CN109718516B - Golf club head - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of golf club heads and methods of manufacturing golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a rear portion, and a front portion having a face portion with a face thickness extending between a front surface and a rear surface. The body portion may be associated with a body portion volume. The golf club head may also include an interior cavity. The lumen may comprise an elastic polymeric material. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Description

Golf club head

This application is a divisional application of patent application 201680043190.2 entitled "Golf club head and method of manufacturing Golf club head" filed on 2016, month 07, 13, this parent application corresponds to International application PCT/US2016/042075 entitled "Golf club head and method of manufacturing Golf club head" filed on 2016, month 07, 13.

Copyright authorization

This application is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent application or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the patent and trademark office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

Cross-referencing

This application claims rights and benefits from united states provisional application serial No. 62/209,780 filed on 25/8/2015, united states provisional application serial No. 62/275,443 filed on 6/1/2016, united states provisional application serial No. 62/276,358 filed on 8/1/2016, united states provisional application serial No. 62/277,636 filed 12/1/2016, and united states provisional application serial No. 62/343,739 filed 31/3/2016. This application is a continuation of the U.S. non-provisional application serial No. 15/188,718 filed on 21/6/2016. This application is also filed as a continuation-in-part of the U.S. non-provisional application serial No. 15/043,106 filed on 12.2.2016. This application is also filed as a continuation-in-part of the U.S. non-provisional application serial No. 15/043,113 filed on 12.2.2016. This application is also filed as part of a non-provisional U.S. application serial No. 14/852,312 filed on 11/9/2015. The disclosure of the referenced application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to golf equipment and, more particularly, to golf club heads and methods of manufacturing golf club heads.

Background

Many materials (e.g., steel-based materials, titanium-based materials, tungsten-based materials, etc.) may be used to manufacture golf club heads. By using a variety of materials to manufacture a golf club head, the Center of Gravity (CG) position and/or moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head may be optimized to produce a particular trajectory and spin rate for the golf ball.

Disclosure of Invention

An exemplary embodiment of the present application provides a golf club head comprising: a body portion having a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a rear portion, a front portion having a face portion with a face thickness extending between a front surface and a rear surface, at least a first weight portion located above a horizontal median plane of the body portion, at least a second weight portion located below the horizontal median plane, and an interior cavity, the body portion associated with a body portion volume; an elastic polymeric material in the lumen, the elastic polymeric material associated with an elastic polymeric material volume; wherein the volume of the elastic polymer material is more than or equal to V according to the formula of 0.2_e/V_b0.5 or less is related to the volume of the body part, wherein V_eIs in³Volume of elastomeric polymer material in units, V_bIs in³A body portion volume in units; wherein the lumen is associated with a lumen volume, the lumen volume being greater than or equal to V according to the formula 0.2_c/V_b0.5 or less is related to the volume of the body part, wherein V_cIs in³Volume of lumen in units, V_bIs in³Is the volume of the body part in units, and V_e≤V_c(ii) a And wherein a distance between the at least second weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion is greater than a distance between the at least first weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present application provides a golf club head comprising: a body portion having a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a rear portion, a front portion, at least a first weight portion and a sole portionA second weight portion, and an interior cavity, the front portion having a face portion with a face thickness extending between a front surface and a rear surface, the at least first weight portion being located above a horizontal median plane of the body portion, the at least second weight portion being located below the horizontal median plane; an elastic polymeric material in the lumen, the elastic polymeric material associated with an elastic polymeric material volume; wherein the face thickness is not less than T according to the formula 0.01_f/V_e0.2 or less is related to the volume of the elastomeric polymeric material, wherein T_fFace thickness in inches, V_eIs in³Volume of elastomeric polymer material in units; wherein the lumen is associated with a lumen volume, and wherein the face thickness is according to the formula 0.01 ≦ T_f/V_c0.2 or less is related to the lumen volume, wherein T_fFace thickness in inches, V_cIs in³Is the lumen volume in units, and V_e≤V_c(ii) a And wherein a distance between the at least second weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion is greater than a distance between the at least first weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present application provides a golf club head comprising: a body portion having a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a rear portion, a front portion having a face portion with a face thickness extending between a front surface and a rear surface, at least a first weight portion located above a horizontal median plane of the body portion, and at least a second weight portion located below the horizontal median plane, and an interior cavity; an elastic polymeric material in the lumen; wherein the volume of elastic polymeric material associated with the elastic polymeric material, the volume of the body portion associated with the body portion, and the thickness of the face portion are according to formula V_e＝a*V_b+b+c*T_fIn a correlation, wherein V_eIs in³Volume of elastomeric polymer material in units, V_bIs in³In units ofBulk volume, T_fIs the thickness of the face in inches,

and c is more than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 10; wherein the lumen is associated with a lumen volume, and wherein the lumen volume is ≦ V according to the equation 0.2_c/V_b0.5 or less is related to the volume of the body part, wherein V_cIs in³Volume of lumen in units, V_bIs in³Is the volume of the body part in units, and V_e≤V_c(ii) a Wherein the lumen is associated with a lumen volume, and wherein the face thickness is according to the formula 0.01 ≦ T_f/V_c0.2 or less is related to the lumen volume, wherein T_fIs the thickness of the face in inches, and V_cIs in³Lumen volume in units; and wherein a distance between the at least second weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion is greater than a distance between the at least first weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion.

Drawings

Fig. 1 depicts a front view of a golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

Fig. 2 depicts a rear view of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 depicts a top view of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 depicts a bottom view of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 depicts a left side view of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 6 depicts a right side view of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of FIG. 1 along line 7-7.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of FIG. 1 along line 8-8.

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of FIG. 1 along line 9-9.

Fig. 10 depicts another rear view of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 11 depicts a top view of a weight portion associated with the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 12 depicts a side view of a weight portion associated with the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 13 depicts a side view of another weight portion associated with the example golf club head of fig. 1.

FIG. 14 depicts a rear view of the body portion of the example golf club head of FIG. 1.

Fig. 15 depicts a cross-sectional view of a face portion (face portion) of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 16 depicts a cross-sectional view of another face portion of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 17 depicts one way in which the example golf club heads described herein may be manufactured.

Fig. 18 depicts another cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of fig. 4 along line 18-18.

Fig. 19 depicts a front view of a face of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 20 depicts a back view of the face of fig. 19.

FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example groove of the face of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 depicts a cross-sectional view of another example groove of the face of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 depicts a cross-sectional view of yet another example groove of the face of FIG. 19.

FIG. 24 depicts a cross-sectional view of yet another example groove of the face of FIG. 19.

Fig. 25 depicts a back side view of another example face of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 26 depicts a back side view of yet another example face of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 27 depicts a back side view of yet another example face of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

Fig. 28 depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of fig. 1.

FIG. 29 depicts another way in which example golf club heads described herein may be manufactured.

FIG. 30 depicts yet another manner in which the example golf club heads described herein may be manufactured.

Fig. 31 depicts a rear view of a golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

Fig. 32 depicts a rear view of the golf club head of fig. 31.

Fig. 33 depicts a front view of a golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

Fig. 34 depicts a rear view of the example golf club head of fig. 33.

Fig. 35 depicts a rear perspective view of the example golf club head of fig. 33.

Fig. 36 depicts a rear view of the example golf club head of fig. 33.

Fig. 37 depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of fig. 33 along line 37-37 of fig. 36.

Fig. 38 depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of fig. 33 along line 38-38 of fig. 36.

Fig. 39 depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of fig. 33 along line 39-39 of fig. 36.

Fig. 40 depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of fig. 33 along line 40-40 of fig. 36.

Fig. 41 depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of fig. 33 along line 41-41 of fig. 36.

Fig. 42 depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of fig. 33 along line 42-42 of fig. 36.

FIG. 43 depicts yet another way in which the example golf club heads described herein may be manufactured.

FIG. 44 depicts yet another manner in which the example golf club heads described herein may be manufactured.

Fig. 45 depicts an example of curing the adhesive.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the application. Furthermore, elements in the figures of the drawings may not be drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present application.

Detailed Description

In general, golf balls and methods of making golf balls are described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of fig. 1-14, a golf club head 100 may include a body portion 110 (fig. 14) and two or more weight portions, generally shown as a first set of weight portions 120 (e.g., shown as weight portions 121, 122, 123, and 124) and a second set of weight portions 130 (e.g., shown as weight portions 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137). The body portion 110 may include a toe (toe)4 portion 140, a heel (heel) portion 150, a front (front) portion 160, a back (back) portion 170, a top (top) portion 180, and a sole (sole) portion 190. The body portion 110 may be made of a first material and the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be made of a second material. The first material and the second material may be similar or different materials. For example, the body portion 110 may be partially or entirely formed from a steel-based material (e.g., 17-4PH stainless steel,

stainless steel, maraging steel, or other types of stainless steel), titanium-based materials, aluminum-based materials (e.g., high-strength aluminum alloys or composite aluminum alloys coated with high-strength alloys), any combination thereof, and/or other suitable types of materials. The first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be partially or entirely made of a high density material such as a tungsten-based material or other suitable type of material. Alternatively, the body portion 110 and/or the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be partially or fully integralGround is made of non-metallic materials (e.g., composite materials, plastics, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 100 may be an iron-type golf club head (e.g., iron 1, iron 2, iron 3, iron 4, iron 5, iron 6, iron 7, iron 8, iron 9, etc.) or a wedge-type golf club head (e.g., pitching wedge, high throw wedge, bunker, n-degree wedges such as 44 degrees (°), 48 °, 52 °, 56 °, 60 °, etc.). Although fig. 1-10 may depict a particular model of club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other models of club heads (e.g., driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrid-type club heads, putter-type club heads, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The toe portion 140 and the heel portion 150 may be at opposite ends of the body portion 110. The heel portion 150 may include a hosel portion 155, the hosel portion 155 configured to receive a shaft (not shown) having a grip (not shown) at one end, the golf club head 100 being at an opposite end of the shaft to form a golf club.

The front portion 160 may include a face portion 162 (e.g., a ball striking face). Face 162 may include a front surface 164 and a rear surface 166. The front surface 164 may include one or more grooves 168 extending between the toe portion 140 and the heel portion 150. Although a particular number of grooves may be depicted in the figures, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer grooves. The face 162 may be used to impact a golf ball (not shown). The face portion 162 may be an integral part of the body portion 110. Alternatively, the face portion 162 may be a separate component or insert (insert) that is coupled to the body portion 110 by various manufacturing methods and/or processes (e.g., a bonding process such as an adhesive, a welding process such as laser welding, a brazing process, a soldering process, a welding process, a mechanical locking or connecting method, any combination thereof, or other suitable types of manufacturing methods and/or processes). The face portion 162 may be associated with a loft defining a loft angle of the golf club head 100. The loft angle may vary based on the type of golf club (e.g., long iron, medium iron, short iron, wedge, etc.). In one example, the loft angle may be between five and seventy-five degrees. In another example, the loft angle may be between twenty and sixty degrees. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As shown in fig. 14, the rear portion 170 may include a rear wall portion 1410, the rear wall portion 1410 having one or more exterior weight ports (exterior weight ports) along a periphery of the rear portion 170, generally shown as a first set of exterior weight ports 1420 (e.g., shown as weight ports 1421, 1422, 1423, and 1424) and a second set of exterior weight ports 1430 (e.g., shown as weight ports 1431, 1432, 1433, 1434, 1435, 1436, and 1437). Each exterior weight port may be associated with a port diameter. In one example, the hole diameter may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters). Any two adjacent exterior weight ports of the first set of exterior weight ports 1420 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter. In a similar manner, any two adjacent exterior weight ports of the second set of exterior weight ports 1430 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter. The first and second sets of exterior weight ports 1420 and 1430 may be exterior weight ports configured to receive one or more weight portions. Specifically, each weight portion (e.g., shown as weight portions 121, 122, 123, and 124) of the first set 120 may be disposed in a weight port located at or near the toe portion 140 and/or the top portion 180 on the rear portion 170. For example, the weight portion 121 may be partially or fully disposed in the weight port 1421. In another example, the weight portion 122 may be disposed in the weight port 1422 in a transition region between the top 180 and the toe 140 (e.g., a top and toe transition region). Each weight portion of the second set 130 (e.g., shown as weight portions 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137) may be disposed in a weight port located at or near the toe portion 140 and/or the sole portion 190 on the rear portion 170. For example, the weight portion 135 may be partially or fully disposed in the weight port 1435. In another example, the weight portion 136 may be disposed in a weight port 1436 located in a transition region between the sole 190 and the toe 140 (e.g., sole and toe transition region). As described in detail below, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be coupled to the rear portion 170 of the body portion 110 using various manufacturing methods and/or processes (e.g., a bonding process, a welding process, a brazing process, a mechanical locking method, any combination thereof, or other suitable manufacturing methods and/or processes).

Alternatively, the golf club head 100 may not include (i) the first set of weight portions 120, (ii) the second set of weight portions 130, or (iii) both the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130. Specifically, the rear portion 170 of the body portion 110 may not include weight ports at or near the top portion 170 and/or the bottom portion 190. For example, the mass of the first set of weight portions 120 (e.g., 3 grams) and/or the mass of the second set of weight portions 130 (e.g., 16.8 grams) may be an integral part of the body portion 110, rather than separate weight portions. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., color, shape, size, density, mass, volume, etc.). Thus, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may constitute a decorative design for the golf club head 100. In the example shown in fig. 11, each weight portion in the first and second sets 120 and 130, respectively, may have a cylindrical shape (e.g., a circular cross-section). Alternatively, each weight portion in the first set 120 may have a first shape (e.g., cylindrical) and each weight portion in the second set 130 may have a second shape (e.g., cubical). In another example, the first set of weight portions 120 may include two or more weight portions having different shapes (e.g., the weight portion 121 may be a first shape and the weight portion 122 may be a second shape different from the first shape). Similarly, the second set of weight portions 130 may also include two or more weight portions having different shapes (e.g., the weight portion 131 may be a first shape and the weight portion 132 may be a second shape different from the first shape). Although the above examples may describe counterweight portions having a particular shape, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include counterweight portions of other suitable shapes (e.g., partially spherical or entirely spherical, cubic, conical, cylindrical, pyramidal, cuboid, prismatic, truncated pyramidal, or other suitable geometric shapes). Although the above examples and figures may describe multiple weight portions as a set of weight portions, each of the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be a single piece weight portion. In an example, the first set of weight portions 120 may be single piece weight portions rather than a series of four separate weight portions. In another example, the second set of weight portions 130 may be a single piece weight portion rather than a series of seven separate weight portions. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring to fig. 12 and 13, for example, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may include threads, generally indicated as 1210 and 1310, respectively, to engage correspondingly configured threads in the weight ports to secure in the weight ports of the rear portion 170 (generally indicated as 1420 and 1430 in fig. 14). For example, each weight portion of the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be a screw (screw). The first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may not be easily removable from the body portion 110 with or without tools. Alternatively, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be easily removed (e.g., using a tool) such that a relatively heavier or lighter weight portion may replace one or more weight portions in the first and second sets 120 and 130, respectively. In another example, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be secured within the weight holes of the rear portion 170 with an epoxy or adhesive such that the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may not be easily removable. In another example, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be secured within the weight holes of the rear portion 170 with both epoxy and threads, such that the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may not be easily removable. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As described above, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be similar in some physical properties, but different in other physical properties. As shown in fig. 11-13, for example, each weight portion of the first and second sets 120 and 130, respectively, may have a diameter 1110 of approximately 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters), but the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may differ in height. Specifically, each weight portion of the first set 120 may be associated with a first height 1220 (fig. 12) and each weight portion of the second set 130 may be associated with a second height 1320 (fig. 13). The first height 1220 may be relatively shorter than the second height 1320. In one example, the first height 1220 may be about 0.125 inches (3.175 millimeters) and the second height 1320 may be about 0.3 inches (7.62 millimeters). In another example, the first height 1220 may be about 0.16 inches (4.064 millimeters) and the second height 1320 may be about 0.4 inches (10.16 millimeters). Alternatively, the first height 1220 may be equal to or greater than the second height 1320. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring back to fig. 10, for example, the golf club head 100 may be associated with a ground plane 1010, a horizontal midplane 1020, and a top plane 1030. Specifically, the ground plane 1010 may be a tangent plane of the sole 190 of the golf club head 100 when the golf club head 100 is in a ready-to-hit (address) position (e.g., the golf club head 100 is aligned to hit a golf ball). The top plane 1030 may be a tangent plane to the top 180 of the golf club head 100 when the golf club head 100 is in a address position. The ground and top planes 1010 and 1030, respectively, may be substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal midplane 1020 may be at a vertical midpoint between the ground and top planes 1010 and 1030.

To provide optimal peripheral weighting (weighting) for golf club head 100, first set of weighted portions 120 (e.g., weighted portions 121, 122, 123, and 124) may be configured to counter balance the weight of sheath 155. For example, as shown in fig. 10, the first set of weight portions 120 (e.g., weights 121, 122, 123, and 124) may be located near the periphery of the body portion 110 and extend from the top to the transition region 145 between the top 180 and the toe 140, from the transition region 145 to the toe 140. In other words, the first set of weight portions 120 may be located generally opposite the sheath portion 155 on the golf club head 100. According to an example, at least a portion of the first set of weight portions 120 may be located near a periphery of the body portion 110 and extend through the transition region 145. According to another example, at least a portion of the first set of weight portions 120 may extend about the periphery of the body portion 110 and along a portion of the top portion 180. According to another example, at least a portion of the first set of weight portions 120 may extend near the periphery of the body portion 110 and along a portion of the toe portion 140. The first set of weight portions 120 may be above the horizontal median plane 1020 of the golf club head 100. At least a portion of the first set of weight portions 120 may be near the toe 140 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 100 about a vertical axis of the golf club head 100, the vertical axis of the golf club head 100 extending through the center of gravity of the golf club head 100. Accordingly, the first set of weight portions 120 may be near the periphery of the body portion 110 and extend past the top 180, toe 140, and/or transition region 145 to counter balance the weight of the sheath 155 and/or increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 100. The physical properties and materials of the location of the first set of weight portions 120 (i.e., the location of the first set of exterior weight ports 1420) and the configuration (construction) of the weight portions in the first set of weight portions 120 may be determined to best affect the weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and/or other static and/or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The second set of weight portions 130 (e.g., weight portions 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137) may be configured to position the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 at an optimal location and optimize the moment of inertia of the golf club head about a vertical axis extending through the center of gravity of the golf club head 100. Referring to fig. 10, all or a substantial portion of the second set of weight portions 130 may be substantially near the bottom 190. For example, the second set of weight portions 130 (e.g., weight portions 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137) may be near the periphery of the body portion 110 and extend from the sole 190 to the toe 140. As shown in the example of fig. 10, the weight portions 131, 132, 133, and 134 may be located near the periphery of the body portion 110 and extend along the sole 190, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the golf club head 100. The weight portions 135, 136, and 137 may be located near the periphery of the body portion 110 and extend from the sole 190 to the toe 140 through a transition region 147 between the sole 190 and the toe 140, thereby lowering the center of gravity and increasing the moment of inertia of the golf club head 100 about a vertical axis extending through the center of gravity. To lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 100, all or a portion of the second set of weight portions 130 may be positioned closer to the sole 190 than to the horizontal midplane 1020. For example, the weight portions 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, and 136 may be closer to the bottom 190 than to the horizontal median plane 1020. The locations of the second set of weight portions 130 (i.e., the locations of the second set of exterior weight ports 1430) and the physical properties and materials of construction of the weight portions in the second set of weight portions 130 may be determined to best affect the weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and/or other static and/or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Turning to fig. 7-9, for example, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be located away from the rear surface 166 of the face portion 162 (e.g., not directly coupled to each other). That is, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be partially or completely separated from the rear surface 166 by the internal cavity 700 of the body portion 110. As shown in fig. 14, for example, each of the exterior weight ports of the first and second sets of exterior weight ports 1420 and 1430 may include an opening (e.g., shown generally as 720 and 730) and a port wall (e.g., shown generally as 725 and 735). The bore walls 725 and 735 may be an integral part of the rear wall portion 1410 (e.g., a section of the rear wall portion 1410). Each opening 720 and 730 may be configured to receive a weight portion, such as weight portions 121 and 135, respectively. The port 720 may be located at one end of the weight port 1421 and the port wall 725 may be located at or near the opposite end of the weight port 1421. In a similar manner, the port 730 may be located at one end of the weight port 1435 and the port wall 735 may be located at or near an opposite end of the weight port 1435. Bore walls 725 and 735 may be spaced apart from face 162 (e.g., by lumen 700). As shown in fig. 9, the aperture wall 725 may be a distance 726 from the rear surface 166 of the face 162. The aperture wall 735 may be a distance 736 from the rear surface 166 of the face 162. The distances 726 and 736 may be determined to optimize the location of the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 when the first and second sets of weight ports 1420 and 1430, respectively, receive weight portions as described herein. According to an example, distance 736 may be greater than distance 726 such that the center of gravity of golf club head 100 moves toward rear portion 170. As a result, the width 740 of the portion of the interior cavity 700 below the horizontal median plane 1020 may be greater than the width 742 of the interior cavity 700 above the horizontal median plane 1020. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As described herein, the Center of Gravity (CG) of the golf club head 100 may be relatively farther rearward from the face portion 162 and relatively lower toward the ground plane (e.g., shown as 1010 in fig. 10), all or a substantial portion of the second set of weight portions 130 may be closer to the sole 190 than to the horizontal midplane 1020, and the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be farther from the rear surface 166 than if the second set of weight portions 130 were directly coupled to the rear portion 166. The locations of the first and second sets of weight ports 1420 and 1430 and the physical properties and materials of construction of the weight portions of the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 may be determined to best affect the weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and/or other static and/or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although the figures may depict weight ports having particular cross-sectional shapes, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include weight ports having other suitable cross-sectional shapes. In one example, the weight ports of the first and/or second sets of weight ports 1420 and 1430 may have a U-shaped cross-sectional shape. In another example, the weight ports of the first and/or second sets of weight ports 1420 and 1430 may have a V-shaped cross-sectional shape. One or more weight ports associated with the first set of weight portions 120 may have a different cross-sectional shape than one or more weight ports associated with the second set of weight portions 130. For example, the weight port 1421 may have a U-shaped cross-sectional shape and the weight port 1435 may have a V-shaped cross-sectional shape. Further, two or more weight ports associated with the first set of weight portions 120 may have different cross-sectional shapes. In a similar manner, two or more weight ports associated with the second set of weight portions 130 may have different cross-sectional shapes. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be similar in mass (e.g., all weight portions in the first and second sets 120 and 130, respectively, are approximately one weight). Alternatively, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may differ in mass individually or in groups. In particular, each weight portion (e.g., shown as 121, 122, 123, and 124) in the first set 120 may have a relatively smaller mass than any weight portion (e.g., shown as 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137) in the second set 130. For example, the second set of weight portions 130 may account for more than 50% of the total mass of the exterior weight portions of the golf club head 100. Accordingly, the golf club head 100 may be configured such that at least 50% of the total mass of the exterior weight portion is disposed below the horizontal median plane 1020. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, the golf club head 100 may have a mass ranging from about 220 grams to about 330 grams based on the golf club model (e.g., iron 4 versus high loft). The body portion 110 may have a mass ranging from about 200 grams to about 310 grams, with the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, having a mass of about 20 grams (e.g., the total mass of the outer weight portions). Each weight portion in the first set 120 may have a mass of about 1 gram (1.0g), while each weight portion in the second set 130 may have a mass of about 2.4 grams. The sum of the masses of the first set of weight portions 120 may be about 3 grams, and the sum of the masses of the second set of weight portions 130 may be about 16.8 grams. The total mass of the second set of weight portions 130 may be more than five times as heavy as the total mass of the first set of weight portions 120 (e.g., about 16.8 grams of the total mass of the second set of weight portions 130 to about 3 grams of the total mass of the first set of weight portions 120). The golf club head 100 may have a total mass from the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, of 19.8 grams (e.g., the sum of 3 grams for the first set of weight portions 120 and 16.8 grams for the second set of weight portions 130). Thus, the first set of weight portions 120 may account for approximately 15% of the total mass of the exterior weight portions of the golf club head 100, while the second set of weight portions 130 may account for approximately 85% of the total mass of the exterior weight portions of the golf club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

By coupling the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, to the body portion 110 (e.g., securing the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 within weight ports on the rear portion 170), the position of the Center of Gravity (CG) and the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head 100 may be optimized. Specifically, as described herein, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may lower the CG location toward the bottom 190 and farther rearward from the face 162. Further, the MOI measured with respect to a vertical axis extending through the CG (e.g., perpendicular to the ground plane 1010) may be greater. The MOI may also be greater as measured about a horizontal axis extending through the CG (e.g., extending toward the toe and heel portions 150 and 160, respectively, of the golf club head 100). Accordingly, the club head 100 may provide a relatively larger launch angle (launch angle) and a relatively smaller spin rate than a golf club head without the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Alternatively, two or more weight portions in the same set may differ in mass. In an example, the weight portions 121 of the first group 120 may have a relatively smaller mass than the weight portions 122 of the first group 120. In another example, the weight portions 131 of the second set 130 may have a relatively smaller mass than the weight portions 135 of the second set 130. With greater mass at the top-toe transition region and/or the sole-toe transition region, more weight may be distributed away from the Center of Gravity (CG) of the golf club head 100, thereby increasing the moment of inertia (MOI) about a vertical axis passing through the CG.

Although the figures may depict the weight portions as separate individual components, each of the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be a single piece of weight portion. In an example, all of the weight portions (e.g., shown as 121, 122, 123, and 124) of the first group 120 can be combined into a single piece weight portion (e.g., a first weight portion). In a similar manner, all of the weight portions (e.g., 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137) of the second set 130 may also be combined into a single piece weight portion (e.g., a second weight portion). In this example, the golf club head 100 may have only two weight portions. Although the figures may depict a particular number of weight portions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a greater or lesser number of weight portions. In one example, the first set of weight portions 120 may include two separate weight portions instead of the three separate weight portions shown in the figures. In another example, the second set of weight portions 130 may include five separate weight portions instead of the seven separate weight portions shown in the figures. Alternatively, as described above, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may not include any separate weight portions (e.g., the body portion 100 may be manufactured to include the mass of a separate weight portion as an integral part of the body portion 110). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Returning to fig. 7-9, for example, the body portion 110 may be a hollow body including a lumen 700 extending between the anterior portion 160 and the posterior portion 170. Further, the internal cavity 700 may extend between the top 180 and the bottom 190. The cavity 700 may have a cavity height 750 (H)_C) In association, the body portion 110 may have a body height 850 (H)_B) And (4) associating. Although the cavity height 750 and body height 850 may vary between the toe and heel portions 140 and 150, the cavity height 750 may be at least 50% (H) of the body height 850_C>0.5*H_B). For example, the cavity height 750 may vary between 70% -85% of the body height 850. When the cavity height 750 of the interior cavity 700 is greater than 50% of the body height 850, the golf club head 100 may produce a relatively more consistent feel, sound, and/or result when the golf club head 100 strikes a golf ball through the face portion 162 as compared to a golf club head where the cavity height is less than 50% of the body height. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In an example, the lumen 700 may not be filled (e.g., empty space). The body portion 100 with the internal cavity 700 may weigh approximately 100 grams less than the body portion 100 without the internal cavity 700. Alternatively, the lumen 700 may be partially or fully filled with a resilient polymer or resilient material (e.g., such as manufactured by Sorbothane, Inc. of Kent, Ohio)

Materials such as viscoelastic urethane polymer materials), thermoplastic elastomer materials (TPEs), thermoplastic polyurethane materials (TPUs), and/or other suitable types of materials to absorb shock, isolate shock, and/or dampen noise. For example, at least 50% of the interior cavity 700 may be filled with a TPE material to absorb impact, isolate shock, and/or dampen noise when the golf club head 100 strikes a golf ball via the face portion 162.

In another example, the interior cavity 700 may be partially or fully filled with a polymer material, such as an ethylene copolymer material, to absorb impact, isolate shock and/or dampen noise when the golf club head 100 strikes a golf ball through the face portion 162. Specifically, at least 50% of the interior cavity 700 may be filled with a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a high amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of a terpolymer of ethylene acid acrylate, an ethylene copolymer including a magnesium ionomer, an injection moldable ethylene copolymer that may be used in conventional injection molding equipment to make various shapes, an ethylene copolymer that may be used in conventional extrusion equipment to make various shapes, and/or an ethylene copolymer with high compression and low rebound similar to a thermoset polybutadiene rubber. For example, the ethylene copolymer may include a copolymer with DuPont manufactured by E.I.du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del^TMHigh Performance resin (HPF) series of materials (e.g., DuPont)^TMHPF AD1172、DuPont^TMHPF AD1035、

HPF 1000 and DuPont^TMHPF 2000) of any ethylene copolymer. DuPont^TMHPF seriesThe ethylene copolymers of the list are injection moldable and can be used with conventional injection molding equipment and molds, providing low compression, and providing high rebound. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Turning to fig. 15, for example, the face 162 may include a first thickness 1510 (T)₁) And a second thickness 1520 (T)₂). First thickness 1510 may be a thickness of a section of face 162 adjacent to groove 168, and second thickness 1520 may be a thickness of a section of face 162 below groove 168. For example, first thickness 1510 may be the maximum distance between front surface 164 and back surface 166. The second thickness 1520 may be based on the groove 168. Specifically, the groove 168 may have a groove depth 1525 (D)_groove). The second thickness 1520 may be the maximum distance between the bottom of the recess 168 and the rear surface 166. The sum of second thickness 1520 and groove depth 1525 can be substantially equal to first thickness 1510 (e.g., T)₂+D_groove＝T₁). Thus, the second thickness 1520 may be less than the first thickness 1510 (e.g., T)₂<T₁)。

To reduce and/or move the CG of the golf club head 100 further rearward, the weight of the front portion 160 of the golf club head 100 may be removed by using a relatively thinner face portion 162. For example, the first thickness 1510 can be about 0.075 inches (1.905 millimeters) (e.g., T₁0.075 inch). Face portion 162 may be relatively thinner (e.g., T) when supported by a rear wall portion 1410 forming lumen 700 and filling at least a portion of lumen 700 with an elastic polymer material₁<0.075 inches) without degrading the structural integrity, sound, and/or feel of the golf club head 100. In an example, the first thickness 1510 can be less than or equal to 0.060 inches (1.524 millimeters) (e.g., T₁Less than or equal to 0.060 inch). In another example, first thickness 1510 can be less than or equal to 0.040 inches (1.016 millimeters) (e.g., T)₁0.040 inch or less). Based on the type of material used to form the face portion 162 and/or the body portion 110, the face portion 162 can be even thinner, with a first thickness 1510 less than or equal to 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters) (e.g., T)₁0.030 inches or less). The groove depth 1525 may be greater than or equal to the second thickness 1520 (e.g.Such as, D_groove≥T₂). In an example, the groove depth 1525 can be about 0.020 inch (0.508 millimeter) (e.g., D_groove0.020 inch). Thus, the second thickness 1520 may be about 0.010 inches (0.254 millimeters) (e.g., T)₂0.010 inches). In another example, the groove depth 1525 may be about 0.015 inch (0.381 millimeter) and the second thickness 1520 may be about 0.015 inch (e.g., D)_groove＝T₂0.015 inch). Alternatively, the groove depth 1525 may be less than the second thickness 1520 (e.g., D)_groove<T₂). Without the support of the rear wall portion 1410 and without the elastic polymer material filling the interior cavity 700, the golf club head may not be able to withstand multiple impacts of a golf ball on the face. In contrast to the golf club head 100 described herein, a golf club head having a thinner face portion without support from the rear wall portion 1410 and without the elastic polymer material filling the interior cavity 700 (e.g., a cavity-back golf club head) may generate an uncomfortable sound (e.g., a squeal sound) and/or feel upon impact with a golf ball. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The face portion 162 may include additional material at or near the perimeter of the face portion 162 based on the manufacturing process and method used to form the golf club head 100. Accordingly, the face 162 may also include a third thickness 1530 and a chamfered (chamfer) portion 1540. The third thickness 1530 may be greater than the first thickness 1510 or the second thickness 1520 (e.g., T)₃>T₁>T₂). Specifically, the face portion 162 may be coupled to the body portion 110 through a welding process. For example, the first thickness 1510 can be about 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters), the second thickness 1520 can be about 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters), and the third thickness can be about 0.050 inches (1.27 millimeters). Thus, chamfered portion 1540 may accommodate some additional material when face portion 162 is welded to body portion 110.

As shown in fig. 16, for example, the face 162 may include a reinforced area, generally indicated as 1605, beneath one or more grooves 168. In an example, the face 162 may include a reinforced area 1605 below each groove. Alternatively, face 162 may be included inReinforcement blocks 1605 underlying some grooves (e.g., every other groove) or just underlying one groove. Face 162 may include a first thickness 1610, a second thickness 1620, a third thickness 1630, and a chamfered portion 1640. The groove 168 may have a groove depth 1625. The reinforcement block 168 may define a second thickness 1620. First and second thicknesses 1610 and 1620, respectively, may be substantially equal to each other (e.g., T)₁＝T₂). In an example, the first and second thicknesses 1610 and 1620, respectively, can be about 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters) (e.g., T₁＝T₂0.030 inches). The groove depth 1625 may be about 0.015 inch (0.381 mm) and the third thickness 1630 may be about 0.050 inch (1.27 mm). The groove 168 may also have a groove width. The width of the reinforcement block 1605 may be greater than or equal to the groove width. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Alternatively, the thickness of the face 162 at and/or between the top 180 and the bottom 190 may vary. In an example, the face 162 may be relatively thicker at or near the top 180 than at or near the bottom 190 (e.g., the thickness of the face 162 may taper from the top 180 toward the bottom 190). In another example, the face 162 may be relatively thicker at or near the bottom 190 than at or near the top 180 (e.g., the thickness of the face 162 may taper from the bottom 190 toward the top 180). In another example, the face 162 may be relatively thicker between the top 180 and the bottom 190 than at or near the top 180 and the bottom 190 (e.g., the thickness of the face 162 may have a bell-shaped profile). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Unlike other golf club head designs, the positioning of the interior cavity 700 of the body portion 110 and the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, along the perimeter of the golf club head 100 may result in a golf ball exiting the face portion 162 at a relatively higher launch angle for the ball hit and a relatively lower spin rate. As a result, the golf ball may travel farther (e.g., a greater total distance, including flight distance and roll distance).

As described herein, the internal cavity 700 may be partially or completely filled with an elastic polymeric material, thereby being a facePortion 162 provides structural support. In particular, the resilient polymer material may also provide vibration and/or noise dampening to the body portion 110 when the face portion 162 strikes a golf ball. Alternatively, the resilient polymer material may provide vibration and/or noise dampening to the body portion 110 only when the face portion 162 strikes the golf ball. In one example, the body portion 110 of the golf club head 100 (e.g., an iron-type golf club head) may have a body portion volume (V) of between about 2.0 cubic inches (32.77 cubic centimeters) and about 4.2 cubic inches (68.83 cubic centimeters)_b). Volume (V) of elastomeric polymer material filling a lumen such as lumen 700_e) And may be between 0.5 cubic inches and 1.7 cubic inches (8.19 cubic centimeters and 27.86 cubic centimeters, respectively). Volume (V) of elastic polymer material_e) For main body part volume (V)_b) The ratio of (d) can be expressed as:

wherein: v_eIs in³Volume of elastomeric polymer material in units, and V_bIs in³Is the bulk volume of the body in units.

In another example, the elastic polymeric material volume (V)_e) For main body part volume (V)_b) May be between about 0.2 and about 0.4. In yet another example, the elastic polymeric material volume (V)_e) For main body part volume (V)_b) May be between about 0.25 and about 0.35. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Based on the amount of elastic polymeric material filling the lumen, for example, the thickness of the face can be between about 0.025 inches (0.635 millimeters) and about 0.075 inches (1.905 millimeters). In another example, the thickness of the face (T)_f) And may be between about 0.02 inch (0.508mm) and about 0.09 inch (2.286 mm). Thickness of face (T)_f) May depend on the volume (V) of the elastomeric polymer material in a lumen, such as lumen 700_e). Thickness of face (T)_f) For elastic polymer materialsVolume (V)_e) The ratio of (d) can be expressed as:

wherein: t is_fIs the thickness of the face in inches, and V_eIs in³Is the volume of the elastomeric polymer material in units.

In one example, the thickness (T) of the face_f) Volume (V) to elastic polymer material_e) May be between 0.02 and 0.09. In another example, the thickness of the face (T)_f) Volume (V) to elastic polymer material_e) May be between 0.04 and 0.14. Thickness of face (T)_f) May be combined with T described above₁And/or T₂The same is true. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Thickness of face (T)_f) May depend on the volume (V) of the elastomeric polymer material in a lumen, such as lumen 700_e) And main body part volume (V)_b). Volume (V) of elastic polymer material_e) Can be expressed as:

V_e＝a*V_b+b+c*T_f

0≤c≤10

wherein: v_eIs in³Volume of elastomeric polymer material in units, V_bIs in³Is the volume of the body part in units, and T_fIs the thickness of the face in inches.

As described herein, for example, a body portion volume (V)_b) And may be between about 2.0 cubic inches (32.77 cubic centimeters) and about 4.2 cubic inches (68.83 cubic centimeters). At one time showIn the example, the thickness (T) of the face_f) And may be about 0.03 inch (0.762 millimeter). In another example, the thickness of the face (T)_f) And may be about 0.06 inches (1.524 millimeters). In yet another example, the thickness of the face (T)_f) And may be about 0.075 inches (1.905 mm). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Furthermore, the volume (V) of the elastic polymer material when the lumen is completely filled with the elastic polymer material_e) Volume (V) of the inner cavity_c) Similarly. Thus, the volume of the elastic polymeric material (V) in any of the formulas provided herein when the lumen is completely filled with the elastic polymeric material_e) Volume of available lumen (V)_c) Instead. Therefore, in the volume (V) of the lumen_c) The above formula represented can be expressed as:

V_e＝a*V_b+b+c*T_f

0≤c≤10

wherein: v_cIs in³Volume of lumen in units, V_bIs in³Is the volume of the body part in units, and T_fIs the thickness of the face in inches.

Fig. 17 depicts one way in which the example golf club heads described herein may be manufactured. In the example of fig. 17, the process 1700 may begin by providing two or more weight portions, generally shown as first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively (block 1710). The first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively, may be made of a first material, such as a tungsten-based material. In one example, the weight portions in the first and second sets 120 and 130, respectively, may be tungsten alloy screws.

The process 1700 may provide a body portion 110 having a face portion 162, an interior cavity 700, and a rear portion 170, the rear portion 170 having two or more exterior weight ports, generally shown as 1420 and 1430 (block 1720). The body portion 110 may be made of a second material different from the first material. The body portion 110 may be manufactured using an investment casting (investment casting) process, a cogging forming (billet forming) process, a stamping (stamping) process, a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining process, a die casting (die casting) process, any combination thereof, or other suitable manufacturing process. In one example, the body portion 110 may be made of 17-4PH stainless steel using a casting process. In another example, the body portion 110 may be made from other suitable types of stainless Steel using a forging process (e.g., manufactured by AK Steel Corporation of West Chester, Ohio)

Stainless steel). By using

By manufacturing the body portion 110 from stainless steel, the golf club head 100 may be relatively stronger and/or more resistant to corrosion than golf club heads made from other types of steel. Each weight port of the body portion 110 may include an opening and a port wall. For example, the weight port 1421 may include an opening 720 and a port wall 725, the opening 720 and the port wall 725 being located at opposite ends of each other. The internal cavity 700 may separate the bore wall 725 of the weight port 1421 from the rear surface 166 of the face 162. In a similar manner, the weight port 1835 may include an opening 730 and a port wall 735, the opening 730 and the port wall 735 being located at opposite ends of one another. The internal cavity 700 may separate the bore wall 735 of the weight port 1435 from the rear surface 166 of the face 162.

The process 1700 may couple each of the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 into one of the two or more exterior weight ports (block 1730). In one example, the process 1700 may insert and secure the weight portion 121 in the exterior weight port 1421 and the weight portion 135 in the exterior weight port 1435. The process 1700 may use various manufacturing methods and/or processes to secure the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 in external weight ports, such as the weight ports 1421 and 1435, respectively (e.g., epoxy, welding, brazing, mechanical locking, any combination thereof, etc.).

The process 1700 may utilize an elastic polymeric material (e.g.,

material) or polymeric material (e.g., such as DuPontT)^MAn ethylene copolymer material such as an HPF series material) partially or completely fills the inner cavity 700 (block 1740). In an example, at least 50% of the internal cavity 700 may be filled with an elastic polymeric material. As described above, the elastic polymer material may absorb impact, isolate shock, and/or reduce noise in response to the golf club head 100 striking a golf ball. Additionally or alternatively, the internal cavity 700 may be filled with a thermoplastic elastomer material and/or a thermoplastic polyurethane material. As shown in fig. 18, for example, the golf club head 100 may include one or more weight ports (e.g., the weight port shown as 1431 in fig. 14) having a first opening 1830 and a second opening 1835. A second opening 1835 may be used to access the inner cavity 700. In an example, the process 1700 (fig. 17) may fill the lumen 700 with an elastic polymer material by injecting the elastic polymer material from the first opening 1830 through the second opening 1835 into the lumen 700. The first and second openings 1830 and 1835, respectively, may be the same or different in size and/or shape. Although the above examples may describe and depict a particular weight port having a second opening, any other weight port of the golf club head 100 may include a second opening (e.g., weight port 720). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring back to fig. 17, the example process 1700 is provided and described only in connection with other figures as an example of one way to manufacture the golf club head 100. Although FIG. 17 shows a particular order of actions, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more of the acts depicted in FIG. 17 may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. In an example, blocks 1710, 1720, 1730, and/or 1740 may be performed simultaneously or concurrently. Although fig. 17 depicts a certain number of blocks, the process may not perform one or more blocks. In an example, the lumen 700 may not be filled (e.g., block 1740 may not be performed). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Referring back to fig. 1-14, the face 162 may include a non-smooth rear surface to improve adhesion between the face 162 and the elastic polymer material used to fill the lumen 700 (e.g., fig. 7) and/or to slow delamination. Various methods and/or processes may be used to form the back surface 166 into a non-smooth surface, such as an abrasive blasting process (e.g., a ball blasting process, a grit blasting process, other suitable blasting processes, or any combination thereof) and/or an abrading (machining) process. For example, the back surface 166 may have a surface roughness (Ra) ranging from 0.5 to 250 μ in (0.012 to 6.3 μm). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As shown in fig. 19-21, for example, the face 1900 may include a front surface 1910 and a back surface 2010. The front surface 1910 may include one or more grooves (grooves), generally indicated 1920, extending longitudinally through the front surface 1910 (e.g., extending between the toe 140 and heel 150 of fig. 1). The front surface 1910 may be used to impact a golf ball (not shown).

The rear surface 2010 may also include one or more channels, generally designated 2020. The groove 2020 may extend longitudinally through the rear surface 2010. The grooves 2020 may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The groove 2020 may engage with the elastic polymer material used to fill the cavity 700 and act as a mechanical locking mechanism between the face 1900 and the elastic polymer material. Specifically, groove 2100 may include an opening 2110, a bottom block 2120, and two sidewalls shown generally as 2130 and 2132. Bottom block 2120 may be parallel or substantially parallel to rear surface 2010. The two sidewalls 2130 and 2132 can be converging sidewalls (i.e., the two sidewalls 2130 and 2132 can be non-parallel to each other). The bottom block 2120 and the sidewalls 2130 and 2132 may form two undercuts, shown generally as 2140 and 2142. That is, the width 2215 at the opening 2210 may be smaller than the width 2125 at the bottom block 2120. The cross-section of the groove 2100 may be symmetrical about the axis 2150. Although fig. 21 may depict a flat or substantially flat sidewall, the two sidewalls 2130 and 2132 may be curved (e.g., convex relative to each other).

Instead of the flat or substantially flat sidewalls shown in fig. 21, the trench may include other types of sidewalls. As shown in fig. 22, for example, the trench 2200 may include an opening 2210, a bottom block 2220, and two side walls, generally shown as 2230 and 2232. The bottom portion 2220 may be parallel or substantially parallel to the rear surface 2010. The two side walls 2230 and 2232 can be stepped side walls. The bottom section 2220 and the side walls 2230 and 2232 may form two undercuts, shown generally as 2240 and 2242. That is, the width 2215 at the opening 2210 may be smaller than the width 2225 at the bottom block 2220. The cross-section of the groove 2200 may be symmetrical about an axis 2250.

Instead of being symmetrical as shown in fig. 21 and 22, the grooves may be asymmetrical. As another example, as shown in fig. 23, trench 2300 may include an opening 2310, a bottom block 2320, and two sidewalls generally shown as 2330 and 2332. Bottom tile 2320 may be parallel or substantially parallel to rear surface 2010. Bottom block 2320 and sidewalls 2330 may form an undercut 2340.

Referring to fig. 24, for example, the trench 2400 can include an opening 2410, a bottom section 2420, and two sidewalls shown generally as 2430 and 2432. Bottom section 2420 may be non-parallel or substantially non-parallel to rear surface 2010. The two side walls 2430 and 2432 can be parallel or substantially parallel to each other, but one side wall can be longer than the other. Bottom section 2420 and sidewalls 2432 may form undercut 2440.

In the example shown in fig. 25, the face 2500 may include a rear surface 2510 having one or more grooves, generally shown as 2520, extending laterally through the rear surface 2510 (e.g., extending between the top 180 and bottom 190 of fig. 1). In another example shown in fig. 26, the face 2600 may include a rear surface 2610 having one or more grooves, shown generally as 2620, extending diagonally through the rear surface 2610. Alternatively, the face may include a combination of grooves extending in different directions across the rear surface of the face (e.g., extending longitudinally, laterally, and/or diagonally). Turning to fig. 27, as another example, a face 2700 may include a posterior surface 2710 having one or more grooves, generally shown as 2720, 2730, and 2740, extending through the posterior surface 2710 in different directions. In particular, the face 2700 may include a plurality of grooves 2720 that extend longitudinally through the posterior surface 2710, a plurality of grooves 2730 that extend transversely through the posterior surface 2710, and a plurality of grooves 2740 that extend diagonally through the posterior surface 2710.

Referring to fig. 28, for example, the golf club head 100 may include a face portion 162, a bond portion 2810, and an elastic polymer material 2820. The bond 2810 may provide attachment, and/or bonding of the elastic polymer material 2820 to the face portion 162. The bond 2810 may be an adhesive, a combination of adhesives, a bonding structure or attachment means, a combination of bonding structures and/or attachment means, and/or a combination of one or more adhesives, one or more bonding structures, and/or one or more attachment means. For example, the golf club head 100 may include a bonding agent to improve the bond between the face portion 162 and the elastic polymer material used to fill the interior cavity 700 (e.g., fig. 7) of the golf club head 100 and/or to slow delamination. In one example, the bond 2810 may be a low viscosity, organic, solvent-based solution and/or dispersion of polymers and other reactive chemicals, such as MEGUM manufactured by Dow Chemical Company of Auburn hills, Mich^TM、ROBOND^TMAnd/or THIXON^TMA material. In another example, the bond 2810 may be manufactured by Henkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, connecticut

A material. A bond 2810 may be applied to back surface 166 to bond elastic polymer material 2820 to face portion 162 (e.g., extending between back surface 166 and elastic polymer material 2820). For example, the bond 2810 may be applied when filling the internal cavity 700 with the elastic polymer material 2820 by an injection molding process. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Fig. 29 depicts one way in which the interior cavity 700 of the golf club head 100 or any golf club head described herein is partially or fully filled with an elastic polymer material or an elastomeric material. The process 2900 may begin by heating the golf club head 100 to a particular temperature (block 2910). In one example, golf club head 100 may be heated to a temperature ranging between 150 ℃ and 250 ℃, which may depend on factors such as the vaporization temperature of the elastic polymer material injected into interior cavity 700. The elastic polymer material may then be heated to a particular temperature (block 2920). The elastic polymer material may be a non-foamed and injection moldable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. Thus, the elastic polymer material may be heated to a liquid or fluid state prior to injection into the interior cavity 700. The temperature at which the elastic polymeric material may be heated may depend on the type of elastic polymeric material used to partially or completely fill the internal cavity 700. Heated elastomeric polymer material may be injected into the internal cavity 700 to partially or completely fill the internal cavity 700 (block 2930). The elastic polymer material may be injected into the interior cavity 700 from one or more weight ports described herein (e.g., one or more of the first and second sets of weight ports 1420 and 1430, respectively, shown in fig. 14). One or more other weight ports may allow air in the interior cavity 700 to be displaced by the elastic polymer material to be expelled from the interior cavity 700. In one example, the golf club head 100 may be oriented horizontally during the injection molding process as shown in fig. 14. The elastic polymer material may be injected into the interior cavity 700 from the weight ports 1431 and 1432. The weight ports 1421, 1422, and/or 1423 may serve as vents to vent displaced air from the internal cavity 700. Thus, regardless of how the golf club head 100 is oriented during the injection molding process, the elastic polymer material may be injected into the interior cavity 700 from one or more lower weight ports, while one or more higher weight ports may function as air vent ports. The mold (i.e., golf club head 100) may then be cooled passively (e.g., at room temperature) or actively, such that the elastic polymer material reaches a solid state and bonds to the rear surface 166 of the face portion 162. The elastic polymer material may be bonded directly to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162. Alternatively, the elastic polymer material may be bonded to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162 with the aid of one or more structures on the back surface 166 and/or a bonding agent described herein (e.g., bonding portion 2810 shown in fig. 28). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As described above, the elastic polymer material may be heated to a liquid state (i.e., no foaming) and cured after injection molding in the interior cavity 700. An elastic polymer material having a low modulus of elasticity may provide vibration and noise dampening to the face 162 when the face 162 impacts a golf ball. For example, an elastic polymeric material that foams when heated can provide vibration and noise dampening. However, because such elastic polymer materials may deform and/or compress excessively when absorbing impacts of a golf ball, the elastic polymer materials may not have sufficient rigidity to provide structural support to the relatively thin face portion. In one example, the elastic polymer material injection molded in the cavity 700 may have a relatively high modulus of elasticity to provide structural support to the face portion 162, but may still elastically deform to absorb the impact forces to which the face portion 162 is subjected when striking a golf ball. Thus, in addition to providing vibration and noise suppression, a non-foamed and injection moldable elastomeric polymer material having a relatively high modulus of elasticity may also be used to partially or completely fill the interior cavity 700 to provide structural support and reinforcement to the face 162. That is, the non-foamed and injection moldable resilient polymeric material may be a structural support portion for the face 162. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Fig. 30 illustrates one manner in which the bonding agents described herein may be applied to the golf club head prior to injecting the elastic polymer partially or completely into the interior cavity 700. In the example of fig. 30, the process 3000 may begin by injecting adhesive on the back surface 166 of the face 162 (block 3010). As discussed above, depending on the nature of the adhesive, the adhesive may be injected on the back surface 166 before or after heating the golf club head. The adhesive may be injected through one or more of the first set of weight ports 1420 and/or the second set of weight ports 1430. Adhesive may be injected through some or all of the weight ports of the first set of weight ports 1420 and the second set of weight ports 1430 onto the rear surface 166. For example, an injection device such as a nozzle or needle may be inserted into each weight port until the tip or outlet of the device is proximate the rear surface 166. Adhesive may then be injected from the outlet of the instrument onto the rear surface 166. Additionally, the instrument may be moved, rotated, and/or oscillated while inside the lumen 700 such that cement is injected onto the area of the posterior surface 166 surrounding the instrument. For example, the outlet of the injection instrument may be moved in a circular pattern while within the weighted hole to inject adhesive onto the rear surface 166 in a corresponding circular pattern. Each weight port of the first set of weight ports 1420 and the second set of weight ports 1430 may be used to inject an adhesive on the rear surface 166. However, it may not be necessary to use all of the first set of weight ports 1420 and/or the second set of weight ports 1430. For example, it may be sufficient to inject adhesive over the entire rear surface 166 using every other weight port. In another example, the weight ports 1421, 1422, 1431, 1433, and 1436 may be used to inject adhesive onto the back surface 166. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The process 3000 may also include spreading the adhesive on the back surface 166 after injecting the adhesive onto the back surface 166 (block 3020) to provide a substantially uniform coating of the adhesive on the back surface 166. According to an example, the adhesive may be spread out on the rear surface 166 by injecting air into the interior cavity 700 through one or more of the first set of weight ports 1420 and the second set of weight ports 1430. Air may be injected into the interior cavity 700 and onto the rear surface 166 by inserting air nozzles into one or more of the first set of weight ports 1420 and the second set of weight ports 1430. According to an example, the air nozzle may be moved, rotated, and/or oscillated at a distance from the rear surface 166 to blow air evenly onto the adhesive to spread the adhesive over the rear surface 166 to obtain a uniform or substantially uniform coating of the adhesive on the rear surface 166. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The example process 3000 is provided and described only in connection with other figures as an example of one way to manufacture the golf club head 100. Although fig. 30 shows a particular order of actions, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. Further, two or more of the acts illustrated in FIG. 30 may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. Process 3000 may include a single action of injecting and uniformly or substantially uniformly coating back surface 166 with the adhesive. In one example, the binder may be injected onto the rear surface 166 by converting into fine particles or droplets (i.e., atomizing) and spraying onto the rear surface 166. Thus, the back surface 166 may be uniformly or substantially uniformly coated with adhesive in one motion. A substantially uniform coating of the adhesive of the back surface 166 may be defined as a coating having slight non-uniformity due to the injection process or manufacturing process. However, such slight non-uniformity may not affect the bonding of the elastic polymeric material or the elastic material to the back surface 166 with an adhesive as described herein. For example, spraying the adhesive on the back surface 166 may result in an overlapping area of adhesive on the back surface 166 that has a slightly greater coating thickness than other areas of adhesive. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As described herein, any two or more of the weight portions may be configured as a single weight portion. In the example of fig. 31 and 32, the golf club head 3100 may include a body portion 3110 and two or more weight portions, generally shown as a first set of weight portions 3120 (e.g., shown as weight portions 3121, 3122, 3123, and 3124) and a second weight portion 3130. The body portion 3110 may include a toe portion 3140, a heel portion 3150, a front portion (not shown), a rear portion 3170, a top portion 3180, and a bottom portion 3190. The front portion may be similar in many respects to the front portion 160 of the golf club head 100. Accordingly, details of the front of the golf club head 3100 are not provided.

The body portion 3110 may be made of a first material and the first set of weight portions 3120 and the second weight portion 3130 may be made of a second material. The first material and the second material may be similar or different materials. For example, the body portion 3110 may be partially or entirely formed of a steel-based material (e.g., 17-4PH stainless steel,

stainless steel, maraging steel or other types of stainless steel), titanium-based materials, aluminum-based materials (e.g., high strength aluminum alloys or composite aluminum alloys coated with high strength alloys), any combination thereof, and/or other suitable types of materials. The first set of weight portions 3120 and the second weight portion 3130 may be partially or entirely made of a high density material such as a tungsten-based material or other suitable types of materials. Alternatively, the body portion 3110 and/or the first set of weight portions 3120 and the second weight portion 3130 may be partially or entirely made of a non-metallic material (e.g., a composite material, a plastic, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The golf club head 3100 may be an iron-type golf club head (e.g., iron 1, iron 2, iron 3, iron 4, iron 5, iron 6, iron 7, iron 8, iron 9, etc.) or a wedge-type golf club head (e.g., split, high-throw, sand-pit, n-degree, such as 44 degrees (deg.), 48 deg., 52 deg., 56 deg., 60 deg., etc.). Although fig. 31 and 32 may show a particular model of club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other models of club heads (e.g., driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, ironwood-type club heads, putter-type club heads, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. The toe portion 3140 and heel portion 3150 may be at opposite ends of the body portion 3110. The heel portion 3150 may include a hosel portion 3155 configured to receive a shaft (not shown) having a grip (not shown) at one end and a golf club head 3100 at an opposite end of the shaft to form a golf club.

The rear portion 3170 may include a rear wall portion 3210 having one or more exterior weight ports along a perimeter of the rear portion 3170, shown generally as a first set of exterior weight ports 3220 (e.g., shown as weight ports 3221, 3222, 3223, and 3224) and a second weight port 3230. Each exterior weight port of the first set of weight ports 3220 may be associated with a port diameter. In one example, the hole diameter may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters). Any two adjacent exterior weight ports of the first set of exterior weight ports 3220 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter. The first set of weight ports 3220 and the second weight port 3230 may be exterior weight ports configured to receive one or more weight portions.

Each weight portion of the first set of weight portions 3120 (e.g., shown as weight portions 3121, 3122, 3123, and 3124) may be disposed in a weight port of the first set of weight ports 3220 (e.g., shown as weight ports 3221, 3222, 3223, and 3224) located at or near the toe portion 3140 and/or the top portion 3180 on the rear portion 3170. For example, the weight portion 3121 may be partially or fully disposed in the weight port 3221. In another example, the weight portion 3122 may be disposed in a weight port 3222 located in a transition region between the top portion 3180 and the toe portion 3140 (e.g., a top and toe transition region). The configuration of the first set of weight ports 3220 and the first set of weight portions 3120 is similar in many respects to the golf club head 100. Accordingly, a detailed description of the configuration of the first set of weight ports 3220 and the first set of weight portions 3120 is not provided.

The second weight port 3230 may be a recess extending from at or near the toe 3140 to at or near the sole 3190 and through a transition region between the toe 3140 and the sole 3190. Thus, as shown in fig. 31, the second weight port 3230 may resemble an L-shaped recess. The second weight portion 3130 may be similar in shape to the second weight port 3230 and may be configured to be disposed in the second weight port 3230. The second weight portion 3130 may be partially or fully disposed in the weight port 3230. The second weight portion 3130 may have any shape, such as oval, rectangular, triangular, or any geometric or non-geometric shape. The second weight port 3230 may be shaped similar to the second weight portion 3130. However, the portion of the second weight portion 3130 inserted into the second weight port 3230 may have a similar shape to the weight port 3230. As described in detail herein, any of the weight portions described herein, including the weight portion 3120 and the second weight portion 3130, may be coupled to the rear portion 3170 of the body portion 3110 using various manufacturing methods and/or processes (e.g., a bonding process, a welding process, a brazing process, a mechanical locking method, any combination thereof, or other suitable mechanical methods and/or processes).

The second weight portion 3130 may be configured to locate the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 at an optimal position and optimize the moment of inertia of the golf club head about a vertical axis that extends through the center of gravity of the golf club head 3100. All or a substantial portion of the second weight portion 3130 may be substantially adjacent to the bottom portion 3190. For example, second weight portion 3130 may be near the periphery of body portion 3110 and extend from sole 3190 to toe 3140. As shown in the example of fig. 32, the second weight portion 3130 may be located near the periphery of the body portion 3110 and extend partially or substantially along the sole 3190 to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 3100. A portion of the second weight portion 3130 may be located near the periphery of the body portion 3110 and extend from the sole 3190 to the toe 3140 through a transition region 3147 between the sole 3190 and the toe 3140, thereby lowering the center of gravity and increasing the moment of inertia of the golf club head 3100 about a vertical axis extending through the center of gravity. To lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 3100, all or a portion of the second weight portion 3130 may be positioned closer to the sole 3190 than to the horizontal midplane 3260 of the golf club head 3100. The location of the second weight portion 3130 (i.e., the location of the weight port 3230) and the physical properties and materials of construction of the weight portion of the second weight port 3130 may be determined to best affect the weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and/or other static and/or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 3100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The weight portions in the first set of weight portions 3120 may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., color, shape, size, density, mass, volume, etc.). In the example shown in fig. 32, each weight portion of the first set of weight portions 3120 may have a cylindrical shape (e.g., a circular cross-section). Alternatively, each weight portion of the first set of weight portions 3120 may have a different shape. Although the above examples may describe a weight portion having a particular shape, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include weight portions of other suitable shapes (e.g., partial or complete spheres, cubes, cones, cylinders, pyramids, cuboids, prisms, frustums, or other suitable geometries). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of fig. 33-42, the golf club head 3300 may include a body portion 3310 and two or more weight portions, generally shown as a first set of weight portions 3320 (e.g., shown as weight portions 3321 and 3322) and a second set of weight portions 3330 (e.g., shown as weight portions 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335). The body portion 3310 may include a toe portion 3340, a heel portion 3350, a front portion 3360, a rear portion 3370, a top portion 3380, and a bottom portion 3390. The heel portion 3350 may include a hosel portion 3355 configured to receive a shaft (not shown) having a grip (not shown) at one end and a golf club head 3300 at an opposite end of the shaft to form a golf club.

The body portion 3310 may be made of a first material and the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively, may be made of a second material. The first and second materials may be similar or different materials. The materials from which the golf club head 3300, the weight portion 3320, and/or the weight portion 3330 are constructed may be similar in many respects to any of the golf club heads and weight portions described herein, such as the golf club head 100. Accordingly, details of the materials of construction of the golf club head 3300, the weight portion 3320, and/or the weight portion 3330 are not described in detail herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The golf club head 3300 may be an iron-type golf club head (e.g., iron 1, iron 2, iron 3, iron 4, iron 5, iron 6, iron 7, iron 8, iron 9, etc.) or a wedge-type golf club head (e.g., a split, a high-throw, a sand-pit, an n-degree wedge such as 44 degrees (deg.), 48 deg., 52 deg., 56 deg., 60 deg., etc.). Although fig. 33-42 may show a particular model of club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other models of club heads (e.g., driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, ironwood-type club heads, putter-type club heads, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front portion 3360 may include a face portion 3362 (e.g., a ball striking face). The face portion 3362 may include a front surface 3364 and a rear surface 3366 (shown in fig. 37). The front surface 3364 may include one or more grooves 3368 extending between the toe portion 3340 and the heel portion 3350. Although a particular number of grooves may be depicted in the figures, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer grooves. The face portion 3362 may be used to impact a golf ball (not shown). The face portion 3362 may be an integral part of the body portion 3310. Alternatively, the face portion 3362 may be a separate component or insert that is coupled to the body portion 3310 by various manufacturing methods and/or processes (e.g., a bonding process such as an adhesive, a welding process such as laser welding, a brazing process, a soldering process, a welding process, a mechanical locking or connecting method, any combination of these methods, or other suitable types of manufacturing methods and/or processes). The face portion 3362 may be associated with a loft defining a loft angle of the golf club head 3300. The loft angle may vary based on the type of golf club (e.g., long iron, medium iron, short iron, wedge, etc.). In one example, the loft angle may be between five and seventy-five degrees. In another example, the loft angle may be between twenty and sixty degrees. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As shown in fig. 36, the rear portion 3370 may include a rear wall portion 3510 having one or more exterior weight ports along a periphery of the rear portion 3370, generally shown as a first set of exterior weight ports 3520 (e.g., shown as weight ports 3521 and 3522) and a second set of exterior weight ports 3530 (e.g., shown as weight ports 3531, 3532, 3533, 3534, and 3535). Each exterior weight port may be defined by an opening in the rear wall portion 3510. Each exterior weight port may be associated with a port diameter. In one example, the hole diameter may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters). The weight ports of the first set of exterior weight ports 3520 may be spaced apart a distance less than the port diameter or the port diameter of any one of the two adjacent exterior weight ports of the first set of exterior weight ports 3520. In a similar manner, any two adjacent exterior weight ports of the second set of exterior weight ports 3530 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter or the port diameter of any one of the two adjacent weight ports of the second set of exterior weight ports 3530. The first and second exterior weight ports 3520 and 3530, respectively, may be exterior weight ports configured to receive one or more weight portions. Specifically, each weight portion of the first set of weight portions 3320 (e.g., shown as weight portions 3321 and 3322) may be disposed in a weight port located at or near the toe portion 3340 and/or the top portion 3380 on the rear portion 3370. For example, the weight portion 3321 may be partially or fully disposed in the weight port 3521. In another example, the weight portion 3322 may be disposed in the weight port 3522 in a transition region (e.g., a top and toe transition region) between the top portion 3380 and the toe portion 3340. Each weight portion of the second set of weight portions 3330 (e.g., shown as weight portions 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335) may be disposed in a weight port located at or near the toe portion 3340 and/or the sole portion 3390 on the rear portion 3370. For example, the weight portion 3333 may be partially or fully disposed in the weight port 3533. In another example, the weight portion 3335 may be disposed in the weight port 3535 in a transition region between the sole 3390 and the toe 3340 (e.g., sole and toe transition regions). In another example, any of the first and second sets of weight portions 3320, 3330 may be disposed in any of the first and second sets of weight ports 3520, 3530. As described in detail herein, the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively, may be coupled to the rear portion 3370 of the body portion 3310 using various manufacturing methods and/or processes (e.g., bonding processes, welding processes, brazing processes, mechanical locking methods, any combination thereof, or other suitable mechanical methods and/or processes).

Alternatively, the golf club head 3300 may not include (i) the first set of weight portions 3320, (ii) the second set of weight portions 3330, or (iii) both the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330. Specifically, the rear portion 3370 of the body portion 3310 may not include weight ports at or near the top portion 3370 and/or the bottom portion 3390. For example, the mass of the first set of weight portions 3320 (e.g., 3 grams) and/or the mass of the second set of weight portions 3330 (e.g., 16.8 grams) may be an integral part of the body portion 3310, rather than separate weight portions. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively, may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., color, shape, size, density, mass, volume, etc.). Accordingly, the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively, may constitute a decorative design for the golf club head 3300. The physical properties of the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 may be similar in many respects to any of the weight portions described herein, such as the weight portions shown in the example of fig. 11. Further, the apparatus and/or method of coupling the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 to the golf club head 3300 may be similar in many respects to any of the weight portions described herein, such as the weight portions shown in the example of fig. 12 and 13. Accordingly, the physical attributes of the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 and the details of the apparatus and/or method of coupling the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 to the golf club head 3300 will not be described in detail herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As shown in fig. 34, golf club head 3300 may be associated with a ground plane 4110, a horizontal midplane 4120, and a top plane 4130. Specifically, the ground plane 4110 may be a plane that is substantially parallel to the ground and tangent to the bottom 3390 of the golf club head 3300 when the golf club head 3300 is in a address position (e.g., the golf club head 3300 is aligned to strike a golf ball). The top plane 4130 may be a plane tangent to the top 3380 of the golf club head 3300 when the golf club head 3300 is in the address position. Ground and top planes 4110 and 4130, respectively, may be substantially parallel to each other. Horizontal midplane 4120 may be located at a position midway of the vertical distance between the ground and top planes 4110 and 4130.

To provide optimal perimeter weighting for the golf club head 3300, the first set of weighted portions 3320 (e.g., weighted portions 3321 and 3322) may be configured to counter balance the weight of the sheath 3355 and/or increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 3300 about a vertical axis of the golf club head 3300 that extends through the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300. For example, as shown in fig. 34, a first set of weight portions 3320 (e.g., weights 3321 and 3322) may be located near the periphery of the body portion 3310 and extend in a transition region 3345 between the top portion 3380 and the toe portion 3340. In another example, the first set of weight portions 3320 (e.g., weight portions 3321 and 3322) may be located near the periphery of the body portion 3310 and extend near the toe portion 3340. The location of the first set of weight portions 3320 (i.e., the location of the first set of weight ports 3520) and the physical properties and materials of construction of the weight portions in the first set of weight portions 3320 may be determined to best affect the weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and/or other static and/or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 3300. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The second set of weight portions 3330 (e.g., weight portions 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335) may be configured to position the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300 at an optimal location and/or to optimize the moment of inertia of the golf club head about a vertical axis extending through the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300. Referring to fig. 34, all or a substantial portion of the second set of weight portions 3330 may be proximate the bottom portion 3390. For example, the second set of weight portions 3330 (e.g., weight portions 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335) may extend at or near the sole portion 3390 between the toe portion 3340 and the heel portion 3350, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the golf club head 100. The weighted portions 3334 and 3335 may be closer to the toe portion 3340 than to the heel portion 3350 and/or at or near a transition region 3347 between the sole portion 3390 and the toe portion 3340 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 3300 about a vertical axis extending through the center of gravity. Some of the second set of weight portions 3330 may be located at the toe portion. To lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300, all or a portion of the second set of weight portions 3330 may be located closer to the sole portion 3390 than to the horizontal midplane 4120. The location of the second set of weight portions 3330 (i.e., the location of the second set of weight ports 3530) and the physical properties and materials of construction of the weight portions in the second set of weight portions 3330 may be determined to best affect the weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and/or other static and/or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 3300. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Returning to fig. 37, for example, the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively, may be positioned away from the rear surface 3366 of the face portion 3362 (e.g., not directly coupled to each other). That is, the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively, may be partially or fully separated from the rear surface 3366 by the interior cavity 3800 of the body portion 3300. For example, each exterior weight port of the first and second sets of exterior weight ports 3320 and 3330 may include an opening (e.g., shown generally as 3820 and 3830) and a port wall (e.g., shown generally as 3825 and 3835). The aperture walls 3825 and 3835 can be integral portions of the rear wall portion 3510 (e.g., a section of the rear wall portion 3510). Each of openings 3820 and 3830 may be configured to receive a weight portion, such as weight portions 3321 and 3335, respectively. The opening 3820 may be located at one end of the weight port 3521 and the port wall 3825 may be located at or near an opposite end of the weight port 3521. In a similar manner, the opening 3830 may be located at one end of the weight port 3535 and the port wall 3835 may be located at or near an opposite end of the weight port 3535. The aperture walls 3825 and 3835 may be spaced apart from the face 3362 (e.g., by the lumen 3800). Each of the bore walls, such as the bore wall 3825, of the first set of weight ports 3520 may be a distance 3826 from the rear surface 3366 of the face 3362, as shown in fig. 37. Each of the bore walls, such as the bore wall 3835, of the second set of weight ports 3530 may be a distance 3836 from the rear surface 3366 of the face 3362. The distances 3826 and 3836 may be determined to optimize the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300 when the first and second sets of weight ports 3520 and 3530, respectively, receive weight portions as described herein. According to an example, the distance 3836 may be greater than the distance 3826 such that the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300 moves toward the rear portion 3370 and/or lowers toward the sole portion 3390. According to an example, distance 3836 may be greater than distance 3826 by a factor ranging from about 1.5 to about 4. In other words, distance 3836 may be about 1.5 times to about 4 times distance 3826. As a result, the width 3840 (shown in fig. 38) of the portion of the lumen 3800 below the horizontal median plane 4120 may be greater than the width 3842 of the portion of the lumen 3800 above the horizontal median plane 4120. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As described herein, when all or a substantial portion of the second set of weight portions 3330 are closer to the sole 3390 than to the horizontal midplane 4120, and the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 are respectively further from the rear surface 3366 than if the second set of weight portions 3330 were directly coupled to the rear surface 3366, the Center of Gravity (CG) of the golf club head 3300 may be relatively farther rearward from the face portion 3362 and relatively lower toward the ground plane (e.g., shown as 4110 in fig. 34) than a golf club in which the width 3840 of a portion of the interior cavity 3800 is not greater than the width 3842 of the interior cavity 3800. The locations of the first and second sets of weight ports 3520 and 3530, respectively, as well as the physical properties and materials of construction of the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, may be determined to best affect the weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and/or other static and/or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 3300. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although the figures may show weight ports having particular cross-sectional shapes, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include weight ports having other suitable cross-sectional shapes. The weight ports of the first and/or second sets of weight ports 3520 and 3530 may have a cross-sectional shape similar to the cross-sectional shape of any weight port described herein. Accordingly, details of the cross-sectional shape of the weight ports 3520 and 3530 will not be described in detail. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively, may be similar in mass (e.g., all weight portions in the first and second sets 3320 and 3330, respectively, are approximately one weight). Alternatively, the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively, may differ in mass individually or in groups. In particular, each weight portion (e.g., shown as 3321 and 3322) in the first set 3320 may have a relatively smaller mass than any weight portion (e.g., shown as 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335) in the second set 3330. For example, the second set of weight portions 3330 may comprise more than 50% of the total mass of the outer weight portions of the golf club head 3300. Accordingly, the golf club head 3300 may be configured such that at least 50% of the total mass of the exterior weight portion is disposed below the horizontal midplane 4120. In an example, the total mass of the exterior weight portion below the horizontal median plane 4120 may be greater than the total mass of the exterior weight portion above the horizontal median plane 4120. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, the golf club head 3300 may have a mass ranging from about 220 grams to about 330 grams based on the golf club model (e.g., iron 4 versus high loft). The body portion 3310 may have a mass ranging from about 200 grams to about 310 grams, with the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 having a mass of about 20 grams (e.g., the total mass of the outer weight portions). Each weight portion of the first set 3320 may have a mass of about 1 gram (1.0g), while each weight portion of the second set 3330 may have a mass of about 2.4 grams. The sum of the masses of the first set of weight portions 3320 may be about 3 grams, while the sum of the masses of the second set of weight portions 3330 may be about 16.8 grams. The total mass of the second set of weight portions 3330 may be more than five times the total mass of the first set of weight portions 3320 (e.g., about 16.8 grams of the total mass of the second set of weight portions 3330 to about 3 grams of the total mass of the first set of weight portions 3320). The golf club head 3300 may have a total mass from the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 of 19.8 grams (e.g., the sum of 3 grams for the first set of weight portions 3320 and 16.8 grams for the second set of weight portions 3330). Thus, the first set of weight portions 3320 may comprise about 15% of the total mass of the exterior weight portion of the golf club head 3300, while the second set of weight portions 3330 may comprise about 85% of the total mass of the exterior weight portion of the golf club head 3300. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

By coupling the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 to the body portion 3310, respectively (e.g., securing the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 into weight ports on the rear portion 3370), the Center of Gravity (CG) position and moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head 3300 may be optimized. Specifically, the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively, may lower the CG location toward the bottom portion 3390 and further back away from the face portion 3362. Further, the MOI measured with respect to a vertical axis extending through the CG (e.g., perpendicular to ground plane 4110) may be greater. The MOI measured about a horizontal axis extending through the CG (e.g., extending toward the toe and heel portions 3350 and 3360, respectively, of the golf club head 3300) may also be greater. Thus, the club head 3300 may provide a relatively larger launch angle and a relatively smaller spin rate than a golf club head without the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Alternatively, two or more weight portions in the same set may differ in mass. In an example, the weight portion 3321 of the first set 3320 may have a relatively smaller mass than the weight portion 3322 of the first set 3320. In another example, the weight portion 3331 in the second set 3330 may have a relatively smaller mass than the weight portion 3335 in the second set 3330. With greater mass at the top and toe transition regions and/or the sole and toe transition regions, more weight may be distributed away from the Center of Gravity (CG) of the golf club head 3300, thereby increasing the moment of inertia (MOI) about a vertical axis passing through the CG.

While the figures may show the weight portions as separate and independent components, each of the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively, may be a single piece weight portion. In an example, all of the weight portions (e.g., shown as 3321 and 3322) in the first set 3320 may be combined into a single piece weight portion (e.g., a first weight portion). In a similar manner, all of the weight portions (e.g., 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335) in the second set 3330 may also be combined into a single piece weight portion (e.g., a second weight portion) similar to the example of fig. 32. Although the figures may show a particular number of weight portions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a greater or lesser number of weight portions. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The body portion 3310 may be a hollow body including an inner lumen 3800 extending between the front portion 3360 and the rear portion 3370. Further, the interior cavity 3800 can extend between the top portion 3380 and the bottom portion 3390. The inner lumen 3800 may be aligned with the lumen height 3850 (H)_C) In association, the body portion 3310 may have a body height 3950 (H)_B) And (4) associating. Although the cavity height 3850 and body height 3950 may vary between the toe and heel portions 3340 and 3350, the cavity height 3850 may be at least 50% of the body height 3950 (H)_C>0.5*H_B). For example, the cavity height 3850 may vary between 70% -85% of the body height 3950. When the cavity height 3850 of the interior cavity 3800 is greater than 50% of the body height 3950, the golf club head 3300 may produce a relatively more consistent feel, sound, and/or result when the golf club head 3300 strikes a golf ball via the face portion 3362 as compared to a golf club head having a cavity height less than 50% of the body height. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The inner lumen 3800 may be aligned with the lumen width 3840 (W)_C) In association, the body portion 3310 may have a body width 3990 (W)_B) And (4) associating. The cavity width 3840 and body width 3990 may vary between the top portion 3380 and the bottom portion 3390 and between the toe portion 3340 and the heel portion 3350. At certain areas on the body portion 3310 between the top and bottom portions 3370 and 3390 and between the toe and heel portions 3340 and 3350, the cavity width 3840 may be at least 50% of the body width 3990 (W%_C>0.5*W_B). According to another example, the cavity width 3840 may vary between approximately 40% to 60% of the body width 3990 at certain areas between the top 3380 and the bottom 3390. According to another example, the cavity width 3840 may vary between about 30% to 70% of the body width 3990 at certain areas between the top 3380 and the bottom 3390. According to another example, the cavity width 3840 may vary between about 20% to 80% of the body width 3990 at certain areas between the top 3380 and the bottom 3390. For example, at or below the horizontal midplane 4120, the cavity width 3840 may vary between about 20% to 80% of the body width 3990. At horizontal median plane 4120Or below, the cavity width 3890 of the interior cavity 3800 may vary between about 20% or more to about 80% or less of the body width 3990, a substantial portion of the mass of the golf club head 3300 may move downward and further rearward as compared to a golf club head having a cavity width less than about 20% of the body width. Further, the golf club head 3300 may produce a relatively more consistent feel, sound, and/or result when the golf club head 3300 strikes a golf ball through the face portion 3362 as compared to a golf club head with a cavity width that is less than 20% of the body width. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

To provide the interior cavity 3800 that may vary between about 20% to 80% of the body width 3990 at or below the horizontal midplane 4120 to lower the CG of the golf club head 3300 and/or move the CG of the golf club head 3300 more rearward relative to the face portion 3360, the rear portion 3370 may have a recessed portion 3410 (as shown in fig. 35, 36, and 39), the recessed portion 3410 may extend between a position near the horizontal midplane 4120 and a position at or near the top portion 3380. The recess 3410 can be defined by an upper wall 3412 and a protruding (ridge) portion 3414 of the back portion 3370. The upper wall 3412 of the rear portion 3370 can extend from a location at or near the horizontal median plane 4120 to a location at or near the top portion 3380. The protruding portion 3414 may extend from the upper wall 3412 of the rear portion 3370 to the lower wall 3416 of the rear portion 3370. The lower wall 3416 of the rear portion 3370 can extend from a location at or near the horizontal median plane 4120 to a location at or near the bottom portion 3380. The protrusion 3414 may extend from the upper wall 3412 in a direction away from the face 3360. Thus, the protrusion 3414 facilitates a transition from the upper wall 3412 to the lower wall 3416, whereby the width of the body portion 3310 is substantially increased at or near the horizontal median plane 4120 as compared to the width of the body portion 3310 above the horizontal median plane. The protrusion 3414 may have a protrusion width 3418 (shown in fig. 39) that is greater than the upper body width 3420 of the body portion 3310. In one example, the projection width 3418 can be defined as the width of a surface on the rear portion 3370 extending between a plane 3413 and a plane 3417, the plane 3413 generally defining an upper wall 3412 of the rear portion 3370 and the plane 3417 generally defining a lower wall 3416 of the rear portion 3370. The upper body width 3420 may be defined as the width of the body portion 3310 at or above the horizontal midplane 4120. According to an example, the protrusion portion width 3418 can be about 0.5 to about 1.0 times wider than the upper body width 3420. According to another example, the protrusion portion width 3418 may be about 1.5 times wider than the upper body width 3420. According to another example, the protrusion portion width 3418 may be about 3.0 times wider than the upper body width 3420. Accordingly, golf clubs in accordance with examples described herein may have a projection width 3418 that is greater than or equal to about 0.5 times to less than or equal to about 3.0 times wider than the upper body width 3420. Thus, the body width 3990 at, near, or below the horizontal median plane 4120 can be substantially greater than the upper body width 3420, which can provide a cavity width 3840 that is about 20% to 80% of the body width 3990 at, near, or below the horizontal median plane 4120. Additionally, the recessed portion 3410 allows the golf club head 3300 to have a substantially greater mass below the horizontal midplane 4120 than above the horizontal midplane 4120. In other words, the mass removed from the golf club head 3300 to define the recess 3410 may be moved to the rear or rear of the body portion 3310 near or below the horizontal midplane 4120.

To substantially maintain the cavity width 3840, which may be about 20% to 80% of the body width 3990, the cavity width 3840 may be greater near the bottom 3390 or below the horizontal midplane 4120 than near the top 3380 or above the horizontal midplane 4120. According to an example, the cavity width 3840 may generally vary according to variations in the body width 3990 at certain areas of the body portion 3310 between the top portion 3380 and the bottom portion 3390 and between the toe portion 3340 and the heel portion 3350. For example, as shown in fig. 40, the cavity width 3840 may generally vary depending on the body width 3990 in certain areas of the body portion 3310 between the top portion 3380 and the bottom portion 3390. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In an example, the lumen 3800 may not be filled (i.e., empty space). The body portion 3300 with the internal cavity 3800 may weigh approximately 100 grams less than the body portion 3300 without the internal cavity 3800. Alternatively, lumen 3800 may be partially or fully filled with a resilient polymer or resilient material (e.g., such as manufactured by Sorbothane, Inc. of Kent, Ohio

Materials such as viscoelastic urethane polymer materials), thermoplastic elastomer materials (TPEs), thermoplastic polyurethane materials (TPUs), and/or other suitable types of materials to absorb shock, isolate shock, and/or dampen noise. For example, at least 50% of the interior cavity 3800 may be filled with a TPE material to absorb impact, isolate shock, and/or dampen noise when the golf club head 3300 strikes a golf ball via the face portion 3362. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In another example, the interior cavity 3800 may be partially or fully filled with a polymer material, such as an ethylene copolymer material, to absorb impact, isolate shock and/or dampen noise when the golf club head 3300 strikes a golf ball through the face portion 3362. Specifically, at least 50% of the inner cavity 3800 may be filled with a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a high amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer including a magnesium ionomer, an injection moldable ethylene copolymer that may be used in conventional injection molding equipment to make various shapes, an ethylene copolymer that may be used in conventional extrusion molding equipment to make various shapes, and/or an ethylene copolymer with high compression and low rebound similar to a thermoset polybutadiene rubber. For example, the ethylene copolymer may include a copolymer with DuPont manufactured by E.I.du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del^TMHigh Performance resin (HPF) series materials (e.g., DuPont)^TMHPF AD1172、DuPont^TMHPF AD1035、

HPF 1000 and DuPont^TMHPF 2000) of any ethylene copolymer. DuPont^TMThe HPF series of ethylene copolymers are injection moldable and can be used with conventional injection molding equipment and molds, providing low compression, and providing high rebound. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As described herein, the cavity width 3840 may vary between about 20% to 80% of the body width 3990 at or below the median plane 4120 in the horizontal. According to an example, at least 50% of the elastic polymer or elastomer material partially or completely filling the interior cavity 3800 may be located below the horizontal midplane 4120 of the golf club head 3300. Thus, the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300 may be further lowered and moved farther rearward than a golf club head with a cavity width that is less than about 20% of the body width and that is partially or completely filled with an elastic polymer or elastomer material. Further, the golf club head 3300 may produce a relatively more consistent feel, sound, and/or result when the golf club head 3300 strikes a golf ball through the face portion 162 as compared to a golf club head where the cavity width is less than about 20% of the body width and is partially or fully filled with an elastic polymer material.

As described in detail herein and as shown in the example of fig. 15 and 16, the thickness of the face portion 3362 may vary between the top portion 3380 and the bottom portion 3390 and between the toe portion 3340 and the heel portion 3350. Therefore, a detailed description of the thickness variation of the face portion 3362 is not provided. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Unlike other golf club head designs, the location of the interior cavity 3800 of the body portion 3310 and the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively, along the perimeter of the golf club head 3300 may result in a golf ball exiting the face portion 3362 at a relatively higher ball launch angle and a relatively lower spin rate. As a result, the golf ball may travel farther (i.e., a greater total distance, including flight distance and roll distance).

The golf club head 3300 may be manufactured by any of the methods described herein and shown in fig. 17. Accordingly, a detailed description of the method of manufacturing the golf club head 3300 is not provided.

As shown in fig. 37 and 41, for example, the golf club head 3300 may include one or more weight ports (e.g., shown as weight ports 3521 and 3531) that may be open to the cavity 3800. The weight port 3531 may include a first opening 3930 and a second opening 3935. Second opening 3935 may be used to access lumen 3800. In an example, the process 1700 (fig. 17) may fill the lumen 3800 with an elastic polymer material by injecting the elastic polymer material from the first opening 3930 through the second opening 3935 into the lumen 3800. The first and second openings 3930 and 3935, respectively, may be the same or different in size and/or shape. The weight port 3521 may include a first opening 4030 and a second opening 4035. The second opening 4035 may be used to access the internal cavity 3800. In one example, the process 1700 (fig. 17) may fill the inner cavity 3800 with the elastic polymer material by injecting the elastic polymer material into the inner cavity 3800 from the weight ports 3531. As the elastic polymer fills the inner cavity 3800, air displaced in the inner cavity 3800 by the elastic polymer material may exit the inner cavity from the weight ports 3521 through the second opening 4035 and then through the first opening 4030. After the cavity is partially or completely filled with the resilient polymeric material, the weight ports 3531 and 3521 may be closed by inserting and securing the weight portions as described in detail herein. Alternatively, the elastic polymer material may be injected into the inner cavity 3800 from the weight port 3521. Thus, the weight ports 3531 may serve as outlets for displaced air within the interior cavity 3800. Although the above examples may describe and illustrate a particular weight port having a second opening, any other weight port of the golf club head 4200 may include a second opening (e.g., weight port 3532). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Fig. 43 depicts one manner in which the interior cavity 700 of the golf club head 100, or any of the golf club heads described herein, may be partially or fully filled with an elastic polymeric or elastomeric material (e.g., the elastic polymeric material 2820 of fig. 28, such as a TPE material). The process 4300 may begin with bonding an adhesive to the rear surface 166 of the face portion 162 of the golf club head 100 (block 4310). The adhesive may have an initial bonding state, which may be a temporary bonding state, and a final bonding state, which may be a permanent bonding state. The initial bonding state and the final bonding state may be activated upon exposure of the adhesive to heat, radiation, and/or other compounds. For example, as described in detail herein, the adhesive may be an epoxy having an initial cure state and a final cure state that are activated by heating the epoxy to different temperatures for a period of time via conduction, convection, and/or radiation, respectively. In another example, the adhesive may be an adhesive material that is activated to an initial adhesive state and a final adhesive state, respectively, by exposure to different doses and/or durations of ultraviolet light. In another example, the adhesive may be a bonding material that is activated to an initial bonding state and a final bonding state, respectively, by exposure to different compounds or different amounts of the same compound. According to process 4300, the adhesive may be adhered to the back surface of the face by activation to an initial adhesion state. The elastic polymer material is then injected into the interior cavity 700 of the golf club head 100 (block 4320). The process 4300 then includes bonding the elastic polymer material to a binder (block 4330). Bonding the elastic polymeric material to the adhesive includes activating the adhesive to a final bonding state to permanently bond the elastic polymeric material to the adhesive and permanently bond the adhesive to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162. The example process 4300 is provided with only other figures and is described as an example of one way to manufacture the golf club head 100. Although FIG. 43 shows a particular order of actions, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. Further, two or more of the acts described in fig. 43 may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously.

Fig. 44 depicts one way that the interior cavity 700 of the golf club head 100, or any of the golf club heads described herein, may be partially or fully filled with an elastic polymeric or elastomeric material (e.g., the elastic polymeric material of fig. 28, such as a TPE material). The process 4400 may begin by applying an adhesive (e.g., the adhesive 2810 of fig. 28) to the rear surface 166 of the face portion 162 of the golf club head 100 (block 4410). The binder may be any type of adhesive and/or other suitable material. In one example, the binder may be an epoxy. Prior to applying the adhesive, the golf club head 100 may be cleaned to remove any oil, other chemicals, debris, or other undesirable materials (not shown) from the golf club head 100. The adhesive may be applied to the back surface 166 as described herein based on the properties of the adhesive. Adhesive may be applied to the rear surface 166 of the face 162 through one or more of the first set of weight ports 1420 and/or the second set of weight ports 1430. For example, the adhesive may be in liquid form and injected through some or all of the first set of weight ports 1420 and the second set of weight ports 1430 onto the rear surface 166. An injection instrument (not shown), such as a nozzle or needle, may be inserted into each weight port until the tip or outlet of the injection instrument is proximate the rear surface 166. Adhesive may then be injected from the outlet of the injection device onto the rear surface 166. Further, the injection instrument may move, rotate, and/or oscillate while in the lumen 700 such that cement may be injected onto the area of the posterior surface 166 surrounding the injection instrument. For example, the outlet of the injection instrument may be moved in a circular pattern while within the weighted hole to inject adhesive onto the rear surface 166 in a corresponding circular pattern. Each weight port of the first set of weight ports 1420 and the second set of weight ports 1430 may be used to inject an adhesive onto the rear surface 166. However, it may not be necessary to utilize all of the first set of weight ports 1420 and/or the second set of weight ports 1430. For example, it may be sufficient to inject adhesive over the entire rear surface 166 using every other weight port. In another example, the weight ports 1421, 1422, 1431, 1433, and 1436 may be used to inject adhesive onto the back surface 166. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Process 4400 may also include spreading or painting adhesive on rear surface 166 (not shown) after injecting the adhesive onto rear surface 166, thereby providing a substantially uniform coating of adhesive on rear surface 166. According to an example, the adhesive may be spread out on the rear surface 166 by injecting air into the interior cavity 700 through one or more of the first set of weight ports 1420 and/or the second set of weight ports 1430. Air may be injected into the interior cavity 700 and onto the rear surface 166 by inserting air nozzles into one or more of the first set of weight ports 1420 and/or the second set of weight ports 1430. According to an example, the air nozzle may be moved, rotated, and/or oscillated at a distance from the rear surface 166 to blow air evenly onto the adhesive to spread the adhesive across the rear surface 166 to obtain a uniform or substantially uniform coating of the adhesive on the rear surface 166. In one example, the golf club head 100 may be pivoted back and forth in one or more directions such that the adhesive spreads along a portion or substantially all of the area of the rear surface 166 of the face portion 162. In one example, the golf club head 100 may vibrate in a substantially horizontal direction with the rear surface 166 of the face portion 162 so that the adhesive may spread or spread on the rear surface 166 in a uniformly applied manner or in a substantially uniformly applied manner. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The example process 4400 is provided with only other figures and is described as an example of one way to manufacture the golf club head 100. Although fig. 44 shows a particular order of actions, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. Further, two or more of the acts described in fig. 44 may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. Process 4400 may include a single action (not shown) of injecting and uniformly or substantially uniformly coating the back surface 166 with an adhesive. In one example, the binder may be injected onto the rear surface 166 by converting into fine particles or droplets (i.e., atomizing) and spraying onto the rear surface 166. Thus, the back surface 166 may be uniformly or substantially uniformly coated with adhesive in one motion. A substantially uniform coating of adhesive on the rear surface 166 may be defined as a coating having slight non-uniformity due to the injection process or manufacturing process. However, such slight non-uniformity may not affect the bonding of the elastic polymeric or elastomeric material to the back surface 166 with an adhesive as described herein. For example, spraying adhesive on the back surface 166 may result in an overlap area of adhesive having a slightly greater application thickness than other adhesive areas on the back surface 166. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example shown in fig. 45, the adhesive may be an epoxy having different cure states based on the temperature and amount of time the epoxy is exposed to. The binder may have a non-cured state, an initial cured state, and a final cured state. In one example, the uncured state may be a liquid state and the initial cured state may be a gel or semi-solidSemi-liquid, the final solidified state may be solid. The adhesive may be heated to a temperature in the initial cured state (Temp) after the adhesive is heated_i) And final cure State temperature (Temp)_f) At a temperature in between, for a period of time, from a non-cured state to an initial cured state. Thus, the initial cure state temperature range may be defined by greater than or equal to the initial cure state temperature Temp_iAnd less than the final cure state temperature Temp_fIs determined. The adhesive may be heated to a temperature greater than or equal to the final cure state temperature Temp after the adhesive is heated_fIs used for a period of time, from an initial curing state to a final curing state. Thus, the final cure state temperature range may be defined by greater than or equal to the final cure state temperature Temp_fIs determined. As shown in FIG. 45, the initial curing state temperature Temp_iAnd a final cure state temperature Temp_fMay vary based on the amount of time the adhesive is heated. In particular, the transition from the non-cured state to the initial cured state and the transition from the initial cured state to the final cured state may be controlled by a particular temperature and time profile based on the properties of the adhesive. At a temperature below the initial curing temperature Temp_iThe binder may be in a non-cured state (e.g., liquid). In the initial cured state, the binder may form an initial bond with the target and become pliable to be manipulated (e.g., moved, spread, painted, etc.) without reaching complete crosslinking or forming a permanent bond. In other words, the adhesive may form an initial bond with the object and be manipulated without forming a permanent bond. In the final cured state, the bonding of the adhesive (e.g., the crosslinking of the adhesive including the epoxy) may be complete or become permanently cured.

The adhesive may be applied to the rear surface 166 of the face 162 while the adhesive is in a non-cured state (which may be a liquid state). Next, the golf club head 100 and/or the adhesive may be heated to greater than or equal to the initial cure state temperature Temp_iAnd less than the final cure state temperature Temp_fFirst temperature Temp₁Thereby changing the adhesive from the non-cured state to the initial cured state (i.e., initial cured state temperature range) (block 4420). Thus, the adhesive can be adhered to the faceThe back surface 166 of 162 forms the initial bond. After bonding the adhesive to the rear surface 166, the golf club head may be cooled at ambient or room temperature for a period of time (not shown). Thus, the adhesive may be in an initial cured state and bonded to the rear surface 166 of the face portion 162 such that the adhesive may be bonded to the rear surface 166 during injection molding of the elastic polymeric material in the cavity 700. Ambient or room temperature may be defined as a room temperature range between 5 ℃ (41 ° F) to 40 ℃ (104 ° F). The golf club head and/or the adhesive are heated to a first temperature Temp₁First temperature Temp₁And duration may be based on the curing or bonding properties of the adhesive. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

After the adhesive is bonded to the rear surface 166 of the face portion 162, the golf club head 100 may be heated (i.e., preheat the golf club head 100) prior to receiving the elastic polymer material (not shown). The golf club head 100 may be heated such that when the elastic polymer material is injected into the golf club head 100, the elastic polymer material is not cooled by contact with the golf club head, remaining in a flowing liquid form to fill the interior cavity 700. The temperature at which the golf club head is heated, which may be referred to herein as the third temperature, may be similar to the temperature at which the elastic polymer material is injected into the interior cavity 700. However, the temperature to which the golf club head is heated may be less than the final cure temperature of the adhesive. Thus, the binder may not transition from the initial cured state to the final cured state during the injection molding process. Further, the pre-heating temperature of the golf club head 100 may be determined such that after the elastic polymer material is injection molded into the interior cavity 700, excessive cooling of the golf club head 100 may not be required. The elastic polymer material may also be heated to a liquid state (not shown) prior to being injected into the lumen 700. The temperature to which the elastic polymer material may be heated may depend on the type of elastic polymer material used to partially or completely fill the cuff 700. Furthermore, the temperature to which the elastic polymer material is heated may be determined such that the shrinkage of the elastic polymer material is reduced during the injection molding process. However, as described herein, the elastic polymeric materialThe material may be heated to a temperature Temp which is higher than the final curing temperature of the binder_fLow temperature. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As described herein, the cavity 700 may be partially or fully filled with a resilient polymeric material by injecting a resilient polymeric material within the cavity 700 (block 4430). The injection speed of the elastic polymer material may be determined such that the lumen 700 may be slowly filled, providing better filling, while allowing air to escape the lumen 700 and allowing the injected elastic polymer material to cool quickly. For example, the elastic polymer material may be a non-foamed injection moldable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. The elastic polymer material may be injected into the interior cavity 700 from one or more weight ports described herein (e.g., one or more of the weight ports of the first and second sets of weight ports 1420 and 1430, respectively, shown in fig. 14). One or more other weight ports may allow air displaced by the elastic polymer material in the interior cavity 700 to escape from the interior cavity 700. In one example, the golf club head 100 may be oriented horizontally during the injection molding process as shown in fig. 14. The elastic polymer material may be injected into the interior cavity 700 from the weight ports 1431 and 1432. The weight ports 1421, 1422, and/or 1423 may act as vents to vent displaced air from the interior chamber 700. Thus, regardless of how the golf club head 100 is oriented during the injection molding process, the elastic polymer material may be injected into the interior cavity 700 from one or more lower weight ports, while one or more higher weight ports may function as vent ports.

According to an example, any weight port or any vent hole on the golf club head 100 that may be used as a vent for venting displaced air may be connected to a vacuum source (not shown) during the injection molding process. Accordingly, air displaced by the elastic polymeric material in the interior cavity 700 may be removed from the interior cavity 700 by the vacuum source. Thus, the likelihood of having pockets of trapped air in the interior cavity 700 and/or uneven filling of the interior cavity 700 with the resilient polymeric material may be reduced. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the injection of elastic polymer materialsAfter being placed in the interior cavity 700, the golf club head 100 may be heated to a temperature greater than or equal to the final cure temperature Temp of the adhesive_fSecond temperature Temp₂To reactivate the adhesive to bond the elastic polymeric material to the adhesive (i.e., the final cure state temperature range) (block 4440). Second temperature Temp₂And the golf club head 100 is heated to the second temperature Temp₂The duration of time may depend on the properties of the adhesive shown in fig. 45, thereby forming a permanent bond between the golf club head 100 and the adhesive and between the elastic polymer material and the adhesive. The golf club head 100 may then be cooled at ambient or room temperature (not shown). According to an example, after the golf club head is manufactured as described herein, a Characteristic Time (CT) of the golf club head may be measured (not shown). The CT measurements may determine whether the golf club head meets CT criteria established by one or more golf management entities.

The heating and cooling processes described herein may be performed by conduction, convection, and/or radiation. For example, as described herein, all of the heating and cooling processes may be performed using a heating or cooling system that employs a conveyor belt that moves the golf club head 100 through a heated or cooled environment for a period of time. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

An elastic polymer material having a low modulus of elasticity, such as a foam elastic polymer material, may provide vibration and noise dampening to the face 162 when the face 162 impacts a golf ball. An elastic polymer material having a higher modulus of elasticity, such as a non-foamed elastic polymer material, may provide structural support for the face 162 in addition to providing vibration and noise dampening. Thus, when the internal cavity 700 is filled with unfoamed elastic polymer material, the thin face portion 162 may be provided, as the elastic polymer material may provide structural support to the thin face portion 162. In an example, the elastic polymer material injection molded in the cavity 700 may have a relatively high modulus of elasticity to provide structural support to the face portion 162, but may still elastically deform to absorb the impact forces experienced by the face portion 162 when striking a golf ball. Accordingly, a non-foaming injection moldable resilient polymer material having a relatively high modulus of elasticity may be used to partially or completely fill the interior cavity 700 to provide shock and noise suppression, as well as structural support and reinforcement for the face 162. That is, the non-foamed injection moldable resilient polymeric material may be a structural support portion of the face 162. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although the above examples may describe iron-type or wedge-type golf club heads, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club heads.

The terms "and" or "may have combined and separate meanings. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless otherwise indicated herein. The term "couple" and any variation thereof, refers to the chemical, mechanical, and/or otherwise joining two or more elements, directly or indirectly. The phrase "removably connectable" is defined such that two elements that are "removably connectable" can be separated from each other without disrupting or destroying the usability of either element.

The term "substantially," when used to describe a property, parameter, property, or value of an element, can mean a deviation or variation that does not cause the property, parameter, property, or value that the element is intended to provide to disappear. Variations or changes in the characteristics, parameters, properties, or values of elements may be based on, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors. The term "adjacent" is synonymous with terms such as "adjacent," "proximate," "immediately adjacent," "near," "adjacent," and the like, and these terms are used interchangeably as they appear in this application.

The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be implemented in various embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the description of the drawings, as well as the drawings themselves, disclose at least one embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.

Because golf rules may change over time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old regulations may be eliminated or revised by the golf standards organization and/or a regulatory entity such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the imperial and ancient golf club (R & a)), golf equipment associated with the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may or may not comply with golf rules at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although certain example apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (20)

1. A golf club head, comprising:

a body portion having a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a rear portion, a front portion having a face portion with a face thickness extending between a front surface and a rear surface, at least a first weight portion located above a horizontal median plane of the body portion, at least a second weight portion located below the horizontal median plane, and an interior cavity, the body portion having a body portion volume;

an elastic polymeric material in the lumen, the elastic polymeric material having an elastic polymeric material volume;

wherein the volume of the elastic polymer material is more than or equal to V according to the formula of 0.2_e/V_b0.5 or less is related to the volume of the body part, wherein V_eIs in³Volume of elastomeric polymer material in units, V_bIs in³A body portion volume in units;

wherein the inner cavity has an inner cavity volume, and the inner cavity volume is not less than V according to a formula of 0.2_c/V_b0.5 or less is related to the volume of the body part, wherein V_cIs in³Volume of lumen in units, V_bIs in³Is the volume of the body part in units, and V_e≤V_c(ii) a And is

Wherein a distance between the at least second weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion is greater than a distance between the at least first weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion.

2. A golf club head as defined in claim 1, further comprising a bonding portion bonded to the rear surface of the face portion, wherein the elastic polymer material is bonded to the bonding portion.

3. A golf club head as defined in claim 1, further comprising a bonding agent having a first cure state associated with a first temperature range and a second cure state associated with a second temperature range different from the first temperature range, wherein the bonding agent is in contact with the rear surface of the face portion and bonded thereto in the first cure state, and wherein the elastic polymer material is in contact with the bonding agent and bonded thereto in the second cure state.

4. A golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein the face portion thickness is between 0.02 inches (0.508mm) and 0.09 inches (2.286 mm).

5. A golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein the elastic polymer material comprises at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer material or a thermoplastic polyurethane material.

6. A golf club head as defined in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of apertures on the rear portion, wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures is connected to the interior cavity, and wherein the elastic polymer material is injected into the interior cavity from the at least one aperture.

7. A golf club head as defined in claim 1, wherein the interior cavity comprises a cavity height extending between the top portion and the sole portion, the cavity height being at least 50% of a body height of the body portion.

8. A golf club head, comprising:

a body portion having a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a rear portion, a front portion having a face portion with a face thickness extending between a front surface and a rear surface, at least a first weight portion located above a horizontal median plane of the body portion, and at least a second weight portion located below the horizontal median plane, and an interior cavity;

an elastic polymeric material in the lumen, the elastic polymeric material having an elastic polymeric material volume;

wherein the face thickness is not less than T according to the formula 0.01_f/V_e0.2 or less is related to the volume of the elastomeric polymeric material, wherein T_fFace thickness in inches, V_eIs in³Volume of elastomeric polymer material in units;

wherein the lumen has a lumen volume, and wherein the face thickness is T ≦ 0.01_f/V_c0.2 or less is related to the lumen volume, wherein T_fFace thickness in inches, V_cIs in³Is the lumen volume in units, and V_e≤V_c(ii) a And is

Wherein a distance between the at least second weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion is greater than a distance between the at least first weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion.

9. A golf club head as defined in claim 8, wherein the face portion thickness is between 0.02 inches (0.508mm) and 0.09 inches (2.286 mm).

10. A golf club head as defined in claim 8, further comprising a bonding portion bonded to the rear surface of the face portion, wherein the elastic polymer material is bonded to the bonding portion.

11. A golf club head as defined in claim 8, further comprising a bonding agent having a first cure state associated with a first temperature range and a second cure state associated with a second temperature range different from the first temperature range, wherein the bonding agent is in contact with the rear surface of the face portion and bonded thereto in the first cure state, and wherein the elastic polymer material is in contact with the bonding agent and bonded thereto in the second cure state.

12. A golf club head as defined in claim 8, wherein the elastic polymer material comprises at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer material or a thermoplastic polyurethane material.

13. A golf club head as defined in claim 8, further comprising a plurality of apertures on the rear portion, wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures is connected to the interior cavity, and wherein the elastic polymer material is injected into the interior cavity from the at least one aperture.

14. A golf club head as defined in claim 8, wherein the interior cavity comprises a cavity height extending between the top portion and the sole portion, the cavity height being at least 50% of a body height of the body portion.

15. A golf club head, comprising:

a body portion having a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a rear portion, a front portion having a face portion with a face thickness extending between a front surface and a rear surface, at least a first weight portion located above a horizontal median plane of the body portion, and at least a second weight portion located below the horizontal median plane, and an interior cavity;

an elastic polymeric material in the lumen;

wherein an elastic polymer material volume of the elastic polymer material, a body portion volume of the body portion, and the face thickness are in accordance with formula V_e＝a*V_b+b+c*T_fIn a correlation, wherein V_eIs in³Volume of elastomeric polymer material in units, V_bIs in³Volume of body part in units, T_fIs the face thickness in inches, a is approximately equal to 0.48, b is approximately equal to-0.38, and c is more than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 10;

wherein the lumen has a lumen volume, and wherein the lumen volume is V or less according to the formula 0.2_c/V_b0.5 or less is related to the volume of the body part, wherein V_cIs in³Volume of lumen in units, V_bIs in³Is the volume of the body part in units, and V_e≤V_c；

Wherein the lumen has a lumen volume, and wherein the face thickness is T ≦ 0.01_f/V_c0.2 or less is related to the lumen volume, wherein T_fIs the thickness of the face in inches, and V_cIs in³Lumen volume in units; and is

Wherein a distance between the at least second weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion is greater than a distance between the at least first weight portion and the rear surface of the face portion.

16. A golf club head as defined in claim 15, wherein the face portion thickness is between 0.02 inches (0.508mm) and 0.09 inches (2.286 mm).

17. A golf club head as defined in claim 15, further comprising a bonding portion bonded to the rear surface of the face portion, wherein the elastic polymer material is bonded to the bonding portion.

18. A golf club head as defined in claim 15, further comprising a plurality of apertures on the rear portion, wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures is connected to the interior cavity, and wherein the elastic polymer material is injected into the interior cavity from the at least one aperture.

19. A golf club head as defined in claim 15, wherein the interior cavity has an interior cavity volume, and wherein the interior cavity volume, the body portion volume, and the face portion thickness are in accordance with formula V_c＝a*V_b+b+c*T_fIn a correlation, wherein V_cIs in³Volume of lumen in units, V_bIs in³Volume of body part in units, T_fIs the face thickness in inches, a ≈ 0.48, b ≈ 0.38, and 0 ≦ c ≦ 10.

20. A golf club head as defined in claim 15, wherein the interior cavity comprises a cavity height extending between the top portion and the sole portion, the cavity height being at least 50% of a body height of the body portion.

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