Variable bounce and heel relief for irons

Abstract

SOLUTION: To provide a golf club head comprising an improved sole profile, in details, the various types of irons comprising: a toe part and a heel part in which a camber radius of a sole measured from a front side to a rear side of the golf club head is varied from the toe part to the heel part through a center part; and a wedge including a center between the toe part and the heel part, where, in addition, a bounce angle of the golf club head is also varied from the toe part to the heel part through the center, the golf club head provided as a result being able to comprise a profile in which a specific part of the sole satisfies needs at the position by the novel sole profile, and performance of the golf club head being improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf club head with an improved sole, and more particularly to a golf club head having a camber radius and / or bounce angle that varies from the toe to the heel. [Background technology]

[0002] In the game of golf, a golfer swings a golf club to strike a golf ball. A golf club has a head that strikes the golf ball and a shaft that the golfer grips and swings. There are three basic types of clubs, distinguished primarily by the type of head and the striking conditions of the golf ball. These are: wooden clubs, which hit the golf ball long distances from a high tee; irons (including wedges), which hit the golf ball shorter, more controlled distances at a controlled altitude; and putters, which hit the golf ball short distances along the ground with a high degree of control. The present invention is primarily concerned with irons.

[0003] A golfer typically has a set of irons that vary according to the loft angle of the golf club face relative to the shaft, with increasing designation numbers associated with increasing loft angles. The choice of iron used depends on the distance at which the golf ball is to be hit. In either case, however, the golf ball is placed on the ground, the golf club is swung at high speed, and the club head strikes the ball with high force. The use of irons distinguishes them from the use of woods, where the golf ball is hit from a high tee, so that the head does not or barely makes contact with the ground, and also from the use of putters, where the speed of swing is relatively low.

[0004] The front or striking face of an iron golf club head impacts the golf ball on the ground, either head on or slightly below the golf ball, to propel the golf ball on an upward trajectory. The bottom side of the iron club head, called the "sole," either skims the ground, which may be grass, turf, sand, or an existing depression, or actually digs slightly into the ground when the golf ball is struck.

[0005] To help a golfer make a smooth swing, the sole of an iron is designed with a bounce, or a downward or declining angle between the leading edge where the face meets the sole, and the trailing edge where the sole meets the rear of the golf club head, even when the iron head contacts the ground.

[0006] As the golf club passes through the arc of its swing and the leading edge undercuts the ball, the sole strikes the ground. That is, the bounce can help prevent the leading edge of the face from digging into the surface on which the golf ball rests, with the resulting loss of force and control. At a positive bounce angle, the resultant force urges the club head upwards, causing it to "bounce" off the surface. This action helps prevent the face of the club head from digging into the turf, which typically causes a "muffle" shot and a divot that is generally digged into the turf.

[0007] Prior art attempts to improve bounce have led manufacturers to create irons with a slight, uniform convex curvature across the entire sole, i.e., from heel to toe. While the use of a uniform convex curvature rather than a flat surface has been found to improve bounce characteristics, there remains room for further improvement in the art. What is needed in the art are improved geometries that increase bounce. Such improved geometries would further increase the versatility of any particular iron and fine-tune the iron so that it can perform better from uneven lies and swing through the turf with minimal resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention is directed to golf club heads that are fine-tuned to perform better from uneven positions and cut through the ground with minimal resistance by varying the camber radius of the sole of the golf club head and / or varying the bounce from the toe through the center to the heel. Thus, in some embodiments, the camber radius measured at the toe may be different from the camber radius measured at the center, which may be different from the camber radius measured at the heel. Similarly, in some embodiments, the bounce angle measured at the toe may be different from the bounce angle measured at the center, which may be different from the camber radius measured at the heel.

[0009] In some embodiments, both the camber radius and bounce angle measured at the toe portion may be different from the camber radius and bounce angle measured at the center portion, and the camber radius and bounce angle measured at the center portion may be different from the camber radius and bounce angle measured at the heel portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

[0011] The detailed description set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention with reference to the illustrated embodiment. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by various embodiments that are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, various inventive features are described below, each of which may be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

[0012] 1 illustrates a front view of a golf club head (100) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The golf club head (100) may be any of a variety of irons (including wedges and hybrids) used in the game of golf, such as a 3 iron, 4 iron, 5 iron, 6 iron, 7 iron, 8 iron, 9 iron, pitching wedge, sand wedge, etc. The golf club head (100), as shown in FIG. 1, may generally include a sole (102), a topline (104) opposite the sole (102), a toe portion (106) adjacent the sole (102) and the topline (104), a heel portion (108) opposite the toe portion (106) and adjacent the sole (102) and the topline (104), a striking face (112) adjacent the sole (102), the topline (104), the toe portion (106), and the heel portion (108), a rear portion (114) opposite the striking face (112) and adjacent the sole (102), the topline (104), the toe portion (106), and the heel portion (108), and a hosel (110) adjacent the heel portion (108) and the topline (104). The hosel (110) defines a longitudinal shaft axis (A) and is configured to receive a shaft. The striking face (112) further features a plurality of horizontal scorelines (118) that aid in controlling the spin of a golf ball that contacts the striking face (112) of the golf club head (100).

[0013] For ease of explanation, the striking face portion will be referred to as the front side of the golf club head (100). Thus, the striking face portion (102) is located at the front of the golf club head (100). As a result, the rear portion (114) is located opposite the striking face portion (112), the top line (104) is located at the top of the golf club head (100), the heel portion (108) is located at the proximal end of the golf club head (100), the toe portion (106) is located at the distal end of the golf club head (100) opposite the heel portion (108), the center portion (116) is located between the heel portion (108) and the toe portion (106), and the sole portion (102) is located at the bottom of the golf club head (100) opposite the top line (104). In the example provided, an origin axis (201) is provided (referenced for ease of explanation and clarity only) indicating xyz directions relative to the golf club head (100).

[0014] Figure 2 shows a toe side view of a golf club head (100) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the golf club head (100) includes a leading edge (120) located approximately where the striking face (112) meets the sole (102) and defining a leading edge radius, a trailing edge (122) adjacent the rear (114) and the sole (102) and having a trailing edge radius, and a portion of the sole (102) between the leading edge (120) and the trailing edge (122) and having a camber radius (C) generally measured from the leading edge (120) to the trailing edge (122).

[0015] The leading edge (120), for purposes of this application, may be defined as the generally forward-most edge of the golf club head (100), as shown in Figure 2, with the hosel (110) at a position (in the z-axis direction) that is upright 90 degrees (vertical) from the ground plane (200). (The ground plane (200) is an imaginary plane that is bottom-most and in contact with the golf club head (100) and mimics the surface of the ground on which a golf ball rests.) This leading edge (120) is then generally defined as the generally forward-most edge along the z-axis (indicated by the origin axis (201)) where the striking face (112) meets the sole (102). 2 shows a trailing edge (122) defined as the generally rearmost edge of the sole portion (106) of the golf club head (100) where the hosel (110) is again at 90 degrees (vertical) (in the front-to-back z-axis direction) from the ground plane (200). The trailing edge (122) is then defined as the generally rearmost edge of the sole portion (106) along the z-axis (referring again to origin (201)) where the sole (102) and rear portion (114) generally meet.

[0016] As is known in the art, the leading edge (120) and the trailing edge (122) can be used to characterize the bounce angle (B) of the club relative to the ground plane (200) when the hosel (110) is at a 90 degree (vertical) position (front to back z-axis direction) from the ground plane (200) as shown in Figure 2. Generally, the bounce angle (B) is defined as the angle made with respect to the ground plane (200) by an imaginary line (L) (referred to herein as the bounce line) that extends from the leading edge (120) to the trailing edge (122) (i.e., in the z-axis direction) and is perpendicular to the scoreline (118) (x-axis direction).

[0017] The present invention incorporates a new and innovative sole profile that dramatically improves the performance of a golf club head (100). The innovative sole (102) includes a sole profile in which the camber radius (C) and / or bounce angle (B) changes from the toe portion (106) to the heel portion (108). In other words, unlike prior art golf clubs in which the camber radius remains the same from toe to heel, in the present invention, the camber radius (C) measured at the toe portion (106) changes from the toe portion (108) to the heel portion (108). T ) is the camber radius (C C ) which may differ from the camber radius (C) measured at the heel portion (108). H ) may differ from the bounce angle (B T ) is the bounce angle (B C ) which may differ from the bounce angle (B) measured at the heel (108). H ) may differ from

[0018] In some embodiments, the change in camber radius (C) and / or bounce angle (B) may be continuous or gradual from the toe portion (106) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the change in camber radius (C) and bounce angle (B) may be without a discernible inflection point. This continuously variable camber radius (C) and / or bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the heel portion (108) allows for more fine-tuned adjustment of a particular sole (102) to accommodate the particular needs of the sole (102) at various different points to help improve the performance of the golf club head (100).

[0019] Therefore, the leading edge (120) is T ), Center Leading Edge (120 C ) and heel leading edge (120 H ) can be characterized as consisting of a toe leading edge (120 T) is located in the toe portion (106) adjacent the striking face (112) and the sole (102) and has a central leading edge (120 C ) is generally located at a center portion (116) adjacent the striking face (112) and the sole (102), and at a heel leading edge (120). H ) are generally located in the heel portion (108) adjacent the striking face (112) and the sole (102).

[0020] Similarly, the trailing edge (122) is T ), center trailing edge (122 C ), and heel trailing edge (122 H ) can be characterized as including the trailing edge (122 T ) is generally located in the rear portion (114) and in the toe portion (106) adjacent the sole (102) and includes a central trailing edge (122 C ) are generally located at the rear (114) and at the center (116) adjacent the sole (102), and at the heel trailing edge (122). H ) are generally located in the rear portion (114) and heel portion (108) adjacent the sole (102).

[0021] Therefore, the toe leading edge (120 T ) from the top point to the trailing edge (122 T A bounce line (L) drawn perpendicular to the score line (118) to a point above the toe bounce angle (B T ) can be used to define the central leading edge (120 C ) from the top point of the center trailing edge (122 C A bounce line (L) drawn perpendicular to the score line (118) to a point above the center bounce angle (B C ) can be used to define the heel leading edge (120 H ) from the top point of the heel trailing edge (122 HA bounce line (L) drawn perpendicular to the score line (118) to a point above the heel bounce angle (B H ) may be used to define

[0022] 3-5 respectively show cross-sectional views of the golf club head (100) shown in FIG. 1 along section line 3-3 (FIG. 3) through the toe portion (106), section line 4-4 (FIG. 4) through the central portion (116), and section line 5-5 (FIG. 5) through the heel portion (108). These cross-sectional views of the golf club head (100) allow for better illustration of the innovative sole (102) according to the present invention. Line 3-3 generally shows a cut along the yz plane located at a toe-direction position generally at the end of the main scoreline (118), which is generally the bottom longest scoreline (118) adjacent to the toe portion (106). Line 4-4 generally shows a cut along the yz plane located at a generally central position (along the x-axis) between the main scorelines (118). Line 5-5 generally shows a cut along the yz plane located at a heel-direction position generally at the end of the main scoreline (118) adjacent to the heel portion (108).

[0023] Typical golf clubs are designed to have the same camber radius and the same bounce angle from the toe portion (106) through the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108). However, in the invention of the present application, the camber radius (C) varies along the sole (102) from the toe portion (106) through the center portion (116) towards the heel portion (108) (i.e., along the x-axis). For example, in some embodiments, the camber radius (C) gradually increases from the toe portion (106) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the camber radius (C) gradually decreases from the toe portion (106) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the camber radius (C) gradually increases from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) and then decreases from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the camber radius (C) gradually decreases from the toe portion to the center portion (116) and then increases from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108).

[0024] As an example, in a 4-iron, the toe camber radius (C T ) measured at the distal end of the toe portion (106a) can be about 64 mm. As approaching the center portion (116), the center camber radius (C C ) can decrease to about 30 mm around the center point (116a) of the striking face (112) (e.g., the center point of the lowest score line (118)). As approaching the heel portion (108) further, the heel camber radius (C H ) can further decrease to about 27 mm at the closest point of the heel portion (108). As an example, Table 1 shows a chart of various golf club heads (100) showing the changes (values shown in millimeters) of the camber radius (C) measured at the toe portion (106) (the farthest point of the toe portion (106)), the center portion (116) (the center of the lowest score line (118)), and the heel portion (108) (the closest point of the heel portion (108)).

[0025]

Table 1

[0026] In preferred embodiments, the change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) decreases gradually. For example, the camber radius (C) may decrease from about 20% to about 60% from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). Preferably, the camber radius (C) may decrease from about 25% to about 55% from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). More preferably, the camber radius (C) may decrease from about 40% to about 50% from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). In these examples, the rate of decrease in camber radius from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) is reflected in equation (1):

[0027]

number

[0028] Similarly, the change in camber radius (C) from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108) may decrease gradually. For example, the camber radius (C) may decrease from about 5% to about 50% from the center portion (116) to the heel portion. Preferably, the camber radius (C) may decrease from about 8% to about 40% from the center portion (116) to the heel portion. More preferably, the camber radius (C) may decrease from about 10% to about 25% from the center portion (116) to the heel portion. In some embodiments, the camber radius (C) may decrease from about 10% to about 15% from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108). In these examples, the rate of decrease in the camber radius from the center portion (116) to the toe portion (106) is reflected in equation (2):

[0029]

number

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) may generally be greater than the change in camber radius (C) from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108). For example, the change in camber radius (C) from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108) may be about 15% to about 60% of the change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). Preferably, the change in camber radius (C) from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108) may be about 18% to about 40% of the change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). More preferably, the change in camber radius (C) from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108) may be about 20% to about 40% of the change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116).

[0031] In some embodiments, the amount of change in the camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) may be greater than the amount of change in the camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center (116). For example, the amount of change in the camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) may be about 110% to about 150% of the amount of change in the camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center (116). Preferably, the amount of change in the camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) may be about 120% to about 140% of the amount of change in the camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center (116). More preferably, the amount of change in the camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) may be about 125% to about 135% of the amount of change in the camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center (116).

[0032] Similarly, the bounce angle (B) can vary along the sole (102) from the toe portion (106) through the central portion (116) to the heel portion (108). For example, in some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) increases progressively from the toe portion (106) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) decreases progressively from the toe portion (106) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) increases progressively from the central portion (116) of the toe portion (106) to the heel portion (108), and then decreases from the central portion (116) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) decreases progressively from the central portion (116) of the toe portion (106) to the heel portion (108), and then increases from the central portion (116) to the heel portion (108).

[0033] As just one example, a 4 iron has a toe bounce angle (B T ) may be approximately 2 degrees. Approaching the center (116), the central bounce angle (B C ) may be gradually decreased to about 1 degree. Further toward the heel portion (108), the heel bounce angle (B H ) may further decrease to about 0 degrees. From the toe portion (106) through the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108), the angle may decrease from 3 degrees to 2 degrees to 1 degree, respectively.

[0034] An example of increasing bounce angle (B) is demonstrated by a 4 iron, which has an increasing bounce angle (B) from about 3 degrees to about 4 degrees from the toe (106) to the center (116). In a 7 iron, the bounce angle (B) may increase from about 6 degrees to about 7 degrees from the toe (106) to the center (116). In a pitching wedge (PW), the bounce angle (B) may increase from about 9 degrees to about 10 degrees from the toe (106) to the center (116).

[0035] Examples of bounce angle (B) that increases from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) include a 4 iron, which has a bounce angle (B) that varies from 4 degrees to 5 degrees from the center (116) to the heel portion. In a 7 iron, the bounce angle (B) may increase from about 7 degrees to about 8 degrees from the center (116) to the heel portion (108). In a pitching wedge, the bounce angle (B) may increase from about 10 degrees to about 11 degrees from the center (116) to the heel portion (108).

[0036] Table 2 shows the same golf club head chart as Table 1, but now shows the change in bounce angle (B) (in degrees) measured at the toe (106) (the furthest point of the toe (106)), the center (116) (the center of the lowest scoreline (118)), and the heel (108) (the most proximal point of the heel (108)).

[0037] [Table 2]

[0038] Thus, the change (either increase or decrease) in bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) and / or from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108) may range from about 0.25 degrees to about 5 degrees in each region. Preferably, the change (either increase or decrease) in bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) and / or from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108) may range from about 0.5 degrees to about 4 degrees in each region. More preferably, the change (either increase or decrease) in bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) and / or from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108) may range from about 1 degree to about 3 degrees in each region.

[0039] Generally, the bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) may be reduced by about 10% to about 60% (relative to the toe portion (106)). In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) may be reduced by about 15% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) may be reduced by about 20% to about 35%.

[0040] In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) may increase by about 10% to about 40%. In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) may increase by about 17% to about 33%. In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) may increase by about 20% to about 30%. In these examples, the rate of change (either an increase or decrease) of the bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) is reflected in equation (3):

[0041]

number

[0042] Similarly, the bounce angle (B) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) may be reduced by about 5% to about 70%. In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) may be reduced by about 10% to about 60%. In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) may be reduced by about 18% to about 50%.

[0043] In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108) may increase by about 5% to about 30%. In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108) may increase by about 10% to about 25%. In some embodiments, the bounce angle (B) from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108) may increase by about 14% to about 20%. In these examples, the rate of change (either an increase or decrease) of the bounce angle (B) from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108) is reflected in equation (4):

[0044]

number

[0045] The invention of the present application can further be characterized by the relationship between the bounce angle (B) and the camber radius (C). In some embodiments, the toe bounce angle (B T ) and toe camber radius (C T ) and the ratio (B T :C T ) may range from about 0.02:1 to about 0.2:1. In some embodiments, the toe bounce angle (B T ) and toe camber radius (C T ) and the ratio (B T :C T ) can range from about 0.03:1 to about 0.17:1. In some embodiments, the toe bounce angle (B T ) and toe camber radius (C T ) and the ratio (B T :C T ) may range from about 0.04:1 to about 0.15:1. In some embodiments, the toe bounce angle (B T ) and toe camber radius (C T ) and the ratio (B T :C T ) may range from about 0.05:1 to about 0.1:1.

[0046] In some embodiments, the central bounce angle (B C) and the central camber radius (C C ) and the ratio (B C :C C ) can range from about 0.02:1 to about 0.4:1. In some embodiments, the central bounce angle (B C ) and the central camber radius (C C ) and the ratio (B C :C C ) can range from about 0.03:1 to about 0.30:1. In some embodiments, the central bounce angle (B C ) and the central camber radius (C C ) and the ratio (B C :C C ) can range from about 0.05:1 to about 0.18:1. In some embodiments, the central bounce angle (B C ) and the central camber radius (C C ) and the ratio (B C :C C ) may range from about 0.06:1 to about 0.15:1.

[0047] In some embodiments, the heel bounce angle (B H ) and heel camber radius (C H ) and the ratio (B H :C H ) may range from about 0:1 to about 0.4:1. In some embodiments, the heel bounce angle (B H ) and heel camber radius (C H ) and the ratio (B H :C H ) may range from about 0.02:1 to about 0.37:1. In some embodiments, the heel bounce angle (B H ) and heel camber radius (C H ) and the ratio (B H :C H ) may range from about 0.04:1 to about 0.27:1. In some embodiments, the heel bounce angle (B H ) and heel camber radius (C H ) and the ratio (B H :C H ) may range from about 0.07:1 to about 0.22:1.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of bounce (B) to camber (C) at the center (B C :C C ) is To (B T :C T ) or Heal (B H :C H ) is greater than the ratio of bounce (B) to camber (C) at the heel. In some embodiments, the ratio of bounce (B) to camber (C) at the heel (B H :C H ) is the ratio of bounce (B) to camber (C) at the center (B C :C C ) can be larger than

[0049] The invention of the present application may further be characterized by a relationship between the change in bounce angle (B) and the change in camber radius (C). For example, in a preferred embodiment, the rate of change of bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) is generally less than the rate of change of camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). In some embodiments, the change in bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) (whether the change is an increase or decrease) may be about 25% to about 100% of the same or corresponding change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). For example, if the camber radius (C) changes by 40% from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) and the corresponding change in bounce angle (B) measured at the toe portion (106) and the center portion (116) is 10%, then the change in bounce angle (B) is 25% of the change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). Similarly, if the camber radius (C) changes by 25% from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) and the bounce angle (B) changes by 25% from the same toe portion (106) to the center portion (116), then the change in bounce angle (B) is 100% of the change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). In some embodiments, the change in bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) (whether the change is an increase or a decrease) may be about 35% to about 95% of the corresponding change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). In some embodiments, the change in bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) (whether the change is an increase or a decrease) may be about 40% to about 80% of the same or corresponding change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). In some embodiments, the change in bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) (whether the change is an increase or a decrease) may be about 43% to about 65% of the same or corresponding change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116).

[0050] In some embodiments, the rate of change of the bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) can be greater than the rate of change of the camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). For example, in a club where the bounce angle from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) changes by about 33% and the corresponding camber radius from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) changes by about 29%, the change in the bounce angle (B) is about 114% of the change in the camber radius (C). In some embodiments, the change in the bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) (regardless of whether the change is an increase or a decrease) can be up to about 125% of the change in the same or corresponding camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). In some embodiments, the change in the bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) (regardless of whether the change is an increase or a decrease) can be up to about 120% of the change in the same or corresponding camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116). In some embodiments, the change in the bounce angle (B) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116) (regardless of whether the change is an increase or a decrease) can be up to about 116% of the change in the same or corresponding camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center portion (116).

[0051] From the center (116) to the heel portion (108), the rate of change of bounce angle (B) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) may be less than or greater than the corresponding rate of change of camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108). For example, if the change in camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) is 14% and the corresponding change in bounce angle (B) measured from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) is 10%, then the change in bounce angle (B) will be 70% of the change in camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the change in bounce angle (B) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) (whether the change is an increase or a decrease) can be about 45% to about 80% of the same or corresponding change in camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the change in bounce angle (B) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) (whether the change is an increase or a decrease) can be about 50% to about 70% of the corresponding change in camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the change in bounce angle (B) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) (whether the change is an increase or a decrease) can be about 55% to about 65% of the corresponding change in camber radius (C) from the toe portion (106) to the center (116).

[0052] In some embodiments, the rate of change of bounce angle (B) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) may be greater than the rate of change of the corresponding camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108). For example, in a club having an approximately 50% change in bounce angle from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) and an approximately 10% change in the corresponding camber radius from the center (116) to the heel portion (108), the change in bounce angle (B) will be approximately 500% of the change in camber radius (C). In some embodiments, the change in bounce angle (B) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) (whether the change is an increase or decrease) may be between approximately 100% and approximately 1000% of the corresponding change in camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the change in bounce angle (B) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) (whether the change is an increase or a decrease) can be from about 110% to about 650% of the corresponding change in camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108). In some embodiments, the change in bounce angle (B) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108) (whether the change is an increase or a decrease) can be from about 200% to about 600% of the corresponding change in camber radius (C) from the center (116) to the heel portion (108).

[0053] Preferably, as the bounce angle (B) decreases from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108), the rate of change of the bounce angle (B) is greater than the rate of change of the camber radius (C) at the corresponding location. Conversely, as the bounce angle (B) increases from the center portion (116) to the heel portion (108), the rate of change of the bounce angle (B) is less than the rate of change of the camber radius (C) at the corresponding location.

[0054] Heel relief is also provided by reducing the bounce angle (B) towards the heel portion (108). Relief in the heel portion (108) can improve how well the club head (100) passes through grass, turf, sand, etc. with minimal resistance.

[0055] The golf club head (100) of the present invention can be manufactured using casting or forging techniques according to the specifications disclosed herein using materials such as titanium, steel, carbon fiber, and other typical metals used in the manufacture of irons.

[0056] Except in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly stated, all numerical ranges, amounts, values, and percentages, such as those relating to radii of curvature, angles, and the like, in the foregoing portions of this specification may be read as if they were preceded by the term "about" or "approximately", even if the term "about" does not expressly appear in the value, amount, or range. Thus, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the above specification and the appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. However, the numerical values ​​below inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges of various ranges are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values ​​inclusive of the recited values, and any value between any recited ranges, may be used.

[0057] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A golf club head, a) a striking face located at a front portion of the golf club head, the striking face having a plurality of scorelines; b) a rear portion opposite the striking face; c) a top line located at an upper portion of the golf club head; d) a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head; e) a hosel adjacent the heel portion and the topline, the hosel defining a longitudinal axis and configured to receive a shaft; f) a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion; g) a central portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion; h) a sole located on a lower portion of the golf club head opposite the top line, the sole having a camber radius; i) a leading edge adjacent the striking face and the sole; j) a trailing edge adjacent said rear and back sole, said camber radius being measured from said leading edge to said trailing edge; k) wherein the camber radius decreases from the toe portion to the center portion or from the center portion to the heel portion; l) a bounce line from the leading edge to the trailing edge defines a bounce angle with a ground plane when a longitudinal axis of the hosel is oriented perpendicular to the ground plane, and the bounce angle decreases from the toe portion to the center portion and increases from the center portion to the heel portion.

2. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the camber radius gradually decreases from the toe portion to the heel portion.

3. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the camber radius increases progressively from the toe portion to the center portion and then decreases progressively from the center portion to the heel portion.

4. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the camber radius decreases progressively from the toe portion to the center portion and then increases progressively from the center portion to the heel portion.

5. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the bounce angle increases progressively from the toe portion to the heel portion.

6. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the bounce angle gradually decreases from the toe portion to the heel portion.

7. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the bounce angle decreases progressively from the toe portion to the center portion and then increases progressively from the center portion to the heel portion.

8. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a first ratio between a toe bounce angle measured at the toe portion and a toe camber radius measured at the toe portion ranges from 0.02:1 to 0.2:1, a second ratio between a central bounce angle measured at the center portion and a central camber radius measured at the center portion ranges from 0.02:1 to 0.4:1, and a third ratio between a heel bounce angle measured at the heel portion and a heel camber radius measured at the heel portion ranges from 0:1 to 0.4:

1.

9. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a first ratio of a central bounce angle to a central camber radius measured at the center is greater than a second ratio of a toe bounce angle to a toe camber radius measured at the toe portion, and greater than a third ratio of a heel bounce angle to a heel camber radius measured at the heel portion.

10. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the rate of change of the bounce angle measured at the toe portion compared to the center portion is between 25% and 100% of the rate of change of the camber radius measured at the toe portion compared to the center portion.

11. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the rate of change of the bounce angle measured at the toe portion compared to the center portion is between 100% and 125% of the rate of change of the camber radius measured at the toe portion compared to the center portion.

12. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the rate of change of the bounce angle measured at the center compared to the heel portion is between 45% and 80% of the rate of change of the camber radius measured at the center compared to the heel portion.

13. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the rate of change of the bounce angle measured at the center compared to the heel portion is between 100% and 650% of the rate of change of the camber radius measured at the center compared to the heel portion.

14. A golf club head, comprising: a) a striking face located at a front portion of the golf club head, the striking face having a plurality of scorelines; b) a rear portion opposite the striking face; c) a top line located at an upper portion of the golf club head; d) a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head; e) a hosel adjacent the heel portion and the top line, the hosel being configured to receive a shaft; f) a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion; g) a central portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion; h) a sole located on a lower portion of the golf club head opposite the top line; i) a leading edge adjacent the striking face and the sole; j) a trailing edge adjacent said rear portion and said sole; k) a golf club head, wherein said sole defines a camber radius from said leading edge to said trailing edge, said camber radius increasing progressively from said toe portion to said center portion and then decreasing progressively from said center portion to said heel portion.

15. A golf club head, comprising: a) a striking face located at a front portion of the golf club head, the striking face having a plurality of scorelines; b) a rear portion opposite the striking face; c) a top line located at an upper portion of the golf club head; d) a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head; e) a hosel adjacent the heel portion and the top line, the hosel being configured to receive a shaft; f) a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion; g) a central portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion; h) a sole located on a lower portion of the golf club head opposite the top line; i) a leading edge adjacent the striking face and the sole; j) a trailing edge adjacent said rear portion and said sole; k) a golf club head, wherein said sole defines a camber radius from said leading edge to said trailing edge, said camber radius decreasing progressively from said toe portion to said center portion and then increasing progressively from said center portion to said heel portion.

16. A golf club head comprising: a) a striking face located at a front portion of the golf club head, the striking face having a plurality of scorelines; b) a rear portion opposite the striking face; c) a top line located at an upper portion of the golf club head; d) a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head; e) a hosel adjacent the heel portion and the top line, the hosel being configured to receive a shaft; f) a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion; g) a central portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion; h) a sole located on a lower portion of the golf club head opposite the top line; i) a leading edge adjacent the striking face and the sole; j) a trailing edge adjacent said rear portion and said sole; k) a golf club head, wherein said sole defines a camber radius from said leading edge to said trailing edge, said camber radius decreasing from said toe portion to said center portion or from said center portion to said heel portion, said change in camber radius from said center portion to said heel portion being between 15% and 60% of the change in camber radius from said toe portion to said center portion.

17. A golf club head comprising: a) a striking face located at a front portion of the golf club head, the striking face having a plurality of scorelines; b) a rear portion opposite the striking face; c) a top line located at an upper portion of the golf club head; d) a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head; e) a hosel adjacent the heel portion and the top line, the hosel being configured to receive a shaft; f) a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion; g) a central portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion; h) a sole located on a lower portion of the golf club head opposite the top line; i) a leading edge adjacent the striking face and the sole; j) a trailing edge adjacent said rear portion and said sole; k) a golf club head, wherein said sole defines a camber radius from said leading edge to said trailing edge, said camber radius decreasing from said toe portion to said center portion or from said center portion to said heel portion, said change in camber radius from said center portion to said heel portion being between 110% and 150% of the change in camber radius from said toe portion to said center portion.

18. A golf club head, a) a striking face located at a front portion of the golf club head, the striking face having a plurality of scorelines; b) a rear portion opposite the striking face; c) a top line located at an upper portion of the golf club head; d) a heel portion located at a proximal end of the golf club head; e) a hosel adjacent the heel portion and the topline, the hosel defining a longitudinal axis and configured to receive a shaft; f) a toe portion located at a distal end of the golf club head opposite the heel portion; g) a central portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion; h) a sole located on a lower portion of the golf club head opposite the top line; i) a leading edge adjacent the striking face and the sole; j) a trailing edge adjacent said rear portion and said sole; k) a golf club head, wherein a bounce line from said leading edge to said trailing edge defines a bounce angle with said ground plane when said hosel is oriented perpendicular to said ground plane, and wherein the bounce angle decreases from said toe portion to said center portion and increases from said center portion to said heel portion.

19. 20. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the bounce angle increases progressively from the toe portion to the heel portion.

20. 20. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the bounce angle decreases progressively from the toe portion to the heel portion.

21. 20. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the bounce angle decreases progressively from the toe portion to the center portion and then increases progressively from the center portion to the heel portion.

22. 20. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the bounce angle measured at the toe portion is reduced by between 15% and 60% at the center portion.

23. 20. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the bounce angle measured at the center portion increases by between 5% and 30% at the heel portion.

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