A Salute to Aerodynamic Genius in the Golf Industry; Part 2 – Fins… They Work on Airplanes and Boats… Why Not Golf Club Heads?

Ask most golfers about aerodynamics and they will immediately start spouting off buzz words pertaining to golf balls… dimples, drag, lift, etc…

Well, have you ever thought about the aerodynamics of your golf clubs? Fortunately there have been many inventors over the years that have been fixated on the aerodynamics of the golf club head.

I would love to interview a golf club design engineer regarding the significance, or lack thereof, of a golf club head’s aerodynamics. I suspect that at Tiger’s swing speed it may have minor significance, but virtually no significance for most golfers… but that is just a hunch. While the idea makes some sense, if it were a truly great idea then one of the major manufacturers would have been all over it a long time ago.

Part 1 of this series focused on a handful of patents that disclose clubs which aim to channel airflow through the club head in a particular manner.

This edition, part 2 of the series, will honor those inventors that think… “the only thing missing from a golf club head is fins!” Check out these interesting finned club heads.

First, take a look at this club head design found in USPN D185717. This design has a nice understated wing with selective curvature on one side of the fin.



Next, the following design is protected by both utility patent and design patent protection! The design is revealed in USPN 5193810 titled “Wood Type Aerodynamic Golf Club Head Having an Air Foil Member on the Upper Surface” and the associated design patent USPN D338935 titled “Wood Type Golf Club Head.”



A similar design is seen in USPN 5505448 titled “Golf Clubhead.”






Next, check out the interesting twist on the finned club head concept found in USPN D478950 titled “Golf Club Head.” Ahh, of course… if fins are good for the crown, why not put some on the sole?



Lastly, my favorite finned club design is found in USPN D489424 titled “Golf Club Head.” Check out this beauty!


Interesting stuff!

Dave Dawsey- The Aerodynamic Attorney

PS – click here to review part 1 of this series focused on a handful of patents that disclose clubs which aim to channel airflow through the club head.
 
Posted by David Dawsey PE Esq at 10/22/2007 12:00 AM
Categories: Patent Humor, Woods, Golf Design Patents
 
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