US20100267466A1 - Golf club head or other ball striking device having multiple face inserts - Google Patents
Golf club head or other ball striking device having multiple face inserts Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100267466A1 US20100267466A1 US12/424,344 US42434409A US2010267466A1 US 20100267466 A1 US20100267466 A1 US 20100267466A1 US 42434409 A US42434409 A US 42434409A US 2010267466 A1 US2010267466 A1 US 2010267466A1
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- Prior art keywords
- face
- inserts
- golf club
- cavities
- club head
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0466—Heads wood-type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
- A63B2209/02—Characteristics of used materials with reinforcing fibres, e.g. carbon, polyamide fibres
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
- A63B2209/02—Characteristics of used materials with reinforcing fibres, e.g. carbon, polyamide fibres
- A63B2209/023—Long, oriented fibres, e.g. wound filaments, woven fabrics, mats
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0416—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0416—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert
- A63B53/042—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert the face insert consisting of a material different from that of the head
- A63B53/0425—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert the face insert consisting of a material different from that of the head the face insert comprising two or more different materials
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/047—Heads iron-type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0487—Heads for putters
Definitions
- Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players—players of different genders, and players of dramatically different ages and skill levels. Golf is somewhat unique in the sporting world in that such diverse collections of players can play together in golf outings or events, even in direct competition with one another (e.g., using handicapped scoring, different tee boxes, etc.), and still enjoy the golf outing or competition.
- These factors together with increased golf programming on television (e.g., golf tournaments, golf news, golf history, and/or other golf programming) and the rise of well known golf dislikes, at least in part, have increased golf's popularity in recent years, both in the United States and across the world.
- the golf club Being the sole instrument that sets a golf ball in motion during play, the golf club also has been the subject of much technological research and advancement in recent years. For example, the market has seen improvements in golf club heads, shafts, and grips in recent years. Additionally, other technological advancements have been made in an effort to better match the various elements of the golf club and characteristics of a golf ball to a particular user's swing features or characteristics (e.g., club fitting technology, ball launch angle measurement technology, etc.).
- club fitting technology e.g., ball launch angle measurement technology, etc.
- a golf club For a golf ball to reliably fly straight and in the desired direction, a golf club must meet the golf ball square (or substantially square) to the desired target path. Moreover, the golf club must meet the golf ball at or close to a desired location on the club head face (i.e., on or near a “desired” or “optimal” ball contact location) to reliably fly straight, in the desired direction, and for a desired distance. Off-center hits may tend to “twist” the club face when it contacts the ball, thereby sending the ball in the wrong direction, imparting undesired hook or slice spin, and/or robbing the shot of distance.
- the degree of twisting of the club head upon off-center impacts can also be dependent upon the moment of inertia of the club head. Generally, a higher moment of inertia results in less twisting of the club head on impact. The moment of inertia can be increased by distributing the weight of the club head proportionally more toward the edges of the head and away from the center.
- the face includes four quadrants extending from the geometric center of the face, and at least one cavity is located entirely in a high-heel quadrant, at least one cavity is located entirely in a high-toe quadrant, at least one cavity is located entirely in a low-heel quadrant, and at least one cavity is located entirely in a low-toe quadrant.
- the inserts extend to the outer surface of the face and each insert has an outer surface that is flush with the outer surface of the face.
- face members for use in a ball striking device, including a face, a wall extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, and a plurality of cavities in the face, each cavity configured to receive an insert, as described above.
- the face has an outer surface configured for striking a ball and an inner surface located rearward and opposite of the outer surface.
- the face may also further include a plurality of inserts received in the plurality of cavities, as described above.
- Further aspects of the invention relate to methods that can be used for manufacturing or customizing a golf club head, which is provided with a face configured for striking a ball with an outer surface thereof and a body connected to the face.
- the method includes inserting inserts into the cavities, such as the inserts and cavities as described above.
- the method may also include removing at least one of the inserts and replacing the removed insert with a second insert having a density different from the removed insert.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a head of a ball striking device according to the present invention, shown with a ball;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the head of FIG. 1 , taken along lines 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a front view of a head of the ball striking device of FIG. 3 , illustrating a plurality of inserts received in a plurality of cavities in a face of the head;
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of one illustrative embodiment of an insert suitable for connection to a face of a ball striking device according to the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of a third illustrative embodiment of a face having a plurality of inserts and being suitable for use with a head of a ball striking device according to the present invention.
- the face 212 is located at the front 224 of the head 202 , and has a ball striking surface 210 located thereon and an inner surface 211 opposite the ball striking surface 210 .
- the ball striking surface 210 is typically an outer surface of the face 212 configured to face a ball (not shown) in use, and is adapted to strike the ball when the device 200 is set in motion, such as by swinging. As shown, the ball striking surface 210 is relatively flat, occupying most of the face 212 .
- the ball striking surface 210 may include grooves 148 (e.g., generally horizontal grooves 148 extending across the face 212 in the illustrated example) for the removal of water and grass from the face 212 during a ball strike.
- grooves 148 e.g., generally horizontal grooves 148 extending across the face 212 in the illustrated example
- any number of grooves, desired groove patterns, and/or groove constructions may be provided (or even no groove pattern, if desired), including conventional groove patterns and/or constructions, without departing from
- the body member 208 of the golf club head 202 may be constructed from a wide variety of different materials, including materials conventionally known and used in the art, such as steel, titanium, aluminum, tungsten, graphite, polymers, or composites, or combinations thereof. Also, if desired, the club head 202 may be made from any number of pieces (e.g., having a separate face plate, etc.) and/or by any construction technique, including, for example, casting, forging, welding, and/or other methods known and used in the art.
- the face 112 has a cavity 140 located in each of the high-heel quadrant 160 , the high-toe quadrant 162 , the low-heel quadrant 164 , and the low-toe quadrant 166 .
- the face 112 of the head 102 shown in FIG. 2 contains two cavities 114 on the horizontal centerline of the face 112 , one each on the heel and toe sides of the face 112 , and two cavities on the vertical centerline of the face, one each on the top and bottom sides of the face 112 .
- the face 212 has a cavity 140 located in each of the high-heel quadrant 260 , the high-toe quadrant 262 , the low-heel quadrant 264 , and the low-toe quadrant 266 . Additionally, the face 212 contains one cavity at the approximate center of the face 212 and two additional cavities on the vertical centerline of the face, one each on the top and bottom sides of the face 112 . In further embodiments, the head 102 , 202 may have a different configuration, and the arrangement of the cavities 114 may permit different weighting configurations and options, through insertion of different inserts 140 into the cavities 114 , as described below.
- the face 112 , 212 may have inserts on the inner surface 111 , 211 and the outer surface 110 , 210 .
- the face 112 may have front inserts 140 G received in cavities 114 in the outer surface 110 of the face 112 and rear inserts 140 H received in cavities 114 in the inner surface 111 of the face 112 .
- FIG. 14 illustrates a similar embodiment, where the face 112 has front inserts 140 I and rear inserts 140 J, each of which have a stem 142 to permit the inserts 140 I, 140 J to be threaded into threaded cavities 114 on the outer surface 110 and inner surface 111 of the face, respectively.
- the inserts 140 G-J and cavities 114 of the faces 112 shown in FIGS. 13-14 extend only a portion of the way through the face 112 .
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Golf Clubs (AREA)
Abstract
A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having an outer surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, and a plurality of cavities in the face, each cavity configured to receive an insert. The head may also include a plurality of inserts received within the cavities. The inserts may be made from one or more different materials having different densities. Different inserts having different densities can be connected to the face to customize the weighting of the face, such as to adjust the location of the center of gravity of the face or to change the moment of inertia of the head.
Description
- The invention relates generally to ball striking devices, such as golf club heads, having multiple face inserts. Certain aspects of this invention relate to golf club heads having a plurality of cavities, each configured to receive an insert made from a material having desired properties.
- Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players—players of different genders, and players of dramatically different ages and skill levels. Golf is somewhat unique in the sporting world in that such diverse collections of players can play together in golf outings or events, even in direct competition with one another (e.g., using handicapped scoring, different tee boxes, etc.), and still enjoy the golf outing or competition. These factors, together with increased golf programming on television (e.g., golf tournaments, golf news, golf history, and/or other golf programming) and the rise of well known golf superstars, at least in part, have increased golf's popularity in recent years, both in the United States and across the world.
- Golfers at all skill levels seek to improve their performance, lower their golf scores, and reach that next performance “level.” Manufacturers of all types of golf equipment have responded to these demands, and recent years have seen dramatic changes and improvements in golf equipment. For example, a wide range of different golf ball models now are available, with some balls designed to fly farther and straighter, provide higher or flatter trajectory, provide more spin, control, and feel (particularly around the greens), etc.
- Being the sole instrument that sets a golf ball in motion during play, the golf club also has been the subject of much technological research and advancement in recent years. For example, the market has seen improvements in golf club heads, shafts, and grips in recent years. Additionally, other technological advancements have been made in an effort to better match the various elements of the golf club and characteristics of a golf ball to a particular user's swing features or characteristics (e.g., club fitting technology, ball launch angle measurement technology, etc.).
- Despite the various technological improvements, golf remains a difficult game to play at a high level. For a golf ball to reliably fly straight and in the desired direction, a golf club must meet the golf ball square (or substantially square) to the desired target path. Moreover, the golf club must meet the golf ball at or close to a desired location on the club head face (i.e., on or near a “desired” or “optimal” ball contact location) to reliably fly straight, in the desired direction, and for a desired distance. Off-center hits may tend to “twist” the club face when it contacts the ball, thereby sending the ball in the wrong direction, imparting undesired hook or slice spin, and/or robbing the shot of distance. Club face/ball contact that deviates from squared contact and/or is located away from the club's desired ball contact location, even by a relatively minor amount, also can launch the golf ball in the wrong direction, often with undesired hook or slice spin, and/or can rob the shot of distance. Accordingly, club head features that can help a user keep the club face square with the ball would tend to help the ball fly straighter and truer, in the desired direction, and often with improved and/or reliable distance.
- Golf clubs must make square contact with the golf ball, in the desired direction or path, in order to produce straight and true shots in the desired direction. Even small deviations from squareness between the club head and the golf ball at the point of contact can cause inaccuracy. Various golf club heads have been designed to improve a golfer's accuracy by assisting the golfer in squaring the club head face at impact with a golf ball. A number of golf club heads reposition the weight of the golf club head in order to alter the location of the club head's center of gravity. The location of the center of gravity of the golf club head is one factor that determines whether a golf ball is propelled in the intended direction. When the center of gravity is positioned behind the point of engagement on the contact surface, the golf ball follows a generally straight route. When the center of gravity is spaced to a side of the point of engagement, however, the golf ball may fly in an unintended direction and/or may follow a route that curves left or right, ball flights that are often referred to as “pulls,” “pushes,” “draws,” “fades,” “hooks,” or “slices”. Similarly, when the center of gravity is spaced above or below the point of engagement, the route of the golf ball may exhibit more boring or climbing trajectories, respectively.
- The degree of twisting of the club head upon off-center impacts can also be dependent upon the moment of inertia of the club head. Generally, a higher moment of inertia results in less twisting of the club head on impact. The moment of inertia can be increased by distributing the weight of the club head proportionally more toward the edges of the head and away from the center.
- Many off-center golf hits are caused by common errors in swinging the golf club that are committed repeatedly by the golfer, and which may be similarly committed by many other golfers. As a result, patterns can often be detected, where a large percentage of off-center hits occur in certain areas of the club face. For example, one such pattern that has been detected is that many high handicap golfers tend to hit the ball on the low-heel area of the club face and/or on the high-toe area of the club face. Other golfers may tend to miss in other areas of the club face. Because golf clubs are typically designed to contact the ball at or around the center of the face, such off-center hits may result in less energy being transferred to the ball, decreasing the distance of the shot. The energy or velocity transferred to the ball by a golf club also may be related, at least in part, to the flexibility of the club face at the point of contact, and can be expressed using a measurement called “coefficient of restitution” (or “COR”). The maximum COR for golf club heads is currently limited by the USGA at 0.83. Also, as described above, the direction of ball flight and the degree of twisting of the club head during impact, may also be related, at least in part, to the moment of inertia of the club head and the location of the center of gravity of the club head with relation to the point of impact. The energy or velocity transferred to the ball by the golf club may also be related to the moment of inertia and/or the location of the center of gravity of the club head. Accordingly, a need exists to customize or adjust the moment of inertia and/or the location of the center of gravity of a golf club face to provide maximum energy transfer and minimum twisting for impacts in the areas of the face where off-center hits tend to occur most.
- The present device and method are provided to address the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior ball striking devices of this type. A full discussion of certain of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a general form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.
- Aspects of the invention relate to ball striking devices, such as golf clubs, with a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft thereto. Various example structures of heads described herein include a plurality of cavities in the face, each cavity configured to receive an insert. By strategically weighting the face to provide increased moment of inertia and/or to shift the center of gravity based on locations on the face where a golfer tends to hit the ball, the golf shot may experience increased “kick” off the face and straighter ball flight on off-center hits (provided the off-center hits impact the face at the locations of increased flexibility and at a sufficient velocity), e.g., due to decreased twisting of the face during impacts at these locations.
- According to one aspect, the head includes cavities located in various locations on the face. For example, in one embodiment, at least one of the cavities is located on a heel side of the face and at least one of the cavities is located on a toe side of the face. In another embodiment, at least one of the cavities is located on a vertical centerline of the face. In a further embodiment, at least one of the cavities is located on a top side of the face and at least one of the cavities is located on a bottom side of the face. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the cavities is located on a horizontal centerline of the face.
- According to another aspect, the face includes four quadrants extending from the geometric center of the face, and at least one cavity is located entirely in a high-heel quadrant, at least one cavity is located entirely in a high-toe quadrant, at least one cavity is located entirely in a low-heel quadrant, and at least one cavity is located entirely in a low-toe quadrant.
- According to another aspect, the cavities extend to at least one of the outer surface of the face and the inner surface of the face. Additionally, the cavities may extend completely through the face.
- Additional aspects of the invention relate to a face as described above, also including a plurality of inserts received in the plurality of cavities. The inserts may be permanently connected to the face, or may be removable and interchangeable
- According to one aspect, the inserts extend to the outer surface of the face and each insert has an outer surface that is flush with the outer surface of the face.
- According to another aspect, one or more of the inserts may have a density that is different from a density of the face, and/or may have a density that is different from a density of one or more other inserts.
- According to another aspect, one or more of the inserts may be made of a material that is different from a material of the face, and/or may be made of a material that is different from a material of one or more other inserts.
- According to a further aspect, the outer surface of the face has grooves and at least one of the inserts has an outer surface with grooves that are contiguous with the grooves of the face.
- Other aspects of this invention relate to face members for use in a ball striking device, including a face, a wall extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, and a plurality of cavities in the face, each cavity configured to receive an insert, as described above. The face has an outer surface configured for striking a ball and an inner surface located rearward and opposite of the outer surface. The face may also further include a plurality of inserts received in the plurality of cavities, as described above.
- Further aspects of the invention relate to methods that can be used for manufacturing or customizing a golf club head, which is provided with a face configured for striking a ball with an outer surface thereof and a body connected to the face. The method includes inserting inserts into the cavities, such as the inserts and cavities as described above. The method may also include removing at least one of the inserts and replacing the removed insert with a second insert having a density different from the removed insert.
- Still further aspects of the invention relate to golf clubs that include a golf club head as described above and a shaft connected to the head.
- Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.
- To allow for a more full understanding of the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a head of a ball striking device according to the present invention, shown with a ball; -
FIG. 2 is a front view of the head ofFIG. 1 , illustrating a plurality of inserts received in a plurality of cavities in a face of the head; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the head ofFIG. 1 , taken along lines 3-3 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second illustrative embodiment of a ball striking device according to the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a front view of a head of the ball striking device ofFIG. 3 , illustrating a plurality of inserts received in a plurality of cavities in a face of the head; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the head ofFIG. 4 , taken along lines 6-6 ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a plan view of one illustrative embodiment of an insert suitable for connection to a face of a ball striking device according to the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a second illustrative embodiment of an insert suitable for connection to a face of a ball striking device according to the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a third illustrative embodiment of an insert suitable for connection to a face of a ball striking device according to the present invention;. -
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fourth illustrative embodiment of an insert suitable for connection to a face of a ball striking device according to the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of one illustrative embodiment of a face having a plurality of inserts and being suitable for use with a head of a ball striking device according to the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of a second illustrative embodiment of a face having a plurality of inserts and being suitable for use with a head of a ball striking device according to the present invention; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of a third illustrative embodiment of a face having a plurality of inserts and being suitable for use with a head of a ball striking device according to the present invention; and -
FIG. 14 is a cross-section view of a fourth illustrative embodiment of a face having a plurality of inserts and being suitable for use with a head of a ball striking device according to the present invention. - In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientation during typical use. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention. Also, the reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
- The following terms are used in this specification, and unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, these terms have the meanings provided below.
- “Ball striking device” means any device constructed and designed to strike a ball or other similar objects (such as a hockey puck). In addition to generically encompassing “ball striking heads,” which are described in more detail below, examples of “ball striking devices” include, but are not limited to: golf clubs, putters, croquet mallets, polo mallets, baseball or softball bats, cricket bats, tennis rackets, badminton rackets, field hockey sticks, ice hockey sticks, and the like.
- “Ball striking head” means the portion of a “ball striking device” that includes and is located immediately adjacent (optionally surrounding) the portion of the ball striking device designed to contact the ball (or other object) in use. In some examples, such as many golf clubs and putters, the ball striking head may be a separate and independent entity from any shaft or handle member, and it may be attached to the shaft or handle in some manner.
- The terms “shaft” and “handle” are used synonymously and interchangeably in this specification, and they include the portion of a ball striking device (if any) that the user holds during a swing of a ball striking device.
- “Integral joining technique” means a technique for joining two pieces so that the two pieces effectively become a single, integral piece, including, but not limited to, irreversible joining techniques, such as adhesively joining, cementing, welding, brazing, soldering, or the like, where separation of the joined pieces cannot be accomplished without structural damage thereto.
- In general, aspects of this invention relate to ball striking devices, such as golf club heads, golf clubs, putter heads, putters, and the like. Such ball striking devices, according to at least some examples of the invention, may include a ball striking head and a ball striking surface. In the case of a golf club, the ball striking surface is a substantially flat surface on one face of the ball striking head. Some more specific aspects of this invention relate to wood-type golf clubs and golf club heads, including drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, and the like, although aspects of this invention also may be practiced on irons, iron-type hybrid clubs, and the like.
- According to various aspects of this invention, the ball striking device may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials, such as metals (including metal alloys), ceramics, polymers, composites (including fiber-reinforced composites), and wood, and may be formed in one of a variety of configurations, without departing from the scope of the invention. In one illustrative embodiment, some or all components of the head, including the face and at least a portion of the body of the head, are made of metal. It is understood that the head may contain components made of several different materials, including carbon-fiber and other components. Additionally, the components may be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components (such as titanium, aluminum, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, steels (including stainless steels), and the like) may be formed by forging, molding, casting, stamping, machining, and/or other known techniques. In another example, composite components, such as carbon fiber-polymer composites, can be manufactured by a variety of composite processing techniques, such as prepreg processing, powder-based techniques, mold infiltration, and/or other known techniques.
- The various figures in this application illustrate examples of ball striking devices according to this invention. When the same reference number appears in more than one drawing, that reference number is used consistently in this specification and the drawings refer to the same or similar parts throughout.
- At least some examples of ball striking devices according to this invention relate to golf club head structures, including heads for wood-type golf clubs, such as drivers, as well as long iron clubs (e.g., driving irons, zero irons through five irons, and hybrid type golf clubs), short iron clubs (e.g., six irons through pitching wedges, as well as sand wedges, lob wedges, gap wedges, and/or other wedges), and putters. Such devices may include a one-piece construction or a multiple-piece construction. Example structures of ball striking devices according to this invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with
FIG. 1 , which illustrates an example of a ballstriking device 100 in the form of a golf driver, andFIG. 4 , which illustrates an example of a ballstriking device 200 in the form of an iron-type golf club, in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. -
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a ballstriking device 100 in the form of a golf driver, in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. As shown inFIG. 1 , the ballstriking device 100 includes aball striking head 102 and ashaft 104 connected to theball striking head 102 and extending therefrom. Aball 106 in use is also schematically shown inFIG. 1 , in a position to be struck by the ballstriking device 100. Theball striking head 102 of the ballstriking device 100 ofFIG. 1 has aface 112 connected to abody 108, with ahosel 109 extending therefrom. Any desired hosel and/or head/shaft interconnection structure may be used without departing from this invention, including conventional hosel and/or head/shaft interconnection structures as are known and used in the art. For reference, thehead 102 generally has a top 116, a bottom or sole 118, aheel 120 proximate thehosel 109, atoe 122 distal from thehosel 109, a front 124, and a back or rear 126. The shape and design of thehead 102 may be partially dictated by the intended use of thedevice 100. In theclub 100 shown inFIG. 1 , thehead 102 has a relatively large volume, as theclub 100 is designed for use as a driver or wood-type club, intended to hit the ball accurately over long distances. In other applications, such as for a different type of golf club, the head may be designed to have different dimensions and configurations. When configured as a driver, the club head may have a volume of at least 400 cc, and in some structures, at least 450 cc, or even at least 460 cc. Other appropriate sizes for other club heads may be readily determined by those skilled in the art. - In the illustrative embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 , thehead 102 has a hollow structure defining an inner cavity (e.g., defined by theface 112 and the body 108). Thus, thehead 102 has a plurality of inner surfaces defined therein. In one embodiment, the hollow center cavity may be filled with air. However, in other embodiments, thehead 102 could be filled with another material, such as a foam. In still further embodiments, the solid materials of the head may occupy a greater proportion of the volume, and the head may have a smaller cavity or no inner cavity at all. It is understood that the inner cavity may not be completely enclosed in some embodiments. - The
face 112 is located at thefront 124 of thehead 102, and has aball striking surface 110 located thereon and aninner surface 111 opposite theball striking surface 110. Theball striking surface 110 is typically an outer surface of theface 112 configured to face aball 106 in use, and is adapted to strike theball 106 when thedevice 100 is set in motion, such as by swinging. As shown, theball striking surface 110 is relatively flat, occupying most of theface 112. For reference purposes, the portion of theface 112 nearest thetop face edge 113 and theheel 120 of thehead 102 is referred to as the “high-heel area” 160; the portion of theface 112 nearest thetop face edge 113 andtoe 122 of thehead 102 is referred to as the “high-toe area” 162; the portion of theface 112 nearest thebottom face edge 115 andheel 120 of thehead 102 is referred to as the “low-heel area” 164; and the portion of theface 112 nearest thebottom face edge 115 andtoe 122 of thehead 102 is referred to as the “low-toe area” 166. Conceptually, these areas 160-166 may be recognized and referred to as quadrants of substantially equal size (and/or quadrants extending from a geometric center of the face 112), though not necessarily with symmetrical dimensions. Theface 112 may include some curvature in the top to bottom and/or heel to toe directions (e.g., bulge and roll characteristics), as is known and is conventional in the art. In other embodiments, thesurface 110 may occupy a different proportion of theface 112, or thebody 108 may have multipleball striking surfaces 110 thereon. In the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , theball striking surface 110 is inclined slightly (i.e., at a loft angle), to give theball 106 slight lift and spin when struck. In other illustrative embodiments, theball striking surface 110 may have a different incline or loft angle, to affect the trajectory of theball 106. Additionally, theface 112 may have a variable thickness and/or may have one or more internal or external inserts in some embodiments. - It is understood that the
face 112, thebody 108, and/or thehosel 109 can be formed as a single piece or as separate pieces that are joined together. In the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 3 , theface 112 is formed as part of aface frame member 128, with a wall orwalls 125 extending rearward from theedges 127 of theface 112. This configuration is also known as a cup face structure. Thebody 108 can be formed as a separate piece or pieces joined to thewalls 125 of theface frame member 128. In the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 3 , thebody 108 is partially formed by abackbody member 129, which may be a single piece or multiple pieces. Thewalls 125 of theface frame member 128 combine with thebackbody member 129 to form thebody 108 of thehead 102. These pieces may be connected by an integral joining technique, such as welding, cementing, or adhesively joining. Other known techniques for joining these parts can be used as well, including many mechanical joining techniques, including releasable mechanical engagement techniques. If desired, thehosel 109 may be integrally formed as part of theface frame member 128. Further, a gasket (not shown) may be included between theface frame member 128 and thebackbody member 129. -
FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a ballstriking device 200 in the form of a golf iron, in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. Many common components between the ballstriking device 100 ofFIGS. 1-3 and the ballstriking device 200 ofFIGS. 4-6 are referred to using similar reference numerals in the description that follows, using the “200” series of reference numerals. The ballstriking device 200 includes ashaft 204 and agolf club head 202 attached to theshaft 204. Thegolf club head 202 ofFIG. 4 may be representative of any iron or hybrid type golf club head in accordance with examples of the present invention. - As shown in
FIGS. 5-6 , thegolf club head 202 includes abody member 208 having aface 202 and ahosel 209 extending from thebody 208 for attachment of theshaft 204. For reference, thehead 202 generally has a top 216, a bottom or sole 218, aheel 220 proximate thehosel 209, atoe 222 distal from thehosel 209, a front 224, and a back or rear 226. The shape and design of thehead 202 may be partially dictated by the intended use of thedevice 200. Theheel portion 220 is attached to and/or extends from a hosel 209 (e.g., as a unitary or integral one piece construction, as separate connected elements, etc.). - The
face 212 is located at thefront 224 of thehead 202, and has aball striking surface 210 located thereon and aninner surface 211 opposite theball striking surface 210. Theball striking surface 210 is typically an outer surface of theface 212 configured to face a ball (not shown) in use, and is adapted to strike the ball when thedevice 200 is set in motion, such as by swinging. As shown, theball striking surface 210 is relatively flat, occupying most of theface 212. Theball striking surface 210 may include grooves 148 (e.g., generallyhorizontal grooves 148 extending across theface 212 in the illustrated example) for the removal of water and grass from theface 212 during a ball strike. Of course, any number of grooves, desired groove patterns, and/or groove constructions may be provided (or even no groove pattern, if desired), including conventional groove patterns and/or constructions, without departing from this invention. - For reference purposes, the portion of the
face 212 nearest thetop face edge 213 and theheel 220 of thehead 202 is referred to as the “high-heel area” 260; the portion of theface 212 nearest thetop face edge 213 andtoe 222 of thehead 202 is referred to as the “high-toe area” 262; the portion of theface 212 nearest thebottom face edge 215 andheel 220 of thehead 202 is referred to as the “low-heel area” 264; and the portion of theface 212 nearest thebottom face edge 215 andtoe 222 of thehead 202 is referred to as the “low-toe area” 266. Conceptually, these areas 260-266 may be recognized and referred to as quadrants of substantially equal size (and/or quadrants extending from a geometric center of the face 212), though not necessarily with symmetrical dimensions. Theface 212 may include some curvature in the top to bottom and/or heel to toe directions (e.g., bulge and roll characteristics), as is known and is conventional in the art. In other embodiments, thesurface 210 may occupy a different proportion of theface 212, or thebody 208 may have multipleball striking surfaces 210 thereon. In the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 4 , theball striking surface 210 is inclined (i.e., at a loft angle), to give the ball an appreciable degree of lift and spin when struck. In other illustrative embodiments, theball striking surface 210 may have a different incline or loft angle, to affect the trajectory of the ball. Additionally, theface 212 may have a variable thickness and/or may have one or more internal or external inserts in some embodiments. It is understood that theface 212, thebody 208, and/or thehosel 209 can be formed as a single piece or as separate pieces that are joined together. - The
body member 208 of thegolf club head 202 may be constructed from a wide variety of different materials, including materials conventionally known and used in the art, such as steel, titanium, aluminum, tungsten, graphite, polymers, or composites, or combinations thereof. Also, if desired, theclub head 202 may be made from any number of pieces (e.g., having a separate face plate, etc.) and/or by any construction technique, including, for example, casting, forging, welding, and/or other methods known and used in the art. - The ball
striking device shaft ball striking head FIGS. 1 and 4 . Theshaft striking device ball 106. Theshaft head hosel FIGS. 1 and 4 . In other illustrative embodiments, at least a portion of theshaft head head hosel shaft shaft shaft grip element 205 may be positioned on theshaft golf club shaft FIG. 4 . Thegrip element 205 may be attached to theshaft -
FIGS. 11-14 , described in greater detail below, show a general cross-section of aface 112 for a ball striking device, having an outer (ball striking)surface 110 and an opposedinner surface 111. It is understood that while the reference numerals “112,” “110,” and “111” are used to describe the features ofFIGS. 11-14 , the features of thefaces 112 shown inFIGS. 11-13 can be incorporated into thehead 102 of the ballstriking device 100 ofFIGS. 1-3 and thehead 202 of the ballstriking device 200 ofFIGS. 4-6 , as well as any other ball striking device in accordance with aspects of this invention. - In general, the
head striking device face cavities 114, each configured to receive aninsert 140 therein. The embodiment of thehead 102 illustrated inFIGS. 2-3 and the embodiment of thehead 202 illustrated inFIGS. 5-6 both containcavities 114 and inserts 140 received therein. Theface cavities 114 and inserts 140. For example, in the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 2 , theface 112 has eightcavities 114 and inserts 140, and in the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 5 , theface 212 has sevencavities 114 and inserts 140. In other embodiments, theface cavities 114 and inserts 140. - Additionally, the
cavities 114 and inserts 140 may have any desired shape, although generally thecavities 114 may be shaped and otherwise configured to receive theappropriate insert 140 in a complementary manner. For example, in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 2-3 and 5-6, theinserts 140 are circular and cylindrical, and the complementarily-shapedcavities 114 are circular, tubular structures.FIGS. 7-10 show various different shapes forinserts 140A-D that may be used in connection with thehead face more cavities 114 that are shaped to receive eachinsert 140A-D.FIG. 7 illustrates aninsert 140A having a substantially triangular shape.FIG. 8 illustrates aninsert 140B having a substantially oval or elliptical shape.FIG. 9 illustrates aninsert 140C having a teardrop shape, which may also be considered a substantially triangular shape.FIG. 10 illustrates aninsert 140D having an elongated shape.Faces 112 may be constructed with inserts having these and other shapes, in order to enable different weighting configurations, as described below. Further, in some embodiments, theface 112 may contain more than one different size and/or shape ofinsert 140, and may containcavities 114 having a variety of different configurations to receive thedifferent inserts 140. - The
cavities 114 can be arranged in a variety of different configurations, which may depend on the number ofcavities 114 present in theface head cavity 114 located on the top side of theface cavity 114 located on the bottom side of theface 112, 212 (i.e., above and below the horizontal centerline of theface 112, 212). Additionally, in one embodiment, thehead 102 includes at least onecavity 114 located on the heel side of theface face 112, 212). - In the embodiment of the
head 102 shown inFIGS. 2-3 , theface 112 has acavity 140 located in each of the high-heel quadrant 160, the high-toe quadrant 162, the low-heel quadrant 164, and the low-toe quadrant 166. Additionally, theface 112 of thehead 102 shown inFIG. 2 contains twocavities 114 on the horizontal centerline of theface 112, one each on the heel and toe sides of theface 112, and two cavities on the vertical centerline of the face, one each on the top and bottom sides of theface 112. In the embodiment of thehead 202 shown inFIGS. 5-6 , theface 212 has acavity 140 located in each of the high-heel quadrant 260, the high-toe quadrant 262, the low-heel quadrant 264, and the low-toe quadrant 266. Additionally, theface 212 contains one cavity at the approximate center of theface 212 and two additional cavities on the vertical centerline of the face, one each on the top and bottom sides of theface 112. In further embodiments, thehead cavities 114 may permit different weighting configurations and options, through insertion ofdifferent inserts 140 into thecavities 114, as described below. - The
inserts 140 can be connected within thecavities 114 in any manner, including any and all connecting techniques known to those skilled in the art, which may depend on the shape and configuration of thecavities 114 and/or inserts 140. In one example, shown inFIGS. 3 and 6 , theinsert 140 is connected within thecavity 114 using an integral joining technique, such as welding. Theinserts 140G-H in the embodiment ofFIG. 13 are connected in a similar manner. In another example, as shown inFIG. 11 , theinserts 140E include a threadedstem 142 that allows theinsert 140 to be connected to theface 112 by threading thestem 142 into a threadedcavity 114. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 14 , the inserts 140I-J also contain threaded stems 142 that are connected within threadedcavities 114, in a similar manner. In a further example, as shown inFIG. 12 , theinserts 140F include a threadedstem 142 that allows theinsert 140 to be connected to theface 112 by use of a threadednut 144. Theface 112 shown inFIG. 12 includes countersunkportions 146 in theouter surface 110 to accommodate anenlarged head 152 of theinsert 140F, and countersunkportions 146 in theinner surface 111 to accommodate the nuts 144. The inserts 140I-J inFIG. 14 similarly includeenlarged heads 152 received in countersunkportions 146 in theface 112. In still a further example, theinsert 140 may be connected within the cavity by gluing, cementing, and other such techniques, including various other integral joining techniques. Further connecting techniques that may be used to connect theinserts 140 within thecavities 114 include clamping, friction or interference fit, swedging/swaging, and riveting or using other fasteners. It is also understood that not all theinserts 140 may be connected to theface - In some embodiments, the
face inner surface outer surface FIG. 13 , theface 112 may havefront inserts 140G received incavities 114 in theouter surface 110 of theface 112 andrear inserts 140H received incavities 114 in theinner surface 111 of theface 112.FIG. 14 illustrates a similar embodiment, where theface 112 has front inserts 140I andrear inserts 140J, each of which have astem 142 to permit theinserts 140I, 140J to be threaded into threadedcavities 114 on theouter surface 110 andinner surface 111 of the face, respectively. As described above, theinserts 140G-J andcavities 114 of thefaces 112 shown inFIGS. 13-14 extend only a portion of the way through theface 112. - The
inserts 140 described herein may be permanently connected to theface 112 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, theinserts 140 may be removably connected to theface 112, to enable interchanging ofinserts 140 to change the weight distribution of theface 112 as desired. The threaded inserts 140E, 140F represent examples of interchangeable inserts, and it is understood that different types of interchangeable inserts can be used in other embodiments. For aclub head 102 having aface 112 withinterchangeable inserts 140, the weighting of theface 112 can be changed by removing at least oneinsert 140 and replacing the removedinsert 140 with adifferent insert 140 having a different density.FIGS. 11 and 12 each illustrate interchanging of one of theinserts replacement insert 140E′, 140F′. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 11 , theinserts 140E can be interchanged from outside thehead 112. However, in other embodiments, access to theinner surface 111 of theface 112 may be required to interchange theinserts 140. For example, theface 112 shown inFIG. 12 may require access to theinner surface 111 to interchange theinserts 140F, if thenut 144 is not fixed in place on theinner surface 111. Likewise, theinner inserts FIGS. 13 and 14 may require access to theinner face surface 111 for interchanging. When such aface 112 is used in connection with a ballstriking device 100 as shown inFIGS. 1-3 , thehead 102 may include aremovable backbody member 129 to provide this access. Several different configurations for removable and/or interchangeable backbody members are shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/192,402, filed Aug. 15, 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein and made part hereof. Other embodiments of ball striking heads may have portions of the head that are removable by other mechanisms and using other structural configurations, and it is understood that such embodiments are included within the scope of the invention. - The
cavities 114 may extend partially or completely through theface inserts 140 extend to theouter surface face outer surface inserts 140 extend to theinner surface face FIGS. 2-3 , 5-6, and 11-12, theinserts face FIGS. 13-14 , described below, theinserts 140G-J extend only a portion of the way through theface 112, and extend either to theinner surface 111 or theouter surface 110 of theface 112. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 5 , theinserts 140 may havegrooves 150 thereon that are cooperatively positioned to match with thegrooves 148 on theouter surface 210 of theface 212. As stated above, thecavities 114 may have countersunkportions 146 on the inner and outer sides thereof, to accommodate anenlarged head 152 of theinsert 140F and/or anut 144, as shown inFIG. 12 . As also described above, thecavities 114 may have internal connecting structures, such as threading, to enable connection ofinserts 140E having complementary threading, as shown inFIG. 11 . - Each
insert 140 may be made of one or more different materials, and the properties of eachinsert 140 can influence the properties of theface inserts 140 is made from a material that is different from the material from which theface inserts 140 is made from a material that is different from the material from which at least one of theother inserts 140 is made. The use ofinserts 140 made from different materials and having different properties can allow for customization of theface - One such property is the density of the material of the
insert 140. It is understood that the density of the material can be influenced by the natural density properties of the bulk material, as well as other factors, such as the porosity of the material. Additionally, the local density of theinsert 140 may vary at different points on the insert, for example, if theinsert 140 is made from multiple materials, has varying porosity, etc. In this case, the density of theinsert 140 can be expressed as an average density, overall density, or bulk density. In one embodiment, at least one of theinserts 140 has a density that is different from the density of the material of theface inserts 140 has a different density than at least one of the other inserts 140. By usinginserts 140 having different densities, the weight distribution, center of gravity, and moment of inertia of thehead 102 andface inserts 140 having lower densities near or at the center of theface heel 120 andtoe 122 of theface face face face face face face toe quadrant face heavier inserts 140 can be connected within thecavities 114 in the low-toe quadrant heel quadrant toe area face face - As stated above, in some embodiments, the
face inner surface outer surface FIGS. 13 and 14 .Inserts 140G-J of different densities can be used in these embodiments to create front-weighting or rear-weighting of theface 112, as desired, as well as shifting the center of gravity and/or changing the moment of inertia of theface 112. Each of theinserts FIG. 14 includes anenlarged head portion 152 that can assist with front- and rear-weighting of theface 112. - The shapes of the
inserts 140 also influence the weighting distribution of theface insert 140A as shown inFIG. 7 , the weight of theinsert 140A is disproportionately distributed toward the top of theinsert 140A. Thus, the effect of connecting a heavier orlighter insert 140A of this shape to theface face inserts 140B, teardrop-shapedinserts 140C, andelongated inserts 140D inFIGS. 8-10 , as well as many other different shapes of inserts, have disproportionate and/or asymmetrical weight distributions as well, and can likewise be used to disproportionately affect the weighting of theface - Although the
face inserts 140 connected thereto, theface face face face multiple inserts 140 made from different materials, and the use of multiple-material inserts 140. It is understood that in an insert made from multiple materials, different portions of the insert may have different densities or other properties. As also described above, in one embodiment, the various different materials each form a portion of the outer surface orball striking surface face - As stated above, the
inserts 140 described herein can be made from a variety of different materials to achieve the desired properties, such as a particular density and weight. For example, in one embodiment, materials such as +8 density alloys and powder tungsten can be used for high-density inserts and materials such as aluminum or composites can be used for low-density inserts. Other materials can be used in other embodiments, including any metals (including metal alloys), ceramics, polymers, composites (including fiber-reinforced composites), and wood. Additionally, as described above, one or more of theinserts 140 may be made from multiple materials. In multiple material inserts 140, at least a portion of eachinsert 140 may have a density that is different from the density of theface insert 140 may also have two or more portions with densities that are not only different from each other, but also different from the property of theface insert 140 may have a different density from theface face face -
Heads inserts 140, et seq. disclosed herein may be used as a ball striking device or a part thereof. For example, agolf club FIGS. 1-6 may be manufactured by attaching a shaft or handle 104, 204 to a head that is provided, such as thehead head 102 shown inFIGS. 2-3 may include attachment of abackbody member 129 to aface frame member 128, as described above. Additionally, thehead golf club inserts 140 having different densities to customize the weighting of theface inserts 140 having specific densities and connecting theinserts 140 to theface face insert 140 and interchanging the removedinsert 140 with anotherinsert 140 having at least one different property. -
Heads inserts 140 disclosed herein may be used as part of a kit or assembly that includes ahead more inserts 140 configured for connection to thehead multiple inserts 140, each of theinserts 140 may have different properties. In one embodiment, thehead more cavities 114 with specific shapes, and the kit may include one ormore inserts 140 having the same shape. In another embodiment, thehead multiple cavities 114 with differing shapes, and the kit may include one ormore inserts 140 having the same shape as each of thecavities 114. In a further embodiment, the kit may includeinserts 140 having different shapes, and thehead inserts 140 to theface more cavities 114 in theface more shafts inserts 140 that are removable and interchangeable with each other. - The ball striking devices and heads therefor as described herein provide many benefits and advantages over existing products. For example, inserts having different densities and weights can be strategically located and weighted to provide a specific weight distribution. This enables the overall moment of inertia of the head to be changed, such as by adjusting the weight distribution between the center of the face and the edges of the face. This also enables the center of gravity of the face to be moved and/or the relative moment of inertia for various points on the face to be changed, such as by increasing or decreasing the weight of the face in a specific area. Weighting the face in a customized manner can provide superior ball striking function for the head, such as by reducing twisting upon impact. Additionally, the weighting can be customized so that the areas of the face that most frequently impact the ball during play will result in greater energy and velocity transfer and truer and straighter ball flight.
- While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and methods. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (33)
1. A golf club head comprising:
a face having an outer surface configured for striking a ball;
a body connected to the face; and
a plurality of cavities in the face, each cavity configured to receive an insert.
2. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cavities is located on a heel side of the face and at least one of the cavities is located on a toe side of the face.
3. The golf club head of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the cavities is located on a vertical centerline of the face.
4. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cavities is located on a top side of the face and at least one of the cavities is located on a bottom side of the face.
5. The golf club head of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the cavities is located on a horizontal centerline of the face.
6. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the face comprises four quadrants extending from a geometric center of the face, and wherein at least one cavity is located entirely in a high-heel quadrant, at least one cavity is located entirely in a high-toe quadrant, at least one cavity is located entirely in a low-heel quadrant, and at least one cavity is located entirely in a low-toe quadrant.
7. The golf club head of claim 6 , wherein at least one of the cavities is located on a horizontal centerline of the face.
8. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cavities extend to the outer surface of the face.
9. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cavities extend to an inner surface of the face opposite the outer surface.
10. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cavities extend completely through the face.
11. A golf club comprising the golf club head of claim 1 and a shaft connected to the golf club head.
12. A face member for use in a ball striking device, comprising:
a face having an outer surface configured for striking a ball;
a wall extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face; and
a plurality of cavities in the face, each cavity configured to receive an insert.
13. A method comprising:
providing a golf club head including a face having an outer surface configured for striking a ball and an inner surface, and a plurality of cavities in the face; and
inserting a plurality of inserts into the plurality of cavities.
14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising removing at least one of the plurality of inserts and replacing the removed insert with a second insert having a density different from the removed insert.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein at least one of the inserts has a first density and at least one of the inserts has a second density that is different from the first density.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein at least one of the inserts has a density that is different from a density of at least a portion of the face.
17. A golf club head comprising:
a face having an outer surface configured for striking a ball and a plurality of cavities in the face;
a body connected to the face; and
a plurality of inserts, each insert received within one of the cavities.
18. The golf club head of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of inserts extend completely through the face.
19. The golf club head of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of inserts extend to the outer surface of the face and each insert has an outer surface that is flush with the outer surface of the face.
20. The golf club head of claim 17 , wherein at least one of the inserts has a density that is different from a density of at least a portion of the face.
21. The golf club head of claim 17 , wherein at least one of the inserts is made from a first material and at least a portion of the face is made from a second material that is different from the first material.
22. The golf club head of claim 17 , wherein at least one of the inserts has a first density and at least one of the inserts has a second density that is greater than the first density.
23. The golf club head of claim 17 , wherein at least one of the inserts is made from a first material and at least one of the inserts is made from a second material that is different from the first material.
24. The golf club head of claim 17 , wherein the inserts are removable.
25. The golf club head of claim 17 , wherein the outer surface of the face has grooves and at least one of the inserts has an outer surface with grooves that are contiguous with the grooves of the face.
26. A golf club comprising the golf club head of claim 17 and a shaft connected to the golf club head.
27. A face member for use in a ball striking device, comprising:
a face having an outer surface configured for striking a ball and a plurality of cavities in the face;
a wall extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face; and
a plurality of inserts, each insert received within one of the cavities.
28. A golf club kit comprising:
a golf club head comprising a face having a ball striking surface configured for striking a ball, a plurality of cavities in the face, and a body connected to the face; and
a plurality of inserts, each configured for connection to the face.
29. The golf club kit of claim 28 , wherein at least one of the cavities has a first shape and at least another of the cavities has a second shape, and the plurality of inserts comprise at least one insert having the first shape and at least one insert having the second shape, such that each cavity is configured to receive at least one of the plurality of inserts.
30. The golf club kit of claim 28 , wherein at least a portion of the face is made from a first material, and wherein at least one of the inserts is made from a second material that is different from the first material.
31. The golf club kit of claim 30 , wherein at least one of the inserts is made from a third material that is different from the first material and the second material.
32. The golf club kit of claim 28 , wherein at least one of the inserts has a first density and at least one of the inserts has a second density that is greater than the first density.
33. The golf club kit of claim 28 , further comprising:
a shaft configured for connection to the golf club head to form a golf club.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/424,344 US20100267466A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-04-15 | Golf club head or other ball striking device having multiple face inserts |
EP10714750A EP2419182A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2010-04-09 | Golf club head or other ball striking device having multiple face inserts |
PCT/US2010/030467 WO2010120635A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2010-04-09 | Golf club head or other ball striking device having multiple face inserts |
JP2012506084A JP5768042B2 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2010-04-09 | Golf club head or other ball striking device having multiple face inserts |
CN201080021180.1A CN102438710B (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2010-04-09 | Golf club head or other ball striking device having multiple face inserts |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/424,344 US20100267466A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-04-15 | Golf club head or other ball striking device having multiple face inserts |
Publications (1)
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US20100267466A1 true US20100267466A1 (en) | 2010-10-21 |
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Family Applications (1)
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US12/424,344 Abandoned US20100267466A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-04-15 | Golf club head or other ball striking device having multiple face inserts |
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US (1) | US20100267466A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2419182A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5768042B2 (en) |
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Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9265996B1 (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2016-02-23 | Callaway Golf Company | Putter face insert |
US20160166895A1 (en) * | 2014-12-15 | 2016-06-16 | Phillip Lapuz | Golf club with insert. |
US20170173416A1 (en) * | 2014-05-13 | 2017-06-22 | Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads |
US11058929B2 (en) | 2018-07-12 | 2021-07-13 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head faceplates with lattices |
US11771961B2 (en) * | 2020-09-14 | 2023-10-03 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head with lattices |
US11813507B1 (en) * | 2021-07-08 | 2023-11-14 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Systems and methods for insert of a putter-type golf club |
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US9044653B2 (en) | 2012-06-08 | 2015-06-02 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Iron type golf club head |
US9937395B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2018-04-10 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club |
US9492722B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2016-11-15 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club |
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CN104324494A (en) * | 2014-10-20 | 2015-02-04 | 中山市迈进高尔夫用品有限公司 | Golf ball head with adjustable counter weights and manufacture method thereof |
FR3060617A1 (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2018-06-22 | Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin | MULTI-TORON CABLE WITH TWO LAYERS WITH IMPROVED PENETRABILITY |
CN108635779B (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2022-08-16 | 王家庆 | Training basketball capable of improving ball control ability |
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Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9265996B1 (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2016-02-23 | Callaway Golf Company | Putter face insert |
US20170173416A1 (en) * | 2014-05-13 | 2017-06-22 | Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads |
US9878218B2 (en) * | 2014-05-13 | 2018-01-30 | Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads |
US20160166895A1 (en) * | 2014-12-15 | 2016-06-16 | Phillip Lapuz | Golf club with insert. |
US11058929B2 (en) | 2018-07-12 | 2021-07-13 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head faceplates with lattices |
US11745062B2 (en) | 2018-07-12 | 2023-09-05 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head faceplates with lattices |
US11771961B2 (en) * | 2020-09-14 | 2023-10-03 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head with lattices |
US11813507B1 (en) * | 2021-07-08 | 2023-11-14 | Cobra Golf Incorporated | Systems and methods for insert of a putter-type golf club |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN102438710B (en) | 2014-08-27 |
JP2012523912A (en) | 2012-10-11 |
JP5768042B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 |
CN102438710A (en) | 2012-05-02 |
EP2419182A1 (en) | 2012-02-22 |
WO2010120635A1 (en) | 2010-10-21 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NIKE USA, OREGON Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:STITES, JOHN THOMAS;REEL/FRAME:022808/0314 Effective date: 20090519 Owner name: NIKE, INC., OREGON Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NIKE USA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022808/0337 Effective date: 20090526 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |