US3468544A - Golf club of the wood type with improved aerodynamic characteristics - Google Patents

Golf club of the wood type with improved aerodynamic characteristics Download PDF

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US3468544A
US3468544A US500532A US3468544DA US3468544A US 3468544 A US3468544 A US 3468544A US 500532 A US500532 A US 500532A US 3468544D A US3468544D A US 3468544DA US 3468544 A US3468544 A US 3468544A
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club
club head
golf
air
golf club
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Anthony J Antonious
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04Heads
    • A63B53/0466Heads wood-type
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04Heads
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04Heads
    • A63B53/0416Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04Heads
    • A63B53/0437Heads with special crown configurations
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/006Surfaces specially adapted for reducing air resistance
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/50Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with through-holes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/01Special aerodynamic features, e.g. airfoil shapes, wings or air passages

Definitions

  • a golf club of the wood type has aerodynamically sized and shaped holes extending therethrough under the top surface of the club head with the inlet to the holes above and set back from a ball striking face and the outlet of the holes on the back surface of the club at a level below the inlet.
  • This invention relates to improvements in golf clubs and, more particularly, to improvements in golf clubs incorporating advanced aerodynamic designs.
  • woods are used for some of the longer shots such as the tee shots and such woods are usually heavier and have longer shafts and, for most golfers, are more difficult to control than the irons which are used for fairway play and shorter shots. Since the standard woods are longer shafted and generally heavier than golf club irons, they are capable of producing a larger swing arc. A golfer can thereby obtain more distance in his drives by using such clubs, but they are more difficult to control.
  • the broad general objectives of this invention are to provide a golfer with a wood club head capable of driving a golf ball a greater distance with greater control and confidence than golf clubs currently available and used, without requiring any more energy or force normally used by a golfer using comparable standard equipment.
  • FIGURE 1 is a schematic illustration of the air flow over a golf club of the wood type known in the prior art
  • FIGURE 2 is a schematic illustration of the air flow through a golf club of the wood type as disclosed in this invention
  • FIGURE 3 is a front elevation view of a preferred form of the golf club of this invention.
  • FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the club shown in FIGURE 3;
  • FIGURE 5 is a rear elevation view of the club shown in FIGURES 3 and 4;
  • FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIGURE 3;
  • FIGURE'7 is a top plan view of a modification of the golf club of this invention.
  • FIGURE 8 is a front elevation view of the club of FIGURE 7;
  • FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of another modification
  • FIGURE 10 is a front elevation view of the club of FIGURE 9;
  • FIGURE 11 is a further embodiment of the club of this invention.
  • FIGURE 12 is a front elevation view of the club of FIGURE 11;
  • FIGURE 13 is an additional modification of the golf club of this invention.
  • FIGURE 14 is a front elevation view of the club of FIGURE 13;
  • FIGURE 15 is a still yet another embodiment of a golf club including the features of this invention.
  • FIGURE 16 is a front elevation view of the club of FIGURE 15.
  • FIGURE 1 The standard golf Wood of the prior art, FIGURE 1, generally has an air flow as shown. In region A the air is compressed against the face creating a high pressure region. As the air flows about the club head, it separates from the surface forming a low pressure region B. The aerodynamic drag associated with the club head is determined by the difference of the pressures in A and B acting on the club head. In the case of this invention, FIGURE 2, air is ducted through the club head E and introduced into this former low pressure area B, raising the pressure in area A. Since the pressure difference is now reduced the aerodynamic drag is also reduced.
  • the air ducts of the golf club of this invention have been aerodynamically designed to permit the most effective flow of air currents through the club head.
  • This constant stream of ram air generates a buoyant force or lift that makes the club head feel like it is floating when it is swung with some force.
  • a golfer is able to swing a heavier golf club with the same ease and proficiency that he can swing a lighter one, thereby increasing the distance of his drives.
  • a golfer can easily swing a golf club wood of this design whose club head weight has been increased 10% or even more.
  • FIGURE 1 demonstrates how a regular standard golf wood obtains its lift properties.
  • FIGURE 2 demonstrates the use of ducts to increase the lifting force.
  • the ducts act as a lifting air foil by increasing the pressure within the club head itself to assist in the lifting direction. Further the jet-air exhausting in a downward direction causes an opposite or upward reaction on the club head which also increases the lifting capabilities.
  • V is the club head velocity.
  • g is the acceleration of gravity, 32.2 ft./sec./sec.
  • S is the distance of club head travel, assumed 17 feet.
  • the drag acting on a standard manufactured driver is 1.43 pounds at 100 mph, whereas for the driver of this invention the drag is 1.10 pounds.
  • the total force required is 10.02 pounds and for the driver of this invention it is 9.69 pounds. Since the golfer is able to exert the 10.02 pounds of force required by the standard club, an additional 0.33 pound is available for acceleration with the driver of this invention.
  • Equation 1 gives and the velocity associated with the additional force may be calculated. This results in a velocity of 149.7 ft./sec. or an increase of 3.0 ft./ sec. using the driver of this invention with the same total force.
  • the duct configuration of the club head of this invention generates a lifting force which overcomes a part of the club head weight.
  • a golfer is able to swing a heavier (greater swing weight) club with the same ease and proficiency that he formerly swung the lighter standard club.
  • Conservatively this lift force is taken as 10% of the club head weight to demonstrate this feature.
  • a club head weighing 0.481 pound with this feature would feel and swing like a club head weighing 0.437 pound and could be accelerated to the same final velocity for the same force input.
  • a greater weight or mass is available for impacting the golf ball.
  • the following relation may be used to obtain the momentum transfer between the club head and golf ball.
  • V is the velocity of the golf ball, ft./sec.
  • W is the weight of the golf ball, 1.62 oz. or 0.101 lb.
  • e is the coefiicient of restitution
  • club heads In addition to reducing drag and generating lift, it has been found that club heads, with air passages or ducts, have greater flight stability when swung.
  • the passages or ducts act as directional vanes and tend to maintain the club head in its desired glide path, thereby minimizing twisting of the club and permitting the club face to remain square throughout impact with the ball, hitting the ball solidly rather than glancingly.
  • This also permits a wider controlled swing arc in the impact region giving the golfer the maximum force at impact from his swing.
  • the golfer will experience a greater sensing control or feel, and the likelihood of hitting the ball with the center of the club face will be greatly increased.
  • Club heads constructed with air passages in accordance with the teachings of this invention have also been found to produce a humming or swhooshing sound when swung properly along its glide path. This sound emanates from within the club head itself, and is a potent training factor as a constant indication to the golfer of the quality of his swing.
  • the present invention provides a golf club head equipped with means for creating a distinctive humming or swhooshing sound when the club is swung in a proper path and plane, and which is not subject to any of the foregoing deficiencies.
  • a golf club 24 of the wood type includes a shaft 26 and a club head 28.
  • the club head includes a front surface 30, a top surface 32, a bottom surface 36 and a rear surface 38.
  • the invention resides in aerodynamically designed air flow passages extending through the club head.
  • FIGURES 3-6 there is a set back 42 above the ball striking surface 40 and through this set back extend four passages 44, 46, 48 and 50. These passages are all similar, although they extend in slightly different directions as shown in FIGURE 3.
  • Each passage such as passage 46 shown in FIGURE 6 includes an inlet 52 in the front face of the club and outlet 54 in the rear surface of the club and an outlet insert 56 to assist in the aerodynamic air flow.
  • the air ducts through the head permit the stream of ram air going through the head to generate a buoyant force or lift that makes the club head float.
  • the air passages also contribute to greater club head stability and control since the passages or ducts act as directional vanes and tend to maintain the club in its desired flight.
  • the air passing through the club head in the passages makes a distinct noise which emanates from the club head itself and is a unique training aid.
  • FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate one modification of the invention wherein there is an air passage 58 extending through the club head as a single unitary passage and the sides of the passage extending upwardly creating fillets 60 in the top of the club head.
  • FIGURES 9 and 10 illustrate another variation wherein air passage 62 includes a dome-shaped intake or top 64.
  • FIGURES 11 and 12 there are two air passages 66 and 68 extending through the club head in a somewhat curved fashion and terminating in outlets 70 and 72.
  • FIGURES 13 and 14 there are three air passages 74, 76 and 78 extending through the club head above the ball striking surface.
  • FIGURES 15 and 16 two air passages 80 and 82 have inlets of general airfoil section and this configuration is somewhat similar to FIGURES 11 and 12 other than the shape of the inlet to the air passages.
  • a golf club of the wood type including a shaft and wood club head having improved aerodynamic characteristics, the club comprising; the wood club head having front, rear, opposite sides, top and bottom surfaces, a ball striking area on the front surface of the club head, means defining at least one aerodynamically shaped enclosed air flow passage through the club head, said passage having an inlet in the front surface of the club head above the ball striking area and set back from the ball striking area, said passage extending through the club head underneath and adjacent to the top surface of the club head and opening in the rear surface of the club head at a level below the inlet.

Description

pt. 23, 1969 A. J. ANTONIOUS 3,463,544
GULF CLUB OF THE WOOD TYPE WITH IMPROVED AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 22, 1965 F/6 PRIOR ART FIG. 2.
ANTHONY J. ANTONIOUS INVENTOR BY fay/w.
p 23, 1969 A. J. ANTONIOUS 3,468,544
GOLF CLUB OF THE WOOD TYPE WITH IMPROVED AEHODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS Filed Oct. 22. 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ANTHONY- J. ANTONIOUS INVENTOR 36 ATTORNEY! Sept. 23, 1969 A. J. ANTONIOUS 3,
GOLF CLUB OF THE WOOD TYPE WITH IMPROVED AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERI ST I CS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 22. 1965 FIG. 14.
(' la ANTHONY J. ANTONIOUS INVENTUR ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,468,544 GOLF CLUB OF THE WOOD TYPE WITH IM- PROVED AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS Anthony J. Antonious, 3608 Cedar Drive, Baltimore, Md. 21228 Filed Oct. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 500,532 Int. Cl. A631) 53/04 US. Cl. 273-173 2 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A golf club of the wood type has aerodynamically sized and shaped holes extending therethrough under the top surface of the club head with the inlet to the holes above and set back from a ball striking face and the outlet of the holes on the back surface of the club at a level below the inlet.
This invention relates to improvements in golf clubs and, more particularly, to improvements in golf clubs incorporating advanced aerodynamic designs.
In the game of golf, woods are used for some of the longer shots such as the tee shots and such woods are usually heavier and have longer shafts and, for most golfers, are more difficult to control than the irons which are used for fairway play and shorter shots. Since the standard woods are longer shafted and generally heavier than golf club irons, they are capable of producing a larger swing arc. A golfer can thereby obtain more distance in his drives by using such clubs, but they are more difficult to control.
The broad general objectives of this invention are to provide a golfer with a wood club head capable of driving a golf ball a greater distance with greater control and confidence than golf clubs currently available and used, without requiring any more energy or force normally used by a golfer using comparable standard equipment.
This accomplishment has been realized by the appropriate aerodynamic principles applied to the design and construction of the club head wood as explained hereinafter.
Other features of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose by way of example, the principle of the invention and the best mode which has been contemplated of applying that principle.
In the drawings:
FIGURE 1 is a schematic illustration of the air flow over a golf club of the wood type known in the prior art;
FIGURE 2 is a schematic illustration of the air flow through a golf club of the wood type as disclosed in this invention;
FIGURE 3 is a front elevation view of a preferred form of the golf club of this invention;
FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the club shown in FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 5 is a rear elevation view of the club shown in FIGURES 3 and 4;
FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE'7 is a top plan view of a modification of the golf club of this invention;
FIGURE 8 is a front elevation view of the club of FIGURE 7;
FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of another modification;
FIGURE 10 is a front elevation view of the club of FIGURE 9;
FIGURE 11 is a further embodiment of the club of this invention;
Patented Sept. 23, 1969 FIGURE 12 is a front elevation view of the club of FIGURE 11;
FIGURE 13 is an additional modification of the golf club of this invention;
FIGURE 14 is a front elevation view of the club of FIGURE 13;
FIGURE 15 is a still yet another embodiment of a golf club including the features of this invention;
FIGURE 16 is a front elevation view of the club of FIGURE 15.
In this invention substantial increase in club head speed has been realized by providing a golf club head having means defining one or more air passages, ducts, tunnels, vents or scoops cut therethrough. This permits air to also flow through the club head rather than just around it, thereby reducing wind resistance considerably. The air that flows through the passages is controlled and directed to exhaust in the low pressure area at the rear of the club. This ram air exhausting through the club head into the wake or base region (rear of club head) raises the base pressure and decreases the base drag. Therefore the total drag of the club head is reduced by allowing a certain portion of the impinging air to pass through, rather than around the club head and by increasing the pressure in the near wake region. As a result the club, when swung, will accelerate more freely, increasing its speed as it strikes the ball. In fact, configurational studies and tests have already demonstrated drag reductions on the order of 20%. Greater drag reductions are possible by modifying the size of ducts and/or increasing the number of ducts through the club head.
The standard golf Wood of the prior art, FIGURE 1, generally has an air flow as shown. In region A the air is compressed against the face creating a high pressure region. As the air flows about the club head, it separates from the surface forming a low pressure region B. The aerodynamic drag associated with the club head is determined by the difference of the pressures in A and B acting on the club head. In the case of this invention, FIGURE 2, air is ducted through the club head E and introduced into this former low pressure area B, raising the pressure in area A. Since the pressure difference is now reduced the aerodynamic drag is also reduced.
The air ducts of the golf club of this invention have been aerodynamically designed to permit the most effective flow of air currents through the club head. This constant stream of ram air generates a buoyant force or lift that makes the club head feel like it is floating when it is swung with some force. By virtue of such lift capabilities, a golfer is able to swing a heavier golf club with the same ease and proficiency that he can swing a lighter one, thereby increasing the distance of his drives. By way of illustration, a golfer can easily swing a golf club wood of this design whose club head weight has been increased 10% or even more. FIGURE 1 demonstrates how a regular standard golf wood obtains its lift properties. The increased acceleration of the air C flowing over the curved top of the club head as compared to the air D flowing under the flat bottom of the club head creates a higher pressure at the bottom. This pressure difference causes a resultant lifting force. FIGURE 2 demonstrates the use of ducts to increase the lifting force. The ducts act as a lifting air foil by increasing the pressure within the club head itself to assist in the lifting direction. Further the jet-air exhausting in a downward direction causes an opposite or upward reaction on the club head which also increases the lifting capabilities.
By introducing ducts through the club head, air drag has been reduced and the lifting capability has been increased. This has the following effect on a golfer who swings a golf club at the rate of miles per hour.
Newtons second law of motion is that force is equal to mass times acceleration. Rewriting this equation as W'0Vc allows calculation of the force required to accelerate a club head to the desired velocity.
We is the weight of the club head, assumed 7 oz. or .437 lb.
V is the club head velocity. g is the acceleration of gravity, 32.2 ft./sec./sec. S is the distance of club head travel, assumed 17 feet. Thus, to accelerate the club head at 100 m.p.h. or 146.7 ft./ sec. it requires a force of 8.59 pounds. In addition, it is necessary to overcome the aerodynamic drag acting on the club head. Based on results obtained in wind tunnel tests, the drag acting on a standard manufactured driver is 1.43 pounds at 100 mph, whereas for the driver of this invention the drag is 1.10 pounds. For e standard driver, the total force required is 10.02 pounds and for the driver of this invention it is 9.69 pounds. Since the golfer is able to exert the 10.02 pounds of force required by the standard club, an additional 0.33 pound is available for acceleration with the driver of this invention.
Rewriting Equation 1 gives and the velocity associated with the additional force may be calculated. This results in a velocity of 149.7 ft./sec. or an increase of 3.0 ft./ sec. using the driver of this invention with the same total force.
Additionally, it has been demonstrated in the wind tunnel tests that the duct configuration of the club head of this invention generates a lifting force which overcomes a part of the club head weight. Thus a golfer is able to swing a heavier (greater swing weight) club with the same ease and proficiency that he formerly swung the lighter standard club. Conservatively this lift force is taken as 10% of the club head weight to demonstrate this feature. Thus, a club head weighing 0.481 pound with this feature would feel and swing like a club head weighing 0.437 pound and could be accelerated to the same final velocity for the same force input. However, now a greater weight or mass is available for impacting the golf ball.
The following relation may be used to obtain the momentum transfer between the club head and golf ball.
where V is the velocity of the golf ball, ft./sec. W is the weight of the golf ball, 1.62 oz. or 0.101 lb. e is the coefiicient of restitution The coefficient of restitution is assumed to act according to the empirical relation e=0.850.0025 Va (4) With Equations 3 and 4 the velocity of the gold ball leaving the club head can be obtained. Taking the weights as 0.437 and 0.481 pound and velocities as 146.7 and 149.7 ft./sec. for the standard and the clubs of this invention respectively, the golf ball velocities are 176.5 and 182.4 ft./sec.
Using the results presented in an article by J. M. Davies appearing in the Journal of Applied Physics, September 1949, pp. 821-828 entitled The Aerodynamics of Golf Balls and Equations 3 and 4, it is possible to obtain a relation between golf ball velocity and distance. This may be written as Distance=l54.3+2.42 (V -151.0) (5) 4 Therefore, for the standard driver, the distance is 213 yards (carry). For the driver of this invention, with reduced drag and increased lift, the distance is 227 yards (carry) or a net gain of 14 yards (carry).
Thus, it is demonstrated that by using a driver with the principles contained herein and embodied in it, it is possible for a golfer who swings a standard club at miles per hour to increase the distance of his drive by 14 yards or 6.7% without exerting any additional force.
In addition to reducing drag and generating lift, it has been found that club heads, with air passages or ducts, have greater flight stability when swung. The passages or ducts act as directional vanes and tend to maintain the club head in its desired glide path, thereby minimizing twisting of the club and permitting the club face to remain square throughout impact with the ball, hitting the ball solidly rather than glancingly. This also permits a wider controlled swing arc in the impact region giving the golfer the maximum force at impact from his swing. Thus, the golfer will experience a greater sensing control or feel, and the likelihood of hitting the ball with the center of the club face will be greatly increased. These latter features are of particular importance to the amateur golfer who frequently fails to hit the ball squarely, thereby causing a severe decrease in the energy transferred to the ball from the club.
Club heads constructed with air passages in accordance with the teachings of this invention have also been found to produce a humming or swhooshing sound when swung properly along its glide path. This sound emanates from within the club head itself, and is a potent training factor as a constant indication to the golfer of the quality of his swing.
It has been found that a golfer can develop the proper golf swing more easily and quickly by audibly recognizing a distinctive whistling or humming sound created by the club when it is swung properly. Devices have been created which set on top of club heads and whistle when the clubs are swung forward or backward, but such devices have not proven to be entirely satisfactory. Such devices whistle regardless of the direction in which the clubs are swung, and thus do not effectively indicate speed or direction. Another disadvantage of such devices is that they ordinarily must be imbedded on the tops of wood club heads or in recessed openings in iron clubs. Thus, they detract from the beauty of the clubs and depreciate their value. Moreover, they are often cumbersome and vulnerable to being knocked off or out of proper alignment with the club heads when they are replaced in bags after use. Still another disadvantage of such a device is that it may be disconcerting to the golfer to have the device on top of the club head. Also, grass, dirt and other particles can imbed in the openings of these devices and render them inoperable; and some golfing associations prohibit the use of such devices. The present invention provides a golf club head equipped with means for creating a distinctive humming or swhooshing sound when the club is swung in a proper path and plane, and which is not subject to any of the foregoing deficiencies.
Referring now to the FIGURES 3-6 embodiment for a general description of the entire invention, as applied to a specific embodiment, a golf club 24 of the wood type includes a shaft 26 and a club head 28. The club head includes a front surface 30, a top surface 32, a bottom surface 36 and a rear surface 38. There is a ball striking area 40 on the front surface 30 of the club head.
The invention resides in aerodynamically designed air flow passages extending through the club head. In the embodiment of FIGURES 3-6 there is a set back 42 above the ball striking surface 40 and through this set back extend four passages 44, 46, 48 and 50. These passages are all similar, although they extend in slightly different directions as shown in FIGURE 3. Each passage such as passage 46 shown in FIGURE 6 includes an inlet 52 in the front face of the club and outlet 54 in the rear surface of the club and an outlet insert 56 to assist in the aerodynamic air flow. This construction results in the advantages as set forth above in that it results in a substantial increase in the club head speed by permitting air to flow through the club rather than around it and this reduces the air resistance considerably. The air ducts through the head permit the stream of ram air going through the head to generate a buoyant force or lift that makes the club head float. In addition to reducing drag and generating lift, the air passages also contribute to greater club head stability and control since the passages or ducts act as directional vanes and tend to maintain the club in its desired flight. Finally, the air passing through the club head in the passages makes a distinct noise which emanates from the club head itself and is a unique training aid.
FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate one modification of the invention wherein there is an air passage 58 extending through the club head as a single unitary passage and the sides of the passage extending upwardly creating fillets 60 in the top of the club head.
FIGURES 9 and 10 illustrate another variation wherein air passage 62 includes a dome-shaped intake or top 64.
In the embodiment of FIGURES 11 and 12 there are two air passages 66 and 68 extending through the club head in a somewhat curved fashion and terminating in outlets 70 and 72.
In FIGURES 13 and 14 there are three air passages 74, 76 and 78 extending through the club head above the ball striking surface.
In FIGURES 15 and 16 two air passages 80 and 82 have inlets of general airfoil section and this configuration is somewhat similar to FIGURES 11 and 12 other than the shape of the inlet to the air passages.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
What is claimed is:
1. A golf club of the wood type including a shaft and wood club head having improved aerodynamic characteristics, the club comprising; the wood club head having front, rear, opposite sides, top and bottom surfaces, a ball striking area on the front surface of the club head, means defining at least one aerodynamically shaped enclosed air flow passage through the club head, said passage having an inlet in the front surface of the club head above the ball striking area and set back from the ball striking area, said passage extending through the club head underneath and adjacent to the top surface of the club head and opening in the rear surface of the club head at a level below the inlet.
2. A golf club as defined in claim 1 wherein there are at least two separate generally parallel air passages.
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,336,671 4/1920 Backus 273167 1,854,548 4/ 1932 Hunt 27378 2,550,846 5/ 1951 Milligan 273167 3,068,011 12/ 1962 Sano 273174 FOREIGN PATENTS 642,134 6/1962 Canada.
ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner PAUL E. SHAPIRO, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 273167
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Cited By (54)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3556532A (en) * 1968-08-02 1971-01-19 Brunswick Corp Plastic golf club head with cavities therein to sound like a wooden club head
US3794328A (en) * 1972-12-01 1974-02-26 E Gordon Golf club head
US3985363A (en) * 1973-08-13 1976-10-12 Acushnet Company Golf club wood
US3997170A (en) * 1975-08-20 1976-12-14 Goldberg Marvin B Golf wood, or iron, club
US4023802A (en) * 1974-10-02 1977-05-17 Acushnet Company Golf club wood
US4065133A (en) * 1976-03-26 1977-12-27 Gordos Ambrose L Golf club head structure
WO1982002669A1 (en) * 1981-02-06 1982-08-19 Alfred O Stuff Jr Golf club head
US4444392A (en) * 1982-07-16 1984-04-24 Duclos Clovis R Golf driver club head
US4809982A (en) * 1986-01-31 1989-03-07 Maruman Gold Co., Ltd. Golf club head
US4828265A (en) * 1981-03-17 1989-05-09 Antonious A J Golf club head
US4850593A (en) * 1988-09-26 1989-07-25 Nelson Alan F Reduced drag club head for a wood type golf club
US5004241A (en) * 1989-02-17 1991-04-02 Antonious A J Metal wood type golf club head with integral upper internal weighted mass
US5054784A (en) * 1990-09-24 1991-10-08 Collins Frank T Golf club head
US5158296A (en) * 1991-09-16 1992-10-27 Kunsam Lee Golf club
US5213328A (en) * 1992-01-23 1993-05-25 Macgregor Golf Company Reinforced metal golf club head
US5318297A (en) * 1990-07-05 1994-06-07 Prince Manufacturing, Inc. Golf club
US5505448A (en) * 1994-11-29 1996-04-09 Bpa Fabrication, Inc. Golf clubhead
US5524890A (en) * 1995-03-28 1996-06-11 Kim; Jae S. Golf club
US5669828A (en) * 1995-05-05 1997-09-23 Callaway Golf Company Golf club metallic head formation
US5681227A (en) * 1996-09-09 1997-10-28 Sayrizi; Donald Golf club head having air-accommodation passages
US5688186A (en) * 1996-04-02 1997-11-18 Michaels; Richard A. Golf club face
US5807187A (en) * 1995-10-24 1998-09-15 Longball Sports Air channeling golf club head
US5908357A (en) * 1997-10-30 1999-06-01 Hsieh; Chih-Ching Golf club head with a shock absorbing arrangement
US6059669A (en) * 1998-05-04 2000-05-09 Edizone, Lc Golf club head having performance-enhancing structure
US6165080A (en) * 1998-10-15 2000-12-26 Salisbury; Richard M. Golf club air assist driver
US6319148B1 (en) 1998-09-15 2001-11-20 Leung Tom Self-aligning, minimal self-torque golf clubs
US6471602B1 (en) * 1999-05-25 2002-10-29 D'orazio Michael P. Golf club and head therefor
US20030116300A1 (en) * 2001-12-26 2003-06-26 Callaway Golf Company Positioning Tool for Ceramic Cores
US6824474B1 (en) * 2003-04-01 2004-11-30 Harry E. Thill Golf club
US20050124435A1 (en) * 2003-12-09 2005-06-09 Gambetta Mark J. Golf club head
US20060100027A1 (en) * 2004-11-09 2006-05-11 Wang Jessie L Golf club head
US20060281580A1 (en) * 2005-06-10 2006-12-14 Kim Yeoung H Trajectory stability increased golf clubs with pluralities of holes
US20070093315A1 (en) * 2005-10-26 2007-04-26 Kang Ki C Air-resistance reducing golf club head
US20070293341A1 (en) * 2006-06-19 2007-12-20 Jeong Ji-Young Golf club
US20100022325A1 (en) * 2008-07-28 2010-01-28 Doran Daniel J Golf club velocity enhancement
US20120258819A1 (en) * 2011-04-06 2012-10-11 Charles Placido Guerriero Aerodynamic golf club
US20130123040A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2013-05-16 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head
US8540586B1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2013-09-24 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head having a post apex attachment promoting region
US8550936B1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2013-10-08 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head
US8690704B2 (en) 2011-04-01 2014-04-08 Nike, Inc. Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US20140113744A1 (en) * 2010-10-22 2014-04-24 Sri Sports Limited Golf club head
US8821311B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2014-09-02 Nike, Inc. Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US9314677B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2016-04-19 Nike, Inc. Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US9370696B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2016-06-21 Nike, Inc Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US9375617B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2016-06-28 Nike, Inc Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US9526954B2 (en) 2012-05-31 2016-12-27 Nike, Inc. Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US9861864B2 (en) 2013-11-27 2018-01-09 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club
US9884234B1 (en) 2016-06-02 2018-02-06 Alan Fischer Aerodynamic golf club
US20190099650A1 (en) * 2017-10-02 2019-04-04 Str8 To The Source, Inc Golf club training device and system
USD857823S1 (en) * 2018-05-21 2019-08-27 Bradley Schmidt Vented driver head
JP2019217160A (en) * 2018-06-22 2019-12-26 ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 Golf club head
US10888747B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2021-01-12 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US11180073B2 (en) 2016-05-21 2021-11-23 JST Performance, LLC Method and apparatus for vehicular light fixtures
USD973165S1 (en) * 2020-10-23 2022-12-20 Carlos Sada, JR. Golf club head

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US2550846A (en) * 1948-07-05 1951-05-01 Milligan Charles Stanley Golf club
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US3556532A (en) * 1968-08-02 1971-01-19 Brunswick Corp Plastic golf club head with cavities therein to sound like a wooden club head
US3794328A (en) * 1972-12-01 1974-02-26 E Gordon Golf club head
US3985363A (en) * 1973-08-13 1976-10-12 Acushnet Company Golf club wood
US4023802A (en) * 1974-10-02 1977-05-17 Acushnet Company Golf club wood
US3997170A (en) * 1975-08-20 1976-12-14 Goldberg Marvin B Golf wood, or iron, club
US4065133A (en) * 1976-03-26 1977-12-27 Gordos Ambrose L Golf club head structure
WO1982002669A1 (en) * 1981-02-06 1982-08-19 Alfred O Stuff Jr Golf club head
US4431192A (en) * 1981-02-06 1984-02-14 Stuff Jr Alfred O Golf club head
US4828265A (en) * 1981-03-17 1989-05-09 Antonious A J Golf club head
US4444392A (en) * 1982-07-16 1984-04-24 Duclos Clovis R Golf driver club head
US4809982A (en) * 1986-01-31 1989-03-07 Maruman Gold Co., Ltd. Golf club head
US4850593A (en) * 1988-09-26 1989-07-25 Nelson Alan F Reduced drag club head for a wood type golf club
US5004241A (en) * 1989-02-17 1991-04-02 Antonious A J Metal wood type golf club head with integral upper internal weighted mass
US5318297A (en) * 1990-07-05 1994-06-07 Prince Manufacturing, Inc. Golf club
US5054784A (en) * 1990-09-24 1991-10-08 Collins Frank T Golf club head
US5158296A (en) * 1991-09-16 1992-10-27 Kunsam Lee Golf club
US5213328A (en) * 1992-01-23 1993-05-25 Macgregor Golf Company Reinforced metal golf club head
US5292129A (en) * 1992-01-23 1994-03-08 Macgregor Golf Company Reinforced metal golf club head
US5505448A (en) * 1994-11-29 1996-04-09 Bpa Fabrication, Inc. Golf clubhead
US5524890A (en) * 1995-03-28 1996-06-11 Kim; Jae S. Golf club
US5669828A (en) * 1995-05-05 1997-09-23 Callaway Golf Company Golf club metallic head formation
US5807187A (en) * 1995-10-24 1998-09-15 Longball Sports Air channeling golf club head
US5688186A (en) * 1996-04-02 1997-11-18 Michaels; Richard A. Golf club face
US5681227A (en) * 1996-09-09 1997-10-28 Sayrizi; Donald Golf club head having air-accommodation passages
US5908357A (en) * 1997-10-30 1999-06-01 Hsieh; Chih-Ching Golf club head with a shock absorbing arrangement
US6059669A (en) * 1998-05-04 2000-05-09 Edizone, Lc Golf club head having performance-enhancing structure
US6319148B1 (en) 1998-09-15 2001-11-20 Leung Tom Self-aligning, minimal self-torque golf clubs
US6165080A (en) * 1998-10-15 2000-12-26 Salisbury; Richard M. Golf club air assist driver
US6471602B1 (en) * 1999-05-25 2002-10-29 D'orazio Michael P. Golf club and head therefor
US20030116300A1 (en) * 2001-12-26 2003-06-26 Callaway Golf Company Positioning Tool for Ceramic Cores
US6830093B2 (en) 2001-12-26 2004-12-14 Callaway Golf Company Positioning tool for ceramic cores
US6824474B1 (en) * 2003-04-01 2004-11-30 Harry E. Thill Golf club
US20050124435A1 (en) * 2003-12-09 2005-06-09 Gambetta Mark J. Golf club head
US20060100027A1 (en) * 2004-11-09 2006-05-11 Wang Jessie L Golf club head
US20060281580A1 (en) * 2005-06-10 2006-12-14 Kim Yeoung H Trajectory stability increased golf clubs with pluralities of holes
US20070093315A1 (en) * 2005-10-26 2007-04-26 Kang Ki C Air-resistance reducing golf club head
US20070293341A1 (en) * 2006-06-19 2007-12-20 Jeong Ji-Young Golf club
US9950221B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2018-04-24 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US20150005096A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2015-01-01 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head
US20130123040A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2013-05-16 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head
US8540586B1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2013-09-24 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head having a post apex attachment promoting region
US8550936B1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2013-10-08 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head
US8597137B1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2013-12-03 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head having a post apex attachment promoting region
US8602909B1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2013-12-10 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head
US11707652B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2023-07-25 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US11633651B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2023-04-25 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US11465019B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2022-10-11 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US8734269B2 (en) * 2008-07-15 2014-05-27 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc High volume aerodynamic golf club head
US8771101B2 (en) * 2008-07-15 2014-07-08 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head having a post apex attachment promoting region
US8777773B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2014-07-15 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club head having trip step feature
US11130026B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2021-09-28 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US8858359B2 (en) * 2008-07-15 2014-10-14 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head
US9950224B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2018-04-24 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc Aerodynamic golf club head
US9168433B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2015-10-27 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head having a post apex attachment promoting region
US9259628B2 (en) * 2008-07-15 2016-02-16 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. High volume aerodynamic golf club head
US9278266B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2016-03-08 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc Aerodynamic golf club head
US11045694B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2021-06-29 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US20160136488A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2016-05-19 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc Aerodynamic golf club head
US10888747B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2021-01-12 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US10799773B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2020-10-13 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc Golf club head having trip step feature
US10500451B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2019-12-10 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US9504886B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2016-11-29 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Multi-material aerodynamic golf club head
US10391366B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2019-08-27 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US9623295B2 (en) * 2008-07-15 2017-04-18 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc Aerodynamic golf club head
US9682294B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2017-06-20 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US9776053B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2017-10-03 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club head having trip step feature
US10363463B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2019-07-30 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Aerodynamic golf club head
US10052531B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2018-08-21 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc Aerodynamic golf club head
US20100022325A1 (en) * 2008-07-28 2010-01-28 Doran Daniel J Golf club velocity enhancement
US9802085B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2017-10-31 Nike, Inc. Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US9956459B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2018-05-01 Nike, Inc. Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US9314677B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2016-04-19 Nike, Inc. Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US9370696B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2016-06-21 Nike, Inc Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US8821311B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2014-09-02 Nike, Inc. Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US9375617B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2016-06-28 Nike, Inc Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US20140113744A1 (en) * 2010-10-22 2014-04-24 Sri Sports Limited Golf club head
US10583333B2 (en) 2010-10-22 2020-03-10 Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. Golf club head
US9492720B2 (en) * 2010-10-22 2016-11-15 Sri Sports Limited Golf club head
US8690704B2 (en) 2011-04-01 2014-04-08 Nike, Inc. Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US8651974B2 (en) * 2011-04-06 2014-02-18 Marie L. Guerriero Aerodynamic golf club
US20120258819A1 (en) * 2011-04-06 2012-10-11 Charles Placido Guerriero Aerodynamic golf club
US9526954B2 (en) 2012-05-31 2016-12-27 Nike, Inc. Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
US10569145B2 (en) 2013-11-27 2020-02-25 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club
US11369846B2 (en) 2013-11-27 2022-06-28 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club
US10828540B2 (en) 2013-11-27 2020-11-10 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club
US10226671B2 (en) 2013-11-27 2019-03-12 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club
US9861864B2 (en) 2013-11-27 2018-01-09 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf club
US11180073B2 (en) 2016-05-21 2021-11-23 JST Performance, LLC Method and apparatus for vehicular light fixtures
US9884234B1 (en) 2016-06-02 2018-02-06 Alan Fischer Aerodynamic golf club
US10596440B2 (en) * 2017-10-02 2020-03-24 Staten World Enterprises, LLC Golf club training device and system
US20190099650A1 (en) * 2017-10-02 2019-04-04 Str8 To The Source, Inc Golf club training device and system
USD857823S1 (en) * 2018-05-21 2019-08-27 Bradley Schmidt Vented driver head
JP2019217160A (en) * 2018-06-22 2019-12-26 ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 Golf club head
USD973165S1 (en) * 2020-10-23 2022-12-20 Carlos Sada, JR. Golf club head

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