US20160067560A1 - Golf club head - Google Patents

Golf club head Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20160067560A1
US20160067560A1 US14/479,002 US201414479002A US2016067560A1 US 20160067560 A1 US20160067560 A1 US 20160067560A1 US 201414479002 A US201414479002 A US 201414479002A US 2016067560 A1 US2016067560 A1 US 2016067560A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
striking face
center
golf club
club head
thick central
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
US14/479,002
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Charles E. Golden
Patrick J. King
Noah De La Cruz
Darryl C. Galvan
Stephanie Bezilla
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 US14/479,002 priority Critical patent/US20160067560A1/en
Assigned to ACUSHNET COMPANY reassignment ACUSHNET COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BEZILLA, STEPHANIE, DE LA CRUZ, NOAH, GALVAN, DARRYL C., GOLDEN, CHARLES E., KING, PATRICK J.
Assigned to KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH reassignment KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ACUSHNET COMPANY
Priority to US14/714,108 priority patent/US20160067561A1/en
Priority to US14/814,334 priority patent/US9526956B2/en
Priority to JP2015173224A priority patent/JP6219350B2/ja
Publication of US20160067560A1 publication Critical patent/US20160067560A1/en
Assigned to WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ACUSHNET COMPANY
Assigned to ACUSHNET COMPANY reassignment ACUSHNET COMPANY RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME (034623/0720) Assignors: KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH
Assigned to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS SUCCESSOR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS SUCCESSOR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS (ASSIGNS 039506-0030) Assignors: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS RESIGNING ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
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
    • 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
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0433—Heads with special sole configurations
    • 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
    • A63B53/0437—Heads with special crown configurations
    • 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
    • A63B53/0458—Heads with non-uniform thickness of the impact face plate
    • A63B53/0462—Heads with non-uniform thickness of the impact face plate characterised by tapering thickness of the impact face plate
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/52—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with slits
    • A63B2053/0408—
    • A63B2053/0433—
    • A63B2053/0458—

Definitions

  • This present technology generally relates to golf clubs, and more specifically to golf club heads having an improved sweet spot concentrated about the geometric center of the golf club head.
  • metal wood type golf clubs In order to maximize distance while maintaining accuracy of a metal wood type golf club head, metal wood type golf clubs have been designed with the objective of maximizing the distance of a golf ball struck by a golf club head close to the geometric center of the golf club head. This geometric center of the golf club head, due to the inherent laws of physics, may generally produce a golf shot that maximizes the distance by reducing the energy loss between the golf ball and the golf club head.
  • USGA United States Golf Association
  • COR Coefficient of Restitution
  • CT Characteristic Time
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,933 to Galloway et al. discusses one of the methods to increase the COR of a golf club head by disclosing a golf club head having a coefficient of restitution greater than 0.845 and a durability to withstand 2000 impacts with a golf ball at 110 miles per hour, wherein the club head may be composed of three pieces, a face, a sole, and a crown.
  • the '933 patent discloses a golf club head that may be composed of a titanium material, having a volume in the range of 175 cubic centimeters to 400 cubic centimeters, a weight in the range of 165 grams to 300 grams, and a striking plate surface area in the range of 4.00 square inches to 7.50 square inches.
  • U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0116202 to Lin discusses a method to increase the accuracy of a golf club head by disclosing a golf club head having a plurality of holes around the periphery of the club head, so that when the club head hits the golf ball, most of the vibration waves and sound waves generated are dispersed out of these holes thus improving accuracy of the direction of the striking golf ball.
  • One aspect of the present technology is the realization that some golf club head constructions produce a sweet spot which is offset from the geometric center of the striking face.
  • a need for an improved golf club head construction which can utilize innovating features while focusing the sweet spot about the geometric center of the striking face.
  • Embodiments disclosed herein provide golf club head constructions which improve the performance of golf club heads.
  • One non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a golf club head comprising a striking face; a posterior body portion comprising a crown portion and a sole portion, wherein said crown portion is coupled to an upper portion of said striking face and said sole portion is coupled to a lower portion of said striking face: wherein said striking face comprises: a heel side and a toe side; a major axis located on said striking face and oriented substantially from said heel side towards said toe side, wherein said major axis is the longest line that can be drawn on said striking face; a minor axis located on said striking face and oriented substantially from said crown portion towards said sole portion, wherein said minor axis is the longest line perpendicular to said major axis that can be drawn on said striking face; a variable thickness profile comprising: a thick central portion; a transition portion; and a thin perimeter portion; wherein said transition portion surrounds said thick central portion; wherein said thin perimeter portion surrounds said transition portion; wherein said thick central portion comprises a center, said center of said thick central
  • said center of said thick central portion is offset from said geometric center towards said toe side of said striking face at least 2 mm.
  • said center of said thick central portion is offset from said geometric center towards said toe side of said striking face at least 3 mm and less than 7 mm.
  • said center of said thick central portion is offset from said geometric center towards said toe side of said striking face at least 4 mm and less than 6 mm.
  • a distance H from said center of said thick central portion to a heel most portion of said transition portion is at least 1 mm longer than a distance G from said center of said thick central portion to a toe most portion of said transition portion, wherein said distance H and said distance G are each measured along an axis parallel to said major axis.
  • said striking face comprises a sweet spot, said sweet spot defined by the portion of said striking face capable of producing at least 99.7% of the maximum resultant ball speed achievable when a golf ball strikes said striking face, wherein said sweet spot is substantially centered about said geometric center of said striking face.
  • CT Center is the CT measurement at said geometric center of said striking face
  • CT Toe-0.5′′ is the CT measurement at a point offset 0.5′′ towards said toe side from said geometric center along an axis parallel to said major axis
  • CT Heel-0.5′′ is the CT measurement at a point offset 0.5′′ towards said heel side from said geometric center along an axis parallel to said major axis.
  • said thick central portion is substantially elliptical in shape and substantially constant in thickness, and wherein said geometric center of said striking face is located at a midpoint of said minor axis.
  • An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a golf club head comprising: a striking face; a posterior body portion further comprising a crown portion and a sole portion, wherein said crown portion is coupled to an upper portion of said striking face and said sole portion is coupled to a lower portion of said striking face; wherein said striking face comprises: a heel side and a toe side; a major axis located on said striking face and oriented substantially from said heel side towards said toe side, wherein said major axis is the longest line that can be drawn on said striking face; a minor axis located on said striking face and oriented substantially from said crown portion towards said sole portion, wherein said minor axis is the longest line perpendicular to said major axis that can be drawn on said striking face; a variable thickness profile comprising: a thick central portion; a transition portion; and a thin perimeter portion; wherein said transition portion surrounds said thick central portion; wherein said thin perimeter portion surrounds said transition portion; wherein said thick central portion comprises a center, said center of
  • said flexure comprises a center, said center of said flexure located equidistant along an axis parallel to said major axis from a heel most portion of said flexure and a toe most portion of said flexure, said center of said flexure offset at least 2 mm from said geometric center of said golf club, and wherein said center of said thick central portion of said striking face is offset at least 2 mm from said geometric center of said golf club.
  • center of said flexure is offset at least 3 mm and less than 7 mm from said geometric center, and wherein said center of said thick central portion is offset at least 3 mm and less than 7 mm from said geometric center.
  • said center of said flexure and said center of said thick central portion are offset substantially the same distance from said geometric center along an axis parallel to said major axis.
  • flexure and said thick central portion are both offset towards said toe side of said striking face.
  • said striking face comprises a sweet spot, said sweet spot defined by the portion of said striking face capable of producing at least 99.7% of the maximum resultant ball speed achievable when a golf ball strikes said striking face, wherein said sweet spot is substantially centered about said geometric center of said striking face.
  • CT Center is the CT measurement at said geometric center of said striking face
  • CT Toe-0.5′′ is the CT measurement at a point offset 0.5′′ towards said toe side from said geometric center along an axis parallel to said major axis
  • CT Heel-0.5′′ is the CT measurement at a point offset 0.5′′ towards said heel side from said geometric center along an axis parallel to said major axis.
  • said thick central portion is substantially elliptical in shape and substantially constant in thickness, and wherein said geometric center of said striking face is located at a midpoint of said minor axis.
  • An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a golf club head comprising: a striking face; a posterior body portion further comprising a crown portion and a sole portion, wherein said crown portion is coupled to an upper portion of said striking face and said sole portion is coupled to a lower portion of said striking face; wherein said striking face comprises: a heel side and a toe side; a major axis located on said striking face and oriented substantially from said heel side towards said toe side, wherein said major axis is the longest line that can be drawn on said striking face; a minor axis located on said striking face and oriented substantially from said crown portion towards said sole portion, wherein said minor axis is the longest line perpendicular to said major axis that can be drawn on said striking face; a variable thickness profile comprising: a thick central portion; a transition portion; and a thin perimeter portion; wherein said transition portion surrounds said thick central portion; wherein said thin perimeter portion surrounds said transition portion; wherein said thick central portion comprises a center, said center of
  • said center of said thick central portion of said striking face is offset at least 2 mm from said geometric center.
  • said center of said thick central portion is offset at least 3 mm and less than 7 mm from said geometric center.
  • said center of said thick central portion is offset at least 4 mm and less than 6 mm from said geometric center.
  • said striking face comprises a sweet spot, said sweet spot defined by the portion of said striking face capable of producing at least 99.7% of the maximum resultant ball speed achievable when a golf ball strikes said striking face, wherein said sweet spot is substantially centered about said geometric center of said striking face.
  • CT Center is the CT measurement at said geometric center of said striking face
  • CT Toe-0.5′′ is the CT measurement at a point offset 0.5′′ towards said toe side from said geometric center along an axis parallel to said major axis
  • CT Heel-0.5′′ is the CT measurement at a point offset 0.5′′ towards said heel side from said geometric center along an axis parallel to said major axis.
  • said thick central portion is substantially elliptical in shape and substantially constant in thickness, wherein said geometric center of said striking face is located at a midpoint of said minor axis, and wherein said thick central portion is offset towards said toe side of said striking face from said geometric center.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf club head.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a frontal view of a golf club head.
  • FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of a typical impact pattern between a golf club and a golf ball.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a frontal view of a golf club head having a sweet spot located near the geometric center of the striking face.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a golf club heading includes flexures.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a frontal view of a golf club head including a flexure and a sweet spot offset from the geometric center of the striking face.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a golf club head including a striking face with a variable thickness profile and a flexure.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a frontal view of the internal geometry of the golf club head of FIG. 7 .
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a frontal view of the internal geometry of the golf club head of FIG. 7 , including a plurality of relationships regarding the location of portions of the variable face thickness profile and flexure relative to the geometric center of the striking face.
  • Embodiments described herein generally relate to golf clubs having an improved sweet spot. More specifically, some embodiments relate to golf club head constructions which concentrate the sweet spot about the geometric center of the golf club head.
  • FIG. 1 shows an elevated view of a golf club head 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Golf club head 100 shown here in FIG. 1 may generally have a striking face 102 , a posterior body portion 104 and a hosel 105 .
  • the posterior body portion 104 may generally be further comprised of a crown portion 106 , a sole portion (not shown), and a skirt portion 110 .
  • the crown portion 106 may generally be connected to the upper portion of the striking face 102 while the sole portion (not shown) may generally be connected to the bottom portion of the striking face 102 .
  • the skirt portion 110 as shown in the current exemplary embodiment, may generally be juxtaposed between the crown portion 106 and the sole portion (not shown) to complete the posterior body portion 104 .
  • Golf club head 100 may generally have a radiused transition portion 112 at least partially surrounding the perimeter of the striking face 102 . More specifically, as we can see in FIG. 1 , the radiused transition portion 112 may be further comprised of a toe radiused transition portion 114 and a heel radiused transition portion 116 surrounding the striking face 102 near the toe and heel portion of the striking face 102 respectively. It should be noted that although the current exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 only shows the radiused transition portion 112 covering the toe and heel portion of the golf club head 100 , the radiused transition portion 112 could completely surround the perimeter of the striking face 102 without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
  • the striking face 102 may generally have a surface area of greater than about 3600 mm 2 , more preferably greater than about 3700 mm 2 , and most preferably greater than about 3750 mm 2 .
  • the radiused transition portion 112 may generally have a surface area of less than about 850 mm 2 , more preferably less than about 825 mm 2 , and most preferably less than about 810 mm 2 .
  • the entire golf club head 100 may generally have a surface area of between about 32,000 mm 2 and about 35,000 mm 2 . With the surface area value above, it is important to determine the ratio of the surface area of the striking face 102 relative to the total area of the entire golf club head 100 .
  • This striking face surface area ratio may generally be greater than about 9%, more preferably greater than about 10%, and most preferably greater than about 11%.
  • the above surface areas may also yield a radiused transition portion surface area ratio.
  • This radiused transition portion surface area ratio may generally be less than about 3.0%, more preferably less than about 2.75%, and most preferably less than about 2.5%.
  • FIG. 2 shows a frontal view of a golf club head 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • This frontal view of the golf club head 200 allows a more direct view of the striking face 202 showing the striking face 202 being of a significantly elliptical shape; with a major axis 220 running in a significantly heel to toe direction and a minor axis 222 running in a significantly crown to sole direction.
  • the striking face 202 of the golf club head 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may generally have an elliptical factor greater than about 0.33, more preferably greater than about 0.41, and most preferably greater than about 0.50.
  • the elliptical factor discussed above may defined by Equation 1 below:
  • Elliptical ⁇ ⁇ Factor Length ⁇ ⁇ of ⁇ ⁇ Minor ⁇ ⁇ Axis ⁇ ⁇ 222 Length ⁇ ⁇ of ⁇ ⁇ Major ⁇ ⁇ Axis ⁇ ⁇ 220 Eq . ⁇ ( 1 )
  • the length of the major axis 220 may generally be defined as the distance of the longest line that can be drawn on the striking face 202 .
  • the major axis 220 spans in a direction that is significantly heel to toe; however the major axis 220 could be orientated in any other direction that deviates from the current orientation so long it represents the longest line that can be drawn on the striking face 202 all without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.
  • Minor axis 222 may generally be defined as a line across the striking face 202 that runs perpendicular to the major axis 220 , while passing through the geometric center 201 of the striking face 202 .
  • the geometric center 201 of the striking face 202 is located at the midpoint of the minor axis 222 . In other embodiments, the geometric center 201 of the striking face 202 is defined by the center of the impact spot determined by the Impact Location Template outlined in the Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead, USGA-TPX3004, Revision 1.0.0, May 1, 2008 by the United States Golf Association.
  • the length of the major axis 220 may generally be less than about 120 mm (millimeters), more preferably less than about 110 mm, and most preferably less than about 100 mm.
  • the length of the minor axis 222 on the other hand, as shown in the current exemplary embodiment, may generally be greater than about 40 mm, more preferably greater than about 45 mm, and most preferably greater than about 50 mm.
  • the frontal view of golf club head 200 shown in FIG. 2 may also help illustrate how the striking face 202 of the golf club head 200 is tilted in a more upright position while keeping the golf club head 200 in a relatively flat position.
  • the vertical minor axis 222 of the striking face 202 may generally be tilted at an angle ⁇ when compared to a vertical line 223 that is vertical to the ground 225 .
  • the angle ⁇ as shown in the current exemplary embodiment, may generally be greater than about 3.0 degrees and less than about 16.0 degrees, more preferably greater than about 3.0 degrees and less than about 12.0 degrees, and most preferably greater than about 3.0 degrees and less than about 8.0 degrees. As it can be seen from FIG.
  • the tilting of the striking face 202 of the golf club head 200 relative to the ground 225 will also cause the major axis 220 and minor axis 222 to tilt to the same extent and in the same direction.
  • the tilt of the striking face 202 may also be defined as having the major axis 220 and the minor axis 222 both tilted in a direction of high toe to low heel by an angle of greater than about 3.0 degrees and less than about 16.0 degrees, more preferably greater than about 3.0 degrees and less than about 12.0 degrees, and most preferably greater than about 3.0 degrees and less than about 8.0 degrees.
  • FIG. 3 showing the typical impact pattern of a golfer relative to the striking face 202 ; with each of the dots on the graph representing a typical hit location when a golfer hits a golf ball with a golf club.
  • a typical distribution of golf ball hits on the face of a driver clubs follows an elliptical pattern with its major axis orientating in a direction from high toe to low heel, corresponding with the elliptical pattern shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the major axis 320 of the impact pattern may form an angle ⁇ with the horizontal axis 323 .
  • This angle ⁇ may generally coincide with the tilt angle ⁇ of the striking face 202 of the golf club head 200 shown in FIG. 2 .
  • ⁇ may generally be greater than about 3.0 degrees and less than about 16.0 degrees, more preferably greater than about 3.0 degrees and less than about 12.0 degrees, and most preferably greater than about 3.0 degrees and less than about 8.0 degrees.
  • FIG. 4 showing another frontal view of a golf club head
  • the golf club head 400 is shown with a sweet spot 430 located near the geometric center 401 of the striking face 402 of the golf club head 400 .
  • the sweet spot 430 may generally be concentric with the geometric center 401 of the striking face 402 of the golf club head 400 .
  • the sweet spot 430 within the context of the current application, may generally be defined as the area of the entire striking face 402 that is capable of achieving at least 99.7% of the maximum ballspeed achievable by the golf club head 400 .
  • the 99.7% value utilized in determining the size of the sweet spot 430 may be relevant, because a golf ball that is capable of achieving 99.7% of the maximum ballspeed only loses about 1 ⁇ 2 a mile per hour of ballspeed when compared to a direct central hit achieving 100% of the maximum ballspeed capable by the golf club head 400 .
  • the maximum ballspeed achievable by the golf club head 400 may generally relate to the highest ballspeed that can be achieved by the golf club head regardless of where the golf club head 400 strikes a golf ball.
  • a golf club head can include various features which may affect the location of the sweet spot relative to the geometric center of the striking face of the golf club head. Examples of such features may be found in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/089,574 to Golden et al., Golf Club with Flexure, filed on Nov. 25, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Flexures 536 , 538 , as illustrated in FIG. 5 are examples of features which can shift the sweet spot away from the geometric center of the striking face. Flexures 536 , 538 are generally formed in a forward portion of the crown, sole, and/or skirt.
  • Flexure 536 is an elongate corrugation that extends in a generally heel to toe direction and that is formed in a forward portion of the sole. Flexure 538 is formed in a forward portion of the crown. Flexures 536 , 538 are generally flexible in a fore/aft direction and provide a flexible portion of the club head 500 away from the striking face 502 so that they allow a portion of the striking face 502 to translate and rotate as a unit, in addition to flexing locally near the point of impact, when the striking face impacts a golf ball. Flexures 536 , 538 can provide improved performance for center face impacts with a golf ball as well as off-center impacts between the striking face 502 and a golf ball.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a flexure 636 , formed in a forward portion of the sole portion 608 .
  • Flexure 636 generally extends further toeward from the geometric center 601 of the striking face 602 than it extends heelward.
  • Golf club head features, such as the toe biased flexure 636 can asymmetrically affect the stiffness of the golf club head 600 and thus effect the location of the sweet spot 630 on the striking face.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates how flexure 636 has shifted the sweet spot 636 toeward from the geometric center 601 of the striking face 602 .
  • Other constructions, features, or asymmetries in golf club head design may also shift a sweet spot 630 from the geometric center 601 of the golf club head 600 .
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a golf club head 700 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a striking face 702 with a variable face thickness profile 740 .
  • Golf club head 700 may have a striking face 702 with a variable face thickness profile 740 behind the striking face 702 .
  • the variable face thickness profile 740 as shown in the current exemplary embodiment, may generally be comprised of a thick central portion 742 surrounded by a transition portion 743 , which is then surrounded by a thin perimeter portion 744 .
  • variable face thickness profile 740 allows the thin perimeter portion 744 of the striking face 702 to be thin enough to provide a trampoline effect while the thick central portion 742 of the variable face thickness profile 740 provides sufficient thickness to endure the stresses associated with a golf ball impact. Because the radiused transition portion 112 (shown in FIG. 1 ) may provide additional structural stiffness to the striking face 702 of the golf club head 700 , the striking face 702 of the golf club head may be made thinner to create an even bigger sweet spot.
  • the increased structural stiffness may allow the thickness of the thin perimeter portion 744 to be less than about 3.0 mm thick, more preferably less than about 2.9 mm thick, and most preferably less than about 2.8 mm thick. More detailed disclosure regarding using variable face thickness to improve the performance of a golf club head may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,029,403 to Rice et. al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • FIG. 7 also illustrates a flexure 736 .
  • the flexure 736 is spaced from the striking face 702 .
  • the flexure 736 includes a front wall 771 , a rear wall 772 , and an apex 773 .
  • the front wall 771 and rear wall 772 both extend into an interior of the golf club head 700 .
  • the front wall 771 and rear wall 772 are coupled at the apex 773 .
  • FIG. 8 shows a frontal view of the internal geometry of the golf club head 700 of FIG. 7 with a variable face thickness profile 740 .
  • FIG. 8 shows the relative size and position of the thick central portion 742 , the transition portion 743 , and the thin perimeter portion 744 . More specifically, FIG. 8 shows the thick central portion 742 offset from the geometric center 701 of the striking face 702 .
  • various golf club head constructions or features, such as flexure 636 can create a sweet spot 630 which is not centered on the geometric center 601 of the striking face. As illustrated in FIG.
  • a striking face 702 incorporating a variable face thickness profile 740 with a thick central portion 742 offset towards the toe of the golf club head 700 can provide a sweet spot focused about the geometric center 701 of the striking face 702 .
  • the thick central portion 742 may be offset towards the heel of the golf club head 700 .
  • the thick central portion 742 is offset in the same direction as a flexure 736 , as illustrated in FIG. 8 . Locating the thick central portion 742 in a position offset from the geometric center 701 of the striking face 702 , can shift the sweet spot from a less than ideal position as illustrated in FIG. 6 , to a more ideal position focused about the geometric center 701 of the striking face 702 , as illustrated in FIG. 4 , even when the golf club head 700 includes features which would otherwise shift the sweet spot from the geometric center 701 , such as a flexure 736 , as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 .
  • FIG. 9 replicates the frontal view of the internal geometry of the golf club head 700 from FIG. 8 , including a plurality of relationships regarding the location of portions of the variable face thickness profile 740 and flexure 736 relative to the geometric center 701 of the striking face 702 to further illustrate various embodiments of the present invention.
  • various golf club head constructions or features such as flexure 636 , can alter the flex characteristics of the striking face 602 and create a sweet spot 630 which is not centered on the geometric center 601 of the striking face.
  • FIG. 9 shows that in one embodiment, the flexure 736 , or other golf club head feature, can extend further towards the toe of the golf club head 700 than the heel of the golf club head 700 .
  • the center 737 of the flexure 736 is offset a Distance A from the geometric center 701 towards the toe of the golf club head.
  • Distance A along with Distances B-H discussed below, are measured along an axis parallel to the major axis 220 as illustrated in FIG. 2 and as discussed above.
  • the center 737 of the flexure 736 is located substantially equidistant from the toe most portion of the flexure 736 , and the heel most portion of the flexure 736 .
  • the center 737 of the flexure 736 is defined by Distance B substantially equaling Distance C, wherein Distance B is the distance between the center 737 and the toe most portion of the flexure 736 and Distance C is the distance between the center 737 and the heel most portion of the flexure 736 .
  • the center 737 of the flexure 736 is offset a Distance A toeward from the geometric center of the club head.
  • Distance A can be between 0.25 mm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, Distance A can be between 1 mm and 10 mm. In some embodiments, Distance A can be between 2 mm and 8 mm. In some embodiments, Distance A can be between 3 mm and 7 mm. In some embodiments, Distance A can be between 4 mm and 6 mm. In some embodiments, Distance A can be greater than 1 mm. In some embodiments, Distance A can be greater than 2 mm. In some embodiments, Distance A can be greater than 3 mm. In some embodiments, Distance A can be greater than 4 mm. In some embodiments, Distance A can be greater than 5 mm.
  • the thick central portion 742 can be offset from the geometric center 701 of the striking face 702 .
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the center 741 of the thick central portion 742 , signified by an X, offset towards the toe of the golf club head 700 a Distance D from the geometric center 701 of the striking face 702 .
  • the center 741 of the thick central portion 742 is located substantially equidistant from the toe most portion of the thick central portion 742 and the heel most portion of the thick central portion 742 .
  • the center 741 of the thick central portion 742 is defined by Distance E substantially equaling Distance F, wherein Distance E is the distance between the center 741 and the toe most portion of the thick central portion 742 and Distance F is the distance between the center 741 and the heel most portion of the thick central portion 742 .
  • the golf club head can comprise a flexure 736 with a center 737 offset towards the toe as well as a thick central portion 742 with a center 741 offset towards the toe.
  • the center 741 of the thick central portion 742 can be offset a Distance D from the geometric center 701 , which is substantially similar to distance A, the distance which the center 737 of the flexure 736 is offset from the geometric center 701 .
  • Distance D can be between 0.25 mm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, Distance D can be between 1 mm and 10 mm. In some embodiments, Distance D can be between 2 mm and 8 mm. In some embodiments, Distance D can be between 3 mm and 7 mm. In some embodiments, Distance D can be between 4 mm and 6 mm. In some embodiments, Distance D can be greater than 1 mm. In some embodiments, Distance A can be greater than 2 mm. In some embodiments, Distance D can be greater than 3 mm. In some embodiments, Distance D can be greater than 4 mm. In some embodiments, Distance D can be greater than 5 mm.
  • the variable thickness profile 740 also includes a transition portion 743 , and a thin perimeter portion 744 .
  • the transition portion 743 is substantially centered on the thick central portion 742 , wherein Distance G represents the distance from the toe most portion of the transition portion to the center 741 of the thick central portion 742 , H represents the distance from the heel most portion of the transition portion to the center 741 of the thick central portion 742 , and wherein Distance G is substantially equal to Distance H.
  • Distance G and Distance H are each between approximately 15 mm and 30 mm. In some embodiments, Distance G and Distance H are each between approximately 20 mm and 25 mm.
  • Distance G and Distance H are each between approximately 22 mm and 24 mm.
  • the transition portion 743 may not be centered about the thick central portion 742 and Distance G may not equal Distance H.
  • the transition portion 743 can be offset towards the heel from the thick central portion 742 wherein Distance H is greater than Distance G.
  • Distance H is at least 1 mm larger than Distance G.
  • Distance H is at least 2 mm larger than Distance G.
  • Distance G may be greater than Distance H.
  • Distance G is at least 1 mm larger than Distance H.
  • Distance G is at least 2 mm larger than Distance H.
  • the center 737 of the flexure 736 may not be offset from the geometric center 701 of the striking face 702 , but may still provide asymmetric stiffness properties, shifting the sweet spot from the geometric center 701 .
  • Asymmetric stiffness properties can be produced by a plurality of constructions which may include, for example, asymmetric proportions, asymmetric thicknesses, asymmetric curvature, hosel structure, asymmetric ribbing, etc. Therefore, in some embodiments, the golf club head 701 can include a flexure 736 with a center 737 which is not offset from the geometric center 701 , as well as a thick central portion 742 with a center 741 offset towards the toe from the geometric center 701 .
  • center 741 of the thick central portion 742 could be offset towards the heel. In some embodiments, the center 741 of the thick central portion 742 could be offset towards the portion of the golf club head which includes the more compliant portion of the flexure 736 or other golf club head feature.
  • CT Characteristic Time
  • CT can be measured at a location offset from the geometric center 701 of the striking face 702 , such as a point offset 0.5′′ towards the toe from the geometric center 702 along an axis parallel to the major axis (CT Toe-0.5′′ ), or a point offset 0.5′′ towards the heel from the geometric center 702 along an axis parallel to the major axis (CT Heel-0.5′′ ).
  • CT Toe-0.5′′ a point offset 0.5′′ towards the toe from the geometric center 702 along an axis parallel to the major axis
  • CT Heel-0.5′′ CT Heel-0.5′′
  • the golf club head 700 can have a CT relationship wherein
  • one embodiment of a club head could have a CT Center value of 235, a CT Toe-0.5′′ value of 247, and a CT Heel-0.5′′ value of 234.
  • the absolute value of (CT Toe-0.5′′ /CT Center ) ⁇ 1 equals 0.051064 which satisfies
  • the absolute value of (CT Heel-0.5′′ /CT Center ) ⁇ 1 equals 0.012766 which satisfies
  • the golf club head 700 can have a CT relationship wherein
  • a flexure is not the only golf club head feature than can alter the flex characteristics of the golf club head when impacting a golf ball.
  • Other features which may include for example, wall thicknesses, curvature, ribbing, weight ports, hosel structure, etc., can asymmetrically affect the stiffness of a golf club head and thus effect the location of a sweet spot on the striking face of the golf club head.
  • the various embodiments of variable thickness profile as well as shifted thick central portions discussed herein can be utilized to complement a plurality of golf club head features in addition to the flexures discussed herein.
  • a golf club head can be formed from a plurality of pieces which are joined together to form the golf club head.
  • the sole portion and striking face can be formed from one integral part utilizing a technique called super plastic forming.
  • Super plastic forming is performed at high temperatures, and sometimes in a vacuum, to achieve larger than conventional elongation in a material during the formation process. The process is especially attractive in the processing of titanium materials.
  • a pressurized gas can be used in place of a male die to form a part rather than a physical die contacting the surface of the material during deformation. A pressurized gas can apply a more uniform force while minimizing localized friction which leads to the formation holes in the material.
  • Super plastic forming can allow for more complex geometries to be formed. Super plastic forming also allows for little to no spring back, aiding in accuracy of manufacture. Additionally, unlike a casted material, a sole and striking face formed with super plastic forming has no alpha case or presence of oxygen on the surface, minimizing surface imperfections, creating a smooth surface, and minimizing stress crack propagation. In some embodiments, various features such as the flexure and variable thickness profile discussed above could be produced using the super plastic forming process, including for example, the striking face, the sole, the flexure, and the variable thickness profile.

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)
US14/479,002 2014-09-05 2014-09-05 Golf club head Abandoned US20160067560A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/479,002 US20160067560A1 (en) 2014-09-05 2014-09-05 Golf club head
US14/714,108 US20160067561A1 (en) 2014-09-05 2015-05-15 Golf club head
US14/814,334 US9526956B2 (en) 2014-09-05 2015-07-30 Golf club head
JP2015173224A JP6219350B2 (ja) 2014-09-05 2015-09-02 ゴルフクラブヘッド

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/479,002 US20160067560A1 (en) 2014-09-05 2014-09-05 Golf club head

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/714,108 Continuation-In-Part US20160067561A1 (en) 2014-09-05 2015-05-15 Golf club head
US14/814,334 Continuation-In-Part US9526956B2 (en) 2014-09-05 2015-07-30 Golf club head

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20160067560A1 true US20160067560A1 (en) 2016-03-10

Family

ID=55436554

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/479,002 Abandoned US20160067560A1 (en) 2014-09-05 2014-09-05 Golf club head

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20160067560A1 (ja)
JP (1) JP6219350B2 (ja)

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150367195A1 (en) * 2014-06-20 2015-12-24 Nike, Inc. Golf Club Head or Other Ball Striking Device Having Impact-Influencing Body Features
US20160096083A1 (en) * 2014-06-20 2016-04-07 Nike, Inc Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US9914026B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2018-03-13 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US9925428B2 (en) 2015-05-29 2018-03-27 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US10245474B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2019-04-02 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US10357694B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2019-07-23 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US10751584B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2020-08-25 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US10799772B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2020-10-13 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US20220062719A1 (en) * 2016-11-22 2022-03-03 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head including impact influencing flexture joint
US20220072398A1 (en) * 2020-09-10 2022-03-10 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with improved characteristic time
US11554298B2 (en) 2019-09-13 2023-01-17 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads having a localized heat affected zone
US20230372790A1 (en) * 2017-01-10 2023-11-23 Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10758789B2 (en) * 2017-12-22 2020-09-01 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head with variable face thickness

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5954596A (en) * 1997-12-04 1999-09-21 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head with reinforced front wall
US6368234B1 (en) * 1999-11-01 2002-04-09 Callaway Golf Company Golf club striking plate having elliptical regions of thickness
US20070117648A1 (en) * 2005-11-22 2007-05-24 Sri Sports Limited Golf club head

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020183134A1 (en) * 1999-06-24 2002-12-05 Allen Dillis V. Golf club head with face wall flexure control system
JP4033432B2 (ja) * 2000-06-07 2008-01-16 ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 ウッドクラブヘッド
JP2003093554A (ja) * 2001-09-21 2003-04-02 Sumitomo Rubber Ind Ltd ゴルフクラブヘッド
JP5498931B2 (ja) * 2009-12-21 2014-05-21 アクシュネット カンパニー 性能が改良されたゴルフクラブ

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5954596A (en) * 1997-12-04 1999-09-21 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head with reinforced front wall
US6368234B1 (en) * 1999-11-01 2002-04-09 Callaway Golf Company Golf club striking plate having elliptical regions of thickness
US20070117648A1 (en) * 2005-11-22 2007-05-24 Sri Sports Limited Golf club head

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Rotary Swing, The Anatomy of the Golf Swing, The Driver Sweetspot and Center of Gravity, 5/2014. *
Titleist Golf Clubs, Sweet Spot, http://www.titleist.com/teamtitleist/team-titleist/f/6/t/27442, 11/2014. *

Cited By (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10357695B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2019-07-23 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US9744412B2 (en) * 2014-06-20 2017-08-29 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US10357694B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2019-07-23 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US9776050B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2017-10-03 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US9789371B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2017-10-17 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US9889346B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2018-02-13 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US9914026B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2018-03-13 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US20150367195A1 (en) * 2014-06-20 2015-12-24 Nike, Inc. Golf Club Head or Other Ball Striking Device Having Impact-Influencing Body Features
US10653925B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2020-05-19 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US10245474B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2019-04-02 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US11738243B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2023-08-29 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US20160096083A1 (en) * 2014-06-20 2016-04-07 Nike, Inc Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US10238925B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2019-03-26 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US11890513B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2024-02-06 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US10751584B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2020-08-25 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US10799772B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2020-10-13 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US10888744B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2021-01-12 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US11148017B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2021-10-19 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US11872453B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2024-01-16 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US11235206B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2022-02-01 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US11759682B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2023-09-19 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US11439875B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2022-09-13 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US9925428B2 (en) 2015-05-29 2018-03-27 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US11224785B2 (en) 2015-05-29 2022-01-18 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US10682554B2 (en) 2015-05-29 2020-06-16 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
US20220062719A1 (en) * 2016-11-22 2022-03-03 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club head including impact influencing flexture joint
US20230372790A1 (en) * 2017-01-10 2023-11-23 Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads
US11554298B2 (en) 2019-09-13 2023-01-17 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads having a localized heat affected zone
US12109462B2 (en) 2019-09-13 2024-10-08 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads having a localized heat affected zone
US20220072398A1 (en) * 2020-09-10 2022-03-10 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Golf club heads with improved characteristic time

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2016064120A (ja) 2016-04-28
JP6219350B2 (ja) 2017-10-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9526956B2 (en) Golf club head
US20160067560A1 (en) Golf club head
US9192828B2 (en) Golf club head with improved performance
US8197356B2 (en) Golf club head with improved performance
US20160067561A1 (en) Golf club head
US8152652B2 (en) Golf club head with improved performance
US7303488B2 (en) Golf club head
US8574095B2 (en) Golf club head
US7892106B2 (en) Iron-type golf club head and golf club set
US8808107B2 (en) Golf club
US9192825B2 (en) Golf club head
US20130116065A1 (en) Golf club head and golf club
US20140106901A1 (en) Metal Wood Club
US20070149315A1 (en) Metal wood club
US8038546B2 (en) Wood-type golf club head
JP5841181B2 (ja) 性能が改良されたゴルフクラブ
US10420987B2 (en) Golf club head and method for predicting carry distance performance thereof
JP3208316U (ja) ゴルフクラブヘッド
EP2744577A1 (en) Golf club head or other ball striking device having stiffened face portion
US20160114226A1 (en) Golf club head
US20190201751A1 (en) Golf club head

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ACUSHNET COMPANY, MASSACHUSETTS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GOLDEN, CHARLES E.;KING, PATRICK J.;DE LA CRUZ, NOAH;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:033682/0388

Effective date: 20140905

AS Assignment

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

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ACUSHNET COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:034623/0720

Effective date: 20141204

AS Assignment

Owner name: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, CALIFORNIA

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ACUSHNET COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:039506/0030

Effective date: 20160728

Owner name: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINIS

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ACUSHNET COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:039506/0030

Effective date: 20160728

AS Assignment

Owner name: ACUSHNET COMPANY, MASSACHUSETTS

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME (034623/0720);ASSIGNOR:KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH;REEL/FRAME:039939/0483

Effective date: 20160728

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

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

AS Assignment

Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS SUCCESSOR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ILLINOIS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS (ASSIGNS 039506-0030);ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS RESIGNING ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:061521/0414

Effective date: 20220802