KR102106952B1 - Grooves of golf club heads and methods to manufacture grooves of golf club heads - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of a groove of a golf club head and a method of manufacturing 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 top rail portion, and a body sole portion; And 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, the club face on the body portion, and along a length of the groove in a portion of the groove The change in depth of the at least one groove is either linear or nonlinear with respect to the change in width of the at least one groove along the length of the groove in the portion of the groove.

Description

A groove of a golf club head and a manufacturing method of a groove of a golf club head TECHNICAL FIELD GROOVES OF GOLF CLUB HEADS AND METHODS TO MANUFACTURE GROOVES OF GOLF CLUB HEADS

Related applications

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

Technology field

The present invention relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to a groove of a golf club head and a method of making a groove of the golf club head.

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

1 is a view showing a putter according to an example.
2 is a schematic view of a putter ball hitting surface according to an example.
3 is a schematic view of a putter ball hitting surface according to an example.
4 is a schematic plan view of the groove of the ball striking surface of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 4 obtained in part 5-5 of FIG. 3;
Figure 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball hitting surface of Figure 3;
7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 3;
8 is a schematic view of a putter ball hitting surface according to an example.
9 is a schematic plan view of the groove of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 9, obtained in parts 10-10 of FIG. 8;
11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 8;
12 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 8;
13 is a schematic view of a putter ball hitting surface according to an example.
14 is a schematic plan view of the groove of the ball striking surface of FIG. 13;
Fig. 15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Fig. 14, obtained in parts 15-15 of Fig. 13;
16 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 13;
17 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 13;
18 is a schematic view of a ball hitting surface of another putter in one example.
19 is a schematic plan view of the groove of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 19, obtained in parts 20-20 of FIG. 18;
21 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 18;
22 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 18;
23 is a schematic diagram of a ball hitting surface of a putter according to an example.
24 to 26 are views showing another example of the vertical cross section of the groove of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 23, obtained in parts 24-24 of FIG. 23;
27 is a schematic diagram of a ball hitting surface of a putter according to an example.
28 is a schematic view of a putter ball hitting surface according to an example.
29-37 are schematic views of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of a groove of a ball hitting surface of a putter.
38-45 are schematic plan views of exemplary grooves of the putter's ball striking surface.
46 is a schematic view of a putter ball hitting surface according to an example.
47 is a schematic view of a putter ball hitting surface 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 an example.
50 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a putter according to an 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 putter ball hitting surface 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 diagram of a ball hitting surface of a putter according to an example.
57 is a view showing a cross section of the groove of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 56;
58 is a schematic diagram of a ball hitting surface of a putter according to an example.
FIG. 59 is a view showing a cross section of the groove of the ball hitting surface of FIG. 58;
60 is a schematic diagram of a ball hitting surface of a putter according to one embodiment.
61 is a schematic plan view of the groove of the ball striking surface of FIG. 60;
FIG. 62 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 61, taken from portions 62-62 of FIG. 60;
63 shows a tool for cutting a groove.
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;

In general, a groove of a golf club head and a method of manufacturing a groove of a golf club head are described within this specification. Golf equipment related to the methods, devices, and / or articles of manufacture described herein may or may not follow golf rules at any particular time. Also, the drawings provided herein are for illustrative purposes, 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.

The putter 100 is shown in the example of FIG. 1. Although the groove for the putter 100 is described herein, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are of other types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrids) Club head, iron type club head, etc.). For example, a groove for an iron club head is described in detail in US Patent Application Publication No. US2010 / 0035702, filed on August 5, 2009, and the entire contents of this application are expressly incorporated by reference. Accordingly, reference made herein to the putter may include any type of golf club.

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

The ball striking face 112 may be a continuous or integral part of the putter face 110 or may be formed as an insert attached to the putter face 110. Such an insert may be made of the same material or a different material than 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 generally shown with 12 grooves shown as 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 and 144. Groove 120 may generally be referred to as a single reference sign, such as 120. However, when specifically describing one of the grooves of the ball striking surface 112, 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 a different width from 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 hitting 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 can face each other in any way. For example, any of the grooves 120 may be directed diagonally, vertically and / or horizontally. As shown in the example of FIG. 2, one or more grooves 120 may be substantially linear and generally parallel to adjacent grooves 120 and the toe end 180 and heel end 190 of the putter face 110 ).

As described in detail below, the depth, length, width, horizontal cross-sectional shape and / or vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 120 may be linear, non-linear, at regular or irregular stepped intervals, arched and And / or the toe end 180 of the putter head 102 to the heel end 190 and / or the top rail 182 to the sole 192, depending on one or more geometries. And can be reduced and / or varied. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

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

In another example shown in FIG. 3, the ball striking face 212 can include a groove 220 (specifically shown as grooves 222-244). The ball striking face 212 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 or may be a separate member attached to the putter face 110. Thus, when describing the ball striking face 212, parts of the putter 100 and the putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numbers 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 at section line 5-5 of FIG. Groove 232 is shown as being divided into horizontally spanning regions, generally depicted as regions 271-275, which are visually defined by vertical borders in FIGS. 3 and 4. The horizontal areas 271-275 change the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove 232 from near the toe end 180 to near the heel end 190 and / or near the top rail 182 near the sole 192. Can be limited. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove may represent any property of the groove along the length 293 of the groove, such as length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape and / or construction material of any portion of the groove. In the example of FIGS. 3-7, groove 220 includes first vertical wall 250 and second vertical wall 252 defining a length 293 of groove 220. Each of the grooves 220 has a bottom surface 254 that defines the depth of the groove 220. The depth of each groove may vary from the first wall 250 to the second wall 252 according to the cross-sectional profile of the groove 220 in the regions 271-275. Each groove 220 also includes a first horizontal wall 256 and a second horizontal wall 258 defining 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 examples of FIGS. 38-45, where the groove is a length 590, a first width ( 594), a second width 595 and / or a third width 596. However, in the examples of FIGS. 3-7, the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to define a constant width 280. For example, the widest portion of each of the grooves is partitioned by the generally flat bottom surface portion of the groove, and the widest portions of the grooves vary between the other grooves in the direction extending between the top rail and the sole, and the grooves The length of the large portions can vary between different grooves in the direction between the top rail and the sole to form a central striking zone that is visible and individually 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. Further, in other embodiments, the widest portion of each of the grooves may correspond to the deepest depth portion of the groove.

Referring to FIG. 5, the bottom surface 254 in the region 271 is inclined or curved downward to define a first depth 282 at the boundary between the regions 271 and 272. The bottom surface 254 of the region 272 transitions from the first depth 282 to the second depth 284 at a boundary between the regions 272 and 273 into a steeper downward curve. If the bottom surface 254 is flat in the region 273, the second depth 284 can generally define the largest depth of the groove 232. However, if the bottom surface 254 is not flat, the greatest depth of the groove 232 may be defined elsewhere in the region 273. Any of the grooves 220 may be symmetrical about the vertical axis y. Accordingly, the shape of the groove 220 on each side of the y-axis may reflect the shape of the groove 232 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of the grooves 220 may be asymmetric. Regions 271 and 275 define a shallow portion of groove 232 and region 273 defines a deeper center of groove 232. The deepest portion of any of the grooves 220 may be at the center of the groove 220. Regions 272 and 274 facilitate conversion of bottom surface 254 from depth 282 to depth 284.

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

A gradual increase in length, depth and / or width of the area 271-275 of the groove 222-232 from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking surface 212 and / or the regular ball striking surface ( The reduction of the dimension of the area 271-275 of the groove 232-244 from the center of the 212 to the sole 192 forms a central striking zone 260 (shown in FIG. 3), at the address location. It can be similar to the shape of a golf ball when viewed by an individual. The approximate visual representation of the golf ball can help an individual align the ball hitting surface 212 with the ball. The region 273 defining the deepest portion of the groove 220 may be longer in the center of the ball striking face 212, and its length gradually decreases toward the upper rail 182 and the sole 192 can do. Likewise, the transition regions 272 and 274 may have the largest length at the center of the ball striking face 212, and their lengths may gradually decrease toward the top rail 182 and sole 192. The length of the regions 271-275 may vary depending on the location of the grooves 220 on the ball hitting surface 212, but the depth of similar regions for each groove 220 may be similar or different. For example, the largest depth of the groove 232 may be similar to the largest depth of the groove 244. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 222-244 may vary based on the location of the groove 220 relative to the ball striking surface 212. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 222-244 may vary in any way from the top rail 182 to the sole. While the above example can describe a certain number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods and manufactured products described herein can include more or less horizontal areas.

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

9 is a schematic view of groove 332 and FIG. 10 shows a horizontal cross-section of groove 332 obtained at line 10-10 of FIG. 8. The grooves 332 are illustrated as being divided into horizontally spanning regions 371 to 375, which are visually defined by vertical borders in FIGS. The horizontal region 371-375 changes the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove 332 from near the toe end 180 to near the heel end 190 and / or near the top rail 182 near the sole 192. Can be limited. The groove horizontal cross-sectional profile can represent any property 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 defining a 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 according to the cross-sectional profile of the groove 320 in the regions 371-375. Each groove 320 also includes a first horizontal wall 356 and a second horizontal wall 358 that define 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 examples of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the examples of FIGS. 8 and 12, the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 380.

Referring to FIG. 10, the bottom surface 354 in the region 371 is generally flat and / or slightly inclined to define the first depth 382 at the boundary between the regions 371 and 372. The bottom surface 354 in the region 372 cascades down from the first depth 382 to the second depth 384 at the boundary between the regions 372 and 373. The bottom surface 354 of the region 372 can be generally flat and / or slightly inclined such that the groove 320 can have a generally uniform depth 384 in the region 372. The bottom surface 354 within the region 372 cascades down 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 such that the groove 320 can have a generally uniform depth 386 in the region 373. Any of the grooves 320 may be symmetrical about the vertical axis y. Thus, the shape of the groove 320 on each side of the y-axis reflects the shape of the groove 320 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of the grooves 320 may be asymmetric. Depth 386 represents the largest depth of groove 320.

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

A gradual increase in the length, depth and / or width of the area 371-375 of the groove 322-332 from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 312 and / or of the ball striking face 312 The reduction of the dimension of the area 371-375 of the groove 332-344 from the center to the sole 192 forms the central striking zone 360 (shown in FIG. 8), which is seen by the individual at the address location. When the shape of the golf ball can be individually similar. The approximate visual representation of the golf ball can help an individual align the ball hitting face 312 with the ball. The area 373 defining the deepest portion of the groove 360 may be greater in length from the center of the ball striking face 312, and its length gradually decreases toward the upper rail 182 and sole 192 can do. Likewise, the transition zones 372 and 374 may have the largest length at the center of the ball striking face 312, and their lengths may gradually decrease toward the top rail 182 and sole 192. The length of the regions 371-375 may vary depending on the location of the grooves 320 on the ball striking face 312, but the depths of similar regions for each groove 320 may be similar or different. For example, the largest depth of groove 344 may be similar to the largest depth of groove 332. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 322-344 can be varied based on the location of the grooves 320 on the ball striking face 312. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 322-344 may vary in any way from the top rail 182 to the sole. While the above example can describe a certain number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods and manufactured products described herein can include more or less horizontal areas.

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

14 shows a schematic view of the groove 432, and FIG. 15 shows a horizontal cross-section of the groove 432 obtained at section line 15-15 of FIG. The groove 432 is shown as being divided into horizontally spanning regions 471 and 472, which are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 at the boundary line of the groove 432 and the vertical line at the center of the groove 432. It is visually limited. Horizontal areas 471 and 472 define the change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of groove 432 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and / or near top rail 182 to sole 192. can do. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove represents any property 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, 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 can vary from the first wall 450 to the second wall 452 according to 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 defining 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 can vary from the first vertical wall 450 to the second vertical wall 452 as shown in the examples of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the examples of FIGS. 13-17, the first horizontal wall 456 and the second horizontal wall 458 are generally parallel to define a constant width 480.

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

15-17, the general cross-sectional profile of the groove 420 may remain largely similar from the top rail 182 to the sole 190. However, the cross-sectional profile, including the length and / or depth of each of the regions 471 and 472 of the groove 420 may gradually vary from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. For example, the regions 471 and 472 of the groove 438 are smaller than the regions 471 and 472 of the groove 332, respectively. Similarly, the regions 471 and 471 of the groove 444 are smaller in length than the regions 471 and 472 of the groove 438, respectively. In other examples, regions 471 and 472 of groove 438 may have a smaller depth than regions 471 and 472 of groove 432, respectively. Likewise, regions 471 and 472 of groove 444 may have a smaller depth than regions 471 and 472 of groove 438, respectively.

A gradual increase in the length, depth and / or width of the areas 471 and 472 of the grooves 422-432 from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 412 and / or of the ball striking face 412 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 largest length at the center of the ball striking face 412, and the length may gradually decrease toward the upper rail 182 and the sole 192. The length of the regions 471 and 472 depends on the location of the grooves 420 on the ball striking face 412, but the depth of similar regions for each groove 420 may be similar or different. For example, the largest depth of the groove 444 may be similar to the largest depth of the groove 432. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 422-444 may vary based on the location of the groove 420 on the ball striking face 412. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 422-444 may vary in any way from top rail 182 to sole. While the above example can describe a certain number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods and manufactured products described herein can include more or less horizontal areas.

In another example shown in FIG. 18, the ball striking surface 512 includes grooves 520 (depicted specifically as grooves 522-544). The ball striking surface 512 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 hitting surface 512, the parts of the putter 100 and the putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numbers described above.

19 shows a schematic view of the groove 532, and FIG. 20 shows a horizontal cross-section of the groove 532 obtained at section line 20-20 of FIG. The groove 532 is shown as being divided into horizontally spanning regions 571 and 572, which are visualized by the boundary lines of the grooves 532 and vertical lines at the center of the grooves 532 in FIGS. 18 and 19. It is limited to. The horizontal regions 571 and 572 are used to account for changes in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove 532 near the toe end 180 near the heel end 190 and / or near the top rail 182 near the sole 192. Can be limited. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove may represent any characteristic 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, groove 520 includes a first vertical wall 550 and a second vertical wall 552 that define the 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 can vary from the first wall 550 to the second wall 552 according to 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 examples of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the examples of FIGS. 18-22, the first horizontal wall 556 and the second horizontal wall 558 are generally generally parallel to define a constant width 580.

Referring to FIG. 20, the floor surface 554 in the region 571 has a linear profile and is sloped downward. The bottom surface 554 in the region 572 also has a linear profile and is sloped down. However, because the second wall 552 is longer than the first wall 550, the bottom surface 554 of the region 572 has a smaller slope than the bottom surface 554 of the region 571. Therefore, the groove 550 of this example is asymmetrical 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 and center depth 586 defined by the second wall 552, and the center depth is Gradually reaching depths 582 and 584, respectively, along the downwardly sloped bottom surfaces 554 of regions 571 and 572, respectively. The central 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 largely 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 gradually vary from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. 21 and 22, horizontal cross-sections of grooves 538 and 544 are shown, respectively. For example, the regions 571 and 572 of the groove 538 are smaller in length than the regions 571 and 572 of the groove 532, respectively. Likewise, 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 other examples, regions 571 and 572 of groove 538 may have a depth that is smaller than regions 571 and 572 of groove 532, respectively. Likewise, regions 571 and 572 of groove 544 may have a smaller depth than regions 571 and 572 of groove 538, respectively.

A gradual increase in the 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 face 512 and / or of the ball striking face 512 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 regions 571 and 572 may have the largest length at the center of the ball striking surface 512, and their lengths may gradually decrease from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. The lengths of the regions 571 and 572 depend on the location of the grooves 520 on the ball striking face 512, but the depth of similar regions for each groove 520 may be similar or different. For example, the largest depth of the groove 544 may be similar to the largest depth of the groove 532. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 522-544 may vary based on the location of the grooves 520 on the ball striking surface 512. Alternatively, the depth of grooves 522-544 may vary in any way from top rail 182 to sole. While the above example can describe a certain number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods and manufactured products described herein can include more or less horizontal areas.

The grooves 220, 320, 420 and 520 described above show 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 FIGS. 29-37, where each groove can have a length 590, a first depth 591, a second depth 592, and / or a third depth 593. have. The groove can be defined by any number of horizontal areas, and one or more areas have similar or different properties. For example, a groove that can be symmetrical or asymmetrical about the y-axis can have a bottom surface with a complex combination of linear and nonlinear shapes that define similar or varying depths from toe end 180 to heel end 190. . Such grooves can be described as a number of horizontal areas, where each area defines one or more of the complex shapes mentioned. Thus, the number, placement, size, and other characteristics of the horizontal areas described above never limit the groove cross-sectional profile according to the present invention.

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

The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove can vary gradually and proportionally from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face and gradually from the center of the ball striking face 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 sole 192. In addition, the gradual change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the mentioned grooves centers the groove having a deep groove portion longer than the grooves near the top rails 182 and soles 192 around the center of the ball hitting surface and around the center of the ball hitting surface. to provide. However, the gradual change of the grooves described above is exemplary and other progressive change plans can be used to impart special ball striking properties to various parts of the ball striking face.

Referring to FIG. 23, a ball striking face 612 according to another example, with a groove 620 is shown. 24 to 26 show the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 seen from cut line 24-24 in FIG. 23. In FIG. 24, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 is box-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or square-shaped. In FIG. 25, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 is V-shaped. In FIG. 26, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 is U-shaped. 24 to 26, the vertical cross-sectional groove shape can 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. 24. In another example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 may be V-shaped according to the groove 620 of FIG. 25. Moreover, the shape of the vertical cross-section of the groove can vary from toe end 180 to heel end 190. For example, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, groove 220 may have a square or rectangular vertical cross-sectional shape in regions 271 and 275, a U-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape in regions 271 and 274, and region 273. In may have a V-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape. Additionally, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove can vary from the top rail 182 to the sole 190. For example, the grooves near the top rail 182 and sole 192 may have a square vertical cross-sectional shape, while the groove at the center of the club face may have a U-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape.

The putter's ball striking face in the above example is shown as having a groove from top rail 182 to sole 192. However, the ball striking face may have more or less grooves or may have grooveless portions. For example, the ball striking surface may have multiple grooves in the central portion of the ball striking surface, and there may be no groove in the portion near the top rail 182 or sole 192.

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

Referring to FIG. 27, the ball striking surface 712 having the groove 720 may be horizontally divided into three parts, a tow portion 780, a central portion 785, and a heel portion 790. The ball hitting surfaces 712 can be similar to the ball hitting surfaces 212 and 312 described above. Thus, the grooves 720 have regions 271-275 and 371-375, respectively, similar to the grooves 220 and 320 described above. The three parts described above separate the ball striking face 712 horizontally and span vertically from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. Toe portion 780 is near toe end 180, heel portion 790 is near heel end 190, and central portion 785 is between toe portion 780 and heel portion 790. . According to various examples, 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 groove 720, which may be closest to toe end 180 or closest to heel end 190, may be about 0.003 inches. In or near the center 785, the depth of the groove 720 may increase to a depth of about 0.017 inches as described above. Variable depth can include portions having a depth of at least 0.020 inches, but less than 0.022 inches. Variable widths may include portions having a width of at least 0.035 inches or greater, but less than 0.037 inches.

Referring to FIG. 28, the ball striking surface 712 may be vertically separated into three parts, an upper rail portion 782, an intermediate portion 786, and a sole portion 792. These parts vertically separate the ball striking face 712 and span from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The upper rail portion 782 is near the upper rail 182, 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 can vary from the top 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 represent the groove 720 proximately 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 upper rail portion 782 and toward the sole portion 792. .

29-37 show examples of different groove horizontal cross-sectional profiles according to the present invention. In the example above, the widths of the grooves 220, 320, 420 and 520 are shown as having a rectangular profile. However, the groove according to the present invention may have a different width profile as illustrated by the examples of FIGS. 38 to 45. Thus, the groove according to the invention can 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 ball speed, control and / or rotation. The disclosed variable depth groove can improve ball speed consistency by about 50% for plastic putter face inserts and about 40% for non-grooved aluminum putter face inserts after being hit by the putter face. Hitting the ball with a putter having a groove according to the present invention can result in (1) a low ball speed, which can result in a reduced ball roll out distance; (2) causing a heel and toe shot, resulting in a reduced ball speed compared to the center strike and a shorter ball roll-out distance; (3) Allows relatively low and high handicap players to hit the ball at different positions on the putter face (high handicap players tend to hit the bottom of the ball hitting face, while low handicap players hit the top of the ball hitting face) Tends to hit). Also, a player with a relatively high handicap may have a wider range of hitting positions, while a player with a relatively low handicap may have a narrower range of hitting positions; And / or (4) a putter surface with a groove in the center of the face can result in a reduced ball speed / roll out distance for the center shot, which is more consistent ball speed / roll out for the center / heel / toe shot It can cause distance.

Referring to Figure 46, another example of a putter face 810 having a groove of variable cross-sectional profile is shown. The putter face 810 includes grooves 822-828 near the toe end 180, grooves 830-840 at the center of the putter face 810, and grooves 842-848 near the heel end 190. It is shown as having 14 grooves grouped. In this example, a more protruding groove is located in the center of the putter face 810, and a less protruding groove is located in the periphery of the center. The more protruding grooves may exhibit grooves with greater depth and / or width compared to the less protruding grooves. As shown in FIG. 46, the grooves 832-838 can protrude more than the remaining grooves on the putter face 810. Also, a portion of the putter face 810 may be groove-free. This part is referred to by reference number 850.

Referring to Figure 47, another example of a putter face 910 having a groove of variable cross-sectional profile is shown. The putter face 910 is shown having 10 grooves 922-940. The length of each groove gradually increases from the top rail 182 to the sole 190. Each groove 922-940 or a bunch of grooves 922-940 may have a different vertical cross-sectional shape. For example, grooves 922-930 are shown as having a box-shaped vertical cross-section, while grooves 932-940 are shown as having a V-shaped vertical cross-section.

48, a cross-section of a 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 according to the invention may have the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as groove 922. Any groove according to the present invention can 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 FIG. 49, the ball striking face 1012 includes a groove 1220 (depicted specifically as groove 1222-1256). The ball hitting surface 1012 may be for use with the putter 100. Accordingly, parts of the putter 100 and putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numbers provided above. The groove can have any cross-sectional shape, length and width according to the invention.

49, a cross-sectional side view of a ball hitting surface 1012 having a groove 1220 according to another example is shown. The ball striking surface 1012 can be separated into two parts with respect to the groove 1220. The ball striking surface 1012 may include a top rail portion 1282 and a sole portion 1286. The upper rail portion 1282 and the sole portion 1286 vertically separate the ball striking surface 1012 and may horizontally span from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The upper rail portion 1282 can extend from the center of the ball striking face 1012, generally represented by the centerline 1284, to the vicinity of the upper rail 182 and may include a groove 1222. The sole portion 1286 may generally extend from near the sole portion 192 to the central 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 top 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 can be increased after being hit by the putter to provide a more consistent and smoother ball rollout. Alternatively, the depth of the groove 1220 may be gradually reduced in 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 decrease gradually from the central portion 1284 to the top rail 182 (not shown). Thus, the reduction in the depth of the groove from sole 192 to top rail 182 may be for each groove, pair of grooves, or for various groups of grooves.

Referring to FIG. 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 be gradually increased in one or more groove steps from the central portion 1284 and / or sole 192 to the top rail 182 (not shown). . In another example, the depth of the pair of grooves can be gradually increased from the central portion 1284 and / or sole 192 to the top rail 182 (not shown). Thus, an increase in the depth of the groove from the central portion 1284 and / or sole 192 to the top rail 182 may be for each groove, pair of grooves, or various groups of grooves.

51 and 52 show another example according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 51, the putter head 1300 includes a ball hitting surface 1312, and the ball hitting surface includes a plurality of horizontal grooves 1320 and vertical grooves 1322. Each groove 1320 and 1322 has a variable cross-sectional profile, depth profile, width profile, length profile from toe end 1380 to near heel end 1390 and / or from top rail 1382 to sole 1392. And / or different groove characteristics, and may have different configurations compared to other grooves. For example, the depth of the horizontal groove 1320 may be gradually increased in one groove step from the top rail 1382 to the sole 1386. The devices, methods and manufacturing products described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring to FIG. 52, the putter head 1400 includes a ball hitting 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 each other. Similarly, the second diagonal grooves 1422 can be substantially parallel to each other. The first diagonal groove 1420 and the second diagonal groove 1422 may cross each other as illustrated in FIG. 52. For example, the first diagonal groove 1420 may cross the second diagonal groove 1422 at an angle of 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, or 90 °. Each groove 1420 and 1422 is variable cross-sectional profile, depth profile, width profile, length profile from toe end 1480 to near heel end 1490 and / or from top rail 1482 to sole 1942. And / or different groove characteristics, and may have different configurations compared to other grooves. For example, the depth of the first diagonal groove 1420 may gradually increase in one or more groove steps from the top rail 1482 to the sole 1486. The devices, methods and manufacturing products described herein are not limited in this regard.

52 illustrates a golf club head manufacturing process 2000 according to an example. The process 2000 includes forming a golf club face defined by a toe end, heel end, top rail and sole (block 2002). The golf club face is formed together with the golf club head so that the golf club head and the golf club face can be integral integral parts. Alternatively, the golf club head and golf club face can be formed separately. The golf club face can then be attached to the golf club face using adhesive, tape, welding, soldering, fasteners and / or other suitable methods and devices. The golf club head and / or golf club face can 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, composite materials, or other suitable types of materials. 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 a mechanical press or stamping press), injection molding, forging, machining, or a combination thereof Various processes, such as metals, plastics and / or other components used to manufacture composite parts and / or other suitable processes may be used. In one example, when manufacturing the putter head, the material of the putter face and / or ball hitting face may be determined to impart certain ball hitting and rolling properties to the putter face. In another example, when the ball striking face 212 is detached from the putter face 110 and inserted and attached into a correspondingly shaped depression on the putter face 110, the ball is generally balled to reduce the overall weight of the putter. The striking face 212 may be made of a lighter material than the putter face 110.

According to process 2000, the groove is at the top so that each groove extends between the toe end and the heel end and the depth of the groove changes in the direction extending between the top rail and the sole and between the heel end and the toe end. It is formed on the club face and / or club head between the rail and the sole (block 2004). 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 depending on how the groove is made. For example, when machining a groove, a vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove may be determined according to the shape of the cutting bit. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove may be symmetrical as in the example described above, or may be asymmetrical (not shown). In one example, the width of the groove may be 0.032 inches, which may be the width of the cutting bit. Thus, when machining the groove, the shape and dimensions of the cutting bit can determine the shape and dimensions of the groove.

The groove can be produced by spin milling the ball striking face or stamping or forging the groove into the ball striking face. The groove can be made directly on the putter head to create a ball hitting face directly on the putter head as described above. Grooves can be produced by press forming a groove in the putter head. For example, a press can deform and / or displace material on a putter head to create a groove. The groove may be produced by a milling process in which the axis of rotation of the milling tool is perpendicular to the putter surface. The axis of rotation of the milling tool may be oriented obliquely rather than perpendicular to the putter face. Grooves can be made by overlaying a base or solid material with one cleanly cut material to form a through groove. Grooves can be made by laser and / or thermal etching or corrosion of the putter face material. Grooves can be made by chemically etching the putter surface material using a photo mask. Grooves can be made by electro / chemical corrosion of the putter face material using a chemical mask such as wax or petrochemicals. Grooves can be produced by grinding 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 can be used to make one or more grooves on the putter head. Moreover, other methods used to create depressions in any material can be used to make grooves.

Referring to FIG. 54, a ball hitting surface 2212 according to another example is illustrated. The ball striking surface 2212 can be vertically separated into three parts: the upper rail portion 2228, the middle portion 2288, and the sole portion 2229. The upper rail portion 2228, the middle portion 2286, and the sole portion 2222 vertically separate the ball striking surface 2212 and span from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The top rail portion 2228 is near the top rail 182, the sole portion 2222 is near the sole 192, and the middle portion 2288 is between the top rail portion 2228 and the sole portion 2222. have. In FIG. 54, the ball striking surface 2212 may have twelve grooves 2222-2244, collectively referred to as grooves 2220. For example, the grooves 2222, 2224, 2226, and 2228 can be considered to be in the top rail portion 2228; The grooves 2230, 2232, 2234 and 2236 may be considered to be in the middle portion 2286; And the grooves 2238, 2240, 2242, and 2244 can be considered to be in the sole portion 2222. However, one or more grooves 2220 may be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions, ie, a portion of the grooves 2220 overlap the adjacent portions. The length of the groove 2220 may be the largest in the middle portion 2286 and may gradually decrease toward the upper rail portion 2228 and toward the sole portion 2222. Alternatively, the length of the groove 2220 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of the ball striking face 2212. The upper rail portion 2228, the middle portion 2286, and the sole portion 2222 are exemplary and may define portions on the ball striking surface 2212, and the grooves 2220 that may be located in these portions may be one or more. It has a similar configuration or characteristic. Thus, the ball striking surface 2212 may be defined by various vertical and / or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or features. The devices, methods and manufactured products described herein are not limited in this regard.

55 shows the horizontal cross section of the ball striking face 2212 obtained in the groove 2234. Each groove 2220 can include a central portion 2254 with a bottom surface 2255 that can define the largest depth 2257 of the groove 2220. The central portion 2254 has a length 2259 that can vary depending on the location of the groove 2220 on the ball striking surface 2212. In the example of FIG. 54, the central portions 2254 of the grooves 2220 of the middle portion 2286 have substantially the same length. The devices, methods and manufactured products described herein are not limited in this regard.

The center of the ball striking surface 2212 may be defined by the y-axis 2601. The y-axis 2601 can also define the central axis of the central portion 2254 as shown in FIGS. 54 and 55. However, the central portion 2254 can be offset (not shown) with respect to the y-axis 2601. According to the example of FIG. 55, each bottom surface 2255 of the grooves 2230, 2232, 2234 and 2236 is substantially from the y-axis 2161 towards the tow end 180 and towards the heel end 190. Same extension. As shown in FIG. 55, the distance between the y-axis 2601 and the toe edge portion 2264 of the central portion 2254 can be defined as the length 2262. The toe edge portion 2264 can be defined as part of the groove between the y-axis 2161 and the tow end 190, the depth of the groove increases from depth 2257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. The distance between the y-axis 2161 and the heel edge portion 2268 of the central portion 2254 may be defined as the length 2266. Heel edge portion 2268 may be defined as part of the groove between y-axis 2161 and heel end 180, the depth of the groove increases from depth 2257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. According to the examples of FIGS. 54 and 55, length 2262 is substantially the same as length 2266. A putter having a ball striking face 2212 as shown in FIG. 54 may be suitable for an individual having a straight putting stroke.

Referring to FIG. 56, a ball hitting surface 3212 according to another example is illustrated. The ball striking face 3212 is vertically separated into three parts, the upper rail part 3402, the middle part 3288, and the sole part 3292, and may be defined by the three parts. The upper rail portion 3402, the middle portion 3288, and the sole portion 3292 vertically separate the ball striking face 3212 and horizontally span from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The upper rail portion 3402 is near the upper rail 182, the sole portion 3292 is near the sole 192, and the middle portion 3286 is between the upper rail portion 3402 and the sole portion 3292. have. In FIG. 56, the ball striking face 3212 can have 12 grooves 3222-3244, collectively referred to as grooves 3220. For example, the grooves 3222, 3224, 3226, and 3228 can be considered to be in the top rail portion 3402; The grooves 3230, 3232, 3234 and 3236 may be considered to be in the middle portion 3286; And grooves 3238, 3240, 3242, and 3244 may be considered to be in sole portion 3292. However, one or more grooves 3220 can be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions, ie, a portion of the grooves 3220 overlaps adjacent portions. The length of the groove 3220 may be the largest in the middle portion 3286 and may gradually decrease toward the top rail portion 3402 and toward the sole portion 3292. Alternatively, the length of the groove 3220 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of the ball striking face 3212. The upper rail portion 3402, the middle portion 3288, and the sole portion 3292 are exemplary and can define portions on the ball striking face 3212, and the grooves 3220 that can be located in these portions are one It has the similar configuration or features as above. Thus, the ball striking face 3212 may be defined by various vertical and / or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or features. The devices, methods and manufactured products described herein are not limited in this regard.

57 shows the horizontal cross section of the ball striking face 3212 obtained in the groove 3234. Each groove 3220 can include a central portion 3254 with a bottom surface 3255 that can define the largest depth 3257 of the groove 3220. The central portion 3254 has a length 3259 that can vary depending on the location of the grooves 3220 on the ball striking face 3212. In the example of FIG. 56, the central portions 3254 of the grooves 3220 of the middle portion 3288 have substantially the same length. The devices, methods and manufactured products described herein are not limited in this regard.

The center of the ball striking face 3212 may be defined by the y-axis 3421. The y-axis 3421 can also define the central axis of the central portion 3254 as shown in FIGS. 56 and 57. However, the central portion 3254 can be offset (not shown) with respect to the y-axis 3421. According to the example of FIG. 57, 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 FIG. 54 from the y-axis 3421 It extends toward the tow end 180. As shown in FIG. 57, the distance between the y-axis 3421 and the toe edge portion 3264 of the central portion 3254 can be defined as the length 3262. Toe edge portion 3264 may be defined as part of the groove between y-axis 3601 and toe end 190, the depth of the groove increases from depth 3257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. The distance between the y-axis 3421 and the heel edge portion 3268 of the central portion 3254 may be defined as the length 3266. Heel edge portion 3268 can be defined as part of the groove between y-axis 3161 and heel end 180, the depth of the groove increases from depth 3257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. According to the example of FIG. 57, length 3262 is greater than length 2266 of FIG. 55. Length 3262 can also be greater than length 3266. Alternatively, length 3262 is substantially similar to length 3266, but may be greater than length 2266 in FIG. Thus, the deepest portion of some or all of the grooves 3220 of the ball striking face 3212 in FIG. 56 is toward the tow end 190 than the deepest portion of the grooves 2220 of the ball striking face 2212 in FIG. It is extended more. The ball striking face 3212 as shown in FIG. 56 may be suitable for individuals with a slight arc putting stroke.

Referring to FIG. 58, a ball hitting surface 4212 according to another example is illustrated. The ball striking face 4212 is vertically separated into three parts, the upper rail part 4202, the middle part 4288, and the sole part 4242, and may be defined by the three parts. The upper rail portion 4202, the middle portion 4282, and the sole portion 4222 vertically separate the ball striking face 4212 and horizontally span from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The upper rail portion 4202 is near the upper rail 182, the sole portion 4222 is near the sole 192, and the middle portion 4288 is between the upper rail portion 4242 and the sole portion 4222. have. In FIG. 58, the ball striking surface 4212 may have 12 grooves 4422-4244 which may collectively be referred to as grooves 4220. For example, grooves 4422, 4224, 4226, and 4228 may be considered to be in upper rail portion 4202; The grooves 4230, 4232, 4234 and 4236 may be considered to be in the middle portion 4288; And the grooves 4238, 4240, 4242 and 4244 may be considered to be in the sole portion 4292. However, one or more grooves 4220 can be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions, ie, a portion of the grooves 4220 overlaps adjacent portions. The length of the groove 4220 may be largest in the middle portion 4288 and may gradually decrease toward the upper rail portion 4242 and toward the sole portion 4222. Alternatively, the length of the groove 4220 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of the ball striking face 4212. The upper rail portion 4202, the middle portion 4288, and the sole portion 4222 are exemplary, and can define portions on the ball striking face 4212, and the grooves 4220 that can be located in these portions are It has 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 manufactured products described herein are not limited in this regard.

59 shows a horizontal cross-section of a ball striking face 4212 obtained in groove 4232. Each groove 4220 may include a central portion 4204 having a bottom surface 4255, which may define the largest depth 4257 of the groove 4220. The central portion 4424 has a length 4247 that can vary depending on the location of the groove 4220 on the ball striking face 4212. In the example of FIG. 58, the central portions 4204 of the grooves 4220 of the middle portion 4288 have substantially the same length. The devices, methods and manufactured products described herein are not limited in this regard.

The center of the ball striking face 4212 may be defined by the y-axis 4421. The y-axis 4421 can also define the central axis of the central portion 4424 as shown in FIGS. 58 and 59. However, the central portion 4204 can be offset (not shown) with respect to the y-axis 4421. According to the example of FIG. 59, each bottom surface 4255 of the grooves 4230, 4232, 4234 and 4236 has a length greater than the bottom surface 3255 of the groove 3234 of FIG. 56 from the y-axis 4421. It extends toward the tow end 180. As shown in FIG. 59, the distance between the y-axis 4421 and the toe edge portion 4264 of the central portion 4424 can be defined as the length 4242. Toe edge portion 4264 may be defined as part of the groove between y-axis 4421 and toe end 190, the depth of the groove increases from depth 4257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. The distance between the y-axis 4421 and the heel edge portion 4268 of the central portion 4204 can be defined as the length 4266. Heel edge portion 4268 may be defined as part of the groove between y-axis 4421 and heel end 180, the depth of the groove increases from depth 4257 and transitions to the opening of the groove. According to the example of FIG. 59, length 4242 is greater than length 3266 of FIG. 57, and for this reason is greater than length 2266 of FIG. Length 4242 may be greater than length 4266. Alternatively, the length 4242 is substantially similar to the length 4266, but may be greater than the length 3266 of FIG. 57. Thus, the deepest portion of some or all grooves 4220 of ball striking face 4212 in FIG. 58 is toward the tow end 190 than the deepest portion of groove 3220 of ball striking face 3212 in FIG. It is extended more. The ball striking face 4212 as shown in FIG. 58 may be suitable for an individual with a strong arc putting stroke.

According to the examples of FIGS. 54-59, the grooves on the putter may be configured to optimize an individual's skill based on the individual's putting stroke. Depending on the extent of the arc of the individual's putting stroke, any groove described herein can be provided to the putter so that all grooves generally limit the depth of the groove to optimize the individual's skill when using the putter. Some portions extend a certain length from the center of the putter's striking face to the end of the soil. Thus, the length of the deepest portion of the groove may be proportional to the degree of the arc on the individual's putting stroke. For example, for an individual having a putting stroke between a strong arc putting stroke and a slight arc putting stroke, the portion of the groove that generally defines the depth of the groove is the ball hitting the toe end 190 in the y-axis. It may extend to a length greater than the grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, and 3236 of the face 3212, but smaller than the grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, and 4236 of the ball hitting face 4212. In the example of FIGS. 54-59, the portions of the grooves in the middle portion of the striking face defining the depth of the grooves are different based on the shape of the individual's putting stroke. However, all grooves on the striking face, including the grooves of the top rail portion and the sole portion, can be constructed according to the above example based on the individual's type of putting stroke. In addition, the grooves in FIGS. 54 to 59 may have any shape or configuration. For example, the ball striking surface according to the example of FIGS. 54 to 59 is a groove cross-section according to the groove example of FIGS. 5 to 7, 7, 10 to 12, 15 to 17 and / or 31 to 35 Can have The devices, methods and manufactured products described herein are not limited in this regard.

The golf club head, ball striking face and / or groove according to the examples of FIGS. 54-59 can be made by any method and / or from any material 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 a golf club head or a recess of a corresponding shape of the golf club head. The insert can be coplanar with the rest of the face of the golf club head, which can define a reference surface. Thus, the groove of the ball hitting surface is either out of the golf club head or below the reference surface. Alternatively, all or part of the insert may protrude from the reference surface such that all or part of the groove is positioned above the reference surface. By having an exchangeable ball striking surface for one or more golf clubs such as a putter, the ball striking surface of the golf club head can be exchanged with another ball striking surface to improve an individual's skill based on the putting style. For example, an individual whose putt style has changed over a period of time can exchange the ball hitting surface of his putter for another ball hitting surface according to the present invention so that the putter is better adapted to his current putting style. Instead of having an exchangeable ball striking face, any of the grooves described herein, including the exemplary grooves of FIGS. 54-59, can be made on a golf club head. The devices, methods and manufacturing products described herein are not limited in this regard.

In another example shown in FIG. 60, the ball striking face 5212 includes a groove 5220 (specified specifically as groove 5222-5244). The ball hitting surface 5212 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 face 5212, parts of the putter 100 and putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numbers described above. Similar to the other examples described herein, the depth, length, and / or width of each groove 5220 is from the toe end 180 of the putter head 102 to the heel end 190 and / or the top rail 182 ) To sole 192, increasing and decreasing and / or varying. The devices, methods and manufactured products described herein are not limited in this regard.

FIG. 61 shows a schematic top view of the groove 5202, and FIG. 62 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove 5222 for explaining the configuration of the groove 5220 as described below. Each groove 5220 includes a first horizontal wall 5256 and a second horizontal wall 5258 defining a vertical boundary of the groove. Each groove 5220 may also include a first end wall 5250 and a second end 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. Groove 5220 cannot have any end 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 end wall 5250 and the second end wall 5252 defines the length 5223 of the groove 5220.

The change in depth 5255 of each groove 5220 relative to the change in width 5280 of each groove 5220 may depend 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 depth of the groove along the length of the groove. For example, whenever the depth of the groove increases by 1 millimeter, the width of the groove also increases by 1 millimeter. According to another example, the depth of the groove may vary by a multiple of the change in width of the groove along the length of the groove. For example, whenever the depth of the groove increases by 1 millimeter, the width of the groove increases by 0.5 millimeter. Thus, a change in the depth of each groove can be linearly related to a change in the width of each groove along the length of each groove.

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

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

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

According to equation (2), when the cutting blade 5301 has an angle of 90 °, the width of the groove varies with the depth of the groove by twice as long along the length of the groove. For example, whenever the depth of the groove increases by 1 mm, the width of the groove increases by 2 mm. When the cutting blade has an angle of 60 °, the width of the groove varies about 1.15 times with respect to the depth of the groove. For example, the groove width increases by 1.15 millimeters each time the groove depth increases by 1 millimeter. When the cutting blade has an angle of 30 °, the width of the groove varies about 0.54 times with respect to the depth of the groove. For example, whenever the depth of the groove increases by 1 mm, the width of the groove increases by about 0.54 mm. Thus, cutting each groove with a cutting tool provides grooves with widths and depths that vary linearly with respect to each other along the length of the groove.

According to Equation (2), the width profile of the groove as shown in FIG. 61 may be similar in shape to the depth profile of the groove according to FIG. 62. That is, as the groove deepens from one end wall 5250 or 5252 to the central portion of the groove, the width of the groove increases by a multiple related to the angle of the groove or cutting tool. Accordingly, the width of the groove varies linearly with the change in the depth of the groove along the length of the groove, and the width and depth profile 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 change in the depth of the groove relative to the change in the width of the groove may be constant or nonlinear. One or more cutting tools can be used to manufacture the groove so that the depth of the groove varies with respect to a change in the width of the groove according to a non-linear relationship. For example, the change in the depth of the groove relative to the change in the width of the groove can 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:

Therefore, the relationship between the change in the depth of the groove and the change in width may be nonlinear. According to another embodiment, the depth and / or cross-sectional shape of the groove may vary, but the width of the groove may be kept constant. For example, the groove may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape in which the depth of the groove varies from one end to the other while the width of the groove is kept constant. According to another example, the width of the groove may remain constant from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove, but the cross-sectional shape and / or depth of the groove may vary from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove. According to another embodiment, the depth of the 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 of the groove 5380 is also constant along the central portion of the groove 5356 as described in detail above. To manufacture the groove 5320 of FIGS. 66 and 67, a cutting tool, such as the cutting tool 5300, is used at a constant depth 5355 in the central portion 5355 of the groove, resulting in a central portion of the groove 5320 At (5356), a constant width 5380 is finally obtained.

Groove areas with deeper and wider grooves near the putter's center of mass can provide higher ball predicted speeds, while shallower, narrower grooved areas near the toe and heel sections provide lower predicted ball speeds You can. In addition, the larger groove width and depth in the center portion of the putter can reduce the mass at the contact point with the golf ball, thereby standardizing the ball speed across the putter surface by equalizing the mass points at all possible contact points toe, Even when hitting off the center of the heel, high or low, the ball's speed will generally be the same as if it hit the center of the putter face.

The cutting tool in FIG. 63 is an exemplary cutting tool. Other cutting tools, which may have different shapes, can be used, thus forming grooves of different shapes. The cutting tool in FIG. 63 is V-shaped and forms a V-shaped groove. However, U-shaped cutting tools (not shown) can cause U-shaped grooves. According to one embodiment, a cutting tool with a flat tip or point can be used to make a flat bottom groove. For example, the cutting tool can be a V-shaped cutting tool with a flat tip instead of a pointed tip. Thus, a V-shaped groove with a flat bottom can be produced. Accordingly, the bottom of the groove may be substantially as wide as the width of the groove (i.e., rectangular or square cross-sectional groove shape) (i.e., almost no width). According to one example, the bottom of the groove may be flat and have a width of about 0.003 inches (0.0076 centimeters). A groove with a flat bottom can improve putting performance. Grooves can be manufactured using one cutting tool or multiple cutting tools as described above. For example, multiple cutting tools can be used to make 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 (eg, new rules may be adopted, or old rules may be deleted or amended by golf standards bodies and / or boards), the devices described herein , Golf equipment associated with methods and manufactured products may or may not follow golf rules at certain times. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the devices, methods and manufacturing products described herein may be advertised as suitable or inadequate golf equipment, provided for sale and / or sold. The devices, methods and manufacturing products described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although specific sequences of actions have been described above, these actions may be performed in different time sequences. For example, two or more of the actions described above may be performed sequentially, together or simultaneously. 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 manufactured products described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although 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 modifications, uses or adaptations of the present invention, which generally follow the principles of the present invention, and includes such departures from the present invention within known and customary practice in the art. .

Claims (20)

As a putter type golf club head,
A putter type club face defined by a toe end, heel end, top rail and bottom;
A plurality of grooves disposed on the putter type club face between the upper rail and the floor, each of the plurality of grooves extending between the heel end and the toe end, and each of the plurality of grooves and the top A plurality of grooves each including a bottom of the grooves;
Including,
The width is measured from the top of each of the plurality of grooves to the bottom of each of the plurality of grooves,
The width of each of the plurality of grooves is varied in a direction extending between the toe end and the heel end,
The putter-type club face is flat, extends in a vertical direction from the address posture,
The width of at least one portion of the plurality of grooves varies linearly with respect to the equation,
The above formula

Is defined as,
x is the width of the at least one groove, y is the depth of the at least one groove, α is the angle of the cutting blade,
The upper rail portion and the bottom portion separate the putter type club face in the vertical direction, and extend over the toe end to the heel end in the horizontal direction. According to claim 1,
The putter type golf club head, wherein the widths of each of the plurality of grooves increase in a direction from the heel end toward the center of the putter type club face. According to claim 1,
The putter type golf club head, wherein the widths of each of the plurality of grooves increase in a direction from the toe end toward the center of the putter type club face. According to claim 1,
Each of the plurality of grooves further comprises a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall defining a length of each of the plurality of grooves, the putter type golf club head. According to claim 4,
The putter type golf club head, wherein the lengths of the plurality of grooves vary in a direction from the upper rail toward the floor. According to claim 1,
The length of each of the plurality of grooves increases in the direction from the upper rail toward the center of the putter type club face, the putter type golf club head. According to claim 4,
The putter type golf club head, wherein the lengths of each of the plurality of grooves increase in a direction from the bottom toward the center of the putter type club face. According to claim 1,
Each of the plurality of grooves further comprises a bottom surface defining a depth of each of the plurality of grooves, the putter type golf club head. The method of claim 8,
A putter type golf club head, wherein the depth of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction from the upper rail toward the floor. As a putter type golf club head,
A putter type club face defined by a toe end, heel end, top rail and bottom;
A plurality of grooves disposed on the putter type club face between the upper rail and the floor, each of the plurality of grooves extending between the heel end and the toe end, and each of the plurality of grooves and the top A plurality of grooves each including a bottom of the grooves;
Including,
The width is measured from the top of each of the plurality of grooves to the bottom of each of the plurality of grooves,
The width of each of the plurality of grooves is varied in a direction extending between the toe end and the heel end,
The putter-type club face is flat, extends in a vertical direction from the address posture,
The depth of at least one of the plurality of grooves is kept constant between the heel end and the toe end, and the width of the at least one groove varies nonlinearly,
The upper rail portion and the bottom portion divide the putter type club face in the vertical direction and span from the toe end to the heel end in the horizontal direction,
The width of at least one of the plurality of grooves is modified from the heel end to the center of the putter type club face.

, Where x is the width of each groove and y is the depth of each groove. delete The method of claim 10,
The width of each of the plurality of grooves increases in the direction from the toe end toward the center of the putter type club face, the putter type golf club head. The method of claim 10,
The putter type golf club head, wherein each width of the plurality of grooves ranges from 0.035 inches to 0.037 inches. The method of claim 10,
Each of the plurality of grooves further comprises a bottom surface defining a depth of each of the plurality of grooves, the putter type golf club head. The method of claim 14,
The depth at the center of each putter type club face of a plurality of grooves is greater than the depth at the heel end and the toe end, the putter type golf club head. The method of claim 10,
The putter type golf club head, wherein the depth of each of the plurality of grooves is in the range of 0.003 inches to 0.017 inches. The method of claim 10,
The putter type golf club head, wherein the deepest portion of each of the plurality of grooves ranges from 0.020 inches to 0.022 inches.
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