CPC A63B 53/047 (2013.01) [A63B 53/04 (2013.01); A63B 60/00 (2015.10); A63B 53/0416 (2020.08); A63B 53/0433 (2020.08); A63B 53/0454 (2020.08); A63B 53/0462 (2020.08); A63B 53/0466 (2013.01); A63B 53/0487 (2013.01); A63B 2209/02 (2013.01)] | 18 Claims |
1. A ball striking device comprising:
a ball striking plate having a front surface configured to strike a ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface, the ball striking plate having a desired-contact region and a perimeter; and
further comprising a thickened portion of the ball striking plate, the thickened portion including an elevated area on the rear surface of the ball striking plate positioned behind the desired-contact region of the ball striking plate; and
a plurality of spoke-like reinforcement ribs located on a rear surface and extending away from the desired-contact region toward the perimeter;
wherein:
the front surface, rear surface, and thickened portion comprise a first material and the plurality of spoke-like reinforcement ribs comprise a second material, having a greater modulus of elasticity than the first material;
the plurality of spoke-like reinforcement ribs radiate outward from the elevated area toward the perimeter;
wherein the thickened portion further includes a transition area that tapers in thickness between an upper boundary that defines a perimeter of an elevated area and a lower boundary that defines a perimeter of the thickened portion; and
wherein the plurality of spoke-like reinforcement ribs extend outward from the elevated area and over the transition area.
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