U.S. patent application number 13/005801 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-14 for metal injection molded grooved face insert.
This patent application is currently assigned to CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY. Invention is credited to MATTHEW T. CACKETT, ALAN HOCKNELL, AUGUSTIN W. ROLLINSON.
Application Number | 20110172026 13/005801 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44258936 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110172026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CACKETT; MATTHEW T. ; et
al. |
July 14, 2011 |
METAL INJECTION MOLDED GROOVED FACE INSERT
Abstract
The present invention discloses an iron-type golf club head
having a face insert composed of a metal injection molded material.
The face insert having a plurality of grooves disposed therein.
Inventors: |
CACKETT; MATTHEW T.; (SAN
DIEGO, CA) ; ROLLINSON; AUGUSTIN W.; (CARLSBAD,
CA) ; HOCKNELL; ALAN; (CARLSBAD, CA) |
Assignee: |
CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
CARLSBAD
CA
|
Family ID: |
44258936 |
Appl. No.: |
13/005801 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61295094 |
Jan 14, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/331 ;
473/342; 473/349 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/042 20200801;
A63B 53/0408 20200801; A63B 53/047 20130101; A63B 53/0416 20200801;
A63B 53/0445 20200801; A63B 2209/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/331 ;
473/342; 473/349 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Claims
1. An iron-type golf club head comprising: a body having a front
wall with a recess formed therein; a face insert disposed in the
recess, the face insert composed of a metal injection molded
material, the face insert having a first plurality of grooves and a
second plurality of grooves, wherein each groove of the first
plurality of grooves has a depth of at least 0.016 inch and each
groove of the first plurality of grooves is spaced at least 0.073
inch from any other groove of the first plurality of grooves,
wherein each of the second plurality of grooves having a depth of
less than 0.001 inch.
2. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1 wherein the
body is composed of stainless steel, titanium alloy, carpenter
steel, or any combination thereof.
3. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1 wherein the
face insert is composed of an iron-alloy injection molded
material.
4. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1 wherein the
face insert has a thickness that ranges from 0.026 inch to 0.125
inch.
5. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1 wherein the
face insert has a front surface and a back surface that are
parallel.
6. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1 wherein the
face insert has a front surface and a back surface that are angled
no greater than 10 degrees such that a thickness at a bottom of the
face insert is greater than a thickness at a top of the face
insert.
7. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1 wherein the
face insert is composed of a metal injection molded material having
a density that ranges from 7 g/cc to 9 g/cc.
8. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1 wherein each
groove of the first plurality of grooves has a width that ranges
from 0.021 inch to 0.027 inch.
9. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1 wherein each
groove of the first plurality of grooves has a side wall angle that
is no greater than 24 degrees.
10. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1 wherein each
groove of the first plurality of grooves has an edge radius that
ranges from 0.004 inch to 0.010 inch.
11. An iron-type golf club head comprising: a body having a front
wall with a recess formed therein; a face insert disposed in the
recess, the face insert composed of a metal injection molded
material, the face insert having a plurality of grooves, wherein
each of the plurality of grooves has a depth of at least 0.016
inch, each groove of the plurality of grooves is spaced at least
0.073 inch from any other groove of the plurality of grooves, and
each groove of the plurality of grooves has a width that ranges
from 0.021 inch to 0.027 inch.
12. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 11 wherein each
groove of the plurality of grooves has a side wall angle that is no
greater than 24 degrees.
13. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 11 wherein each
groove of the plurality of grooves has an edge radius that ranges
from 0.004 inch to 0.010 inch
14. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 11 wherein the
face insert has a thickness that ranges from 0.026 inch to 0.125
inch.
15. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 11 wherein the
face insert has a front surface and a back surface that are
parallel.
16. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 11 wherein the
face insert has a front surface and a back surface that are angled
no greater than 10 degrees such that a thickness at a bottom of the
face insert is greater than a thickness at a top of the face
insert.
17. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 11 wherein the
face insert is composed of a metal injection molded material having
a density that ranges from 7 g/cc to 9 /cc.
18. An iron-type golf club head comprising: a body having a front
wall with a recess formed therein; and a face insert disposed in
the recess, the face insert composed of a metal injection molded
material having a density between 7 g/cc and 9 g/cc and thickness
that ranges from 0.026 inch and 0.125 inch, the face insert having
a plurality of grooves.
19. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 18 wherein each
groove of the plurality of grooves has a square cross-sectional
shape.
20. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 18 wherein each
groove of the plurality of grooves has a U-like cross-sectional
shape.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/295,094 filed on Jan. 14, 2010.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to iron-type golf clubs heads
with face inserts. More specifically, the present invention relates
to iron-type golf clubs heads with metal injection molded face
inserts.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Present day golf clubs are typically composed of titanium or
steel, and either cast or forged. Various patents have disclosed
the use of multiple material golf club heads, generally combining a
metal with a non-metal. Various patents have also disclosed the use
of metal injection molding for golf clubs.
[0007] Sanford et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,014, for a Metal Golf
Club Head And Method Of Manufacture, discloses a golf club head
with two components with at least one of the components composed of
a metal injection molded material.
[0008] Gressel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,842, for a Preparation
Of Articles Using Metal Injection Molding, discloses an entire golf
club head composed of a metal injection molded material having a
stainless steel and tungsten alloy composition.
[0009] Gressel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,898, for a Preparation
Of Articles Using Metal Injection Molding, discloses forming an
entire golf club head composed of a metal injection molded material
having a stainless steel and tungsten alloy composition.
[0010] Zhang et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,767,418, for a TI-ZR Type
Alloy And Medical Appliance Formed Thereof, discloses a
titanium-zirconium alloy that may be used for golf club
components.
[0011] Sakata et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,407, for a Process For
Producing Sintered Product, discloses a process for metal injection
molding.
[0012] LaSalle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,746, for a Co-Sintering
Of Similar Materials, discloses a process of fusing two dissimilar
material parts through use of co-sintering including a golf
putter.
[0013] Takahashi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,686, for a Method Of
Manufacturing Sintered Compact, discloses sintering a green body
formed by metal injection molding.
[0014] LaSalle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,493, for a Net Shape
Hastelloy X Made By Metal Injection Molding Using An Aqueous
Binder, discloses metal injecting a Hastelloy X powder.
[0015] Zedalis et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,208, for a Process For
Debinding And Sintering Metal Injection Molded Parts Made With An
Aqueous Binder, discloses metal injection molding a 17-4PH
stainless steel alloy.
[0016] Takahashi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,102, for a Method Of
Manufacturing Sintered Compact, discloses sintering a green body
formed by metal injection molding.
[0017] The prior art discloses various methods to manufacture golf
club heads, especially iron-type golf club heads. For example,
Rogers, U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,885 for Golf Iron Manufacture,
discloses scoring grooves into a face for the club head.
[0018] Taylor, U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,632 for a Lined Face For A Golf
Club discloses grooves in compliance with the Rules of Golf at that
time.
[0019] Ribaudo, U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,203, for Golf Club discloses a
golf club face having grooves to eliminate the slice or the hook of
the golf ball.
[0020] Shira, U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,787, for a Golf Club Including
High Friction Striking Face discloses grit blasting the horizontal
grooves to provide a friction generating surface when the striking
surface of the golf club head engages a ball. The metallic matrix
of the golf ball striking face contains hard particles which are
harder than the metallic matrix and protrude above the surface.
[0021] Stuff, U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,059, for Golf Club Heads With
Means For Imparting Corrective Action, discloses a club head with
at least two non-parallel sets of grooves.
[0022] Doolen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,725, for a Golf Club Having
Angular Grooves discloses grooves oriented at various angles. The
grooves across the golf club face are angled at an angle that is
substantially non-parallel with the club sole. All grooves however
are sloped in the same direction as one another.
[0023] Hirota, U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,615, for a Head Of Golf Clubs
That Spins More, discloses a face having grooves that allow for
pressure to act specially on the edges of the grooves to increase
ball spin.
[0024] Vokey et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,473,187, for Spin Milled
Grooves For A Golf Club, discloses machining grooves into a
face.
[0025] Hettinger et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,452,283, for a Putterhead
With Dual Milled Face Pattern, discloses milling grooves into a
face of a putter.
[0026] Kennedy, III, U.S. Pat. No. 7,179,175, for a Golf Club
Having Stepped Grooves, discloses a golf club head with V-shaped
and U-shaped grooves.
[0027] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0264217 to
Johnson et al., for Golf Club Head Having a Grooved Face, discloses
a spin milling or fly cutting method for forming grooves. This
manner allows for tighter draft angles, increases the rate of
production, and allows for tighter tolerances than casting or
forging.
[0028] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0247318 to Ban
et al., for Golf Club Head, discloses a plurality of striations
formed on the face and extending from a toe side to a heel side,
where the cross sectional shape of each striation is a triangle
asymmetric with regard to the a virtual center line in a width
direction and the smallest interior angle of the three interior
angles of the triangle being placed at the sole side of the golf
club head.
[0029] Although these inventions have provided novel methods for
forming grooves on the face of the golf club head, the prior art
has not optimized groove formation.
[0030] Scoreline designs generally have a cross-section geometry
that includes two edges, two side walls and a bottom. The side
walls are at a predetermined angle from a vertical line. Usually,
each wall has more than one section and those sections are straight
or curved. Alternatively, the scoreline design is a "V" shape, in
which case there is no bottom other than a vertex or fillet
radius.
[0031] Iron-type golf clubs having scorelines with sharp edges and
relatively vertical side walls are advantageous to golfers since
such sharp edged grooves allow golfers to induce higher levels of
spin on a ball struck with such an iron-type golf club having sharp
edged grooves. Iron-type golf clubs without sharp edged grooves or
essentially vertical side walls will induce less spin when
impacting a golf ball, especially higher-lofted (40 degrees +) golf
clubs.
[0032] The following requirements apply to apply to the collective
set of grooves on any individual club head. Groove width (W) is
measured per the USGA 30.degree. method. Less than 50% of groove
widths shall be greater than 0.035 inch and no single groove width
shall be greater than 0.037 inch. Groove widths shall not vary by
more than 0.010 inch from narrowest to widest. Groove depth (D) is
measured per the USGA method from adjoining land areas. Less than
50% of groove depths shall be greater than 0.020 inch and no single
groove depths shall be greater than 0.022 inch. Groove depths shall
not vary by more than 0.010 inch from shallowest to deepest. Groove
spacing (S) is measured per the USGA 30.degree. method. Less than
50% of groove spaces shall be less than 0.075 inch or be less than
three times the width of the widest amount adjacent groove. No
single groove space shall be less than 0.073 inch or be less than
three times the width of the widest adjacent groove minus 0.008
inch.
[0033] For heads other than drivers and putters, the area/pitch
"A/P" is measured per the USGA method from adjoining land areas.
Less than 50% of A/P values shall be greater than 0.0030 inch and
no single A/P value shall be greater than 0.0032 inch. For heads
having loft equal or greater than 25.degree., the effective radius
"ER" is measured per the USGA 0.0110 inch R circle method. Less
than 50% of the grooves shall have more than 10.degree. of
effective radius greater than 0.0110 inch and no single groove
shall have any amount of effective radius greater than 0.0113
inch.
[0034] Backspin is the primary mechanism by which a golfer can
control a golf ball upon landing after being struck. Backspin is
especially important for short shots where proximity to the hole is
of greater consequence to the golfer. High lofted clubs (50 degrees
to 75 degrees) have grooves designs which are meant to interact
with the surface of a golf ball at impact and remove debris from
the contacting surface in order to increase friction and thereby
impart more spin on the ball. Unlike intermediate lofts whose spin
can either be increased or decreased with increased friction, the
high lofted club will almost always increase spin through increased
friction. Traditionally groove designs have focused on increasing
the groove area underneath the golf ball at impact.
[0035] Materials and processes typically used in fabrication of
golf clubs are not amenable to precision control of a finely
detailed groove profile. Forging, forming, casting and machining of
metals all have practical limitations with regard to the feature
size and profile tolerance that can be accurately and consistently
replicated in mass production. Detailed features, tight profile
tolerances and steep groove wall angles are not suitable for
existing methods of manufacture using conventional materials such
as stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, aluminum and the
like.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0036] An object of the present invention is to accomplish a method
of manufacture and design such that grooves can be produced with
detailed features, tight profile tolerances and steep groove wall
angles on a face insert for an iron or wedge. The advantage in
being able to do this is that spin will be enhanced for a variety
of shot types and conditions when striking a urethane covered golf
ball.
[0037] The present invention consists of using a specific
manufacturing process, metal injection molding, "MIM", to fabricate
a face insert having integrally molded grooves. The grooved face
plate is made from a metal material, most preferentially made via
injection molding using a fine particulate formulation of metallic
and plastic particles (such as MIM 17-4PH provided by Kinetics) to
enhance precise replication of the groove geometry. The groove
geometry fabricated using this method can be controlled more
precisely which enables increased engagement with the ball during
impact, causing increased spin on the ball. The groove geometry is
precision machined in a negative tool surface and the MIM material
is formed against the tool surface and subsequently sintered to
final form.
[0038] The grooved face plate, or insert, is then attached to an
iron or wedge that has a matching recess in the face. The
attachment is preferably by means of adhesively bonding the back
surface and sides of the plate to the recess. Other methods such as
pressing, brazing and welding may be used.
[0039] The advantages of using a MIM face insert groove profile
include the fact that it can be replicated more consistently,
essentially yielding tighter tolerances and allowing the nominal
groove geometry to be designed closer to the allowable limits
defined by the USGA.
[0040] The edge radii can be formed and controlled more accurately
than other processes. Machining, for instance is not suitable for
directly forming an edge radius and a less controllable secondary
process such as media blasting is required to "break" the edge.
[0041] Steeper side wall angles are produce-able by MIM whereas
other methods of manufacture are limited to side wall angles
greater than 18 deg.
[0042] One aspect of the present invention is an iron-type golf
club head having a body with a recess formed therein. A face insert
is disposed within the recess, the face insert being composed using
metal injection molding. On the face insert is a plurality of
grooves. Each groove preferably has a depth of at least 0.016 inch
and each groove of the plurality of grooves is spaces at least
0.073 inch from any other groove of the plurality of grooves.
[0043] The iron-type golf club head has a body preferably composed
of stainless steel, titanium alloy, carpenter steel, or any
combination thereof. The face insert is preferably composed of a
stainless steel. The face insert has a thickness that preferably
ranges from 0.026 inch to 0.125 inch. In one embodiment, the front
surface and back surface of the face insert are parallel. However,
in another embodiment, the front surface and the back surface of
the face insert may be angled not more than 10 degrees such that
the thickness at the bottom is greater than the thickness at the
top.
[0044] Further, each groove of the plurality of grooves preferably
has a width that ranges from 0.021 inch to 0.027 inch. Each groove
of the plurality of grooves preferably has a side wall angle that
ranges from 0 to 24 degrees. Additionally, each groove of the
plurality of grooves has an edge radius that ranges from 0.004 inch
to 0.010 inch.
[0045] Having briefly described the present invention, the above
and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be
recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following
detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an iron-type golf club
head.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a front view of an iron-type golf club head.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a rear view of an iron-type golf club head.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an iron-type golf club
head.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of an iron-type golf club
head.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a toe side view of an iron-type golf club
head.
[0052] FIG. 7 is heel side view of an iron-type golf club head.
[0053] FIG. 8 is an isolated and enlarged cross-sectional view of a
groove.
[0054] FIG. 9 is an isolated and enlarged cross-sectional view of
grooves on a face insert of an iron-type golf club head.
[0055] FIG. 10 is an isolated and enlarged cross-sectional view of
the edge radius of a groove.
[0056] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the grooves on the face
insert.
[0057] FIG. 11A is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the
grooves.
[0058] FIG. 11B is a cross sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the grooves.
[0059] FIG. 12 is an isolated view of the face insert.
[0060] FIG. 13 is an isolated view of an iron-type golf club head
with a recess therein.
[0061] FIG. 14 is a view of the iron-type golf club head and face
insert when assembled.
[0062] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 14 showing the
face insert and body of the iron-type golf club head.
[0063] FIG. 16 is an isolated and enlarged view of the face
insert.
[0064] FIG. 17 is an isolated view of a groove.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0065] As shown in the figures, an iron-type golf club is generally
designated 20. The golf club head 20 includes a body 21 having a
front wall 22 with a recess 23 formed therein. Disposed in the
recess 23 is a face insert 24 having a plurality of grooves 25. The
body 21 is preferably composed of a material such as titanium
materials, stainless steel, carpenter steel, 1020 steel, amorphous
metals and the like. The material of the body 21 preferably has a
density between 4 g/cm.sup.3 and 10 g/cm.sup.3. Such titanium
materials include pure titanium and titanium alloys such as 6-4
titanium alloy, 6-22-22 titanium alloy, 4-2 titanium alloy, SP-700
titanium alloy (available from Nippon Steel of Tokyo, Japan), DAT
55G titanium alloy available from Diado Steel of Tokyo, Japan, Ti
10-2-3 Beta-C titanium alloy available from RTI International
Metals of Ohio, and the like. The body 21 is preferably
manufactured through casting. Alternatively, the body 21 is
manufactured through forging, forming, machining, powdered metal
forming, metal-injection-molding, electro-chemical milling, and the
like.
[0066] The face insert 24 is composed using metal injection
molding. The face insert has integrally formed grooves 25. The face
insert 24 has a planar or multi-planar back surface that is bonded
to the recessed portion 23 of the iron-type golf club head 20.
[0067] In general, the moment of inertia, Izz, about the Z-axis for
the golf club head 20 preferably ranges from 2200 g-cm.sup.2 to
3000 g-cm.sup.2, more preferably from 2400 g-cm.sup.2 to 2700
g-cm.sup.2, and most preferably from 2472 g-cm.sup.2 to 2617
g-cm.sup.2. The moment of inertia, Iyy, about the Y-axis for the
golf club head 20 preferably ranges from 400 g-cm.sup.2 to 700
g-cm.sup.2, more preferably from 500 g-cm.sup.2 to 600 g-cm.sup.2,
and most preferably from 530 g-cm.sup.2 to 560 g-cm.sup.2. The
moment of inertia, Ixx, about the X-axis for the golf club head 20
preferably ranges from 2450 g-cm.sup.2 to 3200 g-cm.sup.2, more
preferably from 2500 g-cm.sup.2 to 2900 g-cm.sup.2, and most
preferably from 2650 g-cm.sup.2 to 2870 g-cm.sup.2.
[0068] The face insert is preferably composed of a metal injection
molded material. Preferably, the metal injection material comprises
stainless steel and preferably has a density ranging from 7.00
grams per cubic centimeters ("g/cc") to 9.00 g/cc, and is most
preferably 7.70 g/cc. Metal injection molding powders are
commercially available. CATAMOLD materials from BASF is one such
metal injection molding powder.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an
iron-type golf club head 20 comprises a body 21 having a front wall
22 with a recess 23 formed therein. A face insert 24 is disposed in
the recess 23. The face insert 24 is composed of a metal injection
molded material. The face insert 24 has a plurality of grooves 25,
wherein each of the plurality of grooves 25 has a depth, D1, of at
least 0.016 inch, each groove 25 of the plurality of grooves is
spaced at least 0.073 inch from any other groove 25 of the
plurality of grooves, and each groove 25 of the plurality of
grooves has a width, W1, that ranges from 0.021 inch to 0.027 inch.
Each groove 25 of the plurality of grooves has a side wall angle
that is no greater than 24 degrees. Each groove of the plurality of
grooves has an edge radius that ranges from 0.004 inch to 0.010
inch. The face insert 24 has a thickness that ranges from 0.026
inch to 0.125 inch. Preferably, the face insert 24 has a front 24a
surface and a back surface 24b that are parallel. Alternatively,
the face insert 24 has a front surface 24a and a back surface 24b
that are angled no greater than 10 degrees such that a thickness at
a bottom of the face insert 24 is greater than a thickness at a top
of the face insert 24. The face insert 24 is composed of a metal
injection molded material having a density that ranges from 7 g/cc
to 9 /cc.
[0070] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an
iron-type golf club head 20 comprises a body 21 having a front wall
22 with a recess 23 disposed therein. A face insert 24 is disposed
within the recess 23, the face insert 24 composed using metal
injection molding. On the face insert is a first set of plurality
of grooves 25 and a second set of plurality of grooves 25a. The
first set of plurality of grooves has a depth of at least 0.016
inch and each groove 25 of the first set of plurality of grooves is
spaced at least 0.073 inch from an adjacent groove 25 of the first
set of plurality of grooves.
[0071] The face insert 24 is preferable composed of a stainless
steel, such as MIM 17-4PH provided by Kinetics, and preferably has
a density of 7.70 g/cc. The body 21 is preferably composed of
stainless steel, titanium alloy, carpenter steel, or any
combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 17, the face insert 24 has a
thickness, t, that preferably ranges from 0.026 inch to 0.125 inch.
In one embodiment, the face insert 24 has a front surface 24a and
back surface 24b that are parallel, as shown in FIG. 12. In another
embodiment, the face insert 23 has a front surface 23a and a back
surface 23b that are angled at no greater than 10 degrees such that
the thickness at the bottom is greater than the thickness at the
top. The face insert 23 is preferably composed of a material having
a density ranging from 7 g/cc to 9 g/cc.
[0072] Each groove 25 of the first set of plurality of grooves
preferably has a width (W1) that ranges from 0.021 inch to 0.027
inch. Each groove 25 of the first set of plurality of grooves
preferably has a side wall angle, .theta., that ranges from 0 to 24
degrees. Further, each groove 25 of the first set of plurality of
grooves has an edge radius, ER, that preferably ranges from 0.004
inch to 0.0101 inch.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 8, a groove 25 of the first set of
plurality of grooves has a width, W1, preferably ranging from 0.021
inch to 0.027 inch. The width is defined as the distance across a
groove 25 from an inflection point of one end to an inflection
point of the opposing end. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, a groove of
the first set of plurality of grooves has a depth (D1) that
preferably ranges from 0.016 inch to 0.022 inch. Further, as shown
in FIG. 9, the distance between a groove 25 of the first set of
plurality of grooves and the adjacent groove 25 of the first set of
plurality of grooves is the spacing (S1) which preferably ranges
from 0.073 inch to 0.083 inch.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 10, the edge radius (ER) of each groove 25
of the first set of plurality of grooves preferably ranges from
0.004 inch to 0.0101 inch. The side wall angle, as shown in FIG. 17
in the first set of plurality of grooves preferably ranges from 0
degrees to 24 degrees.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 9-10, each of the grooves 25 of the second
set of plurality of grooves has a depth (D2) of less than 0.001
inch. A groove 25 of the second set of plurality of grooves has a
width, W2, preferably ranging from 0.001 inch to 0.010 inch.
Further, as shown in FIG. 9 the spacing (S2) between each of the
second plurality of grooves is spaced no more than 0.002 inch from
an adjacent second plurality of grooves.
[0076] Additionally, each of the second plurality of grooves may
have a V-like cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 11, square
cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 11A, or U-like
cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 11B.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 10, the effective radius ("ER") of a groove
(25) is shown. The "ER" of a groove 25 of the first set of
plurality of grooves preferably ranges from 0.004 inch to 0.010
inch. As shown in FIG. 11, a groove (25) in the first set of
plurality of grooves may have a base ("B") which ranges from 0.005
inch to 0.009 inch.
[0078] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Hettinger, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,116,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0079] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Schmidt, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,795,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0080] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Schmidt, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,849,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
[0081] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Blough et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,869, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0082] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Kosmatka, U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,868, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0083] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Kosmatka, U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,455, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0084] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Kosmatka, U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,905, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0085] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Erickson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,290,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0086] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Reyes, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,144,336, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0087] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Deshmukh, U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,148, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0088] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Aguinaldo, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,531,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0089] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Wieland, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,389,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0090] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Nycum, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,387, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0091] Alternatively, the structure of the iron-type golf club is
such as disclosed in Holt, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,126, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0092] From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the
pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this
invention and will readily understand that while the present
invention has been described in association with a preferred
embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, numerous changes, modifications and
substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be
unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following
appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in
which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in
the following appended claims.
* * * * *