CN101400412A

CN101400412A - Golf clubs and golf club heads including cellular structure metals and other materials

Info

Publication number: CN101400412A
Application number: CNA2007800074427A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 加里·G·泰瓦瑞斯; 大卫·N·弗兰克林; 阿布谢克·古普塔; 李颂华
Original assignee: Nike International Ltd
Current assignee: Nike International Ltd
Priority date: 2006-02-01
Filing date: 2007-01-30
Publication date: 2009-04-01
Also published as: CA2641207C; US20110275453A1; KR20110005319A; US20070178988A1; EP1984083B1; JP2009525131A; TWI347209B; CA2641207A1; AU2007209950B2; KR101255967B1; JP5171647B2; AU2007209950A1; EP1984083A1; ATE485083T1; HK1119611A1; TWI357344B; TW201121619A; KR20080086935A; TW200734009A; DE602007009931D1

Abstract

Golf club heads include: (a) a body member constructed, at least in part, from cellular structure material; (b) a ball striking face engaged or integrally formed with the body member; and/or (c) a shaft member engaged with the body member. Weight savings realized through the use of lightweight cellular structure materials allows additional weight to be placed at other desired locations in the club head structure. By adjusting and selectively placing weight in the club head structure, the club head's moment of inertia, center of gravity, and/or stability characteristics may be favorably affected and/or the resulting ball flight may be influenced and/or customized to a specific individual golfer, to provide a more controlled, consistent, and/or straight ball flight.

Description

The golf clubs and the golf club head that comprise cellular structure metals and other materials

Related application data

Each side of the present invention described in this patent application relates to and/or can be used in combination aspect at least some of described invention below: (a) submitted on December 23rd, 2003 and title is No. the 10/707th, 599, the U.S. Patent application of " A Golf Club Head Having a Bridge Member and a Weight PositioningSystem (golf club head with bridge member and weight navigation system) " (be now announced on June 23rd, 2005 U.S. Patent Publication 2005-0137024A1 number); (b) on September 19th, 2003, submission and title were the U.S. Patent application the 10/666th of " Golf Club HeadHaving a Bridge Member (golf club head with bridge member) ", No. 346 (is the United States Patent (USP) of announcing on August 2nd, 2005 the 6th now, 923, No. 732); (c) submitted on September 7th, 2004 and title is No. the 10/934th, 742, the U.S. Patent application of " Structure of a Golf Club Head or OtherBall Striking Device (structures of golf club head or other ball striking devices) "; And/or (d) submitted on May 10th, 2005 and title is No. the 11/125th, 327, the U.S. Patent application of " Golf Clubsand Golf Club Heads (golf clubs and golf club head) ".Each of the above-mentioned patent of pointing out, publication and application is all incorporated into way of reference integral body at this.

Invention field

The present invention relates to golf clubs and golf club head, and relate to the method that is used to make such structure.

Background

By auxiliary golfer club head pole face and golf are met at right angles, designed the accuracy that various golf club heads improve the golfer.The position of many golf club head decision golf club head weight is so that change the moment of inertia (for example, torsional strength) of the position of centre of gravity and/or the increase club head of club head.The position of centre of gravity of golf club head and its moment of inertia are the factors that determines whether to advance with the direction of expection golf at least in part.When the back that this center of gravity is placed on the abutment on the contact surface and club head were consistent with the set goal line, golf was along straight route usually.Yet, when a side that this center of gravity is separated the abutment and/or club head are out of square when impacting, golf can be along crooked or crooked to the right left route, perhaps only fly to the left side or the right, the flight of ball usually is called as " left avertence ball (draw) ", " right avertence ball (fade) ", " Draw (hook) ", " Draw (slice) ", " pull (pull) " or " (block) blocks ".Similarly, when the center of gravity with club head separate with above the abutment of ball or below the time, the route of golf can be showed more descending (more boring) or the track that more rises respectively.

For example the golf club head of back cavity type club head (cavity back club head) by the most of weight that makes golf club head be positioned at the golf club head periphery around assist the golfer.Usually, these golf club heads are more roomy than non-cavity type golf club head (non-cavity golf club head), thereby allow golf to depart from a little that the center is clashed into or mistake is hit (miss-hit), distance and accuracy relatively preferably still are provided simultaneously.The back cavity type club head has helped general golfer to reduce mistake to hit, and improves score.

Although improved the golf pole technology in recent years, in this field, still there is the leeway that further promotes and improve the golf pole technology.

Summary of the invention

The golf clubs that the present invention relates to golf club head and comprise such golf club head, for example putter, iron (comprising all types of wedges (wedge)), mixed type club, Fairway Woods (fairway wood), the bar of kicking off (driver) and club-like.Golf clubs and golf club head according at least some illustrative aspects of the present invention can comprise: (a) club head body member, and it is made of cellular structure metals material (cellular structure metal material) or other materials at least in part; (b) striking surface, itself and club head body member engages, or form with the club head body member is whole; And/or (c) shaft member, itself and club head body member engages.Randomly, if wish, the club head body member can be many structures (multi-piececonstruction), and these any one or a plurality of can formation by cellular structure metals or other materials of many, and does not depart from the present invention.According at least some embodiment of the present invention, allow additional weight is placed on other desired locations of club by the weight saving of using light porous structural metal or other materials to realize as club, for example around the club head periphery, towards the rear portion of club and/or the bottom, towards the heel (heel) of club and/or toe (toe) edge etc.In some exemplary configurations, can optionally wt pts (weightmember) be placed and/or move to the diverse location of club, so that the counterweight of club head can customization, for example, use better for the golfer who makes specific golfer or have a specific characteristic that swings.By adjusting and optionally settle the weight of club, the ball flight that the center of gravity of club head, the moment of inertia and/or stability characteristic (quality) can advantageously be affected and/or cause when being impacted by club head can be affected, and provides more controlled, more continuous and/or more straight ball to fly with auxiliary.

Other aspect of the present invention relates to the method for making and/or using golf club head and golf clubs, and golf clubs comprises the cellular structure metals or the other materials of at least a portion that forms club.Such method can comprise make one or more wt pts engage club, with respect to club move wt pts and/or from club remove wt pts and with different (for example different quality) wt pts replacement they.

The accompanying drawing summary

Come illustration the present invention via embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to accompanying drawing, wherein similar reference number is represented similar parts all the time, and wherein:

The exemplary cellular structure metals material that can be used for making golf club head of Fig. 1 illustration at least some embodiment according to the present invention;

The exemplary cellular structure metals material that comprises surface element (surface element) that can be used for making golf club head of Fig. 2 illustration at least some embodiment according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 E illustration has added the embodiment of the putter structure of cellular structure metals material according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 4 A and 4B illustration have added the additional embodiments of the putter structure of cellular structure metals material according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 5 illustration has added another embodiment of the putter structure of cellular structure metals material according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 6 A to Figure 11 illustration has added the embodiment of the iron golf club bar header structure of cellular structure metals material according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 12 A to Figure 13 B illustration has added the embodiment of the wood-type golf clubs bar header structure of cellular structure metals material according to some embodiments of the present invention; And

Figure 14 illustration at least some embodiment according to the present invention comprise the exemplary face plate member (face plate member) of the golf club structure of cellular structure metals material.

Describe in detail

Following description and accompanying drawing disclose according to the feature of golf clubs of the present invention and golf club head (for example rod, iron, mixed pole, putter etc.)。

I. the general description of each side of the present invention

Each side of the present invention relates to golf club head and comprises the golf clubs of such golf club head.The golf club head of at least some illustrative aspects can comprise according to the present invention: (a) club head body member, it at least in part by porous structure material (for example, loose structure metal material (be also referred to as " metal foam " material, comprise loose structure alloy, amorphous metal or alloy material etc.), semi-metallic, ceramic material, glass material, polymeric material (for example polyurethane etc.), elastomeric material etc.) constitute; (b) striking surface, itself and club head body member engages, or form with the club head body member is whole.Randomly, if wish, the club head body member can be many structures, and these any one or more a plurality of can formation by porous structure material of many, and does not depart from the present invention.

The golf club head of any desired type can be configured to comprise porous structure material, comprises for example putter, iron (comprising all types of wedges), mixed type club, Fairway Woods, kick off bar and club-like.In addition, any desired partly or entirely can the making of club by porous structure material, and do not depart from the present invention, for example whole club head body (for example, comprising solid body (solid body), body shell etc.), batting face component, head portion (crownportion), main body belt section, bottom part (sole portion) etc.As some embodiment more specifically, if wish, the major part of total club head body (for example, the volume and/or the surface area of most of total club head body) can be set to porous structure material.

Using porous structure material can be favourable as the part of golf club head structure at least in part, because the character of the relative lightweight of these materials.By (for example with porous structure material, comprise the cellular structure metals of amorphous metal and alloy etc.) be used at least a portion of club head body member and the weight saving that realizes allows club designer, club assembler (club fitter), user and fellow that weight (for example, wt pts (randomly movably, dismountable or otherwise the wt pts of customizable) and Weighting system etc.) is placed on the interior desired locations of total club.As embodiment, if wish, club head can be provided with one or more wt pts, and these one or more wt pts are contained in the housing of club head body member or the shell at least in part, be connected to the club head body member, movably and/or be releasably attached to the club head body member and/or be installed at least in part in the club head body member etc.If wish, can in the club head body member, form suitable jack (receptacle), be used for for good and all, movably and/or removably with the club head body member engages and/or one or more wt pts are connected with the club head body member.

Can use the various methods that striking surface is set on the club head body member, and not depart from the present invention.For example, if wish, can be for example be set to metal (or other materials) the face plate member that engages with the porous structure material of club head body member by striking surfaces such as welding, soft soldering, brazing, adhesive, casting, forgings.As another embodiment, if wish, striking surface is set to constitute the integral part of the porous structure material of club head body member in the following manner: for example by the whole solid metallic face (or other materials) that forms on the porous structure material main body; By for example epoxy resin, the material that constitutes porous structure material, different materials, different porous structure materials wait and fill, inject or apply porous structure material main body etc. with metal and/or polymeric material at least in part.

Other each side of the present invention relates to golf clubs.Golf clubs according at least some embodiment of the present invention can comprise: (a) club head body member, it at least in part by porous structure material (for example, loose structure metal material (be also referred to as " metal foam " material, comprise loose structure alloy, amorphous metal or alloy material etc.), loose structure semi-metallic, loose structure ceramic material, loose structure glass material, loose structure polymeric material (for example polyurethane foam), loose structure elastomeric material etc.) constitute; (b) shaft member, itself and club head body member engages.Shaft member can or cannot directly engage with porous structure material.The club head body member further can comprise other parts of striking surface or club head body element structure, and striking surface engages with porous structure material or forms with porous structure material is whole.In addition, the golf clubs of at least some embodiment can comprise the handle member (grip member) that engages with shaft member according to the present invention.The golf clubs of at least some embodiment can be randomly and other Weighting system according to the present invention, for example with one or more permanent, fixing, movably, dismountable or otherwise customizable and/or selectable wt pts form putter, iron (comprising all types of wedges), mixed type club, Fairway Woods, kick off bar and club-like.

Other aspect of the present invention also relates to for example method of above-mentioned various types of golf club heads of formation.Such method can comprise, for example: (a) form the club head body member by porous structure material at least in part; (b) striking surface is arranged on the club head body member or is set to the part of club head body member.Randomly, if wish, the club head body member can form many structures, and these any one or a plurality of can formation by porous structure material of many, and does not depart from the present invention.As embodiment more specifically, if wish, independently face plate member, bottom end plate member (sole plate member), top end component, main body ribbon member and similar component can be constituted and/or be connected to the porous structure material part of club head body member by porous structure material, and do not depart from the present invention.

Other aspect of the present invention also relates to the method that forms golf clubs.Such method can comprise, for example: (a) form the club head body member by porous structure material at least in part; (b) make shaft member and club head body member (for example, directly with porous structure material, partly with porous structure material, be not part of the club head material made by porous structure material etc.) engage.As mentioned above, any dissimilar and version of club head body member, make its method and be used to make the structure of its counterweight and method to can be used for making golf club structure, and do not depart from these aspects of the present invention.And, the method of at least some embodiment of these aspects may further include according to the present invention: (c) on the club head body member (for example, on at least a portion of porous structure material, first-class at another part of club head body member) form striking surface, and/or (d) the handle member is engaged with shaft member.

The general description of each side of the present invention is provided above supposing, the more detailed description according to the various specific embodiments of golf clubs of the present invention and golf club head structure will be provided below.

II. according to the detailed description of example golf club bar head of the present invention and golf club structure

A. porous structure material

Fig. 1 usually illustration the porous structure material 100 that at least some embodiment can be used for golf club head structure according to the present invention (for example, (it is included in its scope cellular structure metals, independent metal, alloy, amorphous metal, amorphous alloy and/or its combination unless otherwise mentioned) etc.).As known in the art, the cellular structure metals material can be included in the metallic matrix member (metallic basemember) 102 that wherein is formed with many little spaces or hole 104 (being also referred to as " hole " in this specification).As is known, density based on the identical parent metal material of no loose structure, porous structure material (being also referred to as " porous foam ") can have low to 10%, 5%, 3% or lower density, and they can have open type stephanoporate structure or closed type loose structure.About the other end of this scope, porous metals that use according to some embodiments of the present invention or other materials can have based on the identical parent metal density of material of no porous or foaming structure up to 50%, 75%, 85% and even 90% or higher density.But although reduce amount, weight, the density of structural material and have the hole in the porous material structure, resulting material has kept very desirable physical property (for example, intensity, rigidity, deformation resistance or restorative etc.).Any desired pore size scope can be used for porous structure material, and does not depart from the present invention.Equally, the weight density of any grade or percentage can be used for golf club head structure, and do not depart from the present invention, for example, suppose that resulting club and/or its part have enough intensity and other suitable physical propertys, for example when the club head batting and/or otherwise when using in the mode that club structure is expected.Can easily be identified for the concrete cellular structure metals of golf club structure or the adaptability of other materials by routine test.

If wish, comprise that the porous structure material of cellular structure metals material can be in addition or be used for other parts of golf club structure alternatively, as be used for bar neck region (hosel area), shaft, handle etc., and do not depart from the present invention.

Although anyly wish that the metal of type or other materials can be used as base member 102, and do not depart from the present invention, but more object lessons of suitable metal material comprise aluminium, titanium, nickel, copper, zinc, carbon, zirconium, tungsten, lead, molybdenum and/or its combination and its alloy (as nickel-aluminium alloy, pewter, brass etc.).Equally, can use any desired method of making porous structure material, and do not depart from the present invention, comprise the commercial supplier of porous structure material known with the conventional method of using, for example: the ALM of German Saarbrucken (Applied Lightweight Materials) GmbH; The Alulight International GmbH of Austria Ranshofen; The Cymat Corporation of Ontario, Canada Mississauga; The ERG Materials and AerospaceCorporation of California Auckland; The Foamtech Co. of Seoul, South Korea, Ltd.; The FiberNide Co., Ltd of Ontario, Canada; The Gleich GmbH of Germany Kaltenkirchen; The HutteKlein-Reichenbach Ges.m.b.H of Austria Schwarzenau; The Inco Ltd.of Toronto of Ontario, Canada; The Korea Metalfoam of Korea S Choenan; The Mitsubishi MaterialsCorporation of Japan Okegawa-shi; The M-Pore GmbH of Germany Dresden; The PorvairAdvanced Materials of NC Hendersonville; The Recemat International B.V. of Holland; The Reade Advanced Materials of Providence, Rhode Island State; The Spectra-Mat of CA Watsonville, Inc.; The SAS Solea of France Boussens; And the Ultramet Corporation of CA Pacoima.For example also it should be noted that, in U.S. Patent number 6,932,146; 6,866,084; 6,840,301; 6,706,239; 6,592,787; 5,951,791; Described various materials and manufacture method thereof in 5,700,363 and 4,957,543, these patents are incorporated into way of reference integral body at this.In addition, randomly before finishing porous formed process, among and/or afterwards, can in any desired way porous structure material be made the structure that is used for golf club head or other golf clubs part (as shaft, bar neck etc.), aforesaid way comprise by conventional mechanical processing, grinding, forging, casting, molded and/or golf club art known with other process technologies of using.

The spendable loose structure metal material of at least some embodiment according to the present invention comprises the combination of independent metal and alloy, metallic combination, metal and other materials etc.In at least some embodiment of the present invention, porous structure material can comprise amorphous metal or alloy material, as those LiquidMetal Technologies by California Lake Forest, Inc. amorphous metal or alloy material that produce and/or that obtain.Known such amorphous metallic material (comprising metal alloy) and the various structures that form thereof are as in U.S. Patent number 6,446,558; 6,771,490; 6,818,078; 6,843,496; 6,875,293; With 6,887,586 and the document quoted described in.Each of these patents is all incorporated into way of reference integral body at this.These amorphous metallic material can be formed in porous metals (or foam) structure by variety of way, for example by at least some methods at the described the whole bag of tricks of leading portion.

Usually illustrative as Fig. 1 institute, if wish that hole 104 can usually form the three-dimensional structure that spreads all over base member 102 (for example, alloy base).When porous structure material 100 formed at least a portion of golf club structure, one or more porous surfaces (as surface 106) can keep exposing.Alternatively, if wish, for example before porous structure material 100 forms the part of golf club structure, among or afterwards, can cover or seal one or more porous surfaces.Fig. 2 illustration exemplary porous structure material 200, wherein the little space of base member 102 or hole 104 are sealed or are covered by material layer 202, for example use with the identical or different one or more material layers of matrix material 102 and come coating, dipping, filling and/or covering.So, the exposed surface of material or resulting club structure will not comprise open space or hole, therefore present the smooth continuous surface and/or the club structure of outward appearance.Such interstitital texture also can be called " loose structure composite " at this.Packed layer 202 can have any desired thickness, for example from 10 dusts to 4cm or even thicker, or even the thickness that changes.Packed layer 202 also can directly be imitated the shape or the profile of following base member 102 (if any), and perhaps, packed layer 202 can provide outer shape or the exposure shape irrelevant with the shape of following base member 102.Packed layer 202 itself also can be porous or atresia, and do not depart from the present invention.

Layer 202 can be formed on the loose structure base member 102 with porous structure material and/or club manufacture method, and not depart from the present invention by any desired mode with in any desired time.In addition, layer 202 can be made by any desired material, and does not depart from the present invention.As embodiment more specifically, if wish, layer 202 can be with loose structure base member 102 whole formation, the for example whole solid slab that approaches that forms the metal material identical with constituting loose structure base member 102 (for example, layer 202 can be to form integrally-built thin aluminium lamination etc. with porous aluminum base member 102 integral body), layer 202 can be formed by different metal material etc.If wish, can use (identical or different) molten metal material to fill all or some external holes 104 and/or smooth outer surface is provided with base member 102.As additional embodiments, if wish, layer 202 can be the independent material pieces that engages with base member 102 in any desired way, and aforesaid way for example passes through adhesive, cement, welding, soft soldering, brazing or other combination or fusion technology, or via mechanical fastener.Still as additional embodiments, if wish, layer 202 can constitute polymerization material coating, for example epoxy resin, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene; Glass coating; Ceramic coating; Rubber coating; Or be coated in (and randomly be coated with at least some spaces 104 and/or fill at least some spaces 104 at least in part) on the metallic matrix member 102 and/or on the top of metallic matrix member 102, form the similar coatings of solid layer.Still as other example, if wish, polymeric material be filled or be filled with at least in part in some of whole metallic matrix member 102 or whole space or hole 104 can with polymeric material, for example above-mentioned various polymeric materials (for example, can provide polymeric material fill or inject at least or near the hole 104 of one or more outer surfaces 106 of porous structure material 100, so that provide fineness etc. on each surface).Certainly, if wish, the additive method of the outer surface (for example, comprising smooth batting outer surface) that can provide smooth also can be provided, and not depart from the present invention.In porous structure material and/or club production technology, can material applies, injection and/or filling porous structural matrix material 102 with polymerization or metal (or in addition other) in any desired time, and do not depart from the present invention (for example, before bubbling, among or afterwards; Before club head is produced, among or afterwards; Before shaft forms or connects, among or afterwards; Deng).

The pore-size distribution that porous structure material can have any desired pore size, pore-size distribution, multiple aperture distribution or be not easy to distinguish, and do not depart from the present invention.In addition, if wish, given golf club head structure and/or independent parts can comprise multiple different porous structure material, for example the different piece of club by different materials (for example, different metal) make, the different piece of club has different density or pore size distribution etc. (being commonly referred to as " multiple porous structure material (multiple celluarstructure material) " at this), diverse location in the hole has different packing material etc.

In view of the top description of porous structure material, provide the embodiment more specifically of the golf club structure that comprises such material below.

B. exemplary putter structure

An illustrative aspects of the present invention relates to putter structure, and it comprises at least in part by cellular structure metals or other materials, for example one or more parts of making of aluminium, nickel, titanium or other porous materials.Be used for the loose structure raw material of club structure and/or loose structure parts can be for example from one or more acquisitions of each supplier of pointing out above.

Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 E illustration the embodiment of parts of the putter structure 300 that can make by porous structure material (for example, cellular structure metals material) according at least some embodiment of the present invention.As shown in Figure 3A, first structural elements 302 (being also referred to as " main component " in this manual) comprises when using club head the first surface 304 towards golf (perhaps other balls).Main component 302 among this illustrative embodiment is the rectangle cubic shape basically, makes second surface 306 be positioned at the reverse side of first surface 304.Certainly, can use various sizes, shape and directed main component 302 and/or the design of other putter heads, and not depart from the present invention.

The second surface 306 of this exemplary body element structure 302 has the opening 308 that is defined in wherein.Opening 308 in this exemplary configurations extends through main component 302 fully, from second surface 306 until first surface 304.In other embodiments, if wish that opening 308 does not need to extend through fully the club head part of main component 302.For example, if wish, opening 308 can be from surface 306, and part extends through the club head part of main component 302, but termination before it arrives first surface 304.As additional embodiments, if wish, can opening 308 be set on the club head upper surface 310 or the other surface partly of main component 302, and not depart from the present invention, randomly opening is set or does not have opening at front surface 304.Still as additional embodiments,, in some structures, will not need opening (for example, can or be connected to main component 302 with some mode and main component 302 whole formation) as embed member 350 in greater detail in conjunction with Fig. 3 B if wish.

The main component 302 of this exemplary configurations further comprises base member 312, and base member 312 extends with the direction in club head pole face back, and away from first surface 304 and second surface 306.Base member 312 can present various different structures and shape, and does not depart from the present invention.In illustrated embodiment, base member 312 comprises the lower flat zone (flat region) 314 that is close to opening 308, to enter opening 308 (the more conspicuous reason owing to will become) easily in description subsequently.From lower by flat regional 314, base member 312 is formed with angle part 316, there is angle part 316 backward and extend upward away from the club head of main component 302 part, and thereby, the base member 312 of this exemplary configurations further provides lever or shaft installation system 318.Can use any mode suitable or expectation that shaft or lever are installed to club head body member 302, and not depart from the present invention, aforesaid way is included in usual manner as known in the art and that use.For example, shaft can be screwed into or tightly goes into suitable jack zone 318 on the base member 312 with screw thread with screw, and it can fix via adhesive, mechanical fastener and/or analog.

The base member 312 of this exemplary configurations further extends back, and FX 320 is set.In this exemplary configurations, FX 320 is used for main component 302 is fixed to another part of total club 300, as will be described in more detail below.

Base member 312 can any mode suitable or expectation be included as the part of the club head part of main component 302, and does not depart from the present invention.For example, total 302 can be the integral single piece structure that for example forms by casting, forging, molded, machining etc.As another embodiment, can be with base member 312 welding, soft soldering, be pressed into assembling, embedding, adhesively be applied to and/or be otherwise connected to the club head part of main component 302.The base member 312 of main component 302 and club head part can be made by any material suitable or expectation, and do not depart from the present invention, and above-mentioned material is included in conventional material as known in the art and that use.Suitable examples of material comprises: aluminium, titanium, nickel, steel, brass, tin antimonial lead (pewter), carbon fiber, polymer, glass, pottery, rubber etc.Equally, if wish, base member 312 and/or club head part 302 can be made of the porous structure material that comprises aforesaid cellular structure metals material, and randomly coating or other layers are used to provide smooth outer surface or striking surface at least.

Also can be in any desired position or the position base member 312 is connected to or otherwise is included as the part of the club head part of main component 302, and do not depart from the present invention.In this illustrated embodiment, base member 312 extends from the bottom centre of the club head below opening 308.Alternatively, if wish, as another embodiment, base member 312 can be from the top (for example on opening 308) of club head, from upper surface 310, from along the one or both sides of opening 308, from the side of club head part and/or lower surface and/or extend from the position of any other expectation, and do not depart from the present invention.As another embodiment, if wish that base member 312 can stretch out and/or be included as the part of embedded part 350 from the part of embedded part 350, this will describe in conjunction with Fig. 3 B below in more detail.Still in other embodiment,, in total main component structure 302 and/or total putter structure, do not need base member 312 if wish.

It should be noted that the base member 312 among this embodiment has open or " quasi-truss (truss-like) " structure, has the uncovered district 322 that is defined in this structure at all places.These uncovered districts 322 are together with the potential gross weight that helps reduce main component 302 that is configured with whole or some part of the main component 302 of porous structure material manufacturing, this allows other distribution of weight other places in total club, and still keep total firm and stable structure, and avoid overweight structure.Also can select to constitute the material of the main component 302 that comprises base member 312, to avoid producing overweight club.Potential distribute again and that will be described in greater detail below total club weight to the advantageous effect of the moment of inertia, center of gravity and/or other characteristics of club head.

Fig. 3 B illustration is according to the embodiment of second part of the putter heads of at least some embodiment of the present invention.This second member 350 (being also referred to as " embedding member " in this manual) comprises embedded part 352, this embedded part 352 is formulated in size and is configured as so that be contained in the opening that defined in the main component 302 308 (for example, be pressed into or frictional fit is gone in the opening 308, adhesively is engaged in the opening 308 etc.).This exemplary embedding member 350 further comprises the main part 354 of extending with away from the direction of embedded part 352.Embedded part 352 and main part 354 can be the integral single piece structures, or alternatively, if wish, can be in any desired way with embedded part 352 separately or make embedded part 352 engage body parts 354 from main part 354, and do not depart from the present invention, aforesaid way for example via welding, soft soldering, brazing, adhesive, mechanical fastener, insert, be pressed into and cooperate and similar fashion.In addition, comprise that randomly the embedding member 350 of embedded part 352 and main part 354 can be formed by any material suitable or expectation, and do not depart from the present invention that above-mentioned material is included in conventional material as known in the art and that use.As embodiment more specifically, the various piece that embeds member 350 can be made of in aluminium, titanium, steel, brass, tin antimonial lead, nickel, carbon fiber, polymer, glass, pottery, the rubber etc. one or more.If wish, in at least some embodiment of the present invention, at least some parts of embedding member 350 (for example, embedded part 352 and/or main part 354) or even embed the whole of member 350 and can constitute (randomly by porous structure material, porous structure material, for example the cellular structure metals material of the outer surface of showed smooth) owing to filling as described above, coating, injection or stratification.

The embedding member 350 that comprises embedded part 352 and/or main part 354 can present any desired shape or profile, and does not depart from the present invention.In at least some embodiment of the present invention, main part 354 will be configured and be configured as so that form uncovered district 356 (or another center of reduced mass (reducedmass)).In this illustrated embodiment, main part 354 generally is triangular shaped, and it comprises base 358 and two side arms 360,362, wherein uncovered district 356 is defined between base 358 and the side arm 360,362.In this embodiment, (and when embedding member 350 when combining with base member 302, base 358 will be parallel to front surface 304 extensions of (or being arranged essentially parallel to) base member 302) extended with the direction of the front surface 364 that is parallel to (or being arranged essentially parallel to) embedded part 352 in base 358.Certainly, can use in embedding member 350 that any desired brachium, arm are wide, arm is thick, base length, thick, relative arm angle, base and analog, and not depart from the present invention.Equally, except can be used for embedding member 350 in the shown general shape triangular shaped of Fig. 3 B, and do not depart from the present invention, above-mentioned shape is rectangle, ellipse, circle, trapezoidal etc. for example.

Uncovered district 356 helps to reduce the gross weight that embeds member 350.In order further to reduce the weight that embeds member 350, if necessary or wish, (for example embed member 350 structures, embed member 350

arm

360 and 362 or base 358) inside can be hollowed out, be formed open or " quasi-truss " structure (for example, be similar at the shown base member 312 of Fig. 3 A structure) and/or formed by porous structure material.Still as another embodiment, comprise two excavated area or the area of knockout 352a and the 352b (if wishing that these area of

knockouts

352a and 352b can partly extend through embedded part 352) that can extend through embedded part 352 fully at the embedded part 352 shown in Fig. 3 B.Certainly, can be along

side arm

360 and 362 and/or 358 such excavated area or area of knockout are set along the base, and do not depart from the present invention.Equally, if wish, can select to be used to constitute the material (for example, lightweight aluminium or titanium material etc.) that embeds member 352, so that the gross weight of control device.

The uncovered structure 322 of excavated area or area of

knockout

352a and 352b (if any) and uncovered district 356 (if any) and base member 312 and being used to constitute these parts at least some material structure (for example, by the light material of making such as aluminium, titanium, nickel, polymer, glass, pottery, rubber etc.), help to reduce the gross weight of whole club head.The weight that is reduced makes club manufacturers and designer apply other weight at other chosen positions of total club, and can excessively not increase the gross weight of club head.The distribution of weight of the type and Weight control allow the individual to change and/or control the characteristic that swings (for example, increasing the moment of inertia etc. of club head) of total club head.Can use any desired method of redistribution and/or weighted spherical ball club head 300, and not depart from the present invention.For example, embed member 350 and can comprise and be respectively applied for the

jack

366 and 368 that holds weighted (weightedmember) 370 and 372 that weighted 370 and 372 for example comprises the counterweight insert of lead, tungsten or other heavy duty metal or material.If wish, for example can weighted 370 and 372 be releasably attached to and embed member 350, make that weighted 370 and 372 can be easily removed, exchanges to other weighted from their

jack

366 and 368 etc. by removable adhesive, screw thread, screw-button, anchor clamps, clasp, adjustment screw or other mechanical fasteners.This feature can make the characteristic customization that swings of total club head, to be fit to indivedual users' the characteristic that swings, preference and analog better.

Can jack 366 and 368 (and

counterweight insert

370 and 372 is set thus) be set in any desired position on total club 300, and not depart from the present invention.In at least some embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig. 3 B and Fig. 3 E,

jack

366 and 368 is positioned at and embeds on the member 350, and more particularly, be positioned on the main part 354 that embeds member 350, for example be in away from embedded part 352 and/or away from the position at the center of striking surface.Use is in the leg-of-mutton main part 354 shown in Fig. 3 B, weighted jack 366 and 368 (and thus weighted 370 and 372 itself) can be arranged in the corner region of leg-of-mutton main part 354, generally be positioned on each position that intersects of base 358 and side arm 360 and 362.This is configured in the striking surface back and towards the heel and the toe of club head weighted 370 and 372 is set, this increased club head the moment of inertia characteristic (for example, its during swinging and/or with the torsional strength of ball period of contact).

The different perspective view of Fig. 3 C and the total putter structure 300 of Fig. 3 D illustrated example, as illustrated in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B, total putter structure 300 comprises main component 302 and embeds member 350.Shown in Fig. 3 C, the embedded part 352 that embeds member 350 is assembled in the opening 308 in the rear surface 306 that is arranged on main component 302.Base member 312 flat regional 314 and have angular regions 316 that sufficient space is provided, embedded part 352 is embedded in the openings 308 allowing.If wish, can be in any desired way be fixed on the position of embedded part 352/ opening 308 together with embedding member 350 and main component 302, and do not depart from the present invention, aforesaid way comprises with the usual manner that is known in the art, for example via welding, adhesive, mechanical fastener, spring-loaded pallet (spring-loaded detent) or other mechanical joint system, other joining techniques, other fusion technologies or similar fashion.If wish, can be removably (for example, via bolt, nut, screw, adjustment screw, anchor clamps, clasp or other mechanical fasteners) will embed member 350 and main component 302 is fixed together, and do not depart from the present invention, so that the different piece of total putter structure 300 can be for example by the user, repair the people by club, by replacements such as club assemblers, for example to allow to change the characteristic that swings of club, according to user's preference club head 300 customized, (for example, Fast green is to sliding the cone mountain range at a slow speed based on conditions of a competition, wet condition is to drying condition etc.) change club head 300 etc.As another embodiment, embedding member 350 and main component 302 can be pressed at embedded part 352/ opening 308 places and (for example be combined together, manufactured size and be configured as so that closely cooperate together) and/or can use mechanical connection that each part is kept together, rather than for good and all embedded part 352 is fixed in the opening 308.Fig. 3 C and Fig. 3 D further are illustrated in shaft or the lever 380 that 318 places, shaft installation region are installed to base member 312.If wish that shaft or lever 380 can be made by porous structure material at least in part.

In Fig. 3 C and Fig. 3 D, the additional features that is present in according in the structure of at least some embodiment of the present invention has been shown.As shown in these figures, can and embed member 350 positions that intersect in base member 312 and the main part 354 that embeds member 350 fixed to one another with main component 302.Although can use any way that these

members

302 and 350 are fixed together, and do not depart from the present invention, but in illustrated embodiment, one or more bolts, screw, rivet or other connectors 382 pass the FX 320 of main component 302, and pass the FX 374 (also seeing Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B) that embeds member 350.(or in addition) alternatively, if wish, can be by adhesive, welding, soft soldering, adjustment screw, anchor clamps, clasp, spring-loaded detent mechanism, other mechanical fasteners and/or to be included in any desired mode in as known in the art and the usual manner that uses, in FX 320 base member 312 of main component 302 is fixed to the main part 354 of embedding member 350, and does not depart from the present invention.

As the further illustration of Fig. 3 D institute, the opening 308 in this exemplary configurations extends through main component 302 fully, ends at the front surface 304 of main component 302.Therefore, when embedding member 350 when being embedded in the opening 308 in this exemplary configurations, the front surface 364 that embeds member 350 exposes by the front surface 304 of main component 302.In illustrated embodiment, the

front surface

304 and 364 of main component 302 and embedding member 350 flushes each other or flushes each other basically in final club 300 respectively, and these

surfaces

304 and 364 form the striking surface of this exemplary putter structure 300 together.

The vertical view of the club 300 of Fig. 3 E illustration Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 D.In this view, with dashed lines each that embed member 350 is shown and " hides " feature, with the more complete image of the club 300 that helps to provide this embodiment according to the present invention.

Described as top, light material (for example is used to embed member 350, the porous structure material to small part of base member 302 and/or shaft member 380) and/or the uncovered district of club (for example, district 322,352a, 352b, 356 and similar district) be used in combination the quality that has reduced total club 300, and allow club designer or club manufacturers when design, the quality that reduces (for example to be placed on other positions, use fixed weight, and change and/or control the characteristic that swings of club thus dismountable weighted 370 and 372 etc.).In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 E, in this quality many by redistribution the outskirt of club head 300, the striking surface back and towards the heel of club head and toe (for example, triangle embed the outer corner of main part 354 of member or outer periphery,

arm

360 and 362 and base member 358 between).Use the other counterweight of club head, for example in the other counterweight of the illustrated type of Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 E, can construct with the total club head design of counterweight (promptly, main component 302, embed the combination of member 350 and any counterweight insert), make club head will have high the moment of inertia, for example near the center of

striking surface

304 and 364 at least 10,000g/cm ²The moment of inertia for example provide during swinging and/or with object (for example, as golf) period of contact to be hit measurement to the torsional strength of club head.The club head of curved or distortion will tend to send the ball of the off-line with undesirable rotation during swinging or at period of contact, and/or the expectation of miss club touch ball position, for example cause distance to shorten or mistake is hit.Therefore, the high the moment of inertia relevant with the club of at least some embodiment according to the present invention can help avoid the club head distortion and/or mistake is hit.

Certainly, the many variations in the design of each parts of putter structure are possible, and do not depart from the present invention.For example,, can save in base 358 that embeds member 350 and the connection between the base member 312 if wish, and thereby base member 312 do not need to extend to base 358 always.Equally, if wish that any among uncovered district 322,352a, the 352b and/or 356 can be saved, can be capped and/or can be made into greater or lesser, and do not depart from the present invention.

Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B provide the perspective view according to another exemplary putter structure 400 of the present invention.In this embodiment, main component 402 is provided with batting part 404 and base member 406, and base member 406 extends away from batting part 404 rear portion of club structure 400 (and towards).Opening 408 is defined in the rear surface 410 of batting part 404, and this opening 408 410 extends through front surface 412 from the rear surface, front surface 412 is towards ball during use.If wish, certainly, opening 408 can be from the rear surface 410, and part extends through the batting part 404 of main component 402, and termination before its arrives front surface 412.As another embodiment,, can in another surface of batting part 404, opening 408 be set, or not be provided with, and not depart from the present invention if wish.Equally, if wish, batting part 404 can present any desired form (and be not limited in all embodiment of the present invention general cube rectangular in form).

The base member 406 of this exemplary configurations 400 comprises flat part 414 and angle part 416 arranged, and to be provided for being embedded into space in the opening 408 with embedding member 450, this will be described in greater detail below.Be provided with shaft or lever jack 418 with bias mode (off-set manner) along the angle part 416 that has of base member 406.Certainly, can this shaft or lever jack 418 or other shaft erecting device be set in any desired position or with any desired direction, and not depart from the present invention.In addition or alternatively, can be in any desired position of structure 400 (be included in embed on the member 450 or at main component 402 and embed on 450 two of the members) shaft or lever are installed to putter structure 400, and do not depart from the present invention.

Embed member 450 and comprise embedded part 452 and main part 454.Embedded part 452 is embedded in the opening 408 of main component 402, and main part 454 is to extend backward and away from the direction of batting part 404.In this embodiment, although can main component 402 be connected at the interface of embedded part 452/ opening 408 and (for example embed member 450, use adhesive, welding, adjustment screw, bolt, anchor clamps, clasp, other mechanical fasteners, tight friction fit, be pressed into cooperation etc.), but the base member 406 of main component 402 is not connected to the main part 454 that embeds member 450.Randomly, main component 402 and embed member 450 and can be detachably connected to each other, making can place under repair, can be for example by mutual exchange main component 402 with embed the characteristic etc. that swings that member 450 change total club head 400.This feature can allow user or club assembler freely to make the club customization by mutual exchange main component 402 and/or embedding member 450, for example come to be fit to their swing characteristic or preference, with coupling conditions of a competition (for example, Fast green to sliding cone mountain range at a slow speed, wet condition to drying condition etc.) etc.

In this illustrated embodiment, the main part 454 that embeds member 450 generally is a triangle, has two side arms 456 and 458 and one base 460.Main part 454 has the weight district that alleviates, and is presented as the uncovered district 462 that is defined in the main part in this embodiment.Equally, if wish, whole or at least some parts that embed member 450 (and/or main component 402) can be by porous structure material (for example, cellular structure metals, semimetal, amorphous metal, polymer, rubber, pottery etc.) constitute, with the weight of the main main part that further alleviates total club 400.The corner region that other weighted areas 464 and 466 can be arranged on the triangular basis body structure (promptly, 460 and two side arms 456 and 458 intersection on the base), thus (for example, by using porous structure material and/or uncovered district 462 structures to save) weight is distributed to rear portion, heel and the toe zone of club 400 again.In this exemplary configurations 400, not that dismountable weighted (similar those at Fig. 3 B and the shown member of Fig. 3 E) optionally is set, but weighted areas 464 and 466 is set (for example by the turning that makes uncovered district 462 not exclusively extend to triangular structure, the metal of main part 454, porous structure material, polymerization or other at least some of structural material be left in the district away from batting part 404 of main part, and randomly, these districts 464 and 466 can be made and/or be constituted and comprise material fine and close or counterweight, for example lead or tungsten material by material densification or counterweight).If wish, can randomly other weight be assembled and is contained in weighted areas 464 and 466, and not depart from the present invention in the dismountable mode of selectivity.Other weight if exist, can be form or any other form of metal or counterweight insert (for example lead, tungsten etc.), weighted adhesive (for example plumbous band), and not depart from the present invention.

Shown in Fig. 4 A, the front surface 468 that embeds member 450 exposes by opening 408, and forms at least a portion of the striking surface of putter structure 400.In this illustrated embodiment, be shown as (or flushing basically) of flushing total striking surface of putter structure 400 (and form together) although embed the front surface 412 of the front surface 468 of member 450 and main component 402, if but wish that these surfaces do not need to flush.For example,, embed the front surface 468 extended openings 408 of member 450 if wish, and in front surface 412 fronts of main component 402 (for example, making front surface 468 form the striking surface of putter structure 400 uniquely).Can use by the various sizes of opening 408 (if any) exposure and/or the front surface 468 of shape, and not depart from the present invention.

Putter structure 400 among this embodiment comprises additional features.For example, as shown, base 460 is crooked, and is provided with mark zone 470.These are characterized as club head 400 interesting aesthetics design are provided.If wish, club manufacturers, manufacturer or other people can be in the mark zone 470 be provided with logos, model machine title, model, possessory name and/or other marks or information.

Putter structure 400 among Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B also is different from illustrated embodiment in Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 E, because the base member 406 of main component 402 extends from the top region of batting pole head 404, rather than extends from bottom zone.Therefore, extend away from batting surface 412 flat region of base member 406 414, and embed member 450 be assemblied in base member 406 below.Than together with the described in the above structure of Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 E, this structure 400 also is provided with what different directions extended angle part 416 and a lever fixture 418.Certainly, can base member 406 be set in other positions, be included in opening 408 following, along opening 408 and/or other places of side, and do not depart from the present invention.The change of other many structures and similar change are fine, and do not depart from the present invention.Equally, if wish, total putter heads structure 400 can form individual construction, and does not depart from the present invention.

Fig. 5 illustration is according to another embodiment of the putter structure 500 of some embodiments of the present invention aspect.In this exemplary configurations, putter heads 500 comprises batting front surface 502 and main component 504, and main component 504 extends with the direction away from batting surface 502.The putter heads of this universal design can have about 20 of the center of batting surface 502,000g/cm at least ²The moment of inertia, and at least some embodiment, the moment of inertia will be at least 25,000g/cm ², and in certain embodiments even at least 28,000g/cm ²

Each embodiment as described above is the same, and the material that constitutes whole or at least some parts of golf club head 500 can help to provide the moment of inertia characteristic of above-mentioned expectation.For example, main part 504 whole or at least some can be made by light material, for example lightweight polymeric material is (for example for above-mentioned light material, polyamide or nylon material, polymerization loose structure formed material etc.), lightweight metal material aluminium, titanium and/or the nickel material of loose structure (for example, as) or similar light material.In at least some embodiment, the main part 504 and the batting part 506 (part that for example, comprises the club head of batting surface 502) of club head can for example form the integral single piece structure by aforesaid porous structure material integral body.Yet, if wish, as top in conjunction with Fig. 3 A to Fig. 4 B in greater detail, main part 504 can be designed to be fitted into the insert in the one or more openings that are arranged in the batting part 506.As another selection, can main part 504 be connected to independent batting part 506 by any desired mode (for example using adhesive, mechanical fastener, welding etc.), and not depart from the present invention.If wish, than main part 504, batting part 506 can be made from a variety of materials (for example, each all made by different porous structure materials etc.), and does not depart from the present invention.

Batting front surface 502 can present various forms, and does not depart from the present invention.For example, batting surface 502 can the whole simply front surface that forms batting part 506.As other possibility, if wish, batting surface 502 can be for example to use adhesive, screw, mechanical fastener, coating technology etc. to be connected to or to be formed at metallic plate, the polymer coated or other materials of the front of batting part 506.Still as other selection, batting surface 502 and/or batting part 506 can form the integral single piece structure with the remainder integral body of main part 504, and do not depart from the present invention.As another selection, at least a portion of batting surface 502 can be set to be connected to or to form the embedded part of the part of main component 504 (or other structural elements), this embedded part is embedded in the opening that is defined in the batting part 506, for example, as in the above in conjunction with Fig. 3 A to Fig. 4 B institute general description.Can adopt the additive method that batting surface 502 is provided, and not depart from the present invention.

The additional features of the structure of club head 500 can help to produce favourable the moment of inertia characteristic described above.For example, but design agents member 504, so that extend its back and outside at batting surface 502.For example, the side arm 508 of main component 504 and 510 can extend in the back and the outside of batting part 506.Main component 504 can further comprise base member 512, and base member 512 extends in the back of batting part 506 in the mode that is parallel to (or being arranged essentially parallel to) batting surface 502.Therefore, total club 500 can have general trapezoidal or leg-of-mutton outward appearance (for example, depending on the position that arm 508 and 510 intersects with the part 506 of batting), and the heart randomly defines uncovered district 514 therein.Arm 508 and 510 is illustrated as and is shorter than batting part 506 (inside and outside from the page of Fig. 5), and base member 512 has flat thin part 516.Size that these reduced and uncovered district 514 help to alleviate the gross weight (and randomly make this weight can be used for redistributing other places in club 500, this will be described in greater detail below) of main component 504.If wish, arm 508 and 510 and/or base member 512 can be hollowed out and/or be produced and/or form by porous structure material at least in part by " quasi-truss " mode, with the weight that further alleviates them (and further making this weight can be used for redistribution) in other places.

In at least some embodiment of the present invention, club head 500 can have bigger size, for example or near the limit that is allowed by current USGA regulations and criterion.At present, the USGA criterion limits putter heads and is designed to: (a) seven inches of total width (for example, the size among Fig. 5 " A ") (A≤7 inch); (b) maximum total depth (for example, the size among Fig. 5 " C ") is less than size " A " (A〉C); (c) smallest shaft face width degree (for example, the size among Fig. 5 " B ") is at least 1/2 (B 〉=2/3C and B 〉=1/2A) of at least 2/3 and the size " A " of size " C "; (d) maximum total height (for example, inside and outside from the page of Fig. 5) is 2.5 inches.

In this illustrated embodiment, main component 504 comprises a pair of weighted jack 518 and 520 of the outside that is positioned at batting surface 502 back and is positioned at this surface 502 at least in part heel and the toe direction of club head (for example, towards).More specifically, weighted jack 518 and at least some parts of 520 are arranged in directed and be positioned at the outside on the plane (seeing plane P 1 and the P2 of Fig. 5) of the respective end 502a and the 502b of batting surface 502 perpendicular to batting surface 502.If wish that at least some embodiment, whole weighted jack 518 and 520 can be positioned at the outside on these planes, and does not depart from the present invention.Can weighted 522 and 524 (for example plumbous, tungsten or other heavy material inserts) be set respectively at jack 518 and 520, in the back of club 500 and generally partly to provide extra weight at the outer periphery of club 500 or at the heel and the toe of club 500.Therefore, weighted 522 and at least some parts of 524 (or all) also are positioned at the outside of plane P 1 described above and P2.

The illustrated exemplary configurations 500 of Fig. 5 further comprises body portion 526, and body portion 526 extends away from batting surface 502 and towards the rear portion of club 500.This body portion 526 can be arranged on the bosom place of batting surface 502, and can be used as the aligning aid (for example, the expectation of identification club head touch ball position) of putter heads structure 500 thus.Body portion 526 can extend and/or is connected to batting part 506 and/or main part 504 from batting part 506 and/or main part 504 by any desired mode, and does not depart from the present invention.For example, can be for example body portion 526 be connected to one or more in main part 504, batting surface 502 and/or the batting part 506 via adhesive, welding, soft soldering, mechanical fastener and analog.As another embodiment, body portion 526 can form the integral single piece structure with main part 504, batting surface 502 and/or batting part 506 integral body, randomly by with these elements in one or more identical materials make, and do not depart from the present invention.If wish that body portion 526 can be formed by porous structure material at least in part.

Club 500 can further comprise shaft installation component 528 (for example, bar neck member), in any desired way shaft 530 is installed to shaft installation component 528, and aforesaid way is included in usual manner as known in the art and that use.Can use any shaft 530 of wishing type, comprise conventional design and the shaft 530 made by the conventional material with using that is known in the art, and do not depart from the present invention.Alternatively, if wish, any one in shaft installation component 528 and the shaft 530 or two can be made by porous structure material.

C. exemplary iron golf club structure

Putter is not the golf clubs of unique type that can utilize the weight saving character of porous structure material.These light materials also can be used for for example iron golf club structure.Referring to Fig. 6 A to Fig. 6 C, illustration according to the golf clubs 600 of at least some embodiment of the present invention.This exemplary golf clubs 600 comprises shaft 602 and golf club head 604.The golf club head 604 of Fig. 6 A to Fig. 6 C can be represented any swage or hybrid type golf clubs bar head.The shaft 602 of golf clubs 600 can be made by various materials, and above-mentioned material is one or more in steel, titanium, graphite or the composite and combination thereof for example, is included in generally known in the art and the material that uses.As another embodiment, if wish that shaft 602 can be made by porous structure material at least in part.In addition, (for example, via the adhesive of locating at bar neck element 612 (itself can be made by porous structure material) or cement, via screw thread or other mechanical fasteners etc.) can shaft 602 be connected to club head 604 by any desired mode, aforesaid way is included in usual manner as known in the art and that use.Can on shaft 602, settle the grip element (not shown), come for the golfer provides non skid matting, to catch golf ball bar body 602 by this non skid matting.(for example, via adhesive or cement, mechanical fastener etc.) can be connected to shaft 602 with grip element by any desired mode, and aforesaid way is included in usual manner as known in the art and that use.

As shown in Figure 6A, golf club head 604 comprises main component 606, and main component 606 comprises heel part 608 and toe part 610.Heel part 608 is connected to bar neck 612 and/or extends (for example, as a whole or complete individual construction) from bar neck 612, and bar neck 612 is used for the shaft 602 of Fig. 6 A is connected to golf club head 604.Main component 606 also comprises top section 614 and bottom part 616.The face 618 that impacts is being set between top section 614 and the bottom part 616 and between toe 610 and heel 608.Impact face 618 contact zone that is used for catering to and advancing in the direction of expection golf is provided.Impact face 618 and can comprise groove 620 (for example, generally being to extend the level trough 620 that crosses face 618) in illustrated embodiment, be used for during batting from impacting face 618 except that anhydrating and grass.Certainly, the trough pattern (or even do not have a trough pattern, if wish) of many grooves and expectation can be set, and not depart from the present invention.

The main component 606 of golf club head 604 can be made of various different materials, and above-mentioned material is included in material known in the art and that use, for example steel, titanium, aluminium, nickel, tungsten, graphite, polymer or composite, or its combination.Advantageously, at least some parts of club (for example, its main main part) will be formed by porous structure material.Equally, club head 604 can be made and/or be made by any constructing technology by many independently parts, and above-mentioned constructing technology for example comprises the additive method of casting, forging and/or be known in the art with use.

Fig. 6 B illustration is according to the rearview of the golf club head 604 of at least some embodiment of the present invention.This exemplary golf club head 604 comprises the rear surface 624 that is positioned at the face of impacting 618 reverse side.Rear surface 624 forms or defines first back cavity 626 with big opening.First back cavity 626 is crossed in bridge member 628 extensions, and this bridge member 628 can be connected to toe part 610 with the heel part 608 of club head 604.Bridge member 628 also can cross first back cavity 626 in other directions extensions, and can be connected on the golf club head structure in various other positions, and do not depart from the present invention, for example, the people's such as John T.Stites that announce on September 17th, 2002 U.S. Patent number 6, shown in 450,897, this patent is incorporated into way of reference integral body at this.Bridge member 628 can have any desired shape, for example rectangle, ellipse, triangle, trapezoidal, square or that other are symmetrical or asymmetric shape.Bridge member 628 also can have uniform or uneven width or thickness on its whole length.

Can bridge member 628 be connected to the toe part 610 and/or the heel part 608 (or other parts) of club head 604 by any desired mode, aforesaid way comprises by using mechanical fastener (as rivet or screw 630), fusion technology (as welding, soft soldering, brazing etc.), joining technique (as adhesive or cement) etc.Person of skill in the art will appreciate that, with comparing shown in Fig. 6 B, can use less or other tie point or element and/or bridge member 628 is connected to toe part 610 and/or heel part 608, and not depart from the present invention by other many connected modes and/or interconnection technique.Still as additional embodiments,, therefore make bridge member 628 and golf club head 604 form individual construction if wish that bridge member 628 can form single foundry goods and/or form single integral member with golf club head 604.

Shown in Fig. 6 B, in golf club head structure 604, below bridge member 628, be provided with second back cavity 632 according to this illustrated embodiment of the present invention.With reference to figure 6C, illustration the sectional view of example golf club bar head 604.As shown, in this configuration, the main main part of club head 604 640 is formed by porous structure material, is for example made by foamed aluminium, titanium, nickel etc.Face plate 642 is formed on the porous structure material 640 and/or covers porous structure material 640, so that the firm continuous surface that it is batted that passes through to be provided.Face plate 642 can combine with main main part 640 by any desired mode, for example is fabricated to monomer structure; Welding, brazing or soft soldering are to main main part 640; Be attached to main main part 640 with cement or adhesive etc.; Coating or filling (for example, being motlten metal or polymer coating or filler etc.) etc. therein.Equally, face plate 642 can be made by comparing identical or different materials with the material of main main part 640.

Illustrated exemplary configuration illustrates optional wall 634 among Fig. 6 C, and its bottom part 616 from club head 604 extends to bridge member 628.In this club 604, wall 634 forms or defines second back cavity 632 at least in part, and it comprises the opening that is positioned at below the bridge member 628.Wall 634 can be formed in case comprise front surface (towards outside, towards second chamber 632), rear surface (towards interior, towards first chamber 626), top surface and lower surface.If wish, can between the rear surface 624 of the rear surface of wall 634 and golf club head 604, there be the space.In addition, if wish, can in the bridge member 628 of club head and/or the chamber 626 between wall member 634 and the rear wall 624, other element be set, as weighted, plastic member, fluid-filled bladder, pressurized capsule or analog, for example change sound, the vibration responding of club head 606, the feel that swings and/or other feel characteristics.

Wall 634 when existing, can form with club head 604 and/or bridge member 628 integral body, and for example coming provides other support and stability for bridge member 628.Wall 634 can be linear, bending or otherwise be shaped, for example depend on the shape of bridge member 628, the shape of club head 604, the aesthetic property of expectation etc.As club head 604, wall 634 and/or bridge member 628 can be made by various materials, for example stainless steel, titanium, graphite, plastics, polymeric material, composite, its combination and/or normally used other materials in the golf club head manufacturing industry.Equally, club head 604, wall 634 and bridge member 628 can be made by identical or different materials, and do not depart from the present invention.Other support and stability to bridge member 628 by wall 634 provides if any, can help avoid or reduce the distortion of bridge member 628 when contacting with golf.In addition, if wish, wall 634 can provide at least some vibration damping effects when impacting the impact of face 618 and golf.Wall 634 also can be used as the weighted of club head 604.

Wall 634 if any, can be fixed in the club 604 (for example, be fixed to bridge member 628 and/or be fixed to other parts of club head 604) by any desired mode, and not depart from the present invention.As some embodiment more specifically, the front surface of wall 634 and/or lower surface can use adhesive or cement to be respectively fixed to bridge member 628 and/or bottom part 616.Randomly, if wish, wall 634 can be assembled to lip-deep groove or the recessed district that is arranged on bridge member 628 and/or bottom part 616.Person of skill in the art will appreciate that, exist many additive methods that wall 634 is connected to bridge member 628 and bottom part 616 (or be connected to other parts of the club 604), and do not depart from the present invention.Many additive methods of these connections are encompassed in and fall within the scope of the present invention.

During golf range game, the individual catches and brandishes golf clubs 600, makes club head 604 through bow-shaped route roughly, and bump golf.Then, the part of the inertia of golf clubs 600 and the inertia of golf club head 604 particularly are transferred to golf, to advance golf.During batting, the position of centre of gravity of club head 604 is influential to the flight of ball, and for example, golf bends towards the right, bends towards the left side, or along usually straight route and crooked degree.When the center of gravity of club head 604 was located immediately at ball and impacts the back, abutment of face 618, golf will be along common straight route.Yet when a side of the center of gravity of club head 604 deflection and this point of ball bond, golf may be along curved or curved to the right left route.With the ball period of contact, the position of centre of gravity of golf club head 604 also will influence golf and whether represent low descending track or high rising trace, depend on center of gravity be on the upper side in or on the lower side in ball with impact the abutment of face 618.

Although the principle of utilizing golf clubs 600 that golf is pushed to the behind of re-set target seems simple relatively, it may be quite difficult advancing the true exercise of golf in the expection mode.For example, when the individual plans when straight basically route advances golf, in fact, golf may bend towards the right side consistently.The center of gravity of the golf club head of many routines is positioned at the face of impacting.Yet, for different golf clubs, the position of centre of gravity that changes golf club head 604 can help many golfers to make club head pole face 618 straight at club head pole face 618 during with the golf bump, and promotes ball along the expectation path of ball better.Porous structure material is used at least some parts of golf club head 604 or other parts of golf club structure (for example bar neck 612 or shaft 602) can help club design by making club designer and producer can optionally place weight and center of gravity is moved to the feasible position that influences the flight of ball better.For example, the center of gravity of club head 604 is placed away from impacting face 618 and can meeting many golfers' match characteristic, style and preference towards the rear portion of golf club head 604 better.Therefore, than other golf club heads, when the center of gravity of golf club head 604 when impacting face 618 and settled again, the golf club head 604 that the golfer can the application of the invention corrects or changes the route of golf.

The center of gravity of golf club head 604 is defined as equalization point, is also referred to as its " mass centre " at this.More specifically, the center of gravity of golf club head 604 is a bit that the gross weight of golf club head 604 can be considered to concentrate, if feasible this point that is supported on, club head 604 can keep static balancing in any position.The position of centre of gravity of golf club head 604 can change by the distribution of weight that changes golf club head 604, for example the major part 640 by making main body 604 by light porous structural material and will other weight away from impacting face 618 placements.Can realize change at least in part by means of counterweight bridge member 628, counterweight wall 634 and optional independently weight element (this will describe in more detail in conjunction with Fig. 7-11) to the distribution of weight of the golf club head 604 of at least some embodiment according to the present invention (as the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 6 A to Fig. 6 C).

As embodiment more specifically, bridge member 628 can be used to increase the weight at the back side of golf club head 604, for example with respect to impacting face 618.This weight increase towards the rear portion of golf club head 604 has changed the position of centre of gravity of golf club head 604.By center of gravity being reduced and moving towards the rear portion of golf club head 604, golf clubs 600 will tend to have the pole face oblique angle (loft) of increase when clashing into golf.In addition, the shape of bridge member 628, position and distribution of weight also can influence the position of centre of gravity of golf club head 604.For example, at least some golfers, preferably long iron (for example, No. 0 to No. 5 iron and/or mixed pole) has lower center of gravity than corresponding short iron (for example, No. 6 irons are to various wedges).For long iron or mixed pole, lower center of gravity helps the golfer to obtain extra pole face oblique angle usually, and can lift at their square stance.Therefore, according at least some embodiment of the present invention,, can be placed in the lower position at the rear portion of golf club head body 604 than the bridge member 628 of Long Irons or mixed type club than the bridge member 628 that is placed on the short iron.

By using wall 634 or other weight element, also can realize the reduction of the center of gravity of golf club head 604 at least in part.With respect to impacting face 618, wall 634 or other elements also can be used for increasing the weight of the back of golf club head 604.This weight increase of the back of golf club head 604 has reduced the center of gravity of club head 604 on the lower position of club head 604, thereby allows golf club head 604 to promote golf with higher track usually.In addition, as mentioned above, wall 634 (and/or other wt pts) can be used to increase the support of bridge member 628, and can avoid or reduce the distortion of bridge member 628 when contacting with golf.The support of this increase may tend to increase slightly the displacement of golf after clashing into club head 604.

The additional embodiments of Fig. 7-9 illustration iron golf club bar head, it (for example can comprise porous structure material, constitute the major part of some or whole club head body) and other weighted, for example to allow club designer, club assembler, user and fellow to change the weight and the center of gravity characteristic of golf club head.Such change can be used to change typical ball flight characteristics, for example with deflection right avertence ball of club or left avertence ball are provided, to help to correct lasting miss or Draw etc.The basic club head design of Fig. 7-9 be similar to Fig. 6 A to Fig. 6 C shown those (for example, the wall member 632 that has peripheral weight linear meter head 604, one or more back cavity 626 and/or 632, bridge member 628 and choose wantonly etc.), wherein the major part of club head body is formed by porous structure material, and forms or otherwise be provided with batting pole panel 642 thereon.Yet in these exemplary iron constructions, other weighted is provided with bridge member 628, to help to be moved further and to control with respect to the striking surface of club head the center of gravity of club head 604.

In exemplary configurations illustrated in fig. 7, other weight is provided to club 700 by the one or more wt pts 702 that are connected to bridge member 628.As shown, these wt pts 702 can be connected each predetermined installation site 704a, 704b and/or the 704c place that is arranged on the bridge member 628.The 704a place, position that wt pts 702 is placed on bridge member 628 causes the toe part of club head 700 slightly to lag behind heel part usually during swinging, thereby during batting, promote open club face, and provide the deflection club the right avertence ball (for example, for the golfer who tends to Draw, help to correct the flight of ball).Wt pts 702 is placed on the center of gravity that causes club head 604 on the position 704b of bridge member 628 usually and moves backward, and the flight of the ball of being partial to left avertence ball or right avertence ball is provided for club head 604 with respect to striking surface.The position 704c that wt pts 702 is placed on bridge member 628 upward causes the toe part of club head 700 slightly to move early than heel part usually during swinging, thereby during batting, promote the club face of sealing, and provide the deflection club the left avertence ball (for example, for the golfer who tends to miss, help to correct the flight of ball).By at least some parts (for example major part of club head 700) of making club head 700 by porous structure material, other weight can be included in bridge member 628 and/or the wt pts 702, and can increase the gross weight of club head sharply, can control the flight characteristics of ball potentially in addition.

Certainly, can use any method that wt pts 702 is fixed to bridge member 628 (or other parts of club 700), and do not depart from the present invention, comprise screw, rivet, adjustment screw, spring-loaded detent mechanism or other mechanical fasteners; Adhesive, cement or other combination technologies; Welding, soft soldering, brazing or other fusion technologies; And similar approach.Advantageously, wt pts 702 can for example be detachably connected to other parts of bridge member 628 or club 700 by user, club assembler, producer, vendor etc., for example can remove and/or change

wt pts position

704a, 704b and 704c.Such removable wt pts is well known in the art and uses.

Fig. 8 illustrated example club 800, club 800 are similar to illustrated club in Fig. 7, but have dissimilar wt pts 802.In this exemplary configurations, one or more wt pts 802 can be placed on each predetermined installation site 704a, 704b and/or the 704c that is similar to the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 7.Therefore, the position of centre of gravity of club head 800 can be by can be changed and to control identical mode controlled with the exemplary configurations 700 of Fig. 7 as mentioned above, and change in the heel of club head 800 direction to toe.Yet, in this exemplary configurations 800, wt pts 802 be shaped brokenly and counterweight (for example, in illustrated embodiment, ovalisation and heavier in its bottom), making also can be at its position of centre of gravity of vertical direction control (also therefore controlling whole positions of the center of gravity of golf club head 800) of club head.For example, by orientation wt pts 802 (with the heavier part of the wt pts 802 under pointing to) as shown in Figure 8, therefore the center of gravity center of gravity of whole club head 800 (and) that makes wt pts 802 is the location slightly downwards, or in the low relatively position with respect to the club head striking surface.This configuration usually allows the user to promote golf and obtains higher track (and club is partial to higher track is provided, obtains to have the high ball of difficulty tendency to help the golfer).By making wt pts 802 around its installation site (for example position 702b in illustrated embodiment) rotation, therefore most wt pts 802 (so its center of gravity) can raise with respect to striking surface, and can be with respect to the raise center of gravity of total club head 800 of club head face.The configuration of higher center of gravity allows the user to promote golf usually and obtains lower track (and club is partial to lower track is provided, has the tendency that impacts very high batting to help the golfer).By at least some parts (for example major part of club head 800) of making club head 800 by porous structure material, other weight can be included among bridge member 628 and/or the wt pts 802, and can increase the gross weight of club head sharply, can control the flight characteristics of ball potentially in addition.

Fig. 9 illustrated example club 900, it comprises other wt pts 902, than Fig. 7 and exemplary configurations illustrated in fig. 8, wt pts 902 has more general weighting charateristics.More specifically, in this exemplary configurations 900, on the rail mechanism of a part that is set to bridge member 628 structures or slide mechanism 904, wt pts 902 is installed.By loosening screw 906 or other clamp mechanism, wt pts 902 can freely move and place along slide mechanism 904, therefore allowing, as the description usually of top structure institute in conjunction with Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 at the position of centre of gravity of heel to the direction control club head of toe.Yet, by rail mechanism or slide mechanism 904 are set, can place wt pts 902 in any position along bridge member 628, be not limited at Fig. 7 and

predetermined installation site

704a, 704b and/or 704c illustrated in fig. 8.

In addition or alternatively, if wish, can design weight member 902, so that also can change the position of centre of gravity of club head 900 in vertical direction, for example, the oval-shaped and/or irregular wt pts of type described in conjunction with Figure 8 above using.By at least some parts (for example major part of club head 900) of making club head 900 by porous structure material, other weight can be included among bridge member 628 and/or the wt pts 902, and can influence the weight of total club head sharply, can control the flight characteristics of ball potentially in addition.

Can wt pts 902 be fixed to bridge member 628 by any desired mode, for example removably or movably be fixed to bridge member 628, and do not depart from the present invention by screw, adjustment screw, anchor clamps, clasp etc.In addition, in this exemplary configurations 900 (as the same), many wt pts, installation site, attachment rail or analog can be set, and not depart from the present invention with other exemplary configurations described above.

Although bridge member 628 is advantageously assisted rear portion and/or the bottom that weight is placed on total club, each side of the present invention can be used for any desired swage club head design, and does not depart from the present invention.For example, porous structure material can be used to form be formed do not have the peripheral counterweight sections bar of bridge member (perimeter weighted iron), whole or at least some parts of the iron golf club bar head of cutter sections bar (blade type iron), mixed type iron and similar bar.Figure 10 A and 10B illustration form the example club head structures 1000 of cutter sections bar.In this illustrated exemplary configurations 1000, the major part of club head body 1002 is formed by porous structure material, and striking surface 1004 is formed, adheres to or otherwise is arranged on the major part of club head body 1002 by whole.If wish, the outer surface of loose structure club head body whole or at least some can form so that the hole is coated or fill (for example with metal or polymer), with so smooth overall appearance and/or smooth continuous striking surface be provided.

In this illustrated exemplary configurations 1000, the rear portion 1006 of club head body 1002 comprises the wt pts 1008 more than.Certainly, many wt pts 1008 can be included in the club head body 1002, and do not depart from the present invention, and these wt pts 1008 can be set on each the different position on the club 1002.In addition, if wish that each wt pts 1008 does not need to have identical quality and/or size, can control the center of gravity characteristic of total club 1002 in addition.

In this illustrated embodiment, wt pts 1008 is removably mounted in the wt pts jack 1010 that is arranged in the club 1002.Certainly, can provide wt pts 1008 is fit into any method in the jack 1010, and not depart from the present invention.As embodiment, wt pts 1008 can comprise and the screw thread that is arranged on the matching thread engagement in the jack, can remove and/or reorientate the wt pts 1008 of total club 1002 easily.Certainly, can use other interconnection technique, for example other mechanical connection, clamping structure or fastening structure, spring-loaded detent mechanism and analog, and do not depart from the present invention.Equally, if wish, the wt pts of any shaping can be set in club 1000, and not depart from the present invention.

Alternatively, if wish, other weight can be for good and all and/or integrally is set to the part of club, and does not depart from the present invention.The embodiment of the club 1100 that Figure 11 illustration is such.As shown in this embodiment, the major part of club 1102 is formed by porous structure material, and striking surface 1104 is for example with a kind of formation in the above-mentioned variety of way or otherwise be arranged on this material.The lower periphery and/or the rear portion of the club head 1102 in this exemplary configurations 1100 comprise weighted regions 1106, and weighted regions 1106 for good and all is included as the part of club 1102.Can use any way that weighted regions 1106 is set, and not depart from the present invention.For example, weighted regions 1106 can provide by the opening (for example hole, seam, groove or chamber etc.) that is fixed into weight in club head 1102 to be defined.As another embodiment, if wish, weighted regions 1106 can be by being provided with weight material (for example tungstenic or lead-containing materials) overall fixed to the material of club 1102, therefore and a kind of like this mode is formed on weight material in the club 1102 (for example machining etc.), make weight material be positioned at the position of the final expectation of club 1102 (that is, in weighted regions 1106).Still as other embodiment, if wish, weighted regions 1106 can be provided with by the following method: by non-foaming and/or provide in the weighted regions position 1106 of expectation remarkable minimizing the foaming degree club 1102 major part material and/or by fill the hole in the weighted regions position 1106 with the relatively heavier or dense material of for example lead or tungsten.The additive method that forms weighted regions 1106 is fine, and does not depart from the present invention.The material of formation weighted regions 1106 can be observable from the outside of club 1102, and it can be hidden in the material of club 1102, or it can be continuous with club 1102.Equally, if wish, the outer surface of main component can be for example by doing into smooth with metal or polymeric material filling, coating or hole (if any) that covering exposed.

D. exemplary wood-type golf clubs structure

Each side of the present invention is not limited to be used for putter, iron and/or mixes iron golf club and golf club head.Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B illustration are according to the embodiment of the golf clubs 1200 of at least some embodiment of the present invention.It should be noted that, handle member or handle member (not shown) that the overall golf club structure 1200 of this embodiment comprises golf club head 1202, bar neck region 1204, shaft member 1206 and is connected to shaft member 1206, shaft member 1206 are contained in and/or insert and/or by bar neck region 1204.Randomly, if wish, can save bar neck region 1204, and shaft member 1206 can be directly inserted into and club head component 1202 (for example, by opening in the top that is arranged on club head 1202 and the opening of choosing wantonly in the bottom that is arranged on club head 1202).

Shaft member 1206 can be contained in, be engaged in and/or be connected to club head 1202 by any mode suitable or expectation, and aforesaid way is included in usual manner as known in the art and that use, and does not depart from the present invention.As embodiment more specifically, shaft member 1206 can engage with club head 1202 via bar neck member 1204, or for example via adhesive, cement, welding, soft soldering, mechanical fastener (as screw thread, retaining element or analog), directly engage with club 1202 by extending to shaft receiving sleeve in the club head body 1202 or shaft receiving element etc.Shaft member 1206 also can be made by any material suitable or expectation, be included in conventional material as known in the art and that use, for example based on the combination and the similar material of the material of graphite, composite, steel (comprising stainless steel), aluminium, other metal alloy compositions, polymeric material, various materials.If wish, any of shaft member 1206 and bar neck member 1204 (when existing) or two can be made by porous structure material.

Handle member or handle member (not shown) mode can be any suitable or expectation is connected to, is engaged in and/or extends shaft member 1206, comprise be known in the art with the usual manner that uses, for example use adhesive or cement; By welding, soft soldering, adhesive or analog; By mechanical fastener (as screw thread, retaining element etc.); And/or in the mode of any other expectation.As another embodiment, if wish that handle member or handle member can form the integral single piece structure with shaft member 1206 integral body.In addition, can use any desired handle member or handle member materials, and do not depart from the present invention, comprise elastomeric material, leather substance, comprise the embedding rope wherein or rubber or other material, polymeric material, metal material and the similar material of other fibrous material.Handle member or handle member also can be made by porous structure material at least in part.

Club head 1202 also can constitute by any mode suitable or expectation and/or by any material suitable or expectation itself, and do not depart from the present invention, comprise with the usual manner of as known in the art and use and/or by conventional material as known in the art and that use constituting.For example, in Figure 12 A and the shown exemplary configurations of Figure 12 B, club head 1202 comprises bottom member 1202a, face member 1202b, at least one main component 1202c and top end component 1202d.For example, the ribbon that main component 1202c can form material band or material (for example, usually randomly U-shaped band or ribbon), the ribbon of described material band or material from the side ring of face member 1202b around extending to opposite side, and at least a portion of the intermediate circumference periphery of formation golf club head body 1202 (for example, make total club 1202 define inner chamber (for example, shaft member 1206 can be inserted and/or be fixed in this inner chamber)) to small part hollow.Any independent part of above-mentioned club 1202 can be made up of a plurality of individual components, and/or these independent parts two or more together integral body form for example integral single piece structure, and do not depart from the present invention (for example, bottom member and/or top end component can form at least some parts of club head body and/or face member etc. in addition).As other selection, if wish, total club 1202 can be made up of single individual construction, and perhaps, face member 1202b can be connected to single-piece club head body etc.

If be made from multiple components, the mode any suitable or expectation that each independent parts that constitute club 1202 so can be included in as known in the art and the usual manner that uses engages and/or keeps together.For example, each parts of club 1202 can (directly or indirectly pass through intermediate member) in the following manner in conjunction with and/or be fixed together: by adhesive, cement, welding, soft soldering or other combination technologies or fusion technology; By mechanical fastener (as screw thread, screw, nut, bolt or other connectors); And similar fashion.If wish, the lateral edge of each parts of club 1202 (for example, contact with each other and the edge of combination at bottom member 1202a, face member 1202b, main component 1202c and/or top end component 1202d) can comprise rib, joint, protrusion or other joint elements of one or more projectioies, these elements be assembled to be arranged in the lateral edge of facing that this element is attached to or on corresponding grooves, slit, surface or opening in or on.Cement, adhesive, mechanical fastener or analog can with the use that combines of the rib/groove of projection or above-mentioned other syndetons, be fixed to one another to together with further help each parts club 1202.

In at least some embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the various piece of composition club structure 1200 (for example, bottom 1202a, face plate 1202b, main component 1202c, top 1202d, bar neck 1204, shaft 1206 etc.) material can form by porous structure material, for example be similar to above-mentioned various materials.If wish, two or more of these parts can integral body form individual construction (for example, if wish that bottom 1202a, main component 1202c and/or top 1202d can form single-piece with the independent face plate member integral body that engages).Equally, any desired material can be used for club head body 1202, and does not depart from the present invention, comprises for example aluminium, nickel, titanium, steel, polymer, glass, pottery, rubber and/or its combination.When at least some parts of club 1202 are formed by porous structure material, if wish that the housing wall thickness can be made the housing member that is thicker than many conventional club heads slightly.

The weight saving that produces by at least some parts that porous structure material for example are used for club head body 1202 allows club manufacturers, club assembler, user and similar people that one or more other weighted 1208 are placed on other positions of club 1202, for example influences center of gravity, the moment of inertia and/or the ball flight characteristics of club 1200.For example, weighted 1208 lowerd and place and reduced the center of gravity of club head 1202, and help the user when using this club, golf to be hit in the air towards club 1202 rear portions.As top described usually in conjunction with Fig. 6 A to Figure 11, can select the quality and the position of weighted 1208, so that for example to the position of centre of gravity of the direction of toe and/or vertical direction control club head 1202 (for example with heel, so that club head deflection, left avertence ball, right avertence ball, high batting or low batting are provided, and/or to help the user to correct the tendency of miss, Draw, low batting or high batting respectively).

Weighted 1208 can engage with club head 1202 by any desired mode, and does not depart from the present invention, comprise with in conjunction with the above-mentioned variety of way of Fig. 1-11 and/or be known in the art with the variety of way of using.In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B, weighted 1208 is detachably connected to the jack 1210 that is arranged in the club head 1202, and stretches in the club head 1202 via screw thread arrangement.Certainly, can use other connection and/or pin configuration, for example anchor clamps, clasp, spring-loaded pallet, thread, other mechanical fasteners or analog, and do not depart from the present invention.Alternatively, if wish, for example by combination technology or fusion technology, one or more weighted 1208 for good and all can be fixed to club head 1202 and/or be fixed in the club head 1202, and not depart from the present invention.That weighted 1208 needs not be from the club head outside is visible (randomly, if wish, can be set to the path (for example, change and/or reappose weighted 1208) of club head inside).

Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B illustrate another embodiment according to wood-type golf clubs structure 1300 of the present invention.In this exemplary configurations 1300, golf clubs comprises golf club head 1302, bar neck region 1304, shaft member 1306 and handle member (not shown), describes usually as 1200 of top exemplary configurations in conjunction with Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B.In this exemplary configurations 1300, whole or at least some parts (for example major part) of club head body 1302 constitute one piece, and this element is made of porous structure material, for example the metal of various loose structures, polymer and/or above-mentioned other materials.If wish,, club head body 1302 can be formed by a plurality of parts of the porous structure material that is engaged with each other, optional different materials for example by adhesive, cement, welding or other combination technologies or fusion technology.Still as additional embodiments, if wish, only the some parts of club head body 1302 (for example base section, aft section and/or previous section) can be formed by porous structure material, and other parts of club head body (for example Shang Mian head portion) can be formed by the housing member (shell member) and/or the material of other independent non-porous parts.

Equally, in this illustrated exemplary configurations, weighted 1308 is arranged on the inside of club head body 1302, for example in the inside recess or inner chamber in being defined at club head body.Certainly, can provide one or more weighted 1308 are arranged on additive method in the club 1302, and not depart from the present invention, above comprising in conjunction with Figure 12 A and the described the whole bag of tricks of Figure 12 B.As another selection, if wish, weighted 1308 can form with club head body structure 1302 integral body in the following manner: for example by forming porous structure material, to comprise weighted regions (for example closeer porous zone); By metal or other materials are bubbled in weighted regions; Be processed into golf club head structure by the material mechanical that will comprise foam segment, and weighted regions non-foaming and/or that increase is included in the position of expectation; The foam hole that counterweight coating or filler is included in weighted regions is medium.

The size of wood-type golf clubs bar header structure and/or other characteristics can marked changes according to an embodiment of the invention, and do not depart from the present invention.In addition, can provide any wood-type golf clubs bar header structure of wishing type, the bar of for example kicking off, Fairway Woods, die model are mixed club, cutting ball club (chipping club) and club-like.For example, if club design becomes No. 2 rods, No. 3 rods, No. 4 rods, No. 5 rods, No. 7 rods, No. 9 rods, No. 11 rods etc., so also can use any desired loft, the nose heave amount of bar, bar base angle (lie angle) etc., and not depart from the present invention; To be fit to user's the preference and/or the characteristic that swings; With other characteristics of the angle of departure, flight path (carry distance) and/or club that expectation is provided etc.In addition, various shaft characteristic (rigidity, bending point (flex point), bending point (kick point) etc.) can be used to further allow the feel and the characteristic of change and control club and club head.

E. exemplary striking plate structure

Another example golf club structure 1400 that comprises porous structure material of Figure 14 illustration at least some embodiment according to the present invention.In this embodiment, porous structure material is set to the part of the face plate member 1404 of club head 1402.More specifically, as shown in figure 14, face plate member 1404 is connected to club head body 1406, club head body 1406 can be any design and/or be made (in this embodiment by the material of any kind, be the die model club head body), be included in conventional design and conventional material as known in the art and that use.Face plate member 1404 comprises base member 1404a that is formed by porous structure material and the striking plate member 1404b that in use directly contacts ball.By in face plate member 1404, using porous structure material, thicker face plate can be set, and can influence the gross weight or the intensity of club head, and use thicker face plate to allow the producer to control the recovery coefficient (with the characteristic of controlling other potentially) of club head face 1404 better sharply.Certainly, the face plate member of illustrated type can be used on the club head of any kind in Figure 14, comprises rod, iron, mixed type club, putter etc.

Can construct face plate member 1404 by any desired mode, and not depart from the present invention.For example, if wish, for example by combination technology (cement, adhesive etc.) or fusion technology (welding, brazing, soft soldering etc.), face plate base member 1404a can engage with independent batting member 1404b.As additional embodiments, if wish, for example by common metal foam manufacturing technology, batting member 1404b can whole form the part of loose structure base member 1404a.As another embodiment, if wish, can by with molten metal material, polymeric material (for example epoxy resin etc.) analog applies or the open space of the outer surface of filling porous structural material or hole (for example, for base member 1404a) and form batting member 1404b, being that face plate 1404 provides smooth striking surface 1404b therefore.The additive method that face plate member 1404 is formed at least in part porous structure material can be provided, and not depart from the present invention.

III. conclusion

Golf club head according to the embodiment of the invention can be attached in the full set of clubs, for example comprises many covers club of one or more rods, iron, hybrid type golf clubs and/or putter.As embodiment more specifically, each side of the present invention can be used to provide have for example kick off bar and/or two or more Fairway Woods, mixed type club, No. 0 iron, No. 1 iron, No. 2 irons, No. 3 irons, No. 4 irons, No. 5 irons, No. 6 irons, No. 7 irons, No. 8 irons, No. 9 irons, No. 10 irons, pitching wedge (pitching wedge), the rod of high increase numbering of throwing wedge (lob wedge), relaying wedge (gapwedge), sand pit wedge (sand wedge), putter etc. and/or the club cover of iron golf clubs.By at least some embodiment of the present invention, golfer, club designer and/or club assembler can select and/or change the position of centre of gravity of each golf clubs, to satisfy racer's uniqueness requirement, technical ability or playing style.For each club in this cover club, the miscellaneous part of bridge member, wt pts and/or club head can change progressively with respect to other clubs in this cover club and change the center of gravity of a club member, so that center of gravity better is suitable for specific club, randomly is the specific golfers special use.

Easily understand from above-mentioned, the porous structure material that the present invention can be used for having various potential character is included in the various diverse locations of golf club structure (for example, as the part of bar head, striking surface, bar neck, shaft, handle etc.).Porous structure material can be used on the club head outside, on the inside, on both, and loose structure can be observable, partly observable, filled, partly that filled, that hide, partly hide etc.When the golf clubs product according at least some embodiment of the present invention comprises multiple cellular structure metals material or other materials, any one or two kinds of porous structure materials can be randomly with same or different packing material or skin material randomly fill, covering, partially filled or part cover, comprise with different cellular structure metals materials or other materials and fill or cover.Skin material or packing material can have multiple thickness and/or various potential character.Different loose structures and character also can be by changing given porous structure material the characteristic (for example, the distribution in the density by changing the hole, hole, pore-size distribution etc.) in hole obtain.

Additional embodiments as specific club head structure, if wish, club head can be set to comprise: (a) be applied to club the back thick relatively top layer high density material (for example, the tungsten material), the tungsten top layer on the porous structure material of composite of for example metal or tungsten, steel etc. for example, (b) (for example at lighter relatively porous structure material, aluminium or steel loose structure) on than the low dense material of thin list layer (for example, aluminium or titanium), it is applied to the centre and/or the front of club.These materials can be attached in the single club (for example, putter structure).Do not use the whole putter main body of porous structure material than having identical design, such configuration can be used to produce the putter with relative high moment of inertia.Equally, use different porous structure materials and/or packing material can be used for changing the various character of final products, for example yield strength, Young's modulus, material particle size etc.

With reference to various exemplary configurations, parts, element and structure, parts and combination of elements, in the above and described the present invention in the accompanying drawing.Yet the purpose that present disclosure is passed on provides the embodiment that relates to various feature of the present invention and principle, is not to be to limit scope of the present invention.Technical staff in the association area will recognize, can carry out many changes and change to embodiment described above, and not depart from scope of the present invention, and claim defined as appended.For example, various features and the principle of describing in conjunction with Fig. 1-14 can be used separately and/or use with any compound mode or sub-portfolio mode above, and do not depart from the present invention.

Claims

1. golf club head, it comprises:

The club head body member, it is made of the cellular structure metals material at least in part; And

Striking surface, itself and described club head body member engages, or form with described club head body member is whole.

2. golf club head according to claim 1, wherein said club head body member comprises the housing that has defined inner chamber, being made of described cellular structure metals material to small part of wherein said housing.

3. golf club head according to claim 2, it further comprises:

Wt pts, it is at least partially disposed in the described housing.

4. golf club head according to claim 1, it further comprises:

Wt pts, itself and described club head body member engages.

5. golf club head according to claim 1, wherein said cellular structure metals material forms the major part of described club head body member.

6. golf club head according to claim 1, wherein said club head body member forms the putter heads structure.

7. golf club head according to claim 1, wherein said club head body member form iron golf club bar header structure.

8. golf club head according to claim 1, wherein said club head body member form wood-type golf clubs bar header structure.

9. golf club head according to claim 1, wherein said club head body member forms the club head structure of kicking off.

10. golf club head according to claim 1, wherein said striking surface comprises the metal face member, described metal face member engages with the cellular structure metals material of described club head body member.

11. golf club head according to claim 1, the cellular structure metals material monolithic of wherein said striking surface and described club head body member forms.

12. golf club head according to claim 1, wherein said cellular structure metals material comprise the polymerization filler to small part.

13. golf club head according to claim 1, wherein said club head body member comprises at least the first main component and second main component, described first main component comprises described cellular structure metals material, and described second main component engages with described first main component.

14. golf club head according to claim 13, wherein said second main component comprises the second cellular structure metals material.

15. golf club head according to claim 1, it further comprises:

The club head Weighting system, itself and described club head body member engages.

16. golf club head according to claim 15, wherein said club head Weighting system to small part optionally from the dismounting of described golf club head.

17. golf club head according to claim 15, the installing movably with respect to described club head body member to small part of wherein said club head Weighting system.

18. a golf clubs, it comprises:

Shaft member, itself and described club head body member engages.

19. comprising with described cellular structure metals material monolithic, golf clubs according to claim 18, wherein said club head body member form striking surface.

20. golf clubs according to claim 18, it further comprises:

The handle member, it engages with described shaft member.

21. golf clubs according to claim 18, wherein said club head body member comprises the housing that has defined inner chamber, being made of described cellular structure metals material to small part of wherein said housing.

22. golf clubs according to claim 18, it further comprises:

Wt pts, itself and described club head body member engages.

23. golf clubs according to claim 18, wherein said cellular structure metals material forms the major part of described club head body member.

24. golf clubs according to claim 18, wherein said club head body member forms the putter heads structure.

25. golf clubs according to claim 18, wherein said club head body member forms the iron golf club structure.

26. golf clubs according to claim 18, wherein said club head body member form wood-type golf clubs bar header structure.

27. golf clubs according to claim 18, wherein said club head body member forms the club head structure of kicking off.

28. golf clubs according to claim 18, it further comprises:

Striking surface, it comprises the metal face member that engages with described cellular structure metals material.

29. golf clubs according to claim 18, wherein said cellular structure metals material comprise the polymerization filler to small part.

30. golf clubs according to claim 18, wherein said club head body member comprises at least the first main component and second main component, described first main component comprises described cellular structure metals material, and described second main component engages with described first main component.

31. golf clubs according to claim 30, wherein said second main component comprises the second cellular structure metals material.

32. golf clubs according to claim 18, it further comprises:

33. a method that forms golf club head, it comprises:

Form the club head body member by the cellular structure metals material at least in part; And

On described club head body member, striking surface is set.

34. method according to claim 33, wherein said club head body member forms the housing that has defined inner chamber, being made of described cellular structure metals material to small part of wherein said housing.

35. method according to claim 33, it further comprises:

Make wt pts and described club head body member engages.

36. method according to claim 33, wherein said club head body member forms the putter heads structure.

37. method according to claim 33, wherein said club head body member forms iron golf club bar header structure.

38. according to the described method of claim 37, wherein said club head body member is formed and makes the major part of described club head body member be made of described cellular structure metals material.

39. method according to claim 33, wherein said club head body member forms wood-type golf clubs bar header structure.

40. method according to claim 33, wherein said club head body member forms the club head structure of kicking off.

41. method according to claim 33, wherein said striking surface are set to the metal face member that engages with described cellular structure metals material.

42. method according to claim 33, wherein said striking surface and described cellular structure metals material monolithic form.

43. method according to claim 33, it further comprises:

With the polymerization packing material fill described cellular structure metals material to small part.

44. method according to claim 33, wherein said club head body member is formed and comprises at least the first main component and second main component, described first main component comprises described cellular structure metals material, and described second main component engages with described first main component.

45. according to the described method of claim 44, wherein said second main component comprises the second cellular structure metals material.

46. method according to claim 33, it further comprises:

For described club head body member is provided with the club head Weighting system.

47. a method that forms golf clubs, it comprises:

Make shaft member and described club head body member engages.

48. according to the described method of claim 47, wherein said club head body member is formed and comprises the striking surface that forms with described cellular structure metals material monolithic.

49. according to the described method of claim 47, wherein said club head body member is formed and makes and to comprise the housing that has defined inner chamber, being made of described cellular structure metals material to small part of wherein said housing.

50. according to the described method of claim 47, it further comprises:

Make wt pts and described club head body member engages.

51. according to the described method of claim 47, wherein said club head body member forms the putter heads structure.

52. according to the described method of claim 47, wherein said club head body member forms the iron golf club structure.

53. according to the described method of claim 47, wherein said club head body member forms wood-type golf clubs bar header structure.

54. according to the described method of claim 47, wherein said club head body member forms the club head structure of kicking off.

55. according to the described method of claim 47, it further comprises:

Striking surface is engaged with described cellular structure metals material.

56. according to the described method of claim 47, it further comprises:

57. according to the described method of claim 47, wherein said club head body member is formed feasible comprise at least the first main component and second main component, described first main component comprises described cellular structure metals material, and described second main component engages with described first main component.

58. according to the described method of claim 57, wherein said second main component comprises the second cellular structure metals material.

59. according to the described method of claim 47, it further comprises:

Make club head Weighting system and described club head body member engages.