FR2918289A1 - GOLF CLUB HEADS HAVING A PLURALITY OF STRESS ZONES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING GOLF CLUB HEADS - Google Patents

Abstract

A golf club head characterized by comprising: a body (110) having a tip end (130), a bead end (132), a leading end (134), a trailing end (136), a a face portion (440), an upper wall portion (142) and a lower wall portion (144), a first zone (170) having one or more openings on at least one of the upper wall portion or the lower wall portion, the first zone extending between the rear end and a bell-shaped curve associated with a plane of inclination substantially parallel to the face portion; anda second zone (180) extending between the front end and the bell-shaped curve, the first zone being associated with a relatively lower stress load than the second zone in response to an impact on the face portion; andwherein the bell-shaped curve extends between the tip end and the bead end.

Description

GOLF CLUB HEADS COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF ZONES OF STRESS AND

  The present invention relates, in general, to equipment for playing golf, and more specifically to golf club heads having a plurality of stress zones, and methods for providing golf club equipment. make golf club heads.

  The golf club heads may be designed to provide greater tolerance on off-center strikes by adjusting the center of gravity (CG) and / or the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club heads. For example, one or more openings may be formed on the top wall portion (e.g. crown) of a golf club head to decrease the weight of the upper wall portion. Alternatively, one or more thin sections may be formed on the upper wall portion to decrease the weight of the upper wall portion. However, the size and / or location of the opening (s) or section or thin sections can affect the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback, and / or acoustic feedback of a head. golf club responsive to the impact on the face portion (eg, tally face) of the golf club head. According to the invention, a golf club head is characterized in that it comprises: a body having a tip end, a bead end, a front end, a rear end, a front part, a wall part upper and lower wall portion; a first zone having one or more apertures on at least one of the upper wall portion or the lower wall portion, the first zone extending between the rear end and a bell-shaped curve associated with a loft plan substantially parallel to the front portion; and a second zone extending between the front end and the bell-shaped curve, the first zone being associated with a relatively lower stress load than the second zone in response to the impact on the face portion, and wherein the bell-shaped curve extends between the tip end and the bead end. According to an improvement, at least one of the opening or of several openings forms an alignment indicator. According to an improvement, the opening or the several openings comprise at least one of a circular opening, a triangular opening, an arrow-shaped opening or an opening having two parallel sides and at least one curved end. According to an improvement, the opening or the openings comprise a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being associated with a first dimension and a first shape and the second opening being associated with a second dimension and a second shape, the first and second forms being substantially identical, the first dimension being greater than the second dimension.

  According to an improvement, the club head further comprises a side wall portion having at least one of said one or more openings, the side wall extending between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion and forming envelope between the heel end and the tip end. According to an improvement, the clubhead further comprises a third zone having a lower and an upper delimiting, the lower delimiting having the bell-shaped curve and the upper delimiting extending between the tip end and the heel end and being located between the rear end and the lower delimitation.

  According to an improvement, the first zone comprises one or more thin regions on at least one of the upper wall portion or the lower wall portion, and each of said one or more thin regions being relatively thinner than other regions. of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion. According to an improvement, the bell-shaped curve may comprise a first distance and a second distance relative to the plane of loft, or inclination, the first distance being less than or equal to 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) and the second distance being less than or equal to 1.3 inches (3.3 cm). According to an improvement, the club head is at least one of a driver type club head, a golf course type club head or a hybrid type club head. The present invention also relates to a club head characterized in that it comprises a body having a tip end, a bead end, a front end, a rear end, a front portion, a top wall portion and a bottom or bottom wall portion; a first stress zone having one or more openings and extending between the rear end and a bell-shaped curve associated with a stress load threshold, the bell-shaped curve extending between the tip portion and the heel part; and

  a second stress zone extending between the front end and the bell-shaped curve, the first stress zone being associated with a stress load that is less than or equal to the stress load threshold in response to an impact on the face portion, the second stress zone being associated with a stress load greater than the stress load threshold in response to the impact on the face portion, and

  the bell-shaped curve being at a variable distance from a plane of loft or inclination substantially parallel to the face portion between a first point associated with the tip end and a second point associated with the heel end and the bell-shaped curve being at a maximum distance from the loft plane or plane of inclination at or near a midpoint between the first and second points.

  Preferably, at least one of the one or more openings is on at least one of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion.

  The present invention also relates to a method characterized in that it comprises the steps of forming a body having a tip end and a heel end, a front end, a rear end and a front portion, a portion upper wall portion, a lower wall portion and a first zone extending between the rear end and a bell-shaped curve associated with a loft or inclination plane substantially parallel to the face portion, and a second zone extending between the front end and the bell-shaped curve; and forming one or more apertures on at least one of the upper wall portion or the lower wall portion within the first zone, the first zone being associated with a relatively lower stress load than the second zone in response to an impact on the face portion, and the bell-shaped curve extending between the tip end and the bead end. According to an improvement of the method according to the invention, it also comprises closing each of said one or more openings by an insert. The present invention also relates to a golf club characterized in that it comprises: a grip or handle; a handle or shaft having a first end and a second end, the handle being coupled to the grip 20 at the first end; and a clubhead having a tip end, a bead end, a front end, a rear end, a front portion, an upper wall portion, a lower wall portion, a first zone, and a second zone; the body being coupled to the handle at the second end, wherein the first zone has one or more apertures on at least one of the upper wall portion or the lower wall portion, extends between the rear end and a bell-shaped curve associated with a plane of inclination or loft substantially parallel to the face portion, and is associated with a relatively lower stress load than the second zone in response to the impact on the part. from the front, the second zone extending between the face portion and the bell-shaped curve, and

  the bell-shaped curve extends between the tip end and the bead end.

  Preferably, the golf club is at least one of a driver type club, a golf course type club or a hybrid type club.

  Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the exemplary drawings in which

  Figure 1 is a representation in the form of a perspective diagram of an exemplary golf club head according to one embodiment

  device, methods and articles of manufacture described therein.

  Figure 2 depicts a top view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1.

  Figure 3 depicts a bottom view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1.

  Figure 4 depicts a cross-sectional view

  20 of the golf club head given by way of example of Figure 1.

  Figure 5 depicts a top view of another exemplary golf club head.

  Figure 6 depicts a top view of another exemplary golf club head.

  Figure 7 depicts a top view of another example golf club head.

  Figure 8 is a representation in the form of a flowchart in a manner in which the head

  An exemplary golf club 30 of Figure 1 may be manufactured.

  Figure 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1.

  Figure 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary golf club head. Figure 11 depicts a perspective view of a cross-sectional area associated with exemplary bell-shaped curves of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1. Figure 12 describes a top view of another golf club head given as an example. In general, devices, methods and articles of manufacture associated with golf club heads having a plurality of stress zones are described herein. The processes, devices and articles of manufacture described here are not limited in this respect.

  In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 4, a golf club head 100 may comprise a body 110. In general, the body 110 may comprise one or more openings 120 (represented generally by the reference numerals 122, 124, 126 and 128), a tip end 130, a bead end 132, a leading end 134, a trailing end 136, a face portion 140, a side top wall portion 142 (e.g., a skirt). The body made of a metallic material such as a titanium alloy and / or any wall 144 146 wall may be titanium, which other (for example a crown), a lower part (for example a sole) and detail below, a window, any any suitable materials. As described in apertures 120 may include slit, gap, etc. or combination thereof. The tip end 130 may be opposed to the bead end 132. In a similar manner, the leading end 134 may be opposite to the trailing end 136. The face portion 140 may be located on the leading end 134 and configured to impact a golf ball (not shown). In particular, the face portion 140 may have a plurality of grooves 150. The plurality of grooves 150 may be oblong in a direction extending between the tip end 130 and the heel end 132 on the portion 140 of face. The upper wall portion 142 may be opposite to the lower wall portion 144. The side wall 146 may be located between the upper wall portion 142 and the lower wall portion 144 and wrap around the rear end 136 of the body 110, between the tip end 130 and the heel end 134. . The golf club head 100 may further include a bushing 160 and a bushing transition 165. For example, the bushing 160 may be located at or near the end of the bead end 132. Sleeve 160 can extend from body 110 through socket transition 165. To form a golf club, the bushing 160 may receive a first end of a handle 198. The handle 198 may be attached to the golf club head 100 by an adhesive bonding process (e.g., an epoxy resin) and or by any other suitable bonding method (eg mechanical bonding, welding, soldering and / or brazing). In addition, a grip 199 may be attached to a second end of the stick 198 to complete the golf club. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

  The body 110 may include a first zone 170 and a second zone 180. The second zone 180 may support or endure relatively more stress than the first zone 170 in response to an impact on the face portion 140. According to one example, the first and second zones 170 and 180 may be defined by one or more bell-shaped curves (for example a normal distribution or Gauss form), generally represented at references 190 and 195, in FIG. and 3, respectively. Referring to Figure 2, for example, a first bell-shaped curve 190 may include a first point 210, a second point 220 and a third point 230. The first point 210 may be at the end 130 of the body 110 or near this end. The second point 220 may be located at or near the end of heel end 132 of the body 110. The third point 230 may be located at a point on the upper wall portion 142 which is distal to or proximal to the distal portion 140 (e.g. at the center of the first shaped curve 190). bell or near this center). The first bell-shaped curve 190 may represent a boundary between the first and second zones 170 and 180 on the upper wall portion 142. In particular, the first bell-shaped curve 190 may indicate where one or more of the openings 120 may be located on the upper wall portion 142 to optimize the center of gravity position and / or the moment of inertia without compromising the sensitively the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback and / or acoustic feedback of the golf club head 100. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. Turning now to Figure 3, for example, a second bell-shaped curve 195 may also include a first point 310, a second point 320 and a third point 330. The first point 310 may be located at the end. 130 of the body 110 or close thereto. The second point 320 may be located at or near the end of heel end 132 of the body 110. The third point 330 may be located at a point on the lower wall portion 144 which is distal to or proximal to the distal portion 140 (e.g. at the center of the second shaped curve 195). bell or near this center). In a similar manner, as in the case of the first bell-shaped curve 190, the second bell-shaped curve 195 may represent a boundary between the first and second zones 170 and 180 on the lower wall portion 144. In particular, the second bell-shaped curve 195 may indicate where one or more of the openings 120 may be located on the lower wall portion 144 to optimize the center of gravity position and / or the moment of inertia value without significantly compromising the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback and / or acoustic feedback of the golf club head 100. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. In the example of FIG. 4, the first and second bell-shaped curves 190 and 195 may be based on a plane 405 of inclination (loft), a first plane 410 and a second plane 420. The first and second planes 410 and 420 may be substantially mutually parallel and parallel to the inclination plane 405. In particular, the first plane 410 may be at a first distance (D1) from the inclination plane 405, while the second plane 420 may be at a second distance (D2) from the inclination plane 405. The first and second points 210 and 220 of the first bell-shaped curve 190 may be located on the first plane 410. The first and second points 310 and 320 of the second bell-shaped curve 195 may also be located on the first plan 410. The third point 230 of the first bell-shaped curve 190 may be located on the second plane 420. The third point 330 of the second bell-shaped curve 195 may also be located on the second plane 420. and second points 210 and 220 of the first bell-shaped curve 190 may be relatively closer to the plane 405 of inclination than the third point 230 of the first bell-shaped curve 190, because an area substantially proximal to the third point 230 may support or endure more stress than areas or areas substantially proximal to the first and second points 210 and 220. In a similar manner, the first and second points 310 and 320 of the second bell-shaped curve 195 may be relatively closer to the plane 405 of inclination than the third point 330 of the second curve 195 in the shape of a bell, since an area substantially proximal to the third point 230 may support or endure more stress than areas substantially proximal to the first and second points 210 and 220.

  In particular, the first zone 170 may extend between the rear end 136 and the first and second bell-shaped curves 190 and 195, while the second zone 180 may extend between the front end 134 and the first ones. and second curves 190 and 195 in the form of bells. The first zone 170 may include apertures 120 to redistribute the weight of the golf club head 100 without substantially compromising the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback and acoustic feedback of the golf club head 100. golf. That is, the weight of the upper wall portion 142 and / or the lower wall portion 144 may be decreased by the apertures 120. On the contrary, the second zone 180 may have no aperture to avoid substantially compromising the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback and / or acoustic feedback of the golf club head 100 in response to an impact on the face portion 140. With the apertures 120 located within the first zone 170, the position of the center of gravity and / or the moment of inertia value of the golf club head 100 can be made optimal. Without any openings located within the second zone 180, the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback, and acoustic feedback of the golf club head 100 can be maintained as if the first zone 170 had no opening. As mentioned above, the openings 120 can be configured on the golf club head 100 without substantially compromising the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback and / or acoustic feedback of the golf club head 100. in response to an impact on the front portion 140. Instead of maximizing the size of the apertures 120 (e.g., a core shape or a V-shaped aperture extending substantially from the first bell-shaped curve 190 to the trailing end 136 and from from the tip end 130 to the bead end 132 on the top wall portion 142) to maximize the amount of weight to be redistributed from the top wall portion 142, e.g. apertures 120 may be configured as described herein to optimize the weight to be redistributed from the top wall portion 142 while substantially maintaining the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback and acoustic feedback of the wall portion. 100 head of golf club. Unlike other golf club heads, the first distance D1 may be measured relative to the tilt plane 405 rather than relative to the leading edge 141 of the golf club head 100 or a top end 142 of the golf course portion. 140 of face. In a similar manner, the second distance D2 may be measured relative to the plane 405 of inclination rather than relative to the leading edge 141 of the golf club head 100 or relative to a lower end 143 of the face portion 140 (For example the leading edge 141 of the golf club head 100 may be the lower end of the face portion 140). As an example, the first distance D1 may be less than or equal to 0.75 inches (1 inch = 2.56 mm) and the second distance D2 may be less than or equal to 1.3 inches (1 inch = 2.56 mm ) for a golf driver head (for example the golf club head 100). For fairway wood heads, hydride heads or other types of golf club heads, the first and second distances D1 and D2 may be less than or equal to 0.75 inches and 1.3 inches, respectively. Although the above example may describe particular distances relative to the plane 405 of inclination, the methods, devices and articles of manufacture described herein may provide other distances for the first and second distances D1 and D2.

  The golf club head 100 may have a third distance (D3) extending between the tilt plane 405 and a third plane 430. For example, the third distance D3 may be the length of the golf club head 100 . The plane 405 of inclination and the third plane 430 may be substantially mutually parallel. Thus, the first, second and third planes 410, 420 and 430 may also be substantially mutually parallel. The third plane 430 may include the trailing end 136 of the golf club head 100. In one example, the third distance D3 may be 4.0 inches (1 inch = 2.56 mm). Therefore, the first distance D1 may be less than or equal to 18.75% of the third distance D3 and the second distance D2 may be less than or equal to 32.5% of the third distance D3. For fairway wood heads, hybrid heads or other types of golf club heads, the first and second distances D1 and D2 may be less than 18.75% and 32.5% of the third distance D3, respectively. Although the above example may describe particular percentages relative to the third distance D3, the methods, devices, and manufactured items described herein may have other percentages for the first and second distances D1 and D2. The processes, devices and manufactured articles described herein are not limited in this regard. Although the above examples describe various parts and / or surfaces of the golf club head 100, the golf club head 100 may not have certain parts and / or surfaces. For example, although Figures 1 to 4 may describe the upper wall portion 142, the lower wall portion 144 and the side wall 146 as distinct surfaces, the side wall 146 may melt with one or the other. other of the upper wall portion 142 and the lower wall portion 144 in a single surface of the hollow body 110 (for example the body 110 may comprise the upper wall portion 142 and the lower wall portion 144 but not the wall 146 lateral). In one example, the lower wall portion 144 and the side wall 146 may merge into a single bottom surface of the body 110. In addition, although Figures 14 may describe the socket 160 and the sleeve transition 165, the Golf club head 100 may not include sleeve 160 and / or sleeve transition 165. In one example, the golf club head 100 may include a bore (not shown) within the body 110 for receiving the handle 198 (eg, an opening in the bore may be flush with the wall portion 142 higher).

  In addition, one or more of the openings 120 may form an alignment indicia configuration. In the example of FIG. 5, a golf club head 500 may comprise a tip end 530, a bead end 532, a front end 534, a rear end 536, a top wall portion 542, a first end 570 and a second zone 580. The first and second zones 570 and 580 may be defined by a bell-shaped curve 590. In particular, the first zone 570 may extend between the rear end 536 and the bell-shaped curve 590, while the second zone 580 may extend between the front end 534 and the bell-shaped curve 590. . To re-distribute the weight of the golf club head 500 without substantially compromising the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback and acoustic feedback of the golf club head 500, the first zone 570 may comprise said one or more openings, generally represented by numerals 522, 526 and 528. In one example, aperture 522 may have a triangular shape. The triangular opening 522 may be located within the first zone 570 of the upper wall portion 540 between two lateral openings 526 and 528. In addition, the triangular-shaped aperture 522 may extend between the trailing end 565 and the bell-shaped curve 590 to serve as an alignment indicator. The alignment indicator may indicate where an individual has to align the golf club head 500 with a golf ball. Although Figure 5 describes the side openings 526 and 528 to further enhance the center of gravity position and / or moment of inertia of the golf club head 500, the golf club head 500 may not have one or more of the side openings 526 and 528. Although Figure 5 depicts a particular shape, the golf club head may include a circular shaped opening, a square shaped opening, a rectangular shaped opening and / or any suitable opening shape. The devices, processes and manufactured articles described herein are not limited in this regard. In another example as illustrated in Figure 6, for example, a golf club head 600 may have a tip end 630, a bead end 632, a leading end 634, a rear end 636, a leading end 632 upper wall, a first zone 670 and a second zone 680. The first and second zones 670 and 680 may be defined by a bell-shaped curve 690. In particular, the first zone 670 may extend between the rear end 636 and the bell-shaped curve 690, while the second zone 680 may extend between the front end 634 and the bell-shaped curve 690. . To re-distribute the weight of the golf club head 600 without substantially compromising the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback and acoustic feedback of the golf club head 600, the first zone 670 may include a or more openings, generally represented by numerals 622, 624, 626 and 628. In particular, the golf club head 600 may include a triangular first opening 622 and a triangular second opening 624. The first and second triangular shaped openings 622 and 624 may be located within the first zone 670 of the upper wall portion 640 between two lateral openings 626 and 628. In addition, the first and second triangular-shaped openings 622 and 624 may be located between the rear end 665 and the bell-shaped curve 690 as an alignment indicator. The alignment indicator may indicate where an individual has to align the golf club head 600 with a golf ball.

  The first and second triangular shaped openings 622 and 624 may have identical or variable dimensions. According to one example, the first opening 622 of triangular shape may be relatively larger than the second opening 624 of triangular shape. Although Figure 6 may describe a relatively smaller triangular opening (eg the second triangularly shaped opening 624) located relatively closer to a bell-like curve 690 than a relatively larger triangular shaped opening. large (for example the first opening 622 of triangular shape), the golf club head 600 may comprise a relatively larger triangular opening (for example the first opening 622 of triangular shape) located relatively closer to the curve 690 in bell form a relatively smaller triangular opening (for example the second opening 624 of triangular shape). That is, the first and second triangular-shaped openings 622 and 624 can switch their positions

  relative to the bell shaped curve 690. Alternatively, the golf club head 600 may have one or more arrow-shaped openings. The devices, processes and manufactured articles described herein are not limited in this regard. Turning now to Figure 7, for example, a golf club head 700 may include a tip end 730, a bead end 732, a front end 734, a rear end 736, a top wall portion 742, first zone 770 and a second zone 780. The first and second zones 770 and 780 may be defined by a curve 790 in the form of a bell. In particular, the first zone 770 can extend between the rear end 736 and the bell-shaped curve 790, while the second zone 780 can extend between the front end 734 and the bell-shaped curve 790. . To re-distribute the weight of the golf club head 600 without substantially compromising the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback and acoustic feedback of the golf club head 700, the first zone 770 may include a or more openings, generally represented by numerals 722, 724, 726 and 728. In particular, the golf club head 700 may comprise a first circular opening 722 and a circular second opening 724. The first and second circular openings 722 and 724 may be located within the first zone 770 of the upper wall portion 740 between two lateral openings 726 and 728. In addition, the first and second circular apertures 722 and 724 may be located between the rear end 736 and the bell shaped curve 790 to serve as an alignment indicator. The alignment indicator can indicate where an individual has to align the golf club head 700 with a golf ball.

  The first and second openings 722 and 724 of circular shape may be of equal or variable dimensions. According to one example, the first opening 722 of circular shape may be relatively larger than the second opening 724 of circular shape. The first and second circular openings 722 and 724 may be smaller, greater or equal to a golf ball. Although Figure 7 may describe a relatively smaller circular aperture (eg the second circular aperture 724) located closer to a bell-shaped curve 790 than a relatively larger circular aperture (eg for example, the first opening 722 of circular shape) the golf club head 700 may comprise a relatively larger circular opening (for example the first opening 722 of circular shape) located relatively closer to the curve 790 in the shape of a bell that a relatively smaller circular-shaped opening (for example the second opening 724 of circular shape). Thus, the first and second circular apertures 722 and 724 can switch their positions relative to the bell-shaped curve 790. The devices, processes and manufactured articles described herein are not limited in this regard.

  While the above examples may describe particular dimensions and aperture shapes, the devices, methods, and manufactured articles herein described may have apertures configured in various dimensions and / or shapes to provide vibration and / or acoustic feedbacks. optimal in response to impact and to maintain or enhance the structural integrity and durability of golf club heads. Although Figures 1 to 7 may describe a particular number of openings, the body 110 may have more or fewer openings (eg a single opening). In addition, as described in detail below with reference to Figures 8 and 9, one or more of the openings 120 may be enclosed or covered. In addition, although Figures 1 to 7 may describe a utility club head or a metal wood club head (eg drivers, fairway wood, etc.), the methods, devices and manufactured items described herein may be Easily applied to other suitable types of golf club heads. For example, the methods, devices and manufactured articles herein described may be applied to hybrid type club heads or other suitable types of golf club heads. The processes, devices and manufactured articles described herein are not limited in this regard. In the example of Figure 8, a process 800 may begin with the casting of the body 110 (Figure 1) to form a golf club head 100 (block 810). As indicated above, for example, the body 11C may be made of a metallic material (eg, titanium, a titanium alloy, etc.). To optimize the center of gravity position and / or increase the MOI, the process 800 may form the one or more apertures 120 (eg apertures 122,124,126 and / or 128 of Fig. 1) (block 820) . As a result, process 800 may enclose apertures 120 (block 830). In one example, the process 800 may use a bladder molding process to enclose the apertures 120. Referring to Figure 9, for example, an insert sheet 910 may enclose or cover the apertures 120 from the aperture. 920 interior of the body 11 (Figure 1) with a suitable adhesive (for example an epoxy resin). A bladder (not shown) may be inserted into the body 110 through an opening (not shown) that may be located on or near the top wall portion 142 or near the bottom wall portion 144 and / or on or near the side wall 146. The bladder may be inflated to impart a pressure 930 to the insert sheet 910 to bond with one or more of the non-apertured portions of the body 110, generally represented by numerals 1032 and 1034. In particular, an upper side 915 of the insert sheet 910 may be attached to a lower side 942 of the non-opening portion 932 and a lower side 944 of the non-opening portion 934 of the body 110. Therefore, the bladder may be removed by the opening after the insert sheet 910 has been secured within the body 110. In addition, an insert 950 may enclose or cover the openings 120 from the outside 960 of the body 110. For example, the insert 950 may be made of a relatively lightweight material, such as a thermoplastic material, a composite material and / or any other suitable type of lightweight material. Each of the non-apertured portions 932 and 934 may have a side wall 972 and 974, respectively. Therefore, the upper side 915 of the insert sheet 910 and the side walls 972 and 974 can form a cavity 980. The insert 940 can fill the cavity 980.

  Instead of the bladder molding process as described above, the apertures 120 may be covered from the outside 960 of the body 110 by the insert 950. That is, the insert 950 may not be supported from the inside 930 of the body 110 with the insert sheet 910. The insert 950 can enclose or cover the openings 120 by attachment to the side walls 972 and 974 of the unopened portions 932 and 934, respectively. Returning to Figure 8, the socket 160 can receive a first end of the handle 198 to form a golf club. The sleeve 198 and the body 110 (through the sleeve 160) can be attached to each other by an adhesive bonding process (for example by an epoxy resin) and / or by any other bonding process. appropriate bonding (eg mechanical bonding, welding, soldering and / or brazing) (block 840). To terminate the golf club, a grip 199 may receive a second end of the handle 198. The handle 198 and the grip 199 may be mutually secured by an adhesive bonding process and / or any other suitable bonding process (block 850) . Processes, devices and manufactured articles are not limited in this respect. Although the process 800 may be described above in connection with the golf club head 100, the process 800 may be applied to other golf club heads. In addition, although a particular order of actions is illustrated in Figure 8, these actions can be performed according to other time sequences. For example, two or more actions described in Figure 8 can be performed in sequence, at the same time or simultaneously. Although the above examples may be described with respect to apertures, the methods, devices and manufactured articles described herein may have relatively thin portions instead of apertures, to optimize the center of gravity and / or increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of golf club heads. In the example of Figure 10, a golf club head 1000 may include one or more portions 1010 of a first thickness, generally shown at 1012 and 1014, and one or more second thickness portions 1020, shown as 1010 and 1024. The first thickness portions 1010 may be associated with a first thickness (T1), while the second thickness portions 1020 may be associated with a second thickness (T2). In general, the first thickness portions 1010 may be relatively thicker than the second thickness portions 1020 (for example T1> T2). Although Figure 10 may describe a uniform and particular thickness, the thickness of the first thickness portions 1010 and / or the second thickness portions 1020 may vary, the first thickness portions 1010 being relatively thicker than the second thickness portions 1010. thickness. Processes, devices and manufactured articles are not limited in this respect. Referring again to Figure 1, the golf club head 100 may have a combination of apertures and thin regions to redistribute the weight from the top wall portion 142 and / or the pool portion 144. lower wall, while maintaining the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback and acoustic feedback of the golf club head 100. In one example, the upper wall portion 142 may have one or more openings (e.g. openings 120), while the lower wall portion 144 may have one or more thin regions. In another example, the upper wall portion 142 may include a combination of apertures and thin regions. The lower wall portion 144 may also include a combination of apertures and thin regions. Processes, devices and manufactured articles are not limited in this respect.

  Although the above examples describe the first and second bell-shaped curves 190 and 195 (FIG. 1) as lines extending between tip end 130 and tip end 132 on part 142 of FIG. upper wall and the lower wall portion 144, respectively, the first and second bell-shaped curves 190 and 195 may form a cross-sectional area 1100 between the first and second planes 410 and 420 (e.g. FIG. In particular, the third point 230 of the first bell-shaped curve 190 may be at a fourth distance (D4) between the first and second planes 410 and 420. The fourth distance (D4) may be the difference between the first and second distances (for example D4 = D2 - DI). The methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard.

  In the example of Figure 12, a golf club head 1200 may have a tip end 1230, a bead end 1232, a front end 1234, a rear end 1236, a front portion 1240, a portion 1242 upper wall, a first zone 1270, a second zone 1280 and a curve 1290 in the form of a bell. In particular, the first zone 1270 can extend between the rear end 1236 and the bell-shaped curve 1290, while the second zone 1280 can extend between the front end 1234 and the bell-shaped curve 1290. . To distribute the weight of the golf club head 1200 without substantially compromising the structural integrity, durability, vibration feedback and acoustic feedback of the golf club head 1200, the first zone 1270 may comprise one or several openings, generally represented by the numerals 1222, 1226 and 1228.

  The golf club head 1200 may also include a third zone 1285. In particular, the third zone 1285 may comprise an upper boundary 1220 and a lower boundary 1230. For example, the first bell-shaped curve 1290 may be the lower boundary 1230 of the third zone 1285. The first zone 1270 may extend between the upper boundary 1220 and the rear boundary 1230, and the second zone 1280 may be extend between the lower border or delimitation 1230 and the front end 1234. Therefore, the third zone 1285 can support or endure relatively larger stresses than the first zone 1270 but relatively fewer constraints than the second zone 1280.

  In particular, the third zone 1285 can compensate for the hardness associated with various golf balls (eg the core of golf balls). As an example, relatively softer golf balls can inflict more strain on the body 110 through the face portion 140 than relatively harder golf balls. That is, hard and soft golf balls can inflict substantially the same amount of stress on the face portion 140. However, relatively softer golf balls can impose stresses on the body 110 through the face portion 140 for a relatively longer duration than relatively harder golf balls, because relatively softer golf balls can deform and / or compress more than relatively harder golf balls. To accommodate relatively softer golf balls, the openings 1222, 1226 and 1228 may be located between the upper delimitation 1220 of the third zone 1285 and the rear end 1236.

  In contrast, relatively harder golf balls can impose stresses on the body 110 through the face portion 140 for a relatively shorter time than relatively softer golf balls. To accommodate relatively harder golf balls, the openings 1222, 1226 and 1228 may be located between the lower boundary 1230 of the third zone 1285 (for example, the first bell-shaped curve 1290) and the rearward end 1236. Referring again to FIG. 5, for example, apertures 522, 526 and 528 may be located between the first bell shaped curve 590 and the rear end 536. The methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. Although some examples, devices and / or articles of manufacture have been described here, the scope of protection of this description is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this description covers all processes, devices and / or articles of manufacture which fall squarely within the scope of the appended claims, whether read literally or according to the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (30)

  A golf club head characterized in that it comprises: a body having a tip end (130; 530; 630; 730; 1230), a bead end (132; 532; 632; 732; 1232); one end (134; 534; 634; 734; 1234) front, one end (136; 536; 636; 736; 1236) rear, a face portion, a wall portion (142; 542; 642; 742; 1242); upper and lower wall portion; a first zone (170; 570; 670; 770; 1270) having one or more openings on at least one of the upper wall portion or the lower wall portion, the first zone extending between the rear end and a bell-shaped curve (190; 590; 690; 790; 1290) associated with a plane of inclination substantially parallel to the face portion; and a second area (180; 580; 680; 780; 1280) extending between the front end and the bell-shaped curve, the first area being associated with a relatively lower stress load than the second area in response an impact on the face portion, and wherein the bell-shaped curve extends between the tip end and the heel end.   The club head of claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the one or more openings (622, 624, 722, 724) forms an alignment indicator.   3. Club head according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening or the several openings comprise at least one of an opening (722; 724) of circular shape, an opening (522; 622, 624). ; 1222) of triangular shape, an arrow-shaped opening or an opening having two parallel sides and at least one curved end.   The club head of claim 1, characterized in that the aperture or apertures have a first aperture (622; 722) and a second aperture (624; 724), the first aperture being associated with a first dimension and an aperture first shape and the second opening being associated with a second dimension and a second shape, the first and second shapes being substantially identical, the first dimension being greater than the second dimension.   The club head of claim 1, characterized in that the club head further comprises a side wall portion (146) having at least one of said one or more openings, the side wall extending between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion and forming an envelope between the heel end and the tip end.   The club head according to claim 1, characterized in that the club head further comprises a third zone (1285) having a lower boundary (1230) and an upper boundary (1220), the lower boundary including the curve (1290) and the upper boundary extending between the tip end and the bead end and being located between the rear end and the lower boundary.   The club head according to claim 1, characterized in that the first zone comprises one or more thin regions on at least one of the upper wall portion or the lower wall portion (144), and each of said one or a plurality of thin regions being relatively thinner than other regions of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion.   Club head according to claim 1, characterized in that the bell-shaped curve may comprise a first distance (D1) and a second distance (D2) relative to the plane of inclination, the first distance being less than or equal to 0, 75 inches (1.9 cm) and the second distance being less than or equal to 1.3 inches (3.3 cm).   9. Club head according to claim 1, characterized in that the club head is at least one of a driver type club head (100; 500; 600; 700; 1200), a head of club type wood course or club head hybrid type.   10. Club head, characterized in that it comprises a body having a tip end (130; 530; 630; 730; 1230), a bead end (132; 532; 632; 732; 1232); before, a rear end, a front portion, an upper wall portion, and a lower wall portion; a first stress zone (170; 570; 670; 770; 1270) having one or more openings and extending between the rear end and a bell-shaped curve (190; 590; 690; 790; 1290); a stress load threshold, the bell-shaped curve extending between the tip portion and the heel portion; and a second stress zone extending between the front end and the bell-shaped curve, the first stress zone being associated with a stress load that is less than or equal to the stress load threshold in response to an impact. on the face portion, the second stress zone being associated with a stress load greater than the pressure load threshold in response to an impact on the face portion, and the bell-shaped curve being at a variable distance from a plane of inclination substantially parallel to the face portion between a first point associated with the tip end and a second point associated with the heel end and the bell-shaped curve being at a maximum distance from the plane of tilt at or near a midpoint between the first and second points.   A club head according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the one or more openings is on at least one of the upper wall portion (142; 542; 642; 742; 1242). and the lower wall portion.   12. Head according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the one or more openings forms an alignment indicator.   13. Head according to claim 10, characterized in that the one or more openings comprise at least one of an opening (722; 724) of circular shape, an opening (522; 622, 624; 1222) of triangular shape, an arrow-shaped opening or an opening having two parallel sides and at least one curved end.   A head according to claim 10, characterized in that the aperture or apertures have a first aperture (622; 722) and a second aperture (624; 724), the first aperture being associated with a first dimension and a first aperture shape and the second opening being associated with a second dimension and a second shape, the first and second shapes being substantially identical, the first dimension being greater than the second dimension.   Head according to claim 10, characterized in that the club head further comprises a third zone (1285) having a lower boundary (1230) and an upper boundary (1220), the lower boundary including the curve (1290). ) in the form of a bell and the upper boundary extending between the tip end and the heel end and being located between the rear end and the lower boundary.   Head according to claim 10, characterized in that the first zone comprises one or more thin regions on at least one of the upper wall portion or the lower wall portion (144), and each of said one or more thin regions being relatively thinner than other regions of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion.   Head according to Claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the first (210; 310) and second (220, 320) points is at a distance of 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) from the plane of inclination and the midpoint (230; 330) is at a distance of 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) from the plane of inclination.   18. A method characterized in that it comprises the steps of forming (810) a body having a tip end, a bead end, a front end, a rear end, a face portion, a wall portion upper, a lower wall portion, a first zone extending between the rear end and a bell-shaped curve associated with a plane of inclination substantially parallel to the face portion, and a second zone extending between the front end and bell-shaped curve; and forming (820) one or more apertures on at least one of the upper wall portion or the lower wall portion within the first zone, the first zone being associated with a relatively lower stress load the second zone in response to an impact on the face portion, and the bell-shaped curve extending between the tip end and the bead end.   The method of claim 18, characterized in that at least the step (820) of forming the aperture (s) comprises forming an alignment indicator.   20. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that the step (820) of forming the opening or several openings comprises forming at least one of a circular opening, an opening triangular shape, an arrow-shaped opening or an opening having two parallel sides and at least one curved end.   21. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the step (820) of forming the aperture or apertures comprises forming a first aperture associated with a first dimension and a first shape and a second aperture associated with a second dimension and a second shape, the first and second shapes being substantially identical, and the first dimension being greater than the second dimension.   22. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises forming the first zone so that it comprises one or more thin regions on at least one of the upper wall portion or the portion lower wall (144), and each of said one or more thin regions being relatively thinner than other regions of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion.   23. The method of claim 18, characterized in that it also comprises closing (830) each of said one or more openings by an insert.   24. Golf club characterized in that it comprises: a grip or handle; a handle or shaft having a first end and a second end, the handle being coupled to the grip 10 at the first end; and a club head (100; 500; 600; 700; 1200) having a tip end, a bead end, a front end, a back end, a face portion, a top wall portion, a wall portion Lower, a first zone and a second zone, the body being coupled to the shaft at the second end, wherein the first zone (170; 570; 670; 770; 1270) has one or more openings on at least one of the upper wall portion or the lower wall portion extends between the rear end and a bell-shaped curve associated with a plane of inclination or loft substantially parallel to the face portion, and is associated with at a relatively lower stress load than the second zone 25 in response to an impact on the face portion, the second zone extending between the face portion and the bell-shaped curve, and the curve (190; 690; 790; 1290) bell-shaped extends between the tip end and the bead end.   25. Golf club according to claim 24, characterized in that at least one of the aperture (s) (622, 624, 722, 724) forms an alignment indicator. 35   26. Golf club according to claim 24, characterized in that at least one of the opening or several openings comprises at least one of a circular shape opening (722, 724), a triangular shaped opening (622; 624), an arrow-shaped opening or an opening having two parallel sides and at least one curved end.   Golf club according to Claim 24, characterized in that the opening or the openings comprise a first opening (622; 722) and a second opening (624; 724), the first opening being associated with a first dimension and a second opening. first shape and the second opening being associated with a second dimension and a second shape, the first and second shapes being substantially identical, and the first dimension being greater than the second dimension.   28. Golf club according to claim 24, characterized in that the clubhead further comprises a third zone (1285) having a lower boundary (1230) and an upper boundary (1220), the lower boundary including the curve bell-shaped and the upper boundary extending between the tip end and the heel end and being located between the rear end and the lower boundary.   Golf club according to Claim 24, characterized in that the first zone has one or more thin regions on at least one of the upper wall portion or the lower wall portion (144), and each of the one or a plurality of thin regions being relatively thinner than other regions of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion.   30. The golf club according to claim 24, characterized in that the golf club is at least one of a driver type club (100; 500; 600; 700; 1290) of a wood type club. course or a hybrid type club.