JP5171647B2 - Golf club and golf club head comprising a porous structure metal and other materials - Google Patents

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

Related Art The aspects of the invention described in this application relate to and / or may be used with at least some aspects of the invention described in the following patent documents. (A) “A Golf Club Head Having a Bridge Member and a” of US Patent Application No. 10 / 707,599, filed December 23, 2003 (currently US Patent No. 2005-0137024A1, published June 23, 2005). “Weight Positioning System”, (b) “Golf Club Head Having a Bridge Member” filed September 19, 2003 (currently US Pat. No. 6,923,732, issued August 2, 2005). (C) U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 934,742, "Structure of a Golf Club Head or Other Ball Striking Device" filed September 7, 2004, and / or (d) U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 125,327. "Golf Clubs and Golf Club Heads" filed on May 10, 2005. Each of these aforementioned patents, publications, and applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to golf clubs and golf club heads, and to a method for manufacturing such a structure.

BACKGROUND Various golf club heads have been designed to improve golfer accuracy by helping golfers square the club head face when impacting a golf ball. Many golf club heads place the weight of the golf club head in order to change the location of the club head's center of gravity and / or increase the club head's moment of inertia (eg, torsional resistance). The location of the center of gravity of the golf club head and its moment of inertia are factors that determine, at least in part, whether or not the golf ball is thrown in the intended direction. When the center of gravity is located behind the engagement point on the contact surface and the club head is square with respect to the intended target line, the golf ball follows a substantially straight path. However, if the center of gravity is on one side of the engagement point and / or the club head is not square on impact, the golf ball will follow a path turning left or right, or simply fly left or right These are often referred to as “draw”, “fade”, “hook”, “slice”, “pull”, or “block”. Similarly, if the center of gravity of the club head is above or below the point of engagement with the ball, the path of the golf ball may draw a trajectory that goes round or up.

  Golf club heads, such as cavity back club heads, assist golfers by placing most of the weight of the golf club head around the golf club head. In general, these golf club heads are more forgiving than non-cavity golf club heads. Thus, even when the golf ball hits slightly off the center or becomes a miss hit, a relatively sufficient flight distance and accuracy can be obtained. The cavity back club head helps the average golfer reduce miss-hits and improve score.

  In recent years, golf club technology has improved, but there is room for further advancement and improvement of golf club technology in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to golf clubs such as golf club heads and putters, irons (including all types of wedges), hybrid type clubs, fairway woods, drivers and the like having the golf club heads. A golf club and golf club head according to at least some exemplary aspects of the invention include: (a) a club head body member at least partially composed of a porous metal or other material; and (b) a club head body member. A ball striking face that engages or is integrally formed with the club head body member and / or (c) a shaft member that engages the club head body member may be included. Optionally, if desired, the club head body member may be a multi-piece configuration, and any one or more of these multiple parts may be perforated without departing from the invention. It may be formed of a structural metal or other material. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, weight reduction by using a lightweight porous structure metal or other material as part of the club head structure, for example, around the club head, behind the club head structure, and / or Additional weight can be placed at other desired locations of the club head structure, such as the bottom side, the heel end side and / or the toe end side of the club head structure. In some example constructions, for example, the weight member can be selectively clubbed to customize the weight of the club head so that it can be used more effectively by a particular golfer or a golfer having a particular swing characteristic. It can be placed and / or moved at different locations on the head structure. Club head center of gravity, moment of inertia, and / or stability to assist in providing a more controlled, more constant and / or straighter flying ball by adjusting and selectively positioning the weight in the club head structure The trajectory when impacted by the club head, which is influenced advantageously and / or as a result, is affected.

  A further aspect of the invention relates to methods for making and / or using golf club heads and golf clubs that include a porous metal or other material that forms at least a portion of the club head structure. Such methods differ by engaging one or more weight members with the club head structure, moving the weight member relative to the club head structure, and / or removing the weight member from the club head structure. You may include the process of replacing | exchanging for a weight member (for example, weight member of a different mass).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description and the accompanying drawings disclose the features of golf clubs and golf club heads (eg, wood, irons, hybrids, putters, etc.) of the present invention.

I. Overview of Aspects of the Invention Aspects of the invention relate to a golf club head and a golf club including the golf club head. A golf club head of at least some embodiments of the present invention includes: (a) a “metal foam that includes at least partially a porous structure material (eg, a porous structure metal material (such as a porous structure alloy, an amorphous metal, or an alloy material); ), A club head body member made of a semi-metallic material, a ceramic material, a glass material, a polymer material (eg, polyurethane, etc.), a rubber material, etc.), and (b) engages with the club head body member Or a ball striking face formed integrally with the club head body member. Optionally, if desired, the club head body member may be constructed of multiple parts, and any one or more of these multiple parts may be formed of a porous metal without departing from the invention. Also good.

  For example, any desired type of golf club head, including putters, irons (including all types of wedges), hybrid type clubs, fairway woods, drivers, etc., can be constructed including a porous structure material. . In addition, any desired portion or amount of club head structure such as the entire club head body (e.g., including solid body, body shell, etc.), ball striking face member, crown portion, body ribbon portion, sole portion, It can be made of a porous material without departing from the invention. As some more detailed examples, a major portion (eg, most of the volume and / or surface area) of the entire club head body can be provided as a porous structural material if desired.

  The use of porous structural materials as part of a golf club head structure can be advantageous at least to some extent because these materials are relatively lightweight in nature. The weight reduction obtained by using a porous structure material (for example, a porous structure material including amorphous metal and alloy) for at least a part of the club head body member enables club designers, club assemblers, users, etc. It becomes possible to place weight (eg, weight members (optionally movable, removable or customizable weight members) and weighting systems, etc.) and weighting systems at desired locations throughout the club head structure. By way of example, if desired, the club head is at least partially contained within the outer shell or enclosure of the club head body member, or attached to the club head body member, movably on the club head body member, and One or more weight members may be included that are / or are removably mounted and / or mounted at least partially within the club head body member. If desired, suitable within the club head body member to permanently and movably and / or detachably engage and / or attach one or more weight members to the club head body member. A simple receptacle may be formed.

  Various methods of providing a ball striking face on a club head body member can be used without departing from the present invention. For example, if desired, the ball as a metal (or other material) faceplate member engaged with the porous structure material of the club head body member, for example, by welding, soldering, brazing, adhesive, casting, forging, etc. A striking face can be provided. As another example, if desired, for example, by integrally forming a homogeneous metal (or other material) face on the porous structural material body, or the porous structural material body is metal, and / or Porous structure constituting the club head body member by at least partially filling, impregnating or coating with a polymer material such as epoxy, a material constituting the porous structure material, another material, another porous structure material, etc. The ball striking face can be provided as an integral part of the material.

  A further aspect of the present invention relates to a golf club. A golf club according to at least some embodiments of the present invention includes: (a) a “metal foam” that at least partially comprises a porous structure material (eg, a porous structure metal material (such as a porous structure alloy, amorphous metal, or alloy material); Club head body member composed of a porous metalloid material, a porous ceramic material, a porous glass material, a porous polymer material (eg, polyurethane foam), a porous rubber material, etc.); (B) A shaft member engaged with the club head main body member may be included. The shaft member may or may not engage directly with the porous structure material. The club head body member may further include a ball striking face that engages or is integrally formed with the porous structure material or other portions of the club head body member structure. Further, the golf club of at least some embodiments of the present invention may include a grip member engaged with the shaft member. A golf club according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, optionally with additional weighting systems, for example, one or more persistent, fixed, movable, removable or customizable, And / or with selectable weight members, can be formed as putters, irons (including all types of wedges), hybrid type clubs, fairway woods, drivers, and the like.

  Still further aspects of the invention relate to methods of forming the various types of golf club heads described above, for example. Such methods include, for example, (a) forming a club head body member at least partially from a porous structure material; and (b) providing a ball striking face on or as part of the club head body member. May be included. Optionally, if desired, the club head body member may be formed as a multi-part configuration, and any one or more of these multi-parts may be formed of a porous structure material without departing from the invention. May be. As a more detailed example, if desired, individual face plate members, sole plate members, crown members, body ribbon members, etc. may be constructed of a porous structure material and / or without departing from the present invention. It may be attached to the porous structure material portion of the club head body member.

  Yet a further aspect of the invention relates to a method for forming a golf club. Such methods include, for example, (a) forming a club head body member at least partially of a porous structure material; and (b) engaging a shaft member with the club head body member (eg, a porous structure). Engaging the material directly, partially with the porous structure material, with a portion of the club head material that is not made of the porous structure material, and the like. Any of various types and variations may be used in making a golf club structure with respect to the above-described club head body member, its manufacturing method, and its structure and method for weighting without departing from the present invention. Good. Further, the method according to at least some embodiments of these aspects of the invention further includes (c) a club head body member (eg, on at least a portion of the porous structure material, another portion of the club head body member). Forming a ball striking face on the upper surface, and / or (d) engaging the grip member with the shaft member.

  Having outlined aspects of the present invention above, various specific embodiments of the golf club and golf club head structure of the present invention are described in more detail below.

II. Detailed Description of Embodiments of Golf Club Head and Golf Club Structure of the Present Invention
A. Porous Structural Material FIG. 1 illustrates a block of porous structural material 100 (e.g., a porous structural metal (individual metal unless otherwise specified) that can be used to construct a golf club head according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. , Alloys, amorphous metals, amorphous alloys, and / or combinations thereof). As is known in the art, the porous metal material may include a metal base member 102 formed with a number of bubbles or voids 104 (also referred to herein as “pores”). As is known, porous structural materials (also called “porous foams”) have a density of 10%, 5%, 3% or lower, based on the density of the same base metal material that does not have a porous structure. And can have an open cellular structure or a closed cellular structure. With respect to the other end of the spectrum, the porous metal or other material used in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention is 50% based on the density of the same base metal material without a porous or foam structure, It can have a density of 75%, 85%, or even 90% or higher. Needless to say, despite the reduced structural material, weight, density, and gaps in the porous material structure, the resulting material has highly desirable physical properties (eg, strength, stiffness, deformation resistance or deformation return, etc. ). Any desired pore size range for the porous structure material can be used without departing from the invention. Also, for example, when a club head strikes a ball and / or is used in a manner intended for other club structures, the resulting club head structure and / or part thereof is of sufficient strength and other suitable The golf club head structure can have any degree or ratio of weight density without departing from the present invention, provided that it has the desired physical properties. The suitability of a particular porous structure metal or other material for use in a golf club structure can be readily determined by routine experimentation.

  If desired, porous structural materials, including porous structural metal materials, may be used in other parts of the golf club structure, such as hosel areas, shafts, grips, etc., without departing from the invention. May be.

  Any desired type of metal or other material may be used as the base member 102 without departing from the invention, but more detailed examples of suitable metal materials include aluminum, titanium, nickel, copper, zinc , Carbon, zirconium, tungsten, lead, molybdenum, and / or combinations thereof and alloys thereof (nickel / aluminum alloy, white eye, brass, etc.). Also, without departing from the present invention, any desired method for producing a porous structure material can be used, including known conventional methods used by the porous structure material vendors such as: ALM (Applied Lightweight Materials) GmbH (Saarbrücken, Germany), Alulight International GmbH (Ranshofen, Austria), Cymat Corporation (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), ERG Materials and Aerospace Corporation (Oakland, California), Foamtech Co., Ltd (Seoul, South Korea), FiberNide Ltd. (Ontario, Canada), Gleich GmbH (Cartenkirchen, Germany), Hutte Klein-Reichenbach Ges.mbH (Schwarzenau, Austria), Inco Ltd. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) , Korea Metalfoam (Chonan, Korea), Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (Yodogawa City, Japan), M-Pore GmbH ( Dresden, Germany), Porvair Advanced Mateials (Hendersonville, NC), Recemat International BV (Netherlands), Reade Advanced Materials (Providence, Rhode Island), Spectra-Mat, Inc. (Watsonville, CA), SAS Solea (Busson, France), and Ultramet Corporation (Pacoima, California). Also, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,932,146, 6,866,084, 6,840,301, 6,706,239, 6,592,787, 5,951,791, 5,700,363, 4,957,543, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and these materials. Note that the manufacturing method is described. Further, the porous structure material may be golf club head or other, in any desired manner, including conventional machining, grinding, forging, casting, molding, and other processing techniques known and used in the golf club art. You may manufacture in the structure used by golf club components (a shaft, a hosel, etc.). This is optionally done before, during and / or after the pore forming process is complete.

  Porous metallic materials that can be used in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention include individual metals, and also alloys, combinations of metals, combinations of metals and other materials, and the like. In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the cellular structure material may comprise an amorphous metal or alloy material, such as that available from and / or available from LiquidMetal Teachnologies, Inc. (Lake Forest, Canada). . The formation of such amorphous metal materials (including metal alloys) and various components using these materials is described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 6,446,558, 6,771,490, 6,818,078, 6,843,496, 6,875,293, 6,887,586 As well as the references mentioned therein. Each of these patent documents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. These amorphous metallic materials may be formed into a porous metal (or foam) structure, for example, in various ways according to at least some of the various steps described in the preceding paragraph.

  As shown schematically in FIG. 1, if desired, the pores 104 may be formed throughout the three-dimensional base member 102 (eg, a metal alloy base). When the porous structure material 100 forms at least part of a golf club structure, one or more porous surfaces (such as the surface 106) may be exposed. Alternatively, if desired, one or more porous surfaces can be covered or encapsulated, for example, before, during, or after the porous structure material 100 is formed as part of a golf club structure. FIG. 2 shows an example of a porous structure material 200, where the bubbles or pores 104 of the base member 102 are coated and impregnated with a layer of one or more materials, for example, the same or different from the base material 102. , Filled and / or encapsulated in or covered by a laminated material layer 202. In this manner, the exposed surface of the material or resulting club structure is free of open voids or pores, thereby providing the club structure with a smooth and uniform surface and / or appearance. This type of filled structure may also be referred to herein as a “porous structure material composite”. Fill layer 202 may be of any desired thickness, for example, 10 angstroms to 4 cm or more, and the thickness may vary further. The filler layer 202 may be directly matched to the shape or contour of the underlying base member 102 (if any), or exposed from the exterior independent of that of the underlying base member 102. It may be a shape. Also, the packed bed 202 itself may be porous or non-porous without departing from the invention.

  The layer 202 may be formed on the porous structure base member 102 in any desired manner and at any desired point in the porous structure material and / or club manufacturing process without departing from the invention. Further, layer 202 may be made of any desired material without departing from the invention. As a more detailed example, if desired, the layer 202 may be integrally formed with the porous base member 102, for example, as a thin solid sheet of the same material as the metallic material comprising the porous base member 102. (For example, the layer 202 may be a thin aluminum layer or the like integrally formed as a one piece structure with the porous aluminum base member 102), or may be formed of another metal material or the like. Good. If desired, a molten metal material (same material as base member 102 or a different material) may be used to fill all or part of outer pores 104 and / or to have a smooth outer surface. . As a further example, if desired, the layer 202 can be formed from the base member in any desired manner, such as adhesive, cement, welding, soldering, brazing, other bonding or fusion techniques, or by mechanical joining means. It can be the material of another part that engages 102. As a further additional example, if desired, layer 202 may comprise a polymeric material coating such as, for example, epoxy, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, glass coating, ceramic coating, rubber coating, and the like. This may coat the metal base member 102 (optionally coat at least some voids 104 and / or at least partially fill at least a portion of the voids 104) and / or metal base member 102. Form a homogeneous layer on top. As a further additional example, if desired, some or all of the voids or pores 104 of the entire metal base member 102 are filled, or at least partially filled, with a polymeric material, such as the various polymeric materials described above. (E.g., a polymeric material to fill or impregnate pores 104 at or near at least one or more outer surfaces 106 of the porous structure material 100 to provide a smooth finish on various surfaces). May be used). Of course, if desired, still other methods of providing a smooth outer surface (eg, a smooth ball striking outer surface) may be used without departing from the present invention. Coating, impregnation, and / or filling of the porous structure base material 102 with a polymer or metal (or other) material may be made at any desired time within the porous structure material and / or club manufacturing process without departing from the invention. (E.g., before, during, or after foaming, before, during, or after club head manufacture, or before, during, or after shaft formation or attachment).

  The porous structure material may have any desired pore size, pore size distribution, multiple pore size distribution, or pore size distribution that is not readily recognizable without departing from the present invention. Further, if desired, a given golf club head structure and / or individual component may include a plurality of different porous structural materials, for example, different portions of a club made of different materials (eg, different metals), It may include different portions of a club having different densities or pore size distributions, different filler materials within pores at different locations, etc. (generally referred to herein as “multiple porous structure materials”).

  In the light of the above description of the porous structure material, a more detailed example of a golf club structure including such a material is described below.

B. Putter Structure Examples One embodiment of an aspect of the present invention is one or more manufactured at least partially from a porous metal or other material such as, for example, aluminum, nickel, titanium, or other porous material. The present invention relates to a putter structure including a plurality of parts. Porous structural materials and / or porous structural components for club structures can be obtained, for example, from one or more of the various vendors identified above.

  3A-3E show examples of parts of a putter structure 300 that can be made from a porous structure material (eg, a porous structure metal material) in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, a first structural member 302 (also referred to herein as a “body member”) is a first facing a golf ball (or other ball) when using a club head. Includes face 304. The main body member 302 of the illustrated embodiment is basically a rectangular cubic shape in which the second surface 306 is located opposite to the first surface 304. Of course, the body member 302 may be of various sizes, shapes and orientations and / or other putter head structures may be used without departing from the invention.

  The second surface 306 of the body member structure 302 of this example has an opening 308 defined on that surface. The opening 308 of the structure of the present embodiment extends through the body member 302 from the second surface 306 to the first surface 304. In other embodiments, the opening 308 need not extend through the club head portion of the body member 302, if desired. For example, if desired, the opening 308 begins at the surface 306 and extends partially through the club head portion of the body member 302, but may end before reaching the first surface 304. As another example, an opening 308 may be provided on the top surface 310 or other surface of the club head portion of the body member 302 and, optionally, the front surface 304, if desired, without departing from the invention. An opening may or may not be provided in the. As yet another example, there may be structures that do not need to have openings if desired (e.g., as described in more detail in connection with FIG. They may be integrally formed or attached).

  The main body member 302 of the structure of the present embodiment further includes a base member 312 extending in the back direction of the club head face and in the direction away from the first surface 304 and the second surface 306. Base member 312 may take on a variety of different structures and shapes without departing from the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 312 includes a lower flat region 314 that is immediately adjacent to the opening 308 to facilitate access to the opening 308 (for reasons that will become more apparent in the following description). . The base member 312 forms an inclined portion 316 extending from the lower flat region 314 to the rear and upward from the club head portion of the body member 302, and thus the base portion 312 of the structure of this embodiment further includes a handle or A shaft mounting system 318 is provided. Any suitable or desirable method of attaching the shaft or handle to the club head body member 302 can be used without departing from the present invention, such methods being known and used in the art. This method is included. For example, the shaft may be screwed or penetrated into a suitable receptacle region 318 on the base member 312 and may be secured with adhesive, mechanical joining means and / or the like.

  The base member 312 having the structure of this embodiment extends further rearward and provides a fixing region 320. As will be described in more detail below, the securing region 320 is used in the structure of this embodiment to secure the body member 302 to other parts of the overall club head structure 300.

  Base member 312 can be included as part of the club head portion of body member 302 in any suitable or desirable manner without departing from the invention. For example, the entire structure 302 can be provided as a one-piece structure formed, for example, by casting, forging, molding, machining, or the like. As another example, the base member 312 may be welded, soldered, press-fit, inserted, glued, and / or otherwise attached to the club head portion of the body member 302. The club head portion of the base member 312 and the body member 302 may be made of any suitable or desirable material, including conventional materials known and used in the art, without departing from the invention. Good. Examples of suitable materials include aluminum, titanium, nickel, steel, brass, white eye, carbon fiber, polymer, glass, ceramic, rubber and the like. Further, if desired, the base member 312 and / or the club head portion 302 may be made of a porous structure material including the above-described porous structure metal material. Optionally, it may have a coating or other layer to provide a smooth outer surface or at least a ball striking surface.

  Base member 312 may further be attached to or included as part of any desired location or location of the club head portion of body member 302 without departing from the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 312 extends from the center of the bottom of the club head below the opening 308. Alternatively, if desired, as a further example, the base member 312 may be formed from above the club head (eg, above the opening 308), from the top surface 310, on one or both sides of the opening 308 without departing from the invention. , From the side and / or bottom surface of the club head, and / or from any other desired location. As another example, if desired, the base member 312 may extend from the insert 350 and / or be included as part thereof. The insert 350 is described in detail below in connection with FIG. 3B. In still other embodiments, the entire body member structure 302 and / or the entire putter structure may not require the base member 312 if desired.

  In particular, the base member 312 of this embodiment has a large open or “truss-like” structure with open areas 322 defined at various locations. These open areas 322, along with possible structures of all or part of the body member 302 derived from the porous structure material, contribute to reducing the total weight of the body member 302. This allows additional weight to be distributed elsewhere in the overall club head structure while maintaining a strong and stable overall structure and avoiding overload structures. Further, the material constituting the main body member 302 including the base member 312 may be selected so that the manufacture of an excessive club head structure is avoided. The possible redistribution of the weight in the overall club head structure and the resulting beneficial effects on the club head moment of inertia, center of gravity, and / or other properties are described in more detail below.

  FIG. 3B shows an example of a second part of a putter head according to at least some examples of this invention. The second member 350 (also referred to as “insertion member” in this specification) is formed in the opening 308 defined in the main body member 302 (for example, press-fitted or frictionally fitted into the opening 308). , Including an insert 352 sized and shaped to be received (adhesively engaged within the opening 308). The insertion member 350 of the present embodiment further includes a main body portion 354 extending in a direction away from the insertion portion 352. The insertion portion 352 and the body portion 354 can be provided as an integral one-piece structure, or, if desired, the insertion portion 352 is formed separately from the body portion 354 without departing from the present invention. For example, the body portion 354 may be engaged in any desired manner such as welding, soldering, brazing, bonding, mechanical joining means, insertion, press-fitting, and the like. Further, insert member 350, optionally including insert 352 and body 354, is made of any suitable or desirable material, including materials known and used in the art, without departing from the invention. May be. As a more detailed example, various portions of the insert member 350 may be composed of one or more of aluminum, titanium, steel, brass, white eye, nickel, carbon fiber, polymer, glass, ceramic, rubber, and the like. . If desired, in at least some embodiments of the present invention, at least some portions (eg, insert 352 and / or body 354) or the entire insert member 350 may be made of a porous structural material (optionally, eg, Or a porous structure material such as a porous structure metal material that provides a smooth outer surface by filling, coating, impregnation or lamination as described above.

  The insertion member 350 including the insertion portion 352 and / or the body portion 354 may have any desired shape or outline without departing from the present invention. In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the body 354 is configured and shaped to form an open area 356 (or other central area of smaller size). In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 354 is generally triangular including a base side 358 and two side arms 360 and 362, and the open area 356 is defined between the base side 358 and the two side arms 360 and 362. Made. Here, the base side 358 in this embodiment extends in a direction parallel (or substantially parallel) to the front surface 364 of the insertion portion 352 (and when the insertion member 350 is joined to the base member 302, Extending parallel (or substantially parallel) to the front surface 304. Of course, any desired arm length, arm width, arm thickness, base side length, base side thickness, relative arm angle, etc. may be used for the insertion member 350 without departing from the invention. Further, shapes other than the generally triangular shape shown in FIG. 3B may be used for the insert member 350 without departing from the invention. Examples of this shape include a rectangle, an ellipse, a circle, and a trapezoid.

  The opening area 356 contributes to a reduction in the total weight of the insertion member 350. In addition, to reduce the weight of the insert 350, if necessary or desirable, a cavity is provided in the interior of the structure (eg, arms 360 and 362 or base side 358) to provide an open structure or “truss”. Shape "structure (eg, a structure similar to that of the base member 312 shown in FIG. 3A) and / or constructed of a porous structure material. As yet another example, the insert 352 is shown in FIG. 3B as including two cutout or hollowed regions 352a and 352b. These two regions may extend completely through the insert 352 (if desired, these hollowed regions 352a and 352b may extend through a portion of the insert 352). . Of course, these cut out or hollowed out regions may be provided along side arms 360 and 362 and / or along base side 358 without departing from the invention. Further, if desired, the material comprising the insertion member 352 may be selected to control the total weight of the device (eg, a lightweight aluminum or titanium material).

  Used to construct these cut or hollowed areas 352a and 352b (if any), and open area 356 (if any) and opening structure 322 of base member 312 and at least some of these elements The structure of the material being made (for example, a lightweight material composed of aluminum, titanium, nickel, polymer, glass, ceramic, rubber, etc.) contributes to a reduction in the total weight of the club head. The reduced weight allows club manufacturers and designers to add additional weight to other selected locations in the overall club head structure without excessively increasing the total weight of the club head. Weight distribution and such control allow the swing characteristics of the entire club head to be changed and / or controlled (eg, to increase the club head's moment of inertia). Any desired method of redistributing and / or weighting the club head 300 weight may be used without departing from the present invention. For example, the insert member 350 may include receptacles 366 and 368 for receiving weight members 370 and 372, respectively, such as weighted inserts comprising lead, tungsten, or other heavy metals or heavy materials. If desired, the weight members 370 and 372 are removably attached to the insert member 350 by, for example, removable adhesive, threads, turnbuckles, clamps, clasps, set screws, or other mechanical joining means. So that the weight members 370 and 372 can be easily removed from the respective receptacles 366 and 368 and replaced with other weight members and the like. With this feature, the swing characteristics of the entire club head can be customized so as to better match the swing characteristics and preferences of individual users.

  Receptacles 366 and 368 (and weighted inserts 370 and 372) may be provided at any desired location throughout the club head structure 300 without departing from the invention. In at least some embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3E, receptacles 366 and 368 are placed on the insertion member 350, more specifically on the body 354 of the insertion member 350. For example, it is disposed at a location far from the insertion portion 352 and / or at a location away from the center of the ball striking surface. Using the triangular body 354 shown in FIG. 3B, the weighted member receptacles 366 and 368 (and the weighted inserts 370 and 372 themselves) are placed in the corner area of the triangular body 354, generally with a base side 358. You may arrange | position in the place which touches each of the side arms 360 and 362. According to this structure, the weight members 370 and 372 are disposed behind the ball striking face and close to the heel and toe of the club head, and the moment of inertia of the club head (e.g., during swing and / or Torsional resistance at the time of contact with the ball.

  3C and 3D are different perspective views of an embodiment of the putter structure 300 including the body member 302 and the insertion member 350 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. As shown in FIG. 3C, the insertion portion 352 of the insertion member 350 fits into the opening 308 provided on the back surface 306 of the main body member 302. The flat region 314 and the inclined region 316 of the base member 312 provide sufficient space for the insertion part 352 to be inserted into the opening 308. Insert member 350 and body member 302 are secured to each other at the location of insert 352 / opening 308, if desired, in any desired manner known in the art, including without departing from the invention. May be: welding, adhesives, mechanical joining means, spring-loaded detents or other mechanical engagement systems, other joining techniques, other melting techniques, etc. If desired, the insert member 350 and the body member 302 can be removed (eg, by bolts, nuts, screws, set screws, clamps, clasps, or other mechanical joining means) without departing from the invention. May be fixed together, so that, for example, a user, club repairman, club assembler, etc. can change the swing characteristics of the club or customize the club head 300 to the user's preference. Different parts of the overall putter structure 300 can be replaced to change the club head 300 based on play conditions (eg, fast green vs. slow green, wet vs. dry conditions, etc.). As another example, the insertion member 350 and the body member 302 may be press-fit to each other at the insertion portion 352 / opening 308 (eg, sized and shaped to fit firmly together) ) And / or mechanical attachment means may be used to secure the parts together without permanently securing the insert 352 to the opening 308. FIGS. 3C and 3D further illustrate a shaft or handle 380 attached to the base member 312 at the shaft attachment region 318. If desired, the shaft or handle 380 may be made at least partially from a porous structure material.

  Additional features of the structure of at least some embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D. As shown in these drawings, the main body member 302 and the insertion member 350 may be fixed to each other where the base member 312 is in contact with the main body portion 354 of the insertion member 350. Any manner of securing these members 302 and 350 together may be used without departing from the present invention, but in the illustrated embodiment, one or more bolts, screws, rivets, or other The joining means 382 penetrates the fixing region 320 of the body member 302 and the fixing region 374 of the insertion member 350 (see also FIGS. 3A and 3B). Alternatively (or in addition), if desired, the base member 312 of the body member 302 can be secured in the securing region 320 with adhesive, welding, soldering, set screws, clamps, clasps, spring loaded detent mechanisms, etc. It may be secured to the body 354 of the insertion member 350 in any desired manner, including mechanical joining and / or conventional manner known and used in the art without departing from the invention. Good.

  As further shown in FIG. 3D, the opening 308 of the structure of this embodiment extends completely through the body member 302 and terminates at the front surface 304 of the body member 302. Accordingly, the insertion member 350 is inserted into the opening 308 of the structure of this embodiment, and the front surface 364 of the insertion member 350 is exposed through the front surface 304 of the body member 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the front surface 304 of the body member 302 and the front surface 364 of the insert member 350 are each flush with or substantially flush with each other in the final club head structure 300, and both the front surfaces 304 and 364 are both present. The ball striking surface of the putter structure 300 of the embodiment is formed.

  FIG. 3E is an overhead view of the club head structure 300 of FIGS. The various “hidden” shapes of the insert member 350 in this figure are shown in dashed lines, thereby providing a more complete overview of the club head structure 300 of this embodiment of the present invention.

As outlined above, using a combination of lightweight materials (such as the porous structural material of at least a portion of the insert member 350, base member 302, and / or shaft member 380) and / or opening in the club head structure Providing areas (eg, areas 322, 352a, 352b, 356, etc.) reduces the mass of the club head structure 300 and allows the club designer or manufacturer to design (continuous weights, removable weight members) It is possible to place the mass elsewhere (using 370 and 372 etc.), thereby allowing the swing characteristics of the club to be changed and / or controlled. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3E, much of its mass is located in the outer region of the club head 300 behind the ball striking face and close to the club head heel and toe (eg, arms 360 and 362 and the base member). The outer corner of the main body portion 354 of the triangular insertion member formed by 358). For example, with the additional weight of the club head of the type shown in FIGS. 3A-3E, the overall design of the club head (ie, the combination of the body member 302, the insert member 350 and any weighted insert) The moments of inertia around the centers of the faces 304 and 364 may be configured and weighted so as to be as high as 10,000 g / cm ² , for example. The moment of inertia is, for example, an indicator of club head torsional resistance during swinging and / or contact with an object to be hit (eg, a golf ball). A twisted or twisted club head during swing or contact may cause the ball to be out of line with undesired spins and / or out of the preferred contact area with the club ball, for example, loss of distance or registration. There is a tendency to invite different hits. Thus, the high moment of inertia associated with the club head structure of at least some embodiments of the present invention can contribute to preventing club head twisting and / or mishits.

  Of course, many variations in the design of the various parts of the putter structure are possible without departing from the invention. For example, if desired, the base member 358 and the base member 312 of the insertion member 350 may not be joined, and thus the base member 312 need not extend to the base side 358. Also, if desired, the opening areas 322, 352a, 352b, and / or 356 can be omitted, covered, and / or made larger without departing from the present invention. Also good.

  4A and 4B are perspective views of another embodiment of the putter structure 400 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the main body member 402 is provided with a ball striking portion 404 and a base member 406 extending in a direction away from the ball striking portion 404 (and toward the back surface of the club structure 400). An opening 408 is defined in the rear surface 410 of the ball striking portion 404, which extends through the back surface 410 to a front surface 412 that faces the ball in use. Of course, if desired, the opening 408 may begin at the back surface 410, extend partially through the ball striking portion 404 of the body member 402, and end before reaching the front surface 412. As another example, if desired, the opening 408 may be provided on the other surface of the ball striking portion 404 or not at all without departing from the present invention. Also, if desired, the ball striking portion 404 may exhibit any desired shape (not limited to the generally rectangular cube shape in all embodiments of the present invention).

  The base member 406 of the structure 400 of this example includes a flat portion 414 and an inclined portion 416, thereby allowing space for the insertion member 450 to be inserted into the opening 408, as will be described in more detail below. . A shaft or handle receptacle 418 is provided along the ramp 416 of the base member 406 in a displaced state. Of course, this shaft or handle receptacle 418, or other shaft mounting means, may be provided at any desired location or in any desired orientation without departing from the invention. Additionally or alternatively, when attaching a shaft or handle to the structure 400 without departing from the invention, any desired location of the structure 400 (on the insert member 450 or on the body member 402 and on the insert member 450) Including both of them).

  The insertion member 450 includes an insertion portion 452 and a main body portion 454. The insertion portion 452 is inserted into the opening 408 of the main body member 402, and the main body portion 454 extends in a direction away from the ball hitting portion 404. In this embodiment, the body member 402 is inserted (eg, using adhesive, welding, set screws, bolts, clamps, clasps, other mechanical joints, strong friction fits, press fits, etc.) The base member 406 of the main body member 402 is not attached to the main body portion 454 of the insertion member 450, although the base member 406 of the main body member 402 is attached to the insertion member 450 at the joint portion of the portion 452 / opening portion 408. Optionally, the body member 402 and the insertion member 450 may be removably attached to each other, so that, for example, the body member 402 and the insertion member 450 can be replaced to repair or change the overall swing characteristics of the club head 400. You can do it. This feature allows the user or club assembler to freely customize the club by replacing the body member 402 and / or the insertion member 450, for example, to match the user's swing characteristics or preferences, or to play conditions (eg, , Fast green vs. slow green, wet conditions vs. dry conditions, etc.).

  In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 454 of the insertion member 450 is generally triangular with two side arms 456 and 458 and a base side 460. The main body 454 has a reduced weight area embodied in the present embodiment as an opening area 462 defined in the main body. Also, if desired, all or at least a portion of the insertion member 450 (and / or body member 402) may be made of a porous structure material (e.g., to further reduce the weight of the main body portion of the overall club head structure 400. It may be composed of a porous metal, semi-metal, amorphous metal, polymer, rubber, ceramic, etc.). Additional, weighted areas 464 and 466 may be provided in the corner area of the triangular base structure (ie where the base side 460 contacts the two side arms 456 and 458), thereby (eg, porous structure) Weight (saved by the use of materials and / or the structure of the open area 462) can be redistributed to the area behind the club head structure 400, the heel area, and the toe area. In the structure 400 of this example, rather than providing a removable weight member (as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3E), the weight is increased by not extending the open area 462 to the end of the corner of the triangular structure. Areas 464 and 466 (e.g. leaving at least a portion of the metal, porous structure material, polymer, or other constituent material of the body 454 in the area of the body remote from the ball striking section 404, and optionally, These areas 464 and 466 are made of and / or comprise higher density or weighted materials such as lead or tungsten materials). If desired, additional weight may be fitted and received in the weighted areas 464 and 466 in any selectively removable manner without departing from the invention. If present, the additional weight may be in the form of a metal or weighted insert (eg, lead, tungsten, etc.), weighted adhesive (eg, lead tape), or any other without departing from the invention. It can be in the form of

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the front surface 468 of the insertion member 450 is exposed through the opening 408 and forms at least a portion of the ball striking surface of the putter structure 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the front surface 468 of the insertion member 450 and the front surface 412 of the body member 402 are shown flush (or together) (and together form the entire ball striking face of the putter structure 400) If desired, these surfaces need not be flush. For example, if desired, the front surface 468 of the insertion member 450 is out of the opening 408 (eg, so that the front surface 468 alone forms the ball striking face of the putter structure 400) and the front surface 412 of the body member 402. It may extend forward. Various sizes and / or shapes can be used for the front surface 468 exposed through the opening 408 (if any) without departing from the invention.

  The putter structure 400 of this example includes additional features. For example, as shown, the base side 460 is curved to provide a marking area 470. These features provide the club head 400 with an interesting aesthetic design. If desired, a club manufacturer, manufacturer, or other person may provide the stamped area 470 with a logo, model name, model number, owner name, and / or other marks or data.

  4A and 4B differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3E in that the base member 406 of the body member 402 extends from the upper area rather than the bottom area of the ball striking head 404. Thus, the flat area 414 of the base member 406 extends in a direction away from the ball striking surface 412, and the insertion member 450 fits under the base member 406. The structure 400 is further provided with an inclined portion 416 and a handle fitting 418 extending in a different direction than the structure described above with reference to FIGS. Of course, the base member 406 may be provided at other locations below the opening 408, along the sides of the opening 408, and / or including other locations without departing from the invention. Many other structural variations and the like are possible without departing from the invention. If desired, the entire putter head structure 400 may be formed as a one-part structure without departing from the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a putter structure 500 of some exemplary aspects of the invention. In the structure of this embodiment, the putter head 500 includes a ball striking front surface 502 and a body member 504 extending in a direction away from the ball striking surface 502. The putter head according to this schematic design has a moment of inertia about the center of the ball striking surface 502 of at least 20,000 g / cm ² , and in at least some embodiments, the moment of inertia is at least 25,000 g / cm ² And in some embodiments 28,000 g / cm ² .

  As in the various embodiments described above, the material comprising the entire golf head 500 or a portion thereof assists in obtaining the desired moment of inertia described above. For example, the entire body portion 504 or at least a part thereof may be made of a lightweight polymer material (eg, polyamide or nylon material, polymer porous structure material, etc.), a lightweight metal material (eg, porous aluminum, titanium, and / or nickel material). You may produce with lightweight materials, such as. In at least some embodiments, the body portion 504 and the ball striking portion 506 of the club head (eg, the portion of the club head that includes the ball striking surface 502) are integrated into a single piece, for example of a porous structure material as described above. You may form integrally as a structure. However, if desired, the body portion 504 can be designed as an insert that fits into one or more openings in the ball striking portion 506, as described in more detail above in connection with FIGS. Also good. As yet another option, the body portion 504 can be attached to a separate ball striking portion 506 in any desired manner (eg, using adhesive, mechanical joining, welding, etc.) without departing from the invention. Also good. If desired, the ball striking portion 506 may be made of a material different from the body portion 504 (eg, a different porous structure material, etc.) without departing from the present invention.

  The ball striking front surface 502 may take on a variety of shapes without departing from the invention. For example, the ball striking surface 502 may be simply formed integrally as the forefront surface of the ball striking portion 506. As another alternative, if desired, the ball striking surface 502 is attached to or formed on the front surface of the ball striking portion 506 using, for example, adhesives, screws, mechanical bonding, coating techniques, etc. It can be provided as a plate, polymer coating, or other material. As yet another option, the ball striking surface 502 and / or the ball striking portion 506 may be integrally formed as a one-piece structure integral with other portions of the body portion 504 without departing from the present invention. As another option, at least a part of the ball striking surface 502 may be provided as an insertion part attached to or formed as a part of the main body part 504 (or other structural member). This insert is inserted into the opening defined in the ball striking portion 506 as outlined in connection with FIGS. Other methods of providing the ball striking surface 502 may be utilized without departing from the present invention.

  Additional features of the structure of the club head 500 can assist in generating the preferred moment of inertia characteristics described above. For example, the main body 504 may be designed to extend behind and outside the ball striking surface 502. For example, the side arms 508 and 510 of the main body member 504 may extend behind the ball hitting portion 506 and outside thereof. The main body member 504 may further include a base member 512 that extends parallel to (or substantially parallel to) the ball striking surface 502 and to the rear side of the ball striking portion 506. Thus, the entire club head structure 500 may be substantially trapezoidal or triangular in shape (eg, depending on where the arms 508 and 510 contact the ball striking portion 506) and optionally defines an open area 514 in the center thereof. May be. Arms 508 and 510 are shown shorter than ball hitting portion 506 (inside the page of FIG. 5 and elsewhere), and base member 512 has a thinner portion 516. Such a reduced size and opening area 514 can reduce the total weight of the body member 504 (and optionally reduce the reduced weight to other club head structures 500 as described in detail below. Available for redistribution at the location). If desired, cavities in the arms 508 and 510 and / or base member 512 can be further reduced to reduce their weight (and to make the weight available for redistribution elsewhere). And / or manufactured in a “truss-like” and / or at least partially formed of a porous structure material.

  In at least some embodiments of the present invention, for example, the club head 500 may be of a relatively large size at or near the upper limit allowed by current USGA regulations and guidelines. Also good. Currently, the USGA guidelines limit the design of putter heads as follows: (A) Maximum overall width (eg, dimension “A” in FIG. 5) is 7 inches (A ≦ 7 inches); (b) Maximum overall depth (eg, dimension “C” in FIG. 5) is less than dimension “A”. (A> C); (c) Minimum face width (eg, dimension “B” in FIG. 5) is at least 2/3 of dimension “C” and at least 1/2 of dimension “A” (B ≧ 2/3) C and B ≧ 1/2 · A); and (d) Maximum overall height (eg, within page of FIG. 5 and others) is 2.5 inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body member 504 is a pair of weights disposed behind the ball striking surface 502 and at least partially outside the surface 502 (eg, near the heel and toe of the club head). Member receptacles 518 and 520 are included. More specifically, at least a portion of the weight member receptacles 518 and 520 are oriented perpendicular to the ball striking surface 502 and are disposed at each end 502a and 502b of the ball striking surface 502 (planes P ₁ and (See page ₂ ). If desired, in at least some embodiments, the entire weight member receptacles 518 and 520 may be located outside these surfaces without departing from the invention. Weighting members 522 and 524 (eg, lead, tungsten, or other heavy material inserts) are provided in receptacles 518 and 520, respectively, behind and approximately at the outer periphery of club head structure 500 or at its heel and toe. Part may be further weighted. Thus, at least a part (or all) of the weight members 522 and 524 are also arranged outside the planes P ₁ and P ₂ described above.

  The structure 500 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 5 further includes a base portion 526 that extends in a direction away from the ball striking surface 502 and toward the rear of the club head structure 500. This base portion 526 may be located at the very center of the ball striking surface 502, thereby serving as an alignment aid for the putter head structure 500 (eg, to identify the desired location of contact of the club head with the ball). be able to. Base portion 526 can extend from and / or attach to ball striking portion 506 and / or body portion 504 in any desired manner without departing from the invention. For example, the base portion 526 is attached to one or more of the body portion 504, the ball striking surface 502, and / or the ball striking portion 506, for example, by adhesive, welding, soldering, mechanical joining means, or the like. Also good. As another example, the base portion 526 may optionally be integrated into the body portion 504, the ball striking surface 502, and / or the ball striking portion 506, without departing from the present invention. It may be made of the same material as one or more of them. If desired, the base portion 526 may be at least partially formed from a porous structure material.

  Club head structure 500 may further include a shaft mounting member 528 (eg, a hosel member) that mounts shaft 530 in any desired manner, including, for example, conventional methods known and used in the art. Good. As is known and used in the art, any desired type of shaft 530 can be used in a conventional design, including a shaft 530 composed of conventional materials, without departing from the invention. Also good. Alternatively, if desired, either or both of shaft mounting member 528 and shaft 530 may be made of a porous structure material.

C. Example of Iron Type Golf Club Structure The putter is not the only type of golf club that can take advantage of the weight saving properties of the porous structure material. For example, these lightweight materials can be used in an iron-type golf club structure. With reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, a golf club 600 of at least some embodiments of the present invention will be described. The golf club 600 of this embodiment includes a shaft 602 and a golf club head 604. The golf club head 604 of FIGS. 6A-6C can be a representative example of any iron or hybrid type golf club head. The shaft 602 of the golf club 600 is made of a variety of materials including materials known and used in the art, such as known steel, titanium, one or more of graphite, or composite materials, and combinations thereof. May be. As another example, if desired, the shaft 602 may be made at least partially of a porous structure material. Further, adhesives or cements in any desired manner, including conventional methods known and used in the art (eg, hosel element 612 (the hosel element itself may be made of a cellular structure material) The shaft 602 may be attached to the club head 604, such as by thread or other mechanical joining means. A grip element (not shown) may be positioned on the shaft 602 to provide a slip resistant surface for the golfer to grip the golf club shaft 602. The grip element may be attached to the shaft 602 in any desired manner, including conventional methods known and used in the art (eg, by adhesive or cement, mechanical joining means, etc.).

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the golf club head 604 includes a body member 606 that includes a heel portion 608 and a toe portion 610. To join the shaft 602 of FIG. 6A to the golf club head 604, the heel portion 608 is attached to and / or extends from the hosel 612 (eg, as a single or integral one-piece structure). The body member 606 further includes an upper surface portion 614 and a sole portion 616. The striking face 618 may be provided between the upper surface portion 614 and the sole portion 616, and between the toe 610 and the heel 608. The striking face 618 engages the golf ball and provides a contact area that flies in the intended direction. The striking face 618 may include a groove 620 for removing water and lawn from the striking face 618 during ball striking (eg, a generally horizontal groove 620 extending across the face 618 in the illustrated embodiment). Of course, any number of grooves and desired groove patterns (or patterns without grooves, if desired) may be provided without departing from the invention.

  The body member 606 of the golf club head 604 can be a variety of materials, including materials known and used in the art, such as steel, titanium, aluminum, nickel, tungsten, graphite, polymers, or composite materials, or combinations thereof. It can be composed of various materials. Advantageously, at least a portion of the club head structure (eg, main body portion) is formed of a porous structure material. The club head 604 may also be made from any number of independent parts and / or by construction techniques including, for example, casting, forging, and / or other methods known and used in the art. sell.

  FIG. 6B is a rear view of a golf club head 604 of at least some embodiments of the present invention. The golf club head 604 of this embodiment includes a rear face 624 located on the opposite side of the striking face 618. The rear face 624 is formed or defined with a first rear cavity 626 having a relatively large opening. The bridge member 628 extends over the entire first rear cavity 626, and the bridge member 628 may join the heel portion 608 of the club head 604 to the toe portion 610. As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,897 (September 17, 2002, John T. Stites, et al.), The bridge member 628 further extends across the first rear cavity 626 without departing from the present invention. It may extend in other directions and be joined at various other locations on the golf club head structure. This patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The bridge member 628 can be provided as any desired shape, such as a rectangle, oval, triangle, trapezoid, square, or other contrast or asymmetric shape. The bridge member 628 may have a uniform or non-uniform width or thickness over its entire length.

  The bridge member 628 may be any desired including the use of mechanical joining means (eg rivets or screws 630), melting techniques (welding, soldering, brazing, etc.), adhesion techniques (eg adhesives or cements, etc.), etc. In this manner, the toe portion 610 and / or the heel portion 608 (or other portion) of the club head 604 may be joined. Those skilled in the art will recognize the bridge member 628 using fewer or additional joining points or elements than those shown in FIG. 6B and / or by numerous other joining means and / or techniques without departing from the invention. It will be appreciated that the toe 610 and / or the heel 608 may be joined. As a further additional example, if desired, the bridge member 628 can be formed as a single cast with the golf club head 604 and / or as a single integral element so that the bridge member 628 can be formed as a golf club. A one-part structure with the head 604 can be used.

  In the illustrated golf club head structure 604 of the present invention, a second rear cavity 632 is provided below the bridge member 628 as shown in FIG. 6B. Referring to FIG. 6C, a cross-sectional view of the golf club head 604 is shown. As shown in the figure, in this structure, the main body 640 of the club head 604 is formed of a porous structure material made of, for example, foamed aluminum, foamed titanium, foamed nickel, or the like. A face plate 642 is formed on and / or over the porous structure material 640 to provide a hard, uniform surface for striking the ball. The face plate 642 may be integrated with the main body portion 640 in any desired manner, for example: manufactured as a one-piece structure; welded, brazed, or soldered to the main body portion 640; Adhering to 640 with cement or adhesive, etc .; coating or filling (eg as molten metal or polymer coating or filling), etc. Further, the face plate 642 may be made of the same material as the material of the main body 640 or a different material.

  The embodiment configuration shown in FIG. 6C shows an optional wall 634 extending from the sole 616 of the club head 604 to the bridge member 628. The wall 634 at least partially forms or defines a second rear cavity 632 that includes an opening located below the bridge member 628 in the club head structure 604. The wall 634 may be formed to include a front surface (facing outward toward the second cavity 632), a back surface (facing inward toward the first cavity 626), a top surface, and a bottom surface. . If desired, a space may be provided between the back surface of the wall 634 and the rear face 624 of the golf club head 604. Further, if desired, for example, to change sound, vibration response, swing sensation, and / or other sensory characteristics of the club head 606, such as weight members, plastic members, liquid filled bladders, pressure bladders, etc. Additional elements may be provided in the bridge member 628 and / or the cavity 626 between the wall member 634 and the rear wall 624 of the club head.

  For example, the wall 634, if present, may be integrally formed with the club head 604 and / or the bridge member 628 to provide additional support and rigidity to the bridge member 628. The wall 634 may be linear, curved, or other shapes based on, for example, the shape of the bridge member 628, the shape of the club head 604, the desired aesthetics, etc. Similar to club head 604, wall 634 and / or bridge member 628 may be replaced with stainless steel, titanium, graphite, plastic, polymer material, composite material, combinations thereof, and / or other conventionally used in golf club head manufacturing. It may be made of a wide variety of materials, such as Further, the club head 604, wall 634, and bridge member 628 may be made of the same or different materials without departing from the invention. If present, the additional support and rigidity of the bridge member 628 provided by the wall 634 can contribute to preventing or reducing deformation of the bridge member 628 when in contact with the golf ball. Further, if desired, the wall 634 can provide at least some vibration damping effect upon impact of the striking face 618 with the golf ball. Further, the wall 634 may be used as a weighting member for the club head 604.

  If present, the wall 634 may be secured to the club head structure 604 (eg, to the bridge member 628 and / or to other parts of the club head 604) in any desired manner without departing from the invention. . As some more detailed examples, the front and / or bottom surfaces of wall 634 may be secured to bridge member 628 and / or sole portion 616, respectively, using an adhesive or cement. Optionally, if desired, the wall 634 may fit into a groove or recess provided in the surface of the bridge member 628 and / or the sole portion 616. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous other ways to attach the wall 634 to the bridge member 628 and sole 616 (or to other parts of the club head structure 604) without departing from the invention. right. Numerous other attachment methods are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

  During a golf game, each individual swings with the golf club 600 so that the club head 604 impacts the golf ball through a generally arcuate path. Next, part of the inertia of the golf club 600, particularly part of the inertia of the golf club head 604, is transferred to the golf ball, and the golf ball is blown. The position of the center of gravity of the club head 604 at the time of hitting the ball affects the degree to which the ball flies and turns, for example, whether the ball turns to the right, turns to the left, or follows a substantially straight path. When the center of gravity of the club head is placed immediately behind the point of engagement with the ball striking face 618, the golf ball will follow a substantially straight path. However, when the center of gravity of the club head 604 approaches one side of the point of engagement with the ball, the golf ball can follow a path that turns left or right. Also, the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 604 at the time of contact with the ball is low and voluminous based on whether the center of gravity is above or below the point of engagement with the ball on the striking face 618. Affects whether it shows a high or climbing trajectory.

  While the concept behind using the golf club 600 to fly a golf ball in the direction of the intended target may seem relatively simple, it may be quite difficult to actually fly the golf ball as intended. For example, when an individual actually tries to fly a golf ball along a substantially straight path, the golf ball may always turn right. Many conventional golf club heads have a center of gravity located on the striking face. However, by changing the center of gravity of the golf club head 604 for a variety of golf clubs, many golfers fly the club head face 618 to a square or to follow the intended path upon impact with the golf ball. Can help. By using a porous structure material for at least part of the golf club head 604 or other part of the golf club structure (such as hosel 612 or shaft 602), the club designer or manufacturer can selectively place weights. It is possible to move the center of gravity to various positions, thereby supporting the club design that has a better influence on the flying ball. For example, the center of gravity of the club head 604 can be positioned away from the striking face 618 and behind the golf club head 604 to better match the play characteristics, style, and preferences of many golfers. In this way, the golfer uses the golf club head 604 of the present invention to reposition the center of gravity of the golf club head 604 with respect to the striking face 618, thereby modifying or changing the path of the golf ball relative to other golf club heads. Can be changed.

  The center of gravity of the golf club head 604, also referred to herein as the “center of mass”, is defined as the equilibrium point. More specifically, the center of gravity of the golf club head 604 is that the total weight of the golf club head 604 can be considered concentrated at one point, and if supported at that point, the club head 604 will eventually The static equilibrium state continues even at the position of. The location of the center of gravity of the golf club head 604 is, for example, manufactured by making the main portion 640 of the body 604 from a lightweight porous structure material and placing additional weight away from the striking face 618, thereby distributing the weight of the golf club head 604. It can be changed by changing. Changes in the weight distribution of the golf club head 604 in at least some embodiments of the present invention (e.g., the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6C) (as described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 7-11) ), At least in part, using a weighted bridge member 628, a weighted wall 634, and optionally a separate weight element.

  As a more detailed example, bridge member 628 may be used to increase the weight of the back surface of golf club head 604, for example, as compared to striking face 618. Thus, by increasing the weight toward the rear of the golf club head 604, the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 604 changes. By moving the center of gravity lower and behind the golf club head 604, the loft of the golf club 600 tends to increase at the time of impact with the golf ball. Further, the shape, location, and weight distribution of the bridge member 628 may affect the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 604. For example, in longer iron clubs (eg, 0-5 irons and / or hybrid clubs), at least for some golfers, lower than corresponding shorter iron clubs (eg, 6 irons to various wedges) It may be desirable to have a center of gravity at the location. In longer iron or hybrid clubs, the lower center of gravity will generally help the golfer make the loft even larger and the golf shot higher. Thus, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, the longer iron or hybrid club bridge member 628 is positioned on the back of the golf club head body 604 relative to the position of the bridge member 628 on the shorter iron club. You may arrange | position in a lower position.

  Also, lowering the center of gravity of the golf club head 604 can be done at least in part by a wall 634 or other weight element. For the striking face 618, elements such as a wall 634 can also be used to increase the weight of the back surface of the golf club head 604. Increasing the weight of the back surface of the golf club head 604 at a lower position of the club head 604 lowers the center of gravity of the club head 604 and thus often allows the golf club head 604 to fly a golf ball on a higher trajectory. To do. Further, as described above, the wall 634 (and / or other heavy member) can be used to increase support of the bridge member 628 and prevent deformation of the bridge member 628 when in contact with a golf ball. Or it can be reduced. This additional support tends to increase the flight distance of the golf ball after impact with the club head 604 to some extent.

  7-9 show further examples of iron type golf club heads. The club head of this embodiment is, for example, to allow the club designer, club assembler, user, etc. to modify the weight and center of gravity characteristics of the golf club head (e.g., (Including part or all of) a porous structure material and an additional weight member. For example, such modifications can be made to change typical flying ball characteristics in order to contribute to correcting a slice or hook that does not heal easily by applying a fade or draw bias to the club. The basic club head design of FIGS. 7-9 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 6A-6C (eg, perimeter weighted head 604, one or more rear cavities 626 and / or 632, bridge member 628 , As well as those having optional wall members 632, etc.), the main part of the club head body is formed of a porous structure material, formed on the main part or otherwise provided on the main part A ball striking face plate 642. However, in the iron structures of these embodiments, an additional weight member can be provided on the bridge member 628 to further move and control the center of gravity of the club head 604 relative to the club head's ball striking face.

  In the example structure shown in FIG. 7, additional weight is provided to the club head structure 700 by one or more weight elements 702 attached to the bridge member 628. As shown, the weight member 702 may be attached to various predetermined mounting locations 704a, 704b, and / or 704c provided on the bridge member 628. Placing the weight member 702 at position 704a on the bridge 628 generally causes the toe portion of the club head 700 to slightly lag behind the heel portion when swinging, making the club face more open and fading to the club when hitting the ball. A bias is applied (which contributes to correcting a golfer's flying ball that tends to hook the ball, for example). By placing the weight member 702 at position 704b on the bridge 628, the club head 604 is generally centered behind the ball striking face without biasing the club head 604 in the draw or fade direction. Move. By placing the weight member 702 at a position 704c on the bridge 628, the toe portion of the club head 700 slightly precedes the heel portion when swinging, the club face is more closed when the ball is hit, and the club draws to the club. A bias is applied (which contributes to correcting a golfer's flying ball, which tends to slice the ball, for example). By making at least a portion of the club head 700 (eg, a major portion of the club head 700) from a porous structure material, additional weight can be added to the bridge 628 and / or without the negative effect of increasing the total weight of the club head. Alternatively, it can be included in the weight member 702, potentially further controlling the flying ball characteristics.

  Of course, any method of attaching the weight member 702 to the bridge member 628 (or other portion of the club head structure 700) may be used without departing from the invention. This includes screws, rivets, set screws, spring-loaded detent mechanisms, other mechanical joining means, adhesives, cement, or other bonding techniques, welding, soldering, brazing, or other melting techniques. Can be mentioned. Advantageously, the weight member 702 is removably attached to the bridge member 628 or other portion of the club head structure 700, for example, removed and / or weight member by a user, club assembler, manufacturer, salesperson, etc. Locations 704a, 704b, and 704c can be changed. The removal of this type of weight member is known and used in the art.

  FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a club head structure 800 similar to that shown in FIG. 7, but with a different type of weight member 802. In the structure of this embodiment, one or more weight members 802 can be placed at various predetermined mounting positions 704a, 704b, and / or 704c, as in the embodiment of FIG. Accordingly, the position of the center of gravity of the club head 800 in the direction from the heel portion to the toe portion of the club head 800 can be controlled and changed in the same manner as that changed and controlled in the structure 700 of the embodiment of FIG. 7 described above. . However, in the structure 800 of this embodiment, the weight member 802 is irregularly shaped and weighted (eg, in the illustrated embodiment with an oval shape and a heavier bottom) so that it is in the vertical direction of the club head. The location of the center of gravity (and the position of the center of gravity of the entire golf club head 800) can also be controlled. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, by orienting the weight member 802 (with the heavier majority of the weight member 802 coming down), the center of gravity of the weight member 802 (and the center of gravity of the club head 800 as a whole) It is disposed at a relatively low position with respect to the ball striking face of the club head to some extent. This structure generally allows the user to fly the golf ball in a higher trajectory (and biases the club to a higher trajectory, and golfers who tend to struggle to fly the ball higher) Will help). By rotating the weight member 802 around the mounting position (position 702b in the illustrated embodiment), the majority of the weight member 802 can be raised (and its center of gravity raised) relative to the ball striking face, thus The center of gravity of the entire club head 800 can be increased with respect to the club head face. A higher center of gravity generally allows the user to fly a golf ball on a low trajectory (and a golfer who tends to make a very high shot, biasing the club to a lower trajectory) To help). By making at least a portion of the club head 800 (eg, a major portion of the club head 800) from a porous structure material, additional weight is bridged 628 and / or weighted without adversely affecting the total weight of the club head. It can be included in the member 802, potentially allowing further control of the flying ball characteristics.

  FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a club head structure 900 that includes an additional weight member 902 that has an even more versatile weight characteristic compared to the structure of the embodiment of FIGS. More specifically, in the structure 900 of this embodiment, the weight member 902 is attached to a rail or slide mechanism 904 provided as a part of the structure of the bridge member 628. By loosening a clamping mechanism, such as a screw 906, the weight member 902 can be freely moved along the slide mechanism 904 so that the heel portion as outlined with respect to the structure of FIGS. It becomes possible to control the position of the center of gravity of the club head in the toe direction. However, by providing the rail or slide mechanism 904, the weight member 902 is not limited to the mounting position of 704a, 704b, and / or 704c shown in FIGS. Can be arranged.

  Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the position of the center of gravity of the club head 900 can be changed vertically, for example using an oval and / or irregular weight member of the type described above with respect to FIG. Thus, the weight member 902 may be designed. By making at least a portion of the club head 900 (eg, a major portion of the club head 900) from a porous structure material, additional weight is added to the bridge 628 and the weight member 902 without adversely affecting the total weight of the club head. And potentially further control of the flying ball characteristics.

  The weight member 902 may be secured to the bridge member 628 in any desired manner, for example, removably or movably secured with screws, set screws, clamps, clasps, etc. without departing from the invention. Good. Furthermore, any number of weight members, mounting positions, mounting rails, etc. may be provided in the structure 900 of this embodiment (similar to the structures of the other embodiments described above) without departing from the present invention.

  While the bridge member 628 advantageously assists in placing the weight behind and / or low in the overall club head structure, aspects of the present invention can be applied to any desired iron type without departing from the present invention. Can be used in club head design. For example, a porous structure material can be used to form all or at least a portion of an iron-type golf club head formed as a peripherally weighted iron, blade-type iron, hybrid-type iron, etc. without a bridge member. . 10A and 10B show an example of a club head structure 1000 formed as a blade type iron. In the example structure 1000 shown here, the main portion of the club head body 1002 is formed of a porous structure material, and the ball striking face 1004 is formed integrally with the main portion of the club head body 1002, bonded, or Provide in other ways. If desired, the porous club head body so that the pores are coated or filled (eg, with metal or polymer) to provide a smooth overall appearance and / or a smooth and consistent ball striking surface May form all or at least a portion of the outer surface.

  In the illustrated example structure 1000, the rear 1006 of the club head body 1002 includes a plurality of weight members 1008. Of course, any number of weight members 1008 may be included in the club head body 1002 without departing from the present invention, and these weight members 1008 may be provided at various different locations on the club head structure 1002. Further, if desired, it is not necessary for all weight members 1008 to have the same mass and / or size, allowing further control of the center of gravity characteristics of the entire club head structure 1002.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the weight member 1008 is removably attached to a weight member receptacle 1010 provided within the club head structure 1002. Of course, any method of attaching the weight member 1008 to the receptacle 1010 may be used without departing from the invention. For example, the weight member 1008 may include threads that engage mating threads on the receptacle to allow the weight member 1008 to be easily removed and / or repositioned throughout the club head structure 1002. Of course, other joining techniques such as other mechanical joining means, clamp or clasp structures, spring loaded detent mechanisms may be used without departing from the invention. Further, any desired weight member may be provided in the club head structure 1000, if desired, without departing from the invention.

  Alternatively, if desired, additional weight may be provided continuously and / or integrally as part of the club head structure without departing from the invention. FIG. 11 shows an example of such a club head structure 1100. As shown in this example, the major portion of the club head structure 1102 is formed of a porous structure material and the ball striking surface 1104 is formed on this material or, for example, one of the various methods described above. Or other methods such as various methods. The lower perimeter and / or rear of the club head 1102 in the structure 1100 of this example includes a weighted region 1106 that is permanently provided as part of the club head structure 1102. Any manner of providing the weighted region 1106 may be used without departing from the invention. The weight region 1106 may be provided, for example, by fitting a weight into an opening (eg, a hole, slot, groove, or compartment) defined in the club head 1102. As another example, if desired, a weighting material (eg, a material containing tungsten or lead) is integrally fitted to the material of the club head structure 1102, and then finally the club head structure 1102 The weighted region 1106 may be provided by forming the material in the club head structure 1102 (eg, machining it, etc.) such that the weighted material is placed at the desired location (ie, the weighted region 1106). . As yet another example, if desired, by not foaming the material of the major portion of the club head structure 1102 and / or to a significantly reduced degree of foam at the desired weighted region location 1106, and / or At the weighted region location 1106, the weighted region 1106 may be provided by filling the pores with a relatively heavy or dense material such as lead or tungsten. Other methods of forming the weighted region 1106 are possible without departing from the invention. The material forming the weighted region 1106 may be visible from the outside of the club head structure 1102, may be hidden in the material of the club head structure 1102, or provided continuously with the club head structure 1102. Also good. Further, if desired, the outer surface of the body member may be smoothed, for example, by filling, coating or coating the exposed pores (if any) with a metal or polymer material.

D. Examples of Wood Type Golf Club Structure Aspects of the invention are not limited to putter, iron, and / or hybrid iron type golf clubs and golf club heads. 12A and 12B illustrate an example golf club 1200 of at least some embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the entire golf club structure 1200 of this embodiment includes a golf club head 1202, a hosel region 1204, a shaft member 1206 that is received and / or inserted into and / or inserted through the hosel region 1204, And a grip or handle member (not shown) attached to the shaft member 1206. Optionally, if desired, except for the hosel region 1204, the shaft member 1206 can be inserted directly into the head member 1202 and / or otherwise provided (eg, provided on the top surface of the club head 1202 and optionally provided on the bottom) May be attached).

  The shaft member 1206 is received by and engaged with the club head 1202 in any suitable desired manner, including conventional methods known and used in the art, without departing from the invention. And / or attached to the club head 1202. As a more detailed example, shaft member 1206 may be engaged with club head 1202 by hosel member 1204 or, for example, adhesive, cement, welding, soldering, mechanical joining means (threads, holding Etc.) may be directly engaged with the club head structure 1202, such as by a shaft receiving sleeve or shaft receiving element that extends into the club head body 1202. The shaft member 1206 may also be made of any suitable or desirable material, including conventional materials known and used in the art. Examples of the material include graphite-based materials, composite materials, steel materials (including stainless steel), aluminum materials, other metal alloy materials, polymer materials, and combinations of various materials. If desired, one or both of shaft member 1206 or hosel member 1204 (if any) may be made of a cellular structure material.

  For example, using adhesives or cement, by welding, soldering, adhesives, etc., by mechanical joining means (eg, threads, retaining elements, etc.) and / or including any other desired method A grip or handle member (not shown) is attached to and engaged with shaft member 1206 in any suitable or desirable manner, including conventional methods known and used in the art, and / or Or it may extend from the shaft member 1206. As another example, if desired, the grip or handle member may be integrally formed as a one-piece structure integral with the shaft member 1206. Further, any desired grip or handle member material may be used without departing from the invention. Examples of the material include rubber materials, leather materials, cords, rubber in which other fiber materials are embedded, other materials, polymer materials, metal materials, and the like. The grip or handle member may also be made at least partially from a porous structure material.

  Any suitable or desirable method and / or conventional methods known and used in the art and / or conventional materials known and used in the art without departing from the invention The club head 1202 itself may be constructed of / or any suitable or desirable material. For example, in the structure of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the club head 1202 includes a sole member 1202a, a face member 1202b, at least one body member 1202c, and a crown member 1202d. For example, the body member 1202c may be formed as a band or ribbon material (eg, optionally a generally U-shaped band or ribbon) that extends around from one side of the face member 1202b to the opposite side, so that the center of the golf club head 1202 May form at least a portion of the periphery (e.g., for example, the entire club head structure 1202 may at least partially define a hollow inner chamber (e.g., the shaft member 1206 may be inserted and / or Can be fixed)). Any individual part of the club head structure 1202 described above may be comprised of a plurality of independent parts and / or two or more of these parts, for example in one piece, without departing from the invention. The component structures may be integrally formed together (eg, the sole member and / or the crown member may further form at least some portions such as a club head body and / or a face member). As another option, if desired, the entire club head structure 1202 may be configured as a single one-piece structure and the face member 1202b may be attached to a one-piece club head body.

  The various individual parts that make up the club head structure 1202, when comprised of a plurality of parts, can be engaged in any suitable or desirable manner, including conventional methods known and used in the art. Can be combined and / or retained. For example, various parts of the club head structure 1202 can be glued, cemented, welded, soldered, or other bonding or melting techniques, mechanical joining means (threads, screws, nuts, bolts, or other joining means, etc. ) And the like (directly or indirectly via an intermediate member) and / or may be mated. If desired, the side edges of various parts of the club head structure 1202 (for example, the sole member 1202a, face member 1202b, body member 1202c, and / or crown member 1202d are joined together in contact with each other) ) May include one or more raised ribs, tabs, ledges, or other engaging elements. These engaging elements fit within or on the corresponding grooves, slots, faces, ledges or openings provided in or on the facing side ends to which the members are coupled. Cement, adhesive, mechanical joining means, etc. may be used in combination with the above-described joining structures such as raised ribs / grooves to further assist in securing the various parts of the club head structure 1202 to each other.

  In at least some embodiments of the present invention, at least some of the various portions of club head structure 1200 (eg, sole 1202a, faceplate 1202b, body member 1202c, crown 1202d, hosel 1204, shaft 1206, etc.) The constituent material may be made of, for example, a porous structure material such as the various materials described above. If desired, two or more of these parts may be integrally formed as a one-piece structure (eg, if desired, the sole 1202a, body member 1202c, and / or crown 1202d may be associated therewith). And may be integrally formed as a single piece with separate faceplate members mating). Further, any desired material may be used for the club head body 1202 without departing from the invention. The material includes, for example, aluminum, nickel, titanium, steel, polymer, glass, ceramic, rubber, and / or combinations thereof. When at least a portion of the club head structure 1202 is formed of a porous structure material, the outer shell wall may be slightly thicker than many conventional club head shell members, if desired.

  For example, the weight savings obtained by using a porous structure material for at least a portion of the club head body 1202 may allow a club manufacturer, club assembler, user, etc. to add one or more additional weight members. The 1208 can be placed elsewhere in the club head structure 1202 to affect, for example, the center of gravity, moment of inertia, and / or flying ball characteristics of the club 1200. For example, placing the weight member 1208 low and behind the club head structure 1202 lowers the center of gravity of the club head 1202 and assists in a golf shot that rises when the user uses the club. As outlined in connection with FIGS. 6A-11, the mass and location of the weight member 1208 is selected to control, for example, the position of the center of gravity of the club head 1202 in the heel-to-toe direction and / or in the vertical direction. (E.g., biasing the club head to result in a draw, fade, high or low shot, and / or a tendency for the user to slice, hook, low or high shot, respectively) Contribute to correct).

  Weighting in any desired manner, including the various methods described above in connection with FIGS. 1-11 and / or various methods known and used in the art without departing from the invention Member 1208 may be engaged with club head 1202. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 12A and 12B, the weight member 1208 is removably attached to a receptacle 1210 that is threaded and extends into the club head 1202. Of course, other attachment and / or clamping structures may be used, such as clamps, clasps, spring loaded detents, turnbuckles, and other mechanical joining means without departing from the invention. Alternatively, if desired, one or more weighting members 1208 may be continuously fitted to the club head 1202 and / or within the club head, for example, by adhesive or melting techniques, without departing from the invention. May be. The weight member 1208 need not be visible from the outside of the club head (optionally, if desired, access to the interior of the club head may be provided (eg, to change and / or reposition the weight member 1208). Good).

  13A and 13B show another embodiment of a wood type golf club structure 1300 of the present invention. In this example structure 1300, as outlined in connection with the example structure 1200 of FIGS. 12A and 12B, the golf club includes a golf club head 1302, a hosel region 1304, a shaft member 1306, and a handle member (not shown). A). In this example structure 1300, all or at least a portion (eg, a major portion) of the club head body 1302 is configured as a one-piece element, which may include various porous structural metals, polymers, and / or other such as described above. It is composed of a porous structure material such as a material. If desired, the club head body 1302 may be formed from multiple parts (optionally of different materials) of a porous structure material that engage each other by adhesive, cement, welding, other bonding or melting techniques. Good. As a further additional example, if desired, only a portion of the club head body 1302 (eg, bottom, back, and / or front) is formed of a porous structure material and other portions of the club head body (eg, The upper crown portion) may be formed from a shell member and / or other separate non-porous material part.

  Further, in the structure of the illustrated embodiment, the weight member 1308 is provided inside the club head main body 1302, for example, in an inner recess or inner chamber defined in the club head main body. Of course, other methods of providing one or more weighting members 1308 to the club head structure 1302 may be used without departing from the present invention, including the various methods described above in connection with FIGS. 12A and 12B. Good. As yet another alternative, the weight member 1308 may be integrally formed with the club head body structure 1302 if desired. This includes, for example, forming the porous structure material to include a weighted region (eg, a denser porous region), not foaming metal or other material in the weighted region, non-foamed and / or increased This may be done by machining the material containing the foamed portion into the golf club head structure to include the weight region at the desired location, or including a weighted coating or filler in the foamed pores of the weighted region.

  The dimensions and / or other characteristics of the wood type golf club head structure according to this embodiment of the present invention can be varied greatly without departing from the present invention. Further, any desired wood type golf club head structure such as a driver, fairway wood, wood type hybrid club, chipping club, etc. can be provided. Also, for example, when designing a club as 2nd Wood, 3rd Wood, 4th Wood, 5th Wood, 7th Wood, 9th Wood, 11th Wood, etc., to match the user's preference and / or swing characteristics Any desired loft angle, headweight, lie angle, etc. may be used without departing from the present invention, such as to provide the desired club launch angle, flight distance, and / or other characteristics, etc. it can. In addition, a variety of different shaft characteristics (eg, stiffness, flex points, kick points, etc.) may be used to further change and control the feel and characteristics of the club and club head.

E. Embodiments of Ball Hitting Plate Structure FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a golf club structure 1400 that includes a porous structure material in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, a porous structure material is used as part of the face plate member 1404 of the club head 1402. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the face plate member 1404 is attached to the club head body 1406. The faceplate member 1404 can be of any design and / or made of any type of material, including conventional designs and conventional materials known and used in the art (in this example, Wood type club head body). The face plate member 1404 includes a base member 1404a formed of a porous structure material and a ball striking plate member 1404b in direct contact with the ball in use. By using a porous structure material for the face plate member 1404, it becomes possible to provide a thicker face plate without adversely affecting the weight and strength of the entire club head. Use allows the manufacturer to more control the coefficient of restitution (and potentially other properties) of the club head face member 1404. Of course, the faceplate member of the type shown in FIG. 14 can be used in any type of club head, such as wood, iron, hybrid type clubs, putters and the like.

  The faceplate member 1404 can be configured in any desired manner without departing from the invention. For example, if desired, the faceplate member 1404a may be engaged with a separate ball striking member 1404b, for example by gluing techniques (cement, adhesive, etc.) or melting techniques (welding, brazing, soldering, etc.). Good. As a further example, if desired, the ball striking member 1404b may be integrally formed as part of the porous base member 1404a, for example, by conventional metal foam manufacturing techniques. As yet another example, if desired, the open cells or pores on the outer surface of the porous structure material (eg, for base member 1404a) can be coated with a molten metal material, a polymer material (eg, epoxy, etc.), or the like. Filling may form the ball striking member 1404b, thereby providing the face plate 1404 with a smooth ball striking surface 1404b. Other methods of forming the faceplate member 1404 at least partially as a porous structure material can be used without departing from the invention.

III. Conclusion Golf club heads of embodiments of the present invention can be incorporated into a set including, for example, one or more wood, iron, hybrid type golf clubs, and / or putters. As a more detailed example, using aspects of the present invention, a driver and / or two or more fairway woods, hybrid type clubs, 0 irons, 1 irons, 2 irons, 3 irons, 4 irons Ascending numbers such as iron, 5 iron, 6 iron, 7 iron, 8 iron, 9 iron, 10 iron, pitching wedge, lob wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, putter, etc. A club set with a driver and / or two or more iron golf clubs can be provided. Using at least some embodiments of the present invention, each golf club's center of gravity is adjusted so that golfers, club designers, and / or club assemblers can meet player specific requirements, skills, or play styles. The position of can be selected and / or modified. For each club in the set, the bridge member, weight member, and / or other features of the club head are continuously changed to change the center of gravity of one club in the set relative to the other club. Optionally, the center of gravity can be more suitable for use with a specific club customized for use by a specific golfer.

  As is readily apparent from the above description, the present invention allows porous structural materials having various potential properties to be placed at various locations on a golf club structure (eg, part of a head, striking face, hosel, shaft, Can be used as a grip). The porous structure material may be used both outside and inside the club head, and the porous structure material may be visible, partially visible, filled or partially filled. Or may be hidden or partially hidden. If the golf club product of at least some embodiments of the present invention includes multiple porous structural metals or other materials, it may optionally be filled with, or coated with, one or both of the porous structural materials. Alternatively, it may be partially filled or partially coated. In so doing, the same or different filling or coating materials may optionally be used, such as filling or coating using different porous structure metals or other materials. The coating or filler material may have various thicknesses and / or various potential characteristics. In addition, by changing the pore characteristics of a given porous structure material (eg, by changing the pore density, pore distribution, pore size distribution, etc.), different porous structures and properties can be obtained.

  As a further example of a specific club head structure, if desired, the club head comprises: (a) a relatively thick coating of a high density material (eg, tungsten material) applied to the back of the club head structure. For example, a tungsten coating covering a porous structure material such as metal or a composite of tungsten, steel, etc., and (b) a relatively lightweight porosity applied to the center and / or front of the club head structure It may include a lower density, thinner coating (eg, aluminum or titanium) that covers a structural material (eg, a porous structure of aluminum or steel). These materials may be incorporated into a single club head structure (eg, a putter structure). Such a structure can be used to produce a putter having a relatively high moment of inertia compared to an integral putter body of the same design that does not use a porous structure material. Furthermore, different porous structural materials and / or filler materials can be used to vary widely various properties in the final product such as, for example, the yield strength, Young's modulus, pore size of the material.

  In the foregoing and accompanying drawings, the invention has been described with reference to various example structures, features, elements, and combinations of structures, features, and elements. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described implementations, as defined by the appended claims, without departing from the invention. For example, the various features and concepts described above in connection with FIGS. 1-14 can be used individually and / or in any combination or in partial combination without departing from the invention.

The present invention is described as an example and is not limited to the attached drawings. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals designate the same elements throughout.
1 illustrates one example of a porous metal material that can be used to manufacture a golf club head in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. 1 illustrates one example of a porous metal material that includes surface elements that can be used in golf club head manufacture in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. 3A-3E illustrate one example of a putter structure incorporating a porous metal material in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 4A-4B show additional examples of putter structures incorporating porous metal materials, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a putter structure incorporating a porous metal material according to some embodiments of the present invention. 1 illustrates an example of an iron type golf club head structure incorporating a porous metal material in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 1 illustrates an example of an iron type golf club head structure incorporating a porous metal material in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 1 illustrates an example of an iron type golf club head structure incorporating a porous metal material in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 1 illustrates an example of an iron type golf club head structure incorporating a porous metal material in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 1 illustrates an example of an iron type golf club head structure incorporating a porous metal material in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 1 illustrates an example of an iron type golf club head structure incorporating a porous metal material in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 3 illustrates an example of a wood type golf club head structure incorporating a porous metal material in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 3 illustrates an example of a wood type golf club head structure incorporating a porous metal material in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 1 illustrates a golf club structure faceplate member comprising a porous metal material in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention.

Claims (12)

The wood or driver club head body member includes an outer shell defining an inner chamber, the outer shell being made of a foamed porous metal material and thicker than that of a metal material having no foamed porous structure. A wood or driver club head body member; and
A ball striking face formed integrally with the foamed porous metal material of the club head body member, the ball striking face comprising a metal face member engaging the foamed porous metal material. A wood or driver golf club head ,
The weight member further includes at least a portion provided in the outer shell, and the weight member is obtained by using the foamed porous metal material for the outer shell without increasing the total weight of the club head. A golf club head , which is one or more weight members that allow placement .   2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the club head body member forms a wood golf club head structure.   2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the club head body member forms a driver head structure. Club head according to claim 1, wherein; and a shaft member engaged with said club head, a golf club. 5. A golf club according to claim 4 , wherein the club head body member forms a wood golf club head structure. 5. The golf club according to claim 4 , wherein the club head body member forms a driver head structure. Forming a wood or driver club head body member to include an outer shell defining an inner chamber, and forming the outer shell from a foamed porous metal material , wherein the outer shell does not have a foamed porous structure; A step of providing a ball striking face on the club head body member, the ball striking face comprising the foamed porous structure metal material of the club head body member; A method of forming a wood or driver golf club head comprising the step of: integrally forming and including a metal face member engaged with the foamed porous metal material, comprising :
A weight member is engaged with the club head body, the weight member being obtained by using a foamed porous metal material for the outer shell, without increasing the total weight of the club head, The method is one or more weight members that allow placement . 8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the club head body member is formed as a wood golf club head structure. 8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the club head body member is formed as a driver head structure. Step of forming a club head according to claim 7, wherein the method; a and the shaft member comprising the step of engaging the said club head, a method of forming a golf club. 11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the club head body member is formed as a wood golf club head structure. 11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the club head body member is formed as a driver head structure.

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