CN210583543U

CN210583543U - Golf club head

Info

Publication number: CN210583543U
Application number: CN201921022280.0U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔纳森·艾布雷欧; 詹森·A·马塔; 查尔斯·E·戈尔登; 约翰·莫林
Original assignee: Acushnet Co
Current assignee: Acushnet Co
Priority date: 2018-07-03
Filing date: 2019-07-03
Publication date: 2020-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-03
Also published as: JP3222914U

Abstract

A golf club head, comprising: a striking face, wherein the striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface, wherein the rear surface of the striking face comprises a support area; a peripheral portion surrounding the striking face and extending rearwardly from the striking face; a support arm spaced from the rear surface of the striking face, the support arm extending from the peripheral portion toward the support area; and a deformable element located between the support arm and the rear surface of the striking face, wherein the deformable element includes a front surface in contact with the rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface in contact with the support arm.

Description

Golf club head

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part, currently pending, of U.S. patent application US16/027,077, "golf club set with ball speed controlling elastomeric element", filed 2018, 7, 3, of Hebreo et al, 2016, 26, of Morin et al, a continuation-in-part, of U.S. patent application US15/220122, "golf club with ball speed controlling elastomeric element", filed 2016, 7, 26, of Morin et al (now patent No. US10086244), the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of golf club heads.

Background

The goal of golfers is to reduce the total number of swings required to complete a round of golf, thereby reducing their overall score. To achieve that goal, it is often desirable for golfers to fly the ball a consistent distance when hitting the ball with the same golf club, and for some clubs also travel the ball a long distance. For example, when a golfer slightly mis-hits a golf ball, the golfer does not want the golf ball to fly a significantly different distance. At the same time, the golfer also does not want to have a significantly reduced overall distance per shot, even when the golfer hits the golf club at its "sweet spot".

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

One non-limiting embodiment of the present invention includes a golf club head comprising: a striking surface; a peripheral portion surrounding the striking face and extending rearwardly therefrom; a coordinate system centered at the center of gravity of the golf club head, the coordinate system including a y-axis extending vertically, the y-axis being perpendicular to the ground plane when the golf club head is in an address position at a prescribed loft angle and ball position, and an x-axis extending toward the heel of the golf club head, the z-axis being perpendicular to the y-axis and the x-axis and extending through the striking plane; wherein the striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface; wherein the rear surface of the striking face comprises a support area; a support arm spaced from the rear surface of the striking face, the support arm oriented substantially parallel to the rear surface of the striking face, the support arm extending from the peripheral portion toward the support area; and a deformable element located between the support arm and the rear surface of the striking face; wherein the deformable element comprises a front surface in contact with the rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface in contact with the support arm; wherein the perimeter of the front surface of the deformable element defines a support region, wherein the support region includes a geometric center; wherein the strike face comprises a plurality of score lines; wherein the strike face includes a heel reference plane extending parallel to the y-axis and the x-axis, wherein the heel reference plane is offset from a heel-proximal-most end of the fractional line toward the heel by 1 millimeter; wherein the geometric center of the support region is located in a support region offset length measured parallel to the x-axis from the heel reference plane toward the toe; wherein the striking face comprises a striking face length measured parallel to the x-axis from the heel reference plane to a toe-most end of the front surface of the striking face; and a support zone offset ratio comprising a support zone offset length divided by the strike face length multiplied by 100%, wherein the support zone offset ratio is greater than or equal to 40%; wherein the support arm is cantilevered such that it is fixed to the peripheral portion at only one end of the support arm; wherein the deformable element comprises an elastomer; wherein at least a portion of the striking face comprises a thickness of less than or equal to 2.4 mm; wherein the position of the highest portion of the support arm is less than or equal to 35 millimeters above ground plane, the position being measured parallel to the y-axis; wherein the golf club head has a center of gravity positioned less than or equal to 20 millimeters above the ground plane, measured parallel to the y-axis.

Another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention includes a golf club head comprising: a striking surface; a peripheral portion surrounding the striking face and extending rearwardly therefrom; a coordinate system centered at the center of gravity of the golf club head, the coordinate system including a y-axis extending vertically, the y-axis being perpendicular to the ground plane when the golf club head is in a ball address position at a prescribed loft angle and ball position, and an x-axis extending toward the heel of the golf club head, and a z-axis extending perpendicular to the y-axis and the x-axis and through the striking plane; wherein the striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface; wherein the rear surface of the striking face comprises a support area; a support arm spaced from the rear surface of the striking face, the support arm extending from the peripheral portion toward the support area; wherein the support arm is cantilevered such that it is fixed to the peripheral portion at only one end of the support arm; and a deformable element located between the support arm and the rear surface of the striking face; wherein the deformable element includes a front surface in contact with the rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface in contact with the support arm.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the perimeter of the front surface of the deformable element defines a support area, wherein the support area includes a geometric center, wherein the strike face includes a plurality of lines of fractional, wherein the strike face includes a heel reference plane extending parallel to the y-axis and the x-axis, wherein the heel reference plane is offset 1 millimeter from a heel-proximal-most end of the fractional line toward the heel, wherein a geometric center of the support zone is located in a support zone offset length measured parallel to the x-axis from the heel reference plane toward the toe, wherein the striking face comprises a striking face length measured parallel to the x-axis from a heel reference plane to a toe proximal-most end of a front surface of the striking face, wherein the golf club head comprises a support zone offset ratio comprising a support zone offset length divided by a face length multiplied by 100%, wherein the support zone offset ratio is greater than or equal to 40%.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the highest portion of the support arm is located less than or equal to 35 millimeters above ground level, the location being measured parallel to the y-axis.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the highest portion of the support arm is located less than or equal to 30 millimeters above ground level, the location being measured parallel to the y-axis.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the GaoerA position of a center of gravity of the golf club head less than or equal to 20 millimeters above ground plane, the position measured parallel to the y-axis, and wherein the golf club head comprises greater than or equal to 250kg-mm²MOI-Y of (1).

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the striking face comprises a thickness of less than or equal to 2.1 mm.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the support arm includes an arm centerline oriented parallel to the rear surface of the striking face and extending from the peripheral portion toward the support area along a center of the support arm, and wherein the support arm includes an arm width, wherein the arm width decreases from the peripheral portion toward the support area along the arm centerline.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the support arm includes an arm centerline oriented parallel to the rear surface of the striking face and extending from the peripheral portion toward the support area along a center of the support arm, the arm centerline being at an angle relative to the ground plane, wherein the angle is greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the support arm is oriented substantially parallel to the rear surface of the striking face.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the deformable element comprises an elastomer.

Another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention includes a golf club head comprising: a striking surface; a peripheral portion surrounding the striking face and extending rearwardly therefrom; a coordinate system centered at the center of gravity of the golf club head, the coordinate system including a y-axis extending vertically, the y-axis being perpendicular to the ground plane when the golf club head is in an address position at a prescribed loft angle and ball position, and a z-axis extending toward a heel portion of the golf club head, the z-axis being perpendicular to the y-axis and the x-axis and extending through the striking plane; wherein the striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface; wherein the rear surface of the striking face comprises a support area; a support arm spaced from the rear surface of the striking face, the support arm extending from the peripheral portion toward the support area; and a deformable element located between the support arm and the rear surface of the striking face; wherein the deformable element comprises a front surface in contact with the rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface in contact with the support arm; wherein the periphery of the front surface of the deformable element defines a support region, wherein the support region comprises a geometric center, wherein the face comprises a plurality of fractional lines, wherein the face comprises a heel reference plane extending parallel to the y-axis and the x-axis, wherein the heel reference plane is offset 1 millimeter from a heel proximal end of the fractional lines toward the heel, wherein the geometric center of the support region is located in a support region offset length measured parallel to the x-axis from the heel reference plane toward the toe, wherein the face comprises a face length measured parallel to the x-axis from the heel reference plane to a toe proximal end of the front surface of the face, wherein the golf club head comprises a support region offset ratio comprising the support region offset length divided by the face length multiplied by 100%, wherein the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 40%.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the support arm is cantilevered such that it is fixed to the peripheral portion only at one end of the support arm.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, wherein the highest portion of the support arm is located less than or equal to 35 millimeters above ground level, the location being measured parallel to the y-axis.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the center of gravity of the golf club head is positioned less than or equal to 20 millimeters above ground plane, the position being measured parallel to the y-axis, and wherein the golf club head comprises greater than or equal to 250kg-mm²MOI-Y of (1).

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the support zone offset ratio is greater than or equal to 50%.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the support arm is oriented substantially parallel to the rear surface of the striking face. This disclosure is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, where terms such as "substantially" are used herein, they refer to requirements within a predetermined tolerance as understood by those skilled in the art to meet the intended purpose. In different cases, it may be, for example, within a 5% tolerance, a 10% tolerance, etc. Thus, in an embodiment, the term "substantially parallel" means that the elements are within a predetermined tolerance of being truly parallel.

Drawings

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures.

Fig. 1A and 1B show cross-sectional views of golf club heads with elastomeric elements.

FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Fig. 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views of a golf club head having an elastomeric element and a striking face with a thickened center portion.

Fig. 3A and 3B show cross-sectional views of a golf club head having an elastomeric element and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the compression of the elastomeric element.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a golf club head having an elastomeric element and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the compression of the elastomeric element.

Fig. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of fig. 4A.

FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf club having an elastomeric element and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the compression of the elastomeric element.

FIG. 5A shows a stress contour plot for a golf club head without an elastomeric element.

FIG. 5B illustrates a stress contour plot for a golf club head having an elastomeric element.

Fig. 6A shows a front view of a golf club head.

Fig. 6B illustrates a toe view of the golf club head of fig. 6A.

Fig. 6C shows a cross-sectional a-a view of the golf club head of fig. 6A.

Fig. 6D illustrates a perspective view of the golf club head of fig. 6A oriented perpendicular to the striking face.

Fig. 6E illustrates a perspective view of the golf club head of fig. 6A oriented perpendicular to the striking face (including the support region).

Fig. 7A shows a perspective view of a golf club head.

Fig. 7B illustrates another perspective view of the golf club head of fig. 7A.

Fig. 7C shows a rear view of the golf club head of fig. 7A.

Fig. 8A shows a B-B cross-sectional view of the golf club head of fig. 7C.

FIG. 8B illustrates a C-C cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 7C.

Fig. 8C shows a D-D cross-sectional view of the golf club head of fig. 7C.

FIG. 9A shows another cross-sectional view of the front portion of the golf club head of FIG. 7A, without the striking face.

Fig. 9B shows a cross-sectional view of fig. 9A with the deformable element removed.

Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the golf club head of fig. 7A oriented perpendicular to the striking face (including the support region).

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to an iron-type golf club head that incorporates an elastomeric element to promote more uniform ball speed along the striking face of the golf club. Conventional thin face iron type golf clubs typically produce less uniform launch velocities along the striking face due to increased compliance at the geometric center of the striking face. When a golf club strikes a golf ball, for example, the striking face of the club deflects and then springs forward, which accelerates the golf ball off the striking face. While such a design may result in a large flight distance for the golf ball when hitting the center of the face, any off-center hits on the golf ball cause a significant loss in golf ball flight distance. In contrast, an extremely thick face causes the ball to fly more uniformly regardless of the impact location, but at a significant loss in launch velocity. The present invention introduces an elastomer element between the rear portion of the hollow iron golf club head and the striking face rear surface. By including an elastomeric element, the magnitude of the launch velocity upon impact at the center of the face can be reduced while improving the launch velocity uniformity along the impact face. In some embodiments, the compression of the elastomeric element between the rear portion and the striking face may also be adjusted to allow a golfer or golf club accessory professional to vary the deflection of the striking face when striking a golf ball.

Fig. 1A and 1B show cross-sectional views of a golf club head 100 having an elastomeric element 102. Fig. 1C shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the golf club head 100. Fig. 1A to 1C are now described simultaneously. Club head 100 includes a striking surface 118 and a rear portion 112. A cavity 120 is formed between the striking face 118 and the rear portion 112. The elastomeric element 102 is located in a cavity 120 between the striking face 118 and the rear portion 112. The rear of the elastomeric member 102 is held in place by a bracket 108. A brace 108 is connected to the rear portion 112 of the golf club head 100, the brace 108 including a recess 109 to receive the rear portion of the elastomeric element 102. The lip of the carrier 108 prevents the elastomeric element 102 from sliding out or otherwise moving out of position. The elastomeric element 102 may have a generally frustoconical shape, as shown in fig. 1A and 1B. In other embodiments, the elastomeric element 102 may have a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a prismatic shape. The recess 109 of the bracket 108 is formed to substantially match the shape of the rear of the elastomeric element 102. For example, when using a frustoconical elastomeric element 102, the recess 109 of the carrier 108 is also frustoconical such that the rear surface of the elastomeric element 102 is in contact with the inner walls of the recess 109 of the carrier 108. Bracket 108 may be welded or otherwise attached to rear portion 112, or bracket 108 may be formed as part of rear portion 112 during a casting or forging process. The rear portion 112 may also be machined to include the bracket 108.

The front portion 103 of the elastomeric member 102 contacts the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118. The front portion 103 of the elastomeric member 102 may be held in place on the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118 by a securing structure, such as a flange 110. The flange 110 protrudes from a rear surface 119 of the striking face 118 into the cavity 120. The flange 110 receives the front portion 103 of the elastomeric element 102 to substantially prevent the elastomeric element 102 from sliding along the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118. The flange 110 may partially or completely surround the front portion 103 of the elastomeric element 102. Similar to the bracket 108, the flange 110 may be shaped to match the shape of the front portion 103 of the elastomeric element 102 such that a surface of the front portion 103 of the elastomeric element 102 contacts an inner surface of the flange 110. The flange 110 may be welded or otherwise attached to the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118. The flange 110 may also be cast or forged during the formation of the striking face 118. For example, where the striking face 118 is a face insert, the flange 110 may be introduced during a casting or forging process to make the face insert. In another embodiment, flange 110 and striking face 118 may be machined from thicker panels. Alternative securing structures may be used in addition to the flange 110. Two or more posts may be included, for example, on the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118 around the perimeter of the front portion 103 of the elastomeric element 102. As another example, an adhesive may be used to secure the elastomeric element 102 to the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118. In other embodiments, no fixed structure is used, and the elastomeric element 102 is generally held in place due to the compression of the elastomeric element 102 between the cradle 108 and the rear surface 119 of the striking face 118.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A-1C, the elastomeric element 102 is located behind the approximate geometric center of the striking face 118. In conventional thin face golf clubs, the impact at the geometric center of the striking face 118 exhibits the greatest displacement of the striking face 118, and therefore the greatest ball speed. By placing the elastomer 102 at the geometric center of the striking face 118, deflection of the striking face 118 at that point is reduced, thereby reducing ball speed. However, the portion of the striking face 118 that is not supported by the elastomeric element 102 continues to deflect into the cavity 120, which contributes to the velocity of the golf ball. Thus, a more uniform distribution of ball speed resulting from the impact along the striking face 118 from heel to toe may be achieved. In other embodiments, the elastomeric element 102 may be placed in other locations within the club head 100.

The resiliency of the elastomeric element 102 also affects the deflection of the striking face 118. For example, a lower modulus of elasticity material allows the striking face 118 to deflect further, which provides a higher maximum ball speed, but a less uniform ball speed. Conversely, a higher modulus of elasticity material further prevents the striking face 118 from deflecting, providing a lower maximum ball speed, but a more uniform ball speed. The different types of materials are discussed in more detail below with reference to tables 2-3.

The golf club head 100 also includes a sole 105 having a sole channel 104 between a front sole portion 114 and a rear sole portion 116. The sole channel 104 extends along the sole 105 of the golf club head 100 from a point near the heel to a point near the toe thereof. Although shown as a hollow channel, the bottom channel 104 may be filled or spanned with plastic, rubber, polymer or other material to prevent debris from entering the cavity 120. The sole channel 104 allows for additional deflection of the lower portion of the striking face 118. By allowing additional deflection of the lower portion of the striking surface 118, increased ball speed is achieved when the lower portion of the striking surface 118 strikes a ball (e.g., when striking a ball from turf). Thus, the elastomeric element 102 and the sole channel 104 combine with one another to provide increased golf ball flight distance for turf shots and more uniform ball speed along the striking face 118.

Fig. 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views of a golf club head 200 having an elastomeric element 202 and a striking face 218 with a thickened center portion 222. The golf club head 200 is similar to the golf club head 100 discussed above with reference to fig. 1A-1C, except that a thickened portion 222 of the striking surface 218 is used instead of the flange 110. A thickened portion 222 of the striking face 218 protrudes into the cavity 220. The front 203 of the elastomeric element 202 contacts the back surface 219 of the thickened portion 222. The rear portion of the elastomeric element 202 is received in a recess 209 in the bracket 208, the bracket 208 being connected to the rear portion 21 and being substantially similar to the bracket 108 described above with reference to fig. 1A-1C. Due to the thickened portion 222 of the striking face 218, the elastomeric element 202 may be shorter in length than the elastomeric element 102 of fig. 1A-1C. The golf club head 200 also includes a sole channel 204 located between the front sole portion 214 and the rear sole portion 216. The bottom channel 204 also provides benefits similar to the bottom channel 104 described in fig. 1A-1C, and may also be filled or spanned by material.

Fig. 3A and 3B show cross-sectional views of a golf club head 300 having an elastomeric element 302 and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the compression of the elastomeric element 302. The golf club head 300 includes a striking face 318, a rear portion 312, and a cavity 320 formed between the rear portion 312 and the striking face 318. Similar to the golf club head 100 described above with reference to fig. 1A-1C, the flange 310 is located on the rear surface 319 of the striking face 318, and the flange 310 receives the front portion 303 of the elastomeric element 302. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the elastomeric element 302 has a generally cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, however, elastomeric element 302 may have a conical shape, a frustoconical shape, a spherical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a prismatic shape.

The golf club head 300 also includes an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust compression of the elastomeric element 302 against the rear surface 319 of the striking face 318. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment receiver 306 and an adjustment driver 330. The adjustment receiver 306 may be a structure having a through-hole into the cavity 320 and the adjustment driver 330 may be a threaded member or screw as shown. The through bore of the adjustment receiver 306 includes a threaded inner surface for receiving the threaded member 330. The adjustment receiver 306 may be formed as part of the forging or casting process of the rear portion 312 or it may be machined and tapped after the forging and casting process. The threaded element 330 includes an interface 334 (e.g., a recess) that contacts or receives the rear of the elastomeric element 302. The threaded element 330 also includes a screw driver 332 that is at least partially external to the golf club head 300 such that the golfer may use the screw driver 332. When the threaded element 330 is rotated via the screw driver 332, for example by a screwdriver, allen wrench or torque wrench, the threaded element 330 moves further into and out of the cavity 320. In some embodiments, the interface 334 at the rear of the elastomeric member 302 may be lubricously contacted or received to prevent twisting or rotation of the elastomeric member 302 when the threaded member 330 is rotated. As the threaded element 330 moves further into the cavity 320, the compression of the elastomeric element 302 against the rear surface 319 of the striking face 318 increases, thereby changing the properties of the elastomeric element 302.

The higher compression of the elastomeric member 302 against the rear surface 319 of the striking face 318 further limits deflection of the striking face 318. In turn, further limiting the deflection results in a more uniform ball velocity along the striking face 318. However, the limit of deflection also reduces the maximum ball speed from the center of the striking face 318. By having the compression of the elastomeric element 302 adjustable by the adjustment mechanism, the golfer or golf club fitting professional may adjust the compression to suit the particular needs of the golfer. For example, a golfer desiring further maximum distance without the need to even ball speed along the striking face 318 may lower the initial set compression of the elastomeric element 302 by loosening the threaded element 330. Conversely, a golfer desiring to even ball speed along the striking surface 318 may tension the threaded element 330 to increase the initial set compression of the elastomeric element 302.

Although the adjustment mechanism is shown in fig. 3A and 3B as including a threaded element 330 and a threaded through-hole, other adjustment mechanisms may be used to adjust the compression of the elastomeric element 302 against the rear surface 319 of the striking face 318. For example, the adjustment mechanism may include a lever, wherein rotation of the lever changes the compression of the elastomeric element 302. The adjustment mechanism may also include a button that can be pressed to directly increase the compression of the elastomeric element 302. Other types of adjustment mechanisms may also be used.

The golf club head 300 also includes a sole channel 304 between the front sole portion 314 and the rear sole portion 316, similar to the sole channel 104 described above with reference to fig. 1A-1C. The bottom channel 304 also provides benefits similar to the bottom channel 104 and may also be filled or spanned with material.

The golf club head 300 may also be manufactured or sold as a kit. In the embodiment shown where the adjustment mechanism is a threaded element 330, such as a screw, the kit may include a plurality of threaded elements 330. Each threaded element 330 may have a different weight so that the golfer may select the desired weight. For example, one golfer may prefer a lighter overall weight iron head, while another golfer may prefer a heavier one. The plurality of threaded elements 330 may also each have a different weight distribution. For example, different threaded elements 330 may be configured to distribute the weight of each threaded element 330 along its length as desired. The plurality of threaded elements 330 may also have different lengths. By having different lengths, each threaded element 330 may have a maximum compression that may be applied to the elastomeric element 302. For example, a shorter threaded element 330 may not apply as much force to the elastomeric element 302 as a longer threaded element 330, depending on the configuration of the adjustment receiver 306. The kit may also include a torque wrench for installing the threaded member 330 into the adjustment receiver 306. The torque wrench may include predetermined settings corresponding to different compression or performance levels.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a golf club head 400A having an elastomeric element 402 and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the compression of the elastomeric element 402. Fig. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head 400A. The golf club 400A includes a striking surface 418, a rear portion 412, and a cavity 420 formed therebetween. As with the adjustment mechanisms of fig. 3A and 3B, the adjustment mechanism in golf club head 400A includes an adjustment receiver 406 and an adjustment driver 430. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment receiver 406 is a structure having a threaded through-hole for receiving the adjustment driver 430, the adjustment driver 430 being a screw. In some embodiments, the adjustment receiver 406 may be defined by a threaded through-hole through the rear portion 412 without any additional structure.

The tip of the screw 430 is in contact with the bracket 408A holding the rear of the elastomeric member 402. As the screw 430 rotates, the lateral movement of the screw 430 causes the bracket 408A to move toward or away from the striking surface 418. Thus, in some embodiments, the screw 430 extends substantially perpendicular to the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418. Since the carriage 408A holds the rear of the elastomeric element 402, movement of the carriage 408A causes a change in the compression of the elastomeric element 402 against the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418. Thus, the compression of the elastomeric element 402 may be adjusted by turning the screw 430 via the screw driver 432, similar to the manipulation of the threaded element 330 in the golf club head 300 shown in fig. 3A and 3B.

Fig. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf club 400C having an elastomeric element 402 and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the compression of the elastomeric element 402. The golf club head 400C is substantially similar to the golf club head 400A shown in fig. 4A and 4B, except that the golf club head 400C includes a larger cradle 408C having a depth D that is greater than the depth of a comparable smaller cradle (e.g., the cradle 408A of fig. 4A and 4B having a depth D). The larger carrier 408C surrounds more of the elastomeric element 402 than the smaller carrier. By surrounding a larger portion of the elastomeric element 402, the brace 408C further limits deformation of the elastomeric element 402 when the golf club head 400C strikes a golf ball. Limiting deformation of the elastomeric element 402 also limits the potential maximum deflection of the striking surface 418 and, therefore, may reduce the maximum ball speed of the golf club head 400C while increasing the uniformity of speed along the striking surface 418. The larger bracket 408C does not contact the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418 at its maximum deflection. The bracket 408C itself may be made of the same material as the rear portion 412, such as steel. The bracket 408C may also be made of titanium, composite materials, ceramics, or a variety of other materials.

The size of the bracket 408C may be selected based on the desired ball speed performance. For example, the bracket 408C may enclose about 25% or more of the volume of the elastomeric element 402, as shown in fig. 4C. In other embodiments, the bracket 408C may surround approximately 25% -50% by volume of the elastomeric element 402. In still other embodiments, the bracket 408C may surround about 10% -25% or less than about 10% by volume of the elastomeric element 402. In still other embodiments, the bracket 408C may surround more than 50% by volume of the elastomeric element 402. For the portion of the elastomeric member 402 that is surrounded by the bracket 408C, substantially the entire peripheral surface of that portion of the elastomeric member 402 may contact the inner surface of the recess 409 of the bracket 408C.

The connection between the bracket 408C and the adjustment drive 430 can also be seen more clearly in fig. 4C. The tip of the adjustment drive 430 (which may be a flat surface) contacts the rear surface 407 of the bracket 408C. Thus, as the adjustment actuator 430 moves into the cavity 420, the carriage 408C and the elastomeric member 402 are urged toward the striking surface 418. Conversely, as adjustment actuator 430 is withdrawn from cavity 420, carriage 408C remains in contact with adjustment actuator 430 due to the force exerted from elastomeric member 402 resulting from the compression. In some embodiments, the tip surface of the screw 430 and/or the rear surface 407 of the bracket 408C may be lubricated to prevent the bracket 408C from twisting. In other embodiments, the tip of the adjustment drive 430 may be coupled to the bracket 408C such that the bracket 408C twists as the adjustment drive 430 rotates. In such embodiments, the elastomeric member 402 may be substantially cylindrical, conical, spherical, or frustoconical in shape, and the interior 409 of the carrier 408C may be lubricated to prevent the elastomeric member 402 from twisting. In another embodiment, the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418 and/or the front surface of the elastomeric element 402 in contact with the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418 may be lubricated to allow the elastomeric element 402 to rotate against the rear surface 419 of the striking face 418.

Although the golf club heads 400A and 400C are shown with a continuous sole 414 instead of a sole channel as with the golf club head 300 of fig. 3A-3B, other embodiments of the golf club heads 400A and 400C may include a sole channel. Additionally, the golf club heads 400A and 400C may also be sold as a kit with a plurality of screws and/or torque wrenches, similar to the kit described above with respect to the golf club head 300. Additional back plates may be added to the rear of the golf club heads 400A and 400C while still leaving a portion of the exposed screws for adjustment.

Simulation results for different types of golf club heads further demonstrate ball speed uniformity along the face of the golf club head including the elastomeric element. Table 1 shows the ball speed retention along the face of the golf club head for several different embodiments of golf club heads. Example 1 is a baseline hollow iron golf club head with a 2.1mm thick face and sole channel. Example 2 is a hollow iron golf club head with a 2.1mm face and a hard shaft extending from the rear to the striking face, also including a sole channel. Example 3 is a hollow iron golf club head with a thick center (6.1mm) and thin perimeter (2.1mm) striking face, also with a sole channel. Example 4 is a golf club head with an elastomeric element, similar to the golf club head 100 shown in fig. 1A-1C. The "center" line represents the ball speed resulting from hitting the center of the golf club head, the "1/2" heel "line represents the ball speed loss from the center of the club head toward the heel half inch, and the" 1/2 "toe line represents the ball speed loss from the center of the club head toward the toe half inch. All values in table 1 are in miles per hour (mph).

TABLE 1

According to the results of table 1, the golf club head with elastomer (example 4) exhibited a relatively high ball speed from the center of the face while also providing reduced ball speed loss from striking near the toe or heel of the golf club.

Also as noted above, the type of material used for any of the elastomeric elements described herein has an effect on the displacement of the striking face. For example, an elastomeric element having a greater modulus of elasticity will resist compression and therefore deflection of the striking face, which results in a reduction in ball speed. For example, for a golf club head similar to golf club head 400A, table 2 shows the ball speed achieved using materials with different elasticity. The overall ball speed is the result of a hit at the center of the surface.

Material	Modulus of elasticity (GPa)	Ball speed (mph)
			Material A	0.41	132.2
Material B	0.58	132.2
			Material C	4.14	132.0
Material D	41.4	131.0

TABLE 2

From the results of table 2, the selection of elastomeric element materials can be used to fine tune the performance of the golf club. Any of the materials listed in table 2 are acceptable for use in forming the elastomeric elements used in the present invention.

Different types of materials also have an effect on ball speed retention along the striking face. For example, for a golf club head similar to golf club head 400A, table 3 shows the ball speed achieved along the striking face from heel to toe for different materials used as the elastomeric element. The materials mentioned in table 3 are the same as in table 2. All speeds in table 3 are in mph.

Material	1/2' toe impact	Center impact	1/2' heel strike
				Elastomerless component	128.7	132.2	129.4
Material A (0.41GPa)	128.7	132.2	129.4
				Material C (4.1GPa)	128.7	132.0	129.3
Material D (41GPa)	127.9	131.0	128.7

TABLE 3

From the results in table 3, the material with the higher modulus of elasticity provided better ball speed retention along the striking face, but lost the maximum ball speed for impact at the center of the face. For some applications, elastomeric elements having an elastic modulus in the range of about 4 to about 15GPa may be used. In other applications, elastomeric elements having an elastic modulus in the range of about 1 to about 40 or about 50GPa may be used.

As described above with reference to fig. 4A-4C, the size of the carrier also affects ball speed. For smaller cradles, such as cradle 408A in fig. 4A and 4B, and elastomeric elements made from 13GPa material, a loss of about 0.2mph of center impact is observed compared to the same club without the elastomeric elements. For larger cradles (which are about 5mm deeper), such as cradle 408C of fig. 4C, and elastomeric elements also made of 13GPa material, a loss of about 0.4mph of center impact is observed compared to the same club without the elastomeric elements. For the same larger carrier and elastomeric element made of 0.4GPa material, a loss of only about 0.2mph of center impact is observed compared to the same club without the elastomeric element.

Several Plastics with elastic moduli of 2.6GPa to 13GPa are offered by San Diego Plastics, inc. The yield strength of the plastic is also acceptable for use in the golf club heads described herein. Table 4 lists several materials offered by San Diego Plastics and their respective elastic moduli and yield strength values.

TABLE 4

The inclusion of an elastomeric element also provides benefits in club face durability by reducing the amount of stress exhibited by a golf ball striking the striking face. Fig. 5A shows a stress contour plot for the golf club head 500A without the elastomeric element and fig. 5B shows a stress contour plot for the golf club head 500B with the elastomeric element. In the golf club head 500A, the von Mises stress at the center of the face 502A is approximately 68% of the maximum von Mises stress (which occurs at the sole edge 504A). In the absence of the elastomeric element, von Mises stress levels were high and indicated that the club face could be susceptible to failure and/or premature degradation. In the golf club head 500B, the von Mises stress of the surface at the edge of the elastomeric element 502B was reduced by approximately 16% and the maximum von Mises stress occurring at the sole edge 504B was reduced by approximately 18% for an elastomeric element having a modulus of elasticity of 0.41 GPa. These von Mises stresses are still relatively high, but are significantly lower than those of the golf club head 500A. For the golf club head 500B with an elastomer element having a modulus of elasticity of about 13GPa, the von Mises stress of the surface at the edge of the elastomer element 502B is reduced by about 50% and the maximum von Mises stress occurring at the sole edge 504B is reduced by about 56%. Such von Mises stress values are lower and represent a more durable golf club head that may be less likely to fail.

Fig. 6A-6E show a golf club head 600 having an elastomeric element 602. Fig. 6A shows a front view of a golf club head 600. Fig. 6B shows a toe view of the golf club head 600 of fig. 6A. Fig. 6C shows a cross-sectional a-a view of the golf club head 600 of fig. 6A. Fig. 6D shows a perspective view of the golf club head 600 of fig. 6A oriented perpendicular to the striking face 618. Fig. 6E illustrates a perspective view of the golf club head 600 of fig. 6A oriented perpendicular to the striking face 618 (including the support region 642). The golf club head 600 includes a striking surface 618 configured to strike a ball, a sole portion 605 located at the bottom of the golf club head 600, and a rear portion 612.

As shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the golf club head 600 includes a coordinate system centered at the Center of Gravity (CG) of the golf club head 600, the coordinate system includes a Y-axis that extends vertically, which is perpendicular to the ground plane when the golf club head 600 is in an address position at a prescribed ball position and loft angle α, the coordinate system includes an x-axis that is perpendicular to the Y-axis, is parallel to the striking surface 618, and extends toward the heel of the golf club head 600, the coordinate system includes a z-axis that is perpendicular to the Y-axis and the x-axis and extends through the striking surface 618, the golf club head 600 has a moment of rotation inertia (MOI-Y) about the Y-axis that is a value representing the resistance of the golf club head to angular acceleration about the Y-axis.

Elastomeric member 602 is positioned between striking surface 618 and rear portion 612. The striking surface 618 includes a rear surface 619. The front portion 603 of the elastomeric element 602 contacts the rear surface 619 of the striking surface 618. As shown in fig. 6C and 6E for a golf club head set, striking surface 618 includes a support region 642 that is the portion of rear surface 619 supported by elastomeric element 602, which is defined as the area within support region perimeter 640 defined by the outer extent of forward portion 603 of elastomeric element 602 in contact with rear surface 619 of striking surface 618. Support region 642 is shaded in FIG. 6E. The support region 642 is generally not visible from the front of the golf club head 600, but is added for illustrative purposes.

The striking face 618 includes a striking face region 652 defined as an interior region of the striking face perimeter 650, as shown in FIG. 6D. As shown in fig. 6C, the striking face perimeter is described by an upper limit 654 and a lower limit 656. The upper limit 654 is located at the intersection of the substantially flat rear surface 619 and the upper radius 655 (which extends to the top line of the golf club head 600). The lower limit 656 is located at the intersection of the substantially flat rear surface 619 and a lower radius 657 that extends to the sole 605 of the golf club head 600. The striking face perimeter is similarly depicted 658 (shown in fig. 6D) at the toe (not shown in cross-section) of the golf club head 600. The heel portion of the striking face perimeter is defined by a plane 659 that extends parallel to the y-axis and x-axis, offset 1 millimeter (mm) from the heel-proximal end of the fractional lines 660 formed in the striking face 618 toward the heel. The striking face area 652 is shaded in FIG. 6D. The

limits

654, 656 of the striking surface perimeter are raised above the striking surface 618 in FIG. 6D for ease of illustration and understanding.

A plurality of golf club heads, much like golf club head 600 described herein, may be included in a set, each having a different loft angle α. each golf club head may also have additional different characteristics, which may include, for example, MOI-Y, the face area, the area of the support region, and the unsupported surface percentage.A set of iron-type golf club heads is included in Table 5 below.A set of loft angles 21, 24, 27, and 30 is included in Table 5 below.A further set may include a greater number of golf club heads and/or a wider range of loft angles α values, or a lesser number of golf club heads and/or a smaller range of loft angles α values.

TABLE 5

Table 6 below includes an example of another embodiment of an iron-type golf club head set.

TABLE 6

For a club head with a smaller MOI-Y, the drop in centrifugal ball speed may be mitigated by a larger percentage of unsupported surface.

A set of golf clubs may include a first golf club head having a loft angle of greater than or equal to 20 degrees and less than or equal to 24 degrees and a second golf club head having a loft angle of greater than or equal to 28 degrees and less than or equal to 32 degrees. In one embodiment, the set may be configured such that the percentage of unsupported surface of the first golf club head is greater than the percentage of unsupported surface of the second golf club head, and the MOI-Y of the first golf club head is lower than the MOI-Y of the second golf club head.

More specific features of the embodiments described herein are described below. In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be greater than 30 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be greater than 40 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be greater than 60 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the support region may have an area greater than 65 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be greater than 70 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be greater than 73 square millimeters.

In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be less than 140 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be less than 130 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be less than 120 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the support region may be less than 110 square millimeters in area. In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be less than 100 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be less than 90 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be less than 85 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the support region may be less than 80 square millimeters. In some embodiments, the support region may have an area of less than 75 square millimeters.

In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is greater than 70%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is greater than 75%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is greater than 80%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is greater than 85%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is greater than 90%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is greater than 95%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is greater than 96%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is greater than 97%.

In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 99.75%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 99.50%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 99.25%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 99.00%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 98.75%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 98.50%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 98.25%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 98.00%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 97.75%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 97.50%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 97.25%. In some embodiments, the percentage of unsupported surface is less than 97.00%.

Fig. 7A-10 illustrate a golf club head 700 having an elastomeric element 702. Fig. 7A shows a perspective view of a golf club head 700. Fig. 7B illustrates another perspective view of the golf club head 700 of fig. 7A. Fig. 7C shows a rear view of the golf club head 700 of fig. 7A. Fig. 8A shows a B-B cross-sectional view of the golf club head 700 of fig. 7C. Fig. 8B illustrates a C-C cross-sectional view of the golf club head 700 of fig. 7C. Fig. 8C shows a D-D cross-sectional view of the golf club head 700 of fig. 7C. Fig. 9A shows another cross-sectional view of the front portion of the golf club head 700 of fig. 7A, without the striking face. Fig. 9B shows a cross-sectional view of fig. 9A with the elastomeric element removed. Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the golf club head 700 of fig. 7A oriented perpendicular to the striking face 718 (including the support region 742). Note that the golf club head 700 shown in fig. 7A-10 is an iron-type cavity back golf club head, but the utility model described herein is also applicable to other types of golf club heads.

The golf club head 700 includes a deformable element 702 located between the striking face 718 and the rear portion 712. In one embodiment, deformable element 702 is formed of an elastomer. The front portion 703 of the elastomeric element 702 contacts the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The striking face 718 includes a support region 742 that is the portion of the rear surface 719 supported by the elastomeric element 702, which is defined as the area within the support region perimeter 740 defined by the outer extent of the front portion 703 of the elastomeric element 702 contacting the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. Support region 742 is generally not visible from the front of golf club head 700, but is added to fig. 10 for illustrative purposes.

The golf club head 700 shown in fig. 7A-10 is of a cavity back configuration and includes a peripheral portion 701 surrounding a striking surface 718 and extending rearward from the striking surface 718. The peripheral portion 701 includes a sole 705, a toe 706 and a top line 707. The peripheral portion 701 may also include a weight pad 708. The golf club head 700 also includes a rear portion 712 configured to support the elastomeric element 702.

The rear portion 712 includes a cantilevered support arm 762 attached to the peripheral portion 701. Support arms 762 may include brackets 708, brackets 708 configured to hold elastomeric element 702 in place. Bracket 708 may include a lip 709 configured to dispose elastomeric element 702 on bracket 708 and opposite strike face 718. Lip 709 may surround a portion of elastomeric element 702. Additionally, an adhesive may be used between elastomeric element 702 and bracket 708 to secure elastomeric element 702 to bracket 708.

A support arm 762 extends from weight pad 708 at the intersection of bottom portion 705 and toe portion 706 of peripheral portion 701 toward support region 742. The support arms 762 are oriented substantially parallel to the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The support arm 762 may include ribs 764 to increase the rigidity of the support arm 762. The ribs 764 may extend rearwardly from the rear surface 719 of the support arm 762 substantially perpendicular to the striking face 718. One benefit of the cantilevered support arm 762 is that it provides a CG height that is lower than alternative beam designs, such as the embodiment shown in fig. 4A, which are supported at both ends by peripheral portions.

To provide a low CG height, the support arm 762 is cantilevered, meaning that it is attached to the peripheral portion 701 at only one end of the support arm 762. The support arms are designed such that when the golf club head 700 is in the address position, as shown in fig. 8C, the distance H between the highest portion of the support arms 762 and the ground plane GP is minimized while placing the elastomeric element 702 in an optimal position. In one embodiment, H is less than or equal to 50 mm. In another embodiment, H is less than 45 mm. In another embodiment, H is less than or equal to 40 mm. In another embodiment, H is less than or equal to 35 mm. In another embodiment, H is less than or equal to 30 mm. In another embodiment, H is less than or equal to 29 mm. In another embodiment, H is less than or equal to 28 mm.

In one embodiment, the CG height CGH of golf club head 700 may be less than or equal to 25 mm. In another embodiment, the CG height CGH of golf club head 700 may be less than or equal to 24 mm. In another embodiment, the CG height CGH of golf club head 700 may be less than or equal to 23 mm. In another embodiment, the CG height CGH of golf club head 700 may be less than or equal to 22 mm. In another embodiment, the CG height CGH of golf club head 700 may be less than or equal to 21 mm. In another embodiment, the CG height CGH of golf club head 700 may be less than or equal to 20 mm. In another embodiment, CG height CGH of golf club head 700 may be less than or equal to 19 mm. In another embodiment, CG height CGH of golf club head 700 may be less than or equal to 18 mm.

Another benefit of the illustrated support arm 762 is that it provides a high MOI-Y due to its orientation. The MOI-Y may be increased by concentrating the mass at the heel end and the toe end of the golf club head 700. The support arm 762 is angled to concentrate most of its mass near the toe 706, which increases the MOI-Y compared to a rear portion that is more centrally located on the golf club head 700. In one embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 200kg-mm². In another embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 210kg-mm². In another embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 220kg-mm². In another embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 230kg-mm². In another embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 240kg-mm². In another embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 250kg-mm². In another embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 260kg-mm². In another embodiment, the MOI-Y of the golf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 270kg-mm²。

Support arm 762 may include an arm centerline CL, as shown in FIG. 8A, oriented parallel to rear surface 719 of strike face 718 and extending from peripheral portion 701 toward support region 742 along the center of support arm 762. Angle α is measured between ground plane GP and centerline CL. in one embodiment, angle α is greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees, in another embodiment, angle α is greater than or equal to 10 degrees and less than or equal to 40 degrees, in another embodiment, angle α is greater than or equal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 35 degrees, in another embodiment, angle α is greater than or equal to 20 degrees and less than or equal to 30 degrees, in another embodiment, angle α is greater than or equal to 23 degrees and less than or equal to 28 degrees.

The support arms 762 may have an arm width AW measured perpendicular to the arm centerline CL and parallel to the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The arm width AW may vary along the length of the support arm 762. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the support arms have an arm width greater than or equal to 6 mm. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the support arms have an arm width greater than or equal to 8 mm. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the support arms have an arm width greater than or equal to 10 mm.

The support arm 762 may have an arm thickness AT, which is measured perpendicular to the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The arm thickness AT may vary along the length of the support arm 762. In one embodiment, the arm thickness AT of AT least a portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 2 mm. In another embodiment, the arm thickness AT of AT least a portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 3 mm. In another embodiment, the arm thickness AT of AT least a portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 4 mm. In another embodiment, the arm thickness AT of AT least a portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 5 mm. In another embodiment, the arm thickness AT of AT least a portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 6 mm.

The ribs 764 of the support arms 762 may have a rib width RW measured perpendicular to the arm centerline CL and parallel to the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The rib width RW can vary along the length of the rib. In one embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of the ribs is greater than or equal to 1 mm. In another embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of the ribs is greater than or equal to 2 mm. In another embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of the ribs is greater than or equal to 3 mm. In another embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of the ribs is greater than or equal to 4 mm.

The ribs 764 of the support arms 762 may have a rib thickness RT measured perpendicular to the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The rib thickness RT may vary along the rib. In one embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the ribs is greater than or equal to 2 mm. In another embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the ribs is greater than or equal to 3 mm. In another embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the ribs is greater than or equal to 4 mm. In another embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the ribs is greater than or equal to 5 mm. In another embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the ribs is greater than or equal to 6 mm.

As shown in fig. 10, the support region 742 is specifically located on the rear surface 719 of the striking face 718. The striking face heel reference plane 759 extends parallel to the y-axis and the x-axis and is offset toward the heel by 1mm from the heel-proximal-most end of the fractional line 760 formed in the striking face 718. The geometric center 743 of support region 742 is located in a support region offset length SROL from the striking face heel reference plane 759 toward the toe, measured parallel to the ground plane GP and parallel to the striking face 718 when the golf club head 700 is in the address position. In one embodiment, the support zone offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 20 mm. In another embodiment, the support zone offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 22 mm. In another embodiment, the support zone offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 24 mm. In another embodiment, the support zone offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 26 mm. In another embodiment, the support zone offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 27 mm. In another embodiment, the support zone offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 28 mm.

The striking face length SFL is measured from the striking face heel reference plane 759 to the toe proximal-most end of the striking face 718, measured parallel to the ground plane GP and parallel to the striking face 718 when the golf club head 700 is in the address position. In one embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 60 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 65 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 70 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 71 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 72 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 73 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 74 mm.

In one embodiment, the support zone offset ratio (defined as the support zone offset length SROL divided by the face length SFL multiplied by 100%) is greater than or equal to 40%. In another embodiment, the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 41%. In another embodiment, the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 42%. In another embodiment, the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 43%. In another embodiment, the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 44%. In another embodiment, the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 45%. In another embodiment, the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 46%. In another embodiment, the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 47%. In another embodiment, the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 48%. In another embodiment, the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 49%. In another embodiment, the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 50%. In another embodiment, the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 51%.

Another benefit of incorporating support region 742 is the ability to use a thin striking face. In the exemplary embodiment, the striking face 718 has a constant thickness. In other embodiments, the striking face may have a variable thickness. In one embodiment, the face thickness is less than or equal to 2.5 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face thickness is less than or equal to 2.4 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face thickness is less than or equal to 2.3 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face thickness is less than or equal to 2.2 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face thickness is less than or equal to 2.1 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face thickness is less than or equal to 2.0 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face thickness is less than or equal to 1.9 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face thickness is less than or equal to 1.8 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face thickness is less than or equal to 1.7 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face thickness is less than or equal to 1.6 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face thickness is less than or equal to 1.5 mm. In another embodiment, the striking face thickness is less than or equal to 1.4 mm.

Although specific embodiments and specific aspects have been described herein and specific examples have been provided, the scope of the present invention is not limited to those specific embodiments and examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments or modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, specific structures, acts or media are disclosed as example embodiments only. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A golf club head, comprising:

a striking surface;

a peripheral portion surrounding the striking face and extending rearwardly therefrom;

a coordinate system centered at the center of gravity of the golf club head, the coordinate system including a y-axis extending vertically, the y-axis being perpendicular to the ground plane when the golf club head is in an address position at a prescribed loft angle and ball position, and an x-axis extending toward a heel portion of the golf club head, the z-axis being perpendicular to the y-axis and the x-axis and extending through the face;

wherein the striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface;

wherein the rear surface of the striking face comprises a support region;

a support arm spaced from the rear surface of the striking face, the support arm extending from the peripheral portion toward the support region; and

a deformable element located between the support arm and the rear surface of the striking face;

wherein the deformable element comprises a front surface in contact with the rear surface of the striking face and a rear surface in contact with the support arm;

wherein a periphery of the front surface of the deformable element defines the support region, wherein the support region comprises a geometric center, wherein the striking face comprises a plurality of fractional lines, wherein the striking face comprises a heel reference plane extending parallel to the y-axis and the x-axis, wherein the heel reference plane is offset 1 millimeter from a heel most end of the fractional lines toward the heel, wherein the geometric center of the support region is located in a support region offset length measured parallel to the x-axis from the heel reference plane toward a toe, wherein the striking face comprises a striking face length measured parallel to the x-axis from the heel reference plane to a toe most end of the front surface of the striking face, wherein the golf club head comprises a support region offset ratio comprising the support region offset length divided by the striking face length multiplied by 100%, wherein the support region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 40%.

2. The golf club head according to claim 1 wherein the support arm is cantilevered such that it is secured to the peripheral portion at only one end of the support arm.

3. The golf club head according to claim 1 wherein a highest portion of the support arm is located less than or equal to 35 millimeters above the ground plane, the location being measured parallel to the y-axis.

4. The golf club head according to claim 1 wherein the support zone offset ratio is greater than or equal to 50%.

5. The golf club head according to claim 1 wherein the support arm is oriented substantially parallel to the rear surface of the striking face.