JP6450786B2 - Golf club head with body features that affect impact - Google Patents

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority and is a non-provisional patent application of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 653,937, filed May 31, 2012; Claims the priority of US patent application No. 13 / 797,124 filed on March 12, claiming the priority of the aforementioned US provisional patent application 61 / 653,937; US Patent Application No. 13 / 795,881 filed on March 12, 2013 (the aforementioned US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 653,937 and US Patent Application No. 13 / 308,036 filed on November 30, 2011) Priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 418,240 filed on November 30, 2010 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 541,767 filed on September 30, 2011 All of these prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and are hereby incorporated by reference. It is a part.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to golf club heads and other ball striking devices that include body features that affect impact. Certain aspects of the present invention relate to golf club heads and other ball striking devices having compression channels extending across at least a portion of the sole.

Background Golf clubs and many other ball striking devices may have various face and body features, as well as other features that can affect the use and performance of the device. For example, a user may have improved impact characteristics, eg, increased coefficient of restitution (COR) at the face and / or increased size of the area of maximum response or COR (also known as a “hot zone”) at the face. You may want to have. The present apparatus and method are provided to address at least some of these and other problems and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by conventional ball striking devices. A full description of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY In order to provide a basic understanding of the present invention, a general overview of aspects of the present invention is presented below. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a general form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.

  Aspects of the invention have a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge, and connected to the face and rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face An extending body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole, and an inward extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body The present invention relates to a golf club head or other ball striking device that includes a channel that is recessed in a channel and is elongated between a heel portion and a toe portion. The heel and toe portions of the channel are spaced rearward from the outer periphery of the face by an approximately equal distance, and the central portion of the channel is spaced from the outer periphery of the face by a longer distance than the heel and toe portions. ing. The channel may be symmetric with respect to the geometric centerline of the body.

  According to one aspect, the channel is defined by a front edge and a rear edge extending between the heel portion and the toe portion, and a recess is defined between the front edge and the rear edge; At least one of the front edge and the rear edge is curved backward or bent away from the outer peripheral edge of the face. For example, in one configuration, both the front and rear edges may be curved back or bent away from the outer peripheral edge of the face. The spacing between the front and rear edges may remain approximately equal between the heel and toe parts. Further, the front edge may have a first end pair proximate the heel portion and the toe portion that are spaced rearwardly by a substantially equal distance from the outer peripheral edge of the face and / or the rear edge is the face And a second pair of ends proximate to the heel and toe portions that are spaced rearwardly by a substantially equal distance from the outer periphery of the heel portion.

  According to another aspect, the channel includes two sidewalls extending inwardly into the body and a recessed recess forming the deepest portion of the channel, the recess being more of the face than the center of the recess. The recess is bent backwards away from the outer peripheral edge of the face so that the recess has an opposing end located closer to the outer peripheral edge.

  According to a further aspect, the body further includes a gap portion located between the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face, the gap portion being wider at the center of the gap portion and of the heel and toe portions of the channel. It may have a width that is narrower in the vicinity. The width of the gap portion may taper off from the center toward the heel and toe portions of the channel and may be maximized at the geometric centerline of the body. Further, the width of the gap portion may be substantially equal near the heel portion and near the toe portion.

  According to yet another aspect, the channel has a curvilinear cross-sectional shape, and the curvilinear sidewalls depend from the front and rear edges of the channel to form a curvilinear recess.

  According to a still further aspect, the apparatus includes a hosel connected to the body, the hosel having an adjustable interconnect structure configured to be adjustably connected to the shaft. The body may have an access opening extending through the sole that provides access to the adjustable interconnect structure of the hosel through the sole.

  An additional aspect of the present invention includes a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer periphery, and connected to and from the outer periphery of the face A rearwardly extending body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole, and extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body A golf club head or other ball striking device including a channel. The channel includes an inwardly recessed recess defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in the heel-toe direction. The body further includes a gap portion extending between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face and spacing the channel rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face. The gap portion is a width defined between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face, wider at the center of the gap portion adjacent to the geometric centerline of the body, and the heel of the body Narrower width at the first point closer to and the second point closer to the toe of the body. The club head may further include any of the above aspects.

  A further aspect of the invention has a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge, and connected to the face and rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face A body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole, and at least two channels extending across at least a portion of the sole And a golf ball head or other hitting device. The device includes a first channel extending across at least a first portion of the body sole, elongate between the first heel portion and the first toe portion, and / or from the heel to the toe. A first channel that is elongated in a direction toward the can be included. The first channel is defined in a first inward direction defined between a first front edge and a first rear edge extending between the first heel portion and the first toe portion. Includes recessed dents. The apparatus also includes a second channel extending across at least a second portion of the body sole, elongate between the second heel portion and the second toe portion, and / or from the heel to the toe. A second channel that is elongated in the direction to the rim may be included. The second channel is defined in a second inward direction defined between a second front edge and a second rear edge extending between the second heel portion and the second toe portion. Includes recessed dents. The first channel is spaced rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face, and the second channel is spaced rearward from the first rear edge of the first channel. The club head may further include any of the above aspects. For example, the first channel may be bent away from the face, as described above, or may be curved.

  According to one aspect, the device is a third channel extending across at least a third portion of the body sole, elongate between the third heel portion and the third toe portion, and / or Or it may further include a third channel elongated in the direction from the heel to the toe. The third channel is defined in a third inward direction defined between a third front edge and a third rear edge extending between the third heel portion and the third toe portion. Includes recessed dents. The third channel may be spaced rearward from the second rear edge of the second channel. Further, some or all of the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel may be symmetric with respect to the geometric centerline of the body.

  According to another aspect, the second channel and / or the third channel can have a polygonal cross-sectional shape. Further, the second channel has a depth that tapers from the second front edge toward the second rear edge, and is shallower and closer to the second front edge. It may have a depth that is maximum near the rear edge. The third channel can be similarly configured. Furthermore, the first channel may have a smoothly curved cross-sectional shape.

  A still further aspect of the invention comprises a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer periphery, connected to the face and from the outer periphery of the face A rearwardly extending body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole, and extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body And a golf club head or other ball striking device including an elongated channel between the heel portion and the toe portion. The channel includes an inwardly recessed recess defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending between the heel portion and the toe portion. The front and rear edges are respectively spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a different distance in the central portion of the channel compared to at least one of the heel and toe portions, respectively. It curves backwards away from the outer peripheral edge of the face. In addition, the body further includes a gap portion located between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face, the gap portion being wider near the center portion of the channel and the heel and toe portions of the channel. Having a narrower width near at least one of the. The club head may further include any of the above aspects.

  A further aspect of the invention has a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge, and connected to the face and rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face A body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole, and a hosel connected to the body proximate to a heel And a ball striking device, such as a golf club head, having a hosel having an internal interconnect structure adapted to connect a shaft to the hosel. The device is also an inwardly recessed channel that extends across at least a portion of the sole and is inwardly defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction. It has a channel, including a dent that runs. The apparatus further includes an access opening extending through the sole and intersecting the channel, providing access to the internal interconnect structure of the hosel. The access opening can affect the flexibility of the channel.

  According to one aspect, the internal interconnect structure is adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration.

  According to another aspect, the access opening can be located between the front and rear edges of the channel and / or can intersect the heel portion of the channel.

  According to a further aspect, the head can further include a stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearward from the channel, the stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole. The stiffening rib may protrude inward into the body.

  According to yet another aspect, the rear edge of the channel may be spaced rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a greater distance compared to the point proximate to the toe in the central portion of the channel. In this configuration, the access opening can intersect the heel portion of the channel and the internal interconnect structure can be adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration.

  A further aspect of the invention comprises a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge, and connected to and from the outer peripheral edge of the face A body extending rearward, having a sole configured to face a competition surface, a crown, a heel, and a toe opposite the sole, and the body in an adjustable configuration And a ball striking device including an internal interconnection structure adapted for connection of the shaft. The device is also a channel extending across at least a portion of the body sole, defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction, and the front edge and the rear edge Having a channel, recessed inwardly between. The apparatus further includes an access opening in the sole that provides access to the internal interconnect structure and is in communication with the channel. The device can include any of the components and features described above.

  According to one aspect, the access opening may be located between the front and rear edges of the channel and / or communicate with the heel portion of the channel.

  According to another aspect, the rear edge of the channel is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a greater distance compared to the point proximate to the toe in the central portion of the channel. In this configuration, the access opening can communicate with the heel portion of the channel and can be located between the front and rear edges of the channel.

  A further aspect of the invention comprises a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge, and connected to and from the outer peripheral edge of the face A body extending rearward, having a sole configured to face a competition surface, a crown opposite the sole, a heel and a toe, and for connecting a shaft to the body The ball striking device includes a adapted internal interconnect structure. The device is also a channel extending across at least a portion of the body sole, defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction, and the front edge and the rear edge May include channels that are recessed inwardly between. The apparatus may further include an access opening extending through the sole and intersecting the channel, providing access to the internal interconnect structure. In addition, the device can include a stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearwardly from the channel that increases the rigidity of the sole. The device can include any of the components and features described above.

  According to one aspect, the apparatus further includes a plurality of stiffening ribs on the sole spaced rearward from the channel, each stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole. Each stiffening rib may protrude inward into the body.

  According to another aspect, the device can further include a hosel connected to the body proximate to the heel. The hosel contains an internal interconnect structure and is configured to be connected to the shaft, with the access opening intersecting the heel portion of the channel. The internal interconnect structure can be adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration. Further, the rear edge of the channel may be spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a longer distance compared to the point proximate to the toe in the central portion of the channel.

  According to a further aspect, at least a portion of the channel can have greater flexibility than the stiffening rib. In one configuration, the central portion of the channel has greater flexibility than the stiffening rib.

  A further aspect of the invention has a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge, and connected to the face and rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face A body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole, and a channel extending across at least a portion of the sole. The present invention relates to a ball striking device such as a golf club head. The channel has an inward recess defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction, the channel also includes a central portion, a heel portion closer to the body heel, and a body It has a tow portion that is closer to the tow. The rear edge is at least of the heel portion and the toe portion at the central portion so that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face is different compared to the proximity of the heel or toe near the central portion. The face is spaced backward from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a different distance compared to one. The channel can be configured to affect the impact of the striking surface and the ball by applying a reaction force to the face in response to the impact.

  According to one aspect, the rear edge is at the heel portion and at the center portion so that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face is longer near the center portion and shorter near the heel or toe. It may be spaced rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a longer distance than at least one of the toe portions. The rear edge, in one configuration, may be spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a greater distance compared to both the heel and toe portions in the central portion.

  According to another aspect, the point is located closer to the toe of the body and the rear edge is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a different distance compared to the toe part in the central part. Both the front edge and the rear edge may be spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a different distance in the central portion compared to the toe portion in one configuration. The width of the channel defined between the front and rear edges may also be wider near the central portion compared to the heel and / or toe portions. In addition, the body is a gap portion connected at least in the central portion with the front edge of the channel, from the front edge to the outer periphery of the face so as to separate the channel rearward from the outer periphery of the face. It may further include a gap portion that forms a generally flat surface that extends to. The gap portion may face an acute angle with respect to the striking surface of the face. The channel may further have a surface texturing that is different from the gap portion.

  According to a further aspect, the front edge is also spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a different distance in the central portion compared to at least one of the heel portion and the toe portion. The body is a gap portion connected at least in the central portion with the front edge of the channel and extends from the front edge to near the outer periphery of the face so as to separate the channel rearward from the outer periphery of the face. A gap portion may be included. In this configuration, the gap portion is a width defined between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face, and a second point closer to the body heel or toe at the center of the gap portion. Compared with different widths.

  According to yet another aspect, the apparatus also includes a stiffening rib on the sole that is spaced rearward from the channel, the stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole. The stiffening rib may protrude inward into the body.

  According to a still further aspect, the wall thickness of the body may be thinner in the channel compared to the wall thickness at other locations of the body.

  A further aspect of the invention comprises a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge, and connected to and from the outer peripheral edge of the face A rearwardly extending body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole, and extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body And a ball striking device including a channel. The channel includes an inward recess defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction, the front edge being spaced rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face. The rear edge of the channel is the face at the center of the channel so that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face is longer near the center of the channel and shorter near at least one of the heel and toe. It is bent backwards away from. The channel can be configured to affect the impact of the striking surface and the ball by applying a reaction force to the face in response to the impact. The device can include any of the components and features described above.

  According to one aspect, the distance between the rear edge and the outer peripheral edge of the face is longer near the center of the channel and shorter near the toe, or shorter near both the heel and toe.

  According to another aspect, the front edge is also such that the distance between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face is longer near the center of the channel and shorter near at least one of the heel and toe. In addition, it is bent backwards away from the face at the center of the channel.

  A further aspect of the invention comprises a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge, and connected to and from the outer peripheral edge of the face A rearwardly extending body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole, and extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body The ball striking device includes a recessed channel and a stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearwardly from the channel. The stiffening rib increases the rigidity of the sole. The channel is defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction, and a central portion, a heel portion closer to the body heel, and a toe portion closer to the body toe. Have At least one of the front edge and the rear edge is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a different distance compared to the point near the heel or toe in the central portion. The device can include any of the components and features described above.

  According to one aspect, the rear edge is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a longer distance compared to a point proximate the heel or toe at the central portion. Further, the rear edge may be spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a longer distance compared to the point proximate to both the heel and toe at the central portion. The width of the channel defined between the front and rear edges may also be wider near the central portion and narrower near both the heel and toe.

  According to another aspect, the apparatus can include a plurality of stiffening ribs on the sole spaced rearwardly from the channel, each stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole. Each of the stiffening ribs may protrude inward into the body.

  Another aspect of the present invention relates to a golf club that includes a golf club head as described above having a shaft connected to the head. The golf club head may in some aspects be a wood type golf club head and the resulting golf club may be a wood type golf club.

[Invention 1001]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face, the body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole And
An inwardly recessed channel extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body, the channel being elongated between a heel portion and a toe portion
Including
The heel portion and the toe portion are spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by an approximately equal distance, and the central portion of the channel is a distance greater than the heel portion and the toe portion; Spaced apart from the outer peripheral edge of the face;
Hitting device.
[Invention 1002]
The striking device of the present invention 1001, wherein the channel is symmetric with respect to the geometric center line of the body.
[Invention 1003]
The channel is defined by a front edge and a rear edge extending between the heel portion and the toe portion, and a recess is defined between the front edge and the rear edge; The ball striking device of the present invention 1001, wherein at least one of the front edge and the rear edge is bent rearward away from the outer peripheral edge of the face.
[Invention 1004]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1003, in which both the front edge and the rear edge are bent backward away from the outer peripheral edge of the face.
[Invention 1005]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1003, wherein the spacing between the front edge and the rear edge remains substantially equal between the heel portion and the toe portion.
[Invention 1006]
The channel includes two sidewalls extending inwardly into the body and a recessed recess forming the deepest portion of the channel, the recess being the outer peripheral edge of the face rather than the center of the recess. The ball striking device of the present invention 1001 is bent rearwardly away from the outer peripheral edge of the face so that the recess has an opposite end disposed closer to the portion.
[Invention 1007]
The body further includes a gap portion located between the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face, the gap portion being wider at the center of the gap portion and the heel portion and the toe portion of the channel The ball striking device of the present invention 1001 having a narrower width near to
[Invention 1008]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1007, wherein the width of the gap portion is tapered from the center toward the heel portion and the toe portion of the channel.
[Invention 1009]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1007, wherein the width of the gap portion is maximum at the geometric center line of the body.
[Invention 1010]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1001, wherein the channel has a curved cross-sectional shape, and the curved side wall hangs down from the front edge and the rear edge of the channel to form a curved depression.
[Invention 1011]
A hosel connected to the body, the hosel having an adjustable interconnect structure configured to adjustably connect to a shaft, the body extending through the sole; The ball striking device of the present invention 1001, comprising an access opening, the access opening providing access to the adjustable interconnect structure of the hosel through the sole.
[Invention 1012]
A golf club comprising the ball striking device of the present invention 1001 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device.
[Invention 1013]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face, the body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole And
A front and rear edge extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion A channel comprising an inwardly recessed recess defined between
Including
The front edge has a first end pair proximate the heel portion and the toe portion that is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by an approximately equal distance, and the rear edge is A second pair of ends proximate to the heel portion and the toe portion that are spaced rearwardly by a substantially equal distance from the outer peripheral edge of the face; and
A first central portion of the front edge is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a distance greater than the first pair of ends, and a second central portion of the rear edge is Backward so that the front and back edges are away from the outer peripheral edge of the face so that they are spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a distance longer than the second pair of ends. Curved,
Hitting device.
[Invention 1014]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1013, wherein the channel is symmetric with respect to the geometric centerline of the body.
[Invention 1015]
The ball striking device of the invention 1013, wherein the spacing between the front edge and the rear edge remains substantially equal between the heel portion and the toe portion.
[Invention 1016]
The channel includes two sidewalls extending inwardly into the body from the front edge and the rear edge toward the recess, the recess forming the deepest portion of the channel; and The recess bends back away from the outer peripheral edge of the face such that the recess has an opposing end located closer to the outer peripheral edge of the face than the center of the recess. The ball striking device of the invention 1013.
[Invention 1017]
The body further includes a gap portion located between the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face, the gap portion being wider at the center of the gap portion and the heel portion and the toe portion of the channel The ball striking device of the invention 1013 having a narrower width near
[Invention 1018]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1017, wherein the width of the gap portion decreases in a tapered manner from the center toward the heel portion and the toe portion of the channel.
[Invention 1019]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1017, wherein the width of the gap portion is maximum at the geometric center line of the body.
[Invention 1020]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1013, wherein the channel has a curved cross-sectional shape, and the curved side wall hangs down from a front edge and a rear edge of the channel to form a curved depression.
[Invention 1021]
A golf club comprising the ball striking device of the present invention 1013 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device.
[Invention 1022]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face, the body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole And
A channel extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body, including an inwardly recessed recess defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction; channel
Including
The body further includes a gap portion extending between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face and spacing the channel rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face; A portion having a width defined between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face and wider at the center of the gap portion proximate to the geometric centerline of the body And having a narrower width at a first point closer to the heel of the body and a second point closer to the toe of the body,
Hitting device.
[Invention 1023]
A ball striking device according to the present invention 1022, wherein the gap portion has a width that tapers from the center toward the first point and the second point.
[Invention 1024]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1022 wherein the width of the gap portion is maximum at the geometric center line of the body.
[Invention 1025]
The ball striking device of the invention 1022 wherein the channel and the gap portion are symmetric with respect to the geometric centerline of the body.
[Invention 1026]
The front edge of the channel has a shorter distance between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face near the first point and the second point and the center The ball striking device of the present invention 1022 bent backwards away from the outer peripheral edge of the face so as to be longer in the vicinity.
[Invention 1027]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1026, wherein both the front edge and the rear edge are bent backward away from the outer peripheral edge of the face.
[Invention 1028]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1022, wherein the channel has a curved cross-sectional shape, and the curved side wall hangs down from the front and rear edges of the channel to form a curved depression.
[Invention 1029]
A golf club comprising the ball striking device of the present invention 1022 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device.
[Invention 1030]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face, the body and the face being joined to define an internal cavity so as to face the playing surface A body having a constructed sole and a crown opposite the sole; and
A front and rear edge extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion A channel comprising an inwardly recessed recess defined between the front edge and the rear edge;
Including
The front edge and the rear edge such that the front edge and the rear edge are separated from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a longer distance in the central portion of the channel than the heel portion and the toe portion; A rear edge bent backwards away from the outer peripheral edge of the face;
Golf club head.
[Invention 1031]
The body further includes a gap portion extending between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face and spacing the channel rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face; A portion having a width defined between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face and wider at the center of the gap portion proximate to the geometric centerline of the body And the golf club head of the present invention 1030 having a narrower width near the heel and toe portions of the channel.
[Invention 1032]
The front edge is spaced approximately equal distance from the outer peripheral edge of the face at the heel portion and the toe portion, and the rear edge is the outside of the face at the heel portion and the toe portion; The golf club head of the present invention 1030 which is spaced approximately equal distance from the periphery.
[Invention 1033]
The channel includes two sidewalls extending inwardly into the body from the front edge and the rear edge toward the recess, the recess forming the deepest portion of the channel; and The recess bends back away from the outer peripheral edge of the face such that the recess has an opposing end located closer to the outer peripheral edge of the face than the center of the recess. The golf club head of the present invention 1030.
[Invention 1034]
A golf club comprising the golf club head of the present invention 1030 and a shaft connected to the golf club head.
[Invention 1035]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face, the body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole ;
A first channel extending across at least a first portion of the sole of the body, wherein the channel is elongated between a first heel portion and a first toe portion; A first channel including a first inwardly recessed recess defined between a first front edge and a first rear edge extending between the first toe portion; and
A second channel extending across at least a second portion of the sole of the body, elongate between a second heel portion and a second toe portion, the second heel portion and the A second channel comprising a second front edge extending between the second toe portion and a second inwardly recessed recess defined between the second rear edge
Including
The first channel is rearwardly spaced from the outer peripheral edge of the face, and the second channel is rearwardly spaced from the first rear edge of the first channel. ,
Hitting device.
[Invention 1036]
A third channel extending across at least a third portion of the sole of the body, the third channel being elongated between a third heel portion and a third toe portion; A third inward, wherein a third channel is defined between a third front edge and a third rear edge extending between the third heel portion and the third toe portion The ball striking device of the invention 1035, wherein the third channel is spaced rearwardly from the second rear edge of the second channel.
[Invention 1037]
The ball striking device of the invention 1036, wherein the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel are symmetric with respect to the geometric centerline of the body.
[Invention 1038]
The ball striking device of the invention 1035, wherein the first channel and the second channel are symmetrical with respect to the geometric centerline of the body.
[Invention 1039]
A first front edge of the first channel and a first rear edge of the first channel between the first front edge of the first channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face; The ball striking device of the invention 1035 bent backwards away from the outer peripheral edge of the face so that the distance is shorter near the heel and toe of the body and longer near the center of the body.
[Invention 1040]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1035, wherein the second channel has a polygonal cross-sectional shape, and the first channel has a smoothly curved cross-sectional shape.
[Invention 1041]
A depth at which the second channel tapers from the second front edge toward the second rear edge, wherein the depth near the second front edge is The ball striking device of the present invention 1035 having a depth shallower and such that the depth is maximum near the second rear edge.
[Invention 1042]
A golf club comprising the ball striking device of the present invention 1035 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device.
[Invention 1043]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face, the body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole ;
A first channel extending at least partially across the sole of the body, the first channel extending in a heel-toe direction so as to be elongated in a heel-to-toe direction A first channel comprising a first inwardly recessed recess defined between the front edge and the first rear edge; and
A second channel extending at least partially across the sole of the body, the second channel extending in the heel-toe direction so as to be elongated in the heel-to-toe direction. A second channel comprising a second inwardly recessed recess defined between the two front edges and the second rear edge
Including
The first channel is rearwardly spaced from the outer peripheral edge of the face, and the second channel is rearwardly spaced from the first rear edge of the first channel. ,
Hitting device.
[Invention 1044]
The body further comprising a third channel extending at least partially across the sole of the body, the third channel being elongated in the heel-to-toe direction. A third inwardly recessed recess defined between a third front edge extending in the toe direction and a third rear edge, wherein the third channel is said second channel The ball striking device of the present invention 1043 that is spaced rearward from the second rear edge.
[Invention 1045]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1044, wherein the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel are symmetric with respect to the geometric centerline of the body.
[Invention 1046]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1043, wherein the first channel and the second channel are symmetric with respect to the geometric centerline of the body.
[Invention 1047]
A first front edge of the first channel and a first rear edge of the first channel between the first front edge of the first channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face; The ball striking device of the present invention 1043, which is bent backward away from the outer peripheral edge of the face so that the distance is shorter near the heel and toe of the body and longer near the center of the body.
[Invention 1048]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1043, wherein the second channel has a polygonal cross-sectional shape, and the first channel has a smoothly curved cross-sectional shape.
[Invention 1049]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face, the body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole And
A front and rear edge extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion A channel comprising an inwardly recessed recess defined between
Including
The front edge and the rear edge are each spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a different distance in the central portion of the channel compared to at least one of the heel portion and the toe portion; The front edge and the rear edge are curved backwards away from the outer peripheral edge of the face; and
The body further includes a gap portion located between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face, the gap portion being wider near the central portion of the channel and the channel Having a narrower width near at least one of the heel portion and the toe portion of the
Golf club head.
[Invention 1050]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face, the body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole And
A channel extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body, the inner portion having an inward recess defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction; A channel having a heel portion closer to the heel of the body and a toe portion closer to the toe of the body
Including
The rear edge is the center so that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face differs compared to the proximity of the heel or toe near the central portion. Spaced apart rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a different distance compared to at least one of the heel portion and the toe portion;
Hitting device.
[Invention 1051]
The rear edge is at the central portion such that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face is longer near the central portion and shorter near the heel or the toe. The ball striking device of the present invention 1050 is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a longer distance than at least one of the heel portion and the toe portion.
[Invention 1052]
The rear edge is at the central portion such that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face is longer near the central portion and shorter near the heel and the toe. The ball striking device of the present invention 1051 is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a longer distance compared to both the heel portion and the toe portion.
[Invention 1053]
The point is located closer to the toe of the body, and the rear edge is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a different distance in the central portion compared to the toe portion. The ball striking device of the present invention 1050.
[Invention 1054]
The ball striking device of the invention 1053 wherein the front edge and the rear edge are both spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a different distance in the central portion than the toe portion.
[Invention 1055]
The body is a gap portion connected to the front edge of the channel at least in the central portion, wherein the body is spaced from the outer edge of the face rearwardly from the front edge. Further comprising a gap portion forming a generally flat surface extending near the outer peripheral edge of the face, the gap portion being oriented at an acute angle with respect to the striking surface of the face. 1053 hitting device.
[Invention 1056]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1055, further comprising a stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearwardly from the channel, the stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole.
[Invention 1057]
The rear edge is such that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face is shorter near the heel and toe parts and longer near the central part. The ball striking device of the invention 1050 that is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face at a central portion by a greater distance compared to both the heel portion and the toe portion.
[Invention 1058]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1057, wherein the width of the channel defined between the front edge and the rear edge is wider in the vicinity of the central portion compared to both the heel portion and the toe portion. .
[Invention 1059]
The front edge is also spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a different distance in the central portion compared to at least one of the heel portion and the toe portion, and the body is at least A gap portion connected to the front edge of the channel at the central portion and from the front edge to the outer periphery of the face to separate the channel rearward from the outer periphery of the face A gap portion extending near the portion, the gap portion having a width defined between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face, The ball striking device of the invention 1050 having a different width at the center compared to the second point closer to the heel or toe of the body.
[Invention 1060]
The ball striking device of the invention 1050 further comprising a stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearwardly from the channel, the stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole.
[Invention 1061]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1060, wherein the stiffening rib protrudes inward into the body.
[Invention 1062]
The hit ball of the present invention 1050, wherein the width of the channel defined between the front edge and the rear edge is wider near the central portion than at least one of the heel portion and the toe portion apparatus.
[Invention 1063]
The ball striking device of the invention 1050, wherein the wall thickness of the body is thin in the channel compared to the wall thickness at other locations of the body.
[Invention 1064]
155. The ball striking device of the invention 1050, wherein the channel is configured to influence the impact between the hitting surface and the ball by applying a reaction force to the face in response to the impact.
[Invention 1065]
The body is a gap portion connected to the front edge of the channel at least in the central portion, from the front edge to separate the channel rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face; The striking ball of the present invention 1050 further comprising a gap portion forming a generally flat surface extending near the outer peripheral edge of the face, and wherein the channel has a different surface texturing than the gap portion apparatus.
[Invention 1066]
A golf club comprising the ball striking device of the present invention 1050 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device.
[Invention 1067]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face, the body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole And
A channel extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body, the channel having an inward recess defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction; A channel having an edge spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face
Including
The rear edge is such that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face is longer near the center of the channel and shorter near at least one of the heel and the toe. Bent backwards away from the face at the center of the channel;
Hitting device.
[Invention 1068]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1067, wherein a distance between the rear edge and the outer peripheral edge of the face is longer near the center of the channel and shorter near the toe.
[Invention 1069]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1067, wherein the distance between the rear edge and the outer peripheral edge of the face is longer near the center of the channel and shorter near both the heel and the toe.
[Invention 1070]
The front edge is also configured such that the distance between the front edge of the channel and the outer peripheral edge of the face is longer near the center of the channel and closer to at least one of the heel and the toe. The ball striking device of the present invention 1067 which is bent backwards away from the face at the center of the channel so as to be short.
[Invention 1071]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1067 further comprising a stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearwardly from the channel, the stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole.
[Invention 1072]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1072 in which the stiffening rib protrudes inward into the body.
[Invention 1073]
The ball of the present invention 1067, wherein the width of the channel defined between the front edge and the rear edge is wider near the central portion and narrower near at least one of the heel and the toe. apparatus.
[Invention 1074]
The ball striking device of the invention 1073, wherein the width of the channel defined between the front edge and the rear edge is wider near the central portion and narrower near both the heel and the toe. .
[Invention 1075]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1067, wherein the wall thickness of the body is thin in the channel compared to the wall thickness at other positions of the body.
[Invention 1076]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1067, wherein the channel is configured to influence the impact between the hitting surface and the ball by applying a reaction force to the face in response to the impact.
[Invention 1077]
The body is a gap portion connected to the front edge of the channel at least in the central portion, from the front edge to separate the channel rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face; The ball striking device of the present invention 1067 further comprising a gap portion forming a generally flat surface extending near the outer peripheral edge of the face.
[Invention 1078]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1077, wherein the channel has a different surface texturing than the gap portion.
[Invention 1079]
A golf club comprising the ball striking device of the present invention 1067 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device.
[Invention 1080]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face, the body having a sole configured to face a competition surface and a crown opposite the sole ;
A recessed channel extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body, defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction; A heel portion that is closer to the heel and a toe portion that is closer to the toe of the body, wherein at least one of the front edge and the rear edge is close to the heel or the toe at the central portion. Channels spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by different distances; and
A stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearward from the channel, the stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole
Including a ball striking device.
[Invention 1081]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1080, wherein the rear edge is spaced rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a longer distance compared to a point proximate to the heel or toe at the central portion.
[Invention 1082]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1081 wherein the rear edge is spaced rearward from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a longer distance compared to a point proximate to the heel and toe at the central portion.
[Invention 1083]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1082, wherein the width of the channel defined between the front edge and the rear edge is wider near the central portion and narrower near both the heel and the toe. .
[Invention 1084]
The hitting device of the present invention 1080, wherein the stiffening rib protrudes inwardly into the body.
[Invention 1085]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1080, further comprising a plurality of stiffening ribs on the sole spaced rearward from the channel, each stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole.
[Invention 1086]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1085, wherein each stiffening rib projects inward into the body.
[Invention 1087]
The hit ball of the present invention 1080, wherein the width of the channel defined between the front edge and the rear edge is wider near the central portion and narrower near at least one of the heel and the toe. apparatus.
[Invention 1088]
A golf club comprising the ball striking device of the present invention 1080 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device.
[Invention 1089]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the outer periphery of the face, the sole configured to face a competition surface, a crown opposite the sole, a heel, and Having a tow, body;
A hosel connected to the body proximate to the heel, the hosel having an internal interconnect structure adapted to connect a shaft to the hosel;
An inwardly recessed channel extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body, the inwardly recessed being defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction A channel containing a hollow,
An access opening extending through the sole and intersecting the channel, providing access to the internal interconnect structure of the hosel
Including a ball striking device.
[Invention 1090]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1089, wherein the internal interconnect structure is adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration.
[Invention 1091]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1089, wherein the access opening is located between the front edge and the rear edge of the channel.
[Invention 1092]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1089, wherein the access opening intersects the heel portion of the channel.
[Invention 1093]
The ball striking device of the invention 1092 wherein the internal interconnect structure is adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration.
[Invention 1094]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1089, further comprising a stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearwardly from the channel, the stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole.
[Invention 1095]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1094, wherein the stiffening rib protrudes inwardly into the body.
[Invention 1096]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1089, wherein the access opening affects the flexibility of the channel.
[Invention 1097]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1089, wherein the rear edge of the channel is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a greater distance compared to a point proximate to the toe in the central portion of the channel. .
[Invention 1098]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1097, wherein the access opening intersects the heel portion of the channel and the internal interconnect structure is adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration .
[Invention 1099]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1098, further comprising a stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearwardly from the channel, the stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole.
[Invention 1100]
A golf club comprising the ball striking device of the present invention 1089 and a shaft connected to the hosel via the internal interconnection structure.
[Invention 1101]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the outer periphery of the face, the sole configured to face a competition surface, a crown opposite the sole, a heel, and Having a tow, body;
An internal interconnect structure adapted for connection of the shaft to the body in an adjustable configuration;
A channel extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body, defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction, and the front edge and the rear edge Recessed inwardly between the channel; and
An access opening in the sole that provides access to the internal interconnect structure and is in communication with the channel
Including a ball striking device.
[Invention 1102]
The ball striking device of the invention 1101 wherein the access opening is located between the front edge and the rear edge of the channel.
[Invention 1103]
The ball striking device of the invention 1101 wherein the access opening is in communication with the heel portion of the channel.
[Invention 1104]
110. The ball striking device of the present invention 1101, further comprising a stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearwardly from the channel, the stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole.
[Invention 1105]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1104, wherein the stiffening rib protrudes inward into the body.
[Invention 1106]
The ball striking device of the invention 1101 wherein the access opening affects the flexibility of the channel.
[Invention 1107]
The ball striking device of the invention 1101 wherein the rear edge of the channel is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a longer distance compared to a point proximate to the toe in the central portion of the channel. .
[Invention 1108]
The ball striking device of the invention 1107, wherein the access opening is in communication with the heel portion of the channel and located between the front edge and the rear edge of the channel.
[Invention 1109]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1108, further comprising a stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearwardly from the channel, the stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole.
[Invention 1110]
A golf club comprising the ball striking device of the present invention 1101 and a shaft adjustably connected to the ball striking device via the internal interconnection structure.
[Invention 1111]
A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and defined by an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the outer periphery of the face, the sole configured to face a competition surface, a crown opposite the sole, a heel, and Having a tow, body;
An internal interconnection structure adapted for connection of the shaft to the body;
A channel extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body, defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction, and the front edge and the rear edge Recessed inwardly between the channels;
An access opening extending through the sole and intersecting the channel, providing access to the internal interconnect structure; and
A stiffening rib on the sole spaced rearward from the channel, the stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole
Including a ball striking device.
[Invention 1112]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1111 wherein the stiffening rib protrudes inwardly into the body.
[Invention 1113]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1111 further comprising a plurality of stiffening ribs on the sole spaced rearwardly from the channel, each stiffening rib increasing the rigidity of the sole.
[Invention 1114]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1113, wherein each stiffening rib protrudes inward into the body.
[Invention 1115]
The ball striking device of the invention 1111 wherein the internal interconnection structure is adapted for connection of the shaft to the body in an adjustable configuration.
[Invention 1116]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1111 wherein the access opening is located between the front edge and the rear edge of the channel.
[Invention 1117]
The ball striking device of claim 1111, further comprising a hosel connected to the body proximate the heel, the hosel containing the internal interconnect structure, and the access opening intersects a heel portion of the channel.
[Invention 1118]
The ball striking device of the invention 1117, wherein the internal interconnect structure is adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration.
[Invention 1119]
The ball striking device of the invention 1118, wherein the rear edge of the channel is spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face by a longer distance compared to a point proximate the tow at the central portion of the channel. .
[Invention 1120]
The ball striking device of the present invention 1111 wherein the central portion of the channel has greater flexibility than the stiffening rib.
[Invention 1121]
A golf club comprising the ball striking device of the present invention 1111 and a shaft connected to the body via the internal interconnection structure.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  In order that the present invention may be more fully understood, the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

1 is a rear bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a ball striking device according to aspects of the present invention in the form of a golf driver. FIG. 2 is a front top perspective view of the ball striking device of FIG. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the ball striking device of FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of the ball striking device of FIG. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a ball striking device according to aspects of the present invention in the form of a golf driver. FIG. 6 is a rear bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a ball striking device according to aspects of the present invention in the form of a golf fairway wood. FIG. 7 is a front top perspective view of the ball striking device of FIG. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the ball striking device of FIG. FIG. 7 is a side view of the ball striking device of FIG. FIG. 6 is a rear bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a ball striking device according to aspects of the present invention in the form of a golf hybrid. FIG. 11 is a front top perspective view of the ball striking device of FIG. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the ball striking device of FIG. FIG. 11 is a side view of the ball striking device of FIG. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a ball striking device according to aspects of the present invention in the form of a golf driver. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a ball striking device according to aspects of the present invention in the form of a golf driver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description of various exemplary structures of the present invention, various exemplary devices, systems, and environments that form part of this specification and that can implement aspects of the invention are illustrative. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings shown. It will be appreciated that other specific arrangements of parts, exemplary devices, systems and environments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, in this specification, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “side”, “back” and the like are used to describe various exemplary features and elements of the present invention. These terms are used herein for convenience based on, for example, the illustrated exemplary orientation or orientation in normal use. Further, as used herein, the term “plurality” refers to any number greater than 1, either disjunctive or connective, up to an infinite number if necessary. Nothing herein should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of the structure to fall within the scope of the invention. The reader should also note that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

  The following terms are used herein, and unless otherwise noted or apparent from the context, these terms have the meanings provided below.

  A “ball striking device” refers to any device configured and designed to strike a ball or other similar object (eg, a hockey puck). In addition to generically including “hitting head” described in more detail below, examples of “hitting devices” include golf clubs, putters, croquet mallets, polo mallets, baseball or softball bats, crickets. Bats, tennis rackets, badminton rackets, field hockey sticks, ice hockey sticks, and the like.

  “Hitting head” (or “head”) includes the portion of a “hitting device” that is designed to contact a ball (or other object) during use and is adjacent to it (in some cases it) The part that surrounds. In some examples, such as many golf clubs and putters, the ball head may be separate from any shaft member and may be a separate entity, or it may be attached to the shaft in some way.

  The term “shaft” includes the portion (if any) of the ball striking device that is held by the user during the swing of the ball striking device.

  “Integral joining technology” refers to two pieces that are irreversible joining techniques such as adhesive joining, cementing, welding, brazing, soldering, etc. And the separation of the joined pieces cannot be achieved unless they are structurally damaged.

  “Generally parallel” means that one line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. spans at least 50% of the length of the one line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. It means that it is almost equidistant from the edge, surface, etc. (in this case, within 5%).

  In general, aspects of the present invention relate to ball striking devices, such as golf club heads, golf clubs, and the like. Such a ball striking device of at least some examples of the present invention can include a ball striking head having a ball striking surface. In the case of a golf club, the ball striking surface is a substantially flat surface on one face of the ball striking head. While some more specific aspects of the invention relate to wood type golf clubs and golf club heads, including fairway woods, hybrid clubs, etc., and other wood type golf clubs such as drivers, aspects of the invention It can also be practiced for iron-type clubs, putters and other club types.

  According to various aspects of the present invention, the ball striking device can be made of various materials such as metals (including metal alloys), ceramics, polymers, composites (including fiber reinforced composites) without departing from the scope of the present invention. And one or a plurality of trees, or one of a variety of configurations. In one exemplary embodiment, some or all of the components of the head are made of metal, including at least a portion of the face and the body of the head (the term “metal” as used herein Including metal alloys within range). It will be appreciated that the head can also include components made of several different materials including carbon fiber composites, polymeric materials and other components. Further, the component may be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components (eg, titanium, aluminum, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, steels (including stainless steel), etc.) can be formed by forging, molding, casting, stamping, machining and / or other known techniques. it can. In another example, composite components such as carbon fiber-polymer composites can be manufactured by a variety of composite processing techniques, such as prepreg processing, powder-based techniques, mold infiltration and / or other known techniques. . In further examples, polymer components such as high strength polymers can be manufactured by polymer processing techniques such as various molding and casting techniques and / or other known techniques.

  Various drawings in this application show examples of ball striking devices of the present invention. Where the same reference number appears in multiple drawings, the reference number is used consistently to refer to the same or similar parts throughout the specification and drawings.

  At least some examples of ball striking devices according to the present invention include drivers, wood type golf clubs such as fairway woods and hybrid clubs, as well as other types of wood type clubs, long iron clubs (e.g., driving iron, No. 0 iron to 5 iron and hybrid type golf clubs), short iron clubs (e.g., 6 iron to pitching wedges, and sand wedges, lob wedges, gap wedges and / or other wedges), and heads for putters, The present invention relates to a golf club head structure. Such a device may include a one-piece structure or a multi-piece structure. An exemplary structure of a ball striking device according to the present invention is described in detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4 showing one exemplary embodiment of a ball striking device 100 in the form of a wood type golf club (eg, driver). However, a similar configuration is fairway wood as shown in FIGS. 6-9 (e.g., # 3 wood, # 5 wood, # 7 wood, etc.) or as shown in FIGS. It will be understood that it can be used for other wood-type clubs, including hybrid clubs.

  The golf club 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 includes a hitting head 102 configured to hit a ball in use and a shaft 104 connected to and extending from the hitting head 102. 1-4 show a ball striking head 102 in the form of a golf club head 102 having a face 112 connected to the body 108, a hosel 109 extending from the body 108, and a shaft 104 connected to the hosel 109. One aspect | mode is shown. Any desired hosel and / or head / shaft interconnect structure is known in the art and used as used in conventional hosel or other head / shaft interconnect structures without departing from the invention. US Patent No. 6,890,269 in the name of Bruce D. Burrows dated May 10, 2005, US Published Patent Application No. 2009/0011848 in the name of John Thomas Stites et al., Filed July 6, 2007, 2007 U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2009/0011849 in the name of John Thomas Stites et al. Filed on Jul. 6, U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2009/0011850 in the name of John Thomas Stites et al. Filed on Jul. 6, 2007 and As shown and described in US Published Patent Application No. 2009/0062029 filed Aug. 28, 2007 in the name of John Thomas Stites et al., All of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Adjustable, releasable It includes beauty / or replaceable hosel or other head / shaft interconnection structure may be used. The head 102 extends through the sole 118 and communicates with and / or intersects the channel 140 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3 for an adjustable hosel 109 feature or Other access 128 may be provided.

  For reference, the head 102 generally includes a top or crown 116, a bottom or sole 118, a heel 120 proximate to the hosel 109, a toe 122 distal to the hosel 109, as shown in FIGS. It has a front portion 124 and a back or rear portion 126. The shape and design of the head 102 can be determined in part by the intended use of the golf club 100. For example, it will be appreciated that the sole 118 is configured to face the playing surface when in use. For clubs configured to be able to strike a ball placed directly on the playing surface, such as fairway wood, hybrid, iron, etc., the sole 118 may contact the playing surface when in use, Can be designed accordingly. In the club 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4, when the club 100 is a wood type club designed for use as a driver intended to hit a ball and fly a long distance, The head 102 has a closed volume. In other applications, such as for different types of golf clubs, the head 102 can be designed to have different dimensions and configurations. For example, when configured as a driver, the club head 102 may have a volume of at least 400 cc, in some configurations at least 450 cc, or even at least 460 cc. If instead configured as a fairway wood (eg, FIGS. 6-9), the head may have a volume of 120 cc-230 cc and if configured as a hybrid club (eg, FIGS. 10-13) For example, the head can have a volume of 85 cc to 140 cc. Other suitable sizes for other club heads can be readily determined by those skilled in the art. The loft angle of the club head 102 may also vary depending on, for example, the shot distance desired for the club head 102.

  The body 108 of the head 102 has a variety of different shapes, including a round shape, a square or rectangular shape, or any other various other shapes such as the head 102 shown in FIGS. Can do. Such a shape may be weighted from the geometric center / volume center of the face 112 and / or the head 102 in any desired manner, eg, to produce a lower center of gravity and / or a higher moment of inertia. It will be appreciated that it may be configured to be distributed remotely.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the head 102 has a hollow structure (eg, defined by the face 112 and body 108) that defines an internal cavity (not shown), in which A plurality of inner surfaces are defined. In one aspect, the internal cavity may be filled with air. However, in other embodiments, the head 102 may be filled with another material, such as foam. In still further embodiments, the solid material of the head may occupy a larger percentage of the volume, and the head may have smaller cavities or no internal cavities at all. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the internal cavity may not be completely enclosed.

  The face 112 is located at the front portion 124 of the head 102 as shown in FIG. 2 and is located on the front portion 124 (ie, the striking surface) 110 and on the opposite side of the striking surface 110. It has an inner surface (not shown). The ball striking surface 110 is typically the outer surface of the face 112 that is configured to face the ball in use and is adapted to strike the ball when the golf club 100 is moved, for example, by a swing. As shown, the ball striking face 110 is relatively flat and occupies at least a majority of the face 112. The face 112 has an outer peripheral edge formed from a plurality of outer or peripheral edges including an upper edge 113, a lower edge 115, and side edges (including a heel edge 117 and a toe edge 119). The edge of the face 112 can be defined as the boundary of the area of the face 112 that is specifically designed to contact the ball in use and is intentionally shaped and configured to be suitable for contact with the ball. Can be recognized as the boundary of the area. The face 112 may include some curvature (eg, bulge and roll features) in the up-down direction and / or the heel-toe direction, as is known and common in the art. In other embodiments, the surface 110 may occupy different proportions of the face 112, or the body 108 may have a plurality of ball striking faces 110 thereon. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the ball striking surface 110 is inclined relative to the ground or contact surface (ie, loft) to provide the ball with the desired lift and spin when hit. With horns). In other exemplary embodiments, the ball striking face 110 may have a different slope or loft angle to affect the trajectory of the ball. Further, the face 112 can have a variable thickness, and in some embodiments, can have one or more internal or external inserts and / or supports.

  It will be appreciated that the face 112, body 108 and / or hosel 109 may be formed as a single piece or as separate pieces joined together. Face 112 may be formed as a faceplate member, and body 108 may be formed in part or in whole by one or more separate pieces connected to the faceplate member. Alternatively, the face 112 is formed as part of the face frame member, and the body 108 is formed in part or in whole by one or more separate pieces connected to the face frame member. Alternatively, a plurality of walls may extend rearward from the edge of the face 112 (these rearward extending walls may also be referred to as “return portions”). This configuration may also be known as a “cup face” structure in some configurations. The face frame member may also have an L-shaped configuration. Further, at least a portion of the body 108 is joined to the wall (s) of the face frame member by, for example, a dorsal body member attached to a cup face structure composed of a single piece or multiple pieces. It can be formed as separate one or more pieces. These pieces can be connected by an integral joining technique such as welding, cementing or adhesive joining. Other known techniques for joining these parts can also be used, including many mechanical joining techniques including releasable mechanical engagement techniques. If desired, the hosel 109 can be integrally formed as part of the face frame member. In addition, a gasket (not shown) can be included between the cup face structure and the dorsal body member.

  Golf club 100 may include a shaft 104 connected to or otherwise engaged with a ball striking head 102, as shown in FIG. The shaft 104 is adapted to be gripped by a user to swing the golf club 100 and hit the ball. The shaft 104 can be formed as a separate piece connected to the head 102, for example by connecting to a hosel 109, as shown in FIG. In other exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the shaft 104 may be an integral piece with the head 102 and / or the head 102 may not contain the hosel 109 or may contain an internal hosel structure. Good. Still further aspects are contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention. The shaft 104 can be constructed from one or more different materials including metals, ceramics, polymers, composites or wood. In some exemplary embodiments, shaft 104 or at least a portion thereof may be constructed from a metal, such as stainless steel or titanium, or a composite material, such as a carbon / graphite fiber-polymer composite. However, it is contemplated that the shaft 104 can be constructed from different materials, including conventional materials known and used in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention. A gripping element (not shown) may be placed on the shaft 104 to provide a golfer with a slip resistant surface and thereby grip the golf club shaft 104. The gripping element can be attached to the shaft 104 in any desired manner, including conventional methods known and used in the art (eg, adhesive or cement, threads or other mechanical By connector, edge / swage etc.)

  In general, the ball striking head 102 according to the present invention includes features on the body 108 that affect the impact of the face 112 and the ball, for example, during the impact of the face 112 and the ball, at least a portion of the body 108 bends and resists. It includes one or more compression channels 140 disposed on the body 108 of the head 102 that create forces and / or allow the behavior or movement of the face 112 to be altered. In one aspect, at least a portion of the compression channel 140 is curved or bent away from the outer peripheral edge of the face 112. In the golf club 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4, the head 102 includes a single channel 140 located on the sole 118 of the head 102. As described below, this channel 140 allows compression and deflection of the body 108 during impact on the face 112 and can also create a reaction force that can be transmitted to the ball. This exemplary embodiment is described in more detail below.

  The golf club 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 includes a compression channel 140 disposed on the sole 118 of the head 102, which may extend continuously across at least a portion of the sole 118. In other embodiments, the head 102 may have channels 140 that are separately disposed on, for example, the crown 116, the heel 120, and / or the toe 122. It will be appreciated that the head 102 may have a plurality of channels 140 or may have an annular channel that extends around or substantially around the entire head 102. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the channel 140 of this exemplary structure is elongated and is adjacent to the first end 142 located proximate the heel 120 of the head 102 and the toe 122 of the head 102. And the second end 144 located at the end. The channel 140 has a boundary defined by a first edge or front edge 146 and a second edge or rear edge 148 extending between the ends 140, 142. In this embodiment, the channel 140 is adjacent to and extends along the lower edge 115 of the face 112 and further into the area of the heel 120 and toe 122 of the head 102. As seen in FIGS. 1-4, the channels 140 are substantially symmetrically disposed on the head 102 in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the channels 140 may be oriented in different directions and / or arranged differently. For example, channel 140 may face in a direction adjacent to different edges of face 112, and at least a portion of channel 140 may be parallel or generally parallel to one or more edges of face 112. The size and shape of the compression channel 140 can also vary widely without departing from the invention.

  The channel 140 extends inward relative to the immediately adjacent surface of the head 102 that extends from and / or contacts the edges 146, 148 of the channel 140, as shown in FIGS. It is recessed. In this embodiment, the channel 140 has a dimple 150 and a curved side wall 152 that slopes and hangs from the dimple 150 to the respective edges 146, 148 of the channel 140 in a smoothly curved manner. And has a generally semi-circular cross-sectional shape or profile. In this embodiment, the recess 150 forms the deepest (ie, most inwardly recessed) portion of the channel 140. It will be appreciated that in another aspect, the channel 140 may have a different cross-sectional shape or profile, such as having a sharper and / or more polygonal (eg, rectangular) shape. Further, the channel 140 is at a generally tapered depth such that the recess 150 is deeper at and around the central portion 130 of the channel 140 and shallower at the heel portion 131 and toe portion 132 of the channel 140. possible. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the channel 140 extends to some extent generally around the edge of the sole 118, but the deepest portion of the channel 140 (ie, the depression 150) is only near the front portion 124 of the head 102. Located, the rear portion of the channel 140 has a much shallower depth. Further, the channel 140 may have a ridge or swirl 158 located at the heel portion 131 and the toe portion 132 of the channel 140. The ridge 158 generally delimits the deepest portion of the channel 140 in the embodiment of FIGS.

  Further, in one aspect, the wall thickness of the body 108 may be thinner in the channel 140 compared to the thickness of other locations in the body 108 to provide increased flexibility in the channel 140. . In one embodiment, the wall thickness in channel 140 is between 0.8 and 1.5 mm.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the channel 140 is spaced from the lower edge 115 of the face 112 and a gap portion 154 is defined between the channel 140 and the lower edge 115. The gap portion 154 is located immediately adjacent to the channel 140 and is connected to one of the side walls 152 of the channel 140 along the front edge 146 of the channel 140, as shown in FIGS. . In this embodiment, the gap portion 154 is oriented at an acute angle (ie, less than 90 °) with respect to the ball striking face 110 and extends rearwardly from the lower edge 115 of the face 112 to the channel 140. The force resulting from the impact with the face 112 can be transmitted to the channel 140 through the gap portion 154 as described below. In other embodiments, the gap portion 154 may be oriented at a right angle or an obtuse angle with respect to the ball striking face 110 and / or the gap portion 154 is smaller than that shown in FIGS. It does not have to exist at all. The gap portion 154 is generally flat in the embodiment of FIGS. If desired, as another example, a smoothly curved surface may extend directly from the lower edge 115 of the face 112 to the inner sidewall 152 of the channel 140.

  In one aspect, channel 140, or at least a portion thereof, is curved or bent. The head 102 shown in FIGS. 1-4 is curved back and bent (ie, away from the face 112) and spaced rearward from the face 112 by a distance greater than the adjacent portion of the channel 140. It has a channel 140 that generally has a central portion 130. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, in this embodiment, the channel 140 includes a heel portion 131 and a toe portion 132 that are spaced rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face 112 by an approximately equal distance, and a heel portion 131 or toe. It has a central portion 130 that is spaced from the face 112 by a longer distance than the portion 132. The central portion 130 in this embodiment is generally symmetric and generally aligned with the geometric centerline of the body 108, although this arrangement and alignment may be different in other embodiments, Depends at least in part on the geometry and symmetry of the body 108.

  1-4, both the front edge 146 and the rear edge 148 of the channel 140 are curved and bent away from the face 112. In the embodiment of FIGS. In this configuration, both edges 146, 148 can be located at the heel portion 131 and the toe portion 132 and compared to the opposite ends of each of the edges 146, 148 located closer to the periphery of the face 112. Thus, the central portion 130 is farther away from the face 112 and rearward. Further, in this embodiment, the edge 146 is such that the width of the channel 140 (measured in the direction from the front 124 to the rear 126) is slightly wider at the central portion 130 and slightly narrower at the heel portion 131 and toe portion 132. 148, the degree of curvature and bending is slightly different. In other embodiments, only one of the edges 146, 148 may be curved and / or bent, and the width of the channel 140 is curved, for example, such that one of the edges 146, 148 is much larger than the other. And / or may vary differently, such as when bent. In another aspect, the width of the channel 140 may be consistently approximately equal from the heel portion 131 to the toe portion 132. In alternative embodiments, one or both of the edges 146, 148 may be bent toward the face 112 rather than away from the face 112. Further, the width of the gap portion 154 (measured in the direction from the front portion 124 to the rear portion 126) is also wider at the center of the gap portion 154 (close to the central portion 130) and the heel portion 131 and toe of the channel 140. It varies with the bent front edge 146 of the channel 140 to be narrower near the portion 132. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the width of the gap portion 154 tapers from the center and becomes narrower toward the heel portion 131 and toe portion 132 of the channel 140. The gap portion 154 has a maximum width at approximately the geometric centerline of the body 108 and, again, is generally symmetric with respect to the geometric centerline. In other embodiments, the configuration of the gap portion 154 can be different.

  The deepest portion of the channel 140, represented by the depression 150, also has a curved and bent configuration in one embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, the recess 150 has opposing ends (eg, at the heel portion 131 and the toe portion 132) that are closer to the periphery of the face 112 than the center of the recess 150 (eg, at the central portion 130). . Further, the recess 150 of the channel 140 in this embodiment is such that the recess 150 remains generally equidistant from the front edge 146 and the rear edge 148 between the heel portion 131 and the toe portion 132. Similar to 146 and rear edge 148, it is generally curved and bent. In another embodiment, the sidewalls 152 of the channel 140 can be contoured differently so that the depressions 150 are curved and / or bent differently. For example, in one configuration, one or both of the front edge 146 and the rear edge 148 may be curved while the recess 150 cannot be curved, and in another configuration, the front edge 146 and the rear edge 148 may be curved. On the other hand, the recess 150 may be curved. In a further configuration, the depression 150 may be curved and / or bent in a manner opposite to one or both of the edges 146, 148. Still other configurations are possible.

  In one aspect, some or all of the channels 140 may have surface texturing or another surface treatment that affects the properties of the channels 140. For example, certain surface treatments such as peening, coating, etc. can increase the stiffness of the channel and reduce the deflection. As another example, other surface treatments can be used in channel 140 to create greater flexibility. As a further example, the surface treatment may increase the smoothness of the channel 140 and / or the smoothness of the transition portions (eg, edges 146, 148) of the channel 140, which may be aerodynamic, interaction with the playing surface, appearance It can affect such things. Additional surface texturing or other surface treatments can also be used.

  The compression channel 140 of the head 102 shown in FIGS. 1-4 was described in US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 015,264 filed Jan. 27, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Similarly, the impact of the face 112 of the head 102 and the ball (not shown) can be affected. In one aspect, the channel 140 can affect the impact by deflection and / or compression in response to the impact with the face 112 and / or by exerting a reaction force on the face 112 during the impact. For example, when the ball impacts the face 112, the face 112 bends inward. In addition, some of the impact force is transmitted through the gap portion 154 to the channel 140 causing the sole 118 to deflect at the channel 140. This deflection of channel 140 can result in a lesser degree of ball deformation compared to a conventional head, which achieves greater impact efficiency and greater energy and velocity transfer to the ball during impact. Can help. The slower impact created by the deflection also creates a longer impact time, which can also result in greater energy and velocity transfer to the ball during the impact. In addition, as the compressed channel 140 expands to return to its initial shape, a repulsive force or reaction force is exerted on the face 112 to create an increased “trampoline” effect that is applied to the ball during impact. Greater energy and speed transmission can be provided. In addition, since the channel 140 extends toward the heel 120 and toe 122, the head 102 increases the energy applied to the ball and impact against the impact away from the center of the face 112 or a conventional “sweet spot”. Speed transmission can be achieved. It will be appreciated that the channel 140 may additionally or alternatively be incorporated into the crown 116 and / or the sides 120, 122 of the body 108 to create a similar effect for energy and velocity transmission. For example, in one embodiment, the head 102 is a peripheral edge of the body 108, as shown in US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 308,036 filed Nov. 30, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. There may be one or more channels 140 that extend completely or substantially completely around the section. At least a portion of the channel 140 in this configuration may be curved or curved away from the outer peripheral edge of the face 112, as described above, and the channel 140, in one aspect, includes the top 116 and There may be such curved / bent portions on both of the soles 118. It will be appreciated that the head 102 may have one or more channels 140 in different configurations in other embodiments.

  The curved and / or bent configuration of channel 140 may assist in controlling the deflection of channel 140 and / or achieving the desired flexibility. For example, certain features of head 102 (eg, access 128) may affect the flexibility of channel 140, and the curved and / or bent configuration of channel 140 may cause channel 140 to be free of that feature. Can also help maintain the same flexibility that would also have. As another example, the curved and / or bent configuration of channel 140 may help achieve the desired flexibility for channel 140, eg, for a particular application. Other effects and properties may be achieved by the channel 140 being curved / bent as shown in FIGS. 1-4 or other configurations, where the configuration of the channel 140 affects the flexibility of the channel 140 Can work in conjunction with other features.

  In another embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the head 102 may further include one or more weight members 133 located on the sole 118. These weight members 133 are, for example, snapping connections, screw connections, locking connections (e.g. 1/4 turn or to allow the weight member 133 to be replaced with another weight member 133 having a different weight. By having a half rotation) or other such connection, it may be releasable and replaceable. In another aspect, the weight member 133 can be connected to the head 102 more permanently. It will be appreciated that such weight members allow selective weighting of the head 102 to achieve the desired weight and / or weight distribution.

  6-9 illustrate another embodiment of a club head 202 according to aspects of the present invention in the form of a fairway wood having a channel 140 as described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. FIGS. 10-13 illustrate another embodiment of a club head 302 according to aspects of the present invention in the form of a hybrid club head having a channel 140 as described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. The heads 202, 302 in the embodiments of FIGS. 6-9 and 10-13 generally have the same components and features as the head 102 as described above and illustrated in FIGS. Similar components and features such as these are identified in FIGS. 6-13 using the same reference numerals as used above and in FIGS. 1-4. Moreover, such similar components and features may not be described again in detail for the sake of brevity. The heads 202, 302 in these embodiments may also produce some or all of the same benefits as described herein with respect to the head 102 of FIGS.

  In general, the heads 202, 302 of FIGS. 6-13 each include a channel 140 that is curved and / or bent as described above with respect to the channel 140 in the embodiment of FIGS. Each of the embodiments of FIGS. 6-13 includes a central portion 130 that is curved back and bent away from the face 112 and spaced rearward from the face 112 by a distance greater than the adjacent portion of the channel 140. It includes a channel 140 having generally a heel portion 131 and a toe portion 132 that are located closer to the face 112 than the central portion 130. In these embodiments, the front and rear edges 146 and 148 of each channel 140 and the recess 150 are curved back and bent as described above with respect to the channel 140 shown in FIGS. . Further, in the embodiment of FIGS. 6-13, the degree of curvature and bending of the edges 146, 148 is determined by the width of each channel 140 (in the direction from the front 124 to the rear 126, as also described above). Are slightly different so that they are slightly wider at the central portion 130 and slightly narrower at the heel portion 131 and toe portion 132. Furthermore, the gap portion 154 in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 6-13 is wider again near the central portion 130 and of the heel portion 131 and the toe portion 132 of the channel 140, as again described above. Narrower near. Any of the variations, modifications, additional features, additions or alternatives described above with respect to the head 102 of FIGS. 1-4 may be incorporated into the head 202 of FIGS. 6-9 or the head 302 of FIGS. It will be understood.

  FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate further embodiments of club heads 402, 502 in accordance with aspects of the present invention in the form of a golf driver. The heads 402, 502 include at least some components and features similar to those described above and shown in FIGS. 1-4, such similar components and features described above and in FIG. Identified in FIGS. 14-15 using the same reference numbers as used in FIG. Moreover, such similar components and features may not be described again in detail for the sake of brevity. The heads 402, 502 in these embodiments may produce some or all of the same benefits as described herein with respect to the head 102 of FIGS.

  The head 402 of FIG. 14 includes a channel 140 that is substantially the same or the same as the channel 140 of the head 102 of FIGS. 1-4, including any of the variations, modifications, additional features, additions or alternatives described above, etc. Any of the features and components of the head 102 and channel 140 described above may be included. The head 502 of FIG. 15 is similar to the channel 140 of FIGS. 1-4, but is generally parallel to the outer periphery of the face 112 (including being generally parallel to at least the lower edge 115 of the face 112). Includes channel 140. The head 502 of FIG. 15 can include any of the features and components of the head 102 and channel 140 described above, including any of the variations, modifications, additional features, additions or alternative embodiments described above.

  Each of the heads 402, 502 of FIGS. 14-15 includes an additional channel 160 located on the sole 118 and spaced further rearward from the compression channel 140 near the face 112. Each of these additional channels 160 can affect the response, deflection and other characteristics of the face 112 and can alter the repulsive force exerted by the channel 140 on the face 112 during impact. In the embodiment of FIGS. 14-15, the additional channel 160 acts as an internal stiffening rib, increasing the stiffness of the sole 118 and controlling the deflection of the channel 140 to limit the degree of deflection of the channel 140 during impact. To do. Further, the additional channel 160 may serve to provide an underlying “base” for the channel 140 to concentrate the deflection of the sole 118 in the channel 140 rather than other areas of the sole 118. In another aspect, the heads 402, 502 may have stiffening ribs similar to the additional channels 160 that protrude outwardly from the body 108 rather than inwardly. The features of heads 402, 502 of FIGS. 14-15, including additional channels / stiffening ribs 160 and any variations, modifications, additional features, additions or alternatives thereof, etc. are the same as the heads 202, 302 of FIGS. It will also be appreciated that it can be used in connection with any other embodiment as described herein.

  Each of the additional channels 160 in the embodiment of FIGS. 14-15 has a front edge 162 and a rear edge extending in the direction from the heel 120 to the toe 122 such that the additional channel 160 is elongated in the direction from the heel 120 to the toe 122 163 defined inwardly and recessed inwardly. In this configuration, each additional channel 160 has a heel portion 164 on the side closest to the heel 120 and a toe portion 165 on the side closest to the toe 122. The first further channel 160 (second overall channel) is spaced rearwardly from the rear edge 148 of the channel 140, and the second further channel 160 (third overall channel) is the first further channel. Spaced rearwardly from the rear edge 163 of channel 160. Further, in this embodiment, the front edge 162 and the rear edge 163 of each additional channel 160 are relatively straight, and each additional channel 160 has a trapezoidal or other polygonal profile. Further, in this embodiment, each of the additional channels 160 is tapered gradually from the front edge 162 to the rear edge 163 such that the deepest portion of the depression 161 is located proximate to the rear edge 163. Has a depth. This tapered depth may also give the additional channel 160 a polygonal cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the further channel 160 in this embodiment is substantially symmetric with respect to the geometric centerline of the head 102 (eg, extending in the direction from the front 124 to the rear 126). It will be appreciated that additional channels 160 may have different shapes, positions, orientations and / or configurations in other embodiments, and other embodiments may include different numbers of additional channels 160.

  Still other aspects of the compression channel 140 can be incorporated into the head 102 of the present invention. Further, one or more different features of any of the heads 102, 202, 302, 402, 502 and channel 140 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-15 can be combined in any combination in other embodiments. It will be understood.

  The head 102 (see below) incorporating the channel 140 disclosed herein may be used as a ball striking device or part thereof. For example, a golf club 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 may be manufactured by attaching a shaft or handle 104 to a provided head, such as the head 102 (see below) as described above. As used herein, “providing” a head broadly refers to making an article available or accessible for future operations to be performed on the article. Does not mean that the party providing the goods manufactured, produced or supplied, or that the party providing the goods has ownership or supervision of the goods. In addition, a set of golf clubs can be provided that includes one or more clubs 100 having a head 102 (see below) as described above. In other embodiments, different types of ball striking devices can be manufactured according to the principles described herein. In addition, the head 102 (see below), golf club 100 or other ball striking device can be configured, for example, by attaching to it a shaft 104 having a particular length, flexibility, etc., or as already described above By adjusting or exchanging 104, it may be adapted to an individual or customized.

  The ball striking device and head therefor as described herein provide many benefits and advantages over existing products. For example, deflection of the sole 118 in the channel 140 can result in a lesser degree of ball deformation, which in turn can result in greater impact efficiency and greater energy and velocity transfer to the ball during impact. . As another example, a slower impact created by flexure can create a longer impact time, which can also result in greater energy and velocity transfer to the ball during the impact. it can. As a further example, the repulsive force or reaction force acting on the face 112 as the compressed channel 140 expands to return to its initial shape is transmitted to the ball, which is more Large energy and speed transmission can be provided. In addition, the channel 140 extends toward the heel edge 117 and toe edge 119 of the face 112 so that the head 102 (see below) is against impacts away from the center of the face 112 or the traditional “sweet spot”. Thus, increased energy and velocity transfer to the ball can be achieved. As a further example, the features described herein can provide a golfer with an improved feel of the golf club 100 when hitting a ball. In addition, the configuration of channel 140 functions in conjunction with other features (eg, additional channel 160, access 128, etc.), and the overall flexibility and response of channel 140, as well as the response of channel 140 to the face 112 response. Can affect the effects of Additional benefits and advantages will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, including preferred forms of practicing the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and methods described above. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (17)

A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and having an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face, wherein the body defines an internal cavity with the face and is configured to face a competition surface A body having a sole, a crown, a heel, and a toe opposite the sole;
An internal interconnection structure adapted for connection in an adjustable configuration of the shaft to the heel of the body;
An access opening extending through the sole to provide access to the internal interconnect structure of the hosel; and
An inwardly recessed channel extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body, the inwardly recessed being defined between a front edge and a rear edge extending in a heel-toe direction A channel containing a hollow that runs;
A golf club head comprising:
The channel intersects the centerline of the sole;
The access opening is positioned such that a first portion of the access opening is closer to the outer peripheral edge of the face than the front edge of the channel at the centerline of the sole. And the second portion of the access opening is positioned farther from the outer peripheral edge of the face than the front edge of the channel at the centerline of the sole Being
Golf club head.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the access opening intersects the channel.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a portion of the channel passes between the access opening and the rear of the club head.   2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the club head has at least one weight member located on the sole.   5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the at least one weight member is releasable by having a screw connection.   The channel has a heel portion and a toe portion, and the width of the channel defined between the front and back edges is greater near the center portion than at least one of the heel portion and the toe portion. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the golf club head is widened.   The channel has a central portion, a heel portion, and a toe portion, and at least one of the front and rear edges of the channel is outside the face at the central portion as compared to the heel portion and the toe portion. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the golf club head is spaced from the outer peripheral edge of the face so as to be farther from the peripheral edge.   The channel has a central portion, a heel portion, and a toe portion, and at least one of the front and rear edges of the channel is outside the face at the central portion as compared to the heel portion and the toe portion. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the golf club head is spaced from the outer peripheral edge of the face so as to be closer to the peripheral edge.   The channel extends outwardly from the recess to the front or rear edge of the channel and further includes a wall defining a portion of the channel, and the wall also defines a portion of the access opening. The golf club head according to 1. A face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and having an outer peripheral edge;
A body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the face, wherein the body defines an internal cavity with the face and is configured to face a competition surface A body having a sole, a crown, a heel, and a toe opposite the sole;
An internal interconnection structure adapted for connection in an adjustable configuration of the shaft to the heel of the body;
An access opening extending through the sole to provide access to the internal interconnect structure of the hosel; and
An inwardly recessed channel extending across at least a portion of the sole of the body, the front and rear edges extending in the heel-toe direction between the heel and toe portions A channel comprising inwardly recessed depressions defined therebetween;
A golf club head comprising:
The width of the channel defined between the front edge and the rear edge is wider near the central portion compared to at least one of the heel portion and the toe portion;
Golf club head. The golf club head of claim 10 , wherein the access opening intersects the channel. The golf club head of claim 10 , wherein a portion of the channel passes between the access opening and the rear of the club head. 11. A golf club head according to claim 10 , wherein the club head has at least one weight member located on the sole. 14. A golf club head according to claim 13 , wherein the at least one weight member is releasable by having a threaded connection. The channel further has a central portion such that at least one of the front and rear edges of the channel is further from the outer peripheral edge of the face at the central portion compared to the heel portion and the toe portion. 11. The golf club head according to claim 10 , wherein the golf club head is spaced from the outer peripheral edge of the face. The channel further has a central portion such that at least one of the front and rear edges of the channel is closer to the outer peripheral edge of the face at the central portion compared to the heel portion and the toe portion. 11. The golf club head according to claim 10 , wherein the golf club head is spaced apart from the outer peripheral edge of the face. The channel extends outwardly from the recess to the front or rear edge of the channel and further includes a wall defining a portion of the channel, and the wall also defines a portion of the access opening. 10. A golf club head according to 10 .

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