Patent Grant
10661129
Golf club performance is an amalgam of many elements including a golf club's ability to efficiently transfer energy to a hit golf ball, ability to impart desirable spin characteristics to a ball, ability to generate feedback to a golfer responsive to a particular manner of impact, e.g. to impart “feel,” and ability to enable a golfer to exercise a wide array of shot types. In addition to this, what constitutes effective performance varies with the role of each club. An often overlooked aspect of performance, but considered of increased significance with higher-lofted clubs, is shot dispersion, i.e. the degree to which a set of golf shots (impacted with a particular club) fall within a desired distance from a target location. As the golfer nears the green, carry distance wanes in importance as precision increases in importance.
This principle particularly holds true in the case of wedge-type golf club heads. However, attempts at designing wedge-type golf club heads have generally been inadequate as steps taken to reduce dispersion often adversely affect other attributes expected of or desirable of wedge-type golf club heads. For example, traditional feel and design attributes necessary for instilling confidence in the golfer and for compliance with rules promulgated by one or more professional golf regulatory bodies (e.g. the United States Golf Association (USGA)) may be sacrificed. Also, attempts at decreasing dispersion often result in the relocation of club head mass in locations that adversely affect spin, trajectory shape, effective bounce, and/or ability to successfully carry out a full range of shot types typically associated with wedge-type club heads.
A need exists for reducing shot dispersion in high-lofted club heads (e.g. wedge-type club heads), while maintaining other performance attributes typically expected and/or desired of such club heads.
In an example of the present disclosure, a golf club head includes a striking face, a sole portion, a top portion, a hosel, a rear surface, a loft no less than 40°, a virtual vertical plane, and a center of gravity. The striking face has a face center, a leading edge, and a virtual striking face plane. The hosel includes an internal bore configured to receive a golf shaft and includes a peripheral side wall and a shaft abutment surface configured to abut a tip end of the golf shaft. The rear surface is opposite the striking face and has an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion including a forward-extending recess. The insert covers the recess forming a hollow portion. The virtual vertical plane is perpendicular to the striking face plane and passes through the face center. The center of gravity is spaced a distance from the virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction. The distance D1 may be no more than 4.5 mm.
In another example of the present disclosure, a correlated set of golf club heads may include a first club head that, when oriented in a reference position, comprises: a first loft angle L1 between 40° and 50°; a first striking face having a first face center, a first leading edge, a first virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the first striking face, and a first striking face surface area SA1 no greater than 4.35 in2; a first sole portion; a first top portion; a first rear surface opposite the first striking face; a first hosel; a first virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the first striking face plane and passing through the first face center; and a first club head center of gravity spaced from the first virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a first distance D1A that is no greater than 6 mm. The correlated set of golf club heads may also include a second club head that, when oriented in a reference position, comprises: a second loft angle L2 greater than 50°; a second striking face having a second face center, a second leading edge, a second virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the second striking face, and a second striking face surface area SA2 no less than 4.45 in2; a second sole portion; a second top portion; a second rear surface opposite the second striking face; a second hosel; a second virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the second striking face plane and passing through the second face center; and a second club head center of gravity spaced from the second virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a second distance D1B that is no greater than 6 mm.
In another example of the present disclosure, a correlated set of golf club heads may include a first club head that, when oriented in a reference position, may include a first loft angle L1 between 400 and 50°; a first striking face having a first face center, a first leading edge, and a first virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the first striking face; a first sole portion; a first top portion; a first rear surface opposite the first striking face; a first hosel; a first virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the first striking face plane and passing through the first face center; a first club head center of gravity spaced from the first virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a first distance D1A that is no greater than 6 mm; and a first heel blade height BH1 no greater than 38 mm. The correlated set of golf club heads may also include a second club head that, when oriented in a reference position, may include a second loft angle L2 greater than 50°; a second striking face having a second face center, a second leading edge, and a second virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the second striking face; a second sole portion; a second top portion; a second rear surface opposite the second striking face; a second hosel; a second virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the second striking face plane and passing through the second face center; a second club head center of gravity spaced from the second virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a second distance D1B that is no greater than 6 mm; and a second heel blade height BH2 no less than 39 mm.
In another example of the present disclosure, a golf club head, when oriented in a reference position relative to a ground plane, may include a striking face having a face center, a leading edge, and a virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the striking face. The golf club head further includes a sole portion, a top portion, a rear portion, and a loft L no less than 40°. A virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the striking face plane passes through the face center. A club head center of gravity is spaced from the virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a distance D1 that is no greater than 6.0 mm. The golf club head further includes a hosel including a virtual hosel axis and an internal bore configured to receive a golf shaft. The internal bore includes a peripheral side wall and a shaft abutment surface configured to abut a tip end of the golf club shaft. The hosel further comprises an auxiliary recess extending sole-ward from the abutment surface of the internal bore.
In another example of the present disclosure, a golf club head may include a golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position, includes a sole portion, a top portion, a heel portion, and a toe portion. The club head further includes a striking face having a face center, a leading edge, a virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the striking face, and a plurality of scorelines having a heel-most extent and a toe-most extent. The club head further includes a hosel portion having an internal bore configured to receive a golf shaft, a first virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the striking face plane and passing through the heel-most extent of the plurality of scorelines, a heel-most region defined as the entire portion of the club head located heelward of the first virtual vertical plane, a recessed region delimiting a volume such that the majority of the volume is located in the heel-most region. The club head has a loft L no less than 40°. A second virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the striking face plane passes through the face center. A club head center of gravity is spaced from the second virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a distance D1 that is no greater than 6.0 mm.
In another example of the present disclosure, a golf club head may include a golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position relative to a virtual ground plane, includes a striking face having a face center, a leading edge, and a virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the striking face. The club head further includes a sole portion, a top portion, a rear portion, and a loft L no less than 40°. A virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the striking face plane passes through the face center. A point P1 is located at the intersection of the leading edge and the virtual vertical plane. A center of gravity is spaced from the virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a distance D1 that is no greater than 5.5 mm, spaced from the striking face plane by a minimum distance D2 such that: D2≤3.58 mm−(0.053 mm/°)×L, and vertically spaced from the point P1 by a distance D3 such that: D3≥29.5 mm−(0.3 mm/°)×L.
In another example of the present disclosure, a golf club head may include a golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position relative to a virtual ground plane, includes a striking face having a face center, a leading edge, and a virtual striking face plane generally parallel to the striking face. The club head further includes a sole portion, a top portion, a rear portion, and a loft L no less than 40°. A virtual vertical plane perpendicular to the striking face plane passes through the face center. A point P1 is located at the intersection of the leading edge and the virtual vertical plane. A center of gravity is spaced from the virtual vertical plane in the heel-to-toe direction by a distance D1 that is no greater than 5.0 mm, spaced from the striking face plane by a minimum distance D2 no greater than 0.50 mm, and vertically spaced from the point P1 by a distance D3 such that: D3≥29.5 mm−(0.3 mm/°)×L.
The various exemplary aspects described above may be implemented individually or in various combinations.
These and other features and advantages of the golf club heads and methods according to the invention in its various aspects and demonstrated by one or more of the various examples will become apparent after consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
The drawings described below are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Exemplary implementations will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
For purposes of illustration, these figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. In all figures, same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals.
Representative examples of one or more novel and non-obvious aspects and features of a golf club head according to the present disclosure are not intended to be limiting in any manner. Furthermore, the various aspects and features of the present disclosure may be used alone or in a variety of novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations with one another.
Referring to
The striking face comprises a generally planar surface. For example, the striking face generally conforms to a planar hitting surface suitable for striking a golf ball, but may deviate to a minor extent as it may preferably include formed therein a plurality of scorelines extending in the heel-to-toe direction. In some embodiments, the striking face may also possess bulge and/or roll of a constant or variable radius that are customary of a wood-type or hybrid-type club head (e.g. a radius no less than about 9 in). In some embodiments, the striking face may have formed therein one or more texture patterns. For example, the striking face may include a surface milled region (as described below), a media-blasted region, a chemical etched region, a laser-milled region. Such regions may be formed in a striking face in combination, either in discrete mutually exclusive regions or at least partially (or fully) overlapping. Preferably, textured striking face regions are located at least in a central region that includes the majority (and more preferably the entirety) of the plurality of scorelines. In such cases, interaction between the striking face and golf ball may be enhanced (e.g. by increasing friction), thereby better controlling and/or increasing spin. In some embodiments, in addition to the a central region that exhibits a media-blasted and/or surface milled texture, heel and toe regions peripheral to such central region exhibit high polish surface textures.
The striking face 116 further includes a face center 130. The face center 130, for all purposes herein, denotes the location on the striking face that is both equidistant between: (a) the heel-most extent 124 and the toe-most extent 126 of the plurality of scorelines 118; and (b) the top-most extent 134 and the bottom-most extent 136 of the plurality of scorelines 118. The striking face 116 corresponds to a virtual striking face plane (see e.g.
The plurality of scorelines 118 further comprise an overall lateral width D6, measured from the heel-most extent 124 to the toe-most extent, of preferably between 49 mm and 55 mm, more preferably between 50 mm and 52 mm.
The striking face 116 further include a leading edge 144 corresponding to the nexus of forwardmost points on the striking face corresponding to the nexus of incremental front-to-rear vertical profiles taken through the striking face 116. For example, as particularly shown in
The club head 100 further includes a toe-wardmost extent P2. As particularly illustrated in
As shown in
The golf club head 100 preferably comprises an iron-type club head, and more preferably a wedge-type club head. Additionally, the club head 100 is preferably a “blade”-type club head. In such embodiments, the club head 100 comprises a upper blade portion 148 and a lower muscle portion 150. The upper blade portion is preferably of substantially uniform thickness. Preferably, the club head, as a “blade”-type club head lacks any perimeter-weighting features. However, in some embodiments, the club head may embody a perimeter-weighting feature, although such perimeter weighting element preferably has a maximum depth that is no greater than about 10 mm, and more preferably no greater than about 5 mm. “Blade”-type club heads provide for more disparity in feel resulting in a high degree of tactile feedback to the golfer upon impact. Minimizing perimeter-weighting also increases workability of the club head, providing for a wider array of potential shot types and resulting trajectories. These features are sought after, particularly in the case of high-lofted club heads (e.g. club heads having a loft greater than 30°), and more particularly in the case of wedge-type club heads.
In effort to achieve these and other benefits, and in part as a result of constituting a “blade”-type club head, the center of gravity 132 of the club head 100 is preferably located relatively close to the striking face plane (see
Additionally, or alternatively, the center of gravity 132 is located sole-ward of the striking face plane 138. However, in alternative embodiments, the center of gravity 132 is locate above the striking face plane 138.
Additionally, or alternatively, the relative location of center of gravity is loft-dependent. Thus, in a set of iron-type or wedge-type golf club heads, the center of gravity location varies from club head to club head with loft angle. Preferably, the club head 100 is configured such that the distance D2 is related to club head loft angle in accordance with the following equation:
D2≤3.58 mm−(0.053 mm/°)×L
Such attributes ensure the advantages associated with blade-type construction are achieved, while accounting for natural variations in club head design properties that may be associated with club head loft angle, thus more precisely providing a high performance club head.
The club head further comprises a center of gravity 132. The inventors have recognized that center of gravity location plays a critical role in reducing shot dispersion for a particular club head. Preferably, in part to minimize shot dispersion, the center of gravity is located central of the striking face. Preferably, the center of gravity 132 is spaced from the face center 130 by a heel-to-toe distance D1 of no greater than 6.0 mm, more preferably no greater than 5.5 mm, and even more preferably no greater than 5.0 mm. Most preferably, the center of gravity 132 is aligned with the face center 130 in the heel-to-toe direction (i.e. coplanar with a vertical plane passing through the face center and perpendicular to the striking face plane). However, pure alignment is difficult to achieve at least for presence of typical manufacturing tolerances.
As shown below in Table 1, short dispersion is substantially reduced in comparison to a similarly structured wedge of the same loft, but with significantly greater lateral center of gravity spacing from the face center 130 of the striking face 116.
In addition, or alternatively, the center of gravity 132 is preferably heelward of the face center 130, albeit by the degree of spacing (D1) as described above. Positioning the center of gravity 132 toe-ward of the face center 130, although an option, is likely to require a significant degree of relocation of discretionary mass, given the natural heel-ward bias of club head mass distribution given the presence of the hosel 110. Although possible, such a degree of mass shift may have a deleterious effect on other key attributes correlated with performance expected or desired in a wedge-type club head. For example, the structural integrity of the club head may be affected.
Also, particularly for a blade-type club head, e.g. the club head 100, mass is concentrated in the muscle portion 150. Because mass is not an independently adjustable club head attribute (i.e. corresponds with the location of actual material), a lateral center of gravity shift may naturally disproportionately affect the design of the sole portion. This natural design tendency, in some cases, may be considered deleterious. For example, mass added to the muscle portion 150 may affect the effective bounce of the club head 100 (i.e. the manner in which the club head 100 interacts with turf), desired dynamic loft, and spin-generating attributes. Thus, preferably, the center of gravity is positioned, laterally, as described above—but in a manner so as to not adversely affect other key club head attributes. The difficulty inherent in this trade-off may be exacerbated by the fact that wedge-type club heads are necessarily compact in shape thereby provide little discretionary weight that may be positioned or repositioned solely for purposes of mass property manipulation.
In one manner of the above design aspects, in some embodiments, the center of gravity height is desirably maintained provided the lateral center of gravity location attributes described above. For example, as shown in
D3≥29.5 mm−(0.3 mm/°)×L
More preferably, D3 corresponds with the loft L of the club head 100 in accordance with the following equation:
D3≥29.8 mm−(0.3 mm/°)×L
Measuring center of gravity height relative to P1 (i.e. leading edge location) may be advantageous in that sole contour features, e.g. those related to various effective bounce options, are removed from consideration. In this manner, a more pure relationship between center of gravity height measurement and actual effect on performance emerges.
In another manner of the above design aspects, in some embodiments, the shape of the bottom (sole) portion 104 is desirably maintained provided the lateral center of gravity location attributes described above. As an exemplary indicator of maintaining desirable sole shape, the club head 100 includes a sole width D8 (see
In yet another manner of the above design aspects, in some embodiments, the golf club head 100 maintains a desirable upper blade portion maximum thickness D5 (see
The club head preferably has a head mass of between 250 g and 350 g, more preferably between 270 g and 310 g, even more preferably between 285 g and 300 g. Additionally, or alternatively, the club head 100 include a moment of inertia (Izz) measured about a virtual vertical axis passing through the center of gravity 132. The moment of inertia Izz is preferably no less than 2500 kg*cm2, more preferably between 2650 kg*cm2 and 3100 kg*cm2.
As variously described above, in some embodiments, it is desirable to position the center of gravity 132, laterally, in close proximity to the face center 130 in a manner that does not deleteriously affect other key wedge-type club attributes. Accordingly, in some embodiments, mass is removed from a generally heel-ward location and relocated to other portions of the club head or distributed uniformly about remaining regions of the club head.
In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 include a virtual heel-most region 152, which refers to the entirety of the club head 100 located heel-ward of a virtual vertical plane 154 perpendicular to the striking face plane 138 and including the heel-wardmost extent 126 of the plurality of scorelines 118. Preferably, a recessed region 156 is located at least partially in the heel-wardmost region 152. More preferably, at least a majority of the recessed region 156 (measured by displaced volume) is located within the heel-wardmost region 152. Most preferably, the recessed region 156 in its entirety is located within the heel-wardmost region 152 of the club head 100.
As shown particularly in
The internal bore 158 preferably includes a diameter that ranges from a maximum diameter of about 10.5 mm, proximate an upper end of the internal bore 158, to a minimum diameter of about 8.5 mm. The diameter of the internal bore 158, in some embodiments, gradually decreases in the sole-ward direction. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one stepped region is located in the side wall 160 of the internal bore, e.g. for housing epoxy and/or ferrule component when the club head 100 is secured to a shaft assembly.
The abutment surface 162 (or peripheral ledge 162 in the particular embodiment shown in
The recessed region 156 (in the particular embodiment of
As an alternative to cast-in formation, the auxiliary recess, in some embodiments, is machined into the club head 100 subsequent to formation of the club head main body (e.g. by investment casting). In such embodiments, preferably the auxiliary recess 156 is milled by applying a tapered bit configured to rotate about, and penetrate along, the virtual hosel axis 112.
Additionally, or alternatively, as another means of reducing lateral spacing between the face center 130 of the striking face 116 and the center of gravity 132, the hosel length is preferably reduced. Specifically, the distance D4 from the uppermost extent of the hosel 110 to the ground plane 114, measured along the virtual hosel axis 112, is preferably no greater than 75 mm and more preferably between 70 mm and 75 mm. By shortening the hosel length, discretionary mass may be removed from points distal the face center 130 and redistributed throughout the club head 100, thereby relocating the center of gravity 132 of the club head 100 closer to the face center 130, while minimizing any deleterious adverse effects on performance.
In some embodiments, the auxiliary recess is at least partially filled. In some such embodiments, the auxiliary recess is entirely filled with a filler material. Such may be advantages for dampening of vibrations emanating from impact with a golf ball. In such embodiments, the filler material is preferably a material having a density less than that of the main body of the club head. Alternatively, or additionally, the density of the auxiliary recess filler material is no greater than 7 g/cm3 and more preferably no greater than 4 g/cm3. Additionally, or alternatively, the filler material has a hardness less than that of the main body and optionally comprises a resilient material such as a polymeric material, natural or synthetic rubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), an open- or closed-cell foam, a gel, a metallic foam, a visco-elastic material, or resin.
Further attributes, in conjunction with the mass-related attributed described above, are believed to further reduce shot dispersion. For example, in some embodiments, the striking face club head 100 preferably includes a texture pattern located at least in a central region, i.e. a region delimited by the heel-wardmost extent 126 and the toe-wardmost extent 124 of the plurality of scorelines 118. Preferably, the texture pattern comprises a surface milled pattern, e.g. any of the surface milled patterns described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/219,850 (Ripp et al.), hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In particular, the surface milled pattern preferably includes a plurality of small-scale arced grooves superimposed on the plurality of scorelines 118. In some embodiments, the surface milled pattern includes a single plurality generally parallel arced grooves, optionally formed in a single pass at a constant or variable feed rate, at a constant or variable spin rate, and at a constant or variable cutting depth. However, in other embodiments, the surface milled pattern includes a first set of generally parallel arced grooves, formed optionally in a single, first pass, and a second set of generally parallel arced grooved, formed optionally in a singled second pass to be superimposed on the plurality of arced grooves formed in the first pass. Preferably, one the first or second pluralities of arced grooved defines upwardly concave paths, while the respective second or first pluralities of arced grooves defines upwardly convex paths. In any case, the striking face 118 preferably includes a surface roughness Ra, particularly in the central region, of between about 120 μin and 180 μin, more preferably between 140 μin and 180 μin, such surface roughness measured at standard ASME conditions.
Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of scorelines 118 are formed by machining, e.g. milling, and not cast and thereby exhibit those structural feature associated with machined scorelines, e.g. higher precision, generally non-warped surface portions, and sharper corners formed between the scorelines 118 and the striking face 116.
In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a golf club head 100 is shown in
In particular, the club head 100, includes a rear portion 142 having a blade portion 148 and a muscle portion 150. The rear portion 142 further includes a recessed region located centrally and sandwiched between a raised heel region 170 and toe region 172. The heel region 170 and toe region 172 each preferably have a thickness greater than the centrally-located recessed region 168. Preferably the difference in thickness between either or both of: (a) the heel region 170 and the recessed region 168; and (b) the toe region 172 and the recessed region 168 is no less than 2 mm, and more preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm. By repositioning further weight from the center of the club head 100 to peripheral regions, the moment of inertia Izz about a virtual vertical axis passing through the center of gravity 132 may be increased to a degree. As a result, the club head 100 may provide greater forgiveness on off-centered golf shots, of particularly benefit to golfers with a higher handicap. However, as described above, increasing the forgiveness of the club head, particularly for a wedge-type club head, may deleteriously affect workability, e.g. the ability of the club head to effectively perform a wide array of golf shots and/or achieve a wide array of shot trajectories. Hence, the upper limit of 4 mm for a range of thickness variances between the central recessed portion and the heel region and/or toe region is preferable.
The golf club head 100 of
In some embodiments, referring again to the club head 100 of
The resilient insert includes a polymeric material, a natural or synthetic rubber, a polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), an open- or closed-cell foam, a gel, a metallic foam, or a resin. In some embodiments, the resilient insert exhibits vibration dampening properties (e.g. visco-elastic properties), thereby controlling vibration-emanation characteristics of the club head, e.g. based on impact with a golf ball.
As described above, a generally laterally center of gravity 132 is desirable in part for reducing shot dispersion. However, such attribute preferably is achieved without deleterious effect on other desirable features of a club head, particularly a wedge-type club head. The club heads 100 of
Referring to
In
In
In
In
In
In
Referring to
In
Preferably, the weight ports 301(a)-301(d) and weight elements 303(a)-303(b) system is configured to provide the capability of shifting the club head center of gravity 332 toward the face center, laterally, in the manners described with regard to
Alternatively, or additionally, such weight-shifting capability may be met by proving a set of weight elements having differing weight values, by virtue of either spatial attribute and/or by density. E.g., the weight ports 301(a)-301(d) and weight elements system may provide for a state in which one or more high-density weight elements are positioned in toe-proximate weight ports, while lower-density weight elements are place in heel-proximate weight ports. Preferably, at least one weight element of the set of weight elements 303 exhibits a density no less than 7 g/cm3, more preferably no less than 9 g/cm3. Preferably, in such embodiments, density is increased by the provision of tungsten. Specifically, such weight elements have a composition including tungsten in an amount at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight.
Additionally, or alternatively, in such set, at least one other weight element exhibits a density no greater than 7 g/cm3, and more preferably no greater than 4 gh/cm3. Additionally, or alternatively, at least a first weight element of the set of weight elements 303 comprises a weight no less than 7 g, and optionally a second weight element of the set of weight elements comprises a weight no greater than 4 g. Accordingly, mass is removed, thereby shifting the center of gravity 332 of the club head 300 toward the center, without adversely affecting other key attributes.
In
In
Preferably, the toe-side cavity 309 is dimensioned to be larger than the heel-side cavity 307. For example, the toe-side cavity 309 preferably has a depth greater than the depth of the heel-side cavity 307. Additionally, or alternatively, the toe-side cavity 309 preferably comprises a characteristic length (i.e. the maximum distance between any two points along the periphery of the cavity) greater than the characteristic length of the heel-side cavity 307. Additionally, or alternatively, the toe-side cavity 309 preferably comprises a displaced volume greater than a displaced volume of the heel-side cavity 307. These dimension enable shifting the center of gravity 332 of the club head 300, laterally toward the face center, e.g. to counteract mass occupied by the hosel 310. Accordingly, mass is removed, thereby shifting the center of gravity 332 of the club head 300 toward the center, without adversely affecting other key attributes.
In
In conjunction with the recess 319, mass is also preferably relocated to a toe-ward (and preferably upper) region of the club head 300. For example, as shown in
The presence of the chamfered junction 327 enables the relocation of mass to the upper and toe-ward region of the club head 300, assisting to achieve the desired mass properties described above with regard to the club head embodiment illustrated in
Referring to
Specifically, the golf club head 400 includes a blade portion 448 and a muscle portion 450. The muscle portion 450 is located proximate the sole portion 404, which includes a sole upper surface 415 and a sole lower surface 417. The upper surface of the sole 415 includes a sole-ward extending recess 419. The recess 419, in some embodiments, is enclosed at both a recess toe end and a recess heel end. However, in other embodiments (as shown), the recess 419 is open at e.g. the toe end 431 by virtue of a notch 433.
Further, in some embodiments, a secondary recess 437 extends sole-ward from the upper surface 415 of the sole portion 404. The secondary recess 437 optionally contains, housed within it, an aft-attached insert 435. However, in alternative embodiments, a filler material is poured into the secondary recess 437 and cured in place.
Preferably, the insert 435 exhibits a density no less than 7 g/cm3, more preferably no less than 9 g/cm3. Preferably, in such embodiments, density is increased by the provision of tungsten. Specifically, the insert 435 has a composition including tungsten in an amount at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight. In some cases, the insert 435 may comprise a steel-, tungsten-, or other metal-alloy. In other embodiments, the insert may compromise a tungsten-impregnated polymeric material.
Referring to
Specifically, the club head 500 comprises a rear portion 542 including a lower muscle portion 550 and an upper blade portion 548. The blade portion 548 preferably comprises a generally planar rear surface 539 which opposes a striking face (not shown) adapted for impacting a golf ball. The blade portion 548 preferably varies in thickness. Preferably the blade portion 548 varies generally gradually in thickness such that the thickness increases upwardly, preferably substantially from a first location at the junction between the blade portion 548 and the muscle portion 550 to the uppermost extent of the rear surface 539 of the blade portion 539 of the rear portion 542. Additionally, or alternatively, the thickness of the blade portion 548 tapers heel-wardly.
Structuring the blade portion 548 to exhibit such variations in thickness provides a means for controlling the location of the center of gravity 532 to be relatively central, laterally, as described above with regard to the embodiments of the present disclosure shown in
Referring to
Additionally, or alternatively, referring again to
The beveled surface 541 preferable forms a generally crescent shape where a location of maximum width generally coincides with the upper toe-most corner of the club head 500. The upper toe-most corner, as used herein, refers to the point along the periphery of the club head 500, located above and toe-ward of the face center 530, that is spaced a maximum radial distance from a virtual axis perpendicular to the striking face 516 and passing through the face center 530). The width of the beveled region 541 preferably tapers in the toe-to-heel direction from such corner, and in the top-to-bottom direction from such corner, in both cases along the periphery of the rear surface 539.
Referring to
Referring to
Additionally, or alternatively, the sole portion 604 of the club head 600 includes a minimum sole thickness D15 and a corresponding location on the sole associated with minimum sole thickness D15. Preferably, this location is located heel-ward of the virtual vertical plane 628. More preferably, this location is located heel-ward of the virtual plane by a distance no less than 0.5*D7.
Additionally, or alternatively, the difference between the maximum sole thickness D14 and the minimum sole thickness D15 is no less than 5.5 mm, more preferably no less than 6 mm, and most preferably no less than 7 mm. As described above, in each of these cases, mass relocation occurs in a manner that minimizes adverse effects on overall performance, e.g. effecting effective bounce, location-based aspects of the center of gravity other than lateral spacing from a face center, and/or workability.
Referring to
Specifically, the rear portion 742 includes an upper blade portion 748 and a lower muscle portion 750. The blade portion 748 comprises a portion of generally uniform thickness and includes a rear surface 739 that is generally planar. Preferably, a mass element 743 is position in the upper, toe region of the rear surface 739. In some embodiments, the mass element 739 is cast-in and may constitute a generally raised region of generally uniform thickness. Alternatively, or additionally, the raised region 743 may include a textured rear surface 745, e.g. containing a surface-milled pattern.
In alternative embodiments, the mass element 743 may constitute an aft-attached weighted insert or medallion (see
The insert 743 may be attached by mechanical means, e.g. a threaded fastener or interference fit, or by chemical adhesive, e.g. double-sided tape optionally comprising a visco-elastic material sandwiched between two layers of adhesive tape. In some embodiments, the mass element 743 is spaced from the periphery of the blade portion 748. In other embodiments, a side edge 747 of the mass element 743 is substantially flush with the periphery of the blade portion 748 of the club head 700. Particularly, mass is redistributed from heel-ward locations to toe-ward locations for purposes of effecting the mass-related properties described with regard to the embodiment of
Referring to
The rear portion 842 includes an upper blade portion 848 and a lower muscle portion 850. The blade portion 848 and muscle portion 850 define a rear surface 839. A stepped-down region 849 is provided in the rear surface 839. The stepped down region 849 is preferably recessed from the general contour of the rear surface 839, and comprises a substantially constant depth therefrom. The substantially constant depth is preferably no less than 0.25 mm and more preferably no less than 0.5 mm, even more preferably no less than 1.0 mm.
Additionally, or alternatively, a majority of the surface area of the rear surface 839 occupied by the stepped-down region 849 is located heel-ward of a face center of a striking face of the club head 800 (not shown) (see
Additionally, or alternatively, an aft-attached insert or poured-in filler 851 is located at least partially, or optionally fully, within the stepped-down region. In some cases, an insert 851 both substantially fills the stepped-down region 849 and extends from the stepped-down region 849 above the contour of adjacent portions of the rear surface 839 of the club head 800. In such cases, the insert 851 preferably comprises a density less than the density of the main body and/or a density no greater than 4 g/cc.
These attributes provide for redistribution of mass from heel-ward locations to toe-ward locations for purposes of effecting the mass-related properties described with regard to the embodiment of
Referring to
Referring specifically to
The stepped down regions 949 are preferably recessed from the general contour of the club head 900 and comprises a substantially constant depth therefrom. The substantially constant depth is preferably no less than 0.25 mm, more preferably no less than 0.5 mm and most preferably no less than 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the stepped-down regions 949 vary in depth from each other. In other embodiments, the stepped-down regions 949 are of a substantially constant depth from one to others.
Additionally, or alternatively, a majority of the surface area of the club head 900 occupied by the stepped-down regions 949 is located heel-ward of a face center of a striking face of the club head 900 (not shown). More preferably, the stepped-down regions 949 are located entirely heel-ward of the face center of the striking face of the club head 900. In some embodiments, the stepped-down regions 949 are adjacent (and share an edge with) a periphery of the club head 900.
Preferably, in some embodiments, in some regions of the exterior surface of the club head 900, the stepped-down regions 949 are so spaced such that they form one or more trusses (or ribs) 953 therebetween. Preferably, the trusses 953 are of substantially constant width and are located at least on the exterior surface of the club head 900 proximate the hosel 910. In some cases, the trusses 953 form a zig-zag pattern whereby the stepped-down regions 949 form alternating triangular-shaped features. Particularly, mass is redistributed from heel-ward locations to toe-ward locations for purposes of effecting the mass-related properties described with regard to the embodiment of
Referring to the golf club head 900 as shown in
Referring to the golf club head 900 as shown in
Referring to
Referring again to
The golf club head 1900 according to the embodiment illustrated in
The golf club head 1900 illustrated in
The golf club head 1900 has a loft L (also referred to as a “loft angle”) no less than 40°. The golf club head 1900 defines a virtual vertical plane 1933 (relative to ground plane 1931) (see
In some embodiments, the distance D1A is less than or equal to 6 mm, preferably less than or equal to 4.5 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 4 mm, even more preferably less than or equal to 3.5 mm (particularly on a club head with loft of 40-56 degrees), and most preferably, less than or equal to 3 mm (particularly on a club head with a loft of 46-52 degrees), thereby providing improved performance attributes such as reduced shot dispersion, and loss of energy due to undesirable side spin, while maintaining the overall traditional appearance of the golf club head.
Additionally, or alternatively, the relative location of center of gravity 1932 is loft-dependent. Thus, in a set of iron-type or wedge-type golf club heads, the center of gravity location varies from club head to club head with loft angle. Preferably, the club head 1900 is configured such that the distance D1A is related to club head loft angle L by being less than or equal to (0.08 mm/°)×L, less than or equal to (0.075 mm/°)×L, or less than or equal to (0.065 mm/°)×L, in some embodiments. Such attributes ensure the advantages associated with blade-type construction are achieved, while accounting for natural variations in club head design properties that may be associated with club head loft angle, thus more precisely providing a high performance club head.
As shown in
The internal bore 1958 also includes an internal bore depth D9′ less than or equal to 30 mm, less than or equal to 28 mm, or about 27 mm, according to some embodiments, which allows a reduced hosel height (shown as D4 in
The abutment surface 1962 (or peripheral ledge in the particular embodiment shown in
A recessed region 1956 (in the particular embodiment of
As an alternative to cast-in formation, the auxiliary recess 1956, in some embodiments, is machined into the club head 1900 subsequent to formation of the club head main body (e.g. by investment casting). In such embodiments, preferably the auxiliary recess 1956 is milled by applying a tapered bit configured to rotate about, and penetrate along, the virtual hosel axis 1912.
In some embodiments, the auxiliary recess 1956 is at least partially filled. In some such embodiments, the auxiliary recess is entirely filled with a filler material. Such may be advantageous for dampening vibrations emanating from impact with a golf ball. In such embodiments, the filler material is preferably a material having a density less than that of the main body of the club head. Alternatively, or additionally, the density of the auxiliary recess filler material is no greater than 7 g/cm3 and more preferably no greater than 4 g/cm3. Additionally, or alternatively, the filler material has a hardness less than that of the main body and optionally comprises a resilient material such as a polymeric material, natural or synthetic rubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), an open- or closed-cell foam, a gel, a metallic foam, a visco-elastic material, or resin.
The golf club head 1900 includes a blade portion 1920 on the upper portion of the golf club head 1900 and a muscle portion 1922 on the lower portion of the club head 1900. The muscle portion 1922 of the golf club head 1900 is located proximate the sole portion 1904. The rear portion of the sole 1904 includes a forward-extending recess 1918 (
It is noted that the disclosed golf cub heads in the embodiments shown in
The golf club head 1900 also may have “V-sole” aspects, including a front-to-rear V shape (keel point) and a heel-to-toe V shape (sole taper angle). The front-to-rear V shape at the sole is described first below.
The front-to-rear V shape is shown in
A trailing edge bounce angle θ2 is created by an angle created between (1) the ground plane 2102 and (2) a straight line connecting the vertex point 2101 (defined above) and the point where the plane 1933 interests the trailing edge 2106 of the club head 1900.
An overall bounce angle θ3 is created by an angle between the ground plane 2102 and a straight line formed by connecting the trailing edge point 2106 and the leading edge point 2108.
The leading edge bounce angle θ1 may be less than or equal to 20 degrees or between 18 and 20 degrees, according to two aspects. The trailing edge bounce angle θ2 may be greater than or equal to 6 degrees or between 6 and 8 degrees, according to two aspects. The total bounce angle θ3 may be greater than or equal to 4 degrees or between 4 and 8 degrees, according to two aspects.
The heel-to-toe V shape is measured by a sole taper angle θ4, which is illustrated using
As shown in
Also shown in
These four points 2210, 2212, 2214, and 2216 may be considered representative of a heel-to-toe taper of the sole portion; e.g., these points define two lines that intersect to form a sole taper angle θ4, as described below.
As shown in
The sole taper angle θ4 may be greater than or equal to 5 degrees, greater than or equal to 8 degrees, or equal to any of the values shown in Table 1 below. Relative to loft L of the club head 1900, the sole taper angle θ4 may be greater than or equal to 0.1 times the loft (0.1×L), greater than or equal to 0.15 times the loft (0.15×L), between 0.75 times the loft (0.75×L) and 1.25 times the loft (1.25×L), or equal to or about 0.20 times the loft (0.20×L).
Alternative ways to quantify the sole taper angle are based on the sole width at the center of the scorelines, the heel edge of the scorelines (i.e., edge of the scorelines closest to the heel of the golf club head as shown at the intersection of the striking face and plane B in
The ratio of the heel-side to toe-side sole widths may be preferably less than or equal to 75%, more preferably less than or equal to 65%, or even more preferably between 60-65%.
Some consider there to be three types of golf club irons—player's irons, game-improvement irons and super game-improvement irons. Player's irons are targeted to players with the highest ability level and produce the greatest response when struck correctly. Game-improvement irons are for mid-level golfers. These irons are designed to produce better results—straighter and longer shots—when contacting the ball off-centered on the clubface. For higher handicap golfers, super game-improvement (“SGI”) irons offer even more forgiveness on off-center hits.
Also within the scope of the present disclosure, is to adapt wedges to blend with, or to be used along with, SGI irons. By modifying traditional attributes of wedges (or at least some wedges of a set of wedges), to some degree, to perform more like SGI irons, greater comfort and confidence in high handicapped golfers is achievable. There are many features of the wedges described herein which allow for this “blending” of wedges with SGI iron sets. First, according to some embodiments, the blade height for wedges according to the embodiments of
A golf club set (or golf club head set thereof) may include wedges that include a first golf club and a second golf club, each of which include the parameters discussed and illustrated herein in conjunction with
The first golf club may have a head with a loft of between 40° and 50°, between 45° and 48°, or equal to 46°, according to three aspects. The head of the first golf club in the golf club set may have a heel blade height BH1 less than or equal to 38 mm in one embodiment or less than or equal to 36 mm in another embodiment.
The second golf club may have a head with a loft of greater than 50°, between 52° and 60°, or equal to 56°, according to three aspects. The heel blade height BH2 of the second golf club may be greater than or equal to 39 mm in one embodiment or equal to or about 40 mm in another embodiment.
The club head (e.g., the first club head, the second club head, etc.) is configured to satisfy the following relationship where L is the loft of the golf club head (e.g., where L could be L1 for the first club head and L2 for the second club head) and BH is the heel blade height (e.g., BH1 or BH2):
(−0.017×L2)+(2.061×L)−24.63≤BH≤(−0.0167×L2)+(2.061×L)−22.63
where L is measured in degrees and BH is expressed in millimeters.
This equation is plotted as the graph shown in
The striking face surface area (SA) is defined as the generally planar region of the striking face portion including regions having scorelines or other texture aspects. For example,
For the example given above for the first and second golf clubs, the head of the first golf club (e.g., with a loft of between 40° and 50°, between 45° and 48°, or equal to 46°, according to three aspects) may have a striking face surface area SA of preferably less than or equal to 4.35 in2, more preferably a striking face surface area SA of less than or equal to 4.25 in2, or even more preferably a striking face surface area SA of 4.2 in2, according to some aspects. The head of the second golf club (e.g., with a loft of greater than 50°, between 52° and 60°, or equal to 56°, according to three aspects) may have a striking face surface area SA of preferably greater than or equal to 4.45 in2 or more preferably a striking face surface area SA of greater than or equal to 4.5 in2, according to some aspects.
Preferably, at least two club heads (of the correlated set of club heads) (e.g., the first club head, the second club head, etc.) are configured to satisfy the following relationship where L is the loft of the first golf club (e.g., L1, L2, etc.), measured in degrees, and SA is the striking face surface area SA (e.g., SA1, SA2, etc.), measured in square inches, of the golf club head:
(−0.0016×L2)+(0.195×L)−1.5≤SA≤(−0.0016×L2)+(0.195×L)−1.3
This equation is plotted as the graph shown in
The blade height may also be defined at the toe (referred to herein as “toe blade height”). The toe blade height BH refers to the distance along the striking face of the blade, measured from the sole to the top portion of the club head along the toe edge of the scorelines at plane B, as illustrated at
The golf club head also has a lateral distance D16 from the face center 1930 to the a vertical plane perpendicular to the striking face plane and passing through the toe edge 2222 of the club head. This lateral distance may vary with loft L and may be greater than or equal to 46 mm, greater than or equal to 45 mm, or greater than 44.8 mm.
The above aspects in combination with the other aspects discussed herein allow: (1) a high number of loft options for selecting a set, (2) the face grooves to be milled (as opposed to cast or stamped), (3) the face pattern to be milled (as opposed to media blast), and (4) optional laser milling.
Each of the above-described club heads may have additional features that help to affect a centrally-located center of gravity, while maintaining a traditional club head appearance (e.g. wedge-type club head appearance). For example, each club head may have a shell-like structure. There may be a number (one or more) of rear cavities in the golf club head, such cavities preferably provided with a cap thereon to effect a flush appearance and/or optionally filled with a resilient and/lightweight filler material or aft-attached insert. The golf club head may be considered to have an actual volume (which, as used herein, refers to the volume of the entire golf club head including the hosel and any recesses that may deviate from the general contour of the club head) and/or a “filled volume.” The “filled volume” as used herein includes the club head volume after filling in “fully recessed regions” of the golf club head. “Fully recessed region,” as used herein, refers to a region of an exterior surface of a portion of the golf club head consisting of all points on the exterior surface of the portion such that every imaginary infinite straight line that passes through any one of such points also penetrates the exterior surface, as defined in U.S. Pat. No. 9,492,720, which is herein incorporated by reference. In a practical sense, “filled volume” generally corresponds to the believed manner in which the USGA may measure the volume of a club head for compliance purposes, while “actual volume” corresponds to the real volume of the club head (excepting the internal volume of any hosel bore). Apart from determining compliance with USGA regulation, a comparison of“filled volume” to “actual volume” could provide an indication of the degree of “shell”-likeness or structural minimalism of a golf club head. This, in turn, may correspond to an indication of degree of discretionary mass, which may be used—and preferably is used—to locate the center of gravity laterally closer to center, as further described below.
The filled volume may be greater than or equal to 42 cc, greater than or equal to 45 cc, or greater than or equal to 47 cc, in some aspects. The ratio of actual volume to the filled volume is less than or equal to 90%, less than or equal to 85%, less than or equal to 80%, or in the range between 65-80%.
The shell-like structure described above increases discretionary mass, and also with more recesses, there are more regions where mass pockets could be “hidden” or out of view, resulting in facilitating achieving D1A values described above
Referring to
The golf club head 1100 includes a top portion 1102, a bottom portion 1104, a heel portion 1108, and a toe portion 1106. The golf club head 1100 further includes a striking face 1116 in a front portion of the club head 1100, and a rear portion 1142 opposite of the striking face 1116.
As shown particularly in
The striking face 1116 further includes a face center 1130. The face center 1130, for all purposes herein, denotes the location on the striking face 1116 that is both equidistant between: (a) the heel-most extent 1124 and the toe-most extent 1126 of the plurality of scorelines 1118; and (b) the top-most extent 1134 and the bottom-most extent 1136 of the plurality of scorelines 1118. The striking face 1116 corresponds to a virtual striking face plane (see e.g.
In some embodiments, the striking face 1116 may have formed therein one or more texture patterns. For example, the striking face 1116 may include a surface milled region (as described below), a media-blasted region, a chemical etched region, a laser-milled region. Such regions may be formed in a striking face 1116 in combination, either in discrete mutually exclusive regions or at least partially (or fully) overlapping. Preferably, textured striking face regions are located at least in a central region, e.g. a region of intended impact, that includes the majority (and more preferably the entirety) of the plurality of scorelines 1118. In such cases, interaction between the striking face 1116 and golf ball may be enhanced (e.g. by increasing friction), thereby better controlling and/or increasing spin.
In some embodiments, in addition to a central region that exhibits a media-blasted and/or surface milled texture, heel and toe regions peripheral to such central region exhibit surfacing, e.g. high-polish surface textures. However, preferably, at least one of the peripheral toe region (e.g. “toe par”) or the peripheral heel region, but preferably at least the peripheral toe region, exhibits a textured pattern.
As shown in
The step surface 1149 preferably varies in width in the heel to toe direction. Preferably, a width of the step surface 1149 in a heelward location is less than a width of the step surface 1149 in a toe-ward location.
The step surface 1149 provides a benefit in improving mass-related aspects of the golf club head 1100, in particular, a location of the center of gravity, preferably the lateral location of the center of gravity, thereby facilitating the center of gravity location properties described above with regard to the embodiment of
Preferably, however, the stepped portion 1148 is configured such that it is unlikely to interfere with typical golf club head turf interaction. In some embodiments, this may be characterized by ensuring that that stepped portion does not protrude rearward of the sole surface. More particularly, preferably, in at least one vertical, front-to-rear cross-section, the stepped portion 1148 does not extend out of a spatial region delimited by the top line, and the sole surface. For example, as shown in
To further ensure that the club head maintains a traditional appearance and thus communicates to a golfer durability and conventional response, the step surface preferably bears a visually-distinct appearance from other exterior surfaces of the club head, in particular preferably adjacent regions of the club head, more particularly, the sole surface. Preferably, the stepped surface is configured to appear more subdued, e.g. by virtue of application of media blast. However, in alternative embodiments, the step surface may be chemically etched, laser etched, and/or darkened. Alternatively, the step surface may exhibit a color or hue distinct from that of such other club head regions, in particularly a color or hue that is darker, black, less lustrous, less smooth, less bright, and/or less reflective. Such visual contrast also provides indication to a user that such feature is not intended to be a turf interaction modifier, but primarily for achieving mass distribution goals.
As shown particularly in
Preferably, the blade thickness varies. More particularly, in some embodiments the blade thickness varies both in the heel to toe direction and the top to sole direction. Particularly, the thickness preferably varies from a first thickness no greater than 5 mm to a second maximum thickness no less than 6 mm. More preferably, the first thickness is no greater than 4.5 mm and the second maximum thickness is no less than 6.25 mm. Most preferably, the first thickness is equal to about 4.25 mm and the second thickness is equal to about 6.5 mm.
Accordingly, the blade portion 1144 further includes a bevel 1162 as shown particularly in
Preferably, the bevel 1162 is structured so that, as measured in cross-section 26F, it has a width between 1.5 mm and 3 mm, and as measured in cross-section 26G, it has a width between 1.75 mm and 4 mm. Additionally, or alternatively, for a particular club head, the difference in bevel width between that in cross-section 26F and cross-section 26G is no less than 1 mm, more preferably no less than 1.5 mm. However, such values may differ for example as a function of bounce angle as will be discussed below with regard to
Preferably, by virtue of the bevel 1162 varying in width from heel-to-toe, the width of the top portion 1102 may remain substantially constant. Preferably the top portion width is no greater than 5 mm, more preferably no greater than 4.5 mm, and even more preferably no greater than 4.25 mm. Preferably, such thickness remains substantially constant at all heel to toe locations between the vertical cross-section 26F and vertical cross-section 26G. However, due to manufacturing tolerances, preferably such width remains within 90% to 110%, more preferably within 95% to 105% and most preferably within a range of 99% to 101% of an average width value between such vertical cross-sections.
Additionally, or alternatively, the bevel 1162 is preferably structured to be minimally visible at address. Accordingly, as shown particularly in
In this manner, preferably, the angle of the bevel 1162 is selected based on a predetermined intended loft of the golf club head. E.g., the angle of the bevel 1162 relative to the striking face plane 1138 is preferably no greater than the loft of the club head, and more preferably less than the loft minus 2°. By provision of the mass shifting features of the golf club head 1100 as augmented by virtue of the bevel structure, the golf club head may exhibit a relatively high moment of inertia (MOT), thereby increasing forgiveness of the club head. For example, in some embodiments, MOI about an axis extending through the center of gravity in the heel to toe direction (Iyy) is preferably between 800 and 900 g*cm2. However, in cases in which the face thickness and bevel width is particularly accentuated, Iyy may be greater than about 900 g*cm2, preferably between 1000 g*cm2 and 1100 g*cm2.
As shown in
The hosel 1170 includes an outer diameter, and internal bore 1176 structure to secure a golf shaft thereto, and a recess 1179 extending soleward from the bore 1176. The bore 1176 includes a circumferential side wall 1177 and a bottom surface 1178. Preferably, the hosel 1170 is structured such that the outer diameter tapers toward the sole. For example, in some embodiments, the hosel outer diameter tapers from a first diameter 1173 (e.g. about 13.1 mm), measured proximate the upper edge of the hosel, to a second diameter 1174 (e.g. 12.5 mm), measured at a location 1 in soleward of the first hosel diameter location, whereby the difference therebetween is no less than 0.5 mm, more preferably, no less than 0.6 mm.
The recess 1179 extending from the bore 1176 preferably comprises a depth of no less than 6 mm and more preferably about 7 mm. However, in some embodiments, preferably in cases in which loft is no less than 50°, the recess 1179 is no less than 10 mm, more preferably, no less than 14 mm and most preferably equal to about 18 mm. To enable such feature and to ensure structural integrity, hosel offset is preferably minimized to accommodate such a large recess depth 1180. In particular, hosel offset is preferably no greater than 2 mm, more preferably, no greater than 1.75 mm and even more preferably, no greater than 1.55 mm. However, in some embodiments, offset varies with loft within a correlated set of golf club heads. In such cases, some particularly-lofted club heads may exhibit a hosel offset of no greater than 0.6 mm.
Because, in the above embodiments, the center of gravity is generally shifted laterally toward the center, e.g. generally toe-ward relative to conventional club heads, the effect of center of gravity location on club swing weight becomes an increased concern.
Thus, preferably, as shown in
By adopting the method described above with regard to
Referring to
Preferably, for at least one pair of golf club heads of different sets, e.g. sets 1240 and 1250, but sharing a common loft angle, the club head of the first set (i.e. having a lower bounce angle) includes a planar striking face area SA1 that is greater than a planar striking area SA2 of the club head of the second set. An exemplary striking face area, delimited by the top line, the leading edge, and heel-ward-most and toe-ward-most extents of the scorelines is preferably between 22 cm2 and 28 cm2, more preferably between 24 cm2 and 27 cm2, most preferably equal to about 25 cm2. Preferably SA2 is at least 1%, more preferably at least 2% of the striking face area of the corresponding golf club heads of the second set 1250. Accordingly, a difference between the striking face surface area, as defined above, of corresponding club heads (having a same loft) of sets with different bounces may be preferably at least 0.2 cm2, more preferable at least 0.25 cm2, and even more preferably at least 0.4 cm2.
In a similar manner, the first club head of the first set 1240 preferably includes a striking face defining a heel-side blade height that is greater than a corresponding heel-side blade height of the corresponding second club head of the second set 1250. For example, the first heel-side blade height (of the first club head) is preferably no greater than 37 mm, more preferably equal to about 36.5 mm. The second heel-side blade height (of the second club head having greater bounce angle) is preferably no less than 60 mm, more preferably no less than 61 mm. Accordingly a difference in heel-side blade length between corresponding same-lofted club heads of sets 1240 and 1250 of the portfolio 1230 having difference bounces, is no less than 1 mm, more preferably no less than 1.25 mm, and even more preferably no less than 1.5 mm.
Additionally, or alternatively, a pair of corresponding similar-lofted club heads of different sets preferably has top line bevel xx widths that vary in a correlated manner. Preferably, for the first club head of the first set 1240, bevel width, measured centrally, is less than a centrally-measured top line bevel width xx of the corresponding club head of the second set 1250. Furthermore, a difference between heel-side bevel width and toe-side bevel width as described above with regard to the embodiment of
Additionally, or alternatively, a pair of corresponding similar-lofted club heads of different sets preferably has a step surface xx which diverges in the heel to toe direction. In such embodiments, such divergence preferably varies in a correlated manner with loft angle among club head sets 1240 and 1250 of the portfolio 1230. Preferably, for the first club head of the first set 1240, step surface width, measured centrally, is greater than a centrally-measured step surface width xx of the corresponding club head of the second set 1250 (having higher bounce angle).
Furthermore, a difference between heel-side step surface width and toe-side step surface width (each width measured in the sole to top direction and touching point on the step surface) varies between a pair of corresponding club heads of different sets. Preferably, with increasing bounce angle, the variation in step surface width from heel-side location to toe-side location decreases. As an example, a bevel width difference in the lower bounce angled club head set is preferably greater than 4 mm, more preferably greater than 4.5 mm, while the bevel width difference in the higher bounce angled club head is preferably less than 3.5 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm. In some embodiments, a portfolio 1230 may include sets in which club heads include step surface and sets in which club heads do not include any step surfaces. Alternatively, or in addition, a difference of differences of bevel widths is preferably no less than 1 mm, more preferably no less than 1.5 mm, and even more preferably, no less than 1.75 mm.
Also within the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure is a process for providing a varied finish on golf club heads such as those shown and described above in connection with
In a step 1310 of the process 1300, a club head or other sports apparatus is preferably provided. This club head may preferably be cast, although it could be manufactured by any suitable method. For example, the club head may alternatively be manufactured by way of forging or machining from a billet. It is envisioned that the process 1300 may be performed on a previously-formed club head. In such a circumstance, the step 1310 may constitute the first step of the process. But it is also envisioned that the process 1300 may optionally include a first step 1305 for manufacturing the club head by way of one or more of the above-described methods.
As shown in
In a second step 1320, portions of the club head provided in step 1310 are polished, preferably to a highly-reflective mirror finish. These polished portions may include all three of the regions 1410, 1420, and 1430. Alternatively, the entire club head 1400, or just the entire rear surface 1440 of that club head 1400, may be polished. As yet another alternative, only the region 1430 may be polished, possibly with some unintended cross-over into the regions 1410 and 1420. This polishing may preferably be carried out with one or more belt sanders. For example, first polishing may be performed by way of a belt sander with certain grit, with subsequent polishing being performed with belt sanders of increasing-grade grit until the mirror finish is achieved. Of course, other methods of polishing are possible.
A first mask is then applied in step 1330 to the polished club head 1400. Preferably, this first mask is applied to the first and third regions 1310 and 1330 of that club head. The first mask may preferably be applied by manually applying to the club head a tape of substantially uniform width and having two substantially straight and parallel side edges. This tape may be wrapped about the club head such that an edge of the tape aligns with arcuate contours forming the boundaries of the region 1430, especially those boundaries adjacent to the second region 1420. Alternatively, the first mask may be formed by use of a preformed mask developed by, e.g., CAD software, and having dimensions corresponding to regions 1410 and 1430 of the club head 1400. However, a preformed mask may vary in fit from club head to club head due, e.g., to manufacturing differences. For masking about regions having well-defined contour edges, these minor mis-alignments may be visible and detract from the overall quality of the application. As another alternative, a suitable mask may be cut from a larger masking element so as to coincide with the regions 1410 and 1430. However, this cutting process may result in a jagged, imprecise boundary for the mask. And it may also be more time-consuming than either of the other above mask forming methods.
The club head 1400, and particularly the second region 1420, may then be subjected to media blasting at step 1340. The surface roughening caused by this blasting preferably results in the region 1420 having a semi-gloss finish and appearance. But because the mask applied over the regions 1410 and 1430 shields those regions from the blasting, they are not impacted and retain their finish from the polishing step 1320. A ceramic blast is preferable for the blasting step 1340. However, this step may be performed with any suitable medium. For example, this blasting may be performed with glass beads, sand, and/or plastic.
The first mask may then be removed at step 1350 and a second mask may then be applied at step 1360. This mask may cover the second and third regions 1420 and 1430, and it may be applied in any of the ways discussed above in connection with the first mask at step 1330.
The club head 1400, and particularly the first region 1410, may then be subjected to second roughening at step 1370. This second roughening may preferably result in the region 1410 having a matte surface finish. But because the mask applied over the regions 1420 and 1430 shields those regions from further roughening, they may not be impacted and thus retain their prior finishes. An Aluminum Oxide (“AlOX”) blast may preferably be used to perform step 1370, but grit as well as media may vary. Indeed, any suitable means, and/or combination of means, to roughen the region 1410 may be employed. For example, a brush wheel, in addition to media blast, may be used to abrade that region and give it a matte finish.
And in step 1380 the second mask may be removed. The process 1300 may thus yield a club head 1400 with three distinct finishes in the regions 1410, 1420, and 1430. In particular, the first region 1410 may have a matte finish, the second region 1420 may have a semi-gloss finish, and the third region 1430 may retain its original mirror finish.
The process 1300 and its particular order of steps thus allow a manufacturer to avoid having to mask small and/or minor regions, e.g., “islands,” of the club head to obtain varied finishes. These small regions are not amenable to uniform thickness masking tape, and they may instead require preformed masks or ad-hoc cut masks, which have the various detriments discussed previously. The process 1300 may also allow the mirror polishing at step 1320 to be limited to the region 1430 and thus exclude from that polishing the region 1420. And as is further known to those of ordinary skill, polishing in a cavity such as that located in the region 1430 presents particular difficulties for a polishing belt, as polishing in such an area may abrade adjacent masked regions and thus leave messy edges. The particular order of steps shown by way of the process 1300 avoids this difficulty.
Moreover, although varied finishes may be primarily considered to impart visual characteristics upon the club head or other apparatus, they do impart some certain benefits to the functionality of the club head. For example, and particularly in the case of a wedge-type club head, various exterior surface regions of that club head interact with different environments. The sole bottom portion 1450 may be most likely to experience heavy turf or sand interaction, whereas the periphery 1470 of the club head 1400 is most likely to experience impacts with other club heads in the golf bag. These regions may thus benefit from having localized media blast and/or matte finishes such that any wear blends in with, or is less pronounced, than say a polished finish. Further, contrasting finishes may also advantageously accentuate various characteristics of the club head for communicating to a golfer latent properties of that club head. For example, mirror-finish as above may be used to highlight a toe-shifting mass feature or to highlight the mass-centered (or feel-balanced) nature of the club head, i.e., the club head center of gravity may be laterally centered.
While various features have been described in conjunction with the examples outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, and/or improvements of those features and/or examples may be possible. Accordingly, the examples, as set forth above, are intended to be only illustrative. Various changes may be made without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the underlying principles.
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 62/595,058, filed Dec. 5, 2017. The entire disclosure of that application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6203405 | Hansen | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 20140000050 | Bardzilowski | Jan 2014 | A1 |
| 20160067558 | Trahan | Mar 2016 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190168084 A1 | Jun 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62595058 | Dec 2017 | US |
