JP2009540933A - Golf club and golf club head - Google Patents

Abstract

Wood-type golf clubs and / or golf club heads have a width to length ratio of at least 0.9, optionally a club head volume of at least 450 cm ³ , and a diagonal dimension (enclosing the club head body) of at least 75% of the theoretical maximum diagonal dimension. , Measured along the diagonal of the bounding box defined by the length and width dimensions). In some examples, the diagonal dimension may be at least 80%, 85%, or indeed 90% of the theoretical maximum diagonal dimension. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, at least one horizontal cross section of the club head body encloses or encompasses an area of at least 0.8 × BL, at least 0.85 × BL, at least 0.9 × BL, or indeed at least 0.95 × BL.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to golf clubs and golf club heads, including “wood type” golf clubs and golf club heads, for example, for drivers, fairway woods, “wood type” hybrids or utility clubs, and the like.

Background Golf is enjoyed by various players, i.e., players of different genders and players of significantly different ages and / or skill levels. Golf is a sporting world where a variety of such players can play together at a golf event, even in direct competition with each other (eg, with different handicap scores) It is somewhat unique in that you can enjoy golf walks or competitions (in team form, using the first launch site). These factors, along with the increased availability of television golf programming (eg, golf tournaments, golf news, golf history, and / or other golf programming), and the increase in well-known golf superstars , At least in part, both in the United States and around the world, in recent years has increased the popularity of golf. The number of individuals participating in the game and the number of golf courses have increased gradually in recent years.

  Golfers of all skill levels want to improve their grades, reduce their golf scores, and reach the next grade “level”. All types of golf equipment manufacturers are responding to these demands, and in recent years the industry has witnessed dramatic changes and improvements in golf equipment. For example, a wide range of different golf ball models are currently available, and the balls are designed to supplement specific swing speeds and / or other player characteristics or preferences, for example, some balls are farther away, And / or designed to fly more straight; some designed to provide higher or flat trajectories; some designed to provide more spin, control, and / or feel (Especially around the green); some are designed to increase or decrease the swing speed, and so on. Many swing and / or teaching aids are also available on the market that promise to help reduce the golf score.

  Since it is the sole article that moves the golf ball during play, golf clubs have also been the subject of much technical research and progress in recent years. For example, the market has seen dramatic changes and improvements in putter designs, golf club head designs, shafts, and grips in recent years. In addition, other technical advances have been made to better match the various elements and / or characteristics of golf clubs and the characteristics of golf balls to the swing characteristics or characteristics of special users (eg, club fitting techniques, balls Firing angle measurement technology, ball spin speed, etc.).

  Regardless of recent technological advances, “wood-type” golf clubs, particularly drivers, can always be very difficult to hit successfully for some players. Thus, improving the player's ability to raise the golf ball into the air; increasing distance, direction and / or control; and / or otherwise improving the availability of wood type golf clubs, particularly drivers Technological progress is welcomed in the world of golf.

The following presents a general overview of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention and various aspects thereof. In general, some exemplary aspects of the present invention include a wood-type golf club that includes a club head body having a square or rectangular cross-sectional appearance and / or shape relative to at least a portion of its height. And / or golf club head (eg, driver or fairway wood, “wood type” utility or hybrid club, etc.). Such a club head allows club designers to place weight rearwardly, outwardly, and / or downwardly in the overall clubhead structure, so that the clubhead's moment of inertia (ie, especially the vertical axis) Or the resistance to torsion about the z-axis (eg Izz) can be increased.

More specific examples of golf club heads and golf clubs according to embodiments of the present invention include club head length (heel to toe dimension “L”) and club head width (front to rear (front to rear) dimension. A club head structure having a width to length dimension ratio ("B / L" ratio) of at least 0.9, optionally a club head volume of at least 450 cm ³ , and a theoretical maximum diagonal dimension At least 75% of at least one overall diagonal dimension (the overall diagonal dimension and the theoretical maximum diagonal dimension enclose the club head body and are measured along the diagonal of the bounding box defined by the overall length dimension and overall width dimension ) Or at least 0.75 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 . In some more specific examples, the overall diagonal dimension may be at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or indeed 95% of the theoretical maximum diagonal dimension (eg, at least 0.8 × (B ² + ^{L 2) 1/2, 0.85 × (} B 2 + L 2) 1/2, 0.9 × (B 2 + L 2) 1/2 or even ^{0.95 ×, (B 2 + L} 2) 1/2).

  Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a golf club head and golf club structure according to at least some embodiments of the present invention has at least 0.8 × BL, in some embodiments at least 0.85 × BL, at least 0.9 × BL, Or at least one horizontal cross section of the club head body that actually encloses or encompasses an area of at least 0.95 × BL.

  A golf club head (eg, having at least some of the above characteristics) according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is further integrally formed within and / or engaged with the body (eg, One or more weighted portions at or near the rear of the club head body portion, optionally towards the rear toe and / or rear heel portion of the club head and / or towards the rear sole portion of the club head Alternatively, a weight member may be included. A golf club head according to the present invention may further be incorporated into a golf club structure, for example, by attaching a shaft to the club head body and / or a grip or handle member to the shaft.

  A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain advantages thereof may be obtained by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  The reader should note that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

1A-1D illustrate an example golf club and golf club head according to the present invention. FIG. 1E illustrates the diagonal dimensions and / or cross-sectional area characteristics of a club head according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. 2A-2C illustrate examples of weighting a club head structure according to at least some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description of various structural examples according to the present invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, in which, by way of example, various golf club head and golf club structures according to the present invention will be described by way of example. Show. Certain dimensions, characteristics, and ranges of dimensions and characteristics are provided in the description below and are associated with the example golf club head structure shown in FIGS. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the drawings, dimensions, characteristics, and ranges of dimensions and characteristics described below may be used or shown by at least some embodiments of the present invention and golf clubs and It will be appreciated that examples of golf club head structures as well as properties are shown. The actual dimensions and / or characteristics of the club head may vary substantially, but remain within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that other specific component and structure arrangements may be used and that structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Also, to describe various examples of features and elements of the present invention, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “back”, “side”, “bottom” are used herein. , "Overhead" and the like are used, but these terms are used herein for convenience, eg based on the example orientation shown in the drawings and / or orientation in typical use . Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a particular three dimensional or spatial orientation of the structure in order to be included within the scope of the present invention.

A. Overview of Golf Clubs and Golf Club Heads According to Embodiments of the Invention In general, as noted above, aspects of the present invention include wood type golf club heads, golf clubs, etc. (eg, drivers or fairway woods, “wood type "Utilities or hybrid clubs, etc.). One aspect of golf clubs and golf club heads according to at least some embodiments of the invention relates to a generally “square” or rectangular design of the club head. In at least some example structures according to the present invention, the golf club head may be somewhat square or rectangular in shape, and the club designer may apply a weight (thus the center of gravity of the club head) to the rear in the overall club head structure. , Outward (ie, toward the heel and / or toe region), and / or downward (ie, toward the sole). Optionally, the club head center of gravity is located as far away from the club head face member and / or as close to the club head sole member as reasonably possible, eg, easier to use (eg, easier to use Golf clubs that help the ball to be lifted into the air, fly farther and / or more straight and provide a club head that has a higher moment of inertia, especially about the vertical axis (eg, Izz) A structure is provided.

More specific examples of golf club heads according to the present invention include a club head body having a club head length dimension ("L") and a club head width dimension ("B"), wherein the club head body is at least 0.9. Width dimension to length dimension ratio, optionally at least 450 cm ³ club head volume, and at least one overall diagonal dimension of at least 75% of the theoretical maximum diagonal dimension (the overall diagonal dimension and the theoretical maximum diagonal dimension enclose the club head body Or includes and is measured along the diagonal of the bounding box defined by the length dimension L and the width dimension B) or at least 0.75 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 . In some more specific examples, the overall diagonal dimension may be at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or indeed at least 95% of the theoretical maximum diagonal dimension (eg, at least 0.8 × ( B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 , at least 0.85 x (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 , at least 0.9 x (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 , or indeed at least 0.95 x (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 ).

  Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a golf club head and golf club structure according to at least some embodiments of the present invention has at least 0.8 × BL, in some embodiments at least 0.85 × BL, at least 0.9 × BL, Or includes at least one horizontal section of the club head body that encloses or encompasses an area of at least 0.95 × BL (when the club head is oriented for typical use). In at least some constructions, the majority of club head heights have a horizontal cross-sectional area having the above characteristics (ie, at least 50% of the total club head height (from sole to crown) has these cross-sectional characteristics. ).

  The club head body can be made in a variety of ways and / or from a variety of materials and parts without departing from the present invention, as is known and used in the art. In the form of making from conventional materials and parts. In some more specific embodiments, the club head body includes one or more metal materials (eg, metal alloys such as alloys including steel, titanium, magnesium, aluminum, etc.); composite materials or other non-metals It may be made from materials (eg, carbon fiber composites, basalt fiber composites, etc. for crown parts, skirt parts, sole parts, rear body parts, ball striking face parts, etc.); polymeric materials;

  The golf club head may further include one or more weighted portions or members integrally formed and / or engaged with the club head body. Conveniently, according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, the weighted portion or member may be located at or behind the club head body portion, optionally at the rear toe of the club head, at the rear heel. And / or towards the rear sole portion. If desired, the weighted portion or member may be selectively removable from the club head body, for example, allowing customization, replacement, replacement, and / or club fitting (eg, draw bias club). Provide a fade bias club, provide a high ballistic bias club, provide a low ballistic bias club, help compensate for undesired ball flight or swing deficiencies (e.g., correct hooks, slices, etc.) Help, raise the ball into the air, help prevent the bulging ball from flying, etc.) (provide clubs, etc.).

  Another aspect of the present invention relates to a golf club including the various types of golf club heads described above. Such a golf club is further engaged with a club head body (eg, via an external hosel member, via an internal hosel member, through an opening provided in the club head, and mechanically coupled by an adhesive. A shaft member (such as via a thread and retaining element, etc.). Golf clubs according to embodiments of the present invention may further include a grip or handle member that engages or is formed as part of the shaft member, providing a location for the user to grip the club.

  Specific examples of the invention are described in more detail below. The reader should understand that these specific examples are presented only to illustrate the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the present invention.

B. Specific Embodiments of the Invention FIGS. 1A-2C show examples of golf club and golf club head structures according to the present invention. Where the same reference numeral appears in more than one drawing, that reference numeral is used consistently in this specification and drawings to refer to the same or like parts throughout.

  Examples of golf clubs and golf club structures according to the present invention include clubs typically used for “wood type” golf clubs and golf club heads, such as drivers and fairway woods, and “wood type” utilities or hybrid clubs, and the like. A club head may be constructed. Such a club head structure may have a relatively “square” or rectangular shape and appearance, for example, as shown in the drawings and described in more detail below. The club head includes, for example, a sole member, a face member (optionally including a ball striking face integrally formed therein or attached thereto), one or more body members (eg, a club head body) It may include multiple piece configurations and structures, including one or more of (constituent material ribbons), crown members, faceplates, rear bodies, and the like. Of course, if desired, various parts of the club head structure may be integrally formed with each other as a single, one-piece configuration (e.g., the body member may be the sole and / or the sole), without departing from the invention. The face member may be integrally formed with the sole, the body, and / or the crown member, etc.). Optionally, if desired, various portions of the club head structure (eg, sole member, crown member, face member, body member, etc.) are each formed from multiple pieces of material without departing from the invention. May be. Alternatively, if desired, the entire club head may be made as a single, single piece, single structure, or the faceplate member may be attached to a one piece club head rear body. Good. More specific examples and features of golf club heads and golf club structures according to the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the golf club structure examples shown in FIGS.

  1A-1D show an example golf club 100 and / or an example golf club head 102 according to the present invention. In addition to the golf club head 102, the overall golf club structure 100 of this embodiment includes a hosel region 104, received into the hosel region 104, and / or inserted into and / or through that region. Shaft member 106 and a grip or handle member 108 attached to shaft member 106. Optionally, if desired, the outer hosel region 104 may be eliminated, the shaft member 106 may be inserted directly into the head member 102, and / or otherwise attached to the head member 102. (E.g., through an opening provided in the upper surface of the club head 102, e.g., through an internal hosel member (provided in an internal chamber defined by the club head 102), etc.).

  The shaft member 106 can be received within the club head 102 in any suitable or desired manner, including the conventional manner known and used in the art, without departing from the invention. The head 102 may be engaged and / or attached to the club head 102. As a more specific example, the shaft member 106 may engage the club head 102 via the hosel member 104 and / or, for example, adhesive, cement, welding, soldering, mechanical coupling ( (E.g., through threads, retaining elements, etc.), through a shaft receiving sleeve or element extending into the club head body 102, etc. The shaft member 106 is also any suitable or desired material, including conventional materials known and used in the art, such as graphite-based materials, composite materials or other non-metallic materials, steel materials (Including stainless steel), aluminum materials, other metal alloy materials, polymer materials, combinations of various materials, etc. The grip or handle member 108 may also be welded in any suitable or desired manner, including the conventional manner known and used in the art, eg, using an adhesive or cement; Attached to the shaft member, via a mechanical coupler (eg, thread, retaining element, etc.); and / or in any other desired manner. May be engaged and / or extended therefrom. As another example, if desired, the grip or handle member 108 may be integrally formed with the shaft member 106 as a single, one-piece structure. Further, any desired grip or handle member 108 material derived from rubber materials, leather materials, rubber or other materials including embedded corduroy or other textile materials, polymer materials, etc., without departing from the invention May be used.

  Club head 102 itself may also be any suitable or desired, including from conventional materials used and / or in a conventional manner, known and used in the art without departing from the invention. It may be constructed in a manner and / or from any suitable or desired material. For example, in the example structure 102 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the club head 102 comprises a majority of the example club head structure 102, e.g., a ball striking surface, at least a portion of the crown, and at least a portion of the sole. A base member 102a including a body portion between the crown and the sole. If desired, the base member 102a may be made from multiple pieces joined together (eg, by welding or other fusion techniques, by a mechanical coupler, etc.). The base member 102a may be made from any desired material, including materials that are conventionally known and used in the art, for example, metal materials including light metals. More specific examples of suitable materials may be made from steel, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, composite materials or other non-metallic materials, polymeric materials, and the like. In some specific example structures, a separate face plate member may be attached to the front face frame member that forms at least a portion of the base member 102a.

  If desired, one or more portions of the club head structure 102 may be used to reduce the weight of the club head 102, such as, for example, carbon fiber composite materials conventionally known and used in the art. You may make from a composite material. Other suitable composite materials or other non-metallic materials that may be used for one or more portions of the club head structure 102 include, for example: glass fiber composites, basalt fiber composites, Polymer material, etc. If desired, as some more specific examples, at least some portions (eg, portion 102b) of the crown member may be made from a composite material or other non-metallic material. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, at least some portions (eg, portions 102c and 102d) of the sole member may be made from a composite material or other non-metallic material. If desired, as yet another example or alternative, one or more portions of the club head body member (the region extending between the crown and the sole) are made from a composite material or other non-metallic material. May be. As yet another example, if desired, the rear body portion of the club head face member, or optionally the entire club head, may be made from a composite material or other non-metallic material without departing from the invention. . Composite materials or other non-metallic materials may be incorporated as part of the club head structure 102 in any desired manner, including the conventional manner known and used in the art. When reducing the weight of the club head (eg, by using a composite or other non-metallic material, light metal, metal foam or other cellular structure material, etc.), the club designer can selectively add additional weight. Can be placed throughout the club head structure, for example, at a desired location, to increase the moment of inertia and / or affect other usable characteristics of the club head structure 102.

  The various individual parts that make up the club head structure 102, when made from multiple pieces, are in any suitable or desired manner, including the conventional manner known and used in the art. They may be engaged with each other and / or held together. For example, various parts of the club head structure 102, such as the base member 102a and the composite (or other non-metallic) portions 102b, 102c, and / or 102d may be adhesive, cemented, welded, soldered, or other bonded Or by finishing techniques; by mechanical couplers (eg threads, screws, nuts, bolts, or other couplers); etc. (directly or indirectly through intermediate members) and They may be fixed together. If desired, the side edges of the various components of the club head structure 102 (eg, the edges where the composite members 102b, 102c, and / or 102d contact and connect to the main body 102a) are the opposite sides to be joined. It may include one or more raised ribs, tabs, ledges, or other engaging elements that fit in or on corresponding grooves, slots, surfaces, ledges or openings provided in the edges or on the side edges. Cement, adhesives, mechanical couplers, finishing materials, etc. are used in combination with raised ribs / grooves / ledges / edges or other connecting structures described above to further secure the various parts of the club head structure 102 together. May help.

  The dimensions and / or other characteristics of golf club head structures according to embodiments of the present invention may vary significantly without departing from the present invention. As some more specific examples, a club head according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 125,327 filed May 10, 2005 (and October 27, 2005). Having dimensions and / or other characteristics included in various examples of club head dimensions and / or characteristics described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2005-0239576 A1 published on the same day) May be. Note, for example, the tables in these documents. Each of these US patent applications and publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

  As noted above, the club head 102 according to at least some embodiments of the present invention has a relatively “square” or rectangular shape, particularly when viewed from overhead above the crown portion of the club head shown in FIG. It may have an appearance. FIG. 1A further shows that the club head 102 has a full length dimension L from the heel to the toe direction and a full width dimension B from the front to the rear direction. According to at least some embodiments of the present invention, the width to length dimension ratio (“B / L”) in the club head structure is at least 0.9, and in some embodiments, the ratio is at least 0.92. It may be at least 0.93, at least 0.94, at least 0.95, at least 0.96, at least 0.97, or indeed at least 0.98.

  The relative “square” or rectangular shape or appearance of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention is determined by the weight within the club head structure 102 (eg, composite material, light metal alloy, cellular structure metal or other material, metal foam material). For example, behind the club head structure 102, towards the heel and / or toe region and / or This is advantageous because it can be arranged towards the sole part. Such weight adjustment can increase the moment of inertia characteristic of the club head, particularly the moment of inertia about its vertical axis (eg, Izz).

  Various methods of evaluating the “squareness” (eg, angle and side orientation) of the club head structure are possible. One method involves the use of the “theoretical maximum diagonal dimension” of the club head. FIG. 1E helps illustrate this “squareness” measurement tool. Specifically, FIG. 1E shows the club head structure 102 of FIG. 1A with a bounding box enclosing the club head body 102. The bounding box extends in contact with the outer surface of the club head body (at its maximum width and depth points), and the club head length dimension L and its dimensions arranged perpendicular to each other to define the corners of the bounding box It is defined by the width dimension B (which constitutes the four bounding sides). Therefore, when viewed from above, the bounding box defines a rectangular structure with the extreme dimensions of the club head body 102 along the four main sides of the club head 102 (for example, the smallest rectangular box that encloses the club head body 102).

The bounding box also defines a theoretical maximum diagonal dimension, which extends from one corner of the bounding box to the opposite corner on the diagonal. This diagonal dimension is the theoretical maximum diagonal dimension for a perfectly square or rectangular club head (ie, if the club head 102 is perfectly square or rectangular, each corner is right and its opposite side Are parallel to each other and their diagonal dimension is the length from point D ₁ to D _{4 in} Figure 1E (which also corresponds to the length (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 ) However, the club head 102 is not completely “square” or rectangular, so the diagonal dimension D along the same diagonal (ie, points D ₂ -D ₃ in FIG. 1E) is shorter than the length of points D ₁ -D ₄ (or (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 .) According to at least some embodiments of the present invention, the actual overall diagonal dimension of the club head (eg, points D ₂ -D ₃ in FIG. 1E) is the length of the point D ₁ to D ₄ of at least 0.75 × (Figure 1E ) Or at least ^{0.75 × (B 2 + L 2} ) 1/2 In some of the club head structure example according to. The invention, the actual overall diagonal dimension of the club head (e.g., a point in FIG. 1E D ₂ to D ₃ ) At least 0.8 × (the length of points D _{1 to} D ₄ in FIG. 1E) or at least 0.8 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 , at least 0.85 × (the length of points D _{1 to} D ₄ in FIG. 1E) Or at least 0.85 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 , or indeed at least 0.9 × (the length of points D _{1 to} D ₄ in FIG. 1E) or at least 0.9 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 It is.

If desired, according to embodiments of the present invention, any one or both of the diagonals of the club head structure 102 (ie, the diagonals D ₂ -D ₃ in FIG. 1E and / or D ₅ -D in FIG. 1E). ₆ diagonals) may have the above dimensional characteristics. The diagonal may be measured in the overall club head structure 102 at a vertical height or level where the club head body cross-section encloses or encompasses the maximum total area (eg, to provide the actual maximum diagonal dimension D of the club head). Or using the widest point relative to the club head body along the diagonal, as shown in FIG. 1E, regardless of the vertical height position of these widest points ("Overall Also called “diagonal dimension”).

In the example structure shown in FIG. 1E, the dimension along diagonal D of D ₁ -D ₂ (also referred to as “diagonal diagonal”) may be less than 1 inch, and in some embodiments 0.75 inch. Or less than 0.5 inches. In general, the smaller this empty portion of the diagonal, the more “square” or rectangular the structure.

  Another method of assessing club head “squareness” is a horizontal cross-section enclosed or contained by the club head (eg, golf club head during typical use, eg, when addressing and / or hitting a golf ball) Or horizontal with respect to the club head oriented at its lie angle and / or present on its sole plate. As shown in FIG. 1E, if the club head 102 is completely “square” or rectangular (ie, the leading, trailing and side edges are arranged at right angles in a rectangular array), at least the club head One horizontal cross section encloses or encompasses the area (maximum theoretical area = B × L) defined by the club head length (dimension L) and width (dimension B). Since the actual club head 102 design has somewhat rounded corners and / or curved edges, the largest horizontal cross-sectional area encompassed by the outer peripheral section of the club head 102 is less than the maximum theoretical area B × L. According to at least some embodiments of the present invention, the golf club head 102 encloses an area of at least 0.75 × BL, at least 0.8 × BL, at least 0.85 × BL, at least 0.9 × BL, or indeed at least 0.95 × BL. Includes at least one horizontal cross section (when the club head is oriented on its sole and / or at its desired lie angle for typical use), optionally including a plurality of horizontal cross sections.

As described above, in a generally “square” or rectangular structure of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention, additional weight is applied deeply (toward the rear of the club head) and broadly (towards the club head heel and the club head). (Or towards the toe) and / or low (towards the club head sole). 2A-2C show various embodiments. More particularly, FIGS. 2A and 2B show a club head structure 200 that includes at least two separate weight members W ₁ and W ₂ arranged toward the rear corner below the club head structure 200. As shown in this example structure 200, one or both of the weighted members W ₁ and W ₂ may be mounted detachably on the club head structure 200, e.g., removal, substitution, replacement, customization Etc. are possible. In the illustrated example structure 200, a greater (or heavier) load is provided toward the heel side of the club head structure 200 to better facilitate a draw golf shot (eg, a draw bias club is provided). , Helped to correct slicing or significantly fading ball flight, etc.). Of course, the club head 200 includes a variety of weight port locations for receiving different weights and / or weight members W ₁ and / or W ₂ of different masses (including ports of different overall heights within the club head structure 200). Various weight orientations and customization options are possible (e.g., a draw bias club is provided, a fade bias club is provided, a high ballistic bias club is provided, a low ballistic bias club is provided To help compensate for undesired ball flight or swing defects (correcting hooks, slices, etc., helping to raise the ball into the air, preventing ball flight from bulging, etc.) ) A club is offered, etc.). As a more specific example, FIG. 2C shows the weight members (eg, W ₁ and W ₂ ) somewhat higher and differently arranged in the club head structure 250. If desired, both weighted arrays of FIGS. 2B and 2C may be provided within a single club head structure (eg, the set of weighted port positions provided in FIG. Somewhat higher and / or placed inside it).

Also, any number of weight members (0, 1, 2, or more) may be provided in the club head structure 200 without departing from the invention. If desired, one or more valid weight ports in the club head structure may be left empty. When removably mounted, the weight members (eg, W ₁ and W ₂ ) are any desired desired, including conventional modalities known and used in the art, without departing from the invention. In a manner, it may be attached to the club head structure 200 and / or 250 via, for example, a mechanical coupler (eg, screw connection, etc.), a retention system, an adhesive, etc.

Any type of weight member may be provided without departing from the invention, including tungsten-containing or lead-containing members including, for example, tungsten or lead elements, tungsten or lead alloys, tungsten or lead-containing polymers, and the like. 2A-2C also show another individual weight member (eg, W ₁ and W ₂ ), this is not a requirement. Rather, if desired, a single weight member having various sizes and / or densities along at least one dimension may optionally be provided. As another example, if desired, the body of the club head structure (eg, structure 102) may be integrally formed, providing weights in one or more desired areas. This may be accomplished in any desired manner without departing from the invention. For example, the weighted region is provided by including a weighting material (eg, tungsten or lead) in the desired rear, sole, and / or side position in the metal, composite, or other structural material of the club head 102. May be. If desired, as another example, the desired portion of the club head 102 may be formed from a denser metal (or other) material, or the desired portion of the club head may be made of a different, heavier metal (or other) The weighted region may be provided by forming from a material. The weight member or region may be provided on the inside or part of the club head structure (eg, engaged with or secured to the inner wall or structure, etc.); outside or part of the club head structure (Eg, engaged with or secured to an outer wall or structure, etc.); may be integrally formed at a desired location within one or more wall structures; May be provided in one or more ports formed in or engaged with the structure, and so on. Any desired manner of providing a weighted region at a desired location within the overall club head structure 102 may be used without departing from the invention.

  In certain club head structures, certain dimensions, characteristics, and / or ranges of dimensions and characteristics (eg, the ranges described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2005-0239576 A1 published on 27 October 2005) However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these dimensions and ranges are merely examples that may be used in at least some example club head structures of the present invention. Many variations in range and specific dimensions and characteristics may be used without departing from the invention, depending on, for example, club type, user preferences, user swing characteristics, and the like. For example, various dimensions and / or characteristics (for example, various loft angles, face angles, head weights, lie angles, centroid angles, insertion distances, lengths, widths, heights, face thicknesses, crown thicknesses, sole thicknesses, body For example, a golf club head is a driver, 2-wood, 3-wood, 4-wood, 5-wood, 7-wood, 9-), member thickness, hosel diameter, volume, bulge radius, roll radius, body density, etc. It may be used depending on whether it is wood, wood type hybrid club or the like. Also, to suit user preferences and / or swing characteristics; to provide the club with the desired launch angle, flight distance, and / or other characteristics; etc. for various dimensions and / or Properties may be provided. In addition, a variety of different shaft characteristics (eg, stiffness, inflection points, kick points, etc.) may be used to further change and control the feel and characteristics of the club and club head.

  As noted above, golf club heads according to embodiments of the present invention may have a club head design and / or shape that generates other desired club head characteristics. For example, in some club head structures according to the present invention, the club head has a larger head and / or face length (eg, heel to toe) and a depth or width (eg, front to back) of the club head and Having a “square” structure, this results in a club head that is more torsionally stable (ie, more resistant to torsion), thereby providing a more consistent, reliable, and / or linear Golf ball flight is obtained. Golf club heads and golf clubs according to at least some of these exemplary aspects of the invention have a club head overall length L of at least 4.5 inches, at least 4.6 inches, at least 4.7 inches, at least 4.8 inches, or indeed at least 4.9 inches, and A club head body having a ratio of 0.9 or more and 1 or less club head full width dimension to club head full length dimension may be included. A club head according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may have a club head width to club head length ratio of at least 0.94, at least 0.95, at least 0.96, at least 0.97, or indeed at least 0.98.

In a golf club head according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, the club head overall width B dimension is at least 4.2 inches, at least 4.3 inches, at least 4.4 inches, at least 4.5 inches, at least 4.6 inches, at least 4.7 inches, at least 4.8 inches, Or it may be at least 4.9 inches. As in the above embodiments, the club head body according to at least some embodiments of this aspect of the invention has a club head overall length L of at least 4.7 inches, at least 4.8 inches, or indeed at least 4.9 inches, and / or overall club head body size is 500 cm ³ or less, 470 cm ³ or less, or may be sized such that indeed 460 cm ³ or less. In some embodiments, the overall club head body size or volume is at least 350 cc, at least 400 cc, at least 420 cc, or indeed at least 450 cc.

A wide range of specific dimensions are possible, but in one more specific embodiment, the club head overall length dimension L is about 4.93 inches, the club head overall width dimension B is about 4.86 inches, and the club head overall diagonal dimension. D is at least 0.9 (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 (or at least 6.23 inches). In such a club head structure, the “diagonal empty portion” dimension (eg, D ₁ -D ₂ along diagonal D in FIG. 1E) may be less than 0.5 inches, and in some embodiments, It may be about 0.44 inches.

  Of course, many modifications may be made to the overall club head structure and / or the overall golf club structure without departing from the invention. For example, many modifications may be made to one or more of the components that make up the club head, the materials used in the manufacture of the club head, the manner in which the club head structure is joined, and the like. Also, the thickness, weight, shape, and / or other physical properties of one or more parts that make up the overall golf club structure, the manner in which these parts are secured together, the materials used in these parts, Many modifications may be made to the above.

CONCLUSION Although the present invention has been described in detail in terms of specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that there are various variations and substitutions of the above systems and methods. You will recognize. Thus, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be broadly considered as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (129)

A golf club head comprising a club head body having a club head length dimension L and a club head width dimension B,
The club head body has a width to length dimension ratio of at least 0.9, a club head volume of at least 450 cm ³ , and an overall diagonal dimension of at least 0.75 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 , and the overall diagonal dimension is A golf club head that encloses the club head body and is measured along the diagonal of the bounding box defined by the length and width dimensions. ^2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the overall diagonal dimension is at least 0.8 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 . The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the overall diagonal dimension is at least 0.85 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 .   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the club head body includes at least one non-metallic portion.   5. A golf club head according to claim 4, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion includes a non-metallic crown portion.   6. A golf club head according to claim 5, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion includes a non-metallic sole portion.   The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion includes a non-metallic sole portion.   5. A golf club head according to claim 4, wherein the club head body includes a metal member and at least one non-metal portion is engaged with the metal member.   2. The golf club head according to claim 1, further comprising a weight member engaged with the club head body.   10. A golf club head according to claim 9, wherein the weight member is disposed at or proximate to the rear portion of the club head body.   11. The golf club head according to claim 10, wherein at least some of the weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   11. The golf club head according to claim 10, wherein at least some of the weight member is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   10. The golf club head according to claim 9, wherein the weight member is detachably engaged with the club head body.   The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the weight member is disposed within an inner chamber defined at least in part by the club head body.   2. The golf club head according to claim 1, further comprising a weighted portion integrally formed as a part of the club head body.   16. A golf club head according to claim 15, wherein the weighted portion is disposed at or proximate to the rear portion of the club head body.   17. A golf club head according to claim 16, wherein at least some of the weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   17. A golf club head according to claim 16, wherein at least some of the weight member is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body. A first weight member engaged with the club head body at or near the rear portion of the club head body;
2. The golf club according to claim 1, further comprising a second weight member engaged with the club head body and spaced from the first weight member at or near the rear portion of the club head body. head.   20. The golf club head according to claim 19, wherein the first weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   20. The golf club head according to claim 19, wherein the first weight member is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   The first weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body, and the second weight member is disposed toward a toe side of the rear portion of the club head body. Golf club head.   20. The golf club head according to claim 19, wherein the first weight member is detachably engaged with the club head body, and the second weight member is detachably engaged with the club head body.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the length dimension is at least 4.5 inches. A club head body comprising a metal body portion and a non-metal portion engaged with the metal body portion, wherein the club head body has a club head overall length dimension L of at least 4.5 inches, a width dimension B to a length of at least 0.9. Having a dimensional ratio, a club head volume of at least 450 cm ³ , and an overall diagonal dimension of at least 0.75 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 , the overall diagonal dimension enclosing the club head, the length dimension and the width dimension A club head body, measured along the diagonal of the bounding box defined by
A golf club head comprising a weight engaged with a rear portion of the club head body or integrally formed at or near the rear portion of the club head body. 26. A golf club head according to claim 25, wherein the overall diagonal dimension is at least 0.8 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 . 26. A golf club head according to claim 25, wherein the overall diagonal dimension is at least 0.85 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 .   26. A golf club head according to claim 25, wherein the non-metallic portion includes a non-metallic crown member.   26. A golf club head according to claim 25, wherein the non-metallic portion includes a non-metallic sole portion.   26. A golf club head according to claim 25, wherein at least some of the weight is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   26. A golf club head according to claim 25, wherein at least some of the weight is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   26. A golf club head according to claim 25, wherein the weight is removably engaged with the club head body.   26. A golf club head according to claim 25, wherein the weight is disposed within an inner chamber defined at least in part by the club head body. Weight is
A first weighted portion engaged with the rear portion of the club head body or integrally formed at or near the rear portion of the club head body;
A second weighted portion engaged with the rear portion of the club head body or integrally formed at or near the rear portion of the club head body, wherein the second weighted portion is the first weight 26. A golf club head according to claim 25, wherein the golf club head is remote from the portion.   The weight includes a first weighted portion engaged with the club head body and a second weighted portion engaged with the club head body, wherein the second weighted portion is spaced from the first weighted portion. Item 25. A golf club head according to Item 25.   36. A golf club head according to claim 35, wherein the first weighted portion is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   36. A golf club head according to claim 35, wherein the first weighted portion is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   36. The first weighted portion is disposed toward the heel side of the rear portion of the club head body, and the second weighted portion is disposed toward the toe side of the rear portion of the club head body. Golf club head.   36. A golf club head according to claim 35, wherein the first weighted portion is detachably engaged with the club head body and the second weighted portion is detachably engaged with the club head body. A golf club head comprising a club head body having a club head length dimension L and a club head width dimension B,
A golf club, wherein the club head body has a width dimension to length dimension ratio of at least 0.9 and a club head volume of at least 450 cm ³ and at least one horizontal cross section of the club head body encloses an area of at least 0.8 × BL Club head.   41. A golf club head according to claim 40, wherein the area is at least 0.85 x BL.   41. A golf club head according to claim 40, wherein the area is at least 0.9 x BL.   41. A golf club head according to claim 40, wherein the club head body includes at least one non-metallic portion.   44. A golf club head according to claim 43, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion comprises a non-metallic crown portion.   45. A golf club head according to claim 44, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion comprises a non-metallic sole portion.   44. A golf club head according to claim 43, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion includes a non-metallic sole portion.   44. A golf club head according to claim 43, wherein the club head body includes a metal member and at least one non-metal portion is engaged with the metal member.   41. A golf club head according to claim 40, further comprising a weight member engaged with the club head body.   49. A golf club head according to claim 48, wherein the weight member is disposed at or proximate to the rear portion of the club head body.   50. A golf club head according to claim 49, wherein at least some of the weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   50. A golf club head according to claim 49, wherein at least some of the weight member is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   49. A golf club head according to claim 48, wherein the weight member is removably engaged with the club head body.   49. A golf club head according to claim 48, wherein the weight member is disposed within an inner chamber defined at least in part by the club head body.   41. A golf club head according to claim 40, further comprising a weighted portion integrally formed as part of the club head body.   55. A golf club head according to claim 54, wherein the weighted portion is disposed at or proximate to the rear portion of the club head body.   56. A golf club head according to claim 55, wherein at least some of the weighted portion is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   56. A golf club head according to claim 55, wherein at least some of the weighted portion is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body. A first weight member engaged with the club head body at or near the rear portion of the club head body;
41. A golf club according to claim 40, further comprising a second weight member engaged with the club head body and spaced from the first weight member at or near the rear portion of the club head body. head.   59. A golf club head according to claim 58, wherein the first weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   59. A golf club head according to claim 58, wherein the first weight member is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   59. The first weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body, and the second weight member is disposed toward a toe side of the rear portion of the club head body. Golf club head.   59. A golf club head according to claim 58, wherein the first weight member is detachably engaged with the club head body and the second weight member is detachably engaged with the club head body.   41. A golf club head according to claim 40, wherein the length dimension is at least 4.5 inches. A club head body having a club head length dimension L and a club head width dimension B, wherein the club head body has a width dimension to length dimension ratio of at least 0.9, a club head volume of at least 450 cm ³ , and at least 0.75 × (B ² + L ² ) Club head, having an overall diagonal dimension of ^1/2, the overall diagonal dimension enclosing the club head and measured along the diagonal of the bounding box defined by the length and width dimensions Body,
A golf club comprising a shaft member engaged with a club head body. 65. A golf club according to claim 64, wherein the overall diagonal dimension is at least 0.8 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 . 65. A golf club according to claim 64, wherein the overall diagonal dimension is at least 0.85 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 .   65. A golf club according to claim 64, wherein the club head body includes at least one non-metallic portion.   68. A golf club according to claim 67, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion comprises a non-metallic crown portion.   69. A golf club according to claim 68, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion comprises a non-metallic sole portion.   68. A golf club according to claim 67, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion comprises a non-metallic sole portion.   68. A golf club according to claim 67, wherein the club head body includes a metal member and at least one non-metal portion is engaged with the metal member.   65. A golf club according to claim 64, further comprising a weight member engaged with the club head body.   75. A golf club according to claim 74, wherein the weight member is disposed at or proximate to the rear portion of the club head body.   74. A golf club according to claim 73, wherein at least some of the weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   74. A golf club according to claim 73, wherein at least some of the weight member is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   73. A golf club according to claim 72, wherein the weight member is removably engaged with the club head body.   73. A golf club according to claim 72, wherein the weight member is disposed within an inner chamber defined at least in part by the club head body.   65. A golf club according to claim 64, further comprising a weighted portion integrally formed as part of the club head body.   79. A golf club according to claim 78, wherein the weighted portion is disposed at or proximate to the rear portion of the club head body.   80. A golf club according to claim 79, wherein at least some of the weighted portion is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   80. A golf club according to claim 79, wherein at least some of the weighted portion is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body. A first weight member engaged with the club head body at or near the rear portion of the club head body;
65. A golf club according to claim 64, further comprising: a second weight member engaged with the club head body and spaced from the first weight member at or near the rear portion of the club head body. .   85. A golf club according to claim 82, wherein the first weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   83. A golf club according to claim 82, wherein the first weight member is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   84. The first weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body, and the second weight member is disposed toward a toe side of the rear portion of the club head body. Golf club.   85. A golf club according to claim 82, wherein the first weight member is detachably engaged with the club head body, and the second weight member is detachably engaged with the club head body.   65. A golf club according to claim 64, wherein the golf club head length dimension is at least 4.5 inches.   65. A golf club according to claim 64, further comprising a grip member engaged with the shaft member. A club head body comprising a metal body portion and a non-metal portion engaged with the metal body portion, wherein the club head body has a club head overall length dimension L of at least 4.5 inches, a width dimension B to a length of at least 0.9. Having a dimensional ratio, a club head volume of at least 450 cm ³ , and an overall diagonal dimension of at least 0.75 × (B ² + L ² ) ^1/2 , the overall diagonal dimension enclosing the club head body, the length dimension and width A club head body, measured along the diagonal of the bounding box defined by the dimensions;
A weight engaged with the rear portion of the club head body or integrally formed at or near the rear portion of the club head body;
A golf club comprising a shaft member engaged with a club head body. Overall diagonal dimension is ^1/2 least ^{0.8 × (B 2 + L 2} ), golf club according to claim 89, wherein. Overall diagonal dimension is ^1/2 least ^{0.85 × (B 2 + L 2} ), golf club according to claim 89, wherein.   90. A golf club according to claim 89, wherein the non-metallic portion comprises a non-metallic crown member.   90. A golf club according to claim 89, wherein the non-metallic portion includes a non-metallic sole portion.   90. A golf club according to claim 89, wherein at least some of the weight is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   90. A golf club according to claim 89, wherein at least some of the weight is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   90. A golf club according to claim 89, wherein the weight is removably engaged with the club head body.   90. A golf club according to claim 89, wherein the weight is disposed at least partially within an inner chamber defined by the club head body. Weight is
A first weighted portion engaged with the rear portion of the club head body or integrally formed at or near the rear portion of the club head body;
90. A second weighted portion engaged with, or integrally formed with, or adjacent to the rear portion of the club head body and separated from the first weighted portion. Golf club. Weight is
A first weighted portion engaged with the club head body;
90. A golf club according to claim 89, comprising a second weighted portion engaged with the club head body and spaced from the first weighted portion.   100. A golf club according to claim 99, wherein the first weighted portion is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   100. A golf club according to claim 99, wherein the first weighted portion is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   99. The first weighted portion is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body, and the second weighted portion is disposed toward a toe side of the rear portion of the club head body. Golf club.   100. A golf club according to claim 99, wherein the first weighted portion is detachably engaged with the club head body and the second weighted portion is detachably engaged with the club head body.   90. A golf club according to claim 89, further comprising a grip member engaged with the shaft member. A club head body having a club head length dimension L and a club head width dimension B, the club head body having a width dimension to length dimension ratio of at least 0.9 and a club head volume of at least 450 cm ³ , A club head body, wherein at least one horizontal section of encloses an area of at least 0.8 × BL;
A golf club comprising a shaft member engaged with a club head body.   106. A golf club according to claim 105, wherein the area is at least 0.85 x BL.   106. A golf club according to claim 105, wherein the area is at least 0.9 x BL.   106. A golf club according to claim 105, wherein the club head body includes at least one non-metallic portion.   109. A golf club according to claim 108, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion comprises a non-metallic crown portion.   110. A golf club according to claim 109, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion includes a non-metallic sole portion.   109. A golf club according to claim 108, wherein the at least one non-metallic portion includes a non-metallic sole portion.   109. A golf club according to claim 108, wherein the club head body includes a metal member and at least one non-metal portion is engaged with the metal member.   106. A golf club according to claim 105, further comprising a weight member engaged with the club head body.   114. A golf club according to claim 113, wherein the weight member is disposed at or proximate to the rear portion of the club head body.   115. A golf club according to claim 114, wherein at least some of the weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   115. A golf club according to claim 114, wherein at least some of the weight member is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   114. A golf club according to claim 113, wherein the weight member is removably engaged with the club head body.   114. A golf club according to claim 113, wherein the weight member is disposed within an inner chamber defined at least in part by the club head body.   106. A golf club according to claim 105, further comprising a weighted portion integrally formed as part of the club head body.   120. A golf club according to claim 119, wherein the weighted portion is disposed at or proximate to the rear portion of the club head body.   123. A golf club according to claim 120, wherein at least some of the weighted portion is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   123. A golf club according to claim 120, wherein at least some of the weighted portion is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body. A first weight member engaged with the club head body at or near the rear portion of the club head body;
106. A golf club according to claim 105, further comprising a second weight member engaged with the club head body and spaced from the first weight member at or near the rear portion of the club head body. .   124. A golf club according to claim 123, wherein the first weight member is disposed toward a heel side of a rear portion of the club head body.   124. A golf club according to claim 123, wherein the first weight member is disposed toward a toe side of a rear portion of the club head body.   124. A golf club according to claim 123, wherein the first weight member is disposed toward the heel side of the rear portion of the club head body, and the second weight member is disposed toward the toe side of the rear portion of the club head body. .   124. A golf club according to claim 123, wherein the first weight member is detachably engaged with the club head body, and the second weight member is detachably engaged with the club head body.   106. A golf club according to claim 105, wherein the golf club head length dimension is at least 4.5 inches.   106. A golf club according to claim 105, further comprising a grip member engaged with the shaft member.

Images