Optimum dynamic impact golf clubs

Non-conventional clubhead designs for driver, fairway clubs (woods), irons, and putter type golf clubs wherein the maximum (optimized) clubhead mass and centralized balance/momentum control mechanism are coincident with the clubhead center of percussion improved efficacy in the angular of momentum exchange between golf club and ball at impact, and optimum flight trajectory, distance, accuracy, and control. Additional non-conventional design features of the driver and fairway clubs (woods) include a low drag aerodynamic profile, fully-active double curvature aerodynamic wing, integral impact shock/vibratory damping, a double curvature faceplate that is insensitive to fracture and cave-in, and a highly contoured soleplate for up-hill and down-hill lies.

BACKGROUND AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is distinctly different from all prior art concepts 
for golf clubs, these differences include the invention's analytical 
design philosophy, the application and integration of fundamental physics 
and advanced engineering principles, and the integration of proven 
high-tech manufacturing/construction processes. These differences are new, 
revolutionary, and represent major break-throughs in the design, 
manufacture, control, and playability of golf clubs. 
The present invention relates to all golf clubs (driver, fairway clubs, 
irons, and putter) and maximizes (optimizes) the magnitude and efficacy of 
angular momentum exchange between the rotating club and stationary ball at 
impact; optimimzes flight trajectory, distance, accuracy, and control; and 
maximizes the efficacy of off-center hits that are not coincident with the 
center of percussion. More particularly the invention optimizes, in 
accordance with the clubs strength and stiffness criteria, the maximum 
clubface mass that may be located coincident with the center of percussion 
mass for maximum attainable exchange of momentum efficacy; optimizes 
clubhead mass distribution profiles from the center of percussion to 
maximize the efficacy (expanded "effective" sweetspot) of off-center hits 
that are not coincident with the center of percussion; and provides an 
integral centralized balance/control mechanism that is strategically 
located on the rear face of the clubhead (all types) and coincident with 
the respective clubhead(s) center of percussion. 
The prior art that relates to this invention shows two dissimilar designs 
that attempt to: (a) minimize the effects of off-center impacts, and (b) 
acquire optimum trajectory, distance, control, and accuracy. The first is 
the conventional perimeter weighted golf club design philosophy. The 
second is the Nicklaus linear dynamic golf club design philosophy. These 
will each be discussed. 
a).--CONVENTIONAL PERIMETER WEIGHTED DRIVERS, FAIRWAY CLUBS (WOODS), & 
IRONS 
Conventional perimeter weighted drivers and fairway clubs (woods) have 
essentially identical clubhead geometric configurations, principle 
differences include volumetric size, clubface loft angle, and shaft lie 
angle. Alternate methods of construction include: (1) hollow metal shell 
with increased structural mass distributed around the perimeter, the 
faceplate (thin diaphragm) is attached to the perimeter and supported by 
non-structural foam that fills the hollow shell cavity, and (2) hollow 
non-metallic shell with internal bracing and increased structural mass 
distributed around the perimeter, the faceplate (thin diaphragm) is 
attached to the perimeter and supported by non-structural foam that fills 
the internal cavities. The conventional perimeter weighted or so-called 
cavity backed irons are similarly in construction; the faceplate (thin 
diaphragm) is supported by an increased mass perimeter; the faceplate is 
otherwise unsupported. Conceptionally the perimeter weighted clubs provide 
an "enlarged sweetspot" to minimize off-center hits and the perimeter 
weighted structure increased torsional stability. The term "larger 
sweetspot" is misleading and inaccurate. The "sweetspot" of a clubhead is 
simply the clubhead's center of percussion and as such cannot be moved or 
enlarged, and off-center hits incur loss of distance, trajectory, and 
accuracy. Tests comparing the torsional stability of standard, mid-size, 
and jumbo perimeter weighted clubs have indicted insignificant 
differences. Perimeter weighted clubs are highly susceptible to clubface 
fracture and cave-in, inherent marginal moments of inherent, and stress 
discontinuites. The non-optimum mass distribution profile of the clubs, 
clubface sensitivity to incurred deflections and angular momentum exchange 
characteristics are inconsistent with optimum trajectory, control, 
distance and accuracy. 
The Nicklaus linear dynamic golf club driver and fairway clubs (woods) 
clubheads are perimeter weighted hollow metal shells filled with 
non-structural foam, structural stabilizing bars integral with the 
soleplate redistribute mass either side of the hitting area. The linear 
dynamic irons are conventional in configuration, vertical stabilizing bars 
located at the toe and heel sections and an horizontal stabilizing bar is 
attached to the two vertical bars, significant area of clubface is 
unsupported between the upper leading edge of the clubface and the 
horizontal bar. Conceptionally the horizontal bar is strategically located 
behind the impact area for optimum trajectory and control, and vertical 
bars either side of the impact zone to reduce twist of off-center hits. 
The non-optimum mass distribution profile of the driver, fairway clubs 
(woods), and irons is inconsistent with the development of optimum 
trajectory, control, and distance. 
Clarification of the design philosophies dissimilarities and radical 
differences in the functional efficacy of the present invention--Optimum 
Dynamic Impact golf clubs and prior art--Perimeter Weighted/Linear Dynamic 
golf club design concepts is evident from a simplistic comparison that is 
analogous to comparing the efficacy of striking a nail with a hammer 
(Optimum Dynamic Impact Club with concentrated mass) or with a large thin 
perimeter supported diaphragm (Perimeter Weighted/Linear Dynamic Clubs 
with distributed mass), differences in the efficacy of applied impulse to 
the nail are readily apparent. 
More specifically the radical differences in the design philosophies of the 
present invention--Optimum Dynamic Impact golf clubs and prior art, is the 
present invention's innovated advanced integrated system design 
methodology compared to the elemental "piecemeal" approach of existing 
state-of-the art designs. It is important to note in evaluating the 
present invention's integration of the centralized balance/control 
mechanism, integral damping, and maximum clubhead mass at the clubhead(s) 
center of percussion, that the density of the varible-length centralized 
balance/control setscrew that locates and retains the vernier balance mass 
wafers within the clubheads is approximately 250%-900% higher than the 
basic material being displaced. This innovated technique provides this 
increase in mass at the clubhead center of percussion and significantly 
increases the magnitude and efficacy of applied impulse to the golf ball. 
The preferred all-metal driver and fairway clubs (woods) configuration of 
the present invention with integral damping and centralized 
balance/momentum control has other innovative features that are fully 
functional and test proven; these test proven features include a low drag 
profile, a fully active double curvature upper surface aerodynamic wing, 
distinctive blending of body and upper surface aerodynamic wing for 
improved airflow characteristics, double curvature faceplate that is 
insensitive to fracture and cave-in, and highly contoured soleplate for 
up-hill and down-hill lies. 
The golf club irons and putter types of the present invention are radically 
different and superior to prior art concepts. The present invention design 
philosophy is applied to both the irons and putter types--maximum 
(optimum) clubhead mass and centralized balance/control mechanism are 
located on the rear face of each club and coincident with their respective 
center of percussion, and computerized mass distribution profiles from the 
center of percussion to maximize the efficacy (expanded "effective" 
sweetspot) of off-center hits that are not coincident with the center of 
percussion, for optimum flight trajectory, distance, control, and 
accuracy. The present invention irons and putter have outstanding 
structural integrity, inherently high moments of inertia, and are 
insensitive to the stress discontinuities, strength, and deflection 
problems of the prior art concept 
It is generally understood that both the foregoing general description and 
following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are 
not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
(a) Drawing 1/9--Optimum Dynamic Impact Golf Club Types--FIGS. 1-4. 
FIGS. 1, 2, 3, & 4, illustrate the present invention four different types 
of golf clubs, the design of each club is consistent with the present 
invention --Optimum Dynamic Impact Golf Club design philosophy--maximum 
mass at center of percussion, optimized mass distribution profile to 
minimize effects of non-coincident center of percussion impacts, and 
integral centralized balance system for maximum attainable exchange of 
momentum efficacy, precise control, accuracy, flight trajectory, and club 
playability. 
FIG. 1.--Is an isometric view of the Optimum Dynamic Impact Putter (Blade) 
Type Golf Club from the rear. 
FIG. 2.--Is an isometric view of the Optimum Dynamic Impact Iron Type Golf 
Club from the rear. 
FIG. 3.--Is an isometric view of the Optimum Dynamic Impact Putter (Mallet) 
Type Golf Club from the rear. 
FIG. 4.--Is an isometric view of the Optimum Dynamic Impact Driver/Fairway 
(Woods) Type Golf Club. 
(b) Drawing 2/9--Optimum Dynamic Impact Putter (Blade) Type Golf Club FIGS. 
5-8. 
The design of the putter is consistent with the basic Optimum Dynamic 
Impact golf club design philosophy--maximum mass at center of percussion, 
optimized mass distribution profile to minimize effects of non-coincident 
center of percussion hits, and integral centralized balance/control 
mechanism for maximum impact effects and precise micro-balance and 
control. 
FIG. 5.--Is an isometric view that illustrates pictorially the concaved 
milled surfaces (1), the location of the optimized mass at the center of 
percussion, and the overall physical configuration of the putter. 
FIG. 6.--Is a frontal view of the putter that pictorially illustrates the 
basic configuration, concentration of mass at the clubhead center of 
percussion (CP), and the location of the highly sensitive centralized 
balance/control mechanism. 
FIG. 7.--Is a plan view of the putter that illustrates the computerized 
mass distribution profile and concentration of optimized mass at the 
center of percussion, the centralized balance/control mechanism (2), the 
straight milled ball striking surface (3), and the contoured milled shape 
of the rear section. The centralized balance/control vernier balance mass 
wafers have been omitted for clarity. Vernier balance mass wafers are 
illustrated in FIG. 27. 
FIG. 8.--Is an end view of the putter that illustrates the straight flat 
milled ball striking surface (3) of the putter and its small negative 
inclination angle, centralized balance/control mechanism (2), and clubhead 
center of percussion (CP). 
(c) Drawing 3/9--Optimum Dynamic Impact Putter (Mallet) Type Golf Club 
FIGS. 9-12. 
The design of the putter is consistent with the basic Optimum Dynamic 
Impact Golf Club design philosophy--maximum mass at the center of 
percussion, optimized mass distribution profile to minimize the effects of 
non-coincident center of percussion hits, and integral centralized 
balance/control mechanism for maximum impact effects and precise 
micro-balance and control. 
FIG. 9.--Is a frontal view of the putter that pictorially illustrates the 
basic configuration, concentration of mass at the clubhead center of 
percussion (CP), and centralized location of shaft (4). 
FIG. 10.--Is a plan view of the putter that illustrates the computerised 
mass distribution profile and concentration of optimized mass at the 
center of percussion (CP), the centralized balance/control mechanism (5), 
the straight flat milled ball striking surface (6), and the location of 
shaft receptable socket (9). 
FIG. 11.--Is an end view of the putter that illustrates the straight flat 
milled ball striking surface (6) and its small negative inclination angle, 
centralized balance/control mechanism (5), clubhead center of percussion 
(CP), and shaft (4) location. The centralized balance/control vernier 
balance mas wafers have been omitted for clarity--See FIG. 27. 
FIG. 12.--Is an isometric view that illustrates pictorially the triangular 
shape of the concentrated mass and the location of apex (7), configuration 
of soleplate (8), and overall configuration. 
(d) Drawing 4/9--Optimum Dynamic Impact Driver/Fairway Clubs (Woods) Type 
Golf Clubs--FIGS. 13-15. 
The design of the driver and fairway clubs are consistent with the basic 
Optimum Impact (Impulse) Dynamic golf club design philosophy--maximum mass 
at center of percussion, optimized mass distribution profile to minimize 
effects of non-coincident center of percussion impacts, and integral 
centralized balance/control mechanism for precise control. Other unique 
design specific features of these clubs include preferred all-metal 
(magnesium or other low density material) construction, double curvature 
aerodynamic profile, integral non-metallic high damping impact 
shock/vibratory system, double curvature face for improved accuracy 
control, and unique sole design with a single low drag triangular rider 
and contoured heel and toe surfaces for improved playability of up-hill 
and down-hill lies. The double curvature upper surface profile functions 
as an active aerodynamic sail and as such elliminates airflow 
discontinuities, reduces drag, and increases downswing angular momentum of 
club and applied impulse to ball at impact. 
FIG. 13.--Is a plan view of the club that illustrates the geometric shape 
and contour of the aerodynamic sail (10) and its extensive curved wing 
section extending beyond the body of the club, and the concentration of 
optimized mass at the center of percussion. Also indicated is the location 
and relative size of the two cavities that are filled with low 
density/high damping non-metallic material (11), and the bulge curvature 
of the clubface (12). 
FIG. 14.--Is an end view of the club that illustrates the sweeping double 
curvature of the aerodynamic sail (10) and the overhang and curvature of 
the functional wing section, roll profile of clubface (13), single low 
drag triangular shaped sole rider (14), localized chamfer of the aft sole 
section, centralized balance/control mechanism (15), and clubhead center 
of percussion (CP). The centralized balance/control vernier balance mass 
wafers have been omitted for clarity. Vernier balance mass wafers are 
illustrated in FIG. 27. 
FIG. 15.--Is a front view of the preferred all metal driver/fairway clubs 
that illustrates pictorially the highly effective aerodynamic profile, 
location and depth of the two cavities that are filled with low 
density/high damping non-metallic material (11), the geometric profile of 
the sole, centralized balance/control mechanism (15), center of percussion 
(CP), and toe portion of clubhead body (16). The horizontal control lines 
on the clubface are omitted for clarity. 
(e) Drawing 5/9--Optimum Dynamic Impact Driver/Fairway Clubs (Woods) Type 
Golf Clubs--FIGS. 16-17. 
FIG. 16.--Is an isometric frontal view that illustrates the toe portion of 
the clubhead body (16) extending beyond and smoothly transitioning into 
the club faceplate, lower surface of the aerodynamic wing and sole. 
FIG. 17.--Is an isometric view of the back of the club that illustrates the 
sweeping contour of the aerodynamic sail, the location of cavities, and 
the geometric shape and localized chamfer of the sole and single rider 
(17). 
(f) Drawing 6/9--Optimum Dynamic Impact Driver/Fairway Clubs (Woods) Type 
Golf Clubs--FIGS. 18-19. 
FIG. 18.--Is a detailed plan view that illustrates the physical location 
and geometrical profile of the two shock/vibratory cavities (10) that are 
filled with low density high damping non-metallic material, a detailed 
view of the centralized balance/control mechanism (15), and the clubhead 
center of percussion (CP). The high density damping material and vernier 
balance mass wafers have been omitted for clarity. 
FIG. 19.--Is an enlarged frontal view that illustrates the geometric 
profile of the two shock/vibratory cavities, and the geometric profile of 
the integral centralized structural member (18) that is optimized to 
maximize the impact mass at the clubhead center of percussion and house 
the centralized balance/control mechanism. The density of the centralized 
balance/control setscrew is approximately 900% higher than the preferred 
low density material of the clubhead body, this increase in setscrew 
density significantly increases the impact mass at the center of 
percussion. 
(g) Drawing 7/9--Optimum Dynamic Impact Driver/Fairway Clubs (Woods) Type 
Golf Clubs--FIGS. 20-21. 
FIG. 20.--Is a front view that illustrates an up-hill terrain (19), a golf 
ball, the innovated design features of the present invention clubhead 
soleplate that negates these difficult up-hill lies, and the single 
extremely low-drag triangular shaped rider configuration of the clubhead 
soleplate (20). The low-drag triangular rider is highly effective in the 
high rough grass sections of golf courses. Both features significantly 
improve the playability of the present invention over all other existing 
state-of-the-art designs. 
FIG. 21.--Is a front view that illustrates a down-hill terrain (21), a golf 
ball, and the innovated design features of the present invention clubhead 
soleplate that negates these difficult down-hill lies, and the single 
low-drag soleplate rider. 
(h) Drawing 8/9--Optimum Dynamic Impact Irons Type Golf Club/Clubs #1-9, 
Pitching Wedge & Sand Wedge.--FIGS. 22-26. 
The design of all irons is consistent with the basic Optimum Impact 
(Impulse) Dynamic golf club design philosophy--maximum mass at center of 
percussion, optimized mass distribution profile(s) to minimize effects of 
non-coincident center of percussion impacts, and integral centralized 
balance/control for precise control. 
FIG. 22.--Is a rear view of the club that illustrates the concentration of 
optimized club mass at the center of percussion, computerized mass 
distribution profile, highly sensitive centralized balance/control 
mechanism ((22), and the blending of all surfaces to elliminate stress 
concentrations and discontinuities. 
FIG. 23.--Is a frontal view that illustrates the clubhead geometric profile 
and center of percussion (CP). 
FIG. 24.--Is an end view of the club that illustrates the concentration of 
optimized mass at the center of percussion, computerized mass distribution 
profile, contour and blending of the upper and lower surfaces to the 
concentrated mass, centralized balance/control system, and hosel off-set 
(23). Vernier balance mass wafers are omitted for clarity--See FIG. 27. 
FIG. 25.--Is a plan view of the club that illustrates the concentration of 
optimized mass at the center of percussion, computerized mass distribution 
profile, contour and blending of heel and toe sections to the concentrated 
mass, blending of the concentrated mass at the critical toe/hosel section, 
high moments of inertia at all critical sections, and centralized 
balance/control mechanism. 
FIG. 26.--Is an isometric view that illustrates the computerized mass 
distributuion profile, concentration of optimized mass at the center of 
percussion, smooth transition and blending of all surfaces to elliminate 
stress discontinuities and acquire high moments of inertia in all axes, 
and centralized balance/control mechanism. 
(i) Drawing 9/9--Optimum Dynamic Impact Golf Club Integral Centralized 
Balance/Control Mechanisms.--FIGS. 27-31. 
FIG. 27.--Is a detailed view of the present invention centralized 
balance/control mechanism that is common/typical for all the present 
invention golf club types, differences are limited to the diameter and 
length of the centralized control setscrew (24), and the magnitude of 
vernier balance mass wafers (25). The control setscrew and vernier mass 
wafers are manufactured from high density materials. The optimization of 
the control setscrew physical and material characteristics in conjunction 
with the optimized mass distribution of each clubhead provides exceedingly 
high and unprecedented levels of concentrated mass at the clubhead(s) 
center of percussion; the present invention precise micro-balance control 
mechanism is also unprecedented. The axes of the centralized 
balance/control mechanism and clubhead(s) center of percussion are 
coincident. 
FIG. 28.--Is an end view of the present invention driver/fairway (woods) 
type of clubs and illustrates pictorially the physical location of the 
integral centralized balance/control mechanism and coincident center of 
percussion. 
FIG. 29.--Is an end view of the present invention iron type golf club and 
illustrates pictorially the physical location of the integral centralized 
balance/control mechanism and coincident center of percussion. 
FIG. 30.--Is an end view of the present invention putter (mallet) type golf 
club and illustrates pictorially the physical location of the integral 
centralized balance/control mechanism and coincident center of percussion. 
FIG. 31.--Is an end view of the present invention putter (blade) type golf 
club and illustrates pictorially the physical location of the integral 
centralized balance/control mechanism and coincident center of percussion. 
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications 
and variations can be made in the golf heads of the present invention and 
in construction of these golf heads without departing from the spirit of 
the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to 
those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and 
practise of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the 
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true 
scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.