IRON WITH SOLE SLOT

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20250195962
  • Publication Number
    20250195962
  • Date Filed
    March 04, 2025
    7 months ago
  • Date Published
    June 19, 2025
    3 months ago
Abstract
A golf club head having a slot in the sole filled with an insert in which the slot is positioned close to the striking face. The insert can have a uniform height or a nonuniform height. Inserts with uniform heights can have a low height profile. Inserts with nonuniform heights can have a lower height in a central portion of the insert compared to an edge portion or a perimeter portion of the insert. The resulting golf club head improves performance, as the sole slot with insert allows the striking face to have a profile that meets the needs at that location.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a golf club irons with an improved sole portion, and, more specifically, a golf club iron having a slot adjacent to the striking face of the iron.


BACKGROUND

The flight characteristics of a golf ball after being struck by a golf club are dependent not only on the swing of the golf club but also on the golf club itself. For example, flight characteristics of the golf ball, such as fades, draws, launch angles, ball spin, speed, and the like, are impacted by the design of the golf club. By adjusting one or more design properties of the golf club, the flight characteristics of the golf ball can be improved, thereby increasing golf club performance. In some examples, adjusting a center of gravity (CG) and/or a moment of inertia (MOI) of a head of the golf club through selective weight placement impacts the flight characteristics of the golf ball. However, these weights need to be both strategically placed relative to the striking face, and properly designed. As such, improvements to weight inserts for golf club irons are desired.


Although weight inserts are crucial in helping improve the CG and MOI of the golf club head, another way to further improve the performance of a golf club head is by increasing the compliance of the golf club head upon impact with a golf ball. U.S. Pat. No. 8,986,133 to Bennett et al. illustrates how compliance can improve the performance of a metalwood type golf club.


U.S. Pat. No. 9,044,653 to Wahl illustrates the addition of a slot in an iron to improve the compliance of the golf club head, but fails to maximize the performance capabilities of such a slot by optimizing its placement as well as adding fillers.


SUMMARY

In an aspect, the technology relates to an iron-type golf club head including: a striking face having a lower leading edge; an upper topline edge opposite to the lower leading edge; a sole extending from the lower leading edge to a trailing edge rearward and distal to the lower leading edge; a back portion positioned rearward of the striking face and between the trailing edge and the upper topline edge; a slot formed in the sole adjacent to the striking face; and a weight insert disposed within the slot


The slot has a front edge defined at the bottom surface of the sole adjacent to the striking face; a back edge defined at the bottom surface of the sole opposite the front edge towards the back portion; a proximal edge adjacent to a heel side of the golf club head; and a distal edge adjacent to the toe side of the golf club head. One or more sidewalls extend upwardly from the slot edges to further define the slot configuration. An insert can be placed inside the slot to add weight to the front portion of the golf club head in an attempt to move the center of gravity forward and/or downward relative to the same golf club head without the insert.


The slot can have various lengths and widths, and can be positioned at various distances from the striking face. Although specified in more detail below and in the accompanying drawings, in general, the slot generally has an elongated configuration in which the length is measured from the proximal edge to the distal edge in the direction of the heel to toe of the golf club. The width of the slot is smaller than the length and is generally measured from the front edge to the back edge in the front to back direction. The height of the slot is generally measured from the sole in the upward direction toward the topline edge.


In general, the slot can have a length of about 20 mm to about 85 mm. The slot can have a width of about 1 mm to about 13 mm. In an example of the present invention, the slot is maintained within the region of the striking face (in the x-direction). In another example of the present invention, the slot can enter into the toe portion of the golf club head. In another example of the present invention, the slot can extend upwardly into the toe portion of the golf club head. In another example, the slot can extend upwardly into the toe portion and curve rearwardly toward the back portion of the golf club head.


The slot is also characterized by its distance from the striking face, and more specifically, the distance from the front edge of the slot to an inner wall of the striking surface. The distance of the front edge of the slot to the inner wall of the striking face is generally 8 mm or less.


The insert is generally configured to fit inside the slot. As such, the length, width and bottom profile of the insert is substantially the same as that of the slot. The height of the insert, however, is not necessarily constrained by the profile or outline of the slot at the sole. In one example of the present invention, the height of the insert as measured from the bottom of the insert to the top of the insert can be uniform. In general, the height of the insert is less than about 5 mm. Preferably, the height of the insert is about 1 mm to about 4.5 mm.


In another example of the present invention, the insert defines a non-uniform height, meaning that the insert has a different height at different locations along the insert. For example, the insert can have a first height at a central portion that is less than a second height of the insert at an end portion. In another example, the central portion of the insert can be recessed relative to a perimeter rim portion of the insert causing a height at the perimeter rim to be greater than a height measured at the recessed central portion.


It is believed the position and configuration of the insert improves the ball speed, including when the ball is hit off-center, increases distance with increased backspin, and increases the coefficient of restitution compared with similar golf club heads without the insert described herein. This configuration may also provide a weaker loft and better peak height. Providing an insert in the slot at the location disclosed adds mass to promote deflection in the slot.


In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf club head, including: a striking face located at a frontal portion of the golf club head, the striking face having an outer wall and an inner wall opposite the outer wall; a back portion located opposite the striking face; a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head; a hosel adjacent to the heel portion, the hosel defining a longitudinal axis and configured to receive a shaft; a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion; a topline located at an upper portion of the golf club head; a sole located at a lower portion of the golf club head opposite the topline; a slot defined in the sole; and an insert positioned within the slot, wherein the slot is defined by a front edge, a back edge opposite and rearwards of the front edge, a proximal edge adjacent to the front edge and the back edge, and a distal edge opposite the proximal edge and adjacent to the front edge and the back edge, and wherein the insert abuts the inner wall of the striking face.


In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf club head, including: a striking face located at a frontal portion of the golf club head, the striking face having an outer wall and an inner wall opposite the outer wall; a back portion located opposite the striking face; a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head; a hosel adjacent to the heel portion, the hosel defining a longitudinal axis and configured to receive a shaft; a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion; a topline located at an upper portion of the golf club head; a sole located at a lower portion of the golf club head opposite the topline; a slot defined in the sole; and an insert positioned within the slot, wherein the slot is defined by a front edge, a back edge opposite and rearwards of the front edge, a proximal edge adjacent to the front edge and the back edge, and a distal edge opposite the proximal edge and adjacent to the front edge and the back edge, wherein the proximal edge of the slot has a radius of curvature which is larger towards the front edge and decreases towards the back edge, and wherein the distal edge of the slot has a radius of curvature which is larger towards the front edge and decreases towards the back edge.


This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view of a golf club head in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows a front elevation view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 1.



FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 1.



FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings shows a cross section from a toe side view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4.



FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings shows a cross section from a toe side view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 2 taken along line 5-5.



FIG. 6 of the accompanying drawings shows a cross section from a front side view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 6-6.



FIG. 7 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a golf club head in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 8 of the accompanying drawings shows a front elevation view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 7.



FIG. 9 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 7.



FIG. 10 of the accompanying drawings shows a cross section from a toe side view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 8 taken along line 10-10.



FIG. 11 of the accompanying drawings shows a cross section from a top plan view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 8 taken along line 11-11.



FIG. 12 of the accompanying drawings shows a cross section from a front elevation view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 9 taken along line 12-12.



FIG. 13 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a golf club head in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 14 of the accompanying drawings shows a front elevation view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 13.



FIG. 15 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 13.



FIG. 16 of the accompanying drawings shows a cross section from a toe side view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 14 taken along line 16-16.



FIG. 17 of the accompanying drawings shows an elevation view from the toe side of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 13.



FIG. 18 of the accompanying drawings shows a partial internal view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 1.



FIG. 19 of the accompanying drawings shows a front view of another embodiment of a golf club head in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 20 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 19.



FIG. 21 of the accompanying drawings shows a partial internal view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 19.



FIG. 22 of the accompanying drawings shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 19.



FIG. 23 of the accompanying drawings shows a partial internal view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 19.



FIG. 24 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 19.



FIG. 25 of the accompanying drawings shows a partial internal view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 19.



FIG. 26 of the accompanying drawings shows a front view of another embodiment of a golf club head in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 27 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 26.



FIG. 28 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 26.



FIG. 29 of the accompanying drawings shows a partial internal view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 26.



FIG. 30 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 26.



FIG. 31 of the accompanying drawings shows a front view of another embodiment of a golf club head in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 32 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 31.



FIG. 33 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 31.



FIG. 34 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 31.



FIG. 35 of the accompanying drawings shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the golf club head shown in FIG. 31.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, various inventive features are described below and each can be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.


With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the golf club head 100 can be any of the various irons (including wedges and hybrids) used in the game of golf, such as the 3 iron, 4 iron, 5 iron, 6 iron, 7 iron, 8 iron, 9 iron, the pitching wedge, sand wedge, and the like. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the golf club head 100 can generally have a sole 102; a topline 104 opposite the sole 102; a toe portion 106 adjacent to the sole 102 and the topline 104; a heel portion 108 opposite the toe portion 106 and adjacent to the sole 102 and the topline 104; a striking face 112 adjacent to the sole 102, topline 104, toe portion 106, and heel portion 108; a back portion 114 opposite the striking face 112 and adjacent to the sole 102, topline 104, toe portion 106, and heel portion 108; and a hosel 110 adjacent to the heel portion 108 and topline 104. The hosel 110 defines a longitudinal shaft axis A1 and is configured to receive a shaft. The striking face 112 can further be characterized with a plurality of horizontal scorelines 118, which helps control the spin of a golf ball that comes in contact with the striking face 112 of the golf club head 100.


For ease of description, the striking face portion 112 will be referred to as the front side of the golf club head 100. As such, the striking face portion 112 is located at a frontal portion of the golf club head 100. As a result, the back portion 114 is located behind the striking face portion 112; the topline 104 is located at an upper portion of the golf club head 100; the heel portion 108 is located at a proximal end of the golf club head 100; the toe portion 106 is located at a distal end of the golf club head 100 opposite the heel portion 108; and the sole 102 is located at a lower portion of the golf club head 100 opposite the topline 104. An axis of origin 12 is provided (for reference only for ease and clarity of description) indicating the x-y-z direction relative to the golf club head 100 in the examples provided.


The golf club head 100 comprises a leading edge 120 located approximately where the striking face 112 meets the sole 102; a trailing edge 122 adjacent to the back portion 114 and the sole 102; and the sole 102 in between the leading edge 120 and the trailing edge 122. The leading edge 120 can be defined in the current application as approximately the most forward edge of the golf club head 100 (in the z-direction), with the hosel 110 in an upright 90 degree (perpendicular) position from a ground plane 10 (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction) as shown in FIG. 4. (The ground plane 10 is an imaginary plane located and in contact with the lowest portion of the golf club head 100, and mimics the surface of the ground upon which the golf ball would lie.) This leading edge 120 is then defined as approximately the forward most edge along the z-axis (as indicated by the axis of origin 12) generally where the striking face 112 meets the sole 102.


The trailing edge 122 is defined as approximately the most rearward edge of the sole portion 102 of the golf club head 100 (in the z-direction), again with the hosel 110 in a 90 degree (perpendicular) position from the ground plane 10 (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction), generally where the sole 102 and the back portion 114 meet.


The invention of the present application incorporates a strategically positioned slot 130 on the sole 102 of the golf club head 100 to improve the performance of the golf club head 100. The slot 130 houses a weighted insert 132. Golf clubs with sole inserts typically position the inserts about the center of the sole in the z direction (front-to-back direction). In the invention of the present application, however, the slot 130 (and therefore, the weighted insert 132) is moved forward towards the striking surface 112. As shown in FIG. 5, the striking surface 112 is defined by an outer wall 124, which actually contacts the golf ball, and an inner wall 126 opposite the outer wall 124 and internal to the golf club head 100, thereby providing thickness to the striking surface 112.


The slot 130 is characterized as having a front edge 134, and back edge 136 opposite the front edge 134 and towards the back relative to the front edge 134, a proximal edge 138 adjacent the heel-side of the golf club head 100, and a distal edge 140 adjacent to the toe-side of the golf 4) club head 100. The slot 130 has a width W1 as measured from the front edge 134 to the back edge 136 (see, FIG. 4), and a length L1 as measured from the proximal edge 138 to the distal edge 140 (see, FIG. 3). The distance D1 of the slot 130 from the striking surface 112 is determined as the shortest distance from the front edge 134 of the slot 130 to a plane defined by the inner wall 126 of the striking surface 112 (see, FIG. 5).


The distance D1 of the front edge 134 of the slot 130 to the plane of the inner wall 126 of the striking surface 112 can be about 0 mm to about 8.0 mm. A distance D1 of 0 mm means that the inner wall 126 of the striking surface 112 is in line with or can make up the front edge 134 of the slot 130. In some embodiments, the distance D1 of the front edge 134 of the slot 130 to the plane of inner wall 126 of the striking surface 112 can be less than about 6.0 mm. In some embodiments, the distance D1 of the front edge 134 of the slot 130 to the plane of the inner wall 126 of the striking surface 112 can be less than about 4.0 mm. Preferably, the distance D1 of the front edge 134 of the slot 130 to the plane of the inner wall 126 of the striking surface 112 is less than about 3.5 mm. For example, the distance D1 of the front edge 134 of the slot 130 to the plane of the inner wall 126 of the striking surface 112 can be 3.4 mm or less, 3.3 mm or less, 3.2 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.0 mm, or less. More preferably, the distance D1 of the front edge 134 of the slot 130 to the plane of the inner wall 126 of the striking surface 112 is about 2.5 mm or less. Most preferably, the distance D1 of the front edge 134 of the slot 130 to the plane of the inner wall 126 of the striking surface 112 is about 2.0 mm or less. Preferably, the distance D1 of the slot 130 to the striking surface 112 is generally a uniform distance throughout the length L1 of the slot 130.


As shown in FIG. 6, the slot 130 can also be characterized by its distance from the proximal end 128 (or heel end) of the striking surface 112 (which is essentially where the bottom scoreline 118 ends at the heel portion 108), and its distance from the distal end 129 (or toe side) of the striking surface 112 (which is essentially where the bottom scoreline 118 ends at the toe portion 106). The distance D2 from the slot 130 to the proximal end 128 is defined as the shortest distance from the proximal edge 138 of the slot 130 to a y-z plane defined by the proximal end 128 of the striking face 112. The distance D2 from the proximal edge 138 of the slot 130 to the y-z plane of the proximal end 128 of the striking surface 112 can be about 5 mm to about 25 mm. Preferably, the distance D2 from the proximal edge 138 of the slot 130 to the y-z plane of the proximal end 128 of the striking surface 112 can be about 10 mm to about 20 mm. More preferably, the distance D2 from the proximal edge 138 of the slot 130 to the y-z plane of the proximal end 128 of the striking surface 112 can be about 12 mm to about 16 mm.


Similarly, distance D3 from the slot 130 to the distal end 129 of the striking surface 112 is defined as the shortest distance from the distal edge 140 of the slot 130 to a y-z plane defined by the distal end 129 of the striking surface 112. The distance D3 from the distal edge 140 of the slot 130 to the y-z plane of the distal end 129 of the striking surface 112 can be about 5 mm to about 25 mm. Preferably, the distance D3 from the distal edge 140 of the slot 130 to the y-z plane of the distal end 129 of the striking surface 112 can be about 10 mm to about 20 mm. More preferably, the distance D3 from the distal edge 140 of the slot 130 to the y-z plane of the distal end 129 of the striking surface 112 can be about be about 12 mm to about 16 mm.


The slot 130 can also be characterized by its width W1 as measured from the front edge 134 to the back edge 136. The width W1 of the slot 130 can be about 1.0 mm to about 4.0 mm. Preferably, the width W1 of the slot 130 can be about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm. More preferably, the width W1 of the slot 130 can be about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm.


The slot 130 can further be characterized by its length L1 as measured from the proximal edge 138 to the distal edge 140. In the preferred embodiment, the slot 130 is generally stadium shape having a generally straight front edge 134 and a generally straight back edge 136 with a curved proximal edge 138 and a curved distal edge 140. However, the slot 130 can have other shapes, such as rectangular, oval, and other elongated shapes. The length L1 of the slot 130 can be about 20 mm to about 40 mm. Preferably, the length L1 of the slot 130 can be about 25 mm to about 35 mm. More preferably, the length L1 of the slot 130 can be about 27 mm to about 32 mm.


The insert 132 is shaped and dimensioned to fit inside the slot 130, and can be characterized by its shape. From a bottom plan view as shown in FIG. 3, the insert 132 can be generally stadium or pill shaped having elongated sides and curved ends, like the slot 130, although other shapes can also be used, such as rectangle, oval, and the like. From a front side elevation view as shown in FIG. 6, the insert 132 can be comprised of a main body 150 portion terminating at opposing proximal end portion 152 and distal end portion 154. The length L2 of the insert 132 is measured from the proximal end portion 152 to the distal end portion 154, and the height H1 of the insert 132 is measured from a bottom surface of the insert 132 to a top surface of the insert 132.


In some embodiments the height of the insert H1 as measured from a bottom surface to a top surface can be uniform throughout the entire length L2 of the insert 132. As such, inserts 132 with a uniform height H1 can range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. Preferably, the height H1 of the insert 132 is less than about 5 mm. More preferably, the height H1 of the insert 132 is less than about 4 mm. Most preferably, the height H1 of the insert 132 is less than about 3 mm.


In the preferred embodiment, the insert 132 can have a non-uniform height H1. For example, the proximal end portion 152 and distal end portion 154 of the insert 132 can be raised relative to the main body 150 so that the height H1 of the body 150, which makes up a central portion of the insert 132 is less than the heights H2, H3 of the proximal and distal end portions 152, 154. As such, as the insert 132 progresses from the central portion of the body 150 towards the proximal end portion 152 and the distal end portion 154, the height of the insert 132 can gradually increase, remain flat then gradually increase after a specific point, or remain flat and abruptly increase (step up) at the proximal end portion 152 and distal end portion 154. In some embodiments, the central portion may be recessed, thereby creating a narrow channel in the central portion surrounded by a raised rim (see, e.g., FIG. 11).


For inserts 132 with non-uniform height, the height H1 of the body 150 of the insert 132 can be about 1.0 mm to about 2.5 mm. Preferably, the height H1 of the body 150 of the insert 132 can be about 1.3 mm to about 2.3 mm. More preferably, the height H1 of the body 150 of the insert 132 can be about 1.6 mm to about 2.0 mm. The heights H2, H3, H5 at the proximal end portion 152, the distal end portion 154, or a perimeter rim surrounding the body 150, can each be about 2.0 mm to about 4.0 mm. Preferably, the heights H2, H3 at the proximal end portion 152 and distal end portions 154 can each be about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm. More preferably, the heights H2, H3 at the proximal end portion 152 and distal end portions 154 can each be about 2.8 mm to about 3.2 mm.


The overall length L2 of the insert 132 as measured from the proximal end portion 152 to the distal end portion 154 is substantially similar to the length L1 of the slot 130. As such, the overall length L2 of the insert 132 can be about 20 mm to about 40 mm. Preferably, the overall length L2 of the insert 132 can be about 25 mm to about 35 mm. More preferably, the overall length L2 of the insert 132 can be about 27 mm to about 32 mm.


The length L3 of the main body portion 150 of the insert 132 (e.g., the uniformly flat portion of the insert 132 in between the proximal end portion 152 and distal end portion 154 as shown in FIG. 6) can be about 13 mm to about 25 mm. Preferably, the length L3 of the main body portion 150 of the insert 132 can be about 15 mm to about 23 mm. More preferably, the length L3 of the main body portion 150 of the insert 132 can be about 17 mm to about 21 mm.


With reference to FIGS. 7-12, in another embodiment of the present invention, the golf club head 200 can have the same general configuration as the golf club head 100 shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6. As such, the golf club head 200, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, can generally have a sole 202; a topline 204 opposite the sole 202; a toe portion 206 adjacent to the sole 202 and the topline 204; a heel portion 208 opposite the toe portion 206 and adjacent to the sole 202 and the topline 204; a striking face 212 adjacent to the sole 202, topline 204, toe portion 206, and heel portion 208; a back portion 214 opposite the striking face 212 and adjacent to the sole 202, topline 204, toe portion 206, and heel portion 208; and a hosel 210 adjacent to the heel portion 208 and topline 204. The hosel 210 defines a longitudinal shaft axis A2 and is configured to receive a shaft. The striking face 212 can further be characterized with a plurality of horizontal scorelines 218.


The striking face portion 212 is located at a frontal portion of the golf club head 200. As a result, the back portion 214 is located opposite the striking face portion 212; the topline 204 is located at an upper portion of the golf club head 200; the heel portion 208 is located at a proximal end of the golf club head 200; the toe portion 206 is located at a distal end of the golf club head 200 opposite the heel portion 208; and the sole 202 is located at a lower portion of the golf club head 200 opposite the topline 204. An axis of origin 12 is provided (for reference only for ease and clarity of description) indicating the x-y-z direction relative to the golf club head 200 in the examples provided.


The golf club head 200 further comprises a leading edge 220 located approximately where the striking face 212 meets the sole 202; a trailing edge 222 adjacent to the back portion 214 and the sole 202; and the sole 202 in between the leading edge 220 and the trailing edge 222. The leading edge 220 can be defined in the current application as approximately the most forward edge of the golf club head 200 (in the z-direction), with the hosel 210 in an upright 90 degree (perpendicular) position from a ground plane 10 (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction) as shown in FIG. 10. This leading edge 220 is then defined as approximately the forward most edge along the z-axis (as indicated by the axis of origin 12) generally where the striking face 212 meets the sole 202.


The trailing edge 222 can be defined as approximately the most rearward edge of the sole portion 202 of the golf club head 200 (in the z-direction), again with the hosel 210 in a 90 degree (perpendicular) position from the ground plane 10 (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction), generally where the sole portion 202 and the back portion 214 meet.


The invention of the present application incorporates a strategically positioned slot 230 on the sole 202 of the golf club 200 head to improve the performance of the golf club head 200. The slot 230 houses a weighted insert 232. In the invention of the present application, however, the slot 230 (and therefore, the weighted insert 232) is moved forward towards the striking surface 212 compared to traditional golf clubs with inserts. As shown in FIG. 10, the striking surface 212 is defined by an outer wall 224, which actually contacts the golf ball, and an inner wall 226 behind the outer wall 224 and internal to the golf club head 200, thereby providing thickness to the striking surface 212.


As shown in FIG. 9, the slot 230 is characterized as having a front edge 234, back edge 236 opposite the front edge 234 and towards the back relative to the front edge 234, a proximal edge 238 adjacent the heel-side of the golf club head 200, and a distal edge 240 adjacent to the toe-side of the golf club head 200. The slot 230 has a width W2 as measured from the front edge 234 to the back edge 236, and a length L4 as measured from the proximal edge 238 to the distal edge 240. The distance D4 of the slot 230 from the striking surface 212 is determined as the shortest distance from the front edge 234 of the slot 230 to a plane defined by the inner wall 226 of the striking surface 212.


As shown in FIG. 10, the distance D4 of the front edge 234 of the slot 230 to a plane defined by the inner wall 226 of the striking surface 212 can be about 0 mm to about 8.0 mm. A distance D4 of 0 mm means that the inner wall 226 of the striking surface 212 is in line with or makes up the front edge 234 of the slot 230. In some embodiments, the distance D4 of the front edge 234 of the slot 230 to the plane of the inner wall 226 of the striking surface 212 can be less than about 6.0 mm. In some embodiments, the distance D4 of the front edge 234 of the slot 230 to the plane of the inner wall 226 of the striking surface 212 can be less than about 4.0 mm. Preferably, the distance D4 of the front edge 234 of the slot 230 to the plane of the inner wall 226 of the striking surface 212 is less than about 3.5 mm. For example, the distance D4 of the front edge 234 of the slot 230 to the plane of the inner wall 226 of the striking surface 212 can be about 3.4 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.2 mm, or less. More preferably, the distance D4 of the front edge 234 of the slot 230 to the plane of the inner wall 226 of the striking surface 212 can be about 2.5 mm or less. Most preferably, the distance D4 of the front edge 234 of the slot 230 to the plane of the inner wall 226 of the striking surface 212 can be about 2.0 mm or less. Preferably, the distance D4 of the slot 230 to the striking surface 212 is generally a uniform distance throughout the length L4 of the slot 230.


As shown in FIG. 11, the slot 230 can also be characterized its distance from the proximal end 228 (or heel end) of the striking surface 212 (which is essentially where the bottom scoreline 218 ends at the heel portion 208), and its distance from the distal end 229 (or toe side) of the striking surface 212 (which is essentially where the bottom scoreline 218 ends at the toe portion 206). The distance D5 of the slot 230 to the proximal end 228 is defined as the shortest distance from the proximal edge 238 to a y-z plane defined by the proximal end 228 of the striking surface 212. The distance D5 from the proximal edge 238 of the slot 230 to the y-z plane defined by the proximal end 228 of the striking surface 212 can be about 3.4 mm to about 4.6 mm. Preferably, the distance D5 from the proximal edge 238 of the slot 230 to the y-z plane defined by the proximal end 228 of the striking surface 212 can be about 3.6 mm to about 4.4 mm. More preferably, the distance D5 from the proximal edge 238 of the slot 230 to the y-z plane defined by the proximal end 228 of the striking surface 212 can be about 3.8 mm to about 4.2 mm.


Similarly, the distance D6 of the slot 230 to the distal end 229 is defined as the shortest distance from the distal edge 240 of the slot 230 to a y-z plane defined by the distal end 229 of the striking surface 212. The distance D6 from the distal edge 240 of the slot 230 to the y-z plane of the distal end 229 of the striking surface 212 can be about 3.4 mm to about 4.6 mm. Preferably, the distance D6 from the distal edge 240 of the slot 230 to the y-z plane of the distal end 229 of the striking surface 212 can be about 3.6 mm to about 4.4 mm. More preferably, the distance D6 from the distal edge 240 of the slot 230 to the y-z plane of the distal end 229 of the striking surface 212 can be about 3.8 mm to about 4.2 mm.


The slot 230 can also be characterized by its width W2 as measured from the front edge 234 to the back edge 236. The width W2 of the slot 230 can be about 4.0 mm to about 13.0 mm. Preferably, the width W2 of the slot 230 can be about 6.0 mm to about 11.0 mm. More preferably, the width W2 of the slot 230 can be about 8.0 mm to about 9.0 mm.


The slot 230 can further be characterized by its length L4 as measured from the proximal edge 238 to the distal edge 240. In the preferred embodiment, the slot 230 is generally stadium shape having a generally straight front edge 234 and a generally straight back edge 236 with a curved proximal edge 238 and a curved distal edge 240. However, the slot 230 can have other shapes, such as rectangular, oval, and other elongated shapes. The length L4 of the slot 230 can be about 40 mm to about 55 mm. Preferably, the length L4 of the slot 230 can be about 43 mm to about 52 mm. More preferably, the length L4 of the slot 230 can be about 46 mm to about 50 mm.


The insert 232 is shaped and dimensioned to fit inside the slot 230, and can be characterized by its shape. From a bottom plan view as shown in FIG. 9, the insert 232 can be generally stadium or pill shaped having straight, elongated sides and curved ends, like the slot 230, although other shapes can also be used, such as rectangle, oval, and the like. In some embodiments, the insert 132 can have a uniform height as measured from a bottom surface of the insert 232 to a top surface of the insert 232. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the insert 232 can have a non-uniform height. In other words, different portions of the insert 232 can have different heights. For example, the terminal ends of the insert 132 can have a greater height than a central portion 260 of the insert 232. In some embodiments, the central portion 260 of the insert 132 can be recessed. A recessed central portion 260 results in a height H4 of the recessed central portion 260 of the insert 232 to be smaller than a height H5 of an outer rim portion 262 of the insert 232. The central recessed portion 260 is not required to be centered within the insert 232, rather it refers to being located towards the center area relative to the perimeter edges of the insert 232.


As such, the insert 232 of the preferred embodiment can have two heights, a first height H4 as measured from the bottom of the insert 232 to the recessed central portion 260 (i.e. the thickness of the recessed central portion 260), and a second height H5 of the insert 232 as measured from the bottom of the insert 232 to the top of the rim 262 of the insert 232. The height H4 of the recessed central portion 26 can be about 1.0 mm to about 2.5 mm. Preferably, the height H4 of the recessed central portion 260 of the insert 132 can be about 1.3 mm to about 2.3 mm. More preferably, the height H4 of the recessed central portion 260 of the insert 132 can be about 1.6 mm to about 2.0 mm. The height H5 of the rim 262 of the insert 232 can be about 2.0 mm to about 4.0 mm. Preferably, the height H5 of the rim 262 can be about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm. More preferably, the height H5 of the rim 262 can be about 2.8 mm to about 3.2 mm.


The overall length L5 of the insert 232 is substantially similar to the length L4 of the slot 230 into which the insert 232 is to be inserted. As such, the overall length L5 of the insert 232 can be about 40 mm to about 55 mm. Preferably, the overall length L5 of the insert 232 can be about 43 mm to about 52 mm. More preferably, the overall length L5 of the insert 232 can be about 46 mm to about 50 mm.


The length L6 of the recessed central portion 260 of the insert 232 can be about 39 mm to about 51 mm. Preferably, the length L6 of the recessed central portion 260 of the insert 232 can be about 41 mm to about 49 mm. More preferably, the length L6 of the recessed central portion 260 of the insert 232 can be about 43 mm to about 47 mm. The wall surrounding the recessed portion can be a vertical wall, a ramped wall, a curved wall, a stepped wall, and the like, as the wall descends from the rim 262 to the recessed central portion 260. As such, the width W3 as measured from the inner edge of the rim 262 can be larger than the width W4 of the recessed central portion 260. For example, the width W3 of the inner edge of the rim 262 can be about 3.0 mm to about 6.0 mm. Preferably, the width W3 of the inner edge of the rim 262 can be about 3.5 mm to about 5.5 mm. More preferably, the width W3 of the inner edge of the rim 262 can be about 4.0 mm to about 5.0 mm. The width W4 of the recessed central portion 260 of the insert 232 can be about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm. Preferably, the width W4 of the recessed central portion 260 of the insert 232 can be about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. More preferably, the width W4 of the recessed central portion 260 of the insert 232 can be about 1.8 mm to about 2.2 mm.


In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, it may be desirable to facilitate fixture of the insert inside its respective slot. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the insert 232 may comprise a protrusion 264. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the protrusion 264 is a forward protrusion (toward the striking face 212) from the front side of the insert 232. However, the protrusion 264 can also be a rearward protrusion (towards the back portion 214) from the back side of the insert 232, a lateral protrusion (towards the heel 208 or the toe 206) from the toe side or heel side of the insert 232, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the insert 232 can have an indentation 266 on the front, back or sides, or any combination thereof. By way of example only, FIG. 10 shows a forward protrusion 264 on the front side of the insert 232 with a rear indentation 266 on the back side of the insert 232. Where there is a protrusion 264 or indentation 266 on the insert 232, there can be a corresponding protrusion or indentation in the slot 230 to mate with the insert 232. Although the protrusion 264 and indentation 266 have been disclosed with the present embodiment, the concept can be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein.


With reference to FIGS. 13-17, in another embodiment of the present invention, the golf club head 300 can have the same general configuration as the golf club heads 100, 200 shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-12. As such, the golf club head 300, as shown in FIGS. 13-15, can generally have a sole 302; a topline 304 opposite the sole 302; a toe portion 306 adjacent to the sole 302 and the topline 304; a heel portion 308 opposite the toe portion 306 and adjacent to the sole 302 and the topline 304; a striking face 312 adjacent to the sole 302, topline 304, toe portion 306, and heel portion 308; a back portion 314 opposite the striking face 312 and adjacent to the sole 302, topline 304, toe portion 306, and heel portion 308; and a hosel 310 adjacent to the heel portion 308 and topline 304. The hosel 310 defines a longitudinal shaft axis A3 and is configured to receive a shaft. The striking face 312 can further be characterized with a plurality of horizontal scorelines 318.


The striking face portion 312 is located at a frontal portion of the golf club head 300. As a result, the back portion 314 is located opposite the striking face portion 312; the topline 304 is located at an upper portion of the golf club head 300; the heel portion 308 is located at a proximal end of the golf club head 300; the toe portion 306 is located at a distal end of the golf club head 300 opposite the heel portion 308; and the sole 302 is located at a lower portion of the golf club head 300 opposite the topline 304. An axis of origin 12 is provided (for reference only for ease and clarity of description) indicating the x-y-z direction relative to the golf club head 300 in the examples provided.


The golf club head 300 further comprises a leading edge 320 located approximately where the striking face 312 meets the sole 302; a trailing edge 322 adjacent to the back portion 314 and the sole 302; and the sole 302 in between the leading edge 320 and the trailing edge 322. The leading edge 320 can be defined in the current application as approximately the most forward edge of the golf club head 300, with the hosel 310 in an upright 90 degree (perpendicular) position from a ground plane 10 (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction) as shown in FIG. 16. This leading edge 320 is then defined as approximately the forward most edge along the z-axis (as indicated by the axis of origin 12) generally where the striking face 312 meets the sole 302.


The trailing edge 322, which is defined as approximately the most rearward edge of the sole portion 302 of the golf club head 300 (in the z-direction), again with the hosel 310 in a 90 degree (perpendicular) position from the ground plane 10 (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction), is generally where the sole portion 302 and the back portion 314 meet.


The invention of the present application incorporates a strategically positioned slot 330 on the sole 302 of the golf club 300 head to improve the performance of the golf club head 300. The slot 330 houses a weighted insert 332. In the invention of the present application, the slot 330 (and therefore, the weighted insert 332) is moved forward towards the striking surface 212 compared to traditional golf clubs with inserts. As shown in FIG. 16, the striking surface 312 is defined by an outer wall 324, which actually contacts the golf ball, and an inner wall 326 behind the outer wall 324 and internal to the golf club head 300, thereby providing thickness to the striking surface 312.


As shown in FIG. 15, the slot 330 is characterized as having a front edge 334, a back edge 336 opposite the front edge 334 and towards the back relative to the front edge 334, a proximal edge 338 adjacent the heel-side of the golf club head 300, and a distal edge 340 adjacent to the toe-side of the golf club head 300. The slot 330 has a width W5 as measured from the front edge 334 to the back edge 336, and a length L7 as measured from the proximal edge 238 to the distal edge 240. The distance D7 of the slot 330 from the striking surface 312 is determined as the shortest distance from the front edge 334 of the slot 330 to a plane defined by the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312.


As shown in FIG. 16, the distance D7 of the front edge 334 of the slot 330 to the plane of the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312 can be about 0 mm to about 8.0 mm. A distance D7 of 0 mm means that the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312 is in line with or makes up the front edge 334 of the slot 330. In some embodiments, the distance D7 of the front edge 334 of the slot 330 to the plane of the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312 can be less than about 6.0 mm. In some embodiments, the distance D7 of the front edge 334 of the slot 330 to the plane of the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312 can be less than about 4.0 mm. Preferably, the distance D7 of the front edge 334 of the slot 330 to the plane of the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312 can be less than about 3.5 mm. For example, the distance D7 of the front edge 334 of the slot 330 to the plane of the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312 can be 3.4 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.2 mm, or less. More preferably, preferably, the distance D7 of the front edge 334 of the slot 330 to the plane of the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312 can be about 2.5 mm or less. Most preferably, the distance D7 of the front edge 334 of the slot 330 to the plane of the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312 can be about 2.0 mm or less. In some embodiments, the distance D7 of the slot 230 to the striking surface 212 is generally a uniform distance throughout the length L7 of the slot 230.


The slot 330 can also be characterized by its distance from the proximal end 328 (or heel end) of the striking surface 312 (which is essentially where the bottom scoreline 318 ends at the heel portion 208). The distance D8 from the slot 330 to the proximal end 328 of the striking surface 312 is defined as the shortest distance from the proximal edge 338 of the slot 330 to a y-z plane defined by the proximal end 328 of the striking surface 312. The distance D8 from the proximal edge 338 of the slot 330 to the y-z plane of the proximal end 328 of the striking surface 312 can be about 0 mm to about 1.5 mm. Preferably, the distance D8 from the proximal edge 338 of the slot 330 to the proximal end 328 of the y-z plane of the striking surface 312 can be about 0.15 mm to about 1.2 mm. More preferably, the distance D8 from the proximal edge 338 of the slot 330 to the y-z plane of the proximal end 328 of the striking surface 312 can be about 0.3 mm to about 0.9 mm.


In some embodiments, however, the proximal edge 338 of the slot 330 can extend past the proximal end 328 of the striking surface 312 further towards or into the heel portion 308. For example, the proximal edge 338 can extend up to 10 mm past the proximal end 328 of the striking surface 312. Preferably, the proximal edge 338 can extend up to 8 mm past the proximal end 328 of the striking surface 312. More preferably, the proximal edge 338 can extend up to 5 mm past the proximal end 328 of the striking surface 312.


With respect to the distal edge 340 of the slot 330, in the preferred embodiment, the distal edge 340 can continue past the distal end 329 of the striking surface 312 up into the toe portion 306. The distal edge 340 can rise up into the toe portion 306 up to a height H6 of about 50 mm above the sole 302 (or ground plane 10). Preferably, the distal edge 340 can rise up into the toe portion 306 up to a height H6 of about 40 mm above the sole 302. More preferably, the distal edge 340 can rise up into the toe portion 306 up to a height H6 of about 30 mm above the sole 302.


In general, the slot 330 maintains a uniform distance from the striking face 312. However, in some embodiments, a distal end portion of the slot 330 encompassing the distal edge 340 can be characterized by a curvature away from the striking face 312 creating a larger distance D9 from the apex of the distal edge 340 to the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312 compared to the distance D7 of front edge 334 of the slot 330 to the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312. By having a distal end portion curve away from the striking face 312, the distal edge 340 can be a distance D9 of about 2.0 mm to about 12.0 mm away from the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312. Preferably, the distal edge 340 can be a distance D9 of about 4.0 mm to about 10.0 mm away from the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312. More preferably, the distal edge 340 can be a distance D9 of about 6.0 mm to about 8.0 mm away from the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312.


The radius of curvature R1 of the front edge 334 of the distal end portion as it curves away from the striking surface 312 can be about 20.0 mm to about 40.0 mm. The radius of curvature R1 of the front edge 334 as it curves away from the striking surface 312 can be about 20.0 mm to about 40.0 mm. Preferably, the radius of curvature R1 of the front edge 334 as it curves away from the striking surface 312 can be about 23.0 mm to about 37.0 mm. More preferably, the radius of curvature R1 of the front edge 334 as it curves away from the striking surface 312 can be about 27.0 mm to about 33.0 mm. The radius of curvature R2 of the corresponding back edge 336 as it curves away from the striking surface 312 can be about 16.0 mm to about 39.0 mm. Preferably, the radius of curvature R2 of the back edge 336 as it curves away from the striking surface 312 can be about 19.0 mm to about 35.0 mm. More preferably, the radius of curvature R2 of the back edge 336 as it curves away from the striking surface 312 can be about 22.0 mm to about 32.0 mm.


In embodiments in which the distal edge 340 curves away from the striking surface 312 the height H6 of the distal edge 340 above the sole 302 (or the ground plane 10) may be about 4 mm to about 16 mm. Preferably, the height H6 of the distal edge 340 above the sole 302 may be about 6 mm to about 14 mm. More preferably, the height H6 of the distal edge 340 above the sole 302 may be about 8 mm to about 12 mm.


The slot 330 can also be characterized by its width W5 as measured from the front edge 334 to the back edge 336. The width W5 of the slot 330 can be about 1.0 mm to about 4.0 mm. Preferably, the width W5 of the slot 330 can be about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm. More preferably, the width W5 of the slot 330 can be about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm.


The slot 330 can further be characterized by its length L7 as measured from the proximal edge 338 to the distal edge 340. In the preferred embodiment, the slot 330 is generally stadium shape having a generally straight front edge 334 and a generally straight back edge 336 (aside from the curvature at the distal end in some embodiments) with curved proximal end 338 and distal end 340. However, the slot 330 can have other shapes, such as rectangular, oval, and other elongated shapes. The length L7 of the slot 330 can be about 55 mm to about 85 mm. Preferably, the length L7 of the slot 330 can be about 60 mm to about 80 mm. More preferably, the length L7 of the slot 330 can be about 65 mm to about 75 mm.


The insert 332 is shaped and dimensioned to fit inside the slot 330. As such, the shape and dimensions of the insert 332 is substantially the same as the slot 330. For example, the overall length L8 of the insert 332 can be about 55 mm to about 85 mm. Preferably, the overall length L8 of the insert 332 can be about 60 mm to about 80 mm. More preferably, the overall length L8 of the insert 332 can be about 65 mm to about 75 mm.


The insert 332 of the present embodiment can also have a height H7 as measured from the bottom of the insert 332 to the top of the insert 332 that can be less than about 5.0 mm. For example, the height H7 can be about 4.9 mm or less, 4.8 mm or less, 4.7 mm or less, and so on. Preferably, the height H7 of the insert 332 can be about 2.0 mm to about 4.5 mm. More preferably, the height H7 of the insert 332 can be about 2.5 mm to about 4.0 mm.


With reference to FIG. 18, in another embodiment of the golf club head 100, the proximal edge 138 and the distal edge 140 may be immediately surrounded by a thickened portion of the sole 102 in order to provide additional stress reduction and greater durability.


With reference to FIGS. 19-25, in another embodiment of the present invention, the golf club head 400 can have the same general configuration as the golf club heads 100, 200, and 300 shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-18. As such, the golf club head 400, as shown in FIGS. 19-25, can generally have a sole 402; a topline 404 opposite the sole 402; a toe portion 406 adjacent to the sole 402 and the topline 404; a heel portion 408 opposite the toe portion 406 and adjacent to the sole 402 and the topline 404; a striking face portion 412 adjacent to the sole 402, topline 404, toe portion 406, and heel portion 408; a back portion 414 opposite the striking face 412 and adjacent to the sole 402, topline 404, toe portion 406, and heel portion 408; and a hosel 410 adjacent to the heel portion 408 and topline 404. The hosel 410 defines a longitudinal shaft axis and is configured to receive a shaft. The striking face 412 can further be characterized with a plurality of horizontal scorelines 418.


The striking face portion 412 is located at a frontal portion of the golf club head 400. As a result, the back portion 414 is located opposite the striking face portion 412; the topline 404 is located at an upper portion of the golf club head 400; the heel portion 408 is located at a proximal end of the golf club head 400; the toe portion 406 is located at a distal end of the golf club head 400 opposite the heel portion 408; and the sole 402 is located at a lower portion of the golf club head 400 opposite the topline 404. An axis of origin 12 is provided (for reference only for ease and clarity of description) indicating the x-y-z direction relative to the golf club head 400 in the examples provided.


The golf club head 400 further comprises a leading edge 420 located approximately where the striking face 412 meets the sole 402; a trailing edge 422 adjacent to the back portion 414 and the sole 402; and the sole 402 in between the leading edge 420 and the trailing edge 422. The leading edge 420 can be defined in the current application as approximately the most forward edge of the golf club head 400 (in the z-direction), with the hosel 410 in an upright 90 degree (perpendicular) position from a ground plane (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction). This leading edge 420 is then defined as approximately the forward most edge along the z-axis (as indicated by the axis of origin 12) generally where the striking face 412 meets the sole 402.


The trailing edge 422 can be defined as approximately the most rearward edge of the sole portion 402 of the golf club head 400 (in the z-direction), again with the hosel 410 in a 90 degree (perpendicular) position from the ground plane (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction), generally where the sole portion 402 and the back portion 414 meet.


The invention of the present application incorporates a strategically positioned slot 430 on the sole 402 of the golf club head 400 to improve the performance of the golf club head 400. The slot 430 houses an insert 432. In the invention of the present application, however, the slot 430 (and therefore, the insert 432) is moved forward towards the striking face 412 compared to traditional golf clubs with inserts. As shown in FIG. 22, the striking face 412 is defined by an outer wall 424, which contacts the golf ball, and an inner wall 426 behind the outer wall 424 and internal to the golf club head 400, thereby providing thickness to the striking face 412.


As shown in FIG. 20, the slot 430 is characterized as having a front edge 434, a back edge 436 opposite the front edge 434 and towards the back relative to the front edge 434, a proximal edge 438 adjacent the heel-side of the golf club head 400, and a distal edge 440 adjacent to the toe-side of the golf club head 400. At least a portion of the front edge 434 is immediately adjacent the inner wall 426 of the striking face 412. In this embodiment, the striking face 412 is unsupported at a lower central region for more flexibility in this area to produce higher ball speed, a lower launch angle, less backspin, and longer carry distance especially when hitting a golf ball low on the striking face 412.


In the preferred embodiment, the slot 430 is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 434 and a generally straight back edge 436 with a curved proximal edge 438 and a curved distal edge 440 between the front edge 434 and the back edge 436. The curved proximal edge 438 and the curved distal edge 440 each have a radius of curvature which is larger towards the front edge 434 and decreases towards the back edge 436. The particular shape of the proximal edge 438 and the distal edge 440 helps reduce stress concentrations around the slot 430. As shown in FIG. 21, the proximal edge 438 and the distal edge 440 may be immediately surrounded by a thickened portion of the sole 402 in order to provide additional stress reduction and greater durability. The back edge 436 may also be directly adjacent a thickened portion of the sole 402. Additionally, the inner wall 426 of the striking face 412 may include thickened portions adjacent the proximal edge 438 and the distal edge 440 with a thinner portion of the striking face 412 adjacent the front edge 434 of the slot 430. In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 23, the lower portion of the inner wall 426 of the striking face 412 may include a thickened portion extending an entire length from the proximal edge 438 to the distal edge 440.


In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 24-25, the slot 430 is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 434 and a generally straight back edge 436 with a curved proximal edge 438 and a curved distal edge 440 between the front edge 434 and the back edge 436. The curved proximal edge 438 and the curved distal edge 440 each have a radius of curvature which is larger towards the front edge 434 and decreases towards the back edge 436. The curved proximal edge 438 and the curved distal edge 440 both extend rearwards of the back edge 436 then curve back towards the striking face 412 to join with the back edge 436. The particular shape of the proximal edge 438 and the distal edge 440 helps reduce stress concentrations around the slot 430. As shown in FIG. 25, the proximal edge 438 and the distal edge 440 may be immediately surrounded by a thickened portion of the sole 402 in order to provide additional stress reduction and greater durability.


The insert 432 is shaped and dimensioned to fit inside the slot 430. At least a portion of the insert 432 abuts the inner wall 426 of the striking face 412. In some embodiments, the insert 432 can have a uniform height as measured from a bottom surface of the insert 432 to a top surface of the insert 432 in a sole-to-topline direction. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the insert 432 can have a non-uniform height. In other words, different portions of the insert 432 can have different heights. For example, the terminal ends of the insert 432 can have a greater height than a central portion of the insert 432. In some embodiments, the central portion of the insert 432 can be recessed. The central recessed portion is not required to be centered within the insert 432, rather it refers to being located towards the center area relative to the perimeter edges of the insert 432.


With reference to FIGS. 26-30, in another embodiment of the present invention, the golf club head 500 can have the same general configuration as the golf club heads 100, 200, 300, and 400 shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-25. As such, the golf club head 500, as shown in FIGS. 26-30, can generally have a sole 502; a topline 504 opposite the sole 502; a toe portion 506 adjacent to the sole 502 and the topline 504; a heel portion 508 opposite the toe portion 506 and adjacent to the sole 502 and the topline 504; a striking face 512 adjacent to the sole 502, topline 504, toe portion 506, and heel portion 508; a back portion 514 opposite the striking face 512 and adjacent to the sole 502, topline 504, toe portion 506, and heel portion 508; and a hosel 510 adjacent to the heel portion 508 and topline 504. The hosel 510 defines a longitudinal shaft axis and is configured to receive a shaft. The striking face 512 can further be characterized with a plurality of horizontal scorelines 518.


The striking face portion 512 is located at a frontal portion of the golf club head 500. As a result, the back portion 514 is located opposite the striking face portion 512; the topline 504 is located at an upper portion of the golf club head 500; the heel portion 508 is located at a proximal end of the golf club head 500; the toe portion 506 is located at a distal end of the golf club head 500 opposite the heel portion 508; and the sole 502 is located at a lower portion of the golf club head 500 opposite the topline 504. An axis of origin 12 is provided (for reference only for ease and clarity of description) indicating the x-y-z direction relative to the golf club head 500 in the examples provided.


The golf club head 500 further comprises a leading edge 520 located approximately where the striking face 512 meets the sole 502; a trailing edge 522 adjacent to the back portion 514 and the sole 502; and the sole 502 in between the leading edge 520 and the trailing edge 522. The leading edge 520 can be defined in the current application as approximately the most forward edge of the golf club head 500 (in the z-direction), with the hosel 510 in an upright 90 degree (perpendicular) position from a ground plane (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction). This leading edge 520 is then defined as approximately the forward most edge along the z-axis (as indicated by the axis of origin 12) generally where the striking face 512 meets the sole 502.


The trailing edge 522 can be defined as approximately the most rearward edge of the sole portion 502 of the golf club head 500 (in the z-direction), again with the hosel 510 in a 90 degree (perpendicular) position from the ground plane (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction), generally where the sole portion 502 and the back portion 514 meet.


The invention of the present application incorporates a strategically positioned slot 530 on the sole 502 of the golf club head 500 to improve the performance of the golf club head 500. The slot 530 houses an insert 532. In the invention of the present application, however, the slot 530 (and therefore, the insert 532) is moved forward towards the striking face 512 compared to traditional golf clubs with inserts. The striking face 512 is defined by an outer wall, which contacts the golf ball, and an inner wall behind the outer wall and internal to the golf club head 500, thereby providing thickness to the striking face 512.


As shown in FIG. 27, the slot 530 is characterized as having a front edge 534, a back edge 536 opposite the front edge 534 and towards the back relative to the front edge 534, a proximal edge 538 adjacent the heel-side of the golf club head 500, and a distal edge 540 adjacent to the toe-side of the golf club head 500. At least a portion of the front edge 534 is immediately adjacent the inner wall of the striking face 512. In this embodiment, the striking face 512 is unsupported at a lower central region for more flexibility in this area to produce higher ball speed, a lower launch angle, less backspin, and longer carry distance especially when hitting a golf ball low on the striking face 512.


In the preferred embodiment, the slot 530 is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 534 and a generally straight back edge 536 with a curved proximal edge 538 and a curved distal edge 540 between the front edge 534 and the back edge 536. The curved proximal edge 538 and the curved distal edge 540 each curve convexly from the back edge 536 and contact the inner wall of the striking face 512. The particular shape of the proximal edge 538 and the distal edge 540 allows the striking face 512 to be progressively supported by the curved surfaces of the proximal edge 538 and the distal edge 540 as the striking face 512 deflects from impact with a golf ball to limit stress concentrations. This also permits the weld on the striking face 512 to be located further away from higher stress locations.


In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 28-29, the slot 530 is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 534 and a generally straight back edge 536 with a curved proximal edge 538 and a curved distal edge 540 between the front edge 534 and the back edge 536. The curved proximal edge 538 and the curved distal edge 540 each curve convexly from the back edge 536 and contact the inner wall of the striking face 512. In this embodiment, the sole 502 includes a proximal indentation 539 located heelward of the location where the proximal edge 538 contacts the striking face 512, and the sole 502 includes a distal indentation 541 located toeward of the location where the distal edge 540 contacts the striking face 512. The particular shape of the proximal edge 538 and the distal edge 540 allows the striking face 512 to be progressively supported by the curved surfaces of the proximal edge 538 and the distal edge 540 as the striking face 512 deflects from impact with a golf ball to limit stress concentrations. The proximal indentation 539 and the distal indentation 541 provide further stress reduction and also serve as indexing features for proper alignment of the striking face 512 during welding. This also permits the weld on the striking face 512 to be located further away from higher stress locations. In an additional embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the proximal edge 538 continues to curve rearward towards the back portion 514 heelward of the where the proximal edge 538 contacts the striking face 512 to form a proximal opening 543 in the sole 502 heelward of the slot 530. Additionally, distal edge 540 continues to curve rearward towards the back portion 514 toeward of the where the distal edge 540 contacts the striking face 512 to form a distal opening 545 in the sole 502 toeward of the slot 530. The proximal opening 543 and the distal opening 545 provide additional stress reduction at the interface between the striking face 512 and the sole 502.


The insert 532 is shaped and dimensioned to fit inside the slot 530. At least a portion of the insert 532 abuts the inner wall of the striking face 512. In some embodiments, the insert 532 can have a uniform height as measured from a bottom surface of the insert 532 to a top surface of the insert 532 in a sole-to-topline direction. The insert 532 can have a non-uniform height. In other words, different portions of the insert 532 can have different heights. For example, the terminal ends of the insert 532 can have a greater height than a central portion of the insert 532. In some embodiments, the central portion of the insert 532 can be recessed. The central recessed portion is not required to be centered within the insert 532, rather it refers to being located towards the center area relative to the perimeter edges of the insert 532. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the insert 532 may continuously extend into the proximal opening 543 and the distal opening 545, or separate inserts may be placed within the proximal opening 543 and the distal opening 545.


With reference to FIGS. 31-35, in another embodiment of the present invention, the golf club head 600 can have the same general configuration as the golf club heads 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-30. As such, the golf club head 600, as shown in FIGS. 31-35, can generally have a sole 602; a topline 604 opposite the sole 602; a toe portion 606 adjacent to the sole 602 and the topline 604; a heel portion 608 opposite the toe portion 606 and adjacent to the sole 602 and the topline 604; a striking face 612 adjacent to the sole 602, topline 604, toe portion 606, and heel portion 608; a back portion 614 opposite the striking face 612 and adjacent to the sole 602, topline 604, toe portion 606, and heel portion 608; and a hosel 610 adjacent to the heel portion 608 and topline 604. The hosel 610 defines a longitudinal shaft axis and is configured to receive a shaft. The striking face 612 can further be characterized with a plurality of horizontal scorelines 618.


The striking face portion 612 is located at a frontal portion of the golf club head 600. As a result, the back portion 614 is located opposite the striking face portion 612; the topline 604 is located at an upper portion of the golf club head 600; the heel portion 608 is located at a proximal end of the golf club head 600; the toe portion 606 is located at a distal end of the golf club head 600 opposite the heel portion 608; and the sole 602 is located at a lower portion of the golf club head 600 opposite the topline 604. An axis of origin 12 is provided (for reference only for ease and clarity of description) indicating the x-y-z direction relative to the golf club head 600 in the examples provided.


The golf club head 600 further comprises a leading edge 620 located approximately where the striking face 612 meets the sole 602; a trailing edge 622 adjacent to the back portion 614 and the sole 602; and the sole 602 in between the leading edge 620 and the trailing edge 622. The leading edge 620 can be defined in the current application as approximately the most forward edge of the golf club head 600 (in the z-direction), with the hosel 610 in an upright 90 degree (perpendicular) position from a ground plane (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction). This leading edge 620 is then defined as approximately the forward most edge along the z-axis (as indicated by the axis of origin 12) generally where the striking face 612 meets the sole 602.


The trailing edge 622 can be defined as approximately the most rearward edge of the sole portion 602 of the golf club head 600 (in the z-direction), again with the hosel 610 in a 90 degree (perpendicular) position from the ground plane (in the front-to-back, z-axis direction), generally where the sole portion 602 and the back portion 614 meet.


The invention of the present application incorporates a proximal slot 630a and a distal slot 630b on the sole 602 of the golf club head 600 to improve the performance of the golf club head 600. The proximal slot 630a is located heelward of the distal slot 630b. The proximal slot 630a houses a proximal insert 632a, and the distal slot 630b houses a distal insert 632b. In the invention of the present application, however, the proximal slot 630a and the distal slot 630b (and therefore, the proximal insert 632a and the distal insert 632b) are moved forward towards the striking face 612 compared to traditional golf clubs with inserts. The striking face 612 is defined by an outer wall, which contacts the golf ball, and an inner wall behind the outer wall and internal to the golf club head 600, thereby providing thickness to the striking face 612.


As shown in FIG. 32, the proximal slot 630a is characterized as having a front edge 634a, a back edge 636a opposite the front edge 634a and towards the back relative to the front edge 634a, and a proximal edge 638 adjacent the heel-side of the golf club head 600. The distal slot 630b is characterized as having a front edge 634b, a back edge 636b opposite the front edge 634b and towards the back relative to the front edge 634b, and a distal edge 640 adjacent the toe-side of the golf club head 600. At least a portion of the front edge 634a of the proximal slot 630a is immediately adjacent the inner wall of the striking face 612, and at least a portion of the front edge 634b of the distal slot 630b is immediately adjacent the inner wall of the striking face 612. In this embodiment, the striking face 612 is supported by a lower central portion 633 but is unsupported at regions heelward and toeward of the lower central portion 633 for improved ball speed and launch conditions heelward and toeward of face center for more consistent ball speed across the striking face 612.


In the preferred embodiment, the proximal slot 630a is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 634a and a generally straight back edge 636a with a curved proximal edge 638 and a curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 between the front edge 634a and the back edge 636a. The curved proximal edge 638 and the curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 each curve convexly from the back edge 636a and contact the inner wall 626 of the striking face 612. The particular shapes of the proximal edge 638 and the edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 allow the striking face 612 to be progressively supported by the curved surfaces of the proximal edge 638 and the edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 as the striking face 612 deflects from impact with a golf ball heelward of face center to limit stress concentrations. The distal slot 630b is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 634b and a generally straight back edge 636b with a curved distal edge 640 and a curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 between the front edge 634b and the back edge 636b. The curved distal edge 640 and the curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 each curve convexly from the back edge 636b and contact the inner wall 626 of the striking face 612. The particular shapes of the distal edge 640 and the edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 allow the striking face 612 to be progressively supported by the curved surfaces of the distal edge 640 and the edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 as the striking face 612 deflects from impact with a golf ball toeward of face center to limit stress concentrations. The locations and shapes of the proximal slot 630a and the distal slot 630b also permit the weld on the striking face 612 to be located further away from higher stress locations.


In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the proximal slot 630a is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 634a and a generally straight back edge 636a with a curved proximal edge 638 and a curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 between the front edge 634a and the back edge 636a. The curved proximal edge 638 has a radius of curvature which is larger towards the front edge 634a and decreases towards the back edge 636a. The curved proximal edge 638 extends rearwards of the back edge 636a then curves back towards the striking face 612 to join with the back edge 636a. The distal slot 630b is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 634b and a generally straight back edge 636b with a curved distal edge 640 and a curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 between the front edge 634b and the back edge 636b. The curved distal edge 640 has a radius of curvature which is larger towards the front edge 634b and decreases towards the back edge 636b. The curved distal edge 640 extends rearwards of the back edge 636b then curves back towards the striking face 612 to join with the back edge 636b. The particular shape of the proximal edge 638 and the distal edge 640 helps reduce stress concentrations around the proximal slot 630a and the distal slot 630b. The curved shape of the lower central portion 633 allows the striking face 612 to be progressively supported by the lower central portion 633 as the striking face 612 deflects from impacts with a golf ball heelward or toeward of face center to limit stress concentrations.


In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, the proximal slot 630a is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 634a and a generally straight back edge 636a with a curved proximal edge 638 and a curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 between the front edge 634a and the back edge 636a. The curved proximal edge 638 curves convexly from the back edge 636a and contacts the inner wall of the striking face 612. The curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 extends rearwards of the back edge 636a then curves back towards the striking face 612 to join with the back edge 636a. The portion of the proximal slot 630a that extends rearwards of the back edge 636a may have a width in a heel-to-toe direction that increases in a direction from the striking face 612 towards the back portion 614. The particular shape of the proximal edge 638 allows the striking face 612 to be progressively supported by the curved surface of the proximal edge 638 as the striking face 612 deflects from impact with a golf ball heelward of face center to limit stress concentrations. The distal slot 630b is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 634b and a generally straight back edge 636b with a curved distal edge 640 and a curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 between the front edge 634b and the back edge 636b. The curved distal edge 640 curves convexly from the back edge 636b and contacts the inner wall of the striking face 612. The curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 extends rearwards of the back edge 636b then curves back towards the striking face 612 to join with the back edge 636b. The portion of the distal slot 630b that extends rearwards of the back edge 636b may have a width in a heel-to-toe direction that increases in a direction from the striking face 612 towards the back portion 614. The particular shape of the distal edge 640 allows the striking face 612 to be progressively supported by the curved surface of the distal edge 640 as the striking face 612 deflects from impact with a golf ball toeward of face center to limit stress concentrations. The locations and shapes of the proximal slot 630a and the distal slot 630b also permit the weld on the striking face 612 to be located further away from higher stress locations. The particular shape of the curved edges adjacent the lower central portion 633 helps reduce stress concentrations around the proximal slot 630a and the distal slot 630b.


In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 35, the proximal slot 630a is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 634a and a generally straight back edge 636a with a curved proximal edge 638 and a curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 between the front edge 634a and the back edge 636a. The curved proximal edge 638 has a radius of curvature which is larger towards the front edge 634a and decreases towards the back edge 636a. The curved proximal edge 638 extends rearwards of the back edge 636a then curves back towards the striking face 612 to join with the back edge 636a. The curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 extends rearwards of the back edge 636a then curves back towards the striking face 612 to join with the back edge 636a. The portion of the proximal slot 630a adjacent the lower central portion 633 that extends rearwards of the back edge 636a may have a width in a heel-to-toe direction that increases in a direction from the striking face 612 towards the back portion 614. The distal slot 630b is an elongated shape having a generally straight front edge 634b and a generally straight back edge 636b with a curved distal edge 640 and a curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 between the front edge 634b and the back edge 636b. The curved distal edge 640 has a radius of curvature which is larger towards the front edge 634b and decreases towards the back edge 636b. The curved distal edge 640 extends rearwards of the back edge 636b then curves back towards the striking face 612 to join with the back edge 636b. The curved edge adjacent the lower central portion 633 extends rearwards of the back edge 636b then curves back towards the striking face 612 to join with the back edge 636b. The portion of the distal slot 630b adjacent the lower central portion 633 that extends rearwards of the back edge 636b may have a width in a heel-to-toe direction that increases in a direction from the striking face 612 towards the back portion 614. The particular shape of the proximal edge 638 and the distal edge 640 helps reduce stress concentrations around the proximal slot 630a and the distal slot 630b and also permit the weld on the striking face 612 to be located further away from higher stress locations. The particular shape of the curved edges adjacent the lower central portion 633 helps reduce stress concentrations around the proximal slot 630a and the distal slot 630b.


The proximal insert 632a and the distal insert 632b are shaped and dimensioned to fit inside the proximal slot 630a and the distal slot 630b, respectively. At least a portion of the proximal insert 632a abuts the inner wall of the striking face 612, and at least a portion of the distal insert 632b abuts the inner wall of the striking face 612. In some embodiments, the proximal insert 632a and the distal insert 632b can have uniform heights as measured in a sole-to-topline direction. The proximal insert 632a and the distal insert 632b can have non-uniform heights. In other words, different portions of the proximal insert 632a and the distal insert 632b can have different heights. For example, the terminal ends of the proximal insert 632a and the distal insert 632b can have greater heights than central portions of the proximal insert 632a and the distal insert 632b. In some embodiments, the central portions of the proximal insert 632a and the distal insert 632b can be recessed. The central recessed portion is not required to be centered within the proximal insert 632a or the distal insert 632b, rather it refers to being located towards the center area relative to the perimeter edges of the proximal insert 632a or the distal insert 632b. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 32-33, the proximal insert 632a and the distal insert 632b may be continuous and connected to each other, or the proximal insert 632a and the distal insert 632b may be separated.


The golf club heads 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 of the present invention can be manufactured using casting or forging technology according to the specification disclosed herein using materials such as titanium, steel, carbon fiber, and other typical metals used in manufacturing irons. Any of the inserts described herein can be fastened to the sole using adhesives, friction fit, catch type mechanisms, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the insert is made with polymer material.


EXAMPLES

In one embodiment, a 3 iron was tested in which the front edge 334 of the slot 330 was approximately 2 mm or less from the inner wall 326 of the striking surface 312 (D7 less than or equal to about 2 mm). The proximal edge 338 of the slot 330 extended beyond the proximal end 328 of the striking face 312 by about 10 mm or less. The distal edge 340 of the slot 330 extended beyond the distal end 329 of the striking face 312 by about 10 mm or less. Compared to the control iron (3 iron without insert), this configuration placed the center of gravity in the x-direction (CGx) closer to the face center (by about 2 mm), in the y-direction (CGy) slightly lower (by about 0.4 mm), and in the z-direction (CGz) about the same. The coefficient of restitution (COR) was slightly higher in the present embodiment (0.823-0.825) compared to that of control (0.819).


The ball speed of the this embodiment was generally higher than control. The largest difference in ball speed was found at the lower toe region of the striking face 312. The middle (y direction) toe (x direction) region, the lower center region, and the middle center region also showed increase in ball speed. The heel region showed inconsistent results.


With respect to backspin on a golf ball struck with the current embodiment, the present embodiment showed increased backspin at the toe, center, and heel region of the striking face 312. In one comparison, the present invention generated a backspin that was more than 1000 rpm faster than control when measured at the lower and middle toe region, the lower and middle center region, and the lower and middle heel region.


In another 3 iron example in which the slot 330 extended from about the proximal end 328 of the striking surface 312 well into the toe portion 306, and approaching the topline 304 (i.e. the distal edge 340 of the slot 330 was above the face center), a comparison against a control 3 iron showed a slight increase in ball speed, particularly at the lower and middle toe region, and lower and middle center region, a slightly lower launch angle at the toe, center, and heel region, and increased backspin at the toe and center region.


Any of the features and characterizations of the example embodiments are not necessarily exclusive to the embodiments in which the features and characterizations were disclosed. The disclosure provides descriptions based on exemplary embodiments, and it is contemplated that features and characteristics in one exemplary embodiment can apply to any other embodiment.


Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for radius of curvature, angles, and others in the aforementioned portions of the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear in the value, amount, or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the above specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values inclusive of the recited values, and any values in between any ranges cited, may be used.


The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

Claims
  • 1) A golf club head, comprising: a striking face located at a frontal portion of said golf club head, said striking face having an outer wall and an inner wall opposite said outer wall;a back portion located opposite said striking face;a heel portion located at a proximal end of said golf club head;a hosel adjacent to said heel portion, said hosel defining a longitudinal axis and configured to receive a shaft;a toe portion located at a distal end of said golf club head opposite said heel portion;a topline located at an upper portion of said golf club head;a sole located at a lower portion of said golf club head opposite said topline;a slot defined in said sole; andan insert positioned within said slot,wherein said slot is defined by a front edge, a back edge opposite and rearwards of said front edge, a proximal edge adjacent to said front edge and said back edge, and a distal edge opposite said proximal edge and adjacent to said front edge and said back edge, andwherein said insert abuts said inner wall of said striking face.
  • 2) The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said proximal edge of said slot has a radius of curvature which is larger towards said front edge and decreases towards said back edge, and wherein said distal edge of said slot has a radius of curvature which is larger towards said front edge and decreases towards said back edge.
  • 3) The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said proximal edge of said slot is immediately surrounded by a thickened portion of said sole, and wherein said distal edge of said slot is immediately surrounded by a thickened portion of said sole.
  • 4) The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said back edge of said slot is directly adjacent a thickened portion of the sole.
  • 5) The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said inner wall of said striking face includes a thickened portion adjacent said proximal edge of said slot, said inner wall of said striking face includes a thickened portion adjacent said distal edge of said slot, and said inner wall of said striking face includes a portion adjacent said front edge of said slot which is thinner than said thickened portions.
  • 6) The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a lower portion of said inner wall of said striking face includes a thickened portion extending from said proximal edge of said slot to said distal edge of said slot.
  • 7) The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said proximal edge of said slot extends rearward of said back edge of said slot, and wherein said distal edge of said slot extends rearward of said back edge of said slot.
  • 8) The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said insert has a non-uniform height in a sole-to-topline direction.
  • 9) The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said insert has a central portion which is recessed relative to perimeter edges of said insert.
  • 10) A golf club head, comprising: a striking face located at a frontal portion of said golf club head, said striking face having an outer wall and an inner wall opposite said outer wall;a back portion located opposite said striking face;a heel portion located at a proximal end of said golf club head;a hosel adjacent to said heel portion, said hosel defining a longitudinal axis and configured to receive a shaft;a toe portion located at a distal end of said golf club head opposite said heel portion;a topline located at an upper portion of said golf club head;a sole located at a lower portion of said golf club head opposite said topline;a slot defined in said sole; andan insert positioned within said slot,wherein said slot is defined by a front edge, a back edge opposite and rearwards of said front edge, a proximal edge adjacent to said front edge and said back edge, and a distal edge opposite said proximal edge and adjacent to said front edge and said back edge,wherein said proximal edge of said slot has a radius of curvature which is larger towards said front edge and decreases towards said back edge, andwherein said distal edge of said slot has a radius of curvature which is larger towards said front edge and decreases towards said back edge.
  • 11) The golf club head of claim 10, wherein said insert abuts said inner wall of said striking face.
  • 12) The golf club head of claim 11, wherein said proximal edge of said slot is immediately surrounded by a thickened portion of said sole, and wherein said distal edge of said slot is immediately surrounded by a thickened portion of said sole.
  • 13) The golf club head of claim 12, wherein said back edge of said slot is directly adjacent a thickened portion of the sole.
  • 14) The golf club head of claim 13, wherein said inner wall of said striking face includes a thickened portion adjacent said proximal edge of said slot, said inner wall of said striking face includes a thickened portion adjacent said distal edge of said slot, and said inner wall of said striking face includes a portion adjacent said front edge of said slot which is thinner than said thickened portions.
  • 15) The golf club head of claim 14, wherein said insert has a non-uniform height in a sole-to-topline direction.
  • 16) The golf club head of claim 13, wherein a lower portion of said inner wall of said striking face includes a thickened portion extending from said proximal edge of said slot to said distal edge of said slot.
  • 17) The golf club head of claim 16, wherein said insert has a non-uniform height in a sole-to-topline direction.
  • 18) The golf club head of claim 10, wherein said proximal edge of said slot extends rearward of said back edge of said slot, and wherein said distal edge of said slot extends rearward of said back edge of said slot.
  • 19) The golf club head of claim 18, wherein said proximal edge of said slot is immediately surrounded by a thickened portion of said sole, and wherein said distal edge of said slot is immediately surrounded by a thickened portion of said sole.
  • 20) The golf club head of claim 19, wherein said insert has a non-uniform height in a sole-to-topline direction.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/759,586, filed Jun. 28, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/940,841, filed Sep. 8, 2022, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 17940841 Sep 2022 US
Child 18759586 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 18759586 Jun 2024 US
Child 19070380 US