Method and apparatus for optimizing launch characteristics of a golf club

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed having a body member which includes a face surface and a receiving portion recessed into the face surface. A face insert having a striking surface is also included and is adapted to attach to the recessed receiving portion. The face insert and the striking surface are a single body made from an injection moldable material which provides the striking surface of the face insert with a combination of properties configured to improve performance characteristics of an associated ball. A method of enhancing surface strike performance using the aforementioned apparatus is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 491,645, filed Apr. 19, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 325,124, filed Apr. 20, 2016. The disclosure of each of the aforementioned patent applicants is fully incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates to golf clubs and related sports applications. More particularly, it relates to enhanced surface strike performance of a golf club head, which may be achieved by an insert attached to the golf club head. Although a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a golf club head, it is contemplated that other types of sports equipment (e.g., baseball bats, hockey sticks, polo mallets, croquet mallets bocce balls, bowling balls, billiard balls, etc., and the like) may similarly benefit from the enhanced surface strike performance disclosed herein.[...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent describes a new golf club design that improves the accuracy and performance of the golf ball. The new design features an insert with surface features that enhance the directional accuracy and reduce the likelihood of hooking or slicing. The insert is made from a smooth or hard material, like a polymer like Acetal. The technical effect of this design is a more effective transfer of kinetic energy to the golf ball, resulting in increased launch angle and greater carry distance. This design also overcomes the complexity and cost of conventional manufacturing techniques, making it a more practical improvement for golf club performance.

Problems solved by technology

The vast majority of golfers are insufficiently skilled in the control of spin on the ball.

Therefore, the inadvertent and errant introduction of spin commonly results in either hooking or slicing the balls flight path in an unintended direction.

These practices, however, are not “legally conforming” to the Rules of Golf issued by the United States Golf Association (“USGA”), as these substances are “temporary modifications.” The removal of grooves on the golf clubface is also widely known in the industry to modify the aforementioned characteristics of golf balls, and clubs having groove-less and highly polished clubfaces are currently marketed today.

While being somewhat effective, this approach of using PTFE had limited functionality and practicality.

As a result, the PTFE coatings on the golf club did not reach the level of performance expectation.

Chang describes the problem as ultimately relating to the softness of the PTFE and that at impact the compression of the golf ball into the layer of PTFE produces a mechanical engagement of the ball against the surface and introduces unexpected and unwanted spin of the golf ball.

However, this limits the degree of mechanical engagement of the PTFE layer with the golf ball.

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