JP7401642B2 - Golf club head groove and method for manufacturing golf club head groove - Google Patents

Description

Related Applications This application is filed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/541,445, filed on August 4, 2017; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/268,011 filed on December 16, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/233,099 filed on September 25, 2015, and August 14, 2015 U.S. Patent Application No. 15/2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 236,112, a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/962,969, filed April 25, 2018. This application also has the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/697,994, filed on September 7, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/541,981, filed on September 30, 2011. U.S. Patent Application No. 13/761,778 filed February 7, 2013, a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/628,685 filed September 27, 2012, which claims U.S. Patent Application No. 14/529, filed October 31, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/196,313, filed March 4, 2014, This is a continuation in part of No. 590. All of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more specifically to golf club head grooves and methods of manufacturing golf club head grooves.

Typically, a golf club head may include a club face having a plurality of parallel grooves extending between a toe end and a heel end. In particular, the plurality of grooves in an iron-type club head can remove water, sand, grass, and/or other debris between the golf ball and the club face. Golf club faces can have grooves having a variety of shapes, such as square or box-shaped grooves, V-shaped grooves, or U-shaped grooves.

1 illustrates a putter, according to one embodiment. FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of grooves on the ball striking surface of FIG. 3;

4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove in FIG. 4 as seen from section 5-5 in FIG. Corresponds to the position of BL5 .

4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove on the ball striking surface of FIG. 3. FIG.

4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove on the ball striking surface of FIG. 3. FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of grooves on the ball striking surface of FIG. 8;

9 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove in FIG . 9 as seen from section 10-10 in FIG. , corresponds to the position of BL5 .

9 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove on the ball striking surface of FIG. 8. FIG.

9 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove on the ball striking surface of FIG. 8. FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

14 is a schematic plan view of grooves on the ball striking surface of FIG. 13. FIG.

15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 14 taken from section 15-15 of FIG. 13, where the position of dashed line BL1 corresponds to the position of dashed line BL1 of FIG. 14 ;

14 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove on the ball striking surface of FIG. 13. FIG.

14 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove on the ball striking surface of FIG. 13. FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of grooves on the ball striking surface of FIG. 18;

19 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 19 taken from section 20-20 of FIG. 18, where the position of dashed line BL1 corresponds to the position of dashed line BL1 of FIG. 19 ;

19 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove on the ball striking surface of FIG. 18. FIG.

19 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove on the ball striking surface of FIG. 18. FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

24 is an illustration of another embodiment of a vertical cross-section of the grooves of the ball striking face of FIG. 23 taken from section 24-24 of FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is an illustration of another embodiment of a vertical cross-section of the grooves of the ball striking face of FIG. 23 taken from section 24-24 of FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is an illustration of another embodiment of a vertical cross-section of the grooves of the ball striking face of FIG. 23 taken from section 24-24 of FIG. 23; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves on a ball striking face of a putter.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on a ball striking face of a putter. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on a ball striking face of a putter.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the grooves of a putter, according to one example.

1 is a vertical schematic cross-sectional view of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a vertical schematic cross-sectional view of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a putter face according to another example.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a putter face according to another example.

1 is an illustration of a method of manufacturing a golf club, according to one embodiment. FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the grooves on the ball striking surface of FIG. 54;

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the grooves on the ball striking surface of FIG. 56;

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the grooves on the ball striking surface of FIG. 58;

1 is a schematic illustration of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

61 is a schematic plan view of grooves on the ball striking surface of FIG. 60; FIG.

62 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 61 taken from section 62-62 of FIG. 60;

1 is a diagram of a tool for cutting grooves; FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a V-shaped groove, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a V-shaped groove, according to one embodiment.

3 is a schematic plan view of a groove, according to one embodiment; FIG.

67 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 66; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a putter and oval pattern according to one embodiment.

73 is a bottom view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 72; FIG.

74 is an enlarged view of the elliptical grooves of the two innermost portions of FIG. 73; FIG.

74 is an enlarged view of the elliptical grooves of the two outermost portions of FIG. 73; FIG.

1 is a putter, according to one embodiment.

This is the central area of FIG. 76.

77 is a bottom view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 76. FIG.

FIG. 79 is an enlarged view of the protrusion near the geometric center of FIG. 78;

FIG. 79 is an enlarged view of the protrusion near the toe end of FIG. 78;

1 is a face insert of a golf club head, according to one embodiment.

This is an alternative face insert to that of the golf club head of FIG. 81.

83 is an exploded view of the face insert of FIG. 82; FIG.

83 is a schematic diagram of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 82; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a putter according to another embodiment.

85 is an alternative view of the putter of FIG. 84; FIG.

85 is a front view of the face insert of the putter of FIG. 84; FIG.

86B is a rear view of the face insert of FIG. 86A; FIG.

85 is a perspective view of the putter of FIG. 84; FIG.

1 is a perspective view of a putter, according to one embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 89 is an exploded view of the putter of FIG. 89;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

92 is an exploded view of the putter of FIG. 91; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

94 is an exploded view of the putter of FIG. 93. FIG.

3 is a putter face insert according to another embodiment.

96 is a cross-sectional view of the face insert of FIG. 95; FIG.

96 is a ball striking plate of the face insert of FIG. 95.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

The present disclosure is a putter golf club head having various face inserts that provide a softer feel when impacting a golf ball during a putting stroke. The face insert may be configured to be received in a recess in a putter golf club head. In many embodiments, the face insert forms part of the front striking surface and sole of the putter golf club head. In other embodiments, the face insert may form part of the heel end, toe end, top rail, or any combination thereof of the putter golf club head. In some embodiments, the putter golf club head comprises a single piece, such as a ball striking plate. In some embodiments, a putter golf club head includes multiple parts, such as a ball striking plate and face insert base, a polymeric material and frame, and a plurality of apertures. In embodiments where the face insert has a ball striking face plate and a face insert base, the ball striking face plate comprises a coupling structure for mechanically coupling the ball striking face plate and the face insert base together. be able to. In many embodiments, the face insert can be bonded to the recess by an adhesive, such as tape, very strong adhesive tape, adhesive, epoxy, or any type of adhesive compound. In many embodiments, the face insert can comprise a polymeric type material. In these embodiments, the polymer-type material can provide a softer and unique sound/feel advantage at ball impact than a metal face. Polymer-type materials dampen vibrations to eliminate unwanted sounds upon golf ball impact. In some embodiments, such as face inserts having a polymeric material and a frame, the frame helps center the ball on the front hitting surface and provides a visual aid to the player.

Generally speaking, golf club head grooves and methods for manufacturing golf club head grooves are described herein. Golf equipment associated with the methods, devices, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may or may not be compatible with the rules of golf at any particular time. Additionally, the figures provided herein are for illustrative purposes and one or more of the figures may not be drawn to scale. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 1, a putter 100 is shown. Although grooves and face inserts for a putter 100 are described herein, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applied to other types of club heads (e.g., driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, etc.). club head, hybrid club head, iron type club head, etc.). However, a putter type golf club head is not a driver type club head, fairway wood type club head, hybrid type club head, iron type club head or wedge type club head.

A putter golf club head has a loft angle. The loft angle of a putter golf club head is the angle between a generally flat surface on the face and the central axis of the shaft. The loft angle of a putter golf club head is the backward angle from the shaft to the face of the putter golf club head. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the putter golf club head can be 10 degrees or less. In some embodiments, the loft angle of the putter golf club head can be less than or equal to 9 degrees, less than or equal to 8 degrees, less than or equal to 7 degrees, less than or equal to 6 degrees, less than or equal to 5 degrees, or less than or equal to 4 degrees. In some embodiments, the putter golf club head has a loft angle of 0 degrees to 10 degrees, 0 degrees to 9 degrees, 0 degrees to 8 degrees, 1 degree to 10 degrees, 1 degree to 9 degrees, 1 degree to 8 degrees. degrees, 2 degrees to 10 degrees, 2 degrees to 9 degrees, 2 degrees to 8 degrees, 3 degrees to 10 degrees, 3 degrees to 9 degrees, or 3 degrees to 8 degrees. For example, the loft angle of a putter golf club head can be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees.

The ball striking surface plate can be horizontally divided into three parts: a toe part near the toe end 180, a heel part near the heel end 190, and a central part located between the toe part and the heel part. The ball striking surface plate can be further divided vertically into three sections: a top rail section near top rail 182, a sole section near sole 192, and a central section located between the top rail section and the source section. The toe portion, heel portion, center portion, top rail portion, source portion, and center portion of the ball striking surface plate are connected to the toe portion 1970, heel portion 1974, and center portion of the ball striking surface plate 1912 shown in FIGS. 81 and 84 below. Portion 1972, top rail portion 1976, source portion 1980, and center portion 1978 may be similar.

The front striking surface of a putter golf club head can include a plurality of grooves. The grooves on the front striking surface may be similar to the grooves on the ball striking surface/ball striking surface/front striking surface: 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012. , 1312, 1412, 1500, 1612, 1728, 1812, 1911, 2212, 2312, 4212, 5212, 6011, 6111, 6311, 6411, 6511, 6611, 6711, 6811, 6911, 7011, 7111, 7211, or 7311. In some embodiments, the plurality of grooves in the front striking surface can be similar to the grooves described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14/196,313 (U.S. Patent No. 9,452,326), The grooves can have varying depths, varying widths, or varying depths and widths. The grooves in the face insert can be in any pattern, such as a straight groove, a parabolic groove, two parabolic grooves, or any other type of pattern of grooves. In some embodiments, the groove comprises a groove depth that varies along a direction extending between top rail 182 and sole 192 and between heel end 190 and toe end 180. More specifically, the grooves vary from the toe portion to the heel portion and from the top rail portion to the sole portion. The depth of the groove increases from the toe and heel portions towards the center portion. Similarly, the depth of the groove increases from the top rail portion and the sole portion toward the central portion. The deepest portion of the at least one groove is defined by a generally planar surface portion of the groove. The generally planar surface portion is located where the central portions of the grooves overlap.

In many embodiments, the grooves in the face insert can provide the benefit of correcting ball trajectory upon off-center hits or misses. The grooves in the face insert can provide the player with greater shot forgiveness, which can provide more accurate shots. Additionally, the varying depth and/or varying width of the grooves increases forgiveness by allowing more standardized strikes across the front striking surface.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the grooves in the front striking surface can include varying widths extending from the heel end 190 to the toe end 180. In some embodiments, the front striking surface grooves can have varying widths extending from the sole 192 to the top rail 182. In some embodiments, the front striking surface grooves can have a varying width extending from the heel end 190 to the toe end 180 and a varying width extending from the sole 192 to the top rail 182.

Putter 100 includes a putter head 102 having a putter face 110. Putter face 110 may be generally planar and extend vertically at the address position. Putter face 110 generally includes a ball striking surface 112 that may be coplanar with putter face 110 or may project slightly outwardly from putter face 110. Ball striking surface 112 may be the same size as putter face 110, or may be smaller than putter face 110 (as shown in FIG. 1). Ball striking surface 112 may be the area on putter face 110 that is commonly used to hit a golf ball (not shown). However, a person may also hit the ball with a portion of the putter face 110 that is outside of the ball striking surface 112.

Ball striking surface 112 may be a continuous or integral part of putter face 110, or may be formed as an insert attached to putter face 110. Such an insert can be made from the same material as putter face 110 or a different material and then attached to putter face 110. Ball striking surface 112 may include one or more grooves, shown generally as grooves 120, and one or more ridges 170. For example, ball striking surface 112 is shown having twelve grooves, shown generally as 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144. Groove 120 may be generally referred to using a single reference number, such as 120. However, when specifically describing one of the grooves on ball striking surface 112, the reference number for that particular groove may be used.

Two adjacent grooves can be separated by a crest 170. The ridges 170 between each groove 120 and an adjacent groove 120 can have the same or a different width than the ridges 170 between another pair of adjacent grooves 120. The crest 170 may also define the upper surface of the ball striking surface 112. Generally, two or more of the grooves 120 may be parallel to each other. For example, grooves 122 and 124 may be parallel to each other. However, grooves 120 can be oriented in any manner relative to each other. For example, any of the grooves 120 can be oriented diagonally, vertically, and/or horizontally. As shown in the example of FIG. 2, one or more of the grooves 120 may be substantially straight and generally parallel to adjacent grooves 120, such that the toe end 180 and heel end 190 of the putter face 110 can be extended between

As described in more detail below, the depth, length, width, horizontal cross-sectional shape, and/or vertical cross-sectional shape of the grooves 120 may be linear, non-linear, uniformly or non-uniformly stepped, or arcuate. increasing, decreasing, and/or changing the putter head 102 from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 and/or from the top rail 182 to the sole 192 in a pattern and/or according to one or more geometric shapes. can do. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Referring to FIG. 2, ball striking surface 112 is shown having grooves 122-144. Ball striking surface 112 may be an integral part of putter face 110, such as one that is manufactured together with putter face 110. Alternatively, ball striking surface 112 may be an insert attached to putter face 110. Each of grooves 120 may extend from toe end 180 to heel end 190 and define a corresponding length 193 (only length 193 of groove 144 is shown in FIG. 2). The length 193 of some or all of the grooves 120 can vary in the direction from the top rail 182 to the sole 192 so that each groove 120 generally conforms to the shape of the outer perimeter of the ball striking surface 112. be able to. For example, the groove length can increase from near the top rail 182 to the center 184 of the ball striking surface 112 and decrease from the center 184 near the sole 192. Center 184 may be the geometric center of ball striking surface 112. Alternatively, center 184 may represent a center related to the inertia or weight of ball striking surface 112. However, center 184 can be generally defined as the area of ball striking surface 112 where a ball is normally struck. As shown in FIG. 1, the lengths 193 of grooves 120 may be similar. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the groove length 193 can decrease from near the top rail 182 to the center 184 and from near the sole 192 to the center 184. Accordingly, any length of grooves placed on ball striking surface 112 is within the scope of this disclosure.

In another example shown in FIG. 3, ball striking surface 212 can include grooves 220 (specifically shown as grooves 222-244). Ball striking surface 212 may be an integral part of putter face 110 or a separate component attached to putter face 110. Accordingly, when describing ball striking surface 212, portions of putter 100 and putter head 102 will be referred to using the same reference numerals as described above.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of groove 232, and FIG. 5 shows a horizontal cross-section of groove 232 taken from section line 5--5 in FIG. Groove 232 is shown divided into horizontally extending regions, generally designated as regions 271-275, which are visually defined by vertical boundaries in FIGS. 3 and 4. has been done. Horizontal regions 271 - 275 may define changes in the horizontal cross-sectional shape of groove 232 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near top rail 182 to near sole 192. . Horizontal cross-sectional shape of a groove can refer to any characteristic of the groove along the length 293 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a particular portion of the groove. . In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7, groove 220 includes a first vertical wall 250 and a second vertical wall 252 that define a length 293 of groove 220. In the embodiment of FIGS. Each of the grooves 220 has a bottom surface 254 that defines the depth of the groove 220. The depth of each groove can vary from the first wall 250 to the second wall 252 according to the cross-sectional shape of the groove 220 in regions 271-275. Each groove 220 also includes a first horizontal wall 256 and a second horizontal wall 258 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove 220. The distance between first horizontal wall 256 and second horizontal wall 258 defines width 280 of groove 220. The width 280 can vary from the first vertical wall 250 to the second vertical wall 252, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 38-45, in which case the groove has a length 590 and a first width. 594, a second width 595, and/or a third width 596. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7, first horizontal wall 256 and second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 280.

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

3 and 5, the general cross-sectional shape of each of the grooves 220 may remain generally similar from the top rail 182 to the sole 190. However, the cross-sectional shape, including the length, width, and/or depth, of each region 271-275 of groove 220 may gradually change from top rail 182 to sole 192. 6 and 7, horizontal cross-sections of grooves 238 and 244 are shown, respectively. For example, regions 271 to 275 of the groove 238 are shorter in length than regions 271 to 275 of the groove 232, respectively. Similarly, regions 271 to 275 of the groove 244 are shorter in length than regions 271 to 275 of the groove 238, respectively. In another example, regions 271-275 of trench 238 can have a shallower depth than regions 271-275 of trench 232, respectively. Similarly, regions 271-275 of groove 244 can each have a shallower depth than regions 271-275 of groove 238.

The length, depth, and/or width of regions 271 to 275 of grooves 222 to 232 gradually increase from the top rail 182 to the approximate center of ball striking surface 212; The size of regions 271 to 275 of 244 decreases from the approximate center of the ball striking surface 212 to the sole 192 to form a central strike zone 260 (shown in FIG. 3), which is located at the address When viewed by an individual, it can resemble the shape of a golf ball. An approximate visual representation of a golf ball can assist an individual in aligning the ball striking surface 212 with the ball. Region 273 defining the deepest portion of groove 220 may be longer in length at the center of ball striking surface 212 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192 . Similarly, transition region 272 and transition region 274 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking surface 212 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192. The lengths of regions 271 to 275 may vary depending on the position of grooves 220 on ball striking surface 212, but the depths of similar regions of each groove 220 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 232 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 244. Alternatively, the depth of grooves 222-244 can vary based on the position of grooves 220 relative to ball striking surface 212. Further alternatively, the depth of grooves 222-244 can vary in any manner from top rail 182 to the sole. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein can include more or fewer horizontal regions.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, ball striking surface 312 includes grooves 320 (specifically shown as grooves 322-344). Ball striking surface 312 may be an integral part of putter face 110 or a separate component attached to putter face 110. Accordingly, when describing ball striking surface 312, portions of putter 100 and putter head 102 will be referred to using the same reference numerals as described above.

9 shows a schematic diagram of groove 332, and FIG. 10 shows a horizontal cross-section of groove 332 taken from section line 10-10 in FIG. Groove 332 is shown divided into horizontally extending regions 371-375, which are visually defined in FIGS. 8 and 9 by vertical boundaries. Horizontal regions 371 to 375 may define changes in the horizontal cross-sectional shape of groove 332 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near top rail 182 to near sole 192. can. Horizontal cross-sectional shape of a groove can refer to any characteristic of the groove along the length 393 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a particular portion of the groove. . In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-12, groove 320 includes a first vertical wall 350 and a second vertical wall 352 that define a length 393 of groove 320. In the embodiment of FIGS. Each of the grooves 320 has a bottom surface 354 that defines the depth of the groove 320. The depth of each groove can vary from the first wall 350 to the second wall 352 according to the cross-sectional shape of the groove 320 in regions 371-375. Each groove 320 also includes a first horizontal wall 356 and a second horizontal wall 358 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove 320. The distance between the first horizontal wall 356 and the second horizontal wall 358 defines a width 380 of the groove 320. The width 380 can vary from the first vertical wall 350 to the second vertical wall 352, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-12, first horizontal wall 256 and second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 380.

Referring to FIG. 10, bottom surface 354 in region 371 may be generally flat and/or slightly sloped to define a first depth 382 at the boundary between 371 and 372. The bottom surface 354 in region 372 transitions downwardly from a first depth 382 to a second depth 384 at the boundary between region 372 and region 373. Bottom surface 354 in region 372 may be generally flat and/or slightly sloped such that groove 320 has a generally uniform depth 384 in region 372 . The bottom surface 354 within the region 372 gradually transitions downward from a second depth 384 to a third depth 386. Bottom surface 354 within region 373 may be generally flat or slightly sloped such that groove 320 has a generally uniform depth 386 in region 373. Any of the grooves 320 may be symmetrical about the vertical axis y. Therefore, the shape of the groove 320 on each side of the y-axis mirrors the shape of the groove 320 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of the grooves 320 may be asymmetrical. Depth 386 represents the maximum depth of groove 320.

10-12, the general cross-sectional shape of groove 320 may remain generally similar from top rail 182 to sole 190. However, the cross-sectional shape, including the length, width, and/or depth, of each region 371-375 of groove 320 may gradually change from top rail 182 to sole 192. 11 and 12, horizontal cross-sections of grooves 338 and 344 are shown, respectively. For example, regions 371 to 375 of groove 338 are shorter in length than regions 371 to 375 of groove 332, respectively. Similarly, regions 371 to 375 of the groove 344 are shorter in length than regions 371 to 375 of the groove 338, respectively. In another example, regions 371-375 of trench 338 can have a shallower depth than regions 371-375 of trench 332, respectively. Similarly, regions 371 to 275 of groove 344 can each have a shallower depth than regions 371 to 375 of groove 338.

The length, depth, and/or width of the regions 371 to 375 of the grooves 322 to 332 gradually increase from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking surface 312, and/or the length, depth, and/or width of the regions 371 to 375 of the grooves 322 to 332 gradually increase. The size of regions 371 to 375 gradually decreases from the center of the ball striking surface 312 to the sole 192 to form a central strike zone 360 (shown in FIG. When viewed by an individual, the golf ball can individually resemble the shape of a golf ball. A rough visual representation of the golf ball can assist the individual in aligning the ball striking surface 312 with the ball. Region 373 defining the deepest portion of groove 360 may be longer in length at the center of ball striking surface 312 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192. Similarly, transition region 372 and transition region 374 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking surface 312 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192. The lengths of regions 371 to 375 vary depending on the position of grooves 320 on ball striking surface 312, but the depths of similar regions of each groove 320 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 344 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 332. Alternatively, the depth of grooves 322-344 can vary based on the position of grooves 320 on ball striking surface 312. Further alternatively, the depth of grooves 322-344 can vary from top rail 182 to the sole in any manner. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein can include more or fewer horizontal regions.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 13, ball striking surface 412 includes grooves 420 (specifically shown as grooves 422-444). Ball striking surface 412 may be an integral part of putter face 110 or a separate component attached to putter face 110. Accordingly, when describing ball striking surface 412, portions of putter 100 and putter head 102 will be referred to using the same reference numerals as described above.

14 shows a schematic diagram of groove 432, and FIG. 15 shows a horizontal cross-section of groove 432 taken from section line 15-15 in FIG. Groove 432 is shown divided into horizontally extending region 471 and region 472, which are visually distinguished in FIGS. 13 and 14 by the border of groove 432 and a vertical line at the center of groove 432. It is clearly defined. Horizontal region 471 and horizontal region 472 can define a change in the horizontal cross-sectional shape of groove 432 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near top rail 182 to near sole 192. . Horizontal cross-sectional shape of a groove refers to any characteristic of the groove along the length 493 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a particular portion of the groove. In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-17, groove 420 includes a first vertical wall 450 and a second vertical wall 452 that define a length 493 of groove 420. In the embodiment of FIGS. Each of the grooves 420 has a bottom surface 454 that defines the depth of the groove 420. The depth of each groove can vary from first wall 450 to second wall 452 according to the cross-sectional shape of groove 420 in region 471 and region 472. Each groove 420 also includes a first horizontal wall 456 and a second horizontal wall 458 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove 420. The distance between the first horizontal wall 456 and the second horizontal wall 458 defines a width 480 of the groove 420. The width 480 can vary from the first vertical wall 450 to the second vertical wall 452, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 13-17, first horizontal wall 456 and second horizontal wall 458 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 480.

Referring to FIG. 15, the bottom surface 454 in region 471 has a linear shape and slopes downward. Groove 450 is symmetrical about the central vertical axis y. Therefore, the bottom surface 454 in region 472 has a similar linear shape to the bottom surface 454 in region 471 and is similarly sloped downward. Accordingly, the depth of groove 420 gradually increases from depth 482 at first wall 452 and second wall 454 to depth 484 at the center of groove 420. Depth 484 represents the deepest portion of groove 420, which may be at the center of groove 420.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the general cross-sectional shape of groove 420 may remain generally similar from top rail 182 to sole 190. However, the cross-sectional shape, including the length and/or depth, of each region 471 and region 472 of groove 420 may gradually change from top rail 182 to sole 192. For example, regions 471 and 472 of groove 438 are shorter in length than regions 471 and 472 of groove 332, respectively. Similarly, regions 471 and 471 of groove 444 are shorter in length than regions 471 and 472 of groove 438, respectively. In another example, regions 471 and 472 of groove 438 can have a shallower depth than regions 471 and 472 of groove 432, respectively. Similarly, region 471 and region 472 of groove 444 can have a shallower depth than region 471 and region 472 of groove 438, respectively.

The length, depth, and/or width of the regions 471 and 472 of the grooves 422 to 432 gradually increase from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking surface 412, and/or The sizes of regions 471 and 472 of 444 gradually decrease from the center of ball striking surface 412 to sole 192, thereby forming central strike zone 460 (shown in FIG. 13). Region 471 and region 472 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking surface 412 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192. The lengths of regions 471 and 472 vary depending on the position of grooves 420 on ball striking surface 412, but the depths of similar regions of each groove 420 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 444 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 432. Alternatively, the depth of grooves 422-444 can vary based on the location of grooves 420 on ball striking surface 412. Further alternatively, the depth of grooves 422-444 can vary from top rail 182 to the sole in any manner. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer regions.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 18, ball striking surface 512 includes grooves 520 (specifically shown as grooves 522-544). Ball striking surface 512 may be an integral part of putter face 110 or a separate component attached to putter face 110. Accordingly, when describing ball striking surface 512, portions of putter 100 and putter head 102 will be referred to using the same reference numerals as described above.

19 shows a schematic diagram of groove 532, and FIG. 20 shows a horizontal cross-section of groove 532 taken from section line 20-20 in FIG. Groove 532 is shown divided into horizontally extending region 571 and region 572, which are visually distinguished in FIGS. 18 and 19 by the border of groove 532 and a vertical line at the center of groove 532. It is clearly defined. Horizontal region 571 and horizontal region 572 can define a change in the horizontal cross-sectional shape of groove 532 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near top rail 182 to near sole 192. . Horizontal cross-sectional shape of a groove refers to any characteristic of the groove along the length 593 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a particular portion of the groove. In the embodiment of FIGS. 18-22, groove 520 includes a first vertical wall 550 and a second vertical wall 552 that define a length 593 of groove 520. In the embodiment of FIGS. Each of the grooves 520 has a bottom surface 554 that defines the depth of the groove 520. The depth of each groove can vary from the first wall 550 to the second wall 552 according to the cross-sectional shape of the groove 520 in regions 571 and 572. Each groove 520 also includes a first horizontal wall 556 and a second horizontal wall 558 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove 520. The distance between the first horizontal wall 556 and the second horizontal wall 558 defines a width 580 of the groove 520. The width 580 can vary from the first vertical wall 550 to the second vertical wall 552, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 18-22, first horizontal wall 556 and second horizontal wall 558 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 580.

Referring to FIG. 20, the bottom surface 554 in region 571 has a linear shape and slopes downward. The bottom surface 554 in region 572 also has a linear shape and slopes downward. However, because the second wall 552 is longer than the first wall 550, the bottom surface 554 in region 572 has a smaller slope than the bottom surface 554 in region 571. Therefore, the groove 550 in this example is asymmetrical with respect to the vertical central axis y. Accordingly, the groove 250 has a first depth 582 defined by the first wall 550, a second depth 584 defined by the second wall 552, and a center depth 586; Center depth 586 is gradually reached from depth 582 and depth 584 according to downwardly sloping bottom surface 554 of region 571 and region 572, respectively. Center depth 586 may be the depth of the deepest portion of groove 520.

Referring to FIGS. 20-22, the general cross-sectional shape of groove 520 may remain generally similar from top rail 182 to sole 190. However, the cross-sectional shape, including length, width, and/or depth, of each region 571 and region 572 of groove 520 may gradually change from top rail 182 to sole 192. 21 and 22, horizontal cross-sections of grooves 538 and 544 are shown, respectively. For example, regions 571 and 572 of groove 538 are shorter in length than regions 571 and 572 of groove 532, respectively. Similarly, regions 571 and 572 of groove 544 are shorter in length than regions 571 and 572 of groove 538, respectively. In another example, regions 571 and 572 of groove 538 can have a shallower depth than regions 571 and 572 of groove 532, respectively. Similarly, region 571 and region 572 of groove 544 can have a shallower depth than region 571 and region 572 of groove 538, respectively.

The length, depth, and/or width of the region 571 and the region 572 of the grooves 522 to 532 gradually increase from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking surface 512, and/or the grooves 532 to 532 gradually increase in length, depth, and/or width. The sizes of regions 571 and 572 of 544 gradually decrease from the center of ball striking surface 512 to sole 192, thereby forming central strike zone 560 (shown in FIG. 18). Region 571 and region 572 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking surface 512 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192. Although the lengths of regions 571 and 572 vary depending on the position of grooves 520 on ball striking surface 512, the depths of similar regions of each groove 520 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 544 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 532. Alternatively, the depth of grooves 522-544 can vary based on the location of grooves 520 on ball striking surface 512. Further alternatively, the depth of grooves 522-544 can vary in any manner from top rail 182 to the sole. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein can include more or fewer horizontal regions.

Grooves 220, 320, 420, and 520 described above illustrate four examples of horizontal cross-sectional shapes of grooves for use with putter 100. Other examples of horizontal cross-sectional shapes are shown in FIGS. 29-37, where each groove has a length 590, a first depth 591, a second depth 592, and/or a third depth. 593. A groove can be defined by any number of horizontal regions, where any one or more regions have similar or different characteristics. The grooves, which can be symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to the y-axis, for example, have bottom surfaces with complex combinations of linear or non-linear shapes and define similar or varying depths from toe end 180 to heel end 190. I can do it. Such a groove can be described using a number of horizontal regions, each region defining one or more of the complex shapes mentioned. Therefore, the number, arrangement, size, and other characteristics of the horizontal regions described above do not in any way limit the cross-sectional shape of the grooves according to the present disclosure.

In the above example, the grooves on each corresponding ball striking surface have a similar shape. However, the grooves on the ball striking surface can have different shapes. For example, the ball striking surface can include a combination of grooves 220 and grooves 320. In another example, the ball striking surface can include a combination of grooves 420 and grooves 520. Therefore, any combination of groove cross-sectional shapes can be used on the ball-striking surface to impart specific ball-striking characteristics to the putter.

The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the groove can vary gradually and proportionally from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking surface, and can vary gradually from the center of the ball striking surface to the sole 192. The gradual change described may define a ball strike zone that is greater at the center of the ball striking surface than near the top rail 182 and sole 192. Additionally, the gradual described change in the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the grooves results in longer and deeper groove portions at the center of the ball striking surface and around the center of the ball striking surface than the grooves near the top rail 182 and sole 192. Provides a groove with. However, the above-described gradual variation of the grooves is exemplary and other gradual variation schemes can be used to impart specific ball striking characteristics to different parts of the ball striking surface.

Referring to FIG. 23, another embodiment of a ball striking surface 612 is shown having grooves 620. 24-26 illustrate the vertical cross-sectional shape of groove 620 as viewed from section line 24-24 in FIG. In FIG. 24, the vertical cross-sectional shape of groove 620 is box-shaped, rectangular, or square. In FIG. 25, the vertical cross-sectional shape of groove 620 is V-shaped. In FIG. 26, the vertical cross-sectional shape of groove 620 is U-shaped. The vertical cross-sectional groove shapes of FIGS. 24-26 are applicable to any groove according to the present disclosure. For example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of groove 220 may be rectangular or square, following groove 620 in FIG. In another example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of groove 620 may be V-shaped in accordance with groove 620 of FIG. Additionally, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove can vary from toe end 180 to heel end 190. For example, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the groove 220 has a square or rectangular vertical cross-sectional shape in regions 271 and 275, a U-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape in regions 271 and 274, and a V-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape in regions 271 and 274. The mold can have a vertical cross-sectional shape in region 273. Additionally, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove can also vary from top rail 182 to sole 190. For example, the grooves near the top rail 182 and sole 192 may have a square vertical cross-sectional shape, while the grooves at the center of the club face may have a U-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape.

The ball-striking surface of the putter in the above example is shown with grooves extending from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. However, the ball striking surface can have more or less grooves, or can have portions without grooves. For example, the ball striking surface may have some grooves in a central portion of the ball striking surface and may be free of grooves in portions near the top rail 182 or sole 192.

The grooves are not limited to extending horizontally across the ball striking surface. The ball striking surface can have vertical grooves of varying depth or a combination of vertical and horizontal grooves with variable horizontal and/or vertical cross-sectional shapes, as described above. The direction of the grooves may be such as to provide a matrix-like ball striking surface on the putter.

Referring to FIG. 27, ball striking surface 712 with grooves 720 can be horizontally divided into three sections: toe section 780, center section 785, and heel section 790. Ball striking surface 712 may be similar to ball striking surface 212 and ball striking surface 312 described above. Accordingly, groove 720 has regions 271 to 275 and regions 371 to 375, which are similar to grooves 220 and 320 described above, respectively. The three sections described above divide the ball striking surface 712 horizontally and extend vertically from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. Toe portion 780 is proximate toe end 180, heel portion 790 is proximate heel end 190, and central portion 785 is between toe portion 780 and heel portion 790. According to various embodiments, the depth of grooves 720 in toe portion 780 and heel portion 790 may not be greater than the depth of grooves 720 in central portion 785. In one example, the shallowest depth of groove 720, which may be closest to toe end 180 or closest to heel end 190, may be approximately 0.003 inches. At or near central portion 785, the depth of groove 720 can increase to a depth of about 0.017 inches, as described above. The varying depth can include a portion having a depth of at least 0.020 inches but less than 0.022 inches. The varying width can include a portion having a width of at least 0.035 inches, but less than 0.037 inches.

Referring to FIG. 28, the ball striking surface 712 can be vertically divided into three sections: a top rail section 782, a center section 786, and a sole section 792. These portions vertically divide the ball striking surface 712 and extend horizontally from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. Top rail portion 782 is proximate top rail 182, sole portion 792 is proximate sole 192, and central portion 786 is between top rail portion 782 and sole portion 792. The length of the deepest portion of groove 720 can vary from top rail portion 782 to central portion 786 and from central portion 786 to sole portion 792. For example, with respect to the embodiments described above, the length of the deepest portion of the groove may refer to groove 720 located near the center between top rail portion 782 and sole portion 792. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the length of the groove 710 may be greatest in the central portion 786 and may gradually decrease toward the top rail portion 782 and toward the sole portion 792.

29-37 illustrate examples of different horizontal groove cross-sectional shapes according to the present disclosure. In the above embodiments, the widths of grooves 220, 320, 420, and 520 are shown as having rectangular shapes. However, grooves according to the present disclosure can have shapes with different widths, as illustrated by the embodiments of FIGS. 38-45. Accordingly, grooves according to the present disclosure can have any horizontal cross-sectional shape, vertical cross-sectional shape, width shape, and/or depth shape.

The cross-sectional shape of the groove, including variations in length, depth, width, and/or cross-sectional shape of the groove, can affect the speed, control, and/or rotation of the ball. The disclosed varying depth grooves increase the consistency of the ball's velocity after being hit with the putter face by about 50% over a plastic putter face insert and about 50% more than an ungrooved aluminum putter face insert. It can be improved by 40%. Hitting a ball with a grooved putter according to the present disclosure may (1) result in slower ball speeds, thereby reducing ball rollout distance, and (2) reduce heel strikes. and (3) players with relatively mild and severe disabilities. allows the ball to be hit at different locations on the putter face (players with more severe impairments tend to hit the ball lower on the face, while players with more severe impairments Players with more severe disabilities tend to hit the ball higher up the plane. Players with more severe disabilities may also have a wider range of hitting positions, while players with more severe disabilities tend to hit the ball higher up the plane. (4) putter faces with grooves in the center of the face may result in reduced ball speed/rollout distance on center hits; This can result in more consistent ball speed/rollout distance on center/heel/toe strikes.

Referring to FIG. 46, another embodiment of a putter face 810 having variable cross-sectional shape grooves is shown. Putter face 810 is shown with 14 grooves, including grooves 822-828 near toe end 180, grooves 830-840 in the center of putter face 810, and grooves 830-840 near heel end 190. The grooves are grouped into grooves 842 to 848. In this example, the more prominent grooves are located at the center of the putter face 810 and the less pronounced grooves are around the center. A more pronounced groove can refer to a groove that has a greater depth and/or width compared to a less pronounced groove. As shown in FIG. 46, grooves 832-838 may be more pronounced than the remaining grooves of putter face 810. Additionally, portions of putter face 810 may be groove-free. These parts are referenced using the reference number 850.

Referring to FIG. 47, another embodiment of a putter face 910 having variable cross-sectional shape grooves is shown. Putter face 910 is shown with ten grooves 922-940. The length of each groove gradually increases from top rail 182 to sole 190. Each groove 922-940 or group of grooves 922-940 can have a different vertical cross-sectional shape. For example, grooves 922-930 are shown having box-shaped vertical cross-sections, while grooves 932-940 are shown having V-shaped vertical cross-sections.

Referring to FIG. 48, a horizontal cross-section of a groove 922 according to another embodiment is shown. The bottom surface 954 of the groove 922 is shown tapering from the groove edges 950 and 952 to the maximum depth 951 of the groove 922. Any of the grooves according to the present disclosure can have the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as groove 922. Any of the grooves according to this disclosure can have the same depth 951. However, the depth 951 can decrease proportionally as the groove length decreases.

In another example shown in FIG. 49, ball striking surface 1012 can include grooves 1220 (specifically shown as grooves 1222-1256). Ball striking surface 1012 may be for use with putter 100. Accordingly, portions of putter 100 and putter head 102 will be referred to using the same reference numerals as provided above. The groove can have a cross-sectional shape, length, and width according to the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 49, a side cross-sectional view of a ball striking surface 1012 having grooves 1220 is shown, according to another embodiment. Ball striking surface 1012 can be divided into two parts relative to groove 1220. Ball striking surface 1012 can include a top rail portion 1282 and a sole portion 1286. Top rail portion 1282 and sole portion 1286 vertically divide ball striking surface 1012 and can extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190. Top rail portion 1282 extends generally from a central portion of ball striking surface 1012 represented by centerline 1284 to proximate top rail 182 and may include a groove 1222 . Sole portion 1286 extends generally from near sole 192 to central portion 1284 and can include a groove 1224. Grooves 1224 in sole portion 1286 can have a greater depth than grooves 1222 in top rail portion 1282 at one or more locations along each groove 1224. By having a shallower groove 1222 in the top rail portion 1282, the speed at which the golf ball rolls forward after being hit by the putter can be increased to provide a more consistent and smooth ball rollout. . Alternatively, the depth of groove 1220 can gradually decrease in steps in one or more grooves from central portion 1284 to top rail 182 (not shown). In another example, the depth of the groove pairs can gradually decrease from the center portion 1284 to the top rail 182 (not shown). Accordingly, the groove depth may decrease from the sole 192 to the top rail 182 for each groove, pair of grooves, or various groups of grooves.

Referring to FIG. 50, the grooves 1224 in the sole portion 1286 can have a smaller depth than the grooves 1222 in the top rail portion 1282 at one or more locations along each groove 1224. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 1220 can gradually increase in steps in one or more grooves from the center portion 1284 and/or sole 192 to the top rail 182 (not shown). In another example, the depth of the groove pairs can gradually increase from the center portion 1284 and/or sole 192 to the top rail 182 (not shown). Accordingly, the depth of the grooves may increase from the center portion 1284 and/or sole 192 to the top rail 182 for each groove, pair of grooves, or various groups of grooves.

51 and 52 show other embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 51, putter head 1300 includes a ball striking surface 1312 having a plurality of horizontal grooves 1320 and vertical grooves 1322. Referring to FIG. Each of grooves 1320 and 1322 may have a different configuration compared to another groove, such as a variable cross-sectional shape, depth shape, width shape, length shape, and/or other groove characteristics, from toe end 1380 to heel. It can extend near the end 1390 and/or from the top rail 1382 to the sole 1392. For example, the depth of horizontal groove 1320 can increase in steps in one or more grooves from top rail 1382 to sole 1386. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Referring to FIG. 52, the putter head 1400 includes a ball striking surface 1412 having a plurality of first diagonal grooves 1420 and a plurality of second diagonal grooves 1422. The first diagonal grooves 1420 may be generally parallel to each other. Similarly, the second diagonal grooves 1422 may be generally parallel to each other. The first diagonal groove 1420 and the second diagonal groove 1422 may cross each other, as shown in FIG. 52. For example, first diagonal groove 1420 can intersect second diagonal groove 1422 at an angle of 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90°. Each of grooves 1420 and 1422 may have a different configuration compared to another groove, such as a variable cross-sectional shape, depth shape, width shape, length shape, and/or other groove characteristics, from toe end 1480 to heel. It can extend near the end 1490 and/or from the top rail 1482 to the sole 1492. For example, the depth of the first diagonal groove 1420 can gradually increase from the top rail 1482 to the sole 1486 in steps in one or more grooves. 68 and 69 show variations of the embodiment of putter head 1400. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Referring to FIG. 54, a ball striking surface 2212 according to another embodiment is shown. The ball striking surface 2212 can be vertically divided and defined by three sections: a top rail section 2282, a center section 2286, and a sole section 2292. Top rail portion 2282, center portion 2286, and sole portion 2292 vertically divide ball striking surface 2212 and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190. Top rail portion 2282 is near top rail 182, sole portion 2292 is near sole 192, and central portion 2286 is between top rail portion 2282 and sole portion 2292. In FIG. 54, ball striking surface 2212 can have twelve grooves 2222-2244, which can be collectively referred to as grooves 2220. For example, grooves 2222, 2224, 2226, and 2228 can be considered to be in top rail portion 2282, and grooves 2230, 2232, 2234, and 2236 can be considered to be in center portion 2286. Groove 2238, groove 2240, groove 2242, and groove 2244 can be considered to be within sole portion 2292. However, one or more of the grooves 2220 can be considered to be within two adjacent portions of the three vertically divided portions, ie, a portion of the groove 2220 overlaps the adjacent portion. The length of the groove 2220 may be greatest in the central portion 2286 and may gradually decrease toward the top rail portion 2282 and toward the sole portion 2292. Alternatively, the length of the groove 2220 can vary according to the circumferential shape of the ball striking surface 2212. Top rail portion 2282, center portion 2286, and sole portion 2292 are exemplary and may define portions on ball striking surface 2212, and grooves 2220 that may be disposed in such portions may include one or more grooves 2220. have similar configuration or characteristics. Accordingly, ball striking surface 2212 may be defined by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or features. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

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

The center of ball striking surface 2212 may be defined by y-axis 2261. The y-axis 2261 can also define the central axis of the central portion 2254, as shown in FIGS. 54 and 55. However, the central portion 2254 may be offset with respect to the y-axis 2261 (not shown). According to the embodiment of FIG. 55, each of the bottom surfaces 2255 of grooves 2230, 2232, 2234, and 2236 are substantially equal from the y-axis 2261 toward the toe end 180 and toward the heel end 190. extend. As shown in FIG. 55, the distance between the y-axis 2261 and the toe edge portion 2264 of the central portion 2254 may be defined as a length 2262. Toe edge portion 2264 may be defined as the portion of the groove between y-axis 2261 and toe end 190, with the depth of the groove increasing from depth 2257 and transitioning to the opening or top of the groove. The distance between the y-axis 2261 and the heel edge portion 2268 of the central portion 2254 may be defined as a length 2266. The heel edge portion 2268 may be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 2261 and the heel end 180, with the depth of the groove increasing from depth 2257 and transitioning to the opening or top of the groove. . According to the embodiments of FIGS. 54 and 55, length 2262 is substantially the same as length 2266. A putter having the ball striking surface 2212 shown in FIG. 54 may be suitable for individuals with a straight putting stroke.

Referring to FIG. 56, another embodiment of a ball striking surface 3212 is shown. The ball striking surface 3212 can be vertically divided and defined by three sections: a top rail section 3282, a center section 3286, and a sole section 3292. Top rail portion 3282, center portion 3286, and sole portion 3292 vertically divide ball striking surface 3212 and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190. Top rail portion 3282 is near top rail 182, sole portion 3292 is near sole 192, and central portion 3286 is between top rail portion 3282 and sole portion 3292. In FIG. 56, ball striking surface 3212 can have twelve grooves 3222-3244, which can be collectively referred to as grooves 3220. For example, grooves 3222, 3224, 3226, and 3228 can be considered to be in the top rail portion 3282, and grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, and 3236 can be considered to be in the center portion 3286. Groove 3238, groove 3240, groove 3242, and groove 3244 can be considered to be within sole portion 3292. However, one or more of the grooves 3220 may be considered to be within two adjacent portions of the three vertically divided portions, i.e., a portion of the groove 3220 overlaps the adjacent portion. I can do it. The length of the groove 3220 may be greatest in the central portion 3286 and may gradually decrease toward the top rail portion 3282 and toward the sole portion 3292. Alternatively, the length of the groove 3220 can vary according to the circumferential shape of the ball striking surface 3212. Top rail portion 3282, center portion 3286, and sole portion 3292 are exemplary and may define portions on ball striking surface 3212, and grooves 3220 that may be disposed within such portions may include one or Having multiple similar configurations or features. Accordingly, ball striking surface 3212 may be defined by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or features. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

FIG. 57 shows a horizontal cross section of the ball striking surface 3212 at the groove 3234. Each groove 3220 can include a central portion 3254 having a bottom surface 3255 that can define a maximum depth 3257 of the groove 3220. The central portion 3254 has a length 3259 that can vary depending on the location of the groove 3220 on the ball striking surface 3212. In the example of FIG. 56, the central portions 3254 of the grooves 3220 in the central portion 3286 have approximately the same length. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The center of ball striking surface 3212 may be defined by y-axis 3261. The y-axis 3261 may also define the central axis of the central portion 3254 shown in FIGS. 56 and 57. However, the central portion 3254 may be offset with respect to the y-axis 3261 (not shown). According to the embodiment of FIG. 57, each of the bottom surfaces 3255 of grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, and 3236 extends from the y-axis 3261 toward toe end 180 by a longer length than the bottom surface 2255 of groove 2234 in FIG. It grows. As shown in FIG. 57, the distance between the y-axis 3261 and the toe edge portion 3264 of the central portion 3254 may be defined as a length 3262. The toe edge portion 3264 may be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 3261 and the toe end 190, with the depth of the groove increasing from depth 3257 to the top of the opening or groove. The distance between the y-axis 3261 and the heel edge portion 3268 of the central portion 3254 may be defined as a length 3266. The heel edge portion 3268 may be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 3261 and the heel end 180, with the depth of the groove increasing from depth 3257 and transitioning to the top of the opening or groove. . According to the example of FIG. 57, length 3262 is longer than length 2266 of FIG. Length 3262 may also be longer than length 3266. Alternatively, length 3262 may be substantially similar to length 3266, but longer than length 2266 in FIG. 55. Accordingly, the deepest portions of some or all of the grooves 3220 of the ball striking surface 3212 of FIG. 56 extend toward the toe end 190 than the deepest portions of the grooves 2220 of the ball striking surface 2212 of FIG. 54. A putter having the ball striking surface 3212 shown in FIG. 56 may be suitable for individuals with a slightly arcing putting stroke.

Referring to FIG. 58, another embodiment of a ball striking surface 4212 is shown. Ball striking surface 4212 can be vertically divided and defined by three sections: top rail section 4282, center section 4286, and sole section 4292. Top rail portion 4282, center portion 4286, and sole portion 4292 vertically divide ball striking surface 4212 and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190. Top rail portion 4282 is proximate top rail 182, sole portion 4292 is proximate sole 192, and central portion 4286 is between top rail portion 4282 and sole portion 4292. In FIG. 58, ball striking surface 4212 can have twelve grooves 4222-4244, which can be collectively referred to as grooves 4220. For example, grooves 4222, 4224, 4226, and 4228 can be considered to be in top rail portion 4282, and grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, and 4236 can be considered to be in center portion 4286. Groove 4238, groove 4240, groove 4242, and groove 4244 can be considered to be within sole portion 4292. However, one or more of the grooves 4220 can be considered to be within two adjacent portions of the three vertically divided portions, i.e., a portion of the groove 4220 overlaps the adjacent portion. . The length of the groove 4220 may be greatest in the central portion 4286 and may gradually decrease toward the top rail portion 4282 and toward the sole portion 4292. Alternatively, the length of the groove 4220 can vary according to the circumferential shape of the ball striking surface 4212. Top rail portion 4282, center portion 4286, and sole portion 4292 are exemplary and may define portions on ball striking surface 4212, and grooves 4220 that may be disposed within such portions may include one or Having multiple similar configurations or features. Accordingly, ball striking surface 4212 may be defined by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or features. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

FIG. 59 shows a horizontal cross section of the ball striking surface 4212 at the groove 4232. Each groove 4220 can include a central portion 4254 having a bottom surface 4255 that can define a maximum depth 4257 of the groove 4220. The central portion 4254 has a length 4259 that can vary depending on the location of the groove 4220 on the ball striking surface 4212. In the example of FIG. 58, central portions 4254 of grooves 4220 in central portion 4286 have approximately the same length. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The center of ball striking surface 4212 may be defined by y-axis 4261. The y-axis 4261 may also define the central axis of the central portion 4254 shown in FIGS. 58 and 59. However, the central portion 4254 may be offset with respect to the y-axis 4261 (not shown). According to the embodiment of FIG. 59 , each of the bottom surfaces 4255 of grooves 4230 , 4232 , 4234 , and 4236 has a length greater than the bottom surface 3255 of groove 3234 of FIG. It grows. As shown in FIG. 59, the distance between the y-axis 4261 and the toe edge portion 4264 of the central portion 4254 may be defined as a length 4262. Toe edge portion 4264 may be defined as the portion of the groove between y-axis 4261 and toe end 190, with groove depth increasing from depth 4257 and transitioning to the groove opening. The distance between the y-axis 4261 and the heel edge portion 4268 of the central portion 4254 may be defined as a length 4266. The heel edge portion 4268 may be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 4261 and the heel end 180, with the depth of the groove increasing from depth 4257 and transitioning to the opening of the groove. According to the example of FIG. 59, length 4262 is longer than length 3266 of FIG. 57, and thus longer than length 2266 of FIG. 55. Length 4262 may be longer than length 4266. Alternatively, length 4262 may be substantially similar to length 4266, but longer than length 3266 in FIG. 57. Accordingly, the deepest portions of some or all of the grooves 4220 of the ball striking surface 4212 of FIG. 58 extend toward the toe end 190 than the deepest portions of the grooves 3220 of the ball striking surface 3212 of FIG. 56. A putter having the ball striking surface 4212 shown in FIG. 58 may be suitable for individuals with a strong arcing putting stroke.

According to the embodiments of FIGS. 54-59, the grooves on the putter can be configured to optimize an individual's performance based on the individual's putting stroke. Depending on the degree of arc in an individual's putting stroke, any of the grooves described herein may be provided on a putter with some portion of the total groove generally defining the depth of the groove. , which extends from the center of the putter's striking surface to the toe end at a specific length to optimize an individual's performance when using the putter. Therefore, the length of the deepest part of the groove can be made proportional to the degree of arc in an individual's putting stroke. For example, for an individual with a putt stroke between a strongly arcing putt stroke and a slightly arcing putt stroke, the portion of the groove that generally defines the depth of the groove is from the y-axis toward the toe end 190. , is longer than the grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, and 3236 of the ball striking surface 3212, but shorter than the grooves 4230, 4232, 4034, and 4036 of the ball striking surface 4212, and can be extended. In the embodiments of FIGS. 54-59, the portion of the groove in the central portion of the striking surface that defines the depth of the groove varies based on the type of individual's putting stroke. However, all of the grooves on the hitting surface, including the grooves in the top rail and sole portions, can be configured according to the embodiments described above based on the type of individual's putting stroke. Furthermore, the grooves according to the embodiments of FIGS. 54-59 can have any shape or configuration. For example, the ball striking surface according to the embodiments of FIGS. 54 to 59 may have a groove cross-sectional shape according to the groove embodiments of FIGS. can have. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Golf club heads, ball striking surfaces, and/or grooves according to the embodiments of FIGS. 54-59 may be formed by any of the methods and/or by any of the materials described herein. It can be manufactured using Each groove can have a width of about 0.032 inches (0.081 cm) and a depth of between about 0.003 inches (0.008 cm) and about 0.017 inches (0.043 cm). can have As described in detail herein, any of the ball striking surfaces 2212, 3212, or 4212 may be in the form of an insert into a golf club head or a correspondingly shaped recess in a golf club head. It may be. The insert may be coplanar with the remainder of the face of the golf club head, which may define a reference plane. Thus, the ball striking surface groove is within the golf club head or below the reference surface. Alternatively, all or part of the insert may protrude from the reference surface such that all or part of the groove lies above the reference surface. By having an interchangeable ball striking surface with one or more golf clubs, such as a putter, the ball striking surface of the golf club head can be changed to a different ball based on one's own putting style to improve an individual's ability. It can be replaced with a hitting surface. For example, an individual whose putting style has changed over a certain period of time may replace the ball striking surface of his or her putter with another ball striking surface according to the present disclosure so that the putter better matches the individual's current putting style. It can be done. Instead of having a replaceable ball striking surface, any of the grooves described herein, including the exemplary grooves of FIGS. 54-59, can be fabricated on the golf club head. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example shown in FIG. 60, ball striking surface 5212 can include grooves 5220 (specifically shown as grooves 5222-5244). Ball striking surface 5212 may be an integral part of putter face 110 or a separate part attached to putter face 110. Therefore, when describing ball striking surface 5212, portions of putter 100 and putter head 102 will be referred to using the same reference numerals as described above. As with other embodiments described herein, the depth, length, and/or width of each groove 5220 may vary from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 and/or from the top rail 182 of the putter head 102. The sole 192 can be increased, decreased, and/or varied. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

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

The variation in depth 5255 of each groove 5220 relative to the variation in width 5280 of each groove 5220 may depend on the cutting tool used to manufacture the groove 5220. According to one embodiment, the variation in groove width may be similar to the variation in groove depth along the length of the groove. For example, for every millimeter increase in groove depth, the groove width also increases by one millimeter. According to another example, the depth of the groove may vary by a multiple of the variation of the width of the groove along the length of the groove. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by 0.5 mm. Thus, the change in depth of each groove may be linearly related to the change in width of each groove along the length of each groove.

FIG. 63 shows a typical cutting bit 5300 having a cutting blade 5301 for cutting grooves in material. The machine rotates the cutting bit 5300 so that the cutting blade 5301 can drill a hole in the material, and the machine moves the material to be cut or moves the cutting bit 5300 to create a groove in the path of travel. Make along. The cutting bit 5300 has an angle 5302 that defines the angle 5304 of the groove cut by the cutting blade 5301, shown in FIGS. 64 and 65. The exemplary cutting bit of FIG. 63 has an angle 5302 of about 90°, and it can cut the groove shown in FIG. 65 at an angle 5304 of about 90°. FIG. 64 shows a groove having a groove angle 5304 of approximately 60°. The cutting bit (not shown) for cutting the groove of FIG. 64 has a cutting bit having an angle of approximately 60°.

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

The variation of the width of each groove with respect to its depth along the length of the groove can be expressed by:

According to equation (2), when the cutting blade 5301 has an angle of approximately 90°, the groove width varies by a factor of two along the groove length relative to the groove depth. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by 2 mm. When the cutting blade has an angle of 60°, the groove width varies by a factor of approximately 1.15 relative to the groove depth. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by 1.15 mm. When the cutting blade has an angle of 30°, the width of the groove varies by a factor of approximately 0.54 relative to the depth of the groove. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by approximately 0.54 mm. Thus, cutting each groove with a cutting tool provides grooves with widths and depths that vary linearly with respect to each other along the length of the groove.

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

According to equation (2), the change in groove depth with respect to the change in groove width is linear. However, the change in groove depth relative to the change in groove width may be constant or non-linear. One or more cutting tools to manufacture the grooves can be used to cause the depth of the grooves to vary according to a non-linear relationship to changes in the width of the grooves. For example, the change in groove depth for a change in groove width can be defined by the following equation:

According to equation (3), the groove width is twice the square root of the groove depth and can be expressed by the following equation:

Therefore, the relationship between groove depth changes and width changes may be non-linear. According to another embodiment, the depth and/or cross-sectional shape of the groove may vary, but the width of the groove may remain constant. For example, the groove can have a square cross-sectional shape, where the depth of the groove varies from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove, while the width of the groove remains constant. According to another embodiment, the width of the groove may remain constant from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove, but the cross-sectional shape and/or depth of the groove may vary from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove. Towards the end, it can change. According to another embodiment, the depth of the groove may remain constant from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove, while the width of the groove varies from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove. and/or remain constant.

According to another embodiment shown in FIGS. 66 and 67, the depth 5355 of the groove 5320 may be constant along a portion of the groove, such as a central portion 5356 of the groove. Accordingly, groove width 5380 is also constant along the central portion of groove 5356, as detailed above. To manufacture the groove 5320 of FIGS. 66 and 67, a cutting tool, such as cutting tool 5300, is used at a constant depth 5355 in the central portion 5356 of the groove, and thus a constant depth 5355 in the central portion 5356 of the groove 5320. This results in a width of 5380.

Groove areas with deeper, wider grooves near the center of gravity of the putter can provide faster expected ball speed, while shallower, narrower groove areas near the toe and heel portions A slower predicted ball speed can be provided. Additionally, a larger groove width and depth in the center portion of the putter can reduce the mass at the point of contact with the golf ball, thereby increasing the ball speed by equating the mass point at each possible contact point. is normalized within the putter face so that an off-center hit, toe, heel, high, or low hit will generally result in the same ball speed as if it were hit in the center of the putter face.

The cutting tool of FIG. 63 is an exemplary cutting tool. Other cutting tools with different shapes can be used, thus resulting in differently shaped grooves. The cutting tool in Figure 63 is V-shaped, which results in a V-shaped groove. However, a U-shaped cutting tool (not shown) can result in a U-shaped groove. According to one embodiment, a cutting tool with a flat tip or tip can be used to produce a flat-bottomed groove. For example, the cutting tool may be a V-shaped cutting tool with a flat tip instead of a sharp tip. Thus, a V-shaped groove with a flat bottom can be manufactured. Thus, the bottom of the groove may be substantially from a point (ie, having little width) to as wide as the width of the groove (ie, a groove shape of rectangular or square cross section). According to one example, the bottom of the groove may be flat and have a width of about 0.003 inches (0.0076 centimeters). Grooves with flat bottoms can improve putting ability. Grooves can be manufactured by using one cutting tool or multiple cutting tools as described above. For example, multiple cutting tools can be used to manufacture a single groove to provide different groove cross-sectional shapes and/or dimensions from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove.

68-71, putter head 1800 includes a ball striking surface 1812 having a plurality of first curved grooves 1820 and second curved grooves 1822. Referring to FIGS. The first direction of curvature 1814 of the first groove 1820 may be generally opposite the second direction of curvature 1816 of the second groove 1822. The first direction of curvature 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second direction of curvature 1816 of the second groove 1822 may be the same from toe end 1880 to heel end 1890 (as shown in FIG. 71), or The first direction of curvature 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second direction of curvature 1816 of the second groove 1822 may vary from the toe end 1880 to the heel end 1890 (as shown in FIG. 70). In other examples, the first direction of curvature 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second direction of curvature 1816 of the second groove 1822 may be the same from the sole 1892 to the top rail 1882 (as shown in FIG. 84). Alternatively, the first curved direction 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second curved direction 1816 of the second groove 1822 may vary from the sole 1892 to the top rail 1882. may intersect the second curved groove 1822 at any point or points along the one or more second curved grooves 1822. Each of the grooves 1820, 1822 has a variable cross-sectional profile, a depth profile, width profile, length profile, and/or other grooves from the toe end 1880 to near the heel end and/or from the top rail 1882 to the sole 1892, similar to the putter head grooves described above (e.g., 1300 and 1400). The first curved groove 1820 may have a different configuration compared to another groove, such as groove characteristics. For example, the depth of the first curved groove 1820 increases progressively from the top rail 1882 to the sole 1892 for each groove or grooves. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

72-75 illustrate another example of a putter 100 having a ball striking surface 1500 according to another embodiment of the invention. When describing the new embodiment, some parts of putter 100 will be referenced with the same reference numbers as above. Ball striking surface 1500 includes a pattern 1510 that defines a plurality of lands 1515 and a plurality of oval grooves 1520. Land 1515 and oval groove 1520 begin at the geometric center 1511 of the innermost land 1516 or innermost oval groove 1521. Lands 1515 and oval grooves 1520 alternate outwardly from geometric center 1511. Geometric center 1511 is positioned relative to ball striking surface 1500 which is aligned with toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190 and sole 192. Geometric center 1511 may or may not be the actual geometric center of putter head 102.

As shown in FIG. 72, ball striking surface 1500 includes a pattern 1510 that defines a plurality of lands 1515 and a plurality of oval grooves 1520. As shown, ball striking surface 1500 includes seven lands 1515 and seven oval grooves 1520. However, in other embodiments, the ball striking surface 1500 can include more or fewer lands 1515 than the seven lands 1515 illustrated, and more or less than the seven oval grooves 1520 illustrated. 1520. For example, the ball hitting surface 1500 has one oval groove, one land 1515, two oval grooves, two lands 1515, three oval grooves, three lands 1515, and four oval grooves. Oval groove, 4 lands 1515, 5 oval grooves, 5 lands 1515, 6 oval grooves, 6 lands 1515, 7 oval grooves, 7 lands 1515, 8 9 elliptical grooves, 8 lands 1515, 9 elliptical grooves, 9 lands 1515, 10 elliptical grooves, 10 lands 1515, 11 elliptical grooves, 11 lands 1515 , 12 oval grooves, 12 lands 1515, or more.

As shown in FIG. 72, pattern 1510 defines a major axis 1560 and a minor axis 1564. The major axis 1560 is where the oval groove 1520 is measured at its largest diameter, while the minor axis 1564 is where the oval groove 1520 is measured at its smallest diameter. The long axis passes through the geometric center 1511 and extends from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. A short axis 1564 passes through the geometric center 1511 and extends from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. In other embodiments, the long axis 1560 may pass through the geometric center 1511 and extend along the top rail 182 and sole 192, while the short axis 1562 may pass through the geometric center 1511 and extend along the toe end 182. It may extend through the heel end 190.

As shown in FIGS. 73-75, each of the oval grooves 1520 has a bottom surface 1554 that defines the depth of the oval groove 1520 relative to the surface of the ball striking surface 1500. The depth of the oval groove 1520 ranges from 0.001 inch to 0.020 inch (e.g., 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, 0.010, 0.012, 0.014, 0 .016, 0.018 or 0.020). The depth of the elliptical groove 1520 varies across the ball striking surface 1500. The depth of the oval groove 1520 gradually increases as the oval groove 1520 moves from the top rail 182 to the geometric center 1511 and gradually decreases as the oval groove moves from the geometric center 1511 to the sole 192. Similarly, the depth of the oval groove 1520 increases gradually as the oval groove 1520 moves from the toe end 180 to the geometric center 1511 and gradually increases as the oval groove 1520 moves from the geometric center 1511 to the heel end 190. Decrease. The oval groove at the geometric center 1511 has the greatest depth, and the oval grooves near the toe end 180, heel end 190, top rail 182 and sole 192 have the shallowest depth. The elliptical groove 1520 may be symmetrical about a horizontal axis x that is perpendicular to the vertical axis y on the ball striking surface 1500. The depth of the oval groove 1520 may be similar on the top rail 182 and sole 192. Similarly, the depth of the oval groove 1520 may be similar at the toe end 180 and heel end 190.

In one embodiment, the depth of the oval grooves 1520 may have a uniform depth for each individual oval groove 1520, but from one oval groove 1520 to the next outer oval groove 1520. May change. In other embodiments, the depth of the oval grooves 1520 may vary within individual oval grooves 1520. The depth may gradually decrease within one oval groove 1520 as the groove moves toward the toe end 180 and heel end 190. In an example where the long axis 1560 runs along the top rail 182 and sole 192 and the short axis runs along the toe end 180 and heel end 190, at the crown-face-sole 192 interface, the depth is toward the top rail 182. It may be gradually decreased. As the grooves move away from the geometric center 1511, the next outermost elliptical grooves 1520 may follow the same varying depth pattern but become generally shallower. As shown in FIGS. 74 and 75, the elliptical grooves 1521, 1522 are larger than the elliptical grooves 1526, 1527, which have the deepest depth elliptical groove 1521 and the shallowest depth elliptical groove 1527. It can have a depth that varies widely.

Each oval groove 1520 has an inner border 1530 and an outer border 1540. The inner border 1530 is the border closest to the geometric center 1511 of the elliptical groove 1520. The outer border 1540 is the farthest border from the geometric center 1511 of the elliptical groove 1520. The inner border 1530 to the outer border 1540 of the oval groove 1520 defines a width 1580. The width 1580 of the oval groove 1520 is about 0.001 inch to about 0.035 inch (e.g., 0.001, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030). , or 0.035). Width 1580 may be constant within oval groove 1520. Width 1580 may also vary within oval groove 1520. Furthermore, the width 1580 can be kept constant for all oval grooves 1520 on the ball striking surface 1500. The width may vary for each oval groove 1520 on the ball striking surface 1500. In one embodiment, the width 1580 may increase from the innermost oval groove 1520 to the outermost oval groove 1520. For example, oval groove 1 may have a width of 0.015 inches and oval groove 7 may have a width of 0.035 inches. In another embodiment, the width 1580 may decrease from the innermost oval groove 1520 to the outermost oval groove 1520. Other embodiments may include any combination of both constant and variable widths within and for each oval groove 1520.

The outer boundary line 1540 of one oval groove relative to the inner boundary line 1530 of an adjacent oval groove 1520 defines a land 1515. Land 1515 is the portion between each oval groove 1520 on ball striking surface 1500 and defines a thickness. As shown in FIG. 72, a geometric center 1511 is formed on a land 1515. The lands at the geometric center 1511 are solid cylindrical, and moving further from the geometric center 1511, each land 1515 is cylindrical with larger inner and outer diameters.

In one embodiment, the thickness of each land 1515 may be constant throughout pattern 1510. In another embodiment, the thickness of each land 1515 may vary throughout pattern 1510. Furthermore, the thickness of the land 1515 may be constant between each oval groove 1520 or may vary between each oval groove 1520. The thickness of each land 1515 can range from about 0.001 inch to about 0.050 inch. In one example, the lands 1515 may increase as one moves from the geometric center 1511 to the outermost elliptical groove 1527. In another example, the lands 1515 may decrease as they move from the geometric center 1511 to the outermost elliptical grooves 1527. The increments are 0.001, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, or 0.035 inches. Other embodiments may include any combination of both constant and varying land areas between each oval groove 1520 and from one oval groove 1520 to an adjacent oval groove 1520.

As mentioned above, FIGS. 24-26 illustrate the cross-sectional geometry of the elliptical groove 1520 as viewed from section line 30-30 in FIG. In FIG. 24, the geometric cross-sectional shape of the elliptical groove 1520 is box-shaped, rectangular, or square. In FIG. 25, the geometric cross-sectional shape of the elliptical groove 1520 is V-shaped. In FIG. 26, the geometric cross-sectional shape of the elliptical groove 1520 is U-shaped. The geometrical cross-sectional shape may remain constant within the elliptical groove 1520. The geometrical cross-sectional shape may also vary within the elliptical groove 1520. For example, the oval groove 1520 may have a square geometric cross-sectional shape from the top rail 182 to the sole 192 moving clockwise, and a U-shaped geometric cross-section from the sole 192 to the top rail 182 moving clockwise. It may have a cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the geometric cross-sectional shape of the elliptical grooves 1520 may vary from one elliptical groove 1520 to another. For example, one oval groove 1520 may have a U-shaped cross-sectional geometry, and the next oval groove 1520 may have a V-shaped cross-sectional geometry. Other embodiments may include any combination of three geometric cross-sectional shapes within and for each oval groove 1520.

The varying depth pattern created by the elliptical grooves 1520 has a damping effect on the kinetic energy transferred to the ball. The greater the depth, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. On the other hand, the smaller the depth, the less kinetic energy is absorbed. Since the depth of the elliptical groove 1520 is greatest near the geometric center 1511, this is where the attenuation is greatest. As the elliptical groove 1520 becomes shallower and further away from the geometric center 1511, the attenuation decreases. This varying depth pattern in the elliptical grooves 1520 allows for consistent ball speed across the ball striking surface 1500. For example, when ball striking surface 1500 strikes a ball at toe end 180, geometric center 1511, and heel end 190, the ball will have similar velocity.

76-80 illustrate another example of a putter 100 with a ball striking surface 1620 that is another embodiment of the present invention. When describing the new embodiment, some parts of putter 100 will be referenced with the same reference numbers as above. Ball striking surface 1612 includes a plurality of protrusions 1640 extending from bottom surface 1616. The bottom surface 1616 is contoured as shown in Figures 78-80. The bottom surface 1616 includes an indentation or recess in a central area 1618 of the ball striking surface 1612. As shown in FIG. 77, the central region 1618 may be oval-shaped. In other embodiments, the central region 1618 may be defined as a circle, oval, or other suitable shape.

Protrusion 1640 is frustoconical and has variable height and width. Protrusion 1640 further includes a base 1620 and a top surface 1624. The base 1620 is connected to the bottom surface 1616 and the top surface 1624 forms the flat surface of the ball striking surface 1612. Protrusion 1640 extends outward from geometric center 1611 of ball striking surface 1612. Geometric center 1611 is positioned relative to ball striking surface 1612 that is aligned with toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, and sole 192. Geometric center 1611 may or may not be the actual geometric center of putter head 102.

As shown in FIG. 76, ball striking surface 1612 defines an x-axis 1628 and a y-axis 1632. The x-axis 1628 passes through the geometric center 1611 and extends from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The y-axis 1632 passes through the geometric center 1611 and extends through the top rail 182 to the sole 192. The characteristics of protrusion 1640 may be mirrored with respect to x-axis 1628, y-axis 1632, or both x-axis 1628 and y-axis 1632.

As shown in FIGS. 79 and 80, protrusion 1640 varies in height and width. At the geometric center, protrusion 1640 has a higher height than protrusions further away from geometric center 1611. In other words, the height of the protrusion 1640 changes gradually as it moves outwardly from the geometric center toward the toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, and sole 192.

The height 1644 of the protrusion 1640 is measured from the bottom surface to the top surface 1624. The height 1644 of each protrusion 1640 depends on the bottom surface 1616. As the contour of the bottom surface 1616 changes, the height 1644 of the protrusion 1640 may also change. For example, in a depression or recess in the bottom surface 1616, the protrusion height 1644 is at a maximum. In many embodiments, height 1644 is maximum at geometric center 1611 and decreases as protrusion 1640 moves away from geometric center 1611. The height 1644 of the protrusion 1640 at the toe end 180 may be the same or similar to the protrusion height 1644 at the heel end 190. The height 1644 of the protrusion at the top rail 182 may be the same or similar to the height 1644 of the protrusion at the sole 192. The heights 1644 of the protrusions at the toe end 180, heel end 190, top rail 182 and sole 192 may be the same or similar. Additionally, the height 1644 of the protrusion 1640 may be approximately 0.001 inches to 0.020 inches (eg, 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, 0.010, 0.012, 0.020 inches). 0.014, 0.016, 0.018 or 0.020 inches).

Additionally, protrusions 1640 have a larger gap or distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions at the geometric center. Further away from the geometric center 1611, the distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions 1640 becomes progressively smaller. Also, in other words, the distance between the protrusions gradually changes as one moves outward from the geometric center toward the toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, and sole 192. Distance 1636 is shown as the space between each top surface 1624 of protrusion 1640. The distance 1636 between the protrusions 1640 is created by the frustoconical surface of the base 1620 that tapers toward the top surface 1624. The greater the taper of the protrusions 1640, the greater the distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions 1640. Similarly, the less tapered the protrusions 1640, the smaller the distance between adjacent protrusions 1640.

As shown in FIGS. 79 and 80, each protrusion 1640 includes a diameter 1648 that varies along its height due to the frustoconical shape of the protrusion. Each protrusion has a maximum diameter 1648 at the base 1620 and decreases toward the top surface 1624. The diameter of each protrusion 1640 is correlated to the height 1644 of each protrusion. The greater the height 1644, the greater the taper of the protrusion 1640 and the smaller the diameter 1648 at the top surface 1624. In many embodiments, the diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 is at its minimum at the geometric center 1611. As the protrusion 1640 moves further away from the geometric center 1611, the diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 may gradually increase. The diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 of the projection 1640 at the toe end 180 may be the same as or similar to the diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 of the projection 1640 at the heel end 190. The diameter 1648 of the upper surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 on the top rail 182 may be the same or similar to the diameter 1648 of the upper surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 on the sole 192. The diameters 1648 of the upper surfaces 1624 of the protrusions on the toe end 180, heel end 190, top rail 182 and sole 192 may be the same or similar. The diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 is approximately 0.001 inch to 0.035 inch (e.g., 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, or 0.035 inch). It can be a range.

In other constructions, protrusion 1640 may have alternative shapes and cross-sections 1652. Cross section 1652 can be of any suitable shape (eg, circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.).

The distance 1636, height 1644 and diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 provide a damping effect on the kinetic energy transferred to the golf ball. The greater the distance 1636 and the greater the height 1644, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. Similarly, the smaller the distance 1636 and the smaller the height 1644, the less kinetic energy will be absorbed. Alternatively, the larger the diameter, the less kinetic energy will be absorbed. The smaller the diameter, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. Near geometric center 1611 is where the attenuation is greatest because distance 1636 and height 1644 are maximum and diameter 1648 is minimum. As distance 1636 and height 1644 decrease moving farther from geometric center 1611 and diameter increases, attenuation decreases. The varying characteristics of the protrusions 1640 enable consistent ball speed across the ball striking surface 1612. For example, when ball striking surface 1612 strikes a ball at toe end 180, geometric center 1611, and heel end 190, the ball will have similar velocity.

face insert

In many embodiments, the putter golf club head can include a face insert. Various face insert embodiments can have grooves as described above (i.e., varying widths, varying depths, or varying widths and depths). When describing the embodiments below, some parts of putter 100 are referenced with the same reference numbers as above. The putter golf club head includes a front end 196, a rear end 194 opposite the front end 196, a toe end 180, a heel end 190 opposite the toe end 180, a top rail 182, a sole 192 opposite the top rail 182, and a front including a leading edge located between end 196 and sole 192. The outer surface of the putter golf club head can form a recess. More specifically, in some embodiments, the top wall, toe wall, heel wall opposite the toe wall, and back wall of a putter-type golf club head can form a recess. In some embodiments, the top wall, toe wall, heel wall opposite the toe wall, back wall, and bottom wall opposite the top wall of the putter golf club head can form a recess. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head may be configured to strike a golf ball. A recess in the putter golf club head can extend behind the front end 196 toward the rear end 194.

The recess in the putter golf club head includes a depth measured as the vertical distance from the front end 196 to the rear end 194. In many embodiments, the depth of the recess can range from 0.150 to 0.250 inches. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess is 0.150 to 0.200 inches, 0.150 to 0.220 inches, 0.150 to 0.240 inches, 0.160 to 0.200 inches, 0. .160 to 0.220 inch, 0.160 to 0.240 inch, 0.160 to 0.250 inch, 0.170 to 0.200 inch, 0.170 to 0.220 inch, 0.170 to 0. 240 inches, 0.170 to 0.250 inches, 0.180 to 0.200 inches, 0.180 to 0.220 inches, 0.180 to 0.240 inches, or 0.180 to 0.250 inches It can be a range. For example, the depth of the recess is 0.150, 0.160, 0.170, 0.180, 0.190, 0.200, 0.210, 0.220, 0.230, 0.240, 0. It can be 250 inches.

In other embodiments, the depth of the recess may range from 0.20 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess is between 0.20 and 0.50 inches, between 0.30 and 0.60 inches, between 0.40 and 0.70 inches, or between 0.50 and 0.80 inches. It can be a range. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess is 0.20 to 0.40 inches, 0.30 to 0.50 inches, 0.40 to 0.60 inches, 0.50 to 0.70 inches, or It can range from 0.60 to 0.80 inches. For example, the depth of the recess is 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0. It can be 70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches.

A recess in a putter golf club head may be configured to receive a face insert. In many embodiments, the face insert may have a complementary shape to a recess in the putter golf club head. In other embodiments, the face insert may not have a complementary shape to the recess in the putter golf club head. When the recess receives the face insert, the face insert abuts the rear wall of the recess. In many embodiments, the face insert can be joined to the recess by an adhesive, such as tape, a very strong adhesive tape, an adhesive, an epoxy, or any type of adhesive compound. In other embodiments, the face insert can be coupled to the recess by a fastener or pin (not shown). In other embodiments, the face insert can be coupled to the recess by a press fit or friction fit. In some embodiments, the face insert can be coupled to the recess with a mechanical interlocking structure, such as an undercut or multiple hook structure.

The face insert may form part of the front end 196, sole 192, heel end 190, toe end 180, top rail 182, or any combination thereof of the putter golf club head. In many embodiments, the face insert forms part of the front end 196 and sole 192 of the putter golf club head. In other embodiments, the face insert forms only part of the front end 19. In other embodiments, the face insert forms part of the front end 196, sole 192 and top rail 182 of the putter golf club head.

In many embodiments, the face insert includes a thickness that corresponds to the depth of the recess. Similar to the depth of the recess, the thickness of the face insert is measured as the vertical distance from the front end 196 to the rear end 194 of the putter golf club head. In many embodiments, the thickness of the face insert can range from 0.150 to 0.250 inches. In some embodiments, the face insert has a thickness of 0.150 to 0.200 inches, 0.150 to 0.220 inches, 0.150 to 0.240 inches, 0.160 to 0.200 inches. , 0.160 to 0.220 inch, 0.160 to 0.240 inch, 0.160 to 0.250 inch, 0.170 to 0.200 inch, 0.170 to 0.220 inch, 0.170 to 0.240 inch, 0.170 to 0.250 inch, 0.180 to 0.200 inch, 0.180 to 0.220 inch, 0.180 to 0.240 inch, or 0.180 to 0.250 It can be in the inch range. For example, the thickness of the face insert may be 0.150, 0.160, 0.170, 0.180, 0.190, 0.200, 0.210, 0.220, 0.230, 0.240, It can be 0.250 inches.

In other embodiments, the thickness of the face insert can range from 0.20 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the face insert has a thickness of 0.20 to 0.50 inches, 0.30 to 0.60 inches, 0.40 to 0.70, or 0.50 to 0.80 It can be in the inch range. In some embodiments, the face insert has a thickness of 0.20 to 0.40 inches, 0.30 to 0.50 inches, 0.40 to 0.60 inches, 0.50 to 0.70 inches, Or, it can range from 0.60 to 0.80 inches. For example, the thickness of the face insert may be 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, It can be 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches. In many embodiments, the depth of the recess can be the same as the thickness of the face insert. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess may be different than the thickness of the face insert. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess can be greater than the thickness of the face insert, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess can be less than the thickness of the face insert, and vice versa.

In many embodiments, the face insert can form part of the front end 196 and/or sole of the putter golf club head. In many embodiments, the face insert can form 70% or more of the front end 196. In some embodiments, the face insert can form at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the front end 196. In some embodiments, the face insert is 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% of the front end 196. %, 99% or 100% or more. In many embodiments, the face insert can form at least 10% of the sole of the putter golf club head. In some embodiments, the face insert comprises at least 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 28%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75% or 80%. In some embodiments, the face insert is 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60% of the sole of the putter golf club head. %, 65%, 70%, 75% or 80% or more.

In many embodiments, the face insert can include a polymeric type material. The polymeric type material can include polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other polymeric type materials. In many embodiments, the face insert can include PEBAX. More specifically, PEBAX is a polyether block amide, a thermoplastic elastomer made of flexible polyether and rigid polyamide. Rigid polyamides can include nylon. PEBAX can contain different compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, proportions of polyether and/or proportions of polyamide. In many embodiments, PEBAX can include PEBAX4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) or PEBAX6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) comprises 53% by weight tramethylene oxide and nylon 12. PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) comprises nylon 11.

PEBAX can contain a certain proportion of polyether in volume. In some embodiments, PEBAX is 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 30% to 50%, 30% by volume. from 60%, from 40% to 50%, from 40% to 60%, from 50% to 60%, or from 60% to 70%. For example, PEBAX may be 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or , 70% polyether. In some embodiments, PEBAX is 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 30% to 50%, 40% by volume. 50%, 40% to 60%, 50% to 60%, or 60% to 70% polyamide. For example, PEBAX may be 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or , 70% polyamide. As the proportion of polyether increases, the hardness of PEBAX decreases. As the proportion of polyamide increases, the hardness of PEBAX increases. For example, PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) can contain 40% to 60% polyether by volume and 15% to 30% polyamide by volume. PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) can contain 15% to 30% polyether by volume and 40% to 60% polyamide by volume.

In many embodiments, PEBAX can include a hardness ranging from Shore D25 to Shore D75. In some embodiments, the hardness of PEBAX is from Shore D25 to Shore D35, from Shore D35 to Shore D45, from Shore D36 to Shore D44, from Shore D38 to Shore D42, from Shore D45 to Shore D55, from Shore D55 to Shore D65, from Shore D5 It may range from Shore D64, Shore D60 to Shore D65, or Shore D65 to Shore D75. For example, the hardness of PEBAX can be 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 or 70 Shore D.

In many embodiments, PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a lower hardness than PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). In many embodiments, PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a hardness ranging from Shore D35 to Shore D55. In some embodiments, PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a hardness ranging from Shore D38 to Shore D42, or Shore D39 to Shore D41. For example, PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a hardness of 40 Shore D. In many embodiments, PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a hardness ranging from Shore D50 to Shore D75. In some embodiments, PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a hardness ranging from Shore D55 to Shore D70, or Shore D60 to Shore D65. For example, PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a Shore D hardness of 63.

In some embodiments, the face insert is made of steel, steel alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, nickel, nickel. Materials such as alloys, other metals, other metal alloys, composite polymeric materials, or combinations thereof can be included.

Face inserts can be formed by a variety of processes. Various molding processes include injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, co-molding, laser molding, film insert molding, gas-assisted molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3-D printing, forging, stamping, Including electroforming, machining, molding, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the face insert can have any combination of the thicknesses and molding processes described above.

Single piece face insert

In some embodiments, the face insert can include a single piece system. In these embodiments, the face insert may include a ball striking plate or any other single piece. Face inserts that include single-piece systems can include the grooves described above.

85-88 illustrate another embodiment of a putter 1700. Putter 1700 includes a putter head 1702. Accordingly, when describing putter head 1702, portions of putter head 102 may be referenced with the same reference numerals as above. Putter head 1702 includes a putter face 1710 that includes a recess 1712 . In other examples, the putter head can further include a slot (not shown) located in the top rail 182 or sole 192, with the slot extending integrally into the recess 1712.

As shown in FIG. 86, recess 1712 includes a flat surface 1716 and a perimeter 1718. In some examples, the flat surface 1716 of the recess 1712 can include a hole 1722. Hole 1722 includes a diameter and can further include threading. In other examples, the perimeter 1718 of the recess 1712 can include a lip (not shown), and the lip can extend along the entire perimeter 1718. In yet other examples, the lip can extend along a portion of the perimeter 1718. For example, the lip can extend along top rail 182 and sole 192. Additionally, recess 1712 can receive a face insert 1726.

As shown in FIGS. 87A and 87B, face insert 1726 includes a ball striking surface 1728 and a back surface 1730 opposite ball striking surface 1728. As shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 85, ball striking surface 1728 has three sections: a toe portion 1770 near toe end 180, a heel portion 1774 near heel end 190, and a central portion 1772 located between toe portion 1770 and heel portion 1774. Divided horizontally into parts. As shown in FIG. 87A, the ball striking surface plate further includes a top rail portion 1776 near top rail 182, a sole portion 1780 near sole 192, and a center portion between top rail portion 1776 and sole portion 1780. vertically divided into three parts. Ball striking surface 1728 of face insert 1726 can include grooves. The grooves may include features similar to the example grooves of putter 100. More specifically, the grooves are located on all ball striking surfaces/ball striking surfaces 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1412, 1500, 1612, 1812, 2212, 3212, 4212 and 5212. It may resemble a groove. The grooves have a depth that varies from the toe portion 1770 toward the heel portion 1774 and from the top rail portion 1776 toward the sole portion 1780. The depth of the groove increases from the toe portion 1770 and heel portion 1774 toward the center portion 1772. Similarly, the depth of groove 1720 increases from top rail portion 1776 and sole portion 1780 toward central portion 1778. The deepest portions of groove 1720 are at central portion 1772 and central portion 1778 of groove 1720. The varying depth of the grooves 1720 in the exemplary embodiment increases forgiveness by allowing more standardized strikes across the ball striking surface 1728.

A back surface 1730 of face insert 1726 can include a cylindrical projection 1732. Cylindrical protrusion 1732 includes a diameter equal to the diameter of hole 1722 in recess 1712. Furthermore, cylindrical protrusion 1732 is complementary to hole 1722. When face insert 1726 is coupled to recess 1712, cylindrical protrusion 1732 can be concentrically aligned with hole 1722. Additionally, face insert 1726 is complementary to recess 1712 such that a ball striking surface 1728 of face insert 1726 is coplanar with putter face 1710 when coupled within recess 1712.

Face insert 1726 further includes a width 1734 and a length 1736. In FIG. 87A, the width 1734 of the face insert 1726 is the distance measured from the first side 1737 of the face insert 1726 to the second side 1738 of the face insert 1726. The width 1734 of the face insert 1726 can range from 1.65 inches to 2.10 inches. For example, the widths 1734 of face insert 1726 are 1.68 inches, 1.72 inches, 1.76 inches, 1.80 inches, 1.84 inches, 1.88 inches, 1.92 inches, 1.96 inches. , or 2.00 inches. In one example, the width 1734 of the face insert 1726 may be 1.68 inches, which is approximately the diameter of the ball. In the example where face insert 1726 includes a width 1734 of 1.68 inches, the width can serve as a visual aid to align the ball.

As shown in FIG. 87B, the length 1736 of the face insert 1726 is the distance measured from the top end 1740 of the face insert 1726 to the bottom end 1742 of the face insert 1726. As shown in FIG. 85, the length 1736 of the face insert 1726 can span the entire distance from the sole 192 to the top rail 182 of the putter head 1702, with the top end 1740 extending a portion of the top rail 182. The bottom end 1742 can form part of the sole 192. In some examples, the length 1736 of the face insert 1726 can extend from the top rail 182 to near the sole 192, with the top end 1740 forming part of the top rail 182, as seen in FIG. can do. In other examples, the length 1736 of the face insert 1726 can extend from the sole 192 to proximate the rail 182 and the bottom end 1742 can form part of the sole 192. The length 1736 of the face insert 1726 allows the ball to consistently impact the face insert 1726 at impact instead of around the perimeter 1744 of the putter face 1710 or ball striking surface 1728. A ball that consistently hits the face insert 1726 at impact allows for a consistent feel.

In other examples, face insert 1726 can further include an edge indent. The edge indent can extend along the entire perimeter 1744 of the ball striking surface 1728. In other examples, the edge indentation can extend along a portion of the perimeter 1744 of the ball striking surface 1728. For example, an edge indent can extend along first side 1737 and second side 1738. In another example, the edge indentation can extend along the first side 1737, the bottom end 1742, and the second side 1738. Furthermore, the edge indentation complements the lip of the recess 1712.

In one example, face insert 1726 can be coupled to recess 1712 of putter face 1710 by an adhesive such as epoxy, adhesive, tape, or other securing compound. Face insert 1726 can further be coupled to recess 1712 by a compression fit of cylindrical projection 1732 disposed within hole 1722.

In another example, face insert 1726 can be coupled to recess 1712 by inserting face insert 1726 into the slot. A seat (not shown) can then be inserted into the slot and placed between the face insert 1726 and the recess 1712, and the sole 1922/top rail 182 can be inserted into the slot and placed between the face insert 1726 and the recess 1712. It will be flush with the sheet. The sheet compresses the edge indentation of face insert 1726 against the lip of recess 1712 and secures face insert 1726 within recess 1712. The sheet can include a curved aperture (not shown) disposed on the exposed surface of the sheet when coupled within the recess 1712. The curved opening can receive an extraction tool for removing the sheet from the slot. By removing the seat, the face insert 1726 can be loosened within the recess 1712 and then removed and replaced with a face insert 1726 of a different material. Face inserts 1726 of different materials allow for different feel and sound upon impact.

The face insert may be made of steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, or other materials. The sheet may also be made of steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, or other materials. Additionally, the sheet may be a damping material. Furthermore, the sheet may be the same material as the face insert in some instances, or may be formed of a different material in other instances.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 89 and 90, a putter golf club head 6000 includes a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, a top rail 182, a sole 192 and a leading edge 6015. There is. The outer surface of putter golf club head 6000 forms a recess 6022. More specifically, the top wall 6023, the toe wall 6024, the heel wall 6025 opposite the toe wall 6024, and the back wall 6026 of the putter golf club head 6000 all form a recess 6022. The recess 6022 of the putter golf club head 6000 can extend rearwardly from the front end 196 toward the rear end 194.

Putter golf club head 6000 can include a face insert 6010. In this embodiment, the face insert 6010 of the putter golf club head 6000 can include a ball striking plate 6012. Ball striking surface plate 6012 may include a front striking surface 6011 and a rear surface 6013 opposite front striking surface 6011. The front striking surface 6011 of the ball striking plate 6012 can include grooves 6020 similar to those described above. The rear surface 6013 of the ball striking plate 6012 is adjacent to and abuts the rear wall 6026 of the recess 6022. In many embodiments, face insert 6010 can be coupled to recess 6022 by adhesive 6016. An adhesive 6016 can be between the face insert 6010 and the recess 6022. Adhesive 6016 can be similar to the adhesives described above. In many embodiments, face insert 6010 can form part of front end 196 and sole 192.

In many embodiments, the face insert 6010 can provide the benefit of a softer, more distinctive sound/feel at golf ball impact than a putter face without a face insert. The softer, unique sound/feel upon golf ball impact corresponds to the hardness and material of the face insert 6010. The material and hardness of the face insert 6010 can be similar to those described above. The soft feel and sound is comfortable for players and prevents the distraction caused by loud impact sounds from other golf club heads. This soft and unique sound/feel at the time of golf ball impact can help the player's mental concentration and improve the player's score.

Multi-component face insert

In some embodiments, the face insert can include a two-part system. In these embodiments, the two-part system of face inserts can include a ball striking plate and a face insert base, a polymeric material and a frame, or a plurality of apertures. Face inserts including two-part systems can include the grooves described above.

Ball striking plate and face insert base

In one embodiment, the face insert can include a two-part system. A two-part system can include a ball striking plate and a face insert base. The ball striking plate of the face insert can include a first material. The face insert base of the face insert can include a second material. In many embodiments, the first material of the ball striking plate and the second material of the face insert base may be different. In some embodiments, the first material of the ball striking plate and the second material of the face insert base may be the same. In many embodiments, the first material of the ball striking plate can include a polymeric type material. In some embodiments, the first material of the ball striking plate can include a metallic material. In many embodiments, the second material of the face insert base can include a polymer-type material.

The first material or the second material can include a polymeric type material. The polymeric type material can include polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other polymeric type materials. In many embodiments, the face insert can include PEBAX. More specifically, PEBAX is a polyether block amide, a thermoplastic elastomer made of flexible polyether and rigid polyamide. Rigid polyamides can include nylon. PEBAX can contain different compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, proportions of polyether and/or proportions of polyamide. In many embodiments, PEBAX can include PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) or PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) comprises 53% by weight tramethylene oxide and nylon 12. PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) comprises nylon 11. The first material and the second material can include similar polyether percentages, polyamide percentages, or Shore D hardness values as described above.

The first material is steel, steel alloys, tungsten, tungsten alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, vanadium, vanadium alloys, chromium, chromium alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, and other metal alloys. , composite polymeric materials, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the first material of the ball striking plate can include a translucent material and the second material of the face insert base can include a metallic material. In these embodiments, the second material can further include a design (eg, printed, etched, stamped, extruded, etc.). The second material can include a design that is visible through the translucent first material. In many embodiments, the first material translucent material can be colorless or blue in color. In other embodiments, the translucent material of the first material can include any translucent color.

The ball striking plate of the face insert can include a thickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking plate can range from 0.015 to 0.115 inches. In some embodiments, the ball striking plate has a thickness of 0.015 to 0.045 inches, 0.020 to 0.050 inches, 0.025 to 0.055 inches, 0.050 to 0.100 inches. inches, 0.055 to 0.105 inches, 0.060 to 0.110 inches, or 0.065 to 0.115 inches. In some embodiments, the ball striking plate has a thickness of at least 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0 .055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110, or 0. It can be 115 inches. In some embodiments, the ball striking plate has a thickness of 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, . 055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110, or 0. It can be 115 inches or more. In some embodiments, the ball striking plate has a thickness of 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, . 055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110, or 0. It can be 115 inches.

In other embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking plate can range from 0.115 to 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the ball striking plate has a thickness of 0.115 to 0.20 inches, 0.15 to 0.30 inches, 0.20 to 0.30 inches, 0.25 to 0.35 inch, or in the range of 0.30 to 0.40 inch. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking plate can be at least 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking plate can be 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 or greater. In some embodiments, the ball striking plate can have a thickness of 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inches or less. For example, the thickness of the ball striking plate can be 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inches.

The face insert base of the face insert can include a thickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base can range from 0.05 to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the face insert base thickness can range from 0.05 to 0.10 inches, or from 0.10 to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the face insert base can be at least 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inches thick. In some embodiments, the face insert base can have a thickness of 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inches or more. In some embodiments, the face insert base can be less than or equal to 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inches thick. For example, the face insert base thickness can be 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inches.

In other embodiments, the face insert base thickness may range from 0.20 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the face insert base has a thickness of 0.20 to 0.50 inches, 0.30 to 0.60 inches, 0.40 to 0.70 inches, or 0.50 to 0.50 inches. It can be in the range of 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the face insert base has a thickness of 0.20 to 0.40 inches, 0.30 to 0.50 inches, 0.40 to 0.60 inches, 0.50 to 0.50 inches. It can be 70 inches or in the range of 0.60 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the face insert base of the face insert is at least 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55 , 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the face insert base of the face insert is 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, It can be 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches or more. In some embodiments, the face insert base of the face insert is 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, It can be 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches or less. For example, the face insert base of the face insert is 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0 It can be .65, .70, .75, or .80 inches.

I. Metal ball striking plate and polymer face insert base

81-84 illustrate another embodiment of a putter head that includes a face insert 1910. The putter head further includes a recess (not shown) located on the front surface of the putter head. A face insert 1910 is positioned within the recess. The face insert 1910 can create a unique feel and sound upon impact with the ball. Metal face inserts alone create a hard sound and feel. Because it includes the composition of metallic and/or non-metallic materials described herein, face insert 1910 produces a softer sound and feel than metallic face inserts.

Face insert 1910 includes a ball striking surface plate 1912 and a face insert base 1914. Ball striking surface plate 1912 includes a front striking surface 1911 and a rear surface 1913 opposite front striking surface 1911 . Face insert base 1914 includes a front surface 1918. A rear surface 1913 of ball striking plate 1912 is aligned with a portion of front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914. Thereby, the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914 is adjacent the rear surface 1913 of the ball striking plate 1912. When the rear surface 1913 of the ball-striking face plate 1912 is positioned on the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914, the ball-striking face plate 1912 covers more than 91% of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914. %, greater than 93%, greater than 94%, greater than 95%, greater than 96%, greater than 97%, greater than 98%, greater than 99%, or 100%.

As shown in FIG. 81, the ball hitting surface plate 1912 includes a toe portion 1970 near the toe end 180, a heel portion 1974 near the heel end 190, and a center portion 1972 located between the toe portion 1970 and the heel portion 1970. horizontally divided into three parts. As shown in FIG. 84, the ball striking surface plate further includes a top rail portion 1976 near the top rail 182, a sole portion 1980 near the sole 192, and a center portion located between the top rail portion 1976 and the sole portion 1980. Section 1978 is vertically divided into three sections.

The ball striking surface plate 1912 further includes a groove 1920 disposed on the front striking surface 1911, the groove 1920 being similar to the groove embodiments of the ball striking surface/ball striking surface: 112, 212, 312, 412, 512. , 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412, 1500, 1612, 1812, 2212, 2312, 4212 and 5212. The groove 1920 has a depth that varies in a direction extending between the heel end 190 and the toe end 180 and in a direction extending between the top rail 182 and the sole 192. More specifically, groove 1920 varies from toe portion 1970 to heel portion and from top rail portion 1976 to source portion 1980. The depth of groove 1920 increases from toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward center portion 1972. Similarly, the depth of groove 1920 increases from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward central portion 1978. The deepest portion of at least one groove 1920 is defined by a generally planar surface portion of groove 1920. A generally planar surface portion is located where central portions 1972 and 1978 of groove 1920 overlap. The varying depth of the grooves 1920 in the exemplary embodiment increases forgiveness by allowing standardized strikes across the ball striking plate 1912.

In some examples, the ball striking plate 1912 of the face insert 1610 and the face insert base 1914 can be formed of the same material. The material can be steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, composite polymers, or any other material. As shown in FIG. 81, both the striking plate 1912 and the face insert base 1914 of the face insert 1910 are formed of polymers or composite polymers, such as blocks of polyamide and polyether. In other examples, the ball striking plate 1912 of the face insert 1910 can include a different material than the face insert base 1914. As shown in FIG. 82, the ball striking plate 1912 is made of a metallic material, and the face insert base 1914 is made of a non-metallic material. The metal material of ball striking plate 1912 can be steel, tungsten, aluminum, nickel, titanium, alloys, composites, or other metals. The face insert base 1914 can be a non-metallic material such as a polymer, a polymer with high density fillers or flakes, a composite polymer, a composite material, or any type of polymer. The composite polymer or polymer can be a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether. The polymer is not a polyurethane or an isocyanate-containing polymer. Ball striking face plate 1912 may be positioned on face insert base 1914 such that a rear surface 1913 of ball striking face plate 1912 is adjacent a front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914.

In examples where the ball striking plate 1912 and face insert base 1914 include the same material, the overall thickness of the face insert 1910 may be 0.100" to 0.200", 0.100" to 0.125", 0. .125" to 0.150", 0.150" to 0.175", 0.175" to 0.200", 0.100" to 0.150", or 0.150" to 0.200" It can be. For example, the face insert 1910 has thicknesses of 0.100 inch, 0.120 inch, 0.130 inch, 0.140 inch, 0.150 inch, 0.160 inch, 0.170 inch, and 0.180 inch. , 0.190 inch or 0.200 inch. In examples where ball striking surface plate 1912 and face insert base 1914 include different materials, ball striking surface plate 1912 includes a thickness and face insert base 1914 includes a thickness. The thickness of the ball striking surface is 0.005 inch to 0.035 inch, 0.005 inch to 0.010 inch, 0.010 inch to 0.015 inch, 0.015 inch to 0.020 inch, 0. It may range from 0.020 inches to 0.025 inches, from 0.025 inches to 0.030 inches, from 0.030 inches to 0.035 inches, or from 0.013 inches to 0.025 inches. For example, the thickness of ball striking plate 1912 can be 0.005 inch, 0.010 inch, 0.015 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.030 inch, or 0.035 inch. Face insert base 1914 thickness is 0.095" to 0.200", 0.095" to 0.115", 0.115" to 0.135", 0.135" to 0.155" , 0.155 inch to 0.175 inch, 0.175 inch to 0.200 inch, or 0.135 inch to 0.200 inch. For example, the thickness of the face insert base 1914 may be 0.095 inches, 0.105 inches, 0.115 inches, 0.125 inches, 0.135 inches, 0.145 inches, 0.155 inches, 0. It can be 165 inches, 0.175 inches, 0.185 inches, 0.195 inches or 200 inches.

Face insert 1610 may be formed by many different processes. Different molding processes include injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, laser molding, film insert molding, gas assisted molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3D printing, or any combination thereof. . Additionally, the face insert can have any combination of the thicknesses and molding processes described above. Ball striking plate 1912 can be manufactured by many different processes, such as forging, forming, stamping, electroforming, casting, molding, machining, or combinations thereof. Similarly, the face insert base 1914 can be formed by injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, film insert molding, gas assisted molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3D printing, or any combination thereof. , can be manufactured by various processes. Additionally, ball striking plate 1912 and face insert base 1914 can have any combination of thicknesses and molding processes described above.

The face insert 1910 can be placed within a recess in the front surface of the putter head with an adhesive 1922, such as tape, adhesive, epoxy, or any type of adhesive. Face insert 1910 may further be positioned on the front surface of the putter head by a fastener or pin (not shown). In examples where the ball striking face plate 1912 includes a different material than the face insert base 1914, the ball striking face plate 1912 is formed between the rear surface 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912 and the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914. It can be secured to the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914 by an adhesive 1916, such as epoxy, adhesive, tape, or any other securing compound, disposed therebetween. For example, the ball striking plate 1912 can be attached to the face using very high adhesive (VHB) tape 0.010 to 0.015 inches thick, spray adhesive 0.003 inches thick, or brushed adhesive. It can be glued to the insert base 1914.

Face insert 1910 can further include a coating. For example, the face insert 1910 can include physical vapor deposition (PVD) or type II anodizing treatments, which can improve the wear performance of the face insert 1910. The PVD coating and Type II anodization can be any material such as nickel, chromium, magnesium, zinc, zirconium, hafnium, tantalum, titanium or other metals or materials.

A. Metal ball striking plate and polymer face insert base bonded with VHB tape

As shown in FIG. 82, ball striking plate 1912 is made of metal material forged from aluminum sheet and has a thickness of 0.030 inches. Ball striking plate 1912 further includes a varying groove 1920 that increases from toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward center portion 1972 and from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward center portion 1978. The generally flat bottom portion of groove 1920 is where groove 1920 is at its greatest depth. A generally flat bottom portion is located where central portion 1978 and central portion 1972 overlap. The face insert base 1914 is formed from a polyamide and polyether block copolymer and is 0.105 inches thick. A ball striking plate 1912 is adhered to the face insert base 1914 by VHB tape and covers more than 96% of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914, but the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914 is It can cover 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more, or 100%. Face insert 1910 is coated with PVD. The combination of the metal material of the ball striking plate 1912 and the block copolymer of polyamide and polyether allows for a softer sound and feel upon impact. Furthermore, the variation in the depth of the grooves 1920, with the depth of the grooves 1920 being deepest at the central portion 1978 and central portion 1872, allows for a more forgiving strike.

B. Epoxy bonded metal ball striking plate and polymer face insert base

In another example, ball striking face plate 1912 may be made of a metal material formed or stamped from sheet aluminum and have a thickness of 0.030 inches. Ball striking plate 1912 further includes a varying groove 1920 that increases from toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward center portion 1972 and from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward center portion 1978. The generally flat bottom portion of groove 1920 is where groove 1920 is at its greatest depth. A generally flat bottom portion is located where central portion 1978 and central portion 1972 overlap. Face insert base 1914 is formed from a polyamide and polyether block copolymer and is 0.113 inches thick. Ball striking face plate 1912 is adhered to face insert base 1914 by epoxy located between rear surface 1913 of ball striking face plate 1912 and front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914. The ball striking plate 1912 covers more than 92% of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914, including 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914. %, 97%, 98%, 99% or more, or 100%. Face insert 1910 is coated with a Type II anodizing process. Face insert 1910 is coated with PVD. The combination of the metal material of the ball striking plate 1912 and the block copolymer of polyamide and polyether allows for a softer sound and feel upon impact. Furthermore, the variation in the depth of the grooves 1920, with the depth of the grooves 1920 being deepest at the central portion 1978 and central portion 1872, allows for a more forgiving strike.

C. Adhesively bonded metal ball striking plate and polymer face insert base

In another example, ball striking plate 1912 may be made of a metal material electroformed from nickel sheet and have a thickness of 0.030 inches. Ball striking plate 1912 further includes a varying groove 1920 that increases from toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward center portion 1972 and from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward center portion 1978. The generally flat bottom portion of groove 1920 is where groove 1920 is at its greatest depth. A generally flat bottom portion is located where central portion 1978 and central portion 1972 overlap. Face insert base 1914 is formed from a polyamide and polyether block copolymer and is 0.140 inches thick. Ball striking face plate 1912 is adhered to face insert base 1914 by epoxy located between rear surface 1913 of ball striking face plate 1912 and front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914. The ball striking plate 1912 covers 100% of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914, but covers 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914. , 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more. Face insert 1910 is coated with a Type II anodizing process. Face insert 1910 is coated with PVD. The combination of the metal material of the ball striking plate 1912 and the block copolymer of polyamide and polyether allows for a softer sound and feel upon impact. Furthermore, the variation in the depth of the grooves 1920, with the depth of the grooves 1920 being deepest at the central portion 1978 and central portion 1872, allows for a more forgiving strike.

II. Polymer ball striking plate and polymer face insert base

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 91 and 92, a putter golf club head 6100 includes a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 180, a heel end 190, a top rail 182, a sole 192, and a leading edge 6115. include. The outer surface of the putter golf club head 6100 can form a recess 6122. More specifically, in some embodiments, the top wall 6123, the toe wall 6124, the heel wall 6125 opposite the toe wall 6124, and the back wall 6126 of a putter-type golf club head all have a recess 6122. can be formed. The recess 6122 of the putter golf club head 6100 can extend rearwardly from the front end 196 toward the rear end 194.

Putter golf club head 6100 can include a face insert 6110. Face insert 6110 forms part of front end 196. In this embodiment, the face insert 6110 of the putter golf club head 6100 can include a ball striking plate 6112 and a face insert base 6114. The ball striking surface plate 6112 can include a front striking surface 6111 and a rear surface 6113 opposite the front striking surface 6111. The front striking surface 611 of the ball striking plate 6112 can include grooves 6120 similar to those described above. The rear surface 6113 of the ball striking plate 6112 may be similar to the rear surface 1913 of the ball striking plate 1912 shown in FIG. Face insert base 6114 can include a front surface 6118. The front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114 may be similar to the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914 shown in FIG. A rear surface 6113 of the ball striking plate 6112 is adjacent to a portion of the front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114.

When the rear surface 6113 of the ball-striking face plate 6112 is positioned on the front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114, the ball-striking face plate 6112 covers more than 70% of the front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114. More than %, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 91%, more than 92%, more than 93%, more than 94%, more than 95%, more than 96%, more than 97%, more than 98%, more than 99% , or 100% coverage. The front striking surface 6111 of the ball striking plate 6112 can include grooves 6120 similar to those described above.

In some embodiments, the ball striking face plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 can have the same size and shape, such that all edges of the ball striking face plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 are flush with each other. can have the same size and shape. In some embodiments, face insert base 6114 can form a continuous boundary or perimeter around ball striking plate 6112. In some embodiments, face insert base 6114 can be wrapped around ball striking plate 6112. In other embodiments, the face insert base 6114 can be wrapped around the ball striking plate 6112 at the sole 192, toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, face insert base 6114 can form a leading edge 6115. In other embodiments, the face insert base 6114 and ball striking plate 6112 can form a leading edge 6115. In other embodiments, face insert base 6114 may form a partial boundary or perimeter around ball striking plate 6112. In these embodiments, the face insert base 6114 extends partially around the ball striking plate 6112 at the toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, sole 192, leading edge 6115, or any combination thereof. It is possible to form boundaries. In one embodiment, the face insert base 6114 can contact the ball striking plate 6112 at a leading edge 6115.

When the recess 6112 of the putter golf club head 6100 receives the face insert 6110, the rear surface 6113 of the ball striking plate 6112 abuts the front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114, and the face insert base 6114 is inserted into the recess 6122. It abuts against the rear wall 6126 of. In many embodiments, the ball striking face plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 are bonded together by an adhesive similar to the ball striking face plate 1912, face insert base 1914 and adhesive 1916 shown in FIG. obtain. In many embodiments, face insert base 6114 may be coupled to the recess with an adhesive, similar to face insert base 1914 and adhesive 6122 shown in FIG. 83. The type of adhesive used to couple the ball striking plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 to the putter golf club head 6000 can be similar to the adhesives described above.

III. Polymer face insert base including polymer ball striking plate and recess

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 93 and 94, a putter golf club head 6200 includes a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 180, a heel end 190, a top rail 182, a sole 192, and a leading edge 6215. include. The outer surface of the putter golf club head 6200 can form a recess 6222. More specifically, the top wall 6223, toe wall 6224, heel wall 6125, and back wall 6126 of a putter-type golf club head can all form a recess 6222. A recess 6222 in the putter golf club head 6200 may extend rearwardly from the front end 196 toward the rear end 194.

Putter golf club head 6200 can include a face insert 6210. Face insert 6210 forms part of front end 196. In this embodiment, the face insert 6210 of the putter golf club head 6200 can include a ball striking plate 6212 and a face insert base 6114. Ball striking surface plate 6312 can include a front striking surface 6211 and a rear surface 6213 opposite front striking surface 6211.

The outer surface of face insert base 6214 forms a face insert base recess 6230. More specifically, the face insert base top wall 6233 of the face insert base 6214, the face insert base toe wall 6234, the face insert base heel wall 6235, and the face insert base rear wall. 6236 and the face insert base bottom wall 6237 all form a face insert base recess 6230.

Face insert base recess 6230 can be configured to receive ball striking face plate 6212. The rear surface 6213 of the ball striking plate 6312 is adjacent to the face insert base recess 6230. Specifically, the face insert base top wall 6233 of the face insert base 6214, the face insert base toe wall 6234, the face insert base heel wall 6235, and the face insert base rear wall 6236. , and the face insert base bottom wall 6237 are all configured to receive the ball striking surface plate 6212. In this embodiment, face insert base 6214 may form a boundary or perimeter around ball striking plate 6312. Further, the ball striking plate 6312 can be shaped complementary to the recess 6220 of the face insert base 6214, thereby having a front striking surface that is coplanar with the face insert base 6214. The front striking surface 6211 of the ball striking plate 6212 can include grooves 6220 similar to those described above.

When recess 6222 receives face insert 6210 , rear surface 6213 of ball striking plate 6212 is received within face insert base recess 6230 and face insert base 6214 abuts rear wall 6226 of recess 6222 . In many embodiments, the ball striking plate 6212 and face insert base 6214 can be joined by an adhesive similar to those described above or by a press fit. In many embodiments, the face insert base 6214 can be coupled to the recess by an adhesive as described above. In some embodiments, the face insert base recess 6230 can secure the ball striking surface plate 6212 with a clamping force or press fit. More specifically, the face insert base top wall 6233 of the face insert base 6214, the face insert base toe wall 6234, the face insert base heel wall 6235, and the face insert base rear wall. 6236 and the face insert bottom wall 6237 can fix the ball striking surface plate 6212 by clamping force or press fitting.

IV. Combined structure of ball striking plate and face insert base

In another embodiment, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6310, as shown in FIGS. 95 and 96. In this embodiment, a face insert 6310 of a putter golf club head 6300 (not shown) can include a ball striking plate 6312 and a face insert base 6314. Ball striking surface plate 6312 can include a front striking surface 6312 and a rear surface 6313 opposite front striking surface 6312. Face insert base 6314 can include a front surface (not shown). Face insert 6310 further includes a coupling structure 6390 configured to couple ball striking surface plate 6312 and face insert base 6314 without the need for adhesive, tape or other non-mechanical interlocking coupling. be able to. Coupling structure 6390 can include an undercut, hooks, tabs, slots, tabs and slots, or other suitable mechanical interlocking structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling structure 6390 of the face insert 6310 can include an undercut. In many embodiments, the ball striking face plate 6312 can include an undercut, and the ball striking face plate 6312 accepts the complementary shape of the face insert base 6314. In some embodiments, face insert base 6314 can include an undercut (not shown) such that face insert base 6314 accepts the complementary shape of ball striking plate 6312. The front striking surface 6311 of the ball striking plate 6312 can include grooves 6320 similar to those described above.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 97, coupling structure 6390 can include multiple hooks. In many embodiments, the plurality of hooks of the coupling structure 6390 can be disposed on the rear surface 6313 of the ball striking face plate 6312 and the face insert base 6310 receives the plurality of hooks of the ball striking face plate 6312. It may include a complementary slot or recess configured to. In some embodiments, the plurality of hooks of the coupling structure 6390 can be disposed on the front surface of the face insert base 6314 and the ball striking surface plate 6312 receives the plurality of hooks of the face insert base 6314. It may include a complementary slot or recess configured to.

Face inserts 1910, 6100, 6200, 6300 can provide the benefit of a softer, more unique sound/feel at golf ball impact. The soft and unique sound/feel upon impact of a golf ball corresponds to the hardness of the face insert. In many embodiments, as described above, the ball striking face plate may include PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) having a lower hardness and the face insert base may include PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) having a higher hardness. (Arkema, Paris). The combination of a ball striking plate with low hardness and a high face insert base provides a softer sound/feel upon impact with the golf ball. This soft feel and sound is advantageous over metal face inserts because the soft feel and sound is pleasant to the player and can prevent the distractions that metal face inserts cause with loud impact sounds. . This soft and unique sound/feel upon golf ball impact can help the player's mental concentration and improve the player's score.

Polymer material and frame

In another embodiment of a face insert that includes a two-component system, a putter golf club head can include a face insert that includes a polymeric material and a frame. A putter golf club head including a face insert having a polymeric material and frame includes a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, a top rail 182, a sole 192, and a leading edge. The outer surface of the putter golf club head forms a recess (not shown). More specifically, the putter golf club head includes a top wall (not shown), a toe wall (not shown), a heel wall opposite the toe wall (not shown), and a back wall (not shown). all of which form a recess. A recess in the putter golf club head may extend rearwardly from the front end 196 toward the rear end 194.

The polymeric material of the face insert may form part of the front end 196, toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, sole 192, leading edge, or any combination thereof. The frame of the face insert may form part of the front end 196, toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, sole 192, leading edge, or any combination thereof of the putter golf club head. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head includes a front striking surface that includes grooves similar to those described above.

In many embodiments, the frame can form a smaller portion of the face insert than the polymeric material. In some embodiments, the frame can form a larger portion of the face insert than the polymeric material. In some embodiments, the frame may form a larger portion of the front end 196 than the polymeric material of the face insert. In some embodiments, the frame can form a greater portion of the leading edge than the polymeric material of the face insert. In some embodiments, the frame can form a larger portion of the sole 192 than the polymeric material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material can form a larger portion of the front end 196 than the frame of the face insert. In some embodiments, the polymeric material can form more of the leading edge than the frame of the face insert. In some embodiments, the polymeric material may form a larger portion of the sole 192 than the frame of the face insert.

In many embodiments, the frame of the face insert forms a continuous boundary or perimeter around the polymeric material. In some embodiments, the frame of the face insert forms a partial boundary or perimeter around the polymeric material. In these embodiments, the frame of the face insert may form a partial border or perimeter at the toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, sole 192, leading edge, or any combination thereof. . The polymeric material of the face insert may include PEBAX, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other polymeric type materials described above. In some embodiments, the frame of the face insert can include a metal, such as steel, aluminum, titanium, or other metals listed above. In some embodiments, the frame of the face insert can include a polymer-type material, such as PEBAX, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other polymer-type materials described above. can.

In many embodiments, the face insert including the polymeric material and frame can include a trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, the face insert including the polymeric material and frame can include a rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, polygonal, or any other suitable shape. In many embodiments, the polymeric material of the face insert can include a similar shape to the face insert, such as a trapezoid, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, polygon, or other suitable shape. Additionally, in many embodiments, the frame of the face insert can include a similar shape to the face insert, such as a trapezoid, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, polygon, or other suitable shape. The frame and/or polymeric material shape of the face insert can be placed on the front end 196, toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, or sole 192 of the putter golf club head.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 98, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6410. The face insert 6410 of the putter golf club head 6400 can include a polymeric material 6412 and a frame 6414. Putter golf club head 6400 can include a leading edge 6415 between front end 196 and sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6400 can include a front striking surface 6411. The front striking surface 6411 of the front end 196 can include grooves 6420 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, frame 6414 can form a boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6412. In this embodiment, the frame 6414 may form a trapezoidal shape, with the frame 6414 following the contour of the putter golf club head 6400. More specifically, the frame 6414 extends vertically along the front end 196 from the sole 192 to the top rail 182 at the toe end 180 , extends parallel to the top rail 182 from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 , and extends parallel to the top rail 182 at the heel end 190 . to the sole 192 and extends a distance above the sole 192 toward the rear end 194 . Frame 6414 can extend rearwardly from front end 196 toward rear end 194. In many embodiments, the frame 6414 and polymeric material 6412 can be wrapped around the leading edge 6415 of the putter golf club head 6400 from the front end 196 to the sole 192. Additionally, the polymeric material 6412 and frame 6414 of the face insert 6410 can form a front striking surface 6411, a leading edge 6415, and a portion of the sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6412 may form a larger portion of face insert 6410 than frame 6414.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 99, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6510. The face insert 6510 of the putter golf club head 6500 can include a polymeric material 6512 and a frame 6514. Putter golf club head 6500 can include a leading edge 6515 between front end 196 and sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6500 can include a front striking surface 6511. The front striking surface 6511 of the front end 196 can include grooves 6520 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, the frame 6514 can separate the polymeric material 6512 into a toe portion near toe end 180 and a heel portion near heel end 190. In this embodiment, the frame 6514 may include a trapezoidal shape at the front end 196 and a rectangular shape at the sole 192. In this embodiment, the toe and heel end portions of the polymeric material 6512 can include a triangular shape at the front end 196 and a triangular shape at the sole 192. In many embodiments, the frame 6514 and polymeric material 6512 can be wrapped around the leading edge 6615 of the putter golf club head 6500 from the front end 196 to the sole 192. In this embodiment, the frame 6514 can form a front striking surface 6511, a leading edge 6515, and a portion of the sole 192. In this embodiment, frame 6514 may form a larger portion of face insert 6510 and/or front striking surface 6511 than polymeric material 6512.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 100, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6610. The face insert 6610 of the putter golf club head 6600 can include a polymeric material 6612 and a frame 6614. Putter golf club head 6600 can include a leading edge 6615 between front end 196 and sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6500 can include a front striking surface 6611. The front striking surface 6611 of the front end 196 can include grooves 6620 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, frame 6614 can form a boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6612. In this embodiment, the frame 6614 can separate the polymeric material 6612 into a toe end portion near the toe end 180, a heel end portion near the heel end 190, and a central portion near the center of the front striking surface 6611. A frame 6614 can extend around the front striking surface 6611. Further, a portion of the frame 6614 can extend inwardly from the periphery of the front striking surface 6611 toward the center of the front striking surface 6611. A portion of the inwardly extending frame 6614 can separate the polymeric material 6612 into a toe end portion, a heel end portion, and a center portion. The toe end portion, heel end portion, and center portion of the polymeric material 6612 can have a trapezoidal shape. In this embodiment, frame 6614 may form part of front striking surface 6611, leading edge 6615, and sole 192. In this embodiment, the polymeric material 6612 may form a larger portion of the face insert 6610 and/or front striking surface 6611 than the frame 6614.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 101, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6710. The face insert 6710 of the putter golf club head 6700 can include a polymeric material 6712 and a frame 6714. Putter golf club head 6700 can include a leading edge 6715 between front end 196 and sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6700 can include a front striking surface 6711. The front striking surface 6711 of the front end 196 can include grooves 6720 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, the frame 6714 can separate the polymeric material 6712 into a toe end portion near the toe end 180, a heel end portion near the heel end 190, and a central portion near the center of the front striking surface 6711. Further, a portion of the frame 6714 can extend inwardly from the periphery of the front striking surface 6711 toward the center of the front striking surface 6711. A portion of the inwardly extending frame 6714 can separate the polymeric material 6712 into a toe end portion, a heel end portion, and a center portion. The toe end portion, heel end portion, and center portion of the polymeric material 6712 can have a trapezoidal shape on the front striking surface 6711. The toe and heel portions of the polymeric material 6712 can include a triangular shape on the sole 192 and the center portion of the polymeric material 6712 can include a rectangular shape on the sole 192.

Additionally, the frame 6714 forms a boundary or perimeter around the front striking surface 6711 and the central portion of the polymeric material 6712 on the sole 192. The frame 6714 forms a partial boundary or perimeter around the toe and heel end portions of the polymeric material 6712 on the sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6712 and frame 6714 can form part of front striking surface 6711, leading edge 6715, and sole 192. In this embodiment, the polymeric material 6712 can form the majority of the face insert 6710, the front striking surface 6711, and/or the sole 192.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 102, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6810. The face insert 6810 of the putter golf club head 6800 can include a polymeric material 6812 and a frame 6814. Putter golf club head 6800 can include a leading edge 6815 between front end 196 and sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6800 can include a front striking surface 6811. The front striking surface 6811 of the front end 196 can include grooves 6820 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, the frame 6814 can separate the polymeric material 6812 into rectangular and triangular shapes along the front striking surface 6811 and sole 192. In this embodiment, frame 6814 may form a boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6812 on front striking surface 6811. The frame 6814 can form a partial border or perimeter around the polymeric material 6812 on the sole 192 at the toe end 180 and heel end 190.

Further, the frame 6814 can follow the contours around the front striking surface 6811. Frame 6814 can further have two vertical sections extending from top rail 182 toward sole 192. The two vertical portions of the frame 6814 can separate the polymeric material 6812 into a toe end portion near the toe end 180, a heel end portion near the heel end 190, and a central portion near the center of the front striking surface 6711. The toe-end, heel, and center portions of the polymeric material 6812 can have a rectangular shape at the front striking surface 6811. The toe and heel end portions of the polymeric material 6812 can have a triangular shape at the sole 192 and the central portion of the polymeric material 6812 can have a rectangular shape at the sole 192. In many embodiments, the frame 6814 and polymeric material 6812 can be wrapped around the leading edge 6815 from the front end 196 to the sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6812 and frame 6814 can form part of front striking surface 6811, leading edge 6815, and sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6812 can form the majority of face insert 6810, front striking surface 6811, and/or sole 192.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 103, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6910. The face insert 6910 of the putter golf club head 6900 can include a polymeric material 6912 and a frame 6914. Putter golf club head 6900 can include a leading edge 6915 between front end 196 and sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6900 can include a front striking surface 6911. The front striking surface 6911 of the front end 196 can include grooves 6920 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, frame 6914 may form a boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6912 on front striking surface 6911. In this embodiment, frame 6914 may form a partial border or perimeter around polymeric material 6912 on sole 192. More specifically, frame 6914 forms a partial boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6912 at toe end 180 and heel end 190 of sole 192.

Further, the polymeric material 6912 can include a trapezoidal shape on the front striking surface 6911, a triangular shape at the toe end 180 and heel end 190 of the sole 192, and a rectangular shape in the center of the sole 192 near the leading edge 6915. In many embodiments, the frame 6914 and polymeric material 6912 can be wrapped around the leading edge from the front end 196 to the sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6912 and frame 6914 can form part of front striking surface 6911 and sole 192. In this embodiment, the polymeric material forms the majority of the face insert 6910, front striking surface 6911, leading edge 6915, and/or sole 192.

The recesses in the putter golf club heads 6400, 6500, 6600, 6700, 6800, 6900 are configured to receive face inserts 6410, 6510, 6610, 6710, 6810, 6910, respectively. In many embodiments, the polymeric material and the frame of the face insert can be bonded together in the recess. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the face insert and the frame can be separately bonded to the recess. In many embodiments, a face insert including a polymeric material and a frame can be bonded to the recess with the adhesive described above. In some embodiments, the frame of the face insert can secure the polymeric material with a clamping force or a press fit.

The face inserts 6410, 6510, 6610, 6710, 6810, 6910 provide the benefits of improved sound, feel, and vision upon golf ball impact. The frame of polymeric material and face insert can provide the benefit of a softer sound/feel upon golf ball impact. The soft sound/feel corresponds to the hardness of the face insert. In many embodiments, the polymeric material can include PEBAX and the frame can include the metals described above. In some embodiments, the polymeric material can include PEBAX and the frame can include PEBAX as described above. The combination of PEBAX and metal or PEBAX and PEBAX of polymeric materials and frames provides a softer feel/sound upon impact of the golf ball. This soft feel and sound is advantageous over metal face inserts because the soft feel and sound is pleasant to the player and can prevent the distractions that metal face inserts cause with loud impact sounds. . Additionally, the frame of the face insert serves as a visual aid for the player. The frame of the face insert can help the player center the golf ball on the front striking surface to optimize shot trajectory. In other scenarios, the frame of the face insert can help the player position the golf ball at the toe or heel end of the front striking surface to optimize shot trajectory.

multiple openings

In another embodiment, a putter golf club head can include a face insert that includes a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings in the face insert can include openings, crevices, grooves, slots, or gaps. The plurality of openings in the face insert may be located at the front end 196, the leading edge, the rear end 194, the toe end 180, the top rail 182, the heel end 190, the sole 192, or any combination thereof.

The plurality of openings in the face insert can be arranged linearly, non-linearly, or randomly from the heel end 190 to the toe end 180 and/or from the sole 192 to the top rail 182 of the putter golf club head. Additionally, the plurality of openings may be the same, progressively increasing, progressively decreasing, varying, or any of the following between heel end 190 and toe end 180 and/or sole 192 and top rail 182. Can include a combination of sizes.

Additionally, the plurality of apertures can include a filler within some of the apertures. Some of the filling within the opening increases, decreases, changes, or any combination thereof toward the desired end of the putter golf club head. In some embodiments, some of the filling within the opening increases, decreases, changes toward the heel end 190, toe end 180, sole 192, and/or top rail 182, or any combination thereof. is possible.

In many embodiments, the plurality of openings in the face insert can include circular, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, polygonal, or other suitable shapes. In many embodiments, the plurality of apertures can include a single shape. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures can include one or more, two or more, or three or more shapes. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures can include multiple shapes.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 104, a putter golf club head 7000 includes a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, a top rail 182, and a sole 192. The outer surface of putter golf club head 7000 forms a recess 7022. More specifically, the top wall 7023, toe wall 7024, heel wall 7025 opposite toe wall 7024, back wall 7026, and bottom wall 7027 of putter golf club head 7000 all form recess 7022. The recess 7022 of the putter golf club head 7000 can extend rearwardly from the front end 196 toward the rear end 194.

The putter golf club head can include a face insert 7010. In this embodiment, the face insert 7010 of the putter golf club head 7000 may include a ball striking plate 7012. Ball striking surface plate 7012 can include a front striking surface 7011 and a rear surface 7013 opposite front striking surface 7011. Front striking surface 7011 can further include a plurality of openings 7092. In this embodiment, the plurality of openings 7092 may be arranged linearly in a row between toe end 180 and heel end 190 and between sole 192 and top rail 182. The rear surface 7013 of the ball striking plate 7012 is adjacent to and abuts the rear wall 7026 of the recess 7022 of the putter golf club head 7000. In many embodiments, face insert 7010 is coupled to recess 7022 by the adhesive described above. A plurality of openings 7092 located in the front striking surface 7011 can function as grooves similar to those described above.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 105, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 7110. In this embodiment, the face insert 7110 of the putter golf club head 7100 can include a plurality of openings 7192. In this embodiment, a plurality of openings 7192 may be located in the front striking surface 7111, the heel end 190, and the top rail 182. The plurality of openings 7192 can extend the entire length of the front striking surface 7111 and top rail 182 from toe end 180 to heel end 190. Further, the plurality of openings 7192 can be wrapped around the heel end 190 and/or toe end 180 from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. In this embodiment, the plurality of openings 7192 located in the front striking surface 7111 can function as grooves similar to those described above.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 106, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 7210. In this embodiment, the face insert 7210 of the putter golf club head 7200 can include a plurality of openings 7292. In this embodiment, a plurality of openings 7292 may be located in the front striking surface 7211 and sole 192. The plurality of openings 7292 can extend the entire length of the front striking surface 7211 and sole 192 from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. In this embodiment, the plurality of openings 7292 located in the front striking surface 7211 can function as grooves similar to the grooves described above. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 7292 can display a particular design on the sole 192 and/or front striking surface 7211 of the putter golf club head 7200.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 107, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 7310. In this embodiment, the face insert 7310 of the putter golf club head 7300 can include an opening 7392 located in the rear end 194. In some embodiments, the putter golf club head 7300 can include a plurality of openings 7392 in locations similar to the putter golf club heads 7000, 7100, or 7200 described above. In many embodiments, the aperture 7392 can display a particular design on the rear end 7325 of the putter golf club head 7310.

Referring to FIG. 53, a process 2000 for manufacturing a golf club head is shown according to one embodiment. Process 2000 includes forming a golf club face defined by a toe end, a heel end, a top rail, and a sole (block 2002). A golf club face can be formed with a golf club head such that the golf club head and golf club face are one continuous part. Alternatively, the golf club head and golf club face can be formed separately. The golf club face may then be attached to the golf club face by using adhesives, tape, welding, soldering, fasteners, and/or other suitable methods and devices. Golf club heads and/or golf club faces may be manufactured from any material. For example, golf club heads and/or golf club faces may be made of titanium, titanium alloys, other titanium-based materials, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys, other metals, metal alloys, plastics, wood, composite materials, or other suitable materials. It can be made from various types of materials. Golf club heads and/or golf club faces may be stamped (i.e., stamped, blanked, stamped, bent, flanged, or stamped using a mechanical or stamping press, cast), injection molded, or forged. formed using a variety of processes such as, machining, or combinations thereof, metal, plastic, and/or other processes used to manufacture composite parts, and/or other suitable processes. obtain. In one example, when manufacturing a putter head, the materials of the putter face and/or ball striking surface may be determined to impart particular ball striking and rolling characteristics to the putter face. In another embodiment, ball striking surfaces 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412, 1812, 1500, 2212, 3212, 4212, 5212 are different from putter faces 110, 810, 910. and when inserted and attached into a correspondingly shaped recess on the putter face 110, 810, 910, the striking surface 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412, 1812, 1500, 2212, 3212, 4212, 5212 may be made from a lighter material than putter face 110, 810, 910 to generally reduce the total weight of the putter.

According to Process 2000, grooves are formed on the club face and/or club head between the top rail and the sole, each groove extending between a toe end and a heel end, and the depth of the groove being smaller than the top rail. and the direction of extension between the heel end and the toe end (block 2004). The grooves can be formed using a variety of processes, such as casting, forging, machining, rotary milling, and/or other suitable processes. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove can depend on the method of manufacturing the groove. For example, the type of cutting bit used when machining a groove can determine the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the grooves may be symmetrical, such as in the embodiments described above, or asymmetrical (not shown). In one example, the width of the groove may be 0.032 inches, which may be the width of the cutting bit. Therefore, when machining a groove, the shape and dimensions of the cutting bit can determine the shape and dimensions of the groove.

The grooves may be manufactured by rotary milling the ball striking surface or by stamping or forging the grooves into the ball striking surface. Grooves can also be manufactured directly on the putter head, much like the ball striking surfaces described above are created directly on the putter head. The grooves may be manufactured by press molding the grooves onto the putter head. For example, a press can deform and/or move material on the putter head to create grooves. The groove can be manufactured by a milling process, in which case the axis of rotation of the milling tool is perpendicular to the putter face. The axis of rotation of the milling tool can be oriented at an angle other than perpendicular to the putter face. Grooves can be manufactured by overlaying a piece of material, cut cleanly to form a through-groove, onto a base material or solid material. The grooves may be manufactured by laser and/or thermal etching or erosion of the putter face material. Grooves may be manufactured by chemically attacking the putter face material using a photosensitive mask. Grooves may be manufactured by electro/chemically eroding the putter face material using a chemical mask such as wax or petrochemicals. Grooves may be produced by abrading the face material using air or water as a transport medium for abrasive materials such as sand. One or more of the grooves may be manufactured on the putter head using any one or combination of the methods described above. Additionally, other methods used to create depressions in any material can be used to manufacture the grooves.

Example 1

An exemplary putter golf club head 6100 having a face insert 6110 containing PEBAX material was compared to a similar control putter golf club head without PEBAX material on the ball striking face plate. An exemplary putter golf club head face insert 6010 includes a ball striking plate 6112 and a face insert base 6114. The ball striking plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 of the face insert 6110 include PEBAX material, where the ball striking plate 6112 includes PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) and the face insert base 6114 includes PEBAX material. Includes PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) has a lower hardness than PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). The face insert of the Control Putter golf club head features a ball-striking plate and an aluminum screen. The aluminum screen of the control putter golf club head includes aluminum material, and the ball striking plate of the control putter golf club head includes PEBAX material.

Player tests were conducted to determine the sound, feel, and overall satisfaction between the exemplary putter golf club head 6100 and the control putter golf club head. The results showed that most players were satisfied with the impact feel, impact sound, impact feedback, ball speed, and overall stroke of the putter golf club head 6100 versus the control putter golf club head. According to a test of 81 players playing putters with and without inserts, 37 players were satisfied with the Control Putter Golf Club Head and 44 players were satisfied with the Exemplary Putter Golf Club Head 6100. Did. The test data was then filtered to include players who only played with putters with inserts. Filtered data including 43 players showed that 84% of players preferred the exemplary putter golf club head 6100 and 16% of players preferred the control putter golf club head. This data indicates that if a player uses PEBAX materials on all components (i.e., ball striking plate and face insert base) rather than face inserts containing aluminum materials and PEBAX materials (i.e., ball striking plate and aluminum screen), Indicates a preference for face inserts containing materials.

Because the rules of golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted, or old rules may be repealed or modified, by a golf standards organization or governing body), the methods, apparatus, and methods described herein may be useful. The golf equipment associated with the article of manufacture may or may not be compliant with the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the methods, devices, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, marketed, and/or sold as compliant or non-compliant golf equipment. The methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although a particular order of operations is described above, these operations may be performed in other chronological order. For example, two or more of the operations described above may be performed sequentially, in unison, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more operations can be performed in the opposite order. Furthermore, one or more of the operations described above may not be performed at all. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with various embodiments, it will be understood that the invention may be further modified. This application is generally intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that are in accordance with its principles and that are known or conventional in the art to which the invention pertains. Contains any deviations from this disclosure as may be included in the act.

Claims (20)

A putter type golf club head,
toe end and
a heel end opposite the toe end;
top rail and
a sole on the opposite side of the top rail;
a front surface having a recess;
a face insert located within the recess, wherein the front surface and the face insert together form a putter-type club face;
a plurality of grooves provided in the face insert between the top rail and the sole, each of the plurality of grooves extending between the toe end and the heel end; and a plurality of grooves including a top of each of the grooves and a bottom of each of the plurality of grooves,
A width is measured from the top of each of the plurality of grooves to the bottom of each of the plurality of grooves,
the width of the groove varies along a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end;
The putter type club face is generally planar and extends generally vertically at the address position,
A putter-type golf club head, wherein the face insert is secured within the recess using tape, adhesive or epoxy. The face insert further comprises:
a heel portion near the heel end of the putter type golf club head;
a toe portion near the toe end of the putter type golf club head;
a center portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion;
The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the width of the groove located in the central portion of the face insert is greater than the width of the grooves in the heel and toe portions. A putter-type golf club head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the face insert comprises a metallic material. A putter-type golf club head according to claim 3, wherein the metal material is aluminum. The width of each of the plurality of grooves increases along a direction extending from the toe end to the central portion of the face insert and increases along a direction extending from the heel end to the central portion. , A putter type golf club head according to claim 2. The width of each of the plurality of grooves decreases along a direction extending from the central portion of the face insert to the toe end, and decreases along a direction extending from the central portion to the heel end of the face insert. , A putter type golf club head according to claim 2. further comprising a plurality of peaks between the plurality of grooves,
7. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the width of the peak portion changes along a direction extending from the toe end to the heel end. The face insert further includes a face insert base and a ball-striking faceplate;
A putter-type golf club head according to any preceding claim, wherein the ball striking faceplate comprises a metallic material and the face insert base comprises a polymeric material. A putter type golf club head,
toe end and
a heel end opposite the toe end;
top rail and
a sole on the opposite side of the top rail;
a front surface having a recess;
a face insert located within the recess, wherein the front surface and the face insert together form a putter-type club face;
a plurality of grooves provided in the face insert between the top rail and the sole, each of the plurality of grooves extending between the toe end and the heel end; and a plurality of grooves including a top of each of the grooves and a bottom of each of the plurality of grooves,
A width is measured from the top of each of the plurality of grooves to the bottom of each of the plurality of grooves,
the width of each of the plurality of grooves increases along a direction extending from the toe end to a central portion of the face insert, and increases along a direction extending from the heel end to the central portion;
The putter type club face is generally planar and extends generally vertically at the address position,
A putter-type golf club head, wherein the face insert is secured within the recess using tape, adhesive or epoxy. The face insert further comprises:
a heel portion near the heel end of the putter type golf club head;
a toe portion near the toe end of the putter type golf club head;
a center portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion;
10. The putter-type golf club head of claim 9, wherein the width of the groove located in the central portion of the face insert is greater than the width of the grooves in the heel and toe portions. A putter-type golf club head according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the face insert comprises a metallic material. A putter-type golf club head according to claim 11, wherein the metal material is aluminum. A putter-type golf club head according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the putter-type golf club head has a loft angle of less than 7 degrees. further comprising a plurality of peaks between the plurality of grooves,
The putter-type golf club head according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the width of the peak portion changes along a direction extending from the toe end to the heel end. A putter type golf club head,
toe end and
a heel end opposite the toe end;
top rail and
a sole on the opposite side of the top rail;
a front surface having a recess;
a face insert located within the recess, wherein the front surface and the face insert together form a putter-type club face;
a plurality of grooves provided in the face insert between the top rail and the sole, each of the plurality of grooves extending between the toe end and the heel end; and a plurality of grooves including a top of each of the grooves and a bottom of each of the plurality of grooves,
A width is measured from the top of each of the plurality of grooves to the bottom of each of the plurality of grooves,
the width of the groove varies along a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end;
The plurality of grooves are separated by a plurality of peaks, and the width of the peaks varies along a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end,
The putter type club face is generally planar and extends generally vertically at the address position,
A putter-type golf club head, wherein the face insert is secured within the recess using tape, adhesive or epoxy. The face insert further comprises:
a heel portion near the heel end of the putter type golf club head;
a toe portion near the toe end of the putter type golf club head;
a center portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion;
16. The putter-type golf club head of claim 15, wherein the width of the groove located in the central portion of the face insert is greater than the width of the grooves in the heel and toe portions. A putter-type golf club head according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the face insert comprises a metallic material. A putter-type golf club head according to claim 17, wherein the metal material is aluminum. A putter-type golf club head according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the putter-type golf club head has a loft angle of less than 7 degrees. The face insert further includes a face insert base and a ball-striking faceplate;
A putter-type golf club head according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the ball striking faceplate comprises a metallic material and the face insert base comprises a polymeric material.