U.S. patent application number 14/476863 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-07 for golf clubs and golf club heads in fairway wood family having variable camber and related methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Brandon L. Fossum, Martin Jertson, John A. Solheim.
Application Number | 20150126296 14/476863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53007436 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150126296 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fossum; Brandon L. ; et
al. |
May 7, 2015 |
GOLF CLUBS AND GOLF CLUB HEADS IN FAIRWAY WOOD FAMILY HAVING
VARIABLE CAMBER AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
A set of golf club heads including two or more fairway wood-type
golf clubs heads each having a different loft angle. The two or
more fairway wood-type golf club heads can each include a sole,
which can include a center point and a camber region having a
radius of curvature. The camber region can extend at least
approximately 0.5 inch from the center point in each of a toe
direction and a heel direction. The loft angles of the two or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads can progressively increase across
the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads. The radii of
curvature of the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads can
progressively decrease across the two or more fairway wood-type
golf club heads. Other embodiments for related sets of golf club
heads, golf clubs, and methods are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Fossum; Brandon L.;
(Phoenix, AZ) ; Jertson; Martin; (Phoenix, AZ)
; Solheim; John A.; (Phoenix, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION |
Phoenix |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING
CORPORATION
Phoenix
AZ
|
Family ID: |
53007436 |
Appl. No.: |
14/476863 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61900994 |
Nov 6, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/290 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0408 20200801;
A63B 53/0466 20130101; A63B 53/005 20200801; A63B 53/0412
20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/290 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Claims
1. A set of golf club heads comprising: two or more fairway
wood-type golf clubs heads, each comprising: a different loft
angle; and a sole comprising a center point and a camber region,
the camber region comprising a radius of curvature and extending at
least approximately 0.5 inch from the center point in each of a toe
direction and a heel direction, wherein: the loft angles of the two
or more fairway wood-type golf club heads progressively increase
across the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads; and the
radii of curvature of the two or more fairway wood-type golf club
heads progressively decrease across the two or more fairway
wood-type golf club heads.
2. The set of golf club heads of claim 1 comprising three or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads each having a different loft
angle, wherein: the three or more fairway wood-type golf club heads
comprise the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads; the
loft angles of the three or more fairway wood-type golf club heads
progressively increase across the three or more fairway wood-type
golf club heads; and the radii of curvature of the three or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads progressively decrease across the
three or more fairway wood-type golf club heads.
3. The set of golf club heads of claim 1, wherein, for each of the
two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads, the camber region of
the sole is located at approximately 0.5 inch behind a leading edge
of the sole.
4. The set of golf club heads of claim 1, wherein, for each of the
two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads, the center point of
the sole is located on a vertical line extending through an
engineered impact point of the fairway wood-type golf club head
when the fairway wood-type golf club head is positioned at a
nominal lie angle.
5. The set of golf club heads of claim 1, wherein: the loft angle
of a first fairway wood-type golf club head of the two or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads is less than a loft angle of a
second fairway wood-type golf club head of the two or more fairway
wood-type golf club heads; and the radius of curvature of the
second fairway wood-type golf club head is at least approximately
0.125 inch less than the radius of curvature of the first fairway
wood-type golf club head.
6. The set of golf club heads of claim 5, wherein: the loft angle
of a third fairway wood-type golf club head of the two or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads is greater than a loft angle of
the second fairway wood-type golf club head; and the radius of
curvature of the third fairway wood-type golf club head is at least
approximately 0.125 inch less than the radius of curvature of the
second fairway wood-type golf club head.
7. The set of golf club heads of claim 1, wherein, for each of the
two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads, the radius of
curvature is less than approximately 6.5 inches.
8. The set of golf club heads of claim 1, wherein each of the two
or more fairway wood-type golf club heads comprises a body having a
volume of no more than approximately 350 cubic centimeters.
9. A set of golf clubs comprising: two or more fairway wood-type
golf clubs each comprising: a golf club head comprising: a
different loft angle; and a sole comprising a center point and a
camber region, the camber region comprising a radius of curvature
and extending at least approximately 0.5 inch from the center point
in each of a toe direction and a heel direction, wherein: the loft
angles of the golf club heads of the two or more fairway wood-type
golf clubs progressively increase across the two or more fairway
wood-type golf clubs; and the radii of curvature of the golf club
heads of the two or more fairway wood-type golf clubs progressively
decrease across the two or more fairway wood-type golf clubs.
10. The set of golf clubs of claim 9, wherein: each of the two or
more fairway wood-type golf clubs comprise a shaft having a shaft
length; and the shaft lengths of the shafts of the two or more
fairway wood-type golf clubs progressively decrease across the two
or more fairway wood-type golf clubs.
11. The set of golf clubs of claim 9 comprising three or more
fairway wood-type golf clubs each having a different loft angle,
wherein: the three or more fairway wood-type golf club heads
comprise the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads; the
loft angles of the golf club heads of the three or more fairway
wood-type golf clubs progressively increase across the three or
more fairway wood-type golf clubs; and the radii of curvature of
the golf club heads of the three or more fairway wood-type golf
clubs progressively decrease across the three or more fairway
wood-type golf clubs.
12. The set of golf clubs of claim 11, wherein the three of more
fairway wood-type golf clubs comprise a 3-wood-type golf club, a
5-wood-type golf club, and a 7-wood-type golf club.
13. The set of golf clubs of claim 9, wherein, for each of the two
or more fairway wood-type golf clubs, the camber region of the sole
is located at approximately 0.5 inch behind a leading edge of the
sole.
14. The set of golf clubs of claim 9, wherein, for each of the two
or more fairway wood-type golf clubs, the center point of the sole
is located on a vertical line extending through an engineered
impact point of the golf club head of the fairway wood-type golf
club when the golf club head is positioned at a nominal lie
angle.
15. The set of golf clubs of claim 9, wherein: the loft angle of a
first fairway wood-type golf club of the two or more fairway
wood-type golf clubs is less than a loft angle of a second fairway
wood-type golf club of the two or more fairway wood-type golf
clubs; and the radius of curvature of the second fairway wood-type
golf club is at least approximately 0.125 inch less than the radius
of curvature of the first fairway wood-type golf club.
16. The set of golf clubs of claim 15, wherein: the loft angle of a
third fairway wood-type golf club of the two or more fairway
wood-type golf clubs is greater than a loft angle of the second
fairway wood-type golf club; and the radius of curvature of the
third fairway wood-type golf club is at least approximately 0.125
inch less than the radius of curvature of the second fairway
wood-type golf club.
17. The set of golf clubs of claim 9, wherein, for each of the two
or more fairway wood-type golf clubs, the radius of curvature is
less than approximately 6.5 inches.
18. The set of golf clubs of claim 9, wherein the golf club head of
each of the two or more fairway wood-type golf clubs comprises a
body having a volume of no more than approximately 350 cubic
centimeters.
19. A method of providing a set of golf clubs comprising: providing
a set of golf club heads, the set of golf club heads comprising two
or more fairway wood-type golf clubs heads each comprising: a
different loft angle; and a sole comprising a center point and a
camber region, the camber region comprising a radius of curvature
and extending at least approximately 0.5 inch from the center point
in each of a toe direction and a heel direction, providing a set of
shafts; and assembling each shaft of the set of shafts with each
club head of the set of club heads, wherein: the loft angles of the
two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads progressively
increase across the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads;
and the radii of curvature of the two or more fairway wood-type
golf club heads progressively decrease across the two or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the set of golf club heads
comprise three or more fairway wood-type golf clubs each having a
different loft angle, wherein: the three or more fairway wood-type
golf club heads comprise the two or more fairway wood-type golf
club heads; the loft angles of the three or more fairway wood-type
golf club heads progressively increase across the three or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads; and the radii of curvature of
the three or more fairway wood-type golf club heads progressively
decrease across the three or more fairway wood-type golf club
heads.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein, for each of the two or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads, the camber region of the sole is
located at approximately 0.5 inch behind a leading edge of the
sole.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein: the loft angle of a first
fairway wood-type golf club head of the two or more fairway
wood-type golf club heads is less than a loft angle of a second
fairway wood-type golf club head of the two or more fairway
wood-type golf club heads; and the radius of curvature of the
second fairway wood-type golf club head is at least approximately
0.125 inch less than the radius of curvature of the first fairway
wood-type golf club head.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein: the loft angle of a third
fairway wood-type golf club head of the two or more fairway
wood-type golf club heads is greater than a loft angle of the
second fairway wood-type golf club head; and the radius of
curvature of the third fairway wood-type golf club head is at least
approximately 0.125 inch less than the radius of curvature of the
second fairway wood-type golf club head.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein, for each of the two or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads, the radius of curvature is less
than approximately 6.5 inches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/900,994, filed Nov. 6, 2013. U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/900,994 is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and
relates more particularly to golf club heads and golf clubs, and
related methods.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Fairway wood-type golf club heads, which are now almost
exclusively made of metal, are in common use today. People often
use lower-lofted fairway woods from the tee and good lies on the
fairway when they want to hit the ball as far as possible with
accuracy and consistency. People often use higher-lofted fairway
woods from a variety of lies when they want to hit the ball at
discrete distances and to blend into the distance gaps of the
lower-lofted irons and hybrids. As such, people generally want the
lower-lofted fairway woods to hit the ball as far as possible with
accuracy and want the higher-lofted fairway woods to be versatile
for a variety of lies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the
following drawings are provided in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a golf club head view
from the front, according to an embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a golf club head set, showing a front
elevational view of each golf club head, according to another
embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates the golf club head set of FIG. 2, showing
a front-side cross-sectional view of each golf club head;
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a set of golf clubs, according to another
embodiment; and
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart for an method of providing a
set of golf clubs, according to another embodiment.
[0010] 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 present disclosure.
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
disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote
the same elements.
[0011] 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 described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore,
the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, system, article, device, 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, system, article, device, or apparatus.
[0012] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "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 the apparatus, methods,
and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example,
capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated
or otherwise described herein.
[0013] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and
the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two
or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more
mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled together, but not
be electrically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for
any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for
an instant. "Mechanical coupling" and the like should be broadly
understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.
[0014] The absence of the word "removably," "removable," and the
like near the word "coupled," and the like does not mean that the
coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.
[0015] As defined herein, two or more elements are "integral" if
they are comprised of the same piece of material. As defined
herein, two or more elements are "non-integral" if each is
comprised of a different piece of material.
[0016] As defined herein, "approximately" can, in some embodiments,
mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other
embodiments, "approximately" can mean within plus or minus five
percent of the stated value. In further embodiments,
"approximately" can mean within plus or minus three percent of the
stated value. In yet other embodiments, "approximately" can mean
within plus or minus one percent of the stated value. The
apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein
are not limited in this regard.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Various embodiments includes a set of golf club heads. the
set of golf club heads can include two or more fairway wood-type
golf clubs heads. The two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads
can each have a different loft angle. The two or more fairway
wood-type golf club heads can each include a sole. The sole can
include a center point and a camber region. The camber region can
have a radius of curvature. The camber region can extend at least
approximately 0.5 inch from the center point in each of a toe
direction and a heel direction. The loft angles of the two or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads can progressively increase across
the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads. The radii of
curvature of the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads can
progressively decrease across the two or more fairway wood-type
golf club heads.
[0018] A number of embodiments can include a set of golf clubs. The
set of golf clubs can include two or more fairway wood-type golf
clubs. The two or more fairway wood-type golf clubs can each
include a golf club head having a different loft angle. The golf
club head can include a sole. The sole can include a center point
and a camber region. The camber region can have a radius of
curvature. The camber region can extend at least approximately 0.5
inch from the center point in each of a toe direction and a heel
direction. The loft angles of the golf club heads of the two or
more fairway wood-type golf clubs can progressively increase across
the two or more fairway wood-type golf clubs. The radii of
curvature of the golf club heads of the two or more fairway
wood-type golf clubs can progressively decrease across the two or
more fairway wood-type golf clubs.
[0019] Some embodiments include a method of providing a set of golf
clubs. The method can include providing a set of golf club heads.
The set of golf club heads can include two or more fairway
wood-type golf clubs heads. The two or more fairway wood-type golf
clubs heads can each have a different loft angle. The two or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads can each include a sole. The sole
can include a center point and a camber region. The camber region
can have a radius of curvature. The camber region can extend at
least approximately 0.5 inch from the center point in each of a toe
direction and a heel direction. The method also can include
providing a set of shafts. The method further can include
assembling each shaft of the set of shafts with each club head of
the set of club heads. The loft angles of the two or more fairway
wood-type golf club heads can progressively increase across the two
or more fairway wood-type golf club heads. The radii of curvature
of the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads can
progressively decrease across the two or more fairway wood-type
golf club heads.
[0020] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view
of a golf club head 100 viewed from the front, according to an
embodiment. Golf club head 100 is merely exemplary and embodiments
of the golf club head are not limited to the embodiments presented
herein. The golf club head can be employed in many different
embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described
herein.
[0021] Golf club head 100 can include a suitable fairway wood-type
golf club head. In a number of embodiments, golf club head 100 can
be composed of a body 111, which can be made of stainless steel,
titanium, or one or more other materials having a high shear
modulus and/or high strength-to-weight ratio. In various
embodiments, body 111 can be hollow. In some embodiments, body 111
has a volume of no more than 350 cubic centimeters. In the same or
different embodiments, body 111 can have a volume of no more than
250 cubic centimeters.
[0022] In some embodiments, golf club head 100 can include a toe
112, a heel 113, a face plate 114, and/or a sole 115. In some
embodiments, golf club head 100 can include an engineered impact
point 116, which can be the ideal point at which the strike a golf
ball. In many embodiments, when golf club head 100 is at a nominal
lie angle, as shown in FIG. 1, engineered impact point 116 can be
located on a vertical line that bisects in equal halves a lowermost
groove of face plate 114 of golf club head 100.
[0023] In many embodiments, sole 115 can have a camber, which is a
curvature of sole 115. In some embodiments, a camber region 117 can
be vertically centered with the engineered impact point on face
plate 114. In a number of embodiments, camber region 117 can be
vertically centered with the lowermost groove of face plate 114 of
golf club head 100. In various embodiments, a center point 118 on
sole 115 can be located on a vertical line running through
engineered impact point 116 when golf club head 100 is at a nominal
lie angle. In some embodiments, center point 118 on sole 115 can be
located on a vertical line running through the lowermost groove of
face plate 114 of golf club head 100. In various embodiments,
center point 118 can be centered on golf club head 100 between toe
112 and heel 113. In many embodiments, center point 118 can bisect
camber region 117.
[0024] Camber region 117 can extend partially across sole 115
between toe 112 and heel 113. In many embodiments, camber region
117 can be measured for at least 0.5 inch (in.)/1.27 centimeters
(cm) on each side of center point 118. In various embodiments,
camber region 117 can extend at least approximately 0.5 in./1.27 cm
from center point 118 in a toe direction (e.g., toward toe 112) and
at least approximately 0.5 in./1.27 cm from center point 118 in a
heel direction (e.g., toward heel 113). In a number of embodiments,
camber region 117 can have a camber dimension 122 of at least
approximately 1.0 in/2.54 cm. In many embodiments, camber region
117 can have a camber radius of curvature 119, which can be
constant throughout camber region 117. Camber radius of curvature
119 of camber region 117 can be measured, for example, by using a
curvature gauge on sole 115 across camber region 117. As an
example, camber radius of curvature 119 can be approximately 1.7
in./4.318 cm to approximately 6.5 in./16.51 cm.
[0025] In some embodiments, camber region 117 can be located at a
leading edge of sole 115, which can be the front-most point of sole
115. In other embodiments, camber region 117 can be located between
approximately 0.25 in./0.635 cm and approximately 1.0 in./2.54 cm
backward from the leading edge of sole 115. In many embodiments,
camber region 117 can be located at approximately 0.5 in./1.27 cm
backward from the leading edge of sole 115.
[0026] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a front
elevational view of a golf club head set 200, showing a front
elevational view of each golf club head depicted. FIG. 3
illustrates golf club head set 200, showing a cross-sectional view
of each golf club head depicted. Golf club head set 200 is merely
exemplary, and embodiments of the golf club head set are not
limited to the embodiments presented herein. The golf club head set
can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not
specifically depicted or described herein. Golf club head set 200
can include a golf club head 210, a golf club head 230, and/or a
golf club head 250. Golf club head 210, golf club head 230, and/or
golf club head 250 can be similar to golf club head 100 (FIG. 1),
and various components and/or constructions of golf club head 210,
golf club head 230, and/or golf club head 250 can be identical or
substantially similar to various components of golf club head 100
(FIG. 1).
[0027] In many embodiments, golf club head 210, golf club head 230,
and golf club head 250 can each be a fairway wood-type golf club
head. In some embodiments, fairway wood-type golf club heads can
have a wood number that can roughly correspond to a loft angle of
the face plate. For example, a fairway wood-type golf club head
with a loft angle of approximately 15 degrees can be a 3-wood, a
fairway wood-type golf club head with a loft angle of approximately
16.5 degrees can be a 4-wood, a fairway wood-type golf club head
with a loft angle of approximately 18 degrees can be a 5-wood,
and/or a fairway wood-type golf club head with a loft angle of
approximately 21 degrees can be a 7-wood. In some embodiments, golf
club head set 200 can include other fairway wood-type golf club
heads, such as a 2-wood, a 4-wood, a 6-wood, an 8-wood, and/or a
9-wood. In some embodiments, golf club head set 200 can include two
or more fairway wood-type golf club heads each having a different
loft angle. In many embodiments, golf club head set 200 can have
three or more fairway wood-type golf club heads each having a
different loft angle.
[0028] In some embodiments, golf club head 210 can be a 3-wood golf
club head. In many embodiments, golf club head 210 can have a loft
angle of approximately 14.5 degrees. In some embodiments, golf club
head 210 can include a face plate 214 and a sole 215. Face plate
214 can be similar to face plate 114 (FIG. 1), and/or sole 215 can
be similar to sole 115 (FIG. 1). In a number of embodiments, golf
club head 210 can have a camber region 217, which can be centered
at center point 218. Camber region 217 can be similar to camber
region 117 (FIG. 1), and/or center point 218 can be similar to
center point 118 (FIG. 1). In various embodiments, center point 218
can be located on a vertical line below the midpoint of a bottom
groove 221 on face plate 214 when golf club head 210 is at a
nominal lie angle, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0029] In some embodiments, golf club head 230 can be a 5-wood golf
club head. In many embodiments, golf club head 230 can have a loft
angle of approximately 18 degrees. In some embodiments, golf club
head 230 can include a face plate 234 and a sole 235. Face plate
234 can be similar to face plate 114 (FIG. 1), and/or sole 235 can
be similar to sole 115 (FIG. 1). In a number of embodiments, golf
club head 230 can have a camber region 237, which can be centered
at center point 238. Camber region 237 can be similar to camber
region 117 (FIG. 1), and/or center point 238 can be similar to
center point 118 (FIG. 1). In various embodiments, center point 238
can be located on a vertical line below the midpoint of a bottom
groove 241 on face plate 234 when golf club head 230 is at a
nominal lie angle, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] In some embodiments, golf club head 250 can be a 7-wood golf
club head. In many embodiments, golf club head 250 can have a loft
angle of approximately 21 degrees. In some embodiments, golf club
head 250 can include a face plate 254 and a sole 255. Face plate
254 can be similar to face plate 114 (FIG. 1), and/or sole 255 can
be similar to sole 115 (FIG. 1). In a number of embodiments, golf
club head 250 can have a camber region 257, which can be centered
at center point 258. Camber region 257 can be similar to camber
region 117 (FIG. 1), and/or center point 235 can be similar to
center point 118 (FIG. 1). Om various embodiments, center point 258
can be located on a vertical line below the midpoint of a bottom
groove 261 on face plate 254, when golf club head 250 is at a
nominal lie angle, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows cross-sectional views of golf club head 210,
golf club head 230, and golf club head 250 of golf club head set
200, in which the cross-sectional cut is at a point approximately
0.5 in./1.27 cm back from the leading each of the golf club heads
(e.g., golf club head 210, golf club head 230, and golf club head
250). In some embodiments, camber region 217 of golf club head 210
can be centered at the cross-sectional cut around center point 218
and can extend for approximately 0.5 in./1.27 cm on each side of
center point 218 in a toe direction toward a toe 312 and in a heel
direction toward a heel 313. In several embodiments, camber region
217 can have a camber dimension 322 of at least approximately 1.0
in./2.54 cm.
[0032] In a number of embodiments, camber region 237 of golf club
head 230 can be centered at the cross-sectional cut around center
point 238 and can extend for approximately 0.5 in./1.27 cm on each
side of center point 238 in a toe direction toward a toe 332 and in
a heel direction toward a heel 333. In various embodiments, camber
region 237 can have a camber dimension 342 of at least
approximately 1.0 in./2.54 cm.
[0033] In many embodiments, camber region 257 of golf club head 250
can be centered at the cross-sectional cut around center point 258
and can extend for approximately 0.5 in./1.27 cm on each side of
center point 258 in a toe direction toward a toe 352 and in a heel
direction toward a heel 353. In various embodiments, camber region
257 can have a camber dimension 362 of at least approximately 1.0
in./2.54 cm.
[0034] In some embodiments, camber region 217 can have a camber
radius of curvature 319 of between approximately 3.2 in./8.128 cm
and approximately 6.2 in./15.748 cm. In certain embodiments, camber
region 217 can have camber radius of curvature 319 of approximately
4.7 in./11.938 cm. In various embodiments, camber region 237 can
have a camber radius of curvature 339 of between approximately 2.5
in/6.35 cm and approximately 5.5 in./13.97 cm. In certain
embodiments, camber region 237 can have camber radius of curvature
339 of approximately 4.0 in./10.16 cm. In many embodiments, camber
region 257 can have a camber radius of curvature 359 of between
approximately 2.0 in./5.08 cm and approximately 5.0 in./12.7 cm. In
certain embodiments, camber region 237 can have camber radius of
curvature 359 of approximately 3.5 in./8.89 cm. In many
embodiments, the camber radius of curvature (e.g., camber radius of
curvature 319, camber radius of curvature 339, camber radius of
curvature 359) at the camber region (e.g., camber region 217,
camber region 237, camber region 257) of any golf club head (e.g.
golf club head 210, golf club head 230, golf club head 250) in golf
club head set 200 can be less than approximately 6.5 in./16.51
cm.
[0035] In many embodiments, the golf clubs heads (e.g. golf club
head 210, golf club head 230, golf club head 250) of golf club head
set 200 can have an inverse relationship between the camber radius
of curvature (e.g., camber radius of curvature 319, camber radius
of curvature 339, camber radius of curvature 359) and the loft
angle. In a number of embodiments, as the loft angle increases
among the golf club heads (e.g. golf club head 210, golf club head
230, golf club head 250), the camber radius of curvature (e.g.,
camber radius of curvature 319, camber radius of curvature 339,
camber radius of curvature 359) can decrease, which can result in
greater curvature for the golf club heads having a greater loft
angle and less curvature for the golf club heads having a lower
loft angle.
[0036] In a number of embodiments, golf club head 210 can have a
lower loft angle than golf club head 230, and golf club head 230
can have a lower loft angle than golf club head 250. Meanwhile,
camber radius of curvature 319 of golf club head 210 can be larger
than camber radius of curvature 339 of golf club head 230.
Similarly, camber radius of curvature 339 of golf club head 230 can
be larger than camber radius of curvature 359 of golf club head
250.
[0037] In some embodiments, for any second golf club head having a
progressively next higher loft angle than any first golf club head
in a set of golf club heads (e.g., golf club head set 200), the
camber radius of curvature of the second golf club head can be at
least approximately 0.125 in./0.3175 cm less than the camber radius
of curvature of the first golf club head. For example, camber
radius of curvature 339 of golf club head 230 can be at least
approximately 0.125 in./0.3175 cm less than camber radius of
curvature 319 of golf club head 210, and camber radius of curvature
359 of golf club head 250 can be at least approximately 0.125
in./0.3175 cm less than camber radius of curvature 339 of golf club
head 230.
[0038] Turning ahead in the figures, FIG. 4 illustrates a set of
golf clubs 400. Set of golf clubs 400 is merely exemplary, and
embodiments of the set of golf clubs are not limited to the
embodiments presented herein. The set of golf clubs can be employed
in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted
or described herein. In some embodiments, set of golf clubs 400 can
include a golf club 410, a golf club 430, and/or a golf club head
450, which can each be a different one of a fairway wood-type golf
club.
[0039] In many embodiments, golf club 410 can include a golf club
head 412, a shaft 411, and a grip 414. Golf club head 412 can be
similar or identical to golf club head 100 (FIG. 1) and/or golf
club head 210 (FIGS. 2-3), and various components and/or
constructions of golf club head 412 can be similar or identical to
various components of golf club head 100 (FIG. 1) and/or golf club
head 210 (FIGS. 2-3). Golf club head 410 can be a fairway wood-type
golf club head. For example, golf club 410 can be a 3-wood golf
club having a loft angle of approximately 14.5 degrees. Golf club
head 412 can have a camber region, which can be similar or
identical to camber region 117 (FIG. 1) and/or camber region 217
(FIGS. 2-3). The camber region of golf cub head 412 can have a
camber radius of curvature, which can be similar to camber radius
of curvature 119 (FIG. 1) and/or camber radius of curvature 319
(FIG. 3).
[0040] In a number of embodiments, golf club 430 can include a golf
club head 432, a shaft 431, and a grip 434. Golf club head 432 can
be similar or identical to golf club head 100 (FIG. 1) and/or golf
club head 230 (FIGS. 2-3), and various components and/or
constructions of golf club head 432 can be similar or identical to
various components of golf club head 100 (FIG. 1) and/or golf club
head 230 (FIGS. 2-3). Golf club head 430 can be a fairway wood-type
golf club head. For example, golf club 430 can be a 5-wood golf
club having a loft angle of approximately 18 degrees. Golf club
head 432 can have a camber region, which can be similar or
identical to camber region 117 (FIG. 1) and/or camber region 237
(FIGS. 2-3). The camber region of golf club head 432 can have a
camber radius of curvature, which can be similar to camber radius
of curvature 119 (FIG. 1) and/or camber radius of curvature 339
(FIG. 3).
[0041] In various embodiments, golf club 450 can include a golf
club head 452, a shaft 451, and a grip 454. Golf club head 452 can
be similar or identical to golf club head 100 (FIG. 1) and/or golf
club head 250 (FIGS. 2-3), and various components and/or
constructions of golf club head 452 can be similar or identical to
various components of golf club head 100 (FIG. 1) and/or golf club
head 250 (FIGS. 2-3). Golf club head 450 can be a fairway wood-type
golf club head. For example, golf club 450 can be a 7-wood golf
club having a loft angle of approximately 21 degrees. Golf club
head 452 can have a camber region, which can be similar or
identical to camber region 117 (FIG. 1) and/or camber region 257
(FIGS. 2-3). The camber region of golf club head 452 can have a
camber radius of curvature, which can be similar to camber radius
of curvature 119 (FIG. 1) and/or camber radius of curvature 359
(FIG. 3).
[0042] In some embodiments, set of golf clubs 400 can include other
fairway wood-type golf clubs, such as a 2-wood, a 4-wood, a 6-wood,
an 8-wood, and/or a 9-wood. In some embodiments, set of golf clubs
400 can include two or more fairway wood-type golf clubs each
having a different loft angle. In many embodiments, set of golf
clubs 400 can have three or more fairway wood-type golf club heads
each having a different loft angle. In many embodiments, the loft
angles of the golf clubs (e.g., golf club 410, golf club 430, golf
club 450) of set of golf clubs 400 can progressively increase
across set of golf clubs 400 as the camber radii of curvature of
the golf club heads (e.g., golf club head 412, golf club head 432,
golf club head 452) of the golf clubs (e.g., golf club 410, golf
club 430, golf club 450) of set of golf clubs 400 progressively
decrease across set of golf clubs 400.
[0043] In some embodiments, each shaft (e.g., shaft 411, shaft 431,
shaft 451) of the golf clubs (e.g., golf club 410, golf club 430,
golf club 450) of set of golf clubs 400 can have a shaft length. In
many embodiments, shaft lengths of the shafts (e.g., shaft 411,
shaft 431, shaft 451) of set of golf clubs 400 can progressively
decrease across set of golf clubs 400. For example, the shaft
length of shaft 431 of golf club 430 can be shorter than the shaft
length of shaft 411 of golf club 410. Similarly, the shaft length
of shaft 451 of golf club 450 can be shorter than the shaft length
of shaft 431 of golf club 430.
[0044] In some embodiments, for any second golf club having a
progressively next higher loft angle than any first golf club in a
set of golf club (e.g., set of golf clubs 400), the camber radius
of curvature of the second golf club can be at least approximately
0.125 in./03.175 cm less than the camber radius of curvature of the
first golf club. For example, the camber radius of curvature of
golf club 430 can be at least approximately 0.125 in./0.3175 cm
less than the camber radius of curvature of golf club 410, and the
camber radius of curvature of golf club 450 can be at least
approximately 0.125 in./0.3175 cm less than the camber radius of
curvature of golf club 430. In many embodiments, the camber radius
of curvature of any golf club (e.g. golf club 410, golf club 430,
golf club 450) in set of golf clubs 400 can be less than
approximately 6.5 in./16.51 cm.
[0045] As described, in many embodiments fairway woods with lower
loft angles can have a larger camber radius of curvature, and
fairway woods with higher loft angles can have a smaller camber
radius of curvature. Fairway woods with lower loft angles, such as
a 3-wood, are often used for longer-distance shots, such as shots
from the tee or longer shots with good lies from the fairway. Many
golfers want to hit such shots as far as possible, and/or hit such
shots with greater accuracy and consistency than typically had with
a driver. Increasing the camber radius of curvature on fairway
woods with lower loft angles can advantageously lower the center of
gravity of the golf club head and/or can increase the size of the
face plate, as an increased camber radius of curvature results in a
flatter sole region and less relief at the heel and toe regions.
Increasing the camber radius of curvature can beneficially promote
greater surface area on the low toe and/or low heel portions of the
face plate. Increasing the surface area of the face plate can
advantageously result in an increased shot distance upon striking
the ball with a lower-lofted fairway wood, as the greater surface
area can result in a greater bounce. Lowering the center of gravity
of the golf club head can beneficially reduce the gear effect on
the ball upon striking the ball, which can advantageously result in
an increased shot distance upon striking the ball with a
lower-lofted fairway wood, as a ball hit by a fairway wood
generally already has more than enough gear effect.
[0046] In many embodiments, fairway woods with higher loft angles
can have a smaller camber radius of curvature. Fairway woods with
higher loft angles, such as a 5-wood and/or a 7-wood, are often
used for shots of discrete distances and/or for shots from a
variety of lies. Such shots generally require a versatile club,
such as one that can more easily go through rough and/or handle
well at various lie angles. Decreasing the camber radius of
curvature on fairway woods with higher loft angles can create a
more rounded sole region, which can advantageously have greater toe
and/or heel relief. A more rounded sole region can beneficially
pass more easily through rough and/or can beneficially handle
various lie angles.
[0047] Although versatility can still be important in lower-lofted
fairway woods, some versatility can be sacrificed to increase face
size and/or lower the center of gravity in the lower-lofted fairway
woods to maximize shot distance with the lower-lofted fairway
woods.
[0048] Returning to the drawings, FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart
for a method 500 of providing a set of golf clubs in accordance
with the present disclosure. Method 500 is merely exemplary and is
not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 500 can be
employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically
depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the procedures,
the processes, and/or the activities of method 500 can be performed
in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures, the
processes, and/or the activities of method 500 can be performed in
any suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more of the
procedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 500 can
be combined or skipped.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, method 500 can include a block 510 of
providing a set of golf club heads. In many embodiments, the set of
golf club heads can be similar or identical to golf club head set
200 (FIGS. 2-3). In some embodiments, the set of golf club heads of
method 500 can include two or more fairway wood-type golf club
heads. In the same or other embodiments, the set of golf club heads
of method 500 can include three or more fairway wood-type golf club
heads. For example, the fairway wood-type golf club heads can be
identical or similar to golf club head 210 (FIGS. 2-3), golf club
head 230 (FIGS. 2-3), and/or golf club head 250 (FIGS. 2-3), and/or
also can be identical or similar to golf club head 412 (FIG. 4),
golf club head 432 (FIG. 4), and/or golf club head 452 (FIG. 4).
The fairway wood-type golf club heads of method 500 can each be
provided via casting, forging, milling, machining, molding, and/or
other processes, where the portions of the fairway wood-type golf
club heads can be a single piece or can include several pieces
coupled together such as via welding, brazing, and/or
adhesives.
[0050] In many embodiments, the fairway wood-type golf club heads
can each have a different loft angle. In several embodiments, the
fairway wood-type golf club heads can each include a sole. The sole
can be similar or identical to sole 115 (FIG. 1), sole 215 (FIGS.
2-3), sole 235 (FIGS. 2-3), and/or sole 255 (FIGS. 2-3). In some
embodiments, the sole can include a center point. The center point
can be similar or identical to center point 118 (FIG. 1), center
point 218 (FIGS. 2-3), center point 238 (FIGS. 2-3), and/or center
point 258 (FIGS. 2-3). In various embodiments, the center point of
the sole can be located on a vertical line extending through an
engineered impact point of the fairway wood-type golf club head
when the fairway wood-type golf club head is positioned at a
nominal lie angle. The engineered impact point can be similar or
identical to engineered impact point 116 (FIG. 1).
[0051] In many embodiments, the sole can include a camber region.
The camber region can be similar or identical to camber region 117
(FIG. 1), camber region 217 (FIGS. 2-3), camber region 237 (FIGS.
2-3), and/or camber region 257 (FIGS. 2-3). In some embodiments,
the camber region of the sole can be located at approximately 0.5
in./1.27 cm behind a leading edge of the sole. In many embodiments,
the camber region can have a radius of curvature. The radius of
curvature can be similar or identical to camber radius of curvature
119 (FIG. 1), camber radius of curvature 319 (FIG. 3), camber
radius of curvature 339 (FIG. 3), and/or camber radius of curvature
359 (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the radius of curvature for each
of the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads can be less
than approximately 6.5 in./16.51 cm. In many embodiments, the
camber region can extend at least approximately 0.5 in./1.27 cm
from the center point in each of a toe direction and a heel
direction. For example, the toe direction can be in a direction
from the center point toward a toe of the fairway wood-type golf
club head. The toe can be similar or identical to toe 112 (FIG. 1),
toe 312 (FIG. 3), toe 332 (FIG. 3), and/or toe 352 (FIG. 3). The
heel direction can be in a direction from the center point toward a
heel of the fairway wood-type golf club head. The heel can be
similar or identical to heel 113 (FIG. 1), heel 313 (FIG. 3), heel
333 (FIG. 3), and/or heel 353 (FIG. 3).
[0052] In many embodiments, the loft angles of the two or more
fairway wood-type golf club heads can progressively increase across
the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads, and the radii of
curvature of the two or more fairway wood-type golf club heads can
progressively decrease across the two or more fairway wood-type
golf club heads. In some embodiments, the loft angle of a first
fairway wood-type golf club head of the two or more fairway
wood-type golf club heads is less than a loft angle of a second
fairway wood-type golf club head of the two or more fairway
wood-type golf club heads, and the radius of curvature of the
second fairway wood-type golf club head is at least approximately
0.125 inch less than the radius of curvature of the first fairway
wood-type golf club head. In a number of embodiments, the loft
angle of a third fairway wood-type golf club head of the two or
more fairway wood-type golf club heads is greater than a loft angle
of the second fairway wood-type golf club head, and the radius of
curvature of the third fairway wood-type golf club head is at least
approximately 0.125 inch less than the radius of curvature of the
second fairway wood-type golf club head.
[0053] Method 500 also can include a block 520 of providing a set
of shafts. The set of shafts of method 500 can be similar or
identical to two or more of shaft 411 (FIG. 4), shaft 431 (FIG. 4),
and shaft 451 (FIG. 4). Each of the shafts of the set of shafts of
method 500 can be provided via casting, forging, milling,
machining, molding, and/or other processes.
[0054] Method 500 also can include a block 530 of assembling each
shaft of the set of shafts with each club head of the set of club
heads. Each of the golf club heads of the set of set of golf club
heads of method 500 and each of the shafts of the set of shafts of
method 500 can be assembled through welding, brazing, adhesives,
and/or other processes.
[0055] Although the golf clubs and golf club heads with variable
camber have been described with reference to specific embodiments,
it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various
changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of
the present disclosure. For example, to one of ordinary skill in
the art, it will be readily apparent that blocks 510, 520, and/or
530 of FIG. 5 may be comprised of many different procedures,
processes, and activities and be performed in many different
orders, that various elements of FIGS. 1-5 may be modified, and
that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does
not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible
embodiments.
[0056] As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new
regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or
modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies
such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and
Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), golf equipment
related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture
described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules
of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related
to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described
herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as
conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus,
methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not
limited in this regard.
[0057] While the above examples may be described in connection with
a fairway wood-type golf club head, the apparatus, methods, and
articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other
types of golf clubs such as a driver wood-type golf club, an
iron-type golf club, a wedge-type golf club, or a putter-type golf
club. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of
manufacture described herein may be applicable other type of sports
equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole,
a ski pole, etc.
[0058] Additional examples of such changes have been given in the
foregoing description. Other permutations of the different
embodiments having one or more of the features of the various
figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the disclosure of
embodiments is intended to be illustrative and is not intended to
be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the present
disclosure shall be limited only to the extent required by the
appended claims.
[0059] The golf club heads with variable camber discussed herein
may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and 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 embodiments, and may
disclose alternative embodiments.
[0060] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the embodiment 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, unless
such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly
stated in such claim.
[0061] 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.
* * * * *