U.S. patent application number 10/892898 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for correlated set of golf club irons.
Invention is credited to Sherwood, Brad L.
Application Number | 20040259658 10/892898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24791161 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040259658 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sherwood, Brad L |
December 23, 2004 |
Correlated set of golf club irons
Abstract
In one aspect, a correlated set of individually numbered golf
club iron heads progresses from a high numbered head to a low
numbered head. Individual heads have a front striking face, a rear
face, a sole, a toe, a heel and a hosel. The front striking faces
of heads within the set individually have a total planar area
defining a progressively decreasing loft angle in going from the
high numbered head to the low numbered head. For at least two
chosen pairs of heads within the set, the striking face total
planar area of individual heads within each chosen pair increases
in size in going from the higher numbered head to the lower
numbered head in the pair. In another aspect, a correlated set of
individually numbered golf club iron heads comprises at least a
3-iron head, a 4-iron head and a 5-iron head. The hosel is provided
relative to the sole to provide a different and increasing lie
angle in sequentially progressing from the 3-iron head to the
5-iron head. The heads within the set define a 3-iron and 4-iron
pair of heads and a 4-iron and 5-iron pair of heads. The sum of the
differences between the lie angles in the 3-iron/4-iron pair and
between the lie angles in the 4-iron/5-iron pair are less than or
equal to about 1.0.degree..
Inventors: |
Sherwood, Brad L; (Spokane,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WELLS ST. JOHN P.S.
601 W. FIRST AVENUE, SUITE 1300
SPOKANE
WA
99201
US
|
Family ID: |
24791161 |
Appl. No.: |
10/892898 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10892898 |
Jul 16, 2004 |
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10404320 |
Mar 31, 2003 |
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10404320 |
Mar 31, 2003 |
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09766235 |
Jan 18, 2001 |
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6547675 |
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09766235 |
Jan 18, 2001 |
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09391818 |
Sep 7, 1999 |
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6196934 |
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09391818 |
Sep 7, 1999 |
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09307238 |
Feb 10, 1999 |
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5976029 |
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09307238 |
Feb 10, 1999 |
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08925012 |
Sep 8, 1997 |
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08925012 |
Sep 8, 1997 |
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08695001 |
Aug 8, 1996 |
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5665009 |
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08695001 |
Aug 8, 1996 |
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08196387 |
Feb 14, 1994 |
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5388826 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/290 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/047 20130101;
A63B 53/0462 20200801; A63B 53/005 20200801; A63B 53/04
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/290 |
International
Class: |
A63B 053/00 |
Claims
1-34. (canceled).
35. A correlated set of individually numbered golf club iron heads
progressing from a high numbered head to a low numbered head; the
heads numbering at least four within the set; individual heads
having a front striking face, a rear face, a sole, a toe, and a
heel; the front striking faces of heads within the set individually
having a total planar area defining a progressively decreasing loft
angle in going from the high numbered head to the low numbered
head; the substantial rear face of the low numbered head within the
set having an open cavity volume provided therein, higher numbered
clubs within the set having a respective rear face with an open
cavity volume which progressively decreases within the set in going
from lower number heads to higher number heads.
36. A correlated set of individually numbered golf club iron heads
progressing from a high numbered head to a low numbered head; the
heads numbering at least three within the set; individual heads
having a front striking face, a rear face, a sole, a toe and a
heel; the front striking faces of heads within the set individually
having a total planar area defining a progressively decreasing loft
angle in going from the high numbered head to the low numbered
head; the heads within the set individually having a majority area
of the rear face having a cavity volume provided therein; for at
least two chosen pairs of heads within the set, the cavity volume
of the majority rear face area of individual heads within each
chosen pair decreasing in going from the lower number head to the
higher number head in the pair; for said two chosen pairs, the
cavity volume of the majority rear face area of the individual
heads including a portion located proximate the toe and a portion
located proximate the heel, the portion proximate the toe being
greater in volume than the portion proximate the heel.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to sets of golf club irons.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A complete set of golf club irons typically includes a set
of eleven irons numbered from 2 (long) through 9 (short), a
pitching wedge (PW) and a sand wedge (SW). A 1-iron is also
sometimes included in the set, although the average golf club set
does not include a 1-iron due to difficulty in using the club. Each
iron comprises a head including a hosel and a shaft which is
attached to the head by fitting the shaft into a bore of the hosel.
The hosel is integrally formed as part of the head. The head also
includes a heel, a bottom sole, a toe, a planar striking face, and
a back side.
[0003] The typical eleven irons of a golf club set have varying
degrees of loft angle. The loft angle of an iron is the angle
between a vertical plane, which includes the shaft, and the plane
of the striking face of the iron. The loft angle effects how much
loft is imparted to the ball when it is struck by the tilted,
striking face.
[0004] Longer-hitting irons (i.e., #2, #3, #4) have progressively
longer golf club shafts than the shorter-hitting irons (i.e., #5,
#6, #7, #8, #9, PW, SW). Typically, the length of the golf club
shaft progressively increases in length from PW through the 2-iron.
Further, it is a typical design criteria that each golf club within
a set have the same substantially identical swing weight. As the
volume of shaft is different for each club due to varying length,
the mass of the club head is varied inversely to the length of the
shaft such that a substantially constant swing weight is achieved
for each club within a complete set. Accordingly, typically the PW
head is heaviest and the 2-iron head is lightest within a given set
2-iron through PW. Such is typically provided for in the prior art
by making larger hitting face area short irons, and comparatively
smaller size hitting face area in the longer irons. The hitting
area progressively increases in going from the long, irons to the
short irons within the typical prior art set.
[0005] Golf clubs within a complete set also typically have varying
degrees of lie angle throughout the complete set. The lie angle of
an iron is the angle between the shaft and the ground (horizontal
plane) when the tangent to the sole directly under the head's
center of mass is in a horizontal plane and when the shaft lies in
a vertical plane. Varying lie angles are provided to accommodate
the different length of shafts throughout a complete set of irons.
For example, when a golfer addresses the ball with a club, he/she
will be standing further away from the ball when hitting with a
2-iron than he/she will when hitting with, for example, a 9-iron,
due to the increased length of the 2-iron shaft versus the 9-iron
shaft. It is a general prior art goal that the sole of a golf club
head lay flat against the turf when the ball is addressed by the
golfer. Accordingly, the hosel angles downwardly from vertical for
the longer irons than is required for the shorter irons.
[0006] Dynamics of the shaft during swinging the golf club can,
however, have an adverse effect with respect to the above
relationship. Specifically, the shaft of a longer distance iron
(i.e., #2, #3, #4 and #5) creates more club head speed and is more
flexible due to the longer length of the shaft. This actually
results in a curving or banana-like bending of the shaft slightly
inward and down at impact, thus forcing the toe of the club
slightly down and into the ground, as opposed to passing parallel
relative thereto. Thus a golf club head, especially of a long iron,
leaves the toe vulnerable even for a correct swing to being pulled
downwardly open by the ground at ball impact. This will tend to
cause the ball to fade right or slice right, for a right-handed
golfer. The average golfer has a considerably more difficult time
in consistently hitting the longer distance irons than he/she does
hitting the shorter distance irons because of these dynamics in
controlling a longer shaft.
[0007] There are common or standard lie angles provided for a golf
club head throughout a complete set for an average height golfer. A
prior art example is shown in Table 1 below, with the numbers
referring to the angle upward from horizontal.
1 TABLE 1 Prior Art Lie Angle (Degrees) #2 58 #3 59 #4 60 #5 61 #6
62 #7 62.5 #8 63 #9 64 PW 65 SW 66
[0008] To accommodate different height golfers, a different average
golf club length is used within a given correlated complete set. A
variation might also exist for an average height golfer if he/she
squats more in their stance versus stands upright. The prior art in
accommodating for such varying golfers merely changes this standard
angling range a given constant angle through the set. For example
if a golfer needs a more upright lie, such as a 2.degree. upright,
the prior art heads would typically make all the irons in the given
set 2.degree. more upright (i.e., going from 60.degree. for a
2-iron through, say, 67.degree. for the PW with the above scale).
However when this is done, the shorter distance irons (i.e., #7,
#8, #9 and PW) become too upright. The shorter irons do not create
as much club head speed because the shaft length is shorter, which
makes them stiffer and decreases the inward and downward flex of
the shaft. The golfer will therefore have a tendency with such a
set to pull or hook the ball left, for a right-handed golfer. The
golfer will also tend to stand very close to the ball to get the
sole of the club to lay flat at address, putting the golfer in an
awkward and improper position. This becomes especially vivid when,
for example, a tall person needs a 4.degree. upright adjustment to
get the toe out of the ground on long-distance irons. Such would
make the prior art pitching wedge according to the above scale
provided at 69.degree. upright, essentially making that club
unplayable.
[0009] Needs remain in golf club iron head design to better
facilitate a golfer's control in hitting with the long irons.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below
with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front striking face area view of an iron golf
club head from a correlated set of iron heads in accordance with
the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a sole view of a the iron golf club head of FIG.
1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a toe-end view of the iron golf club head of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of a the iron golf club head of a FIG.
1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic front view of the hitting face area
of heads of a correlated set of iron golf club heads in accordance
with the invention, with the foreground head being that of FIG.
1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a rear face view of the PW iron head of FIG. 1
from a correlated set of iron golf club heads in accordance with
the invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a rear face view of a 9-iron head from a
correlated set of iron golf club heads in accordance with the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a rear face view of a 8-iron head from a
correlated set of iron golf club heads in accordance with the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a rear face view of a 7-iron head from a
correlated set of iron golf club heads in accordance with the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a rear face view of a 6-iron head from a
correlated set of iron golf club heads in accordance with the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a rear face view of a 5-iron head from a
correlated set of iron golf club heads in accordance with the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a rear face view of a 4-iron head from a
correlated set of iron golf club heads in accordance with the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a rear face view of a 3-iron head from a
correlated set of iron golf club heads in accordance with the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a rear face view of a 2-iron head from a
correlated set of iron golf club heads in accordance with the
invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION AND DISCLOSURE OF
INVENTION
[0025] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a correlated
set of individually numbered golf club iron heads progresses from a
high numbered head to a low numbered head. Individual heads have a
front striking face, a rear face, a sole, a toe, a heel and a
hosel. The front striking faces of heads within the set
individually have a total planar area defining a progressively
decreasing loft angle in going from the high numbered head to the
low numbered head. For at least two chosen pairs of heads within
the set, the striking face total planar area of individual heads
within each chosen pair increases in size in going from the higher
numbered head to the lower numbered head in the pair.
[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
correlated set of individually numbered golf club iron heads
consecutively progresses from a high numbered head to a low
numbered head. Individual heads have a front striking face, a rear
face, a sole, a toe, a heel and a hosel. The front striking faces
of heads within the set individually have a total planar area
defining a progressively decreasing loft angle in going from the
high numbered head to the low numbered head. The striking face
total planar area of individual heads progressively increases in
size in going consecutively from the high numbered head to the low
numbered head within the set.
[0027] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a
correlated set of individually numbered golf club iron heads
progresses from a high numbered head to a low numbered head. The
heads number at least four within the set. Individual heads have a
front striking face, a rear face, a sole, a toe, a heel and a
hosel. The front striking faces of heads within the set
individually have a total planar area defining a progressively
decreasing loft angle in going from the high numbered head to the
low numbered head. The substantial rear face of the low numbered
head within the set has an open cavity volume provided therein.
Higher numbered clubs within the set have a respective rear face
with an open cavity volume which progressively decreases within the
set in going from lower number heads to higher number heads.
[0028] In accordance with still a further aspect of the invention,
a correlated set of individually numbered golf club iron heads
comprises at least a 3-iron head, a 4-iron head and a 5-iron heal,
with individual heads having a front striking face, a rear face, a
sole, a toe, a heel and a hosel. The hosel is provided relative to
the sole to provide a different and increasing lie angle in
sequentially progressing from the 3-iron head to the 5-iron head.
The heads within the set define a 3-iron and 4-iron pair of heads
and a 4-iron and 5-iron pair of heads. The sum of the differences
between the lie angles in the 3-iron/4-iron pair and between the
lie angles in the 4-iron/5-iron pair are less than or equal to
about 1.0.degree..
[0029] In accordance with still a further aspect of the invention,
a correlated set of individually numbered golf club iron heads
includes at least a 2-iron head, a 3-iron head, a 4-iron head, a
5-iron head, a 6-iron head, a 7-iron head, and an 8-iron head, with
individual heads having a front striking face, a rear face, a sole,
a toe, a heel, a hosel, and a hosel lie angle relative to the sole.
The 3-iron head, the 4-iron head, the 5-iron head, the 6-iron head,
the 7-iron head have respective lie angles falling between the lie
angles of the 2-iron head and the 8-iron head. The difference
between the lie angles of the 2-iron head and the 8-iron head is
less than or equal to about 3.0.degree..
[0030] In accordance with even a further aspect of the invention, a
correlated set of individually numbered golf club iron heads
includes at least a 3-iron head, a 4-iron head and a 5-iron head,
with individual heads having a front striking face, a rear face, a
sole, a toe, a heel and a hosel. The hosel is provided relative to
the sole to provide a different and increasing lie angle in
sequentially progressing from the 3-iron head to the 5-iron head.
The heads within the set define a 3-iron and 4-iron pair of heads
and a 4-iron and 5-iron pair of heads. The difference between the
lie angles in each of the 3-iron/4-iron and the 4-iron/5-iron pairs
is equal to about 0.5.degree..
[0031] A preferred embodiment correlated golf club set in
accordance with the invention is first described with reference to
FIGS. 1-5. Such show various aspects and dimensional
characteristics described further below with respect to a PW,
alternately termed a 10-iron, of a preferred set of golf club iron
heads. The PW is designated in FIGS. 1-5 generally with numeral 10.
Such comprises a front striking face 50, a rear face 52, a sole 54,
a toe 56, a heel 58 and a hosel 60. Front striking face 50 defines
a total, substantially planar, hitting area starting from where the
hosel integrally forms into a planar hitting area. Horizontal
scoring lines formed in striking face 50 extend between a toe-end
vertical terminus location 62 and a heel-end vertical terminus
location 64.
[0032] Clubs of the preferred set have substantially the same
general shape as that of FIG. 1. FIGS. 6-14 consecutively show rear
face views of the 9-iron head through the 2-iron, respectively, of
the preferred set. Such respective heads are designated "9" through
"2" in the figures, and correspond to the same numbered head within
the actual preferred set. Corresponding front striking faces, rear
faces, soles, toes, heels and hosels (where shown) are designated
with the above respective even number prefixes 50-60, with the club
number being added as a suffix in such figures.
[0033] Referring specifically to FIGS. 1-4, various dimensions and
angles are shown for any given club in the preferred embodiment set
as reported in Table 2 below. Dimensions are in millimeters. In
FIG. 1, angle "B" is the lie angle. Dimension "E" is the height
from a tangent line 49 of the sole to the highest point of the
heel-side scoring line terminus. The heel-side scoring line
terminus is generally constantly spaced throughout the set from the
point where the planar portion of the hitting face starts becoming
non-planar as it forms into the hosel, being approximately 6 mm
outward therefrom. "H" is the distance from the heel-side scoring
line terminus location to the furthest toe portion of the head. "I"
is the distance from the toe-side scoring line terminus and
furthest toe portion of the head. Dimension "D" is the distance
between the sole tangent and the highest-most elevation of the club
head.
[0034] FIG. 2 is an upward sole view of a given club of the set.
Dimension "G" is the thickness of the sole at the heel-side scoring
line terminus. Dimension "F" is the thickness of the sole at the
toe-side scoring line terminus. Dimension "J" is the thickness of
the sole at the midpoint between the respective heel-side scoring
line terminus and toe-side scoring line terminus.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, "A" degrees is the loft angle and
dimension "C" is the offset between the base of the leading edge of
the hitting face and the forward-most portion of the hosel. In the
preferred set, offset is constant although varying or progressively
changing offsets could of course be provided.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, "L" is the thickness of the top-most
portion of the club at the striking face center between the
respective heel-side scoring line terminus and toe-side scoring
line terminus. Dimension "K" is the thickness adjacent the toe-most
portion of the head. Dimension "M" is the thickness at the top of
the head over the heel-most side scoring line terminus.
2 TABLE 2 A B C D E F G H I J K L M #2 22.0.degree. 60.5.degree.
3.5 62.0 38.0 23.0 16.0 79.5 16.0 16.0 8.0 4.0 5.5 #3 25.0.degree.
61.0.degree. 3.5 61.5 38.0 22.5 16.0 78.5 16.0 16.0 8.0 4.0 5.5 #4
28.0.degree. 61.5.degree. 3.5 61.0 38.0 22.5 16.0 77.5 16.0 16.0
7.5 4.0 5.5 #5 31.0.degree. 62.0.degree. 3.5 60.5 38.0 22.0 16.0
76.5 16.0 16.5 7.5 4.0 5.5 #6 34.0.degree. 62.5.degree. 3.5 60.0
38.0 22.0 16.0 75.5 16.0 16.5 7.0 4.0 5.5 #7 37.0.degree.
63.0.degree. 3.5 59.5 38.0 21.5 15.5 74.5 16.0 16.5 7.0 4.0 5.5 #8
40.0.degree. 63.5.degree. 3.5 59.0 38.0 21.0 15.0 73.5 16.0 17.0
6.5 4.0 5.0 #9 44.0.degree. 64.0.degree. 3.5 58.5 38.0 20.5 14.5
72.5 16.0 17.0 6.5 4.0 5.0 PW 48.0.degree. 64.0.degree. 3.5 58.5
38.0 20.0 14.0 71.5 16.0 17.0 6.5 4.0 5.0
[0037] The FIG. 1 view is taken with striking face 50 being
vertically oriented, or alternately considered with face 50 being
parallel with respect to the plane of the page. Accordingly, hosel
60 would angle significantly out of the page in the direction of
the reader in accordance with the loft angle of the head.
[0038] FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates the front striking faces
of the above preferred complete correlated set of golf clubs going
consecutively from the PW-head through the 2-iron head. FIG. 5 is
diagrammatic in the sense that each of the representative club face
outlines is of the club as would appear if the respective front
striking face area were oriented parallel with respect to the plane
of the page, like FIG. 1. As the loft angle in the club set
progresses from a minimum from the 2-iron head to a maximum for the
PW head, the respective hosels would progressively and increasingly
move out of the plane of the page in the direction of the reader in
progressing from the 2-iron head through the PW-iron head and in
accordance with the respective loft angles. The illustrated hosel
of the respective clubs has accordingly been shown in phantom, and
is representative of the lie angle of the PW.
[0039] As is apparent from FIG. 5, the striking face total planar
area of individual heads progressively increases in size in going
consecutively from the highest numbered head (PW or 10) to the
lowest numbered head (2) within the illustrated set.
[0040] Increasing the size of the long irons versus the short irons
within a given set provides different and distinct advantages over
the prior art. One significant advantage is providing an increasing
and larger "sweet" spot within the set for the longer irons. With
the longer hitting irons, the club head is further away from the
golfer because of the longer and correspondingly more flexible
shaft. This makes it more difficult for the golfer to accurately
hit the golf ball in comparison to the relative ease of accurately
hitting the golf ball with a shorter iron. Having progressively
increasing size heads in going to the long irons in accordance with
the invention with the provision of a larger sweet spot, gives the
golfer a better chance at hitting the ball correctly even though
the swing might not be exactly as the golfer intended. Further, the
appearance and reality of the larger size golf club head in the
longer hitting irons will provide a psychological advantage of
giving the golfer more confidence when using such irons.
[0041] FIGS. 6-14 show the rear face of the complete preferred set
of PW head through 2-iron head, respectively. Such views correspond
positionally relative to the front faces of each such head (not
viewable in the respective Figures) being parallel with the plane
of the page. Accordingly, the respective hosels angle into the
plane of the page away from the reader in accordance with the
respective loft angle. Looking first to the 2-iron head, FIG. 14,
the substantial or majority rear face area has a singular open
cavity 21 provided therein. Such singular cavity 21 has an total
open cavity volume as is partially evidenced by the shade lines.
Each of the progressively increasing numbered heads in the
remaining FIGS. 13 through 6, respectively, also has a singular
cavity having its own respective open cavity volume. Such are
numbered 31 through 101.
[0042] The open cavity volume within the higher numbered clubs
within the set decreases in volume in going from the lowest
numbered 2-head of FIG. 14 to the highest numbered head 10 (PW) of
FIG. 6. Although the relationship is shown with respect to a single
cavity in each head, multiple open cavities might be provided in
accordance with this aspect of the invention and in the context of
a rear face having a majority of its area consumed by cavity
area.
[0043] The above relationship is understood to be essentially
contrary to cavity-backed golf club sets of the prior art. Such
prior art clubs again typically have a largest size short iron head
and smallest size long iron head. Accordingly, the cavity area and
volume of the prior art has the understood opposite relationship of
that of the invention, namely progressing from a largest volume
cavity in the short iron to a smallest volume cavity in the long
iron.
[0044] The invention arose principally out of the needs and
concerns of golfers associated with playing the long irons. The
greatest advantages of the invention are believed to be attainable
in the provision and utilization of a complete correlated set of
golf clubs (PW through 2-iron) in the consecutive and progressively
increasing face area size in one aspect, and in the decreasing
cavity volume relationship in another aspect (2-iron through PW).
Nevertheless, advantages and unobvious novelty is seen with respect
to utilization of smaller subsets of clubs within a larger set
where the progression might not occur every consecutive club within
the overall set or within a sub-set.
[0045] By way of example only and with respect to FIG. 5)
advantageous aspects of the invention might be attainable by
providing a ten-iron set of heads having only three different size
total planar striking areas, as opposed to the ten different size
areas as shown. Specifically and again by way of example only, the
2-iron head and the 3-iron head might each be manufactured to have
the exact same size total hitting area, the #4, #5 and #6 be
manufactured to each have another common smaller size total hitting
area, and the #7, #8, #9 and pitching wedge be manufactured to each
have yet another common further smaller size total hitting area.
Other relationships might of course be possible, with the invention
only being limited by the concluding claims.
[0046] In the broadest aspect of this disclosure, for at least two
chosen pairs of heads within a set, the striking face total planar
area of individual heads within each chosen pair will increase in
size in going from the higher numbered head to the lower numbered
head in the pair. Again by way of example only and not by way of
limitation, a 2-iron head in accordance with the invention could be
manufactured to have a larger total planar hitting face area than a
3-iron head and a 4-iron head within a #2, #3, #4 set of heads.
Further suppose the 3-iron head and 4-iron head were manufactured
to each have the same total hitting face area. In such instance,
two such chosen pairs within the set would be the 2-iron/3-iron
pair and the 2-iron/4-iron pair. In each such pair, the total
planar area of the higher numbered head in each pair (the 3-iron or
the 4-iron, respectively) increases in going to the lowered
numbered head in the pair (the 2-iron in each pair) in that the
2-iron head is larger than each of the 3-iron head or 4-iron head.
Such provides an example wherein two heads within it least one of
the chosen pairs consists of heads consecutively numbered within
the set. That pair would be the 2-iron/3-iron pair. Such further
provides an example wherein at least two chosen pairs include a
common head (the 2-iron head) from the set.
[0047] Now consider the 2-iron, 3-iron and 4-iron heads as shown in
the FIG. 5 embodiment. Again by way of example only and not by way
of limitation, example pairs within that set having the above broad
properties would be the 2-iron head/3-iron head pair; the 2-iron
head/4-iron head pair; and the 3-iron head/4-iron head pair. In
such instance, for example, the 2-iron head/3-iron head pair and
the 3-iron head/4-iron head pair each consists of heads
consecutively numbered within the set. Further, such example
provides two chosen pairs including a common head (the 3-iron head)
from the set, with the two chosen pairs collectively defining a
subset of correlated golf clubs having a total of three heads (the
2, 3 and 4), with the common head (the 3-iron head) being numbered
between the other two heads (the 2-iron head and the 4-iron head)
of the subset.
[0048] The above-described relationships are believed to be of most
significance to the golfer in the longer hitting iron heads,
comprising at least the three heads consecutively numbered 4
through 2. Advantages are, however, realized as provided above with
other numbers of heads within the set or subset up to the greatest
advantage being believed provided in the consecutive progressions
of a 2-iron through at least a 10-iron (PW). Advantages would also
be achieved in connection with a 1-iron head, and within
non-consecutive subsets such as for example a starter 3, 5, 7 and
9-iron set.
[0049] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the
invention contemplates providing an other than standard
upward-angling of the sole relative to the hosel for the long
irons. This will preferably mean that when the golfer addresses the
ball with the long irons, the sole of the club will not lie flat
with the ground. Rather, it will be angled upwardly away from the
turf surface at the toe, with the heel of the sole resting on the
ground. When the typical, banana-like, bowing action occurs as the
golfer swings the long irons, a goal is to get/keep the toe out of
the ground as the golfer swings through the ball. Ideally, the
effect will be to present the golf club head at the ball with the
heel and toe of the sole brushing in a parallel manner to and
through the turf. Accordingly with this aspect of the invention,
face and hosel angling relationships, at least with respect to the
long irons, are different than the prior art to provide such
effects.
[0050] For example in one aspect of this part of the invention, the
3-iron head, 4-iron head and 5-iron head comprise a correlated set
of individually numbered golf irons. The hosel is provided relative
to the sole to provide a different and increasing lie angle in
sequentially progressing from the 3-iron head to the 5-iron head.
Within such set, the sum of the differences between the lie angles
in the 3-iron/4-iron pair and between the lie angles in the
4-iron/5-iron pair are less than or equal to about 1.0.degree.. If
a 2-iron head is included, preferably the sum of the differences
between the lie angles in the 2-iron/3-iron pair, between the lie
angles in the 3-iron/4-iron pair, and between the lie angles in the
4-iron/5-iron pair are less than or equal to a total of about
1.5.degree.. Further, if a. 6-iron head, a 7-iron head, and an
8-iron head are included, the difference between the lie angles of
the 2-iron head and 8-iron head are less than or equal to about
3.5.degree., with less than or equal to about 3.0.degree. being
even more preferred. The difference between the lie angles of each
of the 3-iron/4-iron and the 4-iron/5-iron pairs is equal to about
0.5.degree.. Such relationships are evident in the preferred
embodiment set from analyzing the lie angle data from the above is
respective Table 2.
[0051] Such a set has a sequentially progressive increasing lie
angle between each consecutive pairs of irons within the set.
Effectively, the lie angle of the short iron can remain similar to
prior art configurations, while the lie angles in the longer irons
do not decrease as much from the short irons as in the prior art,
with the progression also being smaller than with the prior art.
Accordingly, a typical and preferred lie angle of a 2-iron head
will be about 60.50, wherein a preferred lie angle for a 3-iron
head in accordance with the invention will be about 61.degree..
[0052] Such a differing lie angle will result in the average golfer
having a sole which is not parallel to the ground at typical
address, with the toe being raised off the turf slightly. As the
golfer swings the club, the bowing action of the longer irons will
at a minimum keep the toe out of the ground, and most preferably
present the toe and sole substantially parallel to the ground upon
impact with the ball.
* * * * *