JP2023039450A - Groove of golf club head and manufacturing method of groove of golf club head - Google Patents

Abstract

A golf club head groove and face insert and a method of manufacturing a golf club head groove and face insert are provided. SOLUTION: A putter type golf club head 6100 in which the width of the groove changes along a direction extending between a heel end and a toe end, a putter type club face is generally planar, and the address The face insert extends generally vertically in position and is secured within the recess using tape, adhesive or epoxy. [Selection diagram] Figure 92

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/541,445 filed Aug. 4, 2017; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/268,011 filed December 16, 2015; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/233,099 filed September 25, 2015 and August 14, 2015 U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/962,969, filed April 25, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application No. 236,112. This application also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/697,994 filed September 7, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/541,981 filed September 30, 2011. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/761,778, filed Feb. 7, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/529, filed Oct. 31, 2014, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. This is a continuation-in-part of '590. all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to golf club head grooves and methods of making golf club head grooves.

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

1 illustrates a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

4 is a schematic plan view of the grooves of the ball striking face of FIG. 3; FIG.

5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 4 as seen from section 5-5 of FIG. 3; FIG.

4 is a horizontal sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 3; FIG.

4 is a horizontal sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 3; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of the grooves of the ball striking surface of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 9 as viewed from section 10-10 of FIG. 8;

9 is a horizontal sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 8; FIG.

9 is a horizontal sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 8; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of the grooves of the ball striking face of FIG. 13;

15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 14 as viewed from section 15-15 of FIG. 13; FIG.

14 is a horizontal sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 13; FIG.

14 is a horizontal sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 13; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of grooves in the ball striking face of FIG. 18;

20 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 19 as viewed from section 20-20 of FIG. 18; FIG.

19 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 18; FIG.

19 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 18; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

24 is another embodiment of a vertical cross-section of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 23 as viewed from section 24-24 of FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is another embodiment of a vertical cross-section of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 23 as viewed from section 24-24 of FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is another embodiment of a vertical cross-section of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 23 as viewed from section 24-24 of FIG. 23; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves in the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves in the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves in the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves in the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves in the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves in the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves in the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves in the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary horizontal cross-section of grooves in the ball striking face of a putter;

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on the ball striking face of a putter; FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of exemplary grooves on the ball striking face of a putter;

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 4A is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a putter groove, according to one embodiment.

1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a putter, according to one example. FIG.

1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a putter, according to one example. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a putter face, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a putter face, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a method of manufacturing a golf club, according to one embodiment;

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the grooves of the ball striking face of FIG. 54;

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the grooves of the ball striking face of FIG. 56;

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

59 is a cross-sectional view of the grooves of the ball striking face of FIG. 58; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 61 is a schematic plan view of grooves in the ball striking face of FIG. 60;

62 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 61 as viewed from section 62-62 of FIG. 60; FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a tool for cutting grooves;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a V-shaped groove, according to one example.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a V-shaped groove, according to one example.

FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view of a groove, according to one example.

Figure 67 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of Figure 66;

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a ball striking surface of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a putter and an elliptical pattern according to one embodiment;

73 is a bottom view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 72; FIG.

Figure 74 is an enlarged view of the two innermost portion elliptical grooves of Figure 73;

Figure 74 is an enlarged view of the two outermost portion elliptical grooves of Figure 73;

1 is a putter, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 76 is the central area.

77 is a bottom view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 76; FIG.

79 is an enlarged view of a protrusion near the geometric center of FIG. 78; FIG.

79 is an enlarged view of the protrusion near the toe end of FIG. 78; FIG.

1 is a face insert for a golf club head, according to one embodiment.

81 is another face insert from the golf club head face insert of FIG.

83 is an exploded view of the face insert of FIG. 82; FIG.

FIG. 83 is a schematic diagram of the ball striking surface of FIG. 82;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

Figure 85 is an alternative view of the putter of Figure 84;

85 is a front view of the face insert of the putter of FIG. 84; FIG.

86B is a rear view of the face insert of FIG. 86A; FIG.

85 is a perspective view of the putter of FIG. 84; FIG.

1 is a perspective view of a putter, according to one embodiment; FIG.

Figure 89 is an exploded view of the putter of Figure 89;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

Figure 92 is an exploded view of the putter of Figure 91;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

Figure 94 is an exploded view of the putter of Figure 93;

4 is a face insert for a putter, according to another embodiment.

96 is a cross-sectional view of the face insert of FIG. 95; FIG.

96 is a ball striking face plate of the face insert of FIG. 95;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter, according to another embodiment;

The present disclosure is a putter golf club head having various face inserts that provide a softer feel when impacting the golf ball during the putting stroke. The face insert may be configured to be received in a recess of a putter golf club head. In many embodiments, the face insert forms part of the front striking surface and sole of the putter golf club head. In other embodiments, the face insert may form part of the heel end, toe end, top rail, or any combination thereof of a putter golf club head. In some embodiments, a putter golf club head comprises a single component such as a ball striking face plate. In some embodiments, the putter golf club head comprises multiple parts, such as a ball striking face plate and face insert base, a polymeric material and frame, and a plurality of openings. In embodiments in which the face insert has a ball striking face plate and a face insert base, the ball striking face plate includes coupling structure for mechanically coupling the ball striking face plate and the face insert base together. be able to. In many embodiments, the face insert can be bonded to the recess by an adhesive such as tape, super-strong adhesive tape, glue, epoxy, or any type of adhesive compound. In many embodiments, the face insert can comprise polymer type materials. In these embodiments, polymer-type materials can provide softer and unique sound/feel advantages at ball impact than metal faces. Polymer-type materials dampen vibrations to eliminate unwanted sounds at golf ball impact. In some embodiments, such as a face insert having a polymeric material and a frame, the frame helps align the ball with the center of the front striking surface and provides a visual aid to the player.

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

In the example of FIG. 1, a putter 100 is shown. Although the grooves and face inserts of putter 100 are described herein, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are applicable to other types of club heads (e.g., driver style club heads, fairway wood style club heads). club heads, hybrid club heads, iron club heads, etc.). However, putter-type golf club heads are not driver-type club heads, fairway-wood-type club heads, hybrid-type club heads, iron-type club heads, and wedge-type club heads.

A putter golf club head has a loft angle. The loft angle of a putter golf club head is the angle between a generally flat surface on the face and the central axis of the shaft. The loft angle of a putter golf club head is the rearward angle of the putter golf club head from the shaft to the face. In many embodiments, the putter golf club head may have a loft angle of 10 degrees or less. In some embodiments, the loft angle of the putter golf club head may be 9 degrees or less, 8 degrees or less, 7 degrees or less, 6 degrees or less, 5 degrees or less, or 4 degrees or less. In some embodiments, the putter golf club head has a loft angle of 0 degrees to 10 degrees, 0 degrees to 9 degrees, 0 degrees to 8 degrees, 1 degree to 10 degrees, 1 degree to 9 degrees, 1 degree to 8 degrees. degrees, 2 degrees to 10 degrees, 2 degrees to 9 degrees, 2 degrees to 8 degrees, 3 degrees to 10 degrees, 3 degrees to 9 degrees, or 3 degrees to 8 degrees. For example, a putter golf club head may have a loft angle of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees.

The ball striking face plate can be divided horizontally into three sections: a toe section near toe end 180, a heel section near heel end 190, and a central section located between the toe and heel sections. The ball striking face plate may be further divided vertically into three sections: a top rail portion near the top rail 182, a sole portion near the sole 192, and a central portion located between the top rail portion and the source portion. The toe portion, heel portion, center portion, top rail portion, source portion and center portion of the ball striking face plate are the toe portion 1970, heel portion 1974 and center of ball striking face plate 1912 shown in FIGS. It can be similar to portion 1972 , top rail portion 1976 , source portion 1980 and central portion 1978 .

A front striking surface of a putter golf club head may comprise a plurality of grooves. The plurality of grooves on the front striking surface can be similar to the plurality of grooves on the ball striking surface/ball striking surface/front striking surface shown below: 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012. , 1312, 1412, 1500, 1612, 1728, 1812, 1911, 2212, 2312, 4212, 5212, 6011, 6111, 6311, 6411, 6511, 6611, 6711, 6811, 6911, 7011, 7111, 7211, or 7311. In some embodiments, the plurality of grooves on the front striking face can resemble grooves described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14/196,313 (U.S. Patent No. 9,452,326), which The grooves can have varying depths, varying widths, or varying depths and widths. The grooves of the face insert can be of any pattern, such as linear grooves, parabolic grooves, double parabolic grooves, or any other type of pattern of grooves. In some embodiments, the groove comprises a groove depth that varies along the direction extending between the top rail 182 and the sole 192 and the direction extending between the heel end 190 and the toe end 180 . More specifically, the grooves vary from the toe portion to the heel portion and from the top rail portion to the sole portion. The groove depth increases from the toe and heel portions toward the center portion. Similarly, the depth of the grooves increases from the top rail and sole portions toward the central portion. A deepest portion of the at least one groove is defined by a generally planar surface portion of the groove. A generally planar surface portion is located where the central portion of the groove overlaps the central portion.

In many embodiments, grooves in the face insert can provide the advantage of correcting ball trajectory on off-center hits or misses. Grooves in the face insert can provide the player with greater shot forgiveness, thereby providing more accurate shots. Additionally, the varying depth and/or varying width of the grooves increase forgiveness by allowing for a more standardized strike across the front striking surface.

Further, in some embodiments, the grooves in the front striking surface can have varying widths extending from heel end 190 to toe end 180 . In some embodiments, the grooves in the front striking surface can have varying widths extending from sole 192 to top rail 182 . In some embodiments, the grooves in the front striking surface can have varying widths extending from heel end 190 to toe end 180 and varying widths extending from sole 192 to top rail 182 .

Putter 100 includes putter head 102 having putter face 110 . The putter face 110 may be generally planar and extend vertically at the address location. The putter face 110 generally includes a ball striking surface 112 that may be coplanar with the putter face 110 or may project slightly outward from the putter face 110 . Ball striking surface 112 may be the same size as putter face 110 or may be smaller than putter face 110 (as shown in FIG. 1). Ball striking surface 112 may be the area on putter face 110 that is commonly used to strike a golf ball (not shown). However, a person may also hit the ball with a portion of putter face 110 that is outside ball striking surface 112 .

Ball striking face 112 may be a continuous or integral part of putter face 110 or may be formed as an insert attached to putter face 110 . Such an insert can be made from the same material as putter face 110 or a different material and then attached to putter face 110 . Ball striking face 112 may include one or more grooves, generally shown as grooves 120 , and one or more peaks 170 . For example, ball striking face 112 is shown having twelve grooves, generally indicated as 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144. Groove 120 may generally be referenced using a single reference number such as 120 . However, when specifically describing one of the grooves on ball striking face 112, the reference number for that specific groove may be used.

Two adjacent grooves can be separated by ridges 170 . The ridges 170 between each groove 120 and adjacent grooves 120 can have the same or different widths as the ridges 170 between another pair of adjacent grooves 120 . Peaks 170 may also define an upper surface of ball striking surface 112 . Generally, two or more of grooves 120 may be parallel to each other. For example, grooves 122 and grooves 124 may be parallel to each other. However, grooves 120 can be oriented in any manner relative to each other. For example, any of grooves 120 can be oriented diagonally, vertically, and/or horizontally. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, one or more of the grooves 120 may be substantially straight and generally parallel to adjacent grooves 120 such that the toe end 180 and heel end 190 of the putter face 110 are aligned. can stretch between

As will be described in detail below, the depth, length, width, horizontal cross-sectional shape, and/or vertical cross-sectional shape of groove 120 may be linear, non-linear, uniform or non-uniform step spacing, and arcuate. The putter head 102 increases, decreases, and/or changes from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 and/or from the top rail 182 to the sole 192 in a linear fashion and/or according to one or more geometric shapes. can do. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Referring to FIG. 2, ball striking face 112 is shown having grooves 122-144. Ball striking face 112 may be an integral part of putter face 110 , such as one manufactured with putter face 110 . Alternatively, ball striking face 112 may be an insert attached to putter face 110 . Each of grooves 120 may extend from toe end 180 to heel end 190 to define a corresponding length 193 (only length 193 of groove 144 is shown in FIG. 2). The length 193 of some or all of the grooves 120 may vary in the direction from the top rail 182 to the sole 192 such that each groove 120 generally conforms to the shape of the perimeter of the ball striking surface 112. be able to. For example, the groove length may increase from near the top rail 182 to the center 184 of the ball striking face 112 and decrease from the center 184 to near the sole 192 . Center 184 may be the geometric center of ball striking face 112 . Alternatively, center 184 may represent a center associated with inertia or weight of ball striking surface 112 . However, center 184 can generally be defined as the area of ball striking face 112 where a ball is normally struck. As shown in FIG. 1, the length 193 of groove 120 may be similar. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, groove length 193 can decrease from near top rail 182 to center 184 and decrease from near sole 192 to center 184 . Accordingly, the length of any grooves disposed on ball striking face 112 is within the scope of this disclosure.

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

4 shows a schematic view of groove 232, and FIG. 5 shows a horizontal cross-section of groove 232 as seen from section line 5--5 in FIG. Groove 232 is shown divided into horizontally extending regions, generally indicated as region 271-region 275, which are visually defined in FIGS. 3 and 4 by vertical demarcation lines. It is Horizontal regions 271-275 can define changes in the horizontal cross-sectional shape of groove 232 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near top rail 182 to near sole 192. . The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the groove can refer to any characteristic of the groove along the length 293 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of particular portions of the groove. . In the example of FIGS. 3-7, groove 220 includes a first vertical wall 250 and a second vertical wall 252 that define length 293 of groove 220 . Each of grooves 220 has a bottom surface 254 that defines the depth of groove 220 . The depth of each groove can vary from first wall 250 to second wall 252 according to the cross-sectional shape of groove 220 in regions 271-275. Each groove 220 also includes a first horizontal wall 256 and a second horizontal wall 258 that define the vertical boundaries of groove 220 . The distance between first horizontal wall 256 and second horizontal wall 258 defines width 280 of groove 220 . Width 280 can vary from first vertical wall 250 to second vertical wall 252, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 594, a second width 595, and/or a third width 596. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7, first horizontal wall 256 and second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 280 .

Referring to FIG. 5, bottom surface 254 of region 271 slopes or curves downward to define a first depth 282 at the boundary between regions 271 and 272 . A bottom surface 254 of region 272 transitions from a first depth 282 to a second depth 284 at the boundary between regions 272 and 273 with a steeper downward curve. If bottom surface 254 is flat in region 273 , second depth 284 may generally define the maximum depth of groove 232 . However, if bottom surface 254 is uneven, the maximum depth of groove 232 may be defined by another portion of region 273 . Any of the grooves 220 may be symmetrical about the vertical axis y. Thus, the shape of groove 220 on each side of the y-axis can mirror the shape of groove 232 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of grooves 220 may be asymmetric. Regions 271 and 275 define the shallow portion of trench 232 and region 273 defines the deeper central portion of trench 232 . The deepest portion of any of grooves 220 may be at the center of groove 220 . Regions 272 and 274 facilitate the transition of bottom surface 254 from depth 282 to depth 284 .

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

a gradual increase in length, depth, and/or width from the top rail 182 to the general center of the ball striking face 212 from the top rail 182 to the general center of the ball striking face 212; Regions 271-275 of 244 decrease in size from the general center of ball striking surface 212 to sole 192 to form central strike zone 260 (shown in FIG. 3), central strike zone 260 at address. It can resemble the shape of a golf ball when viewed by an individual who has taken it. An approximate visual representation of the golf ball can help the individual align the ball striking surface 212 with the ball. A region 273 defining the deepest portion of groove 220 may be longer in length at the center of ball striking face 212 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192 . Similarly, transition region 272 and transition region 274 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking surface 212 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192 . Although the lengths of regions 271-275 may vary depending on the location of grooves 220 on ball striking face 212, the depth of similar regions of each groove 220 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 232 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 244 . Alternatively, the depth of grooves 222 - 244 can vary based on the position of groove 220 relative to ball striking surface 212 . Further alternatively, the depth of grooves 222-244 may vary from top rail 182 to sole in any manner. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer horizontal regions.

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

9 shows a schematic view of groove 332, and FIG. 10 shows a horizontal cross-section of groove 332 as seen from section line 10-10 in FIG. Groove 332 is shown divided into horizontally extending regions 371-375, which are visually defined in FIGS. 8 and 9 by vertical boundaries. Horizontal regions 371-375 may define changes in the horizontal cross-sectional shape of groove 332 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near top rail 182 to near sole 192. can. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the groove can refer to any characteristic of the groove along the length 393 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of particular portions of the groove. . In the example of FIGS. 8-12, groove 320 includes a first vertical wall 350 and a second vertical wall 352 that define length 393 of groove 320 . Each of grooves 320 has a bottom surface 354 that defines the depth of groove 320 . The depth of each groove can vary from first wall 350 to second wall 352 according to the cross-sectional shape of groove 320 in regions 371-375. Each groove 320 also includes a first horizontal wall 356 and a second horizontal wall 358 that define the vertical boundaries of groove 320 . The distance between first horizontal wall 356 and second horizontal wall 358 defines width 380 of groove 320 . The width 380 can vary from the first vertical wall 350 to the second vertical wall 352, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 38-45. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-12, the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 380. As shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 10, bottom surface 354 in region 371 may be generally flat and/or slightly sloped to define first depth 382 at the boundary between 371 and 372 . A bottom surface 354 in region 372 gradually transitions downward from a first depth 382 to a second depth 384 at the boundary between regions 372 and 373 . Bottom surface 354 in region 372 may be generally flat and/or slightly sloped such that groove 320 has a generally uniform depth 384 in region 372 . Bottom surface 354 in region 372 is stepped downward from second depth 384 to third depth 386 . Bottom surface 354 in region 373 may be generally flat or slightly sloped such that groove 320 has a generally uniform depth 386 in region 373 . Any of the grooves 320 may be symmetrical about the vertical axis y. Thus, the shape of groove 320 on each side of the y-axis mirrors the shape of groove 320 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of grooves 320 may be asymmetric. Depth 386 represents the maximum depth of groove 320 .

10-12, the general cross-sectional shape of groove 320 may remain generally similar from top rail 182 to sole 190. Referring to FIGS. However, the cross-sectional shape, including the length, width, and/or depth of each region 371 -region 375 of groove 320 may vary gradually from top rail 182 to sole 192 . 11 and 12, horizontal cross-sections of grooves 338 and 344 are shown, respectively. For example, regions 371-375 of groove 338 are shorter in length than regions 371-375 of groove 332, respectively. Similarly, regions 371-375 of groove 344 are shorter in length than regions 371-375 of groove 338, respectively. In another embodiment, regions 371 - 375 of trench 338 can each have a shallower depth than regions 371 - 375 of trench 332 . Similarly, regions 371 - 275 of trench 344 can each have a shallower depth than regions 371 - 375 of trench 338 .

that the length, depth, and/or width of regions 371-375 of grooves 322-332 gradually increase from top rail 182 to the center of ball striking face 312; Regions 371-375 gradually decrease in size from the center of ball striking surface 312 to sole 192 to form central strike zone 360 (shown in FIG. 8), which is used at address. It can individually resemble the shape of a golf ball when viewed by an individual. A rough visual representation of the golf ball can assist the individual in aligning the ball striking surface 312 with the ball. A region 373 defining the deepest portion of groove 360 may be longer in length at the center of ball striking face 312 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192 . Similarly, transition region 372 and transition region 374 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking surface 312 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192 . The lengths of regions 371-375 vary depending on the location of grooves 320 on ball striking face 312, although the depth of similar regions of each groove 320 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 344 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 332 . Alternatively, the depth of grooves 322 - 344 can vary based on the location of groove 320 on ball striking face 312 . Further alternatively, the depth of grooves 322-344 may vary from top rail 182 to sole in any manner. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer horizontal regions.

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

14 shows a schematic view of groove 432, and FIG. 15 shows a horizontal cross-section of groove 432 as seen from section line 15-15 of FIG. Groove 432 is shown divided into horizontally widened regions 471 and 472, which are visible in FIGS. clearly defined. Horizontal region 471 and horizontal region 472 may define changes in the horizontal cross-sectional shape of groove 432 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near top rail 182 to near sole 192. . The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the groove refers to any characteristic of the groove along the length 493 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of particular portions of the groove. In the example of FIGS. 13-17, groove 420 includes a first vertical wall 450 and a second vertical wall 452 that define length 493 of groove 420 . Each of grooves 420 has a bottom surface 454 that defines the depth of groove 420 . The depth of each groove can vary from first wall 450 to second wall 452 according to the cross-sectional shape of groove 420 in regions 471 and 472 . Each groove 420 also includes a first horizontal wall 456 and a second horizontal wall 458 that define the vertical boundaries of groove 420 . The distance between first horizontal wall 456 and second horizontal wall 458 defines width 480 of groove 420 . Width 480 can vary from first vertical wall 450 to second vertical wall 452 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 13-17, first horizontal wall 456 and second horizontal wall 458 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 480 .

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

15-17, the general cross-sectional shape of groove 420 may remain generally similar from top rail 182 to sole 190. Referring to FIGS. However, the cross-sectional shape, including the length and/or depth, of each region 471 and region 472 of groove 420 may gradually change from top rail 182 to sole 192 . For example, regions 471 and 472 of groove 438 are shorter in length than regions 471 and 472 of groove 332, respectively. Similarly, regions 471 and 471 of groove 444 are shorter in length than regions 471 and 472 of groove 438, respectively. In another embodiment, regions 471 and 472 of trench 438 can have a shallower depth than regions 471 and 472 of trench 432, respectively. Similarly, regions 471 and 472 of trench 444 may have a shallower depth than regions 471 and 472 of trench 438, respectively.

The length, depth, and/or width of regions 471 and 472 of grooves 422-432 gradually increase from top rail 182 to the center of ball striking face 412, and/or grooves 432-432 Regions 471 and 472 of 444 gradually decrease in size from the center of ball striking face 412 to sole 192 to form central strike zone 460 (shown in FIG. 13). Regions 471 and 472 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking face 412 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192 . Although the lengths of regions 471 and 472 vary depending on the location of grooves 420 on ball striking surface 412, the depth of similar regions of each groove 420 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 444 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 432 . Alternatively, the depth of grooves 422 - 444 can vary based on the location of groove 420 on ball striking face 412 . Further alternatively, the depth of grooves 422-444 may vary from top rail 182 to sole in any manner. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer regions.

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

19 shows a schematic view of groove 532, and FIG. 20 shows a horizontal cross-section of groove 532 as seen from section line 20-20 of FIG. Groove 532 is shown divided into horizontally widened regions 571 and 572, which are visible in FIGS. clearly defined. Horizontal region 571 and horizontal region 572 may define changes in horizontal cross-sectional shape of groove 532 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and/or from near top rail 182 to near sole 192. . A groove's horizontal cross-sectional shape refers to any characteristic of the groove along its length 593, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape, and/or material of construction of a particular portion of the groove. In the example of FIGS. 18-22, groove 520 includes a first vertical wall 550 and a second vertical wall 552 that define length 593 of groove 520 . Each of grooves 520 has a bottom surface 554 that defines the depth of groove 520 . The depth of each groove can vary from first wall 550 to second wall 552 according to the cross-sectional shape of groove 520 in regions 571 and 572 . Each groove 520 also includes a first horizontal wall 556 and a second horizontal wall 558 that define the vertical boundaries of groove 520 . The distance between first horizontal wall 556 and second horizontal wall 558 defines width 580 of groove 520 . Width 580 can vary from first vertical wall 550 to second vertical wall 552 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 18-22, first horizontal wall 556 and second horizontal wall 558 are generally parallel to define a generally constant width 580 .

Referring to FIG. 20, bottom surface 554 in region 571 has a linear shape and slopes downward. Bottom surface 554 in region 572 also has a linear shape and slopes downward. However, because second wall 552 is longer than first wall 550 , bottom surface 554 in region 572 has a smaller slope than bottom surface 554 in region 571 . Thus, the grooves 550 of this example are asymmetrical with respect to the vertical central axis y. Thus, groove 250 has a first depth 582 defined by first wall 550, a second depth 584 defined by second wall 552, and a center depth 586; Central depth 586 is reached gradually from depths 582 and 584 according to downwardly sloping bottom surfaces 554 of regions 571 and 572, respectively. Center depth 586 may be the depth of the deepest portion of groove 520 .

20-22, the general cross-sectional shape of groove 520 may remain generally similar from top rail 182 to sole 190. Referring to FIGS. However, the cross-sectional shape, including the length, width, and/or depth, of each region 571 and region 572 of groove 520 may vary gradually from top rail 182 to sole 192 . 21 and 22, horizontal cross-sections of grooves 538 and 544, respectively, are shown. For example, regions 571 and 572 of groove 538 are shorter in length than regions 571 and 572 of groove 532, respectively. Similarly, regions 571 and 572 of groove 544 are shorter in length than regions 571 and 572 of groove 538, respectively. In another embodiment, regions 571 and 572 of trench 538 can have a shallower depth than regions 571 and 572 of trench 532, respectively. Similarly, regions 571 and 572 of trench 544 may have a shallower depth than regions 571 and 572 of trench 538, respectively.

The length, depth, and/or width of regions 571 and 572 of grooves 522-532 gradually increase from top rail 182 to the center of ball striking face 512, and/or grooves 532-532 Regions 571 and 572 of 544 gradually decrease in size from the center of ball striking face 512 to sole 192 to form central strike zone 560 (shown in FIG. 18). Regions 571 and 572 may have a maximum length at the center of ball striking surface 512 and gradually decrease in length toward top rail 182 and sole 192 . Although the lengths of regions 571 and 572 vary depending on the location of grooves 520 on ball striking surface 512, the depth of similar regions of each groove 520 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of groove 544 may be similar to the maximum depth of groove 532 . Alternatively, the depth of grooves 522 - 544 can vary based on the location of groove 520 on ball striking surface 512 . Further alternatively, the depth of grooves 522-544 may vary from top rail 182 to sole in any manner. Although the above examples may describe a particular number of horizontal regions, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer horizontal regions.

Grooves 220 , 320 , 420 , and 520 described above illustrate four examples of groove horizontal cross-sectional shapes for use with putter 100 . Other examples of horizontal cross-sectional shapes are shown in FIGS. 29-37, where each groove has a length 590, a first depth 591, a second depth 592, and/or a third depth. height 593. A groove may be defined by any number of horizontal regions, where any one or more regions have similar or different properties. The grooves, which can be symmetrical or asymmetrical about the y-axis, for example, have bottom surfaces with complex combinations of linear or non-linear shapes, defining similar or varying depths from toe end 180 to heel end 190. can be done. Such grooves can be described using multiple horizontal regions, where each region defines one or more of the complex shapes mentioned. Accordingly, the number, placement, size, and other characteristics of the horizontal extents described above in no way limit the cross-sectional shape of grooves according to the present disclosure.

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

The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the groove can vary gradually and proportionally from the top rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face and can vary gradually from the center of the ball striking face to the sole 192 . The gradual changes described can define a ball strike zone, which is greater at the center of the ball striking surface than near the top rail 182 and sole 192 . In addition, the gradual described variation in the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the grooves is such that the grooves are longer and deeper at the center of the ball-striking face and around the center of the ball-striking face than the grooves near the top rail 182 and sole 192. to provide a groove having However, the above-described gradation of grooves is exemplary and other gradation schemes can be used to impart specific ball striking characteristics to various portions of the ball striking face.

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

The ball striking face of the putter in the above embodiment is shown having grooves running from top rail 182 to sole 192 . However, the ball striking face can have more or less grooves or can have portions without grooves. For example, the ball striking face may have some grooves in a central portion of the ball striking face and no grooves in portions near the top rail 182 or sole 192 .

Grooves are not limited to extending horizontally across the ball striking face. The ball-striking face can have vertical grooves of varying depth, or a combination of vertical and horizontal grooves with variable horizontal and/or vertical cross-sectional shapes, as described above. The orientation of the grooves may be such as to provide a matrix-like ball striking surface on the putter.

Referring to FIG. 27, ball striking face 712 having grooves 720 can be divided horizontally into three portions: toe portion 780, center portion 785, and heel portion 790. As shown in FIG. Ball striking surface 712 may be similar to ball striking surface 212 and ball striking surface 312 described above. Thus, groove 720 has regions 271-275 and 371-375 similar to grooves 220 and 320, respectively, described above. The three sections described above divide the ball striking surface 712 horizontally and extend vertically from the top rail 182 to the sole 192 . Toe portion 780 is near toe end 180 , heel portion 790 is near heel end 190 , and center portion 785 is between toe portion 780 and heel portion 790 . According to various embodiments, the depth of grooves 720 in toe portion 780 and heel portion 790 can be no greater than the depth of grooves 720 in center portion 785 . In one example, the shallowest depth of groove 720, which may be closest to toe end 180 or closest to heel end 190, may be approximately 0.003 inches. At or near central portion 785, the depth of groove 720 can increase to a depth of about 0.017 inches, as described above. The varying depth can include portions having a depth of at least 0.020 inch but less than 0.022 inch. The varying width can include portions having a width of at least 0.035 inches but less than 0.037 inches.

Referring to FIG. 28, the ball striking surface 712 can be divided vertically into three portions, a top rail portion 782, a central portion 786, and a sole portion 792. As shown in FIG. These portions divide the ball striking face 712 vertically and extend horizontally from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 . Top rail portion 782 is near top rail 182 , sole portion 792 is near sole 192 , and middle portion 786 is between top rail portion 782 and sole portion 792 . The length of the deepest portion of groove 720 can vary from top rail portion 782 to central portion 786 and from central portion 786 to sole portion 792 . For example, with respect to the embodiments described above, the length of the deepest portion of the groove can refer to groove 720 located near the center between top rail portion 782 and sole portion 792 . As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the length of groove 710 may be greatest at central portion 786 and gradually decrease toward top rail portion 782 and toward sole portion 792 .

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

Groove cross-sectional shape, including variations in groove length, depth, width, and/or cross-sectional shape, can affect ball speed, control, and/or rotation. The disclosed varying-depth grooves improve the consistency of ball velocity after being hit with a putter face by about 50% over plastic putter-face inserts and about 50% over aluminum putter-face inserts without grooves. 40% can be improved. Hitting a ball with a putter having grooves according to the present disclosure can result in (1) slower ball velocities, thereby reducing ball rollout distance, and (2) heeling. and toe hits can result in reduced ball velocities and shorter ball rollout distances compared to center hits; and (3) players with relatively mild and severe disabilities. allows the ball to be hit at different locations on the putter face (players with more severe impairments tend to hit lower on the ball-striking surface, while those with lesser impairments players tend to hit higher on the ball-striking surface, and players with more severe impairments can have a wider range of hitting positions, while those with lesser impairments tend to hit higher. and/or (4) a putter face with a groove in the center of the face results in reduced ball speed/rollout distance on center hits. can result in more consistent ball speed/rollout distance in center/heel/toe.

Referring to FIG. 46, another embodiment of a putter face 810 having grooves of variable cross-sectional shape is shown. Putter face 810 is shown with 14 grooves: grooves 822 - 828 near toe end 180 , grooves 830 - 840 in the center of putter face 810 , and grooves 830 - 840 near heel end 190 . are grouped into grooves 842 to 848. In this example, the more pronounced grooves are located in the center of the putter face 810 and the less pronounced grooves are around the center. A more pronounced groove can refer to a groove having a greater depth and/or width compared to a less pronounced groove. As shown in FIG. 46, grooves 832-838 may be more pronounced than the remaining grooves of putter face 810. As shown in FIG. Additionally, portions of the putter face 810 may be free of grooves. These parts are referenced using reference number 850 .

Referring to FIG. 47, another embodiment of a putter face 910 having grooves of variable cross-sectional shape is shown. A putter face 910 is shown having ten grooves 922-940. The length of each groove gradually increases from top rail 182 to sole 190 . Each of grooves 922-940 or groups of grooves 922-940 can have different vertical cross-sectional shapes. For example, grooves 922-930 are shown having a box-shaped vertical cross-section, while grooves 932-940 are shown having a V-shaped vertical cross-section.

Referring to FIG. 48, a horizontal cross-section of groove 922 is shown according to another embodiment. The bottom surface 954 of the groove 922 is shown to taper off from the groove edges 950 and 952 to the maximum depth 951 of the groove 922 . Any of the grooves according to the present disclosure can have the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as groove 922 . Any of the grooves according to this disclosure can have the same depth 951 . However, the depth 951 can decrease proportionally as the groove length decreases.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 49, ball striking surface 1012 may include grooves 1220 (specifically shown as grooves 1222-1256). Ball striking surface 1012 may be for use with putter 100 . Accordingly, portions of putter 100 and putter head 102 are referenced using the same reference numerals presented above. A groove can have a cross-sectional shape, length, and width according to the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 49, there is shown a side cross-sectional view of ball striking face 1012 having grooves 1220 according to another embodiment. Ball striking face 1012 can be divided into two parts with respect to groove 1220 . Ball striking surface 1012 can include a top rail portion 1282 and a sole portion 1286 . Top rail portion 1282 and sole portion 1286 may vertically divide ball striking surface 1012 and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190 . Top rail portion 1282 extends generally from a central portion of ball striking face 1012 represented by centerline 1284 to near top rail 182 and may include groove 1222 . Sole portion 1286 extends generally from near sole 192 to central portion 1284 and may include groove 1224 . Grooves 1224 in sole portion 1286 can have a greater depth than grooves 1222 in top rail portion 1282 at one or more locations along each groove 1224 . By having a shallower groove 1222 in the top rail portion 1282, the speed at which a golf ball rolls forward after being hit by a putter can be increased to provide a more consistent and smooth ball rollout. . Alternatively, the depth of groove 1220 may gradually decrease in one or more grooves from center portion 1284 to top rail 182 (not shown). In another embodiment, the depth of the groove pairs can gradually decrease from the central portion 1284 to the top rail 182 (not shown). Thus, the decrease in groove depth from sole 192 to top rail 182 may be for each groove, pair of grooves, or various groups of grooves.

Referring to FIG. 50, grooves 1224 in sole portion 1286 can have a depth that is less than grooves 1222 in top rail portion 1282 at one or more locations along each groove 1224 . Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 1220 may gradually increase in one or more grooves from the central portion 1284 and/or the sole 192 to the top rail 182 (not shown). In another embodiment, the depth of the groove pairs can gradually increase from the central portion 1284 and/or the sole 192 to the top rail 182 (not shown). Thus, the increasing groove depth from central portion 1284 and/or sole 192 to top rail 182 may be for each groove, pair of grooves, or various groups of grooves.

Figures 51 and 52 illustrate another embodiment according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 51, putter head 1300 includes ball striking surface 1312 having a plurality of horizontal grooves 1320 and vertical grooves 1322 . Each of grooves 1320 and 1322 may have a different configuration than another groove, such as variable cross-sectional shape, depth shape, width shape, length shape, and/or other groove characteristics, from toe end 1380 to heel. It can have near the end 1390 and/or from the top rail 1382 to the sole 1392 . For example, the depth of horizontal grooves 1320 may increase stepwise in one or more grooves from top rail 1382 to sole 1386 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

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

Referring to FIG. 54, another embodiment ball striking surface 2212 is shown. The ball striking surface 2212 can be divided vertically into three portions and defined by three portions, a top rail portion 2282 , a central portion 2286 and a sole portion 2292 . Top rail portion 2282 , center portion 2286 , and sole portion 2292 divide ball striking surface 2212 vertically and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190 . Top rail portion 2282 is near top rail 182 , sole portion 2292 is near sole 192 , and middle portion 2286 is between top rail portion 2282 and sole portion 2292 . 54, ball striking face 2212 may have twelve grooves 2222-2244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 2220. In FIG. For example, grooves 2222, 2224, 2226, and 2228 can be considered to be in top rail portion 2282, and grooves 2230, 2232, 2234, and 2236 can be considered to be in center portion 2286. grooves 2238 , 2240 , 2242 , and 2244 can be considered to be in sole portion 2292 . However, one or more of the grooves 2220 can be considered to lie within two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions, ie, portions of the grooves 2220 overlap the adjacent portions. The length of groove 2220 may be greatest at central portion 2286 and may gradually decrease toward top rail portion 2282 and toward sole portion 2292 . Alternatively, the length of groove 2220 can vary according to the peripheral shape of ball striking surface 2212 . Top rail portion 2282, center portion 2286, and sole portion 2292 are exemplary and may define portions on ball striking surface 2212, and grooves 2220 may be disposed in such portions, one or more. have the same configuration or features of Accordingly, ball striking surface 2212 may be defined by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or features. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

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

The center of ball striking face 2212 may be defined by y-axis 2261 . The y-axis 2261 may also define the central axis of the central portion 2254, as shown in FIGS. However, central portion 2254 may be offset (not shown) with respect to y-axis 2261 . 55, each of the bottom surfaces 2255 of grooves 2230, 2232, 2234, and 2236 are substantially equal from y-axis 2261 toward toe end 180 and toward heel end 190. extend. As shown in FIG. 55, the distance between the y-axis 2261 and the toe edge portion 2264 of the central portion 2254 can be defined as length 2262 . A toe edge portion 2264 can be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 2261 and the toe end 190, the depth of the groove increasing from depth 2257 and transitioning to the opening or top of the groove. A distance between y-axis 2261 and heel edge portion 2268 of central portion 2254 may be defined as length 2266 . A heel edge portion 2268 can be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 2261 and the heel end 180, the depth of the groove increasing from depth 2257 and transitioning to the opening or top of the groove. . According to the example of FIGS. 54 and 55, length 2262 is substantially the same as length 2266. FIG. A putter with a ball striking face 2212 shown in FIG. 54 may be suitable for individuals with straight putting strokes.

Referring to FIG. 56, another embodiment ball striking surface 3212 is shown. The ball striking surface 3212 can be divided vertically into three portions and defined by three portions, a top rail portion 3282 , a central portion 3286 and a sole portion 3292 . Top rail portion 3282 , center portion 3286 , and sole portion 3292 vertically divide ball striking surface 3212 and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190 . Top rail portion 3282 is near top rail 182 , sole portion 3292 is near sole 192 , and middle portion 3286 is between top rail portion 3282 and sole portion 3292 . 56, ball striking face 3212 may have twelve grooves 3222-3244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 3220. In FIG. For example, grooves 3222, 3224, 3226, and 3228 can be considered to be in top rail portion 3282, and grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, and 3236 can be considered to be in center portion 3286. grooves 3238 , 3240 , 3242 , and 3244 can be considered to be in sole portion 3292 . However, consider that one or more of the grooves 3220 lie within two adjacent ones of the three vertically separated portions, i.e., a portion of the grooves 3220 overlaps the adjacent portions. can be done. The length of groove 3220 may be greatest at central portion 3286 and may gradually decrease toward top rail portion 3282 and toward sole portion 3292 . Alternatively, the length of groove 3220 can vary according to the peripheral shape of ball striking surface 3212 . Top rail portion 3282, central portion 3286, and sole portion 3292 are exemplary and may define portions on ball striking face 3212, grooves 3220 which may be disposed within such portions may be one or more. have a plurality of similar configurations or features. Accordingly, ball striking surface 3212 may be defined by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or features. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

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

The center of ball striking face 3212 may be defined by y-axis 3261 . The y-axis 3261 may also define the central axis of central portion 3254 shown in FIGS. However, central portion 3254 may be offset (not shown) with respect to y-axis 3261 . According to the embodiment of FIG. 57, each of the bottom surfaces 3255 of grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, and 3236 extends from the y-axis 3261 toward toe end 180 a greater distance than the bottom surfaces 2255 of grooves 2234 of FIG. lengthens. As shown in FIG. 57, the distance between the y-axis 3261 and the toe edge portion 3264 of the central portion 3254 can be defined as length 3262. As shown in FIG. A toe edge portion 3264 can be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 3261 and the toe end 190, with the depth of the groove increasing from depth 3257 and proceeding to the opening or top of the groove. A distance between y-axis 3261 and heel edge portion 3268 of central portion 3254 may be defined as length 3266 . A heel edge portion 3268 can be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 3261 and the heel end 180, the depth of the groove increasing from depth 3257 and continuing to the opening or top of the groove. . According to the embodiment of FIG. 57, length 3262 is longer than length 2266 of FIG. Length 3262 may also be longer than length 3266 . Alternatively, length 3262 may be substantially similar to length 3266 but longer than length 2266 in FIG. Accordingly, the deepest portions of some or all of the grooves 3220 of the ball striking face 3212 of FIG. 56 extend toward the toe end 190 more than the deepest portions of the grooves 2220 of the ball striking face 2212 of FIG. A putter with the ball striking face 3212 shown in FIG. 56 may be suitable for individuals with slightly arcing putting strokes.

Referring to FIG. 58, another embodiment ball striking surface 4212 is shown. The ball striking surface 4212 can be divided vertically into three portions and defined by three portions, a top rail portion 4282 , a central portion 4286 and a sole portion 4292 . Top rail portion 4282 , center portion 4286 , and sole portion 4292 vertically divide ball striking surface 4212 and extend horizontally from toe end 180 to heel end 190 . Top rail portion 4282 is near top rail 182 , sole portion 4292 is near sole 192 , and middle portion 4286 is between top rail portion 4282 and sole portion 4292 . 58, ball striking face 4212 may have twelve grooves 4222-4244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 4220. In FIG. For example, grooves 4222, 4224, 4226, and 4228 can be considered to be in top rail portion 4282, and grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, and 4236 can be considered to be in center portion 4286. grooves 4238 , 4240 , 4242 , and 4244 can be considered to be in sole portion 4292 . However, one or more of the grooves 4220 can be considered to lie within two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions, i.e., portions of the grooves 4220 overlap the adjacent portions. . The length of groove 4220 may be greatest at central portion 4286 and may gradually decrease toward top rail portion 4282 and toward sole portion 4292 . Alternatively, the length of groove 4220 can vary according to the peripheral shape of ball striking surface 4212 . Top rail portion 4282, central portion 4286, and sole portion 4292 are exemplary and may define portions on ball striking face 4212, grooves 4220 which may be disposed within such portions may be one or more. have a plurality of similar configurations or features; Accordingly, ball striking surface 4212 may be defined by various vertical and/or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or features. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

59 shows a horizontal cross-section of ball striking face 4212 at groove 4232. FIG. Each groove 4220 can include a central portion 4254 having a bottom surface 4255 , which can define a maximum depth 4257 of groove 4220 . Central portion 4254 has a length 4259 that can vary depending on the location of groove 4220 on ball striking face 4212 . In the example of FIG. 58, central portions 4254 of grooves 4220 in central portion 4286 have approximately the same length. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The center of ball striking face 4212 may be defined by y-axis 4261 . The y-axis 4261 may also define the central axis of central portion 4254 shown in FIGS. However, central portion 4254 may be offset (not shown) with respect to y-axis 4261 . 59, each of the bottom surfaces 4255 of grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, and 4236 extends from the y-axis 4261 toward toe end 180 a greater distance than the bottom surface 3255 of groove 3234 of FIG. It grows with As shown in FIG. 59, the distance between y-axis 4261 and toe edge portion 4264 of center portion 4254 can be defined as length 4262 . A toe edge portion 4264 can be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 4261 and the toe end 190, the depth of the groove increasing from depth 4257 and continuing to the opening of the groove. A distance between y-axis 4261 and heel edge portion 4268 of central portion 4254 may be defined as length 4266 . A heel edge portion 4268 can be defined as the portion of the groove between the y-axis 4261 and the heel end 180, the depth of the groove increasing from depth 4257 and continuing to the opening of the groove. According to the example of FIG. 59, length 4262 is longer than length 3266 of FIG. 57 and thus longer than length 2266 of FIG. Length 4262 may be longer than length 4266 . Alternatively, length 4262 may be substantially similar to length 4266, but longer than length 3266 of FIG. Thus, the deepest portions of some or all of grooves 4220 on ball striking face 4212 of FIG. 58 extend toward toe end 190 more than the deepest portions of grooves 3220 on ball striking face 3212 of FIG. A putter with the ball striking face 4212 shown in FIG. 58 may be suitable for individuals with strong arcing putting strokes.

54-59, grooves on a putter can be configured to optimize an individual's performance based on the individual's putting stroke. With any of the grooves described herein provided on a putter, depending on the degree of arc in an individual's putting stroke, some portion of the total groove generally defines the depth of the groove. , extending a certain length from the central portion of the striking face of the putter to the toe end to optimize the individual's ability to use the putter. Thus, the length of the deepest part of the groove can be made proportional to the degree of arc in an individual's putting stroke. For example, for an individual with a putt stroke that is between a strongly arcing putt stroke and a slightly arcing putt stroke, the portion of the groove that generally defines the depth of the groove is from the y-axis toward the toe end 190. , which is longer than grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, and 3236 of ball striking surface 3212, but shorter than grooves 4230, 4232, 4034, and 4036 of ball striking surface 4212 and can extend. In the examples of Figures 54-59, the portion of the groove in the central portion of the striking face that defines the depth of the groove varies based on the type of individual putting stroke. However, all of the grooves on the hitting surface, including the grooves in the top rail portion and sole portion, can be configured according to the above examples based on the type of individual putting stroke. Further, grooves according to the embodiments of Figures 54-59 can have any shape or configuration. For example, a ball striking surface according to the embodiments of FIGS. 54-59 may have groove cross-sectional shapes according to the groove embodiments of FIGS. can have The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Golf club heads, ball striking surfaces, and/or grooves according to the examples of FIGS. 54-59 may be formed by any of the methods and/or materials described herein. can be manufactured using Each groove may have a width of about 0.032 inches (0.081 cm) and a depth of between about 0.003 inches (0.008 cm) and about 0.017 inches (0.043 cm). can have As described in detail herein, any of ball striking surface 2212, ball striking surface 3212, or ball striking surface 4212 may be in the form of an insert into a golf club head or a correspondingly shaped recess in a golf club head. can be The insert may be coplanar with the rest of the face of the golf club head, which may define a reference plane. Thus, the grooves of the ball striking face are in the golf club head and below the reference plane. Alternatively, all or part of the insert can protrude from the reference plane such that all or part of the groove lies above the reference plane. By having a replaceable ball striking surface with one or more golf clubs, such as putters, the ball striking surface of the golf club head can be changed to different balls based on one's own putting style to improve performance. It can be replaced with a hitting surface. For example, an individual whose putting style has changed over a period of time may replace the ball striking surface of his/her putter with another ball striking surface according to the present disclosure so that the putter may better match the individual's current putting style. can be Instead of having a replaceable ball striking face, any of the grooves described herein, including the exemplary grooves of FIGS. 54-59, can be manufactured on the golf club head. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 60, ball striking surface 5212 may include grooves 5220 (specifically shown as grooves 5222-5244). Ball striking surface 5212 may be an integral part of putter face 110 or a separate part attached to putter face 110 . Accordingly, when describing ball striking surface 5212, portions of putter 100 and putter head 102 will be referenced using the same reference numerals as described above. As with other embodiments described herein, the depth, length, and/or width of each groove 5220 extends from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 and/or from the top rail 182 of the putter head 102. It can increase, decrease, and/or vary along sole 192 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

FIG. 61 shows a schematic plan view of groove 5232 and FIG. 62 shows a horizontal cross-section of groove 5232 to illustrate the configuration of groove 5220 described below. Each of the grooves 5220 includes a first horizontal wall 5256 and a second horizontal wall 5258 that define the vertical boundaries of the groove. Each groove 5220 can also include a first end wall 5250 and a second end wall 5252 . Each of grooves 5220 has a bottom surface 5254 that defines a depth 5255 of groove 5220 . A depth 5255 of each groove 5220 can vary from the first wall 5250 to the second wall 5252 . The grooves 5220 may not have end walls because the depth of each groove 5220 may gradually decrease until the bottom surface 5254 touches the ball striking surface 5212 . The distance between the first horizontal wall 5256 and the second horizontal wall 5258 at any position along the groove defines the width 5280 of the groove 5220 at that position. The distance between first end wall 5250 and second end wall 5252 defines length 5293 of groove 5220 .

The change in depth 5255 of each groove 5220 with respect to the change in width 5280 of each groove 5220 may depend on the cutting tool used to manufacture the grooves 5220 . According to one embodiment, variations in groove width may be similar to variations in groove depth along the length of the groove. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width also increases by 1 mm. According to another embodiment, the depth of the groove may vary by a multiple of the variation of the width of the groove along the length of the groove. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by 0.5 mm. Thus, the change in depth of each groove can be linearly related to the change in width of each groove along its length.

FIG. 63 shows a typical cutting bit 5300 having a cutting blade 5301 for cutting grooves in material. The machine rotates the cutting bit 5300 so that the cutting blade 5301 can pierce the material, the machine moves the material to be cut, or the cutting bit 5300 moves the groove into the path of travel. make along Cutting bit 5300 has an angle 5302 that defines an angle 5304 of the groove cut by cutting blade 5301 shown in FIGS. The exemplary cutting bit of FIG. 63 has an angle 5302 of approximately 90°, and it can cut the groove shown in FIG. 65 at an angle 5304 of approximately 90°. FIG. 64 shows a groove with a groove angle 5304 of approximately 60°. A cutting bit (not shown) for cutting grooves in FIG. 64 has a cutting bit with an angle of about 60°.

Denoting the depth of each groove by y, the width of each groove by x, and the angle of the cutting blade by α, the relationship between the depth of each groove and the width of each groove along the length of each groove is: can be represented by

The variation in the width of each groove for the depth of each groove along the length of the groove can be expressed by:

According to equation (2), when the cutting blade 5301 has an angle of approximately 90°, the width of the groove varies by a factor of two along the length of the groove relative to the depth of the groove. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by 2 mm. When the cutting blade has an angle of 60°, the width of the groove varies by a factor of about 1.15 with respect to the depth of the groove. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by 1.15 mm. When the cutting blade has an angle of 30°, the width of the groove varies by a factor of about 0.54 with respect to the depth of the groove. For example, for every 1 mm increase in groove depth, the groove width increases by approximately 0.54 mm. Thus, cutting each groove with a cutting tool provides grooves having widths and depths that vary linearly with respect to each other along the length of the groove.

According to equation (2), the groove width profile shown in FIG. 61 may be similar in shape to the groove depth profile according to FIG. In other words, as the groove deepens from one end wall 5250 or end wall 5252 to the central portion of the groove, the width of the groove also increases by a factor related to the angle of the groove or the angle of the cutting tool. Thus, the width of the groove varies linearly with the variation of the depth of the groove along the length of the groove, and the width profile and depth profile of the groove may be similar.

According to equation (2), the change in groove depth with respect to the change in groove width is linear. However, the change in groove depth with respect to the change in groove width may be constant or non-linear. Using one or more cutting tools for manufacturing the grooves, the depth of the grooves can vary according to a non-linear relationship with respect to changes in the width of the grooves. For example, the change in groove depth with respect to the change in groove width can be defined by the following equation.

According to equation (3), the groove width is twice the square root of the groove depth and can be expressed by the following equation:

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

According to another embodiment shown in Figures 66 and 67, the depth 5355 of the groove 5320 may be constant along a portion of the groove, such as the central portion 5356 of the groove. Accordingly, groove width 5380 is also constant along the central portion of groove 5356, as described in detail above. 66 and 67, a cutting tool, such as cutting tool 5300, is used at a constant depth 5355 in the central portion 5356 of the groove, thus a constant depth 5355 in the central portion 5356 of the groove 5320. , resulting in a width of 5380.

Groove areas with deeper, wider grooves near the putter's center of gravity can provide higher predicted ball velocities, while shallower, narrower groove areas near the toe and heel portions A slower predicted ball velocity can be provided. In addition, larger groove widths and depths in the central portion of the putter can reduce the mass at contact with the golf ball, thereby increasing ball velocity by equating mass points at each possible contact point. is normalized within the putter face so that off-center hits, toe, heel, high, or low hits generally have the same ball velocity as hitting the center of the putter face.

The cutting tool of FIG. 63 is an exemplary cutting tool. Other cutting tools with different shapes can be used, thus resulting in differently shaped grooves. The cutting tool of FIG. 63 is V-shaped, which results in a V-shaped groove. However, a U-shaped cutting tool (not shown) can result in a U-shaped groove. According to one embodiment, a cutting tool with a flat tip or tip can be used to produce flat bottomed grooves. For example, the cutting tool may be a V-shaped cutting tool with a flat tip instead of a sharp tip. Thus, V-shaped grooves with flat bottoms can be produced. Thus, the bottom of the groove may be substantially point (ie, having little width) to as wide as the width of the groove (ie, rectangular or square cross-sectional groove shape). According to one example, the bottom of the groove may be flat and have a width of approximately 0.003 inches (0.0076 centimeters). Grooves with flat bottoms can improve putting ability. The grooves can be manufactured by using one cutting tool or multiple cutting tools as described above. For example, multiple cutting tools can be used to manufacture a single groove to provide different groove cross-sectional shapes and/or dimensions from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove.

68-71, a putter head 1800 includes a ball striking surface 1812 having a plurality of first curved grooves 1820 and second curved grooves 1822. As shown in FIG. A first curved direction 1814 of the first groove 1820 may be generally opposite a second curved direction 1816 of the second groove 1822 . The first curved direction 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second curved direction 1816 of the second groove 1822 may be the same from the toe end 1880 to the heel end 1890 (shown in FIG. 71), or A first direction of curvature 1814 of the first groove 1820 and a second direction of curvature 1816 of the second groove 1822 may vary from the toe end 1880 to the heel end 1890 (shown in FIG. 70). In other examples, the first direction of curvature 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second direction of curvature 1816 of the second groove 1822 may be the same from the sole 1892 to the top rail 1882 (shown in FIG. 84). Alternatively, the first curved direction 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second curved direction 1816 of the second groove 1822 may vary from the sole 1892 to the top rail 1882. First curved groove 1820 may intersect the second curved grooves 1822 at any point or points along the one or more second curved grooves 1822. Each of the grooves 1820, 1822 has a variable cross-sectional profile, depth profile, width profile, length profile, and/or other grooves from the toe end 1880 to near the heel end and/or from the top rail 1882 to the sole 1892 similar to the putter head grooves (e.g., 1300 and 1400) described above. Other grooves may have different configurations, such as groove characteristics, etc. For example, the depth of first curved groove 1820 may gradually increase from top rail 1882 to sole 1892 for each groove or grooves. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

72-75 show another example of a putter 100 having a ball striking surface 1500 according to another embodiment of the invention. When describing the new embodiment, portions of putter 100 are referenced with the same reference numbers as above. Ball striking face 1500 includes pattern 1510 defining a plurality of lands 1515 and a plurality of elliptical grooves 1520 . Land 1515 and elliptical groove 1520 begin at the geometric center 1511 of innermost land 1516 or innermost elliptical groove 1521 . Lands 1515 and elliptical grooves 1520 alternate outward from geometric center 1511 . Geometric center 1511 is positioned with ball striking surface 1500 aligned with toe end 180 , top rail 182 , heel end 190 and sole 192 . Geometric center 1511 may or may not be the actual geometric center of putter head 102 .

As shown in FIG. 72, ball striking face 1500 includes pattern 1510 defining a plurality of lands 1515 and a plurality of elliptical grooves 1520 . As shown, ball striking face 1500 includes seven lands 1515 and seven elliptical grooves 1520 . However, in other embodiments, the ball striking face 1500 can include more or fewer lands 1515 than the seven illustrated lands 1515 and more or fewer elliptical grooves than the illustrated seven elliptical grooves 1520. 1520 can be included. For example, ball striking face 1500 has one oval groove, one land 1515, two oval grooves, two lands 1515, three oval grooves, three lands 1515, four oval grooves. oval groove, 4 lands 1515, 5 oval grooves, 5 lands 1515, 6 oval grooves, 6 lands 1515, 7 oval grooves, 7 lands 1515, 8 oval grooves, 8 lands 1515, 9 oval grooves, 9 lands 1515, 10 oval grooves, 10 lands 1515, 11 oval grooves, 11 lands 1515 , 12 oval grooves, 12 lands 1515, or more.

As shown in FIG. 72, pattern 1510 defines major axis 1560 and minor axis 1564 . Major axis 1560 is where elliptical groove 1520 measures at its largest diameter, while minor axis 1564 is where elliptical groove 1520 measures at its smallest diameter. A long axis extends through the geometric center 1511 from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 . A minor axis 1564 extends through the geometric center 1511 from the top rail 182 to the sole 192 . In other embodiments, major axis 1560 may pass through geometric center 1511 and extend along top rail 182 and sole 192 , while minor axis 1562 passes through geometric center 1511 and extends along toe end 180 . may extend through to heel end 190 .

73-75, each of the elliptical grooves 1520 has a bottom surface 1554 that defines the depth of the elliptical groove 1520 relative to the surface of the ball striking face 1500. As shown in FIGS. The depth of the elliptical grooves 1520 can range from 0.001 inches to 0.020 inches (eg, 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, 0.010, 0.012, 0.014, 0.014, 0.014, 0.014, 0.014, 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, 0.010, 0.012, 0.014, 0.014, 0.014, 0.014, 0.014, 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, 0.010, 0.012, 0.014, 0.014). 0.016, 0.018 or 0.020). The depth of elliptical groove 1520 varies throughout ball striking face 1500 . The depth of elliptical groove 1520 gradually increases as elliptical groove 1520 moves from top rail 182 to geometric center 1511 and gradually decreases as elliptical groove 1520 moves from geometric center 1511 to sole 192 . Similarly, the depth of elliptical groove 1520 gradually increases as elliptical groove 1520 moves from toe end 180 to geometric center 1511 and gradually increases as elliptical groove 1520 moves from geometric center 1511 to heel end 190. Decrease. The elliptical groove at the geometric center 1511 has the greatest depth and the elliptical grooves near the toe end 180, heel end 190, top rail 182 and sole 192 have the shallowest depth. Elliptical groove 1520 may be symmetrical about a horizontal axis x that is perpendicular to vertical axis y on ball striking face 1500 . The depth of oval groove 1520 may be similar in top rail 182 and sole 192 . Similarly, the depth of oval groove 1520 may be similar at toe end 180 and heel end 190 .

In one embodiment, the depth of the elliptical grooves 1520 varies from one elliptical groove 1520 to the next outer elliptical groove 1520, although each individual elliptical groove 1520 may have a uniform depth. may change. In other embodiments, the depth of elliptical grooves 1520 may vary within individual elliptical grooves 1520 . The depth may gradually decrease within one oval groove 1520 as the groove moves toward the toe end 180 and heel end 190 . In an example where the major axis 1560 extends along the top rail 182 and sole 192 and the minor axis extends along the toe end 180 and heel end 190, the depth is toward the top rail 182 at the interface of the crown, face, and sole 192. It may be gradually decreased. As the grooves move away from the geometric center 1511, the next outermost elliptical groove 1520 follows the same varying depth pattern, but may become generally shallower. As shown in FIGS. 74 and 75, elliptical grooves 1521, 1522 are deeper than elliptical grooves 1526, 1527, with elliptical groove 1521 having the deepest depth and elliptical groove 1527 having the shallowest depth. It can have widely varying depths.

Each of the oval grooves 1520 has an inner perimeter 1530 and an outer perimeter 1540 . The inner perimeter 1530 is the perimeter closest to the geometric center 1511 of the elliptical groove 1520 . Outer perimeter 1540 is the farthest perimeter from geometric center 1511 of elliptical groove 1520 . The inner boundary 1530 to the outer boundary 1540 of the elliptical groove 1520 defines a width 1580 . Width 1580 of oval groove 1520 is from about 0.001 inch to about 0.035 inch (eg, 0.001, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030). , or 0.035). Width 1580 may be constant within oval groove 1520 . Width 1580 may also vary within oval groove 1520 . Further, width 1580 can be kept constant for all elliptical grooves 1520 on ball striking face 1500 . The width may vary per elliptical groove 1520 on the ball striking face 1500 . In one embodiment, width 1580 may increase from innermost elliptical groove 1520 to outermost elliptical groove 1520 . For example, oval groove 1 may have a width of 0.015 inches and oval groove 7 may have a width of 0.035 inches. In another embodiment, width 1580 may decrease from innermost elliptical groove 1520 to outermost elliptical groove 1520 . Other embodiments can include any combination of both constant and variable widths within each elliptical groove 1520 and for each elliptical groove 1520 .

The outer boundary 1540 of one elliptical groove to the inner boundary 1530 of an adjacent elliptical groove 1520 defines a land 1515 . Land 1515 is the portion between each elliptical groove 1520 on ball striking face 1500 and defines a thickness. As shown in FIG. 72, geometric center 1511 is formed on land 1515 . The land at geometric center 1511 is a solid cylinder, and moving further from geometric center 1511 each land 1515 is a cylinder with larger inner and outer diameters.

In one embodiment, the thickness of each of lands 1515 may be constant across pattern 1510 . In another embodiment, the thickness of each of lands 1515 may vary throughout pattern 1510 . Further, the thickness of land 1515 may be constant between each elliptical groove 1520 or may vary between each elliptical groove 1520 . The thickness of each of lands 1515 may range from about 0.001 inch to about 0.050 inch. In one example, land 1515 may increase as one moves from geometric center 1511 to outermost elliptical groove 1527 . In another example, land 1515 may decrease with each move from geometric center 1511 to outermost elliptical groove 1527 . The increments are 0.001, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, or 0.035 inches. Other embodiments can include any combination of both constant and varying land areas between each elliptical groove 1520 and from elliptical grooves 1520 to adjacent elliptical grooves 1520 .

As noted above, FIGS. 24-26 show the geometrical cross-sectional shape of elliptical groove 1520 as viewed from section line 30-30 of FIG. In FIG. 24, the geometrical cross-sectional shape of elliptical groove 1520 is box-shaped, rectangular or square. In FIG. 25, the geometric cross-sectional shape of elliptical groove 1520 is V-shaped. In FIG. 26, the geometric cross-sectional shape of elliptical groove 1520 is U-shaped. The geometric cross-sectional shape may remain constant within the elliptical groove 1520 . The geometric cross-sectional shape may also vary within elliptical groove 1520 . For example, oval groove 1520 may have a square cross-sectional geometry from top rail 182 to sole 192 traveling clockwise and a U-shaped geometry from sole 192 to top rail 182 traveling clockwise. It may have a cross-sectional shape. Additionally, the cross-sectional geometric shape of the elliptical grooves 1520 may vary from elliptical groove 1520 to elliptical groove 1520 . For example, one elliptical groove 1520 may have a U-shaped geometrical cross-sectional shape and the next elliptical groove 1520 may have a V-shaped geometrical cross-sectional shape. Other embodiments can include any combination of the three geometric cross-sectional shapes within each elliptical groove 1520 and per elliptical groove 1520 .

The varying depth pattern created by elliptical grooves 1520 has a dampening effect on the kinetic energy transferred to the ball. The greater the depth, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. Conversely, the smaller the depth, the less kinetic energy is absorbed. Since the depth of the elliptical groove 1520 is greatest near the geometric center 1511, this is where the attenuation is greatest near the geometric center 1511. Attenuation decreases as the elliptical groove 1520 decreases in depth away from the geometric center 1511 . This varying depth pattern in elliptical grooves 1520 allows for consistent ball velocity across ball striking surface 1500 . For example, when ball striking surface 1500 hits the ball at toe end 180, geometric center 1511 and heel end 190, the ball experiences similar velocities.

76-80 show another example of a putter 100 with a ball striking surface 1620 that is another embodiment of the invention. When describing the new embodiment, portions of putter 100 are referenced with the same reference numerals as above. Ball striking surface 1612 includes a plurality of protrusions 1640 extending from bottom surface 1616 . The bottom surface 1616 is contoured as shown in FIGS. 78-80. Bottom surface 1616 includes an indentation or recess in central area 1618 of ball striking surface 1612 . As shown in FIG. 77, the central region 1618 may be oval. In other embodiments, central area 1618 may be defined as a circle, oval, or other suitable shape.

The protrusion 1640 is frusto-conical and variable in height and width. Protrusion 1640 further includes base 1620 and top surface 1624 . Base 1620 is connected to bottom surface 1616 and top surface 1624 forms the planar surface of ball striking surface 1612 . Protrusion 1640 extends outwardly from geometric center 1611 of ball striking face 1612 . Geometric center 1611 is positioned with respect to ball striking surface 1612 aligned with toe end 180 , top rail 182 , heel end 190 and sole 192 . Geometric center 1611 may or may not be the actual geometric center of putter head 102 .

As shown in FIG. 76, ball striking surface 1612 defines x-axis 1628 and y-axis 1632 . An x-axis 1628 extends through the geometric center 1611 from toe end 180 to heel end 190 . A y-axis 1632 extends through the geometric center 1611 and through the top rail 182 to the sole 192 . Properties of protrusion 1640 may be mirrored about x-axis 1628 , y-axis 1632 , or both x-axis 1628 and y-axis 1632 .

As shown in FIGS. 79 and 80, protrusions 1640 vary in height and width. At the geometric center, protrusion 1640 has a higher height than protrusions further away from geometric center 1611 . In other words, the height of protrusion 1640 gradually changes as it moves outward from the geometric center toward toe end 180 , top rail 182 , heel end 190 and sole 192 .

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

Additionally, protrusions 1640 have a larger gap or distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions at the geometric center. Further away from the geometric center 1611, the distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions 1640 becomes progressively smaller. Also in other words, the distance between the lobes gradually changes moving outward from the geometric center toward the toe end 180 , top rail 182 , heel end 190 and sole 192 . Distance 1636 is shown as the space between each top surface 1624 of protrusion 1640 . A distance 1636 between protrusions 1640 is created by the frusto-conical surface of base 1620 tapering toward top surface 1624 . The greater the taper of the protrusions 1640, the greater the distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions 1640. FIG. Similarly, the less the projections 1640 taper, the smaller the distance between adjacent projections 1640 .

As shown in FIGS. 79 and 80, each protrusion 1640 includes a diameter 1648 that varies along its height due to the frusto-conical shape of the protrusion. Each protrusion has a maximum diameter 1648 at the base 1620 and decreases toward the top surface 1624 . The diameter of each protrusion 1640 correlates to the height 1644 of each protrusion. The greater the height 1644 , the greater the taper of the protrusion 1640 and the smaller the diameter 1648 at the top surface 1624 . In many embodiments, diameter 1648 of top surface 1624 is smallest at geometric center 1611 . Diameter 1648 of top surface 1624 can gradually increase as protrusion 1640 is further away from geometric center 1611 . The diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 at the toe end 180 may be the same or similar to the diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 at the heel end 190 . The diameter 1648 of the upper surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 on the top rail 182 may be the same or similar to the diameter 1648 of the upper surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 on the sole 192 . The diameter 1648 of the upper surface 1624 of the protrusions at the toe end 180, heel end 190, top rail 182 and sole 192 may be the same or similar. Diameter 1648 of top surface 1624 is about 0.001 inch to 0.035 inch (eg, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030 or 0.035 inch). can be a range.

In other constructions, protrusion 1640 may have alternative shapes and cross-sections 1652 . Cross-section 1652 may be of any suitable shape (eg, circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.).

The distance 1636, height 1644 and diameter 1648 of the upper surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 have a damping effect on the kinetic energy transferred to the golf ball. The greater the distance 1636 and the greater the height 1644, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. Similarly, the smaller the distance 1636 and the smaller the height 1644, the less kinetic energy is absorbed. Alternatively, the larger the diameter, the less kinetic energy is absorbed. The smaller the diameter, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. Near the geometric center 1611 is where the attenuation is greatest because the distance 1636 and height 1644 are the largest and the diameter 1648 is the smallest near the geometric center 1611 . Moving farther from the geometric center 1611 decreases the distance 1636 and height 1644, increasing the diameter decreases the attenuation. The varying properties of protrusion 1640 allow for consistent ball velocity across ball striking surface 1612 . For example, when ball striking surface 1612 hits the ball at toe end 180, geometric center 1611 and heel end 190, the ball experiences similar velocities.

face insert

In many embodiments, a putter golf club head can include a face insert. Various face insert embodiments can have grooves as described above (ie, varying width, varying depth, or varying width and depth). When describing the embodiments below, certain portions of putter 100 are referenced with the same reference numerals as above. The putter golf club head includes a front end 196, a rear end 194 opposite the front end 196, a toe end 180, a heel end 190 opposite the toe end 180, a top rail 182, a sole 192 opposite the top rail 182, and a front end. It includes a leading edge located between end 196 and sole 192 . The outer surface of the putter golf club head may be recessed. More specifically, in some embodiments, a top wall, a toe wall, a heel wall opposite the toe wall, and a back wall of a putter-type golf club head may form a recess. In some embodiments, the top wall, the toe wall, the heel wall opposite the toe wall, the back wall, and the bottom wall opposite the top wall of the putter golf club head can form a recess. A front end 196 of the putter golf club head may be configured to strike a golf ball. The recess of the putter golf club head may extend behind the front end 196 toward the rear end 194 .

The recess of the putter golf club head includes a depth measured as the vertical distance from front end 196 to rear end 194 . In many embodiments, the depth of the recess can range from 0.150 to 0.250 inches. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess is 0.150 to 0.200 inches, 0.150 to 0.220 inches, 0.150 to 0.240 inches, 0.160 to 0.200 inches, 0 0.160 to 0.220 inch, 0.160 to 0.240 inch, 0.160 to 0.250 inch, 0.170 to 0.200 inch, 0.170 to 0.220 inch, 0.170 to 0.170 inch 240 inches, 0.170 to 0.250 inches, 0.180 to 0.200 inches, 0.180 to 0.220 inches, 0.180 to 0.240 inches, or 0.180 to 0.250 inches can be a range. For example, the recess depths are 0.150, 0.160, 0.170, 0.180, 0.190, 0.200, 0.210, 0.220, 0.230, 0.240, 0.240, 0.150, 0.160, 0.170, 0.180, 0.190. It can be 250 inches.

In other embodiments, the depth of the recess may range from 0.20 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess is 0.20 to 0.50 inches, 0.30 to 0.60 inches, 0.40 to 0.70 inches, or 0.50 to 0.80 inches. can be a range. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess is 0.20 to 0.40 inches, 0.30 to 0.50 inches, 0.40 to 0.60 inches, 0.50 to 0.70 inches, or It can range from 0.60 to 0.80 inches. For example, the recess depths are 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.65, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65. It can be 70, 0.75 or 0.80 inches.

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

The face insert may form part of the putter golf club head front end 196, sole 192, heel end 190, toe end 180, top rail 182, or any combination thereof. In many embodiments, the face insert forms part of the front end 196 and sole 192 of the putter golf club head. In other embodiments, the face insert forms only part of front end 19 . In other embodiments, the face insert forms part of the front end 196, sole 192 and top rail 182 of a putter golf club head.

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

In other embodiments, the thickness of the face insert may range from 0.20 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert is 0.20 to 0.50 inches, 0.30 to 0.60 inches, 0.40 to 0.70, or 0.50 to 0.80. It can range in inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert is 0.20 to 0.40 inches, 0.30 to 0.50 inches, 0.40 to 0.60 inches, 0.50 to 0.70 inches, Or it can range from 0.60 to 0.80 inches. For example, face insert thicknesses are 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, It can be 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches. In many embodiments, the depth of the recess can be the same as the thickness of the face insert. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess may differ from the thickness of the face insert. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess can be greater than the thickness of the face insert and vice versa. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess can be less than the thickness of the face insert and vice versa.

In many embodiments, the face insert may form part of the front end 196 and/or sole of a putter golf club head. In many embodiments, the face insert can form 70% or more of front end 196 . In some embodiments, the face insert can form at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of front end 196 . In some embodiments, the face insert is 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% of the front end 196. %, 99% or 100% or more. In many embodiments, the face insert can form at least 10% of the sole of the putter golf club head. In some embodiments, the face insert comprises at least 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 28% of the sole of the putter golf club head. 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75% or 80% can be formed. In some embodiments, the face insert is 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60% of the sole of the putter golf club head. %, 65%, 70%, 75% or 80% or more.

In many embodiments, the face insert can include polymer type materials. Polymer-type materials may include polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other polymer-type materials. In many embodiments, the face insert can include PEBAX. More specifically, PEBAX is a polyether block amide, a thermoplastic elastomer made of flexible polyethers and rigid polyamides. Rigid polyamides can include nylon. PEBAX can include various compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, polyether proportions and/or polyamide proportions. In many embodiments, the PEBAX can include PEBAX4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) or PEBAX6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) comprises 53% by weight teramethylene oxide and nylon 12. PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) comprises Nylon 11.

PEBAX may contain a proportion of polyether by volume. In some embodiments, PEBAX is 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 30% to 50%, 30% by volume to 60%, 40% to 50%, 40% to 60%, 50% to 60%, or 60% to 70% polyether. For example, PEBAX is 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% by volume, or , 70% polyether. In some embodiments, PEBAX is 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 30% to 50%, 40% by volume to 50%, 40% to 60%, 50% to 60%, or 60% to 70% polyamide. For example, PEBAX is 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% by volume, or , 70% polyamide. Increasing the proportion of polyether decreases the hardness of PEBAX. Increasing the proportion of polyamide increases the hardness of PEBAX. For example, PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) can contain 40% to 60% polyether by volume and 15% to 30% polyamide by volume. PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) can contain 15% to 30% polyether by volume and 40% to 60% polyamide by volume.

In many embodiments, PEBAX can include a hardness ranging from Shore D25 to Shore D75. In some embodiments, the hardness of PEBAX is Shore D25 to Shore D35, Shore D35 to Shore D45, Shore D36 to Shore D44, Shore D38 to Shore D42, Shore D45 to Shore D55, Shore D55 to Shore D65, Shore D5 to It may range from Shore D64, Shore D60 to Shore D65, or Shore D65 to Shore D75. For example, the hardness of PEBAX can be Shore D 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 or 70.

In many embodiments, PEBAX4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a lower hardness than PEBAX6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). In many embodiments, PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a hardness ranging from Shore D35 to Shore D55. In some embodiments, PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a hardness ranging from Shore D38 to Shore D42, or Shore D39 to Shore D41. For example, PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a Shore D hardness of 40. In many embodiments, PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a hardness ranging from Shore D50 to Shore D75. In some embodiments, PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a hardness ranging from Shore D55 to Shore D70, or Shore D60 to Shore D65. For example, PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) can include a Shore D hardness of 63.

In some embodiments, the face insert is made of steel, steel alloys, tungsten, tungsten alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, vanadium, vanadium alloys, chromium, chromium alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, nickel, nickel It can include materials such as alloys, other metals, other metal alloys, composite polymeric materials, or combinations thereof.

Face inserts can be formed by a variety of processes. Various molding processes include injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, co-molding, laser molding, film insert molding, gas assist molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3-D printing, forging, stamping, Including electroforming, machining, molding, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the face insert can have any combination of the above thicknesses and molding processes.

Single piece face insert

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

85-88 illustrate another embodiment of a putter 1700. FIG. Putter 1700 includes putter head 1702 . Accordingly, when describing putter head 1702, portions of putter head 102 may be referenced with the same reference numerals as above. The putter head 1702 includes a putter face 1710 , and the putter face 1710 includes a recess 1712 . In other examples, the putter head can further include a slot (not shown) located in the top rail 182 or sole 192 that extends integrally within the recess 1712 .

As shown in FIG. 86, recess 1712 includes flat surface 1716 and perimeter 1718 . In some examples, flat surface 1716 of recess 1712 can include hole 1722 . Hole 1722 includes a diameter and can further include threading. In other examples, the perimeter 1718 of the recess 1712 can include a lip (not shown), and the lip can extend along the entire perimeter 1718 . In still other examples, the lip can extend along a portion of perimeter 1718 . For example, a lip can extend along the top rail 182 and sole 192 . Further, recess 1712 can receive face insert 1726 .

As shown in FIGS. 87A and 87B, face insert 1726 includes a ball striking surface 1728 and a back surface 1730 opposite ball striking surface 1728 . As shown in FIG. 85, ball striking surface 1728 has three sections: a toe portion 1770 near toe end 180, a heel portion 1774 near heel end 190, and a central portion 1772 located between toe portion 1770 and heel portion 1774. Divided horizontally into parts. As shown in FIG. 87A, the ball striking surface plate further includes a top rail portion 1776 near top rail 182, a sole portion 1780 near sole 192, and a central portion located between top rail portion 1776 and sole portion 1780. It is divided vertically into three parts, which are parts. Ball striking surface 1728 of face insert 1726 may include grooves. The grooves can include features similar to the example grooves of putter 100 . More specifically, the grooves are formed on all ball striking surfaces/ball striking surfaces It may resemble a groove. The grooves have a depth that varies from toe portion 1770 to heel portion 1774 and from top rail portion 1776 to sole portion 1780 . The groove depth increases from toe portion 1770 and heel portion 1774 toward center portion 1772 . Similarly, the depth of groove 1720 increases from top rail portion 1776 and sole portion 1780 toward central portion 1778 . The deepest portions of groove 1720 are at central portion 1772 and central portion 1778 of groove 1720 . The varying depth of groove 1720 in the exemplary embodiment increases forgiveness by allowing a more standardized strike across ball striking surface 1728 .

Back surface 1730 of face insert 1726 may include cylindrical protrusion 1732 . Cylindrical protrusion 1732 includes a diameter equal to the diameter of hole 1722 of recess 1712 . Additionally, cylindrical protrusion 1732 is complementary to hole 1722 . Cylindrical protrusion 1732 can be concentrically aligned with hole 1722 when face insert 1726 is coupled to recess 1712 . Further, face insert 1726 is complementary to recess 1712 such that ball striking surface 1728 of face insert 1726 is flush with putter face 1710 when coupled within recess 1712 .

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

The length 1736 of the face insert 1726 is the distance measured from the top end 1740 of the face insert 1726 to the bottom end 1742 of the face insert 1726, as shown in FIG. 87B. As shown in FIG. 85, the length 1736 of the face insert 1726 can extend the full distance from the sole 192 to the top rail 182 of the putter head 1702, with the top end 1740 extending over a portion of the top rail 182. can be formed and the bottom end 1742 can form part of the sole 192 . In some examples, the length 1736 of the face insert 1726 can extend from the top rail 182 to near the sole 192, with the top end 1740 forming part of the top rail 182, as seen in FIG. can do. In other examples, length 1736 of face insert 1726 can extend from sole 192 to near rail 182 and bottom end 1742 can form part of sole 192 . Length 1736 of face insert 1726 allows the ball to consistently strike face insert 1726 at impact instead of perimeter 1744 of putter face 1710 or ball striking surface 1728 . A ball that consistently hits the face insert 1726 at impact allows for a consistent feel.

In other examples, face insert 1726 may further include edge indents. The edge indentation can extend along the entire perimeter 1744 of the ball striking surface 1728 . In other examples, the edge indentation can extend along a portion of perimeter 1744 of ball striking surface 1728 . For example, edge indentation can extend along first side 1737 and second side 1738 . In another example, edge indentation can extend along first side 1737 , bottom end 1742 and second side 1738 . Additionally, the edge indentation complements the lip of recess 1712 .

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

In another example, face insert 1726 can be coupled to recess 1712 by inserting face insert 1726 into a slot. A sheet (not shown) can then be inserted into the slot and positioned between the face insert 1726 and the recess 1712 , with the sole 1922 /toprail 182 facing the face insert 1726 positioned within the recess 1712 . flush with the sheet. The sheet compresses the edge indents of face insert 1726 against the lip of recess 1712 to secure face insert 1726 within recess 1712 . The sheet can include curved openings (not shown) located on the exposed surface of the sheet when coupled within recess 1712 . A curved opening can receive an extraction tool for removing the sheet from the slot. By removing the sheet, the face insert 1726 can be loosened within the recess 1712 and then removed and replaced with a face insert 1726 of a different material. Different material face inserts 1726 allow for different feel and sounds at impact.

Face inserts may be made of steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, or other materials. Sheets may also be made of steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, or other materials. Additionally, the sheet may be a damping material. Further still, the sheet may be of the same material as the face insert in some examples, or may be formed of a different material in other examples.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 89 and 90, a putter golf club head 6000 includes a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, a top rail 182, a sole 192 and a leading edge 6015. there is The outer surface of the putter golf club head 6000 forms a recess 6022 . More specifically, top wall 6023 , toe wall 6024 , heel wall 6025 opposite toe wall 6024 , and rear wall 6026 of putter golf club head 6000 all form recess 6022 . The recess 6022 of the putter golf club head 6000 can extend rearwardly from the front end 196 toward the rear end 194 .

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

In many embodiments, the face insert 6010 can provide the advantage of a softer, more distinctive sound/feel at golf ball impact than a putter face without a face insert. A softer, more distinctive sound/feel at golf ball impact corresponds to the hardness and material of the face insert 6010 . The material and hardness of the face insert 6010 can be similar to those described above. The soft feel and sound are pleasing to the player and can avoid the distraction that other golf club heads cause with loud impact sounds. This soft and unique sound/feel at golf ball impact can help the player's mental focus and improve the player's score.

Multi-component face insert

In some embodiments, the face insert can comprise a two piece system. In these embodiments, the two-part system of the face insert can include a ball striking face plate and face insert base, a polymeric material and frame, or multiple openings. A face insert that includes a two-part system can include the grooves described above.

Ball striking plate and face insert base

In one embodiment, the face insert can comprise a two part system. A two-part system may comprise a ball striking face plate and a face insert base. A ball striking face plate of the face insert may include a first material. A face insert base of the face insert may comprise a second material. In many embodiments, the first material of the ball striking face plate and the second material of the face insert base may be different. In some embodiments, the first material of the ball striking face plate and the second material of the face insert base may be the same. In many embodiments, the first material of the ball striking face plate can comprise a polymer type material. In some embodiments, the first material of the ball striking face plate can include a metallic material. In many embodiments, the second material of the face insert base can comprise a polymer type material.

The first material or the second material can comprise polymer type materials. Polymer-type materials may include polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other polymer-type materials. In many embodiments, the face insert can include PEBAX. More specifically, PEBAX is a polyether block amide, a thermoplastic elastomer made of flexible polyethers and rigid polyamides. Rigid polyamides can include nylon. PEBAX can include various compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, polyether proportions and/or polyamide proportions. In many embodiments, the PEBAX can include PEBAX4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) or PEBAX6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) comprises 53% by weight teramethylene oxide and nylon 12. PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) comprises Nylon 11. The first material and the second material can include polyether proportions, polyamide proportions, or Shore D hardness values similar to those described above.

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

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

The ball striking face plate of the face insert can include a thickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate can range from 0.015 to 0.115 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate is 0.015 to 0.045 inches, 0.020 to 0.050 inches, 0.025 to 0.055 inches, 0.050 to 0.100 inches. inches, 0.055 to 0.105 inches, 0.060 to 0.110 inches, or 0.065 to 0.115 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate is at least 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.050 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110 or 0.055 It can be 115 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate is 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.050. 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110 or 0. It can be 115 inches or more. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate is 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.050. 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110 or 0. It can be 115 inches.

In other embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate can range from 0.115 to 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate is 0.115 to 0.20 inches, 0.15 to 0.30 inches, 0.20 to 0.30 inches, 0.25 to 0.35 inches. inches, or in the range of 0.30 to 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate can be at least 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate can be 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 or greater. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate can be 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inches or less. For example, the thickness of the ball striking face plate can be 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inches.

A face insert base of the face insert may include a thickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base can range from 0.05 to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base can range from 0.05 to 0.10 inches, or 0.10 to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base can be at least 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base can be 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inches or greater. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base can be 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inches or less. For example, the thickness of the face insert base can be 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inches.

In other embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base may range from 0.20 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base is 0.20 to 0.50 inches, 0.30 to 0.60 inches, 0.40 to 0.70 inches, or 0.50 to 0.50 inches. It can be in the range of 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base is 0.20 to 0.40 inches, 0.30 to 0.50 inches, 0.40 to 0.60 inches, 0.50 to 0.50 inches. It can be 70 inches or range from 0.60 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the face insert base of the face insert is at least 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55 , 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the face insert base of the face insert is 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, It can be 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches or greater. In some embodiments, the face insert base of the face insert is 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, It can be 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches or less. For example, the face insert base of the face insert is 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0. It can be 0.65, 0.70, 0.75 or 0.80 inches.

I. Metal ball striking plate and polymer face insert base

81-84 show another embodiment of a putter head that includes a face insert 1910. FIG. The putter head further includes a recess (not shown) located on the front surface of the putter head. A face insert 1910 is positioned within the recess. The face insert 1910 can create a unique feel and sound upon impact with the ball. Metal face inserts alone create a hard sound and feel. Due to the inclusion of the metallic and/or non-metallic material compositions described herein, the face insert 1910 produces a softer sound and feel than metallic face inserts.

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

As shown in FIG. 81, ball striking face plate 1912 includes a toe portion 1970 near toe end 180, a heel portion 1974 near heel end 190, and a central portion 1972 located between toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1970. is divided horizontally into three parts. As shown in FIG. 84, the ball striking face plate further includes a top rail portion 1976 near top rail 182, a sole portion 1980 near sole 192, and a central portion located between top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980. It is divided vertically into three parts of portion 1978 .

The ball striking face plate 1912 further includes a groove 1920 located in the front striking surface 1911, the groove 1920 being similar to the ball striking face/ball striking surface groove embodiments: 112, 212, 312, 412, 512. , 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412, 1500, 1612, 1812, 2212, 2312, 4212 and 5212. The groove 1920 has a depth that varies in a direction extending between the heel end 190 and the toe end 180 and in a direction extending between the top rail 182 and the sole 192 . More specifically, groove 1920 varies from toe portion 1970 to heel portion and from top rail portion 1976 to source portion 1980 . The depth of groove 1920 increases from toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward center portion 1972 . Similarly, the depth of groove 1920 increases from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward central portion 1978 . The deepest portion of at least one groove 1920 is defined by the generally planar surface portion of groove 1920 . A generally planar surface portion is located where central portion 1972 and central portion 1978 of groove 1920 overlap. The varying depth of groove 1920 in the exemplary embodiment increases forgiveness by allowing a standardized strike across ball striking face plate 1912 .

In some examples, ball striking face plate 1912 and face insert base 1914 of face insert 1610 can be formed of the same material. Materials can be steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, composite polymers, or any other material. As shown in FIG. 81, both the striking plate 1912 and the face insert base 1914 of the face insert 1910 are formed of polymers or composite polymers such as polyamide and polyether blocks. In other examples, ball striking face plate 1912 of face insert 1910 can comprise a different material than face insert base 1914 . As shown in Figure 82, the ball striking face plate 1912 is made of a metallic material and the face insert base 1914 is made of a non-metallic material. The metal material of ball striking face plate 1912 can be steel, tungsten, aluminum, nickel, titanium, alloys, composites, or other metals. Face insert base 1914 can be a non-metallic material such as a polymer, a polymer with high specific gravity filler or flakes, a composite polymer, a composite material or any type of polymer. Composite polymers or polymers can be block copolymers of polyamides and polyethers. The polymer is not a polyurethane or isocyanate containing polymer. Ball striking face plate 1912 may be positioned on face insert base 1914 such that rear surface 1913 of ball striking face plate 1912 is adjacent front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914 .

In examples where the ball striking face plate 1912 and the face insert base 1914 comprise the same material, the thickness of the entire face insert 1910 ranges from 0.100 inch to 0.200 inch, 0.100 inch to 0.125 inch, 0 .125" to 0.150", 0.150" to 0.175", 0.175" to 0.200", 0.100" to 0.150", or 0.150" to 0.200" can be For example, face insert 1910 may have thicknesses of 0.100", 0.120", 0.130", 0.140", 0.150", 0.160", 0.170", 0.180". , 0.190 inches or 0.200 inches. In examples where ball striking face plate 1912 and face insert base 1914 comprise different materials, ball striking face plate 1912 comprises a thickness and face insert base 1914 comprises a thickness. Ball striking face thicknesses range from 0.005 inch to 0.035 inch, 0.005 inch to 0.010 inch, 0.010 inch to 0.015 inch, 0.015 inch to 0.020 inch, 0.015 inch to 0.020 inch, It can range from 0.020 inches to 0.025 inches, 0.025 inches to 0.030 inches, 0.030 inches to 0.035 inches, or 0.013 inches to 0.025 inches. For example, the ball striking face plate 1912 can have a thickness of 0.005 inch, 0.010 inch, 0.015 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.030 inch or 0.035 inch. The thickness of the face insert base 1914 is 0.095 inch to 0.200 inch, 0.095 inch to 0.115 inch, 0.115 inch to 0.135 inch, 0.135 inch to 0.155 inch. , 0.155 inches to 0.175 inches, 0.175 inches to 0.200 inches, or 0.135 inches to 0.200 inches. For example, the thickness of the face insert base 1914 can be 0.095 inch, 0.105 inch, 0.115 inch, 0.125 inch, 0.135 inch, 0.145 inch, 0.155 inch, 0.155 inch, It can be 165 inches, 0.175 inches, 0.185 inches, 0.195 inches or 200 inches.

Face insert 1610 can be formed by many different processes. Different molding processes include injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, laser molding, film insert molding, gas assist molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3D printing, or any combination thereof. . Additionally, the face insert can have any combination of the above thicknesses and molding processes. The ball striking face plate 1912 can be manufactured by many different processes such as forging, forming, stamping, electroforming, casting, molding, machining or combinations thereof. Similarly, the face insert base 1914 may be injection molded, cast, blow molded, compression molded, film insert molded, gas assist molded, rotational molded, thermoformed, laser cut, 3D printed, or any combination thereof, or the like. , can be manufactured by a variety of processes. Additionally, the ball striking face plate 1912 and face insert base 1914 can have any combination of the thicknesses and molding processes described above.

The face insert 1910 may be placed into a recess in the front surface of the putter head by an adhesive 1922 such as tape, glue, epoxy or any type of adhesive. The face insert 1910 may also be positioned on the front surface of the putter head by fasteners or pins (not shown). In examples in which ball striking face plate 1912 includes a different material than face insert base 1914, ball striking face plate 1912 is formed between rear surface 1913 of ball striking face plate 1912 and front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914. It can be secured to the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914 with an adhesive 1916 such as epoxy, glue, tape, or any other securing compound placed therebetween. For example, the ball striking face plate 1912 may be attached to the face by a 0.010 to 0.015 inch thick very high bond (VHB) tape, a 0.003 inch thick spray adhesive, or a brushed adhesive. It can be glued to the insert base 1914 .

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

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

As shown in Figure 82, the ball striking face plate 1912 is made of a metallic material forged from aluminum sheet and has a thickness of 0.030 inches. Ball striking face plate 1912 further includes varying grooves 1920 that increase from toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward center portion 1972 and from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward center portion 1978 . The generally flat bottom portion of groove 1920 is where the depth of groove 1920 is greatest. A generally flat bottom portion is where central portion 1978 and central portion 1972 overlap. Face insert base 1914 is formed of a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether and is 0.105 inches thick. The ball striking face plate 1912 is adhered to the face insert base 1914 by VHB tape and covers more than 96% of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914, but not more than 96% of the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914. 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more, or 100% can be coated. Face insert 1910 is PVD coated. The combination of the metal material of the ball striking face plate 1912 and the block copolymer of polyamide and polyether allows for a softer sound and feel at impact. Further, the variation in depth of groove 1920, with the depth of groove 1920 being greatest at center portion 1978 and center portion 1872, allows for a more forgiving hit.

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

In another example, the ball striking face plate 1912 can be made of metallic material formed or stamped from aluminum sheet and have a thickness of 0.030 inches. Ball striking face plate 1912 further includes varying grooves 1920 that increase from toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward center portion 1972 and from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward center portion 1978 . The generally flat bottom portion of groove 1920 is where the depth of groove 1920 is greatest. A generally flat bottom portion is where central portion 1978 and central portion 1972 overlap. Face insert base 1914 is formed of a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether and is 0.113 inches thick. Ball striking face plate 1912 is adhered to face insert base 1914 by epoxy located between rear surface 1913 of ball striking face plate 1912 and front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914 . Ball striking face plate 1912 covers 92% or more of front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914, but covers 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% of front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914. %, 97%, 98%, 99% or more, or 100%. Face insert 1910 is coated with a Type II anodizing process. Face insert 1910 is PVD coated. The combination of the metal material of the ball striking face plate 1912 and the block copolymer of polyamide and polyether allows for a softer sound and feel at impact. Further, the variation in depth of groove 1920, with the depth of groove 1920 being greatest at center portion 1978 and center portion 1872, allows for a more forgiving hit.

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

In another example, ball striking face plate 1912 may be made of a metallic material electroformed from nickel sheet and have a thickness of 0.030 inches. Ball striking face plate 1912 further includes varying grooves 1920 that increase from toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward center portion 1972 and from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward center portion 1978 . The generally flat bottom portion of groove 1920 is where the depth of groove 1920 is greatest. A generally flat bottom portion is where central portion 1978 and central portion 1972 overlap. Face insert base 1914 is formed of a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether and is 0.140 inches thick. Ball striking face plate 1912 is adhered to face insert base 1914 by epoxy located between rear surface 1913 of ball striking face plate 1912 and front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914 . Ball striking face plate 1912 covers 100% of front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914, but covers 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% of front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914. , 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more can be covered. Face insert 1910 is coated with a Type II anodizing process. Face insert 1910 is PVD coated. The combination of the metal material of the ball striking face plate 1912 and the block copolymer of polyamide and polyether allows for a softer sound and feel at impact. Further, the variation in depth of groove 1920, with the depth of groove 1920 being greatest at center portion 1978 and center portion 1872, allows for a more forgiving hit.

II. Polymer ball striking plate and polymer face insert base

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 91 and 92, a putter golf club head 6100 includes front end 196, rear end 194, toe end 180, heel end 190, top rail 182, sole 192, and leading edge 6115. include. An outer surface of the putter golf club head 6100 may form a recess 6122 . More specifically, in some embodiments, top wall 6123, toe wall 6124, heel wall 6125 opposite toe wall 6124, and rear wall 6126 of a putter-type golf club head all have recesses 6122. can be formed. The recess 6122 of the putter golf club head 6100 can extend rearwardly from the front end 196 toward the rear end 194 .

A putter golf club head 6100 may include a face insert 6110 . Face insert 6110 forms part of front end 196 . In this embodiment, the face insert 6110 of the putter golf club head 6100 can include a ball striking face plate 6112 and a face insert base 6114 . The ball striking face plate 6112 can include a front striking surface 6111 and a rear surface 6113 opposite the front striking surface 6111 . The front striking surface 611 of the ball striking face plate 6112 can include grooves 6120 similar to those described above. Rear surface 6113 of ball striking face plate 6112 may be similar to rear surface 1913 of ball striking face plate 1912 shown in FIG. Face insert base 6114 may include front surface 6118 . Front surface 6118 of face insert base 6114 may be similar to front surface 1918 of face insert base 1914 shown in FIG. A rear surface 6113 of ball striking face plate 6112 is adjacent to a portion of front surface 6118 of face insert base 6114 .

When the rear surface 6113 of the ball striking face plate 6112 is positioned on the front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114, the ball striking face plate 6112 covers more than 70%, 75%, of the front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114. %, greater than 80%, greater than 85%, greater than 90%, greater than 91%, greater than 92%, greater than 93%, greater than 94%, greater than 95%, greater than 96%, greater than 97%, greater than 98%, greater than 99% , or 100% coverage. The front striking surface 6111 of the ball striking face plate 6112 can include grooves 6120 similar to those described above.

In some embodiments, ball striking face plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 can have the same size and shape, with all edges of ball striking face plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 facing each other. can have the same size and shape that are one. In some embodiments, face insert base 6114 can form a continuous boundary or perimeter around ball striking face plate 6112 . In some embodiments, face insert base 6114 can be wrapped around ball striking face plate 6112 . In other embodiments, face insert base 6114 can wrap around ball striking face plate 6112 at sole 192, toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, face insert base 6114 can form leading edge 6115 . In other embodiments, face insert base 6114 and ball striking face plate 6112 may form leading edge 6115 . In other embodiments, face insert base 6114 may form a partial boundary or perimeter around ball striking face plate 6112 . In these embodiments, face insert base 6114 partially extends around ball striking face plate 6112 at toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, sole 192, leading edge 6115, or any combination thereof. boundaries can be formed. In one embodiment, face insert base 6114 can abut ball striking face plate 6112 at leading edge 6115 .

When recess 6112 of putter golf club head 6100 receives face insert 6110 , rear surface 6113 of ball striking face plate 6112 abuts front surface 6118 of face insert base 6114 and face insert base 6114 contacts recess 6122 . abuts the rear wall 6126 of the . In many embodiments, ball striking face plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 are bonded together by an adhesive similar to ball striking face plate 1912, face insert base 1914 and adhesive 1916 shown in FIG. obtain. In many embodiments, the face insert base 6114 can be bonded to the recess by an adhesive similar to the face insert base 1914 and adhesive 6122 shown in FIG. The types of adhesives used to bond the ball striking face plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 to the putter golf club head 6000 can be similar to the adhesives described above.

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

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 93 and 94, a putter golf club head 6200 includes front end 196, rear end 194, toe end 180, heel end 190, top rail 182, sole 192, and leading edge 6215. include. An outer surface of the putter golf club head 6200 may form a recess 6222 . More specifically, top wall 6223 , toe wall 6224 , heel wall 6125 , and rear wall 6126 of a putter-type golf club head can all form recess 6222 . A recess 6222 of the putter golf club head 6200 can extend rearwardly from the front end 196 toward the rear end 194 .

A putter golf club head 6200 may include a face insert 6210 . Face insert 6210 forms part of front end 196 . In this embodiment, the face insert 6210 of the putter golf club head 6200 can include a ball striking face plate 6212 and a face insert base 6114 . The ball striking face plate 6312 can include a front striking surface 6211 and a rear surface 6213 opposite the front striking surface 6211 .

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

Face insert base recess 6230 may be configured to receive ball striking face plate 6212 . A rear surface 6213 of ball striking face plate 6312 is adjacent to face insert base recess 6230 . Specifically, face insert base top wall 6233 of face insert base 6214, face insert base toe wall 6234, face insert base heel wall 6235, face insert base rear wall 6236. , and face insert base bottom wall 6237 are all configured to receive ball striking face plate 6212 . In this embodiment, face insert base 6214 can form a boundary or perimeter around ball striking face plate 6312 . Further, the ball striking face plate 6312 can be shaped complementary to the recess 6220 of the face insert base 6214 thereby having a front striking surface that is coplanar with the face insert base 6214 . The front striking surface 6211 of the ball striking face plate 6212 can include grooves 6220 similar to those described above.

When recess 6222 receives face insert 6210 , rear surface 6213 of ball striking face plate 6212 is received within face insert base recess 6230 and face insert base 6214 abuts rear wall 6226 of recess 6222 . In many embodiments, the ball striking face plate 6212 and face insert base 6214 can be attached by an adhesive similar to those described above or by a press fit. In many embodiments, the face insert base 6214 can be bonded to the recess with an adhesive as described above. In some embodiments, the face insert base recess 6230 can secure the ball striking face plate 6212 with a clamping force or press fit. More specifically, face insert base top wall 6233 of face insert base 6214, face insert base toe wall 6234, face insert base heel wall 6235, face insert base rear wall. 6236 and face insert bottom wall 6237 can secure ball striking face plate 6212 with a clamping force or press fit.

IV. Joint structure of ball striking plate and face insert base

In another embodiment, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6310, as shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, a face insert 6310 of a putter golf club head 6300 (not shown) can include a ball striking face plate 6312 and a face insert base 6314 . The ball striking face plate 6312 can include a front striking surface 6312 and a rear surface 6313 opposite the front striking surface 6312 . Face insert base 6314 may include a front surface (not shown). Face insert 6310 further includes bonding structure 6390 configured to bond ball striking plate 6312 and face insert base 6314 without the need for adhesives, tape or other non-mechanical interlocking bonding. be able to. Coupling structure 6390 may include undercuts, hooks, tabs, slots, tabs and slots, or other suitable mechanical interlocking structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the bonding structure 6390 of the face insert 6310 can include undercuts. In many embodiments, the ball striking face plate 6312 can include an undercut and the ball striking face plate 6312 accepts the complementary shape of the face insert base 6314. In some embodiments, the face insert base 6314 can include an undercut (not shown) such that the face insert base 6314 accommodates the complementary shape of the ball striking face plate 6312 . The front striking surface 6311 of the ball striking face plate 6312 can include grooves 6320 similar to those described above.

Further, in another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 97, coupling structure 6390 can include multiple hooks. In many embodiments, the plurality of hooks of the coupling structure 6390 can be positioned on the rear surface 6313 of the ball striking face plate 6312, and the face insert base 6310 receives the plurality of hooks of the ball striking face plate 6312. Complementary slots or recesses configured to. In some embodiments, multiple hooks of coupling structure 6390 can be disposed on the front surface of face insert base 6314, and ball striking face plate 6312 receives multiple hooks of face insert base 6314. Complementary slots or recesses configured to.

Face inserts 1910, 6100, 6200, 6300 can provide the advantage of a softer, more distinctive sound/feel at golf ball impact. The soft, distinctive sound/feel at golf ball impact corresponds to the hardness of the face insert. In many embodiments, as noted above, the ball striking face plate may comprise PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) with a lower hardness and the face insert base may comprise PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, France) with a higher hardness. Arkema in Paris). The combination of the low hardness ball striking face plate and high altitude face insert base provides a softer sound/feel at golf ball impact. This soft feel is advantageous over metal face inserts because the soft feel and sound are pleasing to the player and can prevent the distraction that metal face inserts cause with loud impact sounds. . This soft and unique sound/feel at golf ball impact can help the player's mental focus and improve the player's score.

polymer material and frame

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

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

In many embodiments, the frame can form a smaller portion of the face insert than the polymeric material. In some embodiments, the frame can form a larger portion of the face insert than the polymeric material. In some embodiments, the frame may form a larger portion of front end 196 than the polymer material of the face insert. In some embodiments, the frame may form more of the leading edge than the polymeric material of the face insert. In some embodiments, the frame may form the majority of the sole 192 rather than the polymeric material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material may form a larger portion of front end 196 than the frame of the face insert. In some embodiments, the polymeric material may form a larger portion of the leading edge than the frame of the face insert. In some embodiments, the polymeric material may form a greater portion of sole 192 than the frame of the face insert.

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

In many embodiments, a face insert including polymeric material and a frame can include a trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, the face insert including polymeric material and frame can include rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, polygonal, or any other suitable shape. In many embodiments, the polymer material of the face insert can include shapes similar to the face insert, such as trapezoids, rectangles, triangles, pentagons, polygons, or other suitable shapes. Additionally, in many embodiments, the frame of the face insert can include shapes similar to the face insert, such as trapezoids, rectangles, triangles, pentagons, polygons, or other suitable shapes. The shape of the frame and/or polymer material of the face insert can be positioned at the front end 196, toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, or sole 192 of the putter golf club head.

In one embodiment, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6410, as shown in FIG. The face insert 6410 of the putter golf club head 6400 can include a polymer material 6412 and a frame 6414. As shown in FIG. The putter golf club head 6400 may include a leading edge 6415 between the front end 196 and the sole 192 . Front end 196 of putter golf club head 6400 may include front striking surface 6411 . Front striking surface 6411 of front end 196 may include grooves 6420 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, frame 6414 can form a boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6412 . In this embodiment, the frame 6414 can form a trapezoidal shape and the frame 6414 follows the contours of the putter golf club head 6400 . More specifically, the frame 6414 extends vertically through the front end 196 from the sole 192 to the top rail 182 at the toe end 180, extends parallel to the top rail 182 from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190, and extends parallel to the top rail 182 at the heel end 190. at an angle to the sole 192 and extend a distance on the sole 192 toward the rear end 194 . Frame 6414 may extend rearwardly from front end 196 toward rear end 194 . In many embodiments, the frame 6414 and polymer material 6412 can wrap around the leading edge 6415 from the front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6400 to the sole 192 . Additionally, the polymer material 6412 and frame 6414 of the face insert 6410 may form part of the front striking surface 6411 , the leading edge 6415 and the sole 192 . In this embodiment, polymer material 6412 may form a larger portion of face insert 6410 than frame 6414 .

In another embodiment, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6510, as shown in FIG. The face insert 6510 of the putter golf club head 6500 can include a polymer material 6512 and a frame 6514. As shown in FIG. The putter golf club head 6500 can include a leading edge 6515 between the front end 196 and the sole 192 . Front end 196 of putter golf club head 6500 may include front striking surface 6511 . Front striking surface 6511 of front end 196 may include grooves 6520 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, frame 6514 can separate polymeric material 6512 into a toe portion near toe end 180 and a heel portion near heel end 190 . In this embodiment, frame 6514 may include a trapezoidal shape at front end 196 and a rectangular shape at sole 192 . In this embodiment, the toe and heel end portions of polymeric material 6512 may include a triangular shape at front end 196 and a triangular shape at sole 192 . In many embodiments, the frame 6514 and polymeric material 6512 can be wrapped around the leading edge 6615 from the front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6500 to the sole 192 . In this embodiment, frame 6514 may form front striking surface 6511 , leading edge 6515 , and part of sole 192 . In this embodiment, the frame 6514 may form a larger portion of the face insert 6510 and/or the front striking surface 6511 than the polymeric material 6512 .

In another embodiment, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6610, as shown in FIG. A face insert 6610 of a putter golf club head 6600 can include a polymer material 6612 and a frame 6614 . The putter golf club head 6600 can include a leading edge 6615 between the front end 196 and the sole 192 . Front end 196 of putter golf club head 6500 may include front striking surface 6611 . Front striking surface 6611 of front end 196 may include grooves 6620 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, frame 6614 can form a boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6612 . In this embodiment, frame 6614 can separate polymeric material 6612 into a toe end portion near toe end 180 , a heel end portion near heel end 190 , and a center portion near the center of front striking surface 6611 . A frame 6614 can extend around the front striking surface 6611 . Additionally, a portion of frame 6614 may extend inwardly from the perimeter of front striking surface 6611 toward the center of front striking surface 6611 . A portion of the frame 6614 extending inwardly can separate the polymeric material 6612 into a toe end portion, a heel end portion, and a center portion. The toe end portion, heel end portion and center portion of polymeric material 6612 can comprise a trapezoidal shape. In this embodiment, frame 6614 may form part of front striking surface 6611 , leading edge 6615 and sole 192 . In this embodiment, polymeric material 6612 may form a greater portion of face insert 6610 and/or front striking surface 6611 than frame 6614 .

In another embodiment, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6710, as shown in FIG. The face insert 6710 of the putter golf club head 6700 can include a polymer material 6712 and a frame 6714 . The putter golf club head 6700 can include a leading edge 6715 between the front end 196 and the sole 192 . Front end 196 of putter golf club head 6700 may include front striking surface 6711 . Front striking surface 6711 of front end 196 may include grooves 6720 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, frame 6714 can separate polymeric material 6712 into a toe end portion near toe end 180 , a heel end portion near heel end 190 , and a center portion near the center of front striking surface 6711 . Additionally, a portion of frame 6714 may extend inwardly from the perimeter of front striking surface 6711 toward the center of front striking surface 6711 . A portion of the frame 6714 extending inwardly can separate the polymeric material 6712 into a toe end portion, a heel end portion, and a center portion. The toe end portion, heel end portion, and center portion of polymeric material 6712 may comprise a trapezoidal shape on front striking surface 6711 . The toe end portion and heel portion of polymeric material 6712 can include a triangular shape on sole 192 and the central portion of polymeric material 6712 can include a rectangular shape on sole 192 .

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

In another embodiment, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6810, as shown in FIG. The face insert 6810 of the putter golf club head 6800 can include a polymer material 6812 and a frame 6814. As shown in FIG. The putter golf club head 6800 can include a leading edge 6815 between the front end 196 and the sole 192 . Front end 196 of putter golf club head 6800 may include front striking surface 6811 . Front striking surface 6811 of front end 196 may include grooves 6820 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, the frame 6814 can separate the polymeric material 6812 into rectangles and triangles along the front striking surface 6811 and the sole 192 . In this embodiment, frame 6814 can form a boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6812 on front striking surface 6811 . Frame 6814 may form a partial boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6812 on sole 192 at toe end 180 and heel end 190 .

Additionally, the frame 6814 can follow the contours around the front striking surface 6811 . Frame 6814 can also have two vertical portions extending from top rail 182 toward sole 192 . Two vertical portions of frame 6814 can separate polymeric material 6812 into a toe end portion near toe end 180 , a heel end portion near heel end 190 , and a center portion near the center of front striking surface 6711 . The toe end portion, heel portion, and center portion of polymeric material 6812 can have a rectangular shape at front striking surface 6811 . The toe and heel end portions of polymeric material 6812 can have a triangular shape at sole 192 and the central portion of polymeric material 6812 can have a rectangular shape at sole 192 . In many embodiments, the frame 6814 and polymeric material 6812 can be wrapped around the leading edge 6815 from the front end 196 to the sole 192 . In this embodiment, polymer material 6812 and frame 6814 can form front striking surface 6811 , leading edge 6815 and part of sole 192 . In this embodiment, the polymer material 6812 can form a majority of the face insert 6810, the front striking surface 6811 and/or the sole 192.

In another embodiment, a putter golf club head can include a face insert 6910, as shown in FIG. A face insert 6910 of a putter golf club head 6900 can include a polymeric material 6912 and a frame 6914 . The putter golf club head 6900 can include a leading edge 6915 between the front end 196 and the sole 192 . Front end 196 of putter golf club head 6900 may include front striking surface 6911 . Front striking surface 6911 of front end 196 may include grooves 6920 similar to those described above. In this embodiment, frame 6914 can form a boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6912 on front striking surface 6911 . In this embodiment, frame 6914 can form a partial boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6912 on sole 192 . More specifically, frame 6914 forms a partial boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6912 at toe end 180 and heel end 190 of sole 192 .

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

The recesses of putter golf club heads 6400, 6500, 6600, 6700, 6800, 6900 are configured to receive face inserts 6410, 6510, 6610, 6710, 6810, 6910, respectively. In many embodiments, the polymeric material and the frame of the face insert can be bonded together in the recess. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the face insert and the frame can be separately bonded to the recess. In many embodiments, a face insert comprising a polymeric material and frame can be bonded to the recess with the adhesives described above. In some embodiments, the frame of the face insert can secure the polymeric material by clamping force or press fit.

The face inserts 6410, 6510, 6610, 6710, 6810, 6910 provide the benefits of improved sound, feel and sight at impact of the golf ball. The polymeric material and frame of the face insert can provide the advantage of a softer sound/feel at golf ball impact. A soft sound/feel corresponds to the hardness of the face insert. In many embodiments, the polymeric material can include PEBAX and the frame can include the metals described above. In some embodiments, the polymeric material can include PEBAX and the frame can include PEBAX as described above. The combination of PEBAX and metal, or PEBAX and PEBAX of the polymer material and frame, provides a softer feel/sound at golf ball impact. This soft feel is advantageous over metal face inserts because the soft feel and sound are pleasing to the player and can prevent the distraction that metal face inserts cause with loud impact sounds. . Additionally, the frame of the face insert serves as a visual aid for the player. The frame of the face insert can help the player center the golf ball on the front striking surface to optimize the trajectory of the shot. In other scenarios, the frame of the face insert can help the player position the golf ball at the toe end or heel end of the front striking surface to optimize shot trajectory.

multiple openings

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

The plurality of openings in the face insert can be linear, non-linear, or randomly arranged from the heel end 190 to the toe end 180 and/or from the sole 192 to the top rail 182 of the putter golf club head. Further, the plurality of openings may be the same, progressively increasing, progressively decreasing, varying, or any thereof between heel end 190 and toe end 180 and/or sole 192 and top rail 182. It can contain the size of the combination.

Additionally, the plurality of openings can include filling within some of the openings. Some filling within the openings increases, decreases, varies, or any combination thereof, toward the desired end of the putter golf club head. In some embodiments, some of the filling within the openings increases, decreases, varies toward heel end 190, toe end 180, sole 192, and/or top rail 182, or any combination thereof. is possible.

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

In one embodiment, a putter golf club head 7000 includes a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, a top rail 182, and a sole 192, as shown in FIG. The outer surface of the putter golf club head 7000 forms a recess 7022 . More specifically, top wall 7023 , toe wall 7024 , heel wall 7025 opposite toe wall 7024 , rear wall 7026 , and bottom wall 7027 of putter golf club head 7000 all form recess 7022 . The recess 7022 of the putter golf club head 7000 can extend rearwardly from the front end 196 toward the rear end 194 .

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

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

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

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

Referring to FIG. 53, a process 2000 for manufacturing a golf club head is shown according to one embodiment. Process 2000 includes forming a golf club face defined by a toe end, heel end, top rail and sole (block 2002). A golf club face may be formed with the golf club head such that the golf club head and the golf club face are one continuous part. Alternatively, the golf club head and golf club face can be separately formed. The golf club face can then be attached to the golf club face by using adhesives, tapes, welding, soldering, fasteners, and/or other suitable methods and devices. The golf club head and/or golf club face can be made from any material. For example, the golf club head and/or golf club face may be made of titanium, titanium alloys, other titanium-based materials, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys, other metals, metal alloys, plastics, wood, composites, or other suitable materials. can be made from a wide variety of materials. The golf club head and/or golf club face may be stamped (i.e., punched using a mechanical or stamping press, blanked, stamped, bent, flanged or stamped, cast), injection molded, forged. , machining, or combinations thereof, other processes used to manufacture metal, plastic, and/or composite parts, and/or other suitable processes. obtain. In one example, when manufacturing a putter head, the material of the putter face and/or ball striking surface can be determined to provide the putter face with specific ball striking and rolling characteristics. In another embodiment, the ball striking surface 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412, 1812, 1500, 2212, 3212, 4212, 5212 is different from the putter face 110, 810, 910. 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412; 1812, 1500, 2212, 3212, 4212, 5212 can be made from a lighter material than putter face 110, 810, 910 to generally reduce the total weight of the putter.

According to process 2000, grooves are formed on the club face and/or club head between the top rail and the sole, each groove extending between the toe end and the heel end, and the depth of the groove being equal to the top rail. and sole, and between the heel end and the toe end (block 2004). Grooves can be formed using various processes such as casting, forging, machining, rotary milling, and/or other suitable processes. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove can depend on the method of manufacturing the groove. For example, the type of cutting bit when machining the groove can determine the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the grooves may be symmetrical, such as the examples described above, or may be asymmetrical (not shown). In one example, the width of the groove may be 0.032 inches, which may be the width of the cutting bit. Therefore, when machining a groove, the shape and size of the cutting bit can determine the shape and size of the groove.

Grooves may be manufactured by rotary milling the ball striking face or by stamping or forging grooves into the ball striking face. Grooves can also be manufactured directly on the putter head to create the ball striking surface described above directly on the putter head. The grooves can be manufactured by press molding the grooves onto the putter head. For example, the press can deform and/or move material on the putter head to create grooves. The grooves can be manufactured by a milling process, where the axis of rotation of the milling tool is perpendicular to the putter face. The axis of rotation of the milling tool can be oriented at another angle than perpendicular to the putter face. The grooves can be manufactured by laying a piece of cleanly cut material onto a base or solid material to form a through groove. The grooves can be manufactured by laser and/or thermal etching or erosion of the pattern face material. The grooves can be manufactured by chemically attacking the putter face material using a photosensitive mask. The grooves can be manufactured by electronic/chemical erosion of the putter face material using a chemical mask such as wax or petrochemicals. Grooves can be produced by abrading the face material using air or water as a transport medium for the abrasive material such as sand. Any one or combination of the methods described above can be used to manufacture one or more of the grooves on the putter head. Additionally, grooves can be manufactured using other methods used to create depressions in any material.

Example 1

An exemplary putter golf club head 6100 with a face insert 6110 containing PEBAX material was compared to a similar control putter golf club head without PEBAX material in the ball striking face plate. The exemplary putter golf club head face insert 6010 includes a ball striking face plate 6112 and a face insert base 6114 . Ball striking plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 of face insert 6110 comprise PEBAX material, where ball striking plate 6112 comprises PEBAX 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) and face insert base 6114 comprises: including PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) has a lower hardness than PEBAX6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). The face insert of the control putter golf club head has a ball striking plate and an aluminum screen. The aluminum screen of the control putter golf club head comprises an aluminum material and the ball striking face plate of the control putter golf club head comprises a PEBAX material.

Player tests were conducted to measure the sound, feel, and overall satisfaction between the exemplary putter golf club head 6100 and the control putter golf club head. The results indicated that many players were satisfied with the impact feel, impact sound, impact feedback, ball speed, and overall stroke of the putter golf club head 6100 versus the control putter golf club head. In a test of 81 players playing putters with and without inserts, 37 players were satisfied with the control putter golf club head and 44 players were satisfied with the exemplary putter golf club head 6100. Did. We then filtered the test data to include players who only played putters with inserts. Filtered data including 43 players showed that 84% of players preferred the exemplary putter golf club head 6100 and 16% of players preferred the control putter golf club head. This data indicates that a player should use PEBAX on all components (i.e. ball striking plate and face insert base) rather than face inserts containing aluminum and PEBAX materials (i.e. ball striking plate and aluminum screen). Indicates a preference for face inserts containing material.

Because the rules of golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted, or old rules may be repealed or changed by a golf standards or governing body), the methods, apparatus, and methods described herein. /or the golf equipment associated with the article of manufacture may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the methods, apparatus and/or articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, marketed and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Although a particular order of operations has been described above, these operations may be performed in other chronological order. For example, two or more operations described above can be performed in series, in unison, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more operations may be performed in reverse order. Additionally, one or more of the operations described above may not be performed at all. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

While the invention has been described in relation to various aspects, it will be appreciated that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is generally intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that conform to the principles of the invention, known or customary within the art to which the invention pertains. including any deviation from the present disclosure such as is contained in the act of

FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 4 as seen from section 5-5 of FIG. Corresponds to the position of BL5 .

FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 9 as viewed from section 10-10 of FIG. 8, with dashed lines BL1 , BL2, BL3, BL4, and BL5 located at respective dashed lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4 of FIG. , corresponding to the position of BL5 .

FIG. 15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 14 as seen from section 15-15 of FIG. 13, the position of dashed line BL1 corresponding to the position of dashed line BL1 of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 19 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 19 as viewed from section 20-20 of FIG. 18, the position of dashed line BL1 corresponding to the position of dashed line BL1 of FIG. 19 ;

Claims (20)

A putter type golf club head,
front end and
toe end and
a heel end opposite the toe end;
top rail and
a sole opposite the top rail;
a leading edge located between the front striking surface and the sole;
a recess extending rearwardly from the front end;
a face insert positioned within the recess;
the face insert comprising:
a face insert base;
a ball striking face plate including a front striking surface and a rear surface, wherein the rear surface is adjacent to the front surface of the face insert base;
a plurality of grooves in the ball striking face plate between the top rail and the source, each groove extending between the toe end and the heel end; , and
the face insert forming a portion of the front end and the sole of the club head;
the width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end;
A putter-type golf club head, wherein the width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending from the top rail to the sole. The depth of the groove varies in a direction extending between the top rail and the sole and in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end,
2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein a deepest portion of at least one of said grooves is defined by a generally flat bottom portion of said groove. The ball striking face plate includes:
a heel portion of the golf club head near the heel end;
a toe portion of the golf club head near the toe end;
a center portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion;
2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the depth of the groove located in the central portion of the ball striking face plate is greater than the depth of the grooves in the heel portion and the toe portion. The ball striking face plate includes:
a top rail portion of the golf club head near the top rail;
a sole portion of the golf club head near the sole;
a central portion located between the top rail portion and the sole portion;
2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the depth of the groove located in the central portion of the ball striking face plate is greater than the depth of the grooves in the top rail portion and the sole portion. 2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the ball striking face plate comprises a first material and the face insert base comprises a second material. 2. The putter type of claim 1, wherein a PEBAX polymer having a Shear D hardness ranging from 35 to 55 is said first material and a PEBAX polymer having a Shear D hardness ranging from 50 to 75 is said second material. golf club head. A putter type golf club head,
front end and
toe end and
a heel end opposite the toe end;
top rail and
a sole opposite the top rail;
a leading edge located between the front striking surface and the sole;
a recess extending rearwardly from the front end;
a face insert positioned within the recess;
the face insert comprising:
a face insert base having a face insert base recess;
a ball striking face plate including a front striking surface and a rear surface, said ball striking face plate positioned within said face insert base recess;
a plurality of grooves in the ball striking face plate between the top rail and the source, each groove extending between the toe end and the heel end; , and
the face insert forming a portion of the front end and the sole of the club head;
the width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end;
A putter-type golf club head, wherein the width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending from the top rail to the sole. The depth of the groove varies in a direction extending between the top rail and the sole and in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end,
8. The putter-type golf club head of claim 7, wherein a deepest portion of at least one of said grooves is defined by a generally flat bottom portion of said groove. The ball striking face plate includes:
a heel portion of the golf club head near the heel end;
a toe portion of the golf club head near the toe end;
a center portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion;
8. The putter-type golf club head of claim 7, wherein the depth of the groove located in the central portion of the ball striking face plate is greater than the depth of the grooves in the heel portion and the toe portion. The ball striking face plate includes:
a top rail portion of the golf club head near the top rail;
a sole portion of the golf club head near the sole;
a central portion located between the top rail portion and the sole portion;
8. The putter-type golf club head of claim 7, wherein the depth of the groove located in the central portion of the ball striking face plate is greater than the depth of the grooves in the top rail portion and the sole portion. 8. The putter-type golf club head of claim 7, wherein the ball striking face plate comprises a first material and the face insert base comprises a second material. 8. The putter type of claim 7, wherein a PEBAX polymer having a Shear D hardness ranging from 35 to 55 is said first material and a PEBAX polymer having a Shear D hardness ranging from 50 to 75 is said second material. golf club head. A putter type golf club head,
front end and
toe end and
a heel end opposite the toe end;
top rail and
a sole opposite the top rail;
a leading edge located between the front striking surface and the sole;
a recess extending rearwardly from the front end;
a face insert positioned within the recess;
the face insert comprising:
a polymeric material;
a frame;
a plurality of grooves in the ball striking face plate between the top rail and the source, each groove extending between the toe end and the heel end; , and
the face insert forming a portion of the front end and the sole of the club head;
the width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end;
A putter-type golf club head, wherein the width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending from the top rail to the sole. 14. The putter-type golf club head of claim 13, wherein the frame comprises a metallic material. 14. A putter-type golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the polymer material and the frame wrap around the leading edge of the putter golf club head. 16. The putter-type golf club head of claim 15, wherein the frame forms a perimeter around the polymeric material. 16. The putter-type golf club head of claim 15, wherein the frame divides the polymeric material into a toe end portion, a heel end portion, and a center portion. 18. The putter-type golf club head of claim 17, wherein the frame extends inwardly from the perimeter of the front striking surface toward the center of the front striking surface. 18. The putter-type golf club head of claim 17, wherein the frame has two vertical portions extending from the top rail of the putter golf club head toward the sole. the frame secures the polymeric material by a clamping force;
The depth of the groove varies in a direction extending between the top rail and the sole and in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end,
8. The putter-type golf club head of claim 7, wherein a deepest portion of at least one of said grooves is defined by a generally flat bottom portion of said groove.

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