U.S. patent application number 11/828158 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-29 for golf clubs and methods of manufacture.
Invention is credited to Marty Jertson, Michael Nicolette, Brad Schweigert.
Application Number | 20090029795 11/828158 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39718016 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090029795 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schweigert; Brad ; et
al. |
January 29, 2009 |
Golf Clubs and Methods of Manufacture
Abstract
Embodiments of golf clubs and methods of manufacture are
generally described herein. A golf club has a shaft and a body
coupled to the shaft. The body has a toe end, a heel end opposite
the toe end, a front end, a back, end opposite the front end, a
front face at the front end, a top wall, and a bottom wall opposite
the top wall. The body also has a body height measured in a first
direction substantially normal to the bottom wall as measured from
the bottom wall to a top point of the front face. The body also has
a center of gravity and a center of gravity height measured in the
first direction along a center of gravity line that extends from
the bottom wall to the center of gravity. Other embodiments may be
described and claimed.
Inventors: |
Schweigert; Brad; (Anthem,
AZ) ; Jertson; Marty; (Cave Creek, AZ) ;
Nicolette; Michael; (Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
2201 WEST DESERT COVE
PHOENIX
AZ
85029
US
|
Family ID: |
39718016 |
Appl. No.: |
11/828158 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/328 ; 29/428;
473/290; 473/324; 473/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/005 20200801;
A63B 53/0408 20200801; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A63B 60/54 20151001;
A63B 53/0466 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/328 ; 29/428;
473/290; 473/324; 473/345 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/00 20060101
A63B053/00 |
Claims
1. A golf club head comprising: a body having a toe end, a heel end
opposite the toe end, a front end, a back end opposite the front
end, a front face at the front end, a top wall, and a bottom wall
opposite the top wall, wherein: the body has a body height measured
in a first direction substantially normal to the bottom wall from
the bottom wall to a top point of the front face; the body has a
center of gravity and a center of gravity height measured in the
first direction along a center of gravity line from the bottom wall
to the center of gravity; the body has a center of gravity ratio
comprising the center of gravity height relative to the body
height, and the center of gravity ratio is less than about
0.50.
2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the center of gravity
ratio is less than about 0.389.
3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the bottom wall extends
from the front end to the back end and is substantially parallel to
a ground plane when the club head is at an address position; and
the top wall extends downward to intersect the bottom wall at the
back end.
4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the front face extends
from the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and has a
maximum face height measured in a second direction substantially
parallel to the front face from the top point of the front face to
a bottom point of the front face; the front face has a front face
center of gravity point; a line along a third direction
substantially perpendicular to the second direction intersects the
front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity of the
body; the front face comprises a front face center distance
measured in the second direction from the bottom point of the front
face to the front face center of gravity point; the body further
comprises a front face ratio comprising the front face center
distance to the face height; and the front face ratio is less than
about 0.6.
5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the front face ratio is
less than about 0.575.
6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the body is substantially
hollow.
7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a radius of curvature of
a central portion of the top wall is less than a radius of
curvature of a central portion of the bottom wall.
8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the center of gravity
height is less than about 16 millimeters.
9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the center of gravity
height is less than about 12.7 millimeters.
10. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the top wall extends
downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end at an
intersection point; the intersection point further comprises one
end of an intersection distance measured in the first direction
from the intersection point to a ground plane when the club head is
at an address position; the body has an intersection ratio
comprising the intersection distance to the body height; and the
intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.
11. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein the intersection ratio
is less than about 0.136.
12. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein an intersection of the
top wall and the bottom wall at the intersection point creates an
intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a
transition radius at the intersection point.
13. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the front face extends
from the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and has a
maximum face height measured in a second direction substantially
parallel to the front face from the top point of the front face to
a bottom point of the front face; the front face has a front face
center of gravity point; a line along a third direction
substantially perpendicular to the second direction intersects the
front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity of the
body: the front face comprises a front face center distance
measured in the second direction from the bottom point of the front
face to the front face center of gravity point; the body further
comprises a front face ratio comprising the front face center
distance to the face height; the front face ratio is less than
about 0.6; and the center of gravity height is less than about 16
millimeters.
14. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein; the front face extends
from the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and has a
maximum face height measured in a second direction substantially
parallel to the front face from the top point of the front face to
a bottom point of the front face; the front face has a front face
center of gravity point; a line along a third direction
substantially perpendicular to the second direction intersects the
front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity of the
body; the front face comprises a front face center distance
measured in the second direction from the bottom point of the front
face to the front face center of gravity point; the body further
comprises a front face ratio comprising the front face center
distance to the face height; the front face ratio is less than
about 0.6; the top wall extends downward to intersect the bottom
wall at the back end at an intersection point; the intersection
point further comprises one end of an intersection distance
measured in the first direction from the intersection point to a
ground plane when the club head is at an address position; the body
has an intersection ratio comprising the intersection distance to
the body height; and the intersection ratio is less than about
0.20.
15. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the front face extends
from the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and has a
maximum face height measured in a second direction substantially
parallel to the front face from the top point of the front face to
a bottom point of the front face; the front face has a front face
center of gravity point; a line along a third direction
substantially perpendicular to the second direction intersects the
front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity of the
body; the front face comprises a front face center distance
measured in the second direction from the bottom point of the front
face to the front face center of gravity point; the body further
comprises a front face ratio comprising the front face center
distance to the face height; the front face ratio is less than
about 0.6; and the top wall and the bottom wall intersect at the
back end at an intersection point creating an intersection angle of
less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at
the intersection point.
16. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein; the center of gravity
height is less than about 16 millimeters; the top wall extends
downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end at an
intersection point; the intersection point further comprises one
end of an intersection distance measured in the first direction
from the intersection point to a ground plane when the club head is
at an address position; the body has an intersection ratio
comprising the intersection distance to the body height; and the
intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.
17. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the center of gravity
height is less than about 16 millimeters; and the top wall and the
bottom wall Intersect at the back end at an intersection point
creating an intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when
excluding a transition radius at the intersection point.
18. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the lop wall extends
downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end at an
intersection point; the intersection point further comprises one
end of an intersection distance measured in the first direction
from the intersection point to a ground plane when the club head is
at an address position; the body has an intersection ratio
comprising the intersection distance to the body height; the
intersection ratio is less than about 0.20; and the top wall and
the bottom wall at the intersection point creates an intersection
angle of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition
radius at the intersection point.
19. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the center of gravity
height is less than about 16 millimeters; the top wall extends
downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end at an
intersection point; the intersection point further comprises one
end of an intersection distance measured in the first direction
from the intersection point to a ground plane when the club head is
at an address position; the body has an intersection ratio
comprising the intersection distance to the body height; the
intersection ratio is less than about 0.20; the top wall and the
bottom wall at the intersection point creates an intersection angle
of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at
the intersection point.
20. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the front face extends
from the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and has a
maximum face height measured in a second direction substantially
parallel to the front face from the top point of the front face to
a bottom point of the front face; the front face has a front face
center of gravity point; a line along a third direction
substantially perpendicular to the second direction intersects the
front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity of the
body; the front face comprises a front face center distance
measured in the second direction from the bottom point of the front
face to the front face center of gravity point; the body further
comprises a front face ratio comprising the front face center
distance to the face height; the front face ratio is less than
about 0.6; the top wall extends downward to intersect the bottom
wall at the back end at an intersection point; the intersection
point further comprises one end of an intersection distance
measured in the first direction from the intersection point to a
ground plane when the club head is at an address position; the body
has an intersection ratio comprising the intersection distance to
the body height; the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20;
and the top wall and the bottom wall at the intersection point
creates an intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when
excluding a transition radius at the intersection point.
21. A golf club head comprising: a body having a toe end, a heel
end opposite the toe end, a front end, a back end opposite the
front end, a front face at the front end, a top wall, and a bottom
wall opposite the top wall, wherein: the body has a center of
gravity; the front face extends from the top wall to the bottom
wall at the front end and has a maximum face height measured in a
first direction substantially parallel to the front face from the
top point of the front face to a bottom point of the front face;
the front face has a front face center of gravity point; a line
along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first
direction intersects the front face center of gravity point and the
center of gravity of the body; the front face comprises a front
face center distance measured in the first direction from the
bottom point of the front face to the front face center of gravity
point; the body further comprises a front face ratio comprising the
front face center distance to the face height; and the front face
ratio is less than about 0.6.
22. A golf club head comprising: a body having a toe end, a heel
end opposite the toe end, a front end, a back end opposite the
front end, a front face at the front end, a top wall, and a bottom
wall opposite the top wall, wherein: the body has a body height
measured in a first direction substantially normal to the bottom
wall from the bottom wall to a top point of the front face; the top
wall extends downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end
at an intersection point; the intersection point further comprises
one end of an intersection distance measured in the first direction
from the intersection point to a ground plane when the club head is
at an address position; the body has an intersection ratio
comprising the intersection distance to the body height; and the
intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.
23. A method for manufacturing a golf club head comprising:
providing a body to have a toe end, a heel end, a front end, a back
end, a front face, a top wall, and a bottom wall extending from the
front end to the back end and adjacent to the top wall at the toe
end, the heel end, and the back end; wherein: the body has a body
height measured in a first direction substantially normal to the
bottom wall from the bottom wall to a top point of the front face;
the body has a center of gravity and a center of gravity height
measured in the first direction from the bottom wall to the center
of gravity; the body has a center of gravity ratio comprising the
center of gravity height to the body height; and the center of
gravity ratio is less than about 0.50.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: providing the
bottom wall to extend from the front end to the back end and to be
substantially parallel to a ground plane when the club head is at
an address position; and providing the top wall to extend downward
to intersect the bottom wall at the back end.
25. The method of claim 23, further comprising: providing the body
to have a maximum face height measured in a second direction
substantially parallel to the front face from the top point of the
front face to a bottom point of the front face; wherein: the front
face has a front face center of gravity point; a line along a third
direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction
intersects the front face center of gravity point and the center of
gravity; the front face comprises a front face center distance
measured in the second direction from the bottom point of the front
face to the front face center of gravity point; the body further
comprises a front face ratio comprising the front face center
distance to the face height; and the front face ratio is less than
about 0.6.
26. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing a radius
of curvature of a central portion of the top wall is less than a
radius of curvature of a central portion of the bottom wall.
27. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing the center
of gravity to be below the front face center of gravity point.
28. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing the center
of gravity height to be less than the front face center
distance.
29. The method of claim 23, further comprising: providing the top
wall to extend downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back
end at an intersection point; wherein: the intersection point
further comprises one end of an intersection distance measured in
the first direction from the intersection point to a ground plane
when the club head is at an address position; the body has an
intersection ratio comprising the intersection distance to the body
height; and the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.
30. The method of claim 29, further comprising providing the
intersection of the top wall and the bottom wall at the
intersection point to create an intersection angle of less than
about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at the
intersection point.
31. A golf club comprising: a shaft; and a body coupled to the
shaft and having a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a
front end, a back end opposite the front end, a front face at the
front end, a top wall, and a bottom wall opposite the top wall,
wherein: the body has a body height measured in a first direction
substantially normal to the bottom wall from the bottom wall to a
top point of the front face; the body has a center of gravity and a
center of gravity height measured in the first direction along a
center of gravity line from the bottom wail to the center of
gravity; the body has a center of gravity ratio comprising the
center of gravity height to the body height; and the center of
gravity ratio is less than about 0.50.
32. The golf club of claim 31, wherein: the front face extends from
the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and has a maximum
face height measured in a second direction substantially parallel
to the front face from the top point of the front face to a bottom
point of the front face; the front face has a front face center of
gravity point; a line along a third direction substantially
perpendicular to the second direction intersects the front face
center of gravity point and the center of gravity of the body; the
front face comprises a front face center distance measured in the
second direction from the bottom point of the front face to the
front face center of gravity point; the body further comprises a
front face ratio comprising the front face center distance to the
face height; and the front face ratio is less than about 0.6.
33. The golf club of claim 31, wherein: the top wall extends
downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end at an
intersection point; the intersection point further comprises one
end of an intersection distance measured in the first direction
from the intersection point to a ground plane when the club head is
at an address position; the body has an intersection ratio
comprising the intersection distance to the body height; and the
intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.
34. The golf club of claim 31, wherein an intersection of the top
wall and the bottom wall at the intersection point creates an
intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a
transition radius at the intersection point.
35. The golf club of claim 31, wherein: the front face extends from
the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and has a maximum
face height measured in a second direction substantially parallel
to the front face from the top point of the front face to a bottom
point of the front face; the front face has a front face center of
gravity point; a line along a third direction substantially
perpendicular to the second direction intersects the front face
center of gravity point and the center of gravity of the body; the
front face comprises a front face center distance measured in the
second direction from the bottom point of the front face to the
front face center of gravity point; the body further comprises a
front face ratio comprising the front face center distance to the
face height; and the front face ratio is less than about 0.575; the
top wall extends downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back
end at an intersection point; the intersection point comprises one
end of an intersection distance measured in the first direction
from the intersection point to a ground plane when the club head is
at an address position; the body has an intersection ratio
comprising the intersection distance to the body height; the
intersection ratio is less than about 0.136; and the intersection
of the top wail and the bottom wall at the intersection point
creates an intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when
excluding a transition radius at the intersection point.
36. A golf club head comprising: a toe end; a heel end opposite of
the toe end; a front end having a front face extending between the
toe and heel ends, the front face having a first point and a second
point; a back end opposite of the front end, the back end having a
third point; a bottom wall substantially parallel to a ground plane
when the golf club head is at an address position, the bottom wall
coupled to the front face at the second point; a top wall opposite
of the bottom wall and continuously tapering from the first point
to the third point, the top wall coupled to the bottom wall at the
third point and the top wall having a maximum height and a minimum
height, wherein: the maximum height is measured from the first
point to the ground plane along a first vertical plane
substantially perpendicular to the ground plane and including the
first point; and the minimum height is measured from the third
point to the ground plane along a second vertical plane
substantially perpendicular to the ground plane and including the
third point.
37. The golf club head of claim 36, wherein the top wall comprises
at least one of a substantially straight wall, a concavely curved
wall relative to the ground plane, or a convexly curved wall
relative to the ground plane.
38. The golf dub head of claim 36, wherein the bottom wall has a
maximum length measured from the second point to the third
point.
39. The golf dub head of claim 38, wherein the golf club head has
the maximum length.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to golf club heads, and
relates more particularly to golf club heads and methods of
manufacturing a golf club head.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Golf clubs and specifically golf club heads of various
designs have typically been developed to improve the functionality
of a golfer's swing and resulting golf shot. A frequent problem
many golfers suffer is their inability or lack of consistency to
hit "down" on a ball, that is, to regularly hit the ball squarely.
Golf club designs that optimize a golf club's center of gravity
position is one recent design trend among golf club manufacturers
to counteract this common problem. By positioning the center of
gravity towards the bottom of the golf club, this position may
induce the golfer during his swing, to hit "down" on the ball,
thus, hitting the ball squarely.
[0003] The manufacturing of oversized golf clubs having a larger
strike face, and subsequently a larger area of impact is another
recent design trend among golf club manufacturers. These oversized
clubs were designed to accommodate "miss hits" by the golfer.
Instead of inducing the golfer to hit the ball squarely by
optimizing the club's center of gravity position, these oversized
clubs use the larger sweet spot area to accommodate a miss hit
ball. Thus, the resulting trajectory of the miss hit ball reacts in
a manner as if it were hit squarely.
[0004] The general trend by golf club manufacturers is to
manufacture irons with an optimized center of gravity, and to
manufacture drivers, fairway woods, and utility clubs in an
oversized manner. However, a golfer may benefit from a driver,
fairway wood, or utility club that, similarly to an iron,
incorporates an optimally positioned center of gravity,
particularly where the center of gravity is located in the lower
portion of the of the club.
[0005] Accordingly, golf clubs and their methods of manufacture can
lower or further optimize the center of gravity of their golf club
heads.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club showing
a front face and top wall of a golf club head of the golf club,
according to a first embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the golf club head showing
the center of gravity of the golf club head and various dimensional
elements, according to the first embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section of the golf club head
showing various dimensional elements, according to the first
embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the back end of the golf
club showing an intersection point, intersection angle, and
intersection height, according to the first embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the golf club head
showing the bottom wall, according to the first embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a front end view of the golf club head
showing the front end and front face, according to the first
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the golf club head showing
the back end, according to the first embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a top down view of the golf club head
showing the top wall, front end, back end, heel end and toe end,
according to the first embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom up view of the golf club head
showing the bottom wall, according to the first embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the golf club head
showing the heel portion, according to the first embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the golf club head
showing the toe portion, according to the first embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section view of the exemplary
golf club head of FIG. 11 at an address position;
[0018] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section view of another
exemplary golf club head at an address position, according to a
second embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section view of an exemplary
golf club head at an address position, according to a third
embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 15 depicts a flow diagram representation of one manner
in which a golf club head may be manufactured, according to a
fourth embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 16 depicts a flow diagram representation of another
manner in which a golf club head may be manufactured, according to
a fifth embodiment; and
[0022] FIG. 17 depicts a flow diagram representation of yet another
manner in which a golf club head of FIG. 1 may be manufactured,
according to a sixth embodiment.
[0023] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing
figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and
descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the golf clubs and
their methods of manufacture. Additionally, elements in the drawing
figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the
dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be
exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve
understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same
reference numerals in different figures denote the same
elements.
[0024] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of golf clubs
and methods of manufacture described herein are, for example,
capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or
otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "contain,"
"include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method,
article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not
necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other
elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,
article, or apparatus.
[0025] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"side," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments of golf clubs and methods
of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of
operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise
described herein. The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as
directly or indirectly connected in an electrical, physically,
mechanical, or other manner.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS
[0026] In one embodiment of the golf clubs and methods of
manufacture described herein, a golf club head comprises: a body
having a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a front end, a
back end opposite the front end, a front face at the front end, a
top wall, and a bottom wall opposite the top wall. The body has a
body height that is measured in a first direction substantially
normal to the bottom wall. The body height extends from the bottom
wail to a top point of the front face. The body has a center of
gravity and a center of gravity height measured in the first
direction that extends along a center of gravity line. The center
of gravity height extends from the bottom wall to the center of
gravity. The body also has a center of gravity ratio comprising the
center of gravity height relative to the body height, and the
center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.50.
[0027] In a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, the golf club head also includes the bottom wall
extending from the front end to the back end and substantially
parallel to a ground plane when the club head is at an address
position. The top wall extends downward to intersect the bottom
wall at an intersection point at the back end.
[0028] In still a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, the golf club head includes the front face extending
from the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and having a
maximum face height measured in a second direction substantially
parallel to the front face. The face height extends from the top
point of the front face to a bottom point of the front face. The
front face also has a front face center of gravity point, and a
line along a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to
the second direction intersects the front face center of gravity
point and the center of gravity of the body. The front face also
comprises a front face center distance measured in the second
direction from the bottom point of the front face to the front face
center of gravity point. In this embodiment, the body comprises a
front face ratio comprising the front face center distance relative
to the face height, and the front face ratio is less than about
0.6.
[0029] In still yet another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, the golf club head comprises a toe end, a heel end
opposite of the toe end, a front end that has a front face
extending between the toe and heel ends, and the front face has a
top point and a bottom point. The embodiment further comprises a
back end opposite the front end, and the back end has an
intersection point. In this embodiment, the golf clubs and methods
of manufacture comprises a bottom wall substantially parallel to a
ground plane when the golf club head is at an address position, and
the bottom wall is coupled to the front face at the bottom point
and has a maximum length measured from the bottom point to the
intersection point. There is a top wall opposite the bottom wall
and the top wall continuously tapers from the top point to the
intersection point; the top wall couples to the bottom wall at the
intersection point and the top wall has a maximum height and a
minimum height. The maximum height is measured from the top point
to the ground plane along a first vertical plane substantially
perpendicular to the ground plane and including the top point, and
the minimum height is measured from the intersection point to the
ground plane along a second vertical plane substantially
perpendicular to the ground plane and including the intersection
point.
[0030] In an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture,
the top wall of the club head extends downward to intersect the
bottom wall at the back end at an intersection point. The
intersection point comprises one end of an intersection distance
measured in the first direction from the intersection point to a
ground plane when the club head is at an address position. This
embodiment further comprises an intersection ratio comprising the
intersection distance to the body height, and the intersection
ratio is less than about 0.20.
[0031] In a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, the intersection of the top wall and the bottom wall
at the intersection point creates an intersection angle of less
than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at the
intersection point.
[0032] In an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, a
method for manufacturing a golf club head comprises providing a
body to have a toe end, a heel end, a front end, a back end, a
front face, a top wall, and a bottom wall that extends from the
front end to the back end and adjacent to the top wall at the toe
end, the heel end, and the back end. The body is provided to have a
body height measured in a first direction substantially normal to
the bottom wall from the bottom wall to a top point of the front
face, and the body has a center of gravity and a center of gravity
height measured in the first direction from the bottom wall to the
center of gravity. The body has a center of gravity ratio
comprising the center of gravity height to the body height, and the
center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.50.
[0033] In a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, the method for manufacturing a golf club head further
comprises providing the bottom wall to extend from the front end to
the back end and to be substantially parallel to a ground plane
when the golf club head is at an address position, and providing
the top wall to extend downward to intersect the bottom wall at the
back end.
[0034] The method for manufacturing a golf club head further
comprises providing the body to have a maximum face height measured
in a second direction substantially parallel to the front face from
the top point of the front face to a bottom point of the front
face. This method comprises the front face to have a front face
center of gravity point, a line along a third direction
substantially perpendicular to the second direction that intersects
the front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity.
The front face comprises a front face center distance measured in
the second direction from the bottom point of the front face to the
front face center of gravity point, and the body further comprises
a front face ratio comprising the front face center distance to the
face height and the front face ratio is less than about 0.6.
[0035] In further embodiments of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, the method for manufacturing may comprise providing
the golf club head to have a radius of curvature of a central
portion of the top wall that is less than a radius of curvature of
a central portion of the bottom wall. Also, the method may further
comprise providing the center of gravity to be below the front face
center of gravity point. Moreover, the method can also provide the
center of gravity height to be less than the front face center
distance.
[0036] In still yet a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods
of manufacture, the method for manufacturing a golf club head
comprises providing the top wall to extend downward to intersect
the bottom wall at the back end at an intersection point, where the
intersection point further comprises one end of an intersection
distance measured in the first direction from the intersection
point to a ground plane when the club head is at an address
position. In this embodiment, the body has an intersection ratio
comprising the intersection distance to the body height; and the
intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.
[0037] In an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture,
the method for manufacturing a golf club head further comprises
providing the intersection of the top wall and the bottom wall at
the intersection point to create an intersection angle of less than
about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at the
intersection point.
[0038] In several of the embodiments, golf club heads comprise and
methods for manufacturing include, providing a golf club head
comprising a top wall that is straight, concave or convex.
[0039] These aforementioned embodiments can lower the center of
gravity of the golf club head or optimize it by using less material
or mass for the shell of the golf club head and allow the unused
mass to be redistributed to other parts of the golf club head.
[0040] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a
golf club 101, which includes a shaft 190 and a golf club head body
100 having a toe end 110, a heel end 120 opposite toe end 110, a
hosel 105 at heel end 120, a front end 130, a back end 140 opposite
front end 130, a front face 150 at front end 130, a top wall 160,
and a bottom wall 270 (FIG. 2) opposite top wall 160. Front face
150 can include a strike face and one or more of grooves 152.
Groves 152 may be incorporated upon front face 150 in varying
patterns, depths, widths, lengths, cross-sectional profiles, and/or
the like. Furthermore, golf club 101 can be a driver, a wood, a
hybrid club, or any other suitable type of golf club. The
apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein
are not limited in this regard.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 2, body 100 has a maximum body height
205 measured in a first direction substantially normal to bottom
wall 270 and/or to a ground plane when golf club head body 100 is
at an address position. Body height 205 extends from bottom wall
270 to a top point 206 of front face 150. For example, top point
206 of front face 150 can be the point of body 100 that is the
furthest away from bottom wall 270 in the first direction. Body 100
further has a center of gravity 280 and a center of gravity height
285. Center of gravity height 285 is measured in the first
direction along a center of gravity line from bottom wall 270 to
center of gravity 280.
[0042] In one embodiment, and with reference to Table 1, body 100
has a center of gravity ratio comprising center of gravity height
285 relative to body height 205 and the center of gravity ratio is
less than about 0.50. In another embodiment, the center of gravity
ratio is less than about 0.389. Although the above examples may
describe particular values for the center of gravity ratios, the
apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein
may be associated with other center of gravity ratios. In
particular, the center of gravity ratios may vary in a linear
manner or a non-linear manner with respect to the loft angles.
Accordingly, a golf club head having a loft angle greater than 21.5
degrees may be associated with a center of gravity ratio that is
greater than, less than, or equal to 0.50. In a similar manner, a
golf club head having a loft angle less than 14.0 degrees may be
associated with a center of gravity ratio that is greater than,
less than or equal to 0.393. Further, while Table 1 may describe
particular center of gravity heights, body heights, face heights,
front face center heights, center of gravity ratios, and front face
ratios of golf club head bodies that are associated with particular
loft angles, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture
may be applicable to other golf club head bodies associated with
other loft angles.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Center of Gravity Front Face Loft Height
Body Height Face Height Center Height Center of Front Face
(degrees) (millimeters) (millimeters) (millimeters) (millimeters)
Gravity Ratio Ratio 14.0 14.6 37.2 41.7 20.9 0.393 0.500 15.5 14.5
37.2 42.8 21.4 0.389 0.500 17.0 14.3 36.0 43.9 22.0 0.398 0.500
18.5 14.5 34.7 42.8 21.4 0.417 0.500 21.5 14.5 32.2 42.8 21.4 0.450
0.500
[0043] In a still further embodiment front face 150 extends from
top wall 160 to bottom wall 270 at front end 130 and has a maximum
face height 255. Face height 255 is measured in a second direction
substantially parallel to front face 150 from top point 206 of
front face 150 to a bottom point 208 of front face 150. Front face
150 has a front face center of gravity point 283. Face height 255
can extend along a midline of front face 150, where the midline
further bisects front face 150. A line along a third direction
substantially perpendicular to the second direction intersects
front face center of gravity point 283 and center of gravity 280 of
body 100. Front face 150 comprises a front face center distance 258
measured in the second direction from bottom point 208 of front
face 150 to front face center of gravity point 283. Body 100
further comprises a front face ratio comprising front face center
distance 258 to face height 255, and the front face ratio is less
than about 0.6. In another embodiment, the front face ratio is less
than about 0.575.
[0044] In one embodiment, center of gravity height 285 is less than
about 1.6 millimeters. In another embodiment, center of gravity
height 285 is less than about 12.7 millimeters.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, bottom wall 270 extends
from front end 130 to back end 140 and is substantially parallel to
a ground plane 398 when club head 100 is at an address position. In
particular, top wall 160 extends downward to intersect bottom wall
270 at back end 140 at an intersection point 390.
[0046] In yet another embodiment, and as can be seen from FIGS. 3
and 12, a radius of curvature of a central portion of top wall 160
is less than a radius of curvature of a central portion of bottom
wall 270. In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 13, a top wall
1360 may have no radius of curvature. In still yet another
embodiment, shown in FIG. 14, a fop wall 1460 can be convex.
[0047] In a further embodiment, top wall 160 extends downward to
intersect bottom wall 270 at back end 140 at an intersection point
390. Intersection point 390 further comprises one end of an
intersection distance 395 measured in the first direction from
intersection point 390 to a ground plane 398 when club head 100 is
at an address position. With reference to Table 2, body 100 further
comprises an intersection ratio comprising intersection distance
395 to body height 205, and the intersection ratio is less than
about 0.20. In one embodiment, the intersection ratio is less than
about 0.136.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Loft Intersection Distance Body Height
(degrees) (millimeters) (millimeters) Intersection Ratio 14.0 4.39
37.2 0.118 15.5 5.05 37.2 0.136 17.0 5.49 36.0 0.152 18.5 5.92 34.7
0.170 21.5 6.35 32.2 0.198
[0048] Alternatively, the portion of bottom wall 270 that extends
from front face 150 at front end 130 to intersection point 390 at
back end 140, may be substantially parallel to ground plane 398
when the club head is at the address position.
[0049] In a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, and with reference to FIG. 4, the intersection of top
wall 160 and bottom wall 270 at intersection point 390 creates an
intersection angle 492 of less than about 55 degrees when excluding
a transition radius at intersection point 390.
[0050] FIGS. 5-12 show other views of golf club head body 100.
Several of the embodiments discussed herein may be described with
respect to various ratios. It should be understood that these
ratios should not be interpreted to limit the embodiments as
discussed herein, and are merely included to enable the various
embodiments. The ratios are incorporated to assist in interpreting
the relationship between the various club elements such as body
height 205, face height 255, center of gravity 280 position,
intersection point 390, and the like.
[0051] In an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture,
with reference to FIG. 12, golf club head body 100 comprises front
face 150 having top point 206 and bottom point 208, back end 140
opposite of the front end 130; back end 140 has intersection point
390. In this embodiment, bottom wall 270 is substantially parallel
to ground plane 398 when golf club head body 100 is at an address
position, and bottom wall 270 couples to front face 150 at bottom
point 208. Body 100 and/or bottom wall 270 have a maximum length
1272 measured from bottom point 208 to intersection point 390. Top
wall 160, opposite of bottom wall 270, continuously tapers in a
substantially concave manner with respect to ground plane 398 from
top point 206 to intersection point 390, and top wall 160 couples
to bottom wail 270 at intersection point 390. In this embodiment,
top wall 160 has maximum body height 205 and a minimum intersection
height 395, and maximum body height 205 is measured from top point
206 to ground plane 398 along a first vertical plane 1261
substantially perpendicular to ground plane 398 and including first
point 206. Accordingly, the maximum height of body 100 is located
at the junction (i.e., top point 206) of top wall 160 and front
face 150. Minimum intersection height 395 is measured from
intersection point 390 to ground plane 398 along a second vertical
plane 1262 substantially perpendicular to ground plane 398,
substantially parallel to first vertical plane 1261 and to the
aforementioned first direction, and including intersection point
390.
[0052] In another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, with reference to FIG. 13, a golf club head body 1300
is similar to golf club head body 100 in FIGS. 1-12, except as
explained below. Golf club head body 1300 comprises a top wall 1360
that continuously tapers in a linear manner from a top point 1306
to an intersection point 1390. Top point 1306 defines a maximum top
wall height and/or a maximum body height 1305 for golf club head
body 1300, as measured along a first vertical plane 1361
substantially perpendicular to ground plane 398 when body 1300 is
at an address position. Plane 1361 includes top point 1306.
Intersection point 1390 defines a minimum top wall height and/or a
minimum body height or a minimum intersection height 1395 for golf
club head body 1300, as measured along a second vertical plane 1362
substantially perpendicular to ground plane 398 when body 1300 is
at an address position. Plane 1362 includes intersection point
1390. Golf club head body 1300 also has a maximum bottom wall
length and/or a maximum body length 1372 measured from bottom point
208 to intersection point 1390. Maximum body height 1305, top point
1306, first vertical plane 1361, intersection point 1390, minimum
intersection height 1395, second vertical plane 1362, and maximum
body length 1372 can be similar to maximum body height 205 (FIG.
2), top point 206 (FIG. 2), first vertical plane 1261 (FIG. 12),
intersection point 390 (FIG. 3), minimum intersection height 395,
second vertical plane 1262 (FIG. 12), and maximum body length 1272
(FIG. 12), respectively.
[0053] Moreover, in another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, with reference to FIG. 14, a golf club head body 1400
is similar to golf club head body 100 in FIGS. 1-12, except as
explained below. Golf club head body 1400 comprises a top wail 1460
that continuously tapers in a substantially convex manner with
respect to ground plane 398 from a top point 1406 to an
intersection point 1490. Top point 1406 defines a maximum top wall
height and/or a maximum body height 1405 for golf club head body
1400, as measured along a first vertical plane 1461 substantially
perpendicular to ground plane 398 when body 1400 is at an address
position. Plane 1461 includes top point 1406. Intersection point
1490 defines a minimum top wall height and/or a minimum body height
or a minimum intersection height 1495 for golf club head body 1400,
as measured along a second vertical plane 1462 substantially
perpendicular to ground plane 398 when body 1400 is at an address
position. Plane 1462 includes intersection point 1490. Golf club
head body 1400 also has a maximum bottom wall length and/or a
maximum body length 1472 measured from bottom point 208 to
intersection point 1490. Maximum body height 1405, top point 1406,
first vertical plane 1461, intersection point 1490, minimum
intersection height 1495, second vertical plane 1462, and maximum
body length 1472 can be similar to maximum body height 205 (FIG.
2), top point 206 (FIG. 2), first vertical plane 1261 (FIG. 12),
intersection point 390 (FIG. 3), minimum intersection height 395,
second vertical plane 1262 (FIG. 12), and maximum body length 1272
(FIG. 12), respectively.
[0054] While the embodiments discussed herein generally comprise a
body that is hollow, in other embodiments of golf clubs and methods
of manufacture, the body 100 interior may have various other
elements that occupy the otherwise substantially hollow interior.
For example, the body 100 interior may contain an expandable foam
or other filler material to alter the acoustical characteristics of
the club head when the club head strikes a ball. Also, internal
elements may be added to alter the physical characteristics of the
club head, where such physical characteristics can include weight,
center of gravity, moments of inertia, coefficients of restitution,
and the like. Still other internal elements may be added to provide
support, such as, reinforcing rib elements, cross members, and the
like.
[0055] In one embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture,
a method for manufacturing a golf club head comprises providing a
body 100 to have toe end 110, heel end 120, front end 130, back end
140, front face 150, top wall 160, and bottom wall 270 extending
from front end 130 to back end 140 and adjacent to top wall 160 at
toe end 110, heel end 120, and back end 140. Body 100 has body
height 205 and has center of gravity 280 and center of gravity
height 285. Body 100 is provided to have a center of gravity ratio
comprising center of gravity height 285 to body height 205, and the
center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.50.
[0056] The method can also include manufacturing a golf club by
providing shaft 190, providing body 100, and coupling together
shaft 190 and body 100. In the example of FIG. 15, a process or
method 1500 may begin with forming a golf club head body 100 (block
1510) and coupling golf club head body 100 to golf club shaft 190
(block 1520).
[0057] In another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, and with reference to FIG. 16, a method 1600 comprises
providing a golf club head having a front face opening (block
1610), providing a front face (block 1620), and coupling the front
face to the golf club head (block 1630). Method 1600 in this
embodiment further comprises coupling the golf club head to a golf
club shaft (block 1640). As an example, the golf club head and the
front face, as assembled together, can be similar to golf club head
body 100 in FIGS. 1-12, golf club head body 1300 in FIG. 3, and
golf club head body 1400 in FIG. 4.
[0058] In still yet another embodiment of golf clubs and methods,
and with reference to FIG. 17, a method 1700 comprises providing a
top wall (block 1710) and providing bottom wall 270 (block 1720).
In one embodiment, the top wall of block 1710 may be convex
(similar to top wall 160 in FIG. 12), linear (similar to top wall
1360 in FIG. 13), or concave (similar to top wail 1460 in FIG. 14).
Bottom wall 270 may be substantially parallel to a ground plane
when body 100 is at an address position relative to a golf ball
(not shown). In this embodiment, method 1700 further comprises
providing front face 150 (block 1730) and coupling the top wall,
bottom wall 270, and front face 150 together by a suitable means,
welding for example (block 1740), to define a golf club head body.
The golf club head body of block 1740 can be similar to body 100 in
FIGS. 1-12, body 1300 in FIG. 13, and body 1400 in FIG. 14. Lastly,
in this embodiment, method 1700 comprises coupling the golf club
head body to a shaft 190 (block 1750).
[0059] Although a particular order of actions are illustrated in
FIGS. 15-17, these actions may be performed in other temporal
sequences. For example, two or more actions depicted in FIGS. 15-17
may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously.
[0060] The providing steps in the described methods of FIGS. 15-17
can include designing and/or manufacturing. Designing and
manufacturing a golf club shaft is known in the art, and the
designing and manufacturing techniques known in the art can be used
to design and manufacture golf club head bodies described in FIGS.
15-17. As an example, body 100 in FIG. 15 can be manufactured using
a metal casting process. Furthermore, the described methods can be
used to manufacture the other aspects of body 100 described with
reference to FIGS. 1-12, as well as aspects of body 1300 in FIG. 13
and body 1400 in FIG. 14.
[0061] Additional examples of such changes have been given in the
foregoing description. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments
of golf clubs and methods of manufacture is intended to be
illustrative of the scope of golf clubs and methods of manufacture
and is not intended to be limiting. For example, in one embodiment,
a golf club can have one or more features of FIG. 2 with or without
the features described with reference to FIGS. 3 or 4. Similarly,
in different embodiments, a golf club can have one or more of the
features of FIG. 3 with or without the features of FIGS. 2 or 4,
and a golf club can have one or more of the features of FIG. 4 with
or without the features of FIGS. 2 or 3. It is intended that the
scope of golf clubs and methods of manufacture shall be limited
only to the extent required by the appended claims.
[0062] The system discussed herein may be implemented in a variety
of embodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of
these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete
description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed
description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose
at least one preferred embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, and may disclose alternative embodiments of golf clubs
and methods of manufacture.
[0063] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to golf clubs or methods of manufacture claimed in that particular
claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements
constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits,
other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described
with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages,
solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause
any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more
pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required,
or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.
[0064] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are
not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the
embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in
the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express
elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *