US20230181978A1

US20230181978A1 - Golf club with improved sole geometry

Info

Publication number: US20230181978A1
Application number: US18/056,339
Authority: US
Inventors: James Patrick Harrington
Original assignee: Jp Golf Usa Inc
Current assignee: Jp Golf Usa Inc
Priority date: 2020-07-16
Filing date: 2022-11-17
Publication date: 2023-06-15

Abstract

In one or more arrangements, a golf club head having improved sole geometry is provided. The golf club head includes a striking face portion located at a frontal portion of the golf club head, a topline located at an upper portion of the golf club head, a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head, a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion, and a sole located at a lower portion of the golf club head. The golf club head is adapted to receive a shaft. The golf club has a cross section having forward camber with a radius of curvature is less than or equal to a sole width of the sole and that is greater than or equal to a leading edge height of the golf club head.

Description

PRIOR RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/370,083 filed Jul. 8, 2021, and titled GOLF CLUB WITH IMPROVED SOLE GEOMETRY, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/052,739 filed Jul. 16, 2020, and titled GOLF CLUB WITH IMPROVED SOLE GEOMETRY, each of which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to golf clubs and more specifically to golf club heads.

OVERVIEW OF THE DISCLOSURE

Wedges and irons are types of golf clubs. Wedges and irons are generally used by golfers to hit shots with golf balls resting directly on the turf (e.g. grass, sand, dirt, hardpan, or other ground surface) of a golf course. Irons and wedges are similar to each other and loft differentiates irons from wedges. Irons and wedges together have loft range of 17-70 degrees.
The typical loft range for irons is from 17-82 degrees. The typical loft range for wedges is from 43-70 degrees. Since an iron and a wedge have similar characteristics as one another, the terms iron(s) and wedge(s) are used interchangeably herein unless specifically stated otherwise.
Given that the sole of irons and wedges are the part of the golf club head that has the most surface area that contacts the turf, the design of the sole profile often has a significant impact on turf interaction with the golf club and resulting quality of the shot. Improper turf engagement prior to or during the striking of the golf ball can be detrimental to the quality of the golf shot resulting in “fat shots”, “thin shots”, “chuck shots” or other non-desirable and/or unpredictable shots.
The design of golf club heads is an extremely challenging task due to the fact that so many aspects of a club head are so closely tied to performance. Unlike other types of manufactured products, minute changes can greatly impact how the club head performs and/or feels. Performance and feel of a club head may be affected by a large number of independent and/or synergistic parameters including but not limited to, for example, the leading edge height, the sole width, sole width bounce angle, trailing edge relief, club width, club weight, weight distribution. swing weight, aerodynamics, and/or swing speed, among numerous other parameters and/or factors.
Club head design is made further challenging because simulations do not well predict how a club head will perform and/or feel in real world game play. Rather, club head design typically involves a “build & test” design methodology. Unfortunately, build & test design methodologies are expensive and require long lead times due to the fact that a golf club prototype must be made out of the same materials and construction as the intended end product in order to accurately test a club head design under real world gameplay. Lead times are further lengthened in order to test a club design in a variety of scenarios and conditions by a variety of players.
Due to the large number of parameters and the dramatic changes in performance and/or feel that may result from small changes to such parameters, the resulting performance of a modification to an existing club head design can be unpredictable. Given the infinite combination of parameter measurements and large costs and lead times for prototype construction and testing without any reasonable expectation for success, it is not feasible to simply optimize performance by trying all combinations of parameter values to see which performs the best. It is an object of the disclosure to provide a golf club having sole geometry that improves performance.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that improves turf engagement.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that increases the effective bounce.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that restricts the leading-edge height.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that creates a more efficient turf interaction.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that inhibits the leading edge from digging, catching, and snagging the turf.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that increases performance for both low handicap golfers as well as high handicap golfers.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that provides a superior feel.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that provides superior ability to go through the ground.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that is easy to control.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that exhibits superior stability.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that provides versatile use.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club that is strong, robust, and durable.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that can be used in many applications.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that is easy and intuitive to use.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that has a long useful life.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a golf club head having a sole geometry that is high quality.
These and other objects, features, or advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the specification, figures, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 2 is a partial front view of a golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing the golf club head segmented along a midline.

FIG. 3 is a partial front view of a golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing the sole contact surface of the golf club head.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a golf club head shown, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 5 is a cross section toe side view of a golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 6 is a cross section toe side partial close view of a golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing sole geometry of the golf club head.

FIG. 7 is a cross section toe side partial close view of a golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements, the view showing sole geometry of the golf club head.

FIG. 8 is a close-up cross section toe side view of a golf club having improved sole geometry, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing trailing edge relief.

FIG. 9 is a cross section toe side view of silhouettes of a traditional wedge along with three golf clubs having improved sole geometry configured for a high bounce, mid bounce, and low bounce, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 10 is a close-up cross section toe side view of silhouettes of a golf club with a conventional sole along with three golf clubs having improved sole geometry configured for a high bounce, mid bounce, and low bounce, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 11 shows camber area and bounce triangle area of a cross section toe of an example traditional wedge.

FIG. 12 shows camber area and bounce triangle area of a cross section toe of a second example traditional wedge.

FIG. 13 shows a table listing sole width, sole camber area, sole width bounce line angle, bound triangle area, sole camber percentage, and camber to bounce ratio for two traditional wedges along with ten example golf club heads having improved sole geometry, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 14 shows a front view of the golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 15 shows a left view of the golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 16 shows a top-back perspective view of the golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 17 shows a right view of the golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 18 shows a bottom view of the golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 19 shows a top view of the golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 20 shows a left-back perspective view of the golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 21 shows another back-bottom perspective view of the golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 22 shows a back perspective view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 21 with details enlarged.

FIG. 23 shows a side-by-side cross section toe side views of the traditional wedge 1 (on the left) and a wedge golf club head with improved camber (on the right), in accordance with or more arrangements; the views showing the two club heads rotated forward as if swung with forward press.

FIG. 24 is a partial cross section toe side view of a golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view illustrating radius of curvature of the golf club head.

FIG. 25 shows an overlay cross section toe side view of three instances of a golf club head in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view showing the one instance of the golf club head positioned upright and the other two instances of the golf club head rotated forward with different amounts of forward press.

FIG. 26 is a cross section toe side view of a golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view illustrating forward camber area and rearward camber areas of the sole of the golf club head.

FIG. 27 is a partial cross section toe side view of a golf club head, in accordance with one or more arrangements; the view illustrating depth of camber of the sole of the golf club head.

FIG. 28 shows a table listing sole radius, leading edge height, sole radius to leading edge height ratio, sole width to sole radius ratio, and sole radius to depth of camber ratio for two traditional wedges along with ten example golf club heads having improved sole geometry, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

FIG. 29 shows a table listing forward camber area, rearward camber area, total camber area, and camber area to forward to rearward ratio sole radius, leading edge height, sole radius to leading edge height ratio, sole width to sole radius ratio, and sole radius to depth of camber ratio for two traditional wedges along with ten example golf club heads having improved sole geometry, in accordance with one or more arrangements.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one or more arrangements, a golf club head having improved sole geometry is provided. The golf club head includes a striking face portion located at a frontal portion of the golf club head, a topline located at an upper portion of the golf club head, a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head, a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion, and a sole located at a lower portion of the golf club head. The golf club head is adapted to receive a shaft. The golf club has a cross section having a sole width less than 15 mm and a sole camber percentage greater than 40% (and in some arrangements greater than or equal to approximately 59%). In some arrangements, the cross section additionally exhibits trailing edge relief.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and procedures. For instance, although aspects and features may be illustrated in and/or described with reference to certain figures and/or embodiments, it will be appreciated that features from one figure and/or embodiment may be combined with features of another figure and/or embodiment even though the combination is not explicitly shown and/or explicitly described as a combination. In the depicted embodiments, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings.
Any advantages and/or improvements discussed herein may not be provided by various disclosed embodiments, and/or implementations thereof. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which provide such advantages and/or improvements. Similarly, it should be understood that various embodiments may not address all or any objects of the disclosure and/or objects of the invention that may be described herein. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which address such objects of the disclosure and/or invention. Furthermore, although some disclosed embodiments may be described relative to specific materials, embodiments are not limited to the specific materials and/or apparatuses but only to their specific characteristics and capabilities and other materials and apparatuses can be substituted as is well understood by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.
It is to be understood that the terms such as “left, right, top, bottom, front, backrest, side, height, length, width, upper, lower, interior, exterior, inner, outer, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation and/or configuration.
As used herein, “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that “A and/or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A as well as B,” unless it is clearly indicated that only a single item, subgroup of items, or all items are present. The use of “etc.” is defined as “et cetera” and indicates the inclusion of all other elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items, in any “and/or” combination(s).
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise. Indefinite articles like “a” and “an” introduce or refer to any modified term, both previously-introduced and not, while definite articles like “the” refer to a same previously-introduced term; as such, it is understood that “a” or “an” modify items that are permitted to be previously-introduced or new, while definite articles modify an item that is the same as immediately previously presented. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, unless expressly indicated otherwise. For example, if an embodiment of a system is described at comprising an article, it is understood the system is not limited to a single instance of the article unless expressly indicated otherwise, even if elsewhere another embodiment of the system is described as comprising a plurality of such articles.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “mated,” “attached,” “fixed,” etc. to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, and/or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly coupled,” “directly engaged” etc. to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” “engaged” versus “directly engaged,” etc.). Similarly, a term such as “operatively”, such as when used as “operatively connected” or “operatively engaged” is to be interpreted as connected and/or engaged, respectively, in any manner that facilitates operation, which may include being directly connected, indirectly connected, electronically connected, wirelessly connected and/or connected by any other manner, method and/or means that facilitates desired operation. Similarly, a term such as “communicatively connected” includes all variations of information exchange and routing between two electronic devices, including intermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not. Similarly, “connected” or other similar language particularly for electronic components is intended to mean connected by any means, either directly or indirectly, wired and/or wirelessly, such that electricity and/or information may be transmitted between the components.
It will be understood that, although the ordinal terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to any order by these terms unless specifically stated as such. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another; where there are “second” or higher ordinals, there merely must be a number of elements, without necessarily any difference or other relationship. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments and/or methods.
Similarly, the structures and operations discussed herein may occur out of the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently and/or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individual operations within example methods described below may be executed repetitively, individually, and/or sequentially, to provide looping and/or other series of operations aside from single operations described below. It should be presumed that any embodiment and/or method having features and functionality described below, in any workable combination, falls within the scope of example embodiments.
As used herein, various disclosed embodiments may be primarily described in the context of golf clubs. However, the embodiments are not so limited. It is appreciated that the embodiments may be adapted for use in other applications which may be improved by the disclosed structures, arrangements and/or methods. The system is merely shown and described as being used in in the context of golf clubs for ease of description and as one of countless examples.

Golf Club System

10

With reference to the figures, a golf club system 10 is disclosed an improved sole geometry. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the golf club system 10 includes a golf club head 14 connected to a shaft 12 (not shown) among other components.

Golf Club Head

14

Golf club head 14 is formed of any suitable size shape and design and is configured to provide improved sole geometry. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the golf club head 14 includes a main body 16 having striking face 18 located at a frontal portion the golf club head 14, a topline 20 located at an upper portion of the golf club head 14, a heel 22 portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head 14 14, a hosel 24 located at the heel 22 and adapted to receive shaft 12, a toe 26 portion located at a distal end of the golf club head 14 opposite the heel 22 end, a sole 28 located at a lower portion of the golf club head 14 opposite the topline 20, and a back 30 located opposite the striking face 18, among other components. The sole 28 extends from a leading edge 32, where the striking face 18 meets the sole 28, to a trailing edge wherein the sole 28 meets the back of the golf club head 14. As used herein, the “leading edge point” 34 of a cross section refers to the most forward point of the cross section of the golf club head 14 when the hosel 24 and shaft 12 are positioned in a plane perpendicular to a horizontal ground plane 68 and the golf club head 14 is positioned at its proper lie angle (e.g., when score lines on strike face 18 are parallel to the ground).
As used herein, the “trailing edge point” 38 of a cross section of a golf club head 14 refers to the point of the cross section where a rear edge of the sole meets a lower edge of the back of the golf club head 14. As used herein, the “sole contact point” 40 of a golf club head 14 refers to the lowest point of the sole of the cross section when the hosel 24 and shaft 12 are positioned in a plane perpendicular to a horizontal ground plane 68 and the golf club head 14 is positioned at its proper lie angle.
As used herein, the line from the leading-edge point to the trailing edge point is referred to as the “club width bounce line” 52. As used herein, “leading edge height” 44 refers to the vertical distance between the leading-edge point 34 to the sole contact point 40. As used herein “club width” 64 refers to the horizontal distance between the leading-edge point 34 to the trailing edge point 38. As used herein, “club width bounce angle” 66 refers to the angle of the club width bounce line 52 relative to the ground plane 68.
In the example golf club system 10 shown in the figures, the shown cross sections are along a YZ plane located at a midline of the golf club head 14. Wherein the YZ plane extends in a perpendicular planar alignment to a plane established by the striking surface or face of the golf club head 14. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the “midline” 46 is located at the sole contact point along the X axis. In the arrangement shown, the midline extends vertically on the Y axis from the sole contact point. From there a cross section is created on the YZ plane on the midline. In this way, the midline establishes a plane that extends in perpendicular planar alignment to the generally flat plane of the striking surface of the golf club head 14. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the midline extends perpendicular to the score lines 36 that extend along the striking face 18 of the golf club head 14. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the score lines 36 extend in parallel alignment to the X axis.
Sole Contact Point—Tangent Point: In one arrangement, as one example, the sole contact point 40 is a tangent point. That is, the sole contact point is a single point on the golf club head 14 at which point the curvature of the golf club head 14 trails off forward (toward the leading edge), rearward (toward the trailing edge) and to the sides (toward the heel 22 and toward the toe 26) of the sole contact point. In this example arrangement, the midline 46 is located at the tangent point that is the sole contact point 40.
In the arrangement shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 the sole contact point 40 is in contact with the ground plane 68 and when the plane established by the midline 46 is in perpendicular alignment with the ground plane 68, and when the hosel 24 and shaft 12 are positioned in a perpendicular alignment (a vertical alignment) to the horizontal ground plane 68 when viewed from the toe 26 to heel 22 as is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 as examples.
Sole Contact Point—Plane: In another arrangement, as one example, if the sole 28 does not have curvature from heel 22 to toe 26 at a single point, where the sole 28 contacts the ground plane 68, while the score lines 36 are parallel to the ground plane 68, the midline 46 may be located approximately at center point of the sole contact point 40 (or sole contact surface) from heel 22 to toe 26 on the X axis. In this example arrangement, the sole contact point 40 or sole contact surface can extend the entire area of the sole 28 or lower portion of the golf club head 14 from heel 22 to toe 26 or any portion thereof. In this example arrangement, the sole contact point 40 or sole contact surface creates a flat section that is parallel to the ground plane 68 that extends a length of the golf club head 14 from heel 22 to the toe 26.

Effective Bounce

It is important to have an optimal level of effective bounce on the sole 28 of the golf club head 14 through impact with the golf ball and golf club head 14. Effective bounce is the resistance to digging, catching, or snagging of the iron or wedge into the turf. The ideal level of effective bounce is dependent on the individual golfer's swing and sole geometry of the golf club. All golf swings are unique and may require a different level of effective bounce to create the ideal effective bounce for the individual golfer to produce the most efficient turf interaction. Too little effective bounce and the golf club head 14 will be more apt to cut and dig into the turf much like a knife. Too much effective bounce and the wedge will be more apt to literally bounce off the ground and result in a thin shot because the height of the leading edge at impact with the golf ball higher than the face striking portion. The correct level of effective bounce during the golf swing will yield a more efficient, consistent, and forgiving golf shot.
There are three primary elements that define sole geometry. They are the sole width, sole width bounce angle, and camber, more specifically forward camber. “Sole width” 48 refers to the horizontal distance between the leading-edge point 34 to the sole contact point 40. The line from the leading-edge point to the sole contact point 40 is referred to as the “sole width bounce line” 50. “Sole width bounce angle” 52 refers to the downward angle of the sole width bounce line 50 from a horizontal plane when the sole contact point 40 is in contact with the ground plane 68 and when the plane established by the midline is in perpendicular alignment with the ground plane 68, and when the hosel 24 and shaft 12 are positioned in a perpendicular alignment (a vertical alignment) to the horizontal ground plane 68 when viewed from the toe 26 to heel 22 as is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 as examples. As used herein, “forward camber” 54 refers to any amount of curvature of the sole 28 of a golf club head 14 extending in front of the sole width bounce line 50.
Generally, as the sole width bounce angle 52 increases, while having a fixed sole width 48, leading edge height 44 will increase, thus increasing the effective bounce. As the sole width 48 increases, the surface area increases which helps to resist the iron or wedge from digging into the turf thus increasing the effective bounce. Lastly, the increase of forward camber 54 increases effective bounce by creating more surface area through a curved surface and restricts the leading edge 32 from contacting the turf first.
As the design of conventional wedges and irons has progressed, effective bounce has been increased primarily by increasing the sole width bounce angle 52 and/or the sole width 48 of the golf club head 14. In this period of progression, only marginal adjustment to forward camber 54 have been made. The reason for this may be because wedges and irons started with minimal to no camber, and maximum camber is the opposite of the original design of the wedge. This could be a reason why maximizing forward camber 54 is the last major transformation of the sole 28 of a wedge.

Improved Sole Geometry:

In contrast to traditional design philosophy, it has been surprisingly discovered that significantly increasing the forward camber 54 and reducing sole width 48, in comparison to conventional wedges and irons, results in a golf club having a sole 28 profile that provides superior performance. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to wedge and iron golf club heads 14 having improved sole geometry with significantly increased forward camber 54 and shorter sole width 48 in comparison to conventional wedge and irons.
To better characterize the forward camber of the described embodiments, the terms “sole camber area”, “bounce triangle area”, and “sole camber percentage” are introduced. As used herein, “sole camber area” 58 refers to the area, in a cross section of a golf club head 14, in which the sole 28 extends in front of the sole width bounce line 50. As used herein, “bounce triangle area” 60 refers to the area, in a cross section of a golf club head 14, that is bounded by the sole width bounce line 50, a vertical line positioned at the leading edge point 34, and a horizontal line positioned at the sole contact point 40. The bounce triangle area 60 encompasses the sole camber area 58. The bounce triangle area 60 is the maximum potential area of the sole camber area 58 at its specific sole width 48 and sole width bounce angle 52. “Sole camber percentage” of a cross section of a wedge or iron golf club head 14 is calculated by the following formula:

Sole Camber Percentage Formula

Sole Camber Percentage %=(100*Sole Camber Area)/Bounce Triangle Area.
Conventional wedges and irons generally have sole with a large sole width and little camber. More specifically, conventional wedges and irons typically have a sole camber percentage approximately 40-58% and also have a sole width greater than or equal to approximately 15 mm.
FIGS. 11 and 12 show two examples of conventional wedges. For example, the traditional wedge shown in FIG. 12 has a sole width of 15.62 mm and a sole camber percentage of 58.19%. The wedge shown in FIG. 12 is discussed in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 10,143,900. Wedges with a sole width less than about 15 mm have not utilized forward camber 54 to its maximum. For example, the traditional wedge shown in FIG. 11 has a sole width of 15 mm and a sole camber percentage of 39.37%. Increasing forward camber remains uncharted geometry in the sole design of an iron or wedge.
In contrast to conventional golf club heads, in one or more arrangements, a golf club head 14 is provided that is configured with a sole geometry having a sole width 48 less than 15 mm and a sole camber percentage greater than 40% (preferably approximately 59% or more). It has been found that increasing this sole camber percentage according to this criteria increases the effective bounce and creates a more efficient interaction with the turf through impact of the golf ball. It has also been found that increasing sole camber percentage and restricting sole width 48 as described herein restricts the leading-edge height 44 more than conventional wedges.
In the arrangements shown, the improved sole geometry of the example golf club heads 14 produce a more consistent, efficient, and forgiving golf shot for both irons and wedges in comparison to conventional irons and wedges. In the example arrangements, the curvature of sole 28 transitions to the leading edge 32 from the sole contact point 40 of the wedge which creates a more blunted leading edge 32 than traditional wedges which increases effective bounce. In this example arrangement, the improved sole geometry increases the effective bounce of the wedge by further resisting the leading edge 32 from digging, catching, and snagging the turf versus traditional wedges. In this example arrangement, performance is increased by creating more effective bounce in the first 15 mm of sole width 48 or forward section of sole 28.
In the example arrangements, the improved sole geometry of the golf club head 14 limits excess turf engagement when the club head 14 contacts the turf prior to the golf ball. Through careful observation, it has been discovered that optimal performance of sole geometry having sole width 48 is less than 15 mm and increased sole camber percentage greater than or equal to 40% (preferably approximately 59% or more).
The improved sole profile provides the consistent turf interaction that a professional golfer demands, and that same consistency translates to forgiveness that all golfers need. The improved sole geometry provides increased performance for both low handicap golfers as well as high handicap golfers.
It has been observed in testing and evaluation that the golf club head 14 in one or more arrangements provides a better feel, improved ability to go through the ground, and is generally easier to control in comparison to other golf clubs on the market.
In an arrangement shown, as one example, the improved sole geometry of the golf club head 14 also limits divot depth through impact. The curved surface of improved sole geometry provides a smoother entry and exit out of the divot by decreasing the divot entry angle and the divot exit angle. During the golf swing, golfers can feel a level of push back created by the ideal level of effective bounce provided by the disclosed sole geometry through turf interaction.
In one or more arrangements shown, the improved sole geometry of the golf club head 14 is more forgiving on miss-hits. When a golfer swings a wedge and impacts the turf prior to the golf ball, this can cause a poor shot. If the wedge hits behind the golf ball and does not have enough effective bounce on the sole, the leading edge will dig too much into the ground and cause the golfer to hit the ball “fat” or “chunk it” or “hit it heavy”. This is commonly referred to as a “chunk shot”, defined as when the wedge or sole digs into the turf too much before contact with the golf ball, momentum and energy is decreased, and the golf ball does not go the intended distance.
In one or more arrangements shown, the improved sole geometry of the golf club head 14 provides more surface area in the forward portion of the sole in a curved fashion, this increases the effective bounce, which limits divot depth, provides a smooth entry and exit of the divot, maintains more speed through impact, limits the severity of the chunk shot and naturally gets the ball closer to its intended distance through turf interaction efficiency, consistency, and forgiveness versus the same shot without the improved sole geometry.
Trailing Edge Relief, In one or more arrangements, the improved sole geometry may be complimented by trailing edge relief to produce certain performance benefits that may be desirable to certain golfers. “Trailing edge relief” 62 refers to an upward slope of the sole 28 from the sole contact point 40 to the trailing edge point 38. Having a shallow or low trailing edge relief angle (e.g., less than 5 degrees) in combination with the improved sole geometry (e.g., increased sole camber percentage with sole width 48 less than 15 mm) provides for more sole 28 stability through impact with the golf ball and through the turf. Having a high trailing edge relief 62 angle (e.g., greater than 5 degrees) will create less stability through the divot creating more shot-making versatility of the wedge. The greater the trailing edge relief 62 angle, the more shot-making versatility the wedge has. A higher trailing edge relief 62 angle is advantageous for a golfer who opens the face or striking surface of the wedge during impact with the golf ball which increase the dynamic loft and the effective bounce to hit higher, shorter, softer landing golf shots, notably the flop shot or shots with an open face. The removal of material due to a higher trailing edge relief 62 angle allows the face to be opened easier for flop shots. A lower trailing edge relief 62 angle can resist a golfer from opening the face of the wedge because it can create too much effective bounce. This does not allow the golfer to hit as high, short, and soft-landing golf shots due to the leading edge being too high at impact with the golf ball. Thus, preventing the golfer from opening the face to its maximum.

Measuring Sole Camber Percentage:

Sole camber percentage is easily obtained by 3D scanning, importing into a CAD program, slicing the golf club head 14 on the YZ plane (e.g., at the midline on the striking surface of the wedge) to provide a cross section (as is shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6 as examples). From this cross section, the leading edge point 34, sole contact point 40, sole width bounce line 50, and forward camber line 54, can be identified to determine the sole camber area 58 and bounce triangle area 60 and calculate sole camber percentage as previously described.
Another way to measure sole camber percentage is to take a picture of the wedge in the x axis having the camera on the toe side of the wedge. The forward most point of the leading edge creates the leading-edge point 34 and is generally at the middle of the score lines 36. In a computer drawing program like Adobe Illustrator, create lines to define the silhouette of the wedge. Export the lines as a DXF or DWG file and import them into a CAD program. Once in the CAD program, position and align the silhouette at the specific loft of the wedge. Using the silhouette, leading edge point 34, sole contact point 40, sole width bounce line 50, and forward camber line 54, can be identified to determine the sole camber area 58 and bounce triangle area 60 and calculate sole camber percentage as previously described.

Alternative Characterization and Measurement of Sole Camber

In addition to or in lieu of sole camber percentage, the forward camber 54 provided in some various arrangements can be characterized by and distinguished from previous golf clubs by its distinctive shape.
Generally speaking, the forward camber of traditional wedges (if any) tends to have a thin slightly curved shape similar to the shape of an airfoil, with a thicker front portion 70 having a greater curvature and a thinner rear portion 72 extending from the front portion to the sole contact point 40 that has a flatter curve. Through careful observation, it has been surprisingly discovered that the flatter curve of the rear portion 72 of the camber in traditional wedges can lead to inconsistent and degraded performance, for example, when the club is swung with forward press. When a club is swung with forward press, the club is set up with hands positioned toward the front foot. When swung with forward press, the club head will be rotated forward when contacting the turf and/or ball. Forward press may be used intentionally by golfers for certain swings or may unintentionally result from incorrect and/or inconsistent hand positions and/or swings.
FIG. 23 shows a side-by-side example of the traditional wedge 1 (on the left) and a wedge golf club head 14 with improved camber (on the right), in accordance with or more arrangements, with the two club heads rotated forward as if swung with forward press. As shown therein, with the club heads rotated forward, the flatter curve of the rear portion 72 of the forward camber in traditional wedges will engage the turf In this orientation, the leading edge is permitted to be positioned lower to the turf, where it is more susceptible to digging. Furthermore, the flatter curve of the rear portion 72 of the forward camber of the traditional wedges is positioned at a reduced angle where interaction with the turf provides less effective bounce.
In contrast, the rounder curve of the forward camber 54 of the improved club head 14 on the right helps ensure that the distance between the leading edge 32 and the ground is maintained, thereby inhibiting digging. Furthermore, the rounder curve of the improved forward camber 54 of the club head 14 on the right also maintains higher angled sole surfaces ahead of the point where the club head 14 contacts the ground, thereby providing improved effective bounce as such surfaces interact with the turf.
It should be understood that golf clubs may be swung with different amounts of forward press. Said another way, the golf club head may be rotated forward at different angles when swung. Whether on purpose or accidental, a golf club head may be rotated forward or backward at an infinite number of different angles when swung. Accordingly, the angle of the flatter surface of the rear portion of the camber of the traditional wedge 1 can be positioned at different angles and/or with different curvatures leading to inconsistent interaction with the turf and inconsistent performance.
Traditional wedge 2 is similarly more prone to digging and inconsistent interaction with the turf and inconsistent performance (in comparison to the improved club head 14) due to its flatter rear portion 72 of the forward camber and continuously variable radius of curvature. As discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,143,900, the sole of traditional wedge 2 is designed a sole having a continuously variable radius of curvature transitioning from smaller radius of curvature proximate the leading edge to a larger radius of curvature at a trailing edge. As discussed therein, it was previously believed that a continuously variable radius of curvature advantageously provided for more exact adjustment of the specific sole to accommodate the specific needs of the sole at various different points to help improve the performance of the golf club head. However, for many players such variability can lead to inconsistent interaction with the turf and inconsistent performance, for the reasons described herein.
In contrast to traditional wedges, the rounder curve of the forward camber 54 of the improved club head 14 on the right contacts the turf and/or ground with similar (if not identical) shaped portion of the forward camber 54 when rotated forward at various different angles. As an illustrative example, FIG. 25 shows an overlay of three instances 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c of an example improved club head 14 having rounder forward camber 54, consistent with one or more arrangements. In this example overlay, one instance 14 a of the club head 14 is oriented upright and two instances 14 b and 14 c are rotated forward at two different angles. As shown therein, the club head 14 provides similarly shaped forward camber 54 positioned in the lower forward position where the sole interacts with the ground and/or turf. As a result of the rounder forward camber 54, the improved club head 14 provides more consistent turf interaction and effective bounce despite inconsistencies in a player's swing.

Sole Radius 74:

In one or more arrangements, a golf club head 14 is provided having a forward camber 54 with a shape that is generally rounder and extends outward a greater distance from the bounce line 50. In one or more arrangements, roundness of the curve of the forward camber 54 of the golf club head 14 may be characterized by the curvature of a middle portion of the forward camber 54. More particularly, in one or more arrangements, the forward camber 54 is characterized by the sole radius 74. As use herein, “sole radius” 64 refers to the radius of the curvature of the forward camber 54 at a midpoint 76. As used herein, the “midpoint” 76 refers to the point of the forward camber, where the center line 78 intersects the forward camber 54 curve. As used herein, the “center line” 78 extends at an angle tangent to the bounce line 50 and intersects a center point 80 the bounce line 50 that is located halfway between the leading edge 32 and the sole contact point 40.
In one or more arrangements, a golf club head 14 is provided having a forward camber 54 with sole radius 74 that is in a range between the leading edge height 44 and the sole width 48. Through careful observation it has been surprisingly discovered that a sole radius 74 that is this range provides forward camber 54 with the suitable roundness to provide the desired turf interaction and effective bounce, as described herein. In contrast, the flatter curve of the rear portion 72 of forward camber of traditional wedges at the midpoint generally have a sole radius that is significantly greater that the sole width.
In addition to or in lieu of the sole radius 74 at the midpoint 76, in one or more arrangements, the roundness of the forward camber 54 may be characterized by the length of the arc in which the camber line 54 extends forward and rearward from the midpoint 76 with substantially the same radius of curvature. In one or more arrangements, the length of such arc/curve includes a majority of the total curve of the forward camber 54 from the leading edge 32 to the sole contact point 40. Having generally consistent curvature for a large portion of the total forward camber 54 curve helps to ensure consistent turf interaction over a wider range of positions of the club head (e.g., range of forward press). In one or more arrangements, the length of such arc/curve includes 50% or more of the total length of the curve of the forward camber 54 from the leading edge to the sole contact point (preferably approximately 59% or more).
Additionally or alternatively, in some arrangements, the curve of the forward camber 54 at the midpoint 76 extends forward along the forward camber 54 surface all the way (or nearly all the way) to the leading edge 32. Such arrangements may improve consistency of turf interaction and performance for the maximum range of forward press.

Forward Camber Area to Rearward Camber Area Ratio:

In addition to or in lieu of the sole radius 74, in one or more arrangements, roundness of the forward camber 54 may be characterized by the sole camber area 58 forward of center line 78 (also referred to as forward camber area 86) and the sole camber area 58 rearward of center line 78 (also referred to as rearward camber area 88). Due to the airfoil like shape of forward camber in traditional wedges, the forward camber area 86 is generally significantly larger than the rearward camber area 88. In contrast, in one or more arrangements, the rounder forward camber 54 sole 28 of golf club head 14 has a forward camber area 86 and rearward camber area 88 that are much closer to each other. For example, in one or more arrangements, a golf club head 14 is provided having a forward camber area 86 to rearward camber area 88 ratio that is less than 1.3.

Depth of Camber:

Additionally or alternatively, in one or more arrangements, roundness of the forward camber 54 may be characterized by the depth of the camber at center line 78. “Depth of camber” refers to the length of center line 78 between midpoint 76 and center point 80. In one or more arrangements, roundness of the forward camber 54 may be characterized by a ratio of depth of camber to sole radius. In one or more arrangements shown, a ratio of depth of camber to sole radius is a range of 2 to 4.

Exemplary Embodiments

As an illustrative example, in one or more arrangements, a golf club head (14), is provided that comprises:
a striking face portion (18) located at a frontal portion of the golf club head (14);
a topline (20) located at an upper portion of the golf club head (14);
a heel portion (22) located at a proximal end of the golf club head, adapted to receive a shaft (12);
a toe portion (26) located at a distal end of the golf club head (14) opposite the heel portion (22);
a sole (28), located at a lower portion of the golf club head (14);
wherein the golf club head (14) has a cross section at a midline (46) of the golf club head (14);
wherein the cross section is in a plane perpendicular to the striking face portion (18);
wherein in the cross section, a forward camber (54) of the sole (28) has a radius of curvature (74) at a midpoint (76) of the forward camber (54);
wherein the radius of curvature (74) is less than or equal to a sole width (48) of the sole; and
wherein the radius of curvature (74) is greater than or equal to a leading edge height (44) of the golf club head (14).
As another illustrative example, in one or more arrangements, a golf club head (14), is provided that comprises:
a striking face portion (18) located at a frontal portion of the golf club head (14);
a topline (20) located at an upper portion of the golf club head (14);
a heel portion (22) located at a proximal end of the golf club head, adapted to receive a shaft (12);
a toe portion (26) located at a distal end of the golf club head (14) opposite the heel portion (22);
a sole (28), located at a lower portion of the golf club head (14); wherein the golf club head (14) has a cross section at a midline (46) of the golf club head (14);
wherein the cross section is in a plane perpendicular to the striking face portion (18); and
wherein in the cross section, the sole (28) has a forward camber (54) with a substantially circular curved portion (e.g., at midpoint 76) along a majority of the total curve of the forward camber (54) from the leading edge (32) of the golf club head to a sole contact point (40) of the golf club head (14).
From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the disclosed golf club head arrangements improves upon the state of the art. Specifically, various embodiments provide golf club heads having a sole geometry that: improves turf engagement; increases the effective bounce and creates a more efficient interaction; restricts the leading edge height; increases effective bounce; inhibits the leading edge from digging, catching, and snagging the turf; increases performance for both low handicap golfers as well as high handicap golfers; provides a superior feel; provides superior ability to go through the ground; that is easy to control; exhibits superior stability; is versatile; is strong, robust, and durable; that can be used in many applications; is easy and intuitive to use; has a long useful life; and/or is high quality. These and other objects, features, or advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the specification, figures, and claims.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A golf club head, comprising:

a striking face portion located at a frontal portion of the golf club head;

a topline located at an upper portion of the golf club head;

a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head, adapted to receive a shaft;

a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion;

a sole, located at a lower portion of the golf club head;

wherein the golf club head has a cross section at a midline of the golf club head;

wherein the cross section is in a plane perpendicular to the striking face portion;

wherein in the cross section, a forward camber of the sole has a radius of curvature at a midpoint of the forward camber;

wherein the radius of curvature is less than or equal to a sole width of the sole;

wherein the radius of curvature is greater than or equal to a leading edge height of the golf club head.

2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a length of a curve along the forward camber having the radius of curvature is 50% or more of a length of a total curve along the forward camber from a leading edge of the golf club head to a sole contact point.

3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a length of a curve along the forward camber having the radius of curvature is 59% or more of a length of a total curve along the forward camber from a leading edge of the golf club head to a sole contact point.

4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the golf club head has a sole width that is less than 14 mm.

5. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the golf club head has a sole width between 10 mm and 14 mm.

6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the golf club head has a sole width between 10 mm and 14 mm;

the cross section of the golf club head has a bounce angle of 30 to 40 degrees.

7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the golf club head has a sole radius that is less than 1.4 times the leading edge height.

8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the golf club head has a ratio of sole radius to depth of camber that is between 2 and 4.

9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the golf club head includes trailing edge relief.

10. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the golf club head includes trailing edge relief greater than 5 degrees.

11. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the golf club head includes trailing edge relief less than 5 degrees.

12. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the sole camber percentage of the cross section of the golf club head is greater than or equal to 45%.

13. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the sole camber percentage of the cross section of the golf club head is greater than or equal to 50%.

14. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the sole camber percentage of the cross section of the golf club head is greater than or equal to 55%.

15. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the sole camber percentage of the cross section of the golf club head is greater than or equal to 59%.

16. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the sole camber percentage of the cross section of the golf club head is greater than or equal to 60%.

17. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the sole camber percentage of the cross section of the golf club head is greater than or equal to 61%.

18. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the midpoint is intersected by a center line that is tangent to a bounce line of the golf club head in the cross section;

wherein bounce line extends from a leading edge of the golf club head to a sole contact point;

wherein the center line intersects a center point located on the bounce line halfway between the leading edge and the sole contact point.

19. A golf club, comprising:

a shaft, having an elongated shape extending from an upper end to a lower end;

a grip on the upper end of the shaft; and

a golf club head attached to the lower end of the shaft, wherein the golf club head includes:

a striking face portion located at a frontal portion of the golf club head;

a topline located at an upper portion of the golf club head;

a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head, adapted to receive the shaft;

a sole, located at a lower portion of the golf club head

wherein the cross section is in a plane perpendicular to the striking face portion.

wherein in the cross section, a forward camber of the sole has a radius of curvature at a center point;

wherein the radius of curvature is less than or equal to a sole width of the sole; and

20. A golf club head, comprising:

a striking face portion located at a frontal portion of the golf club head;

a topline located at an upper portion of the golf club head;

a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion, and a sole, located at a lower portion of the golf club head;

wherein the cross section is in a plane perpendicular to the striking face portion. wherein in the cross section, the sole has a forward camber with a substantially circular curved portion along a majority of a total curve of the forward camber from the leading edge of the golf club head to a sole contact point of the golf club head.

21. The golf club head of claim 20, wherein the sole has a radius of curvature at a midpoint of the forward camber;

22. The golf club head of claim 20, wherein the cross section of the golf club head has a sole width that is less than 14 mm.

23. The golf club head of claim 20, wherein the cross section of the golf club head has a sole width between 10 mm and 14 mm.

24. The golf club head of claim 20, wherein the cross section of the golf club head has a sole width between 10 mm and 14 mm;

the cross section of the golf club head has a bounce angle of 30 to 40 degrees.

25. The golf club head of claim 20, wherein the cross section of the golf club head has a sole radius that is less than 1.4 times a leading edge height of the golf club head.

26. The golf club head of claim 20, wherein the cross section of the golf club head has a ratio of sole radius to depth of camber that is between 2 and 4.

27. The golf club head of claim 20, wherein the cross section of the golf club head includes trailing edge relief.