Golf club head having alignment structure and golf club comprising the same

Abstract

A golf club head has a body with a frontwardly facing ball striking face and a plurality of elements extending rearwardly from the body and forming a hole. The hole has a boundary that is symmetric in geometry about a centerline extending rearwardly from the body. The elements can include a first portion and a second portion, with one portion on top of the other. The hole extends through the first and second portions. A first portion of the boundary is formed by an upper portion and a second portion of the boundary is formed by a lower portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a golf club head. Background Technology

[0002] In golf, clubhead alignment is crucial. Golfers must ensure the clubhead is aligned with the ball and properly positioned relative to the ground to maintain a consistent striking position. Inconsistent alignment with each shot means the clubhead won't always strike the center of the ball, impacting the golfer's accuracy.

[0003] Some existing golf clubs have alignment marks printed on them or otherwise provided to offer visual assistance to golfers in aligning the club with the ball. However, these simple markings can be difficult to use and align correctly in a quick, repeatable, and efficient manner.

[0004] A golf club with an alignment feature is desired that is easy to use and allows users to quickly determine whether the club is correctly positioned and aligned with the ball. Therefore, a golf club with an alignment feature that allows for easy and rapid visual assessment can offer significant advantages and reduce or eliminate one or more of the aforementioned challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention relates to a golf club head having a body and a plurality of elements, the body having a forward-facing striking face, and the plurality of elements extending rearward from the body and forming a hole. The hole has a boundary whose geometry is symmetrical about a centerline extending rearward from the body.

[0006] In some embodiments, the element may include a first portion and a second portion, wherein one of the first portion and the second portion is located on top of the other. The hole extends through the first portion and the second portion. A first portion of the boundary is formed by the upper part, and a second portion of the boundary is formed by the lower part. Optionally, the boundary may be a closed boundary. Optionally, the first portion and the second portion are at least partially separated by a gap.

[0007] Optionally, the first portion may include a first marking line, and the second portion may include a second marking line, each of the first and second marking lines being perpendicular to the striking face of the striking portion, and the first and second marking lines being collinear when viewed from directly above the golf clubhead.

[0008] Optionally, the hole defines a gap between the collinear first and second marker lines.

[0009] In any of the above embodiments, the first part and the second part may be cantilevered onto the main body.

[0010] In any of the above embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be at least partially fixed relative to each other by at least one of fasteners, spacers or integrated supports.

[0011] In any of the above embodiments, the first or second portion may have a surface substantially perpendicular to the striking surface.

[0012] In any of the above embodiments, the geometry may have at least four sides.

[0013] In any of the above embodiments, the first part of the geometry may include a first set of two sides, and the second part of the geometry may include a second set of two sides.

[0014] In any of the above embodiments, the geometry may be a rhombus.

[0015] On the other hand, a golf club includes a shaft and a clubhead attached to the shaft. The clubhead includes: a body including a forward-facing striking face; and a plurality of elements extending rearward from the body and forming a hole with a boundary having a geometry symmetrical about a centerline extending rearward from the body. Optionally, the geometry is rhomboid. Optionally, the plurality of elements includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein: (i) one of the first portion and the second portion is located above the other of the first portion and the second portion; (ii) the hole extends through the upper and lower portions; and (iii) a first portion of the boundary of the hole is formed by the upper portion, and a second portion of the boundary of the hole is formed by the lower portion. Optionally, the first portion includes a first marking line, and the second portion includes a second marking line, each of the first and second marking lines being perpendicular to the striking face of the striking portion, and collinear when viewed from directly above the golf clubhead. Optionally, the hole defines a gap between the collinear first and second marking lines. Optionally, the first and second portions extend cantileveredly from the main body. Optionally, the first and second portions are at least partially separated by a gap. Optionally, at least one of the first or second portions has a surface substantially perpendicular to the striking surface. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are an integral part of this specification and are incorporated herein by reference. The drawings are examples of specific embodiments of this disclosure and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a top view of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a front view of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0021] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments, showing geometric alignment features in an alignment configuration.

[0022] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments, showing geometric alignment features in an misaligned configuration.

[0023] Figure 5C This is a schematic diagram of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments, showing geometric alignment features in an misaligned configuration.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a rear view of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a side view of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a rear view of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a cross-section of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional rear view of an example golf club head according to the disclosed embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following discussion omits or only briefly describes the conventional features of the disclosed technology that are obvious to those skilled in the art. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, any examples set forth in this specification are non-limiting and merely enumerate some of the many possible embodiments of the appended claims. Additionally, specific features described herein can be used in combination with other described features to form various possible combinations and arrangements. Those skilled in the art will know how to combine the invention with conventional experimentation to achieve additional results not explicitly disclosed in the embodiments or implementations.

[0030] Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, all terms shall be given the broadest possible interpretation, including the meaning implied herein, the meaning understood by those skilled in the art, and / or the meaning defined in dictionaries, papers, etc. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed technology pertains. It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a” and “the” include the plural objects unless otherwise stated, and when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” refer to the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, similar or equivalent methods, apparatus, and materials described herein may also be used to implement or test the disclosed technology.

[0031] The apparatus of this disclosure can be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the specific apparatus, methods, conditions, or parameters described and / or illustrated herein, and the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. References to a particular numerical value include at least that particular value unless the context explicitly specifies otherwise. In this document, a range may be expressed as starting from “about” or “approximately” one specific value and / or ending at “about” or “approximately” another specific value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes starting from one specific value and / or ending at another specific value. Similarly, when a numerical value is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent “about”, the specific value will be understood to form another embodiment.

[0032] It should also be understood that all spatial references, such as near end, far end, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left, and right, are for illustrative purposes only and may vary within the scope of this disclosure. For example, references such as “upper” and “lower”, “up” and “down”, “top” and “bottom”, or “front” and “back” are relative and are used only in relation to other objects.

[0033] In this document, when terms such as “first” and “second” are used to modify nouns, this use is solely to distinguish one item from another, not to require a specific order, unless otherwise specified.

[0034] Various examples of the disclosed techniques are provided in this disclosure. These examples are for illustrative purposes only and are in no way intended to limit the scope and meaning of the invention or any of the exemplary forms. Similarly, the invention is not limited to any particular preferred embodiment described herein. In fact, modifications and variations of the invention may be seen by those skilled in the art upon reading this specification, and such modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the invention is limited only by the content of the claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0035] This invention relates to the head of a golf putter used for striking a golf ball. See also: Figure 1 The clubhead 100 may have a body or striking portion 110 having an upper and a lower portion. A perforation forming a geometry extends through the upper and lower portions. The upper and lower portions are at least partially separated by a distance sufficient to cause a noticeable visual distortion of the geometry when viewed at an angle by a user with their eyes positioned above the clubhead 100 (i.e., directly above the clubhead 100). In this way, the user can determine whether he or she has correctly aligned the putter. If the shape appears undistorted to the user, the putter is correctly aligned. Conversely, if the shape appears distorted to the user, the putter is not correctly aligned, and the user should correct the alignment before hitting the golf ball.

[0036] Overall reference Figures 1 to 4 Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a golf club head 100 (also referred to herein as a "putter"). Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary clubhead 100 according to a disclosed embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the clubhead 100 may have a body 110, which has a striking face 120, an upper portion 130, and a lower portion 140, both of which extend rearward from the body 110. (In this text, "upper portion" generally refers to the part of the clubhead closer to the shaft than the lower portion, which is relatively closer to the ground during use.) Figure 4As shown, when the shaft 115 is fixed into the shaft hole 160, the combination of the shaft 115 and the club head 100 forms a golf club.

[0037] The striking portion 120 serves as the part that physically strikes a golf ball. Optionally, the striking portion is a substantially flat surface, but in other embodiments, it may have a slight curve or arc. The striking portion may be integrally formed with the body 110. In other embodiments, the striking portion 120 may be replaceable (e.g., replaced with a different material, replaced with a surface due to wear and tear, etc.). In such embodiments, the striking portion 120 may be removed from the body 110 and secured to the body 110 by one or more fasteners, clips, or other suitable fixing mechanisms.

[0038] The clubhead 100 may include a hole 150 extending through the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140. The hole 150 extends through the entire clubhead 100 (see [link]). Figure 2 Top view and Figure 3 (A bottom view). The upper and lower parts each include the corresponding top surface (i.e., Figure 2 The corresponding visible portions of the upper middle part 130 and the lower part 140) and the bottom surfaces 190, 200 (e.g.) Figure 3 (As shown). The upper portion 130 is shown with an outer boundary and an inner boundary. The outer boundary includes the portion of the body 110 that includes the striking face 120. The inner boundary forms a frame around an opening larger than the hole 150. The lower portion 140 is shown as a V-shaped member having a apex and two arms. The apex is connected to the body 110, the striking face is part of the body, and the two arms extend from the body 110 toward the rear of the clubhead. The opening between the arms of the lower portion 140 overlaps with the opening formed by the inner boundary of the upper portion 130. This overlapping area is the hole 150, providing the alignment function described below.

[0039] It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown. For example, the structural elements of the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 may be reversed from those shown in the figures, such that the upper portion 130 is generally V-shaped and the lower portion 140 forms an opening. Furthermore, the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 may have shapes different from those shown, as long as the edges of the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 mate to form holes 150 that provide alignment functionality.

[0040] Hole 150 is formed by the edges of upper portion 130 and lower portion 140, and has a boundary whose geometry is a closed shape completely defined by the combination of upper portion 130 and lower portion 140. This geometry can be various shapes, including rhombus, circle, rectangle, square, triangle, or any other suitable shape. Geometry 220 is shown as a rhombus in the figure. Figure 5AAs shown, the geometry 220 is symmetrical and has two sides 222 and 224 formed by the upper part 130 and two sides 226 and 228 formed by the lower part 140. Although Figure 5A The diagram shows a shape with four sides, but symmetrical shapes with any number of sides can be used, including but not limited to hexagons, octagons, and pentagons.

[0041] Figure 5A This diagram shows the clubhead in the correct orientation position relative to the user with the clubhead 100. When viewed from directly above, the boundaries of geometry 220 present a symmetrical form to the golfer. Figure 5B The clubhead 100 is displayed in an misaligned configuration, in which case the boundaries of geometry 230 appear distorted and asymmetrical to a golfer whose eyes are directly above the clubhead. Therefore, the user can visually identify this distortion of geometry 230 and correct the club's orientation until the shape is no longer distorted (becoming symmetrical). Figure 5A As shown, a portion of the upper part 130 may extend beyond all or part of the hole 150 (i.e., in a direction extending away from the striking surface 120). For example, a portion of the upper part 130 may extend beyond the geometric center of the geometry 220.

[0042] like Figure 5A As shown, the upper portion 130 may optionally include a first marking line 170 embossed on, formed on, or formed in the surface. The first marking line 170 is an upward-facing line during use, perpendicular to the front of the striking face (i.e., the front surface), and extends from the striking face (or a position near the striking face) toward the hole 150. Similarly, the lower portion 140 may include a second marking line 180. The second marking line 180 is an upward-facing line during use, perpendicular to the striking face 120, and extends from the hole 150 (or a position near the hole 150) toward the rear of the clubhead.

[0043] When the clubhead is correctly oriented (e.g.) Figure 5A As shown in the diagram, for an observer with their eyes directly above the clubhead, the first marking line 170 and the second marking line 180 will appear collinear. The hole 150 may define a gap between the collinear first marking line 170 and the second marking line 180. The first marking line 170 and the second marking line 180 may be collinear with the center line of the striking portion 120 and / or the body 110 and / or the hole 150. For example, the first marking line 170 may bisect the body 110. In other words, the first marking line 170 may be located in the middle of the top-facing surface of the body 100, for example, along... Figure 5C Line 250. When the club is correctly oriented, when viewed from above, geometry 220 presents a symmetrical form about the marking line (see...). Figure 5AWhen the cue stick is not aligned or properly oriented relative to the ball, an offset of 240 degrees occurs between the first marking line 170 and the second marking line 180, as shown below. Figure 5C As shown. Therefore, a golfer with their head positioned above the clubhead will be able to visually identify the offset and correct the clubhead's orientation until the lines are correctly aligned (and the geometry appears symmetrical).

[0044] Figure 6 A rear view of the clubhead 100 is shown. As shown, in at least some areas not corresponding to the hole 150, the lower surface 190 of the upper portion 130 and the upper surface of the lower portion 140 are in contact with each other. Alternatively, the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 can be completely separated by a gap. As shown, each of the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 is shaped to have a symmetrical half on each side of the vertical centerline 210, although this configuration is also optional.

[0045] Figure 7 A side view of the clubhead 100 is shown. As shown, the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 can be cantilevered onto the body 110. In some embodiments, the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 are integral with the body 110. In other embodiments, the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 may be separate components connected to the body 110. The upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 may be spaced apart by a distance 260. The distance 260 may vary across the width of the clubhead 100, sufficient to cause a visual distortion of the geometry visible to the user when the user does not properly orient the club. In some embodiments, the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 may be fixed relative to each other, for example, using fasteners, brackets, spacers, integrated supports, etc., disposed between the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 (e.g., in the gap formed by the distance 260). For example, the distance 260 may vary from approximately 8 mm to approximately 16 mm at its maximum point. As another example, the distance 260 may be approximately 13 mm at its maximum point.

[0046] The golf club head disclosed herein can be formed from any suitable material, such as bronze, aluminum, brass, copper, zinc, titanium, stainless steel (e.g., 431 stainless steel), graphite fiber reinforced epoxy resin, or any combination of the above materials.

[0047] One or both of the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 may have an upper surface and / or a lower surface that are substantially perpendicular to the striking surface 120. Similarly, in some embodiments, each of the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 may have an upper surface and / or a lower surface that are substantially parallel to the corresponding surface of the other portion. For example, the upper surfaces of the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140 may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0048] As described above, in some embodiments, the clubhead may include multiple components that are joined together to form a complete clubhead. For example, such as Figure 8-10 As shown, the upper portion 130 may be a component separate from the body 110 and the lower portion 140. The upper portion 130 may include a connection region 801, the size and shape of which are adapted to fit into a corresponding recess in the body 110. The clubhead may include a cap 805, the size and shape of which are also adapted to fit into the recess. The upper portion 130 may be connected to the body 110 using one or more fasteners. The fasteners may be placed in corresponding holes in the connection region 801 and connected to the body 110. The cap 805 may be an aesthetically pleasing cover for concealing one or more fasteners.

[0049] To reduce vibration (and associated noise), a spacer 807 can be placed between the body 110 and the upper portion 130. The spacer 807 can be a flat material, sized and shaped to act as a vibration damper between the connection area 801 of the body 110 and the upper portion 130. When the clubhead strikes the ball, the spacer 807 can limit or prevent the transmission of vibration from the body 110 to the upper portion 130 (and the resulting resonance in the upper portion 130). The spacer 807 can be made of a suitable vibration-absorbing material, such as rubber, foam (e.g., foam tape), silicone, or other suitable materials. The spacer 807 may include one or more holes 803 to allow fasteners to pass through and engage the body 110 to secure the upper portion 130. The spacer 807 may have a thickness of about 1 mm to about 2 mm.

[0050] The above are merely examples illustrating the principles of this disclosure. Any examples listed in this specification are not limiting, but merely provide a portion of the many possible embodiments shown and described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the appended claims, and without necessarily following the exemplary embodiments and applications shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A golf club head, comprising: A body, the body including a forward-facing striking surface, wherein the body is defined by a centerline extending in a direction perpendicular to the striking surface; and Multiple elements, extending rearward from the body, the multiple elements comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein: The first part includes the outer boundary; The second portion includes a first arm and a second arm, which are connected to the body at a apex, wherein the first arm and the second arm extend rearward such that they extend beyond the outer boundary of the first portion; wherein: The first portion and the second portion each form at least partially a hole with a boundary having a geometry symmetrical about the center line; When the golf club head is on the ground before impact, the second portion is positioned above the first portion; The hole extends through the first portion and the second portion; and The first portion of the boundary of the hole is formed by the first portion, and the second portion of the boundary of the hole is formed by the second portion.

2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein, The boundary is a closed boundary.

3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein: The first part includes a first marking line; The second part includes a second marking line; and Each of the first and second marking lines is perpendicular to the striking face of the body, and when viewed from directly above the golf club head, the first and second marking lines are collinear.

4. The golf club head according to claim 3, wherein, When moving along the direction of the center line, the hole is arranged between the collinear first and second mark lines.

5. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein, The first part and the second part are cantilevered on the main body.

6. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein, The first portion and the second portion are at least partially separated by a gap.

7. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein, The first part and the second part are at least partially secured relative to each other by at least one of fasteners, spacers or integrated supports.

8. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first portion or the second portion has a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the striking surface.

9. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein, The geometry has at least four sides.

10. The golf club head according to claim 9, wherein, The first part of the geometry includes two sides from a first set of the at least four sides, and the second part of the geometry includes two sides from a second set of the at least four sides.

11. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein, The geometric shape is a rhombus.

12. A golf club, comprising: shaft; and Club head, the club head being connected to the shaft and comprising: - A body comprising a forward-facing striking surface, wherein the body is defined by a centerline extending in a direction perpendicular to the striking surface; and - A plurality of elements extending rearward from the body, the plurality of elements comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein: The first part includes the outer boundary; The second portion includes a first arm and a second arm, which are connected to the body at a apex, wherein the first arm and the second arm extend rearward such that they extend beyond the outer boundary of the first portion; wherein: The first portion and the second portion each form at least partially a hole with a boundary having a geometry symmetrical about the center line; When the clubhead is on the ground before impact, the second portion is positioned above the first portion; The hole extends through the first portion and the second portion; and The first portion of the boundary of the hole is formed by the first portion, and the second portion of the boundary of the hole is formed by the second portion.

13. The golf club according to claim 12, wherein: The first part includes a first marking line; The second part includes a second marking line; and Each of the first and second marking lines is perpendicular to the striking face of the body, and when viewed from directly above the golf club head, the first and second marking lines are collinear.

14. The golf club according to claim 13, wherein, When moving along the direction of the center line, the hole is arranged between the collinear first and second mark lines.

15. The golf club according to claim 12, wherein, The first part and the second part are cantilevered on the main body.

16. The golf club of claim 12, wherein, The first portion and the second portion are at least partially separated by a gap.

17. The golf club according to claim 12, wherein, At least one of the first portion or the second portion has a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the striking surface.

18. The golf club according to claim 12, wherein, The geometric shape is a rhombus.

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