KR20200035110A - Golf club head groove and method for manufacturing golf club head groove - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of a groove and face insert of a golf club head and a method of manufacturing a groove and face insert of a golf club head are outlined herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Description

Golf club head groove and method for manufacturing golf club head groove

Related applications

This application is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 962,969, filed April 25, 2018, wherein the U.S. Patent Application is currently U.S. Patent No. 9,987,530, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 /, filed August 12, 2016 No. 236,112 continues to be filed, the U.S. patent application filed on August 4, 2017, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 541,445, filed on January 11, 2016 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 277,358, 12 for 2015 United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 268,011 filed on the 16th of the month, United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 233,099 filed on the 25th of September 2015 and the United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 205,550 of the August 14, 2015 Claim profit. In addition, this application is a partial continuous application of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 529,590 filed on October 31, 2014, and this U.S. patent application is a partial continuous application of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 196,313 filed on March 4, 2014 And this U.S. patent application is a partial succession of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 761,778, filed February 7, 2013, and this U.S. Patent Application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 628,685, filed September 27, 2012 This U.S. patent application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 697,994 filed on September 7, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 541,981 filed on September 30, 2011. All are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The present disclosure generally relates to golf equipment, and more particularly, to a groove of a golf club head and a method of manufacturing the groove of the golf club head.

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

1 illustrates a putter according to an example.
2 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
3 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic top view of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 4 taken from section 5-5 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 3.
8 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic top view of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 9 taken from section 10-10 of FIG. 8.
FIG. 11 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 8.
FIG. 12 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 8.
13 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic top view of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 14 taken from section 15-15 of FIG. 13.
FIG. 16 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 13.
FIG. 17 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 13.
18 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic top view of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 19 taken from section 20-20 of FIG. 18.
FIG. 21 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 18.
FIG. 22 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of another groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 18.
23 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
FIGS. 24-26 show another example of a vertical section of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 23 taken from section 24-24 of FIG. 23.
27 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
28 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
29-37 illustrate a schematic view of an exemplary horizontal cross section of a groove of a putter's ball striking face.
38-45 illustrate a schematic top view of an exemplary groove of a putter's ball striking face.
46 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
47 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
48 is a horizontal sectional view of a putter groove according to an example.
49 illustrates a schematic vertical sectional view of a putter according to an example.
50 illustrates a schematic vertical sectional view of a putter according to an example.
51 illustrates a putter face according to another example.
52 illustrates a putter face according to another example.
53 illustrates a method of manufacturing a golf club according to an example.
54 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
FIG. 55 illustrates a cross section of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 54.
56 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
FIG. 57 illustrates a cross section of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 56.
58 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
FIG. 59 illustrates a cross-section of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 58.
60 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to one embodiment.
FIG. 61 illustrates a schematic top view of the groove of the ball striking face of FIG. 60.
FIG. 62 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 61 taken from section 62-62 of FIG. 60.
63 illustrates a tool for cutting a groove.
64 illustrates a V-shaped groove according to an example.
65 illustrates a V-shaped groove according to an example.
66 illustrates a schematic top view of a groove according to an example.
FIG. 67 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove of FIG. 66.
68 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
69 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
70 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
71 illustrates a schematic view of a putter's ball striking face according to an example.
72 illustrates enlargement of a putter and an oval pattern according to an example.
73 illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIG. 72 as viewed from the bottom.
FIG. 74 illustrates an enlarged view of the two innermost elliptical grooves of FIG. 73.
FIG. 75 illustrates an enlarged view of the two outermost elliptical grooves of FIG. 73.
76 illustrates a putter according to an example.
FIG. 77 illustrates the middle region of FIG. 76.
FIG. 78 illustrates the cross-sectional view of FIG. 76 as viewed from the bottom.
FIG. 79 illustrates an enlarged view of the protrusion near the geometric center of FIG. 78.
FIG. 80 illustrates an enlarged view of the protrusion near the toe end of FIG. 78.
81 illustrates a face insert of a golf club head according to one embodiment.
FIG. 82 illustrates another face insert of the golf club head of FIG. 81.
83 illustrates an exploded view of the face insert of FIG. 82.
FIG. 84 illustrates a schematic view of the ball striking face of FIG. 82.
85 illustrates a front view of a putter according to another embodiment.
FIG. 86 illustrates an alternative view of the putter of FIG. 84.
FIG. 87A illustrates a front view of the face insert of the putter of FIG. 84.
87B illustrates the rear view of the face insert of FIG. 87A.
FIG. 88 illustrates a perspective view of the putter of FIG. 84.
89 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to one embodiment.
FIG. 90 illustrates an exploded view of the putter of FIG. 89.
91 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
FIG. 92 illustrates an exploded view of the putter of FIG. 91.
93 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
FIG. 94 illustrates an exploded view of the putter of FIG. 93.
95 illustrates a putter face insert according to another embodiment.
96 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the face insert of FIG. 95.
FIG. 97 illustrates the ball striking face plate of the face insert of FIG. 95.
98 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
99 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
100 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
101 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
102 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
103 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
104 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
105 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
106 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.
107 illustrates a perspective view of a putter according to another embodiment.

A putter golf club head with various face inserts is described herein to provide a softer feel upon impact of the golf ball during the putting stroke. The face insert can be configured to be received within the recess of the putter golf club head. In many embodiments, the face insert forms part of the front striking surface and a sole of the putter golf club head. In other embodiments, the face insert may form part of the heel end of the putter golf club head, toe end, top rail, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the putter golf club head includes a single component, such as a ball striking face plate. In some embodiments, the putter golf club head includes a number of components, such as a ball striking face plate and face insert base, polymeric material and frame, and multiple openings. In embodiments in which the face insert includes a ball striking face plate and a face insert base, the ball striking face plate may include a coupling structure that mechanically couples the ball striking face plate and the face insert base together. In many embodiments, the face insert can be bonded to the recess by an adhesive, such as a tape, ultra-high adhesive tape, glue, epoxy, or any type of adhesive compound. In many embodiments, the face insert can include a polymer type material. In these embodiments, the polymer-type material can provide the advantage of a softer, more unique sound / feel during golf ball impact on the metal surface. The polymer-type material reduces vibration to remove unwanted sounds during golf ball impact. In some embodiments, such as a face insert comprising a polymer material and a frame, the frame provides a visual aid to assist the player in aligning the ball at the center of the front striking surface.

Generally, a groove of a golf club head and a method of manufacturing a groove of a golf club head are described herein. Golf equipment associated with the methods, devices, and / or articles of manufacture described herein may or may not conform to golf rules at any particular time. In addition, the drawings provided herein are for illustration only, and one or more of the drawings may not be drawn in proportion. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The putter 100 is illustrated in the example of FIG. 1. Although grooves and face inserts for the putter 100 are described herein, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are of different types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrids) Type club heads, iron-type club heads, etc.). However, the putter type golf club head is not a driver type club head, a fairway wood type club head, a hybrid type club head, an iron type club head, and a wedge-type club head.

The putter golf club head includes a loft angle. The loft angle of the putter golf club head is generally the angle between the surface of the flat face and the shaft centerline. The loft angle of the putter golf club head is the rear angle of the face from the shaft of the putter golf club head. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the putter golf club head may be 10 degrees or less. In some embodiments, the loft angle of the putter golf club head may be 9 degrees or less, 8 degrees or less, 7 degrees or less, 6 degrees or less, 5 degrees or less, or 4 degrees or less. In some embodiments, the loft angle of the putter golf club head is 0-10 degrees, 0-9 degrees, 0-8 degrees, 1-10 degrees, 1-9 degrees, 1-8 degrees, 2-10 degrees, 2- It can range from 9 degrees, 2-8 degrees, 3-10 degrees, 3-9 degrees, or 3-8 degrees. For example, the loft angle of the putter golf club head may be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 degrees.

The ball striking face plate can be horizontally separated into three parts, the part being a tow portion adjacent to the toe end 180, a heel portion adjacent to the heel end 190, and a central portion located between the toe portion and the heel portion. The ball striking face plate can also be vertically separated into three parts, the part being an upper rail portion adjacent to the upper rail 182, a sole portion adjacent to the sole 192, and an intermediate portion positioned between the upper rail portion and the sole portion. to be. The toe portion, heel portion, center portion, upper rail portion, sole portion, and intermediate portion of the ball hitting face plate are the toe portion 1970, heel portion 1974, and the center portion of the ball hitting face plate 1912, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 81 and 84. 1972), upper rail portion 1976, sole portion 1980 and intermediate portion 1978.

The front striking surface of the putter golf club head may include a plurality of grooves. The plurality of grooves of the front striking face may include a ball striking face / ball striking face / front striking face 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412, 1500, 1612, 1728, as described below. 1812, 1911, 2212, 2312, 4212, 5212, 6011, 6111, 6211, 6311, 6411, 6511, 6611, 6711, 6811, 6911, 7011, 7111, 7211 or 7311). In some embodiments, the groove of the front striking surface may be similar to the groove described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 196,313 (Patent No. 9,452,326), wherein the groove may include variable depth, variable width or variable depth and width. . The groove of the face insert can be any pattern, such as a straight groove, a parabolic groove, a double parabolic groove, or any other type of pattern groove. In some embodiments, the groove has a depth, and the depth of the groove varies in a direction extending between heel end 190 and toe end 180 and a direction extending between upper rail 182 and sole 192. More specifically, the groove changes from the toe portion to the heel side and from the upper rail portion to the sole portion. The depth of the groove increases from the toe and heel to the center. Similarly, the depth of the groove increases from the upper rail portion and the sole portion to the middle portion. The maximum depth of the at least one groove is formed by the planar portion of the generally flat groove. The generally flat planar portion is located at the center of the groove and the middle portion.

In many embodiments, the grooves of the face insert can provide the advantage of correcting the ball trajectory during off-center or wrong strikes. The groove of the face insert can provide a more accurate shot by giving the player more shot forgiveness. In addition, the variable depth and / or variable width of the groove increases tolerance by allowing a more normalized strike across the front striking surface.

Further, in some embodiments, the groove of the front striking surface may include a variable width extending from heel end 190 to toe end 180. In some embodiments, the groove of the front striking surface may include a variable width extending from an extended sole 192 to an upper rail 182. In some embodiments, the groove of the front striking surface may include a variable width extending from heel end 190 to toe end 180 and a variable width extending from sole 192 to upper rail 182.

The putter 100 includes a putter head 102 having a putter face 110. The putter face 110 may be generally planar and extend in a generally vertical direction at the address location. The putter face 110 generally includes a ball striking face 112 that is on the same plane as the putter face 110 or that may protrude slightly outward from the putter face 110. The ball striking face 112 may be the same size as the putter face 110 or smaller (FIG. 1). The ball hitting face 112 may be an area on the putter face 110 that is generally used to hit a golf ball (not shown). However, the individual may hit the ball with a section of the putter face 110 outside the ball hitting face 112.

The ball striking face 112 may be a continuous or integral part of the putter face 110, or may be formed of an insert attached to the putter face 110. This insert may be made of the same material as the putter face 110 or a different material, and may be attached to the putter face 110. The ball striking face 112 may include one or more grooves and one or more land portions 170 generally illustrated as grooves 120. For example, the ball striking face 112 is illustrated as having 12 grooves, generally denoted 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 and 144. The groove 120 may be referred to as a single reference number such as 120 as a whole. However, when specifically describing one of the grooves on the ball striking face 112, a reference number for that particular groove may be used.

The two adjacent grooves can be separated by the land portion 170. The land portion 170 between each groove 120 and the adjacent groove 120 may have the same or different width as the land portion 170 between the other pair of adjacent grooves 120. The land portion 170 may also define an upper surface of the ball striking face 112. In general, two or more of the grooves 120 may be parallel to each other. For example, the grooves 122 and 124 may be parallel to each other. However, the grooves 120 may be oriented relative to each other in any way. For example, any of the grooves 120 may be oriented diagonally, vertically and / or horizontally. As shown in the example in FIG. 2. One or more of the grooves 120 are substantially linear and generally parallel to adjacent grooves 120 and may extend between the toe end 180 and the heel end 190 of the putter face 110.

As described in detail below, the depth, length, width, horizontal cross-sectional shape and / or vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 120 may be linear, non-linear, at regular or irregular stepwise intervals, arcuate and / or one or more geometric Depending on the shape, it increases, decreases and / or changes from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 and / or the upper rail 182 of the putter head 102 to the sole 192. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

2, the ball striking face 112 is illustrated as having grooves 122-144. The ball striking face 112 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 such as that manufactured with the putter face 110. Alternatively, the ball striking face 112 may be an insert attached to the putter face 110. Each groove 120 may extend from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 to form a corresponding length 193 (only the length 193 of the groove 144 is illustrated in FIG. 2). The length 193 of some or all of the grooves 120 is in the direction from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192 so that each groove 120 generally conforms to the shape of the perimeter of the ball striking face 112. Can change. For example, the length of the groove can increase from near the top rail 182 of the ball striking face 112 to the center 184, and decrease from the center 184 to the sole 192. The central portion 184 may be the geometric center of the ball striking face 112. Alternatively, the center 184 may represent the center of inertia or weight associated with the ball striking face 112. However, the central portion 184 may generally be defined by the area of the ball hitting face 112 hitting the ball. As illustrated in FIG. 1. The length 193 of the groove 120 may be similar. In another example, such as the example of FIG. 2, the length of the groove 193 may decrease from near the top rail 182 to the center 184 and decrease from near the sole 192 to the center 184. Accordingly, any groove length arranged on the ball striking face 112 is within the scope of the present disclosure.

In another example illustrated in FIG. 3, the ball striking face 212 can include a groove 220 (specifically illustrated as grooves 222-244). The ball striking face 212 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 or a separate part attached to the putter face 110. Thus, when describing the ball striking face 212, a portion of the putter 100 and the putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numbers above.

4 is a schematic view of the groove 232, and FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove 232 taken at 5-5 section line in FIG. The groove 232 is generally illustrated as being divided into horizontal spanning regions illustrated by the visually defined regions 271-275 in FIGS. 2 and 3 by vertical boundary lines. The horizontal areas 271-275 form a change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove 232 from near the toe end 180 to near the heel end 190 and / or from near the top rail 182 to near the sole 192. can do. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove may refer to any characteristic of the groove along the length 293 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape and / or construction material of a particular section of the groove. In the example of FIGS. 3-7, the groove 220 includes a first vertical wall 250 and a second vertical wall 252 that determine the length 293 of the groove 220. Each groove 220 has a bottom surface 254 that determines the depth of the groove 220. Depending on the cross-sectional profile of groove 220 in regions 271-275, the depth of each groove may vary from first wall 250 to second wall 252. Each groove 220 also includes a first horizontal wall 256 and a second horizontal wall 258 defining a vertical boundary of the groove 220. The distance between the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 defines the width 280 of the groove 220. The width 280 can vary from the first vertical wall 250 to the second vertical wall 252, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 38-45, where the groove is a length 590, a first width 594, It may have a second width 595 and / or a third width 596. However, in the example of FIGS. 3-7, the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to form a generally constant width 280.

Referring to FIG. 5, the bottom surface 254 of the region 271 is inclined or curved downward to form a first depth 282 at the boundary between the region 271 and the region 272. The bottom surface 254 of the region 272 transitions from the first depth 282 to the second depth 284 at a boundary between the regions 272 and 273 to a more inclined downward curve. When the bottom surface 254 is flat in the region 273, the second depth 284 can generally form the maximum depth of the groove 232. However, if the bottom surface 254 is not flat, the maximum depth of the groove 232 may be formed in another portion of the region 273. Any of the grooves 220 may be symmetrical about the vertical axis y. Accordingly, the shape of the groove 220 on each side of the y-axis may be a mirror shape of the shape of the groove 232 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of the grooves 220 may be asymmetric. Regions 271 and 275 form a shallow portion of groove 232 and region 273 forms a deep central portion of groove 132. The deepest portion of any of the grooves 220 may be at the center of the groove 220. Regions 272 and 274 facilitate the transition of bottom surface 254 from depth 282 to depth 284.

3 and 5, the overall cross-sectional profile of each groove 220 can be maintained approximately similar from the upper rail 182 to the sole 190. However, the cross-sectional profile, including the length, width and / or depth of the regions 271-275 of each groove 220 can gradually change from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192. The horizontal cross-sections of the grooves 238 and 244 are respectively illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. For example, the regions 271-275 of the grooves 238 are each smaller in length than the regions 271-275 of the grooves 232. Similarly, regions 271-275 of groove 244 are each smaller in length than regions 271-275 of groove 238. In other examples, the regions 271-275 of the grooves 238 may each have a smaller depth than the regions 271-275 of the grooves 232. Similarly, the regions 271-275 of the grooves 244 may each have a smaller depth than the regions 271-275 of the grooves 238.

A gradual increase in the length, depth and / or width of the area 271-275 of the grooves 222-232 from the upper rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 212 and / or the ball striking face 212 in general Decreasing the size of the area 271-275 of the grooves 232-244 from the center of) to the sole 192 forms a central striking area 260 (illustrated in FIG. 3), which is the address location In an individual's view, it may resemble the shape of a golf ball. The rough visual representation of the golf ball can help the individual align the ball hitting face 212 with the ball. The region 273 forming the deepest portion of the groove 220 may be longer in the center of the ball striking face 212 and gradually reduced in length toward the upper rail 182 and the sole 192. Similarly, the transition regions 272 and 274 may have a maximum length at the center of the ball striking face 212, and the length may gradually decrease toward the upper rail 182 and the sole 192. The length of the regions 271-275 may vary depending on the location of the grooves 220 on the ball striking face 212, but the depth of similar regions for each groove 220 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of the groove 232 may be similar to the maximum depth of the groove 244. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 222-244 may vary based on the location of the groove 220 relative to the ball striking face 212. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 224-244 can be varied in any way from the upper rail 182 to the sole. Although the above examples can describe a certain number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein can include more or fewer horizontal areas.

In another example illustrated in FIG. 8, ball striking face 312 includes groove 320 (specifically illustrated as grooves 322-344). The ball striking face 312 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 or a separate part attached to the putter face 110. Thus, when describing the ball striking face 312, part of the putter 100 and the putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numerals above.

9 is a schematic view of the groove 332, and FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove 332 taken at line 10-10 in FIG. The groove 332 is illustrated as being divided into horizontal spanning regions 371-375 visually defined in FIGS. 8 and 9 by vertical boundary lines. The horizontal areas 371-375 form a change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove 332 from near the toe end 180 to near the heel end 190 and / or from near the top rail 182 to near the sole 192. can do. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of a groove may refer to any characteristic of the groove along the length 393 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape and / or construction material of a particular section of the groove. In the example of FIGS. 8-12, the groove 320 includes a first vertical wall 350 and a second vertical wall 352 that determine the length 393 of the groove 320. Each groove 320 has a bottom surface 354 that determines the depth of the groove 320. Depending on the cross-sectional profile of the groove 320 in the regions 371-375, the depth of each groove may vary from the first wall 350 to the second wall 352. Each groove 320 also includes a first horizontal wall 356 and a second horizontal wall 358 that define a vertical boundary of the groove 320. The distance between the first horizontal wall 356 and the second horizontal wall 358 defines the width 380 of the groove 320. The width 380 may vary from the first vertical wall 350 to the second vertical wall 352, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the example of FIGS. 8-12, the first horizontal wall 256 and the second horizontal wall 258 are generally parallel to form a generally constant width 380.

Referring to FIG. 10, the bottom surface 354 of the region 371 may be generally flat and / or somewhat inclined to form a first depth 382 at the boundary between the region 371 and the region 372. . The bottom surface 354 of the region 372 transitions stepwise down from the first depth 382 to the second depth 384 at the boundary between the regions 372 and 373. The bottom surface 354 of the region 372 can be generally flat and / or somewhat inclined such that the groove 320 has an approximately constant depth 384 in the region 372. The bottom surface 354 of the region 373 transitions stepwise down from the second depth 384 to the third depth 386. The bottom surface 354 of the region 373 can be generally flat and / or somewhat inclined such that the groove 320 has an approximately constant depth 386 in the region 373. Any of the grooves 320 may be symmetrical about the vertical axis y. Accordingly, the shape of the groove 320 on each side of the y-axis may be a mirror shape of the shape of the groove 330 on the other side of the y-axis. However, any of the grooves 320 may be asymmetric. Depth 386 represents the maximum depth of groove 320.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, the overall cross-sectional profile of the groove 320 can be maintained substantially similar from the upper rail 182 to the sole 190. However, the cross-sectional profile including the length, width, and / or depth of the regions 371-375 of each groove 320 can gradually change from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192. 11 and 12, horizontal cross-sections of grooves 338 and 344 are illustrated, respectively. For example, the regions 371-375 of the grooves 338 are each smaller in length than the regions 371-375 of the grooves 332. Similarly, regions 371-375 of grooves 344 are each smaller in length than regions 371-375 of grooves 338. In other examples, regions 371-375 of the grooves 338 may each have a smaller depth than regions 371-375 of the grooves 332. Similarly, regions 371-375 of grooves 344 may each have a smaller depth than regions 371-375 of grooves 338.

A gradual increase in the length, depth and / or width of the areas 371-375 of the grooves 322-332 from the upper rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 312 and / or of the ball striking face 312. The reduction in the size of the area 371-375 of the groove 332-344 from the center to the sole 192 forms the central striking area 360 (illustrated in FIG. 8), which is the individual at the address location. In this view, the shape of the golf ball may be individually similar. The approximate visual representation of the golf ball can help the individual align the ball hitting face 312 with the ball. The region 373 forming the deepest portion of the groove 320 may be longer in the center of the ball striking face 312 and gradually reduced in length toward the upper rail 182 and the sole 192. Similarly, the transition regions 372 and 374 may have a maximum length at the center of the ball striking face 312, and the length may gradually decrease toward the upper rail 182 and the sole 192. The length of the regions 371-375 may vary depending on the location of the grooves 320 on the ball striking face 312, but the depth of similar regions for each groove 320 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of the groove 344 may be similar to the maximum depth of the groove 332. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 322-344 may vary based on the location of the groove 320 relative to the ball striking face 312. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 324-344 can be varied in any way from the upper rail 182 to the sole. Although the above examples can describe a certain number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein can include more or fewer horizontal areas.

In another example illustrated in FIG. 13, ball striking face 412 includes groove 420 (specifically illustrated as grooves 422-444). The ball striking face 412 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 or may be a separate component attached to the putter face 110. Thus, when describing the ball striking face 412, a portion of the putter 100 and the putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numbers above.

14 is a schematic view of the groove 432, and FIG. 15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove 432 taken from the 15-15 section line in FIG. The groove 432 is illustrated as being divided into horizontal spanning regions 471 and 472 visually defined in FIGS. 13 and 14 by the boundary line of the groove 432 and the vertical line of the center of the groove 432. Horizontal areas 471 and 472 form a change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of groove 432 from near toe end 180 to near heel end 190 and / or from near upper rail 182 to near sole 192. can do. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of a groove may refer to any property of the groove along the length 493 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape and / or construction material of a particular section of the groove. In the example of FIGS. 13-17, the groove 420 includes a first vertical wall 450 and a second vertical wall 452 that determine the length 493 of the groove 420. Each groove 420 has a bottom surface 454 that determines the depth of the groove 420. Depending on the cross-sectional profile of the grooves 420 in the regions 471 and 472, the depth of each groove can vary from the first wall 450 to the second wall 452. Each groove 420 also includes a first horizontal wall 456 and a second horizontal wall 458 that define a vertical boundary of the groove 420. The distance between the first horizontal wall 456 and the second horizontal wall 458 defines the width 480 of the groove 420. The width 480 may vary from the first vertical wall 450 to the second vertical wall 452, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the example of FIGS. 13-17, the first horizontal wall 456 and the second horizontal wall 458 are generally parallel to form a generally constant width 480.

15, the bottom surface 454 of the region 471 has a linear profile and can be sloped downward. The groove 450 is symmetric about the central vertical axis y. Thus, the bottom surface 454 of the region 472 has a similar linear profile and is inclined downward similarly to the bottom surface 454 of the region 471. Accordingly, the depth of the groove 420 gradually increases from the depth 482 of the first wall 452 to the depth 484 of the center of the groove 420. Depth 484 represents the deepest portion of groove 420 that may be at the center of groove 420.

15-17, the overall cross-sectional profile of the groove 420 may remain largely similar from the upper rail 182 to the sole 190. However, the cross-sectional profile, including the length and / or depth of the regions 471 and 472 of each groove 420 can gradually change from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192. For example, the regions 471 and 472 of the groove 438 are smaller in length than the regions 471 and 472 of the groove 332, respectively. Similarly, regions 471 and 472 of groove 444 are smaller in length than regions 471 and 472 of groove 438, respectively. In other examples, regions 471 and 472 of groove 438 may have a depth that is smaller than regions 471 and 472 of groove 432, respectively. Similarly, regions 471 and 472 of groove 444 may have a smaller depth than regions 471 and 472 of groove 438, respectively.

A gradual increase in the length, depth and / or width of the areas 471, 472 of the grooves 422-432 from the upper rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 412 and / or of the ball striking face 412. The reduction in the size of the regions 471, 472 of the grooves 432-444 from the center to the sole 192 forms a central striking region 460 (illustrated in FIG. 13). The regions 471 and 472 may have a maximum length at the center of the ball striking face 412, and the length may gradually decrease toward the upper rail 182 and the sole 192. The lengths of the regions 471 and 472 may vary depending on the location of the grooves 420 on the ball striking face 412, but the depth of similar regions for each groove 420 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of the groove 444 may be similar to the maximum depth of the groove 432. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 422-444 may vary based on the location of the groove 420 relative to the ball striking face 412. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 422-444 can be varied in any way from the upper rail 182 to the sole. Although the above examples can describe a certain number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein can include more or fewer horizontal areas.

In another example illustrated in FIG. 18, ball striking face 512 includes groove 520 (specifically illustrated as grooves 522-544). The ball striking face 512 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 or may be a separate part attached to the putter face 110. Thus, when describing the ball striking face 512, a portion of the putter 100 and the putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numbers above.

19 is a schematic view of the groove 532, and FIG. 20 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the groove 532 taken at 20-20 section line in FIG. The groove 532 is illustrated as being divided into horizontal spanning regions 571 and 572 visually defined in FIGS. 18 and 19 by the boundary line of the groove 532 and the vertical line of the center of the groove 532. The horizontal regions 571 and 572 form a change in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove 532 from near the toe end 180 to near the heel end 190 and / or from near the upper rail 182 to near the sole 192. can do. The horizontal cross-sectional profile of a groove may refer to any characteristic of the groove along the length 593 of the groove, such as the length, depth, width, cross-sectional shape and / or construction material of a particular section of the groove. In the example of FIGS. 18-22, the groove 520 includes a first vertical wall 550 and a second vertical wall 552 that determine the length 593 of the groove 520. Each groove 520 has a bottom surface 554 that determines the depth of the groove 520. Depending on the cross-sectional profile of the grooves 520 in the regions 571 and 572, the depth of each groove may vary from the first wall 550 to the second wall 552. Each groove 520 also includes a first horizontal wall 556 and a second horizontal wall 558 that define a vertical boundary of the groove 520. The distance between the first horizontal wall 556 and the second horizontal wall 558 defines the width 580 of the groove 520. The width 580 may vary from the first vertical wall 550 to the second vertical wall 552, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 38-45. However, in the example of FIGS. 18-22, the first horizontal wall 556 and the second horizontal wall 558 are generally parallel to form a generally constant width 580.

Referring to FIG. 20, the bottom surface 554 of the region 571 has a linear profile and may be inclined downward. The bottom surface 554 of the region 572 also has a linear profile and can be sloped downward. However, since the second wall 552 is longer than the first wall 550, the bottom surface 554 of the region 572 has a smaller slope than the bottom surface 554 of the region 571. Thus, the groove 550 in this example is asymmetrical about the vertical central axis y. Thus, the groove 520 has a first depth 582 formed by the first wall 550, a second depth 584 formed by the second wall 552 and a central depth 586, which depth It gradually reaches from depths 582 and 584 along the downwardly sloped bottom surfaces 554 of regions 571 and 572, respectively. The central depth 586 may be the depth of the deepest portion of the groove 520.

Referring to Figures 20-22, the overall cross-sectional profile of the groove 520 can be maintained substantially similar from the upper rail 182 to the sole 190. However, the cross-sectional profile including the length, width and / or depth of the regions 571 and 572 of each groove 520 can gradually change from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192. 21 and 22, horizontal cross-sections of grooves 538, 544 are illustrated, respectively. For example, the regions 571 and 572 of the groove 538 are smaller in length than the regions 571 and 572 of the groove 532, respectively. Similarly, regions 571 and 572 of groove 544 are smaller in length than regions 571 and 572 of groove 538, respectively. In other examples, regions 571 and 572 of groove 538 may have a smaller depth than regions 571 and 572 of groove 532, respectively. Similarly, regions 571 and 572 of groove 544 may have a smaller depth than regions 571 and 572 of groove 538, respectively.

A gradual increase in the length, depth and / or width of the areas 571, 572 of the grooves 522-532 from the upper rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face 512 and / or of the ball striking face 512. The reduction in the size of the regions 571 and 572 of the grooves 532-544 from the center to the sole 192 forms a central striking region 560 (illustrated in FIG. 18). The regions 571 and 572 may have a maximum length at the center of the ball striking face 512, and the length may be gradually reduced toward the upper rail 182 and the sole 192. The lengths of the regions 571 and 572 may vary depending on the location of the grooves 520 on the ball striking face 512, but the depth of similar regions for each groove 520 may be similar or different. For example, the maximum depth of the groove 544 may be similar to the maximum depth of the groove 532. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 452-544 may vary based on the location of the grooves 520 relative to the ball striking face 512. Alternatively, the depth of the grooves 522-544 can vary in any way from the upper rail 182 to the sole. Although the above examples can describe a certain number of horizontal areas, the devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein can include more or fewer horizontal areas.

The aforementioned grooves 220, 320, 420, and 520 represent four examples of the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove used in the putter 100. Another example of a horizontal cross-sectional profile is illustrated in FIGS. 29-37 where each groove can have a length 590, a first depth 591, a second depth 592, and / or a third depth 593. Grooves can be formed by any number of horizontal areas in which any one or more areas have similar or dissimilar properties. For example, grooves, which may be symmetrical or asymmetrical about the y-axis, have a bottom surface having a combined linear and nonlinear complex shape that forms similar or varying depths from toe end 180 to heel end 190. can do. Such grooves can be described as having multiple horizontal areas, where each area confirms one or more of the complex shapes mentioned. Accordingly, the number, placement, size, and other characteristics of the horizontal ranges described above are not limited to groove cross-sectional profiles according to the present disclosure.

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

The horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove can be gradually proportionally varied from the upper rail 182 to the center of the ball striking face, and gradually from the center of the ball striking face to the sole 192. The gradual fluctuations mentioned can create a larger ball striking area at the center of the ball striking face than near the upper rail 182 and sole 192. In addition, the mentioned gradual variation in the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the groove provides a groove having a groove section longer and deeper than the groove near the upper rail 182 and sole 192 around the center of the ball striking face and the center of the ball striking face. do. However, the gradual fluctuation of the grooves described above is exemplary, and other gradual fluctuation schemes may be used to impart specific ball striking characteristics to various portions of the ball striking face.

Referring to FIG. 23, a ball hitting face 612 according to another example is illustrated as having a groove 620. FIGS. 24-26 illustrate the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 viewed from the 24-24 cross-section line of FIG. 23. In Figure 24. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 is box-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or square-shaped. In FIG. 25, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 is V-shaped. In FIG. 26, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 is U-shaped. The vertical cross-sectional groove shape of FIGS. 24-26 is applicable to any groove according to the present disclosure. For example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 220 may be rectangular or square according to the groove 620 of FIG. 24. In another example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove 620 may be V-shaped according to the groove 620 of FIG. 25. In addition, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove can vary from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. For example, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the groove 220 may have a square or rectangular vertical cross-sectional shape in the regions 271 and 275, and a U-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape in the regions 271 and 274. And may have a V-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape in area 273. In addition, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove may also vary from upper rail 182 to sole 190. For example, an upper rail The grooves near 182 and sole 192 may have a square vertical cross-sectional shape, and the groove at the center of the club face may have a U-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape.

The putter's ball striking face in the above example is illustrated as having a groove from top rail 182 to sole 192. However, the ball striking face may have more or fewer grooves or a grooveless section. For example, the ball striking face may have multiple grooves in the central section of the ball striking face, and the groove near the upper rail 182 or sole 192 may be free of grooves.

The groove is not limited to extending horizontally across the ball striking face. The ball striking face may have vertical grooves of varying depth or combinations of vertical and horizontal grooves with various horizontal and / or vertical cross-sectional profiles, as described above. The orientation of the groove can be formed to provide a matrix ball striking face on the putter.

Referring to FIG. 27, the ball striking face 712 having the groove 720 may be horizontally separated into three parts, a tow portion 780, a central portion 785, and a heel portion 790. The ball striking face 712 may be similar to the ball striking faces 212 and 312 described above. Accordingly, the grooves 720 have regions 271-275 and 371-375 similar to the grooves 220 and 320, respectively, as described above. The three parts described above separate the ball striking face 712 horizontally and extend vertically from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192. The toe portion 780 is near the toe end 180, the heel portion 790 is near the heel end 190, and the central portion 785 is between the toe portion 780 and the heel portion 790. According to various examples, the depth of the groove 720 in the toe portion 780 and the heel portion 790 may not be greater than the depth of the groove 720 in the central portion 785. In one example, the shallowest depth of groove 720 that may be closest to toe end 180 or closest to heel end 190 may be approximately 0.003 inches. In or near the central portion 785, the depth of the groove 720 may increase to a depth of approximately 0.017 inches, as described above. The variable depth can include portions that are greater than at least 0.020 inches, but with a depth less than 0.022 inches. The variable width may include portions greater than 0.035 inches, but less than 0.037 inches wide.

Referring to FIG. 28, the ball striking face 712 may be vertically separated into three parts, an upper rail portion 782, an intermediate portion 786, and a sole portion 792. These parts separate the ball striking face 712 vertically and extend horizontally from the toe end 180 to the heel end 192. The upper rail portion 782 is near the top rail 182, the sole portion 792 is near the sole 192, and the middle portion 786 is between the upper rail portion 782 and the sole portion 792. The length of the deepest portion of the groove 720 can vary from the upper rail portion 782 to the middle portion 786 and from the middle portion 786 to the sole portion 792. For example, in connection with the above-described example, the length of the deepest portion of the groove may refer to the groove 720 which is approximately centered between the upper rail portion 782 and the sole portion 792. As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, the length of the groove 710 may be maximum in the middle portion 786, and gradually reduced toward the upper rail portion 782 side and toward the sole portion 792 side.

29-37 illustrate different groove horizontal cross-sectional profiles according to the present disclosure. In the above example, the width of the grooves 220, 320, 420, 520 is illustrated as having a rectangular profile. However, grooves according to the present disclosure may have different width profiles, as illustrated by the examples of FIGS. 38-45. Thus, the groove according to the present disclosure can have any horizontal cross-sectional profile, vertical cross-sectional profile, width profile and / or depth profile.

The cross-sectional profile of the groove, including changes in groove length, depth, width and / or cross-sectional shape, can affect ball speed, control and / or spin. The disclosed variable depth groove can improve ball speed consistency by about 50% over plastic putter face inserts and about 40% over grooveless aluminum putter face inserts after being hit by the putter face. When hitting the ball with a putter having a groove according to the present disclosure: (1) the ball speed can be slowed down, which can reduce the ball roll out distance; (2) heel and toe shots can slow the ball speed compared to the center blow, and also the ball rollout distance can be shortened; (3) Allows relatively low and high handicap players to hit the ball at different positions on the putter face (high handicap players make lower hits at the ball hitting face while low handicap players take higher hits at the ball hitting face) And also a relatively higher handicap player may have a wider range of hitting positions, while a relatively lower handicap player may have a closer range of hitting positions); And / or (4) a putter face with a groove in the center of the face can reduce the ball speed / rollout in the case of a center strike, which can result in a more consistent ball speed / rollout distance in the case of a center / heel / toe strike. .

Referring to Figure 46, another example of a putter face 810 having a groove of a variable cross-sectional profile is presented. The putter face 810 is illustrated as having 14 grooves, the 14 grooves being grooves 822-828 near the toe end 180, the grooves 830-840 in the center of the putter face 810, and the heel Grouped into grooves 842-848 near end 190. In this example, the more prominent groove is located at the center of the putter face 810 and the less prominent groove is around the center. A more prominent groove may refer to a groove having a greater depth and / or width than a less prominent groove. As illustrated in Figure 46. Grooves 832-838 may be more pronounced than the rest of the grooves on putter face 810. In addition, a groove may not be provided in a part of the putter face 810. These parts are referred to by reference number 850.

Referring to Figure 47, another example of a putter face 910 having a groove of a variable cross-sectional profile is presented. The putter face 910 is illustrated as having 10 grooves 922-940. The length of each groove gradually increases from the upper rail 182 to the sole 190. Each groove 922-940 or group of grooves 922-940 may have a different vertical cross-sectional shape. For example, grooves 922-930 are illustrated as having a box-shaped vertical cross-section, while grooves 932-940 are illustrated as having a V-shaped vertical cross-section.

48, a horizontal cross-section of a groove 922 according to another embodiment is illustrated. The bottom surface 954 of the groove 922 is illustrated as being gradually concave from the edges 950 and 952 of the groove to the maximum depth 951 of the groove 922. Any of the grooves according to the present disclosure may have the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as the groove 922. Any of the grooves according to the present disclosure may have the same depth 951. However, the depth 951 can be proportionally reduced as the length of the groove decreases.

In another example presented in FIG. 49, the ball striking face 1012 may include a groove 1220 (specifically illustrated as groove 1222-1256). The ball hitting face 1012 may be used for the putter 100. Accordingly, the parts of the putter 100 and putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numbers given above. The groove can have any cross-sectional shape, length and width according to the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 49, a side cross-sectional view of a ball hitting face 1012 having a groove 1220 according to another example is illustrated. The ball striking face 1012 may be divided into two parts with respect to the groove 1220. The ball striking face 1012 may include an upper rail portion 1282 and a sole portion 1286. The upper rail portion 1282 and the sole portion 1286 vertically separate the ball striking face 1012 and extend horizontally from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The upper rail portion 1282 may extend from the center of the ball striking face 1012 generally indicated by the center line 1284 to the vicinity of the upper rail 182, and may include a groove 1222. The sole portion 1286 may generally extend from near the sole portion 192 to the center portion 1284, and may include a groove 1224. The groove 1224 of the sole portion 1286 may have a deeper depth than the groove 1222 of the upper rail portion 1282 at one or more locations along each groove 1224. By having a shallow groove 1222 in the upper rail portion 1282, the speed at which the golf ball rolls forward after being hit by the putter increases, so that a more consistent and smooth ball rollout can be provided. Alternatively, the depth of the groove 1220 may be gradually reduced in one or more groove steps from the central portion 1284 to the upper rail 182 (not shown). In another example, the depth of several pairs of grooves may be gradually reduced from the central portion 1284 to the upper rail 182 (not shown). Thus, a reduction in groove depth from sole 192 to top rail 182 can occur for each groove, pair of grooves, or various groups of grooves.

Referring to FIG. 50, the groove 1224 of the sole portion 1286 may have a smaller depth than the groove 1222 of the upper rail portion 1282 at one or more locations along each groove 1224. Alternatively, the depth of the groove 1220 may be gradually increased in one or more groove steps from the central portion 1284 and / or sole 192 to the upper rail 182 (not shown). In other examples, the depth of the multiple pairs of grooves may gradually increase from the center 1284 and / or sole 192 to the upper rail 182 (not shown). Thus, an increase in groove depth from center 1284 and / or sole 192 to top rail 182 may occur for each groove, pair of grooves, or various groups of grooves.

51 and 52 show another example according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 51, the putter head 1300 includes a ball striking face 1312 having a plurality of horizontal grooves 1320 and vertical grooves 1322. Each groove 1320, 1322 has a variable cross-sectional profile, depth profile, width profile from the toe end 1380 to the heel end 1390 and / or from the upper rail 1382 to the sole 1392, as compared to other grooves. , May have different configurations, such as length profile and / or other groove characteristics. For example, the depth of the horizontal groove 1320 may gradually increase in one or more groove steps from the upper rail 1382 to the sole 1392. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring to FIG. 52, the putter head 1400 includes a ball striking face 1412 having a plurality of first diagonal grooves 1420 and a second diagonal groove 1422. The first diagonal grooves 1420 may be substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the second diagonal groove 1422 may be substantially parallel to each other. The first diagonal groove 1420 and the second diagonal groove 1422 may cross each other as illustrated in FIG. 52. For example, the first diagonal groove 1420 may intersect the second diagonal groove 1422 at an angle of 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, or 90 °. Each groove 1420, 1422 has a variable cross-sectional profile, depth profile, width profile from the tow end 1480 to the heel end 1490 and / or from the upper rail 1482 to the sole 1492, as compared to other grooves. , May have different configurations, such as length profile and / or other groove characteristics. For example, the depth of the first diagonal groove 1420 may gradually increase in one or more groove steps from the upper rail 1482 to the sole 1486. 68 and 69 illustrate a variation of the embodiment for putter head 1400. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring to FIG. 54, a ball hitting face 2212 according to another example is illustrated. The ball striking face 2212 may be vertically separated and formed of three parts, an upper rail portion 2228, an intermediate portion 2286, and a sole portion 2222. The upper rail portion 2228, the middle portion 2288, and the sole portion 2222 vertically separate the ball striking face 2212, and extend horizontally from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The upper rail portion 2228 is near the upper rail 182, the sole portion 2222 is near the sole 192, and the middle portion 2288 is between the upper rail portion 2822 and the sole portion 2222. In FIG. 54, the ball striking face 2212 may have 12 grooves 2222-2244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 2220. For example, the grooves 2222, 2224, 2226, and 2228 may be considered to be on the upper rail portion 2228; Grooves 2230, 2232, 2234, 2236 may be considered to be in the middle portion 2286; Grooves 2238, 2240, 2242, and 2244 may be considered to be in sole 2229. However, one or more of the grooves 2220 may be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions, ie, a portion of the grooves 2220 overlap with the adjacent portions. The length of the groove 2220 may be the maximum at the middle portion 2286, and may gradually decrease toward the upper rail portion 2228 and toward the sole portion 2222. Alternatively, the length of the groove 2220 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of the ball striking face 2212. The upper rail portion 2228, the middle portion 2286, and the sole portion 2222 are exemplary, and a portion on the ball striking face 2212 in which the groove 2220 that can be positioned in this portion has one or more similar configurations or characteristics. Can form Thus, the ball striking face 2212 may be formed by various vertical and / or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or characteristics. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

55 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of the ball striking face 2212 taken from the groove 2234. Each groove 2220 may include a central portion 2254 having a bottom surface 2255 capable of forming a maximum depth 2257 of the groove 2220. The central portion 2254 includes a length 2259 that can vary depending on the location of the groove 2220 on the ball striking face 2212. In the example of FIG. 54, the central portion 2254 of the groove 2220 of the middle portion 2286 has substantially the same length. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The center of the ball striking face 2212 may be determined by the y-axis 2161. The y-axis 2601 can also form the central axis of the central portion 2254 as illustrated in FIGS. 54 and 55. However, the central portion 2254 may be offset (not shown) with respect to the y-axis 2601. According to the example of FIG. 55, each bottom surface 2255 of the grooves 2230, 2232, 2234, 2236 is substantially from the y-axis 2161 toward the tow end 180 and toward the heel end 190. Same extension. As illustrated in FIG. 55, the distance between the y-axis 2161 and the toe edge portion 2264 of the central portion 2254 may be defined as a length 2262. The toe edge portion 2264 can be defined as part of the groove between the y-axis 2601 and the toe end 190, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 2257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove . The distance between the heel edge portion 2268 of the central portion 2254 and the y-axis 2621 may be defined as a length 2266. Heel edge 2268 may be defined as part of the groove between y-axis 2161 and heel end 180, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 2257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove. According to the examples of FIGS. 54 and 55, length 2262 is substantially the same as length 2266. A putter having a ball striking face 2212 as illustrated in FIG. 54 may be suitable for an individual having a straight putting stroke.

Referring to FIG. 56, a ball hitting face 3212 according to another example is illustrated. The ball striking face 3212 may be vertically separated and formed of three parts, an upper rail part 3402, an intermediate part 3288, and a sole part 3292. The upper rail portion 3402, the middle portion 3286, and the sole portion 3292 vertically separate the ball striking face 3212, and extend horizontally from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The upper rail portion 3402 is near the upper rail 182, the sole portion 3292 is near the sole 192, and the middle portion 3286 is between the upper rail portion 3402 and the sole portion 3292. In FIG. 56, the ball striking face 3212 may have 12 grooves 3222-3244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 3220. For example, the grooves 3222, 3224, 3226, 3228 can be considered to be in the upper rail portion 3402; Grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, 3236 may be considered to be in the middle portion 3286; The grooves 3238, 3240, 3242, and 3244 may be considered to be in the sole portion 3292. However, one or more of the grooves 3220 may be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions, ie, a portion of the grooves 3220 overlap with the adjacent portion. The length of the groove 3220 may be the maximum at the middle portion 3288, and may gradually decrease toward the upper rail portion 3402 and toward the sole portion 3292. Alternatively, the length of the groove 3220 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of the ball striking face 3212. The upper rail portion 3402, the middle portion 3288, and the sole portion 3292 are exemplary, and a portion on the ball striking face 3212 in which the groove 3220, which can be positioned in this portion, has one or more similar configurations or properties. Can form Thus, the ball striking face 3212 can be formed by various vertical and / or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or characteristics. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

57 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of a ball striking face 3212 taken from groove 3234. Each groove 3220 may include a central portion 3254 having a bottom surface 3255 capable of forming the maximum depth 3257 of the groove 3220. The central portion 3254 includes a length 3259 that can vary depending on the position of the groove 3220 on the ball striking face 3212. In the example of FIG. 56, the central portion 3254 of the groove 3220 of the middle portion 3288 has substantially the same length. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The center of the ball striking face 3212 can be determined by the y-axis 3421. The y-axis 3421 can also form the central axis of the central portion 3254 as illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57. However, the central portion 3254 may be offset (not shown) with respect to the y-axis 3421. According to the example of FIG. 57, each bottom surface 3255 of the grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, 3236 is the bottom surface of the groove 2234 of FIG. 54 toward the tow end 180 from the y-axis 3421 (2255). As illustrated in FIG. 57, the distance between the y-axis 3421 and the toe edge portion 3264 of the central portion 3254 may be defined as a length 3262. Tow edge portion 3264 may be defined as part of the groove between y-axis 3321 and toe end 190, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 3257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove . The distance between the heel edge portion 3268 of the central portion 3254 and the y-axis 3421 may be defined as a length 3266. Heel edge portion 3268 can be defined as part of the groove between y-axis 3321 and heel end 180, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 3257 and transitions to the opening or top of the groove . According to the example of FIG. 57, length 3262 is longer than length 2266 of FIG. 55. Length 3262 may also be longer than length 3266. Alternatively, length 3262 is substantially similar to length 3266, but may be longer than length 2266 in FIG. Accordingly, the deepest portion of some or all of the grooves 3220 of the ball striking face 3212 in FIG. 56 extends toward the toe end 190 side more than the deepest portion of the grooves 2220 of the ball striking face 2212 in FIG. . A putter having a ball striking face 3212 as illustrated in FIG. 56 may be suitable for individuals with a somewhat parabolic putting stroke.

Referring to FIG. 58, a ball hitting face 4212 according to another example is illustrated. The ball striking face 4212 may be vertically separated and formed of three parts, an upper rail portion 4202, an intermediate portion 4282 and a sole portion 4242. The upper rail portion 4202, the middle portion 4288, and the sole portion 4222 vertically separate the ball striking face 4212, and extend horizontally from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190. The upper rail portion 4202 is near the upper rail 182, the sole portion 4222 is near the sole 192, and the middle portion 4288 is between the upper rail portion 4242 and the sole portion 4242. In FIG. 58, the ball striking face 4212 may have 12 grooves 4422-4244, which may be collectively referred to as grooves 4220. For example, the grooves 4422, 4224, 4226, 4228 may be considered to be on the upper rail portion 4202; The grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, 4236 may be considered to be in the middle portion 4286; The grooves 4238, 4240, 4242, and 4244 may be considered to be in the sole portion 4292. However, one or more of the grooves 4220 can be considered to be in two adjacent portions of the three vertically separated portions, ie, a portion of the grooves 4220 overlaps the adjacent portion. The length of the groove 4220 may be maximum in the middle portion 4288, and may gradually decrease toward the upper rail portion 4242 and toward the sole portion 4242. Alternatively, the length of the groove 4220 may vary depending on the peripheral profile of the ball striking face 4212. The upper rail portion 4202, the middle portion 4288, and the sole portion 4222 are exemplary, and a portion on the ball striking face 4212 in which the groove 4220, which can be positioned in this portion, has one or more similar configurations or properties. Can form Thus, the ball striking face 4212 can be formed by various vertical and / or horizontal portions associated with one or more groove configurations or characteristics. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

59 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of a ball striking face 2212 taken from groove 4232. Each groove 2220 may include a central portion 2254 having a bottom surface 2255 capable of forming a maximum depth 2257 of the groove 2220. The central portion 2254 includes a length 2259 that can vary depending on the location of the groove 2220 on the ball striking face 2212. In the example of FIG. 58, the central portion 4204 of the groove 4220 of the middle portion 4288 has substantially the same length. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The center of the ball striking face 4212 may be determined by the y-axis 4421. The y-axis 4421 can also form the central axis of the central portion 4542 as illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 59. However, the central portion 4542 can be offset (not shown) with respect to the y-axis 4421. According to the example of FIG. 59, each bottom surface 4255 of the grooves 4230, 4232, 4234, and 4236 is a bottom surface of the groove 3234 of FIG. 56 toward the tow end 180 from the y-axis 4421 It extends to a length longer than (3255). As illustrated in FIG. 59, the distance between the y-axis 4421 and the toe edge portion 4264 of the central portion 4204 may be defined as a length 4242. Tow edge portion 4264 may be defined as part of the groove between y-axis 4421 and toe end 190, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 4257 and transitions to the opening of the groove. The distance between the heel edge portion 4268 of the central portion 4204 and the y-axis 4421 may be defined as a length 4266. Heel edge portion 4268 may be defined as part of the groove between y-axis 4421 and heel end 180, where the depth of the groove increases from depth 4257 and transitions to the opening of the groove. According to the example of FIG. 59, length 4242 is longer than length 3266 of FIG. 57, which is longer than length 2266 of FIG. Length 4242 may be longer than length 4266. Alternatively, the length 4242 is substantially similar to the length 4266, but may be longer than the length 3266 of FIG. Accordingly, the deepest portion of some or all of the grooves 4220 of the ball striking face 4212 in FIG. 58 extends toward the toe end 190 side more than the deepest portion of the grooves 3220 of the ball striking face 3212 in FIG. . A putter having a ball striking face 4212 as illustrated in FIG. 58 may be suitable for an individual with a strong parabolic putting stroke.

According to the examples of FIGS. 54-59, the grooves on the putter may be configured to optimize an individual's performance based on the individual's putting stroke. Depending on the degree of deflection (arc) in an individual's putting stroke, any groove described herein may be a tow end from the central portion of the putter's striking face, with several portions of some of the grooves generally determining the depth of the groove It can be provided on the putter to extend to a certain length to optimize the performance of the individual using the putter. Accordingly, the length of the deepest portion of the groove may be proportional to the degree of arc in the individual's putting stroke. For example, in the case of an individual having a putting stroke between a strong arc putting stroke and a slight arc putting stroke, the portion of the groove that generally forms the depth of the groove is a ball striking face (from the y-axis toward the toe end 190) It is longer than the grooves 3230, 3232, 3234, 3236 of 3212) but may be extended to a shorter length than the grooves 4230, 4232, 4034, 4036 of the ball striking face 4212. In the example of Figures 54-59, the portion of the groove in the middle of the striking face that forms the depth of the groove differs depending on the type of putting stroke of the individual. However, all grooves on the striking face, including the grooves of the upper rail portion and the sole portion, can be constructed according to the above example based on the individual's type of putting stroke. Further, the groove according to the example of FIGS. 54-59 may have any shape or configuration. For example, the ball striking face according to the example of FIGS. 54-59 may have a groove cross-sectional shape according to the groove example of FIGS. 5-7, 10-12, 15-17, and / or 31-35. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The golf club head, ball striking face and / or groove according to the example of FIGS. 54-59 can be made of any method and / or any material described herein. Each groove can have a width of about 0.032 inches (0.081 cm), and can have a depth of about 0.003 inches (0.008 cm) to about 0.017 inches (0.043 cm). As described in detail herein, any ball striking face 2212, 3212, or 4212 may be in the form of an insert for a golf club head or a correspondingly shaped recess in the golf club head. The insert can be coplanar with the rest of the face of the golf club head that can form a reference plane. Thus, the groove of the ball striking face is either out of the golf club head or below the reference plane. Alternatively, all or part of the insert may protrude from the reference surface such that all or part of the groove is positioned above the reference surface. By having a replaceable ball striking face for one or more golf clubs, such as a putter, the ball striking face of the golf club head can be exchanged for another ball striking face to improve personal performance based on the putting style. For example, an individual whose putting style has been changed over a period of time may exchange the putter's ball hitting face with another ball hitting face in accordance with the present disclosure to allow the putter to better adapt to the individual's current putting style. Instead of having interchangeable ball striking faces, any of the grooves described herein, including the exemplary grooves of FIGS. 54-59, can be made on the golf club head. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In another example illustrated in FIG. 60, the ball striking face 5212 may include a groove 5220 (specifically illustrated as groove 5222-5244). The ball striking face 5212 may be an integral part of the putter face 110 or a separate part attached to the putter face 110. Therefore, when describing the ball striking face 5212, parts of the putter 100 and the putter head 102 are referred to by the same reference numerals described above. Similar to the other examples described herein, the depth, length, and / or width of each groove 5220 may vary from the tow end 180 to the heel end 190 and / or from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192 ) To increase, decrease and / or fluctuate. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

FIG. 61 illustrates a schematic top view of groove 5222, and FIG. 62 illustrates a horizontal cross section of groove 5222 to illustrate the configuration of groove 5220 as described below. Each groove 5220 includes a first horizontal wall 5256 and a second horizontal wall 5258 that define a vertical boundary of the groove. Each groove 5220 may also include a first end wall 5250 and a second end wall 5252. Each groove 5220 has a bottom surface 5224 that defines the depth 5255 of the groove 5220. The depth 5255 of the groove 5220 may vary from the first wall 5250 to the second wall 5252. The groove 5220 cannot have any end walls because the depth of each groove 5220 can gradually decrease until the bottom surface 5254 meets the ball striking face 5212. The distance between the first horizontal wall 5256 and the second horizontal wall 5258 at any location along the groove forms the width 5280 of the groove 5220 at that location. The distance between the first end wall 5250 and the second end wall 5252 defines the length 5223 of the groove 5220.

The change in depth 5255 of each groove 5220 relative to the change in width 5280 of each groove 5220 may depend on the cutting tool used to manufacture the groove 5220. According to an example, the fluctuation in the width of the groove may be similar to the change in the depth of the groove along the length of the groove. For example, whenever the groove depth increases by 1 mm, the width of the groove also increases by 1 mm. According to another example, the depth of the groove may vary by a multiple of the change in width of the groove along the length of the groove. For example, whenever the groove depth increases by 1 mm, the groove width increases by 0.5 mm. Thus, a change in the depth of each groove can be linearly related to a change in the width of each groove along the length of each groove.

63 illustrates a typical cutting bit 5300 with a cutting blade 5301 for cutting a groove in the material. The machine rotates the cutting bit 5300 so that the cutting blade 5301 can cut a hole in the material, and the machine moves the material being cut or moves the cutting bit 5300 to form a groove along the movement path. . The cutting bit 5300 has an angle 5302 that forms the angle 5204 of the groove cut by the cutting blade 5301 as illustrated in FIGS. 64 and 65. The exemplary cutting bit of FIG. 63 has an angle 5302 of about 90 °, which can cut the groove to an angle 5304 of about 90 ° as shown in FIG. 63. 64 illustrates a groove having a groove angle 5304 of about 60 °. The cutting bit (not shown) for cutting the groove in FIG. 64 has a cutting bit at an angle of about 60 °.

The depth of each groove is represented by y, the width of each groove is represented by x, the angle of the cutting blade is represented by a, and the relationship between the depth of each groove and the width of each groove along the length of each groove can be expressed as follows. Can:

The change in the width of each groove with respect to the depth of each groove along the length of the groove can be expressed as follows:

According to Equation 2, when the cutting blade 5301 has an angle of 90 °, the width of the groove changes with respect to the depth of the groove by twice as long along the length of the groove. For example, whenever the groove depth increases by 1 mm, the groove width increases by 2 mm. When the cutting blade is 60 °, the width of the groove is changed by about 1.15 times with respect to the depth of the groove. For example, when the groove depth increases by 1 mm, the groove width increases by 1.15 mm. When the cutting blade has an angle of 30 °, the width of the groove varies by about 0.54 times with respect to the depth of the groove. For example, whenever the groove depth increases by 1 mm, the width of the groove increases by about 0.54 mm. Thus, cutting each groove with a cutting tool provides grooves with widths and depths that vary linearly with respect to each other along the length of the groove.

According to Equation 2, the width profile of the groove as illustrated in FIG. 61 may be similar in shape to the depth profile of the groove according to FIG. 62. That is, as the groove deepens from one end wall 5250 or 5252 to the center of the groove, the width of the groove increases by a factor related to the angle of the groove or cutting tool. Thus, the width of the groove varies linearly with the change in the depth of the groove along the length of the groove, and the width and depth profile of the groove may be similar.

According to Equation 2, the change in the depth of the groove with respect to the change in the width of the groove is linear. However, the change in the depth of the groove relative to the change in the width of the groove may be constant or nonlinear. One or more cutting tools can be used to fabricate the groove so that the depth of the groove changes in a non-linear relationship to changes in the width of the groove. For example, a change in groove depth relative to a change in groove width can be defined by the following equation:

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

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

According to another example presented in FIGS. 65 and 66, the depth 5355 of the groove 5320 may be constant along a portion of the groove, such as the central portion 5356 of the groove. Accordingly, the width of the groove 5380 is also constant as described above along the center portion of the groove 5356. To form the groove 5320 of FIGS. 66 and 67, a cutting tool, such as the cutting tool 5300, is used at a constant depth 5355 at the central portion 5355 of the groove, so the central portion 5356 of the groove 5320 A constant width 5380 is generated.

Groove areas with deeper and wider grooves near the putter's center of gravity can provide a higher expected ball speed, while shallower, narrower groove areas near the toe and heel can provide a lower expected ball speed. . In addition, the larger groove width and depth of the center of the putter can reduce the mass at the point of contact with the golf ball, thereby normalizing the ball speed across the putter face by equalizing the point mass at each possible point of contact. By doing this, the ball speed will be substantially the same as hitting the center of the putter face, even when hitting off the center of a toe, heel, high or low.

The cutting tool in Fig. 63 is an example of a cutting tool. Other cutting tools that can have different shapes can be used, and therefore grooves of different shapes can be formed. The cutting tool of Figure 63 is V-shaped, which forms a V-shaped groove. However, a U-shaped cutting tool (not shown) can form a U-shaped groove. According to one embodiment, a cutting tool with a flat tip or tip for forming a flat bottom groove may be used. For example, the cutting tool can be a V-shaped cutting tool having a flat tip instead of a pointed tip. Thus, a V-shaped groove having a flat bottom can be formed. Accordingly, the bottom of the groove may be a point (ie, almost no width) that is substantially as wide as the width of the groove (ie, rectangular or square cross-sectional groove shape). According to one example, the bottom of the groove may be flat and have a width of about 0.003 inches (0.0076 cm). A groove with a flat bottom may improve putting performance. The groove may be formed using one cutting tool or a plurality of cutting tools as described above. For example, a plurality of cutting tools may be used to form a single groove that provides different groove cross-sectional shapes and / or dimensions from one end of the groove to the other end of the groove.

68-71, the putter head 1800 includes a ball striking face 1812 having a plurality of first curved grooves 1820 and a second curved groove 1822. The first curvature direction 1814 of the first groove 1820 may be generally opposite to the second curvature direction 1816 of the second groove 1822. The first direction of curvature 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second direction of curvature 1816 of the second groove 1822 are the same from the toe end 1880 to the heel end 1890 (illustrated in FIG. 71) ) The first curvature direction 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second curvature direction 1816 of the second groove 1822 may vary from the toe end 1880 to the heel end 1890 (FIG. 70) For example). In another example, the first curvature direction 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second curvature direction 1816 of the second groove 1822 are the same from the sole 1892 to the upper rail 1902 (FIG. 84) The first curvature direction 1814 of the first groove 1820 and the second curvature direction 1816 of the second groove 1822 may vary from the sole 1892 to the upper rail 1902. Each groove 1820, 1822 is similar to the groove of the putter head (e.g., 1300, 1400) described above, from the toe end 1880 to the heel end 1890 and / or the sole from the upper rail 1888. Up to 1892) it may have different configurations, such as variable cross-sectional profile, depth profile, width profile, length profile and / or other groove characteristics compared to other grooves. For example, the depth of the first curved groove 1820 can be gradually increased in one or more groove steps from the upper rail 1882 to the sole 1892. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

72-75 present another example of a putter 100 having a ball striking face 1500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. When describing the new embodiment, some parts of the putter 100 are referred to by the same reference numbers as described above. The ball striking face 1500 includes a pattern 1510 forming a plurality of lands 1515 and a plurality of elliptical grooves 1520. Lands 1515 and elliptical grooves 1520 start at the geometric center 1511 of the innermost land 1516 or the innermost elliptical groove 1521. Lands 1515 and elliptical grooves 1520 are alternately arranged and extend away from the geometric center 1511. The geometric center 1511 is positioned relative to the ball striking face 1500 aligned with respect to the toe end 180, the upper rail 182, and the heel end 190. The geometric center 1511 may or may not be the actual geometric center of the putter head 102.

Referring to FIG. 72, the ball hitting face 1500 includes a pattern 1510 forming a plurality of lands 1515 and a plurality of elliptical grooves 1520. As illustrated in the figure, the ball striking face 1500 includes seven lands 1515 and seven elliptical grooves 1520. However, in other embodiments, the ball striking face 1500 may include more or fewer lands 1515 and elliptical grooves 1520 than the seven shown. For example, the ball striking face 1500 has 1 oval groove, 1 land 1515, 2 oval grooves, 2 lands 1515, 3 oval grooves, 3 lands 1515, 4 ovals Groove, 4 lands 1515, 5 oval grooves, 5 lands 1515, 6 oval grooves, 6 lands 1515, 7 oval grooves, 7 lands 1515, 8 oval grooves, 8 lands (1515), 9 oval grooves, 9 lands (1515), 10 oval grooves, 10 lands (1515), 11 oval grooves, 11 lands (1515), 12 oval grooves or 12 Lands 1515 or more.

As illustrated in FIG. 72, the pattern 1510 forms a long axis 1560 and a short axis 1564. The long axis 1560 is where the elliptical groove 1520 is measured at its maximum diameter; The minor axis 1564 is where the elliptical groove 1520 is measured at the minimum diameter. The long axis passes through the geometric center 1511 and extends from the tow end 180 to the heel end 190. The minor axis 1564 passes through the geometric center 1511 and extends from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192. In other embodiments, the major axis 1560 can pass through the geometric center 1511 and extend along the upper rail 182 and sole 192; The minor axis 1562 can pass through the geometric center 1511 and extend through the tow end 180 to the heel end 190.

As illustrated in Figures 73-75. Each elliptical groove 1520 has a bottom surface 1554 that defines the depth of the elliptical groove 1520 relative to the surface of the ball striking face 1500. The depth of the oval groove 1520 may range from 0.001 inches to 0.020 (eg, 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, 0.010, 0.012, 0.014, 0.016, 0.018 or 0.020 inches). The depth of the elliptical groove 1520 varies across the ball striking face 1500. The depth of the elliptical groove 1520 gradually increases as the elliptical groove 1520 moves from the upper rail 182 to the geometric center 1511, and gradually increases as the elliptical groove moves from the geometric center 1511 to the sole 192. Decreases. Similarly, the depth of the elliptical groove 1520 gradually increases as the elliptical groove 1520 moves from the tow end 180 to the geometric center 1511 and the elliptical groove 1520 heels from the geometric center 1511 ( 190). The elliptical groove at the geometric center 1511 has the maximum depth, while the elliptical groove near the toe end 180, heel end 190, top rail 182, and sole 192 has the minimum depth. The elliptical groove 1520 may also be symmetric about the horizontal axis x perpendicular to the vertical axis y on the ball striking face 1500. The depth of the oval groove 1520 may be similar at the upper rail 182 and sole 192. Similarly, the depth of the elliptical groove 1520 may be similar at the toe end 180 and heel end 190.

In one embodiment, the depth of the elliptical groove 1520 may have a uniform depth for each individual elliptical groove 1520, but from one elliptical groove 1520 to the next outermost elliptical groove 1520. Can change. In other embodiments, the depth of the elliptical groove 1520 may vary within each individual elliptical groove 1520. Within one elliptical groove 1520, when the groove moves toward the toe end 180 and heel end 190, the depth may gradually decrease. In the example where the major axis 1560 extends along the upper rail 182 and sole 192 and the minor axis extends along the toe end 180 and heel end 190, the depths of the crown and face and sole 192 When moving from the interface to the upper rail 182, it may gradually decrease. As the groove moves away from the geometric center 1511, the next outermost elliptical groove 1520 follows the same variable depth pattern but may be shallower overall. 74 and 75, the elliptical grooves 1521, 1522 may have a greater variable depth than the elliptical grooves 1526, 1527, and the elliptical groove 1521 has a maximum depth and the elliptical groove 1527 It can have the shallowest depth.

Each elliptical groove 1520 has an inner circumference 1530 and an outer circumference 1540. The inner perimeter 1530 is the perimeter closest to the geometric center 1511 of the oval groove 1520; The outer perimeter 1540 is the perimeter furthest from the geometric center 1511 of the elliptical groove 1520. The inner circumference 1530 to the outer circumference 1540 of the oval groove 1520 form a width 1580. The width 1580 of the oval groove 1520 may range from approximately 0.001 inches to approximately 0.035 inches (eg, 0.001, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030 or 0.035). The width 1580 may be constant within the oval groove 1520. Width 1580 may also vary within elliptical groove 1520. In addition, the width 1580 can be maintained constant at all oval grooves 1520 on the ball striking face 1500. The width can also vary from elliptical groove 1520 on ball striking face 1500 to elliptical groove 1520. In one embodiment, the width 1580 may increase from the innermost elliptical groove 1520 to the outermost elliptical groove 1520. For example, the oval groove 1 can have a width of 0.015 inches, while the oval groove 7 can have a width of 0.035 inches. In other embodiments, the width 1580 may also decrease from the innermost elliptical groove 1520 to the outermost elliptical groove 1520. Other embodiments may include any combination of constant width and variable width within each elliptical groove 1520 and from elliptical groove 1520 to successive elliptical groove 1520.

The outer circumference 1540 of one elliptical groove relative to the inner circumference 1530 of the adjacent elliptical groove 1520 forms a land 1515. Land 1515 is the material between each oval groove 1520 on ball striking face 1500 and forms a thickness. As illustrated in Figure 72. The geometric center 1511 is formed in the land 1515. The lands of the geometric center 1511 are sturdy cylindrical structures that are cylindrical in shape and have larger inner and outer diameters as each land 1515 moves further away from the geometric center 1511.

In one embodiment, the thickness of each land 1515 may be constant across pattern 1510. In other embodiments, the thickness of each land 1515 can also vary across pattern 1510. Further, the thickness of the land 1515 may be constant between each elliptical groove 1520, or may vary between each elliptical groove 1520. The thickness of the lands 1515 may range from approximately 0.001 inches to approximately 0.050 inches. In one example, land 1515 may increase in increments moving from geometric center 1511 to outermost elliptical groove 1527. In another example, the land 1515 may also decrease in increments moving from the geometric center 1511 to the outermost elliptical groove 1527. The increment in increments can be 0.001, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030 or 0.035 inches. Other embodiments may include a combination of constant land regions and variable land regions between each elliptical groove 1520 and from the elliptical groove 1520 to an adjacent elliptical groove 1520.

As described above, FIGS. 24-26 illustrate the geometric cross-sectional shape of the elliptical groove 1520 seen from the 30-30 cross-section line of FIG. 72. In Figure 24. The geometric cross-sectional shape of the oval groove 1520 is box-shaped, rectangular or square. In FIG. 25, the geometric cross-sectional shape of the elliptical groove 1520 is V-shaped. In FIG. 26, the geometric cross-sectional shape of the oval groove 1520 is U-shaped. The geometric cross-sectional shape can be kept constant within the oval groove 1520. The geometric cross-sectional shape can also vary within elliptical groove 1520. For example, the elliptical groove 1520 is a square geometric cross-sectional shape clockwise from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192 and a U-shaped geometric cross-section clockwise from the sole 192 to the upper rail 182. Can have Also, the geometric cross-sectional shape of the elliptical groove 1520 may vary from one elliptical groove 1520 to the other elliptical groove 1520. For example, one elliptical groove 1520 may have a U-shaped geometric cross-section, while a continuous elliptical groove 1520 may have a V-shaped geometric cross-section. Other embodiments may include any combination of three geometric cross-sectional shapes within each elliptical groove 1520 and from the elliptical groove 1520 to the elliptical groove 1520.

The variable depth pattern formed by the elliptical groove 1520 has a damping effect on the kinetic energy transmitted to the ball. The deeper, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. In contrast, the shallower the depth, the less kinetic energy is absorbed. Since the depth of the elliptical groove 1520 is the deepest near the geometric center 1511, the damping is greatest at this location. As the elliptical groove 1520 moves away from the geometric center 1511, the depth becomes shallower, so the attenuation decreases. This variable depth pattern of the oval groove 1520 allows consistent ball speed across the ball striking face 1500. For example, when the ball hitting face 1500 impacts the ball at the toe end 180, the geometric center 1511 and the heel end 190, the ball will experience a similar speed.

76-80 present another example of a putter 100 having a ball striking face 1612 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. When describing the new embodiment, some parts of the putter 100 are referred to by the same reference numbers as described above. The ball striking face 1612 includes a plurality of protrusions 1640 extending from the bottom surface 1616. The bottom surface 1616 has an outline as illustrated in FIGS. 78-80. The bottom surface 1616 includes a depression or recess in the intermediate region 1618 of the striking face 1612. As illustrated in FIG. 77, the intermediate region 1618 may be elliptical. In other embodiments, intermediate region 1618 may be formed in a circular, elliptical, or other suitable shape.

The protrusion 1640 is frustoconical, and the height and width are variable. The protrusion 1640 further includes a base portion 1620 and an upper surface 1624. The base portion 1620 is connected to the bottom surface 1616, and the top surface 1624 forms a plane of the striking face 1612. The protrusion 1640 extends outwardly from the geometric center of the striking face 1612. The geometric center 1611 is positioned relative to the ball striking face 1612, which is aligned with the tow end 180, the upper rail 182, the heel end 190 and the sole 192. The geometric center 1611 may or may not be the actual geometric center of the putter head 102.

As illustrated in FIG. 76, ball striking face 1612 forms the x-axis 1628 and y-axis 1632. The x-axis 1628 extends through the geometric center 1611 from the tow end 180 to the heel end 190. The y-axis 1632 passes through the geometric center 1611 and extends from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192. The characteristics of the protrusion 1640 may be the same across the x-axis 1628, y-axis 1632, or both the x-axis 1628 and y-axis 1632.

79 and 80, the protrusion 1640 is variable in height and width. At the geometric center, the protrusion 1640 has a greater height than the protrusion away from the geometric center 1611. That is, the height of the protrusion 1640 gradually changes when moving outward from the geometric center toward the toe end 180, the upper rail 182, the heel end 190, and the sole 192.

The height 1644 of the protrusion 1640 is measured from the bottom surface 1616 to the top surface 1624. The height 1644 of each protrusion 1640 is along the bottom surface 1616. As the contour of the bottom surface 1616 changes, the height 1644 of the protrusion 1640 may also change. For example, in the depression or concave portion of the bottom surface 1616, the height 1614 of the protrusion is maximum. In many embodiments, height 1644 is maximum at geometric center 1611 and decreases as projection 1640 moves away from geometric center 1611. The height 1644 of the protrusion 1640 at the toe end 180 may be the same or similar to the height 1644 of the protrusion at the heel end 190. The height 1614 of the protrusions in the upper rail 182 may be the same or similar to the height 1644 of the protrusions in the sole 192. The height 1644 of the protrusions at the toe end 180, heel end 190, top rail 182 and sole 192 may be the same or similar. In addition, the height 1644 of the protrusion 1640 may range from approximately 0.001 inches to 0.020 inches (eg, 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, 0.010, 0.012, 0.014, 0.016, 0.018 or 0.020 inches).

Also, the protrusion 1640 has a larger gap or distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions at the geometric center. The distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions 1640 gradually decreases as it moves further away from the geometric center 1611. In other words, the distance between the protrusions gradually changes as it moves outward from the geometric center toward the toe end 180, the upper rail 182, the heel end 190, and the sole 192. The distance 1636 is illustrated as the space between each top surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640. The distance 1636 between the protrusions 1640 is defined by a frustoconical surface where the base portion 1620 tapers to the top surface 1624. The larger the tapering of the protrusion 1640, the longer the distance 1636 between adjacent protrusions 1640. Similarly, the less tapering of the protrusions 1640, the shorter the distance between adjacent protrusions 1640.

79 and 80, each protrusion 1640 includes a diameter 1648 that varies along its height due to the truncated cone shape of the protrusion. The diameter 1648 at the base portion 1620 of each protrusion is maximum and becomes smaller toward the top surface 1624 side. The diameter of each protrusion 1640 correlates to the height 1644 of each protrusion. The higher the height 1644, the larger the tapering of the protrusion 1640, and thus the smaller the diameter 1648 at the top surface 1624. In many embodiments, the diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 is minimal at the geometric center 1611. The diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 may gradually increase as the protrusion 1640 moves further away from the geometric center 1611. The diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 at the toe end 180 may be the same or similar to the diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 at the heel end 190. You can. The diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 at the upper rail 182 may be the same or similar to the diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 at the sole 192. have. The diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 of the toe end 180, heel end 190, top rail 182, and protrusions at sole 192 may be the same or similar. The diameter 1648 of the top surface 1624 may range from approximately 0.001 inches to 0.035 inches (eg, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030 or 0.035 inches).

In other configurations, the protrusion 1640 can include other shapes and cross sections 1652. Section 1652 can be of any suitable shape (eg, circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.).

The distance 1636, height 1644, and diameter 1648 of the upper surface 1624 of the protrusion 1640 has a damping effect on kinetic energy transmitted to the golf ball. The longer the distance 1636 and the higher the height 1644, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. Likewise, the shorter the distance 1636 and the lower the height 1644, the less kinetic energy is absorbed. Alternatively, the larger the diameter, the less kinetic energy is absorbed; The smaller the diameter, the more kinetic energy is absorbed. Attenuation is greatest at this location because distance 1636 and height 1644 are maximum and diameter 1648 is minimal near geometric center 1611. Attenuation decreases as distance 1636 and height 1644 decreases and as diameter increases away from geometric center 1611. The variable nature of the protrusion 1640 allows for a more constant ball speed across the ball striking face 1612. For example, when the ball striking face 1612 impacts the ball at the toe end 180, geometric center 1611 and heel end 190, the ball will experience a similar speed.

Face insert

In many embodiments, the putter golf club head may include a face insert. Various face insert embodiments may have grooves as described above (ie, variable width, variable depth or variable width and depth). When describing the following embodiments, some parts of the putter 100 are referred to by the same reference numbers as described above. The putter golf club head includes a front end 196, a rear end 194 opposite the front end 196, a toe end 180, a heel end 190 opposite the toe end 180, an upper rail 182, and an upper It includes a sole 192 opposite the rail 182, a leading edge positioned between the front end 196 and the sole 192. The outer surface of the putter golf club head can form a recess. More specifically, in some embodiments, the top wall, toe wall, and heel wall and back wall of the putter-type golf club head may form recesses. In some embodiments, the top wall of the putter golf club head, toe wall, heel wall opposite the tow wall, rear wall, and bottom wall opposite the top wall may form a recess. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head may be configured to strike a golf ball. The recess of the putter golf club head may extend rearward from the front end 196 to the rear end 194 side.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In many embodiments, the face insert can include a polymeric material. Polymeric materials can include polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinylchloride, or any other polymeric material. In many embodiments, the face insert can include PEBAX. More specifically, PEBAX is a polyether block amide, a thermoplastic elastomer made of flexible polyether and rigid polyamide. Rigid polyamides can include nylon. PEBAX can include different compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, polyether content and / or polyamide content. In many embodiments, PEBAX may include PEBAX 4033 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) or PEBAX 6333 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX 4033 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) contains 53% by weight of terramethylene oxide and nylon 12. PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) contains nylon 11.

PEBAX may include a polyether in a volume content. In some embodiments, PEBAX is 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 30% to 50%, 30% to 60 on a volume basis. %, 40% to 50%, 40% to 60%, 50% to 60%, or 60% to 70% of polyether. For example, PEBAX is 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% by volume. Or 70% polyether. In some embodiments, PEBAX is 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 40% to 50%, 40% to 60 on a volume basis. %, 50% to 60%, or 60% to 70% of polyamide. For example, PEBAX is 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% by volume. Or 70% polyamide. The hardness of PEBAX decreases as the polyether content increases. The hardness of PEBAX increases as the polyamide content increases. For example, PEBAX 4033 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) may include 40% to 60% polyether by volume and 15% to 30% polyamide by volume. For example, PEBAX 6333 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) may include 15% to 30% polyether by volume and 40% to 60% polyamide by volume.

In many embodiments, PEBAX may have a hardness ranging from Shore D 25 to Shore D 75. In some embodiments, the hardness of PEBAX is Shore D 25 to Shore D 35, Shore D 35 to Shore D 45, Shore D 36 to Shore D 44, Shore D 38 to Shore D 42, Shore D 45 to Shore D 55, Shore D 55 to Shore D 65, Shore D 56 to Shore D 64, Shore D 60 to Shore D 65, or Shore D 65 to Shore D 75. For example, the hardness of PEBAX can be Shore D 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 or 70.

In some embodiments, PEBAX 4033 (product of Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness lower than that of PEBAX 6333 (product of Arkema, Paris, France). In many embodiments, PEBAX 4033 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) Shore D may have a hardness range of 35 to 55. In some embodiments, PEBAX 4033 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness range of Shore D 38-42 or Shore D 39-41. For example, PEBAX 4033 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) may have a Shore D hardness of 40. In many embodiments, PEBAX 6333 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness range of Shore D 50-75. In some embodiments, PEBAX 6333 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness range of Shore D 55-70 or Shore D 60-65. For example, PEBAX 6333 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness of Shore D 63.

In some embodiments, the face inserts are steel, steel alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, chromium, chrome alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, other metals , Other metal alloys, composite polymer materials, or any combination thereof.

Face inserts can be formed by a number of different processes. Different molding processes include injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, co-molding, laser molding, film insert molding, gas assisted molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3D printing, forging, stamping , Electroforming, machining, molding or any combination thereof. In addition, the face insert can have any combination of the thickness and forming process described above.

Single part face insert

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

85-88 illustrate another embodiment 1700 of a putter. The putter 1700 includes a putter head 1702. Accordingly, when describing the putter head 1702, a part of the putter head 1702 may be referred to by the same reference numerals described above. The putter head 1702 includes a putter face 1710, and the putter face 1710 includes a recess 1712. In another example, the putter head may further include a slot (not shown) located on the upper rail 182 or sole 192, where the slot extends integrally into the recess 1712.

As illustrated in FIG. 86, recess 1712 includes a flat surface 1716 and a perimeter 1718. In some examples, flat surface 1716 of recess 1712 may include bore 1722. Bore 1722 may include a diameter and additionally include threads. In another example, the perimeter 1718 of the recess 1712 can include a lip (not shown), and the lip can extend along the entire perimeter 1718. In another example, the lip can extend along a portion of the perimeter 1718. For example, the lip can extend along the upper rail 182 and sole 192. In addition, the recess 1712 can accommodate the face insert 1726.

87A and 87B, face insert 1726 includes a ball striking face 1728 and a rear face 1730 facing ball striking face 1728. As illustrated in FIG. 85, the ball striking face 1728 is a toe portion 1770 close to the toe end 180, a heel portion 1774 close to the heel end 190 and a toe portion 1770 and a heel portion 1774 It is horizontally separated into three parts, a central portion 1772 located between them. As illustrated in Figure 87a. The ball striking face plate has three parts, an upper rail portion 1776 close to the upper rail 182, a brush portion 1780 close to the sole 192, and an intermediate portion positioned between the upper rail portion 1776 and the sole portion 1780. It is further vertically separated. The ball hitting face 1728 of the face insert 1726 may include a groove. The groove may include features similar to the example of the groove of the putter 100. More specifically, the groove may be similar to the grooves of all ball hitting faces 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1412, 1500, 1612, 1812, 2212, 3212, 4212, 5212. . The groove has a depth, and the depth of the groove changes from the toe portion 1770 to the heel portion 1774 side and from the upper rail portion 1776 to the sole portion 1780 side. The depth of the groove increases from the toe portion 1770 and the heel portion 1774 toward the center portion 1772. Similarly, the depth of the groove 1720 increases from the upper rail portion 1776 and the sole portion 1780 toward the middle portion 1778. The deepest portion of the groove 1720 is at the central portion 1772 and the middle portion 1778 of the groove 1720. The variable depth of the groove 1720 of the exemplary embodiment increases tolerance by allowing a more normalized strike across the ball striking face 1728.

The rear face 1730 of the face insert 1726 may include a cylindrical protrusion 1732. The cylindrical protrusion 1732 has the same diameter as the bore 1722 of the recess 1712. Further, the cylindrical protrusion 1732 is complementary to the bore 1722. When face insert 1726 is coupled to recess 1712, cylindrical protrusion 1732 can be concentrically aligned with bore 1722. Further, the face insert 1726 is complementary to the recess 1712, where the ball striking face 1728 of the face insert 1726 is flush with the putter face 1710 when engaged in the recess 1712. .

Face insert 1726 further includes width 1734 and length 1736. As illustrated in FIG. 87A, the width 1734 of the face insert 1726 is the distance measured from the first side 1717 of the face insert 1726 to the second side 1738 of the face insert 1726. The width 1734 of the face insert 1726 can range from 1.65 inches to 2.10 inches. For example, the width 1734 of the face insert 1726 can be 1.68 inches, 1.72 inches, 1.76 inches, 1.80 inches, 1.84 inches, 1.88 inches, 1.92 inches, 1.96 inches or 2.00 inches. In one example, the width 1734 of the face insert 1726 may be approximately 1.68 inches in diameter of the ball. In the example where face insert 1726 includes a width of 1,68 inches 1734, the width can act as a visual aid for aligning the ball.

As illustrated in FIG. 87B, the length 1736 of the face insert 1726 is the distance measured from the top end 1740 of the face insert 1726 to the bottom end 1742 of the face insert 1726. As illustrated in FIG. 85, the length 1736 of the face insert 1726 can span the entire distance from the sole 192 of the putter head 1702 to the upper rail 182, and the upper end 1740 is A portion of the upper rail 182 may be formed and a lower portion 1742 may form a portion of the sole 192. In some examples, the length 1736 of the face insert 1726 can extend from the upper rail 182 to near the sole 192, and the upper end 1740 is a portion of the upper rail 182 as illustrated in FIG. 88. Can form. In another example, the length 1736 of the face insert 1726 can extend from the sole 192 to near the rail 182, and the lower end 1742 can form part of the sole 192. The length 1736 of the face insert 1726 may cause the ball to consistently strike the face insert 1726 instead of the putter face 1710 or perimeter 1744 of the ball striking face 1728 during impact. The ball hitting the face insert 1726 consistently during the impact allows a consistent feel.

In another example, face insert 1726 may further include an edge indent. The edge indentation may extend along the entire perimeter 1744 of the ball striking face 1728. In another example, the edge indentation can extend along a portion of the perimeter 1744 of the ball striking face 1728. For example, the edge indentation may extend along the first side 1717 and the second side 1738. In another example, the edge indentation can extend along the first side 1717, the bottom 1742 and the second side 1738. Also, the edge indentation is complementary to the lip of the recess 1712.

In one example, the face insert 1726 can be joined to the recess 1712 of the putter face 1710 by any adhesive, such as epoxy, glue, tape, or any other fixative compound. The face insert 1726 may be further coupled to the recess 1712 by compression fitting of a cylindrical protrusion 1732 located within the bore 1722.

In another example, face insert 1726 can be coupled to recess 1712 by inserting face insert 1726 through a slot. A seat (not shown) can then be inserted into a slot located between face insert 1726 and recess 1712, where sole 192 / top rail 182 is face insert 1726 and recess It is flush with the sheet disposed in (1712). The seat compresses the edge indentation of the face insert 1726 against the lip of the recess 1712 to secure the face insert 1726 within the recess 1712. The sheet can include a curved opening (not shown) located on the exposed surface of the sheet when joined within the sheet. The curved opening can accommodate an extraction tool to remove the sheet from the slot. When the seat is removed, the face insert 1726 loosens within the recess 1712 and can then be removed to be exchanged for a face insert 1726 of a different material. Face inserts 1726 of different materials allow different feelings and sounds during impact.

Face inserts can be made of steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, or any other material. Sheets can also be made of steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, or any other material. Further, the sheet can be a cushioning material. In addition, the seat may be made of the same material as the face insert in some examples or may be made of a separate material in other examples.

In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 89 and 90, the putter golf club head 6000 has a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, and an upper rail 182, sole 192 and tip 6015. The outer surface of the putter golf club head 6000 forms a recess 6022. More specifically, the upper wall 6023, the toe wall 6024, the heel wall 6025 and the back wall 6026 of the putter golf club head 6000 facing the toe wall 6024 are both recessed 6022. To form. The recess 6022 of the putter golf club head 6000 may extend rearward from the front end 196 to the rear end 194 side.

The putter golf club head 6000 may include a face insert 6010. In this embodiment, the face insert 6010 of the putter golf club head 6000 may include a ball striking face plate 6012. The ball striking face plate 6012 may include a front striking surface 6011 and a rear striking surface 6013 opposite the front striking surface 6011. The front striking surface 6011 of the ball striking face plate 6012 may include a groove 6020 similar to the above-described groove. The rear face 6013 of the ball striking face plate 6012 abuts against the rear wall 6026 of the recess 6022. In many embodiments, face insert 6010 may be coupled to recess 6022 by adhesive 6016. Adhesive 6016 may be provided between face insert 5010 and recess 6022. The adhesive 6016 may be similar to the adhesive described above. In many embodiments, face insert 6010 may form part of front end 196 and sole 192.

In many embodiments, the face insert 6010 may provide the advantage of a softer, more unique sound / feel during the impact of the golf ball on a putter face without a face insert. The softer, unique sound / feel during the impact of the golf ball corresponds to the hardness and material of the face insert 6010. The material and hardness of the face insert 6010 may be similar to the material and hardness described above. The soft feel and sound can delight the player and prevent the interference factors that other golf club heads can cause with a larger impact sound. This soft, unique sound / feel during the impact of the golf ball helps the player concentrate and improves the player's score.

Multi-part face insert

In some embodiments, the face insert can include a two-part system. In these embodiments, the two-part system of the face insert may include a ball striking face plate and face insert base, polymeric material and frame, or multiple openings. The face insert comprising a two-part system can include the grooves described above.

Ball striking face plate and face insert base

In one embodiment, the face insert can include a two-part system. The two-part system can include a ball striking face plate and a face insert base. The ball hitting face plate of the face insert may include a first material. The face insert base of the face insert may include a second material. In many embodiments, the first material of the ball striking face plate and the second material of the face insert base may be different. In some embodiments, the first material of the ball striking face plate and the second material of the face insert base may be similar. In many embodiments, the first material of the ball striking face plate may include a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the first material of the ball striking face plate can include a metallic material. In many embodiments, the second material of the face insert base can include a polymeric material.

The first material or the second material can include a polymeric material. Polymeric materials can include polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinylchloride, or any other polymeric material. In many embodiments, the face insert can include PEBAX. More specifically, PEBAX is a polyether block amide, a thermoplastic elastomer made of flexible polyether and rigid polyamide. Rigid polyamides can include nylon. PEBAX can include different compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, polyether content and / or polyamide content. In many embodiments, PEBAX may include PEBAX 4033 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) or PEBAX 6333 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX 4033 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) contains 53% by weight of terramethylene oxide and nylon 12. PEBAX 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) contains nylon 11. The first material and the second material may have polyether content, polyamide content, or Shore D hardness values similar to those described above.

The first material is steel, steel alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, other metal, other metal alloy , Metal, such as a composite polymer material or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the first material of the ball striking face plate can include a translucent material, and the second material of the face insert base can include a metal material. In these embodiments, the second material may further include a design (eg, printing, etching, stamping, extrusion, etc.). The second material can include a design visible through the translucent first material. In many embodiments, the translucent material of the first material may be colorless or blue. In other embodiments, the translucent material of the first material can have any translucent color.

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

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

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

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

I. Metal ball striking face plate and polymer face insert base

81-84 illustrate another embodiment of a putter head that includes a face insert 1910. The putter head further includes a recess located on the front surface of the putter head (not shown). Face insert 1910 is located within the recess. The face insert 1910 may emit a unique feeling and sound upon impact on the ball. Metal face inserts alone provide a solid sound and feel. The face insert 1910 provides a softer sound and feel than a metal face insert because it comprises a composition of metal and / or non-metallic material as described herein.

Face insert 1910 includes a ball striking face plate 1912 and a face insert base 1914. The ball striking face plate 1912 includes a front striking surface 1911 and a rear surface 1913 opposite the front striking surface 1911. The rear face 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912 is aligned with a portion of the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914. Thus, the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914 is adjacent to the rear surface 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912. When the rear face 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912 is positioned on the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914, the ball striking face plate 1912 is the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914 ), Over 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.

As illustrated in FIG. 81, the ball striking face plate 1912 includes a toe portion 1970 close to the toe end 180, a heel portion 1974 close to the heel end 190, and a toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 ) Is divided horizontally into three parts, the central part (1972) located between. As illustrated in FIG. 84. The ball striking face plate includes an upper rail portion 1976 close to the upper rail 182, a sole portion 1980 close to the sole 192, and an intermediate portion 1978 positioned between the upper rail portion 1976 and the sole portion 1980 (1980). The phosphorus is further vertically separated into three parts.

The ball striking face plate 1912 further includes a groove 1920 located on the front striking face 1911, wherein the groove 1920 is a ball striking face / ball striking face 112, 212, 312, 412, 512 , 612, 712, 1012, 1412, 1500, 1612, 1812, 2212, 3212, 4212, 5212). The groove 1920 has a depth, and the depth of the groove 1920 changes in a direction extending between the heel end 190 and the toe end 180 and a direction extending between the upper rail 182 and the sole 192 . More specifically, the groove 1920 changes from the toe portion 1970 to the heel portion 1974 side and from the upper rail portion 1976 to the sole portion 1980 side. The depth of the groove 1920 increases from the toe portion 1970 and the heel portion 1974 toward the center portion 1972. Similarly, the depth of the groove 1920 increases from the upper rail portion 1976 and the sole portion 1980 toward the middle portion 1978. The deepest portion of the groove 1920 is formed by the generally flat surface portion of the groove 1920. The generally flat surface portion is located in the combined central portion 1972 and middle portion 1978 of the groove 1920. The variable depth of the groove 1920 of the exemplary embodiment increases tolerance by allowing a more normalized strike across the ball striking face plate 1912.

In some examples, the face hitting face plate 1912 of the face insert 1910 and the face insert base 1914 may be formed of the same material. The material can be steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composites, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, copolymers, or any other material. As illustrated in FIG. 81. The ball striking face plate 1912 of the face insert 1910 and the face insert base 1914 are both formed of a polymer or copolymer, such as a block of polyamide and polyether. In another example, the ball striking face plate 1912 of the face insert 1910 can include a different material than the face insert base 1914. As illustrated in FIG. 82, the ball striking face plate 1912 is formed of a metallic material and the face insert base 1914 is formed of a non-metallic material. The metal material of the ball striking face plate 1912 may be steel, tungsten, aluminum, nickel, titanium, metal alloys, composites or other metals. The face insert base 1914 can be a non-metallic material, such as a polymer, a polymer with a high specific gravity filler or plate, a copolymer, a composite, or any kind of polymer. The copolymer or polymer can be a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether. The polymer is not a polymer having polyurethane or isocyanate. The ball striking face plate 1912 is located on the face insert base 1914, but is disposed such that the rear face 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912 is adjacent to the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914.

In an example where the ball striking face plate 1912 and the face insert base 1914 comprise the same material, the entire face insert 1910 is between 0.100 inches and 0.200 inches, 0.100 inches and 0.125 inches, and 0.125 inches and 0.150 inches. It may have a thickness of 0.150 inches to 0.175 inches, 0.175 inches to 0.200 inches, 0.100 inches to 0.150 inches, or 0.150 inches to 0.200 inches. For example, the face insert 1910 can be 0.100 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, 0.150 inches, 0.160 inches, 0.170 inches, 0.180 inches, 0.190 inches or 0.200 inches thick. In one example, face insert 1910 may be 0.185 inches. In an example where the ball striking face plate 1912 and the face insert base 1914 comprise different materials, the ball striking face plate 1912 has a thickness and the face insert base 1914 has a thickness. Ball striking faces are 0.005 inch to 0.035 inch, 0.005 inch to 0.010 inch, 0.010 inch to 0.015 inch, 0.015 inch to 0.020 inch, 0.020 inch to 0.025 inch, 0.025 inch to 0.030 inch, 0.030 inch to 0.035 or 0.013 inch to 0.025 inch Can have a thickness of For example, the ball striking face plate 1912 can have a thickness of 0.005 inches, 0.010 inches, 0.015 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches or 0.035 inches. The face insert base 1914 can range from 0.095 inches to 0.200 inches, 0.095 inches to 0.115 inches, 0.115 inches to 0.135 inches, 0.135 inches to 0.155 inches, 0.155 inches to 0.175 inches, 0.175 inches to 0.200 inches, or 0.135 inches to 0.200 inches. It can have a range of thickness. For example, face insert base 1914 may have a thickness of 0.095 inches, 0.105 inches, 0.115 inches, 0.125 inches, 0.135 inches, 0.145 inches, 0.155 inches, 0.165 inches, 0.175 inches, 0.185 inches, 0.195 inches or 0.200 inches. You can.

Face insert 1910 can be formed by a number of different processes. Different molding processes include injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, laser molding, film insert molding, gas assisted molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3D printing, or any combination thereof. In addition, the face insert can have any combination of the thickness and forming process described above. Ball striking face plate 1912 can be manufactured by a number of different processes, such as forging, forming, stamping, electroforming, casting, forming, machining, or a combination thereof. Similarly, face insert base 1914 can be used for a number of applications such as injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, film insert molding, gas assisted molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3D printing, or any combination thereof. It can be produced by different processes. Further, the ball striking face plate 1912 and the face insert base 1914 can have any combination of the thickness and forming process described above.

The face insert 1910 can be positioned in a recess on the front side of the putter head by an adhesive 1922, such as a tape, glue, epoxy, or any type of adhesive compound. Face insert 1910 may be further positioned on the front surface of the putter head by a fastener or pin (not shown). In an example where the ball striking face plate 1912 includes a different material from the face insert base 1914, the ball striking face plate 1912 includes a rear face 1913 and a face insert base 1914 of the ball striking face plate 1912 ) Can be secured to the front side 1918 of the face insert base 1914 by any adhesive 1916, such as epoxy, glue, tape or any other fixation compound located between the front side 1918 of the have. For example, the ball striking face plate 1912 can be attached to the face insert base 1914 by an ultra-high adhesive (VHB) tape having a thickness of 0.010-0.015 inches, a spray adhesive or a coating adhesive having a thickness of 0.003 inches.

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

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

As illustrated in FIG. 82, the ball striking face plate 1912 is forged from an aluminum sheet and formed from a metal material having a thickness of 0.030 inches. Ball striking face plate 1912 increases from toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward the center portion 1972 and grooves 1920 change from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward the middle portion 1978. ). The bottom portion of the generally flat groove 1920 has the deepest depth of the groove 1920. The generally flat bottom surface portion is located at a portion where the middle portion 1978 and the central portion 1972 are combined. The face insert base 1914 is made of a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether, and is 0.105 inches thick. The ball striking face plate 1912 is attached to the face insert base 1914 by VHB tape and covers a portion exceeding 96% of the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914, but the face insert base 1914 ) May cover portions exceeding 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the front surface 1918. Face insert 1910 is coated with PVD. The combination of the metallic material of the ball striking face plate 1912 with a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether allows for a softer sound and feel during impact. In addition, the variable depth of the groove 1920 is the deepest in the middle 1978 and the central 1972 allows for more blow tolerance.

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

In another example, the ball striking face plate 1912 is formed of a metal material molded or stamped from an aluminum sheet and can have a thickness of 0.030 inches. Ball striking face plate 1912 increases from toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward the center portion 1972 and grooves 1920 change from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward the middle portion 1978. ). The bottom portion of the generally flat groove 1920 has the deepest depth of the groove 1920. The generally flat bottom surface portion is located at a portion where the middle portion 1978 and the central portion 1972 are combined. The face insert base 1914 is made of a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether, and is 0.113 inches thick. The ball striking face plate 1912 is attached to the face insert base 1914 by an epoxy located between the rear face 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912 and the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914. . The ball striking face plate covers more than 92% of the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914, but 91%, 93%, 94% of the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914, More than 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% can be covered. Face insert 1910 is coated with a type II anodized finish. The combination of the metallic material of the ball striking face plate 1912 with a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether allows for a softer sound and feel during impact. In addition, the variable depth of the groove 1920 is the deepest in the middle 1978 and the central 1972 allows for more blow tolerance.

C. Metal ball striking face plate with adhesive and polymer face insert base

In another example, the ball striking face plate 1912 is formed of a metal material electrocast from a nickel sheet and has a thickness of 0.030 inches. Ball striking face plate 1912 increases from toe portion 1970 and heel portion 1974 toward the center portion 1972 and grooves 1920 change from top rail portion 1976 and sole portion 1980 toward the middle portion 1978. ). The bottom portion of the generally flat groove 1920 has the deepest depth of the groove 1920. The generally flat bottom surface portion is located at a portion where the middle portion 1978 and the central portion 1972 are combined. The face insert base 1914 is made of a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether, and is 0.140 inches thick. The ball striking face plate 1912 is attached to the face insert base 1914 by an adhesive positioned between the rear face 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912 and the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914. . The ball striking face plate 1912 covers 100% of the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914, but 91%, 92%, 93%, 94 of the front face 1918 of the face insert base 1914 %, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, and more than 99% can be covered. Face insert 1910 is coated with a type II anodized finish. Face insert 1910 is coated with PVD. The combination of the metallic material of the ball striking face plate 1912 with a block copolymer of polyamide and polyether allows for a softer sound and feel during impact. In addition, the variable depth of the groove 1920 is the deepest in the middle 1978 and the central 1972 allows for more blow tolerance.

II. Polymer ball striking face plate and polymer face insert mace

In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 91 and 92, the putter golf club head 6100 has a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, and an upper rail 182, sole 192 and tip 6315. The outer surface of the putter golf club head 6100 forms a recess 6122. More specifically, the upper wall 6123 of the putter golf club head 6100, the toe wall 6124, the heel wall 6125 and the rear wall 6126 facing the tow wall 6124 are all provided with a recess 6122. To form. The recess 6122 of the putter golf club head 6100 may extend rearward from the front end 196 to the rear end 194 side.

The putter golf club head 6100 may include a face insert 6110. In this embodiment, the face insert 6110 of the putter golf club head 6100 may include a ball hitting face plate 6112 and a face insert base 6114. The ball striking face plate 6112 may include a front striking surface 6111 and a rear striking surface 6113 facing the front striking surface 6111. The front striking surface 6111 of the ball striking face plate 6112 may include a groove 6120 similar to the above-described groove. The rear face 6113 of the ball striking face plate 6112 may be similar to the rear face 1913 of the ball striking face plate 1912 as illustrated in FIG. 83. Face insert base 6114 may include a front surface 6118. The front surface 6118 of the face insert base 6114 may be similar to the front surface 1918 of the face insert base 1914 as illustrated in FIG. 83. The rear face 6113 of the ball striking face plate 6112 is adjacent to a portion of the front face 6118 of the face insert base 6114.

When the rear face 6113 of the ball striking face plate 6112 is positioned on the front face 6118 of the face insert base 6114, the ball striking face plate 6112 faces the front face of the face insert base 6114 ( 6118) of 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% or more %. The front striking surface 6111 of the ball striking face plate 6112 may include a groove 6120 similar to the above-described groove.

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

When the recess 6112 of the putter golf club head 6100 receives the face insert 6110, the rear face 6113 of the ball striking face plate 6112 is the front face 6118 of the face insert base 6114 , And the face insert base 6114 abuts the rear wall 6126 of the recess 6122. In many embodiments, the ball striking face plate 6112 and face insert base 6114 are similar to the ball striking face plate 1912, face insert base 1914 and adhesive 1916 as illustrated in FIG. 83. , Can be bonded to each other by adhesive. In many embodiments, face insert base 6614 can be coupled to the recess by adhesive, similar to face insert base 1914 and adhesive 6122 as illustrated in FIG. 83. The type of adhesive used to bond the ball striking face plate 6112 and the face insert base 6114 to the putter golf club head 6000 may be similar to the adhesive described above.

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

In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 93 and 94, the putter golf club head 6200 includes a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, and an upper rail 182, sole 192, and leading edge 6215. The outer surface of the putter golf club head 6200 forms a recess 6222. More specifically, the upper wall 6223, toe wall 6228, heel wall 6225 and rear wall 6262 of the putter golf club head 6200 all form a recess 6222. The recess 6222 of the putter golf club head 6200 may extend rearward from the front end 196 to the rear end 194 side.

The putter golf club head 6200 may include a face insert 6210. The face insert 6210 can form part of the front end 196. In this embodiment, the face insert 6210 of the putter golf club head 6200 may include a ball hitting face plate 6212 and a face insert base 6214. The ball striking face plate 6212 may include a front striking surface 6121 and a rear striking surface 6213 facing the front striking surface 6121.

The outer surface of the face insert base 6214 forms a face insert base recess 6230. More specifically, the face insert base upper wall 6223 of the face insert base 6214, the face insert base tow wall 6234, the face insert base heel wall 6235, the face insert base back wall 6236, and the face insert base bottom The walls 6237 all form a face insert base recess 6230.

Face insert base recess 6230 can be configured to receive a ball striking face plate 6212. The rear face 6213 of the ball striking face plate 6312 is adjacent the face insert base recess 6230. Specifically, the face insert base upper wall 6223 of the face insert base 6214, the face insert base tow wall 6234, the face insert base heel wall 6235, the face insert base back wall 6236, and the face insert base bottom wall All of 6262 are configured to receive ball striking face plate 6212. In this embodiment, the face insert base 6214 can form a boundary or perimeter around the ball striking face plate 6312. In addition, the ball striking face plate 6312 may have a shape complementary to the recess 6220 of the face insert base 6214, thereby obtaining a front striking face 6121 coplanar with the face insert base 6214. The front striking surface 6121 of the ball striking face plate 6212 may include a groove 6220 similar to the above-described groove.

When the recess 6222 receives the face insert 6210, the rear face 6201 of the ball striking face plate 6212 is received in the face insert base recess 6230, and the face insert base 6214 is It is in contact with the rear wall 6262 of the recess 6222. In many embodiments, the ball striking face plate 6212 and face insert base 6214 may be joined together by adhesive or press-fitting similar to the adhesive described above. In many embodiments, the face insert base 6214 can be joined to the recess by adhesive, as described above. In some embodiments, the face insert base recess 6230 can secure the ball striking face plate 6212 by pinching force or press fitting. More specifically, the face insert base upper wall 6223 of the face insert base 6214, the face insert base tow wall 6234, the face insert base heel wall 6235, the face insert base back wall 6236, and the face insert base bottom The wall 6237 can fix the ball striking face plate 6212 by pinching force or press-fitting.

IV. Ball striking face plate and face insert base mating structure

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 95 and 96, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6310. In this embodiment, the face insert 6310 of the putter golf club head 6300 (not shown) may include a ball striking face plate 6312 and a face insert base 6314. The ball striking face plate 6312 may include a front striking surface 6312 and a rear striking surface 6313 facing the front striking surface 6312. The face insert base 6314 may include a front surface (not shown). The face insert 6310 may further include a bonding structure 6290 configured to join the ball hitting face plate 6312 and the face insert base 6314 together without adhesive, tape, or any other non-mechanical interlock coupling. . Coupling structure 6290 may include an undercut, a plurality of hooks, a plurality of tabs, a plurality of slots, a plurality of tabs and slots, or any other suitable mechanical interlock structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the engagement structure 6290 of the face insert 6310 may include an undercut. In many embodiments, the ball striking face plate 6312 can include an undercut, and the ball striking face plate 6312 accommodates the complementary shape of the face insert base 6314. In some embodiments, face insert base 6314 may include an undercut (not shown), and face insert base 6314 accommodates the complementary shape of the ball striking face plate 6312. The front striking surface 6311 of the ball striking face plate 6312 may include a groove 6320 similar to the above-described groove.

Further, in another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 97, the coupling structure 6290 may include a plurality of hooks. In many embodiments, a plurality of hooks of the engaging structure 6290 can be located on the back surface 6313 of the ball striking face plate 6312, where the face insert base 6310 is a ball striking face plate 6312 ) May include complementary slots or recesses configured to receive a plurality of hooks. In some embodiments, a plurality of hooks of the engaging structure 6290 can be located on the front surface of the face insert base 6314, where the ball striking face plate 6312 is a plurality of hooks of the face insert base 6314 It may include a complementary slot or recess configured to accommodate.

Face inserts 1910, 6100, 6200, 6300 may provide a softer, more unique sound / feel advantage during impact of a golf ball. The softer, unique sound / feel during the impact of the golf ball corresponds to the hardness of the face insert. In many embodiments, the ball striking plate may include PEBAX 4033 having a lower hardness (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France), and the face insert base is PEBAX 6333 having a higher hardness as described above (Paris, France) Arkema, Inc.). The combination of the low hardness of the ball striking face plate and the high hardness of the face insert base provides a softer sound / feel during golf ball impact. This soft feel is advantageous over metal face inserts because the soft feel and sound can delight the player and the metal face insert prevents the disturbances that can be caused by a larger impact sound. This soft, unique sound / feel during the impact of the golf ball helps the player concentrate and improves the player's score.

Polymer material and frame

In another embodiment of a face insert comprising a two-part system, the putter golf club head can include a face insert comprising a polymer material and a frame. The putter golf club head includes a face insert with polymeric material, and the frame has a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, an upper rail 182, and a sole 192 ) And leading edge. The outer surface of the putter golf club head forms a recess (not shown). More specifically, the upper wall (not shown), the toe wall (not shown), the heel wall (not shown) and the rear wall (not shown) opposite the tow wall of the putter golf club head all form recesses. The recess of the putter golf club head may extend rearward from the front end 196 to the rear end 194 side.

The polymeric material of the face insert may form part of the front end 196, toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, sole 192, leading edge, or any combination thereof. . The frame of the face insert is part of the front end 196, toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190, sole 192, leading edge or any combination thereof of the putter golf club head. Can form. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head includes a front striking surface, and the front striking surface includes a groove similar to the aforementioned groove.

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

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

In many embodiments, a face insert comprising a polymer material and a frame can include a trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, a face insert comprising a polymer material and a frame can include a rectangle, triangle, pentagon, polygon, or any other suitable shape. In many embodiments, the polymeric material of the face insert may include a shape similar to the face insert, such as trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, polygonal, or any other suitable shape. In addition, in many embodiments, the frame of the face insert may include a shape similar to a face insert, such as a trapezoid, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, polygon, or any other suitable shape. The shape of the frame and / or polymer material of the face insert may be located on the front end 196, toe end 180, top rail 182, heel end 190 or sole 192 of the putter golf club head. have.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 98, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6410. The face insert 6410 of the putter golf club head 6400 may include a polymer material 6212 and a frame 6414. The putter golf club head 6400 may include a leading edge 6415 between the front end 196 and the sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6400 may include a front striking surface 6411. The front striking surface 6411 of the front end 196 may include a groove 6620 similar to the groove described above. In this embodiment, frame 6414 may define a border or perimeter around polymeric material 6212. In this embodiment, frame 6414 may form a trapezoidal shape, where frame 6614 follows the contour of the putter golf club head 6400. More specifically, the frame 6414 can extend vertically across the front end 196 from the sole 192 to the upper rail 182 at the toe end 180, and the heel end (from the toe end 180) It may extend parallel to the upper rail 182 up to 190, it may extend at an angle from the upper rail 182 to the sole 192 at the heel end 190, and the rear end 194 at the sole 192. ) Side to a predetermined distance. The frame 6414 may extend rearward from the front end 196 to the rear end 194 side. In many embodiments, the frame 6414 and polymeric material 6212 can wrap the leading edge 6415 from the front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6400 to the sole 192. In addition, the polymeric material 6412 and frame 6414 of the face insert 6410 may form part of the front striking surface 6411, leading edge 6415 and sole 192. In this embodiment, the polymeric material 6412 can form a larger portion of the face insert 6410 than the frame 6414.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 99, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6510. The face insert 6510 of the putter golf club head 6500 may include a polymer material 6612 and a frame 6614. The putter golf club head 6500 may include a leading edge 6615 between the front end 196 and the sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6500 may include a front striking surface 6651. The front striking surface 6511 of the front end 196 may include a groove 6520 similar to the groove described above. In this embodiment, the frame 6614 can separate the polymeric material 6512 into a toe end portion proximate toe end 180 and a heel end portion proximal to heel end 190. In this embodiment, the frame 6614 may include a trapezoidal shape on the front end 196 and a rectangular shape on the sole 192. In this embodiment, the toe end portion and heel end portion of the polymeric material 6512 can include a triangular shape on the front end 196 and a triangular shape on the sole 192. In many embodiments, the frame 6614 and polymeric material 6512 can wrap the leading edge 6615 from the front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6500 to the sole 192. In this embodiment, the frame 6514 may form part of the front striking surface 6511, leading edge 6615 and sole 192. In this embodiment, the frame 6514 can form a larger portion of the face insert 6510 and / or the front striking surface 6511 than the polymeric material 6512.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 100, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6610. The face insert 6610 of the putter golf club head 6600 may include a polymer material 6612 and a frame 6614. The putter golf club head 6600 may include a leading edge 6615 between the front end 196 and the sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6600 may include a front striking surface 6611. The front striking surface 6611 of the front end 196 may include a groove 6620 similar to the groove described above. In this embodiment, frame 6614 can form a border or perimeter around polymeric material 6612. In this embodiment, the frame 6614 provides a polymer material 6612 toe end portion proximate toe end 180, a heel end portion proximate heel end 190, and a central portion near the center of front striking surface 6611. Can be separated. The frame 6614 may extend around the perimeter of the front striking surface 6611. Also, a portion of the frame 6614 may extend inward from the perimeter of the front striking surface 6611 toward the center of the front striking surface 6611. The portion of the frame 6614 extending inwardly can separate the polymeric material 6612 into a toe end portion, a heel end portion, and a central portion. The toe end portion, heel end portion, and center portion of the polymeric material 6612 can include a trapezoidal shape. In this embodiment, the frame 6614 may form part of the front striking surface 6611, leading edge 6615 and sole 192. In this embodiment, polymeric material 6612 can form a larger portion of face insert 6610 and / or front striking surface 6611 than frame 6614.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 101, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6710. The face insert 6710 of the putter golf club head 6700 may include a polymer material 6712 and a frame 6714. The putter golf club head 6700 may include a leading edge 6715 between the front end 196 and the sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6700 may include a front hitting surface 6711. The front striking surface 6711 of the front end 196 may include a groove 6720 similar to the groove described above. In this embodiment, the frame 6714 includes a polymer material 6712 toe end portion proximate toe end 180, a heel end portion proximate heel end 190, and a central portion near the center of front striking surface 6711 Can be separated. In addition, a portion of the frame 6714 may extend inward from the circumference of the front striking surface 6711 toward the center of the front striking surface 6711. The portion of the frame 6714 extending inwardly can separate the polymeric material 6712 into a toe end portion, a heel end portion, and a central portion. The toe end portion, heel end portion, and center portion of the polymeric material 6712 may include a trapezoidal shape on the front striking surface 6711. The toe end portion and heel end portion of the polymeric material 6712 can include a triangular shape on the sole 192, and the central portion of the polymeric material 6712 can include rectangular formation on the sole 192. .

In addition, the frame 6714 forms a boundary or perimeter around the central portion of the polymeric material 6617 on the front striking surface 6711 and sole 192. Frame 6714 forms a boundary or perimeter at the toe end and heel end portions of polymeric material 6712 on sole 192. In this embodiment, the polymeric material 6712 and the frame 6714 can form part of the front striking surface 6711, leading edge 6715 and sole 192. In this embodiment, the polymeric material 6617 can form a larger portion of the face insert 6710, front striking surface 6711 and / or sole 192.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 102, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6810. The face insert 6810 of the putter golf club head 6800 may include a polymer material 6812 and a frame 6814. The putter golf club head 6800 may include a leading edge 6815 between the front end 196 and the sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6800 may include a front striking surface 6801. The front striking surface 6801 of the front end 196 may include a groove 6820 similar to the groove described above. In this embodiment, the frame 6814 can separate the polymeric material 6812 into a rectangular shape and a triangular shape along the front striking surface 6801 and sole 192. In this embodiment, the frame 6814 can form a boundary or perimeter around the polymeric material 6812 on the front striking surface 6801. Frame 6814 may form a partial boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6812 on sole 192 at toe end 180 and heel end 190.

Further, the frame 6814 may follow the circumferential contour of the front striking surface 6801. Frame 6814 may further include two vertical portions extending from upper rail 182 toward sole 192. The two vertical portions of the frame 6814 include a polymer material 6812 tow end portion proximate toe end 180, a heel end portion proximate heel end 190, and a central portion proximate to the center of front striking surface 6801 Can be separated. The toe end portion, heel end portion, and center portion of the polymeric material 6812 can have a rectangular shape on the front striking surface 6801. The toe end portion and heel end portion of polymeric material 6812 can have a triangular shape at sole 192, and the central portion of polymeric material 6812 can have a rectangular shape at sole 192. In many embodiments, frame 6814 and polymeric material 6812 can wrap around leading edge 6815 from front end 196 to sole 192. In this embodiment, the polymeric material 6812 and the frame 6814 can form part of the front striking surface 6801, leading edge 6815 and sole 192. In this embodiment, the polymeric material 6812 can form a larger portion of the face insert 6810, front striking surface 6801 and / or sole 192.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 103, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 6910. The face insert 6910 of the putter golf club head 6900 may include a polymer material 6912 and a frame 6914. The putter golf club head 6900 may include a leading edge 6915 between the front end 196 and the sole 192. The front end 196 of the putter golf club head 6900 may include a front striking surface 6911. The front striking surface 6911 of the front end 196 may include a groove 6920 similar to the above-described groove. In this embodiment, the frame 6914 can form a boundary or perimeter around the polymeric material 6912 on the front striking surface 6911. In this embodiment, frame 6914 can form a partial boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6912 on sole 192. More specifically, frame 6914 may form a partial boundary or perimeter around polymeric material 6912 at toe end 180 and heel end 190 of sole 192.

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

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

Face inserts 6410, 6510, 6610, 6710, 6810, and 6910 provide improved sound, feel, and visual advantages during golf ball impact. The polymer material and frame of the face insert can provide the advantage of a softer sound / feel during golf ball impact. The softer sound / feel corresponds to the hardness of the face insert. In many embodiments, the polymeric material can include PEBAX, and the frame can include the metals described above. In some embodiments, the polymeric material can include PEBAX, and the frame can include PEBAX described above. The PEBAX and metal of the polymer material and frame, or the combination of PEBAX and PEBAX, provides a softer feel / sound when hitting a golf ball. This soft feel is advantageous over metal only face inserts because their soft feel and sound can be pleasing to the player, and the metal only face inserts prevent disturbing elements that can cause a loud shock. In addition, the frame of the face insert can serve as a visual aid to the player. The frame of the face insert can help the player optimize the shot trajectory by placing the golf ball in the center of the front hitting surface. In another scenario, the frame of the face insert can help the player optimize the shot trajectory by placing the golf ball at the toe end or heel end of the front hitting surface.

Multiple openings

In other embodiments, the putter golf club head may include a face insert with a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings of the face insert may include holes, gaps, grooves, slots or gaps. The plurality of openings of the face insert may include a front end 196, a leading edge, a rear end 194, a toe end 180, an upper rail 182, a heel end 190, a sole 192, or any combination thereof. Can be located at

The plurality of openings of the face insert may be positioned linearly, nonlinearly or randomly from the heel end 190 of the putter golf club head to the toe end 180 and / or the sole 192 to the upper rail 182. Also, the plurality of openings may be the same or progressively increase, gradually decrease, change, or any of these from heel end 190 to toe end 180 and / or sole 192 to upper rail 182. You can have the size of the combination.

Further, the plurality of openings may have a density of the number of openings. The density of the number of apertures can be in the form of an increase, decrease, change or any combination thereof towards the desired end of the putter golf club head. In some embodiments, the density of the number of openings may be in the form of an increase, decrease, change or any combination of heel end 190, toe end 180, sole 192 and / or top rail 182. You can.

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

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 104. The putter golf club head 7000 includes a front end 196, a rear end 194, a toe end 184, a heel end 190, an upper rail 182, and a sole 192. The outer surface of the putter golf club head 7000 forms a recess 7022. More specifically, the upper wall 7023 of the putter golf club head 7000, the tow wall 7024, the heel wall 7025 facing the tow wall 7024, the back wall 7026, and the bottom wall 7027 are all A recess 7022 is formed. The recess 7022 of the putter golf club head 7000 may extend rearward from the front end 196 to the rear end 194 side.

The putter golf club head may include a face insert 7010. In this embodiment, the face insert 7010 of the putter golf club head 7000 may include a ball striking face plate 7022. The ball striking face plate 7022 may include a front striking surface 7011 and a rear striking surface 7013 opposite the front striking surface 7011. The front striking surface 7011 may further include a plurality of openings 7102. In this embodiment, the plurality of openings 7102 can be positioned linearly in multiple rows between the toe end 180 and the heel end 190 and between the sole 192 and the upper rail 182. The rear face 7013 of the ball striking face plate 7022 is adjacent and abuts the recess 7022 of the rear wall 7026 of the putter golf club head 7000. In many embodiments, face insert 7010 is coupled to recess 7022 by the adhesive described above. The plurality of openings 7102 located on the front striking surface 7011 may function as a groove similar to the above-described groove.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 105, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 7110. In this embodiment, the face insert 7110 of the putter golf club head 7100 may include a plurality of openings 7172. In this embodiment, a plurality of openings 7172 may be located on the front striking surface 7111, the heel end 190 and the upper rail 182. The plurality of openings 7172 may extend from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 in the entire length of the front striking surface 7111 and the upper rail 182. Additionally, a plurality of openings 7172 may wrap around heel end 190 and / or toe end 180 from upper rail 182 to sole 192. In this embodiment, the plurality of openings 7172 located on the front striking surface 7111 can function as a groove similar to the groove described above.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 106, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 7210. In this embodiment, the face insert 7210 of the putter golf club head 7200 may include a plurality of openings 7272. In this embodiment, a plurality of openings 7202 can be located on the front striking surface 7221 and the sole 192. The plurality of openings 7202 may extend from the toe end 180 to the heel end 190 in the entire length of the front striking surface 7221 and the sole 192. In this embodiment, the plurality of openings 7202 located on the front striking surface 7221 can function as a groove similar to the groove described above. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings 7402 can display a specific design on the sole 192 and / or front hitting surface 7221 of the putter golf club head 7200.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 107, the putter golf club head may include a face insert 7310. In this embodiment, the face insert 7310 of the putter golf club head 7300 may include an opening 792 located at the rear end 194. In some embodiments, the putter golf club head 7300 may include a plurality of openings 7272 at locations similar to the putter golf club heads 7000, 7100, or 7200 described above. In many embodiments, the opening 7192 can display a specific design at the rear end 7325 of the putter golf club head 7310.

52, a process 2000 for manufacturing a golf club head according to an example is illustrated. Process 2000 includes forming a golf club face formed by a toe end, heel end, top rail, and sole (block 2002). The golf club face can be formed with the golf club head so that the golf club head and the golf club face are integral, continuous parts. Alternatively, the golf club head and golf club face can be formed separately. The golf club face can then be attached to the golf club face using adhesive, tape, welding, soldering, fasteners and / or other suitable methods and instruments. The golf club head and / or golf club face can be made of any material. For example, the golf club head and / or golf club face may be made of titanium, titanium alloys, other titanium-based materials, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys, other metals, metal alloys, plastics, wood, composite materials, or other suitable types of materials. Can be manufactured. The golf club head and / or golf club face may be stamped (i.e., punched, blanked, embossed, bent, flanging or coining, casting using a mechanical press or stamping press), injection molding, forging, machining, or a combination thereof, It can be formed using a variety of processes, such as other processes used in the manufacture of metal, plastic and / or composite parts and / or other suitable processes. In one example, when manufacturing the putter head, the material of the putter face and / or ball striking face may be determined to impart certain ball striking and rolling properties to the putter face. In another example, the ball hitting faces 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412, 1812, 1500, 2212, 3212, 4212 and 5212 are putter faces 110, 810, 910 The blow faces 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 1012, 1312, 1412, 1812 when detached from and inserted and attached into correspondingly shaped depressions on the putter faces 110, 810, 910 , 1500, 2212, 3212, 4212 and 5212) are made of a lighter material than the putter faces 110, 810, and 910 to reduce the overall weight of the putter overall.

According to process 2000, the groove is upper such that each groove extends between the toe end and the heel end and the depth of the groove changes in the direction extending between the upper rail and the sole and between the heel end and the toe end. It is formed on the club face and / or club head between the rail and the sole (block 2004). Grooves can be formed using various processes such as casting, forging, machining, spin milling and / or other suitable processes. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove can vary depending on how the groove is made. For example, the type of cutting bit when machining a groove can determine the vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove. The vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove may be symmetrical or asymmetrical (not shown), as in the example described above. In one example, the width of the groove may be 0.032 inches, which may be the width of the cutting bit. Thus, when machining the groove, the shape and dimensions of the cutting bit can determine the shape and dimensions of the groove.

The groove can be made by spin milling the ball striking face, or by stamping or forging the groove into the ball striking face. The groove can also be made directly on the putter head to form a ball striking face, as described above directly above the putter head. The groove can be made by pressure forming the groove on the putter head. For example, a press can deform and / or displace the material of the putter head to form a groove. The groove can be produced by a milling process in which the axis of rotation of the milling tool is perpendicular to the putter face. The axis of rotation of the milling tool can be oriented at an angle other than perpendicular to the putter face. The groove can be made by overlaying one material that has been cleanly cut through to form a through groove in the base or solid material. The groove can be made by laser and / or thermal etching or erosion of the putter face material. Grooves can be made by chemically eroding the putter face material using a photo mask. Grooves can be made by electro / chemically eroding the putter face material using a chemical mask such as wax or petrochemicals. Grooves can be made by grinding the face material using air or water as a carrier medium for abrasive materials such as sand. Any one or combination of the methods discussed above can be used to make one or more grooves on the putter head. Also, other methods used to form depressions in any material can be used to make grooves.

Example 1

An exemplary putter golf club head 6100 comprising a face insert 6110 with PEBAX material was compared to a similar control putter golf club head without PEBAX material on a ball striking face plate. The face insert 6010 of the exemplary putter golf club head includes a ball hitting face plate 6112 and a face insert base 6114. The ball hitting face plate 6112 of the face insert 6110 and the face insert base 6114 include PEBAX material, wherein the ball hitting face plate 6112 comprises PEBAX 4033 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France). , Face insert base 6114 includes PEBAX 6333 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX 4033 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France) has a lower hardness than PEBAX 6333 (manufactured by Arkema, Paris, France). The face insert of the control putter golf club head includes a ball hitting face plate and an aluminum screen. The aluminum screen of the control putter golf club head includes aluminum material, and the ball hitting face plate of the control putter golf club head includes PEBAX material.

Player tests were performed to measure the sound, feel, and overall satisfaction between the exemplary putter golf club head 6100 and the control putter golf club head. Based on the results, many players were satisfied with the impact feeling, impact sound, impact feedback, ball speed, and overall stroke of the putter golf club head 6100 compared to the control putter golf club head. When tested on 81 players using an insert putter and an insertless putter, 37 players were satisfied with the control putter golf club head, and 44 players were satisfied with the exemplary putter golf club head 6100. Did. The test data was then filtered to include players using only putters with inserts. The filtered data, including 43 players, showed that 84% of players prefer the exemplary putter golf club head 6100, and 16% of the players prefer the control putter golf club head. This data allows the player to select PEBAX material for all components of the face insert (i.e., ball hitting face plate and face insert base) rather than face inserts (i.e., ball hitting face plate and aluminum screen) comprising aluminum material and PEBAX material. It shows that we prefer to include face inserts.

Since the rules for golf may change from time to time (eg, new rules may be adopted by golf standards bodies and / or governing bodies, or old rules may be removed or modified), the methods, apparatus and methods described herein The golf equipment associated with the article of manufacture may or may not conform to golf rules at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the methods, devices, and / or articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, provided for sale, and / or sold as suitable or inappropriate golf equipment. The methods, devices and / or articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although specific sequences of operations have been described above, these operations may be performed in a different temporal order. For example, the two or more operations described above may be performed sequentially, together or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more operations may be performed in reverse order. Also, one or more of the above-described operations may not be performed at all. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

While the invention has been described in terms of various aspects, it will be understood that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present invention, including corresponding departures from the present disclosure, which generally follow the principles of the present invention and which fall within the scope of common practice and known in the art to which this invention pertains. do.

Claims (20)

As a putter golf club head:
Front end;
A toe end;
A heel end opposite the toe end;
Upper rail;
A sole facing the upper rail;
Leading edge;
A recess extending rearward from the front end; And
Face insert located in the recess
Including, the face insert,
Face insert base;
A ball striking face plate comprising a front striking surface and a rear surface, wherein the rear surface is located adjacent to the front surface of the face insert base, and the leading edge is located between the front striking surface and the sole-; And
A plurality of grooves disposed on the ball striking face plate between the upper rail and the sole, each groove of the plurality of grooves extending between the toe end and the heel end,
Including, the face insert forming part of the front end and the sole of the club head;
The width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end;
The width of each of the plurality of grooves is a putter-type golf club head that changes in a direction extending from the upper rail to the sole. The method of claim 1, wherein the depth of the groove varies in a direction extending between the upper rail and the sole and a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end; A putter-type golf club head wherein the deepest portion of at least one groove is formed by a generally flat bottom surface of the groove. The ball striking face plate of claim 1, wherein:
A heel portion proximate the heel end of the golf club head;
A tow portion proximate the toe end of the golf club head; And
Central portion located between the heel portion and the tow portion
Including,
The depth of the groove located in the center of the ball striking face plate is deeper than the depth of the groove in the heel portion and the toe portion golf club head. The ball striking face plate of claim 1, wherein:
An upper rail portion adjacent to the upper rail of the golf club head;
A sole portion proximate the sole of the golf club head; And
An intermediate portion located between the upper rail portion and the sole portion
Including,
The depth of the groove located in the middle of the ball striking face plate is deeper than the depth of the groove in the upper rail portion and the sole portion Golf club head. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the ball striking face plate comprises a first material, and the face insert base comprises a second material. 6. The putter type golf club head of claim 5, wherein the first material is a PEBAX polymer having a Shore D hardness ranging from 35 to 55, and the second material is a PEBAX polymer having a Shore D hardness ranging from 50 to 75. As a putter golf club head:
Front end;
Tow end;
A heel end opposite the toe end;
Upper rail;
A brush facing the upper rail;
Leading edge;
A recess extending rearward from the front end; And
Face insert located in the recess
Including, the face insert,
A face insert base comprising a face insert base recess;
A ball striking face plate comprising a front striking surface and a rear surface, wherein the ball striking face plate is located in the face insert base recess, and the leading edge is located between the front striking surface and the sole-; And
A plurality of grooves disposed on the ball striking face plate between the upper rail and the sole, each groove of the plurality of grooves extending between the toe end and the heel end,
Including, the face insert forming part of the front end and the sole of the club head;
The width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end;
The width of each of the plurality of grooves is a putter-type golf club head that changes in a direction extending from the upper rail to the sole. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the depth of the groove varies in a direction extending between the upper rail and the sole and a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end; A putter-type golf club head wherein the deepest portion of at least one groove is formed by a generally flat bottom surface of the groove. The ball striking face plate of claim 7, wherein:
A heel portion proximate the heel end of the golf club head;
A tow portion proximate the toe end of the golf club head; And
Central portion located between the heel portion and the tow portion
Including,
The depth of the groove located in the center of the ball striking face plate is deeper than the depth of the groove in the heel portion and the toe portion golf club head. The ball striking face plate of claim 7, wherein:
An upper rail portion adjacent to the upper rail of the golf club head;
A sole portion proximate the sole of the golf club head; And
An intermediate portion located between the upper rail portion and the sole portion
Including,
The depth of the groove located in the middle of the ball striking face plate is deeper than the depth of the groove in the upper rail portion and the sole portion Golf club head. 8. The putter golf club head of claim 7, wherein the ball striking face plate comprises a first material, and the face insert base comprises a second material. 12. The putter golf club head of claim 11, wherein the first material is a PEBAX polymer having a Shore D hardness ranging from 35 to 55, and the second material is a PEBAX polymer having a Shore D hardness ranging from 50 to 75. As a putter golf club head:
Front end;
Tow end;
A heel end opposite the toe end;
Upper rail;
A brush facing the upper rail;
A leading edge positioned between the front striking surface and the sole;
A recess extending rearward from the front end; And
Face insert located in the recess
Including, the face insert,
Polymer materials;
frame; And
A plurality of grooves disposed on the ball striking face plate between the upper rail and the sole, each groove of the plurality of grooves extending between the toe end and the heel end,
Including, the face insert forming part of the front end and the sole of the club head;
The width of each of the plurality of grooves varies in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end;
The width of each of the plurality of grooves is a putter-type golf club head that changes in a direction extending from the upper rail to the sole. 15. The putter golf club head of claim 13, wherein the frame comprises a metallic material. 15. The putter golf club head of claim 13, wherein the polymer material and the frame wrap around the leading edge of the putter golf club head. 16. The putter golf club head of claim 15, wherein the frame forms a perimeter around the polymeric material. 16. The putter golf club head of claim 15, wherein the frame separates the polymeric material into a toe end portion, a heel end portion, and a central portion. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 17, wherein the frame extends inward from the circumference of the front striking face toward the center of the front striking face. 18. The putter golf club head of claim 17, wherein the frame comprises two vertical portions extending from the upper rail of the putter golf club head toward the sole. The putter type golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the frame secures the polymer material with a pinching force.

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