US20100234125A1 - High launch and low spin golf ball and golf club combination - Google Patents

High launch and low spin golf ball and golf club combination Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100234125A1
US20100234125A1 US12/404,701 US40470109A US2010234125A1 US 20100234125 A1 US20100234125 A1 US 20100234125A1 US 40470109 A US40470109 A US 40470109A US 2010234125 A1 US2010234125 A1 US 2010234125A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
golf club
golf
ball
golf ball
degrees
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/404,701
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Steven Aoyama
Andrew Curtis
Daniel Stone
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Acushnet Co
Original Assignee
Acushnet Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Acushnet Co filed Critical Acushnet Co
Priority to US12/404,701 priority Critical patent/US20100234125A1/en
Assigned to ACUSHNET COMPANY reassignment ACUSHNET COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: STONE, DANIEL, CURTIS, ANDREW, AOYAMA, STEVEN
Priority to JP2010055369A priority patent/JP2010214111A/ja
Priority to CN2010102147765A priority patent/CN101874923A/zh
Publication of US20100234125A1 publication Critical patent/US20100234125A1/en
Assigned to KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH reassignment KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: ACUSHNET COMPANY
Assigned to ACUSHNET COMPANY reassignment ACUSHNET COMPANY RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME (027346/0222) Assignors: KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0466—Heads wood-type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/0038—Intermediate layers, e.g. inner cover, outer core, mantle
    • A63B37/004—Physical properties
    • A63B37/0047—Density; Specific gravity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/005—Cores
    • A63B37/006—Physical properties
    • A63B37/0066—Density; Specific gravity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
    • A63B37/0072—Characteristics of the ball as a whole with a specified number of layers
    • A63B37/0076—Multi-piece balls, i.e. having two or more intermediate layers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
    • A63B37/0077—Physical properties
    • A63B37/0087—Deflection or compression
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0408—Heads characterised by specific dimensions, e.g. thickness
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/005—Club sets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a golf club and golf ball combination that creates high launch and low spin characteristics that maximize the travel distance of a golf ball after impact with a golf club. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club capable of generating a high launch angle and a low spin rate via a lower center of gravity. Additionally the present invention also relates to a golf ball having an unusually low spin rate along with certain ratios of the coefficient of lift (C L ), coefficient of drag (C D ), and the lift-to-drag ratio (C L /C D ) measured near the beginning of the flight to the same parameters measured later in flight.
  • C L coefficient of lift
  • C D coefficient of drag
  • C L /C D lift-to-drag ratio
  • the complexities of golf club design are known; further, the complexities of golf ball design are also known.
  • the design specifications for a golf club and a golf ball directly impact the launch conditions generated by a golf swing.
  • the design of a golf club and a golf ball can both individually contribute to improved performance characteristics such as high launch and low spin.
  • these designs although effective in maximizing launch angle and minimizing spin rate individually, fail to take into consideration the additional performance gains that are possible by correctly matching a golf club and a golf ball.
  • varying the performance characteristics of a golf club in parallel with the performance characteristic of a golf ball can produce a synergistic improvement in the performance characteristics of both of the components.
  • the current industry has been focused primarily on creating a golf club head that controls and improves the flight characteristics of a golf ball after impact with the golf club head.
  • the prominent considerations in golf club head design are loft, lie, face angle, horizontal face bulge, vertical face roll, center of gravity, rotational moment of inertia, material selection, and overall head weight.
  • the center of gravity is often adjusted to be moved to various locations within the golf club head to increase launch angle and control the spin of the golf ball.
  • movable weights such as weight assemblies and weight screws, for a golf club head are disclosed. More specifically, in one configuration, the club head CG is in a center-back location, resulting in a high launch angle and a relatively low initial spin rate for optimal distance.
  • a golf club head includes a club head body having a striking face, a soleplate, a toe, a heel and a hosel, wherein at least a portion of the body shell is composed of a flexible material having a density of less than approximately 2.5 g/cm 3 , and a tensile strength of at least approximately 465 MPa/(g/cm 3 ).
  • a hard ball design can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,124 to Tsunoda et al. for a Golf Ball.
  • a golf ball with a low spin rate, a high launch angle, and an increased flight distance is characterized by a ratio of primary natural frequency of the golf ball in a direction in which the ball deforms to a primary natural frequency of the ball in vibration mode along a direction of torsion (f c /f n ) being in the range of 2.22 to 2.45.
  • the solid core can effectively be formed from a plurality of layers having a complex modulus smallest at the inner core, larger at the intermediate layer(s) and the largest at the outermost layer to achieve a value (f c /f n ) in the range of 2.22 to 2.45.
  • a three-piece solid golf ball having long flight distance by accomplishing low ball rotation rate and high launch angle at the time of hitting while maintaining good shot feel is disclosed. More specifically, a three-piece solid golf ball comprising a core composed of a center and an intermediate layer formed on the center, and a cover covering the core and having many dimples on the surface thereof is disclosed.
  • a Multi-Layer Core Golf Ball having an improved multi-layer construction displaying enhanced playing characteristics including high speed, high launch, and low spin is disclosed. More specifically, a golf ball that displays improved performance in areas such as distance and feel for lower swing speed players having a relatively large solid inner core, with at least one solid outer core layer surrounding the inner core, and a thin cover layer surrounding the outermost core layer is disclosed.
  • the current art has been focused on addressing each of the two important components separately. More specifically, the current art utilizes shifting of weights in a golf club head as well as shifts in the center of gravity location within a golf club head without any consideration for a matching ball design. Alternatively, the current art has also attempted to address the problem by focusing on golf ball design utilizing multiple materials having different hardnesses, different core constructions, or even different complex modulus variations with little consideration for matching the golf club head.
  • a golf club and ball combination may comprises a golf club and a golf ball; wherein said golf ball achieves a launch angle ( ⁇ ) and an initial spin rate ( ⁇ i ) relationship defined as 86 ⁇ + ⁇ i ⁇ 4310 (where ⁇ is in degrees and ⁇ i is in rpm) when struck by the golf club.
  • a golf club and ball combination comprises a golf ball with a beginning to end coefficient of lift ratio of 0.64 to 3.20, a beginning to end coefficient of drag ratio of 0.76 to 0.99, and a beginning to end ratio of lift to drag ratio of 0.65 to 3.40; and a golf club with a center of gravity located 10 mm to 30 mm above a ground level.
  • “Beginning to end” coefficient ratios, as used in the current invention may generally refer to the coefficient measured during the beginning (ascent) portion of the flight divided by the coefficient measured during the end (descent) portion of the flight.
  • a method of maximizing travel distance of a golf ball comprises adjusting a center of gravity of a golf club to be located 10 mm to 30 mm above a ground level of the golf club, adjusting a beginning to end coefficient of lift ratio for the golf ball to be 0.64 to 3.20, adjusting a beginning to end coefficient of drag ratio of the golf ball to be 0.76 to 0.99, and adjusting a beginning to end ratio of lift to drag ratio of the golf ball to be 0.65 to 3.40; wherein the golf ball achieves a launch angle ( ⁇ ) and an initial spin rate ( ⁇ i ) relationship defined as 86 ⁇ + ⁇ i ⁇ 3710 when struck by the golf club.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a golf club head and a golf ball in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a golf club in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 shows a graphical representation of the effect of the center of gravity (CG) location on initial backspin
  • FIG. 4 shows a graphical representation of the effect of the center of gravity (CG) location on launch angle
  • FIG. 5 shows the forces acting on a golf ball in flight
  • FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf ball in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 shows a further cross-sectional view of a golf ball in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention generally relates to a golf club and golf ball combination that create a high launch and low spinning golf ball upon impact with a golf club. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club and golf ball combination wherein the golf ball achieves a launch angle ⁇ and an initial spin rate ⁇ i that satisfy the following relationship when struck by the golf club:
  • the present invention relates to a golf club having a lower center of gravity and/or a higher loft combined with a golf ball having a beginning to end coefficient of lift ratio of 0.64 to 3.20, a beginning to end coefficient of drag ratio of 0.76 to 0.99, and a beginning to end ratio of lift to drag ratio of 0.65 to 3.40.
  • the current invention is unlike the prior art approaches on creating a high launch and low spinning golf ball that only focuses on the individual components such as a golf cub or a golf ball separately. Focusing on the individual components without taking in consideration of the additional performance enhancement capabilities that can be achieved by simultaneously adjusting and pairing the performance characteristics of both the golf club and the golf ball may not maximize the performance characteristics that can be achieved when the two components are designed in parallel with one another.
  • FIG. 1 shows a golf club 100 and golf ball 102 combination in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 shows the initial spin rate ⁇ i of the golf ball 102 and the launch angle ⁇ of the golf ball 102 relative to the flat ground surface 108 as it is struck by golf club 100 .
  • a golf club 100 and golf ball 102 combination may merge to provide launch angles and initial spin rates that satisfy Equation 1 when the golf ball 102 is struck by golf club 100 . More preferably, the launch angles and spin rates satisfy Equation 2:
  • Equation 3 the launch angles and spin rates satisfy Equation 3:
  • Equation 4 the launch angles and spin rates satisfy Equation 4.
  • Equations 1 through 4 characterize the initial conditions of the golf ball 102 's flight performance and ultimately affect the total distance of travel of the golf ball 102 .
  • the trajectory is not optimal and distance is lost.
  • the greatest distance improvements are achieved with unusually high launch angles in combination with initial spin rates that satisfy Equation 1, 2, 3, or 4.
  • Launch angles are preferably about 15 degrees or greater, more preferably about 18 degrees or greater, and most preferably about 20 degrees or greater.
  • golf club 100 in order to achieve the maximum golf ball 102 travel distance, golf club 100 may generally be modeled in accordance to an “exemplary swing” in accordance with the present invention.
  • the “exemplary swing”, as described in the current invention may generally have a velocity of approximately 110 miles per hour (mph), with an attack angle of approximately 2 degrees and an effective loft of approximately 13 degrees, while maintaining the static loft angle of approximately 9.5 degrees and impacting the golf ball at the geometric center of the face to achieve ⁇ i and ⁇ values that satisfy Equation 1, 2, 3, or 4 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a golf club 200 designed to satisfy Equation 1, 2, 3, or 4 when striking a golf ball that is in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Two very important variables such as the center of gravity 212 and loft angle 216 may generally affect the performance characteristics of a golf club 200 in conjunction with a golf ball 102 .
  • Golf club 200 may contain a head 202 at a distal end of the golf club 200 , a hosel 204 connected to head 202 , a shaft 206 connected to the hosel 204 , and a grip 208 connected to the shaft 206 .
  • FIG. 2 also shows a ground level 210 on which the head 202 rests, along with the center of gravity 212 of golf club head 202 located at a distance 214 from the ground level 210 .
  • Head 202 in this current exemplary embodiment may generally be applicable towards a driver type head and have a preferable volume range of approximately 300 cubic centimeters to approximately 600 cubic centimeters, and more preferably in the volume range of approximately 350 cubic centimeters to approximately 550 cubic centimeters, even more preferably in the volume range of approximately 375 cubic centimeters to approximately 475 cubic centimeters, and most preferably approximately 420 centimeters to approximately 460 centimeters; all without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • Head 202 being generally applicable towards drivers, may generally have loft angles 216 ranging from approximately 8.5 degrees to approximately 15.0 degrees.
  • Hosel 204 in this current exemplary embodiment may be used to connect the head 202 to shaft 206 , and may generally be made from a low density material such as aluminum located substantially above a plane located at a peak of the crown section of head 202 .
  • the hosel 204 may also provide interchangeability between various head 202 and various shafts 206 without the need for extensive tooling without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
  • Shaft 206 in this current exemplary embodiment may be used to connect the head 202 and the hosel 204 to the grip 208 to complete the golf club 200 ; however, various other components in addition to shaft 206 may be used to complete golf club 200 such as a ferrule, a grip tape, a glue, or any other components that may typically be used within a golf club 200 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • Golf club 200 and more specifically head 202 may generally rest on a ground level 210 in an address position to create a reference point from where the center of gravity 212 may be measured to yield a distance 214 .
  • Distance 214 refers to a height in the y-direction as indicated by the axis of orientation 201 in FIG. 2 ; however, other identifiers may be used to identify this distance away from the ground level 220 such as x-direction, or z-direction without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
  • distance 214 may generally be in the range of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 35 millimeters, more preferably in the range of approximately 10 millimeters to approximately 30 millimeters, most preferably in the range of approximately 15 millimeters to approximately 25 millimeters all without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows a graphical representation of the effect of the location of the center of gravity 212 with respect to changes in the initial spin rate ⁇ i in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows that the initial spin rate ⁇ i on a golf ball can be dramatically reduced as the center of gravity 212 moves closer and closer to the ground level 210 .
  • FIG. 4 shows a graphical representation of the effect of the location of the center of gravity 212 with respect to changes in launch angle ⁇ in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 shows that the launch angle ⁇ increases as the center of gravity 212 moves closer and closer to the ground level 210 .
  • decreasing the distance 214 moves the location of the center of gravity 212 closer to the ground level 210 ; which will decrease the initial spin rate ⁇ i and increase the launch angle ⁇ in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the increased launch angle ⁇ combined with the decrease in initial spin rate ⁇ i may allow the golf club head 202 to impart to the golf ball launch conditions that satisfy Equation 1, 2, 3, or 4 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • adjusting the location, and more specifically, the height distance 214 of the center of gravity 212 may generally be the preferable methodology to satisfy Equation 1, 2, 3, or 4 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • other variables may also be adjusted to affect ⁇ i and ⁇ .
  • adjustments may also be made to the loft angle 216 to significantly increase a without departing from the scope of the present invention. More specifically, loft angle 216 may be adjusted to range from approximately 8.5 degrees to approximately 15.0 degrees for a driver type golf head to satisfy Equation 1, 2, 3, or 4 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • loft angle 216 may be further increased to achieve a higher launch angle ⁇ through adjustments in the shaft 206 .
  • shaft 206 may effective increase a higher launch angle ⁇ without changing the loft angle 216 by adjusting the way shaft 206 whips and snaps at the point of impact.
  • shaft 206 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may generally have a softer tip at the tip section of shaft 206 in order to crease a lower kick point that may effectively increase launch angle ⁇ without adjusting the loft angle 216 without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
  • shaft 206 may allow golf club 200 to be swinging up on a golf ball, which effectively adds launch angle ⁇ without adding loft angle 216 .
  • shaft 206 may also contain a swing hinge, a higher kick point, a difference in stiffness variation, or any other mechanism capable of increasing launch angle ⁇ without adding loft angle 216 all without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 shows the forces acting during flight on a golf ball 500 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the total aerodynamic force F A acting on a golf ball 500 is typically resolved into orthogonal components of lift (F L ) and drag (F D ).
  • Lift is defined as the aerodynamic force component acting perpendicular to the flight path, and it results from a difference in pressure created by a distortion in the air flow that is caused by the backspin ⁇ of the ball.
  • Drag is defined as the aerodynamic force component acting parallel to the ball flight direction. As the ball travels through the air, the pressure at the front of the ball is greater than the pressure at the rear of the ball, the difference being primarily responsible for the drag force.
  • FIG. 5 shows the various forces as enumerated in Equation 5 below.
  • the lift force vector (F L ) 508 acts in a direction dictated by the cross product of the spin vector and the velocity vector.
  • the drag force vector (F D ) 512 acts in a direction that is directly opposite the velocity vector.
  • the magnitudes of the lift and drag forces of Equation 5 are calculated in Equations 6 and 7, respectively:
  • A projected area of the ball (ft 2 ) (( ⁇ /4)D 2 )
  • V ball speed (ft/s)
  • Lift and drag coefficients are typically used to quantify the aerodynamic forces imparted to a ball in flight and are dependent on air density, air viscosity, ball speed, and spin rate. The influence of all these parameters may be captured by two dimensionless parameters: Spin Ratio (SR) and Reynolds Number (N Re ).
  • Spin Ratio is the rotational surface speed of the ball divided by ball speed.
  • Reynolds Number quantifies the ratio of inertial to viscous forces acting on the golf ball moving through air.
  • SR and N Re are calculated in Equations 8 and 9 below:
  • V ball speed (ft/s)
  • This beginning to end coefficient ratio can be applicable to the coefficient of lift (C L ), coefficient of drag (C D ), and the lift-to-drag ratio (C L /C D ), yielding a beginning to end coefficient of lift ratio (C L-Beg /C L-End ), a beginning to end coefficient of drag ratio (C D-Beg /C D-End ), and beginning to end ratio of lift to drag
  • a Reynolds Number (N Re ) of approximately 220,000 with a Spin Ratio (SR) of approximately 0.054 is used to represent the exemplary aerodynamic conditions during the beginning (ascent) portion of the golf ball flight. These conditions generally translate into a golf ball 500 velocity of approximately 168 mph at a spin rate of approximately 1800 rpm.
  • N Re a Reynolds Number (N Re ) of approximately 80,000 with a Spin Ratio (SR) of approximately 0.120 is used to represent the exemplary aerodynamic conditions during the end (descent) portion of golf ball flight. These conditions generally translate into a golf ball 500 velocity of approximately 61 mph at a spin rate of approximately 1460 rpm.
  • the beginning to end coefficient of lift ratio (C L-Beg /C L-End ) may be approximately within the range of 0.64 to 3.20, more preferably within the range of 0.72 to 2.03, most preferably within the range of 0.80 to 0.86. Additionally, the beginning to end coefficient of drag ratio (C D-Beg /C D-End ) may be approximately within the range of 0.76 to 0.99, more preferably within the range of 0.82 to 0.96, most preferably within the range of 0.87 to 0.93. Lastly, the beginning to end lift to drag ratio
  • FIG. 6 shows a multi-layered golf ball 600 capable of achieving launch conditions that satisfy Equation 1, 2, 3, or 4 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Golf ball 600 may generally have an inner core 602 , a cover layer 608 , and at least one intermediate layer 604 between the inner core 602 and the cover layer 608 .
  • the inner core 602 , the intermediate layers 604 , and the cover layer 608 may all be constructed to have different properties.
  • the inner core 602 preferably has a low specific gravity, a low flexural modulus, and low hardness; wherein the cover layer 608 has a higher specific gravity, a higher flexural modulus, and a higher hardness than the intermediate layer 604 and the core 602 .
  • the hardness of the cover layer 608 may generally be in the range of 80 Shore C to 100 Shore C, most preferably 90 Shore C, when measured in place on the ball to achieve launch conditions that satisfy Equation 1, 2, 3, or 4 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention; however, various other hardness ranges for cover layer 608 may also be used so long as it adheres to the composition above without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
  • a multi-layer golf ball that is substantially similar to the first embodiment may be disclosed that provides a coefficient of restitution (COR) gradient from slow to fast, e.g., the inner core 602 has a lower COR value, the intermediate layer 604 has a higher COR value, and the cover layer 608 has an even higher COR value.
  • the golf ball 600 may also contain a higher moment of inertia wherein the inner core 602 may have various fillers removed while other fillers may be adding various fillers to the cover 608 .
  • fillers from inner core 602 combined with the addition of fillers to cover 608 may create additional mass towards the outer perimeter of the golf ball 600 ; hence generating a higher moment of inertia within golf ball 600 to create a lower initial spin rate ⁇ i without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 also shows a further alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the golf ball 600 may have a relatively low Atti compression in the range of 70 to 80 to achieve launch conditions that satisfy Equation 1, 2, 3, or 4 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • a golf ball 600 with a really low compression may create an undesirably soft feel for some golfers; thus creating a preferable compression in the range of 80 to 90.
  • golf ball 600 may have the cover 608 coated with a material that optimizes a coefficient of friction to achieve launch conditions that satisfy Equation 1, 2, 3, or 4 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • a material that optimizes a coefficient of friction may be disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,133; the disclosure of which is incorporated here by reference in its entirety. It should be noted that although this film that optimizes a coefficient of friction may generally be applied to the golf ball, it could alternatively be applied to the face of the golf club or to both the golf ball and the face of the golf club to create the same effect or even enhancing the reduction in coefficient of friction all without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
  • golf ball 600 may also be oversized to achieve launch conditions that satisfy Equation 1, 2, 3, or 4 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the details of this oversized golf ball with a diameter greater than the standard 1.68 inches may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,287; the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • FIG. 7 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention directed at a multi-layer golf ball 700 comprising an inner core 702 , at least one intermediate core layer 704 , and outer core layer 706 , and a cover layer 708 .
  • a volume-decreasing gradient is present, e.g., the volume of the inner core 702 is larger than volume of the intermediate core layer 704 , which is larger than the volume of the outer core 706 , which is larger than the volume of the cover layer 708 .
  • a hardness-increasing gradient may also be present in this alternative embodiment as shown in FIG.
  • a specific gravity gradient may also be present, progressing form an inner core 702 with a lower specific gravity to an outer core 704 with a higher specific gravity.
  • the specific gravity gradient may not progress all the way through the cover layer 708 , as it may be preferred that the specific gravity of the outer core layer 706 be higher than the specific gravity of the cover layer 708 .

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Golf Clubs (AREA)
US12/404,701 2009-03-16 2009-03-16 High launch and low spin golf ball and golf club combination Abandoned US20100234125A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/404,701 US20100234125A1 (en) 2009-03-16 2009-03-16 High launch and low spin golf ball and golf club combination
JP2010055369A JP2010214111A (ja) 2009-03-16 2010-03-12 高打ち上げおよび低スピンのゴルフボールおよびゴルフクラブ
CN2010102147765A CN101874923A (zh) 2009-03-16 2010-03-16 高发射低旋转的高尔夫球和高尔夫球杆组合

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/404,701 US20100234125A1 (en) 2009-03-16 2009-03-16 High launch and low spin golf ball and golf club combination

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100234125A1 true US20100234125A1 (en) 2010-09-16

Family

ID=42731159

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/404,701 Abandoned US20100234125A1 (en) 2009-03-16 2009-03-16 High launch and low spin golf ball and golf club combination

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20100234125A1 (ja)
JP (1) JP2010214111A (ja)
CN (1) CN101874923A (ja)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120278048A1 (en) * 2011-04-28 2012-11-01 Seiji Hayase Method for predicting modal damping ratio of composite head
US20130090189A1 (en) * 2011-10-05 2013-04-11 Aero-X Golf, Inc. Kit for a driver and golf ball that provides optimum performance
US9144722B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-09-29 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US9168429B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-10-27 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
KR20150126058A (ko) * 2013-03-14 2015-11-10 카스턴 매뉴팩츄어링 코오포레이숀 최적화된 특성을 갖는 골프 클럽 헤드 및 관련 방법
US9186561B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-11-17 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US20170182373A1 (en) * 2015-12-24 2017-06-29 Bridgestone Corporation Golf ball
US10080933B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2018-09-25 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US10207161B2 (en) 2016-11-18 2019-02-19 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
US10434381B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-10-08 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
US10610745B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2020-04-07 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US10967232B2 (en) 2019-05-15 2021-04-06 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
US11179610B2 (en) * 2014-07-03 2021-11-23 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club head

Citations (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5273287A (en) * 1991-11-27 1993-12-28 Molitor Robert P Golf ball
US5682230A (en) * 1995-11-01 1997-10-28 United States Golf Association Test range for determining the aerodynamic characteristics of a ball in flight
US5827133A (en) * 1997-04-25 1998-10-27 Chang; Dale U. Reduced spin golf ball
US6186002B1 (en) * 1998-04-21 2001-02-13 United States Golf Associates Method for determining coefficients of lift and drag of a golf ball
US6190269B1 (en) * 1998-07-14 2001-02-20 Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. Multi-piece solid golf ball
US6285445B1 (en) * 1999-09-17 2001-09-04 Acushnet Company Method for determining aerodynamic characteristics of a golf ball
US6658371B2 (en) * 1997-09-03 2003-12-02 Acushnet Company Method for matching golfers with a driver and ball
US6743124B2 (en) * 2001-03-08 2004-06-01 Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. Golf ball
US20050272516A1 (en) * 2004-06-07 2005-12-08 William Gobush Launch monitor
US20060068927A1 (en) * 2004-09-01 2006-03-30 Accu-Sport International, Inc. System, method and computer program product for estimating club swing condition(s) from ball launch measurements
US7226369B2 (en) * 2003-01-06 2007-06-05 Acushnet Company Golf ball with improved flight performance
US20070155532A1 (en) * 2005-08-25 2007-07-05 Adams Golf Ip, L.P. Golf club head
US7323383B2 (en) * 2002-06-17 2008-01-29 Infineon Technologies Ag Method for fabricating an NROM memory cell arrangement
US20080039228A1 (en) * 2005-04-21 2008-02-14 Acushnet Company Golf club head
US7354357B2 (en) * 2004-02-06 2008-04-08 Acushnet Company Multi-layer core golf ball
US7407447B2 (en) * 2002-11-08 2008-08-05 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Movable weights for a golf club head
US7419441B2 (en) * 2002-11-08 2008-09-02 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club head weight reinforcement

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2001299969A (ja) * 2000-04-26 2001-10-30 Sumitomo Rubber Ind Ltd ゴルフクラブヘッド
JP5283332B2 (ja) * 2006-12-28 2013-09-04 ダンロップスポーツ株式会社 ゴルフボール

Patent Citations (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5273287A (en) * 1991-11-27 1993-12-28 Molitor Robert P Golf ball
US5682230A (en) * 1995-11-01 1997-10-28 United States Golf Association Test range for determining the aerodynamic characteristics of a ball in flight
US5827133A (en) * 1997-04-25 1998-10-27 Chang; Dale U. Reduced spin golf ball
US6658371B2 (en) * 1997-09-03 2003-12-02 Acushnet Company Method for matching golfers with a driver and ball
US6186002B1 (en) * 1998-04-21 2001-02-13 United States Golf Associates Method for determining coefficients of lift and drag of a golf ball
US6190269B1 (en) * 1998-07-14 2001-02-20 Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. Multi-piece solid golf ball
US6285445B1 (en) * 1999-09-17 2001-09-04 Acushnet Company Method for determining aerodynamic characteristics of a golf ball
US6743124B2 (en) * 2001-03-08 2004-06-01 Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. Golf ball
US7323383B2 (en) * 2002-06-17 2008-01-29 Infineon Technologies Ag Method for fabricating an NROM memory cell arrangement
US7407447B2 (en) * 2002-11-08 2008-08-05 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Movable weights for a golf club head
US7419441B2 (en) * 2002-11-08 2008-09-02 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club head weight reinforcement
US7226369B2 (en) * 2003-01-06 2007-06-05 Acushnet Company Golf ball with improved flight performance
US7354357B2 (en) * 2004-02-06 2008-04-08 Acushnet Company Multi-layer core golf ball
US20050272516A1 (en) * 2004-06-07 2005-12-08 William Gobush Launch monitor
US20060068927A1 (en) * 2004-09-01 2006-03-30 Accu-Sport International, Inc. System, method and computer program product for estimating club swing condition(s) from ball launch measurements
US20080039228A1 (en) * 2005-04-21 2008-02-14 Acushnet Company Golf club head
US20070155532A1 (en) * 2005-08-25 2007-07-05 Adams Golf Ip, L.P. Golf club head

Cited By (39)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120278048A1 (en) * 2011-04-28 2012-11-01 Seiji Hayase Method for predicting modal damping ratio of composite head
US8849635B2 (en) * 2011-04-28 2014-09-30 Sri Sports Limited Method for predicting modal damping ratio of composite head
US20130090189A1 (en) * 2011-10-05 2013-04-11 Aero-X Golf, Inc. Kit for a driver and golf ball that provides optimum performance
US11117026B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2021-09-14 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US11173355B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2021-11-16 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US10610745B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2020-04-07 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
KR102104570B1 (ko) 2013-03-14 2020-04-27 카스턴 매뉴팩츄어링 코오포레이숀 최적화된 특성을 갖는 골프 클럽 헤드 및 관련 방법
US9675851B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2017-06-13 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US11957964B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2024-04-16 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
US9764205B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2017-09-19 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US9764206B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2017-09-19 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US10080933B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2018-09-25 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US11819746B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2023-11-21 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
KR20190030780A (ko) * 2013-03-14 2019-03-22 카스턴 매뉴팩츄어링 코오포레이숀 최적화된 특성을 갖는 골프 클럽 헤드 및 관련 방법
US10238938B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-03-26 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US10357700B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-07-23 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US10434381B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-10-08 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
US10486037B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-11-26 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US11554299B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2023-01-17 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
KR20150126058A (ko) * 2013-03-14 2015-11-10 카스턴 매뉴팩츄어링 코오포레이숀 최적화된 특성을 갖는 골프 클럽 헤드 및 관련 방법
US9186561B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-11-17 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US9168429B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-10-27 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US10857435B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2020-12-08 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US11318359B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2022-05-03 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US11305164B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2022-04-19 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
KR102269441B1 (ko) 2013-03-14 2021-06-25 카스턴 매뉴팩츄어링 코오포레이숀 최적화된 특성을 갖는 골프 클럽 헤드 및 관련 방법
KR20210078581A (ko) * 2013-03-14 2021-06-28 카스턴 매뉴팩츄어링 코오포레이숀 최적화된 특성을 갖는 골프 클럽 헤드 및 관련 방법
US9144722B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-09-29 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods
US10828541B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2020-11-10 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
KR102386897B1 (ko) 2013-03-14 2022-04-15 카스턴 매뉴팩츄어링 코오포레이숀 최적화된 특성을 갖는 골프 클럽 헤드 및 관련 방법
US11179610B2 (en) * 2014-07-03 2021-11-23 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club head
US20170182373A1 (en) * 2015-12-24 2017-06-29 Bridgestone Corporation Golf ball
US10864413B2 (en) 2016-11-18 2020-12-15 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
US11358037B2 (en) 2016-11-18 2022-06-14 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
US10556159B2 (en) 2016-11-18 2020-02-11 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
US11738244B2 (en) 2016-11-18 2023-08-29 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
US10207161B2 (en) 2016-11-18 2019-02-19 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
US10967232B2 (en) 2019-05-15 2021-04-06 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics
US11541287B2 (en) 2019-05-15 2023-01-03 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Club head having balanced impact and swing performance characteristics

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101874923A (zh) 2010-11-03
JP2010214111A (ja) 2010-09-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20100234125A1 (en) High launch and low spin golf ball and golf club combination
US6776723B2 (en) Metal wood golf club with progressive weighting
US7198575B2 (en) Golf club head
US9192827B2 (en) Golf club heads with similar C.G.-neutral axis distance
US7699716B2 (en) Set of iron clubs with constant ground roll
US9050510B2 (en) Putter head
CA2846882C (en) Balance point placement for golf putter
US8187120B2 (en) Wedge type golf club head
JP2001509718A (ja) 改良されたゴルフクラブヘッドの設計方法
JP2001508687A (ja) 慣性を考慮して製造されたゴルフクラブヘッド
US20120233838A1 (en) Method and apparatus for increasing and adjusting distribution of weight within a golf club head
US20150018119A1 (en) Golf club head with face channel
US5836832A (en) Golf ball
JPH11333037A (ja) ゴルフクラブ及びゴルフクラブセット
JP2005185751A (ja) アイアン型ゴルフクラブヘッド
US20120214608A1 (en) Golf Training Driver Club With An Elevated Face And Sweet Spot
US20190105541A1 (en) Golf club device
JP2023168998A (ja) ゴルフクラブヘッド

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ACUSHNET COMPANY, MASSACHUSETTS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:AOYAMA, STEVEN;CURTIS, ANDREW;STONE, DANIEL;SIGNING DATES FROM 20090220 TO 20090306;REEL/FRAME:022401/0346

AS Assignment

Owner name: KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH, NEW YORK

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ACUSHNET COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:027346/0222

Effective date: 20111031

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

AS Assignment

Owner name: ACUSHNET COMPANY, MASSACHUSETTS

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME (027346/0222);ASSIGNOR:KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH;REEL/FRAME:039939/0181

Effective date: 20160728