Golf club head

A golf club head where at least a first portion of an exterior surface of the golf club head includes depressions is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head has a body with a striking face, a crown portion, a sole portion, and a skirt portion joining the striking face, crown portion and the sole portion and in accordance with the present invention at least a portion of the exterior surface of the body of the golf club head is further comprised of depressions to reduce the aerodynamic drag force on the golf club head. The depressions may be provided on a first portion of the golf club head on one or more of a crown portion, sole portion, skirt portion or striking face.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an improved golf club head wherein a portion of the exterior surface of the golf club head includes depressions. Using depressions on different portions of the exterior surface of the golf club head reduces the aerodynamic drag force on the golf club head allowing the club head to have improved club head speed during a swing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As shown inFIG. 1, a prior art club head10has a striking face12, a crown surface14and a sole surface16. During a golf swing, the club head10is in an air flow stream18. As is understood in aerodynamics, when air flows over a surface, such as a club head10, forces near the surface14of the club head10create a velocity gradient from the surface14, where air flow velocity may be relatively slow, to the free stream region20, where air velocity is not influenced by the club head. This velocity gradient region is called the boundary layer. Flow separation occurs when the boundary layer travels on the golf club head10far enough against an adverse pressure gradient that the air flow velocity in the boundary layer relative to the surface of the club head almost falls to zero. The air flow becomes detached from the surface of the club head and takes the form of eddies and vorticies22. Flow separation may result in increased drag which may be caused by the pressure differential between the front and rear surfaces of the club head. The increased drag may reduce the speed of the club head, which in turn may lower the velocity of a golf ball that is struck by the club head.

Generally golf club heads have had smooth exterior surfaces, with only grooves, i.e. scorelines, on the striking face of the club head. A smooth surface, however, may result in greater drag force on the club head, or increased separation of the air flow from the club head, and an associated reduction in club head speed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,559 to Okumoto et al. illustrates a wood golf club head with steps extending transversely on an upper surface of the club head or a large dimple extending over the rear portion of the upper surface of the club head.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,029 to Kobayashi illustrates a club head with decreased air resistance having depressions formed on a back of a crown and side surfaces of a heel and toe of a club head. Each depression has a first side narrower than a second side thereof so that it is egg shaped. Gentle slopes are provided at the first side of each depression so that the generation of dead air region is suppressed at the inflow side of each depression and further decreases the air resistance in swinging.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,776,052 to Solheim et al. illustrates golf club head having a recess in the crown portion and a plurality of apertures is defined in the recess and a protective cover is configured to engage the crown to cover the plurality of the crown apertures.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,776,053 to Burnett et al. illustrates a golf club incorporating a trip step feature on the crown section. A portion of the trip step is located between a crown apex and the back of the club head and may be continuous or discontinuous.

U.S. Publ. No. 2017/0312591 to Saso illustrates a club head configured to decrease air resistance by avoiding the air flows from retouching the head surface. The club head is provided with a ridge structure which contains a first ridge and second ridge arranged at intervals in a downward direction of the air flows on at least the sole of a club head.

U.S. Publ. No. 2017/0319917 to Henrikson et al. illustrates a golf club with turbulators, including a plurality of ridges disposed on the crown of the club head and a method of manufacturing golf club heads with turbulators.

Thus, it is desirable to reduce the separation of the air flow from the club head so that associated drag on the club head is reduced thereby improving club head speed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention a golf club head is provided comprising a body having a face, a sole portion, a crown portion and a skirt portion joining the face, sole portion and crown portion, a hollow golf club interior within the body, an exterior surface provided opposite the hollow golf club interior, and a plurality of depressions provided on a first portion of the exterior surface of the body. The plurality of depressions have a depth of about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, have a width of about 6 mm to about 20 mm and have a minimum landing surface spacing of about 0.5 mm to about 7 mm between depressions on the exterior surface.

In another aspect of the invention, the first portion may be provided on at least one of a sole portion or crown portion of the body. The first portion may be provided on at least half of the crown portion. Alternatively, the first portion is provided on the entire crown portion. In another aspect of the invention, the first portion is provided on at least half the sole portion. Alternatively, the first portion may be provided on the entire sole portion. A setback may be provided from the face portion of the body, the setback being free of depressions. The setback may have a width of about 6 mm to about 14 mm. The first portion may have a depression coverage of about 25% to about 75%. In yet another aspect of the invention, the body has a toe portion on one side of the body adjacent the face and a heel portion on the opposite side of the body adjacent the face and hosel, and the first portion extends from the toe of the body to the heel of the body. The depressions may have a polygonal shape. The body may have a front adjacent the face of the body and a rear opposite the face of the body and the depressions decrease in size from the front toward the rear of the body. The golf club head may have a volume of about 420cc to about 475cc.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a golf club head is provided comprising a body having a face, a sole portion, a crown portion and a skirt portion joining the face portion, sole portion and crown portion, a hollow golf club interior within the body; and an exterior surface provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. A first aerodynamic drag force reduction of the club head is achieved by shaping the body of the club head, and a second aerodynamic drag force reduction of the club head is achieved by providing a plurality of depressions on a first portion of the exterior surface of the body, and where the additional reduction in aerodynamic drag force achieved by the second aerodynamic drag force reduction is about 5 to about 25 percent.

In another aspect of the invention, the second reduction in aerodynamic drag force is about 10 to about 18 percent. The first portion may be provided on at least one of a sole portion or crown portion of the body. The first portion may be provided on at least half of the crown portion. Alternatively, the first portion is provided on the entire crown portion. The first portion may be provided on at least half the sole portion. Alternatively, the first portion is provided on the entire sole portion. A setback may be provided from the face portion of the body, the setback being free of depressions. The setback may have a width of about 6 mm to about 14 mm. The first portion may have a depression coverage of about 25% to about 75% of the club head portion. The body may have a toe portion on one side of the body adjacent the face and a heel portion on the opposite side of the body adjacent the face and hosel and the first portion extends from the toe of the body to the heel of the body. Each of the plurality of depressions may have a depth of about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm and have a width of about 6 mm to about 20 mm. The depressions may have a landing surface spacing of about 1 mm to about 4 mm between depressions on the exterior surface. The depressions may have a polygonal shape. The body may have a front adjacent the face of the body and a rear opposite the face of the body and the depressions decrease in size from the front toward the rear of the body. The golf club head may have a volume of about 420cc to about 475cc. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 2shows a top view of a golf club head100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Golf club head100shown inFIG. 2may generally have a striking face102at a frontal portion of the golf club head100and a body portion104at an aft portion golf club head100. The body portion104may generally be further comprised of a crown portion106near a top of the golf club head100and a sole portion108(FIG. 3) located near a bottom of the golf club head100and a skirt portion110joining the striking face102, crown portion106and sole portion108. The golf club head100has a hollow interior112(FIG. 4) and an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior112. The striking face102has an upper leading edge116and a lower leading edge118(FIG. 3). According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. It will be appreciated that the first portion120will have a depression coverage, comprising the percentage of the first portion120having the depressions122as measured on the exterior surface114as it extends over the first portion120. Preferably, the first portion120will have a depression coverage of about 25% to about 75%, more preferably about 35% to about 65%. As shown inFIG. 2, the depression coverage is about 50%. Additionally, preferably the first portion120covers about 35% to about 65% of the club head100exterior surface114. The first portion120of the exterior surface114may include a portion of one or more of the crown portion106, sole portion108, skirt portion110or striking face102. Preferably, as shown inFIG. 2, the first portion120is provided on either the crown portion106or the sole portion108, although it will be appreciated that the first portion120may be provided on any other portion of the club head100as desired.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the golf club head100further includes a setback124from the face102of the body portion104before the start of the first portion120. The setback124is shown free of depressions122. The setback124preferably has a distance D of from about 6 mm to about 14 mm from the face102of the club head100, as shown about 10 mm, although it will be appreciated that any suitable distance may be used. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the body104has a front126adjacent the face102of the club head100and a rear128opposite the face102of the club head100. The body portion104has a toe portion130on one side of the body portion104between the face102and rear128of the club head100and a heel portion132on the opposite side of the body104with a hosel134between the face102and rear128of the club head100. Preferably, as shown, the first portion120extends from the toe portion130of the body to the heel portion132. Moreover, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 4the first portion120has a width W between a first boundary136adjacent the face102and a second boundary138adjacent the rear128of the club head100. As shown, the width W is about 40 mm. The depressions122shown inFIG. 2have a polygonal shape. This particular embodiment uses hexagons having six equal sides140. It will be appreciated that the depressions122may have any suitable shape, regular polygon or otherwise. It will be appreciated that any polygon may have sides140of equal length as shown, or unequal lengths.

FIG. 3illustrates the drag on the club head100according to the embodiment ofFIGS. 2 and 4. The present invention seeks to reduce the drag force on a club head100. In a preferred embodiment, a first aerodynamic drag force reduction of the club head100is achieved by altering the conventional shape of the body portion104of the club head100. This first aerodynamic drag force reduction would include making the crown portion106more bulbous in shape, raising the lower leading edge118, dropping the upper leading edge116and altering the shape of the face102and size of the face102of the club head100. A second aerodynamic drag force reduction according to the present invention of the club head100improves the aerodynamic drag force reduction from a well-shaped club head. The second aerodynamic drag force reduction is achieved by providing a plurality of indentations or depressions122on a first portion120of the exterior surface114of the body portion104. This second aerodynamic reduction results in an aerodynamic drag force reduction of about 5 to about 25 percent better than using the first aerodynamic drag force reduction techniques alone. In a preferred embodiment, the second aerodynamic reduction results in an aerodynamic drag force reduction of about 10 to about 18 percent. To approximate drag force, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software may be utilized. Examples of such software include OpenFOAM, Fluent, and LS-DYNA. The exterior surface114of a club head100is used to define a stationary wall boundary in a virtual wind tunnel. The club head100is centrally positioned in the virtual wind tunnel and air velocity is set comparable to that of a club head100hitting a golf ball. A club head100based coordinate system (FIGS. 2 and 4) is defined such that the x-axis is parallel to the scorelines on the face102, positive toward the heel portion132; the y-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis, positive toward the crown portion106; and the z-axis at geometric face-center is perpendicular to the face102, x-axis, and y-axis, and positive out of the face102. An air speed of about 100 mph was used during the simulation with the head coordinate system it was: zero in the x-direction, 100*sin (head loft) in the y-direction, and 100*cos (head loft) in the negative z-direction. The simulation was allowed to reach steady-state to determine the drag force. In this simulated testing, the large bodied traditional driver had an aerodynamic drag force of about 4.4N to start. The first aerodynamic drag force reduction techniques described above reduced the aerodynamic drag force to 3.45N. The second drag force reduction technique, as shown inFIG. 2, further reduced the aerodynamic drag force to 2.92N. Thus, the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2-4resulted in a club head100having an additional second aerodynamic drag force reduction of about 15%. This additional reduction of aerodynamic drag force will improve club head speed and result improved ball speed off of the face102of the club head100and improve carry distance and overall performance of shots hit off of the club head100.

FIG. 4illustrates a portion of a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 2. As is illustrated, the depressions122have a depression edge142where the depression122mates with the exterior surface114of the club head100, a base144of the depression122, and depression side walls146. Surface landing148is provided between the depressions122and has a spacing s that is preferably measured at the two closest points between two adjacent depressions122. As is shown, depressions122have a largest depth d, a top width w1(FIG. 2) at a top of the depression122at the exterior surface114of the club head100, a base width w2(FIG. 2) at the base144of the depression122. The top width w1and base width w2are typically measured from the front126to rear128directions of the club head100, although it will be understood that generally it is taken at the largest measurement for the depression122. It will be appreciated that the depressions122shown inFIG. 4have a base width w2that is narrower than the top width w1, although it will be appreciated that this may not always be the case. For example, the side wall146may be perpendicular to the base144and as such the base width w2and top width w1may be substantially equivalent. Preferably, the depressions122have a top width w1and a base width w2of about 6 mm to about 20 mm, more preferably about 9 mm to 18 mm, a depth d of about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, and surface landing148has a surface landing spacing s between depressions122of about 0.5 mm to about 7 mm. In this embodiment, the top width w1is about 13 mm, the base width w2is about 10 mm, the depth d is about 1 mm, and the landing spacing s is about 2.5 mm. The base144of the depression122as shown is flat, although it will be appreciated that the base144may be curved. In this case the depression depth d would be the largest depth d in the depression122. The setback124preferably has a distance D of about 6 mm to about 14 mm from the face102to the first boundary136of the first portion120. As discussed previously, distance D in the embodiment ofFIGS. 2 and 4is about 10 mm. As noted previously, the setback124is free of depressions122. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the depressions122are provided in rows A, B such that depressions122are offset from one another from the front126of the club head100to the rear128of the club head100. Thus, the depressions122in first row A provided adjacent the first boundary136of the first portion120are provided as partial depressions150. This embodiment does not have partial depressions adjacent the second boundary; however, it will be appreciated that partial depressions150may be provided in this location. The depressions122in this embodiment are shown to have the same shape, top width w1and base width w2and depth d, such that each depression122on the first portion120is the same. However, it will be appreciated that the depressions122provided may have different sizes, shapes and/or depths. It will also be appreciated that additional partial depressions150may be provided adjacent the hosel134, heel132and toe130as needed. Moreover, the depressions122provided toward the face102or front126of the club head100may be slightly larger than the depressions122provided toward the rear128of the club head100. This difference in width w1, w2may preferably be about 0.5-4 mm and depression depth d may preferably be about 0.1 to 1.5 mm, although any suitable difference in depression122size, shape and/or depth may be used.

Referring now to the embodiment ofFIG. 5, a golf club head100is shown in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 5has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions120. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the crown portion106. A setback124is provided in this embodiment, spacing the first portion120a distance D from the face102of the club head100. As shown, distance D is about 10 mm. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage of about 50%. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions120are provided from a toe130to a heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a width W between first and second boundaries136,138. As shown, width W is about 40 mm. It will be appreciated that alternating rows A, B of depressions122are provided, such that the rows A, B are offset from one another by a half portion of the depression122, or half of the width w1, thereby providing partial depressions150at the start or end of the rows A, B adjacent the first or second boundary136,138of the first portion120. Additional partial depressions150are provided as needed on the first portion at the hosel134, heel132and toe130of the club head100. The exterior surface114provided between the spaced depressions122as shown has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 2 mm. The depressions122provided in this embodiment are hexagons of a smaller size than those provided in the embodiment ofFIG. 2. In this embodiment, the largest top width w1is about 9 mm. It will be appreciated that the depressions122have a base144and that the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1.0 mm. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the hexagons provided on the first portion120are the same; however, it will be appreciated that the hexagons may vary in size, shape and/or depth. For example, they may decrease in size from the first boundary136to the second boundary138of the first portion120.

As shown inFIG. 6, club head100in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. Club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 6has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the crown portion106. A setback124is provided in this embodiment, spacing the first portion120a distance D from the face102of the club head100. As shown, the distance D is about 10 mm. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage of about 50%. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions120are provided from a toe130to a heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a width W between first and second boundaries136,138. As shown, width W is about 40 mm. It will be appreciated that alternating rows A, B of depressions122are provided on the first portion120in a front126to a back128orientation on the club head100, such that the rows A, B are offset from one another by about a half of the depression122, or half of the width w1, thereby providing partial depressions150at the start and end of row A adjacent the first and second boundary136,138. The landing surface148provided between the spaced depressions122as shown has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 3.5 mm. The depressions122provided are hexagons of a larger size than those shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 2, having a maximum width w1of about 18 mm. It will be appreciated that the depressions122have a base144and that the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. In this embodiment the hexagons provided on the first portion120are the same; however, it will be appreciated that they may vary in size, shape and/or depth.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a golf club head100in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 7has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion122of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the crown portion106. A setback124is provided in this embodiment, spacing the first portion120a distance D from the face102of the club head100. As shown, the distance D is about 10 mm. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage that is increased to about 75% as compared to the embodiment ofFIG. 2. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions122are provided from the toe130to the heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a width W between first and second boundaries136,138. As shown, the width W is about 40 mm. It will be appreciated that alternating rows A, B of depressions122are provided on the first portion120in a front126to rear128orientation on the club head100, such that the rows A, B are offset from one another by about a half of the depression122, or half of the width w1, thereby providing partial depressions150at the start and end of rows A adjacent the first and second boundary136,138. Moreover, additional partial depressions150are provided as needed on the first portion at the hosel134, heel132and toe130of the club head100. The landing surface148in this embodiment provided between the spaced depressions122has been minimized to increase depression coverage on the first portion120. The landing surface148as shown has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 0.5 mm. In this embodiment, the depressions122are hexagons having a maximum top width w1of about 13 mm. It will be appreciated that the depressions122have a base144and that the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. In this embodiment the hexagons provided on the first portion120are the same; however, it will be appreciated that the hexagons may vary in size, shape and/or depth.

As shown inFIG. 8, a golf club head100in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 8has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the crown portion106. A setback124is provided in this embodiment, spacing the first portion120a distance D from the face102of the club head100. As shown, the distance D is about 10 mm. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage that is decreased to about 25% as compared to the embodiment ofFIG. 2. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions122are provided from the toe130to the heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a width W between first and second boundaries136,138. As shown, the width W is about 40 mm. It will be appreciated that alternating rows A, B of depressions122are provided on the first portion120in a front126to rear128orientation on the club head100, such that the rows A, B are offset from one another by about a half of the depression122, or half of the top width w1, thereby providing partial depressions150at the start and end of row A adjacent the first and second boundary136,138. Moreover, additional partial depressions150are provided as needed on the first portion at the hosel134, heel132and toe130of the club head100. The landing surface148provided between the spaced depressions122has been increased to decrease depression coverage on the first portion120. The landing surface148as shown has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 7.0 mm. In this embodiment, the depressions122provided are hexagons having a maximum top width w1of about 13 mm. It will be appreciated that the depressions122have a base144and that the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. In this embodiment, the hexagons provided on the first portion120are the same; however, it will be appreciated that the hexagons may vary in size, shape and/or depth.

In yet another embodiment shown inFIG. 9, a golf club head100in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 9has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the crown portion106. A setback124is provided in this embodiment, spacing the first portion120a distance D from the face102of the club head100. As shown, the distance D is about 10 mm. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage of about 50%. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions122are provided from the toe130to the heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a width W between the first and second boundaries136,138. As shown, width W is about 40 mm. It will be appreciated that alternating rows A, B of depressions122are provided on the first portion120in a front126to rear128orientation on the club head100, such that the rows A, B are offset from one another by about a half of the depression122, or half of the top width w1, thereby providing partial depressions150at the start of row A adjacent the first boundary136and end of the row B adjacent the second boundary138. The landing surface148provided between the spaced depressions122has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 2.5 mm. In this embodiment, the depressions122are circles having a maximum top width, or diameter, w1of about 13 mm. It will be appreciated that the depressions122have a base144and that the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. In this embodiment, the circles provided on the first portion120are the same; however, it will be appreciated that the circles may vary in size, shape and/or depth.

Now referring to the embodiment ofFIG. 10, a golf club head in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 10has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the crown portion106. A setback124is provided in this embodiment, spacing the first portion120a distance D from the face102of the club head100. As shown, distance D is about 10 mm. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage of about 50%. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions122are provided from the toe130to the heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a width W between first and second boundaries,136,138. As shown, the width W is about 40 mm. It will be appreciated that alternating rows A, B of depressions122are provided on the first portion120in a front126to rear128orientation on the club head100, such that the rows A, B are offset from one another by about a half of the depression122, or half of the top width w1, thereby providing partial depressions150at the start and end of the rows A, B adjacent the first and second boundaries136,138. The landing surface148provided between the spaced depressions122has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 2.5 mm. In this embodiment, the depressions122are triangles having a maximum top width w1, or measurement, of about 13 mm. As shown, triangles in row A are oriented in an opposite direction from the triangles in row B. It will be appreciated that the depressions122have a base144and that the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. In this embodiment, the triangles provided on the first portion120are the same; however, it will be appreciated that the triangles may vary in size, shape and/or depth.

As shown inFIG. 11, a golf club head100is provided in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 11has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the sole portion108. A setback124is provided in this embodiment, spacing the first portion120a distance D from the face102of the club head100. As shown, distance D is about 10 mm. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage of about 50%. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions120are provided from the toe130to the heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a width W between first and second boundaries136,138. As shown, width W is about 40 mm. It will be appreciated that alternating rows A, B of depressions122are provided on the first portion120in a front126to rear128orientation on the club head100, such that the rows A, B are offset from one another by about a half of the depression122, or half of the top width w1, thereby providing partial depressions150at the start of the row A adjacent the first boundary136. The landing surface148provided between the spaced depressions122has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 2.5 mm. In this embodiment, the depressions122are provided on the first portion120are hexagons having a maximum top width w1of about 13 mm. It will be appreciated that the depressions122have a base144and that the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. In this embodiment, the hexagons provided on the first portion120are the same; however, it will be appreciated that the hexagons may vary in size, shape and/or depth.

A golf club head100shown inFIG. 12illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 12has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown provided on the crown portion106. No setback is provided in this embodiment, the depressions122being provided adjacent the face102. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage of about 50%. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions122are provided from the toe130to the heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a width W between first and second boundaries136,138. As shown, the width W is about 45 mm. It will be appreciated that alternating rows A, B of depressions122are provided on the first portion120in a front126to rear128orientation on the club head100, such that the rows A, B are offset from one another by a about half of the depression122, or half of the top width w1. In this embodiment, no partial depressions have been provided in either row A, B or at the hosel134, heel132or toe130of the club head100. Instead, spaces on the exterior surface114are provided where the partial depressions would be located. The landing surface148provided between the spaced depressions122as shown has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 2.5 mm. In this embodiment, the depressions122are hexagons having a maximum top width w1of about 13 mm. It will be appreciated that the depressions122have a base144and that the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. In this embodiment, the hexagons provided on the first portion120are the same; however, it will be appreciated that the hexagons may vary in size, shape and/or depth.

FIG. 13illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 13has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the sole portion108. No setback is provided in this embodiment, the depressions122being provided adjacent the face102. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage of about 50%. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions122are provided from the toe130to the heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a width W between first and second boundaries136,138. As shown, width W is about 45 mm. It will be appreciated that alternating rows A, B of depressions122are provided on the first portion120in a front126to rear128orientation on the club head100, such that the rows A, B are offset from one another by about a half of the depression122, or half of the top width w1. In this embodiment, no partial depressions have been provided in either row A or B or at the hosel134, heel132or toe130. Instead, spaces on the exterior surface114are provided where the partial depressions would be located. The landing surface148provided between the spaced depressions122as shown has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 2.5 mm. In this embodiment, the depressions122are hexagons having a maximum top width w1of about 13 mm. It will be appreciated that the depressions122have a base144and that the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. In this embodiment, the hexagons provided on the first portion120are the same; however, it will be appreciated that the hexagons may vary in size, shape and/or depth.

A golf club head100in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 14. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 14has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the entire crown portion106. No setback is provided in this embodiment, the depressions122being provided adjacent the face102. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage of about 50%. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions122are provided from the toe130to the heel132of the club head100. It will be appreciated that alternating rows A, B of depressions122are provided on the first portion120in a front126to rear128orientation on the club head100, such that the rows A, B are offset from one another by about a half of the depression122, or half of the top width w1. In this embodiment, no partial depressions have been provided in either row A or B or at the hosel134, heel132or130. Instead, spaces on the exterior surface114are provided where the partial depressions would be located at the boundary156of the crown portion106. The landing surface148provided between the spaced depressions122as shown has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 2.5 mm. In this embodiment, the depressions122are hexagons having a maximum top width w1of about 12.5 mm. It will be appreciated that the depressions122have a base144and that the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. The hexagons on the first portion120in this embodiment vary in size decreasing from the front126to the rear128of the club head100, such that the smallest depression122has a top width w1of about 6.5 mm. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 14, the rows A, B, because of the variance in the size of the depressions122and the shape of the club head100, have an increasing curvature as provided from the center158to the toe130and heel132of the club head100. It will be appreciated that the shape and/or depth of the depressions122could also be varied.

FIG. 15illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 15has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the entire sole portion108. No setback is provided in this embodiment, the depressions122being provided adjacent the boundary of the sole portion108. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage of about 50%. As discussed with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions122are provided from a toe130to a heel132the club head100. It will be appreciated that alternating rows A, B of depressions122are provided on the first portion120in a front126to rear128orientation on the club head100, such that the rows A, B are offset from one another by about a half of the depression122, or half of the top width w1. In this embodiment, no partial depressions have been provided in either row A or B or at the hosel134, heel132or toe130. Instead, spaces on the exterior surface114are provided where the partial depressions would be located at the boundary160of the sole portion108. The landing surface148provided between the spaced depressions122has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 2.5 mm. In this embodiment, the depressions122are hexagons having a 12.5 mm maximum top width w1. It will be appreciated that the depressions122have a base144and that the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. The hexagons on the first portion120in this embodiment vary in size decreasing from the front126to the rear128of the club head100, such that the smallest depression122has a top width w1of about 6.5 mm. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 15, the rows A, B, because of the variance in size of the depressions122and the shape of the club head100, have an increasing curvature as provided from the center158to the toe130and heel132of the club head100. It will be appreciated that the shape and/or depth of the depressions122could also be varied.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 16. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 16has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the crown portion106. A setback124is provided in this embodiment, spacing the first portion120a distance D from the face102of the club head100. As shown, distance D is about 10 mm. The first portion100has a depression coverage of about 50%. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions122are provided from the toe130to the heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a width W between first and second boundaries136,138. As shown, the width W is about 35 mm. The landing surface148provided between the spaced depressions122has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 2 mm. In this embodiment, the depressions122provided on the first portion120are rectangles having a maximum top width w1. The rectangles have a base144, the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. The rectangles are provided in a toe130to heel132orientation on the club head100. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the rectangles are the same top width w1; however, it will be appreciated that the rectangles may vary in size, shape and/or depth. For example, the rectangles may have at least two non-parallel sides162.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 17. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIG. 17has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of indentations or depressions122. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown provided on the crown portion106. A setback124is provided in this embodiment, spacing the first portion120a distance D from the face102of the club head100. As shown, distance D is about 10 mm. The first portion120as shown has a depression coverage of about 50%. As discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2, the depressions122are provided from the toe130to the heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a width W between first and second boundaries136,138. As shown, the width W is about 35 mm. In this embodiment, the depressions122provided on the first portion120are rectangles having a maximum top width w1. The rectangles have a base144, the base144has a base width w2that is smaller than the top width w1. Moreover, as shown, the base144of the depression122is flat and the depression122has a depth d of about 1 mm. The rectangles are provided in a front126to rear128orientation on the club head100. The landing surface148provided between the spaced depressions122as shown has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 2 mm. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the rectangles are the same top width w1; however, it will be appreciated that the rectangles may vary in size, shape and/or depth. For example, they may decrease in size from the front of the first portion to the rear of the first portion, such that the sides162of the rectangle are not parallel with one another.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of a golf club head is shown inFIGS. 18 and 19. Golf club head100as described previously and shown inFIGS. 18 and 19has an exterior surface114provided opposite the hollow golf club interior. According to the invention, at least a first portion120of the exterior surface114is provided with a plurality of protrusions164. The first portion120of the exterior surface114is shown to be provided on the crown portion106, although it will be appreciated that the first portion120may be provided on the sole portion108or other portion of the club head100. A setback124is provided in this embodiment, spacing the first portion a minimum distance D from the striking face of the club head. As shown, the setback124has a varied distance D. As shown, minimum distance D is about 15 mm. The first portion120preferably has a protrusion coverage of about 25-75%, and as shown about 50%. In this embodiment, the protrusions164are circles having a maximum top width, or diameter, w1. As discussed with regard toFIG. 2, the protrusions164are provided from a toe130to a heel132of the club head100and the first portion120has a maximum width W between first and second boundaries136,138. As shown, width W is about 45 mm. The landing surface148provided between the spaced protrusions164as shown has a minimum landing surface spacing s of about 2 mm. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the circles have different top widths w1, or diameters, and decrease in size from the front126to the rear128of the club head100with the first portion120. However, it will be appreciated that the circles may be the same size. Moreover, the thickness t of the protrusions164, as shown inFIG. 19, may vary and decreases from the front126to the rear128of the club head100. It will be appreciated that the thickness t of the protrusions164may be the same.

It will be appreciated that the drawings illustrate a driver according to the present invention having a volume of about 375cc to about 475 cc, and more preferably a volume of about 420cc to about 475cc. It will be appreciated that the depressions122or protrusions164according to the invention may be incorporated on any exterior surface114of any hollow type club head.

It will be appreciated that the majority of the embodiments of the present invention show indentations or depressions122provided on the first portion120. However, it will be appreciated that the depressions122in any embodiment may be provided instead as protrusions164and vice versa.

Different embodiments of the present invention are shown inFIGS. 2-19having different shaped depressions122or protrusions164. In fact, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the present invention the depressions122or protrusions164may have any suitable shape, including circular, oval, rectangular, or other polygon. Moreover, the depressions122or protrusions164may be regular or irregular shapes.

It will be appreciated that the golf club head100may be made of any type of material or combinations thereof as is known in the art whether metal or non-metal materials.

The golf club head100may be made by any known method, including casting. For example the depressions122or protrusions164may be cast or otherwise formed in the club head100. In another embodiment, the depressions122or protrusions164may be formed by placement of an adhesive sticker over the exterior surface114of the club head100. It will be appreciated that the sticker would have a varied thickness to provide the depressions122or protrusions164on the club head100. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the sticker may cover solely the first portion120as described above or a larger portion of the club head100, including the entire club head100.

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