CN110090413B - Groove of golf club head and method for manufacturing groove of golf club head - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of a groove of a golf club head and methods of making a groove of a golf club head are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. A golf club head, comprising: a body portion having a body toe portion, a body heel portion, a body top rail portion, and a body sole portion; a face on the body portion, comprising grooves extending from a central portion of the face toward the body heel portion and from the central portion of the face toward the body toe portion, wherein a change in depth of at least one groove along a length of the groove at a portion of the groove is one of linear or non-linear relative to a change in width of at least one groove along the length of the groove at the portion of the groove.

Description

Groove of golf club head and method for manufacturing groove of golf club head

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application serial No. 14/529,590, filed on 31/10/2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to golf equipment and, more particularly, to grooves of golf club heads and methods of making grooves of golf club heads.

Background

In general, a golf club head may include a face having a plurality of parallel grooves extending between a toe end and a heel end. In particular, a plurality of grooves in an iron-type club head may clear water, sand, grass, and/or other debris between the golf ball and the face. The golf club face may have grooves with various shapes, such as square or box-like grooves, V-shaped grooves, or U-shaped grooves.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a putter according to one example.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic top view of the grooves of the ball striking face of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the trench of fig. 4 taken at section 5-5 of fig. 3.

Fig. 6 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of fig. 3.

Fig. 7 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of fig. 3.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic top view of the grooves of the ball striking face of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the trench of fig. 9 taken at section 10-10 of fig. 8.

Fig. 11 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of fig. 8.

Fig. 12 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of fig. 8.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

Fig. 14 shows a schematic top view of the grooves of the ball striking face of fig. 13.

Fig. 15 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the trench of fig. 14 taken at section 15-15 of fig. 13.

Fig. 16 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of fig. 13.

Fig. 17 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of fig. 13.

FIG. 18 shows a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

Fig. 19 shows a schematic top view of the grooves of the ball striking face of fig. 18.

Fig. 20 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the trench of fig. 19 taken at section 20-20 of fig. 18.

Fig. 21 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of fig. 18.

Fig. 22 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of fig. 18.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

Fig. 24-26 illustrate different examples of vertical cross-sections of the grooves of the ball striking face of fig. 23 taken at the section 24-24 of fig. 23.

FIG. 27 shows a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

Fig. 28 shows a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

Fig. 29-37 show schematic views of exemplary horizontal cross-sections of grooves of the ball striking face of the putter.

Fig. 38-45 show schematic top views of exemplary grooves of the ball striking face of the putter.

FIG. 46 shows a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

FIG. 47 illustrates a schematic view of a ball striking face of a putter, according to one example.

FIG. 48 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a groove of a push rod according to one example.

FIG. 49 shows a vertical schematic cross-sectional view of a putter according to one example.

FIG. 50 shows a vertical schematic cross-sectional view of a putter according to one example.

FIG. 51 illustrates a putter face according to another example.

FIG. 52 illustrates a putter face according to another example.

FIG. 53 illustrates a method of making a golf club according to one example.

FIG. 54 illustrates a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

Fig. 55 shows a cross-section of the groove of the ball striking face of fig. 54.

FIG. 56 illustrates a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

Fig. 57 illustrates a cross-section of a groove of the ball striking face of fig. 56.

FIG. 58 illustrates a schematic of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.

Fig. 59 shows a cross-section of the groove of the striking face of fig. 58.

FIG. 60 illustrates a schematic view of a ball striking face of a putter according to one embodiment.

Fig. 61 shows a schematic top view of the grooves of the striking face of fig. 60.

Fig. 62 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the trench of fig. 60 and 61.

Figure 63 shows a tool for cutting a groove.

Fig. 64 illustrates a V-shaped groove according to an example.

Fig. 65 illustrates a V-shaped groove according to an example.

Fig. 66 shows a schematic top view of a trench according to an example.

Fig. 67 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the trench of fig. 66.

Detailed Description

Generally, grooves for golf club heads and methods of making grooves for golf club heads are described herein. Golf equipment associated with the methods, apparatus, and/or articles described herein may or may not meet golf rules at any particular time. Further, the figures provided herein are for illustrative purposes, and one or more of the drawings may not be drawn to scale. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

In the example of fig. 1, a push rod 100 is shown. Although grooves for putters 100 are described herein, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of club heads (e.g., wood-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrid-type club heads, iron-type club heads, etc.). The grooves of iron type club heads are described in detail, for example, in U.S. patent application publication US 2010/0035702 filed on 8/5/2009, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference. Accordingly, any reference made herein to a putter may include any type of golf club.

Putter 100 includes putter head 102 having putter face 110. Putter face 110 may be substantially planar. Putter face 110 includes a ball striking face 112 that may be generally in the same plane as putter face 110 or protrude slightly outward from putter face 110. Ball striking face 112 may be the same size as putter face 110 or smaller than putter face 110 (as shown in fig. 1). The striking face 112 may be an area of the putter face 110 generally intended to strike a golf ball (not shown). However, the individual may also hit the ball with the cross-section of putter face 110 (outside of ball striking face 112).

The ball striking face 112 may be a continuous or integral part of the putter face 110, or may be formed as an insert attached to the putter face 110. Such inserts may be constructed of the same material as putter face 110 or a different material, and may then be attached to putter face 110. The ball striking face 112 may include one or more grooves (shown generally as grooves 120) and one or more land portions 170. For example, the ball striking face 112 is shown as having 112 grooves (shown generally as 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144). The trenches 120 may be generally referred to by a single reference number such as 120. However, when one of the grooves on the ball striking face 112 is specifically described, the reference numeral for that particular groove may be used.

Two adjacent trenches may be separated by a land portion 170. The land portion 170 between each trench 120 and an adjacent trench 120 may have the same or different width as the land portion 170 between another pair of adjacent trenches 120. The land portion 170 may also define a top surface of the striking face 112. In general, two or more of the trenches 120 may be parallel to each other. For example, trenches 122 and 124 may be parallel to each other. However, the grooves 120 may be oriented in any manner relative to one another. For example, any of the trenches 120 may be oriented diagonally, vertically, and/or horizontally. As shown in the example of fig. 2, one or more of the grooves 120 may be substantially linear and generally parallel to adjacent grooves 120 and extend between the toe end 180 and the heel end 190 of the putter face 110.

As described in detail below, the depth, length, width, horizontal cross-sectional shape, and/or vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 120 may increase, decrease, and/or vary linearly, non-linearly, at regular or irregular step-wise intervals, arcuately, and/or according to one or more geometries from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 and/or from the top rail 182 of the putter head 102 to the sole 192. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

Referring to fig. 2, the ball striking face 112 is shown with grooves 122-144. The ball striking face 112 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 (such as to be co-manufactured with the putter face 110). Alternatively, the ball striking face 112 may be an insert attached to the putter face 110. Each groove 120 may extend from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 to define a corresponding length 193 (only the length 193 of the groove 144 is shown in fig. 2). The length 193 of some or all of the grooves 120 may vary in a direction from the top rail 182 to the bottom surface 192 such that each groove 120 may generally conform to the shape of the perimeter of the ball striking face 112. For example, the length of the grooves may increase from near the top rail 182 of the ball striking face 112 to the center 184 and decrease from the center 184 to near the sole 192. The center 184 may be the geometric center of the ball striking face 112. Alternatively, the center 184 may represent an inertia or weight-related center of the ball striking face 112. However, the center 184 may be generally defined by the area of the ball striking face 112 where the ball is normally struck. As shown in fig. 1, the length 193 of the trench 120 may be similar. In other examples (such as the example shown in fig. 2), the length 193 of the groove may decrease from near the head rail 182 to the center 184, and from near the floor 192 to the center 184. Accordingly, any groove length disposed on the ball striking face 112 is within the scope of the present disclosure.

In another example shown in fig. 3, the ball striking face 212 may include grooves 220 (specifically shown as grooves 222-244). The ball striking face 212 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 or a separate piece attached to the putter face 110. Accordingly, when describing the ball striking face 212, several portions of the putter 100 and putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numerals as above.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of the groove 232, and fig. 5 shows a horizontal cross-section of the groove 232 taken at section line 5-5 of fig. 3. The trough 232 is shown divided into horizontal cross-sections (shown generally as sections 271-275) that are visually defined by vertical boundary lines in fig. 3 and 4. The horizontal regions 271-275 can define a variation in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove 232 from near the toe end 180 to near the heel end 190 and/or from near the top rail 182 to near the sole 192. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of a trench may refer to any property of the trench along the length 293 of the trench (such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a certain profile of the trench). In the example of fig. 3-7, the groove 220 includes a first upright wall 250 and a second upright wall 252 that define a length 293 of the groove 220. Each trench 220 has a bottom surface 254 that defines a depth of the trench 220. The depth of each groove may vary from the first wall 250 to the second wall 252 according to the cross-sectional profile of the groove 220 in the regions 271-275. Each groove 220 also includes a first horizontal wall 256 and a second horizontal wall 258 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove 220. The distance between the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 defines a width 280 of the groove 220. Width 280 may vary from first upright wall 250 to second upright wall 252 (as shown in the example of fig. 38-45), wherein the groove may have a length 590, a first width 594, a second width 595, and/or a third width 596. However, in the example of fig. 3-7, the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 280.

Referring to fig. 5, the bottom surface 254 slopes or curves downward at the region 271 to define a first depth 282 at the boundary between the regions 271 and 272. The bottom surface 254 transitions in a steeper downward curve in the region 272 from a first depth 282 to a second depth 284 at the boundary between the regions 272 and 273. The second depth 284 may generally define the maximum depth of the groove 232 if the bottom surface 254 is flat in the region 273. However, if the bottom surface 254 is not flat, the maximum depth of the groove 232 may be defined in another portion of the area 273. Any of the grooves 220 may be symmetrical about a vertical axis y. Thus, the shape of the groove 220 on each side of the y-axis may reflect the shape of the groove 232 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of the trenches 220 may be asymmetric. Regions 271 and 275 define a shallow portion of the groove 232, while region 273 defines a deeper central portion of the groove 232. The deepest portion of any of the grooves 220 may be at the center of the grooves 220. Regions 272 and 274 facilitate the transition of bottom surface 254 from depth 282 to depth 284.

Referring to fig. 3 and 5, the general cross-sectional profile of each groove 220 may remain substantially similar from head rail 182 to bottom surface 190. However, the cross-sectional profile (including length, width, and/or depth) of regions 271-275 of each groove 220 may gradually change from head rail 182 to floor 192. In fig. 6 and 7, horizontal cross-sections of grooves 238 and 244, respectively, are shown. For example, regions 271-275 of groove 238 are smaller in length than regions 271-275 of groove 232, respectively. Similarly, regions 271-275 of groove 244 are smaller in length than regions 271-275 of groove 238, respectively. In another example, the regions 271-275 of the groove 238 may have a depth that is less than the regions 271-275 of the groove 232, respectively. Similarly, regions 271-275 of trench 244 may have depths that are less than regions 271-275 of trench 238, respectively.

The gradual increase in the length, depth, and/or width of the regions 271-275 of the grooves 222-232 from the top rail 182 to the general center of the ball striking face 212 and/or the decrease in the size of the regions 271-275 of the grooves 232-244 from the general center of the ball striking face 212 to the sole 192 forms a central sweet spot 260 (shown in fig. 3) that may resemble the shape of a golf ball when viewed by an individual in a standing position. The approximate visual representation of the golf ball may assist the individual in aligning the striking face 212 with the ball. Region 273 (which defines the deepest portion of groove 220) may be greater in length at the center of ball striking face 212 and gradually decrease in length toward head rail 182 and sole 192. Similarly, the transition regions 272 and 274 may have a maximum length at the center of the ball striking face 212 and gradually decrease in length toward the top rail 182 and the sole 192. Although the length of the regions 271-275 may vary depending on the location of the grooves 220 on the ball striking face 212, the depth of similar regions of each groove 220 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of the trench 232 may be similar to the maximum depth of the trench 244. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 222-244 may vary based on the position of the groove 220 relative to the ball striking face 212. Still alternatively, the depth of grooves 222-244 may vary in any manner from head rail 182 to the floor. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer horizontal regions.

In another example shown in fig. 8, the ball striking face 312 includes grooves 320 (specifically shown as grooves 322-344). The ball striking face 312 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 or a separate piece attached to the putter face 110. Accordingly, when describing the ball striking face 312, several portions of the putter 100 and putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numerals as described above.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of the groove 332, and fig. 10 shows a horizontal section of the groove 332 taken at section line 10-10 of fig. 8. The groove 332 is shown divided into horizontal cross-regions 371-375, which are visually defined by vertical boundary lines in fig. 8 and 9. The horizontal regions 371-375 may define a variation in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove 332 from near the toe end 180 to near the heel end 190 and/or from near the top rail 182 to near the sole 192. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of a trench may refer to any property of the trench along the length 393 of the trench (such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a certain profile of the trench). In the example of fig. 8-12, the groove 320 includes a first vertical wall 350 and a second vertical wall 352 that define a length 393 of the groove 320. Each trench 320 has a bottom surface 354 that defines a depth of the trench 320. The depth of each groove may vary from the first wall 350 to the second wall 352 according to the cross-sectional profile of the groove 320 in the regions 371-375. Each groove 320 also includes a first horizontal wall 356 and a second horizontal wall 358 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove 320. The distance between first horizontal wall 356 and second horizontal wall 358 defines a width 380 of trench 320. The width 380 may vary from the first vertical wall 350 to the second vertical wall 352 (as shown in the examples of fig. 38-45). However, in the example of fig. 8-12, the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 380.

Referring to fig. 10, the bottom surface 354 may be generally flat and/or slightly sloped at the region 371 to define a first depth 382 at the boundary between 371 and 372. Bottom surface 354 transitions down in region 372 in a step from a first depth 382 to a second depth 384 at the boundary between regions 372 and 373. The bottom surface 354 may be generally flat and/or slightly sloped in the region 372 such that the trench 320 has a generally uniform depth 384 in the region 372. Bottom surface 354 transitions down in region 372 in a step from second depth 384 to third depth 386. The bottom surface 354 may be generally flat and/or slightly sloped in the region 373 such that the trench 320 has a generally uniform depth 386 in the region 373. Any of the grooves 320 may be symmetrical about a vertical axis y. Thus, the shape of the trench 320 on each side of the y-axis reflects the shape of the trench 320 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of the trenches 320 may be asymmetric. The depth 386 represents the maximum depth of the trench 320.

Referring to fig. 10-12, the general cross-sectional profile of the groove 320 may remain substantially similar from the head rail 182 to the bottom surface 190. However, the cross-sectional profile (including length, width, and/or depth) of regions 371-375 of each groove 320 may gradually change from head rail 182 to floor 192. In fig. 11 and 12, horizontal cross-sections of the grooves 338 and 344 are shown, respectively. For example, regions 371 through 375 of trench 338 are smaller in length than regions 371 through 375 of trench 332, respectively. Similarly, regions 371 through 375 of trench 344 are smaller in length than regions 371 through 375 of trench 338, respectively. In another example, the regions 371-375 of the trench 338 may have a depth that is less than the regions 371-375 of the trench 332, respectively. Similarly, regions 371-275 of trench 344 may have depths that are less than regions 371-375 of trench 338, respectively.

The gradual increase in length, depth, and/or width of the regions 371-375 of the grooves 322-332 from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 312 and/or the decrease in size of the regions 371-375 of the grooves 332-344 from the center of the ball striking face 312 to the sole 192 forms a central sweet spot 360 (shown in fig. 8) that may discretely resemble the shape of a golf ball when viewed by an individual in a standing position. The approximate visual representation of the golf ball may assist the individual in aligning the striking face 312 with the ball. The region 373 (which defines the deepest portion of the groove 360) may be greater in length at the center of the ball striking face 312 and gradually decrease in length toward the head rail 182 and the sole 192. Similarly, the transition regions 372 and 374 may have a maximum length at the center of the ball striking face 312 and gradually decrease in length toward the top rail 182 and the sole 192. Although the length of the regions 371 through 375 varies depending on the location of the grooves 320 on the ball striking face 312, the depth of similar regions of each groove 320 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of the trench 344 may be similar to the maximum depth of the trench 332. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 322-344 may vary based on the location of the grooves 320 on the ball striking face 312. Still alternatively, the depth of grooves 322-344 may vary in any manner from head rail 182 to the bottom surface. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer horizontal regions.

In another example shown in fig. 13, the ball striking face 412 includes grooves 420 (specifically shown as grooves 422-444). The ball striking face 412 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 or a separate piece attached to the putter face 110. Accordingly, when describing the ball striking face 412, several portions of the putter 100 and putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numerals as described above.

Fig. 14 shows a schematic view of the groove 432, and fig. 15 shows a horizontal cross-section of the groove 432 taken at section line 15-15 of fig. 13. The groove 432 is shown divided into horizontal cross regions 471 and 472, which are visually defined in fig. 13 and 14 by the boundary lines of the groove 432 and a vertical line at the center of the groove 432. The horizontal regions 471 and 472 can define a variation in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove 432 from near the toe end 180 to near the heel end 190 and/or from near the top rail 182 to near the sole 192. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of a trench may refer to any property of the trench along the length 493 of the trench (such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a certain cross-section of the trench). In the example of fig. 13-17, the groove 420 includes a first vertical wall 450 and a second vertical wall 452 that define a length 493 of the groove 420. Each groove 420 has a bottom surface 454 that defines a depth of the groove 420. The depth of each groove may vary from the first wall 450 to the second wall 452 according to the cross-sectional profile of the groove 420 in regions 471 and 472. Each groove 420 also includes a first horizontal wall 456 and a second horizontal wall 458 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove 420. The distance between the first horizontal wall 456 and the second horizontal wall 458 defines a width 480 of the groove 420. The width 480 may vary from the first vertical wall 450 to the second vertical wall 452 (as shown in the examples of fig. 38-45). However, in the example of fig. 13-17, the first and second horizontal walls 456, 458 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 480.

Referring to fig. 15, the bottom surface 454 has a linear profile at region 471 and slopes downward. The grooves 450 are symmetrical about a central vertical axis y. Thus, bottom surface 454 has a similar linear profile at region 472 and slopes downward similarly to bottom surface 454 at region 471. Thus, the depth of the groove 420 gradually increases from a depth 482 at the first wall 452 and the second wall 454 to a depth 484 at the center of the groove 420. Depth 484 represents the deepest portion of trench 420, which may be at the center of trench 420.

Referring to fig. 15-17, the general cross-sectional profile of channel 420 may remain substantially similar from head rail 182 to bottom surface 190. However, the cross-sectional profile (including length and/or depth) of regions 471 and 472 of each groove 420 may gradually change from head rail 182 to floor 192. For example, regions 471 and 472 of trench 438 are smaller in length than regions 471 and 472 of trench 332, respectively. Similarly, regions 471 and 471 of the groove 444 are smaller in length than regions 471 and 472 of the groove 438, respectively. In another example, the areas 471 and 472 of the trench 438 may have a depth that is less than the areas 471 and 472 of the trench 432, respectively. Similarly, regions 471 and 472 of trench 444 may have a depth that is less than regions 471 and 472 of trench 438, respectively.

The gradual increase in the length, depth, and/or width of the regions 471 and 472 of the grooves 422-432 from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 412 and/or the decrease in the size of the regions 471 and 472 of the grooves 432-444 from the center of the ball striking face 412 to the sole 192 forms a central sweet spot 460 (shown in fig. 13). The regions 471 and 472 may have a maximum length at the center of the ball striking face 412 and gradually decrease in length toward the top rail 182 and the sole 192. Although the length of the regions 471 and 472 may vary depending on the location of the groove 420 on the ball striking face 412, the depth of similar regions of each groove 420 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of the groove 444 may be similar to the maximum depth of the groove 432. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 422-444 may vary based on the location of the grooves 420 on the ball striking face 412. Still alternatively, the depth of grooves 422-444 may vary in any manner from head rail 182 to the bottom surface. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer horizontal regions.

In another example shown in fig. 18, the ball striking face 512 includes grooves 520 (specifically shown as grooves 522 through 544). Ball striking face 512 may be an integral part of putter face 110 or a separate piece attached to putter face 110. Accordingly, when describing the ball striking face 512, several portions of the putter 100 and putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numerals as described above.

Fig. 19 shows a schematic view of the groove 532, and fig. 20 shows a horizontal cross-section of the groove 532 taken at section line 20-20 of fig. 18. The channel 532 is shown divided into horizontal cross-sections 571 and 572, which are visually defined in fig. 18 and 19 by the boundary lines of the channel 532 and a vertical line at the center of the channel 532. The horizontal regions 571 and 572 may define a change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the channel 532 from near the toe end 180 to near the heel end 190 and/or from near the head rail 182 to near the sole 192. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of a trench may refer to any property of the trench along the length 593 of the trench (such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a certain profile of the trench). In the example of fig. 18-22, the channel 520 includes a first upright wall 550 and a second upright wall 552 that define a length 593 of the channel 520. Each channel 520 has a bottom surface 554 defining a depth of the channel 520. The depth of each channel may vary from the first wall 550 to the second wall 552 according to the cross-sectional profile of the channel 520 in the regions 571 and 572. Each groove 520 also includes a first horizontal wall 556 and a second horizontal wall 558 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove 520. The distance between the first horizontal wall 556 and the second horizontal wall 558 defines a width 580 of the groove 520. The width 580 may vary from the first vertical wall 550 to the second vertical wall 552 (as shown in the examples of fig. 38-45). However, in the example of fig. 18-22, the first horizontal wall 556 and the second horizontal wall 558 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 580.

Referring to fig. 20, the bottom surface 554 has a linear profile at region 571 and slopes downward. The bottom surface 554 also has a linear profile in the region 572 and slopes downward. However, since the second wall 552 is longer than the first wall 550, the bottom surface 554 has a slope in the region 572 that is less than the slope of the bottom surface 554 in the region 571. Thus, the trench 550 of this example is asymmetric about the vertical central axis y. Thus, the channel 250 has a first depth 582 defined by the first wall 550, a second depth 584 defined by the second wall 552, and a central depth 586 that is reached from the depths 582 and 584, respectively, according to the downwardly sloping bottom surface 554 of the regions 571 and 572. The center depth 586 may be at the depth of the deepest portion of the trench 520.

Referring to fig. 20-22, the general cross-sectional profile of channel 520 may remain substantially similar from head rail 182 to bottom surface 190. However, the cross-sectional profile (including length, width, and/or depth) of regions 571 and 572 of each channel 520 may gradually change from head rail 182 to floor 192. In fig. 21 and 22, the horizontal cross-sections of trenches 538 and 544 are shown, respectively. For example, regions 571 and 572 of trench 538 are smaller in length than regions 571 and 572 of trench 532, respectively. Similarly, regions 571 and 572 of trench 544 are smaller in length than regions 571 and 572 of trench 538, respectively. In another example, regions 571 and 572 of trench 538 may have a depth that is less than regions 571 and 572 of trench 532, respectively. Similarly, regions 571 and 572 of trench 544 may have depths that are less than regions 571 and 572 of trench 538, respectively.

The gradual increase in the length, depth, and/or width of the regions 571 and 572 of the grooves 522-532 in the length, depth, and/or width from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 512 and/or the decrease in the size of the regions 571 and 572 of the grooves 532-544 in the size from the center of the ball striking face 512 to the sole 192 forms a central sweet spot 560 (shown in fig. 18). Regions 571 and 572 may have a maximum length at the center of the ball striking face 512 and taper in length toward the head rail 182 and the sole 192. Although the lengths of the regions 571 and 572 may vary depending on the location of the grooves 520 on the ball striking face 512, the depth of similar regions of each groove 520 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of the trench 544 may be similar to the maximum depth of the trench 532. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 522-544 may vary based on the location of the grooves 520 on the ball striking face 512. Still alternatively, the depth of grooves 522-544 may vary in any manner from head rail 182 to the floor. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer horizontal regions.

The above-described grooves 220, 320, 420, and 520 illustrate four examples of horizontal cross-sectional profiles of grooves for use with the push rod 100. Other examples of horizontal cross-sectional profiles are shown in fig. 29-37, where each trench may have a length 590, a first depth 591, a second depth 592, and/or a third depth 593. The trench may be defined by any number of horizontal regions, any one or more of which have similar or dissimilar properties. The grooves, which may be symmetric or asymmetric about the y-axis, for example, may have a bottom surface with a complex combination of linear and non-linear shapes defining similar or various depths from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. Such trenches may be described as having a large number of horizontal regions, with each region defining one or more of the complex shapes mentioned. Thus, the number, arrangement, size, and other properties of the above horizontal ranges are in no way limited to the groove cross-sectional profile according to the present disclosure.

In the above example, the grooves on each corresponding striking face have a similar shape. However, the grooves on the striking face may have a different shape. For example, the ball striking face may include a combination of grooves 220 and 320. In another example, the ball striking face may include a combination of grooves 420 and 520. Thus, any combination of groove cross-sectional profiles may be used on the ball striking face to impart specific ball striking properties to the putter.

The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove may gradually and proportionally change from the head rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face, and may gradually change from the center of the ball striking face to the sole 192. The noted gradual change may define a sweet spot that is greater at the center of the striking face than near the top rail 182 and the sole 192. Furthermore, the noted gradual change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove provides a groove at and around the center of the ball striking face having a deeper groove profile that is longer than the grooves near the top rail 182 and the sole 192. However, the above described gradual changes in the grooves are exemplary, and other gradual change schemes may be used to impart specific ball striking properties to various portions of the ball striking face.

Referring to fig. 23, a ball striking face 612 having grooves 620 according to another example is shown. Fig. 24-26 illustrate the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620, as viewed from section line 24-24 of fig. 23. In fig. 24, the vertical sectional shape of the groove 620 is a box, a rectangle, or a square. In fig. 25, the vertical sectional shape of the groove 620 is V-shaped. In fig. 26, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 is U-shaped. The vertical cross-section trench shapes of fig. 24-26 may be applied to any trench according to the present disclosure. For example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the trench 220 may be rectangular or square according to the trench 620 of fig. 24. In another example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 may be V-shaped according to the groove 620 of fig. 25. In addition, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove may vary from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. For example, referring to fig. 4 and 5, the trench 220 may have a square or rectangular vertical cross-sectional shape in regions 271 and 275, a U-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape in regions 271 and 274, and a V-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape in region 273. Additionally, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove may also vary from head rail 182 to floor 190. For example, the grooves near the head rail 182 and the sole 192 may have a square vertical cross-sectional shape, while the groove at the center of the face may have a U-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape.

The striking face of the putter in the above example is shown with grooves from the top rail 182 to the bottom surface 192. However, the striking face may have more or fewer grooves, or have a non-grooved profile. For example, the ball striking face may have several grooves at a center section of the ball striking face and may have no grooves at sections near the head rail 182 or the sole 192.

The grooves are not limited to extending horizontally across the striking face. The striking face may have vertical grooves that vary in depth as described above, or a combination of vertical and horizontal grooves having varying horizontal and/or vertical cross-sectional profiles. The orientation of the grooves may be such that a matrix-like striking face is provided on the putter.

Referring to fig. 27, the ball striking face 712 having the grooves 720 may be horizontally separated into three portions, a toe portion 780, a center portion 785, and a heel portion 790. The ball striking face 712 may be similar to the ball striking faces 212 and 312 described above. Thus, the trench 720 has regions 271 to 275 and 371 to 375, similar to the trenches 220 and 320, respectively, described above. The three portions horizontally separate the ball striking face 712 and vertically span from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. The toe portion 780 is near the toe end 180, the heel portion 790 is near the heel end 190, and the central portion 785 is located between the toe portion 780 and the heel portion 790. According to various examples, the depth of the groove 720 at the toe portion 780 and the heel portion 790 may not be greater than the depth of the groove 720 at the central portion 785. In one example, the shallowest depth of the groove 720 (which may be closest to the toe end 180 or closest to the heel end 190) may be approximately 0.003 inches. At or near the central portion 785, the depth of the groove 720 may be increased to a depth of approximately 0.017 inches as described above. The variable depth may include a portion having a depth of at least 0.020 inches but less than 0.022 inches. The variable width may include a portion having a width of at least 0.035 inches but less than 0.037 inches.

Referring to fig. 28, the ball striking face 712 may be vertically separated into three portions, a head rail portion 782, an intermediate portion 786, and a sole portion 792. These portions vertically separate the ball striking face 712 and horizontally span from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The top rail portion 782 is adjacent the top rail 182, the bottom portion 792 is adjacent the bottom 192, and the middle portion 786 is located between the top rail portion 782 and the bottom portion 792. The length of the deepest portion of the channel 720 may vary from the top rail portion 782 to the middle portion 786 and from the middle portion 786 to the floor portion 792. For example, with respect to the above example, the length of the deepest portion of the groove may refer to the groove 720 located proximately between the head rail portion 782 and the floor portion 792. As shown in fig. 27 and 28, the length of the groove 710 may be greatest at the middle portion 786 and progressively decrease toward the top rail portion 782 and toward the bottom portion 792.

Fig. 29-37 show examples of different trench horizontal cross-sectional profiles according to the present disclosure. In the above example, the width of the trenches 220, 320, 420, and 520 is shown as having a rectangular profile. However, trenches according to the present disclosure may have different width profiles, as shown by the examples of fig. 38-45. Accordingly, a trench according to the present disclosure may have any horizontal cross-sectional profile, vertical cross-sectional profile, width profile, and/or depth profile.

The cross-sectional profile of the groove (including variations in the length, depth, width, and/or cross-sectional shape of the groove) may affect ball speed, control, and/or spin. The disclosed variable depth grooves may improve the consistency of ball speed after being hit by the putter face by about 50% (compared to a plastic putter face insert) and about 40% (compared to an aluminum putter face insert without grooves). Hitting a ball with a putter with grooves according to the present disclosure: (1) may result in a lower ball speed, which may result in a reduced ball roll-out distance; (2) may result in heel and toe hits with reduced ball speed compared to center hits, and may also result in a shorter ball roll-out distance; (3) allowing players of relatively lower and higher handicaps to hit the ball at different positions on the putter face (players of higher handicaps tend to hit lower on the ball striking face and players of lower handicaps tend to hit higher on the ball striking face). Also, players with relatively higher handicap points may have a wider range of hit positions, while players with relatively lower handicap points may have a closer range of hit positions; and/or (4) such putter faces having a groove in the center of the putter face may result in a reduced ball speed/roll-out distance for center hits, which may result in a more consistent ball speed/roll-out distance for center/heel/toe hits.

Referring to FIG. 46, another example of a putter face 810 having a groove with a variable cross-sectional profile is shown. The putter face 810 is shown having 14 grooves grouped into grooves 822-828 near the toe end 180, grooves 830-840 at the center of the putter face 810, and grooves 842-848 near the heel end 190. In this example, the more prominent groove is located at the center of the putter face 810, while the less prominent groove is located on the periphery of the center. A more protruding groove may refer to a groove having a greater depth and/or width than a less protruding groove. As shown in fig. 46, the grooves 832-838 may protrude further than the remaining grooves on the putter face 810. Further, portions of the pusher face 810 may be grooveless. These parts are referenced by reference numeral 850.

Referring to fig. 47, another example of a putter face 910 having a groove with a variable cross-sectional profile is shown. The putter face 910 is shown as having 10 grooves 922 through 940. The length of each groove gradually increases from head rail 182 to floor 192. Each of the trenches 922 to 940 or groups of trenches 922 to 940 may have a different vertical cross-sectional shape. For example, trenches 922-930 are shown having box-shaped vertical cross-sections, while trenches 932-940 are shown having V-shaped vertical cross-sections.

Referring to FIG. 48, a horizontal cross-section of a trench 922 is shown according to another embodiment. The bottom surface 954 of the moat 922 is shown as stepping back from the edges 950 and 952 of the moat to the maximum depth 951 of the moat 922. Any of the grooves according to the present disclosure may have the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as groove 922. Any of the trenches according to the present disclosure can have the same depth 951. However, as the length of the trench is reduced, the depth 951 may be proportionally reduced.

In another example shown in fig. 49, the ball striking face 1012 may include grooves 1220 (specifically shown as grooves 1222-1256). The striking face 1012 may be used with the putter 100. Accordingly, portions of the putter 100 and putter head 102 are referenced with the same reference numerals as presented above. The grooves may have any cross-sectional shape, length, and width in accordance with the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 49, a side cross-sectional view of a ball striking face 1012 having grooves 1220 according to another example is shown. The striking face 1012 may be separated into two portions with respect to the channel 1220. The ball striking face 1012 may include a head rail portion 1282 and a sole portion 1286. The top rail portion 1282 and the sole portion 1286 may vertically separate the ball striking face 1012 and horizontally span from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The head rail portion 1282 may extend generally from a central portion of the ball striking face 1012 (which is represented by the centerline 1284) to proximate the head rail 182 and include a groove 1222. Floor portion 1286 may generally extend from adjacent floor 192 to central portion 1284 and include grooves 1224. The trenches 1224 of the floor portion 1286 may have a depth greater than the trenches 1222 of the head rail portion 1282 at one or more locations along each trench 1224. By having a shallower groove 1222 at the head rail portion 1282, the speed at which a golf ball rolls forward after being struck by a putter may be increased to provide a more consistent and smooth ball roll-out. Alternatively, the depth of groove 1220 may taper from central portion 1284 to head rail 182 (not shown) in one or more groove steps. In another example, pairs of grooves may taper in depth from central portion 1284 to head rail 182 (not shown). Thus, the reduction in groove depth from floor 192 to top rail 182 may be for each groove, for a number of grooves, or for various groups of grooves.

Referring to fig. 50, the trenches 1224 of the floor portion 1286 may have a depth less than the trenches 1222 of the top rail portion 1282 at one or more locations along each trench 1224. Alternatively, the depth of groove 1220 may gradually increase from center portion 1284 and/or floor 192 to head rail 182 (not shown) in one or more groove steps. In another example, pairs of grooves may gradually increase in depth from central portion 1284 and/or floor 192 to head rail 182 (not shown). Thus, the increase in groove depth from central portion 1284 and/or floor 192 to top rail 182 may be for each groove, for a pair of grooves, or for various groups of grooves.

Fig. 51 and 52 illustrate other examples according to the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 51, the putter head 1300 includes a ball striking face 1312 having a plurality of horizontal grooves 1320 and vertical grooves 1322. Each groove 1320 and 1322 can have a different configuration (such as a variable cross-sectional profile, depth profile, width profile, length profile, and/or other groove characteristic) than the other groove from the toe end 1380 to near the heel end 1390 and/or from the top rail 1382 to the bottom surface 1392. For example, the depth of the horizontal groove 1320 may gradually increase from the top rail 1382 to the floor 1386 in one or more groove steps. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

Referring to fig. 52, the putter head 1400 includes a ball striking face 1412 having a plurality of first diagonal grooves 1420 and second diagonal grooves 1422. The first diagonal grooves 1420 may be substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the second diagonal grooves 1422 may be substantially parallel to each other. The first diagonal groove 1420 and the second diagonal groove 1422 may be transverse to each other, as shown in fig. 52. For example, the first diagonal groove 1420 may intersect the second diagonal groove 1422 at an angle of 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, or 90 °. Each channel 1420 and 1422 can have a different configuration (such as a variable cross-sectional profile, depth profile, width profile, length profile, and/or other channel characteristics) than the other channel from the toe end 1480 to near the heel end 1490 and/or from the top rail 1482 to the bottom surface 1492. For example, the depth of the first diagonal grooves 1420 may gradually increase from the top rail 1482 to the bottom surface 1486 in one or more groove steps. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

Referring to fig. 53, a process 2000 of making a golf club head according to one example is shown. The process 2000 includes forming a golf club face defined by a toe end, a heel end, a top rail, and a sole (block 2002). The golf club face may be formed with the golf club head such that the golf club head and the golf club face are a single continuous part. Alternatively, the golf club head and the golf club face may be separately formed. The golf club face may then be attached to the golf club face by using adhesives, tapes, welds, fasteners, and/or other suitable methods and devices. The golf club head and/or golf club face may be made from any material. For example, the golf club head and/or golf club face may be made from titanium, titanium alloys, other titanium-based materials, steel, aluminum alloys, other metals, metal alloys, plastics, wood, composite materials, or other suitable types of materials. Various processes may be used to form the golf club head and/or golf club face, such as stamping (i.e., perforating, die cutting, stamping, bending, hemming or embossing, casting using a press or punch), injection molding, forging, machining, or combinations thereof, other processes for making metal, plastic, and/or composite parts, and/or other suitable processes. In one example, when making a putter head, the material of the putter face and/or the ball striking face may be determined so as to impart certain ball striking and rolling characteristics to the putter face. In another example, when the ball striking face 212 is separate from the putter face 110 and inserted and attached into a correspondingly shaped recess on the putter face 110, the ball striking face 212 may be constructed of a lighter material than the putter face 110 to generally reduce the overall weight of the putter.

According to the process 2000, grooves are formed on the face and/or club head between the head rail and the sole such that each groove extends between a toe end and a heel end, and the depth of the groove varies in a direction extending between the head rail and the sole and in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end (block 2004). Various processes, such as casting, forging, machining, rotary milling, and/or other suitable processes may be used to form the grooves. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the trench may depend on the method of making the trench. For example, when machining a groove, the type of drill bit may determine the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the trench may be symmetrical (such as the examples described above), or may be asymmetrical (not shown). In another example, the width of the groove may be 0.032 inches, which may be the width of the drill bit. Thus, when machining a groove, the shape and size of the drill bit may determine the shape and size of the groove.

The grooves may be made by rotary milling the striking face or by punching or forging grooves into the striking face. Grooves may also be made directly in the putter head to create the striking face directly in the putter head as described above. The grooves may be made by press forming grooves in the putter head. For example, the pressing may deform and/or displace material on the putter head to create the grooves. The grooves may be made by a milling process, wherein the axis of rotation of the milling tool is orthogonal to the pusher face. The axis of rotation of the milling tool may be oriented at an angle other than normal to the face of the pusher rod. The trenches may be made by covering with a material that is cut through to form through trenches onto the substrate or solid material. The grooves may be made by laser and/or thermal etching or etching of the face material. The trenches may be formed by chemically etching the push-top material using a mask. The grooves may be made by electro/chemical erosion of the putter face material using a chemical mask, such as wax or petrochemical. The grooves may be made by grinding the putter face material using air or water as a carrier medium for an abrasive material, such as sand. Any one or combination of the methods discussed above may be used to make one or more grooves on the putter head. Furthermore, other methods for creating a recess in any material may be used to make the trench.

Referring to fig. 54, a ball striking face 2212 is shown according to another example. The ball striking face 2212 may be vertically separated into and defined by three portions, a head rail portion 2282, a middle portion 2286, and a sole portion 2292. The top rail portion 2282, the middle portion 2286, and the sole portion 2292 vertically separate the ball striking face 2212 and horizontally span from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. Top rail portion 2282 is adjacent top rail 182, bottom surface portion 2292 is adjacent bottom surface 192, and intermediate portion 2286 is located between top rail portion 2282 and bottom surface portion 2292. In fig. 54, the ball striking face 2212 may have 12 grooves 2222-2244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 2220. For example, grooves 2222, 2224, 2226, and 2228 may be considered to be in head rail portion 2282; trenches 2230, 2232, 2234, and 2236 can be considered to be in middle portion 2286; and troughs 2238, 2240, 2242, and 2244 can be considered in bottom portion 2292. However, one or more of grooves 2220 may be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions (i.e., a portion of groove 2220 overlaps the adjacent portions). The length of the groove 2220 may be greatest at the intermediate portion 2286 and progressively decrease toward the top rail portion 2282 and toward the bottom surface portion 2292. Alternatively, the length of the groove 2220 may vary depending on the perimeter profile of the ball striking face 2212. The top rail portion 2282, the intermediate portion 2286, and the sole portion 2292 are exemplary and may define several portions on the ball striking face 2212, with the grooves 2220 that may be located in such portions having one or more similar configurations or characteristics. Thus, the ball striking face 2212 may be defined by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or characteristics. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

Fig. 55 shows a horizontal cross-section of the striking face 2212 taken at the groove 2234. Each groove 2220 may include a central portion 2254 having a bottom surface 2255 that may define a maximum depth 2257 of the groove 2220. The central portion 2254 has a length 2259 that may vary depending on the location of the groove 2220 on the ball striking face 2212. In the example of fig. 54, the central portions 2254 of the grooves 2220 of the intermediate portion 2286 have substantially the same length. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

The center of the striking face 2212 may be defined by a y-axis 2261. The y-axis 2261 can also define a central axis of the central portion 2254, as shown in fig. 54 and 55. However, the center portion 2254 may be offset (not shown) with respect to the y-axis 2261. According to the example of fig. 55, each of the bottom surfaces 2255 of the trenches 2230, 2232, 2234, and 2236 extends substantially equally from the y-axis 2261 toward the toe end 180 and toward the heel end 190. As shown in fig. 55, the distance between the y-axis 2261 and the toe edge portion 2264 of the central portion 2254 may be defined as a length 2262. The toe edge portion 2264 may be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 2261 and the toe end 190, where the depth of the groove increases from the depth 2257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. The distance between the y-axis 2261 and the heel edge portion 2268 of the central portion 2254 may be defined as a length 2266. The heel edge portion 2268 may be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 2261 and the heel end 180 where the depth of the groove increases from the depth 2257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. According to the example of fig. 54 and 55, length 2262 is substantially the same as length 2266. A putter having a ball striking face 2212 as shown in fig. 54 may be suitable for an individual having a putting stroke.

Referring to fig. 56, a ball striking surface 3212 according to another example is shown. The ball striking face 3212 may be vertically separated and defined by three portions, a top rail portion 3282, an intermediate portion 3286, and a sole portion 3292. The top rail portion 3282, intermediate portion 3286 and sole portion 3292 vertically separate the ball striking face 3212 and horizontally span from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. Head rail portion 3282 is adjacent head rail 182, bottom surface portion 3292 is adjacent bottom surface 192, and intermediate portion 3286 is located between head rail portion 3282 and bottom surface portion 3292. In fig. 56, the ball striking face 3212 may have 12 grooves 3222-3244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 3220. For example, the grooves 3222, 3224, 3226, and 3228 may be considered to be in the head rail portion 3282; the grooves 3230, 3232, 3234 and 3236 can be considered to be in the middle portion 3286; and grooves 3238, 3240, 3242 and 3244 can be considered to be in floor portion 3292. However, one or more of the grooves 3220 may be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions (i.e., a portion of the groove 3220 overlaps the adjacent portions). The length of the groove 3220 may be greatest at the intermediate portion 3286 and progressively decrease toward the top rail portion 3282 and toward the bottom portion 3292. Alternatively, the length of the groove 3220 may vary depending on the perimeter profile of the ball striking face 3212. The top rail portion 3282, intermediate portion 3286, and sole portion 3292 are exemplary and may define several portions on the ball striking face 3212, with grooves 3220 that may be located in such portions having one or more similar configurations or characteristics. Accordingly, the ball striking face 3212 may be defined by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or characteristics. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

Fig. 57 shows a horizontal cross-section of the ball striking face 3212 taken at the groove 3234. Each groove 3220 may include a central portion 3254 having a bottom surface 3255, which may define a maximum depth 3257 of the groove 3220. The central portion 3254 has a length 3259, which may vary depending on the location of the groove 3220 on the ball striking surface 3212. In the example of fig. 56, the central portion 3254 of the groove 3220 of the intermediate portion 3286 has substantially the same length. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

The center of the ball striking face 3212 may be defined by a y-axis 3261. The y-axis 3261 can also define a central axis of the central portion 3254, as shown in fig. 56 and 57. However, the central portion 3254 may be offset (not shown) relative to the y-axis 3261. According to the example of fig. 57, each of bottom surfaces 3255 of grooves 3230, 3232, 3234 and 3236 extends from y-axis 3261 toward toe end 180 for a greater length than bottom surface 2255 of groove 2234 of fig. 54. As shown in fig. 57, the distance between the y-axis 3261 and the toe edge portion 3264 of the central portion 3254 can be defined as length 3262. The toe edge portion 3264 can be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 3261 and the toe end 190, where the depth of the groove increases from the depth 3257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. The distance between the y-axis 3261 and the heel edge portion 3268 of the central portion 3254 can be defined as length 3266. The heel edge portion 3268 may be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 3261 and the heel end 180 where the depth of the groove increases from the depth 3257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. According to the example of fig. 57, length 3262 is greater than length 2266 of fig. 55. Length 3262 may also be greater than length 3266. Alternatively, length 3262 may be substantially similar to length 3266, but greater than length 2266 of fig. 55. Thus, the deepest portions of some or all of the grooves 3220 of the ball striking surface 3212 of fig. 56 extend toward the toe end 190 to a greater extent than the deepest portions of the grooves 2220 of the ball striking surface 2212 of fig. 54. A putter having a ball striking face 3212 as shown in fig. 56 may be suitable for individuals having a micro arc shaped putting stroke.

Referring to fig. 58, a ball striking face 4212 is shown according to another example. The ball striking face 4212 may be vertically separated and defined by three portions, a head rail portion 4282, an intermediate portion 4286, and a sole portion 4292. The top rail portion 4282, middle portion 4286 and sole portion 4292 vertically separate the ball striking face 4212 and horizontally span from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. Head rail portion 4282 is adjacent to head rail 182, floor portion 4292 is adjacent to floor 192, and intermediate portion 4286 is located between head rail portion 4282 and floor portion 4292. In fig. 58, the ball striking face 4212 may have 12 grooves 4222-4244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 4220. For example, the grooves 4222, 4224, 4226, and 4228 may be considered in the head rail portion 4282; the grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, and 4236 may be considered to be in the middle portion 4286; and the grooves 4238, 4240, 4242, and 4244 may be considered in the sole portion 4292. However, one or more of the moats 4220 may be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions (i.e., a portion of the moat 4220 overlaps the adjacent portions). The length of the groove 4220 may be greatest at the intermediate portion 4286 and progressively decrease toward the top rail portion 4282 and toward the bottom portion 4292. Alternatively, the length of the grooves 4220 may vary depending on the perimeter contour of the striking face 4212. The head rail portion 4282, the middle portion 4286, and the sole portion 4292 are exemplary and may define several portions on the ball striking face 4212, wherein the grooves 4220 that may be located in such portions have one or more similar configurations or characteristics. Accordingly, the ball striking face 4212 may be defined by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or characteristics. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

Fig. 59 shows a horizontal cross-section of the striking face 4212 taken at the groove 4232. Each groove 4220 may include a central portion 4254 having a bottom surface 4255, which may define a maximum depth 4257 of the groove 4220. The central portion 4254 has a length 4259, which may vary depending on the location of the groove 4220 on the ball striking face 4212. In the example of fig. 58, the central portions 4254 of the slots 4220 of the intermediate portion 4286 have substantially the same length. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

The center of the striking face 4212 may be defined by the y-axis 4261. The y-axis 4261 may also define a central axis of the central portion 4254, as shown in fig. 58 and 59. However, central portion 4254 may be offset (not shown) relative to y-axis 4261. According to the example of fig. 59, each of the bottom surfaces 4255 of the grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, and 4236 extends from the y-axis 4261 toward the toe end 180 for a greater length than the bottom surface 3255 of groove 3234 of fig. 56. As shown in fig. 59, the distance between the y-axis 4261 and the toe edge portion 4264 of the center portion 4254 may be defined as a length 4262. The toe edge portion 4264 can be defined as a portion of the groove between the y-axis 4261 and the toe end 190, wherein the depth of the groove increases from the depth 4257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. The distance between the y-axis 4261 and the heel edge portion 4268 of the central portion 4254 may be defined as the length 4266. The heel edge portion 4268 may be defined as a portion of the sipe between the y-axis 4261 and the heel end 180, where the depth of the sipe increases from the depth 4257 and transitions into the opening of the sipe. According to the example of fig. 59, length 4262 is greater than length 3266 of fig. 57, and thus greater than length 2266 of fig. 55. Length 4262 may be greater than length 4266. Alternatively, length 4262 may be substantially similar to length 4266, but greater than length 3266 of fig. 57. Thus, the deepest portions of some or all of the grooves 4220 of the ball striking surface 4212 of fig. 58 extend toward the toe end 190 to a greater extent than the deepest portions of the grooves 3220 of the ball striking surface 3212 of fig. 56. A putter having a ball striking face 4212 as shown in fig. 58 may be suitable for individuals having strong putting strokes.

According to the example of fig. 54-59, the grooves on the putter may be configured to optimize the performance of the individual based on the individual's putting stroke. Depending on the number of radians in an individual's putting stroke, any of the grooves described herein may be provided on the putter such that several portions of some of all of the grooves (which generally define the groove depth) extend from the central portion to the toe end of the ball striking face of the putter by a certain length to optimize the performance of the individual when using the putter. Thus, the length of the deepest portion of the groove may be proportional to the number of radians in the individual's putting stroke. For example, for individuals having a putting ball between a strong and a micro-arc shaped putting ball, those portions of the grooves that generally define the groove depth may extend from the y-axis toward the toe end 190 a length greater than grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, and 3236 of the ball striking face 3212 but less than grooves 4230, 4232, 4034, and 4036 of the ball striking face 4212. In the example of fig. 54-59, those portions of the groove in the middle portion of the ball striking face that define the groove depth differ based on the type of putting ball of the individual. However, all of the grooves on the ball striking face (including the grooves in the head rail portion and the sole portion) may be configured according to the above example based on the type of putting ball of the individual. Furthermore, the grooves according to the examples of fig. 54-59 may have any shape or configuration. For example, the ball striking face according to the examples of fig. 54-59 may have a groove cross-sectional shape according to the groove examples of fig. 5-7, 10-12, 15-17, and/or 31-35. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

The golf club head, striking face, and/or channels according to the examples of fig. 54-59 may be made by any of the methods described herein and/or with any of the materials described herein. Each groove may have a width of about 0.032 inches (0.081cm) and a depth of between about 0.003 inches (0.008cm) and about 0.017 inches (0.043 cm). As described in detail herein, any of the striking faces 2212, 3212, or 4212 may be in the form of an insert to be inserted into a golf club head or a correspondingly shaped recess in the golf club head. The insert may be flush with the remainder of the striking face of the golf club head and may define a reference plane. Thus, the grooves of the striking face are offset into the golf club head, or below the reference plane. Alternatively, all or portions of the insert may protrude from the reference plane such that all or portions of the groove are positioned above the reference plane. By having a striking face that is interchangeable for one or more golf clubs, such as putters, the striking face of a golf club head may be exchanged with another striking face to improve his or her performance based on the individual's putting style. For example, according to the present disclosure, an individual whose putting style has changed over a period of time may swap the ball striking face of his or her putter with another ball striking face so that the putter better fits the individual's current putting style. Instead of having an interchangeable striking face, any of the grooves described herein (including the exemplary grooves of fig. 54-59) may be fabricated on a golf club head. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

In another example shown in fig. 60, the ball striking face 5212 may include grooves 5220 (specifically shown as grooves 5222-5244). The ball striking face 5212 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 or a separate piece attached to the putter face 110. Accordingly, when describing the ball striking face 5212, several portions of the putter 100 and putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numerals as described above. Similar to other examples described herein, the depth, length, and/or width of each groove 5220 can increase, decrease, and/or vary from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 and/or from the head rail 182 of the putter head 102 to the sole 192. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

Fig. 61 shows a schematic top view of the trench 5232, and fig. 62 shows a horizontal cross-section of the trench 5232 to illustrate the configuration of the trench 5220 as described below. Each trench 5220 includes a first horizontal wall 5256 and a second horizontal wall 5258, which define the vertical boundaries of the trench. Each trench 5220 can also include a first end wall 5250 and a second end wall 5252. Each trench 5220 has a bottom surface 5254 that defines the depth 5255 of the trench 5220. The depth 5255 of each trench 5220 can vary from a first wall 5250 to a second wall 5252. The grooves 5220 may not have any end walls because the depth of each groove 5220 may gradually decrease until the bottom surface 5254 meets the striking face 5212. The distance between the first horizontal wall 5256 and the second horizontal wall 5258 at any location along the trench defines the width 5280 of the trench 5220 at that location. The distance between the first end wall 5250 and the second end wall 5252 defines the length 5293 of the groove 5220.

The depth 5525 of each trench 5220 can vary relative to the width 5280 of each trench 5220 depending on the cutting tool used to make the trenches 5220. According to one example, the variation in trench width may be similar to the variation in trench depth along the length of the trench. For example, for every 1 millimeter increase in trench depth, the trench width also increases by 1 millimeter. According to another example, the trench depth may vary by a multiple of the variation in trench width along the length of the trench. For example, for every 1 millimeter increase in trench depth, the trench width increases by 0.5 millimeters. Thus, along the length of each trench, the variation in the depth of each trench may be linearly related to the variation in the width of each trench.

Fig. 63 shows a typical drill bit 5300 having a cutting blade 5301 for cutting a groove into a material. The machine rotates the drill bit 5300 so that the cutting blade 5301 can cut a hole in the material, and the machine moves the material being cut or moves the drill bit 5300 to create a groove along the path of motion. The drill bit 5300 has an angle 5302 that defines an angle 5304 of the groove cut by the cutting insert 5301, as shown in fig. 64 and 65. The example drill of fig. 63 has an angle 5302 of about 90 that may cut a groove having an angle 5304 of about 90 (as shown in fig. 65). Fig. 64 shows a trench having a trench angle 5304 of about 60 °. The drill (not shown) used to cut the groove of fig. 64 has a drill with an angle of about 60 °.

Denoting the depth of each groove by y, the width of each groove by x, and the angle of the cutting blade by α, the relationship between the depth of each groove and the width of each groove along the length of each groove can be expressed as:

the variation in the width of each trench relative to the depth of each trench along the length of the trench may be expressed as:

when the cutting blade 5301 has an angle of 90 °, the groove width varies by a factor of 2 with respect to the groove depth along the length of the groove, according to equation (2). For example, for every 1 millimeter increase in trench depth, the trench width increases by 2 millimeters. When the cutting blade has an angle of 60 deg., the groove width varies by a factor of about 1.15 with respect to the groove depth. For example, for every 1 millimeter increase in trench depth, the trench width increases by 1.15 millimeters. When the cutting blade has an angle of 30 deg., the groove width varies by a factor of about 0.54 with respect to the groove depth. For example, for every 1 millimeter increase in trench depth, the trench width increases by about 0.54 millimeters. Thus, cutting each groove with the cutting tool provides a groove having a width and depth that vary linearly with respect to each other along the length of the groove.

According to equation (2), the width profile of a trench as shown in fig. 61 may be similar in shape to the depth profile of a trench according to fig. 62. In other words, as the groove becomes deeper from one end wall 5250 or 5252 of the groove to the central portion, the width of the groove also increases by a factor associated with the angle of the groove or cutting tool. Thus, along the length of the trench, the trench width varies linearly with respect to the variation in trench depth, and the width profile and depth profile of the trench may be similar.

According to equation (2), the variation in trench depth with respect to the variation in trench width is linear. However, the variation produced by the variation in trench depth relative to the variation in trench width may be constant or non-linear. One or more cutting tools used to make the grooves may be used such that the variation in groove depth with respect to groove width varies according to a non-linear relationship. For example, the variation in trench depth with respect to the variation in trench width can be defined by the following equation:

according to equation (3), the trench width is 2 times the square root of the trench depth:

thus, the relationship between the depth variation and the width variation of the trench may be non-linear. According to another embodiment, the depth and/or cross-sectional shape of the groove may vary, but the width of the groove may remain constant. For example, the trench may have a square cross-sectional shape, wherein the depth of the trench varies from one end of the trench to the other end of the trench, while the width of the trench remains constant. According to another example, the width of the groove may remain constant from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove, but the cross-sectional shape and/or depth of the groove may vary from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove. According to another embodiment, the depth of the trench may be constant from one end of the trench to the other end of the trench, while the width of the trench varies from one end of the trench to the other end of the trench and/or is constant from one end of the trench to the other end of the trench.

According to another example shown in fig. 66 and 67, the depth 5355 of the groove 5320 can be constant along a portion of the groove (such as the central portion 5356 of the groove). Accordingly, the width 5380 of the groove is also constant along a central portion of the groove 5356, as described in detail above. To make the trench 5320 of fig. 66 and 67, a cutting tool (such as cutting tool 5300) is used at a constant depth 5355 at the central portion 5356 of the trench, thus creating a constant width 5380 at the central portion 5356 of the trench 5320.

A groove area having deeper and wider grooves near the center of mass of the putter may provide a higher desired ball speed, while shallower and narrower grooves near the toe and heel portions may provide a lower desired ball speed. Further, the greater groove width and depth at the center portion of the putter may reduce the mass at the point of contact with the golf ball, thereby normalizing the ball velocity across the putter face by making the point mass equal at each possible point of contact, so that even in off-center hits (toe, heel, high or low), the ball velocity will be substantially the same as when hitting on the center of the putter face.

The cutting tool of fig. 63 is an example cutting tool. Other cutting tools may be used which may have different shapes and thus produce different shaped grooves. The cutting tool of fig. 63 is V-shaped, creating a V-shaped groove. However, a U-shaped cutting tool (not shown) may create a U-shaped groove. According to one embodiment, a cutting tool having a blunt tip or point for making a flat-bottomed groove may be used. For example, the cutting tool may be a V-shaped cutting tool having a blunt tip rather than a pointed tip. Thus, a V-shaped groove having a flat bottom can be manufactured. Thus, the bottom of the trench may be substantially one point (i.e., have little width) to be as wide as the width of the trench (i.e., a rectangular or square cross-sectional trench shape). According to one example, the bottom of the trench may be flat and have a width of about 0.003 inches (0.0076 centimeters). Grooves with flat bottoms improve putting performance. The grooves may be made by using a cutting tool or a plurality of cutting tools as described above. For example, a single groove may be made using multiple cutting tools to provide different groove cross-sectional shapes and/or sizes from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove.

Because rules regarding golf balls may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted by golf standards organizations and/or government agencies, or old rules may be cancelled or modified), golf equipment associated with the methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may or may not comply with golf ball rules at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the methods, apparatus, and/or articles described herein may be advertised, sold, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. In this regard, the methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

Although a particular order of actions is described above, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more of the acts described above may be performed sequentially, simultaneously, or synchronously. Alternatively, two or more acts may be performed in reverse order. Further, one or more of the acts described above may not be performed at all. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

While the invention has been described in connection with various aspects, it will be understood that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains.

Claims (7)

1. A putter-type golf club head comprising:

a putter-type club face defined by a toe end, a heel end, a top rail, and a sole; and a plurality of grooves disposed on the putter face between the head rail and the sole, each of the plurality of grooves extending between the heel end and the toe end and including a first horizontal wall of each of the plurality of grooves and a second horizontal wall of each of the plurality of grooves;

wherein a width of each of the plurality of trenches is measured from the first horizontal wall of each of the plurality of trenches to the second horizontal wall of each of the plurality of trenches;

wherein a width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending between the toe end and the heel end;

wherein a width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending from the head rail to the floor;

wherein a width of at least one of the plurality of trenches can follow an expression

Increasing in a direction from the heel end toward a center of the putter face, wherein x is a width of each of the grooves and y is a depth of each of the grooves;

wherein the putter face is substantially flat and extends in a substantially vertical orientation in a standing position;

wherein a depth of at least one groove of the plurality of grooves remains constant between the heel end and the toe end, and wherein a width of the at least one groove varies non-linearly; and

wherein a top rail portion and a sole portion vertically separate the putter face and span from the toe end to the heel end.

2. A putter-type golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of grooves may increase in width in a direction from the toe end toward a center of the putter face.

3. A putter-type golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein a width of each of the plurality of grooves has a range between 0.035 inches and 0.037 inches.

4. A putter-type golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of grooves further comprises a bottom surface defining a depth of each of the plurality of grooves.

5. A putter-type golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of grooves has a depth at a center of the putter face that is greater than a depth at the heel end and at the toe end.

6. A putter-type golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein the depth of each of the plurality of grooves has a range between 0.003 inches and 0.017 inches.

7. A putter-type golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein a portion of the depth of at least one of the plurality of grooves has a range between 0.020 inches and 0.022 inches.

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