KR102629342B1 - Golf club head groove and golf club head groove manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of golf club head grooves and face inserts and methods of manufacturing golf club head grooves and face inserts are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Description

Golf club head groove and golf club head groove manufacturing method

Related applications

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/962,969, filed April 25, 2018, which is now U.S. Patent No. 9,987,530, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15/, filed Aug. 12, 2016. It is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 236,112, and the U.S. patent applications include U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/541,445, filed on August 4, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/277,358, filed on January 11, 2016, Dec. 12, 2015. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/268,011 filed on September 16, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/233,099 filed on September 25, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/205,550 filed on August 14, 2015 Claim your interests. Additionally, this application is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/529,590, filed on October 31, 2014, and this U.S. Patent Application is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/196,313, filed on March 4, 2014. This U.S. patent application is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/761,778, filed on February 7, 2013, and this U.S. Patent Application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/628,685, filed on September 27, 2012. This U.S. patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/697,994, filed September 7, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/541,981, filed September 30, 2011. All are incorporated herein by reference.

technology field

This disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to grooves in golf club heads and methods of manufacturing golf club head grooves.

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

1 illustrates a putter according to one example.
2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
Figure 4 illustrates a schematic top view of the grooves of the ball striking face of Figure 3;
Figure 5 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Figure 4 taken at section 5-5 in Figure 3;
Figure 6 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of Figure 3;
Figure 7 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of Figure 3;
8 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
Figure 9 illustrates a schematic top view of the grooves of the ball striking face of Figure 8;
Figure 10 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Figure 9 taken at section 10-10 of Figure 8;
Figure 11 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of Figure 8;
Figure 12 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of Figure 8;
13 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
Figure 14 illustrates a schematic top view of the grooves of the ball striking face of Figure 13;
Figure 15 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Figure 14 taken at section 15-15 of Figure 13.
Figure 16 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of another groove of the ball striking face of Figure 13;
Figure 17 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of another groove of the ball striking face of Figure 13;
18 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
Figure 19 illustrates a schematic top view of the grooves of the ball striking face of Figure 18;
Figure 20 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Figure 19 taken at section 20-20 of Figure 18.
Figure 21 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of Figure 18;
Figure 22 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of Figure 18;
23 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
Figures 24-26 show another example of a vertical section of the groove of the ball striking face of Figure 23 taken at section 24-24 of Figure 23.
27 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
Figure 28 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
29-37 illustrate schematic diagrams of example horizontal cross-sections of grooves of the ball striking face of a putter.
38-45 illustrate schematic top views of example grooves of a ball striking face of a putter.
46 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
Figure 47 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
48 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a groove of a putter according to one example.
49 illustrates a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a putter according to one example.
Figure 50 illustrates a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a putter according to one example.
51 illustrates a putter face according to another example.
52 illustrates a putter face according to another example.
Figure 53 illustrates a method of manufacturing a golf club according to one example.
Figure 54 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
Figure 55 illustrates a cross-section of a groove of the ball striking face of Figure 54;
Figure 56 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
Figure 57 illustrates a cross-section of a groove of the ball striking face of Figure 56;
Figure 58 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
Figure 59 illustrates a cross-section of a groove of the ball striking face of Figure 58.
Figure 60 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one embodiment.
Figure 61 illustrates a schematic top view of the grooves of the ball striking face of Figure 60;
FIG. 62 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 61 taken at section 62-62 of FIG. 60.
Figure 63 illustrates a tool for cutting a groove.
Figure 64 illustrates a V-shaped groove according to one example.
Figure 65 illustrates a V-shaped groove according to one example.
Figure 66 illustrates a schematic top view of a groove according to one example.
Figure 67 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Figure 66.
Figure 68 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
Figure 69 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
70 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
71 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ball striking face of a putter according to one example.
72 illustrates a close-up of a putter and oval pattern according to one example.
Figure 73 illustrates a cross-sectional view of Figure 72 seen from the bottom.
Figure 74 illustrates an enlarged view of the two innermost elliptical grooves of Figure 73.
Figure 75 illustrates an enlarged view of the two outermost elliptical grooves of Figure 73.
76 illustrates a putter according to one example.
Figure 77 illustrates the middle region of Figure 76.
Figure 78 illustrates a cross-sectional view of Figure 76 seen from the bottom.
Figure 79 illustrates an enlarged view of the protrusion near the geometric center of Figure 78.
Figure 80 illustrates an enlarged view of the protrusion near the toe end of Figure 78.
Figure 81 illustrates a face insert for a golf club head according to one embodiment.
Figure 82 illustrates another face insert for the golf club head of Figure 81.
Figure 83 illustrates an exploded view of the face insert of Figure 82.
Figure 84 illustrates a schematic diagram of the ball striking face of Figure 82.
Figure 85 illustrates a front view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 86 illustrates an alternative view of the putter of Figure 84.
Figure 87A illustrates a front view of the face insert of the putter of Figure 84.
Figure 87B illustrates a rear view of the face insert of Figure 87A.
Figure 88 illustrates a perspective view of the putter of Figure 84.
Figure 89 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to one embodiment.
Figure 90 illustrates an exploded view of the putter of Figure 89.
Figure 91 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 92 illustrates an exploded view of the putter of Figure 91.
Figure 93 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 94 illustrates an exploded view of the putter of Figure 93.
95 illustrates a face insert for a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 96 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the face insert of Figure 95.
Figure 97 illustrates the ball striking face plate of the face insert of Figure 95.
Figure 98 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 99 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 100 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 101 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 102 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 103 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 104 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 105 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 106 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
Figure 107 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

Described herein are putter golf club heads having various face inserts to provide a softer feel upon impact of the golf ball during a putting stroke. The face insert may be configured to be received within a recess of the putter golf club head. In many embodiments, the face insert forms part of the front striking surface and sole of the putter golf club head. In other embodiments, the face insert may form part of the heel end, toe end, top rail, or any combination thereof of the putter golf club head. In some embodiments, the putter golf club head includes a single component, such as a ball striking face plate. In some embodiments, a putter golf club head includes multiple components, such as a ball striking face plate and face insert base, a polymeric material and frame, and a plurality of openings. In embodiments where the face insert includes a ball striking face plate and a face insert base, the ball striking face plate may include a coupling structure that mechanically couples the ball striking face plate and face insert base together. In many embodiments, the face insert may be bonded to the recess by an adhesive such as tape, ultra-high adhesive tape, glue, epoxy, or any type of adhesive compound. In many embodiments, the face insert may include a polymer type material. In these embodiments, polymer type materials may provide the advantage of a softer, more unique sound/feel during golf ball impact against a metal surface. The polymer-type material reduces vibration to eliminate unwanted sounds during golf ball impact. In some embodiments, such as face inserts comprising a polymer material and a frame, the frame provides the player with a visual aid to assist with alignment of the ball in the center of the front hitting surface.

In general, grooves for golf club heads and methods for manufacturing grooves for golf club heads are described herein. Golf equipment associated with the methods, devices and/or articles of manufacture described herein may or may not be compliant with the rules of golf at any particular time. Additionally, the drawings provided herein are for illustrative purposes, and one or more of the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In the example of Figure 1 a putter 100 is illustrated. Although grooves and face inserts for putter 100 are described herein, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may also be used for other types of club heads (e.g., driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrids). It can be applied to type club heads, iron-type club heads, etc.) However, putter-type golf club heads are not driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrid-type club heads, iron-type club heads, and wedge-type club heads.

A putter golf club head includes a loft angle. The loft angle of a putter golf club head is the angle between the generally flat surface of the face and the centerline of the shaft. The loft angle of a putter golf club head is the rearward angle of the face from the shaft of the putter golf club head. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the putter golf club head may be 10 degrees or less. In some embodiments, the loft angle of the putter golf club head may be less than 9 degrees, less than 8 degrees, less than 7 degrees, less than 6 degrees, less than 5 degrees, or less than 4 degrees. In some embodiments, the loft angle of the putter golf club head is 0-10 degrees, 0-9 degrees, 0-8 degrees, 1-10 degrees, 1-9 degrees, 1-8 degrees, 2-10 degrees, 2-10 degrees. It may range from 9 degrees, 2-8 degrees, 3-10 degrees, 3-9 degrees, or 3-8 degrees. For example, the loft angle of a putter golf club head may be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 degrees.

The ball striking face plate can be horizontally separated into three portions: a toe portion adjacent to the toe end 180, a heel portion adjacent to the heel end 190, and a central portion located between the toe and heel portions. The ball striking face plate may also be vertically separated into three parts, including an upper rail portion adjacent to the upper rail 182, a sole portion adjacent to the sole 192, and an intermediate portion located between the upper rail portion and the sole portion. am. The toe portion, heel portion, center portion, upper rail portion, sole portion, and middle portion of the ball striking face plate are the toe portion (1970), heel portion (1974), and center portion (1974) of the ball striking face plate (1912) described later with respect to FIGS. 1972), the upper rail portion (1976), the sole portion (1980), and the middle portion (1978).

The front striking surface of the putter golf club head may include a plurality of grooves. As described later, the plurality of grooves on the front striking surface are ball striking face/ball striking surface/front striking surface (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412, 1500, 1612, 1728, 1812, 1911, 2212, 2312, 4212, 5212, 6011, 6111, 6211, 6311, 6411, 6511, 6611, 6711, 6811, 6911, 7011, 7111, 7211 or 7311). It may be similar to B. In some embodiments, the grooves on the front striking surface may be similar to the grooves described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14/196,313 (Patent No. 9,452,326) in which the grooves may include variable depth, variable width, or variable depth and width. . The grooves of the face insert may be any pattern such as straight grooves, parabolic grooves, double parabolic grooves or any other type of pattern groove. In some embodiments, the grooves have a depth, and the depth of the grooves varies in a direction extending between heel end 190 and toe end 180 and between upper rail 182 and sole 192. More specifically, the groove changes from the toe side to the heel side and from the upper rail side to the sole side. The depth of the groove increases from the toe and heel toward the center. Similarly, the depth of the groove increases from the upper rail and sole towards the mid-section. The maximum depth of at least one groove is formed by a generally flat planar portion of the groove. The generally flat plane portion is located at the junction of the center and middle portions of the groove.

In many embodiments, grooves in the face insert may provide the advantage of correcting ball trajectory during off-center or mishits. The grooves in the face insert can provide more accurate shots by giving the player more shot forgiveness. Additionally, the variable depth and/or variable width of the grooves increases tolerability by allowing for more normalized striking across the front striking surface.

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

The putter 100 includes a putter head 102 having a putter face 110 . Putter face 110 may be generally planar and may extend in a generally vertical direction at the address position. Putter face 110 includes a ball striking face 112 that may be generally on the same plane as putter face 110 or may protrude slightly outward from putter face 110 . Ball striking face 112 may be the same size as putter face 110 or smaller (Figure 1). Ball striking face 112 may be an area on putter face 110 that is generally used to strike a golf ball (not shown). However, an individual may also strike the ball with a section of the putter face 110 that is outside the ball striking face 112.

Ball striking face 112 may be a continuous or integral part of putter face 110, or may be formed from an insert attached to putter face 110. This insert may be made of the same material as putter face 110 or a different material and may be attached to putter face 110 . Ball striking face 112 may include one or more grooves, generally illustrated as grooves 120 , and one or more lands 170 . For example, the ball striking face 112 is illustrated as having 12 grooves generally indicated as 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144. Groove 120 may be collectively referred to by a single reference numeral, such as 120. However, when specifically describing one of the grooves on ball striking face 112, reference numbers for that specific groove may be used.

Two adjacent grooves may be separated by a land portion 170. The land portion 170 between each groove 120 and its adjacent grooves 120 may have the same or different width than the land portion 170 between another pair of adjacent grooves 120. Land portion 170 may also define the upper surface of ball striking face 112. In general, two or more of the grooves 120 may be parallel to each other. For example, grooves 122 and 124 may be parallel to each other. However, the grooves 120 may be oriented relative to each other in any way. For example, any of the grooves 120 may be oriented diagonally, vertically and/or horizontally. As shown in the example in Figure 2. One or more of the grooves 120 may be substantially linear and generally parallel to adjacent grooves 120 and extend between the toe end 180 and the heel end 190 of the putter face 110 .

As described in detail below, the depth, length, width, horizontal cross-sectional shape, and/or vertical cross-sectional shape of grooves 120 may be linear, non-linear, regularly or irregularly stepped, arcuate, and/or one or more geometric shapes. Depending on the shape, it may increase, decrease and/or vary from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 and/or from the top rail 182 of the putter head 102 to the sole 192. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Referring to Figure 2, ball striking face 112 is illustrated as having grooves 122-144. Ball striking face 112 may be an integral part of putter face 110 , such as being manufactured together with putter face 110 . Alternatively, ball striking face 112 may be an insert attached to putter face 110. Each groove 120 may extend from toe end 180 to heel end 190 to define a corresponding length 193 (only length 193 of groove 144 is illustrated in FIG. 2 ). The length 193 of some or all of the grooves 120 extends from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192 such that each groove 120 generally conforms to the shape of the perimeter of the ball striking face 112. It can change. For example, the length of the groove may increase from near the top rail 182 of the ball striking face 112 to the center 184 and may decrease from the center 184 to near the sole 192. Center 184 may be the geometric center of ball striking face 112. Alternatively, center 184 may represent the center of inertia or weight-related center of ball striking face 112. However, center 184 may be defined by the area of ball striking face 112 that generally strikes the ball. As illustrated in Figure 1. The length 193 of the groove 120 may be similar. In other examples, such as the example of FIG. 2 , the length of the groove 193 may decrease from near the top rail 182 to the center 184 and from near the sole 192 to the center 184 . Accordingly, any groove length arranged on ball striking face 112 is within the scope of this disclosure.

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

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the groove 232, and Figure 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove 232 taken at section line 5-5 in Figure 3. Groove 232 is illustrated as being divided by generally vertical boundary lines into horizontal spanning regions, illustrated as visually defined regions 271-275 in FIGS. 2 and 3. Horizontal regions 271-275 define a change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of groove 232 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near upper rail 182 to near sole 192. can do. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of a groove may refer to any characteristic of the groove along the length 293 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a particular section of the groove. 3-7, groove 220 includes a first vertical wall 250 and a second vertical wall 252 that define a length 293 of groove 220. Each groove 220 has a bottom surface 254 that determines the depth of the groove 220. Depending on the cross-sectional profile of grooves 220 in regions 271-275, the depth of each groove may vary from first wall 250 to second wall 252. 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 a first vertical wall 250 to a second vertical wall 252, as shown in the example of FIGS. 38-45, where the groove has a length 590, a first width 594, and It may have a second width 595 and/or a third width 596. However, in the example of FIGS. 3-7, first horizontal wall 256 and second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to form a generally constant width 280.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the bottom surface 254 of area 271 is inclined or curved downward to form a first depth 282 at the boundary between area 271 and area 272 . The bottom surface 254 of area 272 transitions from the first depth 282 to the second depth 284 in a more inclined downward curve at the boundary between areas 272 and 273. When the bottom surface 254 in the area 273 is flat, the second depth 284 may generally form the maximum depth of the groove 232. However, if the bottom surface 254 is not flat, the maximum depth of the groove 232 may be formed in another part of the area 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 be a mirror shape of 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 form the shallow portion of groove 232 and region 273 forms the deep central portion of groove 132 . The deepest part of any of the grooves 220 may be at the center of the groove 220 . Regions 272 and 274 facilitate the transition of bottom surface 254 from depth 282 to depth 284.

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

A gradual increase in the length, depth and/or width of the region 271-275 of the grooves 222-232 from the top rail 182 to generally the center of the ball striking face 212 and/or generally the center of the ball striking face 212. ) A reduction in the size of regions 271-275 of grooves 232-244 from the center of sole 192 forms a central striking region 260 (illustrated in FIG. 3), which is located at the address location. When viewed by an individual, it may resemble the shape of a golf ball. A rough visual representation of a golf ball can help an individual align the ball striking face 212 with the ball. The region 273 forming the deepest portion of the groove 220 may be longer in length at the center of the ball striking face 212 and gradually decrease in length toward the upper rail 182 and sole 192. Similarly, transition regions 272 , 274 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking face 212 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192 . The length of regions 271-275 may vary depending on the location of grooves 220 on ball striking face 212, but the depth of similar regions for each groove 220 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 232 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 244. Alternatively, the depth of grooves 222 - 244 may vary based on the location of grooves 220 relative to ball striking face 212 . Alternatively, the depth of grooves 224-244 may vary in any manner from top rail 182 to sole. Although the above examples may describe a specific number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer horizontal areas.

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

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of groove 332, and Figure 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of groove 332 taken along the 10-10 cross-section line of Figure 8. Groove 332 is illustrated as being divided by vertical boundary lines into visually defined horizontal spanning regions 371-375 in FIGS. 8 and 9. Horizontal regions 371-375 define a change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of groove 332 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near upper rail 182 to near sole 192. can do. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of a groove may refer to any characteristic of the groove along the length 393 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a particular section of the groove. 8-12, groove 320 includes a first vertical wall 350 and a second vertical wall 352 that define a length 393 of groove 320. Each groove 320 has a bottom surface 354 that determines the depth of the groove 320. Depending on the cross-sectional profile of grooves 320 in regions 371-375, the depth of each groove may vary from first wall 350 to second wall 352. Each groove 320 also includes a first horizontal wall 356 and a second horizontal wall 358 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove 320. The distance between the first horizontal wall 356 and the second horizontal wall 358 defines the width 380 of the groove 320. Width 380 may vary from first vertical wall 350 to second vertical wall 352 as shown in the examples of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the example of FIGS. 8-12, first horizontal wall 256 and second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to form a generally constant width 380.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the bottom surface 354 of region 371 may be generally flat and/or slightly sloped to form a first depth 382 at the boundary between regions 371 and 372. . The bottom surface 354 of area 372 transitions in a stepped manner downward from the first depth 382 to the second depth 384 at the boundary between areas 372 and 373. Bottom surface 354 of region 372 may be generally flat and/or somewhat sloped such that grooves 320 have approximately constant depth 384 in region 372 . The bottom surface 354 of the area 373 transitions downward from the second depth 384 to the third depth 386 in a stepped manner. The bottom surface 354 of area 373 may be generally flat and/or slightly sloped such that grooves 320 have approximately constant depth 386 in area 373 . Any of the grooves 320 may be symmetrical about the vertical axis (y). Accordingly, the shape of the groove 320 on each side of the y-axis may be a mirror shape of the shape of the groove 330 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of the grooves 320 may be asymmetric. Depth 386 represents the maximum depth of groove 320.

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

A gradual increase in the length, depth and/or width of the area 371-375 of the grooves 322-332 from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 312 and/or A reduction in the size of regions 371-375 of grooves 332-344 from the center to sole 192 forms a central striking region 360 (illustrated in FIG. 8), which is located at the address location. This may individually resemble the shape of a golf ball. A rough visual representation of a golf ball can help an individual align the ball striking face 312 with the ball. The region 373 forming the deepest portion of the groove 320 may be longer at the center of the ball striking face 312 and gradually decrease in length toward the upper rail 182 and sole 192. Similarly, transition regions 372 and 374 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking face 312 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192. The length of regions 371-375 may vary depending on the location of grooves 320 on ball striking face 312, but the depth of similar regions for each groove 320 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 344 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 332. Alternatively, the depth of grooves 322 - 344 may vary based on the location of grooves 320 relative to ball striking face 312 . Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 324-344 may vary in any way from the top rail 182 to the sole. Although the above examples may describe a specific number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer horizontal areas.

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

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the groove 432, and Figure 15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove 432 taken at section line 15-15 in Figure 13. The groove 432 is illustrated as being divided into visually defined horizontal spanning areas 471 and 472 in FIGS. 13 and 14 by a boundary line of the groove 432 and a vertical line at the center of the groove 432. Horizontal regions 471, 472 form a change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of groove 432 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near upper rail 182 to near sole 192. can do. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of a groove may refer to any characteristic of the groove along the length 493 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a particular section of the groove. 13-17, groove 420 includes a first vertical wall 450 and a second vertical wall 452 that define a length 493 of groove 420. Each groove 420 has a bottom surface 454 that determines the depth of the groove 420. Depending on the cross-sectional profile of the grooves 420 in regions 471 and 472, the depth of each groove may vary from the first wall 450 to the second wall 452. Each groove 420 also includes a first horizontal wall 456 and a second horizontal wall 458 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove 420. The distance between the first horizontal wall 456 and the second horizontal wall 458 defines the width 480 of the groove 420. Width 480 may vary from first vertical wall 450 to second vertical wall 452 as shown in the example of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the example of FIGS. 13-17, first horizontal wall 456 and second horizontal wall 458 are generally parallel to form a generally constant width 480.

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

15-17, the overall cross-sectional profile of grooves 420 may remain generally similar from top rail 182 to sole 190. However, the cross-sectional profile, including the length and/or depth of regions 471 and 472 of each groove 420, may vary gradually from top rail 182 to sole 192. For example, regions 471 and 472 of groove 438 are smaller in length than regions 471 and 472 of groove 332, respectively. Similarly, regions 471 and 472 of groove 444 are smaller in length than regions 471 and 472 of groove 438, respectively. In another example, areas 471 and 472 of groove 438 may have a smaller depth than areas 471 and 472 of groove 432, respectively. Similarly, 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, 472 of the grooves 422-432 from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 412 and/or A reduction in the size of regions 471, 472 of grooves 432-444 from the center to sole 192 forms a central striking region 460 (illustrated in FIG. 13). Regions 471 and 472 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking face 412 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192 . The length of regions 471 and 472 may vary depending on the location of grooves 420 on ball striking face 412, but the depth of similar regions for each groove 420 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 444 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 432. Alternatively, the depth of grooves 422 - 444 may vary based on the location of grooves 420 relative to ball striking face 412 . Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 422-444 may vary in any way from the top rail 182 to the sole. Although the above examples may describe a specific number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer horizontal areas.

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

Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the groove 532, and Figure 20 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove 532 taken along the 20-20 section line of Figure 18. Groove 532 is illustrated as being divided into visually defined horizontal spanning areas 571 and 572 in FIGS. 18 and 19 by a boundary line of groove 532 and a vertical line at the center of groove 532. Horizontal regions 571, 572 form a change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of groove 532 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near upper rail 182 to near sole 192. can do. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of a groove may refer to any characteristic of the groove along the length 593 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a particular section of the groove. 18-22, groove 520 includes a first vertical wall 550 and a second vertical wall 552 that define a length 593 of groove 520. Each groove 520 has a bottom surface 554 that determines the depth of the groove 520 . Depending on the cross-sectional profile of the grooves 520 in regions 571 and 572, the depth of each groove may vary from the first wall 550 to the second wall 552. Each groove 520 also includes a first horizontal wall 556 and a second horizontal wall 558 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove 520 . The distance between the first horizontal wall 556 and the second horizontal wall 558 defines the width 580 of the groove 520 . Width 580 may vary from first vertical wall 550 to second vertical wall 552 as shown in the example of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the example of FIGS. 18-22, first horizontal wall 556 and second horizontal wall 558 are generally parallel to form a generally constant width 580.

Referring to FIG. 20, the bottom surface 554 of area 571 has a linear profile and may be inclined downward. The bottom surface 554 of area 572 also has a linear profile and may slope downward. However, because the second wall 552 is longer than the first wall 550, the bottom surface 554 of region 572 has a smaller slope than the bottom surface 554 of region 571. Accordingly, groove 550 in this example is asymmetric about the vertical central axis y. Accordingly, groove 520 has a first depth 582 defined by first wall 550, a second depth 584 defined by second wall 552, and a central depth 586, which depth is It is gradually reached from depths 582 and 584 along the downwardly sloping bottom surface 554 of areas 571 and 572, respectively. Center depth 586 may be the deepest depth of groove 520 .

20-22, the overall cross-sectional profile of grooves 520 may remain generally similar from top rail 182 to sole 190. However, the cross-sectional profile, including the length, width and/or depth of regions 571 and 572 of each groove 520, may vary gradually from top rail 182 to sole 192. 21 and 22, horizontal cross-sections of grooves 538 and 544 are illustrated, respectively. For example, regions 571 and 572 of groove 538 are smaller in length than regions 571 and 572 of groove 532, respectively. Similarly, regions 571 and 572 of groove 544 are smaller in length than regions 571 and 572 of groove 538, respectively. In another example, regions 571 and 572 of groove 538 may have a smaller depth than regions 571 and 572 of groove 532, respectively. Similarly, 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 areas 571, 572 of the grooves 522-532 from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 512 and/or A reduction in the size of regions 571, 572 of grooves 532-544 from the center to sole 192 forms a central striking region 560 (illustrated in FIG. 18). Regions 571 and 572 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking face 512 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192 . The length of regions 571 and 572 may vary depending on the location of groove 520 on ball striking face 512, but the depth of similar regions for each groove 520 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 544 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 532. Alternatively, the depth of grooves 452 - 544 may vary based on the location of groove 520 relative to ball striking face 512 . Alternatively, the depth of grooves 522-544 may vary in any manner from top rail 182 to sole. Although the above examples may describe a specific number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer horizontal areas.

The grooves 220, 320, 420, and 520 described above represent four examples of horizontal cross-sectional profiles of grooves used in putter 100. Another example of a horizontal cross-sectional profile is illustrated in FIGS. 29-37 where each groove may have a length 590, a first depth 591, a second depth 592, and/or a third depth 593. A groove may be formed by any number of horizontal regions where any one or more regions may have similar or dissimilar characteristics. For example, the grooves, which may be symmetrical or asymmetric about the y-axis, have bottom surfaces with complex shapes of combined linear and non-linear shapes that form similar or varying depths from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. can do. These grooves can be described as having multiple horizontal regions, where each region defines one or more of the complex shapes mentioned. Accordingly, the number, arrangement, size and other characteristics of the above-described horizontal extents are not limited to the groove cross-sectional profile according to the present disclosure.

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

The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the grooves may vary proportionally gradually from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face, and from the center of the ball striking face to the sole 192. The gradual variation mentioned may create a larger ball striking area at the center of the ball striking face than near the top rail 182 and sole 192. Additionally, the mentioned gradual variation in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the grooves provides grooves around the center of the ball striking face and the center of the ball striking face with longer and deeper groove sections than the grooves near the top rail 182 and sole 192. do. However, the gradual variation of the grooves described above is exemplary, and other gradual variations may be used to impart specific ball striking characteristics to various portions of the ball striking face.

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

The ball striking face of the putter in the above example is illustrated as having a groove from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. However, the ball striking face may have more or fewer grooves or sections without grooves. For example, a ball striking face may have several grooves in the central section of the ball striking face and no grooves in the section near the top rail 182 or sole 192.

The groove is not limited to extending horizontally across the ball striking face. The ball striking face may have vertical grooves of varying depth, as described above, or a combination of vertical and horizontal grooves with varying horizontal and/or vertical cross-sectional profiles. The orientation of the grooves can be formed to provide a matrix-type ball striking face on the putter.

Referring to FIG. 27, the ball striking face 712 having the groove 720 can be horizontally divided into three parts: a toe portion 780, a central portion 785, and a heel portion 790. The ball striking face 712 may be similar to the ball striking faces 212 and 312 described above. Accordingly, the groove 720 has regions 271-275 and 371-375 similar to the grooves 220 and 320, respectively, as described above. The three portions described above separate the ball striking face 712 horizontally and extend vertically from the top rail 182 to the sole 192. Toe portion 780 is proximate to toe end 180, heel portion 790 is proximate heel end 190, and central portion 785 is between toe portion 780 and heel portion 790. According to various 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 that may be closest to toe end 180 or closest to heel end 190 may be approximately 0.003 inches. At or near central portion 785, the depth of groove 720 may increase to a depth of approximately 0.017 inches, as described above. The variable depth may include a portion having a depth of at least greater than 0.020 inches but less than 0.022 inches. The variable width may include portions having a width greater than 0.035 inches but less than 0.037 inches.

Referring to FIG. 28, the ball striking face 712 can be vertically divided into three parts: an upper rail portion 782, a middle portion 786, and a sole portion 792. These portions vertically separate ball striking face 712 and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 192. Top rail portion 782 is near top rail 182, sole portion 792 is near sole 192, and middle portion 786 is between top rail portion 782 and sole portion 792. 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, in relation to the above example, the length of the deepest portion of the groove may refer to the groove 720 being located approximately centrally between the upper rail portion 782 and the sole portion 792. As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28 , the length of the groove 710 may be maximum at the middle portion 786 and gradually decrease toward the upper rail portion 782 and toward the sole portion 792.

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

The cross-sectional profile of the groove, including changes in the length, depth, width and/or cross-sectional shape of the groove, can affect ball speed, control and/or spin. The disclosed variable depth grooves can improve ball speed consistency after being struck by the putter face by about 50% over plastic putter face inserts and by about 40% over ungrooved aluminum putter face inserts. When hitting a ball with a putter having grooves according to the present disclosure: (1) ball speed may be slowed, which may reduce ball roll out distance; (2) Heel and toe shots may slow ball speed compared to center hits and may also result in shorter ball rollout distances; (3) allows relatively low and high handicap players to hit the ball at different locations on the putter face (high handicap players hit lower on the ball striking face, while low handicap players hit higher on the ball striking face); Also, relatively higher handicap players may have a wider hitting location range, while relatively lower handicap players may have a closer hitting location range); and/or (4) a putter face with a groove in the center of the face may reduce ball speed/rollout for center hits, which may result in more consistent ball speed/rollout distances for center/heel/toe hits .

Referring to Figure 46, another example of a putter face 810 having grooves of variable cross-sectional profile is shown. Putter face 810 is illustrated as having 14 grooves, including grooves 822-828 near the toe end 180, grooves 830-840 in the center of putter face 810, and grooves 830-840 in the heel. They are grouped into grooves 842-848 near end 190. In this example, the more prominent groove is located at the center of the putter face 810 and the less prominent groove is at the periphery of the center. A more prominent groove may refer to a groove having a greater depth and/or width compared to a less prominent groove. As illustrated in Figure 46. Grooves 832-838 may be more prominent than the remaining grooves on putter face 810. Additionally, a portion of the putter face 810 may not have grooves. These parts are referred to by reference numeral 850.

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

48, a horizontal cross-section of a groove 922 according to another embodiment is illustrated. The bottom surface 954 of the groove 922 is illustrated as being progressively concave from the edges 950, 952 of the groove to the maximum depth 951 of the groove 922. Any of the grooves according to the present disclosure may have the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as groove 922. Any of the grooves according to the present disclosure may have the same depth (951). However, the depth 951 may be decreased proportionally as the length of the groove decreases.

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

49, a cross-sectional side view of a ball striking face 1012 having grooves 1220 according to another example is illustrated. Ball striking face 1012 may be separated into two parts relative to groove 1220. The ball striking face 1012 may include an upper rail portion 1282 and a sole portion 1286. Upper rail portion 1282 and sole portion 1286 vertically separate ball striking face 1012 and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190. Top rail portion 1282 may extend generally from a center of ball striking face 1012 indicated by center line 1284 to proximate top rail 182 and may include grooves 1222. Sole portion 1286 may extend generally from near sole portion 192 to central portion 1284 and may include a groove 1224. The grooves 1224 of the sole portion 1286 may have a greater depth than the grooves 1222 of the upper rail portion 1282 at one or more locations along each groove 1224. By having shallow grooves 1222 in the upper rail portion 1282, the speed at which the golf ball rolls forward after being struck by the putter can be increased to provide a more consistent and smooth ball rollout. Alternatively, the depth of groove 1220 may be gradually reduced in one or more groove steps from center 1284 to top rail 182 (not shown). In another example, the depth of the pairs of grooves may gradually decrease from the center 1284 to the top rail 182 (not shown). Accordingly, a decrease in groove depth from sole 192 to top rail 182 may occur for each groove, groove pair, or various groups of grooves.

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

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

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

54, a ball striking face 2212 according to another example is illustrated. The ball striking face 2212 may be vertically separated and formed into three parts: an upper rail portion 2282, a middle portion 2286, and a sole portion 2292. Top rail portion 2282, middle portion 2286, and sole portion 2292 vertically separate ball striking face 2212 and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190. Top rail portion 2282 is near top rail 182, sole portion 2292 is near sole 192, and middle portion 2286 is between top rail portion 2822 and sole portion 2292. 54, ball striking face 2212 may have twelve grooves 2222-2244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 2220. For example, grooves 2222, 2224, 2226, and 2228 may be considered to be in upper rail portion 2282; Grooves 2230, 2232, 2234, 2236 may be considered to be in the middle portion 2286; Grooves 2238, 2240, 2242, and 2244 may be considered to be in sole 2292. However, at least one of the grooves 2220 may be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions, i.e., a portion of the grooves 2220 overlaps the adjacent portions. The length of the groove 2220 may be maximum at the middle portion 2286 and gradually decrease toward the upper rail portion 2282 and towards the sole portion 2292. Alternatively, the length of grooves 2220 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of ball striking face 2212. Upper rail portion 2282, middle portion 2286, and sole portion 2292 are exemplary, portions of ball striking face 2212 having one or more grooves 2220 that may be located in these portions having similar configuration or characteristics. can form them. Accordingly, ball striking face 2212 may be formed by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or characteristics. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

55 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of ball striking face 2212 taken in groove 2234. Each groove 2220 may include a central portion 2254 having a bottom surface 2255 that may define the maximum depth 2257 of the groove 2220. Central portion 2254 includes a length 2259 that can vary depending on the location of grooves 2220 on ball striking face 2212. In the example of Figure 54, the central portions 2254 of the grooves 2220 of the intermediate portions 2286 have approximately the same length. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The center of the ball striking face 2212 can be determined by the y-axis 2261. Y-axis 2261 may also form the central axis of central portion 2254, as illustrated in FIGS. 54 and 55. However, central portion 2254 may be offset relative to y-axis 2261 (not shown). According to the example of FIG. 55 , the bottom surface 2255 of each of the grooves 2230, 2232, 2234, and 2236 extends substantially from the y-axis 2261 toward the toe end 180 and toward the heel end 190. extends the same way. As illustrated in FIG. 55 , the distance between the y-axis 2261 and the toe edge portion 2264 of the central portion 2254 may be defined as length 2262. Toe edge portion 2264 may be defined as a portion of a groove between y-axis 2261 and toe end 190, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 2257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. . The distance between the heel edge portion 2268 of the central portion 2254 and the y-axis 2261 may be defined as the length 2266. Heel edge 2268 may be defined as the portion of the groove between y-axis 2261 and heel end 180, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 2257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. According to the example of Figures 54 and 55, length 2262 is substantially equal to length 2266. A putter having a ball striking face 2212 as illustrated in FIG. 54 may be suitable for individuals with a straight putting stroke.

56, a ball striking face 3212 according to another example is illustrated. The ball striking face 3212 may be vertically separated and formed into three parts: an upper rail portion 3282, a middle portion 3286, and a sole portion 3292. Top rail portion 3282, middle portion 3286, and sole portion 3292 vertically separate ball striking face 3212 and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190. Top rail portion 3282 is near top rail 182, sole portion 3292 is near sole 192, and middle portion 3286 is between top rail portion 3282 and sole portion 3292. 56, ball striking face 3212 may have twelve grooves 3222-3244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 3220. For example, grooves 3222, 3224, 3226, and 3228 may be considered to be in upper rail portion 3282; Grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, 3236 may be considered to be in the middle portion 3286; Grooves 3238, 3240, 3242, and 3244 may be considered to be in sole 3292. However, at least one of the grooves 3220 may be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions, i.e., a portion of the grooves 3220 overlaps the adjacent portions. The length of the groove 3220 may be maximum at the middle portion 3286 and gradually decrease toward the upper rail portion 3282 and toward the sole portion 3292. Alternatively, the length of grooves 3220 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of ball striking face 3212. The upper rail portion 3282, the middle portion 3286, and the sole portion 3292 are exemplary, portions of the ball striking face 3212 having one or more grooves 3220 that may be located in these portions having similar configurations or characteristics. can form them. Accordingly, ball striking face 3212 may be formed by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or characteristics. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

57 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of ball striking face 3212 taken in groove 3234. Each groove 3220 may include a central portion 3254 having a bottom surface 3255 that may define the maximum depth 3257 of the groove 3220. Central portion 3254 includes a length 3259 that can vary depending on the location of groove 3220 on ball striking face 3212. In the example of Figure 56, the central portion 3254 of the groove 3220 of the intermediate portion 3286 has approximately the same length. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The center of the ball striking face 3212 can be determined by the y-axis 3261. Y-axis 3261 may also form the central axis of central portion 3254, as illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57. However, central portion 3254 may be offset relative to y-axis 3261 (not shown). According to the example of Figure 57, the bottom surface 3255 of each of the grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, and 3236 extends from the y-axis 3261 toward the toe end 180, the bottom surface of the groove 2234 of Figure 54. It extends to a length longer than (2255). As illustrated in FIG. 57 , the distance between the y-axis 3261 and the toe edge portion 3264 of the central portion 3254 may be defined as length 3262. Toe edge portion 3264 may be defined as a portion of a groove between y-axis 3261 and toe end 190, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 3257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. . The distance between the heel edge portion 3268 of the central portion 3254 and the y-axis 3261 may be defined as the length 3266. Heel edge portion 3268 may be defined as a portion of a groove between y-axis 3261 and heel end 180, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 3257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. . According to the example in Figure 57, length 3262 is longer than length 2266 in Figure 55. Length 3262 may also be longer than length 3266. Alternatively, length 3262 may be substantially similar to length 3266, but longer than length 2266 in Figure 55. Accordingly, the deepest portions of some or all of the grooves 3220 of the ball striking face 3212 of Figure 56 extend further toward the toe end 190 than the deepest portions of the grooves 2220 of the ball striking face 2212 of Figure 54. . A putter having a ball striking face 3212 as illustrated in FIG. 56 may be suitable for individuals who have a somewhat parabolic putting stroke.

58, a ball striking face 4212 according to another example is illustrated. The ball striking face 4212 may be vertically separated and formed into three parts: an upper rail portion 4282, a middle portion 4286, and a sole portion 4292. Top rail portion 4282, middle portion 4286, and sole portion 4292 vertically separate ball striking face 4212 and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190. Top rail portion 4282 is near top rail 182, sole portion 4292 is near sole 192, and middle portion 4286 is between top rail portion 4282 and sole portion 4292. 58, ball striking face 4212 may have twelve grooves 4222-4244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 4220. For example, grooves 4222, 4224, 4226, 4228 may be considered to be in upper rail portion 4282; Grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, 4236 may be considered to be in the middle portion 4286; Grooves 4238, 4240, 4242, and 4244 may be considered to be in sole 4292. However, at least one of the grooves 4220 may be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions, i.e., a portion of the grooves 4220 overlaps the adjacent portions. The length of the groove 4220 may be maximum at the middle portion 4286 and gradually decrease toward the upper rail portion 4282 and toward the sole portion 4292. Alternatively, the length of grooves 4220 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of ball striking face 4212. The upper rail portion 4282, the middle portion 4286, and the sole portion 4292 are exemplary, portions of the ball striking face 4212 having grooves 4220 that can be located in these portions having one or more similar configurations or characteristics. can form them. Accordingly, ball striking face 4212 may be formed by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or characteristics. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

59 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of ball striking face 2212 taken through groove 4232. Each groove 2220 may include a central portion 2254 having a bottom surface 2255 that may define the maximum depth 2257 of the groove 2220. Central portion 2254 includes a length 2259 that can vary depending on the location of groove 2220 on ball striking face 2212. In the example of Figure 58, the central portion 4254 of the groove 4220 of the intermediate portion 4286 has approximately the same length. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The center of the ball striking face 4212 can be determined by the y-axis 4261. Y-axis 4261 may also form the central axis of central portion 4254, as illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 59. However, central portion 4254 may be offset relative to y-axis 4261 (not shown). According to the example of FIG. 59 , the bottom surface 4255 of each of grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, and 4236 extends from the y-axis 4261 toward the toe end 180 and the bottom surface of groove 3234 of FIG. 56. It extends to a length longer than (3255). As illustrated in FIG. 59 , the distance between the y-axis 4261 and the toe edge portion 4264 of the central portion 4254 may be defined as length 4262. Toe edge portion 4264 may be defined as a portion of a groove between y-axis 4261 and toe end 190, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 4257 and transitions into the opening of the groove. The distance between the heel edge portion 4268 of the central portion 4254 and the y-axis 4261 may be defined as the length 4266. Heel edge portion 4268 may be defined as a portion of a groove between y-axis 4261 and heel end 180, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 4257 and transitions into the opening of the groove. According to the example in Figure 59, length 4262 is longer than length 3266 in Figure 57, which is longer than length 2266 in Figure 55. Length 4262 may be longer than length 4266. Alternatively, length 4262 may be substantially similar to length 4266, but longer than length 3266 in Figure 57. Accordingly, the deepest portions of some or all of the grooves 4220 of the ball striking face 4212 of Figure 58 extend further toward the toe end 190 than the deepest portions of the grooves 3220 of the ball striking face 3212 of Figure 56. . A putter having a ball striking face 4212 as illustrated in FIG. 58 may be suitable for individuals with a strong parabolic putting stroke.

According to the examples of Figures 54-59, grooves on a putter may be configured to optimize an individual's performance based on the individual's putting stroke. Depending on the degree of deflection (arc) in an individual's putting stroke, any groove described herein may have several portions of the groove extending from the center portion of the putter's striking face to the toe end, with some of the grooves generally determining the depth of the groove. It can be provided on the putter to extend to a specific length that optimizes the performance of the individual using the putter. Accordingly, the length of the deepest portion of the groove may be proportional to the degree of arc in an individual's putting stroke. For example, for an individual with a putting stroke that falls between a strong and a slight arc putting stroke, the portion of the groove that generally defines the depth of the groove is located on the ball striking face (190) from the y-axis toward the toe end 190. It may be longer than the grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, 3236 of the ball striking face 4212, but shorter than the grooves 4230, 4232, 4034, 4036 of the ball striking face 4212. In the examples of Figures 54-59, the portion of the groove in the middle of the striking face that forms the depth of the groove varies depending on the individual's putting stroke type. However, all grooves on the striking face, including grooves in the upper rail and sole, may be configured according to the example above based on the individual's putting stroke type. Additionally, grooves according to the examples of FIGS. 54-59 may have any shape or configuration. For example, a ball striking face according to the examples of FIGS. 54-59 may have a groove cross-sectional shape according to the groove examples of FIGS. 5-7, 10-12, 15-17, and/or 31-35. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Golf club heads, ball striking faces and/or grooves according to the examples of FIGS. 54-59 may be manufactured by any method and/or any material described herein. Each groove may have a width of about 0.032 inches (0.081 cm) and a depth of about 0.003 inches (0.008 cm) to about 0.017 inches (0.043 cm). As described in detail herein, any ball striking face 2212, 3212 or 4212 may be in the form of an insert into a golf club head or a correspondingly shaped recess within a golf club head. The insert may be flush with the rest of the face of the golf club head, which may form a reference plane. Accordingly, the grooves of the ball striking face are either off into the golf club head or below the reference plane. Alternatively, all or part of the insert may protrude from the reference surface such that all or part of the groove is located above the reference surface. By having interchangeable ball striking faces for one or more golf clubs, such as a putter, the ball striking faces of a golf club head can be swapped for different ball striking faces to improve an individual's performance based on putting style. For example, an individual whose putting style has changed over a period of time may exchange the ball striking face of the putter for a different ball striking face in accordance with the present disclosure to allow the putter to better adapt to the individual's current putting style. Instead of having interchangeable ball striking faces, any of the grooves described herein, including the example grooves of Figures 54-59, can be fabricated into a golf club head. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

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

FIG. 61 illustrates a schematic top view of the groove 5222, and FIG. 62 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of the groove 5222 to illustrate the configuration of the groove 5220 as described below. Each groove 5220 includes a first horizontal wall 5256 and a second horizontal wall 5258 that define the vertical boundaries 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 5224 that defines the depth 5255 of the groove 5220. The depth 5255 of the groove 5220 may vary from the first wall 5250 to the second wall 5252. The grooves 5220 may not have arbitrary end walls because the depth of each groove 5220 may gradually decrease until the bottom surface 5254 meets the ball striking face 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 5293 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 fabricate the groove 5220. According to one example, the variation in the width of the groove may be similar to the variation in the depth of the groove along the length of the groove. For example, whenever the groove depth increases by 1 mm, the groove width also increases by 1 mm. According to another example, the depth of the groove may vary as a multiple of the change in the width of the groove along the length of the groove. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by 0.5 mm. Accordingly, the change in the depth of each groove can be linearly related to the change in the width of each groove along the length of each groove.

63 illustrates a typical cutting bit 5300 with cutting blades 5301 for cutting grooves in 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 form a groove along the moving path. . Cutting bit 5300 has an angle 5302 that forms the angle 5304 of the groove cut by cutting blade 5301, as illustrated in FIGS. 64 and 65. The exemplary cutting bit of FIG. 63 has an angle 5302 of approximately 90°, and the cutting bit may cut a groove at an angle 5304 of approximately 90°, as shown in FIG. 63 . 64 illustrates a groove with a groove angle 5304 of approximately 60°. A cutting bit (not shown) for cutting the groove of FIG. 64 has a cutting bit at an angle of approximately 60°.

The depth of each groove is denoted by y, the width of each groove is denoted by x, and the angle of the cutting blade is denoted by a. The relationship between the depth of each groove and the width of each groove along the length of each groove can be expressed as follows: You can:

The change in the 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°, the width of the groove changes with respect to the depth of the groove by a factor of 2 along the length of the groove. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by 2 mm. When the cutting blade is at 60°, the width of the groove varies by a factor of about 1.15 with respect to the depth of the groove. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by 1.15 mm. When the cutting blade has an angle of 30°, the width of the groove varies by a factor of about 0.54 with respect to the depth of the groove. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by approximately 0.54 mm. Accordingly, cutting each groove with a cutting tool provides grooves with width and depth that vary linearly with respect to each other along the length of the groove.

According to Equation 2, the width profile of the groove as illustrated 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 center of the groove, the width of the groove increases by a factor related to the angle of the groove or cutting tool. Accordingly, the width of the groove varies linearly with the change in 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 groove depth with respect to the change in groove width is linear. However, the change in groove depth relative to the change in groove width may be constant or non-linear. One or more cutting tools may be used to fabricate the groove such that the depth of the groove varies in a non-linear relationship with changes in the width of the groove. For example, the change in groove depth relative to the change in groove width 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 as the following equation:

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

According to another example shown in FIGS. 65 and 66, 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. Accordingly, the width 5380 of the groove is also constant along the central portion of the groove 5356 as described above. 66 and 67, a cutting tool, such as cutting tool 5300, is used at a constant depth 5355 in the central portion 5356 of the groove, such that the central portion 5356 of the groove 5320 A certain width (5380) is created.

Groove areas with deeper, wider grooves near the putter's center of gravity may provide higher expected ball speeds, while shallower, narrower groove areas near the toe and heel may provide lower expected ball speeds. . Additionally, the larger groove width and depth in the center of the putter can reduce the mass at the point of contact with the golf ball, thereby normalizing ball speed across the putter face by equalizing the point mass at each possible point of contact. By doing so, even on off-center hits such as toe, heel, high or low, the ball speed will be roughly the same as if it were hit on the center of the putter face.

The cutting tool in Figure 63 is an example of a cutting tool. Other cutting tools may be used, which may have different shapes, and thus grooves of different shapes may be formed. The cutting tool in Figure 63 is V-shaped, which forms a V-shaped groove. However, a U-shaped cutting tool (not shown) can form a U-shaped groove. According to one embodiment, a cutting tool with a flat tip or tip to form a flat bottom groove may be used. For example, the cutting tool may be a V-shaped cutting tool with a flat tip instead of a pointed tip. Therefore, it is possible to form a V-shaped groove with a flat bottom. Accordingly, the bottom of the groove may be a point that is substantially as wide (i.e., almost as wide) as the width of the groove (i.e., a rectangular or square cross-section groove shape). According to one example, the bottom of the groove may be flat and have a width of about 0.003 inches (0.0076 cm). Grooves with flat bottoms can improve putting performance. The groove may be formed using a single cutting tool or multiple cutting tools as described above. For example, multiple cutting tools can be used to form a single groove providing different groove cross-sectional shapes and/or dimensions from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove.

68-71, the putter head 1800 includes a ball striking face 1812 having a plurality of first curved grooves 1820 and second curved grooves 1822. The first direction of curvature 1814 of the first groove 1820 may be substantially opposite to the second direction of curvature 1816 of the second groove 1822. The first direction of curvature 1814 of first groove 1820 and the second direction of curvature 1816 of second groove 1822 are the same from toe end 1880 to heel end 1890 (illustrated in FIG. 71 ) The first direction of curvature 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second direction of curvature 1816 of the second groove 1822 may vary from the toe end 1880 to the heel end 1890 (see FIG. 70 exemplified). In another example, the first direction of curvature 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second direction of curvature 1816 of the second groove 1822 are the same from the sole 1892 to the top rail 1882 (FIG. 84 (illustrated in) the first direction of curvature 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second direction of curvature 1816 of the second groove 1822 may vary from the sole 1892 to the top rail 1882. Each groove 1820, 1822 extends from the toe end 1880 near the heel end 1890 and/or from the upper rail 1888 to the sole, similar to the grooves of the putter heads (e.g., 1300, 1400) described above. 1892) may have different configurations such as variable cross-sectional profiles, depth profiles, width profiles, length profiles and/or other groove characteristics compared to other grooves. For example, the depth of first curved groove 1820 may gradually increase in one or more groove steps from top rail 1882 to sole 1892. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

72-75 present another example of a putter 100 having a ball striking face 1500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. When describing new embodiments, some parts of putter 100 are referred to by the same reference numerals as described above. The ball striking face 1500 includes a pattern 1510 forming a plurality of lands 1515 and a plurality of oval grooves 1520. Land 1515 and elliptical groove 1520 begin at the geometric center 1511 of the innermost land 1516 or the innermost elliptical groove 1521. Lands 1515 and elliptical grooves 1520 are alternately arranged and extend outwardly from geometric center 1511. Geometric center 1511 is located with respect to ball striking face 1500 aligned with toe end 180, top rail 182, and heel end 190. Geometric center 1511 may or may not be the actual geometric center of putter head 102.

Referring to FIG. 72, the ball striking face 1500 includes a pattern 1510 forming a plurality of lands 1515 and a plurality of oval grooves 1520. As illustrated in the figure, ball striking face 1500 includes seven lands 1515 and seven oval grooves 1520. However, in other embodiments, ball striking face 1500 may include more or fewer lands 1515 and oval grooves 1520 than the seven shown. For example, ball striking face 1500 may have one oval groove, one land 1515, two oval grooves, two lands 1515, three oval grooves, three lands 1515, four oval grooves. Groove, 4 lands (1515), 5 oval grooves, 5 lands (1515), 6 oval grooves, 6 lands (1515), 7 oval grooves, 7 lands (1515), 8 oval grooves, 8 lands (1515), 9 oval grooves, 9 lands (1515), 10 oval grooves, 10 lands (1515), 11 oval grooves, 11 lands (1515), 12 oval grooves or 12 May include lands (1515) or more.

As illustrated in FIG. 72 , pattern 1510 forms a major axis 1560 and a minor axis 1564. Long axis 1560 is where oval groove 1520 is measured at its greatest diameter; Minor axis 1564 is where elliptical groove 1520 is measured at its minimum diameter. The long axis passes through geometric center 1511 and extends from toe end 180 to heel end 190. Minor axis 1564 extends from top rail 182 to sole 192 through geometric center 1511. In another embodiment, long axis 1560 may pass through geometric center 1511 and extend along top rail 182 and sole 192; Short axis 1562 may pass through geometric center 1511 and extend through toe end 180 to heel end 190.

As illustrated in Figures 73-75. Each oval groove 1520 has a bottom surface 1554 that defines the depth of the oval groove 1520 relative to the surface of the ball striking face 1500. The depth of the elliptical groove 1520 may range from 0.001 inches to 0.020 inches (e.g., 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, 0.010, 0.012, 0.014, 0.016, 0.018, or 0.020 inches). The depth of the oval grooves 1520 varies throughout the ball striking face 1500. The depth of the elliptical groove 1520 gradually increases as the elliptical groove 1520 moves from the top rail 182 to the geometric center 1511, and gradually increases as the elliptical groove moves from the geometric center 1511 to the sole 192. decreases. Similarly, the depth of the elliptical groove 1520 gradually increases as the elliptical groove 1520 moves from the toe end 180 to the geometric center 1511 and as the elliptical groove 1520 moves from the geometric center 1511 to the heel end ( 190), it gradually decreases. The oval groove at the geometric center 1511 has the maximum depth, while the oval grooves near the toe end 180, heel end 190, upper rail 182, and sole 192 have the minimum depth. Oval grooves 1520 may also be symmetrical about a horizontal axis (x) perpendicular to a vertical axis (y) on ball striking face 1500. The depth of the oval grooves 1520 may be similar in the top rail 182 and sole 192. Similarly, the depth of oval groove 1520 may be similar at toe end 180 and heel end 190.

In one embodiment, the depth of the elliptical grooves 1520 may have a uniform depth for each individual elliptical groove 1520, but from one elliptical groove 1520 to the next outermost elliptical groove 1520. It can change. In other embodiments, the depth of the elliptical grooves 1520 may vary within each individual elliptical groove 1520. Within one oval groove 1520, the depth may gradually decrease as the groove moves toward the toe end 180 and heel end 190. In the example where the long axis 1560 extends along the top rail 182 and sole 192 and the minor axis extends along the toe end 180 and heel end 190, the depth is the depth of the crown and face and sole 192. It may gradually decrease as it moves from the interface toward the upper rail 182. As the groove moves away from the geometric center 1511, the next outermost elliptical groove 1520 may follow the same variable depth pattern but be shallower overall. 74 and 75, elliptical grooves 1521 and 1522 may have a greater variable depth than elliptical grooves 1526 and 1527, with elliptical groove 1521 having a maximum depth and elliptical groove 1527 having a maximum depth of It can have the shallowest depth.

Each oval groove 1520 has an inner perimeter 1530 and an outer perimeter 1540. the inner perimeter 1530 is the perimeter closest to the geometric center 1511 of the elliptical groove 1520; The outer perimeter 1540 is the perimeter furthest from the geometric center 1511 of the elliptical groove 1520. The inner perimeter 1530 to the outer perimeter 1540 of the elliptical groove 1520 define a width 1580. The width 1580 of the elliptical groove 1520 may range from approximately 0.001 inches to approximately 0.035 inches (e.g., 0.001, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, or 0.035). Width 1580 may be constant within elliptical groove 1520. Width 1580 may also vary within elliptical groove 1520. Additionally, width 1580 may remain constant in all oval grooves 1520 on ball striking face 1500. The width may also vary from oval groove 1520 to oval groove 1520 on ball striking face 1500. In one embodiment, width 1580 may increase from innermost elliptical groove 1520 to outermost elliptical groove 1520. For example, elliptical groove 1 may have a width of 0.015 inches, while elliptical groove 7 may have a width of 0.035 inches. In another embodiment, the width 1580 may also decrease from the innermost elliptical groove 1520 to the outermost elliptical groove 1520. Other embodiments may include any combination of constant and variable widths within each elliptical groove 1520 and from the elliptical groove 1520 to successive elliptical grooves 1520.

The outer perimeter 1540 of one elliptical groove relative to the inner perimeter 1530 of an adjacent elliptical groove 1520 forms land 1515. Lands 1515 are the material between each oval groove 1520 on ball striking face 1500 and form a thick portion. As illustrated in Figure 72. A geometric center 1511 is formed at land 1515. The lands of the geometric center 1511 are solid cylindrical structures that are cylindrical in shape and have larger inner and outer diameters as each land 1515 moves further away from the geometric center 1511.

In one embodiment, the thickness of each land 1515 may be constant across pattern 1510. In other embodiments, the thickness of each land 1515 may also vary across the pattern 1510. Additionally, the thickness of lands 1515 may be constant between each elliptical groove 1520 or may vary between each elliptical groove 1520. The thickness of land 1515 may range from approximately 0.001 inch to approximately 0.050 inch. In one example, lands 1515 may increase in increments moving from geometric center 1511 to outermost elliptical groove 1527. In another example, land 1515 may also decrease in increments moving from geometric center 1511 to outermost elliptical groove 1527. The increments may be 0.001, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030 or 0.035 inches. Other embodiments may include a combination of constant and variable land areas between each elliptical groove 1520 and from an elliptical groove 1520 to an adjacent elliptical groove 1520.

As previously discussed, FIGS. 24-26 illustrate the geometric cross-sectional shape of elliptical groove 1520 as viewed at section line 30-30 of FIG. 72. In Figure 24. The geometric cross-sectional shape of the elliptical groove 1520 is box-shaped, rectangular, or square. 25, the geometric cross-sectional shape of the elliptical groove 1520 is V-shaped. 26, the geometric cross-sectional shape of the elliptical groove 1520 is U-shaped. The geometric cross-sectional shape may remain constant within the elliptical groove 1520. The geometric cross-sectional shape may also vary within the elliptical groove 1520. For example, the oval groove 1520 may have a square geometric cross-sectional shape clockwise from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192 and a U-shaped geometric cross-sectional shape clockwise from the sole 192 to the upper rail 182. You can have Additionally, the geometric cross-sectional shape of the elliptical grooves 1520 may vary from one elliptical groove 1520 to another elliptical groove 1520 . For example, one elliptical groove 1520 may have a U-shaped geometric cross-section, while successive elliptical grooves 1520 may have a V-shaped geometric cross-section. Other embodiments may include any combination of the three geometric cross-sectional shapes within each elliptical groove 1520 and from elliptical groove 1520 to elliptical groove 1520.

The variable depth pattern formed by the elliptical grooves 1520 has a damping effect on the kinetic energy transmitted to the ball. The deeper the depth, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. In comparison, the shallower the depth, the less kinetic energy is absorbed. Because the depth of the elliptical groove 1520 is greatest near the geometric center 1511, the attenuation is greatest at this location. As the elliptical groove 1520 moves away from the geometric center 1511, the depth becomes shallower and thus the attenuation decreases. This variable depth pattern of elliptical grooves 1520 allows for consistent ball speed across ball striking face 1500. For example, when ball striking face 1500 impacts a ball at toe end 180, geometric center 1511, and heel end 190, the ball will experience similar velocities.

76-80 present another example of a putter 100 having a ball striking face 1612 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. When describing new embodiments, some parts of putter 100 are referred to by the same reference numerals as described above. Ball striking face 1612 includes a plurality of protrusions 1640 extending from bottom surface 1616. Bottom surface 1616 has an outline as illustrated in FIGS. 78-80. Bottom surface 1616 includes a depression or depression in middle region 1618 of striking face 1612. As illustrated in FIG. 77 , middle region 1618 may be oval shaped. In other embodiments, middle region 1618 may be formed in a circular, oval, or other suitable shape.

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

As illustrated in FIG. 76 , ball striking face 1612 defines an x-axis 1628 and a y-axis 1632. The x-axis 1628 extends from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 through geometric center 1611. Y-axis 1632 extends from top rail 182 to sole 192 through geometric center 1611. The characteristics of protrusion 1640 may appear the same across the x-axis 1628, the y-axis 1632, or both the x-axis 1628 and the y-axis 1632.

79 and 80, the protrusion 1640 has variable height and width. At the geometric center, protrusion 1640 has a greater height than protrusions farther away from geometric center 1611. That is, the height of the protrusion 1640 gradually changes as it moves outward from the geometric center toward the toe end 180, upper rail 182, heel end 190, and sole 192.

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

Additionally, protrusions 1640 have a larger gap or distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions at the geometric center. The distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions 1640 becomes progressively smaller as one moves further away from the geometric center 1611. In other words, the distance between the protrusions gradually changes as one moves outward from the geometric center toward the toe end 180, upper rail 182, heel end 190, and sole 192. Distance 1636 is illustrated as the space between each upper surface 1624 of protrusions 1640. The distance 1636 between the protrusions 1640 is formed by a frustoconical surface where the base portion 1620 tapers to the top surface 1624. The greater the tapering of the protrusions 1640, the longer the distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions 1640. Similarly, the less tapering the protrusions 1640 have, the shorter the distance between adjacent protrusions 1640.

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

In other configurations, protrusion 1640 may include other shapes and cross-sections 1652. Cross-section 1652 may be any suitable shape (e.g., circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.).

The distance 1636, height 1644, and diameter 1648 of the upper surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 have an attenuating effect on the kinetic energy transferred to the golf ball. The longer the distance 1636 and the higher the height 1644, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. Likewise, the shorter the distance 1636 and the lower the height 1644, the less kinetic energy is absorbed. Alternatively, larger diameters absorb less kinetic energy; The smaller the diameter, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. Since distance 1636 and height 1644 are maximum and diameter 1648 is minimum near the geometric center 1611, the attenuation is greatest at this location. Attenuation decreases as distance 1636 and height 1644 decrease and diameter increases away from the geometric center 1611. The variable nature of protrusion 1640 allows for more consistent ball speed across ball striking face 1612. For example, when the ball striking face 1612 impacts the ball at the toe end 180, geometric center 1611, and heel end 190, the ball will experience similar velocities.

face insert

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

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

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

A recess in the putter golf club head may be configured to receive a face insert. In many embodiments, the face insert may have a complementary shape to the recess of the putter golf club head. In other embodiments, the face insert may not be of a complementary shape to the recess of the putter golf club head. When the recess receives the face insert, the face insert abuts the rear wall of the recess. In many embodiments, the face insert may be bonded to the recess by an adhesive such as tape, ultra-high adhesive tape, glue, epoxy, or any type of adhesive compound. In other embodiments, the face insert may be coupled to the recess by fasteners or pins (not shown). In other embodiments, the face insert may be joined to the recess by press fit or friction fit. In some embodiments, the face insert may be coupled to the recess with a mechanical interlocking structure, such as an undercut or a plurality of hook structures.

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

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

In other embodiments, the thickness of the face insert may range from 0.20 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert may range from 0.20 to 0.50 inches, 0.30 to 0.60 inches, 0.40 to 0.70, or 0.50 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert may range from 0.20 to 0.40 inches, 0.30 to 0.50 inches, 0.40 to 0.60 inches, 0.50 to 0.70 inches, or 0.60 to 0.80 inches. For example, the thickness of the face insert may be 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75 or 0.80 inches. In many embodiments, the depth of the recess may be equal to the thickness of the face insert. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess may be different from the thickness of the face insert. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess may be greater than the thickness of the face insert or vice versa. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess may be less than the thickness of the face insert or vice versa.

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

In many embodiments, the face insert may include a polymeric material. The polymeric material may include polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinylchloride, or any other polymeric material. In many embodiments, the face insert may include PEBAX. More specifically, PEBAX is a polyether block amide, a thermoplastic elastomer made from flexible polyethers and rigid polyamides. Rigid polyamides may include nylon. PEBAX may comprise different compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, polyether content and/or polyamide content. In many embodiments, the PEBAX may include PEBAX 4033 (from Arkema, Paris, France) or PEBAX 6333 (from Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX 4033 (from Arkema, Paris, France) contains 53% by weight teramethylene oxide and nylon 12. PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) contains nylon 11.

PEBAX may contain volume content of polyether. In some embodiments, PEBAX is present in an amount of 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 30% to 50%, 30% to 60% by volume. %, 40% to 50%, 40% to 60%, 50% to 60%, or 60% to 70% polyether. For example, PEBAX is available in 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% by volume. Alternatively, it may contain 70% polyether. In some embodiments, PEBAX is present in an amount of 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 40% to 50%, 40% to 60% by volume. %, 50% to 60%, or 60% to 70% polyamide. For example, PEBAX is available in 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% by volume. Alternatively, it may contain 70% polyamide. As the polyether content increases, the hardness of PEBAX decreases. As the polyamide content increases, the hardness of PEBAX increases. For example, PEBAX 4033 (from Arkema, Paris, France) may comprise 40% to 60% polyether by volume and 15% to 30% polyamide by volume. For example, PEBAX 6333 (from Arkema, Paris, France) may comprise 15% to 30% polyether by volume and 40% to 60% polyamide by volume.

In many embodiments, PEBAX may have a hardness ranging from Shore D 25 to Shore D 75. In some embodiments, the hardness of the PEBAX is from Shore D 25 to Shore D 35, Shore D 35 to Shore D 45, Shore D 36 to Shore D 44, Shore D 38 to Shore D 42, Shore D 45 to Shore D 55, Shore D It may range from D 55 to Shore D 65, from Shore D 56 to Shore D 64, from Shore D 60 to Shore D 65, or from Shore D 65 to Shore D 75. For example, the hardness of PEBAX may be Shore D 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 or 70.

In some embodiments, PEBAX 4033 (from Arkema, Paris, France) may have a lower hardness than PEBAX 6333 (from Arkema, Paris, France). In many embodiments, PEBAX 4033 (from Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness range of Shore D 35 to 55. In some embodiments, PEBAX 4033 (from Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness range of Shore D 38 to 42 or Shore D 39 to 41. For example, PEBAX 4033 (from Arkema, Paris, France) may have a Shore D hardness of 40. In many embodiments, PEBAX 6333 (from Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness range of 50 to 75 Shore D. In some embodiments, PEBAX 6333 (from Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness range of Shore D 55 to 70 or Shore D 60 to 65. For example, PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness of Shore D 63.

In some embodiments, the face insert is made of steel, steel alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, or other metal. , other metal alloys, composite polymer materials, or any combination thereof.

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

Single piece face insert

In some embodiments, the face insert may comprise a single component system. In these embodiments, the face insert may include a ball striking face plate or any other single component. A face insert comprising a single component system may include the grooves described above.

85-88 illustrate another embodiment 1700 of a putter. Putter 1700 includes a putter head 1702. Accordingly, when describing the putter head 1702, portions of the putter head 1702 may be referred to by the same reference numerals described above. Putter head 1702 includes putter face 1710 , and putter face 1710 includes recess 1712 . In another example, the putter head may further include a slot (not shown) located on top rail 182 or sole 192, where the slot extends integrally into recess 1712.

As illustrated in FIG. 86 , recess 1712 includes a planar surface 1716 and a perimeter 1718. In some examples, planar surface 1716 of recess 1712 may include bore 1722. Bore 1722 includes a diameter and may further include threads. In another example, the perimeter 1718 of the recess 1712 may include a lip (not shown), and the lip may extend along the entire perimeter 1718. In another example, a lip may extend along a portion of perimeter 1718. For example, a lip may extend along the top rail 182 and sole 192. Additionally, recess 1712 can accommodate face insert 1726.

As illustrated in FIGS. 87A and 87B , face insert 1726 includes a ball striking face 1728 and a back surface 1730 opposite the ball striking face 1728. As illustrated in FIG. 85 , the ball striking face 1728 has a toe portion 1770 proximate the toe end 180, a heel portion 1774 proximate the heel end 190, and a toe portion 1770 and heel portion 1774. It is divided horizontally into three parts with a central part 1772 located in between. As illustrated in Figure 87A. The ball striking face plate has three parts: an upper rail portion 1776 adjacent to the upper rail 182, a sole portion 1780 adjacent to the sole 192, and an intermediate portion located between the upper rail portion 1776 and the sole portion 1780. are further separated vertically. Ball striking face 1728 of face insert 1726 may include grooves. The groove may include similar features to the example groove of putter 100. More specifically, the grooves may be similar to the grooves of all ball striking faces (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1412, 1500, 1612, 1812, 2212, 3212, 4212, 5212). . The groove has a depth, and the depth of the groove varies from the toe portion 1770 toward the heel portion 1774 and from the upper rail portion 1776 toward the sole portion 1780. The depth of the groove increases from the toe portion 1770 and the heel portion 1774 toward the center portion 1772. Similarly, the depth of groove 1720 increases from top rail portion 1776 and sole portion 1780 toward middle portion 1778. The deepest part of groove 1720 is at the central portion 1772 and middle portion 1778 of groove 1720. The variable depth of the grooves 1720 of the example embodiment increases tolerance by allowing for a more normalized strike across the ball striking face 1728.

The backside 1730 of the face insert 1726 may include a cylindrical protrusion 1732. Cylindrical protrusion 1732 has a diameter equal to the diameter of bore 1722 of recess 1712. Additionally, cylindrical protrusion 1732 is complementary to bore 1722. When face insert 1726 is coupled to recess 1712, cylindrical protrusion 1732 may be aligned concentrically with bore 1722. Additionally, face insert 1726 is complementary to recess 1712, wherein ball striking face 1728 of face insert 1726 is coplanar with putter face 1710 when engaged within recess 1712. .

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

As illustrated in FIG. 87B , the length 1736 of face insert 1726 is the distance measured from the top portion 1740 of face insert 1726 to the bottom portion 1742 of face insert 1726. As illustrated in FIG. 85 , the length 1736 of the face insert 1726 may span the entire distance from the sole 192 of the putter head 1702 to the top rail 182, with the top portion 1740 The top rail 182 may form part of the top rail 182 and the bottom portion 1742 may form part of the sole 192 . In some examples, length 1736 of face insert 1726 may extend from top rail 182 to near sole 192, and top portion 1740 is a portion of top rail 182, as illustrated in FIG. 88 can be formed. In another example, length 1736 of face insert 1726 may extend from sole 192 to proximate rail 182 , with lower portion 1742 forming part of sole 192 . The length 1736 of face insert 1726 may cause the ball to consistently hit face insert 1726 instead of putter face 1710 or perimeter 1744 of ball striking face 1728 during impact. The ball hitting face insert 1726 consistently during impact allows for a consistent feel.

In another example, face insert 1726 may further include edge indents. Edge indents may extend along the entire perimeter 1744 of ball striking face 1728. In another example, an edge indent may extend along a portion of the perimeter 1744 of the ball striking face 1728. For example, the edge indent may extend along the first side 1737 and the second side 1738. In another example, the edge indent may extend along the first side 1737, the bottom 1742, and the second side 1738. Additionally, the edge indents are complementary to the ribs of the recess 1712.

In one example, face insert 1726 may be bonded to recess 1712 of putter face 1710 by any adhesive such as epoxy, glue, tape, or any other fastening compound. Face insert 1726 may be further coupled to recess 1712 by compression fit of a cylindrical protrusion 1732 located within bore 1722.

In another example, face insert 1726 may be coupled to recess 1712 by inserting face insert 1726 through a slot. A sheet (not shown) may then be inserted into a slot located between face insert 1726 and recess 1712, where sole 192/top rail 182 is positioned between face insert 1726 and recess 1712. It is coplanar with the sheet placed within (1712). The sheet secures face insert 1726 within recess 1712 by compressing the edge indents of face insert 1726 against the lips of recess 1712. The sheet may include a curved opening (not shown) positioned on an exposed surface of the sheet when joined within the sheet. The curved opening can receive an extraction tool to remove the sheet from the slot. Upon removing the seat, face insert 1726 is loosened within recess 1712 and can then be removed to be exchanged with a face insert 1726 of a different material. Face inserts 1726 of different materials allow for different feels and sounds during impact.

Face inserts may be made of steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, or any other material. Sheets may also be made of steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, or any other material. Additionally, the sheet may be a cushioning material. Additionally, the seat may be the same material as the face insert in some instances or may be made of a separate material in other instances.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 89 and 90, putter golf club head 6000 has a front end 196, a back end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, and a top rail. (182), brush (192) and leading edge (6015). The outer surface of the putter golf club head 6000 defines a recess 6022. More specifically, the top wall 6023, the toe wall 6024, the heel wall 6025 opposite the toe wall 6024, and the rear wall 6026 of the putter golf club head 6000 all have a recess 6022. form Recess 6022 of putter golf club head 6000 may extend rearward from front end 196 toward rear end 194.

Putter golf club head 6000 may include face insert 6010. In this embodiment, the face insert 6010 of the putter golf club head 6000 may include a ball striking face plate 6012. The ball striking face plate 6012 may include a front striking surface 6011 and a rear surface 6013 opposite the front striking surface 6011. The front striking surface 6011 of the ball striking face plate 6012 may include a groove 6020 similar to the groove described above. The rear surface 6013 of the ball striking face plate 6012 is adjacent and contacts the rear wall 6026 of the recess 6022. In many embodiments, face insert 6010 may be coupled to recess 6022 by adhesive 6016. Adhesive 6016 may be provided between face insert 5010 and recess 6022. Adhesive 6016 may be similar to the adhesives described above. In many embodiments, face insert 6010 may form part of front end 196 and sole 192.

In many embodiments, face insert 6010 may provide the advantage of a softer, more unique sound/feel during impact of a golf ball against a putter face without a face insert. The softer, more distinctive sound/feel during impact of the golf ball corresponds to the hardness and material of the face insert 6010. The material and hardness of the face insert 6010 may be similar to the materials and hardness described above. The soft feel and sound can be enjoyable for players and prevent the distraction that other golf club heads can cause with their louder impact sounds. This soft, unique sound/feel during impact of the golf ball can help the player focus and improve his or her score.

Multi-part face insert

In some embodiments, the face insert may include a two-part system. In these embodiments, a two-part system of face inserts may include a ball striking face plate and face insert base, a polymeric material and frame, or a plurality of openings. A face insert comprising a two-part system may include the grooves described above.

Ball striking face plate and face insert base

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

The first or second material may include a polymeric material. The polymeric material may include polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinylchloride, or any other polymeric material. In many embodiments, the face insert may include PEBAX. More specifically, PEBAX is a polyether block amide, a thermoplastic elastomer made from flexible polyethers and rigid polyamides. Rigid polyamides may include nylon. PEBAX may comprise different compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, polyether content and/or polyamide content. In many embodiments, the PEBAX may include PEBAX 4033 (from Arkema, Paris, France) or PEBAX 6333 (from Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX 4033 (from Arkema, Paris, France) contains 53% by weight teramethylene oxide and nylon 12. PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) contains nylon 11. The first and second materials may have similar polyether content, polyamide content, or Shore D hardness values as described above.

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

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

The ball striking face plate of the face insert may have a thickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate may range from 0.015 to 0.115 inches. In some embodiments, the ball striking face plate may have a thickness of 0.015 to 0.045 inches, 0.020 to 0.050 inches, 0.025 to 0.055 inches, 0.050 to 0.100 inches, 0.055 to 0.105 inches, 0.060 to 0.110 inches, or 0.065 to 0.115 inches. can be range there is. In some embodiments, the ball striking face plate has a thickness of at least 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090. , 0.095, 0.10, 0.105 , may be 0.110 or 0.115 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate is 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, It may be 0.110 or 0.115 inches or more. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate is 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, It may be less than 0.110 or 0.115 inches. For example, the thickness of ball striking face plate is 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110 Or it could be 0.115 inches.

In other embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate may range from 0.115 to 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate may range from 0.115 to 0.20 inches, 0.15 to 0.30 inches, 0.20 to 0.30 inches, 0.25 to 0.35 inches, or 0.30 to 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate may be at least 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 or 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate may be greater than or equal to 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 or 0.40. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate may be no more than 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inches. For example, the thickness of the ball striking face plate may be 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 or 0.40 inches.

The face insert base of the face insert may have a thickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base may range from 0.05 to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base may range from 0.05 to 0.10 inches, or from 0.10 to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base may be at least 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 or 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base may be 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inches or more. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base may be no more than 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inches. For example, the thickness of the face insert base may be 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 or 0.20 inches.

In other embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base may range from 0.20 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base may range from 0.20 to 0.50 inches, 0.30 to 0.60 inches, 0.40 to 0.70 inches, or 0.50 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base may range from 0.20 to 0.40 inches, 0.30 to 0.50 inches, 0.40 to 0.60 inches, 0.50 to 0.70 inches, or 0.60 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base of the face insert may be at least 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75 or 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base of the face insert may be 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches or more. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base of the face insert may be no more than 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches. For example, the thickness of the face insert base may be 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75 or 0.80 inches.

I. Metal ball striking face plate and polymer face insert base

81-84 illustrate another embodiment of a putter head including face insert 1910. The putter head further includes a recess located on the front surface of the putter head (not shown). Face insert 1910 is located within the recess. The face insert (1910) can produce a unique feeling and sound when hitting the ball. The metal face insert alone produces a solid sound and feel. Face insert 1910 provides a softer sound and feel than a metal face insert because it includes a composition of metallic and/or non-metallic materials as described herein.

Face insert 1910 includes a ball striking face plate 1912 and a face insert base 1914. Ball striking face plate 1912 includes a front striking surface 1911 and a rear surface 1913 opposite the front striking surface 1911. The rear surface 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912 is aligned with a portion of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914. Accordingly, the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914 is adjacent the rear surface 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912. When the rear surface 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912 is positioned on the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914, the ball striking face plate 1912 is positioned on the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914. ) covers more than 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the area.

As illustrated in FIG. 81 , the ball striking face plate 1912 has a toe portion 1970 proximate the toe end 180, a heel portion 1974 proximate the heel end 190, and the toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974. ) is divided horizontally into three parts, with the central part (1972) located between them. As illustrated in Figure 84. The ball striking face plate has an upper rail portion 1976 adjacent the upper rail 182, a sole portion 1980 adjacent the sole 192, and an intermediate portion 1978 located between the upper rail portion 1976 and the sole portion 1980. It is further separated vertically into three parts.

Ball striking face plate 1912 further includes grooves 1920 located on front striking surface 1911, where grooves 1920 define ball striking face/ball striking surfaces 112, 212, 312, 412, 512. , 612, 712, 1012, 1412, 1500, 1612, 1812, 2212, 3212, 4212, 5212). Groove 1920 has a depth, and the depth of groove 1920 varies in a direction extending between heel end 190 and toe end 180 and in a direction extending between upper rail 182 and sole 192. . More specifically, the groove 1920 changes from the toe portion 1970 toward the heel portion 1974 and from the upper rail portion 1976 toward the sole portion 1980. The depth of the groove 1920 increases from the toe portion 1970 and the heel portion 1974 toward the center portion 1972. Similarly, the depth of groove 1920 increases from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 towards middle portion 1978. The deepest portion of groove 1920 is formed by a generally flat surface portion of groove 1920. A generally flat surface portion is located at the joined central portion 1972 and intermediate portion 1978 in groove 1920. The variable depth of the grooves 1920 of the exemplary embodiment increases tolerability by allowing for a more normalized strike across the ball striking face plate 1912.

In some examples, the ball striking face plate 1912 and face insert base 1914 of face insert 1910 may be formed of the same material. The material may be steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, copolymers, or any other material. As illustrated in Figure 81. Both the ball striking face plate 1912 and face insert base 1914 of face insert 1910 are formed from polymers or copolymers, such as blocks of polyamide and polyether. In another example, the ball striking face plate 1912 of face insert 1910 may include a different material than the face insert base 1914. As illustrated in Figure 82, ball striking face plate 1912 is formed from a metallic material and face insert base 1914 is formed from a non-metallic material. The metallic material of the ball striking face plate 1912 may be steel, tungsten, aluminum, nickel, titanium, metal alloy, composite or other metal. The face insert base 1914 may be a non-metallic material such as a polymer, a polymer with heavy fillers or plates, a copolymer, a composite or any type of polymer. The copolymer or polymer may be a block copolymer of polyamides and polyethers. The polymer is not a polymer with polyurethanes or isocyanates. The ball striking face plate 1912 is positioned on the face insert base 1914 such that the rear surface 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912 is adjacent the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914.

In examples where ball striking face plate 1912 and face insert base 1914 include the same material, overall face insert 1910 may be 0.100 inch to 0.200 inch, 0.100 inch to 0.125 inch, or 0.125 inch to 0.150 inch. It may have a thickness of 0.150 inch to 0.175 inch, 0.175 inch to 0.200 inch, 0.100 inch to 0.150 inch, or 0.150 inch to 0.200 inch. For example, face insert 1910 may be 0.100 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, 0.150 inches, 0.160 inches, 0.170 inches, 0.180 inches, 0.190 inches, or 0.200 inches thick. In one example, face insert 1910 may be 0.185 inches. In an example where ball striking face plate 1912 and face insert base 1914 include different materials, ball striking face plate 1912 has a thickness and face insert base 1914 has a thickness. Ball striking faces range from 0.005 inch to 0.035 inch, 0.005 inch to 0.010 inch, 0.010 inch to 0.015 inch, 0.015 inch to 0.020 inch, 0.020 inch to 0.025 inch, 0.025 inch to 0.030 inch, and 0.030 inch to 0.030 inch. 035 or 0.013 inch to 0.025 inch It can have a thickness of For example, ball striking face plate 1912 may have a thickness of 0.005 inches, 0.010 inches, 0.015 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches, or 0.035 inches. Face insert base 1914 can be 0.095 inch to 0.200 inch, 0.095 inch to 0.115 inch, 0.115 inch to 0.135 inch, 0.135 inch to 0.155 inch, 0.155 inch to 0.175 inch, 0.175 inch to 0.200 inch, or 0.175 inch to 0.200 inch. 135 inches to 0.200 inches It can have a range of thicknesses. For example, the face insert base (1914) is available in sizes of 0.095 inch, 0.105 inch, 0.115 inch, 0.125 inch, 0.135 inch, 0.145 inch, 0.155 inch, 0.165 inch, 0.175 inch, 0.185 inch, 0.195 inch, or 0.200 inch. have a thickness You can.

Face insert 1910 can be formed by a number of different processes. Different molding processes include injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, laser molding, film insert molding, gas-assisted molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3D printing, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the face insert may have any combination of the thickness and forming processes described above. Ball striking face plate 1912 can be manufactured by a number of different processes, such as forging, forming, stamping, electroforming, casting, forming, machining, or combinations thereof. Similarly, the face insert base 1914 can be molded in a number of ways, such as injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, film insert molding, gas-assisted molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3D printing, or any combination thereof. Can be manufactured by different processes. Additionally, ball striking face plate 1912 and face insert base 1914 may have any combination of thicknesses and forming processes described above.

Face insert 1910 may be positioned within the recess on the front face of the putter head by adhesive 1922, such as tape, glue, epoxy, or any type of adhesive compound. Face insert 1910 may be further positioned on the front face of the putter head by fasteners or pins (not shown). In examples where ball striking face plate 1912 includes a different material than face insert base 1914, ball striking face plate 1912 has a rear surface 1913 of ball striking face plate 1912 and face insert base 1914. ) may be secured to the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914 by any adhesive 1916 such as epoxy, glue, tape, or any other securing compound thereof, positioned between the front faces 1918 of the face insert base 1914. there is. For example, ball striking face plate 1912 can be attached to face insert base 1914 by very high adhesive (VHB) tape 0.010-0.015 inches thick, spray adhesive 0.003 inches thick, or applied adhesive.

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

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

As illustrated in FIG. 82, ball striking face plate 1912 is forged from aluminum sheet and formed from a metallic material having a thickness of 0.030 inches. The ball striking face plate 1912 has grooves 1920 that change to increase from the toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward the center portion 1972 and from the upper rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward the middle portion 1978. ) further includes. The bottom portion of the groove 1920, which is generally flat, has the deepest depth of the groove 1920. The generally flat bottom portion is located where the middle portion 1978 and the central portion 1972 are joined. The face insert base (1914) is made from a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether and is 0.105 inches thick. The ball striking face plate 1912 is attached to the face insert base 1914 by VHB tape and covers more than 96% of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914, but ) can cover more than 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the front surface (1918). Face insert 1910 is coated with PVD. The combination of metallic materials and block copolymers of polyamide and polyether in the ball striking face plate (1912) allows for a softer sound and feel during impact. Additionally, the variable depth of the grooves 1920 is deepest in the middle 1978 and the middle 1972 allows for more hit tolerance.

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

In another example, ball striking face plate 1912 may be formed of a metal material molded or stamped from aluminum sheet and have a thickness of 0.030 inches. The ball striking face plate 1912 has grooves 1920 that change to increase from the toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward the center portion 1972 and from the upper rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward the middle portion 1978. ) further includes. The bottom portion of the groove 1920, which is generally flat, has the deepest depth of the groove 1920. The generally flat bottom portion is located at the joint of the middle portion 1978 and the central portion 1972. The face insert base (1914) is made from a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether and is 0.113 inches thick. Ball striking face plate 1912 is attached to face insert base 1914 by epoxy positioned between rear surface 1913 of ball striking face plate 1912 and front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914. . The ball striking face plate covers more than 92% of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914, but covers 91%, 93%, 94%, and 91% of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914. It can cover 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%. Face insert 1910 is coated with a Type II anodized finish. The combination of metallic materials and block copolymers of polyamide and polyether in the ball striking face plate (1912) allows for a softer sound and feel during impact. Additionally, the variable depth of the grooves 1920 is deepest in the middle 1978 and the middle 1972 allows for more hit tolerance.

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

In another example, ball striking face plate 1912 is formed from a metal material electroformed from nickel sheet and has a thickness of 0.030 inches. The ball striking face plate 1912 has grooves 1920 that change to increase from the toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward the center portion 1972 and from the upper rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward the middle portion 1978. ) further includes. The bottom portion of the groove 1920, which is generally flat, has the deepest depth of the groove 1920. The generally flat bottom portion is located where the middle portion 1978 and the central portion 1972 are joined. The face insert base (1914) is made from a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether and is 0.140 inches thick. Ball striking face plate 1912 is attached to face insert base 1914 by adhesive positioned between rear surface 1913 of ball striking face plate 1912 and front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914. . Ball striking face plate 1912 covers 100% of the front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914, but covers 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% of front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914. It can cover areas exceeding %, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, and 99%. Face insert 1910 is coated with a Type II anodized finish. Face insert 1910 is coated with PVD. The combination of metallic materials and block copolymers of polyamide and polyether in the ball striking face plate (1912) allows for a softer sound and feel during impact. Additionally, the variable depth of the grooves 1920 is deepest in the middle 1978 and the middle 1972 allows for more hit tolerance.

II. Polymer Ball Striking Faceplate and Polymer Face Insert Mace

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 91 and 92, putter golf club head 6100 has a front end 196, a back end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, and a top rail. (182), brush (192) and tip (6115). The outer surface of the putter golf club head 6100 defines a recess 6122. More specifically, the top wall 6123, the toe wall 6124, the heel wall 6125 opposite the toe wall 6124, and the rear wall 6126 of the putter golf club head 6100 all have a recess 6122. form Recess 6122 of putter golf club head 6100 may extend rearward from front end 196 toward rear end 194.

Putter golf club head 6100 may include face insert 6110. In this embodiment, face insert 6110 of putter golf club head 6100 may include a ball striking face plate 6112 and a face insert base 6114. The ball striking face plate 6112 may include a front striking surface 6111 and a rear surface 6113 opposite the front striking surface 6111. The front striking surface 6111 of the ball striking face plate 6112 may include a groove 6120 similar to the groove described above. The rear surface 6113 of the ball striking face plate 6112 may be similar to the rear surface 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912 as illustrated in FIG. 83 . Face insert base 6114 may include a front surface 6118. Front surface 6118 of face insert base 6114 may be similar to front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914 as illustrated in FIG. 83 . The rear surface 6113 of the ball striking face plate 6112 is adjacent a portion of the front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114.

When the rear surface 6113 of the ball striking face plate 6112 is positioned on the front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114, the ball striking face plate 6112 is positioned on the front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114 ( 6118), the portion exceeding 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100 Covers %. The front striking surface 6111 of the ball striking face plate 6112 may include a groove 6120 similar to the groove described above.

In some embodiments, ball striking face plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 can have the same size and shape, and all edges of ball striking face plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 are coplanar with each other. am. In some embodiments, face insert base 6114 may form a continuous border or perimeter around ball striking face plate 6112. In some embodiments, face insert base 6114 can wrap around ball striking plate 6112. In other embodiments, face insert base 6114 may wrap around ball striking plate 6112 at sole 192, toe end 180, upper rail 182, heel end 190, or any combination thereof. You can. In some embodiments, face insert base 6114 may form a leading edge 6115. In another embodiment, face insert base 6114 and ball striking face plate 6112 may form leading edge 6115. In other embodiments, face insert base 6114 may form a partial border or perimeter around ball striking face plate 6112. In these embodiments, the face insert base 6114 is positioned on the ball striking face at the toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, sole 192, leading edge 6115, or any combination thereof. A partial boundary may be formed around plate 6112. In one embodiment, face insert base 6114 may contact ball striking face plate 6112 at a leading edge 6115.

When the recess 6112 of the putter golf club head 6100 receives the face insert 6110, the rear surface 6113 of the ball striking face plate 6112 is adjacent to the front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114. and the face insert base 6114 contacts the rear wall 6126 of the recess 6122. In many embodiments, ball striking face plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 are similar to ball striking face plate 1912, face insert base 1914, and adhesive 1916 as illustrated in Figure 83. , can be joined together by adhesives. In many embodiments, face insert base 6614 may be coupled to the recess by an adhesive, similar to face insert base 1914 and adhesive 6122 as illustrated in FIG. 83 . The type of adhesive used to join the ball striking face plate 6112 and the face insert base 6114 to the putter golf club head 6000 may be similar to the adhesive described above.

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

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 93 and 94, putter golf club head 6200 has a front end 196, a back end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, and a top rail. (182), sole (192) and leading edge (6215). The outer surface of the putter golf club head 6200 defines a recess 6222. More specifically, the top wall 6223, toe wall 6228, heel wall 6225, and back wall 6226 of the putter golf club head 6200 all form a recess 6222. Recess 6222 of putter golf club head 6200 may extend rearward from front end 196 toward rear end 194.

Putter golf club head 6200 may include face insert 6210. Face insert 6210 may form part of front end 196. In this embodiment, face insert 6210 of putter golf club head 6200 may include a ball striking face plate 6212 and a face insert base 6214. The ball striking face plate 6212 may include a front striking surface 6211 and a rear surface 6213 opposite the front striking surface 6211.

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

Face insert base recess 6230 may be configured to receive ball striking face plate 6212. The rear surface 6213 of the ball striking face plate 6312 is adjacent the face insert base recess 6230. Specifically, the face insert base upper wall 6233, face insert base toe wall 6234, face insert base heel wall 6235, face insert base rear wall 6236, and face insert base bottom wall of the face insert base 6214. 6237 are all configured to receive ball striking face plate 6212. In this embodiment, face insert base 6214 may form a border or perimeter around ball striking face plate 6312. Additionally, the ball striking face plate 6312 may have a shape complementary to the recess 6220 of the face insert base 6214, resulting in a front striking surface 6211 that is coplanar with the face insert base 6214. The front striking surface 6211 of the ball striking face plate 6212 may include a groove 6220 similar to the groove described above.

When the recess 6222 receives the face insert 6210, the rear surface 6201 of the ball striking face plate 6212 is received within the face insert base recess 6230, and the face insert base 6214 is positioned in the recess 6210. It contacts the rear wall 6226 of the set 6222. In many embodiments, ball striking face plate 6212 and face insert base 6214 may be joined together by press fitting or an adhesive similar to the adhesives described above. In many embodiments, face insert base 6214 may be joined to the recess by adhesive as described above. In some embodiments, face insert base recess 6230 may secure ball striking face plate 6212 with a pinching force or press fit. More specifically, the face insert base top wall 6233, face insert base toe wall 6234, face insert base heel wall 6235, face insert base rear wall 6236, and face insert base bottom of face insert base 6214. Wall 6237 may secure ball striking face plate 6212 by pinching force or pressing.

IV. Ball striking face plate and face insert base combination structure

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 95 and 96, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6310. In this embodiment, face insert 6310 of putter golf club head 6300 (not shown) may include a ball striking face plate 6312 and a face insert base 6314. Ball striking face plate 6312 may include a front striking surface 6312 and a rear surface 6313 opposite the front striking surface 6312. The face insert base 6314 may include a front surface (not shown). Face insert 6310 may further include a coupling structure 6390 configured to couple ball striking face plate 6312 and face insert base 6314 together without adhesive, tape, or any other non-mechanical interlock coupling. . Engagement structure 6390 may include an undercut, a plurality of hooks, a plurality of tabs, a plurality of slots, a plurality of tabs and slots, or any other suitable mechanical interlock structure. In an example embodiment, engagement structure 6390 of face insert 6310 may include an undercut. In many embodiments, ball striking face plate 6312 may include an undercut, and ball striking face plate 6312 receives a complementary shape of face insert base 6314. In some embodiments, face insert base 6314 may include an undercut (not shown), and face insert base 6314 receives a complementary shape of ball striking face plate 6312. The front striking surface 6311 of the ball striking face plate 6312 may include a groove 6320 similar to the groove described above.

Additionally, in another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 97 , the coupling structure 6390 may include a plurality of hooks. In many embodiments, a plurality of hooks of engagement structure 6390 may be positioned on the rear surface 6313 of ball striking face plate 6312, where face insert base 6310 is positioned on ball striking face plate 6312. ) may include complementary slots or recesses configured to receive a plurality of hooks. In some embodiments, the plurality of hooks of engagement structure 6390 may be positioned on the front surface of face insert base 6314, where ball striking face plate 6312 is connected to the plurality of hooks of face insert base 6314. It may include a complementary slot or recess configured to accommodate.

Face inserts (1910, 6100, 6200, 6300) can provide the advantage of a softer, more unique sound/feel during golf ball impact. The softer, more distinctive sound/feel during impact of the golf ball corresponds to the hardness of the face insert. In many embodiments, the ball striking plate may comprise a lower hardness PEBAX 4033 (from Arkema, Paris, France) and the face insert base may comprise a higher hardness PEBAX 6333 (Paris, France) as described above. It may include products from Arkema, Inc. located in . The combination of the lower hardness of the ball striking face plate and the higher hardness of the face insert base provides a softer sound/feel during golf ball impact. A softer feel and sound can be enjoyable for the player, and this softer feel is advantageous over metal face inserts because it prevents the distractions that metal face inserts can cause with larger impact sounds. This soft, unique sound/feel during impact of the golf ball can help the player focus and improve his or her score.

polymer materials and frames

In another embodiment of a face insert comprising a two-part system, a putter golf club head may include a face insert comprising a polymeric material and a frame. The putter golf club head includes a face insert having a polymer material and the frame includes a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, an upper rail 182, and a sole 192. ) and leading edge. The outer surface of the putter golf club head defines a recess (not shown). More specifically, the top wall (not shown), the toe wall (not shown), the heel wall (not shown) opposite the toe wall, and the rear wall (not shown) of the putter golf club head all form a recess. The recess of the putter golf club head may extend rearward from the front end 196 toward the rear end 194.

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

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

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

In many embodiments, a face insert comprising a polymeric material and frame may include a trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, the face insert comprising the polymeric material and frame may include a rectangle, triangle, pentagon, polygon, or any other suitable shape. In many embodiments, the polymeric material of the face insert may include a shape similar to the face insert, such as a trapezoid, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, polygon, or any other suitable shape. Additionally, in many embodiments, the frame of the face insert may include a shape similar to the face insert, such as a trapezoid, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, polygon, or any other suitable shape. The face insert's frame and/or shape of polymeric material may be positioned on the front end 196, toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, or sole 192 of the putter golf club head. there is.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 98, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6410. Face insert 6410 of putter golf club head 6400 may include polymer material 6412 and frame 6414. Putter golf club head 6400 may include a leading edge 6415 between front end 196 and sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6400 may include a front striking surface 6411. The front striking surface 6411 of the front end 196 may include a groove 6420 similar to the groove described above. In this embodiment, frame 6414 may form a border or perimeter around polymeric material 6412. In this embodiment, frame 6414 may form a trapezoidal shape, where frame 6614 follows the contour of putter golf club head 6400. More specifically, frame 6414 may extend vertically across front end 196 from sole 192 to upper rail 182 at toe end 180 and from toe end 180 to heel end ( 190 and may extend parallel to the upper rail 182, and may extend at an angle from the upper rail 182 at the heel end 190 to the sole 192, and from the sole 192 to the rear end 194. ) can be extended to the side a predetermined distance. Frame 6414 may extend rearward from front end 196 toward rear end 194. In many embodiments, frame 6414 and polymeric material 6412 may wrap leading edge 6415 from front end 196 of putter golf club head 6400 to sole 192. Additionally, the polymeric material 6412 and frame 6414 of face insert 6410 may form part of the front striking surface 6411, leading edge 6415, and sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6412 may form a larger portion of face insert 6410 than frame 6414.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 99, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6510. Face insert 6510 of putter golf club head 6500 may include polymer material 6512 and frame 6514. Putter golf club head 6500 may include a leading edge 6515 between front end 196 and sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6500 may include a front striking surface 6511. The front striking surface 6511 of the front end 196 may include a groove 6520 similar to the groove described above. In this embodiment, frame 6514 may separate polymeric material 6512 into a toe end portion proximate to toe end 180 and a heel end portion proximate to heel end 190. In this embodiment, frame 6514 may include a trapezoidal shape on front end 196 and a rectangular shape on sole 192. In this embodiment, the toe end portion and heel end portion of polymeric material 6512 may include a triangular shape on front end 196 and a triangular shape on sole 192. In many embodiments, frame 6514 and polymeric material 6512 may wrap leading edge 6615 from front end 196 of putter golf club head 6500 to sole 192. In this embodiment, frame 6514 may form part of front striking surface 6511, leading edge 6515, and sole 192. In this embodiment, frame 6514 may form a larger portion of face insert 6510 and/or front striking surface 6511 than polymeric material 6512.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 100 , the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6610. Face insert 6610 of putter golf club head 6600 may include polymeric material 6612 and frame 6614. Putter golf club head 6600 may include a leading edge 6615 between front end 196 and sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6600 may include a front striking surface 6611. The front striking surface 6611 of the front end 196 may include a groove 6620 similar to the groove described above. In this embodiment, frame 6614 may form a border or perimeter around polymeric material 6612. In this embodiment, frame 6614 includes polymeric material 6612 at a toe end portion proximate to toe end 180, a heel end portion proximate to heel end 190, and a central portion proximate the center of front striking surface 6611. can be separated. Frame 6614 may extend around the perimeter of front striking surface 6611. Additionally, a portion of the frame 6614 may extend inward from the perimeter of the front striking surface 6611 toward the center of the front striking surface 6611. The portion of frame 6614 that extends inwardly may separate polymeric material 6612 into a toe end portion, a heel end portion, and a center portion. The toe end portion, heel end portion, and center portion of polymeric material 6612 may include a trapezoidal shape. In this embodiment, frame 6614 may form part of front striking surface 6611, leading edge 6615, and sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6612 may form a larger portion of face insert 6610 and/or front striking surface 6611 than frame 6614.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 101 , the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6710. Face insert 6710 of putter golf club head 6700 may include polymer material 6712 and frame 6714. Putter golf club head 6700 may include a leading edge 6715 between front end 196 and sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6700 may include a front striking surface 6711. The front striking surface 6711 of the front end 196 may include a groove 6720 similar to the groove described above. In this embodiment, frame 6714 includes polymeric material 6712 at a toe end portion proximate to toe end 180, a heel end portion proximate heel end 190, and a central portion proximate the center of front striking surface 6711. can be separated. Additionally, a portion of the frame 6714 may extend inward from the perimeter of the front striking surface 6711 toward the center of the front striking surface 6711. The portion of frame 6714 that extends inwardly may separate polymeric material 6712 into a toe end portion, a heel end portion, and a center portion. The toe end portion, heel end portion, and center portion of polymeric material 6712 may include a trapezoidal shape on front striking surface 6711. The toe end portion and heel end portion of polymeric material 6712 may include a triangular shape on sole 192 and the central portion of polymeric material 6712 may include a rectangular shape on sole 192. .

Frame 6714 also forms a perimeter or perimeter around front striking surface 6711 and a central portion of polymeric material 6717 on sole 192. Frame 6714 forms a border or perimeter around the toe end portion and heel end portion of polymeric material 6712 on sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6712 and frame 6714 may form part of front striking surface 6711, leading edge 6715, and sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6717 may form a larger portion of face insert 6710, front striking surface 6711, and/or sole 192.

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

Additionally, frame 6814 may follow the peripheral contour of front striking surface 6811. Frame 6814 may further include two vertical portions extending from top rail 182 toward sole 192. The two vertical portions of frame 6814 have polymeric material 6812 in a toe end portion proximate to toe end 180, a heel end portion proximate to heel end 190, and a central portion proximal to the center of front striking surface 6811. can be separated. The toe end portion, heel end portion, and center portion of polymeric material 6812 may have a rectangular shape on front striking surface 6811. The toe end portion and heel end portion of polymeric material 6812 may have a triangular shape in sole 192 and the central portion of polymeric material 6812 may have a rectangular shape in sole 192. In many embodiments, frame 6814 and polymeric material 6812 can wrap around leading edge 6815 from front end 196 to sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6812 and frame 6814 may form part of front striking surface 6811, leading edge 6815, and sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6812 may form a larger portion of face insert 6810, front striking surface 6811, and/or sole 192.

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

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

The recesses of the putter golf club heads 6400, 6500, 6600, 6700, 6800 and 6900 are configured to receive face inserts 6410, 6510, 6610, 6710, 6810 and 6910, respectively. In many embodiments, the polymer material of the face insert and the frame may be joined together in a recess. In some embodiments, the polymer material of the face insert and the frame may be individually bonded to the recess. In many embodiments, a face insert comprising a polymeric material and frame may be bonded to the recess with the adhesive described above. In some embodiments, the frame of the face insert may secure the polymeric material by pinching or pressing.

Face inserts (6410, 6510, 6610, 6710, 6810 and 6910) offer the benefits of improved sound, feel and vision during golf ball impact. The polymer material and frame of the face insert can provide the advantage of a softer sound/feel during golf ball impact. A softer sound/feel corresponds to the hardness of the face insert. In many embodiments, the polymeric material may include PEBAX and the frame may include the metals described above. In some embodiments, the polymeric material can include PEBAX and the frame can include PEBAX as described above. Polymer materials and a combination of PEBAX and metal, or PEBAX and PEBAX in the frame provide a softer feel/sound upon golf ball impact. This soft feel is advantageous over metal-only face inserts because the soft feel and sound can be enjoyable for the player and metal-only face inserts prevent distractions that can cause loud impact sounds. Additionally, the frame of the face insert can act as a visual aid for the player. The face insert's frame can help players optimize their shot trajectory by centering the golf ball on the front hitting surface. In other scenarios, the face insert's frame can help the player optimize the shot trajectory by positioning the golf ball at the toe end or heel end of the front striking surface.

multiple openings

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

The plurality of openings in the face insert may be positioned linearly, non-linearly or randomly from the heel end 190 to the toe end 180 and/or from the sole 192 to the top rail 182 of the putter golf club head. Additionally, the plurality of openings may be the same or gradually increase, gradually decrease, vary, or any of these from the heel end 190 to the toe end 180 and/or from the sole 192 to the upper rail 182. It can have a size of a combination of .

Additionally, the plurality of openings may have a density of numerical apertures. The numerical aperture density may increase, decrease, change, or any combination thereof toward the desired end of the putter golf club head. In some embodiments, the density of numerical apertures may increase, decrease, vary, or in the form of any combination thereof toward the heel end 190, toe end 180, sole 192, and/or upper rail 182. You can.

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

In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 104. Putter golf club head 7000 includes a front end 196, a back end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, an upper rail 182, and a sole 192. The outer surface of the putter golf club head 7000 defines a recess 7022. More specifically, the top wall 7023, the toe wall 7024, the heel wall 7025 opposite the toe wall 7024, the back wall 7026, and the bottom wall 7027 of the putter golf club head 7000 are all Forms a recess 7022. Recess 7022 of putter golf club head 7000 may extend rearward from front end 196 toward rear end 194.

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

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

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

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

52, a process 2000 for manufacturing a golf club head according to an example is illustrated. Process 2000 includes forming a golf club face formed by a toe end, a heel end, an upper rail, and a sole (block 2002). The golf club face may be formed with the golf club head such that the golf club head and golf club face are an integrated, continuous part. Alternatively, the golf club head and golf club face may be formed separately. The golf club face may then be attached to the golf club face using adhesives, tapes, welding, soldering, fasteners and/or other suitable methods and devices. The golf club head and/or golf club face may be made from any material. For example, the golf club head and/or golf club face may be made of titanium, titanium alloys, other titanium-based materials, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys, other metals, metal alloys, plastics, wood, composites, or other suitable types of materials. can be manufactured. Golf club heads and/or golf club faces may be stamped (i.e., punched, blanked, embossed, bent, flanged or coined, cast using a mechanical press or stamping press), injection molded, forged, machined, or a combination thereof; It may be formed using a variety of processes, such as other processes used in the manufacture of metal, plastic and/or composite parts, and/or other suitable processes. In one example, when manufacturing a putter head, the materials of the putter face and/or ball striking face may be determined to impart desired ball striking and rolling characteristics to the putter face. In another example, the ball striking faces 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412, 1812, 1500, 2212, 3212, 4212, and 5212 are the putter faces 110, 810, 910. When separated from and inserted into and attached to a correspondingly shaped depression on the putter face 110, 810, 910, the striking face 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412, 1812 , 1500, 2212, 3212, 4212, and 5212) are composed of lighter materials than the putter faces 110, 810, and 910, which can reduce the overall weight of the putter overall.

According to Process (2000), the grooves are formed on the upper part such that each groove extends between the toe end and the heel end and the depth of the groove varies between the direction it extends between the upper rail and the sole and the direction it extends between the heel end and the toe end. Formed on the club face and/or club head between the rail and sole (2004 block). Grooves may be formed using a variety of processes such as casting, forging, machining, spin milling, and/or other suitable processes. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove may vary depending on how the groove is manufactured. For example, the type of cutting bit when machining a groove can determine the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove may be symmetrical, as in the examples described above, or it 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. Therefore, 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 manufactured by spin milling the ball striking face, or by stamping or forging grooves into the ball striking face. Grooves can also be manufactured directly on the putter head to form a ball striking face as described above directly above the putter head. The grooves can be manufactured by pressure molding the grooves on the putter head. For example, a press may deform and/or displace the material of the putter head to form grooves. The grooves may be manufactured by a milling process where the axis of rotation of the milling tool is perpendicular to the putter face. The milling tool's axis of rotation may be oriented at an angle other than perpendicular to the putter face. Grooves can be made by overlaying a piece of material that has been cleanly cut through to form a through groove on the base or solid material. Grooves may be manufactured by laser and/or thermal etching or erosion of the putter face material. Grooves can be produced by chemically eroding the putter face material using a photo mask. Grooves can be produced by electro/chemically eroding the putter face material using a chemical mask such as wax or petrochemicals. Grooves can be made by grinding the face material using air or water as a carrier medium for an abrasive material such as sand. Any one or combination of the methods discussed above may be used to produce one or more grooves on the putter head. Additionally, other methods used to form depressions in any material may be used to produce the grooves.

Example 1

An example putter golf club head 6100 including a face insert 6110 with PEBAX material was compared to a similar control putter golf club head without PEBAX material on the ball striking face plate. The face insert 6010 of an example putter golf club head includes a ball striking face plate 6112 and a face insert base 6114. The ball striking face plate 6112 and the face insert base 6114 of the face insert 6110 comprise PEBAX material, wherein the ball striking face plate 6112 comprises PEBAX 4033 (from Arkema, Paris, France). , the face insert base 6114 includes PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) has lower hardness than PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). The face insert of the control putter golf club head includes a ball striking face plate and an aluminum screen. The aluminum screen of the control putter golf club head contains aluminum material, and the ball striking face plate of the control putter golf club head contains PEBAX material.

Player testing was conducted to measure the sound, feel, and overall satisfaction between the example putter golf club head 6100 and the control putter golf club head. Based on the results, many players were satisfied with the impact feel, impact sound, impact feedback, ball speed and overall stroke of the putter golf club head 6100 compared to the control putter golf club head. Tested on 81 players using putters with and without inserts, 37 players were satisfied with the Control Putter golf club head and 44 players were satisfied with the Exemplary Putter golf club head (6100) did. The test data was then filtered to include players who only used putters with inserts. Filtered data containing 43 players showed that 84% of players preferred the example putter golf club head (6100) and 16% of players preferred the control putter golf club head. This data shows that players use PEBAX material for all components of the face insert (i.e., ball-striking faceplate and face insert base) more often than face inserts containing aluminum material and PEBAX material (i.e., ball-striking faceplate and aluminum screen). It shows that you prefer face inserts that include

Because the rules for golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted by golf standards bodies and/or governing bodies or old rules may be removed or modified), the methods, devices and /Or golf equipment related to articles of manufacture may or may not be compliant with the Rules of Golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the methods, devices, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The methods, devices and/or articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Although a specific order of operations is described above, these operations may be performed in other temporal orders. For example, the two or more operations described above may be performed sequentially, together, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more operations may be performed in reverse order. Additionally, 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 respect.

While the invention has been described in connection with various embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention, including such departures from this disclosure, which generally follow the principles of the invention and are within known and customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains. do.

Claims (20)

As a putter-type golf club head:
anterior end;
Toe end;
a heel end opposite the toe end;
upper rail;
a sole opposed to the upper rail;
leading edge;
a recess extending rearwardly from the front end; and
Face insert located within the recess
It includes, and the face insert includes,
Face insert base;
a ball striking face plate comprising a front striking surface and a rear surface, the rear surface positioned adjacent the front surface of the face insert base, and the leading edge positioned between the front striking surface and the sole; and
A plurality of grooves disposed on the ball striking face plate between the upper rail and the sole, each groove of the plurality of grooves extending between the toe end and the heel end,
wherein the face insert forms a portion of the sole and the front end of the club head;
A width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end;
A width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending from the upper rail to the brush;
the ball striking face plate comprises a first material and the face insert base comprises a second material;
The first material is a PEBAX polymer with a Shore D hardness in the range of 35 to 55, the second material is a PEBAX polymer with a Shore D hardness in the range of 50 to 75, and the Shore D hardness of the PEBAX polymer of the first material is the second material. 2 A putter-type golf club head with a hardness lower than Shore D of the PEBAX polymer of the material. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the depth of the groove varies in a direction extending between the upper rail and the sole and a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end; A putter-type golf club head, wherein the deepest portion of at least one groove is formed by a flat bottom surface of the groove. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ball striking face plate:
a heel portion adjacent to the heel end of the golf club head;
a toe portion proximate the toe end of the golf club head; and
Center located between the heel portion and the toe portion
Including,
A putter-type golf club head, wherein the depth of the groove located at the center of the ball striking face plate is deeper than the depth of the groove at the heel portion and the toe portion. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ball striking face plate:
an upper rail portion adjacent to the upper rail of the golf club head;
a sole portion adjacent to the sole of the golf club head; and
The middle portion located between the upper rail portion and the sole portion
Including,
A putter-type golf club head, wherein the depth of the groove located in the middle portion of the ball striking face plate is deeper than the depth of the groove in the upper rail portion and the sole portion. delete delete As a putter-type golf club head:
anterior end;
toe end;
a heel end opposite the toe end;
upper rail;
a sole opposed to the upper rail;
leading edge;
a recess extending rearwardly from the front end; and
Face insert located within the recess
It includes, and the face insert includes,
A face insert base including a face insert base recess;
a ball striking face plate comprising a front striking surface and a rear surface, the ball striking face plate positioned within the face insert base recess, the leading edge positioned between the front striking surface and the sole; and
a plurality of grooves disposed on the ball striking face plate between the upper rail and the sole, each groove of the plurality of grooves extending between the toe end and the heel end,
wherein the face insert forms a portion of the sole and the front end of the club head;
A width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end;
A width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending from the upper rail to the brush;
the ball striking face plate comprises a first material and the face insert base comprises a second material;
The first material is a PEBAX polymer with a Shore D hardness in the range of 35 to 55, the second material is a PEBAX polymer with a Shore D hardness in the range of 50 to 75, and the Shore D hardness of the PEBAX polymer of the first material is the second material. 2 A putter-type golf club head with a hardness lower than Shore D of the PEBAX polymer of the material. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the depth of the groove varies in a direction extending between the upper rail and the sole and a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end; A putter-type golf club head, wherein the deepest portion of at least one groove is formed by a flat bottom surface of the groove. 8. The ball striking face plate of claim 7, wherein:
a heel portion adjacent to the heel end of the golf club head;
a toe portion proximate the toe end of the golf club head; and
Center located between the heel portion and the toe portion
Including,
A putter-type golf club head, wherein the depth of the groove located at the center of the ball striking face plate is deeper than the depth of the groove at the heel portion and the toe portion. 8. The ball striking face plate of claim 7, wherein:
an upper rail portion adjacent to the upper rail of the golf club head;
a sole portion adjacent to the sole of the golf club head; and
The middle portion located between the upper rail portion and the sole portion
Including,
A putter-type golf club head, wherein the depth of the groove located in the middle portion of the ball striking face plate is deeper than the depth of the groove in the upper rail portion and the sole portion. delete delete As a putter-type golf club head:
anterior end;
toe end;
a heel end opposite the toe end;
upper rail;
a sole opposed to the upper rail;
a leading edge positioned between the front striking surface and the sole;
a recess extending rearwardly from the front end; and
Face insert located within the recess
It includes, and the face insert includes,
polymeric materials;
frame; and
a plurality of grooves disposed on the ball striking face plate between the upper rail and the sole, each groove of the plurality of grooves extending between the toe end and the heel end,
wherein the face insert forms a portion of the sole and the front end of the club head;
A width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end;
A width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending from the upper rail to the brush;
A putter-type golf club head, wherein the polymeric material comprises a PEBAX polymer, and the frame comprises a metallic material or a PEBAX polymer. delete 14. The putter-type golf club head of claim 13, wherein the polymeric material and the frame wrap around the leading edge of the putter golf club head. 16. The putter-type golf club head of claim 15, wherein the frame forms a perimeter around the polymeric material. 16. The putter-type golf club head of claim 15, wherein the frame separates the polymer material into a toe end portion, a heel end portion and a center portion. 18. The putter-type golf club head of claim 17, wherein the frame extends inward from a perimeter of the front striking surface toward the center of the front striking surface. 18. The putter-type golf club head of claim 17, wherein the frame includes two vertical portions extending from the top rail of the putter golf club head to the sole side. 14. The putter-type golf club head of claim 13, wherein the frame secures the polymer material with a pinching force.

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