Golf club head including a variably lofted face

Abstract

A golf club head including a variably lofted face is disclosed herein. In accordance with the presently disclosed technology, the golf club head may include a striking face. The striking face may include a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion. The upper striking face portion may include a first effective loft, and the lower striking face portion may include a second loft. The first effective loft may be different than the second loft. The golf club head may include a crown and a sole.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to golf club heads, and more specifically to golf club heads including a variably lofted face.SUMMARY

[0002] Embodiments of the presently disclosed technology may include golf club heads. In accordance with some aspects of the presently disclosed technology, a golf club head may include a striking face located at a frontal portion of the golf club head. The striking face may include a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion. The upper striking face portion may include a first effective loft. The lower striking face portion may include a second loft. The first effective loft may be different than the second loft. The golf club head may include a crown forming an upper portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the upper striking face portion and a sole forming a lower portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the lower striking face portion.

[0003] In embodiments, the upper striking face portion may include a first radius of curvature corresponding to the first effective loft. The lower striking face portion may include a second radius of curvature corresponding to the second loft. The first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature may be different.

[0004] In embodiments, the first radius of curvature may be smaller than the second radius of curvature.

[0005] In embodiments, the first effective loft may be greater than the second loft.

[0006] In embodiments, the first radius of curvature may be between about 225 mm and about 350 mm.

[0007] In embodiments, the second radius of curvature may be greater than 1250 mm.

[0008] In embodiments, the frontal striking surface may further include a central striking face portion between the upper striking face portion and the lower striking face portion.

[0009] In embodiments, the central striking face portion may be a non-linear curve transitioning from the upper striking face portion to the lower striking face portion.

[0010] In embodiments, the central striking face portion may extend over a transition distance. The transition distance may be between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

[0011] In accordance with some aspects of the presently disclosed technology, a golf club head may include a striking face located at a frontal portion of the golf club head.

[0012] The striking face may include a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion. The upper striking face portion may include a first effective loft. The first effective loft may be defined by a first loft angle between a vertical line perpendicular to the ground plane through the face center and a tangent line tangent to the face center along a substantially vertical direction. The lower striking face portion may include a second loft defined by a second loft angle between the vertical line and the lower striking face portion. The first effective loft may be substantially the same as the second loft. The golf club head may include a crown forming an upper portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the upper striking face portion and a sole forming a lower portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the lower striking face portion.

[0013] In embodiments, the upper striking face portion may include a first radius of curvature corresponding to the first effective loft. The lower striking face portion may include a second radius of curvature corresponding to the second loft. The first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature may be different.

[0014] In embodiments, the first radius of curvature may be smaller than the second radius of curvature.

[0015] In embodiments, the first radius of curvature may be between about 225 mm and about 350 mm. The second radius of curvature may be greater than 1250 mm.

[0016] In accordance with some aspects of the presently disclosed technology, a golf club head may include a striking face located at a frontal portion of the golf club head. The striking face may include a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion. The upper striking face portion may include a first radius of curvature. The lower striking face portion may include a second radius of curvature. The first radius of curvature may be less than the second radius of curvature. The golf club head may include a crown forming an upper portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the upper striking face portion and a sole forming a lower portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the lower striking face portion.

[0017] In embodiments, the upper striking face portion may include a first effective loft corresponding to the first radius of curvature. The first effective loft may be defined by a first loft angle between a vertical line perpendicular to the ground plane through the face center and a tangent line tangent to the face center along a substantially vertical direction. The lower striking face portion may include a second loft corresponding to the second radius of curvature. The second loft may be defined by a second loft angle between the vertical line and the lower striking face portion. The first effective loft may be substantially the same as the second loft.

[0018] In embodiments, the first radius of curvature may be between about 225 mm and about 350 mm.

[0019] In embodiments, the second radius of curvature may be greater than about 1250 mm.

[0020] In embodiments, the frontal striking surface may further include a central striking face portion between the upper striking face portion and the lower striking face portion.

[0021] In embodiments, the central striking face portion may be a non-linear curve transitioning from the upper striking face portion to the lower striking face portion.

[0022] In embodiments, the central striking face portion may extend over a transition distance. The transition distance may be between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates partial cross-sectional views of golf club heads in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed technology taken substantially along a midplane in a back-to-front direction.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates partial cross-sectional views of a golf club face in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed technology taken substantially along a midplane in a back-to-front direction.

[0025] These and other features of the presently disclosed technology, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts, may be clearer upon consideration of the following detailed description and the claims with reference to these drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, with like reference numerals designating corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood that these drawings are for illustration purposes and description and are not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Existing golf club heads are generally limited to a single radius of curvature for a roll and a corresponding single effective loft. Existing golf club heads cannot affect spin differential between shots (e.g., center of face shots and low on face shots or turf shots). These existing methods fail to allow for a variable radius of curvature with an effective loft on a first half of a golf club face and a loft for a second half of a golf club face. This may increase the overall launch angle or provide greater consistency between center shots and turf shots based on the effective loft and the loft.

[0027] The presently disclosed technology described herein contemplates a golf club head, such as an iron, a fairway wood, a driver, or another type of golf club head, that includes a face with variable loft. The golf club head may include a striking face including a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion. The upper striking face portion may include a first radius of curvature and / or a first effective loft. The lower striking face portion may include a second radius of curvature and / or a second loft. The second radius of curvature may be flat or substantially flat. The second loft may be the same as or less than the first effective loft. The first effective loft may be greater than the second loft. The variably lofted face may provide reduced spin differential, improved launch, more consistent performance between shots, and / or other golf club performance benefits.

[0028] Establishing a reference coordinate system for the presently disclosed technology, an x-axis may refer to the axis that is horizontal to the face from a heel-to-toe direction, a y-axis may refer to the vertical axis through the club in a crown to sole direction, a z-axis may refer to the horizontal axis that is horizontal front to back in a forward and rear direction. Alternatively speaking, the x-axis may be defined as a horizontal axis tangent to a geometric center of the face with the positive direction towards a heel of the golf club head, a y-axis is a vertical axis orthogonal to the x-axis with a positive direction towards a top of the golf club head, and a z-axis being orthogonal to both the x-axis and the y-axis with a positive direction towards a front of the golf club head. The x-y-z coordinate system described above shall be the same for all subsequent discussions. For example, the x-y-z coordinate system may be used to describe the CG of the golf club head. The golf club head may have a CG-x, a CG-y, and a CG-z component corresponding to the x-, y-, and z-coordinates discussed herein.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates partial cross-sectional views of golf club heads in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed technology taken substantially along a midplane in a back-to-front direction. Golf club head 100 may be a traditional-style golf club head including a single roll radius across the face. The roll radius may refer to a curvature of a club's face from crown 101 to sole 103 of golf club head 100.

[0030] Golf club head 100 may include crown 101, sole 103, and / or striking face 104. Crown 101 may form an upper portion of golf club head 100. Crown 101 may extend rearward from upper striking face portion 106. Sole 103 may form a lower portion of golf club head 100. Sole 103 may extend rearward from lower striking face portion 108. Striking face 104 may be located at a frontal portion of golf club head 100. Striking face 104 may include face center 102. Face center 102 may divide striking face 104 between upper striking face portion 106 and lower striking face portion 108.

[0031] FIG. 1 may include various imaginary lines and / or angles to help define certain characteristics of golf club head 100. For example, tangent line 112 may be tangent to face center on a y-z plane or through a substantially vertical direction. Vertical line 110 may be perpendicular to a ground plane through face center 102. Loft angle 114 may be an angle between tangent line 112 and / or vertical line 110. For example, loft angle 114 may be measured from above face center from vertical line 110 rotating counter-clockwise to tangent line 112.

[0032] Golf club head 130 may include crown 131, sole 133, and / or striking face 134. Crown 131 and / or sole 133 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, crown 101 and / or sole 103, respectively. Striking face 134 may be located at a frontal portion of golf club head 130. Striking face 134 may include face center 132, upper striking face portion 136, and / or lower striking face portion 138. Face center 132 may divide striking face 134 between upper striking face portion 136 and lower striking face portion 138.

[0033] Upper striking face portion 136 may include a first radius of curvature and a first effective loft. The first radius of curvature may refer to a curvature along a vertical plane of upper striking face portion 136. The first radius of curvature may be between about 225 mm and about 350 mm. The first effective loft may correspond to a loft for a golf club head with curvature (e.g., drivers and / or woods). The first effective loft may be defined by first loft angle 144. Vertical line 140 and / or tangent line 142 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, vertical line 110 and / or tangent line 112. First loft angle 144 may be between about 7 degrees and about 35 degrees.

[0034] Lower striking face portion 138 may include a second radius of curvature and a second effective loft. The second radius of curvature may refer to a curvature along a vertical plane of lower striking face portion 138. The second radius of curvature may be greater than about 1250 mm. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature may be substantially flat. For example, the second radius of curvature may be substantially planar. The second effective loft may be referred to as a second loft because there is substantially no curvature along lower striking face portion 138. This may be understood as being an actual loft because there is no curvature and the loft is constant across lower striking face portion 138, similar to an iron-type or wedge-type golf club head. The second effective loft, or the second loft, may be defined by second loft angle 146. Vertical line 140 and / or tangent line 142 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, vertical line 110 and / or tangent line 112. Second loft angle 146 may be an angle between vertical line 110 and lower striking face portion 138. For example, second loft angle 146 may be measured from below face center starting from vertical line 110 and rotating counter-clockwise to lower striking face portion 138.

[0035] Second loft angle 146 may be between about 7 degrees and about 35 degrees. In some embodiments, second loft angle 146 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, first loft angle 144. In embodiments, second loft angle 146 may be greater than first loft angle 144. In some embodiments, first loft angle 144 may be greater than second loft angle 146. This may mean the first effective loft may be greater than the second loft.

[0036] Golf club head 130 may cause a larger leading edge profile. Golf club head 130 may present more loft at lower striking face portion 138 than lower striking face portion 108 of golf club head 100 with a single roll radius of curvature. This additional loft at lower striking face portion 138 may decrease a difference between low face and average face loft, which may increase an overall launch angle. This may also increase the spin differential between center and turf shots. Golf club head 130 may be preferable for a lower swing speed player. Golf club head130 may be a more forgiving club.

[0037] Golf club head 160 may include crown 161, sole 163, and / or striking face 164. Crown 161 and / or sole 163 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, crown 101 and / or sole 103. Striking face 164 may include face center 162, upper striking face portion 166 and / or lower striking face portion 168. Face center 162 and / or upper striking face portion 166 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, face center 132 and / or upper striking face portion 136, respectively.

[0038] Lower striking face portion 168 may include a second radius of curvature and a second effective loft. The second radius of curvature may be greater than about 1250 mm. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature may be substantially flat as discussed herein. The first radius of curvature may be smaller than the second radius of curvature. The second effective loft, or the second loft, may be defined by second loft angle 176. Vertical line 170 and / or tangent line 172 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, vertical line 110 and / or tangent line 112. Second loft angle 176 may be an angle between vertical line 170 and lower striking face portion 168. For example, second loft angle 176 may be measured from below face center starting from vertical line 170 and rotating counter-clockwise to lower striking face portion 168. Second loft angle 176 may be less than first loft angle 174. For example, second loft angle 176 may be at least about 3 degrees smaller than first loft angle 174. For example, second loft angle 176 may be between about 2 degrees and about 30 degrees.

[0039] Lower striking face portion line 178 may be an imaginary extension of lower striking face portion 168 upward. Lower striking face portion line 178 may be used to measure second loft angle 176 and / or difference angle 180. Difference angle 180 may be a value based on a difference between first loft angle 174 and second loft angle 176. Difference angle 180 may be less than about 10 degrees.

[0040] Golf club head 160 may present less loft at lower striking face portion 168 than lower striking face portion 108 of golf club head 100 with a single roll radius of curvature. This may increase a difference between low face and average face loft, which may decrease the spin differential between center and turf shots. This may create more consistent performance between center shots and turf shots. Golf club head 160 may be preferable for a higher swing speed player.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates partial cross-sectional views of a golf club face in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed technology taken substantially along a midplane in a back-to-front direction. Golf club head 230, including, for example, striking face 234, may be the same as, or substantially similar to, golf club head 130, including, for example, striking face 134. Loft line 252 may separate a first radius of curvature corresponding to upper striking face portion 236 from a second radius of curvature corresponding to lower striking face portion 238 and / or a first effective loft from a second loft. At face center 232 and below, golf club head 230 may have the second loft.

[0042] Golf club head 260A may be the same as, or substantially similar to, golf club head 160. Striking face 264A may include face center 262A, upper striking face portion 266A, central striking face portion 288A, and / or lower striking face portion 268A. Upper striking face portion 266A may include a first radius of curvature and / or a first effective loft. Upper striking face portion 266A may be the same as, or substantially similar to, upper striking face portion 166. Lower striking face portion 268A may include a second radius of curvature and / or a second effective loft, or second loft. Lower striking face portion 268A may be the same as, or substantially similar to, lower striking face portion 168.

[0043] Central striking face portion 288A may include a third radius of curvature and / or a third effective loft. Central striking face portion 288A may be a transition region between upper striking face portion 266A and lower striking face portion 268A. For example, the transition curve may be between a first radius of curvature and a second radius of curvature. Central striking face portion 288A may be separated from upper striking face portion 266A and lower striking face portion 268A by first loft line 282A and second loft line 284A, respectively. Transition distance DAT may be the distance between first loft line 282A and second loft line 284A. Transition distance DAT may be between about 5 mm to about 20 mm. A larger transition distance DAT may provide for a smoother third radius of curvature. Transition distance DAT may be centered on face center 262A along a y-direction or a bottom-to-top direction. For example, transition distance DAT may be about 10 mm. About 5 mm of transition distance DAT may be above face center 262A and about 5 mm of transition distance DAT may be below face center 262A. Central striking face portion 288A may be a non-linear curve transitioning from the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature. For example, the third radius of curvature may be the non-linear curve. The third effective loft may be a value between the first effective loft and the second effective loft. The third effective loft may be an average of loft values. The average may be taken of the first effective loft and the second effective loft. In some embodiments, the average may be accomplished by taking an average of points along the third radius of curvature. In embodiments, central striking face portion 288A may transition from a radius of curvature to a straight line. For example, the first radius of curvature may be about 225 mm. The second radius of curvature may be 1250 mm. The third radius of curvature may be a variable curve starting at about 9 inches and increasing toward 1250 mm. In some embodiments, the third radius of curvature may linearly increase or change over transition distance DAT. For example, a slope of the rate of change of curvature of the third radius of curvature over transition distance DAT may be linear. In embodiments, the third radius of curvature may non-linearly increase or change over transition distance DAT. For example, the slope of the rate of change of curvature of the third radius of curvature over transition distance DAT may be non-linear. In embodiments, the third radius of curvature may be constant. For example, the third radius of curvature may be between about 225 mm and about 1250 mm.

[0044] Golf club head 260B, including, for example, face center 262B and / or striking face 264B, may be the same as, or substantially similar to, golf club head 260A, including, for example, face center 262A and / or striking face 264A. Central striking face portion 288B may be a transition region between upper striking face portion 266B and lower striking face portion 268B. A first end of transition distance DBT may be on face center 262A along a y-direction or a bottom-to-top direction. For example, upper striking face portion 266B may be the same as, or substantially similar to, upper striking face portion 106. At and below face center 262B central striking face portion 288B may extend downward a transition distance DBT. Transition distance DBT may be the same as, or substantially similar to, transition distance DAT. Transition distance DBT may extend between first loft line 282B and second loft line 284B, which may be the same as, or substantially similar to, first loft line 282A and second loft line 284A, respectively. It should be appreciated that there may be more than two loft lines without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology.

[0045] Other than in at least some of the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials, moment of inertias, center of gravity locations, loft, angles, various ratios, and others in the aforementioned portions of the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear in the value, amount, or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the above specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed technology. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0046] In some examples, substantially parallel may be defined to include zero degrees, or between zero degrees and one degree, or between zero degrees and two degrees, or between zero degrees and five degrees, or between zero degrees and ten degrees of deviation from being exactly parallel to the disclosed front surface. Substantially may be defined to be a value within 10% of the identified value.

[0047] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the presently disclosed technology are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used.

[0048] While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described above, it should be appreciated these are examples only, and not limiting. Likewise, the various figures may depict an example configuration or structure to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the disclosed technology. The presently disclosed technology is not intended to be restricted to the illustrated example configurations and structures, and the desired features can be implemented with a variety of alternative configurations and structures. It may be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative embodiments can be implemented to impart the desired features of the presently disclosed technology. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology.

[0049] While the presently disclosed technology may be described herein in terms of various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the various features described in any individual embodiment is not limited to its particular embodiment, and can be applied, whether alone or in combinations with features of other embodiments, to another embodiment, whether or not such an embodiment is described herein or described as part of a single embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the presently disclosed technology should not be limited to any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0050] Words, phrases, and their variations that are used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended, not as limiting. For example, the term “include” should be read to mean “include, without limitation”; the term “example” should be read to mean the following provides exemplary instances, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,”“one or more” etc.; and “traditional,”“normal,” and similar terms should not be construed as limiting to a given time period, but should be read to encompass traditional, normal, like technologies that may be known now or at any future point; and a heel-to-toe direction should be read as meaning either the toe-to-heel direction or the heel-to-toe direction, a bottom-to-top direction should be read as meaning either the bottom-to-top direction or the top-to-bottom direction, and a back-to-front direction should be read as meaning either a back-to-front direction or a front-to-back direction. In addition, references herein to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art includes such technologies that are apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art now or at any time in the future.

[0051] The presence of words and phrases such as “one or more,”“at least,”“not limited to,” or other similar phrases shall not be read to necessarily mean that the narrower case is intended in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The presence of words such as “first,”“second,” or other similar words shall not be read to mean that there can only be one or two elements.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0026]Existing golf club heads are generally limited to a single radius of curvature for a roll and a corresponding single effective loft. Existing golf club heads cannot affect spin differential between shots (e.g., center of face shots and low on face shots or turf shots). These existing methods fail to allow for a variable radius of curvature with an effective loft on a first half of a golf club face and a loft for a second half of a golf club face. This may increase the overall launch angle or provide greater consistency between center shots and turf shots based on the effective loft and the loft.

[0027]The presently disclosed technology described herein contemplates a golf club head, such as an iron, a fairway wood, a driver, or another type of golf club head, that includes a face with variable loft. The golf club head may include a striking face including a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion. The upper...

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to golf club heads, and more specifically to golf club heads including a variably lofted face.SUMMARY

[0002] Embodiments of the presently disclosed technology may include golf club heads. In accordance with some aspects of the presently disclosed technology, a golf club head may include a striking face located at a frontal portion of the golf club head. The striking face may include a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion. The upper striking face portion may include a first effective loft. The lower striking face portion may include a second loft. The first effective loft may be different than the second loft. The golf club head may include a crown forming an upper portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the upper striking face portion and a sole forming a lower portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the lower striking face portion.

[0003] In embodiments, the upper striking face portion may include a first radius of curvature corresponding to the first effective loft. The lower striking face portion may include a second radius of curvature corresponding to the second loft. The first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature may be different.

[0004] In embodiments, the first radius of curvature may be smaller than the second radius of curvature.

[0005] In embodiments, the first effective loft may be greater than the second loft.

[0006] In embodiments, the first radius of curvature may be between about 225 mm and about 350 mm.

[0007] In embodiments, the second radius of curvature may be greater than 1250 mm.

[0008] In embodiments, the frontal striking surface may further include a central striking face portion between the upper striking face portion and the lower striking face portion.

[0009] In embodiments, the central striking face portion may be a non-linear curve transitioning from the upper striking face portion to the lower striking face portion.

[0010] In embodiments, the central striking face portion may extend over a transition distance. The transition distance may be between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

[0011] In accordance with some aspects of the presently disclosed technology, a golf club head may include a striking face located at a frontal portion of the golf club head.

[0012] The striking face may include a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion. The upper striking face portion may include a first effective loft. The first effective loft may be defined by a first loft angle between a vertical line perpendicular to the ground plane through the face center and a tangent line tangent to the face center along a substantially vertical direction. The lower striking face portion may include a second loft defined by a second loft angle between the vertical line and the lower striking face portion. The first effective loft may be substantially the same as the second loft. The golf club head may include a crown forming an upper portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the upper striking face portion and a sole forming a lower portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the lower striking face portion.

[0013] In embodiments, the upper striking face portion may include a first radius of curvature corresponding to the first effective loft. The lower striking face portion may include a second radius of curvature corresponding to the second loft. The first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature may be different.

[0014] In embodiments, the first radius of curvature may be smaller than the second radius of curvature.

[0015] In embodiments, the first radius of curvature may be between about 225 mm and about 350 mm. The second radius of curvature may be greater than 1250 mm.

[0016] In accordance with some aspects of the presently disclosed technology, a golf club head may include a striking face located at a frontal portion of the golf club head. The striking face may include a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion. The upper striking face portion may include a first radius of curvature. The lower striking face portion may include a second radius of curvature. The first radius of curvature may be less than the second radius of curvature. The golf club head may include a crown forming an upper portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the upper striking face portion and a sole forming a lower portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the lower striking face portion.

[0017] In embodiments, the upper striking face portion may include a first effective loft corresponding to the first radius of curvature. The first effective loft may be defined by a first loft angle between a vertical line perpendicular to the ground plane through the face center and a tangent line tangent to the face center along a substantially vertical direction. The lower striking face portion may include a second loft corresponding to the second radius of curvature. The second loft may be defined by a second loft angle between the vertical line and the lower striking face portion. The first effective loft may be substantially the same as the second loft.

[0018] In embodiments, the first radius of curvature may be between about 225 mm and about 350 mm.

[0019] In embodiments, the second radius of curvature may be greater than about 1250 mm.

[0020] In embodiments, the frontal striking surface may further include a central striking face portion between the upper striking face portion and the lower striking face portion.

[0021] In embodiments, the central striking face portion may be a non-linear curve transitioning from the upper striking face portion to the lower striking face portion.

[0022] In embodiments, the central striking face portion may extend over a transition distance. The transition distance may be between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates partial cross-sectional views of golf club heads in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed technology taken substantially along a midplane in a back-to-front direction.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates partial cross-sectional views of a golf club face in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed technology taken substantially along a midplane in a back-to-front direction.

[0025] These and other features of the presently disclosed technology, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts, may be clearer upon consideration of the following detailed description and the claims with reference to these drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, with like reference numerals designating corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood that these drawings are for illustration purposes and description and are not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Existing golf club heads are generally limited to a single radius of curvature for a roll and a corresponding single effective loft. Existing golf club heads cannot affect spin differential between shots (e.g., center of face shots and low on face shots or turf shots). These existing methods fail to allow for a variable radius of curvature with an effective loft on a first half of a golf club face and a loft for a second half of a golf club face. This may increase the overall launch angle or provide greater consistency between center shots and turf shots based on the effective loft and the loft.

[0027] The presently disclosed technology described herein contemplates a golf club head, such as an iron, a fairway wood, a driver, or another type of golf club head, that includes a face with variable loft. The golf club head may include a striking face including a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion. The upper striking face portion may include a first radius of curvature and / or a first effective loft. The lower striking face portion may include a second radius of curvature and / or a second loft. The second radius of curvature may be flat or substantially flat. The second loft may be the same as or less than the first effective loft. The first effective loft may be greater than the second loft. The variably lofted face may provide reduced spin differential, improved launch, more consistent performance between shots, and / or other golf club performance benefits.

[0028] Establishing a reference coordinate system for the presently disclosed technology, an x-axis may refer to the axis that is horizontal to the face from a heel-to-toe direction, a y-axis may refer to the vertical axis through the club in a crown to sole direction, a z-axis may refer to the horizontal axis that is horizontal front to back in a forward and rear direction. Alternatively speaking, the x-axis may be defined as a horizontal axis tangent to a geometric center of the face with the positive direction towards a heel of the golf club head, a y-axis is a vertical axis orthogonal to the x-axis with a positive direction towards a top of the golf club head, and a z-axis being orthogonal to both the x-axis and the y-axis with a positive direction towards a front of the golf club head. The x-y-z coordinate system described above shall be the same for all subsequent discussions. For example, the x-y-z coordinate system may be used to describe the CG of the golf club head. The golf club head may have a CG-x, a CG-y, and a CG-z component corresponding to the x-, y-, and z-coordinates discussed herein.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates partial cross-sectional views of golf club heads in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed technology taken substantially along a midplane in a back-to-front direction. Golf club head 100 may be a traditional-style golf club head including a single roll radius across the face. The roll radius may refer to a curvature of a club's face from crown 101 to sole 103 of golf club head 100.

[0030] Golf club head 100 may include crown 101, sole 103, and / or striking face 104. Crown 101 may form an upper portion of golf club head 100. Crown 101 may extend rearward from upper striking face portion 106. Sole 103 may form a lower portion of golf club head 100. Sole 103 may extend rearward from lower striking face portion 108. Striking face 104 may be located at a frontal portion of golf club head 100. Striking face 104 may include face center 102. Face center 102 may divide striking face 104 between upper striking face portion 106 and lower striking face portion 108.

[0031] FIG. 1 may include various imaginary lines and / or angles to help define certain characteristics of golf club head 100. For example, tangent line 112 may be tangent to face center on a y-z plane or through a substantially vertical direction. Vertical line 110 may be perpendicular to a ground plane through face center 102. Loft angle 114 may be an angle between tangent line 112 and / or vertical line 110. For example, loft angle 114 may be measured from above face center from vertical line 110 rotating counter-clockwise to tangent line 112.

[0032] Golf club head 130 may include crown 131, sole 133, and / or striking face 134. Crown 131 and / or sole 133 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, crown 101 and / or sole 103, respectively. Striking face 134 may be located at a frontal portion of golf club head 130. Striking face 134 may include face center 132, upper striking face portion 136, and / or lower striking face portion 138. Face center 132 may divide striking face 134 between upper striking face portion 136 and lower striking face portion 138.

[0033] Upper striking face portion 136 may include a first radius of curvature and a first effective loft. The first radius of curvature may refer to a curvature along a vertical plane of upper striking face portion 136. The first radius of curvature may be between about 225 mm and about 350 mm. The first effective loft may correspond to a loft for a golf club head with curvature (e.g., drivers and / or woods). The first effective loft may be defined by first loft angle 144. Vertical line 140 and / or tangent line 142 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, vertical line 110 and / or tangent line 112. First loft angle 144 may be between about 7 degrees and about 35 degrees.

[0034] Lower striking face portion 138 may include a second radius of curvature and a second effective loft. The second radius of curvature may refer to a curvature along a vertical plane of lower striking face portion 138. The second radius of curvature may be greater than about 1250 mm. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature may be substantially flat. For example, the second radius of curvature may be substantially planar. The second effective loft may be referred to as a second loft because there is substantially no curvature along lower striking face portion 138. This may be understood as being an actual loft because there is no curvature and the loft is constant across lower striking face portion 138, similar to an iron-type or wedge-type golf club head. The second effective loft, or the second loft, may be defined by second loft angle 146. Vertical line 140 and / or tangent line 142 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, vertical line 110 and / or tangent line 112. Second loft angle 146 may be an angle between vertical line 110 and lower striking face portion 138. For example, second loft angle 146 may be measured from below face center starting from vertical line 110 and rotating counter-clockwise to lower striking face portion 138.

[0035] Second loft angle 146 may be between about 7 degrees and about 35 degrees. In some embodiments, second loft angle 146 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, first loft angle 144. In embodiments, second loft angle 146 may be greater than first loft angle 144. In some embodiments, first loft angle 144 may be greater than second loft angle 146. This may mean the first effective loft may be greater than the second loft.

[0036] Golf club head 130 may cause a larger leading edge profile. Golf club head 130 may present more loft at lower striking face portion 138 than lower striking face portion 108 of golf club head 100 with a single roll radius of curvature. This additional loft at lower striking face portion 138 may decrease a difference between low face and average face loft, which may increase an overall launch angle. This may also increase the spin differential between center and turf shots. Golf club head 130 may be preferable for a lower swing speed player. Golf club head130 may be a more forgiving club.

[0037] Golf club head 160 may include crown 161, sole 163, and / or striking face 164. Crown 161 and / or sole 163 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, crown 101 and / or sole 103. Striking face 164 may include face center 162, upper striking face portion 166 and / or lower striking face portion 168. Face center 162 and / or upper striking face portion 166 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, face center 132 and / or upper striking face portion 136, respectively.

[0038] Lower striking face portion 168 may include a second radius of curvature and a second effective loft. The second radius of curvature may be greater than about 1250 mm. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature may be substantially flat as discussed herein. The first radius of curvature may be smaller than the second radius of curvature. The second effective loft, or the second loft, may be defined by second loft angle 176. Vertical line 170 and / or tangent line 172 may be the same as, or substantially similar to, vertical line 110 and / or tangent line 112. Second loft angle 176 may be an angle between vertical line 170 and lower striking face portion 168. For example, second loft angle 176 may be measured from below face center starting from vertical line 170 and rotating counter-clockwise to lower striking face portion 168. Second loft angle 176 may be less than first loft angle 174. For example, second loft angle 176 may be at least about 3 degrees smaller than first loft angle 174. For example, second loft angle 176 may be between about 2 degrees and about 30 degrees.

[0039] Lower striking face portion line 178 may be an imaginary extension of lower striking face portion 168 upward. Lower striking face portion line 178 may be used to measure second loft angle 176 and / or difference angle 180. Difference angle 180 may be a value based on a difference between first loft angle 174 and second loft angle 176. Difference angle 180 may be less than about 10 degrees.

[0040] Golf club head 160 may present less loft at lower striking face portion 168 than lower striking face portion 108 of golf club head 100 with a single roll radius of curvature. This may increase a difference between low face and average face loft, which may decrease the spin differential between center and turf shots. This may create more consistent performance between center shots and turf shots. Golf club head 160 may be preferable for a higher swing speed player.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates partial cross-sectional views of a golf club face in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed technology taken substantially along a midplane in a back-to-front direction. Golf club head 230, including, for example, striking face 234, may be the same as, or substantially similar to, golf club head 130, including, for example, striking face 134. Loft line 252 may separate a first radius of curvature corresponding to upper striking face portion 236 from a second radius of curvature corresponding to lower striking face portion 238 and / or a first effective loft from a second loft. At face center 232 and below, golf club head 230 may have the second loft.

[0042] Golf club head 260A may be the same as, or substantially similar to, golf club head 160. Striking face 264A may include face center 262A, upper striking face portion 266A, central striking face portion 288A, and / or lower striking face portion 268A. Upper striking face portion 266A may include a first radius of curvature and / or a first effective loft. Upper striking face portion 266A may be the same as, or substantially similar to, upper striking face portion 166. Lower striking face portion 268A may include a second radius of curvature and / or a second effective loft, or second loft. Lower striking face portion 268A may be the same as, or substantially similar to, lower striking face portion 168.

[0043] Central striking face portion 288A may include a third radius of curvature and / or a third effective loft. Central striking face portion 288A may be a transition region between upper striking face portion 266A and lower striking face portion 268A. For example, the transition curve may be between a first radius of curvature and a second radius of curvature. Central striking face portion 288A may be separated from upper striking face portion 266A and lower striking face portion 268A by first loft line 282A and second loft line 284A, respectively. Transition distance DAT may be the distance between first loft line 282A and second loft line 284A. Transition distance DAT may be between about 5 mm to about 20 mm. A larger transition distance DAT may provide for a smoother third radius of curvature. Transition distance DAT may be centered on face center 262A along a y-direction or a bottom-to-top direction. For example, transition distance DAT may be about 10 mm. About 5 mm of transition distance DAT may be above face center 262A and about 5 mm of transition distance DAT may be below face center 262A. Central striking face portion 288A may be a non-linear curve transitioning from the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature. For example, the third radius of curvature may be the non-linear curve. The third effective loft may be a value between the first effective loft and the second effective loft. The third effective loft may be an average of loft values. The average may be taken of the first effective loft and the second effective loft. In some embodiments, the average may be accomplished by taking an average of points along the third radius of curvature. In embodiments, central striking face portion 288A may transition from a radius of curvature to a straight line. For example, the first radius of curvature may be about 225 mm. The second radius of curvature may be 1250 mm. The third radius of curvature may be a variable curve starting at about 9 inches and increasing toward 1250 mm. In some embodiments, the third radius of curvature may linearly increase or change over transition distance DAT. For example, a slope of the rate of change of curvature of the third radius of curvature over transition distance DAT may be linear. In embodiments, the third radius of curvature may non-linearly increase or change over transition distance DAT. For example, the slope of the rate of change of curvature of the third radius of curvature over transition distance DAT may be non-linear. In embodiments, the third radius of curvature may be constant. For example, the third radius of curvature may be between about 225 mm and about 1250 mm.

[0044] Golf club head 260B, including, for example, face center 262B and / or striking face 264B, may be the same as, or substantially similar to, golf club head 260A, including, for example, face center 262A and / or striking face 264A. Central striking face portion 288B may be a transition region between upper striking face portion 266B and lower striking face portion 268B. A first end of transition distance DBT may be on face center 262A along a y-direction or a bottom-to-top direction. For example, upper striking face portion 266B may be the same as, or substantially similar to, upper striking face portion 106. At and below face center 262B central striking face portion 288B may extend downward a transition distance DBT. Transition distance DBT may be the same as, or substantially similar to, transition distance DAT. Transition distance DBT may extend between first loft line 282B and second loft line 284B, which may be the same as, or substantially similar to, first loft line 282A and second loft line 284A, respectively. It should be appreciated that there may be more than two loft lines without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology.

[0045] Other than in at least some of the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials, moment of inertias, center of gravity locations, loft, angles, various ratios, and others in the aforementioned portions of the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear in the value, amount, or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the above specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed technology. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0046] In some examples, substantially parallel may be defined to include zero degrees, or between zero degrees and one degree, or between zero degrees and two degrees, or between zero degrees and five degrees, or between zero degrees and ten degrees of deviation from being exactly parallel to the disclosed front surface. Substantially may be defined to be a value within 10% of the identified value.

[0047] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the presently disclosed technology are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used.

[0048] While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described above, it should be appreciated these are examples only, and not limiting. Likewise, the various figures may depict an example configuration or structure to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the disclosed technology. The presently disclosed technology is not intended to be restricted to the illustrated example configurations and structures, and the desired features can be implemented with a variety of alternative configurations and structures. It may be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative embodiments can be implemented to impart the desired features of the presently disclosed technology. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology.

[0049] While the presently disclosed technology may be described herein in terms of various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the various features described in any individual embodiment is not limited to its particular embodiment, and can be applied, whether alone or in combinations with features of other embodiments, to another embodiment, whether or not such an embodiment is described herein or described as part of a single embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the presently disclosed technology should not be limited to any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0050] Words, phrases, and their variations that are used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended, not as limiting. For example, the term “include” should be read to mean “include, without limitation”; the term “example” should be read to mean the following provides exemplary instances, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,”“one or more” etc.; and “traditional,”“normal,” and similar terms should not be construed as limiting to a given time period, but should be read to encompass traditional, normal, like technologies that may be known now or at any future point; and a heel-to-toe direction should be read as meaning either the toe-to-heel direction or the heel-to-toe direction, a bottom-to-top direction should be read as meaning either the bottom-to-top direction or the top-to-bottom direction, and a back-to-front direction should be read as meaning either a back-to-front direction or a front-to-back direction. In addition, references herein to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art includes such technologies that are apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art now or at any time in the future.

[0051] The presence of words and phrases such as “one or more,”“at least,”“not limited to,” or other similar phrases shall not be read to necessarily mean that the narrower case is intended in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The presence of words such as “first,”“second,” or other similar words shall not be read to mean that there can only be one or two elements.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0026]Existing golf club heads are generally limited to a single radius of curvature for a roll and a corresponding single effective loft. Existing golf club heads cannot affect spin differential between shots (e.g., center of face shots and low on face shots or turf shots). These existing methods fail to allow for a variable radius of curvature with an effective loft on a first half of a golf club face and a loft for a second half of a golf club face. This may increase the overall launch angle or provide greater consistency between center shots and turf shots based on the effective loft and the loft.

[0027]The presently disclosed technology described herein contemplates a golf club head, such as an iron, a fairway wood, a driver, or another type of golf club head, that includes a face with variable loft. The golf club head may include a striking face including a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion. The upper...

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising:a striking face located at a frontal portion of the golf club head, wherein the striking face comprises a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion, wherein the upper striking face portion comprises a first effective loft, and wherein the lower striking face portion comprises a second loft, wherein the first effective loft is different than the second loft;a crown forming an upper portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the upper striking face portion; anda sole forming a lower portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the lower striking face portion.

2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the upper striking face portion comprises a first radius of curvature corresponding to the first effective loft, wherein the lower striking face portion comprises a second radius of curvature corresponding to the second loft, and wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different.

3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein the first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature.

4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first effective loft is greater than the second loft.

5. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein the first radius of curvature is between about 225 mm and about 350 mm.

6. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein the second radius of curvature is greater than 1250 mm.

7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the striking face further comprises a central striking face portion between the upper striking face portion and the lower striking face portion.

8. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein the central striking face portion is a non-linear curve transitioning from the upper striking face portion to the lower striking face portion.

9. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein the central striking face portion extends over a transition distance, wherein the transition distance is between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

10. A golf club head comprising:a striking face located at a frontal portion of the golf club head, wherein the striking face comprises a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion, wherein the upper striking face portion comprises a first effective loft, wherein the first effective loft is defined by a first loft angle between a vertical line perpendicular to a ground plane through the face center and a tangent line tangent to the face center along a substantially vertical direction, wherein the lower striking face portion comprises a second loft defined by a second loft angle between the vertical line and the lower striking face portion, wherein the first effective loft is substantially a same value as the second loft;a crown forming an upper portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the upper striking face portion; anda sole forming a lower portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the lower striking face portion.

11. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein the upper striking face portion comprises a first radius of curvature corresponding to the first effective loft, wherein the lower striking face portion comprises a second radius of curvature corresponding to the second loft, and wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different.

12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature.

13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein the first radius of curvature is between about 225 mm and about 350 mm, and wherein the second radius of curvature is greater than 1250 mm.

14. A golf club head comprising:a striking face located at a frontal portion of the golf club head, wherein the striking face comprises a face center dividing the striking face between an upper striking face portion and a lower striking face portion, wherein the upper striking face portion comprises a first radius of curvature, and wherein the lower striking face portion comprises a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is less than the second radius of curvature;a crown forming an upper portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the upper striking face portion; anda sole forming a lower portion of the golf club head, extending rearward from the lower striking face portion.

15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein the upper striking face portion comprises a first effective loft corresponding to the first radius of curvature, wherein the first effective loft is defined by a first loft angle between a vertical line perpendicular to a ground plane through the face center and a tangent line tangent to the face center along a substantially vertical direction, wherein the lower striking face portion comprises a second loft corresponding to the second radius of curvature, wherein the second loft is defined by a second loft angle between the vertical line and the lower striking face portion, wherein the first effective loft is substantially a same value as the second loft.

16. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein the first radius of curvature is between about 225 mm and about 350 mm.

17. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein the second radius of curvature is greater than about 1250 mm.

18. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein the striking face further comprises a central striking face portion between the upper striking face portion and the lower striking face portion.

19. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the central striking face portion is a non-linear curve transitioning from the upper striking face portion to the lower striking face portion.

20. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein the central striking face portion extends over a transition distance, wherein the transition distance is between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

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