U.S. patent application number 11/406463 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for golf club head having intermittent grooves with filled polymer.
Invention is credited to Ray Solari.
Application Number | 20070243949 11/406463 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38605476 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070243949 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Solari; Ray |
October 18, 2007 |
Golf club head having intermittent grooves with filled polymer
Abstract
A golf club face configuration having a series of recesses
filled with polymer. The recess-polymer-golf club face material
construct then allows better traction on the golf ball when the
golf ball is struck by a putter or other club implementing the golf
club face configuration set forth herein.
Inventors: |
Solari; Ray; (Playa Del Rey,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CISLO & THOMAS, LLP
233 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 900
SANTA MONICA
CA
90401-1211
US
|
Family ID: |
38605476 |
Appl. No.: |
11/406463 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/340 ;
473/342 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0416 20200801;
A63B 53/08 20130101; A63B 53/042 20200801; A63B 53/0445 20200801;
A63B 60/00 20151001; A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 53/04
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/340 ;
473/342 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/00 20060101
A63B053/00 |
Claims
1. A golf putter face insert, comprising: a faceplate, said
faceplate defining recesses; and said recesses filled with polymer;
whereby the golf putter face insert is better adapted to strike a
golf ball.
2. A golf putter face insert as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising: said recesses defined in a repeated pattern.
3. A golf putter face insert as set forth in claim 2, further
comprising: said repeated pattern selected from the group
consisting of aligned horizontal recesses, staggered horizontal
recesses, aligned circular recesses, staggered circular recesses,
aligned diamond-shaped recesses, staggered diamond-shaped recesses,
aligned vertical recesses, staggered vertical recesses, partial
circular recesses, semi-circular recesses, horizontal rows, and
combinations thereof.
4. A golf putter face insert as set forth in claim 3, further
comprising: said repeated pattern circumscribed or delimited by at
least one additional recess.
5. A golf putter face insert as set forth in claim 4, further
comprising: said at least one additional recess selected from the
group consisting of parenthetical recesses, oppositely opposed
curved recesses, oppositely opposed sidebar recesses, oppositely
opposed angled recesses, semi-circular recesses, oppositely opposed
double sidebar recesses, and combinations thereof.
6. A golf putter including the golf putter face insert as set forth
in claim 1.
7. A golf putter face insert, comprising: a faceplate, said
faceplate defining first recesses; said first recesses filled with
polymer and defined in a repeated pattern; said repeated pattern
selected from the group consisting of aligned horizontal recesses,
staggered horizontal recesses, aligned circular recesses, staggered
circular recesses, aligned diamond-shaped recesses, staggered
diamond-shaped recesses, aligned vertical recesses, staggered
vertical recesses, partial circular recesses, semi-circular
recesses, horizontal rows, and combinations thereof; and said
repeated pattern circumscribed or delimited by at least one
additional recess selected from the group consisting of
parenthetical recesses, oppositely opposed curved recesses,
oppositely opposed sidebar recesses, oppositely opposed angled
recesses, semi-circular recesses, oppositely opposed double sidebar
recesses, and combinations thereof; whereby the golf putter face
insert is better adapted to strike a golf ball.
8. A golf putter face insert as set forth in claim 7, further
comprising: said faceplate defining one or more second recesses
being part of said repeated pattern, said one or more second
recesses being empty and not filled.
9. A golf putter including the golf putter face insert as set forth
in claim 7.
10. A method for constructing a golf putter face insert, the steps
comprising: providing a faceplate with recesses; and filling said
recesses with polymer; whereby a golf putter face insert is
provided that is better adapted to strike a golf ball.
11. A method for constructing a golf putter face insert as set
forth in claim 10, the steps further comprising: milling said
faceplate with said filled recesses flat.
12. A method for constructing a golf putter face insert as set
forth in claim 10, said step of providing a faceplate with recesses
selected from the group consisting of casting said faceplate with
said recesses, providing a faceplate then engraving said recesses
upon said faceplate, and combinations thereof.
13. A method for constructing a golf putter face insert as set
forth in claim 10, said step of providing a faceplate with recesses
further comprising: providing a faceplate with recesses having a
loft angle.
14. A method for constructing a golf putter face insert as set
forth in claim 10, further comprising: said recesses defined in a
repeated pattern.
15. A method for constructing a golf putter face insert as set
forth in claim 14, further comprising: said repeated pattern
selected from the group consisting of aligned horizontal recesses,
staggered horizontal recesses, aligned circular recesses, staggered
circular recesses, aligned diamond-shaped recesses, staggered
diamond-shaped recesses, aligned vertical recesses, staggered
vertical recesses, partial circular recesses, semi-circular
recesses, horizontal rows, and combinations thereof.
16. A method for constructing a golf putter face insert as set
forth in claim 15, further comprising: said repeated pattern
circumscribed or delimited by at least one additional recess.
17. A method for constructing a golf putter face insert as set
forth in claim 16, further comprising: said at least one additional
recess selected from the group consisting of parenthetical
recesses, oppositely opposed curved recesses, oppositely opposed
sidebar recesses, oppositely opposed angled recesses, semi-circular
recesses, oppositely opposed double sidebar recesses, and
combinations thereof.
18. A golf putter including the golf putter face insert constructed
as set forth in claim 10.
19. A method for constructing a golf putter face insert, the steps
comprising: providing a faceplate with first recesses in a repeated
pattern, said face having a loft angle; said step of providing a
faceplate with first recesses selected from the group consisting of
casting said faceplate with said first recesses, providing a
faceplate then engraving said first recesses upon said faceplate,
and combinations thereof filling said first recesses with polymer;
milling said faceplate with said filled recesses flat; said
repeated pattern selected from the group consisting of aligned
horizontal recesses, staggered horizontal recesses, aligned
circular recesses, staggered circular recesses, aligned
diamond-shaped recesses, staggered diamond-shaped recesses, aligned
vertical recesses, staggered vertical recesses, partial circular
recesses, semi-circular recesses, horizontal rows, and combinations
thereof; and said repeated pattern circumscribed or delimited by at
least one additional recess selected from the group consisting of
parenthetical recesses, oppositely opposed curved recesses,
oppositely opposed sidebar recesses, oppositely opposed angled
recesses, semi-circular recesses, oppositely opposed double sidebar
recesses, and combinations thereof; whereby a golf putter face
insert is provided that is better adapted to strike a golf
ball.
20. A method for constructing a golf putter face insert as set
forth in claim 19, further comprising: said faceplate having one or
more second recesses being part of said repeated pattern, said one
or more second recesses being empty and not filled.
21. A golf putter including the golf putter face insert constructed
as set forth in claim 19.
Description
COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION
[0001] Portions of the disclosure of this patent document may
contain material which is subject to copyright and/or mask work
protection. The copyright and/or mask work owner has no objection
to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
and/or mask work rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to golf clubs and golf club heads,
and more particularly to a golf club head for a putter that has
intermittent grooves or recesses which are filled with polymer or
similar material.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Those who have played the game of golf are well aware that
putting often accounts for nearly half the golfer's total score.
Although there are a wide variety of putters available to the
golfers, they still seek improved designs that will assist them in
lowering their total score.
[0006] Golf putter heads have been designed to impart a rolling
motion to the golf ball for short distances. The putter is
specifically constructed for use in striking the golf ball
accurately toward the cup once it has reached the putting green.
Typically, the general construction of a golf club includes a grip
portion adapted to be grasped by the golfer, a shaft extending
linearly downward from the grip portion, to a club head at the end
of the shaft opposite the grip portion. Typically, the club head
extends traversely to the shaft and the shaft has a neck portion
located at one end thereof, which is connected by a hosel to the
shaft.
[0007] The golfer addresses the golf ball by placing the club
adjacent to the ball. The golfer then swings the club in a short,
sweeping arc for a desired, but seldom achieved, perfect swing.
[0008] Of importance to the control and swing of the golf putter is
its balance. The balance is determined by the weight and weight
distribution of the golf club in general. For the putter in the
instant case, much of this balance is derived from the putter head
as it generally concentrates most of the mass of the club in this
area.
[0009] Also of importance is the striking surface, or the face, of
the putter. This is the surface that actually controls and exerts
contact with the golf ball. This surface should be one that is
predictable, reliable, and for which expected results occur with
confidence on the part of the golfer. Most putter faces are flat,
exposed metal that only allow but little traction on the ball.
While these putter faces are common, their slick and flat surfaces
generally do not provide any action on the ball except to strike it
and cause it to roll. Other putter faces may have non-flat surfaces
that can result in very unpredictable shots. Such unpredictability
is generally not resolved by the use of elastic or shock absorbing
features. Consequently, a problem remains in the art to provide a
golf putter club face that exerts greater traction upon the golf
ball during the golf ball strike that generally does not result in
unpredictable or errant shots.
[0010] Prior attempts have been made in the art with respect to
engraved or cast golf club heads and/or inserts having filled
recesses and otherwise. Brief descriptions of some of such prior
attempts are set forth below. While the descriptions are believed
to be accurate, no admission is made by them regarding their
subject matter which is solely defined by the patent or reference
involved.
[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0209020 to
Burrows is directed to a golf club putter head, including a
faceplate groove pattern configured to provide the putter head with
an elevated center of gravity. In one preferred form, a club head
body defines a faceplate having at least one and preferably
multiple elongated grooves formed therein to extend generally in a
heel-to-toe direction, with at least one groove positioned above a
vertical mid-point of the club head body. The groove depths
progressively increase in a top-to-bottom direction so that the
putter head center of gravity is elevated to a position spaced
above the vertical mid-point of the club head body. When striking a
golf ball, the elevated center of gravity functions to minimize
initial ball skidding and to promote early smooth ball roll toward
a target such as a cup on a golf green.
[0012] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0090332 to
Burrows is directed to an iron type golf club head, including a
plurality of weights mounted at a rear side thereof in a spatially
laminated array. The club head includes a front impact face
oriented at a selected loft angle for striking a golf ball, and a
rear side having an integrally formed weight frame protruding
rearwardly therefrom. The weight frame defines a plurality of
peripheral or perimeter grooves disposed in generally fore-aft
spaced relation and adapted to receive and support weights of
selected mass. In a preferred form, each weight includes one or
more weight elements seated within the associated groove to wrap
substantially about the entire periphery of the weight frame, with
an outboard marginal edge of each weight element being visible from
the exterior of the club head. Abutting ends of the weight element
or elements within each groove may be interconnected end-to-end as
by welding.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,344 to Long is directed to a golf putter
head with vertical and horizontal cavities.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,774 to Lee is directed to a hollow golf
club head comprising a metal striking insert and a composite body.
The metal striking insert is molded within the front face wall of
the club head body and is securely attached at the outside
perimeter of the insert to the composite body and at the front
corners of the composite body through the use of a sandwiched
structure. The sandwich structure formed at the boundaries of the
striking metal insert efficiently dissipates the impact energy
affected when a golf ball is hit. The structure also dampens
efficiently the vibrations of the shock affected when the ball is
hit on the metal striking insert. The present invention of
positioning the insert inside the face wall, not extending outside
the face wall, uses less metal material which is heavier than the
composite material and makes a larger club head at the same total
weight of the club head. A larger golf club head that gives a
higher moment of inertia is highly sought-after for a hollow club
head construction.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,144 to Hsu is directed to a method for
manufacturing golf club putter heads including four steps: 1.
forming a recess in a striking face of a club putter head, 2.
adhering a decorative plate with a name or pattern in the recess,
3. pouring epoxy resin solution in said recess and letting it dry
up to form an insert block, 4. grinding the upper surface of the
decorating plate and the insert block flush with the striking face
of the putter head. Then the name or pattern may not wear or
disappear even if hit by golf balls for a long period of time.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,117 to Hsu is directed to a golf club
head that has a recess in a striking face and annular groove formed
around the recess. A metal layer is fitted in the recess and an
annular resin layer is formed in the annular groove to surround the
metal layer. Then preparatory work for plating the whole head can
be done quickly, and club heads after treated with plating may be
of excellent quality, resulting in lower cost.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,716 to Ehlers et al. is directed to a
golf club head having a matrix layer composed of an interconnected
reinforcement structure and a polymer material. The matrix layer
provides the golf club head with a greater coefficient of
restitution during impact with a golf ball. The matrix layer is
preferably disposed within a recess in the front wall of the body
of the golf club head. The interconnected reinforcement structure
is preferably composed of interconnected hexagonal cells.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,972 to Boord is directed to a golf club
preferably in the form of a golf putter that includes a hard
stainless steel club head having a striking surface for contacting
a golf ball with a recess formed therein. A softer brass plate and
an advertising insert closely fit within the recess, and are
covered by transparent epoxy which hardens to form a portion of the
striking surface through which advertising printed on the insert is
visible. The club head further includes a rear recess behind the
front recess, between which is defined a thin perforated wall. The
stainless steel body, the brass plate, the transparent epoxy, and
the perforated wall provide a golf putter which has a large sweet
spot and which provides for advertising.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,535 to Gee is directed to a perimeter
weighted golf club head having a flush mounted polymer insert in
the club face which is approximately centered coaxially with the
center of mass of the golf club head and a cavity filler. A recess
for the polymer insert is either formed in the main body structure
of the golf club head during the casting process, or subsequently
by machining. A retainer is provided to help secure the insert and
cavity filler in both the club face recess and the hollow cavity.
The retainer can take the form of a through hole connecting the
recess to the hollow cavity and/or lip surrounding either or both
the recessed insert opening and the cavity opening.
[0020] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0020378 to
Krumme et al. is directed to a striking face backing for golf
clubs, such as a driver, iron or putter, formed of non-uniform
geometry or material arranged to create a desired "feel" to the
golfer and/or produce a desired effect on the golf ball. For
instance, the backing can be arranged to create a variation in
mechanical properties across the striking face. The backing designs
can be applied behind integral striking faces, or as part of
monolithic, unitary striking face, or pixel striking face inserts.
The geometry, compression, and rebound properties of the backing
are communicated to the striking face. Thus a sweet spot on the
striking face of the club may be enlarged and/or shifted and the
effects of imperfectly executed impacts may be mitigated.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,518 to Solheim et al. is directed to a
golf club head, including a face insert disposed in a cavity formed
in the front face of the club head. The face insert has a front
surface for impacting a golf ball and a back surface having a
cavity formed therein for receiving a second insert. A second
insert, composed of a material different from the first insert, is
disposed in the cavity formed in the back of the first insert.
Because the edges of the second insert are not exposed, the second
insert can be made of very soft materials including silicone
rubbers and gels, which would not be suitable for use in an
application in which the edges are exposed.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,792 to Straza is directed to a golf
putter head having a body with a cavity in its front face
containing an insert member having a front, ball striking face
co-planar with the front face of the body. The insert member
comprises a honeycomb cellular structure with the cells of the
structure filled with a resilient, epoxy material. The walls of the
cellular structure are mounted in the cavity perpendicular to the
inclined club striking face surface and have exposed cell edges
co-planar with the surface of the resilient material and the club
striking face surface for simultaneously impacting a golf ball. The
putter head is further formed to have an upwardly curving sole. A
curved neck attaches the head to the club shaft to position the
striking face in line with the axis of the club shaft.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,993 to Shan is directed to a golf club
head having a neck at one end for connecting the shaft and a face
panel at one side for hitting the ball, wherein the face panel
consists of a meshed member made of a rigid metal and defining a
plurality of open spaces, and a flexible blocking material blocking
up the open spaces.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,932 to Kosmatka is directed to a golf
club head having a face section with a polymer surface that can
provide a more efficient impact between a golf ball and the golf
club head. By utilizing a polymer surface with desired material
properties of stress, strain and damping levels, the face section
will incur higher strain and strain rate levels than the golf ball.
These lower internal stresses within the golf ball yield a more
efficient impact with a golf club head.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,006 to Mason is directed to a golf club
for effecting shots within sixty yards of play to the "green". The
golf club includes two distinct shaft configurations and has a club
head with a striking face or impact surface which gradually narrows
downwardly to a rounded bottom edge to form a convex shaped
structure having a series of cavity contours for effecting
different degrees of impact with a target. The convex top surface
of the golf club head has a series of seven colored parallel
grooves incorporated thereon to form an optical pattern to help a
golfer's eyes focus and to project a more broad-based target
line-up. The angle between the line-up defined by the shaft when
positioned normally as during play and a line perpendicular to the
ground is six to seven degrees.
[0026] U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 411,275 issued to Bottema et al.
is directed to an ornamental design for putter face design nubbins,
as shown and described therein.
[0027] U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 430,244 issued to Besnard is
directed to an ornamental design for a golf club head, as shown and
described therein.
[0028] U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 470,203 issued to Rollinson is
directed to an ornamental design for a golf club head, as shown and
described therein.
[0029] U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 486,871 issued to Burrows is
directed to an ornamental design for a golf club head with hex grid
faceplate groove pattern, as shown and described therein.
[0030] International Publication No. WO 2005/107886 to Nelson is
directed to a golf club head which has a toe, a heel, and a
striking surface. The striking surface is provided with grooves
which are filled with a resilient material which can extend just
beyond the striking surface. The enables the grip of the ball on
the golf club to be improved and therefore the control over the
ball to be improved.
[0031] While several attempts have been made in the prior art to
provide golf club heads and golf club face inserts, none have
succeeded in achieving a flat-faced head or insert having
polymer-filled recesses. Further, such a head or insert has not
been achieved in a variety of configurations and/or with a variety
of loft angles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0032] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of golf club heads, faces, and face inserts now present in
the prior art, the present invention provides a new golf club face
insert and face design wherein the same can be used to enhance
traction and/or engagement of the golf ball by the golf club head,
particularly a putter implementing the present invention.
[0033] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail below, is to provide
better putts for the golfer while providing a golf club head or
face insert that has many of the advantages of the golf club heads
and inserts mentioned heretofore and many novel features that
result in a new golf club head face which is not anticipated,
rendered obvious, suggested, taught, or even implied by any of the
prior art golf clubs and their head faces, either alone or in any
combination thereof.
[0034] In the present invention, golf putter insert faces may be
grooved as by casting and/or engraving. The resulting recesses may
take a variety of sizes and shapes, particularly those in regular
patterns. These recesses may then be filled with polymer with the
face then being milled flat such that the polymer does not extend
beyond the face of the golf club face insert. The golf club face
insert may be particularly used with putters and may also be either
set to manifest one of a variety of loft angles or may be adapted
for insertion into a club head that is already pre-set at a
particular loft angle.
[0035] By providing a flat golf club face insert or face, the
problem of having multiple surfaces striking the golf ball at once
is avoided which could introduce a variety of unpredictable and/or
difficult to handle torques or forces on the golf ball. By
preventing the polymer or other insert material from projecting
past the surface of the golf club face insert, a generally flat
surface is presented to the golf ball. This prevents protruding
material from initially contacting the golf ball and forcing the
golf ball in a direction that is not consistent with the face of
the golf club face insert.
[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, a golf putter
face insert has a faceplate that defines recesses with the recesses
filled with polymer. In this way, the golf putter face insert is
better adapted to strike a golf ball.
[0037] In another embodiment of the present invention, a golf
putter face insert has a faceplate defining recesses with the
recesses filled with polymer and defined in a repeated pattern. The
repeated pattern may be selected from a group that includes:
aligned horizontal recesses, staggered horizontal recesses, aligned
circular recesses, staggered circular recesses, aligned
diamond-shaped recesses, staggered diamond-shaped recesses, aligned
vertical recesses, staggered vertical recesses, partial circular
recesses, semi-circular recesses, horizontal rows, and combinations
thereof. The repeated pattern may be circumscribed or delimited by
at least one additional recess selected from a group that includes:
parenthetical recesses, oppositely opposed curved recesses,
oppositely opposed sidebar recesses, oppositely opposed angled
recesses, semi-circular recesses, oppositely opposed double sidebar
recesses, and combinations thereof. In this way, the golf putter
face insert is better adapted to strike a golf ball.
[0038] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for
constructing a golf putter face insert is set forth with the steps
including the providing of a faceplate with recesses and then
filling the recesses with polymer. In this way, a golf putter face
insert is provided that is better adapted to strike a golf
ball.
[0039] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a
method for constructing a golf putter face insert with the steps
including the providing of a faceplate with recesses defined in a
repeated pattern and with the face having a loft angle. The step of
providing of the faceplate with recesses may be achieved by casting
the faceplate with the recesses, providing a faceplate then
engraving the recesses upon the faceplate, and/or by effecting
combinations thereof. The recesses are then filled with polymer and
the faceplate is milled to provide a flat face with the filled
recesses flat.
[0040] The repeated pattern of the recesses may be selected from a
group including: aligned horizontal recesses, staggered horizontal
recesses, aligned circular recesses, staggered circular recesses,
aligned diamond-shaped recesses, staggered diamond-shaped recesses,
aligned vertical recesses, staggered vertical recesses, partial
circular recesses, semi-circular recesses, horizontal rows, and
combinations thereof. The repeated pattern may be circumscribed or
delimited by at least one additional recess selected from a group
including: parenthetical recesses, oppositely opposed curved
recesses, oppositely opposed sidebar recesses, oppositely opposed
angled recesses, semi-circular recesses, oppositely opposed double
sidebar recesses, and combinations thereof. In this way, a golf
putter face insert is provided that is better adapted to strike a
golf ball.
[0041] A further embodiment of the present invention includes a
golf putter having one of the golf putter face inserts as made or
described above.
[0042] Other embodiments of the present invention are set forth in
more detail, below.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0043] It is an object of the present invention to provide a better
golf putter.
[0044] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
better face insert for a golf putter.
[0045] It is another object of the present invention to provide
selectable traction on a golf ball when struck by a putter
face.
[0046] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a method by which a golf putter face insert may be constructed that
enables better traction during the golf ball strike.
[0047] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a golf putter that has a selectable loft angle.
[0048] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
combinations of the foregoing objects in a golf putter or face
insert for a golf putter.
[0049] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from a review of the following
specification and accompanying drawings. The foregoing objects are
some of but a few of the goals sought to be attained by the present
invention and are set forth for the purposes of example only and
not those of limitation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] FIG. 1 is a left side perspective view of a putter golf club
(shown in phantom) having a golf club face and/or insert according
to one embodiment of the present invention showing a series of
staggered horizontal recesses.
[0051] FIGS. 2-7 show alternative embodiments of the golf club face
of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 2 shows a front plan view of a golf club face insert
(shown in phantom) having staggered circular recesses. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, alternating recesses are filled leaving
some empty.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows a front plan view of a golf club face insert
having staggered diamond-shaped filled recesses with the perimeter
of the insert shown in phantom.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows a front plan view of a golf club face having
staggered vertical recesses with the perimeter of the insert shown
in phantom.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a front plan view of a golf club face insert
with half round configuration having staggered horizontal recesses
circumscribed by a partial circular recess, the perimeter of the
insert shown in phantom.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows a front plan view of a golf club face insert
having a series of nested semi-circular recesses with the perimeter
of the insert shown in phantom.
[0057] FIG. 7 shows a front plan view of a golf club face insert
having a series of aligned transversing horizontal rows with the
perimeter of the insert shown in phantom.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0058] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of
presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not
intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention
may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent
functions and sequences may be accomplished by different
embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
[0059] The present invention resides in a putter golf club or
putter golf club face insert that uses polymer-filled recesses that
are milled flat with the putter's flat face to provide a uniform
surface in order to give better traction and control over the golf
ball when struck by the club face so constructed. In this way, the
recesses and/or corners they create in the face of the golf club
act like "claws" to grab or affect the ball, the ball strike, and
the subsequent course of motion for the golf ball so struck.
[0060] Either by casting or engraving, recesses are formed in the
face of a golf club head or a face insert therefor. Note should be
taken that the term "face insert" as used herein is intended to
include all manifestations of the golf club face invention set
forth herein and its implementation whether on the golf club head
alone or through a manufacturable or possibly interchangeable golf
club face insert.
[0061] When the face insert is formed with its recesses, the
recesses are then filled with a polymer of a selectable nature. The
polymer may be rigid, soft, elastic, or non-compressible. A variety
of different substances may be used and the term "polymer" as used
herein indicates any material that might be used to provide
controllable golf club face ball strike characteristics along the
lines as set forth herein or otherwise.
[0062] Once the recesses have been made and filled, the face of the
insert is then milled or otherwise made flat in order to provide a
uniform striking surface for the golf ball. The insert may be
manufactured to have a certain angle with respect to the vertical,
known as the "loft," or such an angle may be present within the
head into which the insert fits. A variety of configurations for
the recesses may be achieved including aligned and staggered
embodiments having horizontal segments, circular segments, diamond-
(or rhomboid-) shaped, vertical segments, half round segments with
horizontally configured recesses or nested semi-circular recesses
as well as horizontal rows traversing a significant portion of the
face insert.
[0063] Referring to the drawings where like numerals of references
designate like elements throughout, FIG. 1 shows a golf club C in
phantom having a head H and a shaft S, the head H bearing a golf
club face F. The golf club face shows a first embodiment of the
present invention having a face configuration 100. The face
configuration 100 is shown in alternative embodiments in FIGS. 2-7.
As set forth herein, the use of the terms "insert," "face," and the
like are generally used interchangeably with context of such use
indicating with particularity the meaning involved. As can be seen,
the face configuration 100 can be engraved directly into the golf
club head H at its face F or may be used as an interchangeable or
permanent insert which may then be attached to the head H by a
variety of means now known or developed in the future. The face
configuration 100 shown in FIG. 1 shows a series of short
horizontal recesses 102 which are staggered in nature such that
alternating rows may be aligned or no rows may be aligned with a
perpendicular to the direction of the short horizontal recesses
102. Alternatively, some or very few of the recesses 102 aligned
with such a perpendicular. Generally, in such a staggered system,
no two adjacent rows would be aligned.
[0064] Alternatively, the short horizontal recesses 102 could be in
an aligned fashion such that a perpendicular could be aligned with
the short horizontal recesses. The short horizontal recesses 102
are generally placed in the center of the face F and may be
circumscribed at opposite ends by oppositely opposed curved
recesses 104 which appear somewhat as parenthetical recesses 104.
The alignment of the face configuration 100 across the width of
face F may be selectable during manufacture and placed or situated
according to user preferences, manufacturing expediencies, or
marketing preferences.
[0065] FIG. 2 shows an alternative face configuration 100 with the
perimeter of the face F being shown in phantom. FIG. 2 is generally
a face on view of the face configuration 100 and, as is similar for
the face configurations shown in FIG. 3-7, might be substituted for
the face configuration 100 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, staggered
circular recesses are shown that are generally aligned on every
other row. In an alternative embodiment, the staggered circular
recesses 110 could be aligned in rows.
[0066] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, alternating recesses 110
are filled, leaving other ones empty. This configuration may be
elaborated on in almost endless variety, with certain recesses 110
being filled while other recesses 110 are left empty. This gives
rise to an additional manner in which the responsiveness and
ball-strike characteristics of the face F of the club C may be
varied, modified, altered, and tailored for the golfer in order to
help his or her game.
[0067] Sidebars 112 may be placed at opposite ends of the circular
recesses 110. The general configuration of face F is generally used
for the face configurations 100 of FIGS. 3-7. Generally, the same
considerations present for the face configuration 100 of FIGS. 1
and 2 are present through the alternative embodiments of the
present invention, some of which are shown in FIGS. 3-7.
[0068] In FIG. 3, a series of staggered diamond-shaped, or
rhomboid, recesses 120 are shown. Such recesses 120 may be aligned,
however, close packing considerations generally have them in a
staggered configuration. Such an aligned configuration can be
achieved by generally removing every other row (from the
configuration shown in FIG. 3) and moving the points of vertically
adjacent recesses 120 in close proximity to one another. The
diamond-shaped recesses 120 may be generally circumscribed at
opposite ends by angled recesses 122 or otherwise. The
circumscribing recesses set forth herein are generally
interchangeable according to user preferences, effect upon the ball
when struck, or otherwise.
[0069] In FIG. 4, a series of staggered vertical recesses 130 are
circumscribed at either end by curved or parenthetical recesses 104
such as that shown in FIG. 1. As for the other repeated patterns of
recesses, the staggered vertical recess 130 may be either staggered
or aligned and the spacing between the individual recesses may be
subject to user choice, manufacturing preferences/efficiencies, or
marketing considerations. The same is similarly true not only for
the spacing between the individual recesses 130 as well as the
other recesses set forth herein, but also the individual size of
the recesses.
[0070] In FIG. 5, the horizontal recesses 140 may generally be
staggered and centered across the face F. The horizontal recesses
140 have a profile generally of a semi-circle and a semi-circular
recess 142 circumscribes the top of the staggered horizontal
recesses 140 and the group that they form.
[0071] FIG. 6 shows a series of nested or concentric semi-circular
recesses 150 each of which are interrupted from the other by
semi-circular regions 152 of the golf club face F. As a result,
alternating semi-circular regions are present that alternate
between the polymer-filled recess 150 and its adjacent golf club
face surface semi-circle 152.
[0072] FIG. 7 shows a series of horizontal rows 160 that generally
traverse the face F. Between each other horizontal row recesses 160
is an unengraved portion 162 of the golf club face F. As shown in
FIG. 7, the rows may be generally equal in width, but this can be
adjusted according to a variety of circumstances, preferences, or
other considerations.
[0073] Double-sidebar recesses 164 may be present on either side of
the group of horizontal rows 160. As shown in FIG. 7, these
double-sidebar recesses 164 generally span the height of the middle
two rows shown in FIG. 7, however the height, disposition, and
placement of the double-sidebar recesses 164 may be subject to the
same considerations as for the other recesses in their placement,
disposition, spacing, etc.
[0074] Having set forth above the variety of configurations some of
the several embodiments of the face configuration 100 of the
present invention can take, note should be taken that such recesses
provide the ability to change the surface aspects of the golf club
face F. This allows the golfer a greater degree of control over the
critical strike of the golf ball by changing the characteristics of
the striking surface. Each golfer has a unique swing and the
ability to alter the striking surface of the golf putter or other
golf club can aid or accommodate the golfer's swing. As indicated
above, the golf club face F may be disposed at an angle with
respect to the golf club C and this loft may either be incorporated
into a face insert attached to the golf club C or may be present in
the golf club to which a flat insert is attached, inset, or
otherwise.
[0075] At one extreme, the entire face F of the golf club C could
be polymeric material. This is generally not seen as it may not
provide those characteristics the golfer may wish to use.
Alternatively, several putters have flat or engraved metal faces
which may or may not provide an optimum surface by which to strike
a golf ball when in close proximity to the hole. The present
invention provides means by which to selectably and selectively
adjust the striking characteristics of the face F by providing a
variety of geometries for the recesses, and by providing for a
variety of materials which may fill such recess. The present
invention enables a golfer to achieve possibly better golf swings,
more controllable putts, and better scores. In so doing, the
individual may find greater enjoyment in the game and be able to
accommodate certain idiosyncrasies in his or her swing.
[0076] Furthermore, as set forth above, polymer filling in the
recesses and/or the edges at the transitions points between the
face F and the polymer-filled areas may allow better traction on
the ball and enable better engagement of the ball by the golf club
face.
[0077] In order to achieve the golf club face of the present
invention, a golf club insert may be cast or engraved having a
recess geometry as set forth above. These recesses are then filled
with a polymer material. In one embodiment, the recesses may be
filled by having the entire face F of the golf club C subjected to
the polymer filling material as by dipping into a reservoir, as by
spreading the polymer across the face, as by pouring the polymer
onto the face and spreading it thereover, or otherwise. The face
may then be milled flat with or without a loft angle in order to
provide the golf club face configuration 100 as set forth herein
where each of the recesses are interrupted from the others by the
foundation material of the golf club face F. Alternating regions of
golf club face F material and polymer are preferably present at or
near the point or area where the golf ball is struck.
[0078] The configurations 100 set forth above may be selectively
applied to and/or positioned on the face F of the golf club C. Such
configurations 100 may be placed at the heel, the toe, in the
center, or otherwise with respect to the golf club face F.
[0079] While the present invention has been described with regards
to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional
variations of the present invention may be devised without
departing from the inventive concept.
* * * * *