club head into the water.
Some embodiments of the iron type golf club heads include a flexible boundary structure (hereinafter “FBS”) provided at one or more locations on the club head. The flexible boundary structure may include, in various embodiments, a slot, a channel, a gap, a thinned or weakened region, or other structure that enhances the capability of an adjacent or related portion of the golf club head to flex or to deflect and, thereby, to provide a desired improvement in the performance of the golf club head. As used herein, the terms “channel”, “FBS”, “slot”, and “FBS feature” may utilized interchangeably as would be understood by one of skill in the art, among other terms located herein.
In a first aspect, a club head for an iron-type golf club includes a body having a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, and a face portion, with the sole portion extending rearwardly from a lower end of the face portion. The face portion includes an ideal striking location that defines the origin of a coordinate system in which an x-axis is tangential to the face portion at the ideal striking location and is parallel to a ground plane when the body is in a normal address position, a y-axis extends perpendicular to the x-axis and is also parallel to the ground plane, and a z-axis extends perpendicular to the ground plane. In the coordinate system, a positive x-axis extends toward the heel portion from the origin, a positive y-axis extends rearwardly from the origin, and a positive z-axis extends upwardly from the origin. In various embodiments, the body includes a central region in which −25 mm<x<25 mm. In various embodiments, the sole portion that is contained within the central region includes a forward sole region located adjacent to the face portion and a sole bar located rearward of the forward sole region, with the forward sole region defining a wall having a minimum forward sole thickness TFS and the sole bar defining a body having a maximum sole bar thickness TSB, such that 0.05<TFS/TSB<0.4. In various embodiments, the sole bar defines a first channel extending in a substantially heel-to-toe direction of the sole portion and having a first channel opening located on a bottom surface of the sole bar.
In various embodiments, the first channel has a first channel length including the distance between a part of the first channel nearest the toe portion and a part of the first channel nearest the heel region, with the first channel length being from about 15 mm to about 85 mm. In some additional embodiments, the first channel length is from about 30 mm to about 57 mm.
In various embodiments, the first channel has a first channel depth comprising a vertical distance between the ground plane and an uppermost point of the first channel, with an average of the first channel depth within the central region being from about 5 mm to about 25 mm. In some additional embodiments, the first channel depth is substantially constant within the central region.
In various embodiments, the body includes a toe side region wherein the x-axis coordinate is less than −25 mm, and a heel side region wherein the x-axis coordinate is greater than 25 mm, and the first channel has an average depth in the central region that is less than an average depth of the first channel in the toe side region. In various embodiments, the first channel has an average depth in the central region that is less than an average depth of the first channel in the heel side region. Still further, in various embodiments, the first channel has an average depth in the central region that is less than an average depth of the first channel in the toe side region and that is less than an average depth of the first channel in the heel side region. In various embodiments, the first channel has an average depth in the central region that is greater than an average depth of the first channel in the toe side region. In various embodiments, the first channel has an average depth in the central region that is greater than an average depth of the first channel in the heel side region. In various embodiments, the first channel has an average depth in the central region that is greater than an average depth of the first channel in the toe side region and that is greater than an average depth of the first channel in the heel side region.
In various embodiments, the sole bar defines a second channel extending in a substantially heel-to-toe direction of the sole bar and having a second channel opening located on an upper surface of the sole bar, the second channel having a second channel length, a second channel depth, and a second channel width.
In various embodiments, the central region of the body is defined as: −20 mm<x<20 mm. In various embodiments, the central region of the body is defined as: −15 mm<x<15 mm.
In various embodiments, 0.8 mm<TFS<3.0 mm. In various embodiments, 1.0 mm<TFS<2.5 mm.
In various embodiments, the first channel has a first channel length L1, the body has a sole length LB, and a ratio of the first channel length to the sole length satisfies the following inequality: 0.35<L1/LB<0.67.
In various embodiments, the first channel defines a first channel depth H1 that comprises the vertical distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the first channel, the body defines a body height HCH that comprises the vertical distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the body, and a ratio of an average value of the first channel depth H1 within the central region to the body height HCH satisfies the following inequality: 0.07<H1AVG/HCH<0.50.
In various embodiments, the first channel defines a first channel centerline and the face portion defines a face plane. In these embodiments, projections of the first channel centerline and the face plane onto the ground plane define a face to channel distance D1, the sole portion defines a sole width D3, and a ratio of an average value of the face to channel distance D1 within the central region to an average value of the sole width D3 within the central region satisfies the following inequality: 0.15<D1/D3<0.71.
In various embodiments, the body defines an interior cavity, and the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 10 cc<V<120 cc. In some of these embodiments, the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 40 cc<V<90 cc. In some of these embodiments, the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 60 cc<V<80 cc.
In various embodiments, the body defines a club head depth, DCH that satisfies the following inequality: 15 mm<DCH<100 mm. In some of these embodiments, the body has a club head depth that satisfies the following inequality: 30 mm<DCH<80 mm. In some of these embodiments, the body has a club head depth that satisfies the following inequality: 40 mm<DCH<70 mm.
In various embodiments, a filler material is located in the first channel. In various embodiments, a filler material is located in more than one channel.
In a second aspect, a club head for an iron-type golf club includes a body having a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, and a face portion, with the sole portion extending rearwardly from a lower end of the face portion. The face portion includes an ideal striking location that defines the origin of a coordinate system in which an x-axis is tangential to the face portion at the ideal striking location and is parallel to a ground plane when the body is in a normal address position, a y-axis extends perpendicular to the x-axis and is also parallel to the ground plane, and a z-axis extends perpendicular to the ground plane. In the coordinate system, a positive x-axis extends toward the heel portion from the origin, a positive y-axis extends rearwardly from the origin, and a positive z-axis extends upwardly from the origin. In various embodiments, the body includes a central region in which −25 mm<x<25 mm. The sole portion that is contained within the central region includes a forward sole region located adjacent to the face portion and a sole bar located rearward of the forward sole region, the sole bar defining a first channel extending in a substantially heel-to-toe direction of the sole portion and having a first channel opening located on a bottom surface of the sole bar. The first channel defines a first channel centerline and the face portion defines a face plane, such that projections of the first channel centerline and the face plane onto the ground plane define a face to channel distance D1. The sole portion defines a sole width D3. A ratio of an average value of the face to channel distance D1 within the central region to an average value of the sole width D3 within the central region satisfies the following inequality: 0.15<D1/D3<0.71.
In various embodiments, the forward sole region defines a wall having a minimum forward sole thickness TFS and the sole bar defines a body having a maximum sole bar thickness TSB, such that 0.05<TFS/TSB<0.4.
In various embodiments, 0.8 mm<TFS<3.0 mm. In various embodiments, 1.0 mm<TFS<2.5 mm.
In various embodiments, the first channel has a first channel length L1, the body has a sole length LB, and a ratio of the first channel length to the sole length satisfies the following inequality: 0.35<L1/LB<0.67.
In various embodiments, the first channel defines a first channel depth H1 that comprises the vertical distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the first channel, the body defines a body height HCH that comprises the vertical distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the body, and a ratio of an average value of the first channel depth H1 within the central region to the body height HCH satisfies the following inequality: 0.07<H1AVG/HCH<0.50.
In various embodiments, the body defines an interior cavity, and the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 10 cc<V<120 cc. In some of these embodiments, the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 40 cc<V<90 cc. In some of these embodiments, the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 60 cc<V<80 cc.
In various embodiments, the body defines a club head depth, DCH that satisfies the following inequality: 15 mm<DCH<100 mm. In some of these embodiments, the body has a club head depth that satisfies the following inequality: 30 mm<DCH<80 mm. In some of these embodiments, the body has a club head depth that satisfies the following inequality: 40 mm<DCH<70 mm.
In various embodiments, a filler material is located in the first channel. In various embodiments, a filler material is located in more than one channel.
In various embodiments, a club head for an iron-type golf club includes a body having a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, and a face portion, with the sole portion extending rearwardly from a lower end of the face portion. The face portion includes an ideal striking location that defines the origin of a coordinate system in which an x-axis is tangential to the face portion at the ideal striking location and is parallel to a ground plane when the body is in a normal address position, a y-axis extends perpendicular to the x-axis and is also parallel to the ground plane, and a z-axis extends perpendicular to the ground plane. In the coordinate system, a positive x-axis extends toward the heel portion from the origin, a positive y-axis extends rearwardly from the origin, and a positive z-axis extends upwardly from the origin. The sole portion includes a forward sole region located adjacent to the face portion and a sole bar located rearward of the forward sole region, with the sole bar defining a first channel extending in a substantially heel-to-toe direction of the sole portion and having a first channel opening located on a bottom surface of the sole bar. The first channel has a first channel length L1, the body has a sole length LB, and a ratio of the first channel length to the sole length satisfies the following inequality: 0.35<L1/LB<0.67.
In various embodiments, the forward sole region defines a wall having a minimum forward sole thickness TFS and the sole bar defines a body having a maximum sole bar thickness TSB, such that 0.05<TFS/TSB<0.4.
In various embodiments, 0.8 mm<TFS<3.0 mm. In various embodiments, 1.0 mm<TFS<2.5 mm.
In various embodiments, the first channel defines a first channel depth H1 that includes the vertical distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the first channel, the body defines a body height HCH that includes the vertical distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the body, and a ratio of an average value of the first channel depth H1 within the central region to the body height HCH satisfies the following inequality: 0.07<H1AVG/HCH<0.50.
In various embodiments, the body defines an interior cavity, and the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 10 cc<V<120 cc. In some of these embodiments, the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 40 cc<V<90 cc. In some of these embodiments, the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 60 cc<V<80 cc.
In various embodiments, the body defines a club head depth, DCH that satisfies the following inequality: 15 mm<DCH<100 mm. In some of these embodiments, the body has a club head depth that satisfies the following inequality: 30 mm<DCH<80 mm. In some of these embodiments, the body has a club head depth that satisfies the following inequality: 40 mm<DCH<70 mm.
In various embodiments, a filler material is located in the first channel. In various embodiments, a filler material is located in more than one channel.
In various embodiments, a club head for an iron-type golf club includes a body having a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, and a face portion, with the sole portion extending rearwardly from a lower end of the face portion. The face portion includes an ideal striking location that defines the origin of a coordinate system in which an x-axis is tangential to the face portion at the ideal striking location and is parallel to a ground plane when the body is in a normal address position, a y-axis extends perpendicular to the x-axis and is also parallel to the ground plane, and a z-axis extends perpendicular to the ground plane. In the coordinate system, a positive x-axis extends toward the heel portion from the origin, a positive y-axis extends rearwardly from the origin, and a positive z-axis extends upwardly from the origin. The body includes a central region in which −25 mm<x<25 mm. The sole portion that is contained within the central region includes a forward sole region located adjacent to the face portion and a sole bar located rearward of the forward sole region, the sole bar defining a first channel extending in a substantially heel-to-toe direction of the sole portion and having a first channel opening located on a bottom surface of the sole bar. The first channel defines a first channel depth H1 that comprises the vertical distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the first channel, the body defines a body height HCH that comprises the vertical distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the body, and a ratio of an average value of the first channel depth H1 within the central region to the body height HCH satisfies the following inequality: 0.07<H1AVG/HCH<0.50.
In various embodiments, the forward sole region defines a wall having a minimum forward sole thickness TFS and the sole bar defines a body having a maximum sole bar thickness TSB, such that 0.05<TFS/TSB<0.4.
In various embodiments, 0.8 mm<TFS<3.0 mm. In various embodiments, 1.0 mm<TFS<2.5 mm.
In various embodiments, the first channel has a first channel length L1, the body has a sole length LB, and a ratio of the first channel length to the sole length satisfies the following inequality: 0.35<L1/LB<0.67.
In various embodiments, the body defines an interior cavity, and the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 10 cc<V<120 cc. In some of these embodiments, the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 40 cc<V<90 cc. In some of these embodiments, the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 60 cc<V<80 cc.
In various embodiments, the body defines a club head depth, DCH that satisfies the following inequality: 15 mm<DCH<100 mm. In some of these embodiments, the body has a club head depth that satisfies the following inequality: 30 mm<DCH<80 mm. In some of these embodiments, the body has a club head depth that satisfies the following inequality: 40 mm<DCH<70 mm.
In various embodiments, a filler material is located in the first channel. In various embodiments, a filler material is located in more than one channel.
In various embodiments, a set of iron-type golf clubs includes a first subset of at least one iron-type golf club and a second subset of at least one iron-type golf club. The first subset includes at least one club head with a loft that is less than or equal to 30°, a face portion, a heel portion, a toe portion, a sole portion, and a top-line portion, with the sole portion defining a flexible boundary structure comprising a slot or a channel having a length of from about 15 mm to about 85 mm. The second subset includes at least one club head with a loft that is greater than 30°, a face portion, a heel portion, a toe portion, a sole portion, and a top-line portion, with the sole portion having no flexible boundary structure comprising a slot or a channel having a length of from about 15 mm to about 85 mm.
In various embodiments, the first subset includes at least two golf clubs, at least three golf clubs, at least four golf clubs, or at least five golf clubs. In various embodiments, the second subset includes at least two golf clubs, at least three golf clubs, at least four golf clubs, or at least five golf clubs.
In various embodiments, each of the golf clubs of the first subset includes a body having a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, and a face portion, with the sole portion extending rearwardly from a lower end of the face portion. The face portion includes an ideal striking location that defines the origin of a coordinate system in which an x-axis is tangential to the face portion at the ideal striking location and is parallel to a ground plane when the body is in a normal address position, a y-axis extends perpendicular to the x-axis and is also parallel to the ground plane, and a z-axis extends perpendicular to the ground plane. In the coordinate system, a positive x-axis extends toward the heel portion from the origin, a positive y-axis extends rearwardly from the origin, and a positive z-axis extends upwardly from the origin. The body includes a central region in which −25 mm<x<25 mm. The sole portion that is contained within the central region includes a forward sole region located adjacent to the face portion and a sole bar located rearward of the forward sole region, with the forward sole region defining a wall having a minimum forward sole thickness TFS and the sole bar defining a body having a maximum sole bar thickness TSB, such that 0.05<TFS/TSB<0.4. The sole bar defines a first channel extending in a substantially heel-to-toe direction of the sole portion and having a first channel opening located on a bottom surface of the sole bar.
In various embodiments, 0.8 mm<TFS<3.0 mm. In various embodiments, 1.0 mm<TFS<2.5 mm.
In various embodiments, the first channel has a first channel length L1, the body has a sole length LB, and a ratio of the first channel length to the sole length satisfies the following inequality: 0.35<L1/LB<0.67.
In various embodiments, the first channel defines a first channel depth H1 that comprises the vertical distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the first channel, the body defines a body height HCH that comprises the vertical distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the body, and a ratio of an average value of the first channel depth H1 within the central region to the body height HCH satisfies the following inequality: 0.07<H1AVG/HCH<0.50.
In various embodiments, the first channel defines a first channel centerline and the face portion defines a face plane. In these embodiments, projections of the first channel centerline and the face plane onto the ground plane define a face to channel distance D1, the sole portion defines a sole width D3, and a ratio of an average value of the face to channel distance D1 within the central region to an average value of the sole width D3 within the central region satisfies the following inequality: 0.15<D1/D3<0.71.
In various embodiments, the body defines an interior cavity, and the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 10 cc<V<120 cc. In some of these embodiments, the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 40 cc<V<90 cc. In some of these embodiments, the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 60 cc<V<80 cc.
In various embodiments, the body defines a club head depth, DCH that satisfies the following inequality: 15 mm<DCH<100 mm. In some of these embodiments, the body has a club head depth that satisfies the following inequality: 30 mm<DCH<80 mm. In some of these embodiments, the body has a club head depth that satisfies the following inequality: 40 mm<DCH<70 mm.
In various embodiments, a club head for an iron-type golf club includes a body having a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, and a face portion, wherein said sole portion extends rearwardly from a lower end of said face portion, the body further defining a rear void. The face portion includes an ideal striking location that defines the origin of a coordinate system in which an x-axis is tangential to the face portion at the ideal striking location and is parallel to a ground plane when the body is in a normal address position, a y-axis extends perpendicular to the x-axis and is also parallel to the ground plane, and a z-axis extends perpendicular to the ground plane. In the coordinate system, a positive x-axis extends toward the heel portion from the origin, a positive y-axis extends rearwardly from the origin, and a positive z-axis extends upwardly from the origin. The body includes a central region in which −25 mm<x<25 mm. The sole portion that is contained within the central region includes a forward sole region located adjacent to the face portion and a sole bar located rearward of the forward sole region, with the forward sole region defining a wall having a minimum forward sole thickness TFS and the sole bar defining a body having a maximum sole bar thickness TSB, such that 0.05<TFS/TSB<0.4. The sole portion includes a slot extending in a substantially heel-to-toe direction of the sole portion, the slot defining a portion of a path that extends through the sole portion and into the rear void.
In various embodiments, the slot has a slot length comprising the distance between a part of the slot nearest the toe portion and a part of the slot nearest the heel region, with the slot length being from about 15 mm to about 85 mm.
In various embodiments, 0.8 mm<TFS<3.0 mm.
In various embodiments, the slot has a slot length L1, the body has a sole length LB, and a ratio of the slot length to the sole length satisfies the following inequality: 0.35<L1/LB<0.67.
In various embodiments, the body defines an interior cavity, and the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 10 cc<V<120 cc.
In various embodiments, a filler material is located in the slot. In various embodiments, a filler material is located in more than one channel.
In various embodiments, the face portion defines a face plane and the path includes a lower path portion having a length of at least 1 mm and defining a lower path angle that is within 30° of being parallel with said face plane, an intermediate path portion having a length of at least 1 mm and defining an intermediate path angle that is within 30° of being perpendicular to said face plane, and an upper path portion having a length of at least 1 mm and defining an upper path angle that is within 30° of being parallel with said face plane.
In various embodiments, a club head for an iron-type golf club includes a body having a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, and a face portion, wherein said sole portion extends rearwardly from a lower end of said face portion, the body further defining a rear void. The face portion includes an ideal striking location that defines the origin of a coordinate system in which an x-axis is tangential to the face portion at the ideal striking location and is parallel to a ground plane when the body is in a normal address position, a y-axis extends perpendicular to the x-axis and is also parallel to the ground plane, and a z-axis extends perpendicular to the ground plane. In the coordinate system, a positive x-axis extends toward the heel portion from the origin, a positive y-axis extends rearwardly from the origin, and a positive z-axis extends upwardly from the origin. The body includes a central region in which −25 mm<x<25 mm. The sole portion that is contained within the central region includes a forward sole region located adjacent to the face portion and a sole bar located rearward of the forward sole region, with the forward sole region defining a wall having a minimum forward sole thickness TFS and the sole bar defining a body having a maximum sole bar thickness TSB. The sole portion includes a slot extending in a substantially heel-to-toe direction of the sole portion, the slot defining a portion of a path that extends through the sole portion and into the rear void, with the path including a lower path portion having a length of at least 1 mm and defining a lower path angle that is within 30° of being parallel with said face plane, an intermediate path portion having a length of at least 1 mm and defining an intermediate path angle that is within 30° of being perpendicular to said face plane, and an upper path portion having a length of at least 1 mm and defining an upper path angle that is within 30° of being parallel with said face plane.
In various embodiments, the slot has a slot length comprising the distance between a part of the slot nearest the toe portion and a part of the slot nearest the heel region, with the slot length being from about 15 mm to about 85 mm.
In various embodiments, 0.8 mm<TFS<3.0 mm.
In various embodiments, the slot has a slot length L1, the body has a sole length LB, and a ratio of the slot length to the sole length satisfies the following inequality: 0.35<L1/LB<0.67.
In various embodiments, the body defines an interior cavity, and the body has a volume V that satisfies the following inequality: 10 cc<V<120 cc.
In various embodiments, a filler material is located in the slot. In various embodiments, a filler material is located in more than one channel.
In various embodiments, flexible boundary structures may be found in various locations on the golf club head, including defined within the striking face, defined within the sole portion, and defined within the perimeter of the golf club head. Various performance characteristics may be altered by location, size, and arrangement of various channels. Various relief features may be utilized to provide durability and performance of the various flexible boundary structures. In various embodiments, flexible boundary structures may alter auditory profile of the golf club head thereby allowing for the isolation of preferred auditory profile of the golf club head.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the golf club heads described herein will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
A lower tangent point 190 on the outer surface of the club head 100 of a line 191 forming a 45° angle relative to the ground plane 111 defines a demarcation boundary between the sole portion 108 and the toe portion 104. Similarly, an upper tangent point 192 on the outer surface of the club head 100 of a line 193 forming a 45° angle relative to the ground plane 111 defines a demarcation boundary between the top line portion 106 and the toe portion 104. In other words, the portion of the club head that is above and to the left (as viewed in
The striking face 110 defines a face plane 125 and includes grooves 112 that are designed for impact with the golf ball. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the toe portion 104 may be understood to be any portion of the golf club head 100 that is toeward of the grooves 112. In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 can be a single unitary cast piece, while in other embodiments, a striking plate can be formed separately to be adhesively or mechanically attached to the body 113 of the golf club head 100.
In certain embodiments, a desirable CG-y location is between about 0.25 mm to about 20 mm along the CG y-axis 107 toward the rear portion of the club head. Additionally, a desirable CG-z location is between about 12 mm to about 25 mm along the CG z-up axis 109, as previously described.
The golf club head may be of solid (also referred to as “blades” and/or “musclebacks”), hollow, cavity back, or other construction.
In the embodiments shown in
In reference to
In certain embodiments of iron type golf club heads having hollow construction, such as the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, the volume of the hollow iron club head 100 may be between about 10 cubic centimeters (cc) and about 120 cc. For example, in some embodiments, the hollow iron club head 100 may have a volume between about 20 cc and about 110 cc, such as between about 30 cc and about 100 cc, such as between about 40 cc and about 90 cc, such as between about 50 cc and about 80 cc, such as between about 60 cc and about 80 cc. In addition, in some embodiments, the hollow iron club head 100 has a club head depth, DCH, that is between about 15 mm and about 100 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the hollow iron club head 100 may have a club head depth, DCH, of between about 20 mm and about 90 mm, such as between about 30 mm and about 80 mm, such as between about 40 mm and about 70 mm.
In certain embodiments of the golf club head 100 that include a separate striking plate attached to the body 113 of the golf club head, the striking plate can be formed of forged maraging steel, maraging stainless steel, or precipitation-hardened (PH) stainless steel. In general, maraging steels have high strength, toughness, and malleability. Being low in carbon, they derive their strength from precipitation of inter-metallic substances other than carbon. The principle alloying element is nickel (15% to nearly 30%). Other alloying elements producing inter-metallic precipitates in these steels include cobalt, molybdenum, and titanium. In one embodiment, the maraging steel contains 18% nickel. Maraging stainless steels have less nickel than maraging steels but include significant chromium to inhibit rust. The chromium augments hardenability despite the reduced nickel content, which ensures the steel can transform to martensite when appropriately heat-treated. In another embodiment, a maraging stainless steel C455 is utilized as the striking plate. In other embodiments, the striking plate is a precipitation hardened stainless steel such as 17-4, 15-5, or 17-7.
The striking plate can be forged by hot press forging using any of the described materials in a progressive series of dies. After forging, the striking plate is subjected to heat-treatment. For example, 17-4 PH stainless steel forgings are heat treated by 1040° C. for 90 minutes and then solution quenched. In another example, C455 or C450 stainless steel forgings are solution heat-treated at 830° C. for 90 minutes and then quenched.
In some embodiments, the body 113 of the golf club head is made from 17-4 steel. However another material such as carbon steel (e.g., 1020, 1030, 8620, or 1040 carbon steel), chrome-molybdenum steel (e.g., 4140 Cr—Mo steel), Ni—Cr—Mo steel (e.g., 8620 Ni—Cr—Mo steel), austenitic stainless steel (e.g., 304, N50, or N60 stainless steel (e.g., 410 stainless steel) can be used.
In addition to those noted above, some examples of metals and metal alloys that can be used to form the components of the parts described include, without limitation: titanium alloys (e.g., 3-2.5, 6-4, SP700, 15-3-3-3, 10-2-3, or other alpha/near alpha, alpha-beta, and beta/near beta titanium alloys), aluminum/aluminum alloys (e.g., 3000 series alloys, 5000 series alloys, 6000 series alloys, such as 6061-T6, and 7000 series alloys, such as 7075), magnesium alloys, copper alloys, and nickel alloys.
In still other embodiments, the body 113 and/or striking plate of the golf club head are made from fiber-reinforced polymeric composite materials, and are not required to be homogeneous. Examples of composite materials and golf club components comprising composite materials are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0275451, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The body 113 of the golf club head can include various features such as weighting elements, cartridges, and/or inserts or applied bodies as used for CG placement, vibration control or damping, or acoustic control or damping. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,496, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses the attachment of mass altering pins or cartridge weighting elements.
After forming the striking plate and the body 113 of the golf club head, the striking plate and body portion 113 contact surfaces can be finish-machined to ensure a good interface contact surface is provided prior to welding. In some embodiments, the contact surfaces are planar for ease of finish machining and engagement.
In some embodiments of the iron type golf club heads described herein, a flexible boundary structure (“FBS”) is provided at one or more locations on the club head. The flexible boundary structure may comprise, in several embodiments, at least one slot, at least one channel, at least one gap, at least one thinned or weakened region, and/or at least one other structure that enhances the capability of an adjacent or related portion of the golf club head to flex or deflect and to thereby provide a desired improvement in the performance of the golf club head. For example, in several embodiments, the flexible boundary structure is located proximate the striking face of the golf club head in order to enhance the deflection of the striking face upon impact with a golf ball during a golf swing. The enhanced deflection of the striking face may result, for example, in an increase or in a desired decrease in the coefficient of restitution (“COR”) of the golf club head. In other embodiments, the increased perimeter flexibility of the striking face may cause the striking face to deflect in a different location and/or different manner in comparison to the deflection that occurs upon striking a golf ball in the absence of the channel, slot, or other flexible boundary structure.
Turning to
The channel 250 extends over a region of the sole 208 generally parallel to and spaced rearwardly from the striking face plane 225. The channel extends into and is defined by a forward portion of the sole bar 235, defining a forward wall 252, a rear wall 254, and an upper wall 256. A channel opening 258 is defined on the sole portion 208 of the club head. The forward wall 252 further defines, in part, a first hinge region 260 located at the transition from the forward portion of the sole 244 to the forward wall 252, and a second hinge region 262 located at a transition from the upper region of the forward wall 252 to the sole bar 235. The first hinge region 260 and second hinge region 262 are portions of the golf club head that contribute to the increased deflection of the striking face 210 of the golf club head due to the presence of the channel 250. In particular, the shape, size, and orientation of the first hinge region 260 and second hinge region 262 are designed to allow these regions of the golf club head to flex under the load of a golf ball impact. The flexing of the first hinge region 260 and second hinge region 262, in turn, creates additional deflection of the striking face 210.
Several aspects of the size, shape, and orientation of the club head 200 and channel 250 are illustrated in the embodiment shown in
Referring to
Another aspect of the size, shape, and orientation of the club head 200 and channel 250 is the sole width. For example, for each cross-section of the club head defined within the y-z plane, the sole width, D3, is the distance measured on the ground plane 211 between the face plane projection point 226 and a trailing edge projection point 246. (See
Still another aspect of the size, shape, and orientation of the club head 200 and channel 250 is the channel to rear distance, D2. For example, for each cross-section of the club head defined within the y-z plane, the channel to rear distance D2 is the distance measured on the ground plane 211 between the channel centerline projection point 227 and a vertical projection of the trailing edge 245 onto the ground plane 211. (See
Table 1 below lists several exemplary values for the face to channel distance D1, channel to rear distance D2, sole width D3, and the ratios of D1/D3, D2/D3, and D1/D2 for several examples of club heads that include a channel 350 according to the embodiments described herein. The measurements reported in Table 1 are for the average face to channel distance (D1), average channel to rear distance (D2), and average sole width (D3) over a portion of the club head extending 25 mm to each side (i.e., toe side and heel side) of the ideal striking location 301. As used herein, the terms “average face to channel distance (D1),” “average channel to rear distance (D2),” and “average sole width (D3)” refer to an average of a plurality of D1, D2, or D3 measurements, with the plurality of D1, D2, or D3 measurements being taken within a plurality of imaginary parallel vertical planes that include a first vertical plane passing through the ideal striking location 301 and that contains a vector drawn normal to the striking face 310 at the ideal striking location 301, and a plurality of additional vertical planes that are parallel to the first vertical plane and that are spaced at regular 1 mm increments on each side of the ideal striking location 301.
Returning to
In some embodiments, the channel width W1 at the channel opening 258 is sufficiently wide that the forward wall 252 and rear wall 254 of the channel do not contact one another when, for example, a golf ball is struck by the club head 200, but the channel width W1 at the channel opening 258 is sufficiently narrow that the amount of dirt, grass, and other materials entering the channel 250 may be reduced relative to a channel having a wider channel opening 258. For example, in some embodiments, the channel width W1 at the channel opening 258 may be from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 1.0 mm to about 4 mm, such as from about 1.25 mm to about 3 mm.
Table 2 below lists several exemplary values for the average channel depth H1AVG, maximum channel depth H1MAX, club head height HCH, and the ratios of H1AVG/HCH and H1MAX/HCH for several examples of club heads that include a channel according to the embodiments described herein.
Table 3 below lists several exemplary values for the channel length L1, sole length LB, and the ratio of L1/LB for several examples of club heads that include a channel according to the embodiments described herein.
Table 4 below lists several exemplary values for the channel length L1, the average channel depth H1AVG, the maximum channel depth H1MAX, and the ratios of H1AVG/L1 and H1MAX/L1 for several examples of club heads that include a channel according to the embodiments described herein.
Returning to
Table 5 below lists several exemplary values for the forward sole minimum thickness TFS, sole bar maximum thickness TSB, and the ratio of TFS/TSB for several examples of club heads that include a channel according to the embodiments described herein.
Returning again to
In each of the embodiments described above, the channel is defined by forward, rear, and upper walls, and has a channel opening that is formed on the sole portion of the club head. Accordingly, except for the channel opening, each of the channels described above is closed at its forward, rear, and upper ends. In alternative embodiments, instead of a closed channel, a channel may be provided having one or more openings that extend through one or more of the channel walls, and/or a slot having no upper wall extends fully through the sole portion (or other portion) of the club head in which it is located.
For example, in the embodiments shown in
One or more cutouts or windows 1794 are provided on the forward wall 1752 of the channel. See, e.g.,
Although the example windows 1794 have an oblong shape, other shapes (e.g., round, oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, etc.) are also possible. Turning to
Although not shown in the drawings, in alternative embodiments, one or more windows or cutouts may be formed through the channel rear wall 1754 and extending through the sole bar 1735, with an exit port provided on a rearward-facing surface of the club head.
Turning to
The embodiment shown in
The slot 1050 is located rearward of the forward portion 1044 of the sole and forward of the sole bar 1035. The slot 1050 has a face to slot distance, D1, that is variable over the length of the slot 1050 due to the curvature of the first curved region 1070 and second curved region 1072. In the embodiment shown in
In some alternative embodiments (not shown in the drawings), an iron club head 1000 may include a slot 1050 that extends fully through the sole 1008, and the forward portion 1044 of the sole may have a forward sole wall minimum thickness, TFS, that is larger than the ranges for the forward sole wall minimum thickness TFS of the embodiments described above in relation to
Turning next to
The slot 1950 is located in the sole 1908, rearward of the forward portion 1944 of the sole and forward of the sole bar 1935. The slot 1950 has a face to slot distance, D1, that may be comparable to the ranges for the face to channel distance D1 of the embodiments described above in relation to
Cross-sectional views of the club head show a profile of the shape of the slot 1950 at a central region of the club head. As shown, for example, in
The overhang member 1996 and slot 1950 define a non-linear passage through the sole 1908 and into the rear void of the club head, such as into the recess 1934 at the back portion of the club head 1900 (for a cavity back iron club head), or through the sole 1908 into the internal cavity 120 of the club head (for a hollow iron club head). The non-linear passage may be defined by the axial path 1998 illustrated in
In the embodiments shown in
Turning next to
In the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
Similarly, in
In
In each of the foregoing embodiments that include a slot 1150 formed in the sole 1108 of the club head, it is further advantageous to provide rounded or tapered edge contours in order to provide stress relief and to enhance the durability of the club head. For example, in the embodiments shown in
It should be noted that each of the sole slot profile embodiments shown in
Several of the club head embodiments described above include one or more flexible boundary structures located on the sole portion of the club head. In other, alternative embodiments, a flexible boundary structure may be included on other portions of the club head. For example, in an embodiment shown in
In an alternative embodiment, the club head 1200 may include a slot located at or along the toe region 1204, rather than the channel 1250 shown in
In still other embodiments, a slot, channel, or other flexible boundary structure may be located at the heel portion 102 (see
In still other embodiments, a plurality of flexible boundary structures may be included at separate locations on the club head. For example, another club head embodiment is shown schematically in
In
For example, several club head embodiments are shown in
The embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
Turning next to
The second channel 1551 is located immediately rearward of (i.e., away from the striking face 1510 from) the first channel 1550, and is defined by the first channel rear wall 1554, a second channel rear wall 1555, and a second channel lower wall 1557. A second channel opening 1559 is located on the upper surface of the sole bar 1535. The second channel 1551 has a second channel width, W2, a second channel depth, H2, and a second channel length, L2. The second channel width, W2, is measured using substantially the same method used to measure the first channel width, W1, adapted based upon the relative orientation of the second channel. The second channel depth, H2, is the vertical distance between a first horizontal plane corresponding with the second channel opening 1559 and a second horizontal plane that contains the lowermost point of the interior of the second channel 1551. The second channel length L2 is a measure of the distance on the sole bar 1535 of the club head between the toeward-most point of the second channel 1551 and the heelward-most point of the second channel 1551, without taking into account any curvature of the channel 1551. The rear wall 1554 of the first channel, which corresponds to a forward wall of the second channel 1551, defines a third hinge region 1564 having a third hinge region thickness, T3, and a fourth hinge region 1562 having a fourth hinge region thickness, T4.
The first channel 1550 and second channel 1551 are separated by a channel separation distance, DSEP, that is determined as follows. A first channel centerline 1529a and second channel centerline 1529b are constructed in the manner described above in relation to the channel centerline shown in
In some embodiments, the first channel centerline 1529a and second channel centerline 1529b are parallel to one another. In other embodiments, the first channel centerline 1529a and second channel centerline 1529b are oriented such that they define a channel centerline angle α therebetween. In some embodiments, the first channel centerline 1229a has an orientation that is steeper (i.e., closer to vertical) than the orientation of the second channel centerline 1229b. In those embodiments, the channel centerline angle α is oriented “upward” and may have a value ranging from slightly greater than 0° to slightly less than 90°, such as between about 1° and about 15°. In some other embodiments, the first channel centerline 1229a has an orientation that is shallower (i.e., closer to horizontal) than the orientation of the second channel centerline 1229b. In those embodiments, the channel centerline angle α is oriented “downward” and may have a value ranging from slightly greater than 0° to slightly less than 90°, such as between about 1° and about 15°.
Table 6 below lists several exemplary values for the channel separation distance DSEP and channel centerline angle α for several examples of club heads that include a dual channel design according to the embodiments described herein.
The third channel 1553 is located immediately rearward of (i.e., away from the striking face 1510 from) the second channel 1551, and is defined by the second channel rear wall 1555, a third channel rear wall 1568, and a third channel upper wall 1569. A third channel opening 1571 is located on the lower surface of the sole bar 1535. The third channel 1553 has a third channel width, W3, a third channel depth, H3, and a third channel length, L3, each of which is measured using substantially the same method used to measure the corresponding parameters of the first channel.
In the club head embodiments described above, the described flexible boundary structures include channel and slot designs that define voids or spaces within the club head. In some embodiments, these voids or spaces are left unfilled. In others, such as the embodiments illustrated in
Examples of materials that may be suitable for use as a filler to be placed into a slot, channel, or other flexible boundary structure include, without limitation: viscoelastic elastomers; vinyl copolymers with or without inorganic fillers; polyvinyl acetate with or without mineral fillers such as barium sulfate; acrylics; polyesters; polyurethanes; polyethers; polyamides; polybutadienes; polystyrenes; polyisoprenes; polyethylenes; polyolefins; styrene/isoprene block copolymers; hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomers; metallized polyesters; metallized acrylics; epoxies; epoxy and graphite composites; natural and synthetic rubbers; piezoelectric ceramics; thermoset and thermoplastic rubbers; foamed polymers; ionomers; low-density fiber glass; bitumen; silicone; and mixtures thereof. The metallized polyesters and acrylics can comprise aluminum as the metal. Commercially available materials include resilient polymeric materials such as Scotchweld™ (e.g., DP-105™) and Scotchdamp™ from 3M, Sorbothane™ from Sorbothane, Inc., DYAD™ and GP™ from Soundcoat Company Inc., Dynamat™ from Dynamat Control of North America, Inc., NoViFlex™ Sylomer™ from Pole Star Maritime Group, LLC, Isoplast™ from The Dow Chemical Company, Legetolex™ from Piqua Technologies, Inc., and Hybrar™ from the Kuraray Co., Ltd.
In some embodiments, a solid filler material may be press-fit or adhesively bonded into a slot, channel, or other flexible boundary structure. In other embodiments, a filler material may poured, injected, or otherwise inserted into a slot or channel and allowed to cure in place, forming a sufficiently hardened or resilient outer surface. In still other embodiments, a filler material may be placed into a slot or channel and sealed in place with a resilient cap or other structure formed of a metal, metal alloy, metallic, composite, hard plastic, resilient elastomeric, or other suitable material.
In some embodiments, the portion of the filler 223 or cap that is exposed within the channel 250 has a generally convex shape and is disposed within the channel such that the lowermost portion of the filler 223 or cap is displaced by a gap, DF, below the lowermost surface of the immediately adjacent portions of the body of the club head 200. (See, e.g.,
In the embodiment shown in
Referring now to
In several embodiments of the golf club set 1600, at least one of the golf clubs included in the set 1600 has a club head 1604 having a flexible boundary structure, such as a slot, a channel, or other structure, whereas at least one other of the golf clubs included in the set 1600 has a club head 1604 that does not have a flexible boundary structure. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the golf clubs included in the set 1600 has a club head 1604 having a slot or channel such as one or more of the club head embodiments described herein in reference to
Tables 7A through 7D illustrate four particular embodiments of golf club sets 1600 having performance characteristics that vary between clubs within the set. However, it is worthwhile to note that these are just four embodiments and the claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.
As reflected in Tables 7A through 7D, there are unique compositions of golf clubs within a multi-club set, one or more of which include a flexible boundary structure (e.g., a channel) and one or more of which do not include a flexible boundary structure. (It should be understood that the golf club set may have fewer or more irons than set forth in Tables 7A through 7D.) It is generally preferable to achieve a consistent average gapping distance from club to club. In this way, the golfer is provided with a full range of consistent and increasing club shot distances so that the golfer can select a club or iron for the distance required by a particular shot or situation. Typically, the average gapping distance from club to club in a set of irons for an average player is about 8-10 yards. As set forth herein, the unique inclusion of individual clubs having a flexible boundary structure with those not having a flexible boundary structure from the LW to the 3-iron helps provide for an average gapping distance for an average player of about 11-15 yards from club to club, respectively. In this respect, the embodiments herein provide consistency as well as an overall greater range of distances for the golfer.
Other parameters may contribute to overall greater gap distance in the set, and greater ball speed and distance for each individual iron. These parameters include shaft length, face thickness, face area, weight distribution (and resultant club head moment of inertia (“MOI”) and center of gravity (“CG”) location), and others. In addition, still other parameters may contribute to performance, playability, forgiveness or other features of golf clubs contained within the set. These parameters include topline thicknesses (and topline thickness progression within the set), swing weights, and sole widths. Descriptions of the contributions of these parameters to the performance of golf clubs within a set of golf clubs is provided in United States Published Patent Application No. 2011/0159981, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The inventors of the club heads described herein investigated the effect of incorporating channels, slots, and other flexible boundary structures into the perimeter regions of iron type club heads. Iron golf club head designs were modeled using commercially available computer aided modeling and meshing software, such as Pro/Engineer by Parametric Technology Corporation for modeling and Hypermesh by Altair Engineering for meshing. The golf club head designs were analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA) software, such as the finite element analysis features available with many commercially available computer aided design and modeling software programs, or stand-alone FEA software, such as the ABAQUS software suite by ABAQUS, Inc. Under simulation, models of iron type golf club heads having flexible boundary structures incorporated into perimeter regions of the club heads were observed to produce relatively higher values of COR and CT when compared to similarly constructed golf club heads that do not include a flexible boundary structure.
In addition, golf club heads having channels were constructed to determine the effect of incorporating a channel into the perimeter regions of the club heads. COR measurements were taken of two golf club heads. The first club head did not include a flexible boundary structure. The second club head included a straight, continuous channel located in the sole of the club head, and having the following parameters set forth in Table 8:
The golf clubs were otherwise identical. For the current disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, COR testing should be understood to be performed following USGA procedure for testing iron COR—notably, with a ball speed of 133 fps. See U.S.G.A. “Interim Procedure for Measuring the Coefficient of Restitution of an Iron Clubhead Relative to a Baseline Plate,” Revision 1.2, Nov. 30, 2005. COR testing was performed at several locations on the striking face of each of the club heads, and the following results were obtained:
In Table 9, the location “ISL” refers to the ideal striking location. The references to locations at distances toward the “Toe” and “Heel” refer to horizontal distances within the striking face plane from the ISL toward the toe and heel of the club head. The references to locations at distances toward the “Crown” and “Sole” refer to distances toward the crown and sole of the club head along a line defined by the intersection of the striking face plane and a perpendicular vertical plane. Accordingly, the flexible boundary structure was responsible for an increase in the COR of the club head of from about 0.11 to about 0.31, depending upon the location on the striking face of the club head.
As previously described, altering the boundary condition of golf club heads—such as those described elsewhere within this disclosure—can alter performance for off-center strikes. Embodiments described elsewhere in this disclosure provide altered performance for off-center strikes in the vertical direction. In particular, embodiments such as golf club head 200 provide notable performance advantages for strikes below the ideal strike location 101, particularly for those on a line passing through the ideal strike location 101 and coincident with the center face (hereinafter the “center line”).
However, in many cases, off-center strikes occur at locations other than the center line of the golf club head. In many cases, off-center strikes occur at locations toward the heel or, more often, toward the toe of the golf club head. Off-center strikes result in lower distance and relatively poor performance as discussed elsewhere in this disclosure. One solution is the inclusion of FBS features in locations of the than the sole of the golf club head to promote increased performance on off-center strikes in locations other than those coincident with the center line.
A golf club head 2000 includes features similar to those described elsewhere in this disclosure and is shown with reference to
The golf club head 2000 includes a striking face 2110 similar to those described elsewhere in this disclosure. The striking face 2110 of the current embodiment includes a FBS that is a channel 2150 defined in the striking face 2110 in the current embodiment. The channel 2150 of the current embodiment includes a central portion 2152, a first end portion 2154, and a second end portion 2156. In the current embodiment, the central portion 2152 is oriented with its major length being about perpendicular to the general direction of the grooves 112. The first end portion 2154 and the second end portion 2156 are oriented with respect to the central portion 2152 at an angle 2158. As can be seen, a variety of radii may be used at the junction of the central portion 2152 with the end portions 2154, 2156. In various embodiments, the radius may be 1 mm. In various embodiments, the radius may be 5-10 mm. In various embodiments, the radius may be 10-20 mm. In various embodiments, the radius may be 5-25 mm.
The channel 2150 is defined by an overall height 2160 as measured in the face plane 125 (see
As can be seen, the first end portion 2154 and the second end portion 2156 provide a terminus of the channel 2150 that is disposed distal to the intended ideal strike location 101. In various embodiments, toeward strikes on the golf club head 2000 can produce deflection of the channel 2150. In various embodiments, deflection may cause failure, particularly at various ends of the channel 2150 in various configurations. As such, the first end portion 2154 and second end portion 2156 move the ends 2164, 2166 to a location that is more remote from the striking location, reducing stress concentrations on the channel 2150 and providing a more gradual reduction in stress along the channel 2150.
By providing the channel 2150 in the toe portion 104 of the golf club head 2000, performance can be improved for off-center hits in locations approaching the toe portion 104 of the golf club head.
Various embodiments of the golf club head 2000 can be seen with reference to
As can be seen, a variety of shapes can be formed by varying the features of the channel 2150 as desired within the parameters described elsewhere herein. In varying the features of the channel 2150, performance of the channel 2150 as a FBS feature changes.
As noted above for all COR testing of the current disclosure, Table 10 was determined using USGA procedure for measuring iron COR. See U.S.G.A. “Interim Procedure for Measuring the Coefficient of Restitution of an Iron Clubhead Relative to a Baseline Plate,” Revision 1.2, Nov. 30, 2005. Table 10 displays various performance results for the various changing design parameters. As can be seen, COR at the ideal strike location 101 varies from about 0.830 to about 0.849. Similarly, COR at a location 15 mm toeward from the ideal strike location 101 varies from about 0.770 to about 0.781. As measured, the difference between COR for ideal strike location and COR for 15 mm toeward varies from about 0.082 to about 0.067. As such, changing the parameters of the channel 2150 can vary the performance of both center and off-center strikes. As can be seen for all embodiments referenced in Table 10, COR at 15 mm toeward location never falls below 0.752 for all embodiments. In various embodiments, COR at 15 mm toeward is not less than 0.770. In various embodiments, COR at 15 mm toeward is not less than 0.775. In various embodiments, COR at 15 mm toeward is not less than 0.780.
Another embodiment of a golf club head 2500 is seen with reference to
In the current embodiment, the channel 2550 is straight and does not deviate substantially from a vertical path that is about parallel to a center line of the golf club head and about perpendicular to the grooves 112. Although stress concentrations would normally be seen at the ends 2564 and 2566, the reliefs 2554, 2556 provide a portion of increased width of the channel 2550 in the form of a circular aperture that is larger in diameter than the width of the channel 2550. In various embodiments, each relief 2554, 2556 may be of a diameter equal to the width of the channel 2550, in which case the ends 2564, 2566 would simply rounded or filleted. However, in the current embodiment, each relief 2554, 2556 is noticeably rounded at a diameter larger than the width of the channel 2550. Such an arrangement allows for gradual reduction in the stress over the ends 2564, 2566 thereby reducing concentrations of stress at end points of the channel 2550.
As seen with reference to
Table 11 displays various performance results for the various changing design parameters. As can be seen with reference to Table 11, COR at the ideal strike location 101 varies from about 0.828 to about 0.831. Similarly, COR at a location 15 mm toeward from the ideal strike location 101 varies from about 0.751 to about 0.758. As measured, the difference between COR for ideal strike location and COR for 15 mm toeward varies from about 0.080 to about 0.070. As such, changing the parameters of the channel 2550 can vary the performance of both center and off-center strikes. As can be seen for all embodiments referenced in Table 11, COR at 15 mm toeward location never falls below 0.751 for all embodiments. In various embodiments, COR at 15 mm toeward is not less than 0.754. In various embodiments, COR at 15 mm toeward is not less than 0.757.
In various arrangements, the embodiments of golf club head 2000 and golf club head 2500 may be varied to alter performance characteristics, and one of skill in the art would understand that the embodiments disclosed herein are but examples of modifications. In various embodiments, features may be ported from one embodiment to another or may be combined with other features of the disclosure as described herein. The location, orientation, size, width, length, height, and arrangement of various features may be altered in various embodiments. For the sake of the disclosure, the relief ends 2554, 2556 and the end portions 2154, 2156 function as stress reliefs features. In the current embodiments, the FBS features are channels 2150, 2550 that extend from a striking surface 2192, 2592 of the golf club head 2000, 2500, respectively, through an entire thickness of the striking face 2110, 2610. However, in various embodiments, FBS features may be included that do not extend entirely through the striking face 2110, 2610. In various embodiments, FBS features may be included on a rear surface of the striking face 2110, 2610 to provide some performance benefits as discussed herein without having an aperture in the golf club head 2000, 2500. Examples of such designs may be seen elsewhere within this disclosure. In various embodiments, the FBS features of the current embodiments may be combined with those of the various embodiments to provide performance characteristics to address different types of off-center shots.
As seen with reference to
Additional embodiments are disclosed and referenced herein below. As shown with reference to
An embodiment of a golf club head 2700 is shown with reference to
A golf club head 2700′ disclosed with reference to
A golf club head 2800 is seen with reference to
A golf club head 2900 is seen with reference to
A golf club head 3000 is seen with reference to
An embodiment of a golf club head 3100 is seen with reference to
An embodiment of a golf club head 3200 is seen with reference to
In the current embodiment, the first channel 3250 includes a first portion 3254 proximate the top line 106 and a second portion 3256 proximate the toe portion 104. The first portion 3254 and the second portion 3256 are adjoined by a radius 3258. In the current embodiment, the radius 3258 is between about 4-12 mm. The radius 3258 aids in preventing stress concentrations in the channel 3254. In general, a large radius 3258 prevents stress concentrations more effectively than a small radius 3258. However, in various embodiments, material considerations may obviate the need for a particularly large radius. In the current embodiment, the first portion 3254 generally follows the top line 106 and the second portion 3256 is generally parallel to the center line (as defined previously as a line coincident with the ideal striking location 101). As such, the first portion 3254 is arranged with respect to the second portion 3256 at an angle 3259. In the current embodiment, the angle 3259 may be between about 75° and 45°, and the angle 3259 is acute, although various embodiments may include various angles. However, in various embodiments, the angle 3259 may be of varying degrees and may be obtuse or square in various embodiments.
Similarly, the second channel 3275 includes a first portion 3274 and a second portion 3276. The first portion 3274 and the second portion 3276 are adjoined by a radius 3278. In the current embodiment, the radius 3278 is between about 4-12 mm. In general, features of the radius 3278 are similar to those previously discussed with respect to radius 3258. The first portion 3274 generally follows the top line 106 and the second portion 3276 is generally parallel to the center line (as defined previously as a line coincident with the ideal striking location 101). As such, the first portion 3274 is arranged with respect to the second portion 3276 at an angle 3279. In the current embodiment, the angle 3279 is about 180° minus the angle 3259, and the angle 3279 is obtuse. As such, the angle 3279 may be between about 135° and 105°, although various embodiments may include various angles. However, in various embodiments, the angle 3279 may be of varying degrees and may be acute or square in various embodiments. In various embodiments, neither the first portion 3254 nor the first portion 3274 need follow the top line 106, although such an arrangement may provide ideal performance in various embodiments.
Another embodiment of a golf club head 3300 is seen with reference to
Another embodiment of a golf club head 3400 is seen with reference to
Returning to the current embodiment, the golf club head 3400 includes a sole channel 3455 that extends through the sole portion 108 such that the sole channel 3455 substantially connects from a sole portion 108 to a back portion 128 of the golf club head 3400. In the current embodiment, the back portion 128 includes an undercut recess 3470 defined by a back portion lip 3472 that extends around the entirety of the back portion 128 thereby defining an undercut channel around a periphery of the golf club head in the cavity portion. By arranging the undercut channel such that it is continuous around the entirety of the golf club head 3400, the golf club head 3400 can provide reduced mass in varying arrangements to located the center of gravity precisely in the golf club head 3400 without increasing weight. Additionally, the undercut channel may provide increased COR in varying embodiments, may provide more consistent COR in varying embodiments, and may provide higher moment of inertia in varying embodiments, all of which enhance performance of the golf club head 3400.
Another embodiment of the current disclosure is seen with reference to
In the current embodiment, the plurality of channels 3550 are arranged such that a first row of channels 3552 is disposed proximate the striking face 3510 and a second row of channels 3554 is disposed proximate the main body 3513. In the current embodiment, the individual channels within each row of channels 3552, 3554 are separated from other individual channels by a plurality of stanchion 3555 disposed at periodic intervals throughout the row of channels 3552, 3554. The plurality stanchions 3555 provide mechanical attachment between the striking face 3510 and the main body 3513 while providing ample FBS features around a perimeter of the golf club head 3500. In the current embodiment, the first row of channels 3552 is about parallel to the second row of channels 3554, although in various embodiments the arrangement of the rows of channels 3552, 3554 may be rearranged or in different orientations. In various embodiments, the size, location, and number of the various individual channels and stanchions within the plurality of channels 3550 may be altered as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the current embodiment, the plurality of channels 3550 extends around a periphery of the golf club head 3500 proximate the top line portion 106, the sole portion 108, and the toe portion 104. In those regions, the plurality of channels 3550 does not extend through the striking face 3510, although one of skill in the art would understand that such an arrangement may be modified in various embodiments. In the current embodiment, the plurality of channels 3550 extends through the striking face proximate the heel portion 102. In the current embodiment, the plurality of channels 3550 extend from the top line portion 106 and the sole portion 108 into the striking face 3510, effectively providing a “wrap” effect wherein at least one individual channel extends across multiple portions of the golf club head 3500.
As seen with specific reference to
Embodiments of golf club heads 3600 and 3600′ are seen with reference to
Similarly, embodiments of golf club heads 3700 and 3700′ are seen with reference to
Golf club heads described in the current disclosure were tested with strikes at the various points 101 and 3801-3804. The results are shown with reference to Table 12.
As shown in Table 12, the various embodiments of the golf club heads 3400, 3600, 3600′, 3700, 3700′ show different COR responses for ideal and off-center strike locations 101, 3801, 3802, 3803, 3804. For example, golf club head 3700′ at point 3801 was tested to have a COR of 0.766. As can be seen, the COR at the ideal strike location 101 for at least two embodiments does not fall below 0.828. For a plurality of embodiments, COR at the ideal strike location 1010 does not fall below 0.82. For all embodiments, COR at the ideal strike location 101 does not fall below 0.81. For strikes at point 3801, COR does not fall below 0.79 for a plurality of embodiments. For all embodiments, COR at point 3801 does not fall below 0.76. For strikes at point 3802, for at least one embodiment (golf club head 3600′) COR does not fall below 0.75. For a plurality of embodiments, COR at point 3802 does not fall below 0.745 or 0.74. For all embodiments, COR at point 3802 does not fall below 0.72. For at least two embodiments, COR at point 3803 does not fall below 0.785. For a plurality of embodiments, COR at point 3803 does not fall below 0.78. For all embodiments, COR at point 3803 does not fall below 0.77. For at least three embodiments, COR at point 3804 does not fall below 0.755. For a plurality of embodiments, COR at point 3804 does not fall below 0.75. For all embodiments, COR at point 3804 does not fall below 0.745.
For comparison of various features, production model golf club heads were compared by machining various FBS features into the golf club heads. A baseline head model was used, and FBS features were machined in various locations about the various golf club heads with COR testing before and after. The embodiments are shown and the results plotted among
As can be seen with reference to
With reference to
By contrast, with reference to
Various features of golf club heads of the current disclosure provide performance benefits in various aspects of golf club design and performance. Yet another performance advantage is the modification of sound characteristics.
In some embodiments of golf club heads, sound features can be difficult to modify. Although such features do not alter the performance characteristics described elsewhere in this disclosure including ball speed, COR, spin, and various other performance attributes, sound can affect the golfer's perception of the performance by positively or negatively reinforcing a particular shot and associating that sound with a particular result. Particularly with certain frequency ranges and high amplitude, golfers may perceive shots to be poorly-struck even though no mishit has occurred. For example, with reference to
Particularly with reference to golf club heads of the current disclosure, more active face modes allow for potential damping of undesirable modes and amplitudes of particular frequency. Better damping can lead to a better sounding and feeling golf club with nearly identical performance. Desired modes and frequencies are based on energy, mode shape, location, frequency, duration, and amplitude of the associated modes. Modal analysis provides insight into where peak frequencies occur and how one might modify the design to address such undesirable modes/frequencies.
In general, movement of the peak modes onto the face allows the peak mode to be controlled by damping, whereas a mode on the top line is not as easily damped. As can be seen with additional reference to
One advantage of the designs of the current disclose is the ability to move the primary mode of the golf club head to a location that is closer to the ideal strike location than to the top line of the golf club head. In various embodiments, the primary mode may not be close to the ideal strike location than to the top line portion but still may be effectively dampened by introduction of a badge.
With continuing reference to golf club head 2700′, a central point of the primary mode 4211 is seen within 20 mm of the ideal strike location 101 in various embodiments. In the current embodiment, the central point of the primary mode is about 6 mm from the ideal strike location 101, and various size and arrangement of channels may move the primary mode 4211 within 3-15 mm of the ideal strike location 101.
A golf club head 5000 is shown in
As seen with reference to
Some of the various embodiments were tested for characteristic time (CT) mapping as compared to various production-available comparable golf club heads. Heads were tested under the USGA's “Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead,” Revision 1.0.0, May 1, 2008 (hereinafter “the USGA Flexibility Procedure”). Flexibility is measured at the geometric center face and at the balance point of the golf club head on the face, which are usually different locations. Additionally, flexibility is measured at locations about the face as seen with reference to
As noted, some locations chosen correspond to locations of slots in various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, with respect to golf club head 3400, the locations of reference elements 8001 and 8004 correspond with a central of toe and heel slots, respectively, as measured parallel to the z-axis and are each 5 mm toward the center face as measured parallel to the x-axis. For reference, the first scoreline has a z-axis location of −15 mm, the second scoreline has a z-axis coordinate of about −12 mm, and the third scoreline has a z-axis coordinate of about −9 mm. However, in various embodiments, the arrangement of scorelines may be different.
Tests were performed on golf club heads according to embodiments 3400 and 3700′ and to a reference golf club head having no flexible boundary features. Characteristic Time for the various golf club heads is summarized in Table 13, below.
As can be seen peak CT occurs at the geometric center of the face for most embodiments.1 However, embodiments of the current disclosure include a CT dropoff at points that are outside of the center face proximity that is minimal as compared to the reference club. For example, for the reference club, all but one location included a CT dropoff of over 100 μs as compared to the peak CT location. Additionally, both tested embodiments of the current disclosure 3400 and 3700′ included peak CT that was higher than the reference club. Individual averages, median, and modal distribution of CT numbers may be calculable as inherent in the current disclosure. In addition, distance-based CT measurement and variance may be calculable utilizing the current disclosure, and one of skill in the art would understand this material to be considered as part of the current disclosure. 1 With respect to the reference club, the CT difference between the balance point and the geometric center is negligible. In the current disclosure, the reference club is believed to represent similar golf club heads that do not have flexible boundary features.
Another embodiment of a golf club head 4500 is shown and described with reference to
Turning to
With reference to
The current embodiment provides some of the benefits previously highlighted in the current disclosure with additional benefits. The FBS feature 4590 of the current embodiment allows increases in CT for portions of the striking face 4510 that are proximate the toe portion 104 and the sole portion 108 and for portions that are proximate the heel portion 102 and the sole portion 108. However, the golf club head 4500 maintains some of the benefits of other FBS features described herein by separating the slot 4555 from the channels 4550, 4575 and by allowing the slot 4555 to continue through the sole bar 235. This allows max CT and responsiveness on strikes made proximate to the center of the striking face 4510 but also allows higher CT on shots struck in less-than-ideal locations proximate the toe portion 104, heel portion 102, and sole portion 108.
It will be appreciated that the technology of the current disclosure is applicable to any type of golf club head, including, without limitation, hybrids, metal woods, and putters, among others.
One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/886,686, filed Oct. 19, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/097,486, filed Dec. 29, 2014, and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/145,761, filed Dec. 31, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,492,722, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/903,185, filed Nov. 12, 2013, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. This application also references U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/830,293, entitled “IRON TYPE GOLF CLUB HEAD,” filed Mar. 14, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/657,675, entitled “IRON TYPE GOLF CLUB HEAD,” filed Jun. 8, 2012, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. This application also references U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,786, entitled “GOLF CLUB HEAD,” filed Dec. 28, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and with specific reference to discussion of variable face thickness of golf club heads.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Child | 15904824 | US |
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| Parent | 14145761 | Dec 2013 | US |
| Child | 14886686 | US |
