US20090029795A1

US20090029795A1 - Golf Clubs and Methods of Manufacture

Info

Publication number: US20090029795A1
Application number: US11/828,158
Authority: US
Inventors: Brad Schweigert; Marty Jertson; Michael Nicolette
Original assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corp
Current assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corp
Priority date: 2007-07-25
Filing date: 2007-07-25
Publication date: 2009-01-29
Also published as: CA2637004A1; TW200916150A; DE202008009274U1; GB2451323A; GB0812311D0; JP2009061264A; CN201216846Y; KR20090012062A

Abstract

Embodiments of golf clubs and methods of manufacture are generally described herein. A golf club has a shaft and a body coupled to the shaft. The body has a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a front end, a back, end opposite the front end, a front face at the front end, a top wall, and a bottom wall opposite the top wall. The body also has a body height measured in a first direction substantially normal to the bottom wall as measured from the bottom wall to a top point of the front face. The body also has a center of gravity and a center of gravity height measured in the first direction along a center of gravity line that extends from the bottom wall to the center of gravity. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to golf club heads, and relates more particularly to golf club heads and methods of manufacturing a golf club head.

BACKGROUND

Golf clubs and specifically golf club heads of various designs have typically been developed to improve the functionality of a golfer's swing and resulting golf shot. A frequent problem many golfers suffer is their inability or lack of consistency to hit “down” on a ball, that is, to regularly hit the ball squarely. Golf club designs that optimize a golf club's center of gravity position is one recent design trend among golf club manufacturers to counteract this common problem. By positioning the center of gravity towards the bottom of the golf club, this position may induce the golfer during his swing, to hit “down” on the ball, thus, hitting the ball squarely.
The manufacturing of oversized golf clubs having a larger strike face, and subsequently a larger area of impact is another recent design trend among golf club manufacturers. These oversized clubs were designed to accommodate “miss hits” by the golfer. Instead of inducing the golfer to hit the ball squarely by optimizing the club's center of gravity position, these oversized clubs use the larger sweet spot area to accommodate a miss hit ball. Thus, the resulting trajectory of the miss hit ball reacts in a manner as if it were hit squarely.
The general trend by golf club manufacturers is to manufacture irons with an optimized center of gravity, and to manufacture drivers, fairway woods, and utility clubs in an oversized manner. However, a golfer may benefit from a driver, fairway wood, or utility club that, similarly to an iron, incorporates an optimally positioned center of gravity, particularly where the center of gravity is located in the lower portion of the of the club.
Accordingly, golf clubs and their methods of manufacture can lower or further optimize the center of gravity of their golf club heads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club showing a front face and top wall of a golf club head of the golf club, according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the golf club head showing the center of gravity of the golf club head and various dimensional elements, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section of the golf club head showing various dimensional elements, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the back end of the golf club showing an intersection point, intersection angle, and intersection height, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the golf club head showing the bottom wall, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front end view of the golf club head showing the front end and front face, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the golf club head showing the back end, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top down view of the golf club head showing the top wall, front end, back end, heel end and toe end, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom up view of the golf club head showing the bottom wall, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the golf club head showing the heel portion, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the golf club head showing the toe portion, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 11 at an address position;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section view of another exemplary golf club head at an address position, according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section view of an exemplary golf club head at an address position, according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 15 depicts a flow diagram representation of one manner in which a golf club head may be manufactured, according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 16 depicts a flow diagram representation of another manner in which a golf club head may be manufactured, according to a fifth embodiment; and

FIG. 17 depicts a flow diagram representation of yet another manner in which a golf club head of FIG. 1 may be manufactured, according to a sixth embodiment.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the golf clubs and their methods of manufacture. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.
The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of golf clubs and methods of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “contain,” “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of golf clubs and methods of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly connected in an electrical, physically, mechanical, or other manner.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment of the golf clubs and methods of manufacture described herein, a golf club head comprises: a body having a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a front end, a back end opposite the front end, a front face at the front end, a top wall, and a bottom wall opposite the top wall. The body has a body height that is measured in a first direction substantially normal to the bottom wall. The body height extends from the bottom wail to a top point of the front face. The body has a center of gravity and a center of gravity height measured in the first direction that extends along a center of gravity line. The center of gravity height extends from the bottom wall to the center of gravity. The body also has a center of gravity ratio comprising the center of gravity height relative to the body height, and the center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.50.
In a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, the golf club head also includes the bottom wall extending from the front end to the back end and substantially parallel to a ground plane when the club head is at an address position. The top wall extends downward to intersect the bottom wall at an intersection point at the back end.
In still a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, the golf club head includes the front face extending from the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and having a maximum face height measured in a second direction substantially parallel to the front face. The face height extends from the top point of the front face to a bottom point of the front face. The front face also has a front face center of gravity point, and a line along a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second direction intersects the front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity of the body. The front face also comprises a front face center distance measured in the second direction from the bottom point of the front face to the front face center of gravity point. In this embodiment, the body comprises a front face ratio comprising the front face center distance relative to the face height, and the front face ratio is less than about 0.6.
In still yet another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, the golf club head comprises a toe end, a heel end opposite of the toe end, a front end that has a front face extending between the toe and heel ends, and the front face has a top point and a bottom point. The embodiment further comprises a back end opposite the front end, and the back end has an intersection point. In this embodiment, the golf clubs and methods of manufacture comprises a bottom wall substantially parallel to a ground plane when the golf club head is at an address position, and the bottom wall is coupled to the front face at the bottom point and has a maximum length measured from the bottom point to the intersection point. There is a top wall opposite the bottom wall and the top wall continuously tapers from the top point to the intersection point; the top wall couples to the bottom wall at the intersection point and the top wall has a maximum height and a minimum height. The maximum height is measured from the top point to the ground plane along a first vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the ground plane and including the top point, and the minimum height is measured from the intersection point to the ground plane along a second vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the ground plane and including the intersection point.
In an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, the top wall of the club head extends downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end at an intersection point. The intersection point comprises one end of an intersection distance measured in the first direction from the intersection point to a ground plane when the club head is at an address position. This embodiment further comprises an intersection ratio comprising the intersection distance to the body height, and the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.
In a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, the intersection of the top wall and the bottom wall at the intersection point creates an intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at the intersection point.
In an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, a method for manufacturing a golf club head comprises providing a body to have a toe end, a heel end, a front end, a back end, a front face, a top wall, and a bottom wall that extends from the front end to the back end and adjacent to the top wall at the toe end, the heel end, and the back end. The body is provided to have a body height measured in a first direction substantially normal to the bottom wall from the bottom wall to a top point of the front face, and the body has a center of gravity and a center of gravity height measured in the first direction from the bottom wall to the center of gravity. The body has a center of gravity ratio comprising the center of gravity height to the body height, and the center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.50.
In a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, the method for manufacturing a golf club head further comprises providing the bottom wall to extend from the front end to the back end and to be substantially parallel to a ground plane when the golf club head is at an address position, and providing the top wall to extend downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end.
The method for manufacturing a golf club head further comprises providing the body to have a maximum face height measured in a second direction substantially parallel to the front face from the top point of the front face to a bottom point of the front face. This method comprises the front face to have a front face center of gravity point, a line along a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction that intersects the front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity. The front face comprises a front face center distance measured in the second direction from the bottom point of the front face to the front face center of gravity point, and the body further comprises a front face ratio comprising the front face center distance to the face height and the front face ratio is less than about 0.6.
In further embodiments of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, the method for manufacturing may comprise providing the golf club head to have a radius of curvature of a central portion of the top wall that is less than a radius of curvature of a central portion of the bottom wall. Also, the method may further comprise providing the center of gravity to be below the front face center of gravity point. Moreover, the method can also provide the center of gravity height to be less than the front face center distance.
In still yet a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, the method for manufacturing a golf club head comprises providing the top wall to extend downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end at an intersection point, where the intersection point further comprises one end of an intersection distance measured in the first direction from the intersection point to a ground plane when the club head is at an address position. In this embodiment, the body has an intersection ratio comprising the intersection distance to the body height; and the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.
In an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, the method for manufacturing a golf club head further comprises providing the intersection of the top wall and the bottom wall at the intersection point to create an intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at the intersection point.
In several of the embodiments, golf club heads comprise and methods for manufacturing include, providing a golf club head comprising a top wall that is straight, concave or convex.
These aforementioned embodiments can lower the center of gravity of the golf club head or optimize it by using less material or mass for the shell of the golf club head and allow the unused mass to be redistributed to other parts of the golf club head.
Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club 101, which includes a shaft 190 and a golf club head body 100 having a toe end 110, a heel end 120 opposite toe end 110, a hosel 105 at heel end 120, a front end 130, a back end 140 opposite front end 130, a front face 150 at front end 130, a top wall 160, and a bottom wall 270 (FIG. 2) opposite top wall 160. Front face 150 can include a strike face and one or more of grooves 152. Groves 152 may be incorporated upon front face 150 in varying patterns, depths, widths, lengths, cross-sectional profiles, and/or the like. Furthermore, golf club 101 can be a driver, a wood, a hybrid club, or any other suitable type of golf club. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
With reference to FIG. 2, body 100 has a maximum body height 205 measured in a first direction substantially normal to bottom wall 270 and/or to a ground plane when golf club head body 100 is at an address position. Body height 205 extends from bottom wall 270 to a top point 206 of front face 150. For example, top point 206 of front face 150 can be the point of body 100 that is the furthest away from bottom wall 270 in the first direction. Body 100 further has a center of gravity 280 and a center of gravity height 285. Center of gravity height 285 is measured in the first direction along a center of gravity line from bottom wall 270 to center of gravity 280.
In one embodiment, and with reference to Table 1, body 100 has a center of gravity ratio comprising center of gravity height 285 relative to body height 205 and the center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.50. In another embodiment, the center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.389. Although the above examples may describe particular values for the center of gravity ratios, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be associated with other center of gravity ratios. In particular, the center of gravity ratios may vary in a linear manner or a non-linear manner with respect to the loft angles. Accordingly, a golf club head having a loft angle greater than 21.5 degrees may be associated with a center of gravity ratio that is greater than, less than, or equal to 0.50. In a similar manner, a golf club head having a loft angle less than 14.0 degrees may be associated with a center of gravity ratio that is greater than, less than or equal to 0.393. Further, while Table 1 may describe particular center of gravity heights, body heights, face heights, front face center heights, center of gravity ratios, and front face ratios of golf club head bodies that are associated with particular loft angles, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture may be applicable to other golf club head bodies associated with other loft angles.

TABLE 1

	Center of
	Gravity			Front Face
Loft	Height	Body Height	Face Height	Center Height	Center of	Front Face
(degrees)	(millimeters)	(millimeters)	(millimeters)	(millimeters)	Gravity Ratio	Ratio

14.0	14.6	37.2	41.7	20.9	0.393	0.500
15.5	14.5	37.2	42.8	21.4	0.389	0.500
17.0	14.3	36.0	43.9	22.0	0.398	0.500
18.5	14.5	34.7	42.8	21.4	0.417	0.500
21.5	14.5	32.2	42.8	21.4	0.450	0.500

In a still further embodiment front face 150 extends from top wall 160 to bottom wall 270 at front end 130 and has a maximum face height 255. Face height 255 is measured in a second direction substantially parallel to front face 150 from top point 206 of front face 150 to a bottom point 208 of front face 150. Front face 150 has a front face center of gravity point 283. Face height 255 can extend along a midline of front face 150, where the midline further bisects front face 150. A line along a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction intersects front face center of gravity point 283 and center of gravity 280 of body 100. Front face 150 comprises a front face center distance 258 measured in the second direction from bottom point 208 of front face 150 to front face center of gravity point 283. Body 100 further comprises a front face ratio comprising front face center distance 258 to face height 255, and the front face ratio is less than about 0.6. In another embodiment, the front face ratio is less than about 0.575.
In one embodiment, center of gravity height 285 is less than about 1.6 millimeters. In another embodiment, center of gravity height 285 is less than about 12.7 millimeters.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, bottom wall 270 extends from front end 130 to back end 140 and is substantially parallel to a ground plane 398 when club head 100 is at an address position. In particular, top wall 160 extends downward to intersect bottom wall 270 at back end 140 at an intersection point 390.
In yet another embodiment, and as can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 12, a radius of curvature of a central portion of top wall 160 is less than a radius of curvature of a central portion of bottom wall 270. In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 13, a top wall 1360 may have no radius of curvature. In still yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 14, a fop wall 1460 can be convex.
In a further embodiment, top wall 160 extends downward to intersect bottom wall 270 at back end 140 at an intersection point 390. Intersection point 390 further comprises one end of an intersection distance 395 measured in the first direction from intersection point 390 to a ground plane 398 when club head 100 is at an address position. With reference to Table 2, body 100 further comprises an intersection ratio comprising intersection distance 395 to body height 205, and the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20. In one embodiment, the intersection ratio is less than about 0.136.

TABLE 2

Loft	Intersection Distance	Body Height
(degrees)	(millimeters)	(millimeters)	Intersection Ratio

14.0	4.39	37.2	0.118
15.5	5.05	37.2	0.136
17.0	5.49	36.0	0.152
18.5	5.92	34.7	0.170
21.5	6.35	32.2	0.198

Alternatively, the portion of bottom wall 270 that extends from front face 150 at front end 130 to intersection point 390 at back end 140, may be substantially parallel to ground plane 398 when the club head is at the address position.
In a further embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, and with reference to FIG. 4, the intersection of top wall 160 and bottom wall 270 at intersection point 390 creates an intersection angle 492 of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at intersection point 390.
FIGS. 5-12 show other views of golf club head body 100. Several of the embodiments discussed herein may be described with respect to various ratios. It should be understood that these ratios should not be interpreted to limit the embodiments as discussed herein, and are merely included to enable the various embodiments. The ratios are incorporated to assist in interpreting the relationship between the various club elements such as body height 205, face height 255, center of gravity 280 position, intersection point 390, and the like.
In an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, with reference to FIG. 12, golf club head body 100 comprises front face 150 having top point 206 and bottom point 208, back end 140 opposite of the front end 130; back end 140 has intersection point 390. In this embodiment, bottom wall 270 is substantially parallel to ground plane 398 when golf club head body 100 is at an address position, and bottom wall 270 couples to front face 150 at bottom point 208. Body 100 and/or bottom wall 270 have a maximum length 1272 measured from bottom point 208 to intersection point 390. Top wall 160, opposite of bottom wall 270, continuously tapers in a substantially concave manner with respect to ground plane 398 from top point 206 to intersection point 390, and top wall 160 couples to bottom wail 270 at intersection point 390. In this embodiment, top wall 160 has maximum body height 205 and a minimum intersection height 395, and maximum body height 205 is measured from top point 206 to ground plane 398 along a first vertical plane 1261 substantially perpendicular to ground plane 398 and including first point 206. Accordingly, the maximum height of body 100 is located at the junction (i.e., top point 206) of top wall 160 and front face 150. Minimum intersection height 395 is measured from intersection point 390 to ground plane 398 along a second vertical plane 1262 substantially perpendicular to ground plane 398, substantially parallel to first vertical plane 1261 and to the aforementioned first direction, and including intersection point 390.
In another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, with reference to FIG. 13, a golf club head body 1300 is similar to golf club head body 100 in FIGS. 1-12, except as explained below. Golf club head body 1300 comprises a top wall 1360 that continuously tapers in a linear manner from a top point 1306 to an intersection point 1390. Top point 1306 defines a maximum top wall height and/or a maximum body height 1305 for golf club head body 1300, as measured along a first vertical plane 1361 substantially perpendicular to ground plane 398 when body 1300 is at an address position. Plane 1361 includes top point 1306. Intersection point 1390 defines a minimum top wall height and/or a minimum body height or a minimum intersection height 1395 for golf club head body 1300, as measured along a second vertical plane 1362 substantially perpendicular to ground plane 398 when body 1300 is at an address position. Plane 1362 includes intersection point 1390. Golf club head body 1300 also has a maximum bottom wall length and/or a maximum body length 1372 measured from bottom point 208 to intersection point 1390. Maximum body height 1305, top point 1306, first vertical plane 1361, intersection point 1390, minimum intersection height 1395, second vertical plane 1362, and maximum body length 1372 can be similar to maximum body height 205 (FIG. 2), top point 206 (FIG. 2), first vertical plane 1261 (FIG. 12), intersection point 390 (FIG. 3), minimum intersection height 395, second vertical plane 1262 (FIG. 12), and maximum body length 1272 (FIG. 12), respectively.
Moreover, in another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, with reference to FIG. 14, a golf club head body 1400 is similar to golf club head body 100 in FIGS. 1-12, except as explained below. Golf club head body 1400 comprises a top wail 1460 that continuously tapers in a substantially convex manner with respect to ground plane 398 from a top point 1406 to an intersection point 1490. Top point 1406 defines a maximum top wall height and/or a maximum body height 1405 for golf club head body 1400, as measured along a first vertical plane 1461 substantially perpendicular to ground plane 398 when body 1400 is at an address position. Plane 1461 includes top point 1406. Intersection point 1490 defines a minimum top wall height and/or a minimum body height or a minimum intersection height 1495 for golf club head body 1400, as measured along a second vertical plane 1462 substantially perpendicular to ground plane 398 when body 1400 is at an address position. Plane 1462 includes intersection point 1490. Golf club head body 1400 also has a maximum bottom wall length and/or a maximum body length 1472 measured from bottom point 208 to intersection point 1490. Maximum body height 1405, top point 1406, first vertical plane 1461, intersection point 1490, minimum intersection height 1495, second vertical plane 1462, and maximum body length 1472 can be similar to maximum body height 205 (FIG. 2), top point 206 (FIG. 2), first vertical plane 1261 (FIG. 12), intersection point 390 (FIG. 3), minimum intersection height 395, second vertical plane 1262 (FIG. 12), and maximum body length 1272 (FIG. 12), respectively.
While the embodiments discussed herein generally comprise a body that is hollow, in other embodiments of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, the body 100 interior may have various other elements that occupy the otherwise substantially hollow interior. For example, the body 100 interior may contain an expandable foam or other filler material to alter the acoustical characteristics of the club head when the club head strikes a ball. Also, internal elements may be added to alter the physical characteristics of the club head, where such physical characteristics can include weight, center of gravity, moments of inertia, coefficients of restitution, and the like. Still other internal elements may be added to provide support, such as, reinforcing rib elements, cross members, and the like.
In one embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, a method for manufacturing a golf club head comprises providing a body 100 to have toe end 110, heel end 120, front end 130, back end 140, front face 150, top wall 160, and bottom wall 270 extending from front end 130 to back end 140 and adjacent to top wall 160 at toe end 110, heel end 120, and back end 140. Body 100 has body height 205 and has center of gravity 280 and center of gravity height 285. Body 100 is provided to have a center of gravity ratio comprising center of gravity height 285 to body height 205, and the center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.50.
The method can also include manufacturing a golf club by providing shaft 190, providing body 100, and coupling together shaft 190 and body 100. In the example of FIG. 15, a process or method 1500 may begin with forming a golf club head body 100 (block 1510) and coupling golf club head body 100 to golf club shaft 190 (block 1520).
In another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, and with reference to FIG. 16, a method 1600 comprises providing a golf club head having a front face opening (block 1610), providing a front face (block 1620), and coupling the front face to the golf club head (block 1630). Method 1600 in this embodiment further comprises coupling the golf club head to a golf club shaft (block 1640). As an example, the golf club head and the front face, as assembled together, can be similar to golf club head body 100 in FIGS. 1-12, golf club head body 1300 in FIG. 3, and golf club head body 1400 in FIG. 4.
In still yet another embodiment of golf clubs and methods, and with reference to FIG. 17, a method 1700 comprises providing a top wall (block 1710) and providing bottom wall 270 (block 1720). In one embodiment, the top wall of block 1710 may be convex (similar to top wall 160 in FIG. 12), linear (similar to top wall 1360 in FIG. 13), or concave (similar to top wail 1460 in FIG. 14). Bottom wall 270 may be substantially parallel to a ground plane when body 100 is at an address position relative to a golf ball (not shown). In this embodiment, method 1700 further comprises providing front face 150 (block 1730) and coupling the top wall, bottom wall 270, and front face 150 together by a suitable means, welding for example (block 1740), to define a golf club head body. The golf club head body of block 1740 can be similar to body 100 in FIGS. 1-12, body 1300 in FIG. 13, and body 1400 in FIG. 14. Lastly, in this embodiment, method 1700 comprises coupling the golf club head body to a shaft 190 (block 1750).
Although a particular order of actions are illustrated in FIGS. 15-17, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more actions depicted in FIGS. 15-17 may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously.
The providing steps in the described methods of FIGS. 15-17 can include designing and/or manufacturing. Designing and manufacturing a golf club shaft is known in the art, and the designing and manufacturing techniques known in the art can be used to design and manufacture golf club head bodies described in FIGS. 15-17. As an example, body 100 in FIG. 15 can be manufactured using a metal casting process. Furthermore, the described methods can be used to manufacture the other aspects of body 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1-12, as well as aspects of body 1300 in FIG. 13 and body 1400 in FIG. 14.
Additional examples of such changes have been given in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of golf clubs and methods of manufacture is intended to be illustrative of the scope of golf clubs and methods of manufacture and is not intended to be limiting. For example, in one embodiment, a golf club can have one or more features of FIG. 2 with or without the features described with reference to FIGS. 3 or 4. Similarly, in different embodiments, a golf club can have one or more of the features of FIG. 3 with or without the features of FIGS. 2 or 4, and a golf club can have one or more of the features of FIG. 4 with or without the features of FIGS. 2 or 3. It is intended that the scope of golf clubs and methods of manufacture shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.
The system discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, and may disclose alternative embodiments of golf clubs and methods of manufacture.
All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to golf clubs or methods of manufacture claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.
Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising:

a body having a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a front end, a back end opposite the front end, a front face at the front end, a top wall, and a bottom wall opposite the top wall,

wherein:

the body has a body height measured in a first direction substantially normal to the bottom wall from the bottom wall to a top point of the front face;

the body has a center of gravity and a center of gravity height measured in the first direction along a center of gravity line from the bottom wall to the center of gravity;

the body has a center of gravity ratio comprising the center of gravity height relative to the body height, and

the center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.50.

2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.389.

3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein:

the bottom wall extends from the front end to the back end and is substantially parallel to a ground plane when the club head is at an address position; and

the top wall extends downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end.

4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein:

the front face extends from the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and has a maximum face height measured in a second direction substantially parallel to the front face from the top point of the front face to a bottom point of the front face;

the front face has a front face center of gravity point;

a line along a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction intersects the front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity of the body;

the front face comprises a front face center distance measured in the second direction from the bottom point of the front face to the front face center of gravity point;

the body further comprises a front face ratio comprising the front face center distance to the face height; and

the front face ratio is less than about 0.6.

5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the front face ratio is less than about 0.575.

6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the body is substantially hollow.

7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a radius of curvature of a central portion of the top wall is less than a radius of curvature of a central portion of the bottom wall.

8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the center of gravity height is less than about 16 millimeters.

9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the center of gravity height is less than about 12.7 millimeters.

10. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein:

the top wall extends downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end at an intersection point;

the intersection point further comprises one end of an intersection distance measured in the first direction from the intersection point to a ground plane when the club head is at an address position;

the body has an intersection ratio comprising the intersection distance to the body height; and

the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.

11. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein the intersection ratio is less than about 0.136.

12. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein an intersection of the top wall and the bottom wall at the intersection point creates an intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at the intersection point.

13. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein:

the front face has a front face center of gravity point;

a line along a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction intersects the front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity of the body:

the body further comprises a front face ratio comprising the front face center distance to the face height;

the front face ratio is less than about 0.6; and

the center of gravity height is less than about 16 millimeters.

14. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein;

the front face has a front face center of gravity point;

the front face ratio is less than about 0.6;

the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.

15. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein:

the front face has a front face center of gravity point;

the front face ratio is less than about 0.6; and

the top wall and the bottom wall intersect at the back end at an intersection point creating an intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at the intersection point.

16. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein;

the center of gravity height is less than about 16 millimeters;

the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.

17. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein:

the center of gravity height is less than about 16 millimeters; and

18. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein:

the lop wall extends downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end at an intersection point;

the body has an intersection ratio comprising the intersection distance to the body height;

the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20; and

the top wall and the bottom wall at the intersection point creates an intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at the intersection point.

19. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein:

the center of gravity height is less than about 16 millimeters;

the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20;

20. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein:

the front face has a front face center of gravity point;

the front face ratio is less than about 0.6;

the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20; and

21. A golf club head comprising:

wherein:

the body has a center of gravity;

the front face extends from the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and has a maximum face height measured in a first direction substantially parallel to the front face from the top point of the front face to a bottom point of the front face;

the front face has a front face center of gravity point;

a line along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction intersects the front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity of the body;

the front face comprises a front face center distance measured in the first direction from the bottom point of the front face to the front face center of gravity point;

the front face ratio is less than about 0.6.

22. A golf club head comprising:

wherein:

the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.

23. A method for manufacturing a golf club head comprising:

providing a body to have a toe end, a heel end, a front end, a back end, a front face, a top wall, and a bottom wall extending from the front end to the back end and adjacent to the top wall at the toe end, the heel end, and the back end;

wherein:

the body has a center of gravity and a center of gravity height measured in the first direction from the bottom wall to the center of gravity;

the body has a center of gravity ratio comprising the center of gravity height to the body height; and

the center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.50.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

providing the bottom wall to extend from the front end to the back end and to be substantially parallel to a ground plane when the club head is at an address position; and

providing the top wall to extend downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

providing the body to have a maximum face height measured in a second direction substantially parallel to the front face from the top point of the front face to a bottom point of the front face;

wherein:

the front face has a front face center of gravity point;

a line along a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction intersects the front face center of gravity point and the center of gravity;

the front face ratio is less than about 0.6.

26. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing a radius of curvature of a central portion of the top wall is less than a radius of curvature of a central portion of the bottom wall.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing the center of gravity to be below the front face center of gravity point.

28. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing the center of gravity height to be less than the front face center distance.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

providing the top wall to extend downward to intersect the bottom wall at the back end at an intersection point;

wherein:

the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising providing the intersection of the top wall and the bottom wall at the intersection point to create an intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at the intersection point.

31. A golf club comprising:

a shaft; and

a body coupled to the shaft and having a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a front end, a back end opposite the front end, a front face at the front end, a top wall, and a bottom wall opposite the top wall,

wherein:

the body has a center of gravity and a center of gravity height measured in the first direction along a center of gravity line from the bottom wail to the center of gravity;

the center of gravity ratio is less than about 0.50.

32. The golf club of claim 31, wherein:

the front face extends from the top wall to the bottom wall at the front end and has a

maximum face height measured in a second direction substantially parallel to the front face from the top point of the front face to a bottom point of the front face;

the front face has a front face center of gravity point;

the front face ratio is less than about 0.6.

33. The golf club of claim 31, wherein:

the intersection ratio is less than about 0.20.

34. The golf club of claim 31, wherein an intersection of the top wall and the bottom wall at the intersection point creates an intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at the intersection point.

35. The golf club of claim 31, wherein:

the front face has a front face center of gravity point;

the front face ratio is less than about 0.575;

the intersection point comprises one end of an intersection distance measured in the first direction from the intersection point to a ground plane when the club head is at an address position;

the intersection ratio is less than about 0.136; and

the intersection of the top wail and the bottom wall at the intersection point creates an intersection angle of less than about 55 degrees when excluding a transition radius at the intersection point.

36. A golf club head comprising:

a toe end;

a heel end opposite of the toe end;

a front end having a front face extending between the toe and heel ends, the front face having a first point and a second point;

a back end opposite of the front end, the back end having a third point;

a bottom wall substantially parallel to a ground plane when the golf club head is at an address position, the bottom wall coupled to the front face at the second point;

a top wall opposite of the bottom wall and continuously tapering from the first point to the third point, the top wall coupled to the bottom wall at the third point and the top wall having a maximum height and a minimum height,

wherein:

the maximum height is measured from the first point to the ground plane along a first vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the ground plane and including the first point; and

the minimum height is measured from the third point to the ground plane along a second vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the ground plane and including the third point.

37. The golf club head of claim 36, wherein the top wall comprises at least one of a substantially straight wall, a concavely curved wall relative to the ground plane, or a convexly curved wall relative to the ground plane.

38. The golf dub head of claim 36, wherein the bottom wall has a maximum length measured from the second point to the third point.

39. The golf dub head of claim 38, wherein the golf club head has the maximum length.