KR101887321B1 - Grooves of golf club heads and methods to manufacture grooves of golf club heads - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a groove of a golf club head and a groove of a golf club head is generally described. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. The golf club head includes a body portion having a body toe portion, a body heel portion, a body upper rail portion, and a body sole portion; And a club face on the body portion, the club face including a groove extending from the central portion of the club face toward the body heel portion and toward the body toe portion in a central portion of the club face, The depth variation of at least one groove is either linear or nonlinear with respect to width variation of at least one groove along the length of the groove in the portion of the groove.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a groove of a golf club head and a method of manufacturing the groove of the golf club head.

Related application

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 529,590, filed October 31, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly, to a groove in a golf club head and a method of manufacturing a groove in a golf club head.

Typically, the 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, a plurality of grooves in the iron-type club head can clean water, sand, grass and / or other debris between the golf ball and the club face. The golf club face may have grooves of various shapes, such as square or boxed grooves, V-shaped grooves, or U-shaped grooves.

1 shows a putter according to an example;
2 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example;
3 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example.
Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the groove of the ball striking surface of Fig. 3; Fig.
Figure 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Figure 4 taken at section 5-5 of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking surface of Figure 3;
Figure 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking surface of Figure 3;
8 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example.
9 is a schematic plan view of the groove of the ball striking surface of Fig. 8;
10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Fig. 9, taken at portions 10-10 of Fig. 8;
Figure 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking surface of Figure 8;
Figure 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking surface of Figure 8;
13 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example.
Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of the groove of the ball striking surface of Figure 13;
Fig. 15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Fig. 14, taken at portions 15-15 of Fig. 13;
Figure 16 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking surface of Figure 13;
Figure 17 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking surface of Figure 13;
18 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example.
19 is a schematic plan view of the groove of the ball striking surface of Fig. 18;
FIG. 20 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 19, taken at 20-20 of FIG. 18;
Figure 21 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking surface of Figure 18;
Figure 22 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking surface of Figure 18;
23 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example.
24-26 illustrate another example of a vertical cross-sectional view of the groove of the ball striking surface of Fig. 23, taken at portions 24-24 of Fig. 23. Fig.
27 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example;
28 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example;
29-37 are schematic diagrams of an exemplary horizontal cross section of a groove of a ball striking surface of a putter;
Figures 38-45 are schematic plan views of exemplary grooves of a ball striking surface of a putter.
46 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example;
47 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example;
48 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a groove of a putter according to one example;
49 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a putter according to one example;
50 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a putter according to one example;
51 is a view showing a putter surface according to another example;
52 is a view showing a putter surface according to another example;
53 is a view showing a golf club manufacturing method according to an example.
54 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example;
55 is a cross-sectional view of the groove of the ball striking surface of Fig. 54;
56 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example;
57 is a cross-sectional view of the groove of the ball striking surface of Fig. 56; Fig.
58 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an example;
FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the groove of the ball striking surface of FIG. 58; FIG.
60 is a schematic view of a ball striking surface of a putter according to an embodiment;
61 is a schematic plan view of the groove of the ball striking surface of Fig. 60;
Figure 62 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Figure 61 taken at portions 62-62 of Figure 60;
63 is a view showing a tool for cutting grooves;
64 is a view showing a V-shaped groove according to an example;
65 is a view showing a V-shaped groove according to an example;
66 is a schematic plan view of a groove according to an example;
67 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Fig. 66;

Generally, a method of manufacturing a groove of a golf club head and a groove of a golf club head is described herein. Golf devices associated with the methods, devices, and / or articles of manufacture described herein may or may not follow golf rules at any particular time. Further, the drawings provided herein are for purposes of illustration only, and one or more drawings may not be drawn to scale. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

A putter 100 is shown in the example of FIG. Although the grooves for putter 100 are described herein, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be used with other types of club heads (e.g., a driver-type club head, a fairway wood- A club head, an iron-type club head, etc.). For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2010 / 0035702, filed on August 5, 2009, describes in detail a groove for an iron-type club head, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference. Thus, the reference made to this specification for a putter may include any form of golf club.

The putter 100 includes a putter head 102 having a putter surface 110. The putter surface 110 may be generally planar. The putter surface 110 includes a ball striking surface 112 that is generally coplanar with the putter surface 110 or may protrude somewhat outward from the putter surface 110. The ball striking surface 112 may be the same size as the putter surface 110 or may be smaller than the putter surface (as shown in FIG. 1). The ball striking surface 112 may be an area on the putter surface 110 that is typically used to hit a golf ball (not shown). However, the individual may hit the ball on the portion of the putter surface 110 outside the ball striking surface 112.

The ball striking surface 112 may be a continuous or integral part of the putter surface 110 or may be formed as an insert attached to the putter surface 110. Such an insert may be made of the same material or other material as the putter face 110 and then attached to the putter face 110. The ball striking surface 112 may include one or more grooves or one or more land portions 170, generally shown as grooves 120. [ For example, the ball striking surface 112 is shown as having 12 grooves generally shown as 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, Groove 120 may be referred to generally as a single reference numeral such as 120. However, when one of the grooves of the ball striking surface 112 is specifically described, reference numerals for a specific groove may be used.

The two adjacent grooves can be separated by the land portion 170. The land portion 170 between each groove 120 and the adjacent groove 120 may have the same width or different width as the land portion 170 between the other pair of adjacent grooves 120. [ The land portion 170 may also define an upper surface of the ball striking surface 112. In general, two or more grooves 120 may be parallel to each other. For example, the grooves 122 and 124 may be parallel to each other. However, the grooves 120 may be oriented with respect to each other in any manner. For example, any of the grooves 120 may be diagonally, vertically and / or horizontally oriented. 2, one or more grooves 120 may be substantially linear and may be generally parallel to adjacent grooves 120 and may include a toe termination 180 and a heel termination 190 of the putter surface 110, ). ≪ / RTI >

The depth, length, width, horizontal cross-sectional profile, and / or vertical cross-sectional profile of the groove 120 may be linearly, non-linearly, regularly or at irregular stepped intervals, arcuately and / Or may extend from the tow end 180 of the putter head 102 to the heel termination 190 and / or from the top rail 182 to the sole 192 according to one or more geometric shapes And can be reduced and / or varied. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring to Figure 2, a ball striking surface 112 with grooves 122-144 is shown. The ball striking surface 112 may be an integral part of the putter surface 110, such as is manufactured with the putter surface 110. Alternatively, the ball striking surface 112 may be an insert attached to the putter surface 110. Each of the grooves 120 may extend from the tow end 180 to the heel end 190 to define a corresponding length 193 (only the length 193 of the groove 144 is shown in Fig. 2). The length 193 of some or all of the grooves 120 may vary from the top rail 182 to the sole 192 so that each groove 120 may generally conform to the shape of the circumference of the ball striking surface 112 have. For example, the length of the groove may increase from near the top rail 182 to the center 184 of the ball striking surface 112 and decrease near the brush 192 at the center 184. The center 184 may be the geometric center of the ball striking surface 112. Alternatively, the center 184 may represent the inertial or weight-related center of the ball striking surface 112. However, the center 184 can be generally defined by the area of the ball striking surface 112 that typically strikes the ball. As shown in FIG. 1, the length 193 of the groove 120 may be similar. 2, the length 193 of the groove may decrease from near the top rail 182 to the center 184 and may decrease from near the brush 192 to the center 184 have. Thus, any groove length disposed on the ball striking surface 112 is within the scope of the present invention.

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

Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of the groove 232, and Fig. 5 shows a horizontal cross-section of the groove 232 obtained in the section line 5-5 of Fig. The groove 232 is shown as being divided into horizontally spanning regions, generally shown as regions 271-275, which are visually defined by vertical boundaries in Figures 3 and 4. The horizontal areas 271-275 can be used to change the horizontal transverse profile of the grooves 232 from near the toe termination 180 to near the heel termination 190 and / or from near the top rail 182 to near the sole 192 Can be limited. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove may represent any feature of the groove along the length 293 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape and / or construction material of any portion of the groove. In the example of FIGS. 3-7, the groove 220 includes a first vertical wall 250 and a second vertical wall 252 that define the length 293 of the groove 220. Each of the grooves 220 has a bottom surface 254 that defines the depth of the grooves 220. The depth of each groove may vary from the first wall 250 to the second wall 252 in accordance with the cross-sectional profile of the groove 220 in the regions 271-275. Each groove 220 also includes a first horizontal wall 256 and a second horizontal wall 258 that define a vertical boundary of the groove 220. The distance between the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 defines the width 280 of the groove 220. The width 280 may vary from the first vertical wall 250 to the second vertical wall 252 as shown in the example of Figures 38 to 45 wherein the groove has a length 590, 594, a second width 595, and / or a third width 596. However, in the example of FIGS. 3-7, the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 280. For example, the widest portion of each of the grooves is delimited by the generally flat bottom surface portion of the groove, the widest portions of which vary between different grooves in a direction extending between the top rail and the sole, The lengths of the wide portions may vary between different grooves in the direction between the top rail and the sole, so as to form a central striking zone that is visible and similar to the shape of the golf ball. The widest portion of each of the grooves may include a portion having the largest width of the groove. Also, in other embodiments, the widest portion of each of the grooves may correspond to the deepest depth portion of the groove.

5, the bottom surface 254 in the region 271 is downwardly inclined or curved to define a first depth 282 at the boundary between the regions 271 and 272. As shown in FIG. The bottom surface 254 of the area 272 switches from the first depth 282 to the second depth 284 at a boundary between the areas 272 and 273 in a more steep downward curve. If the bottom surface 254 is flat in the area 273, the second depth 284 can generally define the greatest depth of the groove 232. However, if the bottom surface 254 is not flat, the greatest depth of the groove 232 may be defined at other portions of the area 273. Any of the grooves 220 may be symmetrical about the vertical axis y. Thus, the shape of the grooves 220 on each side of the y-axis may reflect the shape of the grooves 232 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of the grooves 220 may be asymmetric. The regions 271 and 275 define a shallow portion of the groove 232 and the region 273 defines a deeper center portion of the groove 232. The deepest portion of any of the grooves 220 may be at the center of the groove 220. The regions 272 and 274 facilitate the transition of the bottom surface 254 from depth 282 to depth 284.

3 and 5, the general cross-sectional profile of each of the grooves 220 may similarly remain as a brush 190 in the upper rail 182. [ However, the cross-sectional profile, including the length, width, and / or depth of each of the regions 271-275 of the grooves 220, may be progressively different from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. 6 and 7 show horizontal cross-sectional views of the grooves 238 and 244, respectively. For example, the areas 271-275 of the groove 238 are each smaller in length than the areas 271-275 of the groove 232. Likewise, the regions 271-275 of the groove 244 are each smaller in length than the regions 271-275 of the groove 238. In another example, regions 271-275 of groove 238 may each have a smaller depth than regions 271-275 of groove 232. Likewise, regions 271-275 of groove 244 may each have a smaller depth than regions 271-275 of groove 238.

A progressive increase in the length, depth and / or width of the areas 271-275 of the grooves 222-232 from the top rail 182 to the center of the generally striking surface 212 and / The reduction of the dimensions of the regions 271-275 of the grooves 232-244 from the center of the brushes 212 to the brushes 192 forms a central striking zone 260 (shown in Figure 3) It may be similar to the shape of a golf ball when viewed by an individual. The approximate visual representation of the golf ball may help an individual align the ball striking surface 212 with the ball. The region 273 defining the deepest portion of the groove 220 may be longer at the center of the ball striking surface 212 and may be progressively reduced in length toward the upper rail 182 and the brush 192 can do. Likewise, the transition areas 272 and 274 may have the greatest length at the center of the ball striking surface 212 and their length may gradually decrease towards the top rail 182 and the sole 192. The length of the regions 271-275 may vary depending on the location of the grooves 220 on the ball striking surface 212 but the depth of similar regions for each groove 220 may be similar or different. For example, the greatest depth of the groove 232 may be similar to the greatest depth of the groove 244. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 222-244 may vary based on the position of the grooves 220 relative to the ball striking surface 212. [ Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 222-244 may vary in any manner from the top rail 182 to the sole. While the above examples may describe a certain number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein may include more or less horizontal regions.

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

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the groove 332 and Fig. 10 shows a horizontal cross-section of the groove 332 obtained at the cutting line 10-10 of Fig. The groove 332 is shown to be divided into horizontally spanning regions 371 to 375, which are visually defined by the vertical boundaries in Figures 8 and 9. [ The horizontal regions 371-375 provide a change in the horizontal cross sectional profile of the groove 332 from near the toe termination 180 to near the heel termination 190 and / or near the sole 192 near the top rail 182 Can be limited. The groove horizontal cross sectional profile may represent any feature of the groove along the length 393 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape and / or construction material of any portion of the groove. In the example of FIGS. 8-12, the groove 320 includes a first vertical wall 350 and a second vertical wall 352 that define the length 393 of the groove 320. Each of the grooves 320 has a bottom surface 354 that defines the depth of the grooves 320. The depth of each groove can vary from the first wall 350 to the second wall 352 in accordance with the cross-sectional profile of the groove 320 in the regions 371-375. Each groove 320 also includes a first horizontal wall 356 and a second horizontal wall 358 that define a vertical boundary of the groove 320. The distance between the first horizontal wall 356 and the second horizontal wall 358 defines the width 380 of the groove 320. The width 380 may vary from the first vertical wall 350 to the second vertical wall 352 as shown in the example of Figures 38-45. However, in the example of Figures 8 and 12, the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel and define a substantially constant width 380.

10, the bottom surface 354 in the region 371 is generally flat and / or slightly inclined to define the first depth 382 at the interface between the regions 371 and 372. [ The bottom surface 354 in the region 372 is tapered downward from the first depth 382 to the second depth 384 at the interface between the regions 372 and 373. The bottom surface 354 of the region 372 can be generally flat and / or slightly inclined so that the groove 320 can have a substantially uniform depth 384 in the region 372. [ The bottom surface 354 in the region 372 is tapered downward from the second depth 384 to the third depth 386. [ The bottom surface 354 of the region 373 can be generally flat or slightly inclined so that the groove 320 can have a substantially uniform depth 386 in the region 373. [ Any of the grooves 320 may be symmetrical about a vertical axis y. Thus, the shape of the grooves 320 on each side of the y-axis reflects the shape of the grooves 320 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of the grooves 320 may be asymmetric. Depth 386 represents the greatest depth of groove 320.

10-12, the general cross-sectional profile of the groove 320 may remain substantially similar from the top rail 182 to the sole 190. However, the cross-sectional profile including the length, width, and / or depth of the regions 371-375 of each of the grooves 320 may progressively vary from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. 11 and 12, horizontal cross-sectional views of the grooves 338 and 344 are respectively shown. For example, the regions 371-375 of the grooves 338 are smaller in length than the regions 371-375 of the grooves 332, respectively. Likewise, the regions 371-375 of the groove 344 are smaller in length than the regions 371-375 of the groove 338, respectively. In another example, regions 371-375 of groove 338 may each have a smaller depth than regions 371-375 of groove 332. Likewise, regions 371-275 of groove 344 may each have a smaller depth than regions 371-375 of groove 338.

A progressive increase in length, depth and / or width of the regions 371-375 of the grooves 322-332 from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking surface 312 and / The reduction in the dimensions of the regions 371-375 of the grooves 332-344 from the center to the sole 192 forms a central striking zone 360 (shown in Figure 8) Can be similar to the shape of a golf ball individually. The approximate visual representation of the golf ball may help an individual align the ball striking surface 312 with the ball. The region 373 defining the deepest portion of the groove 360 may be longer at the center of the ball striking surface 312 and may be progressively reduced in length toward the upper rail 182 and the sole 192 can do. Likewise, the transition areas 372 and 374 can have the greatest length at the center of the ball striking surface 312 and their length can gradually decrease toward the upper rail 182 and the sole 192. The length of regions 371-375 may vary depending on the position of groove 320 on ball striking surface 312 but the depth of similar regions for each groove 320 may be similar or different. For example, the greatest depth of the groove 344 may be similar to the greatest depth of the groove 332. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 322-344 may vary based on the position of the grooves 320 on the ball striking surface 312. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 322-344 may vary in any manner from the top rail 182 to the sole. While the above examples may describe a certain number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein may include more or less horizontal regions.

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

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of the groove 432, and FIG. 15 shows a horizontal cross-section of the groove 432 obtained at the section line 15-15 of FIG. The groove 432 is shown as being divided into horizontally spanning regions 471 and 472 which are aligned with the border of the groove 432 and the vertical line at the center of the groove 432 in Figures 13 and 14 Is visually defined. The horizontal regions 471 and 472 limit the variation of the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove 432 from near the toe termination 180 to near the sole 192 near the top end rail 182 and / can do. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove represents any feature of the groove along the length 493 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape and / or construction material of any portion of the groove. In the example of FIGS. 13-17, the groove 420 includes a first vertical wall 450 and a second vertical wall 452 that define the length 493 of the groove 420. Each of the grooves 420 has a bottom surface 454 that defines the depth of the groove 420. The depth of each groove may vary from the first wall 450 to the second wall 452 in accordance with the cross-sectional profile of the groove 420 in the regions 471 and 472. Each groove 420 also includes a first horizontal wall 456 and a second horizontal wall 458 that define a vertical boundary of the groove 420. The distance between the first horizontal wall 456 and the second horizontal wall 458 defines the width 480 of the groove 420. The width 480 may vary from the first vertical wall 450 to the second vertical wall 452 as shown in the example of Figures 38-45. However, in the example of FIGS. 13-17, the first horizontal wall 456 and the second horizontal wall 458 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 480.

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

15-17, the general cross-sectional profile of the groove 420 may remain substantially similar from the top rail 182 to the sole 190. [ However, the cross-sectional profile, including the length and / or depth of the regions 471 and 472 of each groove 420, may be progressively different from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. For example, the areas 471 and 472 of the groove 438 are each smaller in length than the areas 471 and 472 of the groove 332. Likewise, regions 471 and 471 of groove 444 are smaller in length than regions 471 and 472 of groove 438, respectively. In another example, regions 471 and 472 of groove 438 may each have a smaller depth than regions 471 and 472 of groove 432. Likewise, regions 471 and 472 of groove 444 may each have a smaller depth than regions 471 and 472 of groove 438.

A progressive increase in length, depth and / or width of the regions 471 and 472 of the grooves 422-432 from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking surface 412 and / The reduction in the dimensions of the regions 471 and 472 of the grooves 432-444 from the center to the sole 192 forms a central striking zone 460 (shown in Fig. 13). The regions 471 and 472 may have the greatest length at the center of the ball striking surface 412 and may gradually decrease in length toward the top rail 182 and the brush 192. The lengths of regions 471 and 472 vary depending on the position of groove 420 on ball striking surface 412 but the depth of similar regions for each groove 420 may be similar or different. For example, the greatest depth of the groove 444 may be similar to the greatest depth of the groove 432. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 422-444 may be varied based on the position of the grooves 420 on the ball striking surface 412. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 422-444 may vary in any manner from the top rail 182 to the sole. While the above examples may describe a certain number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein may include more or less horizontal regions.

In another example shown in FIG. 18, the ball striking surface 512 includes a groove 520 (shown specifically as grooves 522-544). The ball striking surface 512 may be an integral part of the putter surface 110 or a separate member attached to the putter surface 110. Thus, when describing the ball striking surface 512, portions of the putter 100 and the putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numerals as described above.

Fig. 19 shows a schematic view of a groove 532, and Fig. 20 shows a horizontal cross-section of the groove 532 taken at section line 20-20 of Fig. The groove 532 is shown as being divided into horizontally spanning regions 571 and 572 which are visually depicted by the vertical lines at the center of the groove 532 and the border of the groove 532 in Figures 18 and 19 . The horizontal regions 571 and 572 can be used to change the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove 532 from near the toe termination 180 to near the heel termination 190 and / or near the sole 192 near the top rail 182 Can be limited. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove may indicate any of the characteristics of the groove along the length 593 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape and / or construction material of any portion of the groove. In the example of FIGS. 18-22, the groove 520 includes a first vertical wall 550 and a second vertical wall 552 defining a length 593 of the groove 520. Each of the grooves 520 has a bottom surface 554 that defines the depth of the groove 520. The depth of each groove may vary from the first wall 550 to the second wall 552 in accordance with the cross-sectional profile of the groove 520 in the regions 571 and 572. Each groove 520 also includes a first horizontal wall 556 and a second horizontal wall 558 that define a vertical boundary of the groove 520. The distance between the first horizontal wall 556 and the second horizontal wall 558 defines the width 580 of the groove 520. The width 580 may vary from the first vertical wall 550 to the second vertical wall 552 as shown in the example of Figures 38-45. However, in the example of FIGS. 18-22, the first horizontal wall 556 and the second horizontal wall 558 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 580.

20, the bottom surface 554 in the region 571 has a linear profile and is inclined downward. The bottom surface 554 in the area 572 also has a linear profile and is tilted downward. However, since the second wall 552 is longer than the first wall 550, the bottom surface 554 of the area 572 has a smaller slope than the bottom surface 554 of the area 571. Thus, the groove 550 of this example is asymmetric about the vertical central axis y. Thus, 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, Respectively, from the depths 582 and 584 along the downwardly inclined bottom surface 554 of the regions 571 and 572, respectively. The center depth 586 may be the depth of the deepest portion of the groove 520.

20-22, the general cross-sectional profile of the groove 520 may remain substantially similar from the top rail 182 to the sole 190. However, the cross-sectional profile including the length, width, and / or depth of each of the regions 571 and 572 of the groove 520 may progressively vary from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. 21 and 22, horizontal cross-sections of the grooves 538 and 544 are shown, respectively. For example, the areas 571 and 572 of the groove 538 are each smaller than the areas 571 and 572 of the groove 532, respectively. Similarly, the regions 571 and 572 of the groove 544 are smaller in length than the regions 571 and 572 of the groove 538, respectively. In another example, regions 571 and 572 of groove 538 may each have a smaller depth than regions 571 and 572 of groove 532. Similarly, regions 571 and 572 of groove 544 may each have a smaller depth than regions 571 and 572 of groove 538.

A progressive increase in length, depth and / or width of the regions 571 and 572 of the grooves 522-532 from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking surface 512 and / The reduction in the dimensions of the regions 571 and 572 of the grooves 532-544 from the center to the sole 192 forms a central striking zone 560 (shown in Fig. 18). The zones 571 and 572 may have the greatest length at the center of the ball striking surface 512 and their length from the top rail 182 to the sole 192 may gradually decrease. The length of regions 571 and 572 depends on the position of groove 520 on ball striking surface 512 but the depth of similar regions for each groove 520 may be similar or different. For example, the greatest depth of the groove 544 may be similar to the greatest depth of the groove 532. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 522-544 may vary based on the position of the groove 520 on the ball striking surface 512. [ Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 522-544 may vary in any manner from the top rail 182 to the sole. While the above examples may describe a certain number of horizontal regions, the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein may include more or less horizontal regions.

The grooves 220, 320, 420 and 520 described above illustrate four examples of the horizontal cross sectional profile of the groove for use with the putter 100. Another example of a horizontal cross sectional profile is shown in Figures 29-37 wherein each groove has a length 590, a first depth 591, a second depth 592 and / or a third depth 593 have. The grooves can be defined by any number of horizontal regions, and one or more regions have similar or different characteristics. For example, a groove that may be symmetrical or asymmetric about the y-axis may have a bottom surface with a complex combination of linear and non-linear shapes that define similar or varying depths from the tow end 180 to the heel end 190 . Such grooves can be described by a plurality of horizontal regions, where each region defines one or more of the mentioned complex shapes. Thus, the number, placement, size, and other characteristics of the above-described horizontal regions do not in any way limit the groove cross-sectional profile according to the present invention.

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

The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove may progressively and proportionally vary from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking surface and may progressively vary from the center of the ball striking surface to the sole 192. The gradual change mentioned may define a larger ball striking zone at the center of the ball striking surface than near the top rail 182 and the sole 192. Further, the gradual change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the mentioned groove causes the groove having the longer deep groove portion than the groove near the top rail 182 and the brush 192 to be positioned at the center of the ball striking surface and around the center of the ball striking surface to provide. However, gradual changes in the grooves described above are exemplary and other progressive change schemes can be used to impart special ball striking characteristics to various portions of the ball striking surface.

Referring to Fig. 23, a ball striking surface 612 according to another example having a groove 620 is shown. Figs. 24-26 illustrate the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 viewed from the cut line 24-24 in Fig. 24, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 is box-like, rectangular, or square. 25, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 is V-shaped. 26, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 is U-shaped. The vertical cross-sectional groove shapes of FIGS. 24-26 may be applied to any groove of the present invention. For example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 220 may be rectangular or square, according to the groove 620 of FIG. In another example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 may be V-shaped, according to the groove 620 of FIG. Furthermore, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove may vary from the tow end 180 to the heel end 190. [ 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, May have a V-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape. In addition, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove can vary from the top rail 182 to the sole 190. For example, the groove near the top rail 182 and the brush 192 may have a square vertical cross-sectional shape, while a groove 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 having grooves from top rail 182 to sole 192. However, the ball striking surface may have more or less grooves, or may have grooves free portions. For example, the ball striking surface may have a plurality of grooves in the center portion of the ball striking surface, and there may be no grooves in the portion near the upper rail 182 or the brush 192.

The groove is not limited to extending horizontally across the ball striking surface. The ball striking surface may have a vertical groove with varying depth as described above or a combination of vertical and horizontal grooves having a varying horizontal and / or vertical cross-sectional profile. The orientation of the grooves may be such that a matrix-shaped ball striking surface is provided on the putter.

27, a ball striking surface 712 having a groove 720 can be horizontally separated into three portions: a tow portion 780, a center portion 785, and a heel portion 790. [ The ball striking surface 712 may be similar to the ball striking surfaces 212 and 312 described above. Thus, groove 720 has regions 271-275 and 371-375, respectively, similar to the grooves 220 and 320 described above. The three portions described above horizontally separate the ball striking surface 712 and span vertically from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. The toe portion 780 is near the toe termination 180 and the heel portion 790 is near the heel termination 190 and the center portion 785 is between the toe portion 780 and the heel portion 790 . The depth of the groove 720 in the toe portion 780 and the heel portion 790 may not be greater than the depth of the groove 720 in the central portion 785. [ In one example, the shallowest depth of the groove 720, which may be closest to the toe termination 180 or closest to the heel termination 190, may be about 0.003 inches. At or near the center portion 785, the depth of the groove 720 can increase to a depth of about 0.017 inches as described above. The variable depth may include a portion having a depth of at least 0.020 inches, but less than 0.022 inches. The variable width may include a portion having a width of at least 0.035 inches, but less than 0.037 inches.

28, the ball striking surface 712 can be vertically separated into three portions: an upper rail portion 782, a middle portion 786, and a sole portion 792. [ These portions vertically separate the ball striking surface 712 and extend from the tow end 180 to the heel termination 190. The upper rail portion 782 is near the upper rail 182 and the sole portion 792 is near the sole 192 and the middle portion 786 is between the upper rail portion 782 and the sole portion 792 have. The length of the deepest portion of the groove 720 may vary from the upper rail portion 782 to the middle portion 786 and from the middle portion 786 to the sole portion 792. For example, with respect to the example described above, the length of the deepest portion of the groove may indicate a groove 720 that is proximal centrally located at the center between the top rail portion 782 and the sole portion 792 . 27 and 28, the length of the groove 710 may be largest in the middle portion 786 and may gradually decrease toward the top rail portion 782 and toward the sole portion 792 .

29-37 illustrate examples of different groove horizontal cross-sectional profiles according to the present invention. In the above example, the widths of the grooves 220, 320, 420 and 520 are shown as having a rectangular profile. However, the grooves according to the present invention may have different width profiles as shown by the example of Figs. 38-45. Thus, the grooves according to the present invention may have any horizontal cross-sectional profile, vertical cross-sectional profile, width profile and / or depth profile.

The cross-sectional profile of the groove, including variations in the length, depth, width and / or cross-sectional shape of the groove, can affect the speed, control and / or rotation of the hole. The disclosed variable depth grooves can improve consistency of ball speed by about 50% for plastic putter face inserts and about 40% for non-grooved aluminum putter face inserts after being struck by the putter face. Striking the ball with a putter having grooves according to the present invention may (1) cause a low ball speed, which may result in a reduced ball roll out distance; (2) cause heel and toe shots, resulting in a reduced ball speed compared to the center strike and a shorter ball roll-out distance; (3) Allow relatively low and high handicap players to hit the ball at other positions on the putter face (a player with a high handicap tends to hit the ball below the ball, while a player with a low handicap tends to hit the ball above the ball There is a tendency to beat. A player with a relatively high handicap may also have a wider range of striking positions, while a player with a relatively low handicap may have a narrower striking position; And / or (4) a putter surface having a groove in the center of the face may cause a reduced ball speed / roll-out distance for the center shot, which results in a more consistent ball speed / roll out It can cause distance.

46, another example of a putter face 810 having grooves of varying cross-sectional profile is shown. The putter surface 810 is defined by the grooves 822-828 near the toe end 180, the grooves 830-840 at the center of the putter surface 810 and the grooves 842-848 near the heel end 190 Are shown as having 14 groups of grooves. In this example, the more protruding groove is located at the center of the putter surface 810, and the less protruding groove is located at the periphery of the center. A further protruding groove may represent a groove having a greater depth and / or width as compared to a less protruding groove. As shown in FIG. 46, grooves 832-838 may project further than the remaining grooves on putter surface 810. Also, a portion of the putter surface 810 may be free of grooves. This portion is referred to as reference numeral 850.

Referring to Figure 47, another example of a putter face 910 with grooves of varying cross-sectional profile is shown. The putter face 910 is shown having ten grooves 922-940. The length of each groove gradually increases from the upper rail 182 to the sole 190. Each of the grooves 922-940 or the clusters of the grooves 922-940 may have different vertical cross-sectional shapes. For example, the grooves 922-930 are shown as having a box-like vertical cross-section whereas the grooves 932-940 are shown as having a V-shaped vertical cross-section.

Referring to FIG. 48, a cross-section of groove 922 according to another embodiment is shown. The bottom surface 954 of the groove 922 is shown to gradually retract from the edges 950 and 952 of the groove to the greatest depth 951 of the groove 922. Any groove in accordance with the present invention may have the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as the groove 922. Any groove in accordance with the present invention may have the same depth 951. However, the depth 951 can be proportionally reduced as the length of the groove decreases.

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

Referring to Fig. 49, a side cross-sectional view of a ball striking surface 1012 having a groove 1220 according to another example is shown. The ball striking surface 1012 can be split into two parts with respect to the groove 1220. The ball striking surface 1012 may include an upper rail portion 1282 and a sole portion 1286. The upper rail portion 1282 and the sole portion 1286 may vertically separate the ball striking surface 1012 and horizontally extend from the tow end 180 to the heel termination 190. The upper rail portion 1282 may extend from the center of the ball striking surface 1012 generally represented by a centerline 1284 to near the upper rail 182 and may include a groove 1222. The sole portion 1286 may extend generally from near the sole portion 192 to the center portion 1284 and may include a groove 1224. [ The groove 1224 of the sole portion 1286 may have a greater depth than the groove 1222 of the upper rail portion 1282 at one or more locations along each groove 1224. [ By having a shallower groove 1222 in the upper 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 roll-out. Alternatively, the depth of the groove 1220 may gradually decrease from one or more groove steps from the central portion 1284 to the top rail 182 (not shown). In another example, the depth of the pair of grooves may progressively decrease from the center portion 1284 to the top rail 182 (not shown). Thus, a reduction in the depth of the groove from the sole 192 to the upper rail 182 may be for a variety of groups of grooves, pairs of grooves, or grooves.

50, the groove 1224 of the sole portion 1286 may have a depth less than the groove 1222 of the upper rail portion 1282 at one or more locations along each groove 1224. Alternatively, the depth of the groove 1220 may progressively increase in one or more groove steps from the center portion 1284 and / or the brush 192 to the top rail 182 (not shown) . In another example, the depth of the pair of grooves can progressively increase from the center portion 1284 and / or the brush 192 to the top rail 182 (not shown). Thus, the increase in the depth of the groove from the central portion 1284 and / or the sole 192 to the upper rail 182 may be for a variety of groups of grooves, pairs of grooves, or grooves.

51 and 52 show another example according to the present invention. 51, the putter head 1300 includes a ball striking surface 1312, and the ball striking surface includes a plurality of horizontal grooves 1320 and a vertical groove 1322. [ Each of the grooves 1320 and 1322 has a variable cross-sectional profile, a depth profile, a width profile, a length profile from the toe termination 1380 to near the heel termination 1390 and / or from the top rail 1382 to the sole 1392 And / or other groove characteristics, as compared to other grooves. For example, the depth of the horizontal groove 1320 may gradually increase from one groove step from the top rail 1382 to the sole 1386. The apparatuses, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring to Figure 52, the putter head 1400 includes a ball striking surface 1412, which has a plurality of first diagonal grooves 1420 and a second diagonal groove 1422. The first diagonal grooves 1420 may be substantially parallel to one another. Similarly, the second diagonal grooves 1422 may be substantially parallel to one another. The first diagonal groove 1420 and the second diagonal groove 1422 may be transverse to each other as shown in FIG. For example, the first diagonal groove 1420 may intersect the second diagonal groove 1422 at an angle of 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, or 90 °. Each of the grooves 1420 and 1422 has a variable cross-sectional profile, a depth profile, a width profile, a length profile from the toe termination 1480 to the vicinity of the heel termination 1490 and / or from the top rail 1482 to the sole 1492 And / or other groove characteristics, as compared to other grooves. For example, the depth of the first diagonal groove 1420 may gradually increase at one or more grooves from the top rail 1482 to the sole 1486. The apparatuses, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

52 shows a golf club head manufacturing process 2000 according to an example. The process 2000 includes forming a golf club face defined by a toe termination, a heel termination, a top rail, and a brush (block 2002). The golf club face may be formed with the golf club head such that the golf club head and golf club face may be integral continuous parts. Alternatively, the golf club head and the golf club face may be formed separately. The golf club face may then be attached to the golf club face using adhesives, tape, welding, solder, fasteners, and / or other suitable methods and devices. The golf club head and / or golf club face may be made of any material. For example, the golf club head and / or golf club face may be made of titanium, titanium alloys, other titanium-based materials, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys, other metals, metal alloys, plastics, wood, Can be made. The golf club head and / or golf club face may be stamped (i.e., punching, blanking, embossing, bending, flanging or coining, casting using mechanical presses or stamping presses), injection molding, forging, machining, , Other processes used to produce metal, plastic and / or composite components, and / or other suitable processes. In one example, when manufacturing a putter head, the material of the putter surface and / or the ball striking surface may be determined to impart predetermined ball striking and rolling characteristics to the putter surface. In another example, when the ball striking surface 212 is detached from the putter surface 110 and is inserted and attached in a correspondingly shaped depression on the putter surface 110, The striking surface 212 may be made of a material that is lighter than the putter surface 110.

According to process (2000), the grooves are formed in the upper portion so that each groove extends between the toe termination and the heel termination and the depth of the groove changes in a direction extending between the upper rail and the sole and extending between the heel termination and the tow termination. Is formed on the club face and / or the club head between the rails and the sol (block 2004). The grooves can be formed using various processes such as casting, forging, machining, spin milling and / or other suitable processes. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove can be determined according to how the groove is made. For example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove can be determined depending on the shape of the cutting bit during groove processing. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove may be symmetrical or asymmetric (not shown) as in the example described above. In one example, the width of the groove may be 0.032 inches, which may be the width of the cutting bit. Thus, when machining a groove, the shape and dimensions of the cutting bit can determine the shape and dimensions of the groove.

The grooves can be made by spin-milling the ball striking surface or by stamping or forging the groove on the ball striking surface. The grooves may be fabricated directly on the putter head to create a ball striking surface directly on the putter head as described above. Grooves can be produced by press-forming grooves in a putter head. For example, the press may deform and / or displace the material on the putter head to create a groove. The grooves can be produced by a milling process in which the rotational axis of the milling tool is perpendicular to the putter surface. The axis of rotation of the milling tool can be oriented obliquely rather than perpendicular to the putter surface. The grooves can be made by overlaying one material that has been cleanly cut to form the penetrating grooves over the base or solid material. Grooves can be made by laser and / or thermal etching or etching the putter surface material. Grooves can be made by chemically corroding the putter surface material using a photomask. Grooves can be made by electrochemically etching the putter face material using a chemical mask such as wax or petrochemical. Grooves can be made by polishing the face material using air or water as a carrier medium for abrasive materials such as sand. Any one or combination of the methods described above may be used to manufacture one or more grooves on the putter head. Moreover, other methods used to create depressions in any material may be used to fabricate the grooves.

54, a ball striking surface 2212 according to another example is shown. The ball striking surface 2212 can be vertically separated into three portions: an upper rail portion 2282, a middle portion 2286, and a sole portion 2292. [ The upper rail portion 2282, middle portion 2286 and sole portion 2292 vertically separate the ball striking surface 2212 and extend from the tow end 180 to the heel termination 190. The upper rail portion 2282 is near the upper rail 182 and the sole portion 2292 is near the sole 192 and the middle portion 2286 is between the upper rail portion 2282 and the sole portion 2292 have. In Figure 54, the ball striking surface 2212 may have twelve grooves 2222-2244, collectively referred to as grooves 2220. For example, grooves 2222, 2224, 2226, and 2228 can be considered to be in upper rail portion 2282; Grooves 2230, 2232, 2234, and 2236 may be considered to be in middle portion 2286; And grooves 2238, 2240, 2242 and 2244 may be considered to be in sole portion 2292. However, one or more grooves 2220 may be considered to be in two adjacent ones of the three vertically separated portions, i. E., A portion of the groove 2220 overlaps the adjacent portion. The length of the groove 2220 may be largest in the middle 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 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of the ball striking surface 2212. The upper rail portion 2282, the middle portion 2286 and the sole portion 2292 are exemplary and may define a portion on the ball striking surface 2212 and the grooves 2220 that may be located in that portion may include one or more Similar configurations or features. Thus, the ball striking surface 2212 can be defined by various vertical and / or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or features. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

FIG. 55 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the ball striking surface 2212 obtained in the groove 2234. FIG. Each groove 2220 may include a central portion 2254 having a bottom surface 2255 that can define the greatest depth 2257 of the groove 2220. The center portion 2254 has a length 2259 that can vary depending on the position of the groove 2220 on the ball striking surface 2212. In the example of Figure 54, the central portions 2254 of the grooves 2220 of the middle portion 2286 have approximately the same length. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The center of the ball striking surface 2212 may be defined by the y-axis 2261. The y-axis 2261 may also define a central axis of the center portion 2254, as shown in Figs. However, the center portion 2254 may be offset (not shown) relative to the y-axis 2261. 55, each bottom surface 2255 of the grooves 2230, 2232, 2234 and 2236 extends from the y-axis 2261 towards the tow end 180 and substantially towards the heel end 190, . The distance between the y-axis 2261 and the toe edge portion 2264 of the center portion 2254 can be defined as the length 2262, as shown in Fig. The toe edge portion 2264 can be defined as part of the groove between the y-axis 2261 and the toe end 190 and the depth of the groove increases from depth 2257 and switches to the opening or top of the groove. The distance between the y-axis 2261 and the heel edge portion 2268 of the center portion 2254 may be defined as the length 2266. The heel edge portion 2268 can be defined as part of the groove between the y-axis 2261 and the heel termination 180 and the depth of the groove increases from depth 2257 and switches to the opening or top of the groove. 54 and 55, the length 2262 is substantially the same as the length 2266. As shown in Fig. A putter having a ball striking surface 2212 as shown in Fig. 54 may be suitable for an individual having a straight putting stroke.

Referring to Figure 56, a ball striking surface 3212 according to another example is shown. The ball striking surface 3212 may be vertically separated into three portions, which are the upper rail portion 3282, the middle portion 3286 and the sole portion 3292, and may be defined by three portions. The upper rail portion 3282, the middle portion 3286 and the sole portion 3292 vertically separate the ball striking surface 3212 and horizontally extend from the tow end 180 to the heel termination 190. The upper rail portion 3282 is near the top rail 182 and the sole portion 3292 is near the brush 192 and the middle portion 3286 is between the upper rail portion 3282 and the sole portion 3292 have. In FIG. 56, the ball striking surface 3212 may have twelve grooves 3222-3244, which may be collectively referred to as a groove 3220. For example, grooves 3222, 3224, 3226, and 3228 can be considered to be in upper rail portion 3282; Grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, and 3236 may be considered to be in middle portion 3286; And grooves 3238, 3240, 3242, and 3244 may be considered to be in the sole portion 3292. However, one or more grooves 3220 can be considered to be in two adjacent ones of the three vertically separated portions, i. E., A portion of the groove 3220 overlaps the adjacent portion. The length of the groove 3220 may be largest in the middle 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 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of the ball striking surface 3212. The upper rail portion 3282, intermediate portion 3286 and sole portion 3292 are exemplary and may define a portion on the ball striking surface 3212 and the grooves 3220, Have similar configurations or features. Thus, the ball striking surface 3212 can be defined by various vertical and / or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or features. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

FIG. 57 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the ball striking surface 3212 obtained in the groove 3234. FIG. Each groove 3220 may include a central portion 3254 having a bottom surface 3255 that can define the greatest depth 3257 of the groove 3220. The center portion 3254 has a length 3259 that can vary depending on the position of the groove 3220 on the ball striking surface 3212. [ 56, the central portions 3254 of the grooves 3220 of the middle portion 3286 have substantially the same length. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The center of the ball striking surface 3212 may be defined by a y-axis 3261. The y-axis 3261 may also define a central axis of the central portion 3254, as shown in Figs. However, the center portion 3254 may be offset (not shown) relative to the y-axis 3261. Each bottom surface 3255 of the grooves 3230,3232,3234 and 3236 has a length greater than the bottom surface 2255 of the groove 2234 of Figure 54 from the y-axis 3261 And extends toward the tow end 180. 57, the distance between the y-axis 3261 and the toe edge portion 3264 of the center portion 3254 can be defined as the length 3262. [ The toe edge portion 3264 can be defined as part of the groove between the y-axis 3261 and the toe end 190 and the depth of the groove increases from depth 3257 and switches to the opening or top of the groove. The distance between the y-axis 3261 and the heel edge portion 3268 of the central portion 3254 can be defined as the length 3266. The heel edge portion 3268 may be defined as part of the groove between the y-axis 3261 and the heel termination 180 and the depth of the groove increases from depth 3257 and switches to the opening or top of the groove. According to the example of FIG. 57, the length 3262 is greater than the length 2266 of FIG. Length 3262 may also be greater than length 3266. Alternatively, length 3262 may be substantially similar to length 3266, but may be greater than length 2266 of FIG. A portion of the ball striking surface 3212 of Figure 56 or the deepest portion of all the grooves 3220 is directed toward the tow end 190 than the deepest portion of the groove 2220 of the ball striking surface 2212 of Figure 54 . The ball striking surface 3212 as shown in Figure 56 may be suitable for individuals with a few arc-shaped putting strokes.

58, a ball striking surface 4212 according to another example is shown. The ball striking surface 4212 may be vertically separated into three parts, which are the upper rail portion 4282, the middle portion 4286 and the sole portion 4292, and may be defined by three portions. The upper rail portion 4282, intermediate portion 4286 and sole portion 4292 vertically separate the ball striking surface 4212 and horizontally extend from the tow end 180 to the heel termination 190. The upper rail portion 4282 is near the upper rail 182 and the sole portion 4292 is near the brush 192 and the middle portion 4286 is between the upper rail portion 4282 and the sole portion 4292 have. In FIG. 58, the ball striking surface 4212 may have twelve grooves 4222-4244, collectively referred to as grooves 4220. For example, the grooves 4222, 4224, 4226, and 4228 may be considered to be in the upper rail portion 4282; Grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, and 4236 may be considered to be in middle portion 4286; And grooves 4238, 4240, 4242, and 4244 may be considered to be in sole portion 4292. However, one or more grooves 4220 can be considered to be in two adjacent ones of three vertically separated portions, i. E., A portion of groove 4220 overlaps adjacent portions. The length of the groove 4220 may be the largest in the middle 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 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of the ball striking surface 4212. The upper rail portion 4282, middle portion 4286 and sole portion 4292 are exemplary and may define a portion on the ball striking surface 4212 and the grooves 4220, One or more similar configurations or features. Thus, the ball striking surface 4212 can be defined by various vertical and / or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or features. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

FIG. 59 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the ball striking surface 4212 obtained in the groove 4232. FIG. Each groove 4220 may include a central portion 4254 having a bottom surface 4255 that may define the greatest depth 4257 of the groove 4220. The center portion 4254 has a length 4259 that can vary depending on the position of the groove 4220 on the ball striking surface 4212. In the example of Figure 58, the central portions 4254 of the grooves 4220 of the middle portion 4286 have approximately the same length. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The center of the ball striking surface 4212 may be defined by the y-axis 4261. The y-axis 4261 may also define a central axis of the central portion 4254 as shown in Figures 58 and 59. However, the center portion 4254 may be offset (not shown) relative to the y-axis 4261. According to the example of Figure 59, each bottom surface 4255 of the grooves 4230, 4232, 4234 and 4236 extends from the y-axis 4261 in a length greater than the bottom surface 3255 of the groove 3234 of Figure 56 And extends toward the tow end 180. 59, the distance between the y-axis 4261 and the toe edge portion 4264 of the central portion 4254 may be defined as the length 4262. [ The toe edge portion 4264 can be defined as part of the groove between the y-axis 4261 and the toe end 190 and the depth of the groove increases from depth 4257 and switches to the opening or top of the groove. The distance between the y-axis 4261 and the heel edge portion 4268 of the center portion 4254 can be defined as the length 4266. The heel edge portion 4268 can be defined as part of the groove between the y-axis 4261 and the heel termination 180 and the depth of the groove increases from depth 4257 and switches to the opening of the groove. According to the example of FIG. 59, the length 4262 is greater than the length 3266 of FIG. 57 and for this reason is greater than the length 2266 of FIG. Length 4262 may be greater than length 4266. Alternatively, length 4262 is substantially similar to length 4266, but may be greater than length 3266 of FIG. A portion of the ball striking surface 4212 of Figure 58 or the deepest portion of all the grooves 4220 is directed toward the tow end 190 than the deepest portion of the groove 3220 of the ball striking surface 3212 of Figure 56 . The ball striking surface 4212 as shown in Figure 58 may be suitable for individuals with strong arcuate putting strokes.

According to the example of Figures 54-59, the grooves on the putter can be configured to optimize the personality of the individual based on the putting stroke of the individual. Depending on the degree of an individual's putting stroke, any of the grooves described herein may be provided in the putter, so that in the use of a putter, of all grooves generally defining the depth of the groove Some portions extend from the center of the striking surface of the putter to a specific length at the end of the soil. Thus, the length of the deepest portion of the groove may be proportional to the degree of arc in the individual putting stroke. For example, for an individual with a putting stroke between a strong arcing putting stroke and a few arching putting strokes, the portion of the groove, generally defining the depth of the groove, is directed from the y-axis toward the toe end 190, 4232, 4234, and 4236 of the ball striking surface 4212 that are larger than the grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, and 3236 of the surface 3212, but shorter than the grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, and 4236 of the ball striking surface 4212. In the examples of Figures 54-59, the portions of the groove in the middle portion of the striking surface defining the depth of the groove are different based on the individual's putting stroke shape. However, all of the grooves on the striking surface, including the top rail portion and the sole portion grooves, can be constructed in accordance with the above example based on the individual putting stroke type. 54 to 59, the grooves may have any shape or configuration. For example, the ball striking surface according to the example of FIGS. 54 to 59 may have a groove cross section according to the groove example of FIGS. 5 to 7, 10 to 12, 15 to 17 and / or 31 to 35 Lt; / RTI > The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The golf club head, ball striking surface and / or groove according to the example of Figures 54-59 may be manufactured by any method and / or from any of the materials described herein. Each groove may have a width of about 0.032 inches (0.081 cm) and may have a depth of about 0.003 inches (0.008 cm) to about 0.017 inches (0.043 cm). As described in detail herein, any of the ball striking surfaces 2212, 3212, or 4212 may be in the form of an insert for the recess of the corresponding shape of the golf club head or golf club head. The insert may be coplanar with the remainder of the face of the golf club head, which may define a reference plane. Thus, the groove of the ball striking surface is offset into the golf club head or below the reference plane. Alternatively, all or a portion of the insert may protrude from the reference surface such that all or a portion of the groove is above the reference surface. By having an interchangeable ball striking surface for one or more golf clubs, such as these putters, the ball striking surface of the golf club head can be exchanged with other ball striking surfaces to improve individual skill based on the putting style. For example, an individual whose putting style has been changed over a period of time may exchange the ball striking surface of his putter with another ball striking surface according to the present invention so that the putter better adapts to his or her current putting style. Instead of having an interchangeable ball striking surface, any of the grooves described herein, including the exemplary grooves of Figures 54- 59, may be fabricated on a golf club head. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In another example shown in Figure 60, the ball striking surface 5212 includes a groove 5220 (shown specifically as grooves 5222-5244). The ball striking surface 5212 may be an integral part of the putter surface 110 or a separate member attached to the putter surface 110. Thus, when describing the ball striking surface 5212, portions of the putter 100 and the putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numerals as described above. The depth, length, and / or width of each groove 5220 may vary from the toe termination 180 of the putter head 102 to the heel termination 190 and / or from the top rail 182 To the sole 192, and / or may vary. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Figure 61 shows a schematic plan view of groove 5232 and Figure 62 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of groove 5232 to illustrate the configuration of groove 5220 as described below. Each groove 5220 includes a first horizontal wall 5256 and a second horizontal wall 5258 that define a vertical boundary of the groove. Each groove 5220 may also include a first terminating wall 5250 and a second terminating wall 5252. Each groove 5220 has a bottom surface 5254 that defines the depth 5255 of the groove 5220. The depth 5255 of each groove 5220 may vary from the first wall 5250 to the second wall 5252. The groove 5220 can not have any terminating walls as the depth of each groove 5220 may gradually decrease until the bottom surface 5254 meets 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 terminating wall 5250 and the second terminating wall 5252 defines the length 5293 of the groove 5220.

A change in the depth 5255 of each groove 5220 relative to a change in the width 5280 of each groove 5220 may be dependent on the cutting tool used to manufacture the groove 5220. [ According to an example, the change in the width of the groove may be similar to the change in the depth of the groove along the length of the groove. For example, whenever the depth of a groove increases by one millimeter, the width of the groove also increases by one millimeter. According to another example, the depth of the groove can vary to a multiple of the width of the groove along the length of the groove. For example, each time the depth of the groove increases by one millimeter, the width of the groove increases by 0.5 millimeters. Thus, the variation in the depth of each groove can be linearly related to the variation in the width of each groove along the length of each groove.

Figure 63 shows a typical cutting bit 5300 with a cutting blade 5301 for cutting grooves in the material. The machine rotates the cutting bit 5300 so that the cutting blade 5301 can cut holes in the material and the machine moves the material being cut or the cutting bit 5300 to create a groove along the path of travel . The cutting bit 5300 has an angle 5302 which defines the angle 5304 of the groove cut by the cutting blade 5301 as shown in Figures 64 and 65. [ The exemplary cutting bit in FIG. 63 has an angle 5302 of about 90 degrees, which can cut a groove as shown in FIG. 65 with an angle 5304 of about 90 degrees. Figure 64 shows a groove having a groove angle 5304 of about 60 degrees. The cutting bit (not shown) for cutting the groove of Figure 64 has a cutting bit at an angle of about 60 degrees.

If the depth of each groove is y, the width of each groove is x, and the angle of the cutting blade is?, The relationship between the depth of each groove and the width of each groove according to the length of each groove can be expressed as follows:

The change in width of each groove relative to the depth of each groove along the length of the groove can be expressed as:

According to Equation (2), when the cutting blade 5301 has an angle of 90 degrees, the width of the groove varies twice as much as the depth of the groove by a factor of two along the length of the groove. For example, as the depth of the groove increases by one millimeter, the width of the groove increases by two millimeters. When the cutting blade has an angle of 60 °, the width of the groove varies about 1.15 times the depth of the groove. For example, as the groove depth increases by one millimeter, the groove width increases by 1.15 millimeters. When the cutting blade has an angle of 30 degrees, the width of the groove varies about 0.54 times with respect to the depth of the groove. For example, as the depth of the groove increases by one millimeter, the width of the groove increases by about 0.54 millimeters. Thus, cutting each groove with a cutting tool provides a groove having a width and depth that varies linearly with respect to each other along the length of the groove.

According to the equation (2), the width profile of the groove as shown in FIG. 61 may be similar to the profile of the depth profile of the groove according to FIG. That is, as the groove becomes deeper from the one end wall 5250 or 5252 to the center portion of the groove, the width of the groove increases by a multiple that is related to the angle of the groove or cutting tool. Thus, the width of the groove varies linearly with changes in the depth of the groove along the length of the groove, and the width and depth profiles of the groove may be similar.

According to equation (2), the change in the depth of the groove with respect to the change in the width of the groove is linear. However, the variation of the depth of the groove with respect to the variation of the width of the groove may be constant or nonlinear. One or more cutting tools may be used to manufacture the groove such that the depth of the groove varies with the width variation of the groove in accordance with the non-linear relationship. For example, the change in the depth of the groove relative to the change in width of the groove may be defined by the following equation:

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

Thus, the relationship between the change in the depth of the groove and the change in width may be non-linear. According to another embodiment, the depth and / or cross-sectional shape of the grooves can vary, but the width of the grooves can be kept constant. For example, a groove may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape in which the depth of the groove varies from one end of the groove to the other end while the width of the groove remains constant. According to another example, the width of the groove may be kept constant from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove, but the cross-sectional shape and / or depth of the groove may vary from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove. According to another embodiment, the depth of the groove from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove can be kept constant, while the width of the groove varies from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove.

According to another example shown in FIGS. 66 and 67, the depth 5355 of the groove 5320 may be constant along a portion of the groove, such as the central portion 5356 of the groove. Thus, the width 5380 of the groove is also constant along the central portion of the groove 5356, as detailed above. A cutting tool such as a cutting tool 5300 is used as a constant depth 5355 in the central portion 5356 of the groove to produce a groove 5320 in the center portion 5356 of the groove 5320, A constant width 5380 is finally obtained at the step 5356.

A groove area having a deeper and wider groove near the center of mass of the putter may provide a higher ball spacing speed while a shallower and narrower groove area near the toe and heel parts may provide a lower expected ball speed . In addition, the greater groove width and depth at the center of the putter can reduce the mass at the point of contact with the golf ball, thereby standardizing the ball speed across the putter surface by making the mass points at all possible points of contact equal, The velocity of the ball will generally be the same as if it were hit in the center of the putter face, even when off the center of the heel, high or low.

The cutting tool of Fig. 63 is an exemplary cutting tool. Other cutting tools that can have different shapes can be used, thus forming grooves of different shapes. The cutting tool of Fig. 63 is V-shaped and forms a V-shaped groove. However, a U-shaped cutting tool (not shown) may cause U-shaped grooves. According to one embodiment, a cutting tool having a flat tip or point may be used to produce a flat bottom groove. For example, the cutting tool may be a V-shaped cutting tool having a flat tip instead of a pointed tip. Thus, a V-shaped groove having a flat bottom can be produced. Thus, the bottom of the groove may be substantially as wide as the width of the groove (i. E., A rectangular or square cross-sectional groove shape) (i. According to one example, the bottom of the groove may be flat and may have a width of about 0.003 inches (0.0076 centimeters). A groove with a flat bottom can improve putting performance. Grooves can be made using one cutting tool or a plurality of cutting tools as described above. For example, a plurality of cutting tools may be used to produce 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.

Since the rules for golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted, or old rules may be deleted or modified by the golf standard body and / or board), the devices described herein , Methods, and manufacturing products may or may not follow golf rules at a particular time. Accordingly, the golf equipment associated with the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein may be advertised as suitable or unsuitable golf equipment, provided for sale and / or sold. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although the actions of a particular sequence are described above, these actions may be performed in a different time sequence. For example, two or more acts described above may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or concurrently. Alternatively, two or more operations may be performed in reverse order. Also, one or more of the operations described above may not be performed at all. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

While the invention has been described in terms of various aspects, it will be understood that the invention is capable of other modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or modifications of the present invention that generally follow the principles of the present invention and includes such departures from the present invention within the ordinary and well-known practices in the art to which this invention pertains .

Claims (20)

As a golf club head,
A body portion having a body toe portion, a body heel portion, a body top rail portion and a body sole portion;
A club face on the body portion, the club face including a groove extending from a central portion of the club face toward a body heel portion and from a central portion of the club face toward a body toe portion;
A depth of at least one groove extending in a face-backward direction;
A length of at least one groove extending in a heel-toe direction; And
Width of at least one groove extending in the upper rail-sole direction
Each groove having a depth portion forming a maximum depth of the groove and a depth portion having a depth portion length extending in a direction from the body heel portion toward the body toe portion,
Wherein the depth variation of at least one groove along the length of the groove is linear with respect to the width variation of at least one groove along the length of the groove,
The depth of each of the grooves increases from the groove heel portion to the depth portion,
The depth of each said groove increasing from the groove toe portion to the depth portion,
The width of each groove increases from the groove heel portion to the depth portion,
The width of each of the grooves increases from the groove toe portion to the depth portion,
The depth portion length of the at least two grooves disposed between the body upper rail portion and the central portion of the club face increases in a direction from the body upper rail toward the central portion of the club face,
The depth portion length of at least two grooves disposed between the body sole portion and the central portion of the club face increases in a direction from the body sole portion toward a central portion of the club face,
Wherein the widest portion of each of the grooves is defined by a bottom surface portion of the groove and includes a portion having the greatest width of the groove and corresponds to the deepest depth portion of the groove,
The widest portions of the grooves varying between different grooves in a direction extending between the upper rail and the sole,
Wherein the lengths of the widest portions of the grooves vary between different grooves in a direction between the top rail and the sole to form a central striking zone that is visible and distinctly similar to the shape of the golf ball. . The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the width of each of the grooves is constant at a depth portion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the width variation of at least one groove along the length of the groove varies by a factor of 1.15 relative to a depth variation of at least one groove along the length of the groove. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the at least one groove has a flat bottom. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional configuration of the at least two grooves is variable between at least one of the body heel portion and the body toe portion or between the body top rail portion and the body sole portion. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the club face is detachably attached to the body portion. delete 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the groove increases in depth from the body upper rail portion toward the center portion and from the body sole portion toward the center portion. As a golf club head,
A body portion having a body tow portion, a body heel portion, a body upper rail portion, and a body sole portion;
A club face on the body portion, the club face including a groove extending from the central portion of the club face toward the body heel portion and from the central portion of the club face toward the body toe portion;
A depth of at least one groove extending in a face-backward direction;
A length of at least one groove extending in a heel-toe direction; And
Width of at least one groove extending in the upper rail-sole direction
Each groove having a depth portion forming a maximum depth of the groove and the depth portion having a depth portion length extending in a direction from the body heel portion toward the body toe portion,
Wherein the depth variation of at least one groove along the length of the groove is linear with respect to the width variation of at least one groove along the length of the groove,
The groove increasing in depth in a direction from the top rail portion of the body toward the center portion and in a direction from the body sole portion toward the center portion,
The depth of each of the grooves increases from the groove heel portion to the depth portion,
The depth of each said groove increasing from the groove toe portion to the depth portion,
The width of each groove increases from the groove heel portion to the depth portion,
The width of each of the grooves increases from the groove toe portion to the depth portion,
The depth portion length of the at least two grooves disposed between the body upper rail portion and the central portion of the club face increases in a direction from the body upper rail toward the central portion of the club face,
The depth portion length of at least two grooves disposed between the body sole portion and the central portion of the club face increases in a direction from the body sole portion toward a central portion of the club face,
Wherein the widest portion of each of the grooves is defined by a bottom surface portion of the groove and includes a portion having the greatest width of the groove and corresponds to the deepest depth portion of the groove,
The widest portions of the grooves varying between different grooves in a direction extending between the upper rail and the sole,
Wherein the lengths of the widest portions of the grooves vary between different grooves in a direction between the top rail and the sole to form a central striking zone that is visible and distinctly similar to the shape of the golf ball. . 10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the width of each of the grooves is constant at a depth portion. 10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the cross-sectional configuration of the at least two grooves is varied between at least one of the body heel portion and the body toe portion or between the body top rail portion and the body sole portion. 10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the width variation of at least one groove along the length of the groove is varied by a factor of 1.15 relative to a depth variation of at least one groove along the length of the groove. delete 10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the at least one groove has a flat bottom. As a golf club head,
A body portion having a body tow portion, a body heel portion, a body upper rail portion, and a body sole portion;
A club face on the body portion, the club face including a groove extending from the central portion of the club face toward the body heel portion and from the central portion of the club face toward the body toe portion;
A depth of at least one groove extending in a face-backward direction;
A length of at least one groove extending in a heel-toe direction; And
Width of at least one groove extending in the upper rail-sole direction
Each groove having a depth portion forming a maximum depth of the groove and the depth portion having a depth portion length extending in a direction from the body heel portion toward the body toe portion,
Wherein the depth variation of at least one groove along the length of the groove is linear with respect to the width variation of at least one groove along the length of the groove,
The width of each of the grooves is constant at the depth portion,
The depth of each of the grooves increases from the groove heel portion to the depth portion,
The depth of each said groove increasing from the groove toe portion to the depth portion,
The width of each groove increases from the groove heel portion to the depth portion,
The width of each of the grooves increases from the groove toe portion to the depth portion,
The depth portion length of at least two grooves disposed between the body upper rail portion and the center of the club face increases in a direction from the body upper rail toward the center of the club face,
The depth portion length of at least two grooves disposed between the body sole portion and the center of the club face increases in a direction from the body sole portion toward the center of the club face,
Wherein the widest portion of each of the grooves is defined by a bottom surface portion of the groove and includes a portion having the greatest width of the groove and corresponds to the deepest depth portion of the groove,
The widest portions of the grooves varying between different grooves in a direction extending between the upper rail and the sole,
Wherein the lengths of the widest portions of the grooves vary between different grooves in a direction between the top rail and the sole to form a central striking zone that is visible and distinctly similar to the shape of the golf ball. . 16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the cross-sectional configuration of the at least two grooves is variable between at least one of the body heel portion and the body toe portion or between the body top rail portion and the body sole portion. 16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the club face is removably attached to the body portion. delete 16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the at least one groove has a flat bottom. 16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the groove increases in depth from the body upper rail portion toward the center portion and from the body sole portion toward the center portion.

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