Golf club head or other ball striking device having face insert

Abstract

A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having an outer surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, and an insert connected to the face and forming a portion of the outer surface. The density and/or friction properties of the insert may be different from those of adjacent portions of the face. Depending on the size, shape, and location of the insert, the moment of inertia of the head may change, the center of gravity of the face may shift, and/or the degree and direction of spin on the ball resulting from impacts may change.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The invention relates generally to ball striking devices, such as golf club heads, having at least one face insert. Certain aspects of this invention relate to golf club heads having an insert made from a material having desired properties, forming at least a portion of the ball striking face of the head.BACKGROUND[0002]Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players—players of different genders, and players of dramatically different ages and skill levels. Golf is somewhat unique in the sporting world in that such diverse collections of players can play together in golf outings or events, even in direct competition with one another (e.g., using handicapped scoring, different tee boxes, etc.), and still enjoy the golf outing or competition. These factors, together with increased golf programming on television (e.g., golf tournaments, golf news, golf history, and / or other golf programming) and the rise of well known golf superstars, at least in part, have increased g...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Aspects of the invention relate to ball striking devices, such as golf clubs, with a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft thereto. Various example structures of heads described herein include an insert connected to the face and forming a portion of the outer surface. The density and / or friction properties of the insert are different from those of the portion of the face adjacent or bordering the insert. The shape of the insert can be designed to increase the moment of inertia and / or shift the center of gravity of the face, as well as to provide different spin on the ball, based on locations on the face where a golfer tends to hit the ball. Consequently, the golf shot may experience increased “kick” off the face and straighter ball flight on off-center hits (provided the off-center hits impact the face at the locations of increased flexibility and at a sufficient velocity), e.g., due to decreased twisting of the face during impacts at these locations. Additionally, the flight and travel of the ball may be altered due to the different spin imparted by the insert.

Problems solved by technology

Despite the various technological improvements, golf remains a difficult game to play at a high level.

Off-center hits may tend to “twist” the club face when it contacts the ball, thereby sending the ball in the wrong direction, imparting undesired hook or slice spin, and / or robbing the shot of distance.

Club face / ball contact that deviates from squared contact and / or is located away from the club's desired ball contact location, even by a relatively minor amount, also can launch the golf ball in the wrong direction, often with undesired hook or slice spin, and / or can rob the shot of distance.

Even small deviations from squareness between the club head and the golf ball at the point of contact can cause inaccuracy.

Other golfers may tend to miss in other areas of the club face.

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