KR20150017746A - Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features - Google Patents

Abstract

A golf club head or other ball striking device is a body that has a striking face and is formed by an outer periphery, a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the outer periphery, the body having a crown opposed to the soul and the soul configured to face the playing surface A channel formed inwardly concave extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body, the channel including a channel extending between the heel portion and the toe portion. The heel portion and the toe portion of the channel are spaced rearward at substantially the same distance from the outer periphery of the face and the center portion of the channel is spaced apart from the outer periphery of the face by a greater distance than the heel portion and the toe portion. The channel may be bent or curved away from the face.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-affecting body features,

Cross reference of related application

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 653,937, filed May 31, 2012, which is a generic application of this U.S. Provisional Application, which is also incorporated into U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 797,124 filed March 12, , Which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 653,937, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 795,881, filed March 12, 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 653,937, filed on November 30, 2010, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 308,036, filed November 30, 2011, 61 / 418,240, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 541,767, filed September 30, 2011, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical field

The present invention generally relates to golf club heads and other ball striking devices that include impact impacting body features. Certain aspects of the invention relate to golf club heads and other ball striking devices having at least a compression channel extending across a portion of the sole.

Golf clubs and many other ball striking devices may have a variety of face and body features, as well as other characteristics that may affect the use and performance of the device. For example, a user may have an impact such as an increased size of the face's coefficient of restitution (COR) and / or the highest reaction of the face or the area of the COR (also known as a "hot zone & You may want to improve your traits. The devices and methods of the present invention are provided to address at least some of these and other problems and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by conventional ball striking devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A complete description of features and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify key or essential elements of the invention or to limit the scope of the invention. The following summary is merely a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below and sets forth some concepts of the invention in a generic form.

An aspect of the invention is a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery, the body being connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer periphery of the face, A channel formed by a heel portion and a toe portion extending from at least a portion of a soul of the body, the channel having a heel portion and a toe portion, portion of the golf club head or other ball striking device. The heel portion and the toe portion of the channel are spaced apart substantially equidistantly from the outer periphery of the face and the center portion of the channel is spaced a greater distance from the outer periphery of the face than the heel portion and the toe portion. The channel may be symmetrical about the geometric centerline of the body.

According to one aspect, the channel is formed by a forward edge and a rear edge and extends between the heel portion and the toe portion, and a recessed groove is formed between the front and rear edges, and at least one of the front and rear edges is formed in the outer periphery And is bent or bent backward. For example, both the front and rear edges may be curved or bent backward away from the periphery of the face in one configuration. The spacing between the front and rear edges may remain approximately the same between the heel portion and the tow portion. Additionally, the forward edge may have a first pair of ends adjacent the heel portion and the toe portion spaced rearwardly substantially equidistant from the outer periphery of the face, and / or the rear edge may be spaced rearwardly from the outer periphery of the face approximately equidistantly And a second pair of ends adjacent to the heel portion and the toe portion.

According to another aspect, the channel includes two sidewalls extending inwardly into the body and a recessed groove forming a maximum depth of the channel, wherein the groove is bent backward away from the periphery of the face, And have opposed ends located closer to the outer periphery of the face than the face.

According to another aspect, the body further comprises a spaced portion located between the channel and the perimeter portion of the face, the spacing portion being larger at the center of the spaced portion and having a smaller width close to the heel portion and the toe portion of the channel. The width of the spacing may be reduced by tapering from the center toward the heel and toe of the channel, and the width of the spacing may be maximum at the geometric centerline of the body. In addition, the width of the spacing portion may be substantially the same near the heel portion and the toe portion.

According to another aspect, the channel has a curved cross-sectional shape and the curved side wall is suspended from the front and rear edges of the channel to form a curved groove.

According to yet another aspect, the device further comprises a hosel connected to the body, the hosel having an adjustable interconnect structure configured for an adjustable connection to the shaft. The body has an access opening extending through the soul and the access opening provides access to the adjustable interconnect structure of the hosel through the soul.

An additional aspect of the invention is a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery, a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from an outer periphery of the face, And a channel extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body. The invention relates to a golf club head or other ball striking device comprising a body having a crown opposed to the soul and a soul configured to face the soul. The channel includes an inwardly concave formed groove formed between the front edge and the rear edge and extending in the heel-toe direction. The body further includes a spacing portion extending between a front edge of the channel and an outer periphery of the face and spaced from the outer periphery of the face backward. The spacing is formed between the front edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face and is wider at the center of the spacing near the geometric centerline of the body and at a first point closer to the heel of the body and at a second point closer to the tow of the body, Respectively. The club head may further include any of the aspects described above.

Another aspect of the invention is a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery, a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer periphery of the face, A body that is configured to face a soul and a cow opposite the soul, and at least two channels that extend across at least a portion of the soul. The device may include a first channel extending across at least a first portion of the soul of the body, the first channel extending between the first heel portion and the first toe portion, and / or extending in the heel-toe direction . The first channel includes a first inwardly recessed groove formed between the first forward edge and the first rear edge and extending between the first heel portion and the first tow portion. The device may also include a second channel extending across at least a second portion of the soul of the body, the second channel extending between the second heel portion and the second tow portion, and / or extending in the heel- do. The second channel includes a second inwardly recessed groove formed between the second forward edge and the second rear edge and extending between the second heel portion and the second tow portion. The first channel is spaced rearwardly from the outer periphery of the face and the second channel is spaced rearwardly from the first rear edge of the first channel. The club may further include any of the aspects described above. For example, the first channel may be bent or curved away from the face as described above.

According to one aspect, the device may further include a third channel extending across at least a third portion of the soul of the body, the third channel extending between the third heel portion and the third toe portion, and / - extend in the tow direction. The third channel includes a third inwardly recessed groove formed between the third forward edge and the third backward edge and extending between the third heel portion and the third toe portion. The third channel may be spaced rearwardly from the second rear edge of the second channel. Additionally, some or all of the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel may be symmetrical about the geometric centerline of the body.

According to another aspect, the second channel and / or the third channel may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape. Additionally, the second channel may have a depth tapering from the second front edge to the second rear edge such that the depth proximate the second front edge may be smaller and the depth may be maximum proximate to the second rear edge. The third channel may be similarly configured. In addition, the first channel may have a smoothly curved cross-sectional shape.

Another aspect of the present invention is a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery, the body being connected to the face and extending rearwardly from an outer periphery of the face, And a channel extending between the heel portion and the toe portion at least partially extending across the soul of the body, and a golf club head or other ball striking device will be. The channel includes an inwardly concave formed groove formed between the front edge and the rear edge and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion. The front and back edges are curved backward away from the outer periphery of the face such that they are spaced rearward at different distances from the outer periphery of the face at the center of the channel when the front and back edges are compared to at least one of the heel and toe portions. Additionally, the body may further include a spacing positioned between the front edge of the channel and the periphery of the face, the spacing being larger near the center of the channel and closer to at least one of the heel and toe portions of the channel, . The club head may further include any of the aspects described above.

Another aspect of the invention is a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery, a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer periphery of the face, A body having a crown opposed to the sole and a sole configured to face the hosel, and a hosel connected to the body proximate the heel, the hosel having an internal interconnect structure adapted for connection of the shaft of the hosel, Such as a club head. The device also has an inwardly concave formed channel extending across at least a portion of the soul and the channel includes an inwardly concave formed groove formed between the forward edge and the back edge and extending in the heel-toe direction. The device further includes an access opening extending through the soul and intersecting the channel, the access opening providing access to the internal interconnect structure of the hosel. The access opening may affect the flexibility of the channel.

According to one aspect, the internal interconnect structure is adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration.

According to another aspect, the access opening may be located between the front edge and the back edge of the channel and / or may intersect the heel portion of the channel.

According to another aspect, the head may further include a soul-shaped reinforcing rib spaced rearwardly from the channel, and the reinforcing rib increases the rigidity of the soul. The reinforcing ribs may protrude inwardly into the body.

According to another aspect, the rear edge of the channel may be spaced rearward at a large distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center of the channel as compared to the point near the tow. In this configuration, the access opening may intersect the heel portion of the channel, and the internal interconnect structure may be adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration.

Another aspect of the invention is a body having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and formed by an outer periphery, a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from an outer periphery of the face, the body comprising a soul configured to face the playing surface, To a ball striking device comprising a body having opposing crown, heel, and tow, and an internal interconnect structure adapted for connection of the shaft to the body in an adjustable configuration. The device also has a channel extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body, the channel being formed between the front edge and the rear edge and extending in the heel-toe direction and being recessed inwardly between the front and rear edges. The device further has an access opening in the soul, the access opening providing access to the internal interconnect structure, and the access opening communicating with the channel. A device may include any of the above-described components and features.

According to one aspect, the access opening may be located between the front edge and the back edge of the channel and / or may communicate with the heel portion of the channel.

According to another aspect, the rear edge of the channel is spaced rearward at a large distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center of the channel, as compared to the point adjacent the tow. In this configuration, the access opening may communicate with the heel portion of the channel, and may be located between the front edge and the back edge of the channel.

Another aspect of the invention is a body having a striking surface configured to strike a ball and formed by an outer periphery, a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from an outer periphery of the face, the body comprising a soul configured to face the playing surface, A body having opposing crown, heel, and tow, and an internal interconnect structure adapted for connection of the shaft to the body. The device may also include a channel extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body, wherein the channel is formed between the front edge and the rear edge and extends in the heel-toe direction and is formed concave inwardly between the front and rear edges do. The device may further include an access opening extending through the soul and crossing the channel, and the access opening providing access to the internal interconnect structure. The device may also include a soul-shaped reinforcing rib spaced rearwardly from the channel, and the reinforcing rib increases the stiffness of the soul. The device may comprise any of the components and features described above.

According to an aspect, the device further comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs on the soul spaced rearwardly from the channel, each reinforcing rib increasing the stiffness of the soul. Each reinforcing rib may protrude inwardly into the body.

According to another aspect, the device may further include a hosel connected to the body proximate to the heel. The hosel includes an internal interconnect structure and is configured for connection to a shaft, wherein the access opening intersects the heel portion of the channel. The internal interconnect structure may be adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration. Also, the back edge of the channel may be spaced rearward at a large distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center of the channel as compared to the point near the tow.

According to another aspect, at least a portion of the channel may have greater flexibility than the reinforcing rib. In one configuration, the center of the channel has greater flexibility than the reinforcing ribs.

Another aspect of the invention is a face having a striking surface configured to strike a ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery, a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the outer periphery of the face, To a ball striking device, such as a golf club head having a body that has a crown opposed to the sole and a soul that is configured to face, and a channel that extends across at least a portion of the sole. The channel has an inward recess formed between the front edge and the rear edge and extending in the heel-toe direction, the channel also having a central portion, a heel portion closer to the heel of the body, and a toe portion closer to the body's toe. The rear edge is spaced rearward at a different distance from the outer periphery of the face at the central portion as compared to at least one of the heel portion and the tow portion so that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face is close to the heel or toe, And are different from each other. The channel may be configured to affect the impact of the ball on the striking surface by applying a reaction force on the face in response to the impact.

According to one aspect, the rear edge is spaced rearward at a large distance from the outer periphery of the face at the central portion as compared to at least one of the heel portion and the tow portion such that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face is greater It may be smaller in size near the heel or tow. The rear edge may be spaced rearward at a large distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center as compared to both the heel portion and the toe portion in one configuration.

According to another aspect, the point is located closer to the tow of the body, and the rear edge is spaced rearward at a different distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center as compared to the tow. The front edge and the rear edge may all be spaced rearward at different distances from the outer periphery of the face at the center as compared to the toe in one configuration. The width of the channel formed between the front and rear edges may also be larger near the center portion as compared to the heel portion and / or the toe portion. Additionally, the body may further include a spacing portion that extends from the front edge to the outer periphery of the face at least in the central region and joins the front edge of the channel to form a generally planarized surface that separates the channel from the periphery of the face backward It is possible. The spacing may be oriented at an acute angle to the striking surface of the face. The channel may additionally have a surface texture that is different from the spacing.

According to another aspect, the front edge is also spaced rearward at a different distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center as compared to at least one of the heel portion and the tow portion. The body may further include a separating portion that at least engages the front edge of the channel at the center and extends from the forward edge to come close to the outer periphery of the face and that separates the channel from the outer periphery of the face backward. In this configuration, the spacing is formed between the front edge of the channel and the periphery of the face and has a different width at the center of the spacing when compared to a second point closer to the heel or toe of the body.

According to another aspect, the device also includes a soul-shaped reinforcing rib spaced rearwardly from the channel, and the reinforcing rib increases the rigidity of the soul. The reinforcing ribs may protrude inwardly into the body.

According to another aspect, the wall thickness of the body may be reduced in the channel compared to the wall thickness at other locations of the body.

Another aspect of the invention is a body having a striking face configured for striking a ball and formed by an outer periphery, a body connected to the face and extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, the body comprising a soul and a soul A body having an opposing crown, and a channel extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body. The channel has an inward recess formed between the front edge and the rear edge and extending in the heel-toe direction, and the front edge is spaced rearward from the outer periphery of the face. The back edge of the channel bends backward away from the face at the center of the channel so that the distance between the back edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face is larger near the center of the channel and closer to at least one of the heel and toe . The channel may be configured to affect the impact of the ball on the striking surface by applying a reaction force on the face in response to the impact. The device may comprise any of the components and features described above.

According to one aspect, the distance between the rear edge and the outer periphery of the face is larger near the center of the channel, smaller near the tow, and smaller both closer to the heel and toe.

According to another aspect, the front edge is also bent backward away from the face at the center of the channel such that the distance between the front edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face is greater near the center of the channel and at least one of the heel and toe And becomes smaller closer.

Another aspect of the invention is a body having a striking face configured for striking a ball and formed by an outer periphery, a body connected to the face and extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, the body comprising a soul and a soul To a ball striking device comprising a body having an opposing crown, a concavely formed channel extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body, and a reinforcing rib on the soul spaced rearwardly from the channel. The reinforcing rib increases the stiffness of the soul. The channel is formed between the front edge and the rear edge and extends in the heel-toe direction and has a central portion, a heel portion that is closer to the heel of the body, and a tow portion that is closer to the body of the tow. At least one of the front and rear edges is spaced rearward at a different distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center as compared to the point near the heel or toe. The device may comprise any of the components and features described above.

According to one aspect, the rear edge is spaced rearward at a large distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center as compared to the point proximate the heel or toe. Also, the rear edge may be spaced rearwardly to a greater distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center as compared to a point proximate both the heel and toe. The width of the channel formed between the front and rear edges may also be larger near the center and smaller and closer to both the heel and the toe.

According to another aspect, the device may include a plurality of reinforcing ribs on the soul spaced rearwardly from the channel, and each reinforcing rib increases the rigidity of the soul. Each reinforcing rib may protrude inwardly into the body.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a golf club comprising a golf club head as described above having a shaft connected to the head. The golf club head may be a wood-type golf club head in some embodiments, and the final golf club may be a wood-type golf club.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In order to allow a more complete understanding of the present invention, the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 is a bottom rear perspective view of one embodiment of a ball striking device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention in the form of a golf driver.
2 is a planar frontal perspective view of the ball striking device of FIG.
3 is a bottom view of the ball striking device of Fig.
Figure 4 is a side view of the ball striking device of Figure 1;
5 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a ball striking device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention in the form of a golf driver.
Figure 6 is a bottom rear perspective view of another embodiment of a ball striking device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention in the form of a golf fairway wood.
7 is a planar frontal perspective view of the ball striking device of Fig.
8 is a bottom view of the ball striking device of Fig.
Figure 9 is a side view of the ball striking device of Figure 6;
10 is a bottom rear perspective view of another embodiment of a ball striking device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention in the form of a golf hybrid.
11 is a planar frontal perspective view of the ball striking device of Fig.
12 is a bottom view of the ball striking device of Fig.
13 is a side view of the ball striking device of Fig.
14 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a ball striking device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention in the form of a golf driver.
15 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a ball striking device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention in the form of a golf driver.

In the following description of various exemplary structures according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various exemplary devices, systems and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of portions, exemplary devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the terms "top," " bottom, "" front," " rear, "" Are described herein for convenience, for example, based on the orientation shown in the figures or the orientation in normal use. Additionally, the term " plurality "when used in this specification refers to any number from infinity, or more, to one infinity, as needed. Nothing herein is to be construed as requiring a particular three-dimensional orientation of the structure to be within the scope of the present invention. The reader is also advised that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The following terms are used in this specification and unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, these terms have the meanings given below.

"Ball striking device" means any device that is constructed and designed to strike a ball or other similar object (such as a hockey puck). Examples of "ball striking devices" in addition to generally including a "ball striking head" described in more detail below are golf clubs, putters, croquet mallets, polo mallets, baseball or softball bats, Tennis rackets, badminton rackets, field hockey sticks, ice hockey sticks, and the like.

"Ball striking head" (or "head") includes a portion of a ball striking device designed to contact a ball (or other object) Ball striking device " In some instances, such as multiple golf clubs and putters, the ball striking head may be a separate independent entity from any shaft member and may be attached to the shaft in some manner.

The term "shaft" includes a portion of the ball striking device (if present) that the user holds during the swing of the ball striking device.

"One-piece joining techniques" include but are not limited to two or more joining techniques, such as, but not limited to, two joining techniques, such as joining, joining, welding, brazing, brazing, Quot; refers to a technique for joining portions, wherein the separation of joined portions can not be achieved without structural damage thereto.

"Generally parallel" means that a first line, line segment, plane, edge, surface, or the like may extend over at least 50% of the length of the first line, line segment, plane, edge, (In this case, within 5%).

In general, aspects of the present invention relate to ball striking devices such as golf club heads, golf clubs, and the like. Such a ball striking device may, according to at least some examples of the present invention, include a ball striking head having a ball striking surface. In the case of a golf club head, the ball striking surface is a substantially flat surface on one face of the ball striking head. While some more specific aspects of the present invention relate to wood-type golf clubs and golf club heads, including fairway woods, hybrid clubs, and the like, as well as other wood-type golf clubs such as drivers, aspects of the present invention also relate to iron- Putters, and other club types.

According to another aspect of the invention, the ball striking device may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials such as metals (including metal alloys), ceramics, polymers, composites (fiber-reinforced composites) But may be formed in any of a variety of configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one exemplary embodiment, some or all of the components of the head, including the face and at least a portion of the body of the head, are made of a metal (the term "metal" It is understood that the head may comprise components made of a number of different materials including carbon-fiber composites, polymeric materials, and other components. Additionally, the components may be formed by various molding methods. For example, metal components (such as titanium, aluminum, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, steel (including stainless steel), etc.) are formed by forging, molding, casting, stamping, machining, and / . In another example, a composite component, such as a carbon fiber-polymer composite, may be manufactured by a variety of composite material processing techniques such as prepreg processing, powder-based techniques, mold infiltration and / . In another example, polymer components such as high strength polymers may be produced by polymer processing techniques such as various molding and casting techniques and / or other known techniques.

The various figures of the present application illustrate examples of ball striking devices according to the present invention. When the same reference numerals appear in more than one of the figures, this reference numeral is used consistently throughout this specification and the drawings refer to the same or similar parts throughout.

At least some examples of ball striking devices according to the present invention include wood type golf clubs such as drivers, fairway woods and hybrid clubs, as well as other types of wood type clubs, long iron clubs (e.g., driving irons, 5 iron, and hybrid golf club), a short iron club (e.g., a 6 iron or pitching wedge as well as a sand wedge, a lobe wedge, a gap wedge and / or other wedge) , And a golf club head structure. Such a device may comprise a single piece configuration or a multiple piece configuration. An exemplary structure of a ball striking device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1-4, which illustrate a ball striking device 100 in the form of a wood-type golf club (e.g., a driver) Although one exemplary embodiment is shown, it should be appreciated that similar arrangements may be made to a fairway wood (e.g., 3 wood, 5 wood, 7 wood, etc.) as shown in Figures 6-9, It will be understood that the invention may be used for other wood-type clubs, including hybrid clubs as shown at 13.

The golf club 100 shown in Figures 1-4 includes a ball striking head 102 configured to strike the ball in use and a shaft 104 connected to and extending from the ball striking head 102. [ Figures 1-4 illustrate the shape of a golf club head 102 having a face 112 connected to the body 108 with the hosel 109 extending therefrom and the shaft 104 connected to the hosel 109 Of the ball striking head 102 shown in Fig. Conventional hosel or other head / shaft interconnect structures as known and used in the art, or Bruce D., et al., Incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent No. 6,890,269, issued May 10, 2005 to Bruce D. Burrows, filed on July 6, 2007, by John Thomas Stites, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0011848, filed on July 6, 2007, by John Thomas Stites, John Thomas Stites, et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0011849, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0011850, filed July 6, 2007, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0062029, filed August 28, 2007, by John Thomas Stites, Any desired hosel and / or head / shaft interconnect structure, including adjustable, releasable and / or interchangeable hosel or other head / shaft interconnect structures, such as those disclosed and described, Used It is possible. The head 102 may include an adjustable hosel 109 feature that extends through the soul 118 and communicates with the channel 140 and / or intersects the channel 140, as shown in Figures 1 and 3 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 128 < / RTI >

For reference, the head 102 includes a generally top or crown 116, bottom or soul 118, a hill (not shown) proximate the hosel 109, as shown in Figures 1-4, A tow 122 from the hosel 109, a front 124, and a rear or rear 126. The toe 122, The shape and design of the head 102 may be indicated in part by the intended use of the golf club 100. For example, the soul 118 is configured to face the playing surface in use. The soul 118 may contact the playing surface during use by a club configured to strike a ball directly on the playing surface, such as a fairway wood, hybrid, iron, etc., and the features of the club may be designed accordingly It is possible. In the club 100 shown in Figs. 1-4, the head 102 is a wood-type club designed for use as a driver intended for the club 100 to strike the ball a long distance, so that the enclosed volume ). In other applications, such as for different types of golf clubs, the head 102 may be designed to have different dimensions and configurations. For example, when configured as a driver, the club head 102 may have a volume of at least 400 cc, at least 450 cc, or even at least 460 cc in some structures. 6 to 9), the head may have a volume of 120 cc to 230 cc, and may be configured as a hybrid club (e.g., Figs. 10-13) The head may have a volume of 85 cc to 140 cc. Other suitable sizes of the other club heads may be immediately determined by those skilled in the art. The loft angle of the club head 102 may also vary depending on the short distance required for the club head 102.

The body 108 of the head 102 may have a variety of different shapes including a rounded shape, a square or rectangular shape, or any of a variety of other shapes, such as in the head 102 shown in Figs. have. This configuration may also be configured to dispense weight in any desired manner, away from the geometric / volumetric center of the face 112 and / or the head 102, to create a lower center of gravity and / or a higher moment of inertia .

1 to 4, the head 102 includes an inner cavity (not shown) (e.g., a face 112 and a body 108) having a plurality of inner surfaces formed therein, (Which is formed by a hollow structure). In one embodiment, the inner cavity may be filled with air. However, in other embodiments, the head 102 may be filled with other materials, such as foam. In yet another embodiment, the solid body of the head may occupy a substantial proportion of the volume, and the head may have a smaller cavity or no internal cavity at all. The inner cavity may not be completely surrounded in some embodiments.

The face 112 is positioned on the front 124 of the head 102 and is positioned on the ball striking surface (or striking surface) 110 and the ball striking surface 110 disposed thereon, And has an opposing inner surface (not shown). The ball striking surface 110 is typically the outer surface of the face 112 configured to face the ball in use and is adapted to strike the ball when the golf club 100 is moved, for example, by a swing. As shown, the ball striking surface 110 is relatively flat and occupies at least the majority of the faces 112. The face 112 has a plurality of outer or peripheral edges formed therein, including a top edge 113, a bottom edge 115, and side edges (including a heel edge 117 and a toe edge 119). The edges of the face 112 may be defined as the boundaries of the region of the face 112 that are specifically designed to contact the beam in use and may be defined as the boundaries of the region of the face 112 that is intentionally formed and configured to be suitable for ball contact May be recognized. The face 112 may have a predetermined curvature (e.g., bulge and roll characteristics) in the tower-to-bottom and / or heel-to-toe direction, as is well known in the art . In other embodiments, the face 110 may occupy a different proportion of the face 112, or the body 108 may have multiple ball striking faces 110 thereon. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-4, the ball striking surface 110 is tilted relative to the ground or contact surface (i.e., at a loft angle) to provide the desired lift and spin to the ball to provide. In another exemplary embodiment, the ball striking surface 110 may have different warp or loft angles, affecting the trajectory of the ball. Additionally, the face 112 may have a variable thickness, or, in some embodiments, may have one or more internal or external inserts and / or supports.

It is understood that the face 112, the body 108 and / or the hosel 109 can be formed as a single piece or as individual pieces joined together. The face 112 may be formed as a faceplate member in which the body 108 is partially or fully formed by one or more discrete portions connected to the faceplate member. Face 112 may alternatively have a wall or walls whose body 108 extends rearwardly from the edge of face 112 (these laterally extending walls may also be referred to as "return portion"), Or may be formed as part of a face frame member that is partially or fully formed by one or more discrete portions connected to the member. This configuration may also be known in some configurations as a "cup face" structure. The face frame member may also have an L-shaped configuration. Additionally, at least a portion of the body 108 may be, for example, an individual portion or portions joined to the wall (s) of the face frame member by a back body member attached to the cup face structure comprised of a single piece or multiple pieces . These portions may be connected by an integral joining technique such as welding, gluing or adhesive bonding. Other known techniques for joining these parts, including multiple mechanical joining techniques, including releasable mechanical joining techniques, may likewise be used. If desired, the hosel 109 may be integrally formed as part of the face frame member. A gasket (not shown) may also be included between the cup face structure and the back body member.

The golf club 100 may include a shaft 104 coupled to or otherwise coupled to the ball striking head 102 as shown in FIG. The shaft 104 is adapted to be gripped by a user swinging the golf club 100 to strike the ball. The shaft 104 may be formed as a separate part connected to the head 102 by, for example, connecting to the hosel 109, as shown in Fig. In another exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the shaft 104 may be an integral part of the head 102, and / or the head 102 may not include the hosel 109, . Other embodiments are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. Shaft 104 may be constructed from one or more of a variety of materials including metals, ceramics, polymers, composites or wood. In some exemplary embodiments, the shaft 104, or at least a portion thereof, may be constructed of a composite material, such as a metal such as stainless steel or titanium, or a carbon / graphite fiber-polymer composite material. However, the shaft 104 may be constructed of different materials that do not depart from the scope of the present invention, including conventional materials known and used in the art. A grip element (not shown) may be positioned on the shaft 104 to provide the golfer with a slip resistant surface for gripping the golf club shaft 104. The grip element may be attached to the shaft 104 in a conventional manner known and used in the art (e.g., via an adhesive or bonding agent, a screw or other mechanical connector, swedging / swaging, etc.) As shown in FIG.

In general, the ball striking head 102 according to the present invention is configured to cause at least a portion of the body 108 to bend, generate a reaction force, and / or move the face 112 during the impact of the ball on the face 112 Or features on the body 108 that affect the impact of the ball on the face 112, such as one or more compression channels 140 located on the body 108 of the head 102 that changes the motion . In one embodiment, at least a portion of the compression channel 140 is curved or bent away from the periphery of the face 112. In the golf club 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4, the head 102 includes a single channel 140 positioned on the soul 118 of the head 102. As described below, this channel 140 allows compression and bending of the body 108 during impact on the face 112, and can also generate a reaction force that can be transmitted to the ball. This exemplary embodiment is described in more detail below.

The golf club 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4 includes a compression channel 140 that is positioned on the soul 118 of the head 102 and may extend continuously across at least a portion of the soul 118, . In another embodiment, the head 102 may have a channel 140 that is positioned differently, such as over the crown 116, the heel 120, and / or the tow 122. It is also understood that the head 102 may have more than one channel 140 or may have an annular channel extending entirely or substantially around the entire head 102. The channel 140 of this exemplary structure is elongated and has a first end 142 positioned proximate to the heel 120 of the head 102 And a second end 144 located proximate to the tow 122 of the head 102. [ The channel 140 has a boundary defined by a first or forward edge 146 and a second or rear edge 148 extending between the ends 140, In this embodiment, the channel 140 extends adjacent to and along the bottom edge 115 of the face 112 and extends further into the heel 120 and toe 122 areas of the head 102. [ As shown in Figs. 1-4, the channel 140 is positioned substantially symmetrically on the head 102 in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the channels 140 may be oriented and / or positioned differently. For example, the channel 140 may be oriented adjacent a different edge of the face 112, and at least a portion of the channel 140 may be parallel or generally parallel to one or more of the edges of the face 112 have. The size and shape of the compressed channel 140 may also vary widely without departing from the present invention.

The channel 140 extends inwardly about the immediately adjacent surfaces of the head 102 extending from and / or contacting the edges 146 and 148 of the channel 140, as shown in Figures 1-4. . The channel 140 in this embodiment has a smoothly curved sloping sidewall 152 extending from the grooves 150 and grooves 150 to the respective edges 146 and 148 of the channel 140, And has a curved, generally semicircular cross-sectional shape or profile. The grooves 150 form, in this embodiment, the deepest (i.e., most inwardly concave formed) portion of the channel 140. It is understood that the channel 140 may have a different cross-sectional shape or profile, such as, for example, having a sharper and / or more polygonal (e.g., rectangular) shape in other embodiments. Additionally, the channel 140 may generally be tapered at depth such that the groove 150 has a greater depth at and around the central portion 130 of the channel 140 and the heel and / And becomes shallower at the tow portions 131 and 132. [ 1 through 4, the channel 140 generally extends around the edge of the soul 118 to some extent, but the deepest portion of the channel 140 (i.e., the groove 150) And the rear portion of the channel 140 has a much shallower depth. The channel 140 may also have a ridge or swale 158 located in the heel and toe portions 131 and 132 of the channel 140. The ridge 158 generally forms the boundary of the deepest portion of the channel 140 in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the wall thickness of the body 108 may be reduced in the channel 140, as compared to the thickness at other locations of the body 108, Provide sex. In one embodiment, the wall thickness in the channel 140 is 0.8 to 1.5 mm.

1 to 4, the channel 140 is spaced from the bottom edge 115 of the face 112 and the spacing 154 extends between the channel 140 and the bottom edge 115 Respectively. The spacing 154 is positioned immediately adjacent to the channel 140 and extends along the sidewall 152 of the channel 140 along the forward edge 146 of the channel 140, Lt; / RTI &gt; In this embodiment, the spacing 154 is oriented at an acute angle (i.e., <90 °) to the ball striking surface 110 and extends backward from the bottom edge 115 of the face 112 to the channel 140 . The force from the impact on the face 112 may be transmitted to the channel 140 through the spacing 154, as will be described below. In other embodiments, the spacing 154 may be oriented at right angles or obtuse angles to the ball striking surface 110, and / or the spacing 154 may be less than that shown in Figures 1 to 4 Or completely absent. The spacing 154 is generally flat in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4. As another example, a smoothly curved surface may extend directly from the bottom edge 115 of the face 112 into the inner wall 152 of the channel 140, if desired.

In one embodiment, the channel 140, or at least a portion thereof, is curved or bent. 1 to 4, the head 102 is generally curved and bent backward, i.e., away from the face 112, and is spaced a greater distance from the face 112 than the adjacent portion of the channel 140, Having a central portion (130) spaced apart from the central portion (130). As shown in Figures 1 and 3, in this embodiment, the channel 140 includes a center portion (not shown) spaced a greater distance from the face 112 than the outer periphery of the face 112 and the heel or toe portion 131, 132 And a heel portion 131 and a toe portion 132 spaced rearward at substantially the same distance from each other. Although the central portion 130 is generally symmetrical in this embodiment and generally aligned with the geometric centerline of the body 108, this arrangement and alignment may depend, at least in part, on the geometry and symmetry of the body 108, May be different.

In the embodiment of Figs. 1-4, both the front and rear edges 146, 148 of the channel 140 are curved away from the face 112 and bent. In this configuration, edges 146 and 148 may be located at the opposite ends of each edge 146 and 148, which may be located at the heel and toe portions 131 and 132 and located closer to the periphery of the face 112 In comparison, they are further spaced rearwardly from the face 112 at the center portion 130. In addition, the curvature or the degree of bending of the edges 146 and 148 is slightly different in this embodiment, so that the width of the channel 140 (measured in the direction from the front 124 to the rear 126) And slightly narrower at the heel and toe portions 131, 132. In another embodiment, only one of the edges 146, 148 may be curved and / or bent, and the width of the channel 140 may be varied such that, for example, one of the edges 146, 148 is much larger And / or bent, for example, to a certain degree. In another embodiment, the width of the channel 140 may be constant or approximately the same from the heel portion 131 to the toe portion 132. In an alternative embodiment, one or both of the edges 146, 148 may be bent toward the face 112 rather than away from the face 112. The width of the spacing 154 (measured in the direction of the front 124 versus the rear 126) also varies along the bent forward edge 146 of the channel 140, (Closer to the central portion 130) and smaller in the vicinity of the heel portion 131 and the toe portion 132 of the channel 140. 1 and 3, the width of the spacing 154 decreases by tapering from the center, and becomes smaller toward the heel portion 131 and the toe portion 132 of the channel 140. As shown in Fig. The spacing 154 has a maximum width at the approximate geometric centerline of the body 108 and is generally symmetrical about the geometric centerline in this embodiment as well.

The deepest portion of the channel 140 represented by the groove 150 also has a curved and bent configuration in one embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4. In this embodiment, the groove 150 has opposite ends (e. G., Heel and toe portion 131 (e. G., The center portion 130) that are closer to the periphery of the face 112 , 132). Additionally, in this embodiment, the groove 150 of the channel 140 is similarly generally curved and bent to the forward and aft edges 146, 148 of the channel 140 such that the groove 150 has a heel- Generally equally spaced from the front and rear edges 146, 148 between the portions 131, 132. In another embodiment, the side walls 152 of the channel 140 may be contoured differently, so that the grooves 150 are curved and / or bent differently. For example, in one configuration, one or both of the front and rear edges 146, 148 may be curved, while the grooves 150 may not be curved, and in other configurations, the front and rear edges 146 , 148 may not be curved, while grooves 150 may be curved. In other configurations, the grooves 150 may be curved and / or bent in an opposite manner to one or both of the edges 146, 148. Other configurations are possible.

In one embodiment, some or all of the channels 140 may have surface texturing or other surface treatments that affect the properties of the channel 140. Certain surface treatments, such as, for example, peening, coating, etc., may increase the stiffness of the channel and reduce curvature. As another example, other surface treatments may be used to create greater flexibility within the channel 140. As another example, the surface treatment may increase the smoothness of the channel 140 and / or the smoothness of the transitions (e.g., edges 146, 148) of the channel 140, which may be aerodynamic, Interaction, visual appearance, and so on. Other surface textures or other surface treatments may be used as well.

The compression channel 140 of the head 102 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is similar to that described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 015,264, filed January 27, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety The impact of the ball (not shown) on the face 112 of the head 102 may be affected. In one embodiment, the channel 140 may affect impact by flexing and / or compressing in response to impact on the face 112 and / or applying a reaction force on the face 112 during impact. For example, when the ball impacts the face 112, the face 112 bends inward. Additionally, a portion of the impact force is transmitted through the spacing 154 to the channel 140, causing the soul 118 to bend in the channel 140. [ This bending of the channel 140 may cause a smaller deformation of the ball as compared to conventional heads, which may help to achieve greater impact efficiency during impact and greater energy and velocity transmission to the ball . A more gradual impact created by bending also produces a longer impact time, which can also cause greater energy and velocity transfer to the ball during impact. Also, as the compressed channel 140 expands to return to its initial shape, a reaction or reaction force is applied on the face 112 to produce an increased "trampoline" effect, Which may result in greater energy and velocity transmission of the &lt; / RTI &gt; In addition, since the channel 140 extends toward the heel 120 and the tow 122, the head 102 can be moved from the center of the face 112 or from a conventional "sweet spot" Lt; / RTI &gt; of energy and speed transmission of the system. It is understood that the channel 140 may additionally or alternatively be incorporated within the crown 116 and / or the sides 120, 122 of the body 108 to produce a similar effect for energy and velocity delivery . For example, in one embodiment, the head 102 may include a body 108, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 308,036, filed November 30, 2011, But may have one or more channels 140 that extend completely or substantially completely around it. In this configuration, at least a portion of the channel 140 may be curved or bent away from the outer periphery of the face 112, as described above, and the channel 140 may be formed by the tip 116 and the soul 118, Or may have such a curved / bent portion on all of the sides. It is understood that the head 102 may have one or more channels 140 of different configurations in other embodiments.

The curved and / or bent configuration of the channel 140 may assist in controlling the curvature of the channel 140 and / or achieving the desired flexibility. For example, a particular feature (e.g., access 128) of the head 102 may affect the flexibility of the channel 140, and the curved / 140 may have the same flexibility because they will not have the features in question. As another example, the curved / bent configuration of the channel 140 may assist in achieving the desired flexibility for the channel 140, for example, in certain applications. Other effects and characteristics may be accomplished by curved and / or bent channels 140, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, or in other configurations, It may also work with other features to affect gender.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the head 102 may further include one or more weight members 133 positioned on the soul 118. These weight members 133 may be formed of, for example, snap connections, threaded connections, locking connections (e. G., 1 / 4-turn or half-turn), or other such connections, which may be releasable and interchangeable. In another embodiment, the weight member 133 may be connected to the head 102 more permanently. It is understood that such weight members allow selected weighting of the head 102 to achieve the desired weight and / or weight distribution.

6-9 illustrate another embodiment of a club head 202 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention in the form of a fairway wood, having a channel 140 as described above with respect to the embodiment of Figs. . 10-13 illustrate another embodiment of a club head 302 in accordance with aspects of the present invention in the form of a hybrid club head having a channel 140 as described above with respect to the embodiment of Figs. Respectively. In the embodiments of Figures 6 to 9 and 10 to 13, heads 202 and 302 generally have similar components and features to head 102, as described above and illustrated in Figures 1-4. , These components and features are identified in Figures 6-13 using the same reference numerals as used above and in Figures 1-4. Additionally, these similar components and features may not be described in detail again for the sake of simplicity. In these embodiments, heads 202 and 302 may also produce some or all of the same benefits explicitly expressed herein with respect to head 102 of Figs. 1-4.

In general, the heads 202, 302 of Figs. 6-13 each include a curved and / or bent channel 140 as described above with respect to the channel 140 in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4 . The embodiment of Figures 6-13 includes a heel and toe portion 131,133 that is bent back and bent away from the face 112 and positioned closer to the face 112 than the center portion 130, And a channel 140 that generally has a central portion 130 spaced rearwardly from the face 112 at a greater distance than adjacent portions of the channel 140. In these embodiments, the forward and aft edges 146, 148 and grooves 150 of each channel 140 are disposed rearwardly, similar to that described above with respect to the channel 140 shown in FIGS. 1-4 Curved and bent. Additionally, in the embodiment of Figures 6-13, the curvature and bend diagrams of edges 146 and 148 are slightly different, and similarly, as described above, the width of each channel 140 [front 124 (Measured in the direction of the major rear 126) is slightly larger at the center portion 130 and narrower at the heel and toe portions 131, 132. Also, in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 6-13, the spacing 154 is also wider and closer to the central portion 130, similar to the heel and toe portions 131, 132 of the channel 140, ). Any of the variations, modifications, additional features, additional or alternative embodiments described above with respect to the head 102 of FIGS. 1-4 may be applied to the head 202 of FIGS. 6 through 9 or FIGS. It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in the head 302 of the apparatus.

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate another embodiment of a club head 402, 502 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention in the form of a golf driver. Heads 402 and 502 include at least some of the components and features similar to those described above and shown in Figures 1 through 4, and such similar components and features are illustrated in Figures 1 through 4 and Are identified in Figures 14-15 using the same reference numerals as used above. Additionally, such similar components and features may not be described in detail again for the sake of simplicity. In these embodiments, heads 402 and 502 may also produce some or all of the same benefits explicitly described herein with respect to head 102 of FIGS. 1-4.

The head 402 of FIG. 14 includes a channel 140 that is substantially identical or coincident with the channel 140 of the head 102 of FIGS. 1-4, and includes any variations, modifications, Or may include any of the features and components of the head 102 and channel 140 described above, including alternative embodiments and the like. The head 502 of Figure 15 is similar to the channel 140 of Figures 1 to 4 but includes a plurality of openings in the outer periphery of the face 112, including generally parallel to at least the bottom edge 115 of the face 112, As shown in FIG. The head 502 of Figure 15 may include any of the features and components of the head 102 and channel 140 described above, including any variations, modifications, additional features, additional or alternative embodiments described above, .

The heads 402 and 502 of Figures 14 through 15 each include additional channels 160 located further away from the compression channel 140 near the face 112 and located on the soul 118 . Each of these additional channels 160 may affect the reaction, curvature and other characteristics of the face 112 and may change the reaction force exerted by the channel 140 on the face 112 during impact. In the embodiment of Figures 14-15 the additional channel 160 includes an inner portion 142 for controlling the flexure of the channel 140 to increase the stiffness of the soul 118 and to limit the degree of curvature of the channel 140 during impact. It acts as a reinforcing rib. The additional channel 160 may also serve to provide a base "base" for the channel 140 to focus the curvature of the soul 118 in the channel 140, rather than other areas of the soul 118. In other embodiments, the head 402, 502 may have similar reinforcing ribs in an additional channel 160 that protrudes outwardly from the body 108, rather than inwardly. Features of the heads 402, 502 of FIGS. 14-15, including additional channel / reinforcement ribs 160 and any variations, modifications, additional features, additional or alternative embodiments, etc., Or may be used in conjunction with the head 202, 302 of any other embodiment as described herein or as described herein.

Each of the additional channels 160 in the embodiment of FIGS. 14-15 is recessed inwardly formed between a forward edge 162 and a rear edge 163 extending in the direction of the heel 120 to the toe 122 So that the additional channel 160 extends in the direction of the heel 120 to the toe 122. [ In this configuration, each additional channel 160 has a heel portion 164 on the side closest to the heel 120 and a tow portion 165 on the side closest to the tow 122. The first additional channel 160 (second overall channel) is spaced rearwardly from the rear edge 148 of the channel 140 and the second additional channel 160 (third overall channel) And is spaced rearwardly from the rear edge 163 of the channel 160. Additionally, in the present embodiment, each of the front and rear edges 162,163 of the additional channel 160 are relatively straight and the additional channel 160 has a trapezoidal or other polygonal outer shape, respectively. Each of the additional channels 160 has a tapered depth that gradually increases from the front edge 162 to the rear edge 163 such that the maximum depth of the groove 161 is greater than the rear edge 163 As shown in FIG. This tapered depth may likewise provide a polygonal cross-sectional shape to the additional channel 160. Further, in this embodiment, the additional channel 160 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the geometric centerline of the head 102 (e.g., extending in the direction from the front 124 to the rear 126). It is understood that additional channels 160 may have different shapes, locations, orientations and / or configurations in other embodiments, and other embodiments may include a different number of additional channels 160.

Another embodiment of the compression channel 140 may be incorporated within the head 102 of the present invention. It should also be noted that one or more of the different features of any of the heads 102, 202, 302, 402, 502 and channels 140 described above with reference to Figures 1-15 may be combined in any combination in other embodiments I understand.

The head 102 (see below) incorporating the channel 140 disclosed herein may be used as a ball striking device or portion thereof. For example, the golf club 100 may be manufactured by attaching a shaft or handle 104 to a provided head, such as the head 102 (see below), as described above, . "Providing a head" as used herein refers broadly to making an article available or accessible for future operation to be performed on the article, and the group providing the article may manufacture, produce, Does not mean that the supplying party or group providing the article has ownership or control of the article. Additionally, a set of golf clubs may be provided that includes one or more clubs 100 having heads 102 (see below) as described above. In other embodiments, different types of ball striking devices may be manufactured in accordance with the principles described herein. Additionally, the head 102 (see below), golf club 100, or other ball striking device may be attached to the shaft 104 by, for example, attaching a shaft 104 having a particular length, And may be fitted or customized for a person by adjusting or interchanging the pre-attached shaft 104. [

Ball striking devices and heads therefor provide a number of benefits and advantages over existing products, as described herein. For example, the curvature of the soul 118 in the channel 140 causes a smaller deformation of the ball, which in turn can lead to greater impact efficiency and greater energy and velocity delivery to the ball during impact . As another example, as the compressed channel 140 expands to return to its initial shape, the reaction force or reaction force applied on the face 112 is imparted to the ball, resulting in greater energy and velocity delivery to the ball during impact . In addition, since the channel 140 extends toward the heel and toe edges 117 and 119 of the face 112, the head 102 (see below) is spaced from the center of the face 112 or from a traditional "sweet spot" Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; energy and velocity &lt; / RTI &gt; As a further example, the features described herein may cause an improved sense of golf club 100 for the golfer when striking the ball. Additionally, the configuration of the channel 140 may include other features (e. G., Additional features) to affect the overall flexibility and response of the channel 140, as well as the effect of the channel on the response of the face 112 Channel 160, access 128, etc.). Other benefits and advantages are recognized by those skilled in the art.

While the present invention has been described in connection with specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will understand that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and methods described above. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be construed broadly as described in the appended claims.

Claims (121)

A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface and a crown opposed to the soul; And
A channel formed inwardly concave extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body, the channel extending between the heel portion and the toe portion,
/ RTI &gt;
Wherein the heel portion and the toe portion are substantially equidistantly spaced rearward from the outer periphery of the face and the central portion of the channel is spaced a greater distance from the outer periphery of the face than the heel portion and the toe portion. The ball striking device of claim 1, wherein the channel is symmetrical about a geometric centerline of the body. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel is formed by a front edge and a rear edge and extends between the heel portion and the toe portion, wherein a recessed groove is formed between the front and rear edges, One of which is bent backward away from the outer periphery of the face. The ball striking device of claim 3, wherein both the front and rear edges are bent backward away from the outer periphery of the face. 4. The ball striking device of claim 3, wherein the distance between the front and rear edges is approximately the same between the heel portion and the tow portion. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the channel includes two side walls extending inwardly into the body and a recessed groove forming a maximum depth of the channel, the groove being bent backward away from an outer periphery of the face The groove having opposed ends located closer to the outer periphery of the face than the center of the groove. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a spaced portion located between the channel and an outer periphery of the face, the spacing being larger at the center of the spaced apart portion and closer to the heel portion and the toe portion of the channel, Wherein the ball striking device is a ball striking device. 8. The ball striking device of claim 7 wherein the width of the spacing is reduced by tapering from the center toward the heel and toe of the channel. 8. The ball striking device of claim 7, wherein the width of the spacing is a maximum at the geometric centerline of the body. The ball striking device of claim 1, wherein the channel has a curved cross-sectional shape and the curved side walls are suspended from the front and rear edges of the channel to form a curved groove. 2. The hosel of claim 1, further comprising a hosel connected to the body, the hosel having an adjustable interconnect structure configured for an adjustable connection to a shaft, the body having an access opening extending through the sole, Wherein the access opening provides access to the adjustable interconnect structure of the hosel through the soul. A golf club comprising the ball striking device of claim 1 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface and a crown opposed to the soul; And
A channel extending between at least a portion of the soul of the body and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion, the channel defining an inwardly concave groove formed between the forward edge and the rear edge and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion Channels that contain
/ RTI &gt;
Said front edge having a first pair of ends proximate said heel portion and said toe portion and spaced rearwardly at substantially equal distances from said outer periphery of said face, said rear edge proximate said heel portion and said toe portion, And a second pair of ends spaced rearwardly about the same distance from the outer periphery,
Wherein the front and rear edges are curved away from the periphery of the face such that a first central portion of the front edge is spaced rearwardly from the outer periphery of the face by a greater distance than the first pair of ends, And the second central portion is spaced rearwardly from the outer periphery of the face by a greater distance than the end of the second pair. 14. The ball striking device of claim 13, wherein the channel is symmetrical about the geometric centerline of the body. 14. The ball striking device of claim 13, wherein the distance between the front and rear edges is approximately the same between the heel portion and the tow portion. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the channel includes two side walls extending inwardly into the body from the front and rear edges, the groove defining a maximum depth of the channel, Wherein the groove has opposite ends located closer to the outer periphery of the face than the center of the groove. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the body further comprises a spaced portion located between the periphery of the face and the channel, the spacing being larger at the center of the spacing and having a smaller width proximate the heel portion and the toe portion of the channel A ball striking device. 18. The ball striking device of claim 17 wherein the width of the spacing is reduced by tapering from the center toward the heel and toe of the channel. 18. The ball striking device of claim 17, wherein the width of the spacing is maximum at the geometric centerline of the body. 14. The ball striking device of claim 13, wherein the channel has a curved cross-sectional shape and the curved side wall is suspended from the front and rear edges of the channel to form a curved groove. 14. A golf club comprising the ball striking device of claim 13 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface and a crown opposed to the soul; And
A channel extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body, the channel including an inwardly concave shaped groove formed between a forward edge and a backward edge and extending in a heel-toe direction,
/ RTI &gt;
Wherein the body further comprises a spacing portion extending between a front edge of the channel and an outer periphery of the face and spaced apart from the outer periphery of the face and rearwardly of the face, the spacing being formed between a front edge of the channel and an outer periphery of the face And is narrower at a first point closer to the geometric centerline of the body and wider at the center of the spacing and closer to the heel of the body and at a second point closer to the toe of the body. 23. The ball striking device of claim 22, wherein the width of the spacing decreases by tapering from the center toward the first point and the second point. 23. The ball striking device of claim 22, wherein a width of the spacing is a maximum at a geometric centerline of the body. 23. The ball striking device of claim 22, wherein the channel and the spacing are symmetrical with respect to a geometric centerline of the body. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the front edge of the channel is bent away from the outer periphery of the face backwardly so that the distance between the front edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face is closer to the first point and second point Is smaller and larger near the center. 27. The ball striking device of claim 26, wherein the front and rear edges are bent backward away from an outer periphery of the face. 23. The ball striking device of claim 22, wherein the channel has a curved cross-sectional shape and the curved side wall is suspended from the front and rear edges of the channel to form a curved groove. A golf club comprising the ball striking device of claim 22 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from an outer periphery of the face such that the body and face are combined to form an internal cavity, the body comprising a soul adapted to face the playing surface and a crown opposed to the soul Inbody; And
A channel extending between at least a portion of the soul of the body and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion, the channel having a forward edge and a rearward edge extending between the heel portion and the toe portion, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; channel
/ RTI &gt;
The front and rear edges are bent backward away from the outer periphery of the face such that the front and rear edges are spaced a greater distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center of the channel as compared to the heel and toe portions A golf club head that is one. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the body further comprises a spacing portion extending between a front edge of the channel and an outer periphery of the face and spaced rearwardly from an outer periphery of the face, And is of a greater width at the center of the spacing close to the geometric centerline of the body and having a narrower width closer to the heel and toe of the channel. 32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the front edge is spaced approximately the same distance from the outer periphery of the body at the heel and toe portion, and the rear edge is substantially equidistant from the outer periphery of the body at the heel and toe portion A golf club head that is one. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the channel includes two side walls extending inwardly into the body from the front and rear edges, the groove defining a maximum depth of the channel, Wherein the groove has opposite ends located closer to the outer periphery of the face than the center of the groove. 29. A golf club comprising a golf club head of claim 30 and a shaft coupled to the golf club head. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface and a crown opposed to the soul;
A first channel extending across at least a first portion of the soul of the body, the first channel extending between a first heel portion and a first tow portion, the first channel having a first forward edge and a first rear edge, And a first inwardly concave formed groove extending between the first heel portion and the first tow portion; And
A second channel extending across at least a second portion of the soul of the body, the second channel extending between a second heel portion and a second tow portion, the second channel extending between a second forward edge and a second rear edge, And a second inwardly recessed groove extending between the second heel portion and the second tow portion,
/ RTI &gt;
Wherein the first channel is spaced rearwardly from an outer periphery of the face and the second channel is spaced rearward from a first rear edge of the first channel. 37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the third channel extends between at least a third portion of the soul of the body and the third channel extends between a third heel portion and a third toe portion, And a third inwardly concave groove formed between the third and fourth rear edges and extending between the third heel portion and the third tow portion, the third channel extending from the second rear edge of the second channel And a third channel that is spaced rearward. 37. The ball striking device of claim 36, wherein the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel are symmetrical about the geometric centerline of the body. 36. The ball striking device of claim 35, wherein the first channel and the second channel are symmetrical about a geometric centerline of the body. 36. A method as claimed in claim 35, wherein the first front edge and the first back edge of the first channel are bent backward away from the outer periphery of the face to form a second channel between the first front edge of the first channel and the outer periphery of the face. Wherein a distance is smaller in the vicinity of the heel and toe of the body and larger in the vicinity of the center of the body. 36. The ball striking device of claim 35, wherein the second channel has a polygonal cross-sectional shape and the first channel has a smoothly curved cross-sectional shape. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein the second channel has a depth tapering from the second forward edge to the second rear edge such that the depth proximate the second forward edge is smaller and the depth is greater than the depth of the second rear edge A ball striking device that is proximate to the maximum. 35. A golf club comprising a ball striking device of claim 35 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface and a crown opposed to the soul;
A first channel extending at least partially across the soul of the body, the first channel being formed between a first front edge and a first rear edge and extending in a heel-toe direction, A first channel comprising a first inwardly recessed groove that is elongated in the tow direction; And
A second channel extending at least partially across the soul of the body, the second channel being formed between a second forward edge and a second rear edge and extending in a heel-toe direction, And a second inwardly concave formed groove extending in the tow direction.
/ RTI &gt;
Wherein the first channel is spaced rearwardly from an outer periphery of the face and the second channel is spaced rearward from a first rear edge of the first channel. 46. The method of claim 43, wherein said third channel is formed between a third front edge and a third rear edge and extends in a heel-toe direction, said third channel extending at least partially across said soul of said body, Wherein the third channel includes a third inwardly recessed groove that is elongated in the heel-toe direction, and wherein the third channel is spaced rearward from the second rear edge of the second channel. 45. The ball striking device of claim 44, wherein the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel are symmetrical about the geometric centerline of the body. 44. The ball striking device of claim 43, wherein the first channel and the second channel are symmetrical about the geometric centerline of the body. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the first front edge and the first rear edge of the first channel are bent backward away from the outer periphery of the face to form a second channel between the first front edge of the first channel and the outer periphery of the face. Wherein a distance is smaller in the vicinity of the heel and toe of the body and larger in the vicinity of the center of the body. 44. The ball striking device of claim 43, wherein the second channel has a polygonal cross-sectional shape and the first channel has a smoothly curved cross-sectional shape. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface and a crown opposed to the soul; And
A channel extending between at least a portion of the soul of the body and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion, the channel defining an inwardly concave groove formed between the forward edge and the rear edge and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion Channels that contain
/ RTI &gt;
Wherein the front and rear edges are curved backward away from the periphery of the face such that when the front and back edges are compared to at least one of the heel and toe portions, Respectively,
The body further comprising a spaced portion located between a front edge of the channel and an outer periphery of the face, the spacing being larger near the center of the channel and closer to at least one of the hill and toe portions of the channel, The width of the golf club head being less than the width of the golf club head. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface and a crown opposed to the soul; And
A channel extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body, the channel having an inward recess formed between a front edge and a rear edge and extending in a heel-toe direction, the channel having a central portion, A channel having a closer hill portion, and a tow portion closer to the tow of the body,
/ RTI &gt;
Wherein the rear edge is spaced rearward at a different distance from the outer periphery of the face at the central portion as compared to at least one of the heel portion and the tow portion such that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face is less than the heel or tow Wherein the center of gravity of the ball striking device is different from the center of gravity of the ball striking device. 52. The method of claim 50, wherein the rear edge is spaced rearward at a greater distance from the outer periphery of the face at a central portion as compared to at least one of the heel portion and the tow portion, such that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face The heel or tow being larger and closer to the center and closer to the heel or toe. 52. The method of claim 51, wherein the rear edge is spaced rearward at a greater distance from the outer periphery of the face at the central portion as compared to both of the heel portion and the toe portion, the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face The ball striking device being larger near the center and becoming smaller closer to the heel and toe. 52. The ball striking device of claim 50 wherein the point is located closer to the tow of the body and the rear edge is spaced rearward at a different distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center as compared to the tow portion, . 54. The ball striking device of claim 53, wherein both the front edge and the rear edge are spaced rearward at a different distance from the outer periphery of the face at the central portion as compared to the toe portion. 54. The article of claim 53, wherein the body comprises a generally planarized surface that abuts at least the front edge of the channel at the center and extends from the front edge proximate the periphery of the face, Wherein the spacing portion is oriented at an acute angle to the striking surface of the face. 57. The ball striking device of claim 55, further comprising a reinforcing rib on the soul that is spaced rearwardly from the channel, wherein the reinforcing rib increases the stiffness of the soul. 52. The method of claim 50, wherein the rear edge is spaced rearward at a greater distance from the outer periphery of the face at the central portion as compared to both the heel portion and the toe portion, such that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face The heel portion and the toe portion being smaller and closer to the center portion. 58. The ball striking device of claim 57, wherein the width of the channel formed between the front and rear edges is larger closer to the center portion as compared to both of the heel portion and the toe portion. 52. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the forward edge is also spaced rearward at a different distance from the outer periphery of the face at the central portion as compared to at least one of the heel portion and the tow portion, Further comprising a spaced portion joined to an edge of the face and extending from the front edge to come close to an outer periphery of the face and spaced apart from a channel from an outer periphery of the face backwardly, the spacing being formed between a front edge of the channel and an outer periphery of the face And has a different width at the center of the spacing when compared to a second point closer to the heel or toe of the body. 51. The ball striking device of claim 50, further comprising a reinforcing rib on the soul that is spaced rearwardly from the channel, wherein the reinforcing rib increases the stiffness of the soul. 61. The ball striking device of claim 60, wherein the reinforcing rib projects inwardly into the body. 51. The ball striking device of claim 50, wherein a width of the channel formed between the front and rear edges is greater near the center portion when compared to at least one of the heel portion and the tow portion. 51. The ball striking device of claim 50, wherein the wall thickness of the body is reduced in the channel as compared to the wall thickness at other locations of the body. 51. The ball striking device of claim 50, wherein the channel is configured to affect the impact of the ball on the striking surface by applying a reaction force on the face in response to the impact. 51. The article of claim 50, wherein the body is at least a generally planarized surface that is joined to a front edge of the channel at the center and extends from the front edge to come close to the outer periphery of the face, Wherein the channel has a surface texture that is different than the spacing. 49. A golf club comprising the ball striking device of claim 50 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface and a crown opposed to the soul; And
A channel extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body, the channel having an inward recess formed between a front edge and a rear edge and extending in a heel-toe direction, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt;
/ RTI &gt;
Wherein the rear edge is bent backward away from the face at the center of the channel such that the distance between the rear edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face is greater near the center of the channel and is greater than at least one of the heel and tow The ball striking device being closer to becoming smaller. 68. The ball striking device of claim 67, wherein the distance between the rear edge and the outer periphery of the face is larger near the center of the channel and smaller near the tow. 68. The ball striking device of claim 67, wherein a distance between the rear edge and an outer periphery of the face is greater near the center of the channel and closer to both the heel and the toe. 70. The method of claim 67, wherein the forward edge is also bent backward away from the face at the center of the channel such that the distance between the front edge of the channel and the outer periphery of the face is greater near the center of the channel The heel and the tow being closer to at least one of the heel and the tow. 68. The ball striking device of claim 67, further comprising a reinforcing rib on the soul that is spaced rearwardly from the channel, wherein the reinforcing rib increases the stiffness of the soul. 73. The ball striking device of claim 72, wherein the reinforcing rib projects inwardly into the body. 68. The ball striking device of claim 67, wherein a width of the channel formed between the front and rear edges is larger near the center and smaller near at least one of the heel and the tow. 74. The ball striking device of claim 73, wherein a width of the channel formed between the front and rear edges is larger near the center and smaller than both of the heel and the toe. 68. The ball striking device of claim 67, wherein the wall thickness of the body is reduced in the channel as compared to the wall thickness at other locations of the body. 68. The ball striking device of claim 67, wherein the channel is configured to affect the impact of the ball on the striking surface by applying a reaction force on the face in response to the impact. 68. The article of claim 67, wherein the body is a generally planarized surface that is at least partially joined to the front edge of the channel at the central portion and extends from the front edge to come close to the outer periphery of the face, Wherein the ball striking device further comprises: 80. The ball striking device of claim 77, wherein the channel has a surface texture that is different than the spacing. 67. A golf club comprising a ball striking device of claim 67 and a shaft coupled to the ball striking device. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearward from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface and a crown opposed to the soul;
A channel formed between the front edge and the rear edge and extending in a heel-toe direction, the channel having a center, a closer proximity to the heel of the body, Wherein at least one of the front and rear edges is spaced rearward at a different distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center as compared to a point proximate the heel or toe, Channel; And
Wherein the reinforcing rib is a soul-shaped reinforcing rib spaced rearwardly from the channel, the reinforcing rib increasing the stiffness of the soul,
. &Lt; / RTI &gt; 79. The ball striking device of claim 80, wherein the rear edge is spaced rearward at a greater distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center as compared to a point proximate the heel or toe. 83. The ball striking device of claim 81, wherein the rear edge is spaced rearward at a greater distance from the periphery of the face at the center as compared to a point proximate the heel and toe. 83. The ball striking device of claim 82, wherein a width of the channel formed between the front and rear edges is larger near the center and smaller near both the heel and the toe. 79. The ball striking device of claim 80, wherein the reinforcing rib projects inwardly into the body. 79. The ball striking device of claim 80, further comprising a plurality of reinforcing ribs on the soul spaced rearwardly from the channel, wherein each reinforcing rib increases the stiffness of the soul. 86. The ball striking device of claim 85, wherein each reinforcing rib projects inwardly into the body. 79. The ball striking device of claim 80, wherein a width of the channel formed between the front and rear edges is larger near the center and smaller near at least one of the heel and the toe. A golf club comprising a ball striking device of claim 80 and a shaft connected to the ball striking device. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearwardly from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface, a crown opposed to the soul, a heel, and a tow;
A hosel connected to said body in proximity to said heel, said hosel having an internal interconnect structure adapted for connection of a shaft to said hosel;
A channel formed inwardly concave extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body, the channel comprising an inwardly concave formed groove formed between the front edge and the rear edge and extending in the heel-toe direction channel; And
An access opening extending through the soul and intersecting the channel, the access opening providing access to an internal interconnection structure of the hosel;
. &Lt; / RTI &gt; 90. The ball striking device of claim 89, wherein the internal interconnect structure is adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration. 90. The ball striking device of claim 89, wherein the access opening is located between a front edge and a rear edge of the channel. 90. The ball striking device of claim 89, wherein the access opening intersects a heel portion of the channel. 93. The ball striking device of claim 92, wherein the internal interconnect structure is adapted for connection of a shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration. 90. The ball striking device of claim 89, further comprising a reinforcing rib on the soul that is spaced rearwardly from the channel, wherein the reinforcing rib increases the rigidity of the soul. 95. The ball striking device of claim 94, wherein the reinforcing rib projects inwardly into the body. 90. The ball striking device of claim 89, wherein the access opening affects the flexibility of the channel. 90. The ball striking device of claim 89, wherein the rear edge of the channel is spaced rearward at a greater distance from an outer periphery of the face at a center of the channel as compared to a point proximate the tow. 97. The ball striking device of claim 97, wherein the access opening intersects a heel portion of the channel, and wherein the internal interconnect structure is adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration. 97. The ball striking device of claim 98, further comprising a reinforcing rib on the soul that is spaced rearwardly from the channel, the reinforcing rib increasing stiffness of the soul. A golf club comprising a shaft connected to a hosel via the ball striking device of claim 89 and an internal interconnect structure. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearwardly from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface, a crown opposed to the soul, a heel, and a tow; And
An internal interconnect structure applied for connection of the shaft to the body in an adjustable configuration;
A channel extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body, the channel being formed between a front edge and a rear edge and extending in a heel-toe direction and being recessed inwardly between the front and rear edges, ; And
The access opening providing access to the internal interconnect structure and the access opening communicating with the channel,
. &Lt; / RTI &gt; 102. The ball striking device of claim 101, wherein the access opening is located between a front edge and a rear edge of the channel. 102. The ball striking device of claim 101, wherein the access opening communicates with a heel portion of the channel. 102. The ball striking device of claim 101, further comprising a reinforcing rib on the soul that is spaced rearwardly from the channel, wherein the reinforcing rib increases the rigidity of the soul. 105. The ball striking device of claim 104, wherein the reinforcing rib projects inwardly into the body. 102. The ball striking device of claim 101, wherein the access opening affects the flexibility of the channel. 102. The ball striking device of claim 101, wherein the rear edge of the channel is spaced rearward at a greater distance from an outer periphery of the face at a central portion of the channel as compared to a point proximate the tow. 108. The ball striking device of claim 107, wherein the access opening communicates with a heel portion of the channel and is positioned between a front edge and a rear edge of the channel. 111. The ball striking device of claim 108, further comprising a reinforcing rib on the soul that is spaced rearwardly from the channel, wherein the reinforcing rib increases the stiffness of the soul. A golf club comprising a ball striking device according to claim 101 and a shaft adjustably connected to the ball striking device via an internal interconnect structure. A face having a striking surface configured to strike the ball, the face being formed by an outer periphery;
A body coupled to the face and extending rearwardly from an outer periphery of the face, the body having a soul configured to face a playing surface, a crown opposed to the soul, a heel, and a tow; And
An internal interconnect structure applied for connection of the shaft to the body;
A channel extending across at least a portion of the soul of the body, the channel being formed between a front edge and a rear edge and extending in a heel-toe direction and being recessed inwardly between the front and rear edges, ;
An access opening extending through the soul and crossing the channel, the access opening providing access to the internal interconnect structure; And
Wherein the reinforcing rib is a soul-shaped reinforcing rib spaced rearwardly from the channel, the reinforcing rib increasing the stiffness of the soul,
. &Lt; / RTI &gt; 111. The ball striking device of claim 111, wherein the reinforcing rib projects inwardly into the body. 111. The ball striking device of claim 111, further comprising a plurality of reinforcing ribs on the soul spaced rearwardly from the channel, wherein each reinforcing rib increases the rigidity of the soul. 114. The ball striking device of claim 113, wherein each reinforcing rib projects inwardly into the body. 111. The ball striking device of claim 111, wherein the internal interconnect structure is adapted for connection of a shaft to the body in an adjustable configuration. 111. The ball striking device of claim 111, wherein the access opening is located between a front edge and a rear edge of the channel. 111. The ball striking device of claim 111, further comprising a hosel connected to the body proximate the heel, the hosel comprising an internal interconnect structure, the access opening intersecting a heel portion of the channel. 118. The ball striking device of claim 117, wherein the internal interconnect structure is adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel in an adjustable configuration. 119. The ball striking device of claim 118, wherein the back edge of the channel is spaced rearward at a greater distance from an outer periphery of the face at a center of the channel as compared to a point proximate the tow. 111. The ball striking device of claim 111, wherein a central portion of the channel has greater flexibility than the reinforcing rib. 111. A golf club comprising a ball striking device and a shaft connected to the body via an internal interconnect structure.

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