US20050049073A1

US20050049073A1 - Golf club head

Info

Publication number: US20050049073A1
Application number: US10/921,480
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul Herber
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-09-09
Filing date: 2004-08-19
Publication date: 2005-03-03
Also published as: AU2002343617A1; TWI262808B; WO2004022171A1; US6780121B2; KR20040023469A; US20040048684A1; JP2004097772A; TW200404018A

Abstract

A golf club head having a head body generally includes a face, a sole, and a shaft attachment. A blade, such as a rudder blade or an outrigger blade, for instance, may be affixed to the sole. A rudder blade, one or more outrigger blades, or some combination thereof, may be suitably positioned and dimensioned to facilitate squaring the face with the swing path as the club head moves into contact with a golf ball through an impact zone. Disclosed blade configurations may provide stability to the club head through the impact zone; additionally or alternatively, improved aerodynamic characteristics of the club head may be achieved.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/237,222, filed Sep. 9, 2002, entitled “GOLF CLUB HEAD CONSTRUCTION,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are related generally to the field of golf club head design, and more particularly to a golf club head having at least one blade affixed to the sole of the head to provide improved ball striking characteristics.

BACKGROUND

Executing a golf shot, even from a perfect lie, is difficult. The face of the club head must strike the ball cleanly and squarely before the club contacts the ground. If the club head contacts the ground before the face hits the ball, resulting in a “fat” shot, energy is transferred into the ground rather than to the ball, causing a substantial decrease in distance of the shot.
Whenever the face of the club head is not square with the swing path when the face strikes the ball, part of the energy of the shot is transferred to the ball in the form of side spin. Side spin causes the ball to have a curved flight. If the face of the club head is substantially closed with respect to the swing path (i.e., the toe of the club head is twisted toward the player), a hook results. If the face is substantially open with respect to the swing path (i.e., the toe of the club head is twisted away from the player), a slice results. If the face is slightly closed with respect to the swing path, a draw results, whereas if the face is slightly open with respect to the swing path, a fade results. Ideally, if the face is square with the swing path, then a straight shot results.
It is even more difficult to execute a good golf shot from a bad lie. For example, if the ball is in the rough, it is difficult to get the face of the club head solidly on the ball. A substantial amount of club head energy may be lost as the club head travels through tall grass prior to making contact with the ball; additionally, grass between the face of the club head and the ball reduces the energy transferred to the ball. Further, grass between the face of the club head and the ball interferes with creation of proper spin on the ball as it leaves the face of the head, causing the ball to come out of the rough with less spin. Undesirable spin characteristics can affect the trajectory of the shot as well as the behavior of the ball upon landing. Also, long grass may wrap around the club head causing the face of the club to turn or twist, possibly resulting in an undesirable hook or slice.
It is also difficult to hit a good shot from a tight or close lie in which the ball may be sitting on very closely mowed, burned, or diseased grass, or on bare ground. In such close lies, margins for error may be reduced relative to situations in which the ball is sitting up on a properly mowed fairway. It is particularly difficult to hit good shots with woods from such close lies. In that regard, the flat sole of a wood club tends to bounce, resulting in thin hits. Similar, though perhaps less pronounced, deleterious effects may be experienced even with iron club shots (especially when using irons having high degrees of loft) from close lies.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention overcome the foregoing and various other shortcomings of conventional technology, providing a golf club head having a head body including a face, a sole, and a hosel or shaft attachment. One or more blades may be affixed to the sole, providing both ground interaction effects as well as aerodynamic effects on the club head during a golf swing. For example, blades may be configured and operative to square the face with the swing path as the club head moves into contact with a golf ball through an impact zone.
In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a golf club head may generally comprise: a head body including a face, a sole, and a shaft attachment; and means for squaring the face with a swing path. As set forth in more detail below, the means for squaring may comprise a rudder blade affixed to the sole; alternatively, the means for squaring may comprise an outrigger blade, or a plurality of outrigger blades, affixed to the sole.
Implementations of a golf club head are described wherein the rudder blade extends generally perpendicular to the face. In some embodiments, the rudder blade is positioned rearward of the shaft attachment. The head body generally includes a toe and heel; in some embodiments, the rudder blade is positioned intermediate the toe and the heel, such as approximately midway between the toe and the heel. The face may include a sweet spot, and embodiments are disclosed wherein the rudder blade is substantially aligned with the sweet spot. Additionally, embodiments are disclosed wherein the outrigger blade associated with the means for squaring is not aligned with a center of the sweet spot.
A golf club head as illustrated and described herein may further comprise a pair of outrigger blades, each of the pair of outrigger blades affixed to the sole on a respective side of the rudder blade. Each of the pair of outrigger blades may extend generally perpendicular to the face; in some implementations, each of the pair of outrigger blades is canted outwardly with respect to the rudder blade. In accordance with another embodiment, the rudder blade is positioned rearward of the shaft attachment and each of the pair of outrigger blades is positioned forward of the rudder blade. As set forth below, the pair of outrigger blades may define a plane, and embodiments are described wherein the rudder blade extends below the plane.
In an embodiment wherein the squaring means comprises an outrigger blade and wherein the head body includes a toe and heel, a golf club head may further comprise a toe outrigger blade affixed to the sole proximal to the toe and a heel outrigger blade affixed to the sole proximal to the heel.
In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a golf club head may generally comprise: a head body including a face, a sole, and a shaft attachment; and a blade affixed to the sole, the blade positioned rearward of the shaft attachment and operative to square the face with a swing path. As with the embodiments summarized above, the head body may include a toe and heel, and the blade is positioned intermediate the toe and the heel. In some embodiments, the blade is a rudder blade, whereas in other embodiments, the blade is an outrigger blade.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the face includes a sweet spot. The rudder blade is aligned with the sweet spot. In some implementations, the rudder blade extends generally perpendicular to the face.
A golf club head comprising a rudder blade may further comprise a pair of outrigger blades, each of the pair of outrigger blades affixed to the sole on a respective side of the rudder blade. Each of the pair of outrigger blades may extend generally perpendicular to the face, and may be canted outwardly with respect to the rudder blade. As summarized above, the pair of outrigger blades may define a plane; in accordance with some embodiments, the rudder blade extends below the plane.
In embodiments comprising an outrigger blade operative to square the face with a swing path, and wherein the face includes a sweet spot, a golf club head may further comprise a pair of outrigger blades, each of the pair of outrigger blades affixed to the sole on a respective side of the sweet spot.
In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a golf club head may generally comprise: a head body including a face, a sole, and a shaft attachment; and a blade affixed to the sole and operative to encourage air flow across the sole substantially parallel to the blade during a golf swing. In some implementations, the substantially parallel airflow is operative to reduce drag on the club head during a golf swing. As summarized above, the head body includes a toe and heel, and the blade is positioned intermediate the toe and the heel. The face may include a sweet spot, and the blade may be aligned with the sweet spot.
In accordance with some embodiments, a golf club head additionally comprises a pair of outrigger blades; each of the pair of outrigger blades is affixed to the sole on a respective side of the sweet spot. Embodiments are disclosed wherein a respective one of the pair of outrigger blades is operative to prevent generation of vortices at a respective one of the toe and the heel during a golf swing.
The foregoing and other aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be more fully understood through examination of the following detailed description thereof in conjunction with the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf club head.
FIG. 2 is a front (face) view of one embodiment of a golf club head.
FIG. 3 is a side (toe) view of one embodiment of a golf club head.
FIG. 4 is a bottom (sole) view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 2.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a correction applied to a club head having an open face and an outside-in swing path.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a correction applied to a club head having a closed face and an inside-out swing path.
FIGS. 7A-7D are respective front (face) views of respective alternative embodiments of a golf club head.
FIGS. 8A-8D are respective bottom (sole) views of the embodiments of a golf club head illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D.
FIGS. 9A-9D are respective partially rotated front (face) views of respective alternative embodiments of a golf club head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawing figures, and specifically with reference to FIGS. 1-4, a golf club head generally incorporating aspects of the present invention is designated by reference numeral 11. Specifically, FIGS. 1-4 are, respectively, a perspective view, a front (face) view, a side (toe) view, and a bottom (sole) view of one embodiment of a golf club head. Club head 11 generally comprises a head body 13 having a toe 15 and a heel 17. Head body 17 may be adapted to be connected to a shaft 19 by a shaft attachment or hosel 21. While the exemplary head 11 is illustrated as including hosel 21, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the mechanical or structural characteristics of the shaft attachment component or other hardware configurations employed to attach or otherwise to couple head 11 to shaft 19; in particular, a golf club head as illustrated and described herein may be embodied in or implemented as a so-called “hoseless” club head, as well.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, head body 13 includes a face 23. As is generally known in the art, face 23 is constructed and operative to make contact with a golf ball. The area of face 23 proximal to, or located approximately at, the center of gravity of head body 13 defines a “sweet spot” 25. While sweet spot 25 is depicted generally near the center of face 23, it will be appreciated that the size and specific location of sweet spot 25 may vary in accordance with numerous factors including, but not limited to: the overall dimensions of club head 11; the density and distribution of material used to fabricate club head 11; the angular orientation, or “loft,” of face 23; the overall construction and location of hosel 21 or other shaft attachment mechanism relative to heal 17, toe 15, face 23, or more likely, a combination thereof; and the location of, and mass associated with, each of a plurality of blades extending from the sole 27 of body 23 as set forth in more detail below. During a typical golf swing, energy transfer to the ball may be maximized in the case of a ball struck at or near sweet spot 25; conversely, relatively less energy may be transferred to balls struck on face 23 near toe 15 or heel 17, i.e., outside sweet spot 25.
The bottom of head body 13 is typically referred to as a sole 27. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, sole 27 may have affixed thereto a rudder blade 29 extending therefrom; additionally or alternatively, sole 27 may have affixed thereto, and similarly extending therefrom, one or more outrigger blades such as those designated by reference numerals 31 and 33 in FIGS. 2 and 4. It will be appreciated that the term “affixed” in this context generally refers to any sort of attachment or coupling such as may be effectuated by attachment technology generally known in the art or developed and operative in accordance with known principles. In that regard, blades 29, 31, and 33 may be “affixed” or “attached” to sole 27, for example, using screws, rivets, pressure or heat sensitive adhesives, bolts, welds, tabs and slots, grommets, or other cooperating structural elements configured and operative to engage each other when brought together in a particular or predetermined orientation. The foregoing list is intended to be neither exhaustive nor exclusive, and is provided by way of example only. It will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by any specific technology or structural elements employed to affix, attach, couple, or otherwise rigidly to engage blades 29, 31, and 33 with respect to sole 27.
In some embodiments, removably affixing one or more blades 29, 31, and 33 to sole 27, such as with screws or rivets, for example, may facilitate removal of blades 29, 31, and 33 and enable easy interchangeability between various types or sizes of blades; additionally, such a flexible or readily alterable embodiment may enable different configurations of blades selectively to be attached to sole 27 in accordance with user preference, for example, or as a function of course conditions and other factors. In one such exemplary embodiment, sole 27 may comprise a plurality of attachment components (such as screw guide holes or grommets, not shown) distributed at predetermined locations intermediate heel 17 and toe 15; such attachment components may be suitably positioned, dimensioned, and operative selectively to receive a blade or blade attachment hardware, allowing club head 11 to be customized with a desired number of blades in a desired configuration.
Additionally or alternatively, one or more of blades 29, 31, and 33 may be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to sole 27, such as by welding or brazing techniques, for example. In cases where body 13 is cast, for instance, it may be desirable to integrate or otherwise to incorporate the structure of one or more blades into the structure of body 13 itself. It will be appreciated that such welded, permanently attached, or integrated structures are considered to be “affixed” to sole 27.
In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4, rudder blade 29 extends from sole 27 generally perpendicular to face 23 and in general alignment with sweet spot 25. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, rudder blade 29 may be positioned behind (i.e., further from face 23) hosel 21. As set forth in more detail below, rudder blade 29 may generally operate to square face 23 with the swing path, facilitating straighter shots.
As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 4, outrigger blade 31 may be disposed adjacent or proximal to toe 15 of body 13; similarly, outrigger blade 33 may be positioned adjacent or proximal to heel 17 of body 13. Outrigger blades 31 and 33 extend from sole 27 generally perpendicular to face 23 and, in some embodiments, may be canted outwardly with respect to sole 27 of head body 13 as illustrated in FIG. 2. In operation, outrigger blades 31 and 33 may tend to stabilize club head 11 through the impact zone (ie., where the ball is struck, sometimes referred to as the “hitting zone”), facilitating more consistent shots. In addition to the foregoing stabilizing function, outrigger blades 31 and 33 may provide selective heel 17 and toe 15 weighting, affecting overall weight distribution of club head 11 and widening sweet spot 25. Additionally, outrigger blades 31 and 33 and rudder blade 29 lower the center of gravity of body 13, making it easier for a player to get a shot into the air on a proper trajectory.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the term “rudder blade” generally refers to a structure extending from sole 27 and affixed thereto (in accordance with any of the above-mentioned attachment techniques or strategies) generally or substantially perpendicular to face 23 and substantially aligned with a center of sweet spot 25. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the term “outrigger blade” generally refers to a structure extending from sole 27 and affixed thereto (as set forth above) generally or substantially perpendicular to face 23 and either entirely beyond the boundaries of sweet spot 25 or not substantially aligned with a center of sweet spot 25. In that regard, a blade extending from sole 27 at the periphery of sweet spot 25 may be referred to herein as an “outrigger blade;” accordingly, a plurality of outrigger blades may be disposed within the boundaries of sweet spot 25. Unless otherwise specifically limited herein, reference to a “blade” without qualification may refer either to a “rudder blade” or to an “outrigger blade.”
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower extremities, or “tips,” of outrigger blades 31 and 33 may define a plane generally parallel to sole 27 and indicated by dashed line 35. The lower extremity (“tip”) of rudder blade 29 may extend below the plane indicated by dashed line 35; in alternative embodiments, the tip of rudder blade 29 may not extend beyond, or even to, the plane indicated at reference numeral 35. In the illustrated embodiment, when club head 11 is placed in the address position (i.e., when a player is addressing the ball prior to a swing), the tip of blade 29 may rest on the ground surface (indicated by dashed line 37) and the tips of outrigger blades 31 and 33 may be elevated slightly above the ground surface.
As club head 11 is swung through the impact zone, blade 29 may cut smoothly and with little resistance along the swing path into the ground surface. As set forth in more detail below, if face 23 is not square with the swing path (i.e., perpendicular to the direction of club head 11 travel), rudder blade 29 may interact with the ground, providing a “weathervane effect” operative to square face 23 with the swing path. Rudder blade 29 also may provide resistance to twisting of head 11 under torque which may be generated, for example, if the ball is struck near toe 15 or heel 17 (outside of sweet spot 25), or as a result of head 11 being impeded by long grass.
It will be appreciated that the foregoing functionality of rudder blade 29 may readily be achieved by substituting one or more outrigger blades, disposed or affixed proximal the center, or otherwise within the periphery, of sweet spot 25, for rudder blade 29. In such an alternative embodiment, it may be desirable to allow such blades to extend below the plane 35 indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3; accordingly, both of such blades may be suitably positioned and dimensioned to interact with the ground substantially as set forth above. In such a dual blade embodiment in which two blades are operative to interact with the ground, additional lateral (ie., toe to heel) stability may be achieved as club head 11 moves through the impact zone.
In the illustrated embodiment, outrigger blades 31 and 33, being canted outwardly, may tend to resist slicing into the ground surface; further, outrigger blades 31 and 33 may provide low resistance along the club head 11 path as they sweep along the ground surface or through grass. Outrigger blades 31 and 33 may generally prevent sole 27 from contacting the ground surface, a condition which may result in loss of club head energy. In that regard, outrigger blades 31 and 33 may enable head 11 to travel through long grass without substantial loss of kinetic energy or momentum.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a correction applied to a club head having an open face and an outside-in swing path. Specifically, FIG. 5A illustrates a position of club head 11 immediately prior to impact with a golf ball (not shown). The target line is indicated by the solid arrow designated by reference numeral 41. The alignment of face 23 is indicated by the dashed arrow 43, while the swing path is indicated by the dashed arrow 45. In FIG. 5A, club face 23 is open and the swing path is outside-in. Accordingly, club face 23 is substantially open with respect to the swing path, a condition which would ordinarily result in a severe slice. Given a club head 11 constructed and operative substantially as set forth herein, prior to impact of face 23 with the ball, rudder blade 29 may engage the ground surface (not shown) and may apply a corrective torque (or “rudder” or “weathervane” force) tending to close club face 23. Rudder blade 29 may also tend to adjust the swing path toward the target line 41. Accordingly, rudder blade 29 may enable or allow a of squaring club face 23, and alignment of swing path 45, with target line 41, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, facilitating a straighter shot along target line 41.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a correction applied to a club head having a closed face and an inside-out swing path. In that regard, FIG. 6A illustrates the case in which, immediately prior to impact of face 23 with a ball (not shown), face 23 is closed as indicated by dashed arrow 43, and the swing path (indicated by dashed arrow 45) is inside-out with respect to target line 41. Accordingly, face 23 is substantially closed with respect to the swing path, a condition which would ordinarily result in a severe hook. As set forth above with specific reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, immediately prior to impact of face with the ball, rudder blade 29 may interact with the ground surface tending to square face 23, and to align swing path 45, with target line 41. This corrected situation is illustrated in FIG. 6B.
As set forth above, it will be appreciated that the corrections illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 6B may be achieved by substituting one or more outrigger blades for rudder blade 29 in a dual blade embodiment in which two blades are operative to interact with the ground.
In addition to the foregoing stabilizing effects, a club head 11 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure may also provide substantial aerodynamic advantages, the result of which may be improved club head 11 speed through the impact zone. Specifically, implementation of one or more blades extending from sole 27 as set forth herein may minimize or prevent lateral (ie., toe-to-heel or heel-to-toe) air flow components, facilitating creation of a substantially one-dimensional air flow across sole 27 during a swing. In that regard, air across sole 27 may be encouraged to flow parallel to the blades. By encouraging such one-dimensional flow, outrigger blades employed, for instance, proximal to toe 15 and to heel 17 may substantially reduce or eliminate creation of vortices at these structures; since these vortices represent a significant source of aerodynamic drag (i.e., “pressure drag”), minimization of vortex generation may substantially reduce drag on club head 11 as a whole.
In accordance with the foregoing, implementation of one or more blades as set forth herein may result in measurable reductions of aerodynamic forces exerted on club head 11. As a consequence, club head 11 velocity may be improved even in cases where a player is not swinging with increased force. Some blade configurations may result in drag reductions allowing velocity improvements of up to ten percent or more as club head 11 is moving through the impact zone. Accordingly, blade implementation and configuration as set forth below may be effectuated in such a manner as to control aerodynamic drag characteristics and to allow maximum speed of club head 11 for a given applied swing force.
FIGS. 7A-7D are respective front (face) views of respective alternative embodiments of a golf club head, and FIGS. 8A-8D are respective bottom (sole) views of the embodiments of a golf club head illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D. The FIG. 7A embodiment has been described above with specific reference to FIGS. 1-6B. Implementation of both rudder blade 29 and outrigger blades 31 and 33 as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 8A may provide an appropriate balance between the ground interaction and aerodynamic effects set forth above.
In the dual blade embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 8B, a central rudder blade aligned with a center of sweet spot 25 has been replaced by a pair of outrigger blades 92, each disposed on a respective side (toe and heel) of a center of sweet spot 25. As noted above, such an embodiment may provide improved lateral stability of club head 11 during travel through the impact zone, particularly in cases where blades 92 are positioned and dimensioned to interact with the ground. Accordingly, blades 92 may be constructed to extend from sole 27 beyond a plane defined by the tips of outrigger blades 31 and 33 as illustrated in FIG. 7B. As with the FIG. 7A embodiment, the club head 11 illustrated in FIG. 7B may provide acceptable performance with respect to both the ground interaction and the aerodynamic drag reduction described above.
As indicated in FIGS. 7C and 8C, a central rudder blade aligned with a center of sweet spot 25 may be removed, and outrigger blades 31 and 32 may be implemented. While this simplified embodiment may exhibit both improved stability characteristics due to ground interaction as well as reduced pressure drag, outrigger blades 31 and 33 may be responsible for interacting with the ground.
As illustrated in FIGS. 7D and 8D, outrigger blades may be removed, and rudder blade 29 aligned with a center of sweet spot 25 may be implemented. While the FIG. 7D embodiment may exhibit improved stability resulting from ground interaction, some of the foregoing aerodynamic advantages and resulting pressure drag minimization may be reduced, as outrigger blades disposed proximal to toe 15 and to heel 17 are absent.
While the drawing figures are not intended necessarily to convey scale to the exclusion of other possibilities, it is noted that a comparison of the illustrations in FIGS. 7A and 7B indicates that differing sizes of outrigger blades 31 and 33, as well as all blades described herein, are contemplated. The specific shapes (thickness, curvature, sharpness, etc.) dimensions (e.g., width and height) and spatial orientations (ie., location relative to each other and to other structural components of club head 11) of blades are susceptible of numerous variations and alterations depending upon, for example, overall dimensions of club head 11, desired weight distribution characteristics, the respective sizes and masses of other blades employed in conjunction with a particular club head 11, player skill level or preference, and other factors.
While the foregoing embodiments have been illustrated and described with specific reference to a wood-type club, it is noted that the inventive concepts set forth herein have numerous and varied applications with respect to other types of clubs such as irons, putters, hybrid and utility clubs, and the like as set forth in more detail below. In that regard, FIGS. 9A-9D are respective partially rotated front (face) views of respective alternative embodiments of a golf club head.
In particular, FIGS. 9A-9D depict alternative embodiments of an iron type golf club head 11. Due to the overall shape and general constitution of an iron type club head 11, the views of FIGS. 9A-9D represent club head 11 in a partially rotated orientation to illustrate location and configuration of various blades extending from sole 27. Accordingly, the orientation of club head 11 reveals an intersection (designated by reference numeral 28) between face 23 and sole 27.
As with the embodiments of wood type clubs described above, implementation of both a rudder blade and outrigger blades as illustrated in FIG. 9A may provide a balance between ground interaction and aerodynamic effects. In the dual blade embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9B, a central rudder blade aligned with a center of the sweet spot has been replaced by a pair of outrigger blades, each disposed on a respective side (toe and heel) of a center of the sweet spot; additional outrigger blades may be employed proximal to toe 15, heel 17, or both. The club head 11 illustrated in FIG. 9B may provide acceptable performance with respect to both the ground interaction and the aerodynamic drag reduction described above.
As indicated in FIG. 9C, a central rudder blade aligned with a center of the sweet spot may be removed, and outrigger blades may be implemented. Alternatively, as indicated in FIG. 9D, outrigger blades proximal toe 15 and heel 17 may be removed, and a rudder blade aligned with a center of the sweet spot may be implemented.
The iron type embodiments depicted in FIGS. 9A-9D may be constructed in a similar fashion as wood type embodiments of club head 11, and may provide some or all of the foregoing functionality and operational characteristics.
As set forth above, added mass of blades extending from sole 27 may appreciably lower the center of gravity of club head 11 as desired. Blade construction, location, and configuration with respect to other structural elements of club head 11 may be effectuated to achieve optimum or desired weight distribution. In that regard, blades may be fabricated of various materials such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, tungsten, or other metals, as well as various plastics, epoxies, acrylics, carbon composites, or other laminates or composite materials, either individually or in combination. It will be appreciated that the size, number, and location of blades employed, as well as the specific material or combination of materials used to construct each blade, may vary in accordance with overall requirements and desired characteristics (such as weight distribution, stability improving ground interactions, aerodynamic considerations, and so forth) of club head 11.
Aspects of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail with reference to particular embodiments by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be appreciated that various modifications and alterations may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope and contemplation of the present disclosure. It is intended, therefore, that the invention be considered as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising:

a head body including a face, a sole, and a shaft attachment; and

means for squaring said face with a swing path.

2. The golf club head of claim 1 wherein said means for squaring comprises a rudder blade affixed to said sole.

3. The golf club head of claim 1 wherein said means for squaring comprises an outrigger blade affixed to said sole.

4. The golf club head of claim 2 wherein said rudder blade extends generally perpendicular to said face.

5. The golf club head of claim 2 wherein said head body includes a toe and heel, and wherein said rudder blade is positioned intermediate said toe and said heel.

6. The golf club head of claim 5 wherein said rudder blade is positioned approximately midway between said toe and said heel.

7. The golf club head of claim 2 wherein said face includes a sweet spot, and wherein said rudder blade is substantially aligned with said sweet spot.

8. The golf club head of claim 3 wherein said face includes a sweet spot, and wherein said outrigger blade is not aligned with a center of said sweet spot.

9. The golf club head of claim 2 wherein said rudder blade is positioned rearward of said shaft attachment.

10. The golf club head of claim 2 further comprising a pair of outrigger blades, each of said pair of outrigger blades affixed to said sole on a respective side of said rudder blade.

11. The golf club head of claim 10 wherein each of said pair of outrigger blades extends generally perpendicular to said face.

12. The golf club head of claim 10 wherein each of said pair of outrigger blades is canted outwardly with respect to said rudder blade.

13. The golf club head of claim 10 wherein said rudder blade is positioned rearward of said shaft attachment and each of said pair of outrigger blades is positioned forward of said rudder blade.

14. The golf club head of claim 10 wherein said pair of outrigger blades defines a plane, and wherein said rudder blade extends below said plane.

15. The golf club head of claim 3 wherein said head body includes a toe and heel, and further comprising a toe outrigger blade affixed to said sole proximal to said toe and a heel outrigger blade affixed to said sole proximal to said heel.

16. A golf club head comprising:

a head body including a face, a sole, and a shaft attachment; and

a blade affixed to said sole, said blade positioned rearward of said shaft attachment and operative to square said face with a swing path.

17. The golf club head of claim 16 wherein said head body includes a toe and heel, and wherein said blade is positioned intermediate said toe and said heel.

18. The golf club head of claim 17 wherein said blade is a rudder blade.

19. The golf club head of claim 17 wherein said blade is an outrigger blade.

20. The golf club head of claim 18 wherein said face includes a sweet spot, and wherein said rudder blade is aligned with said sweet spot.

21. The golf club head of claim 18 wherein said rudder blade extends generally perpendicular to said face.

22. The golf club head of claim 18 further comprising a pair of outrigger blades, each of said pair of outrigger blades affixed to said sole on a respective side of said rudder blade.

23. The golf club head of claim 22 wherein each of said pair of outrigger blades extends generally perpendicular to said face.

24. The golf club head of claim 23 wherein each of said pair of outrigger blades is canted outwardly with respect to said rudder blade.

25. The golf club head of claim 22 wherein said pair of outrigger blades defines a plane, and wherein said rudder blade extends below said plane.

26. The golf club head of claim 19 wherein said face includes a sweet spot and further comprising a pair of outrigger blades, each of said pair of outrigger blades affixed to said sole on a respective side of said sweet spot.

27. A golf club head comprising:

a head body including a face, a sole, and a shaft attachment; and

a blade affixed to said sole and operative to encourage air flow across said sole substantially parallel to said blade during a golf swing.

28. The golf club head of claim 27 wherein said head body includes a toe and heel, and wherein said blade is positioned intermediate said toe and said heel.

29. The golf club head of claim 28 wherein said face includes a sweet spot, and wherein said blade is aligned with said sweet spot.

30. The golf club head of claim 29 further comprising a pair of outrigger blades and wherein each of said pair of outrigger blades is affixed to said sole on a respective side of said sweet spot.

31. The golf club head of claim 30 wherein a respective one of said pair of outrigger blades is operative to prevent generation of vortices at a respective one of said toe and said heel during a golf swing.

32. The golf club head of claim 27 wherein said substantially parallel airflow is operative to reduce drag on said club head during a golf swing.