U.S. patent application number 10/765825 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-24 for variable scoreline golf club groove configuration.
Invention is credited to Chappell, Chris, Chappell, Janice, Mann, James A. JR..
Application Number | 20050043113 10/765825 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34197686 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050043113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mann, James A. JR. ; et
al. |
February 24, 2005 |
Variable scoreline golf club groove configuration
Abstract
The golf club uses specific type grooves specialized for
individual types of known golf clubs, wherein the modified grooves
maximizes control of the golf ball through tailoring backspin to
the club selected. Clubs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 wherein selected
club configuration has a reduced groove volume to maximize
performance. Clubs 8, 9, pitching wedge, gap wedge and sand wedge
has an increased groove volume to maximize performance.
Inventors: |
Mann, James A. JR.;
(Walhalla, SC) ; Chappell, Chris; (Westminster,
SC) ; Chappell, Janice; (Westminster, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LORUSSO LOUD & KELLY LLP
15 RYE STREET, SUITE 312
PEASE INT. TRADESPORT
PORTSMOUTH
NH
03801
US
|
Family ID: |
34197686 |
Appl. No.: |
10/765825 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60442248 |
Jan 24, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/330 ;
473/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0445 20200801;
A63B 60/00 20151001; A63B 53/0408 20200801; A63B 53/04 20130101;
A63B 53/08 20130101; A63B 53/0466 20130101; A63B 53/005 20200801;
A63B 53/047 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/330 ;
473/331 |
International
Class: |
A63B 053/04 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A golf club comprising: an club configuration selected from the
group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 wherein club
configuration comprises: a head portion having a toe area and a
heel area; a shaft portion; a hosel portion connecting said head
portion to said shaft portion; a club face; and a reduced volume
groove configuration positioned on said club face, wherein said
groove configuration has lower volume and imparts less backspin on
the ball than a conventional square groove configuration.
2. The golf club of claim 1 wherein said reduced volume groove is a
V groove configuration having a centerline spacing of about 0.05 to
about 0.300 inches between at least one additional V groove
configuration.
3. The golf club of claim 2 wherein said centerline spacing is
about 0.105.+-.0.05 inches.
4. The golf club of claim 2 wherein said V groove configuration has
a first surface angle that is about 20 to about 50 degrees from the
center of the groove.
5. The golf club of claim 4 wherein said V groove configuration has
a second surface angle that is about 20 to about 50 degrees from
the center of the groove.
6. The golf club of claim 5 wherein said first surface angle and
said second surface angle is about 30 to about 40 degrees from the
center of the groove and are set to have angles equal to each
other.
7. The golf club of claim 2 wherein said V groove configuration has
a second surface angle that is about 20 to about 50 degrees from
the center of the groove.
8. The golf club of claim 2 wherein said V groove configuration has
a groove depth of about 0.005 to about 0.04 inches.
9. The golf club of claim 8 wherein said V groove configuration has
a groove depth of about 0.01 to about 0.03 inches.
10. The golf club of claim 2 wherein said V groove configuration
has a groove width of about 0.01 to about 0.05 inches.
11. The golf club of claim 9 wherein said groove depth is about
0.02 to about 0.04 inches.
12. The golf club of claim 2 wherein said V groove configuration
has an edge spacing of about 0.05 to about 0.300 inches between at
least one additional V groove configuration.
13. The golf club of claim 12 wherein said edge spacing is about
0.075 to about 0.2 inches between at least one additional V groove
configuration.
14. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein said reduced volume groove
configuration is a plurality of center grooves having a groove
spacing of about 5 to about 50% greater than grooves placed on an
outer portion of said club face.
15. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein said reduced volume groove
configuration is a plurality of center grooves having a concave
groove with a center depth of about 5 to about 50% less than
grooves placed on an outer portion of said club face.
16. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein said reduced volume groove
configuration is a plurality of center grooves having a groove
depth of about 5 to about 50% less than grooves placed on an outer
portion of said club face.
17. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein said reduced volume groove
configuration is a plurality of convex grooves having a center
groove width of about 5 to about 50% less than grooves placed on an
outer portion of said club face.
18. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein said reduced volume groove
configuration is a V groove selected from the group consisting of a
plurality of center grooves having a groove depth of about 5 to
about 50% less than grooves placed on an outer portion of said club
face, a plurality of convex grooves having a center groove width of
about 5 to about 50% less than grooves placed on an outer portion
of said club face, a plurality of center grooves having a concave
groove with a center depth of about 5 to about 50% less than
grooves placed on an outer portion of said club face, a plurality
of center grooves having a groove spacing of about 5 to about 50%
greater than grooves placed on an outer portion of said club face,
and a combination thereof.
19. A golf club comprising: an club configuration selected from the
group consisting of 8, 9, pitching wedge, gap wedge and sand wedge
wherein club configuration comprises: a head portion having a toe
area and a heel area; a shaft portion; a hosel portion connecting
said head portion to said shaft portion; a club face; and an
increased volume groove configuration, wherein said groove
configuration imparts greater spin on the ball than a conventional
square groove and reduces flyer conditions through prevention of
hydroplaning by channeling moisture from between the club face and
the ball.
20. The golf club of claim 19 wherein said increased volume grove
configuration is a U groove having a groove bottom that is a
substantially planar surface.
21. The golf club of claim 20 wherein said substantially planar
surface is parallel to the club face.
22. The golf club of claim 19 wherein said increased volume groove
configuration is a U groove configuration that has a centerline
spacing of about 0.05 to about 0.300 inches between at least one
additional U groove configuration.
23. The golf club of claim 22 wherein said centerline spacing is
about 0.105.+-.0.05 inches.
24. The golf club of claim 22 wherein said U groove configuration
has a first surface angle that is about 5 to about 25 degrees
relative to an imaginary surface 90 degree to the club surface.
25. The golf club of claim 24 wherein said U groove configuration
has a second surface angle that is about 5 to about 25 degrees
relative to an imaginary surface 90 degree to the club surface.
26. The golf club of claim 22 wherein said first surface angle and
said second surface angle are about 18 to about 22 degrees relative
to an imaginary surface 90 degrees to the club surface, and are set
to have angles equal to each other.
27. The golf club of claim 22 wherein said U groove configuration
has a second surface angle that is about 5 to about 25 degrees
relative to an imaginary surface 90 degree to the club surface.
28. The golf club of claim 22 wherein said U groove configuration
has a groove depth of about 0.005 to about 0.04 inches.
29. The golf club of claim 22 wherein said groove depth is about
0.01 to about 0.03 inches.
30. The golf club of claim 22 wherein said U groove configuration
has a groove width of about 0.01 to about 0.05 inches.
31. The golf club of claim 23 wherein said groove depth is about
0.02 to about 0.04 inches.
32. The golf club of claim 22 wherein said U groove configuration
has an edge spacing of about 0.05 to about 0.300 inches between at
least one additional U groove configuration.
33. The golf club of claim 26 wherein said edge spacing is about
0.075 to about 0.2 inches between at least one additional U groove
configuration.
34. The golf ball of claim 19 wherein said increased volume groove
configuration is a plurality of center grooves having a groove
spacing of about 5 to about 50% less than grooves placed on an
outer portion of said club face.
35. The golf ball of claim 19 wherein said increased volume groove
configuration is a plurality of center grooves having a concave
groove with a center depth of about 5 to about 50% more than
grooves placed on an outer portion of said club face.
36. The golf ball of claim 19 wherein said increased volume groove
configuration is a plurality of center grooves having a groove
depth of about 5 to about 50% more than grooves placed on an outer
portion of said club face.
37. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein said increased volume groove
configuration is a plurality of convex grooves having a center
groove width of about 5 to about 50% more than grooves placed on an
outer portion of said club face.
38. A golf club set comprising: a first club configuration wherein
at least one club selected from the group consisting of clubs 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 wherein selected first club configuration
comprises: a head portion having a toe area and a heel area; a
shaft portion; a hosel portion connecting said head portion to said
shaft portion; a club face; a reduced volume groove configuration
on said club face, wherein said groove configuration imparts less
backspin on the ball than a conventional square groove; and, a
second club configuration selected from the group consisting of 8,
9, pitching wedge, gap wedge and sand wedge wherein selected second
club configuration comprises: a head portion having a toe area and
a heel area; a shaft portion; a hosel portion connecting said head
portion to said shaft portion; a club face; and an increased volume
groove configuration wherein said groove configuration imparts
greater spin on the ball than a conventional square groove and
reduces flyer conditions through prevention of hydroplaning by
channeling moisture from between the club face and the ball.
39. The golf club set of claim 28 wherein club 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
and 7 all contain said decreased volume grooves.
40. The golf ball of claim 39 wherein said decreased volume grooves
are selected from the group consisting of a plurality of V grooves,
a plurality of center grooves having a groove depth of about 5 to
about 50% less than grooves placed on an outer portion of said club
face, a plurality of concave grooves having a center groove width
of about 5 to about 50% less than grooves placed on an outer
portion of said club face, a plurality of center grooves having a
concave groove depth with a center depth of about 5 to about 50%
less than grooves placed on an outer portion of said club face, a
plurality of center grooves having a groove spacing of about 5 to
about 50% greater than grooves placed on an outer portion of said
club face, and a combination thereof.
41. The golf ball of claim 39 wherein said increased volume grooves
are selected from the group consisting of a plurality of U grooves,
a plurality of center grooves having a groove depth of about 5 to
about 50% greater than grooves placed on an outer portion of said
club face, a plurality of convex grooves having a center groove
width of about 5 to about 50% greater than grooves placed on an
outer portion of said club face, a plurality of center grooves
having a concave groove depth with a center depth of about 5 to
about 50% more than grooves placed on an outer portion of said club
face, a plurality of center grooves having a groove spacing of
about 5 to about 50% less than grooves placed on an outer portion
of said club face, and a combination of configurations thereof.
42. The golf club set of claim 38 wherein clubs 8, 9, pitching
wedge, gap wedge and sand wedge all contain said increased volume
grooves.
43. The golf club set of claim 42 wherein said increased volume
grooves are U grooves.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] A claim of benefit is made to U. S. Ser. No. 60/442,248
filed on Jan. 24, 2003, the contents are incorporated by reference
in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the grooves formed across
the club face of golf clubs including irons, drivers, woods and
particularly wedges.
[0003] Golf club wedges are usually designed with varying degrees
of loft generally ranging from a minimum of about 48 degrees to a
maximum of about 64 degrees. The varying degrees of loft help to
control the trajectory and distance a golf ball will travel.
[0004] In play, especially with the higher numbered irons and
wedges, control is obtained in part by means of backspin. At the
time of impact, the golf ball is contacted against the club face
with substantial deformation. Control of the ball in flight is
partly exercised by backspin, and more control is obtained on the
initial bounce (i.e., the ball will "bite" or hold the surface
better after the initial bounce) when the ball has the proper
backspin. Thus, the higher the rate of backspin, the greater the
control.
[0005] To achieve backspin, multiple grooves are cut across the
club face of a golf club. These grooves grip the ball momentarily
upon impact as it is driven, which in turn generates backspin on
the ball. By and large, the most popular and common groove
configurations employed today are the V-shape and square shape.
Although these conventional configurations succeed in creating
backspin, it is desirable to impart more spin to golf balls so that
greater control can be achieved. While the V-shape is used, it is
commonly used so that a golf club set contains either all V-shape
or all square shape.
[0006] Having all grooves identical is a performance compromise
that prior art golf club manufacturers were previously unaware of
because the V-shape groove is not suited for all clubs in a set to
maximize performance. The square shaped groove however also has
many deficiencies, the largest being the cuts and shear produced on
the cover of a golf ball leading to premature failure of a golf
ball.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention produces a set of golf clubs that are
optimized in performance while minimizing golf ball cover damage.
It has been discovered that a set of clubs is optimized for playing
performance when a club configuration selected from the group
consisting of clubs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 have a reduced volume
groove such as a "V" shaped grooves and/or a groove configuration
or modification that produces less spin, which is desirable for
shots using those clubs. A club configuration selected from the
group consisting of 8, 9, pitching wedge, gap wedge and sand wedge
is optimized in the club set when it has an increased volume groove
configuration such as "U" shaped grooves and/or a modified
configuration or similar type grooves for greens shots.
[0008] The "V" groove has a centerline spacing of about 0.05 to
about 0.300 inches between at least one additional V groove
configuration, a first surface angle that is about 20 to about 50
degrees from the center of the groove, a second surface angle that
is about 20 to about 50 degrees from the center of the groove, a
groove depth of about 0.005 to about 0.04 inches, and a groove
width of about 0.01 to about 0.05 inches.
[0009] The decreased volume grooves can be spaced equally apart
with identical dimensions or the spacing can be unevenly spaced (5%
to 50% further apart in center) and has either an increased width
or reduced depth (5% to 50% respectively) in the center compared to
the outer portion of the club face, or alternatively, increased
width and reduced depth (5% to 50% less respectively) that may also
be used in conjunction with modified spacing in the center,
compared to grooves at the outer portion of the club face, thus
optimizing the focal point of the club face for ball impact.
[0010] The reduced volume groove configuration such as a "V" groove
also helps to promote a "flyer" condition when playing from wet
grassy areas because of an increased hydroplaning effect because of
the reduced volume of the groove on the club face.
[0011] A club configuration selected from the group consisting of
8, 9, pitching wedge, gap wedge and sand wedge is optimized in the
club set when it has an increased groove volume such as a "U"
configuration. The "U" configuration may have a substantially flat
groove bottom that can either be parallel to the club face or
offset at any angle so that the groove depth changes from the top
edge to the bottom edge (angled to club face) or side to side so
that the center of the club face has a greater depth (5% to 200%
deeper, preferably at least 50%+/-15% deeper) than the groove at
the edges (formed by an arc or angle). The "U" groove configuration
has a centerline spacing of about 0.05 to about 0.300 inches
between at least one additional U groove configuration which can
vary.
[0012] The increased volume grooves can be spaced equally apart
with identical dimensions or the spacing can be unevenly spaced (5%
to 50% closer in center) and has either increased depth or width
(5% to 50% respectively) in the center compared to the outer
portion of the club face, or alternatively, both increased width
and increased depth (S % to 50% more respectively). Also, this may
be used in conjunction with modified spacing in the center,
compared to grooves at the outer portion of the club face, thus
optimizing the focal point of the club face for ball impact, with a
goal of increasing spin and reducing flyer conditions and
increasing spin, both of which are achieved by having greater
groove volume in the center portion of the club face.
[0013] The "U" groove configuration has a first surface angle that
is about 5 to about 25 degrees relative to an imaginary surface 90
degrees to the club surface, and a second surface angle that is
about 5 to about 25 degrees relative to an imaginary surface 90
degrees to the club surface that may be set equal to each other, or
to different angles.
[0014] The "U" configuration has a groove depth of about 0.005 to
about 0.04 inches which can be set equal along the length of the
groove or vary with the deepest portion placed in the center of the
club face. The "U" groove configuration has a groove width of about
0.01 to about 0.05 inches that can vary from the club edge to the
center with the width being greatest in the center.
[0015] The increased volume configuration and "U" grooves create
additional surface area that imparts better grip and more spin upon
the ball leading to better control in the greens. Also, the
increased volume grooves reduce the "flyer" condition in wet grass
due to the ability to channel the water away from the ball/club
interface when hitting the ball, which minimizes the hydroplaning
effect.
[0016] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to optimize a
golf club set so that certain clubs generate a higher rate of
backspin on a driven golf ball thereby enabling the ball to better
grip and hold the playing surface.
[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
golf clubs including irons, drivers, woods and particularly wedges
that will provide a golfer with greater control over a golf
ball.
[0018] Accordingly, the present invention achieves the objectives
set forth above by tailoring grooves to specific clubs and
tailoring complete sets of clubs. This enhanced grip induces more
backspin on the ball, which in turn provides more control over the
ball when it lands on the playing surface (i.e., the ball will hold
the playing surface better after its initial bounce).
[0019] The above and other features of the invention, including
various novel details of construction and combination of parts,
will now be more particularly discussed with reference to the
accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be
understood that the particular devices embodying the invention are
shown by way of illustration only and not as limitations of the
invention. The principles and features of this invention may be
employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from
the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which is
shown an illustrative embodiment of the invention from which its
novel features will be apparent.
[0021] In the drawings:
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a wedge club head of one
embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a configuration of one embodiment of the
invention;
[0024] FIGS. 3A and 3B shows a reduced volume groove, specifically,
a "V" groove with optimized groove spacing on a club face using
constant depth grooves;
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a groove configuration with modified spacing to
create a reduced groove volume;
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a reduced volume groove cross section having a
reduced center depth;
[0027] FIG. 6 shows a top view of a convex width groove with a
reduced center width and optionally a reduced depth in the
center;
[0028] FIGS. 7A and 7B shows one embodiment of an increased volume
groove in a "U" groove configuration of one embodiment of the
invention
[0029] FIG. 8 shows an increased volume groove configuration cross
sectional view having an arced bottom with increased center
depth;
[0030] FIG. 9 shows an increased volume groove configuration having
grooves spaced closer together in the center of the club face.
[0031] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of an increased volume groove
configuration with wider groove center width.
[0032] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the "U" groove combined with
the "V" groove configuration, wherein either type groove is placed
in the center of the club face depending on if a high or low volume
center is desired.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The present disclosure applies to golf clubs, which includes
wedges irons, drivers and woods. The groove design of this
invention is ideal for tailoring golf ball spin based on shot type
through controlling spin. The design allows for maximum golf ball
performance by increasing spin when needed, while simultaneously
reducing cover damage of the golf ball.
[0034] Referring to the drawing, and particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, it
will be seen that the illustrative golf clubhead of one embodiment
includes a blade member 2 having a toe portion 4, a top ridge 6, a
bottom sole portion 8 and a heel portion 10. Extending from the
heel portion region of the clubhead is a hosel portion 12 adapted
to receive and be retained on a shaft member (not shown).
[0035] The club head is provided with preferably a substantially
flat surface or club face 16, but the club face is not limited to
being flat, having therein a center of percussion 18, which is the
spot ideally adapted to engage a golf ball at impact, and a rear
surface 20 having a perimeter 22 defining an optional cavity 24.
Cut into the club face 16 are a series of grooves 14 that may be
arranged in parallel fashion and are usually uniformly spaced in
relation to one another in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention; however, in a different embodiment, said grooves can be
spaced non-uniformly and/or can be arranged in a non-parallel
fashion. The number of grooves 14 can vary, but a typical number
across the club face ranges from at least one to about twenty five
grooves.
[0036] Before a groove is cut into the club face, the club face may
be preferably milled perfectly flat, thereby removing any and all
variations in face flatness. In addition, the milled club face may
be finished or treated. Once the work on the club face is
completed, each individual groove is typically engraved into the
club face one at time but they may be molded or stamped depending
on the process of manufacturing chosen.
[0037] It should be noted that all of the groove configurations
described herein apply to the full range of wedges (48 to 64
degree), as well as to all other golf clubs including irons,
drivers and woods and any other known or future discovered golf
clubs. Furthermore, in all groove configurations described below,
the individual grooves in each configuration may be spaced 0.05 to
0.2 inch apart, more particularly, 0.1 to 0.15 inches, most
particularly, about 0.105 inch apart.
[0038] FIG. 3A shows a reduced volume grove configuration, wherein
the "V" groove configuration may be selected because it has a
reduced volume and has a centerline spacing 32 of about 0.05 to
about 0.300 inches between at least one additional V groove
configuration as displayed in FIG. 3B, a first surface angle 26
that is about 20 to about 50 degrees from the center of the groove
29, a second surface angle 27 that is about 20 to about 50 degrees
from the center of the groove 29, a groove depth 30 of about 0.005
to about 0.04 inches, and a groove width 28 of about 0.01 to about
0.05 inches. The groove depth 30 is between 0.005 and 0.040 inches
deep. The centerline groove spacing width 32 measures the distance
from the two centers of adjacent "V" grooves. The centerline groove
width can vary from 0.07 to 0.5 inches and may be held constant
throughout the club face or it may be variable as discussed herein
either closer or further apart depending on the grooves position on
the club face. The measurement of the spacing from groove edge to
groove edge is edge spacing 34 of 0.05 to 0.3 inches as displayed
in FIG. 3B.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows an example of modified groove spacing
configuration to create a reduced groove volume. The grooves 14 can
be spaced equally apart with identical dimensions as in FIG. 1 or
the spacing can be unevenly spaced as displayed in FIG. 4 (5% to
50% further apart in center grooves 36) with outer groove spacing
38 being closer together than center groove spacing 36.
Alternatively increased groove spacing may be combined with a
reduced depth (5% to 50% less depth respectively) and may also be
used in conjunction with "V" grooves. This modified spacing in the
center, compared to grooves at the outer portion 38 of the club
face, optimizes the focal point of the club face for ball
impact.
[0040] The decreased volume grooves being wider spaced apart in the
center decreases the effective groove volume in contact with the
ball thus decreasing spin and also creating a flyer condition
through increased hydroplaning in wet conditions.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows a groove cross-section with a reduced center
depth 40 to decrease groove volume. While this may be a "V" groove
as displayed in FIG. 3A, the groove can also have a reduced width
28 or reduced depth 30 (5% to 50% respectively) in the center of
the club face compared to the outer groove portion 38 of the club
face. The groove edge depth 42 is optionally deeper than center
groove depth 40. The reduced depth in the center further decreases
spin imparted to the ball when struck and increases a flyer
condition from having a reduced groove volume. The groove can be
produced through molding, casting, injection molding, stamping and
most preferably through CNC machining process. The depth of the "V"
grooves can be produced easily by one skilled in machining by
varying the height of the tool relative to the face of the club
thus cutting deeper at the edges than the center where the
machining height is raised. It is likely that a second machining
operation is required for each groove to keep width constant.
[0042] FIG. 6 shows a top view of a reduced volume groove having a
reduced width in the center. This may be combined with a reduced
depth also in the center 40. This allows for reduced volume in the
groove in the center. The groove edge width 44 is wider than the
center groove width 46. The reduced width in the center further
decreases spin imparted to the ball when struck and increases a
flyer condition from having a reduced groove volume. The groove can
be produced through molding, casting, injection molding, stamping
and most preferably through CNC machining process. The grooves
width can be produced easily by one skilled in machining by varying
the height of the tool relative to the face of the club thus
cutting deeper at the edges than in the center where the machining
height is raised. It is likely that only one machining operation is
required for each groove to increase width at the edges. If the
depth is desired to be held constant and not vary with the width it
will be necessary to perform multiple machining operations or
produce a tool that has a cutting angle which changes with cutting
depth. This tool can be produced easily by one skilled in the art
of CNC machining.
[0043] FIGS. 7A and 7B show an increased volume groove,
specifically, a "U" groove configuration of one embodiment of the
invention. The "U" groove configuration has a first surface angle
50 that is about 5 to about 25 degrees relative to an imaginary
surface 90 degrees to the club surface 16, and a second surface
angle 52 that is about 5 to about 25 degrees relative to an
imaginary surface 90 degrees to the club surface 16 that may be set
equal to each other making total groove angle 48 being twice that
of either first or second surface angle 50, 52, or to different
angles calculated by the sum of the first and second surface angles
50, 52.
[0044] The "U" configuration has a "U" groove depth 54 of about
0.005 to about 0.04 inches which can be set equal along the length
of the groove or vary with the deepest portion placed in the center
of the club face. The "U" groove configuration has a groove width
55 of about 0.01 to about 0.05 inches that in FIG. 10 can vary from
the club edge "U" groove width 53 to the center "U" groove width
51, with the width being greatest in the center.
[0045] In FIG. 7B the U groove centerline width 56 can be about
0.14"+/-20%. The U groove edge spacing 58 can be 0.105"+/-30%. The
"U" configuration's additional surface area imparts better grip and
more spin upon the ball leading to better control in the greens.
Also the "U" configuration reduces the "flyer" condition in wet
grass due to the ability to channel the water away from the
ball/club interface when hitting the ball, which thus minimizes the
hydroplaning effect.
[0046] FIG. 8 shows an increased volume groove configuration
cross-sectional view having an arced bottom with an increased
center depth 60 that can be flat across the groove width. The
modified depth groove may also have a center "U" groove portion 60
that has a greater depth than the outer "U" groove portion 62. This
allows for greater groove volume in the center to maximize water
dispersion when playing in wet grass to prevent a "flyer" condition
caused by hydroplaning. Additionally, the deeper grooves impart
greater spin on the ball allowing for more control. The groove can
be produced similar to the "V" groove as discussed above,
preferably with a CNC milling machine produced with a custom tool.
One skilled in the art of CNC machining would be able to produce
the tool with minimal guidance. The depth of the groove is
controlled by varying the position of the machine tool in relation
to the club face. The first and second "U" groove edges can be
produced in one operation if the angles are the same or in two or
more operations depending on the configuration combination
selected.
[0047] FIG. 9 shows an increased volume groove configuration having
closer spaced center grooves 68 in the center of the club face. The
outer groove spacing 66 is spaced wider apart than the inner groove
spacing 68 allowing for more grip and greater spin to be imparted
on the ball during desired shots that would correspond to the
selected club. Furthermore, the decreased spacing in the center
between grooves would help to reduce hydroplaning and decrease a
"flyer" condition in wet grass conditions.
[0048] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the increased volume
grooves with a configuration having wider groove center width,
which can vary from the club edge groove width 53 to the center
groove width 51, with the width being greatest in the center. The
groove width variations can be produced easily by one skilled in
the art of CNC machining arts.
[0049] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a combination of a "U" groove
and a "V" groove configuration, wherein the combination centerline
width can be 0.14"+(20-50%) with a plurality of the "V" grooves
located in the center for the reduced volume configuration.
Conversely, for the increased volume groove configuration the "U"
groove is in the center and the centerline width is 0.14"-(20-50%).
All modifications to the configurations can be made to this
embodiment as directed above depending on the driver selected and
whether a reduced or increased volume is desired.
[0050] It will be appreciated that the lengths, angles and radii of
the modified groove configurations described above can be varied to
create different spin characteristics of a golf ball when struck by
a golf club employing any of the groove configurations of the
present invention. All grooves can be combined in different
combinations with any other type of groove to modify the clubs
performance.
[0051] While various embodiments have been shown and described, it
will be understood that the present invention is by no means
limited to the particular constructions herein disclosed and/or
depicted in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or
equivalents within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
[0052] Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and
desire to secure by Letters Patent of the united states is:
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