Patent Application
20240216766
This disclosure relates generally to golf clubs, and more particularly to a head of a putter-type golf club that promotes desirable feel and performance.
The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the shortcomings of conventional putter-type golf clubs and associated golf club heads. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide examples of a golf club and golf club head that overcome at least some of the shortcomings of conventional putter-type golf clubs and associated golf club heads.
Disclosed herein is a putter-type golf club head. The putter-type golf club head includes a body, including a toe, a heel, a top, a sole, a rear, and a front. The toe is opposite the heel, the top is opposite the sole, the rear is opposite the front, and the front includes a strike face. The putter-type golf club head also includes a hosel, coupled to the top of the body. The hosel includes a beam, including a heelward end and a toeward end, and coupled directly to and extending along the top of the body in a heel-to-toe direction from the heelward end to the toeward end. The hosel also includes a first strut, at a first oblique angle relative to the beam, including a first-strut lower end coupled directly to the heelward end of the beam, and including a first-strut upper end. The hosel further includes a second strut, at a second oblique angle relative to the beam, including a second-strut lower end coupled directly to the toeward end of the beam, and including a second-strut upper end coupled directly to the first-strut upper end. The hosel additionally includes a forward recess and a rearward recess defined between the beam, the first strut, and the second strut. The hosel also includes a socket, coupled directly to the first-strut upper end and to the second-strut upper end, and configured to mate with a golf club shaft. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 1 of the present disclosure.
The socket defines a hosel axis that is colinear with an axis of the golf club shaft when the golf club shaft is mated with the socket. The beam, the first strut, and the second strut lie within an upright plane. The upright plane is parallel to the hosel axis or the hosel axis lies within the upright plane. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 2 of the present disclosure, wherein example 2 also includes the subject matter according to example 1, above.
The hosel axis is forward of the strike face. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 3 of the present disclosure, wherein example 3 also includes the subject matter according to example 2, above.
The hosel axis passes through a portion of the strike face or is rearward of the strike face. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure, wherein example 4 also includes the subject matter according to example 2, above.
The hosel further includes an opening defined between the beam, the first strut, and the second strut and extending from the forward recess to the rearward recess. The hose additional includes a first badge, within the forward recess, coupled to the forward recess, and covering the opening, and a second badge, within the rearward recess, coupled to the rearward recess, and covering the opening. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 5 of the present disclosure, wherein example 5 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-4, above.
The hosel further includes a spacer within the opening and interposed between the first badge and the second badge. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 6 of the present disclosure, wherein example 6 also includes the subject matter according to example 5, above.
The spacer is made of a material that is softer than a material of the first badge and the second badge. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7 also includes the subject matter according to example 6, above.
Each one of the forward recess, the rearward recess, the opening, the first badge, and the second badge has a triangular shape or a trapezoidal shape. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 8 of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 5-7, above.
The beam, the first strut, and the second strut of the hosel and at least the top of the body form a one-piece monolithic seamless construction. The beam, the first strut, and the second strut of the hosel, and at least the top of the body are made of the same material. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9 of the present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-8, above.
The hosel is attached to the top of the body. The top of the body is made of a first material. The hosel is made of a second material. The first material and the second material are different. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 10 of the present disclosure, wherein example 10 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-9, above.
The first material has a density that is higher than a density of the second material. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 of the present disclosure, wherein example 11 also includes the subject matter according to example 10, above.
The top of the body includes a hosel recess. At least a portion of the beam of the hosel is within the hosel recess. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 12 of the present disclosure, wherein example 12 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 10-11, above.
The beam extends along an entirety of a length of the front, from the heel of the body to the toe of the body. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-12, above.
The beam extends along only a portion of a length of the front of the body. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein example 14 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-13, above.
The heelward end of the beam is contiguous with a heelward-most extent of the top of the body at the front of the body. The toeward end of the beam is interposed between, and spaced apart from, the toe and the heel of the body. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 15 of the present disclosure, wherein example 15 also includes the subject matter according to example 14, above.
The heelward end of the beam is interposed between, and spaced apart from, the toe and the heel of the body. The toeward end of the beam is interposed between, and spaced apart from, the toe of the body and the heelward end of the beam. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 16 of the present disclosure, wherein example 16 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 14-15, above.
The top of the body includes a first engagement feature. The beam includes a second engagement feature. The second engagement feature matingly engages the first engagement feature. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 17 of the present disclosure, wherein example 17 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-16, above.
The first engagement feature includes an aperture. The second engagement feature includes a post. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18 also includes the subject matter according to example 17, above.
The aperture of the first engagement feature extends from the top to the sole of the body. The hosel further includes a fastener. The fastener passes at least partially through the aperture, from the sole of the body, and engages the post. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 of the present disclosure, wherein example 19 also includes the subject matter according to example 18, above.
The strike face includes milled surface features. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 20 of the present disclosure, wherein example 20 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-19, above.
The front includes an insert recess and a face insert seated within the insert recess. The face insert defines the strike face. A material of the face insert is different than a material of the front that defines the insert recess. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 21 of the present disclosure, wherein example 21 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-20, above.
The material of the face insert includes a two-part polyurethane material. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 22 of the present disclosure, wherein example 22 also includes the subject matter according to example 21, above.
The front includes a portion that surrounds the insert recess. The strike face defined by the face insert has a color that contrasts with a color of the portion of the front that surrounds the insert recess. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 23 of the present disclosure, wherein example 23 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 21-22, above.
The color of the face insert is white. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 24 of the present disclosure, wherein example 24 also includes the subject matter according to example 23, above.
The front includes a portion that surrounds the insert recess. The strike face defined by the face insert has a surface texture that is different than a surface texture of the portion of the front that surrounds the insert recess. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 25 of the present disclosure, wherein example 25 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 21-24, above.
The strike face, defined by the face insert, is grooveless. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 26 of the present disclosure, wherein example 26 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 21-25, above.
A length of the face insert decreases in a sole-to-top direction along the front. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 27 of the present disclosure, wherein example 27 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 21-26, above.
A length of the face insert at a top of the face insert is different than a length of the face insert at a bottom of the face insert. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 28 of the present disclosure, wherein example 28 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 21-27, above.
A ratio of a blade length of the body to a length of the face insert is between, and inclusive of, 1.2 and 1.8. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 29 of the present disclosure, wherein example 29 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 21-28, above.
A ratio of a length of the hosel to a length of the face insert is between, and inclusive of, 0.5 and 1.2. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 30 of the present disclosure, wherein example 30 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 21-29, above.
A ratio of a length of the hosel to a thickness of the face insert is between, and inclusive of, 12 and 26. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 31 of the present disclosure, wherein example 31 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 21-30, above.
A ratio of a length of the hosel to a height of the face insert is between, and inclusive of, 2 and 5. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 32 of the present disclosure, wherein example 32 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 21-31, above.
The front includes a portion that surrounds the insert recess. The strike face defined by the face insert is between, and inclusive of, 0.15 mm proud and 0.1 mm recessed, relative to the portion of the front that surrounds the insert recess. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 33 of the present disclosure, wherein example 33 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 21-32, above.
A portion of at least one of the beam, the first strut, and the second strut directly abuts at least a portion of the front. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 34 of the present disclosure, wherein example 34 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-33, above.
The beam, the first strut, and the second strut are made of a first material. The first badge and the second badge are made of a second material. The second material is different than the first material. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 35 of the present disclosure, wherein example 35 also includes the subject matter according to example 5, above.
The first material is a metallic material. The second material is a non-metallic material. The first badge is adhered to the forward recess and the second badge is adhered to the rearward recess. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 36 of the present disclosure, wherein example 36 also includes the subject matter according to example 35, above.
A length of the hosel is equal to a blade length of the body. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 37 of the present disclosure, wherein example 37 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-36, above.
A length of the hosel is between, and inclusive of, 45% and 70% of a blade length of the body. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 38 of the present disclosure, wherein example 38 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-37, above.
The length of the hosel is between, and inclusive of, 50% and 60% of the blade length of the body. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 39 of the present disclosure, wherein example 39 also includes the subject matter according to example 38, above.
A thickness of the beam changes along a length of the beam. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 40 of the present disclosure, wherein example 40 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-39, above.
The thickness of the beam increases in the heel-to-toe direction. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 41 of the present disclosure, wherein example 41 also includes the subject matter according to example 40, above.
The first oblique angle and the second oblique angle are different. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 42 of the present disclosure, wherein example 42 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-41, above.
The first oblique angle is between, and inclusive of, 1020 and 143°. The second oblique angle is between, and inclusive of, 1050 and 160°. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 43 of the present disclosure, wherein example 43 also includes the subject matter according to example 42, above.
An angle defined between the first strut and the second strut is between, and inclusive of, 50° and 120°. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 44 of the present disclosure, wherein example 44 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-43, above.
The hosel has a height, relative to the top of the body, of between, and inclusive of, 26 mm and 60 mm. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 45 of the present disclosure, wherein example 45 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-44, above.
A Zup value of the putter-type golf club head is between, and inclusive of, 12 mm and 17 mm. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 46 of the present disclosure, wherein example 46 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-45, above.
A coordinate of a center-of-gravity of the putter-type golf club head, on a positive y-axis of a golf club head origin coordinate system originating at a geometric center of the strike face, is between, and inclusive of, 9 mm and 21 mm. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 47 of the present disclosure, wherein example 47 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-46, above.
A ratio of a Zup value of the putter-type golf club head to a coordinate of a center-of-gravity of the putter-type golf club head, on a positive y-axis of a golf club head origin coordinate system originating at a geometric center of the strike face, is between, and inclusive of, 0.6 and 1.8. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 48 of the present disclosure, wherein example 48 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-47, above.
A ratio of a total mass of the body to a total mass of the hosel is between, and inclusive of, 5.5 and 7.0. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 49 of the present disclosure, wherein example 49 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-48, above.
A total mass of the body is between, and inclusive of, 355 grams and 410 grams. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 50 of the present disclosure, wherein example 50 also includes the subject matter according to example 49, above.
A ratio of a height of the hosel, relative to the top of the body, to a length of the hosel is between, and inclusive of, 0.3 and 1.6. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 51 of the present disclosure, wherein example 51 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-50, above.
A ratio of a length of the hosel to a depth of the body is between, and inclusive of, 0.5 and 2.7. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 52 of the present disclosure, wherein example 52 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-51, above.
A ratio of a length of the opening to a height of the opening is between, and inclusive of, 1.03 and 3.0. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 53 of the present disclosure, wherein example 53 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-52, above.
A ratio of a length of the opening to a depth of the opening is between, and inclusive of, 1.95 and 5. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 54 of the present disclosure, wherein example 54 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-53, above.
A ratio of a height of the opening to a depth of the opening is between, and inclusive of, 1.5 and 4.0. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 55 of the present disclosure, wherein example 55 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-54, above.
A ratio of a length of the hosel to a Zup value of the putter-type golf club head is between, and inclusive of, 2.2 and 6.14. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 56 of the present disclosure, wherein example 56 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-55, above.
A ratio of a length of the hosel to a coordinate, on a positive y-axis of a golf club head origin coordinate system originating at a geometric center of the strike face is between, and inclusive of, 1.8 and 8.3. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 57 of the present disclosure, wherein example 57 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-56, above.
A ratio of a Zup value of the putter-type golf club head to a moment of inertia about an x-axis of a golf club head coordinate system originating at a center of gravity of the putter-type golf club head is between, and inclusive of, 0.00028 per g-cm and 0.0043 per g-cm. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 58 of the present disclosure, wherein example 58 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-57, above.
A ratio of a height of the hosel to a Zup value of the putter-type golf club head is between, and inclusive of, 1.6 and 4.7. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 59 of the present disclosure, wherein example 59 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-58, above.
A ratio of a height of the hosel to a coordinate, on a positive y-axis of a golf club head origin coordinate system originating at a geometric center of the strike face is between, and inclusive of, 1.2 and 6.3. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 60 of the present disclosure, wherein example 60 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-59, above.
A ratio of a length of the hosel to a moment of inertia about an x-axis of a golf club head coordinate system originating at a center of gravity of the putter-type golf club head is between, and inclusive of, 0.00082 per g-cm and 0.0021 per g-cm. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 61 of the present disclosure, wherein example 61 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-60, above.
A ratio of a height of the hosel to a moment of inertia about an x-axis of a golf club head coordinate system originating at a center of gravity of the putter-type golf club head is between, and inclusive of, 0.00058 per g-cm and 0.0016 per g-cm. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 62 of the present disclosure, wherein example 62 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-61, above.
A ratio of a BPup value of the putter-type golf club head to a moment of inertia about an x-axis of a golf club head coordinate system originating at a center of gravity of the putter-type golf club head is between, and inclusive of, 0.00028 per g-cm and 0.00050 per g-cm. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 63 of the present disclosure, wherein example 63 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-62, above.
A BPup value of the putter-type golf club head is between, and inclusive of, 13 mm and 19 mm. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 64 of the present disclosure, wherein example 64 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-63, above.
The body further includes a weight receptacle formed in the sole. The body further includes a weight seated in the weight receptacle. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 65 of the present disclosure, wherein example 65 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-64, above.
The weight receptacle includes internal threads. The weight includes external threads. The internal threads of the weight receptacle and the external threads of the weight are threadably engaged. The weight is insertable into the weight receptacle by rotating the weight relative to the weight receptacle in a first rotational direction and is removable from the weight receptacle by rotating the weight relative to the weight receptacle in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 66 of the present disclosure, wherein example 66 also includes the subject matter according to example 65, above.
The weight includes a torx socket. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 67 of the present disclosure, wherein example 67 also includes the subject matter according to example 66, above.
A central axis of the weight receptacle is non-parallel relative to a hosel axis defined by the socket. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 68 of the present disclosure, wherein example 68 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 65-67, above.
The body further includes a sole-plate recess formed in the sole. The body further includes a sole-plate insert seated in the sole-plate recess. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 69 of the present disclosure, wherein example 69 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-68, above.
A ratio of a blade length of the body to a length of the sole-plate insert is between, and inclusive of, 1.09 and 1.9. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 70 of the present disclosure, wherein example 70 also includes the subject matter according to example 69, above.
A ratio of a depth of the body to a depth of the sole-plate insert is between, and inclusive of, 1.2 and 2.4. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 71 of the present disclosure, wherein example 71 also includes the subject matter according to example 70, above.
The sole-plate recess includes a first engagement feature, including one of a rib or a channel and extending in a front-to-rear direction. The sole-plate insert includes a second engagement feature, including the other one of the rib or the channel and extending in a front-to-rear direction. Each one of the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature has length that is between, and inclusive of, 80% and 100% of a depth of the sole plate insert. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 72 of the present disclosure, wherein example 72 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 69-71, above.
The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.
In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific examples that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, depict only certain examples of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings, in which:
Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation” means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more examples of the present disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more examples.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0302946 A1 ('946 App), published Oct. 9, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a “reference position” (e.g., an address position) used to measure the various parameters discussed throughout this application. The reference or address position can be based on the procedures described in the United States Golf Association and R&A Rules Limited, “Procedure for Measuring the Club Head Size of Wood Clubs,” Revision 1.0.0, (Nov. 21, 2003). Unless otherwise indicated, all parameters are specified with the club head in the address position, which is the position of the golf club head when (1) supported on a ground plane; (2) a hosel axis of the club head is at a lie angle θ1 of 70° relative to the ground plane or scorelines on the strike face of the golf club head are parallel relative to the ground plane; and (3) the hosel axis lies within a plane (e.g., vertical plane) that is perpendicular to the ground plane.
For further details or clarity, the reader is advised to refer to the measurement methods described in the '946 App and the USGA procedure. Notably, however, the origin and axes used in this application may not necessarily be aligned or oriented in the same manner as those described in the '946 App or the USGA procedure. Further details are provided below on locating the club head origin coordinate system of the various examples of the golf club head disclosed herein.
Referring to
The front 114 of the body 102 is flat in some examples and has a loft, relative to the ground plane 103, when the golf club head 100 is in the address position on the ground plane 103. The front 114 also has a strike face 120, which is an area of the front 114 designated to impact a golf ball during a putting stroke. Referring to
In some examples, the front 114 of the body 102 includes a face insert 168 that defines the strike face 120. For example, an entirety of an outward facing surface of the face insert 168 can define an entirety of the strike face 120. The strike face 120 defined by the face insert 168 has grooves in some examples, and is grooveless in other examples. The front 114 also includes an insert recess 166 (e.g., insert cavity) that is configured to receive the face insert 168 in seated engagement. According to certain examples, the face insert 168 is fixed to the insert recess 166 via a bonding agent or adhesive between the face insert 168 and the insert recess 166. In some examples, the face insert 168 is made of a material that is different than the material of the front 114 that defines the insert recess 166. The material of the insert recess 166 is a metallic material, and the material of the face insert 168 includes a polymeric material, such as a two-part polyurethane material, according to certain examples. In other examples, the insert recess 166 is made of a first type of metallic material (e.g., steel) and the face insert 168 is made of a second type of metallic material (e.g., titanium).
In some examples, the strike face 120 defined by the face insert 168 has a surface that contrasts with the surface of the front 114 that surrounds the insert recess 166. According to one example, the strike face 120 defined by the face insert 168 has a color that contrasts with the color of the front 114 that surrounds the insert recess 166. For example, the color of the strike face 120 defined by the face insert 168 is white and the color of the front 114 surrounding the insert recess 166 is non-white, such as metallic-colored. In the same or an alternative example, the strike face 120 defined by the face insert 168 has a surface texture that is different than the surface texture of the front 114 surrounding the insert recess 166. According to one example, the strike face 120 defined by the face insert 168 is smooth relative to the front 114 surrounding the insert recess 166 (e.g., one or more of toe region, toeward of the face insert 168, a heel region, heelward of the face insert 168, or the entire region surrounding the face insert 168 is roughened or milled).
Referring to
According to some examples, a ratio of the blade length BL to the length of the face insert 168, which is the maximum face insert length FILMAX in certain examples, is between, and inclusive of, 1.2 and 1.8, between, and inclusive of, 1.1 and 1.5, or between, and inclusive of, 1.6 and 1.9.
The size and shape of the insert recess 166 corresponds with the size and shape of the face insert 168. For example, the insert recess 166 has the same peripheral shape as the face insert 168. Moreover, the size of the outer periphery of and the depth of the insert recess 166 is just larger than the outer periphery and thickness of the insert recess 168, respectively. In some examples, the outer periphery of the insert recess 166 is sized so that the edge of the recess contacts the edge of the face insert 168. In other words, a maximum insert recess length IRLMAX is substantially equal to the maximum face insert length FILMAX and a minimum insert recess length IRLMIN is substantially equal to the minimum face insert length FILMIN. Unless otherwise noted, the term “substantially” or “about” means within 5% of a defined characteristic. In other examples, the outer periphery of the insert recess 166 is sized so that the edge of the face insert 168 is offset from the edge of the insert recess 166, such that a small gap is defined between the face insert 168 and the insert recess 166. In other words, the maximum insert recess length IRLMAX is smaller than the maximum face insert length FILMAX and the minimum insert recess length IRLMIN is smaller than the minimum face insert length FILMIN. According to certain examples, a depth IRD of the insert recess 166 is substantially equal to a thickness of the face insert 168, which can be a constant or variable thickness. The depth IRD of the insert recess 166 and the thickness of the face insert 168 are selected so that when the face insert 168 is seated in the insert recess 166, the strike face 120 defined by the face insert 168 is between, and inclusive of, 0.15 mm proud and 0.1 mm recessed, between, and inclusive of, 0.1 mm proud and 0.05 mm recessed, or between, and inclusive of, 0.05 mm proud and 0.05 mm recessed relative to the portion of the front 114 that surrounds the insert recess 166. In some examples, the depth IRD of the insert recess 166 is between, and inclusive of, 3 mm and 5 mm.
In some examples, as shown in
The hosel 130 is coupled to and extends from the top 108 of the body 102. In the illustrated examples, the hosel 130 has a truss-like shape and includes a beam 132, a first strut 138, and a second strut 144. When the golf club head 100 is in the address position, the beam 132 is a substantially horizontal member of the hosel 130 that is coupled directly to the top 108 of the body 102. The beam 132 protrudes at least partially from the top 108 of the body 102. In other words, the beam 132 is elevated relative to a plane defined by the surface of the topline portion 109. The beam 132 includes a heelward end 134 and a toeward end 136. Moreover, the beam 132 extends along the top 108 of the body 102 in a heel-to-toe direction from the heelward end 134 to the toeward end 136. In certain examples, as shown in
The first strut 138 of the hosel 130 includes a first-strut lower end 140 and a first-strut upper end 142. The first-strut lower end 140 is coupled directly to the heelward end 134 of the beam 132. Moreover, the first strut 138 is angled, at a first oblique angle θ1, relative to the beam 132. More specifically, the first strut 138 extends from the heelward end 134 of the beam 132 toward the toe 104 of the body 102 at the first oblique angle θ1 relative to the beam 132.
The second strut 144 of the hosel 130 includes a second-strut lower end 146 and a second-strut upper end 148. The second-strut lower end 146 is coupled directly to the toeward end 136 of the beam 132. Moreover, the second strut 144 is angled, at a second oblique angle θ2, relative to the beam 132. More specifically, the second strut 144 extends from the toeward end 136 of the beam 132 toward the heel 106 of the body 102 at the second oblique angle θ2 relative to the beam 132. The second-strut upper end 148 is coupled directly to the first-strut upper end 142. Corresponding with the first oblique angle θ1 and the second oblique angle θ2, a third angle θ3 is defined between the first strut 138 and the second strut 144. According to some examples, the first oblique angle θ1 and the second oblique angle θ2 are different. For example, the first oblique angle θ1 can be between, and inclusive of, 1020 and 143°, or between, and inclusive of, 1100 and 130°, and the second oblique angle θ2 can be between, and inclusive of, 1050 and 160°, or between, and inclusive of, 1200 and 140°. In other examples, the first oblique angle θ1 and the second oblique angle θ2 are the same. According to some examples, the third angle θ1 can be between, and inclusive of, 500 and 120°, or between, and inclusive of, 700 and 100°.
Each one of the beam 132, the first strut 138, and the second strut 144 has a cross-sectional shape. In some examples, the cross-sectional shape of the beam 132, the first strut 138, and the second strut 144 is square or rectangular. However, according to other examples, the cross-sectional shape of the beam 132, the first strut 138, and the second strut 144 is triangular, circular, oval, polygonal, or the like.
In some examples, the beam 132, the first strut 138, and the second strut 144 are coupled to each other such that they form a one-piece monolithic construction. Accordingly, the beam 132, the first strut 138, and the second strut 144 can be co-formed together such that the interfaces between the beam 132 and the first strut 138, the beam 132 and the second strut 144, and the first strut 138 and the second strut 132 are seamless.
The hosel 130 additionally includes at least one of a forward recess 147 and a rearward recess 149. In the illustrated examples, the hosel 130 of the golf club head 100 includes both the forward recess 147 and the rearward recess 149. The forward recess 147 is open in or faces a forward direction and the rearward recess 149 is open in or faces a rearward direction. Moreover, the forward recess 147 and the rearward recess 149 are defined between the beam 132, the first strut 138, and the second strut 144. Together, the beam 132, the first strut 138, and the second strut 144 form a triangular-shaped or trapezoidal-shaped structure. Accordingly, each one of the forward recess 147 and the rearward recess 149, being defined by the beam 132, the first strut 138, and the second strut 144, also is triangular-shaped or trapezoidal-shaped. Referring to
In some examples, the hosel 130 includes a divider or wall between the forward recess 147 and the rearward recess 149 that closes the forward recess 147 from the rearward recess 149 (see, e.g., the wall 452 of
Referring to
When the hosel 130 includes the opening 150, the hosel 130 further includes at least one badge that covers the opening 150. In some examples, as shown, the hosel 130 includes a first badge 152 and a second badge 158 that cover the opening 150. More specifically, the first badge 152 covers a forward side of the opening 150 and the second badge 158 covers a rearward side of the opening 150. The first badge 152 is within the forward recess 147 and is attached to the forward recess 147, such as to an interior ledge of the forward recess 147 (see, e.g., interior ledge 553 of
The first badge 152 and the second badge 158 are made of a material that is different than the material of the beam 132, the first strut 138, and the second strut 144. In one example, the first badge 152 and the second badge 158 are made of a material that is less dense or less stiff than the material of the beam 132, the first strut 138, and the second strut 144. The material of the first badge 152 and the second badge 158 is a non-metallic material (e.g., plastic, fiber-reinforced polymer, etc.) and the beam 132, the first strut 138, and the second strut 144 are made of a metallic material (e.g., steel, aluminum, titanium, etc.).
In some examples, the first badge 152 has a size and shape similar to the size and shape of the forward recess 147 so that the first badge 152 nests within the forward recess 147. Similarly, in some examples, the second badge 158 has a size and shape similar to the size and shape of the rearward recess 149 so that the second badge 158 nests within the rearward recess 149. Accordingly, in certain examples, the first badge 152 and the second badge 158 each has a triangular shape or a trapezoidal shape.
The hosel 130 additionally includes a socket 154 or a socket portion. The socket 154 is coupled directly to the first-strut upper end 142 and to the second-strut upper end 148. In some examples, the socket 154 forms a one-piece monolithic and seamless constructions with the first strut 138 and the second strut 144. The socket 154 is configured to mate with a golf club shaft. Accordingly, the socket 154 includes a recess that defines a hosel axis 156. The recess receives at least a portion of a golf club shaft or a shaft pin 151. A central axis of the recess defines the hosel axis 156. When the golf club shaft is mated with the socket 154, a central axis of the golf club shaft is colinear with hosel axis 156. As shown in
Referring to
As shown in
According to another example, a golf club head 300, with features analogous to the features of the golf club head 100, with like numbers referring to like features, is shown in
According to the examples of the golf club head 100, the golf club head 200, and the golf club head 300, the beam, the first strut, and the second strut of the hosel form a one-piece monolithic and seamless construction with the top of the body. Accordingly, the beam, the first strut, and the second strut of the hosel are made of the same material as at least the top of the body.
However, referring to
In some examples, the body 402 includes a hosel recess 170 formed in the top 408 of the body 402, between the toe 404 and the heel 406 of the body 402. The hosel recess 170 is configured to receive and help retain the beam 432, such as in nested engagement. In one example, the hosel recess 170 is rearwardly offset from the front 414 and the strike face 420 of the body 402, such that the beam 432, the first strut 438, and the second strut 444 are also rearwardly offset from the front 414 of the body 402. The body 402 further includes apertures 160 formed in the hosel recess 170 and extending through the body 402 from the hosel recess 170 to a sole 410 of the body 402. The hosel 430, which includes a socket 454, additionally includes posts 162 or pegs projecting from the beam 432. The posts 162 are sized and spaced to be inserted into corresponding ones of the apertures 160 when the beam 432 is positioned in the hosel recess 170. The posts 162 include internal threaded apertures configured to threadably engage with fasteners 164. When the posts 162 are inserted into the apertures 160, the fasteners 164 are passed through the apertures 160 from the sole 410 of the body 402 and threadably engage with the internal threaded apertures of the posts 162 to secure the hosel 430 in place within the hosel recess 170. In alternative examples, the hosel recess 170 can include the posts 162 and the beam 432 can include the apertures 160.
As shown, the hosel 430 does not include an opening or badges. Instead, the forward recess 447 and the rearward recess 449 are separated by a wall that is integrally formed with the beam 432, the first strut 438, and the second strut 444. However, it is recognized that in other examples, the hosel 430 can have an opening and badges covering the opening.
In certain examples, as shown in
According to another example, a golf club head 700, with features analogous to the features of the golf club head 100, with like numbers referring to like features, is shown in
The golf club head 700 additionally includes features in the top 708 of the body 102, rearward of the hosel 730, that optimize mass distribution and promote other performance characteristics (e.g., high moment of inertia) of the golf club head 700. For example, the top 708 of the golf club head 700 includes a heel ramp portion 770, a toe ramp portion 772, and a flat portion 774 between the heel ramp portion 770 and the toe ramp portion 772. The heel ramp portion 770 includes a heel inclined surface 771 and the toe ramp portion 772 includes a toe inclined surface 773. The heel inclined surface 771 inclines heelward from a flat surface 775 of the flat portion 774. In contrast, the toe inclined surface 773 inclines toeward from the flat surface 775 of the flat portion 774. Referring to
According to some examples of the golf club heads disclosed herein, a ratio of the Zup value of the putter-type golf club head 100 to a moment of inertia (Ixx) about an x-axis of a golf club head coordinate system originating at the CG (see, e.g.,
Referring to
In some examples, the body 702 also includes a heel weight receptacle 782A and a toe weight receptacle 782B formed in the sole 710. The heel weight receptacle 782A is heelward of center face of the strike face 720 and the toe weight receptacle 782B is toeward of center face of the strike face 720. Additionally, the heel weight receptacle 782A and the toe weight receptacle 782B are interposed between the front 714 and the sole-plate recess 786. In some examples, a portion of the sole-plate recess 786 is interposed between the heel weight receptacle 782A and the toe weight receptacle 782B. Each one of the heel weight receptacle 782A and the toe weight receptacle 782B is configured to receive and retain a weight (e.g., the heel weight 186A or the toe weight 186B of
Referring to
Referring now to
As shown in
Referring to
As shown in
Referring to
In some examples, as shown in
Referring now to
The golf club head 600 additionally includes features in the top 608 of the body 602, rearward of the hosel 630, that optimize mass distribution and promote other performance characteristics (e.g., high moment of inertia) of the golf club head 600. For example, like the golf club head 700, the top 608 of the golf club head 600 includes a heel ramp portion 670, a toe ramp portion 672, and a flat portion 674 between the heel ramp portion 670 and the toe ramp portion 672. The heel ramp portion 670 includes a heel inclined surface 671 and the toe ramp portion 672 includes a toe inclined surface 673. The heel inclined surface 671 inclines heelward from a flat surface 675 of the flat portion 674. In contrast, the toe inclined surface 673 inclines toeward from the flat surface 675 of the flat portion 674. An obtuse angle, similar to the obtuse angle θ4, is defined between the heel inclined surface 671 and the flat surface 675, and an obtuse angle, similar to the obtuse angle θ5, is defined between the toe inclined surface 673 and the flat surface 675. The heel inclined surface 671, the toe inclined surface 673, and the flat surface 675 define a rear pocket therebetween.
Unlike the golf club head 700, the golf club head 600 further includes a heel convex portion 677A, rearward of the heel ramp portion 670, and a toe convex portion 677B, rearward of the toe ramp portion 672. The heel convex portion 677A and the toe convex portion 677B are separated by the flat portion 674. Each one of the heel convex portion 677A and the toe convex portion 677B has an outwardly facing convex surface. The outwardly facing convex surface is rounded and is located lower than any portion of the heel ramp portion 670 and the toe ramp portion 672, respectively, and located higher than any portion of the flat portion 674 when the golf club head 600 is in the address position.
Referring to
Referring to
In some examples, as shown in
The golf club head of the present disclosure has a center-of-gravity CG. The lowness or highness of the CG (e.g., the vertical location of the CG) is known as the Zup of the golf club head (see, e.g., the golf club head 100 of
According to some examples, a ratio of a total mass of the body of a golf club head disclosed herein to a total mass of the hosel of the golf club head is between, and inclusive of, 5.5 and 7.0, between, and inclusive of, 5.9 and 6.9, or between, and inclusive of, 6.1 and 6.75. The total mass of the body is between, and inclusive of, 355 grams and 410 grams, or between, and inclusive of, 355 grams and 375 grams, in some examples.
In some examples, the height RH of either the forward recess or the rearward recess of the hosel of the golf club head disclosed herein is greater than the Zup value of the golf club head. Additionally, or alternatively, the length RL of either the forward recess or the rearward recess of the hosel of the golf club head disclosed herein is greater than the Zup value of the golf club head. In certain examples, at least one of the height RH or the length RL of either the forward recess or the rearward recess of the hosel of the golf club head disclosed herein is greater than the Zup value of the golf club head. In certain examples, a height IRH of the insert recess of the golf club heads having an insert recess (see, e.g., the golf club head 100 of
According to some examples, a CG of the hosel of golf club head disclosed herein is located in an upper portion of the hosel, above the forward recess and the rearward recess of the hosel. In certain examples, the CG of the hosel is within one of the forward recess or the rearward recess, or between the forward recess or the rearward recess. According to some examples, the CG of the hosel is located at a vertical distance (when golf club head is in address position) away from the CG of the golf club head, where the vertical distance is at least two times the Zup value of the golf club head and less than three times the Zup value of the golf club head. In certain examples, the CG of the hosel is located at a vertical distance (when golf club head is in address position) away from center face of the golf club head, where the vertical distance is at least two times the Zup value of the golf club head and less than three times the Zup value of the golf club head. In some examples, the CG of the hosel has a hosel Zup value that is between, and inclusive of, 2.5 and 4.0 times the Zup value of the golf club head. According to one example, the CG of the hosel is greater than two times a summation of the Zup of the golf club head and the coordinate of the CG of the golf club head, on a positive y-axis of a golf club head origin coordinate system originating at a geometric center of the strike face.
The hosel of the golf club heads disclosed herein (e.g., the portion of the golf club heads above the topline portion) has a volume. Additionally, the body of the golf club heads has recesses (e.g., receptacle, cavities, etc.) below the topline portion of the body and each one of the recesses has a volume. For example, each one of an insert recess in the front (e.g., the insert recess 166), a heel weight receptacle, a toe weight receptacle, and a sole-plate recess has a corresponding volume. In one example, a ratio of the combined volume of the recesses below the topline portion of the body (i.e., a heel weight receptacle, a toe weight receptacle, and a sole-plate recess, but excluding any insert recess in the front) to the volume of the hosel is between, and inclusive of, 0.35 and 4.5 (e.g., between, and inclusive of, 0.40 and 4.3, between, and inclusive of, 0.45 and 4.1, between, and inclusive of, 0.50 and 3.9, and between, and inclusive of, 0.55 and 3.7). In one example, a ratio of the combined volume of the recesses below the topline portion (i.e., a heel weight receptacle and a toe weight receptacle, but excluding any sole-plate recess and any insert recess in the front) to the volume of the hosel is between, and inclusive of, 0.35 and 0.65 (e.g., between, and inclusive of, 0.40 and 0.65, between, and inclusive of, 0.45 and 0.65, and between, and inclusive of, 0.50 and 0.65). In some examples, each one of the heel weight receptacle and the toe weight receptacle has a volume of about 3,900 mm{circumflex over ( )}3.
In one example, a ratio of the combined volume of the recesses below the topline portion of the body (i.e., a heel weight receptacle, a toe weight receptacle, a sole-plate recess, and an insert recess in the front) to the volume of the hosel is between, and inclusive of, 0.99 and 5.5 (e.g., between, and inclusive of, 0.99 and 5.0 between, and inclusive of, 1.1 and 5.3, between, and inclusive of, 1.1 and 4.5, between, and inclusive of, 1.3 and 5.1, between, and inclusive of, 1.5 and 4.9, or between, and inclusive of, 1.3 and 3.9). In one example, a ratio of the combined volume of the recesses below the topline portion of the body (i.e., a heel weight receptacle, a toe weight receptacle, a sole-plate recess, and an insert recess in the front) to the volume of the hosel is between, and inclusive of, 0.99 and 2.1 (e.g., between, and inclusive of, 1.1 and 1.9, and between, and inclusive of, 1.3 and 1.7). In some examples, a ratio of the combined volume of the recesses below the topline portion of the body (i.e., a heel weight receptacle, a toe weight receptacle, a sole-plate recess, and an insert recess in the front) to the volume of the hosel has an upper bound between, and inclusive of, 3.3 and 5.3.
Referring to chart 800 of
All or just a portion of the body of the golf club heads disclosed herein is made of a metallic material, such as a titanium alloy or a steel alloy. The steel alloy can be one or more of maraging steel, maraging stainless steel, or precipitation-hardened (PH) stainless steel. In general, maraging steels have high strength, toughness, and malleability. Being low in carbon, they derive their strength from precipitation of inter-metallic substances other than carbon. The principal alloying element is nickel (15% to nearly 30%). Other alloying elements producing inter-metallic precipitates in these steels include cobalt, molybdenum, and titanium. In one example, the maraging steel contains 18% nickel. Maraging stainless steels have less nickel than maraging steels but include significant chromium to inhibit rust. The chromium augments hardenability despite the reduced nickel content, which ensures the steel can transform to martensite when appropriately heat-treated. In another example, the steel alloy is a maraging stainless steel C455. In yet other examples, the steel alloy is a precipitation hardened stainless steel such as 17-4, 15-5, or 17-7. The steel alloy is C300 steel, in some examples. In yet further examples, the steel alloy is one or more of a carbon steel (e.g., 1020, 1030, 8620, or 1040 carbon steel), chrome-molybdenum steel (e.g., 4140 Cr—Mo steel), Ni—Cr Mo steel (e.g., 8620 Ni—Cr—Mo steel), or austenitic stainless steel (e.g., 304, N50, or N60 stainless steel (e.g., 410 stainless steel). In addition to those noted above, some examples of metals and metal alloys that can be used to form the components of all or just a portion of the body include without limitation: titanium alloys (e.g., 3-2.5, 6-4, SP700, 15-3-3-3, 10-2-3, or other alpha/near alpha, alpha-beta, and beta/near beta titanium alloys), aluminum/aluminum alloys (e.g., 3000 series alloys, 5000 series alloys, 6000 series alloys, such as 6061-T6, and 7000 series alloys, such as 7075), magnesium alloys, copper alloys, and nickel alloys.
In some examples, the forward badge and/or the rearward badge is made of a material that is different than the rest of the hosel. In one example, the badges are made of a steel alloy, an aluminum alloy, and/or a polymeric material. The badges are made from one or more of the polymeric materials described herein, in some examples, and adhered or bonded to the hosel. In other examples, the badges are made from one or more of the metallic materials described herein and adhered, bonded, or welded to the hosel. The badges can have a density ranging from about 0.9 g/cc to about 5 g/cc. Moreover, the badges may be a plastic, a carbon fiber composite material, a titanium alloy, or an aluminum alloy. In certain embodiments, where the badges are made of aluminum, the badges may be anodized to have various colors such as red, blue, yellow, or purple.
In some examples, the badges are made of one or more of, without limitation, viscoelastic elastomers; vinyl copolymers with or without inorganic fillers; polyvinyl acetate with or without mineral fillers such as barium sulfate; acrylics; polyesters; polyurethanes; polyethers; polyamides; polybutadienes; polystyrenes; polyisoprenes; polyethylenes; polyolefins; styrene/isoprene block copolymers; metallized polyesters; metallized acrylics; epoxies; epoxy and graphite composites; natural and synthetic rubbers; piezoelectric ceramics; thermoset and thermoplastic rubbers; foamed polymers; ionomers; low-density fiber glass; bitumen; silicone; and mixtures thereof. The metallized polyesters and acrylics can comprise aluminum as the metal. Commercially available materials include resilient polymeric materials such as Scotchdamp™ from 3M, Sorbothane® from Sorbothane, Inc., DYAD® and GP® from Soundcoat Company Inc., Dynamat® from Dynamat Control of North America, Inc., NoViFlex™ Sylomer® from Pole Star Maritime Group, LLC, Isoplast® from The Dow Chemical Company, and Legetolex™ from Piqua Technologies, Inc. In one example the polymeric material may be a material having a modulus of elasticity ranging from about 0.001 GPa to about 25 GPa, and a durometer ranging from about 10 to about 30 on a Shore D scale.
According to some examples, all or a portion of the golf club heads disclosed herein can be made using casting, machining, or metal injection molding techniques. Additionally, in certain examples, the golf club heads can have a multi-material construction.
In certain implementations, the golf club head 100 includes removable shaft features similar to those described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,303,431, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in in their entirety.
According to yet some implementations, the golf club head 100 includes adjustable loft/lie features similar to those described in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,025,587; 8,235,831; 8,337,319; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0312437A1; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0258818A1; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0122601A1; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0071264A1; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/686,677, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Additionally, in some implementations, the golf club head 100 includes adjustable sole features similar to those described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,337,319; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011/0152000A1, 2011/0312437, 2012/0122601A1; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/686,677, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
In some implementations, the golf club head 100 includes composite face portion features similar to those described in more detail in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/998,435; 11/642,310; 11/825,138; 11/823,638; 12/004,386; 12/004,387; 11/960,609; 11/960,610; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,620, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In some examples, the golf club heads disclosed herein can have one or more of the features disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0185717, published Jul. 5, 2018.
In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “over,” “under” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the term “plurality” can be defined as “at least two.” The term “about” in some embodiments, can be defined to mean within +1-5% of a given value.
The term “about” or “substantially” in some embodiments, is defined to mean within +1-5% of a given value, however in additional embodiments any disclosure of “about” may be further narrowed and claimed to mean within +/−4% of a given value, within +/−3% of a given value, within +/−2% of a given value, within +/−1% of a given value, or the exact given value. Further, when at least two values of a variable are disclosed, such disclosure is specifically intended to include the range between the two values regardless of whether they are disclosed with respect to separate embodiments or examples, and specifically intended to include the range of at least the smaller of the two values and/or no more than the larger of the two values. Additionally, when at least three values of a variable are disclosed, such disclosure is specifically intended to include the range between any two of the values regardless of whether they are disclosed with respect to separate embodiments or examples, and specifically intended to include the range of at least the A value and/or no more than the B value, where A may be any of the disclosed values other than the largest disclosed value, and B may be any of the disclosed values other than the smallest disclosed value.
Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element.
As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination.
Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.
As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” perform that function.
The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the examples below are to be embraced within their scope.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/436,330, filed Dec. 30, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63436330 | Dec 2022 | US |
