U.S. patent application number 16/225577 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-09 for golf club having an elastomer element for ball speed control.
This patent application is currently assigned to Acushnet Company. The applicant listed for this patent is Acushnet Company. Invention is credited to Charles E. Golden, Jonathan Hebreo, Marni D. Ines, Jason A. Mata, John Morin.
Application Number | 20190134473 16/225577 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66327977 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190134473 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Golden; Charles E. ; et
al. |
May 9, 2019 |
GOLF CLUB HAVING AN ELASTOMER ELEMENT FOR BALL SPEED CONTROL
Abstract
A golf club head including a club head body including a back
portion and a striking face, wherein the striking face comprises a
front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface
opposite the front surface, wherein the back portion is spaced from
the rear surface, a deformable element residing between the back
portion and the rear surface of the striking face, wherein the
deformable element comprises a front surface in contact with the
rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface in contact
with the back portion, wherein the acoustic sound profile comprises
a first sound power peak below 3,800 Hz, a second sound power peak
above 3,800 Hz, and a sound power ratio including the magnitude of
the second power peak divided by the magnitude of the first power
peak, wherein the sound power ratio is less than 1.40
Inventors: |
Golden; Charles E.;
(Encinitas, CA) ; Ines; Marni D.; (San Marcos,
CA) ; Hebreo; Jonathan; (San Diego, CA) ;
Mata; Jason A.; (Carlsbad, CA) ; Morin; John;
(The Woodlands, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Acushnet Company |
Fairhaven |
MA |
US |
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|
Assignee: |
Acushnet Company
Fairhaven
MA
|
Family ID: |
66327977 |
Appl. No.: |
16/225577 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16158578 |
Oct 12, 2018 |
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16225577 |
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16027077 |
Jul 3, 2018 |
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16158578 |
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15220122 |
Jul 26, 2016 |
10086244 |
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16027077 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0475 20130101;
A63B 60/42 20151001; A63B 60/02 20151001; A63B 53/0416 20200801;
A63B 60/54 20151001; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 60/002 20200801;
A63B 53/0408 20200801; A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 2209/00
20130101; A63B 60/00 20151001; A63B 1/00 20130101; A63B 2225/09
20130101; A63B 53/0454 20200801; A63B 53/047 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04; A63B 60/54 20060101 A63B060/54 |
Claims
1. A golf club head comprising: a club head body comprising a back
portion and a striking face; wherein said striking face comprises a
front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface
opposite said front surface; wherein said back portion is spaced
from said rear surface; a deformable element residing between said
back portion and said rear surface of said striking face; wherein
said deformable element comprises a front surface in contact with
said rear surface of said striking face and a rear surface in
contact with said back portion; wherein said front surface of said
deformable element is circular having a front diameter; wherein
said rear surface of said deformable element is circular having a
rear diameter; wherein said front diameter divided by said rear
diameter is greater than 1.2; and wherein at least a portion of
said striking face comprises a thickness of less than or equal to
2.4 mm.
2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said striking face is
substantially constant in thickness.
3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said deformable element
comprises an elastomer which displays an elastic modulus of about 1
to about 50 GPa.
4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said golf club head
comprises an acoustic sound profile when striking a golf ball,
wherein said acoustic sound profile comprises a first sound power
peak below 3,800 Hz, a second sound power peak above 3,800 Hz, and
a sound power ratio comprising the magnitude of the second power
peak divided by the magnitude of the first power peak, wherein said
sound power ratio is less than 1.40.
5. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a contact
energy absorption factor greater than 0.2 and less than 1.0.
6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said deformable element
comprises a tapered portion between said front surface and said
rear surface.
7. A golf club head comprising: a club head body comprising a back
portion and a striking face; wherein said striking face comprises a
front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface
opposite said front surface; wherein said back portion is spaced
from said rear surface; a deformable element residing between said
back portion and said rear surface of said striking face; wherein
said deformable element comprises a front surface in contact with
said rear surface of said striking face and a rear surface in
contact with said back portion; a contact energy absorption factor
greater than 0.2 and less than 1.0; and wherein said deformable
element comprises a tapered portion between said front surface and
said rear surface.
8. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein said striking face is
substantially constant in thickness.
9. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein said deformable element
comprises an elastomer which displays an elastic modulus of about 1
to about 50 GPa.
10. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein said golf club head
comprises an acoustic sound profile when striking a golf ball,
wherein said acoustic sound profile comprises a first sound power
peak below 3,800 Hz, a second sound power peak above 3,800 Hz, and
a sound power ratio comprising the magnitude of the second power
peak divided by the magnitude of the first power peak, wherein said
sound power ratio is less than 1.40.
11. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein said sound power ratio
is less than 1.20.
12. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of
said striking face comprises a thickness of less than or equal to
2.4 mm.
13. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein an area of said front
surface of said deformable element divided by an area of said rear
surface of said deformable element is greater than 1.4.
14. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein said deformable element
further comprises a constant diameter portion located adjacent said
back portion of said golf club head.
15. A golf club head comprising: a club head body comprising a back
portion and a striking face; wherein said striking face comprises a
front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface
opposite said front surface; wherein said back portion is spaced
from said rear surface; a deformable element residing between said
back portion and said rear surface of said striking face; wherein
said deformable element comprises a front surface in contact with
said rear surface of said striking face and a rear surface in
contact with said back portion; an acoustic sound profile when
striking a golf ball, wherein said acoustic sound profile comprises
a first sound power peak below 3,800 Hz, a second sound power peak
above 3,800 Hz, and a sound power ratio comprising the magnitude of
the second power peak divided by the magnitude of the first power
peak, wherein said sound power ratio is less than 1.40.
16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein said striking face is
substantially constant in thickness.
17. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein said deformable element
comprises an elastomer which displays an elastic modulus of about 1
to about 50 GPa.
18. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein said sound power ratio
is less than 1.20.
19. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of
said striking face comprises a thickness of less than or equal to
2.4 mm.
20. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein an area of said front
surface of said deformable element divided by an area of said rear
surface of said deformable element is greater than 1.4.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The current application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/158,578, Golf Club Set Having An
Elastomer Element For Ball Speed, to Hebreo et al., filed Oct. 12,
2018, currently pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/027,077, Golf Club Set Having An
Elastomer Element For Ball Speed, to Hebreo et al., filed Jul. 3,
2018, currently pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/220,122, Golf Club Having an
Elastomer Element for Ball Speed Control, to Morin et al. filed
Jul. 26, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,086,244, the disclosure of
which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is a goal for golfers to reduce the total number of
swings needed to complete a round of golf, thus reducing their
total score. To achieve that goal, it is generally desirable to for
a golfer to have a ball fly a consistent distance when struck by
the same golf club and, for some clubs, also to have that ball
travel a long distance. For instance, when a golfer slightly
mishits a golf ball, the golfer does not want the golf ball to fly
a significantly different distance. At the same time, the golfer
also does not want to have a significantly reduced overall distance
every time the golfer strikes the ball, even when the golfer
strikes the ball in the "sweet spot" of the golf club.
SUMMARY
[0003] One non-limiting embodiment of the present technology
includes a golf club head including a club head body including a
back portion and a striking face; wherein the striking face
comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a
rear surface opposite the front surface; wherein the back portion
is spaced from the rear surface; a deformable element residing
between the back portion and the rear surface of the striking face;
wherein the deformable element comprises a front surface in contact
with the rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface in
contact with the back portion; wherein the front surface of the
deformable element is circular having a front diameter; wherein the
rear surface of the deformable element is circular having a rear
diameter; wherein the front diameter divided by the rear diameter
is greater than 1.2; and wherein at least a portion of the striking
face comprises a thickness of less than or equal to 2.4 mm.
[0004] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology the striking face is substantially constant in
thickness.
[0005] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology the deformable element comprises an elastomer which
displays an elastic modulus of about 1 to about 50 GPa.
[0006] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology wherein the golf club head comprises an acoustic sound
profile when striking a golf ball, wherein the acoustic sound
profile comprises a first sound power peak below 3,800 Hz, a second
sound power peak above 3,800 Hz, and a sound power ratio including
the magnitude of the second power peak divided by the magnitude of
the first power peak, wherein the sound power ratio is less than
1.40.
[0007] An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology includes a contact energy absorption factor greater than
0.2 and less than 1.0.
[0008] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology the deformable element comprises a tapered portion
between the front surface and the rear surface.
[0009] An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology includes a golf club head including a club head body
including a back portion and a striking face; wherein the striking
face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and
a rear surface opposite the front surface; wherein the back portion
is spaced from the rear surface; a deformable element residing
between the back portion and the rear surface of the striking face;
wherein the deformable element comprises a front surface in contact
with the rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface in
contact with the back portion; a contact energy absorption factor
greater than 0.2 and less than 1.0; and wherein the deformable
element comprises a tapered portion between the front surface and
the rear surface.
[0010] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology the striking face is substantially constant in
thickness.
[0011] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology the deformable element comprises an elastomer which
displays an elastic modulus of about 1 to about 50 GPa.
[0012] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology the golf club head comprises an acoustic sound profile
when striking a golf ball, wherein the acoustic sound profile
comprises a first sound power peak below 3,800 Hz, a second sound
power peak above 3,800 Hz, and a sound power ratio including the
magnitude of the second power peak divided by the magnitude of the
first power peak, wherein the sound power ratio is less than
1.40.
[0013] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology the sound power ratio is less than 1.20.
[0014] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology at least a portion of the striking face comprises a
thickness of less than or equal to 2.4 mm.
[0015] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology an area of the front surface of the deformable element
divided by an area of the rear surface of the deformable element is
greater than 1.4.
[0016] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology the deformable element further comprises a constant
diameter portion located adjacent the back portion of the golf club
head.
[0017] An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology includes a golf club head including a club head body
including a back portion and a striking face; wherein the striking
face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and
a rear surface opposite the front surface; wherein the back portion
is spaced from the rear surface; a deformable element residing
between the back portion and the rear surface of the striking face;
wherein the deformable element comprises a front surface in contact
with the rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface in
contact with the back portion; an acoustic sound profile when
striking a golf ball, wherein the acoustic sound profile comprises
a first sound power peak below 3,800 Hz, a second sound power peak
above 3,800 Hz, and a sound power ratio including the magnitude of
the second power peak divided by the magnitude of the first power
peak, wherein the sound power ratio is less than 1.40.
[0018] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology the striking face is substantially constant in
thickness.
[0019] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology the deformable element comprises an elastomer which
displays an elastic modulus of about 1 to about 50 GPa.
[0020] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology the sound power ratio is less than 1.20.
[0021] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology at least a portion of the striking face comprises a
thickness of less than or equal to 2.4 mm.
[0022] In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present
technology an area of the front surface of the deformable element
divided by an area of the rear surface of the deformable element is
greater than 1.4.
[0023] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with
reference to the following Figures.
[0025] FIGS. 1A-1B depict section views of a golf club head having
an elastomer element.
[0026] FIG. 1C depicts a perspective section view of the golf club
head depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0027] FIGS. 2A-2B depict section views of a golf club head having
an elastomer element and a striking face with a thickened center
portion.
[0028] FIGS. 3A-3B depict section views of a golf club head having
an elastomer element and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the
compression of the elastomer element.
[0029] FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of another example of a
golf club head having an elastomer element and an adjustment
mechanism to adjust the compression of the elastomer element.
[0030] FIG. 4B depicts a section view of the golf club head of FIG.
4A.
[0031] FIG. 4C depicts a section view of another example of a golf
club having an elastomer element and an adjustment mechanism to
adjust the compression of the elastomer element.
[0032] FIG. 5A depicts a stress contour diagram for a golf club
head without an elastomer element.
[0033] FIG. 5B depicts a stress contour diagram for a golf club
head with an elastomer element.
[0034] FIG. 6A depicts a front view of the golf club head.
[0035] FIG. 6B depicts a toe view of the golf club head of FIG.
6A.
[0036] FIG. 6C depicts a section view A-A of the golf club head of
FIG. 6A.
[0037] FIG. 6D depicts a perspective view of the golf club head of
FIG. 6A oriented perpendicular to the striking face.
[0038] FIG. 6E depicts a perspective view of the golf club head of
FIG. 6A oriented perpendicular to the striking face including the
supported region.
[0039] FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of the golf club
head.
[0040] FIG. 7B depicts an additional perspective view of the golf
club head of FIG. 7A.
[0041] FIG. 7C depicts a rear view of the golf club head of FIG.
7A.
[0042] FIG. 8A depicts a section view B-B of the golf club head of
FIG. 7C.
[0043] FIG. 8B depicts a section view C-C of the golf club head of
FIG. 7C.
[0044] FIG. 8C depicts a section view D-D of the golf club head of
FIG. 7C.
[0045] FIG. 9A depicts an additional section view of the front of
the golf club head of FIG. 7A missing the striking face.
[0046] FIG. 9B depicts the section view from FIG. 9A with the
deformable member removed.
[0047] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the golf club head of
FIG. 7A oriented perpendicular to the striking face including the
supported region.
[0048] FIG. 11A depicts a cross sectional view of the golf club
head of FIG. 7C including an additional embodiment of an elastomer
element.
[0049] FIG. 11B depicts a cross sectional view of the golf club
head of FIG. 7C including an additional embodiment of an elastomer
element.
[0050] FIG. 11C depicts a cross sectional view of the golf club
head of FIG. 7C including an additional embodiment of an elastomer
element.
[0051] FIG. 11D depicts a cross sectional view of the golf club
head of FIG. 7C including an additional embodiment of an elastomer
element.
[0052] FIG. 12A depicts the periodogram power spectral density
estimate of the golf club head depicted in FIG. 11A.
[0053] FIG. 12B depicts the sound power estimate of the golf club
head depicted in FIG. 11A.
[0054] FIG. 13A depicts the periodogram power spectral density
estimate of the golf club head depicted in FIG. 11D.
[0055] FIG. 13B depicts the sound power estimate of the golf club
head depicted in FIG. 11D.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] The technologies described herein contemplate an iron-type
golf club head that incorporates an elastomer element to promote
more uniform ball speed across the striking face of the golf club.
Traditional thin-faced iron-type golf clubs generally produce less
uniform launch velocities across the striking face due to increased
compliance at the geometric center of the striking face. For
example, when a golf club strikes a golf ball, the striking face of
the club deflects and then springs forward, accelerating the golf
ball off the striking face. While such a design may lead to large
flight distances for a golf ball when struck in the center of the
face, any off-center strike of golf ball causes significant losses
in flight distance of the golf ball. In comparison, an extremely
thick face causes more uniform ball flight regardless of impact
location, but a significant loss in launch velocities. The present
technology incorporates an elastomer element between a back portion
of the hollow iron and the rear surface of the striking face. By
including the elastomer element, the magnitude of the launch
velocity may be reduced for strikes at the center of the face while
improving uniformity of launch velocities across the striking face.
In some examples, the compression of the elastomer element between
the back portion and the striking face may also be adjustable to
allow for a golfer or golf club fitting professional to alter the
deflection of the striking face when striking a golf ball.
[0057] FIGS. 1A-1B depict section views depict section views of a
golf club head 100 having an elastomer element 102. FIG. 1C depicts
a perspective section view of the golf club head 100. FIGS. 1A-1C
are described concurrently. The club head 100 includes a striking
face 118 and a back portion 112. A cavity 120 is formed between the
striking face 118 and the back portion 112. An elastomer element
102 is disposed in the cavity 120 between the striking face 118 and
the back portion 112. A rear portion of the elastomer element 102
is held in place by a cradle 108. The cradle 108 is attached to the
back portion 112 of the golf club head 100, and the cradle 108
includes a recess 109 to receive the rear portion of the elastomer
element 102. The lip of the cradle 108 prevents the elastomer
element 102 from sliding or otherwise moving out of position. The
elastomer element 102 may have a generally frustoconical shape, as
shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. In other examples, the elastomer element 102
may have a cylindrical, spherical, cuboid, or prism shape. The
recess 109 of the cradle 108 is formed to substantially match the
shape of the rear portion of the elastomer element 102. For
example, with the frustoconical elastomer element 102, the recess
109 of the cradle 108 is also frustoconical such that the surface
of the rear portion of the elastomer element 102 is in contact with
the interior walls of the recess 109 of the cradle 108. The cradle
108 may be welded or otherwise attached onto the back portion 112,
or the cradle 108 may be formed as part of the back portion 112
during a casting or forging process. The back portion 112 may also
be machined to include the cradle 108.
[0058] A front portion 103 of the elastomer element 102 contacts
the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118. The front portion
103 of the elastomer element 102 may be held in place on the rear
surface 119 of the striking face 118 by a securing structure, such
as flange 110. The flange 110 protrudes from the rear surface 119
of the striking face 118 into the cavity 120. The flange 110
receives the front portion 103 of the elastomer element 102 to
substantially prevent the elastomer element 102 from sliding along
the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118. The flange 110 may
partially or completely surround the front portion 103 of the
elastomer element 102. Similar to the cradle 108, the flange 110
may be shaped to match the shape of the front portion 103 of the
elastomer element 102 such that the surface of the front portion
103 of the elastomer element 102 is in contact with the interior
surfaces of the flange 110. The flange 110 may be welded or
otherwise attached to the rear surface 119 of the striking face
118. The flange 110 may also be cast or forged during the formation
of the striking face 118. For instance, where the striking face 118
is a face insert, the flange 110 may be incorporated during the
casting or forging process to make the face insert. In another
example, the flange 110 and the striking face 118 may be machined
from a thicker face plate. Alternative securing structures other
than the flange 110 may also be used. For instance, two or more
posts may be included on rear surface 119 of the striking face 118
around the perimeter of the front portion 103 of the elastomer
element 102. As another example, an adhesive may be used to secure
the elastomer element 102 to the rear surface 119 of the striking
face 118. In other embodiments, no securing structure is utilized
and the elastomer element 102 is generally held in place due to the
compression of the elastomer element 102 between the cradle 108 and
the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118.
[0059] In the example depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, the elastomer
element 102 is disposed behind the approximate geometric center of
the striking face 118. In traditional thin face golf clubs, strikes
at the geometric center of the striking face 118 display the
largest displacement of the striking face 118, and thus the
greatest ball speeds. By disposing the elastomer 102 at the
geometric center of the striking face 118, the deflection of the
striking face 118 at that point is reduced, thus reducing the ball
speed. Portions of the striking face 118 not backed by the
elastomer element 102, however, continue to deflect into the cavity
120 contributing to the speed of the golf ball. As such, a more
uniform distribution of ball speeds resulting from ball strikes
across the striking face 118 from the heel to the toe may be
achieved. In other examples, the elastomer element 102 may be
disposed at other locations within the club head 100.
[0060] The elasticity of the elastomer element 102 also affects the
deflection of the striking face 118. For instance, a material with
a lower elastic modulus allows for further deflection of the
striking face 118, providing for higher maximum ball speeds but
less uniformity of ball speeds. In contrast, a material with a
higher elastic modulus further prevents deflection of the striking
face 118, providing for lower maximum ball speeds but more
uniformity of ball speeds. Different types of materials are
discussed in further detail below with reference to Tables 2-3.
[0061] The golf club head 100 also includes a sole 105 having a
sole channel 104 in between a front sole portion 114 and a rear
sole portion 116. The sole channel 104 extends along the sole 105
of the golf club head 100 from a point near the heel to a point
near the toe thereof. While depicted as being a hollow channel, the
sole channel 104 may be filled or spanned by a plastic, rubber,
polymer, or other material to prevent debris from entering the
cavity 120. The sole channel 104 allows for additional deflection
of the lower portion of the striking face 118. By allowing for
further deflection of the lower portion of the striking face 118,
increased ball speeds are achieved from ball strikes at lower
portions of the striking face 118, such as ball strikes off the
turf. Accordingly, the elastomer element 102 and the sole channel
104 in combination with one another provide for increased flight
distance of a golf ball for turf strikes along with more uniform
ball speeds across the striking face 118.
[0062] FIGS. 2A-2B depict sections views of a golf club head 200
having an elastomer element 202 and a striking face 218 with a
thickened center portion 222. Golf club head 200 is similar to golf
club head 100 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, except
a thickened portion 222 of the striking face 218 is utilized rather
than a flange 110. The thickened portion 222 of the striking face
218 protrudes into the cavity 220. The front portion 203 of the
elastomer element 202 contacts the rear surface 219 of the
thickened portion 222. The rear portion of the elastomer element
202 is received by a recess 209 in a cradle 208, which is attached
to the back portion 212 and substantially similar to the cradle 108
discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C. Due the thickened
portion 222 of the striking face 218, the elastomer element 202 may
be shorter in length than the elastomer element 102 in FIGS. 1A-1C.
The golf club head 200 also includes a sole channel 204 disposed
between a front sole portion 214 and a rear sole portion 216. The
sole channel 204 also provides benefits similar to that of sole
channel 104 described in FIGS. 1A-1C and may also be filled with or
spanned by a material.
[0063] FIGS. 3A-3B depict section views of a golf club head 300
having an elastomer element 302 and an adjustment mechanism to
adjust the compression of the elastomer element 302. The golf club
head 300 includes a striking face 318 and a back portion 312, and a
cavity 320 is formed between the back portion 312 and the striking
face 318. Similar to the golf club head 100 described above with
reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, a flange 310 is disposed on the rear
surface 319 of the striking face 318, and the flange 310 receives
the front portion 303 of the elastomer element 302. In the example
depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B, the elastomer element 302 has a generally
cylindrical shape. In other examples, however, the elastomer
element 302 may have a conical, frustoconical, spherical, cuboid,
or prism shape.
[0064] The golf club head 300 also includes an adjustment
mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the
compression of the elastomer element 302 against the rear surface
319 of the striking face 318. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS.
3A-3B, the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment receiver 306
and an adjustment driver 330. The adjustment receiver 306 may be a
structure with a through-hole into the cavity 320, and the
adjustment driver 330 may be a threaded element or screw, as
depicted. The through-hole of the adjustment receiver 306 includes
a threaded interior surface for receiving the threaded element 330.
The adjustment receiver 306 may be formed as part of the forging or
casting process of the back portion 312 or may also be machined and
tapped following the forging and casting process. The threaded
element 330 includes an interface 334, such as a recess, that
contacts or receives a rear portion of the elastomer element 302.
The threaded element 330 also includes a screw drive 332 that is at
least partially external to the golf club head 300 such that a
golfer can access the screw drive 332. When the threaded element
330 is turned via screw drive 332, such as by a screwdriver, Allen
wrench, or torque wrench, the threaded element 330 moves further
into or out of the cavity 320. In some examples, the interface 334
that contacts or receives the rear portion of the elastomer element
302 may be lubricated so as to prevent twisting or spinning of the
elastomer element 302 when the threaded element 330 is turned. As
the threaded element 330 moves further into the cavity 320, the
compression of the elastomer element 302 against the rear surface
319 of the striking face 318 increases, thus altering a performance
of the elastomer element 302.
[0065] A higher compression of the elastomer element 302 against
the rear surface 319 of the striking face 318 further restricts the
deflection of the striking face 318. In turn, further restriction
of the deflection causes more uniform ball speeds across the
striking face 318. However, the restriction on deflection also
lowers the maximum ball speed from the center of the striking face
318. By making the compression of the elastomer element 302
adjustable with the adjustment mechanism, the golfer or a
golf-club-fitting professional may adjust the compression to fit
the particular needs of the golfer. For example, a golfer that
desires further maximum distance, but does not need uniform ball
speed across the striking face 318, can reduce the initial set
compression of the elastomer element 302 by loosening the threaded
element 330. In contrast, a golfer that desires uniform ball speed
across the striking face 318 can tighten the threaded element 330
to increase the initial set compression of the elastomer element
302.
[0066] While the adjustment mechanism is depicted as including a
threaded element 330 and a threaded through-hole in FIGS. 3A-3B,
other adjustment mechanisms could be used to adjust the compression
of the elastomer element 302 against the rear surface 319 of the
striking face 318. For instance, the adjustment mechanism may
include a lever where rotation of the lever alters the compression
of the elastomer element 302. The adjustment mechanism may also
include a button that may be depressed to directly increase the
compression of the elastomer element 302. Other types of adjustment
mechanisms may also be used.
[0067] The golf club head 300 also includes a sole channel 304
between a front sole portion 314 and a rear sole portion 316,
similar to the sole channel 104 discussed above with reference to
FIGS. 1A-1C. The sole channel 304 also provides benefits similar to
that of sole channel 104 and may also be filled with or spanned by
a material.
[0068] The golf club head 300 may also be created or sold as a kit.
In the example depicted where the adjustment mechanism is a
threaded element 330, such as a screw, the kit may include a
plurality of threaded elements 330. Each of the threaded elements
330 may have a different weight, such that the golfer can select
the desired weight. For example, one golfer may prefer an overall
lighter weight for the head of an iron, while another golfer may
prefer a heavier weight. The plurality of threaded elements 330 may
also each have different weight distributions. For instance,
different threaded elements 330 may be configured so as to
distribute, as desired, the weight of each threaded element 330
along a length thereof. The plurality of threaded elements 330 may
also have differing lengths. By having differing lengths, each
threaded elements 330 may have a maximum compression that it can
apply to the elastomer element 302. For instance, a shorter
threaded elements 330 may not be able to apply as much force onto
the elastomer element 302 as a longer threaded elements 330,
depending on the configuration of the adjustment receiver 306. The
kit may also include a torque wrench for installing the threaded
elements 330 into the adjustment receiver 306. The torque wrench
may include preset settings corresponding to different compression
or performance levels.
[0069] FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of another example of a
golf club head 400A having an elastomer element 402 and an
adjustment mechanism to adjust the compression of the elastomer
element 402. FIG. 4B depicts a section view of the golf club head
400A. The golf club 400A includes striking face 418 and a back
portion 412 with a cavity 420 formed there between. Like the
adjustment mechanism in FIGS. 3A-3B, the adjustment mechanism in
golf club head 400A includes an adjustment receiver 406 and an
adjustment driver 430. In the example depicted, the adjustment
receiver 406 is a structure having a threaded through-hole for
accepting the adjustment driver 430, and the adjustment driver 430
is a screw. In some embodiments, the adjustment receiver 406 may be
defined by a threaded through-hole through the back portion 412,
without the need for any additional structure.
[0070] The tip of the screw 430 is in contact with a cradle 408A
that holds a rear portion of the elastomer element 402. As the
screw 430 is turned, the lateral movement of the screw 430 causes
the cradle 408A to move towards or away from the striking face 418.
Accordingly, in some examples, the screw 430 extends substantially
orthogonal to the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418.
Because the cradle 408A holds the rear portion of the elastomer
element 402, movement of the cradle 408A causes a change in the
compression of the elastomer element 402 against the rear surface
419 of the striking face 418. As such, the compression of the
elastomer element 402 may be adjusted by turning the screw 430 via
screw drive 432, similar to manipulation of the threaded element
330 in golf club head 300 depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B.
[0071] FIG. 4C depicts a section view of another example of a golf
club 400C having an elastomer element 402 and an adjustment
mechanism to adjust the compression of the elastomer element 402.
The golf club head 400C is substantially similar to the golf club
head 400A depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B, except golf club head 400C
includes a larger cradle 408C having a depth D greater than a depth
of a comparatively smaller cradle (e.g., the cradle 408A of FIGS.
4A-4B having a depth d). The larger cradle 408C encompasses more
the elastomer element 402 than a smaller cradle. By encompassing a
larger portion of the elastomer element 402, the cradle 408C
further limits the deformation of the elastomer element 402 upon a
strike of a golf ball by golf club head 400C. Limitation of the
deformation of the elastomer element 402 also may limit the
potential maximum deflection of the striking face 418, and
therefore may reduce the maximum ball speed for the golf club head
400C while increasing the uniformity of speeds across the striking
face 418. The larger cradle 408C does not come into contact with
the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418 at maximum deflection
thereof. The cradle 408C itself may be made of the same material as
the back portion 412, such as a steel. The cradle 408C may also be
made from a titanium, a composite, a ceramic, or a variety of other
materials.
[0072] The size of the cradle 408C may be selected based on the
desired ball speed properties. For instance, the cradle 408C may
encompass approximately 25% or more of the volume of the elastomer
element 402, as shown in FIG. 4C. In other examples, the cradle
408C may encompass between approximately 25%-50% of the volume of
the elastomer element 402. In yet other examples, the cradle 408C
may encompass approximately 10%-25% or less than approximately 10%
of the volume of the elastomer element 402. In still other
examples, the cradle 408C may encompass more than 50% of the volume
of the elastomer element 402. For the portion of the elastomer
element 402 encompassed by the cradle 408C, substantially the
entire perimeter surface of that portion of elastomer element 402
may contact the interior surfaces of the recess 409 of the cradle
408C.
[0073] The connection between the cradle 408C and the adjustment
driver 430 can also be seen more clearly in FIG. 4C. The tip of the
adjustment driver 430, which may be a flat surface, contacts the
rear surface 407 of the cradle 408C. Thus, as the adjustment driver
430 moves into the cavity 420, the cradle 408C and the elastomer
element 402 are pushed towards the striking face 418. Conversely,
as the adjustment driver 430 is backed out of the cavity 420, the
cradle 408C maintains contact with the adjustment driver 430 due to
the force exerted from the elastomer element 402 resulting from the
compression thereof. In some embodiments, the surface of the tip of
the screw 430 and/or the rear surface 407 of the cradle 408C may be
lubricated so as to prevent twisting of the cradle 408C. In other
examples, the tip of the adjustment driver 430 may be attached to
the cradle 408C such that the cradle 408C twists with the turning
of the adjustment driver 430. In such an embodiment, the elastomer
element 402 may be substantially cylindrical, conical, spherical,
or frustoconical, and the interior 409 of the cradle 408C may be
lubricated to prevent twisting of the elastomer element 402. In
another example, the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418
and/or the front surface of the elastomer element 402 in contact
with the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418 may be
lubricated so as to allow for spinning of the elastomer element 402
against the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418.
[0074] While the golf club heads 400A and 400C are depicted with a
continuous sole 414 rather than a sole channel like the golf club
head 300 of FIGS. 3A-3B, other embodiments of golf club heads 400A
and 400C may include a sole channel. In addition, golf club heads
400A and 400C may also be sold as kits with a plurality of screws
and/or a torque wrench, similar to the kit discussed above for golf
club head 300. An additional back plate may be added to the aft
portion of the golf club heads 400A and 400C, while still leaving a
portion of the screw exposed for adjustment.
[0075] Simulated results of different types of golf club heads
further demonstrate ball speed uniformity across the face of the
golf club heads including an elastomer element. Table 1 indicates
ball speed retention across the face of a golf club head for
several different example golf club heads. Example 1 is a baseline
hollow iron having a 2.1 mm face thickness with a sole channel.
Example 2 is a hollow iron with a 2.1 mm face with a rigid rod
extending from the back portion to the striking face, also
including a sole channel. Example 3 is a hollow iron with a
striking face having a thick center (6.1 mm) and a thin perimeter
(2.1mm), also having a sole channel. Example 4 is a golf club head
having an elastomer element similar to golf club head 100 depicted
in FIGS. 1A-1C. The "Center" row indicates ball speeds resulting
from a strike in the center of the golf club head, the "1/2'' Heel"
row indicates the loss of ball speed from a strike a half inch from
the center of the club head towards the heel, and the "1/2'' Toe"
row indicates the loss of ball speed from a strike a half inch from
the center of the club head towards the toe. All values in Table 1
are in miles per hour (mph).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Impact Example Example Example Example
Location 1 2 3 4 Center 134.1 132.8 133.8 133.6 1/2'' Heel (drop
-1.0 -0.4 -0.9 -0.7 from center) 1/2'' Toe (drop -6.9 -6.5 -6.8
-6.7 from center)
From the results in Table 1, the golf club head with the elastomer
(Example 4) displays a relatively high ball speed from the center
of the face, while also providing a reduced loss of ball speed from
strikes near the toe or the heel of the golf club.
[0076] In addition, as mentioned above, the type of material
utilized for any of the elastomer elements discussed herein has an
effect on the displacement of the striking face. For instance, an
elastomer element with a greater elastic modulus will resist
compression and thus deflection of the striking face, leading to
lower ball speeds. For example, for a golf club head similar to
golf club head 400A, Table 2 indicates ball speeds achieved from
using materials with different elasticity properties. All ball
speeds were the result of strikes at the center of the face.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Elastic Modulus Ball Speed Material (GPa)
(mph) Material A 0.41 132.2 Material B 0.58 132.2 Material C 4.14
132.0 Material D 41.4 131.0
From the results in Table 2, a selection of material for the
elastomer element can be used to fine tune the performance of the
golf club. Any of the materials listed in Table 2 are acceptable
for use in forming an elastomer element to be used in the present
technology.
[0077] The different types of materials also have effect on the
ball speed retention across the striking face. For example, for a
golf club head similar to golf club head 400A, Table 3 indicates
ball speeds achieved across the striking face from heel to toe for
the different materials used as the elastomer element. The
materials referenced in Table 3 are the same materials from Table
2. All speeds in Table 3 are in mph.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 1/2'' Toe Center 1/2'' Heel Material Impact
Impact Impact No Elastomer 128.7 132.2 129.4 Element Material A
128.7 132.2 129.4 (0.41 GPa) Material C 128.7 132.0 129.3 (4.1 GPa)
Material D 127.9 131.0 128.7 (41 GPa)
From the results in Table 3, materials having a higher elastic
modulus provide for better ball speed retention across the striking
face, but lose maximum ball speed for impacts at the center of the
face. For some applications, a range of elastic moduli for the
elastomer element from about 4 to about 15 GPa may be used. In
other applications, a range of elastic moduli for the elastomer
element from about 1 to about 40 or about 50 GPa may be used.
[0078] As mentioned above with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, the size
of the cradle may also have an impact on the ball speed. For a
smaller cradle, such as cradle 408A in FIGS. 4A-4B, and an
elastomer element made of a 13 GPa material, a loss of about 0.2
mph is observed for a center impact as compared to the same club
with no elastomer element. For a larger cradle that is about 5mm
deeper, such as cradle 408C in FIG. 4C, and an elastomer element
also made of a 13 GPa material, a loss of about 0.4 mph is observed
for a center impact as compared to the same club with no elastomer
element. For the same larger cradle and an elastomer element made
of a 0.4 GPa material, a loss of only about 0.2 mph is observed for
a center impact as compared to the same club with no elastomer
element.
[0079] San Diego Plastics, Inc. of National City, Calif. offers
several plastics having elastic moduli ranging from 2.6 GPa to 13
GPa that would all be acceptable for use. The plastics also have
yield strengths that are also acceptable for use in the golf club
heads discussed herein. Table 4 lists several materials offered by
San Diego Plastics and their respective elastic modulus and yield
strength values.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Tecapeek Tecaform 30% Carbon ABS Acetal PVC
Tecapeek Fiber Thermoplastic 2.8 2.6 2.8 3.6 13 Elastic Modulus
(GPa) Thermoplastic 0.077 0.031 0.088 0.118 0.240 Compressive Yield
Strength (GPa)
[0080] The inclusion of an elastomer element also provide benefits
in durability for the club face by reducing stress values displayed
by the striking face upon impact with a golf ball. FIG. 5A depicts
a stress contour diagram for a golf club head 500A without an
elastomer element, and FIG. 5B depicts a stress contour diagram for
a golf club head 500B with an elastomer element. In the golf club
head 500A, the von Mises stress at the center of the face 502A is
about 68% of the maximum von Mises stress, which occurs at the
bottom face edge 504A. Without an elastomer element, the von Mises
stress levels are high and indicate that the club face may be
susceptible to failure and/or early deterioration. In the golf club
500B, for an elastomer element having an elastic modulus of 0.41
GPa, the von Mises stress for the face near the edge of the
elastomer element 502B is reduced by about 16% and the maximum von
Mises stress occurring at the bottom face edge 504B is reduced by
about 18%. These von Mises stresses are still relatively high, but
are significantly reduced from those of the golf club head 500A.
For a golf club head 500B with an elastomer element having an
elastic modulus of about 13 GPa, the von Mises stress for the face
near the edge of the elastomer element 502B is reduced by about 50%
and the maximum von Mises stress occurring at the bottom face edge
504B is reduced by about 56%. Such von Mises stress values are
lower and are indicative of a more durable golf club head that may
be less likely to fail.
[0081] FIGS. 6A-6E depict a golf club head 600 having an elastomer
element 602. FIG. 6A depicts a front view of the golf club head
600. FIG. 6B depicts a toe view of the golf club head 600 of FIG.
6A. FIG. 6C depicts a section view A-A of the golf club head 600 of
FIG. 6A. FIG. 6D depicts a perspective view of the golf club head
600 of FIG. 6A oriented perpendicular to the striking face 618.
FIG. 6E depicts a perspective view of the golf club head 600 of
FIG. 6A oriented perpendicular to the striking face 618 including
the supported region 642. The golf club head 600 includes a
striking face 618 configured to strike a ball, a sole 605 located
at the bottom of the golf club head 600, and a back portion
612.
[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the golf club head 600
includes a coordinate system centered at the center of gravity (CG)
of the golf club head 600. The coordinate system includes a y-axis
which extends vertically, perpendicular to a ground plane when the
golf club head 600 is in an address position at prescribed lie and
loft .alpha.. The coordinate system includes an x-axis,
perpendicular to the y-axis, parallel to the striking face 618, and
extending towards the heel of the golf club head 600. The
coordinate system includes a z-axis, perpendicular to the y-axis
and x-axis and extending through the striking face 618. The golf
club head 600 has a rotational moment of inertia about the y-axis
(MOI-Y), a value which represents the golf club head's resistance
to angular acceleration about the y-axis.
[0083] An elastomer element 602 is disposed between the striking
face 618 and the back portion 612. The striking face 618 includes a
rear surface 619. The front portion 603 of the elastomer element
602 contacts the rear surface 619 of the striking face 618. As
illustrated in FIGS. 6C and 6E, the striking face 618 includes a
supported region 642, the portion of the rear surface 619 supported
by the elastomer element 602, which is defined as the area inside
the supported region perimeter 640 defined by the outer extent of
the front portion 603 of the elastomer element 602 in contact with
the rear surface 619 of the striking face 618. The supported region
642 is illustrated with hatching in FIG. 6E. The supported region
642 wouldn't normally be visible from the front of the golf club
head 600 but was added for illustrative purposes.
[0084] The striking face 618 includes a striking face area 652,
which is defined as the area inside the striking face perimeter 650
as illustrated in FIG. 6D. As illustrated in FIG. 6C, the striking
face perimeter is delineated by an upper limit 654 and a lower
limit 656. The upper limit 654 is located at the intersection of
the substantially flat rear surface 619 and the upper radius 655
which extends to the top line of the golf club head 600. The lower
limit 656 is located at the intersection of the substantially flat
rear surface 619 and the lower radius 657 which extends to the sole
605 of the golf club head 600. The striking face perimeter is
similarly delineated 658 (as illustrated in FIG. 6D) at the toe of
the golf club head 600 (not illustrated in cross section). The heel
portion of the striking face perimeter is defined by a plane 659
extending parallel to the y-axis and the x-axis offset 1 millimeter
(mm) towards the heel from the heel-most extent of the scorelines
660 formed in the striking face 618. The striking face area 652 is
illustrated with hatching in FIG. 6D. The limits 654, 656 of the
striking face perimeter have been projected onto the striking face
618 in FIG. 6D for ease of illustration and understanding.
[0085] A plurality of golf club heads much like golf club head 600
described herein can be included in a set, each golf club head
having a different loft a. Each golf club head can also have
additional varying characteristics which may include, for example,
MOI-Y, Striking Face Area, Area of Supported Region, and the
Unsupported Face Percentage. The Unsupported Face Percentage is
calculated by dividing the Area of Supported Region by the Striking
Face Area and multiplying by 100% and subtracting it from 100%. An
example of one set of iron type golf club heads is included in
Table 5 below. The set in Table 5 includes the following lofts: 21,
24, 27, and 30. Other sets may include a greater number of golf
club heads and/or a wider range of loft a values, or a smaller
number of golf club heads and/or a smaller range of loft a values.
Additionally, a set may include one or more golf club heads which
include an elastomer element and one or more golf club heads which
do not include an elastomer element.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Area of Unsupported Loft of Iron MOI-Y
Striking Face Supported Face (Degrees) (kg * mm.sup.2) Area
(mm.sup.2) Region (mm.sup.2) Percentage (%) 21 270 2809 74 97.37 24
272 2790 74 97.35 27 276 2777 74 97.34 30 278 2742 74 97.30
[0086] An example of an additional embodiment of set of iron type
golf club heads is included in Table 6 below.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Area of Unsupported Loft of Iron MOI-Y
Striking Face Supported Face (Degrees) (kg * mm.sup.2) Area
(mm.sup.2) Region (mm.sup.2) Percentage (%) 21 272 2897 74 97.45 24
278 2890 74 97.44 27 289 2878 74 97.43 30 294 2803 74 97.36
[0087] If all other characteristics are held constant, a larger the
MOI-Y value increases the ball speed of off-center hits. For clubs
with a smaller MOI-Y, the decrease in off-center ball speed can be
mitigated with a greater unsupported face percentage. By supporting
a smaller percentage of the face, more of the face is able to flex
during impact, increasing off-center ball speed. Thus, for the
inventive golf club set described in Table 5 above, the MOI-Y
increases through the set as loft a increases and the unsupported
face percentage decreases through the set as loft a increases. This
relationship creates consistent off-center ball speeds through a
set of golf clubs.
[0088] A set of golf clubs can include a first golf club head with
a loft greater than or equal to 20 degrees and less than or equal
to 24 degrees and a second golf club head with a loft greater than
or equal to 28 degrees and less than or equal to 32 degrees. In one
embodiment, the set can be configured so that the first golf club
head has a larger unsupported face percentage than the second golf
club head and the first golf club head has a lower MOI-Y than the
second golf club head.
[0089] More particular characteristics of embodiments described
herein are described below. In some embodiments, the area of the
supported region can be greater than 30 millimeters.sup.2. In some
embodiments, the area of the supported region can be greater than
40 millimeters.sup.2. In some embodiments, the area of the
supported region can be greater than 60 millimeters.sup.2. In some
embodiments, the area of the supported region can be greater than
65 millimeters.sup.2. In some embodiments, the area of the
supported region can be greater than 70 millimeters.sup.2. In some
embodiments, the area of the supported region can be greater than
73 millimeters.sup.2.
[0090] In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be
less than 140 millimeters.sup.2. In some embodiments, the area of
the supported region can be less than 130 millimeters.sup.2. In
some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than
120 millimeters.sup.2. In some embodiments, the area of the
supported region can be less than 110 millimeters.sup.2. In some
embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 100
millimeters.sup.2. In some embodiments, the area of the supported
region can be less than 90 millimeters.sup.2. In some embodiments,
the area of the supported region can be less than 85
millimeters.sup.2. In some embodiments, the area of the supported
region can be less than 80 millimeters.sup.2. In some embodiments,
the area of the supported region can be less than 75
millimeters.sup.2.
[0091] In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is
greater than 70%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face
percentage is greater than 75%. In some embodiments, the
unsupported face percentage is greater than 80%. In some
embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greater than 85%.
In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greater
than 90%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is
greater than 95%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face
percentage is greater than 96%. In some embodiments, the
unsupported face percentage is greater than 97%.
[0092] In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less
than 99.75%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage
is less than 99.50%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face
percentage is less than 99.25%. In some embodiments, the
unsupported face percentage is less than 99.00%. In some
embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 98.75%.
In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than
98.50%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is
less than 98.25%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face
percentage is less than 98.00%. In some embodiments, the
unsupported face percentage is less than 97.75%. In some
embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 97.50%.
In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than
97.25%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is
less than 97.00%.
[0093] FIGS. 7A-10 depict a golf club head 700 having an elastomer
element 702. FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of the golf club
head 700. FIG. 7B depicts an additional perspective view of the
golf club head 700 of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C depicts a rear view of the
golf club head 700 of FIG. 7A. FIG. 8A depicts a section view B-B
of the golf club head 700 of FIG. 7C. FIG. 8B depicts a section
view C-C of the golf club head 700 of FIG. 7C. FIG. 8C depicts a
section view D-D of the golf club head 700 of FIG. 7C. FIG. 9A
depicts an additional section view of the front of the golf club
head 700 of FIG. 7A missing the striking face. FIG. 9B depicts the
section view from FIG. 9A with the elastomer element removed. FIG.
10. Depicts a perspective view of the golf club head 700 of FIG. 7A
oriented perpendicular to the striking face 718 including the
supported region 742. Please note that the golf club head 700
illustrated in FIGS. 7A-10 is an iron-type cavity back golf club
but the inventions described herein are applicable to other types
of golf club heads as well.
[0094] The golf club head 700 includes a deformable member 702
disposed between the striking face 718 and the back portion 712. In
one embodiment, the deformable member 702 is formed from an
elastomer. The front portion 703 of the elastomer element 702
contacts the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The
striking face 718 includes a supported region 742, the portion of
the rear surface 719 supported by the elastomer element 702, which
is defined as the area inside the supported region perimeter 740
defined by the outer extent of the front portion 703 of the
elastomer element 702 in contact with the rear surface 719 of the
striking face 718. The supported region 742 wouldn't normally be
visible from the front of the golf club head 700 but was added in
FIG. 10 for illustrative purposes.
[0095] The golf club head 700 illustrated in FIGS. 7A-10 is a
cavity back construction and includes a periphery portion 701
surrounding and extending rearward from the striking face 718. The
periphery portion 701 includes the sole 705, the toe 706, and the
topline 707. The periphery portion 701 can also include a weight
pad 709. The golf club head 700 also includes a back portion 712
configured to support the elastomer element 702.
[0096] The back portion 712 includes a cantilever support arm 762
affixed to the periphery portion 701. The support arm 762 can
include a cradle 708 configured to hold the elastomer element 702
in place. The cradle 708 can include a lip 709 configured to locate
the elastomer element 702 on the cradle 708 and relative to the
striking face 718. The lip 709 can surround a portion of the
elastomer element 702. Additionally, an adhesive can be used
between the elastomer element 702 and the cradle 708 to secure the
elastomer element 702 to the cradle 708.
[0097] The support arm 762 extends from the weight pad 709 located
at the intersection of the sole 705 and the toe 706 of the
periphery portion 701 towards the supported region 742. The support
arm 762 is oriented substantially parallel to the rear surface 719
of the striking face 718. The support arm 762 can include a rib 764
to increase the stiffness of the support arm 762. The rib 764 can
extend rearwards from the support arm 762 substantially
perpendicularly to the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718.
One benefit of a cantilever support arm 762 is it provides a lower
CG height than an alternative beam design, such as the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 4A, which supported at both ends by the
periphery portion.
[0098] In order to provide a low CG height the support arm 762 is
cantilevered which means it is only affixed to the periphery
portion 701 at one end of the support arm 762. The support arm is
designed such that the distance H between the highest portion of
the support arm 762 and the ground plane GP when the golf club head
700 is in an address position, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, is
minimized, while locating the elastomer element 702 in the optimal
position. In one embodiment, H is less than or equal to 50 mm. In
an additional embodiment, H is less than 45 mm. In an additional
embodiment, H is less than or equal to 40 mm. In an additional
embodiment, H is less than or equal to 35 mm. In an additional
embodiment, H is less than or equal to 30 mm. In an additional
embodiment, H is less than or equal to 29 mm. In an additional
embodiment, H is less than or equal to 28 mm.
[0099] In one embodiment, the golf club head 700 can have a CG
height CGH of less than or equal to 25 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the golf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less
than or equal to 24 mm. In an additional embodiment, the golf club
head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 23 mm.
In an additional embodiment, the golf club head 700 can have a CG
height CGH of less than or equal to 22 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the golf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less
than or equal to 21 mm. In an additional embodiment, the golf club
head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 20 mm.
In an additional embodiment, the golf club head 700 can have a CG
height CGH of less than or equal to 19 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the golf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less
than or equal to 18 mm.
[0100] Another advantage to the illustrated support arm 762 is it
provides a high MOI-Y due to its orientation. By concentrating mass
at the heel end and toe end of the golf club head 700 the MOI-Y can
be increased. The support arm 762 is angled to concentrate much of
its mass near the toe 706, increasing MOI-Y compared with a back
portion located more centrally on the golf club head 700. In one
embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greater than or
equal to 200 kg-mm.sup.2. In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of
the golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 210 kg-mm.sup.2.
In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is
greater than or equal to 220 kg-mm.sup.2. In an additional
embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greater than or
equal to 230 kg-mm.sup.2. In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of
the golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 240 kg-mm.sup.2.
In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is
greater than or equal to 250 kg-mm.sup.2. In an additional
embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greater than or
equal to 260 kg-mm.sup.2. In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of
the golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 270
kg-mm.sup.2.
[0101] The support arm 762 can include an arm centerline CL, as
illustrated in FIG. 8A, which is oriented parallel to the rear
surface 719 of the striking face 718 and extends along the center
of the support arm 762 from the periphery portion 701 towards the
supported region 742. The angle .alpha. is measured between the
ground plane GP and the centerline CL. In one embodiment, the angle
.alpha. is greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less than or
equal to 45 degrees. In an additional embodiment, the angle a is
greater than or equal to 10 degrees and less than or equal to 40
degrees. In an additional embodiment, the angle .alpha. is greater
than or equal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 35 degrees.
In an additional embodiment, the angle .alpha. is greater than or
equal to 20 degrees and less than or equal to 30 degrees. In an
additional embodiment, the angle .alpha. is greater than or equal
to 23 degrees and less than or equal to 28 degrees.
[0102] The support arm 762 can have an arm width AW measured
perpendicularly to the arm centerline CL and parallel to the rear
surface 719 of the striking face 718. The arm width AW can vary
along the length of the support arm 762. In one embodiment the arm
width of at least one portion of the support arm is greater than or
equal to 6 mm. In an additional embodiment the arm width of at
least one portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 8
mm. In an additional embodiment the arm width of at least one
portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 10 mm.
[0103] The support arm 762 can have an arm thickness AT measured
perpendicular to the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The
arm thickness AT can vary along the length of the support arm 762.
In one embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion of
the support arm is greater than or equal to 2 mm. In an additional
embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion of the
support arm is greater than or equal to 3 mm. In an additional
embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion of the
support arm is greater than or equal to 4 mm. In an additional
embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion of the
support arm is greater than or equal to 5 mm. In an additional
embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion of the
support arm is greater than or equal to 6 mm.
[0104] The rib 764 of the support arm 762 can have a rib width RW
measured perpendicularly to the arm centerline CL and parallel to
the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The rib width RW can
vary along the length of the rib. In one embodiment, the rib width
RW of at least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 1
mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a
portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 2 mm. In an
additional embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of
the rib is greater than or equal to 3 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of the rib is
greater than or equal to 4 mm.
[0105] The rib 764 of the support arm 762 can have a rib thickness
RT measured perpendicular to the rear surface 719 of the striking
face 718. The rib thickness RT can vary along the length of the
rib. In one embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion
of the rib is greater than or equal to 2 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the rib
is greater than or equal to 3 mm. In an additional embodiment, the
rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the rib is greater than
or equal to 4 mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib thickness RT
of at least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 5 mm.
In an additional embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a
portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 6 mm.
[0106] The supported region 742, as illustrated in FIG. 10, is
specifically located on the rear surface 719 of the striking face
718. The striking face heel reference plane 759 extends parallel to
the y-axis and the x-axis and is offset 1 mm towards the heel from
the heel-most extent of the scorelines 760 formed in the striking
face 718. The geometric center 743 of the supported region 742 is
located a supported region offset length SROL toeward from the
striking face heel reference plane 759 measured parallel to the
ground plane GP and parallel to the striking face 718 with the golf
club head 700 in an address position. In one embodiment, the
supported region offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 20
mm. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset length
SROL is greater than or equal to 22 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the supported region offset length SROL is greater than
or equal to 24 mm. In an additional embodiment, the supported
region offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 26 mm. In an
additional embodiment, the supported region offset length SROL is
greater than or equal to 27 mm. In an additional embodiment, the
supported region offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 28
mm.
[0107] The striking face length SFL is measured from the striking
face heel reference plane 759 to the toe-most extent of the
striking face 718, measured parallel to the ground plane GP and
parallel to the striking face 718 with the golf club head 700 in an
address position. In one embodiment, the striking face length SFL
is greater than or equal to 60 mm. In an additional embodiment, the
striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 65 mm. In an
additional embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than
or equal to 70 mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking face
length SFL is greater than or equal to 71 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal
to 72 mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking face length SFL
is greater than or equal to 73 mm. In an additional embodiment, the
striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 74 mm.
[0108] In one embodiment, the supported region offset ratio,
defined as the supported region offset length SROL divided by the
striking face length SFL multiplied by 100%, is greater than or
equal to 40%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region
offset ratio is greater than or equal to 41%. In an additional
embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or
equal to 42%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region
offset ratio is greater than or equal to 43%. In an additional
embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or
equal to 44%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region
offset ratio is greater than or equal to 45%. In an additional
embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or
equal to 46%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region
offset ratio is greater than or equal to 47%. In an additional
embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or
equal to 48%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region
offset ratio is greater than or equal to 49%. In an additional
embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or
equal to 50%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region
offset ratio is greater than or equal to 51%.
[0109] An additional benefit of incorporating a supported region
742 is the ability to utilize a thin striking face. In the
illustrated embodiments, the striking face 718 has a constant
thickness. In other embodiments, the striking face may have a
variable thickness. In one embodiment, the thickness of the
striking face is less than or equal to 2.5 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or
equal to 2.4 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the
striking face is less than or equal to 2.3 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or
equal to 2.2 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the
striking face is less than or equal to 2.1 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or
equal to 2.0 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the
striking face is less than or equal to 1.9 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or
equal to 1.8 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the
striking face is less than or equal to 1.7 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or
equal to 1.6 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the
striking face is less than or equal to 1.5 mm. In an additional
embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or
equal to 1.4 mm.
[0110] FIGS. 11A-11D depict the golf club head 700 of FIG. 7A
having additional embodiments of an elastomer element 702. FIG. 11A
illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club head 700
including an additional embodiment of an elastomer element 702. The
elastomer element 702 of FIG. 11A is circular similar to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A. The front portion 703 of the
elastomer element 702, which abuts the rear surface 719 of the
striking face 718, has a front diameter FD and the rear portion
744, which abuts the cradle 708, has a rear diameter RD. The front
diameter FD is substantially similar or equal to the rear diameter
RD of the elastomer element 702 illustrated in FIG. 11A.
[0111] FIG. 11B illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club
head 700 including an additional embodiment of an elastomer element
702. The elastomer element 702 of FIG. 11B is circular. The front
diameter FD is greater than rear diameter RD of the elastomer
element 702 illustrated in FIG. 11B. The rear portion 744 of the
elastomer element 702 in contact with the cradle 708 has a rear
support region 747, which has an area.
[0112] FIG. 11C illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club
head 700 including an additional embodiment of an elastomer element
702. The elastomer element 702 of FIG. 11C is circular. The front
diameter FD is greater than rear diameter RD of the elastomer
element 702 illustrated in FIG. 11C.
[0113] FIG. 11D illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club
head 700 including an additional embodiment of an elastomer element
702. The elastomer element 702 of FIG. 11D is circular. The front
diameter FD is greater than rear diameter RD of the elastomer
element 702 illustrated in FIG. 11D. Additionally, the rear portion
744 has a constant diameter region 745 aft of the tapered region
746 extending towards the striking face 718. In one embodiment, the
rear diameter RD is approximately 12.5 mm and the front diameter FD
is approximately 18.5 mm.
[0114] The enlarged front portion 703 and thus enlarged supported
region 742 offered by the embodiments of the elastomer elements 702
illustrated in FIGS. 11B, 11C, and 11D offer advantages. These
advantages include more consistent off-center ball speeds, reduced
sound energy, particularly above 3800 Hz.
[0115] In one embodiment, the area of the supported region can be
greater than 75 millimeters.sup.2. In an additional embodiment, the
area of the supported region can be greater than 100
millimeters.sup.2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the
supported region can be greater than 125 millimeters.sup.2. In an
additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be
greater than 150 millimeters.sup.2. In an additional embodiment,
the area of the supported region can be greater than 175
millimeters.sup.2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the
supported region can be greater than 200 millimeters.sup.2. In an
additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be
greater than 225 millimeters.sup.2. In an additional embodiment,
the area of the supported region can be greater than 250
millimeters.sup.2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the
supported region can be greater than 255 millimeters.sup.2. In an
additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be
greater than 260 millimeters.sup.2. In an additional embodiment,
the area of the supported region can be greater than 50
millimeters.sup.2 and less than 1000 millimeters.sup.2. In an
additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be
greater than 100 millimeters.sup.2 and less than 1000
millimeters.sup.2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the
supported region can be greater than 150 millimeters.sup.2 and less
than 1000 millimeters.sup.2. In an additional embodiment, the area
of the supported region can be greater than 200 millimeters.sup.2
and less than 1000 millimeters.sup.2. In an additional embodiment,
the area of the supported region can be greater than 250
millimeters.sup.2 and less than 1000 millimeters.sup.2.
[0116] In one embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter FD
divided by the rear diameter RD is greater than 1.2. In an
additional embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter FD divided
by the rear diameter RD is greater than 1.4. In an additional
embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter FD divided by the rear
diameter RD is greater than 1.6. In an additional embodiment, the
ratio of the front diameter FD divided by the rear diameter RD is
greater than 1.8. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the
front diameter FD divided by the rear diameter RD is greater than
2.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter
FD divided by the rear diameter RD is greater than 3.0. In an
additional embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter FD divided
by the rear diameter RD is greater than 4.0.
[0117] In one embodiment, the area of the supported region 742 is
greater than the area of the rear support region 747. In one
embodiment, the ratio of the supported region 742 divided by the
area of the rear supported region 747 is greater than 1.2. In an
additional embodiment, the ratio of the supported region 742
divided by the area of the rear supported region 747 is greater
than 1.4. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supported
region 742 divided by the area of the rear supported region 747 is
greater than 1.6. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the
supported region 742 divided by the area of the rear supported
region 747 is greater than 1.8. In an additional embodiment, the
ratio of the supported region 742 divided by the area of the rear
supported region 747 is greater than 2.0. In an additional
embodiment, the ratio of the supported region 742 divided by the
area of the rear supported region 747 is greater than 2.5. In an
additional embodiment, the ratio of the supported region 742
divided by the area of the rear supported region 747 is greater
than 3.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supported
region 742 divided by the area of the rear supported region 747 is
greater than 3.5. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the
supported region 742 divided by the area of the rear supported
region 747 is greater than 4.0. In an additional embodiment, the
ratio of the supported region 742 divided by the area of the rear
supported region 747 is greater than 5.0. In an additional
embodiment, the ratio of the supported region 742 divided by the
area of the rear supported region 747 is greater than 6.0. In an
additional embodiment, the ratio of the supported region 742
divided by the area of the rear supported region 747 is greater
than 7.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supported
region 742 divided by the area of the rear supported region 747 is
greater than 8.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the
supported region 742 divided by the area of the rear supported
region 747 is greater than 9.0. In an additional embodiment, the
ratio of the supported region 742 divided by the area of the rear
supported region 747 is greater than 10.0.
[0118] The contact energy absorption factor is defined as the ratio
of the front diameter FD divided by the diameter of a golf ball,
which is approximately 42.75 mm. In one embodiment, the contact
energy absorption factor is greater than 0.1. In an additional
embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is greater than
0.2. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption
factor is greater than 0.3. In an additional embodiment, the
contact energy absorption factor is greater than 0.4. In an
additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is
greater than 0.5. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy
absorption factor is greater than 0.6. In an additional embodiment,
the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 0.7. In an
additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is
greater than 0.8. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy
absorption factor is greater than 0.9. In an additional embodiment,
the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 1.0. In an
additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less
than 0.2. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy
absorption factor is less than 0.3. In an additional embodiment,
the contact energy absorption factor is less than 0.4. In an
additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less
than 0.5. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy
absorption factor is less than 0.6. In an additional embodiment,
the contact energy absorption factor is less than 0.7. In an
additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less
than 0.8. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy
absorption factor is less than 0.9. In an additional embodiment,
the contact energy absorption factor is less than 1.0.
[0119] In additional embodiments, the elastomer elements 702 may
not be circular. They may have additional shapes which may include
square, rectangular, octagonal, etc.
[0120] Identical golf club heads with different elastomer elements
were subjected to acoustic testing to determine the effectiveness
of different embodiments of elastomer elements. The testing was
performed with each club head striking a Titleist ProV1 golf ball
with a club head speed at impact of approximately 95 miles per
hour. The acoustic qualities of the embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 11A and 11D were recorded when each golf club head struck a
golf ball. FIGS. 12A and 12B reflect the recording of the golf club
head utilizing the cylindrical elastomer element embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 11A striking a golf ball and FIGS. 13A and 13B
reflect the recording of the golf club head utilizing the tapered
elastomer element embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11D striking a
golf ball. FIG. 12A illustrates the periodogram power spectral
density estimate of the FIG. 11A cylindrical embodiment. FIG. 12B
illustrates the sound power estimate of the FIG. 11A cylindrical
embodiment. FIG. 13A illustrates the periodogram power spectral
density estimate of the FIG. 11D tapered embodiment. FIG. 13B
illustrates the sound power estimate of the FIG. 11D tapered
embodiment.
[0121] As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the dominant frequency
for the cylindrical elastomer element 702 of FIG. 11A is 4,279.7
HZ. As illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the dominant frequency for
the tapered elastomer element 702 of FIG. 11D is 4317.4 Hz.
Generally, when an iron type golf club head strikes a golf ball,
sound frequencies produced between approximately 1,000 Hz and 3,800
Hz are produced by golf club and golf ball interaction and golf
ball resonances while sound frequencies above approximately 3,800
Hz are produced solely by the golf club head. Thus, the first sound
power peak in the sound power estimate graphs of FIGS. 12B and 13B
correlates primarily to the golf ball and the subsequent sound
power peak correlates to the vibration of the striking face of the
golf club head. As illustrated in FIGS. 12B and 13B the peak sound
power estimate below 3,800 Hz, corresponding to the golf ball, is
approximately 1.00.times.10.sup.-3 watts. As illustrated in FIG.
12B, the sound power generated by the golf club head utilizing the
cylindrical elastomer element embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11A
peaks at approximately 1.40.times.10.sup.-3 watts. As illustrated
in FIG. 13B, the sound power generated by the golf club head
utilizing the tapered elastomer element embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 11D peaks at approximately 1.04.times.10.sup.-3 watts. Sound
power levels correlate directly with the loudness of the sound
produced by the golf club striking a golf ball. Therefore, it is
evident that the sound produced by the golf club head utilizing the
cylindrical elastomer element embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11A is
significantly less loud than the golf club head utilizing the
tapered elastomer element embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11D.
[0122] Additionally, the sound power generated by the golf club
head utilizing the cylindrical elastomer element embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 11A divided by the sound power generated by the
golf ball is approximately 1.40. The sound power generated by the
golf club head utilizing the cylindrical elastomer element
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11D divided by the sound power
generated by the golf ball is approximately 1.04. In some
embodiments, it is preferable to have the sound power generated by
the golf club head divided by the sound power generated by the golf
ball to be less than 1.50. In some embodiments, it is preferable to
have the sound power generated by the golf club head divided by the
sound power generated by the golf ball to be less than 1.40. In
some embodiments, it is preferable to have the sound power
generated by the golf club head divided by the sound power
generated by the golf ball to be less than 1.30. In some
embodiments, it is preferable to have the sound power generated by
the golf club head divided by the sound power generated by the golf
ball to be less than 1.20. In some embodiments, it is preferable to
have the sound power generated by the golf club head divided by the
sound power generated by the golf ball to be less than 1.10. In
some embodiments, it is preferable to have the sound power
generated by the golf club head divided by the sound power
generated by the golf ball to be less than 1.00.
[0123] Although specific embodiments and aspects were described
herein and specific examples were provided, the scope of the
invention is not limited to those specific embodiments and
examples. One skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments
or improvements that are within the scope and spirit of the present
invention. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are
disclosed only as illustrative embodiments. The scope of the
invention is defined by the following claims and any equivalents
therein.
* * * * *