GB2622746A - Multi-component golf club head - Google Patents
Multi-component golf club head Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2622746A GB2622746A GB2400227.1A GB202400227A GB2622746A GB 2622746 A GB2622746 A GB 2622746A GB 202400227 A GB202400227 A GB 202400227A GB 2622746 A GB2622746 A GB 2622746A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- component
- club head
- inch
- sole
- golf club
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 85
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 241001674048 Phthiraptera Species 0.000 claims description 3
- 244000291564 Allium cepa Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000002732 Allium cepa var. cepa Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- RZVAJINKPMORJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetaminophen Chemical compound CC(=O)NC1=CC=C(O)C=C1 RZVAJINKPMORJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 58
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 44
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 40
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 30
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 30
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 25
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 23
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 20
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 20
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 14
- 238000004088 simulation Methods 0.000 description 13
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 12
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 12
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 11
- 239000003733 fiber-reinforced composite Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000002952 polymeric resin Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000012783 reinforcing fiber Substances 0.000 description 10
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 10
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 10
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 description 10
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 8
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 description 7
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000001976 improved effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000004734 Polyphenylene sulfide Substances 0.000 description 6
- 241000206607 Porphyra umbilicalis Species 0.000 description 6
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 6
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 229920000069 polyphenylene sulfide Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920005992 thermoplastic resin Polymers 0.000 description 5
- WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten Chemical compound [W] WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 description 5
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 4
- 241000292569 Pegusa lascaris Species 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 244000046052 Phaseolus vulgaris Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000010627 Phaseolus vulgaris Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 241000251131 Sphyrna Species 0.000 description 2
- UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphide Chemical compound [S-2] UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910017052 cobalt Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010941 cobalt Substances 0.000 description 2
- GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt atom Chemical compound [Co] GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 125000003700 epoxy group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- PHTXVQQRWJXYPP-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyltrifluoromethylaminoindane Chemical compound C1=C(C(F)(F)F)C=C2CC(NCC)CC2=C1 PHTXVQQRWJXYPP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003698 laser cutting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229920000647 polyepoxide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920005594 polymer fiber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052720 vanadium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- GPPXJZIENCGNKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N vanadium Chemical compound [V]#[V] GPPXJZIENCGNKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 102000040650 (ribonucleotides)n+m Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108091032973 (ribonucleotides)n+m Proteins 0.000 description 1
- HAAITRDZHUANGT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-[2-[(7-chloro-1-benzothiophen-3-yl)methoxy]-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]imidazole;nitric acid Chemical compound O[N+]([O-])=O.ClC1=CC(Cl)=CC=C1C(OCC=1C2=CC=CC(Cl)=C2SC=1)CN1C=NC=C1 HAAITRDZHUANGT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RZVHIXYEVGDQDX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 9,10-anthraquinone Chemical compound C1=CC=C2C(=O)C3=CC=CC=C3C(=O)C2=C1 RZVHIXYEVGDQDX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241001143500 Aceraceae Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000180579 Arca Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000016068 Berberis vulgaris Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000335053 Beta vulgaris Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002568 Capsicum frutescens Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000543381 Cliftonia monophylla Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001233242 Lontra Species 0.000 description 1
- 101000829705 Methanopyrus kandleri (strain AV19 / DSM 6324 / JCM 9639 / NBRC 100938) Thermosome subunit Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241000751119 Mila <angiosperm> Species 0.000 description 1
- 101100270435 Mus musculus Arhgef12 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241000849798 Nita Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000004005 Nypa fruticans Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000005305 Nypa fruticans Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000008881 Oenanthe javanica Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004696 Poly ether ether ketone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000003251 Pruritus Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000288104 Rallidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000282887 Suidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000950638 Symphysodon discus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000907897 Tilia Species 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241001389010 Tuta Species 0.000 description 1
- LEHOTFFKMJEONL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Uric Acid Chemical compound N1C(=O)NC(=O)C2=C1NC(=O)N2 LEHOTFFKMJEONL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910001080 W alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004760 aramid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003235 aromatic polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XMQFTWRPUQYINF-UHFFFAOYSA-N bensulfuron-methyl Chemical compound COC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1CS(=O)(=O)NC(=O)NC1=NC(OC)=CC(OC)=N1 XMQFTWRPUQYINF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- GDTBXPJZTBHREO-UHFFFAOYSA-N bromine Chemical compound BrBr GDTBXPJZTBHREO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- BFPSDSIWYFKGBC-UHFFFAOYSA-N chlorotrianisene Chemical compound C1=CC(OC)=CC=C1C(Cl)=C(C=1C=CC(OC)=CC=1)C1=CC=C(OC)C=C1 BFPSDSIWYFKGBC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000013625 clathrin-independent carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000032798 delamination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010138 die striking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005242 forging Methods 0.000 description 1
- ZZUFCTLCJUWOSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N furosemide Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(S(=O)(=O)N)=CC(C(O)=O)=C1NCC1=CC=CO1 ZZUFCTLCJUWOSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004927 fusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005021 gait Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000000227 grinding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005058 metal casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010422 painting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005498 polishing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002530 polyetherether ketone Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyphenvlene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012763 reinforcing filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008093 supporting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 101150020850 velB gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0408—Heads characterised by specific dimensions, e.g. thickness
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0466—Heads wood-type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0433—Heads with special sole configurations
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0437—Heads with special crown configurations
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/045—Strengthening ribs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/045—Strengthening ribs
- A63B53/0454—Strengthening ribs on the rear surface of the impact face plate
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B2053/0491—Heads with added weights, e.g. changeable, replaceable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/006—Surfaces specially adapted for reducing air resistance
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/02—Ballast means for adjusting the centre of mass
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/52—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with slits
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Golf Clubs (AREA)
Abstract
Embodiments of a golf club head comprising a first component and a second component that are coupled together to enclose a hollow interior are disclosed herein (fig.1F) . The first component comprises at least a striking face, a striking face return, and a rear extension 2500. The first component also comprises a weight channel 2540 at a rear end and one or more braces (3560, fig.37) that attach to the striking face return and the rear extension. The weight channel contains three threaded bores at toe 2544, centre 2546 and heel 2548 positions which accommodate a movable weight 2350. The second component comprises a crown portion, a sole toe portion, and a sole heel portion and may be made of two separate parts. The density of the second component is less than the density of the first component. In some embodiments, the first component mass is 85% to 96% of a mass of the golf club head.
Description
MULI1-COMPONENT GOLF CLUB
FIELD
[00011 The disclosure relates generally-to golf ecluipmenh and more particularly, to component gal ib heads arid methods to manufacture multi -component golf club beads.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In general, the club head naass is the tuta.l 2IIT1OIint of structural mass and the amount of discretionary-tnass. in an ideal club design., having instant total swing weight, sit:1.107111a: MASS would be minimized (without sacrificing resiliency) to pro-vide a designer 'vi ilicient discretionary mass for optional placcrnentto customize and maximize club performance Structural mass generally-refers to the mass rill the materials required to provide the club head with the structural resilience to withstand repeated impacts. Structural mass is highly design-dependent, and provides a designer with a relatively iow amount of control over specific mass distribution_ Conversely, discretionary mass is any additional mass (beyond the minimum structural requirements) that may be added to the club head design solely to customize the performance inc/or forgiveness of the club. There is a need in the art for alternative designs to ail metal golf club heads to provide a mean.. liar rnaxirnlz.ing discreftznars-z."-ight to maximize club head Yrornertt o( inertia (MOT) and lciwer/back center or gravity and provide options for golf ball night man: MTh ti On.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FR-i. IA illustrates a back view of an assembled golf club head.
[0004] FIG. 113 illustrates a b 7-11 assembled golf club head.
100051 NG. IC illustrates a front perspective view of an assembled golf club head.
[0006] NG. ID illustrates a cross sectional view or a golf club head, taken along the line D-ID in FIG. 113; HG. M including a loft plane, a ground plane, and a Z axis.
[0007] 1G. Iii illustrates a front view of an assembled golt dub head with X, 1, and hose! axes.
[0008] 1.1G. 1 illustrates an assembled and exploded view of a golf club head.
100091 ItiG. 2 illustrates a golf club head second component rear exterior view.
011 HG. .3 A illustrates a golf club head second ix vinpt ttli!t It front intenor sic (00111 MG. 3B Wu:-t _es 'a. irpt. club heac secono component front t terior view, according to an;mbodirnent.
100121 HG. 4 iiiusrntes a golf club bet first component front top view.
10013] iqG* 5 il]usttutes a aoir club head first component top view.
[0014] FTC 1 6 illustrates a golf club head first component rear new showing through a. strike face center parallel to the ground plane.
[0015] FIG. TA illustrates a cross section t.ftl -first component of Figure 6 a.long rtitere' line 610 of FTG. 6.
[0016] FIG. '7B illustrates a Cross section DI the First component of Figure 6 along reference line VI 21It of 11G. 6.
(0017] FIG. 7C illustrates a cross section of the golf club first component of Figure 6 aiong reference line of FIG. 6 [0018] FTC;. 8 illustrates a golf club bean t component [jon.tan view.
[0019] H.G. 9 illustrates -golf club head first component sole portion t a extension mass portion bottom view.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a golf club head first component sole portion rear extension mass portion close rear view.
10021] NC;. 11 illustrates a cross section of a itolf club hear: first component sole portion re extension mass portion.
[0022] EU 12 illustrates a molf (Alb head first component sole portion rear extens.1(m rnas pOur indetachable weight recess and an ernbecided weight recess.
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of a detachable weight \via, a threaded fastener.
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates side xirspective view of a detachable weight with a threaded fastener.
[0025] PIG. 15 illustrates a golf club head first component showing zt support bars.
10026] FIG. 16 A illustrates a sIde View of embedded wciiiht lot-fitdnc in die embedded weight recess of FIG. 12.
100271 PIG. 16 8 illustrated a top view of)edded weight.
100281 illustrates a perspective view if a golf club head, according to a second efflLfl:ui Fluent.
[00291 PIG. 18 illustrates a porspech ye view of a first component of:le club head of FIG. 17.
[0030] FIG. 19A illustrates of the first component of FIG. 18, with the niovabie weight in a central position.
[0031] FIG. I9B illustrates a sole \Ticw of the first component of R with ti movable weight in a toe -side position.
10032] PIG. 19C illustrates a sole view of the first component FIG. 18, with the movable weight: in a heel-side position.
[0033] FIG. 20 ilLustrates a close up side view of a golf club head. similar to the golf club head of FIG channel able weight in a central position.
[0034] FIG. 21 sliostratesa close up rear -view of the weight channel of FIG. 20.
[0035] FIG. 22 illustrates a soleiev., it a 0011 club head, with a straight sole estension, accordnig to an etiihodinient.
100361 FiG, 23 illustrates a sole e of h head. with a stratght rear sole L according mbodiment.
[0037] FIG. 24 illustrates a sole vsew of a golt chiN head ill: a straight rear sole extension, according to an. embodiment.
1003811 FIG. 25 illustrates a of a golf club head, with an. angled rear sole extension, according to an embodiment.
[0039] Eta 26 illustrates a sole of h head. with an ngled rear le extension, according' )diment.
100401 FTG. 27 illustrates a sole view of a golt chili head, with a:artLng width sole e.xtensior according to an embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 28 illustrates a S 01 C vcn.v of a golf club head, with a varying width sole extension, according to an embodiment.
[0042] PIG. 29 illustrates a front view the second component of a golf club head, according to an embodiment [0043] PIG. 30 illustrates a front view the second component of a,goll club head; according to an embodiment [0044] FIG. 31 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a toe-ward 'angled sole rear extension, according to an embodiment.
[0045] Pia 32 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a heel-ward angled sole rear extension, according to an embodiment [0046] PIG. 33 illustrates sole view of a golf club head with an aripcied sole rear extension, according to an embodiment.
[0047] I0G. 34 illustrates a sole -Hew of a golf club head with and angled sole rear extension; according to an embodiment.
[0048] Pia 35 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head with return portion having an angled rear edge accorciin.g to an embodiment.
[0049] PIC,. 36 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head with a return portion having an offset portion of a rear edge, according to an em,b( 10050] [1IG. 37 illustrates a crown perspective view of a first component of a golf club head having a crown and sole return, inci U(11112; Weigh t channel and a. crown brace, according to an embodiment.
100511 FIG. 38 illustrates 3 side view of the first component of FIG. 37.
100521 MG. 30 illustrates a top view of the first component of FIG. 37.
[0053] PIG. 40 illustrates a front view of a divided second component of a golf club head; configured to Join with the first component of PIG. 37.
[0054] FIG. 41 illustrates an exploded view of a golf club head, according to a third embodiment.
100551 FIG. 42 illustrates second portion interior extensions of an alternate golf club head ent0o0iment.
[0056] PIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head, according to a fourth embodiment variation with toe and heel skirt braces.
[00571 FIG. 44 illustrates a top view of the golf club head of HG. 43.
[0058] PIG. 45 illustrates a perspective view of a gold club head, according to a fourth embodiment variation with toe and heel skirt braces and a crown brace.
100591 FIG. 46 illustrates a top view of the golf club head of HG. 45.
[0060] FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head, according to a fourth embodiment variatvm with toe and heel side en vet braces attached to sides of the sole extension.
[0061] PIG. 48 Fans trates a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 47.
[0062] FIG. 49 illustrates a perspective vim of a golf club head, according to a fourth embodiment variation with toe and heel side crown braces Attached to a center of the sole extension.
[0063] FIG. 50 Illustrates a top view of the golf dub head of FIG. 49.
[0064] PIG. 51 illustrates a perspective view ola golf club head, according to a fourth embodiment variation with toe and heel side crown braces attached to sides of the sole extension and toe and heel side skirt braces.
[0065] FIG. 52 illustrates a top view of the golf club head of FIG, 51.
[0066] FR:. 53 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head, according to a fourth embodiment variation with parallel toe and heel side crown braces attached to sides of the sole extension and toe and heel side skirt braces, 100671 FIG. 54 Illustrates a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 53.
[0068] FIG. 55 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head, according to a fourth embodiment variation with crisscrossing crown braces and toe and heel side skirt braces.
[0069] FIG. 56 illustrates a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 55.
100701 FIG. 57 illustrates a top perspce:ove view of a golf dub head, according to a Fifth embodiment.
100711 PIG. 58 illustrates a sole perspective vIew or thev()club head l'IG. 53.
[00721 HG. 59 illustrates a perspective view ofa rsr component of the club head of [0073] l'i G. 60 ill,is trates an al ten la.e exploded view of a golf club head of 16. 53.
[0074] FIG. 61 illustrates a first method of manufactur,.:4 golf club head.
100751 FIG. 62 11us rates a second method of manufciciuru a golf club head.
[0076] FIG. 63 illustrates a third. method of manufacturing; a got: club I d [0077] PIG. 64 is a graph of rear weight relative vertical displacement over Le de, after 2: center impact, for series of test duo head components, according to a simulation.
100781 FIG. 65 is a graph of rear weight relative vertical displacement over time, after a center impact, for selected test club head ec-.)---)oncnts from the simulation of FIG. 64.
[0079] HE. 66 is a zoomed itt u.pon of the graph of FIG. 65.
[0080] FIG, 67 is a graph of a rear weight relative vertical displacement over time, after a toe-side impact, for selected test club head components, according to a simulation.
DETAILED _Pk:SERI EDON_ [0031] Described herein is a hollow golf club head comprising two major components. The First component is metallic. The second component is non-metallic. The second component may comprise a single portion or a plurality of portions. The metallic, first component comprises the striking portion and a sole extension. The non-metallic, second component comprises the rear portion of the crown, and wraps around to also comprise a portion of the sole. The first component comprises the load bearing, or structural area of the golf club head, and also comprises most of the mass of the golf club head. The first component comprises a rearwardly extending sole portion with a significant portion of the golf club mass at the most rearward portion of the extension, causing the first part to form a "T" shape wilen viewed front above. The first component may further comprise a bridge or crown brace extending to the rear portion of the 7)1f club head. This arrangement provides discretionary mass available to be redistributed to improve the center or gravity (CC) location and moment of inertia (Mor). The improved CC and MOT provide Mr a more precise ball flight compared to traditional, all me c go!1 club heads The 2;ol F dub head discussed herein may comprise a driver-type golf club head, a. fairway-type gol F club head, or a Mbrid-type golf club head.
[0082] The more dense "T" shaped sole of the first component, coupled to the less dense crown wrapped around second component can optimize mass properties by reducing the crown mass, and shifting the golf club head center of gravity (CG) lower. 'the saved weight From the second component can be redistributed to other locations of the golf club head to Farther optimize the CG arid increase the MOI. The CC; of the golf club head can move lower and toward the rear of the golf club head comprising the first component and the second component, wherein the second component comprises a second material with a second density that is lower than the first material density, compared to an alternate golf club head compnsing only the first material with a cons Lint dens init.
[0033] In one or more embodiments, the dub head may be a hollow, wood-style golf club) head that is Formed by coupling a first component with a second component to form a closed internal volume therebetween. The first component may include both the strike lace and a portion of the sole, mi.l 1:11:11: be brined from a metal or:mend alloy, The second and tliird components may form at least a portion of the crown and may wrap around to further form I)(ilt a heel portion and a toe nortion of the sole. In this design, the metallic first component extends behveen the polymeric heel portion of the sole and the polymeric toe portion of the sole.
[0084] " "an," "the,' it least one: and "one or more' are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the item is present; a plurality of such items may he present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Al! numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, including the appended claims, are to he understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about" whether or not "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About" indict tes that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; about or reasonably close to the value: nearly). Ifthe imprecision provided by "about" is not othenvise understood in the art with this ordinary mean then. "about used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. in addition, disclosure of ranges includes disclosure of all values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Each value within 2 range and the endpoints of a range are herein' all disclosed:IS separate embodiment. The terms "comprises," "compUsi cm, ncluding," and "having," are inclusive and therefbre specify the presence of stated items, but do not preclude die presence of other items. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes ant and all combinations of one or more of rile listed items. When the terms First, second, third, etc. are used to differentiate yapous items from each other, these designations are merely For cot IN enter ice. and do [lot limit the items.
[0085] Ide terms "first,' "second, "third," "Fourth,' and the like in the description in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms 'include," and ' ye," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to tliose elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article device, or apparatus.
100861 The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," rim," " - 'under, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are LiSed for descriptive purposes and not necessarily far describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. In the interest of consistency and clarity, all directional references used herein assume that the referenced golf club head is resting on a horizontally flat ground plane such that predefined loft and he angles for the head are achieved. The "Front" or "Forward portion" of the golf club head generally mil:errs to the side of the golf club head (when viewed normal to the ground plane) that includes the golf club strike lace. 0e:-aversely, the rear portion of the club head can include anything behind the strikelacc and/or portions of the club that are trailing the strike face at impact.
10087] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideranoriof the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Before any embodiments of the chisslosure are explained in detail, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or constmction and the arrangement of components as set forth in the billowing description or as illustrate,: tn the drays:112;s. The disclosure is capable of supporting imbod* e id of being practiced or of being earned out in various wricy-s. it should be understood that the description of specific en ibodiments is not intended to un lit the disclosure from covering all modifications, equivalents and alterna tiiv es rid] trig within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be tderstood that ti Le phraseology and terminology used betlfj EI is for the purpose of description and should not he regarded as limiting.
I) First Embodiment of Golf Club Head 100881 Described herein is an embodiment of a golf club head (100) comprising two components, First condponent (300) and a second component (20(). As shown in FIGS. 1 A-112., the golf club head forms a striking face (170), a return portion 7), a hosel (140), a crown (110), a sole (120), a heel end (160), a toe end (150), a trailing edge (130) at a rear-most portion of a rear end (180), a I tosel (140), and a sole portion hose] adaptor attachment recess (195).
[0089] The golf club head (100) further defines a loft plant: (198) tangent to the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170). A face height can be measured parallel to the loft plane between a top end of the striking face perimeter near the crown (110) and a bottom end of the striking face perimeter near the sole (420). In these embodiments, the striking face perirneier can be _, strikingu located along the outer edge or the striking race ( /0) where the curvature evtates from the bulge a imd/or to of the s itt an face (170' (01.19011 Referring to FIGS 117.) and IF. the striking face center (175) further defines a coordinate system hat ing an origin at the striking face center (1M). The coordinate SO,'Stell: has an X axis, a Y la 7 axis. The X axis (190) is a horn:on:al axis that extends through the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170) in a direction tram the heel end (160) to the toe end (15(J) of the grill club head (100); and parallel to ground plane (105) when the club head (400) is at address. 'The axis (192) is a vertical axis iint extends through the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170) in a direction from the crown (110) to the sole (120) of the golf club head (100), and perpendicular to the X axis (190), and the 7 axis (196) extends through the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170) in a direction from the striking face (170) to the rear end (180) of the golf club head. (100) and perpendicular to the X. axis (190) and theY axis (192), [0091] The coordinate system defines an Xlsi. plane extending through the X axis (190) and the axis (192), an X7 plane extending through the X axis (190) and the 7 axis (196), and a YZ plane extending through the 'I axis (J92) and the V axis (196), wherein the XY plane, the X21. plane, and the VZ plane are all perpendicular to one another and intersect at the origin of the coordinate system at the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170). The XY plane extends parallel to a hosel axis (199) and is positioned at an 1n0e corresponding to the loft angle of the golf club head (100) front the loft plane. The hosel axis (199) is inclined from the X-axis (190) at a pre--determined angle referred to as the lie arigh.-:. The hose: axis (199) can be inclined from the X-axis (190) by a he angle of between 58 degrees to 65 degrees, inclusively. In some embodiments, the hosel axis (199) is positioned at a 60 degree he angle to X-axis (190) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the XI plane.
10092] The sole (120) is a lower hemisphere of the golf club head (100). In some embodiments, the sole (120) can be defined as a portion of the golf club head visible when viewed from a bottom vim', when the club is at address. A skirt of the club head (100) can be defined as a junction between the sole (120) and the crown (110), particularly forming a perimeter of the club head behind the sttikirip. face (170).
[0093] The Golf club bead (100, can have e holler., body construction that fiat-ITN a closed - " menial cavity (185). The outer shell of the gulf club head (100) can comprise a first component (31111) and a second component (700) that cooperate and/or couple to at least partially define an cuter boundary of the internal cavity (185) (1.e.. where each component (200, 300) defines at least a portion of the outer boundary of the internal cavity (185)).
100941 Referring to FIG. IL the first component (300) is roughly T-shaped when viewed from the sole. The sole of the first component (300) has a sole rear extension (500) vvith amass portion (510), which houses at least one weight at the extreme rear end of the sole extension (500). The second component (200) Forms most of the remainder of the golf club head that is not formed by the First component (300). This configuration lowers the CC of the assembled golf club head, and moves the CG towards the rear of the assembled golf club head.
[0095] The first: component (300) comprises 2, first material 'truing a first density. The first material is a metallic material. The second component (200) comprises a second material comprising a second density. The second material is a non-metallic material. The first and second components (300, 200) comprise a first component mass and a second component mass, respectively. it: some embodiments, the first component (300) may be intepially formed as a single piece, so the first component can comp:Ise a. single niatenal. In some embodiments, the first component (300) may be integrally formed with the exception of a mass portion that is removable and/or repositionablc. Alternately, first con iponent (300) may coniprise a separately:formed striking face insert comprising a different metallic material a third material) than the remainder of the first component (300).
[00961 The second, nc.-metallic component (200) is coupled to, wrapped around, or oy et-lapped over die firsh metallic component (300) to Form the hollow golf club head (1 00).1 he second component trailing edge portion (230) connects the second component crown portion (203) with the second component sole portions (212, 214) as they wrap around the first component (300).
100971 the material density of the first component (300) (i.e. the first density) is greater that) the material density of the second component (200) (.1.e. the second density). The mass percentage of the ti-s component (300) can range from 85% to 962b of the total mass of golf club head (100). For example, the first component percentage of the mass of the golf club head may be 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89w/b, 907), 91%, 92%, 93%, 91%, 95%, or 96%. The mass percentage of the second component (200) Can range from 1% to I 5°-b or the total mass of golf club head (100). The First component (300) comprises a rear extension (500) On thC: sole, the rear es.tension (500) haying a MASS portion ("510).'111C THASS portion (510) is a back end or the rear extension (500), beginning at a front side of a weight port and ending at the trailing edge (130). The mass portion (510) can comprise between 20% and 35% of the mass of' the hollow multi -COlisponynt golf-club head (100). Placing so much of the mass of the golf club head at an extreme rear position of the golf club head provides mass characteristics that are functionally desirable, For example, the extreme rear position of the mass portion (MO) can lower the CG of the golf club head, which improves launch characteristics.
[0098] A) First Component [0099] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A F, and 4-8, the first component (300) car: comprise the striking lase (170), haying a return portion (177), and a rearward extension (300). The retain) porno (177) -firms at least a portion of the crown (400),i) portion of the sole (120), the hosed (140), a portion of the heel end (160), a portion of the toe end (150), and a recessed lip (450) (also referred to as a joint extension surface). The rearward extension (50)) connects to and extends rearwards from the return portion 0771. 'rho rearward extension (500) forms at least a portion of the sole (12(J) and positioned approximately perpendicular to the striking tace (170). The rearward extensioi (500) extends from a rear edge of We return portion (177) towards (130) of the dub head (100). The return portion (177) forms a rearward profile In a heel end to toe end direction. In etl ter embodiments, the rear,va rd profile of the first cotnponent (300) can extend from the I Led end 060) toward the toe end (150) in a stn.:iglu-lined profile, in a positlYe parabolic profile, in a bell shaped profile, or any other profiles relative to the striking face (170).
[00100] Referring to FIGS I V and 4, the first component (3001) comprise a hose] bore (145) defining a husel axis (199), a striking face center (175), a forward crown portion (400), having a forward crown portion width (405), anda first component trailing edge (130). Sonic embodiments may further comprise first component crown portion turbulators (430) having a first component crown portion turbulators toe portion (432) and a first component crown portion turbulators heel portion (434), [00101] The first component can comprise a recessed lip 50, also referred to as a first component lip or a joint extension surface) configured to overlap with a portion of the second component (200), and together form the golf club head ( I 00). The first component lip (450) can border the first component perimeter edge (462) having a first component crown portion lip (T55), and first con iponen t NUS (457). thc: first component tabs (457), matcliing grooves in the second component, align the first component (31H to the second component (200) during assemble, and also add mechanical support to pre'. eat sideways movement between We first component (300) and the second component (200). In some embodiments, the second component does not comprise grooves to receive the first component tabs (457). in these embodiments, the first component tabs (457) provide predetermined spacing (ee. an adhesive gap) between the first and second components. This predetermined spacing can cause the adhesive to bond uniformly and evenly across the lap joint.
[00102] The first componentrecessed from an outer surface of the golf club head (100) to accommodate the combined thickness of the overlapping lip of the second component (200), and any adhesive securing the two components together. Referring to b I:3S. 5, 9, and 10, the first component (300) comprises a first component lip recessed of Ise]: (459), a First component sole portion hp (460), a first component sole portion rear extension (500), a first component sole portion rear extension mass portion (510) having a mass portion intenor for.-card boundary (1050 which corresponds to the forward exterior boundary 918, shown in FIG. 9), one or more mass portion interior ribs (520), and a detachable weight recess (540) having a threaded Listener receiver boss (542). Referring also to PIG. IF, a first component lip (455) is configured to be covered by a portion of the second component (200) when the first component (300) ts coupled to the second cotnponent (200) to forni the golf club (100). '1 he first component (300) Ilia). preferably be coupled to the second component (200) with an adhesive placed between the overlapping, surfaces of she first component and the second component.
[00103] Referring to Ft G, 7A, the First component lip I las a width (730), \visit:1: can range front 0.125 inch to 0.275 inch. For example, the first component lip width (730) mail be 0,125 inch, 0,150 mch, 0.175 Inch, 0200. inch, 0.022 inch, 0.225 inch, 0.250 inch, or 0.275 inch.
1001041 the first component recessed offset (459) is an offset distance of the hp (455) from the outer surface of the first component (300) toward the interior of the golf club head. The recessed offset (459) can range from 0.060 inch to 0.160 inch toward the interior of the 3oll club head (100). In other embodiments, the recessed offset (459) can range from 0.060 inch to 0.150 inch, 0.060 inch to 0.140 inch, 0.080 inch to 0.160 inch, 0.090 to 0.150 inch, or 0.090 inch to 0.160 inch. For example, the recessed offset (459) can be 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.080 inch, 0.090 inch, 0.100 inch, 0,110 into 0,120 inch, 0,130 inch, 0.140 inch, 0,150 inch, Ex: 0.160 inch.
[00105] The first component lip (150) can comprise a thickness. The thickness of the first component lip (450) can nil ge between 0.007 inch and ti 030 inch. Its some embodiments, the thickness of the first component lip (45(1) can be between about 0.007 inch and 0.009 inch, 0.009 inch and 0.011 inch, 0.011 inch and 0.013 inch, 0.013 inch and 0.015 inch, 0.015 inch and 0.017 inch, 0.017 inch and 0.019 inch, 0.019 inch and 0.021 inch, 0.021 inch anti 0.023 inch, 0.023 inch and 0.025 inch, 0.025 inch and 0.027 inch, or 0.027 inch and 0.030 inch.
[001061 Still referring to 11G. 5, the first component has a rear extension on the sole, which allows a larger portion of the mass of the assembled golf;:k!1) head t() be moved down to the sole and towards the rear of the assembled golf club head. The rear extension (500) extends from and is integral \xsith the return portion (177), allowing impact stresses to propagate all the way to the rear of the sole, helping to balance the distribution of impact: stress in the golf club head.
[00107] Still referring to FIG. 5, the first component lip (450) comprises the first component crown portion lip (455), the First component sole portion lip (460). The first component lip (450) may have other portions.
1001081 Relerring to FIG. 6, a plane (610) parallel to the ground plane (105), and intersecting the strike face center (175) defines a view of the lower portion of the first component (300) as show in FIG. 7A Referring to FIGS. 7A and 8, the rear extension (500) extends from a rear perimeter of a striking face return sole portion (810) toward the rear end (180) of the golf club head (100).
[00109] Referring to FIG. 7A, the first component (300) comprises a first component sole portion heel extension (710), a first component sole portion toe extension (720), a first component lip (460) having a first component lip width (730), a first component trailing edge portion (740), and first component: sole portion rear extension mass portion (510) having a vertical lip (750), and a mass portion trailing edge shelf (760), [00110] The rear extension (300) has a larger mass at a rear most position of the extension.
Placing the mass at the rear most position allows 113r the manipulahon of the rear sole extension position to greatly affect the mass properties of the assembled golf club head. To sonic embodiments, referring to FTGS. 57-60, the first component rear extension (500) can comprise a sole aperture (555). The sole aperture functions to fhrther move mass adjacent the rearmost end of the rear extension (500). As aforementioned, placing the mass at the rearmost end allows the CC to be moved rearward, thereby increasing the moment of inertia of the club head, By added a sole aperture (533), more discretionary mass will be created to place on the reattilOtit: end of the rear extension (500).
[00111] Referring to FIG. 8, the first component (300) comprises a striking face return sole portion rear extension (500) having a first component sole portion rear extension length (505) and a First component sole portion rear extension width (507). The First component (300) comprises a striking t)ace renirn sole portion (810), having a striking face re tarn c.ole portion width (815), a first component sole porn to extension (820) ha-kang a first compone MI sole portion to extensic)n length (825), and a first component sole portion heel extension (830) having a first component sole portion heel extension length (835). 4he rear extension length (505) is measured from a rear perimeter ol the striking, lace return sole portion (810), towards the rear end (180). The rear extension length (505) can range between 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches. the return sole portion width (815) is measured from the loft plane (198) rearwardly to a rear perimeter of the striking face return portion (177), which is a sole portion of a first component perimeter edge (462). The rear extension length (505) and the striking face return sole portion width (815) together comprise a total sole length c)f the;zolf chi:, head (H)0) measured from the loft pLuat (198) to the re:tr end (180) along the sole (120). The rear extension width (507) is the width of the ma-exte extension width (507) is measured in a heel to toe direction rearward of (5004 The rear -icrirrieter of t striking face return sole portion (810), which iS a sole port on of a first component perinteter edge The rear extension width (507) is less than an entire width of the sole (120) of the golf club (100). The rear extension width (507) can range from 23% to 85(),"0 of an entire width of the sole (12(1). The thaiT extension width (507) may lie 25%, 30%, 35%, 4 45%, 501Y0, 55%, 60%" 65%, 70%, 75%, 80% or 85% of an entire \vidill o[ the sole (120). In some embodiments, the rear extension width (507) can range from 0.4 inch to 2.5 inches.
1001121 Referring to FIGS 7A and 8, the first con Qonent sole portion rear extension (500) toe extension (720), and heel extension (710) Together form a T-like structure. The first component sole portion rear extension (500) forms a toe-ward angle (850) with the toe extension (720), and a heel-ward angle (855) with the heel extension (710). The tirat component (300) further comprises a detachable weight recess (540) having. a plurality of detael lc,,,,,eight recess tabs (546).
1001131 Referring to FIGS 5, '74k, and 8, the striking face return (1 77) extends rearwardly from a striking face perimeter, essentially perpendicular to the striking face (170). The striking face (170) arid striking, face return (177) comprisc a forward section of the assembled golf club head. The striking face return (177) comprises a striking face return crown portion (400) having a striking face retrirn crown portion width (.405), and a retiorn s(rle portion (810) liaring a striking face retrii4i sole portion width (815). 'nit striking face return crown portion (400) comprises a rearward perimeter that forms a profile on the crown (11® from the heel end (160) of the crown (110) to a toe end (150) of the crown (110). striking face return crown portion width measured from the striking face (170) toward the rear end (180) may vary, The striking face reearn crown portion maximuna width (405) may be located near the toe end (150) or the heel end (160). In other embodiments, the forward crown portion maximum width (105) may be located in a middle region between the toe end (150) and the heel end (160). The, striking face return crown portion width (403) can be at least 0,8 inch, at least 1.0 inch, at least 1.2 inches, or at least 1.4 inches. In sonic embodiments, the striking face return crown portion marilimuna width (405) can Laing,: from 1.0 inch to 1.5 inches. For example, the striking face return crown portion maximum width (405) may be 1.0 inch, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, or 1.5 inches. The second. component crown portion width (405) can be similar to the crown portion as described in L.T.S. Appl. No. 11/693,490, now LIS. Patent No. L,601,078.
1001141 The striking fake return (177) of the first component (300) can comprise a thickness extending between the outer surface and the inner surface of the striking face return (177). The thickness of the first component (1311K1) can range from 0.015 inch to 0.040 inch. In other embodiments, the thickness of the first component (300) can range from 0.010 inch to 0.040 inch, 0.010 inch to 0.020 inch, 0.015 inch to 0.025 inch, 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch, 0.025 inch to 0,035 inch, 0.030 inch to 0.040 inch, 0.040 inch to 0.10 inch, or 0.10 inch to 0.25 inch. For example, the thickness of the first component (3w) can be 0.010 inch, 0.015 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.030 inch, 0,035 inch, or 0.040 inch, In some embodiments. the thickness of the first component (300) can -WAVY at the striking face (170), the return crown portion (400), the first component sole portion (31th, the first component sole portion bee! extension (710), the first component sole portion roe extension (720), and the first component sole portion rear extension mass portion (510).
[001151 Referring to FIG. 5, the crown Iaor-non turbulators (430) located on the return crown portion (400) are protrusions that affect the aerodynamics of the golf club head (LOU). In some embodiments, the return crown portion 400) can comprise indentations on its inner surface that correspond to the crown portion turbulators (430), giving the turbulators (430) the same thickness (wail thickness, measured between the inner and outer surfaces) as the remainder of the return crown portion (40(f). However, in other embodiments, one or more of the crown portion turbulators (430) can lie filled to give it a thickness greater than the remainder of the return crown portion (400). The increased thickness of the return crown portion (400 at the one or more Idled turbulators can increase the durability or the golf club head (100) by increasing the rigidity of a t least a section of the return crown portion (100), [00116] Referring to FICil,S. 5, 713, and 7C, the crown portion turbulators (43th can be categorized as toe portion turbulators (432) and. heel portion turbulators (434). In sortie (.111100(1litlIcrits, one or nfore of the crown portion turbulators (430) is filled with nuterial (solid), such that there is no corresponding indentation on an inner surface of the return crown pi. irtion 0.00). In some embodiments, one or MOre of the toe porthm thrhulators (432) can lie filled. In some embodiments, one or more or the heel portion turbulators (434) can be filled. A region of the crown return portion (400) with one or more tilled turbulators can he stiffer or more rigid than regions of the crown return portion (400) that have unfilled turhulators, A solid turhulator comprises a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the remainder of the crown return portion (4i 0I).
1001 Referring to FIGS. and 76, in some embodiments, a tinCI: Mai tegian (436) of the crown return portion (400) comprises thicknesses greater than the thickness of the remainder of the crown return portion (400). In general, the crown return portion (4(0) can have the striking face return (177) thickness, described above. However, in some embodiments, the thickness of the return crown portion (400) can be increased within the thickened region (436) by up to 0.002 inch, up to 0.003 inch" up to 0.004 inch, up to 0.005 inch, up to 0.006 inch" up to 0.007 inch, up to 0.008 inch. up to 0.009 inch, or up to 0.010 inch. The thickened region (436) can be a patch, rectangular region, a hounded region, and/or a shape that at least part:is:hi encompasses one or more of the crown portion turbulators (430). in the embodiment shown in FIG. 713, the hounded region encompasses two of the heel portion turbulators (434). The turbulators arc filled (solid) within the bounded region (436). FIG, 7C illustrates a cross section showing a filled crown portion turbulator (430).
00118] When a golf ball impacts the golf club ( 00), the first component (300), including the crown return portion (400), bends and flexes. 'this flexing of the crown return portion (400) of the first component (300) can induce stresses within the second component (200), which is bonded to the first component lip (450). The second component (200) can he put at risk of material failure if the en iwn return porriciri (400) of the first component (300) repeatedly flexes beyond a certain threshold. Adding a thickened region (436) can locally increase. the cross-sectional area of the crown return portion (400) adjacent portions of the second component (200) that might be at risk of material failure after repeated impacts. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the crown return portion (400) at the thickened region (436) reduces the stress, thus increasing the durability of the club head cl(Jg).
[00119] Manipah fin, the position of the rear sole ex-tension (500) provides a means of manipti tirtg the mass properties of the assembled golf club head. Rcferring to FIGS. 4, 3, , and 8, the sole portion of the first component Can extend from a center near 11 te sinking face toward the toe end firming a first c imp inent p(irtion toe end extension (720), I, the heel end forming a first component sole portion heel end extension (710), and toward the rear end Forming a first component sole portion rear extension (300). Ihe first component sole portion toe extension (:720), the first component sole portion heel extension)7101, and the first component sole portion' rear extension (SOW can form a "T" shaped profile. In some embodiments, the tot extension can have a first component sole portion toe end extension length (823) in a range of 1.30 inch to 2.00 inch from the 'CZ plane toward the toe end (150). For example, the first component sole portion toe extension (720) can have first component sole portion toe end extension length (825) of 1.50 inch, 1.60 inch, 1.70 inch, 1.80 inch, 1.90 inch, or 2.00 inch toward the toe end (150). In some embodinlerits, the first component sole portion heel end extension (710) can litave a first component sole portion heel extension lenii41 (833) in a range of 0.90 inch to 1.40 inch from the V21 plane toward the heel end (160). for CXATIIP le, -We first component sole portion heel end extelision can extend 0.90 inch, 1.10 inch, 1.20 inch, 1.30 inch, or 1.40 inch. "The first component sole portion rear extension (500) can extend 2.30 inch to 2.90 inch rearward from the striking face return (177). Tor example, the first component sole portion rear extension (500) can extend from the striking Trice return (177) by a distance of 2.30 Inch, 2.40 nch, 2.50 inch, 2.60 inch, 2.70 inch, 2.80 inch, or 2.90 inch.
[00120] Shifting the first component sole portion extension (500) (also simioly called the "rear extension") closer to the me end (150) or the heel end (160) of the golf club head (100) Acs one means of manipulating the mass properties of tift. assembled golf dub head, and changing the hall flip.:11t. When nianufactiving the first component (300), moving the rear extension (500) toward the toe end (I 50) or toward the heel end (160) of the golf dub 0.00) will change mass properties of the assembled golf club head. If the rear extension (500) is moved toward the toe end (150) by decreasing the first component sole portion toe end extension length (825) the center of gravity of the golf dub head (100) will also be moved towards the toe end (150). If the first component sole portion rear extension (500) is moved toward the heel end (160) of the golf club head (10(J), the center of gravity of the golf dub head (100) will also be moved towards the heel end. (160).
[00121] The first component (300) comprises a surface area ranging from 27 inelY to 41 inch'011f of the entire surface area of the golf dub head (100). Jr some erubodiments, the surface area of the first component (300) can range from 25 inelti= to 43 inch', 23 inch:to 28 inch, 28 iltd)2to 31 inch', 31 inch to 34 inch', 34 inch'. to 37' inch, 37 in hi' to 40 inch, or 40 inch re 43 inch'. For example, the 25 inch 27 inch 29 inch, 31 33 in J12, 35 incl-H, 37 inch, 39 inch', TI inch, or 43 inch'.
[00122] The first component (300) can,prise a material such as steel, tungsten, aluir Framurn, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, other metals, or metal alloys. In some embodiments, the first component (300) can comprise all 8A1-Mu-IV alloy. In many embodiments wherein the golf club head (100) is a driver-type club head, the first component (300) can comprise a Man:um materiitd. In many embodiments wherein the r.tolf club head (101l) is a fairway wood -type club head, the First component (300) can comprise a steel material.
100123] Tn many embodiments, the first comp-rent (300) can be -astrdother ernherlim-riti the first component (300) can be forged, pressed, rolled, extruded, machined, electroforrned, 3-1) printed, or any appropriate forming technique. Referring FIG. 15, in embodiments wherein the first component (300) is cast, the first component (300) may further comprise a plurality or casting support bars, including one or more heel end LaS ring support bars (1510), and one or more toe end casting support bars (1512), 1) First Component Rear Sole Extension 100124] As discussed above, the first component comprises the striking face and striking Face return (177). 'these portions of the golf club head (100) receive and distribute the impact forces when the golf club strikes a ball. The rear extension (500) is integrally formed with the test of the first component (300), and extends from the striking face return sole portion (810). lith-Ther, the mass of the rear extension (500), resists torquing forces caused by off center hits on the striking face. In many embodiments, the first component sole portion toe end extension (720), and the first component sole portion heel end extension (710) can be parallel with the striking face (170), corrionsing a constant width from front to back. In other embodiments, the toe end extension (720), and heel end extension (710) can increase and/or decrease in width from toward the roe end 050) and hed end ()160), ci1111prising a varying width. in SOITIC CrobOdnnrit the first component sole portion toe (720) and heel end (710) extensions can comprise a width ranging from 1.0 Melt to 1.5 inches. For example, the toe (720) and heel end (710) extensions can be 1.00 inch, 1.10 inches, 1.20 inches, 1,30 inches, 1.40 inches, or 1.30 inches.
100125] in many embodiments, the first component sole portion rear extension (300) can increase in width, decrease in width, and/or comprise a consistent width (507) from a rear boundary of the striking face return sole portion (810) toward the rear end (180). In some embodiments, the rear end extension (500) can comprise a width (507) ranging from 1.0 inch to 3.5 inches. l'or example, the rear end extension can be 1.0 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.50 inches, 1.75 inches, 2.00 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.50 inches, 2.75 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.25 inches, or 3,50 inches. In some embodiments, the rear extension (500) comprises a varying width in a Front to rear direction. Specifically, the rear extension (500) can comprise a width that increases in a Front to rear direction. In these embodiments, the width of ic: mar m tension (500) has a minimum value adjacent the striking face return sole portion (810), an *a maximum value adjacent the rear of the club head. Er creasing the width of the rear ex tension (500) towards the rear or the club head allows the rear extension (500) to support a weight or weigitt system. Varying the Width Of the rear extension (500), so that the minimum width is adjacent the striking face return sole portion (810), reduces Inoss adjacent the face return and allows this saved weight to be redistributed to the pertineter of the club head. In other embodiments, the rear extension (500) can comprise a width that decreasing in a front to rear direction. Decreasing the width of the rear extension towards the rear of the club head can provide additional structural support for the weight or weight systems attached to the rear extension (500).
[00126] In some embodiments as illusnated in FIG. 2, the first component sole portion rear extension (500) can extend in a perpendicular orientation relative to the striking face (170), centered between the toe end (150) and the heel end (160). in other embodiments, the rear extension (500) can extend in an orientation closer lo the toe end (150), or closer to the heel end (160). The rear extension (500) can be offset towards the heel end (160) from 0.05 inch to 1.0 inch. For example, the rear extension (500) can be offset towards thelictel end (160) 0.1 inch, 0.2 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.4 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.6 inch., 0.7 inch., 0.8 inch, 0.9 inch, or 1.0 inch. The first component sole portion rear end extension (500) can be offset towards the toe end (150) from 0.03 inch to 1.0 inch. liair example, the rear extension (500) can be ctffset towards tile toy end (160) 0.1 inch, 0.2 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.4 inch, 0,5 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.7 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.9 inch, or 1.0 inch.
[00127] if the first component sole portion rear end extension (,500) is offset towards the toe end (150), the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) can be offset towards the toe end (150) no to 0.150 inch, when compared to a similar golf club head with the sole portion rear end extension (500) being centered. For example, the center of gravity may be offset towards the toe end (150) 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.040 inch. 0.050 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.080 inch, 0.090 inch, 0.100 inch, 0.110 inch, 0.120 inch, 0.130 Inch, 0.140 inch, or 0,150 inch. If the first component sole portion rear end extension (500) is offset towards the heel end (160), the center of gravity of the golfclub head (100) can by offset towards the heel end (160) up to 0.150 inch. For example, the center of gravity may be offset'towards the heel end (160) 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.040 inch, 0.050 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.080 inch, 0.090 inch, 0.100 inch, 0.110 inch, 0.120 inch, 0.130 inch, 0.140 inch, or 0.150 inch. 'The offset of tne center of gravity can affect ball flight characteristics by biasing the golf club head towards a fade-counteracting, position or a draw-counteracting position at impact.
[001281 Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, another means of manipulating the mass properties of the golf club head is to change the angle the rear sole extension relative to striking face of the first component. The first component sole rear extension can comprise a rear extension axis (504). 'the rear extension axis (504) can extend through a center of the sole extension, from a sole view. The rear extension axis (504) can he positioned so that, in a sole view, it is roughly equidistant from each side of the sole rear extension (500) at all points along the axis (504). The rear extension (500) itself can be positioned so that the rear extension axis intersects the YZ plane (193) at a rear extension angle (508), as illustrated in FIGS. 35 and. 136 In, some embodiments, the rear extension axis (504) can intersect the YZ plane (1931 at a point adjacent a rear ed.ge of the return portion (177).111The rear extension angle (508) can range from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. In sorne embodiments, the rear extension angle (508) can range from 0 to 10 degrees, 0 to 20 degrees, 0 to 30 degrees. 0 to 40 degrees, 10 to 20 degrees, 10 to 30 degrees, 10 to 40 degrees, 10 to 45 degrees, 20 to 30 degrees, 20 to 40 degrees, 20 to 43 degrees, 30 to 40 degrees, or 30 to 45 degrees. Figures 25-28, 33, and 34 illustrate other embodiments with angled sole extensions, described below.
(001291 Adjusting the angle of the rear extension positions the oetachable weight either heel--ward or toe-ward on the club head (100) because the weight is secured within a detachable weight recess (340). Fig angling the rear extension (500), the club (100) can liii weighted to have a draw bias when the extension (500) is angled towards the heel of the club bean (100). in other embodiments, angling the rear extension (500) towards the toe of the club head (100) gives the club head a Fade bias.
1001301 Referring to FIG. 8. the a.ngula tlon of the rear extension (500) can also be understood through angles between the edges of the sole rear extension (500) and the re flint portion (177). The first component sole portion rear extension toe-ward angle (850) and the first component sole portion rear extension heel-ward angle (833) are supplementary angles (i.e. the two angles add up to 180 degrees). hi me eml)odimen r, the toe wand tingle (850) and the heel -ward tingle (855) are each 90 degrees, so the rear extension (500) is essentially perpendicular to the striking Lice (170). In alternate embodiments, the toe-ward angle (850) and the heel-ward angle (855) can each vary between 45 degrees and 1135 degrees; as long as the two angles continue to be supplementary angles. For example; the toe-ward angle (850) can be 100 degrees, while the heel-ward angle (855) is the supplementary 80 degrees. In this example, the mass portion (310) is angularly offset towards the heel end (180) of the golf club head (100).
1001311 Other combinations of toe--ward angle (850) and heel-ward angle (855) may be 110 degrees and 70 degrees, 120 degrees and 60 degrees, 130 degrees and 50 degrees, or 135 degrees and 45 degrees. The center of gravity of the golf club headwould be offset toward the rear mass portion (510) position. For example, the center of gravity may be offset towards the heel end (160) 0.010 inch, 0. 020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.040 inch, 0.050 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.080 inch, 0.090 inch, 0.100 inch" 0.110 inch, 0.120 inch" 0.130 inch, 0.140 inch" or 0.150 inch. In a similar fashion, the roe-ward angle may decrease while the heel-ward angle increases. For example, the combination of toe-ward angle (850) and heel-ward angle may he 80 degrees and 100 degrees, 70 degrees and 110 degrees, 60 degrees and 120 degrees, 50 degrees and 130 degrees, or 45 degrees and 135 degrees. For example, the center of gravity may bc offset towards the toe end (160) by 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.040 inch, 0.050 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.080 inch, 0.090 inch, 0.100 inch, 0.110 inch, 0.120 inch, 0.130 inch, 0.140 inch, or 0.150 inch. This angular offset may be desirable to place a rear mass more toward the rear, heel-ward portion or rear toe-ward portion to position a club head center of gravity in that direction to influence bail night characteristics. Angular offsets in other embodiments may differently combine the first component sole portion rear extension toe-ward angle (850) and the First component sole portion rear extension heel-ward angle (855). which can product different club head center of gravity positions and diffia-ent ball flight characteristics.
2) First Component Rear Sole Extension Rear Mass 100132-11 As discussed above, the first component comprises most of the mass of the assembled golf club head. 'the rear extension (500) allows for some of the golf club mass to be positioned away toward the rear of the club head, and in the sole of the club head. The rear extension (300) the golf comnrises a mass portion at me rear of tne golt crud head, allowing line mass there to turner lndutence the CG and MOT of the golf club head. The first component sole portion rear extension mass portion (510) alone can comprise between 20% to 35% of the total mass af the golf club head (100). Placing this mass at the rear most pornon of the rear extension (500) is an important aspect to controlling the mass properties of the golf club head (100) during manufacturing the first component (300).
1001331 Referring to FIG. 9, the first component sole portion rear extension mass portion (510) comprises a threaded receiver (5454, one or more weight recess tabs (546), and the mass portion (510) having a heel side external boundary (910), a toe side external boundary (915), and a forward external boundary (918).
[00134] Referring to FIG. 10, the mass piiirtion (310) Hillier comprises a plurality of internal ribs (520) having an internal rib width (523). The plurality of internal ribs (520) may comprise two ribs, three ribs, four ribs, five ribs, or more than five ribs. The plurality of internal ribs (520) mate with, or attach to the interior surface of the rear extension mass portion detachable weight recess (340). The internal ribs (320) can reduce unwanted vibration at the mass portion (310), which is desirable because so much of the mass of the golf club head (100) is located so far to the rear of the golf club head. The mass portion (faci) farther comprises a vertical lip (750) having a vertical tip height. (1150), a mass portion trailing edge shelf (1042) haying a shelflength (1018), a shelf height (1011), and a shelf width (1046). The shelf length (1018) is approximately the same 2.S a rear extension width (507), and vanes as the width of the mass portion (510) varies.
[00135] The shelf (1042) provides a nutting surface Ear a. portion of the second component when the first and second components arc COUpled to form the a.ssembled golf club head. The mass nortion (510) further comprises an interior forward boundary (1030), and a vertical lip length (1032).
[00136] Referring to FIG. 8, the view of the rear mass (5111) is bisected by the 37 plane (193).
As shown in 111G. 11, the mass portion comprises an internal length (1110), a mass portion maximum height (1112), and a vertical lip heig,ht (11501.'01c internal hias furtlict CoMprise a rib height (1120) aria a rib length (1122).
[00137] The internal rib i.vidth (323) can range from 0.025 inch to (4100 inch. For example, the internal rib width (523) may be 0.025 inch, 0.050 inch, 0.075 inch, or 0.100 beta The internal rib height (1120) ranges from 25% to 100 to of a detachable weight recess depth (1216). The internal rib length (1122) can range from 0.100 inch to 1.500 inch. For example, the internal rib length (1122) may be 0.100 inch, 0.200 inch, 0.300 inch 0.400 inch, 0.500 inch, 0.600 inch, 0.700 inch, 0.800 inch, 0.900 inch, 1.000 inch, 1.100 inches, 1.200 inches, 1.300 inches, 1.400 inches, or 1.500 inches.
[00138] The mass portion (510) has a mass portion maximum height (1112) located approximately along the most upper portion of the mass portion vertical lip (750). The mass portion (510) decreases in thickness as it approaches the heel side ey.ternal bola-Klan, (910), the toe side external boundary (915), and the forward external boundary (918). The mass portion maximum height (1112) comprises the inaxinRim thickness of the Mass portion (510). 'the maximum thickness of the mass porn 510) can range from (3.40 inch to 0.70 inch. For example, the maximum thickness of the mass portion (510) rnav be 0.40 inch, 0.30 inch, 0.60 inch, or 030 inch.
3) First Component Detachable and Embedded Weights 1001391 To::111( A:s c(4-ttrol of the m bled golf club head, A detachable weight recess and a detachable weight are provided, wherein the detachable weight mass can fine tune the truss properties of the golf club head at the point of iissembly. The detachable weight recess (540) further comprises a plurality of detachable weight recess tabs. The plurality of detachable weight recess tabs may be two tabs, three tabs, four tabs, five tabs, or more than five tabs.
[00140] Referring to FIG. 12, it may be desirable to further increase the mass placed in the rear most portion of the golf club head. The mass portion (510) may further comprises an embedded cess (1220). >therefore, an embedded weight recess (1220) and an embedded weight (1600) (configured to be received with the embedded weight recess (1220)) comprising an embedded weight material having a density that is higher than the first density of the first component (300) first material may be provided.
[00141] Referring to 11.C; . 13, the detachable weight (1300) can comprise a material such as steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, other metals, metal alloys, composite polymer materials or any combination thereof. In many embodiments, the sole weight can be tungsten. The detachable weight (1300) has a mass.
[00142] The detachable weight (1300) mass can range from 1 ram to 35.0 grams. For example, the detachable 'weight (1300) mass mai; be 1.0 gram, 1.5 grams, 2,0 grams, 3.0 grams, 4.0 grams, 5.0 grams, 6.0 grains, 7.0 grams, 8.0 grams, 9.0 grains, 10.0 grams, 11.0 grams, 12,0 grams, 13.0 grams, 14.0 grants, 15.0 grams, 16,0 ams, 17.0 grams, 18.0 grams, 19.0 grams, 20.0 grants, 21 Circiffri 22 grams 23 grams 24 grams 25 gr ints 26 grams 27 grams 28 grams 29, grami s 10 grams, 31 grams, 32 grams, 33 grams, 34 grams, or 35 grams [00143] Referring to FIGS. 8 and, the detachable weight (1300) is co if d to be rece within the detachable weight recess (540). The detachable weight (1300) further comprises a, through hole approximately in the center of the detachable weight (1300). '1 lie through hole is conf4fured to receive A detachable weigint threaded fastener (1320), ill icing Me flateilded Fastener (1320) to be thread:151v received in the threaded receiver s (542) to secure the detachable weight (1300) into the detachable weight recess (540).
[00144] Referring to FIG. 14, the detachable weight (1100) further comprises a thickness (143 pluralior of detachable weight offsets (1434), and a plurality of detachable weight side grooves (1438). lt he plurality of detachable weight offsets (1434) may be two offsets, three offsets, four offsets, five offsets, or more than five offsets. 'the plurality of detachable weight side grooves (1438) may be two grooves, three grooves, four grooves, five grooves, or more than five grooves. The offsets (14341) are configured to cause the detachable weight (1300) to be slightly offset from the walls of the detachable weight recess (540) when the detachable weight (1300) is received within Liedelachable weiglit recess (540,1 'The detachable weight side grooVeti.C.1438) are configured to receive the detachable weight recess labs when the detachable weight (1300) is receivedwithin the detachable weight recess (540).
[00145] Referring to FIGS. I6A and 1613, an embedded weight (1600) has a mass. The °int:Kidded weight (1600) mass cart range from 1.0 grant to 20.0 grams. For example, the embedded weight (1600) mass may be 1.0 gram, 2.0 grams, 3.0 grams, 4.0 grams, 5.0 grams, 6.0 grams, 7.0 gran is, 8.0 grams, 9.0 mains, 10.0 grains, 1 t.0 grains, 12.0 grams, 13,0 grams, 14.0 i.0rains, 15.0 grams, 16.0 grams, 17.0 grams 18.0 grams, 19.0 grams, or 20,0 grams.
[001461 The embedded we ht (1600) comprises a tungsten material, a tungsten alloy material, a polymer matrix embedded with tungsten particles, or any other suitable material having a. density greater than the first material density. The embedded weight (1600) is configured to fit within and be permanently affixed in the embedded weight recess (1220). The embedded weight. (1600) may lte permanently affixed using an adhesive, by swedging or other press fit methods, or by using an appropriate mechanical attachment means.
B) Second Component [00147] the golf club head (100) comprises a first component (300) and a non-metallic, lightweight second component (200) configured to he coupled together to form the hollow go, duh Ficid. 00). As illustrated in 111GS. IF, 2 and 3, the second component (200) can comprise at least a portion of the crown (110), the sole (120), the trailing edge (130), and a rear cutout (240). Referring specifically to FIGS. 111 and 2, the second component (200) comprises a second component crown portion (203), a second component sole portion heel portion (211), a second cornnooent solo t,,rtion toe portion (212), a second component perimeter edge (220), a second component sole portion rear cutout (240) haying a second component sole portion rear cutout width (242) mid a second con ipon el It s()] e portion rear cutout height (244), aiid a Second component trailing edge portion (230). in some embodiments, not sitown, the second component can comprise Emily a portion of the crown. in these embodiments, the sole portion rear cutout (240) can wrap around inn rim crown (2054 [00148] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the second component Jortion (2.05) wraps over he trailing edge (130), integrally forming the portions of the sole complementary to the first component The second component heel and toe sole portions (214) (212) formed by the second component (20(J) can comprise a triangular shape positioned between the toe end extension and rear end extension, and rear end extension and heel end extension of the first component. In other embodiments, the sole portions formed by the second component (200) can comprise a circular shape, square shape, oval shape, any other polygonal shape, or a shape with at least one curved surface, complementary to the sole portions of the first component (100). The second component (200) 1-t ray conwrist a single monohthic piece, entirely formed togeth.nr with no further joining necessary. For example, the second component (200) can he formed by injection molding a single monolithic piece comprising a single material.
[001491 Alternately, the second c.c. pprumt (200) may conipnse a plurality of separately formed portions, which may be subsequently permanently joined by adhesives, sonic welding, fusion bonding, or other permanent joining, methodologies appropriate to the materials used in Forming the plurality of separately formed portions. For example, the second component crown portion (205), toe portion (212), and heel portion (214) may be formed separately from the same or different materials. The second component portions may then he adhesively joined to form the complete second cornpuncrit (200). Such forming of separate portions later joined may be advantageous when using materials such as hi--directional carbon fiber prepreg materials. Bi-directional carbon Fiber prepreg does not easily accommodate certain small curvatures, and cannot be easily formed in a single piece to -arrive at Inc desired second component 200 geometry. Using such a material may produce a need to form separate sole portions (212) and (I:214), which arc later joined by adhesives or other methods to the rest of the second component (200).
1001501 Alternately, multiple second component portions may be separately attached to the first component, without having been attached to one anoth er.
100151] The second compoEic nu of the golf club head (100) can comprise a thickness. The hickness of the second component can range from 0.030 inch to 0.500 inch. In some embodiments, the thickness of the second component can range from 0.030 inch to 0.040 inch, or 0.030 inch to 0.045 inch, or 0.030 inch to 0.055 inch, or 0.045 inch to 0.035 inch, 0.045 inch to 0.65 inch, 0.050 inch to 0.060 inch, 0.055 inch to 0.065 inch, 0.060 inch to 0.070 inch, 0.065 inch to 0.075 inch, 0.070 inch to 0.080 inch, 0.075 inch to 0.085 inch, 0.080 inch to 0.090 inch, 0.085 inch to 0.095 inch, 0.080 inch to 0.090 inch, 0.085 inch to 0.095 inch, 0.090 inch to 0.100 inch, 0.100 inch to 0.200 inch, 0.200 inch to 0.300 inch, 0.300 inch to 0.400 inch, or 0.400 inch to 0.500 inch. For example, the thickness of the second component can he 0.008 inch, 0.010 inch, 0.015 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.035 inch, 0.040 inch, 0.045 inch, 0.050 inch, 0.055 inch, 0.060 inch, or 0.065 inch. The thickness of the second component can further vary from the crown, the sole, the heel end, the toe end, and the mailing edge. For example, in a single embodiment, the thickness of the second component may differ across the crown, sole, heel end, toe end, and trailing edge portions of the second component.
100152] in some embodiments, the second component further comprises internal hi.s or an internal thicked section. As used herein, when relei Eng to internal ribs or an internal thickened section, the present disclosure is intending to refer to a portion of the club liE)dy that has a varying internal surface contour which presents a thickness (measured normal tE) the outer surface of the component) that is comparatively thicker than a second, non-thickened area of the component. In each instance, the term "Internal' is intended to n-Etian that the feature not readily perceivable from the outside of the club head. Said another way, the outer surface maintains a plain or substantially plain contour across the feature and adjacent structure.
53] internal ribs or internal thickened sections may provide additional strength and/or stillness to the club head through various mechanisms. First, the thickened ribs/sections may act as stmt/p,usset that pr wtde a s tructunu framework Ibr the coinponent. In this manner, the design of the structure itself can promote strength. Additionally, the presence of the thickened section may be used during molding to assist in controlling the direction, speed, and uniformity of the polymer flow. In doing so, the orientation of embedded:Then may be controlled so that any anisotropic parameters of the material, itseIt are oriented to support the club head's intended purpose, In this sense, the fhicked sections can provide both an engineered structure and an engineered material. Finally, in some embodiments, the first component may include a buttressing teoture such as an upstanding a trUt that is configured to he lii7.;:ed to the second component. in such a design, the thickened sections may provide a suitable coupling location as the thickened material inav distribute any transmitted loads without the risk of fatiguing or fracturing the comparatively thinner sections.
[00154] In some embodiments such as the embodiment of FIG. 3, the second component (200) further comprises a plurality of second component reduced thickness sections (250) having one or more crown portion reduced thickness sections (235) and one or more sole portion reduced thickness sections (237). The second component (200) further comprises a plurality of second component internal ribs (260) having one or more crown portion internal ribs (262) and one or more sole portion internal ribs (264). 't he plurality of internal ribs (260) may be two ribs, three ribs, four ribs, five ribs, or more than live ribs. The crown portion (262) and sole portion (264) internal rtbs are between the second component reduced thickness sections (250). The crown portion (262) and sole portion (264) internal ribs may comprise the greatest thickness of the second component (200). In some embodiments, the second component internal ribs (260) can be similar to the ribs as described in U.S. Appl. No. 15/07(011, now U.S. Patent No. 9,700,768, witich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The second component internal ribs (260) can reduce stress on the golf club head (100) and improve sound during an impact.
[001551 The plurality of second comport Ai, reduced thickness sections (250) comprise a thickness. The thickness of the plurality of second component reduced thickness sections (250) Can range from 0.008 inch to 0.035 inch. In other embodiments, the thickness of the reduced thickness sections (250) can range from 0.008 inch to 0.015 tnch, 0.010 inch to 0.020 inch, 0.015 inch to 0.025 inch, 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch, or 0.025 inch to 0.035 inch. For example, the thickness of the reduced thickness sections (250) can be 0.008 inch, 0.010 inch. 0.015 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.030 inch, or 0.035 inch. *The thickness of the internal ribs or thickened portions may be up to 0,010 inch thicker than other portions of the second component (200). in some embodiments, the second component is devoid of internal ribs and reduced thickness sections.
WM 561 In yet another embodiment such as generally shown in FIG. 3B, the second component comprises a central thickened section (270) that is surrounded by a crown portion redliced thickness sections (255) having a comparatively smaller thickness. In one configuration, this central thickened section (270) has total area of from about 1.5 in' to about 3.0 in2. In another conflp I ration, this central thickened section (270) has a total area of from about 2.0 in to about 2.5 In'. in some embodiments, the central thickened section (270) has a slightly trapezoidal shape, whereby at least a noruon (272) of the thickened section (270) that is closer to the lace and/or fbnvard edge (274) is wider than a portion (276) of the thickened section (2.70) that is more distant from Me face. Such a. width dimension is preferably taken parallel to a horizontal midline of the face that extends between the heel and toe portions of the club head. As further shown, the central thickened section (27(J) may be spaced from the forward. edge (274.) by a distance (d) that is greater than about 0.8 inch, or a. distance that is between 0.8 inch. and 1.0 inch, or between LO inch and 1.2. inch, or between 1,2 inch and 1.4 inch. In. some embodiments, the distance (d) is approximately 1.25 inch.
100157] In some embodiments (not depicted), the second component can further comprise a front thickened strip that runs along the perimeter or forward edge (274) of the second component (200). This thickened strip can comprise a thickness equal to the thickness of the trailing edge portion (230) and/or the central thickened section (270). The front thickened strip provides structural stifthess to the forward edge (274), There can be thickness transition region between tt front thickened strip and the crown portion reduced thickness sections (255) to ease stress transfer across the ctiown. The second component comprises a mass percentage of the overall mass of the golf club head (100). The iliaaSS percentage of the second component can range from. 4% to.1.5% of the overall mass of the golf club head (100), or can be approximately 10 grams to 23 grants. In other embodiments, the mass percentage of the second component can range from 4% to 'I 5 2ti. For example, the mass percentage of the second component may be 4%, 56, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, or 15% of the overall mass of the golf club head (100), (001581 he se. -id component comprises a outer surface area. r wing from 17 inch"to 25 inch'.
In some embodiments, the sit:if:Ice area of the second component can range from 15 inch' to 27 inch', 15 inch' to 18 inch', 18 inch' to 21 inch', 21 inch' to 25 inch', For example, the surface area of e second component can be 15 inch', 17 inch', 19 inch", 21 inch', 23 inch', or 25 inch'.
1) Second Component Materials 100159] The second component (200) comprises a less dense material than the material of the first component. In some embodiments, the second component can comprise a composite formed from polymer resin and reinforcing fiber. The polymer resin can COMpriSt a thermoset, or a. thermoplastic, The second component (200) composite can be either a Filled thennoplasnc (FT) or a Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC). in some embodiments, the second component (200) can comprise a. FT bonded together with a. FR.C. Filled thermopia.stics (FT) are typically injection molded into the desired shape. As the name implies, Filled thermoplastics (FT) can comprise a thermoplastic resin and randomly-oriented, non-continuous Fibers. In contrast, fiber-reinforced composites (FR(tt) are formed From resin-impregnated (prepre2) sheets of continuous fibers. Fiberrenifbrced composites (E'HC,$) can comprise either thermoplastic or thernioset resin.
[00160] In embodiments with a thermoplastic resin, the resin can compr;Ce a therrnc,r,iastic polyurethane (TPU) or a thermoplastic elastomer CIP13). Pot example, the resin can comprise polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherctheretherketone (PEEK), polyimides, pa] yarn ides such as PA6 at 13A66, poittamidehmides, olwbiemlene sr Ce es (TIP:8), pohicarbontttes, engineering Pullanethalles, and/or other similar materials. Although strength and weight are Me two main properties under consideration for the composite material, a suitable composite material may also exhibit secondary benefits, such as 2120thl riC. properties. in some embodiments, PPS and PEEK are desirable because they emit a generally metallic-sounding acoustic response when the club head is impacted.
[00161] The reinforcing fiber can comprise carbon Fibers (or chopped carbon Fibers), glass fibers (or chopped glass fibers), graphine fibers (or chopped graishire fibers), .or anti other suitabln fillcr material. In other embodimcnts, the composite material may comprise any reinforcing filler that adds strength, durability, and/or weighting.
[00162] The density of the composite material (combined resin and fibers), which lc= ihe second component (200), can range from about 1.15 g/cc to about 24e g/cc. In some embodiments, the composite material density ranges between about 1.20 g/cc and about 1.90 g/cc, about 1.25 g/cc and about 1.85 glee, about 1.30 and about 1.80 g/cc, about 1.40 glcc and about 1.70 g /cc about 1.30 ght-and shout 1.40 otiott or about 1.40 giro to -bout 1.45 u/cc.
Filled Ilinetnicialasrig. (ET) [001631 In a FT material, the polymer resin should preferably incorporate one or more polymers that have sufficiently high material strengths and/or strength/weight ratio properties to withstand typical use while providing Tweight savings benefit to the design. Specifically, it is important for the design and materials to efficiently withstand the stresses imparted during an impact between the strike fice and a golf Itall, while not contributing substantially to the total weight of the golf club head. In general, the polymers can be characterized by a tensile strength at yield of greater than about 60 NiTa. (neat). When the polymer resin is combined with the reinforcing Fiber, the resulting composite material can have a tensile strength at re Id of greater than about 110 \TPa, greater than about 180 N.11-1a, greater flit' _bout 220 NIPa, greater that about 260 \IN, greater than about 280 11/4,f0a, or greater than about 290 MPit. in some embodiments, suitable composite materials may have a tensile strength at yield of from about 60 iNIPa to about 350 N111,1.
[00164] In some embodiments, the reint fiber comprises a plurality of distributed discontinuous fibers (i.e. "chopped Fibers"). In some embodiments, the reinforcing Fiber comprises a discontinuous "long fibers,'' having a designed fiber length of from about 3 mm to 25 mm in some embodiments the discontinuous "long fibers" have a designed fiber length of from about 3 nun to 14 mm. For example, in sonie etribodirneirN, the fiber length is about 12.7 min (0.5 inch) prior to the molding process. In another embodiment, the reinforcing fiber comprises discontinuous "short fibers.," having a designed fiber length of from about 0.01 mm to 3 mm. In either case (short or long fiber), it should be noted that the given lengths are the pre-mixed lengths, and due to breakage during the molding-process, some fibers may actually be shorter than the described range in the rm, cornponent In some configurations, the discontinuous chopped fibers niay be characterized by an aspect ratio (e.g., length /diameter of lite fiber) of greater than about 10, or more preferably greater than about 50, and less than about 1500. Regardless of the specific type of discontinuous chopped fibers used, in certain configurations, the composite material may have a Fiber length of from about 0.01 nam to about 25 mm or from about 0.01 mm to about 14 tuna [00165] The comnostre material may have a polymer resin content c)t front about 40% to about 90% by weight, or from about 55% to about 70% by weight. The composite material of the second component can have a fiber content between about 10% to about 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material has a fiber content between about 20% to about 50% or weight, between 300si to 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material has a fiber content of between about 10% and about 15%, between about 15% and about 20%, between about 20% and about 25 cjiti, between about 23% and about 30%, between about 30)//: and about 35%, between about 35% and about 40%, between about 10% and about I5%, between about 45% and about 50%, between about 50% and about 55%, or hotsv cell about 33% and about 60% by weight, [00166] In en-ibediments where the second component (200) comprises a filled thermoplastic (hi) material, the second embodiment (200) can be injection molded out of composite pellets comprising both the polymer resin and the reinforcing-fibers. 'ale reinforcing fibers can be embedded within the resin prior to the injection molding process. The pellets can be melted and injected into an empty mold to form the second component (200). The PT composite material can have a melting; temperature of between about 210 "C to about 280 0C. In some embodiments, the composite material can have a melting temperature of veen about 250 "C.. and about 270 "C.
1001671 Tn embodiments with FT material second components (200), at least 50Pib of the fibers can be aligned roughly front-to-back in a center region of the crown (110). In other words, the fibers can be aligned roughly perpendicular to the striking face (170). FT materials exhibit greatest strength in the direction of Fiber alignment. There lore, havirlg the fibers oriented roughly Front-toback in the crown (110) can increase the durability of the dub head in the front-to-rear direction. The fiber alignment can be correspond to the direction of material now within the mold during the injection molding process.
1001681 When the golf club head (100) strikes a golf ball, the impact can cause the mass at the rear end (180) of the rear extension (500) to displace vertically, in the Y-axis (192) direction. At impact, the sole portion rear extension (500) will bend upwards and exert stress on the second component crown portion (205). The crown portion is compressed between the first component rear extension (500) and a front portion of the First component (300). Therefore, in embodiments with a FT second comnnti-rit (200) itlinitMne the likitrt. the direction of compress ion sync's that is expected at 111TPACt lowers the likelihood of Failure within the composite second contoonent (200).
1001691 In some embodimen6, the second component (2(10) can he formed from a long fiber reinforced TPU material (an example FT material). The long fiber TP1..1 can comprise about 40°4) long carbon fiber by weight. The long fiber rpu can exhibit a high elastic modulus, greater than that of short carbon fiber compounds. the long fiber 'ITU can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in a golf club head that is used and/or stored in a hot climate. 'the long fiber "liFt: fini-her exhi bits 'A high toughness, allowing n to serve well as a replacement for traditionallit metal components. In some embodiments, the long fiber TPU comprises a tensile modulus between about 76,000 and about 30,000 MIla or between about 27,000 t\IPa and 2,1polit 29,000 MPa. In some embodiments, the long fiber TPlj comprises a flexural modulus between about 21.000 1\413,1 and about 26,000 1\1113,1 or between about 72,000 Mfla and 25,000 Mita. The long Fiber TI7di n-titterial can exhibit an tensile elongation (at break) of between about 0.50 and about 2.5%. in some embodiments, the tensile elongation of the composite ',LPL] material can be between about 1.0% and about 2.0%, between about 1.2% and about 1.4%, between about 1.4% and about 1.6%, between about 1.6% and about 1.8%, between about 1.8% and about 2.0%.
Cptuposilu,_ [00170] In some embodiments, the second component (200) may comprise Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) materials. FRG materials generally include one or more layers eta um-or multidirectional Fiber Fabric that extend across a larger portion of the polymer. Unlike the reinforcing fibers that may be used in filled thermoplastic (FT) materials, the maximum dimension of fibers used in fiRCis may be substantially larger/longer than those used in Hi materials, and may have sufficient size and characteristics so they may be provided as a continuous fabric: separate from the polymer. When formed with a thermoplastic polymer, even if the polymer is freely flowable when rneite.d, the included continuous fibers are generally nor. The reinforcing fibers can comprise an areal weight (weight per length-by-width area) between 75 titi,/rnii and 150 g/tn2.
[00171] FRG materials are generally formed by arranging the fiber into a desired arrangement.
and. then impregnating the fiber material with a sufficient amount of polymeric material to provide rigidity. in this manner, while FT materials rn>y have a resin content of piyeater than about 45% by volume or more preferably greater than about 55(1/4 by volume, FRC materials desirably have a resin content of less than about 45°/ii by volume., or more preferably less than about 35% by volume In some ciribudiments, the resin content of dm FRG can. be her:cern 24% and 45% by volume.
100172] ERG materials traditionally use nvo--rx2i thernroset epoxies as the polymeric matrix, however, it ts possibte to also use thermoplastic poi ers as the matrix. In nnny instances, FRG materials are pre-prepared prior to final manufacturing, and such intermediate material is often referred to as a prepreg. When a thermoset polymer is used, the prepreg is partially cured in intermediate form, and final curing occurs once the prepreg is formed into the final shape. When a thermoplastic polymer is used, the prepreg may include a cooled thermoplastic matrix that can subsequently be heated and molded into a final shape.
[00173] A ERG second component (200) be con-iprise a plurality of layers (also called a plurality of lamina). Each layer can comprise and/or be the same thickness as a prepreg. Each layer the plurality of layers can comprise either a uni-direcifonal fiber fabric (LTD) or a multi-directional fiber fabric (sometimes called a weave) In some embodiments, the plurality of layers can comprise at least three liD lavers. The second and third lavers can be angled relative to a base layer. For a base layer oriented at 0 degrees, the second and third layers can be oriented at +/-45 degrees from the base layer. in some embodiments, the layers can be oriented at 0, +45, -15, +90, -90 in any suitable ()icier. In some embodiments, the plurality of lay at least one multi-directional weave layer, typically positioned as the top layer to improve the appearance of the FRC second COrtiponent (200).
Mixed-Material [00174.1 The second component (200) may have a mixed--material construction that includes both fiber-reinforced composite resilient laver and a molded thermoplastic structural layer. In sonic pith-fled embodiments, the molded thermoplastic strict-and layer may be formed front a filled thermoplastic material (Fp. As described above, the FT can comprise a discontinuous glass, carbon, or aramid polymer fiber filler cimbedded throughout a thermoplastic material. Tic thermoplastic resin can be a 'IT U, such as, for example, polvphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEILIC), or a polyannde such as P.A.6 or P.A.66. The fiber-reinforced composite resilient layer can comprise a woven glass, carbon fiber, or ar2trnid polymer fiber reinforcing laver embedded in a polymeric resin (or matrix). The polymeric resin of the resilient layer can be a therrnoplas tic or a thermoset [00175] in some embodiments, the polymeric resin of fiber-reinforced composite resilient layer is the same thermoplastic material as the resin of the molded thermoplastic structural layer. In other words, the fiber-reinforced resilient layer and the molded structural layer can comprise a common thermoplastic resin. Forming the resilient and structural layers with a common thermoplastic resin allows for a stroncz chemical bond between the lavers. In these embodiments, the resilient and structural layers can he bonded without the use of an intermediate adhesive. In one particular ernboditment, the second component (200) resilient layer can comprise a woven carbon fiber fabric embedded in a polyphenvlene sulfide (PV.'2-,), and ate second component (200) structural laver can comprise a filled polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polymer. In alternate embodiments, the second component (200) can be extruded, injection blow molded, :3-1) printed, or any other appropriate formmtf means.
Cross Connecting Members [00176] In alternate embodiments, the second component (200) may ace one or more interior cross connecting members (not shown). The cross connecting members may provide additional structural stiffness or sound control. 'fhe interior cross connecting members cart comprise members that connect non-adjacent portions of the interior of the second component (200). For example, the cross connecting members tv connect the interior surface of the second component crown portion (205) to one of the second component sole portion heel portion (214), or the second component sole portion toe portion (212). inc interior cross connecting members may comprise a length that extends entirely from an interior surface of a. front most edge of the second component (200) to the second col nponet trailing edge portion (230) interior surface, or the interior cross c()nnect rnern hers may cornprise a length that does ry.:4 extend entirely from an interior surface of a front most edge of the second component (200) to the second component trailing edge portion (230) intetior surface. Inc interior cross connecting members comprise a thickness. Ihe thickness of interior cross connecting members Carl range from 0,01 inch to 0.23 inch. For example, the thickness of interior cross connecting members may he 0.01 inch, 0,05 inch, 0,10 inch, 0,15 inch, 0.20 inch, Or 0.25 inch.
II) Second Embodiment of Golf Club Head (Including a WeightChannel) 10017711 A second embodiment of a golf club head (2100), ii has braked in. FIG. 17, comprises a first component (2300) with a weight channel and a second cortaponcrit (2200) that joins onto the first core-aonent (2300). The first eaarrnonctit (2300) of go1 I dui) bead (7100) can he similar to the first component (300) of golf club head (100), with the exception of the weight system. The second component (2200) of golf club head (2100) can be similar to the second component of golf club head (100), described above. 'The golf club head (2100) forms a striking face (2170), a striking. face return (2177), a. hosel (2140), a crown (2110), a. sole (21210, a heel end (2160), a toe end (2150), 'a. skirt (2125) with a. trailing edge (2130) at a. rear-roost portion of a mar end (2180), and a sole portion hosel adaptor attachment recess (2195). The skirt (2125) can extend along a perimeter of the club head between the crown (2110) and the sole (21 behind the hosel (2140).
First Component 100178,1 As illustrated in FIG, 18, the first co roonent (2300) can cot-opt-kit rear extension (2500). The rear extension (2500) can comprise a portion of the sole (2120). 'The rear extension (2500) comprises a weight channel (2540). The weight channel (2540) is exposed at the rear end (2180) and sole (2120) of the club head (2300).
1001791 't he weight channel (2540) is configured to receive a movable we t 30) in one of three positions. The weight (2350) can be secured to the weight channel (.2540) by a threaded fastener (2320). The weight (2350) can be placed in a toe-side position, a central position, or a heed side position. Uric weight channel (2540) comprises a mounting wit 2) and a sole wall (2550).
The mounting wall (2542) can he oriented approximately-pc:Tend:et -0 the sole (2120) The sole wall (2550) can he oriented approximately parallel to U te nrain sole (2120), but inset by a distance equal to a height of the mounting wall (2542). The movable weigbit (2350) can comprise an elongate, trapezoidal shape, or any other Suitable weight. The movable weight (2350) can comprise a inward wall and a c orumcting wall. The inward wall lies flush against the sole wall (2550) of' the weight channel (2540). The connecting wall lies Bush with the mounting wall (2542) when the weight (2350) is attached in one of the three positions.
[00180] The movable weight (2 mass can range front 1.0 grain to 35.0 grams. For example, the movable w (2350) mass may be 1.0 grain. inns,7.0 prams 3.0 grants, 4.0: tit "ts:.0 prams, 6.0 grams, 7.0 grams, 8.0 grams, 9.0 grams, 10.0 grams, 11.0 grams. 12.0 grams, 13.0 grams, 14.0 grams, 15.0 grams, 16.0 grams, 17.0 grams, 18.0 grams, 19.0 grams, 20.0 grains, 21 grams, 22 grams, 23, grams, 24, grains, 25 grams, 26 grams 27 grams, 28 grams, 29, grams, 30 grams, 31 grams, 32 grams. 31 -rims 34 crams, 35 crams. The concentration of mass vaithin the weight channel (2540) at the rear end (2180) of the club head can strategically position the head center of gravity to improve the launch characteristics of the golf club.
[001811 The mounting wail (2542) of We weight channel (2540) comprises three threaded apertures that correspond to the three weight positions. The mounting wail (2542) comprises a toe-side threaded aperture. 44), a center threaded aperture (2546), and cl heel-side threaded aperture (2548). The movable weight (2350) is positioned an the toe-side position by placing the connecting wall of the weight (2350) Bush against the mounting wall (2542) of the channel (2340) and securing the tristener (2320) into the toe-side threaded aperture (2544). The movable weight (2350) is positioned in the central position by placil1g the Cs, Ohrlee hng of the weight (2350) @lash against the mounting wall (2542) of the channel (2540) and securing the fastener (2320) into the center threaded aperture (2546). The movable weight (2350) is positioned in the heel-side position by Ohleing the connecting wall of the weight (2350) flash against the mounting wall (2542) oF the channel (2540) and securing the fastener (2320) into the heel-side threaded aperture (2548).
100182] When the movable weiclit (2350) is positioned in the central position, as illustrated in the sole view ea. F1G. 19A, the golf club (2100) is configured to otter no draw or fade bias. When the weight (2350) is positioned In the toe-side position, as illustrated in FIG. 19B, the weight (2350) gives the club head a fade bias. When the weight (2350) is positioned in the heel-side position, as illustrated in FIG. the -siiiegila " -es the club head a draw bias. e,1 2350) has a greater mass, the s.eight (2350) causes a greater fade or draw bias when positioned in the toe--side or heel-side positions, respectively. A larg,er separation distance between each oldie toe-side, central, and heel-side positions earl also increase the fade or draw bias. 'therefore, in some ernbodinierits, the mass of the movable weigl it (2350) can be balance:: against the separation distance of the weight positions to achieve the desired shot bias.
[00183] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21,,,vhen the movable weight (2350) is installed in the weight channel (2540), the movable weight (2350) can be offset from the sole wall (\2350) of the weight channel (2540) by a gap. The gap or offset distance (2537) can be measured as the shortest distance between the movable weight (2350) and the sole wall (2550). The offset distance (2557) can be between approximately 0.004 inch and 0.050 inch. In some embodiments, the offset distance (2557) is between approximately 0.004 inch and 0.010 inch, 0.006 inch and 0.010 inch, 0.008 inch and 0.012 inch, 0.010 inch and 0.014 inch, 0.012 inch and 0.016 inch, 0.014 inch to 0.018 inch, 0.016 to 0.020 inch, 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch, 0.030 inch to 0.040 inch, or 0.040 Inch to 0.050 inch. When the offset distance (2557) is larger, the. movable weight (2350) can vibrate or oscillate up and down after the golf club head impacts a golf ball. This oscillation can induce stresses in the fastener (2320), threaded apertures (2544, 2546, 2548), and/or the weight channel (2540), which can cause durability issues over time.
100184-1 Reduk. the ability of the movable weight (2350) to deflect vertically can duce stress by more 111' 3 10%, more than 20%, more than 30%, or more than 40%, compared to a similar design that allows vertical deflection of the movable weight (2350). In some embodiments, reduction of the vertical deflection of the weight (2350), results in approximately 40% less stress, according to a finite element analysis (FEA) simulation. The vertical deflection (towards the crown or the sole) of the movable weight (2350) correlates to the oscillation an:pi itude of the movable weight (2350). The vertical deflection of tl:c weight (2350) can be Ik-nited by the alorernentioned offset dish-ince (gap siiie) between the movable weight (2350) and the sole wall (25501. Tn some embodiments, to maintain durability by reducing vertical deflection of the weight (2350), the offset distance must be less than 0.040 inch, less than 0.030 inch, less than 0.020 inch, less than 0.010 inch, less than 0.007 inch, less than 0.008 inch, less than 0.007 inch, less than 0.006 inch, or less than 0.005 inch.
jOOl ihe vertical (Inflection and OSCillatIOrk of the weight 350) can also be controlled by inserting heavy duty tape (2558) such as yen/ high bond (VI-1B) tape between the movable weight (2350) and the sole wall (2550). the VI-1B tape (2558) can fill a majority of the gap. In some embodiments, the VIII3 tape (2558) fills the entire gap. The VELB tape (2558) can reduce or eliminate the oscillation of the movable weight (2350..
The first component (2300) comprises a sole portion rear extension (2500), a striking face return crown portion (2400), and a striking face return sole portion (2810; 'the striking face return sole portion (2810) comprises a heel extension (2830) and a toe extension (2820), The heel extension (2830) comprises a rear wall (2832). The toe extension (2820) comprises a rear wall (2822).
1001871 t component rear extension (2500) comprises a toe-side wall (2522) and a heel-side wall (2532) that connect the weight channel (2540) to the striking Face sole return (2810). The rear extension toe-sick wall (2522) and the toe extension rear wall (2822) can Han a toe-side wall angle. (2850). The tri)c-side wall ang,le,(2850) can range between 45 degrees and 180 degrees. The rear extension heel-side wall (2532) and the heel extension rear wall (2832) can form a heel-side wall angle (2853). The heel-side wall angle (2855) can range between 45 degrees and 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the toe-s;de wall angle (2850) is roughly equal to the heel-side wall angle In other embodiments, the toe-side wall angle (2850) and the heel-side wall angle. (2855) are different. In sorn.e embodiments, the toe-side wall2mgle (2850) and the heel-side wall angle (2855) are supplementary-angles (their sum equals roughly 180 degrees). In these embodiments, the toe extension rear wall (2822) and the heel extension rear:VA (2832) are located roughlv within the same plane (the toe rear wall (2822) and the heel rear wall (2832) are roughly parallel when viewed from the sole). For example, the toe-side vall angle be a acute angle, while the heel-side wall angle (2855) is a supplementary obtuse angle.
100188] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 22, some embodiments comprise obtuse toe-side and heel-side wall angles (2850 and 2853). Relenting to FIG. 23, sonic en Ludin ten ts compose approximately 90 deg-re° toe-side and heel-side wall angles (2850 and 2.855). Referflng to FIG. 24, some embodiments comprise acute toe-side and heel-side wall angles (2850 and 2855). Embodiments with obtuse toe-side and heel-side wall angles (2850 and 2855) can distribute stress smoothly, rearward into tlie sole (2120). The obtuse angles can increase the strength of the sole (2120) and support the sole rear extension (2500). Flowerer, embodiments with acute angles can comprise a first CO MpOrICnt -v -ida a smaller mass than enshodirnents with obtuse or 90 degree angles. Theref re, the einbodirrents with acute toe-side and heel-side wall angles (2850 and 2855) can allow for improved weighting properties, such as a high ME) I. [00189] The weight channel (2540) can fan outward beyond a.-rians section of the rear sole extension (2500), as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-2 I. In these embodiments, where the weight channel (2540) extends toe-ward and heel-ward, the rear extension toe-side wall (2522) and heel-side wall (2532) each have a bend adjacent the weight channel (2540). In other embodiment:, such as is illustrated in FIG. 22, the rear extension roe-side wall (2322) and heel-side wall (2532) can be straight. In some embodiments, the rear extension toe-side wall (2522) can be parallel to the rear extension heel-side wall (2532). in some embodiments, the rear extension toe-side wall (2522) can be non-parallel to the rear extension heel-side wall 2). The rear extension (2500) can extend from the return portion (2810) at different locations. This shift of the placement of the rear extension (2500) can affect how the rear extension (2500) is angled with respect to the return portion (2810). A rear extension axis (2.504) approxirnatc:s a center of the rear extension (2500). The rear extension axis (2504) extends between a front ilakipoint (2502) of the rear extension and the center threaded aperture (254.6) of the weight channel (2540). 'The front midpoint (2502) is located half way between a toe-side in point (2824) and a heel side intersection point (2834). The toe-side intersection point (2824) is the point at which the toe extension rear wall (2822) intersects and connectas to the rear extension toe-side wall (2522). Similarly, a heel-side intersection point (2834) is the point at which the heel extension rear wall (2832) intersects and connects to the rear extension heel-side wall (2532). The toe-side and heel-side intersection points, (2824 and 2834) can be located anywhere along a rear eciatp of the forward sole portion (2810),1i some embodiments, the connection between the toe/heel extension rear wall (2822/2832) and the rear extension toe/heel-side wall (2522/25.32), respectively, is filleted, beveled, or chamfered.
[00190] The sole rear et, tension (2500) of the First component (2300) can be an-fled w 'es to an intersection plane (2840). As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 22-28 the intersection plane (2840) is coincident with the toe-side intersection point (2824) and the heel-side intersection point (2854). In some embodiments, intersection plane (2840) extends parallel to the KY plane (191). In some embodiments, such as those of FIGS. 19-24, the rear extension (25(30) extends straight rearward, such that the intersection plane (2840) arid the rear extension axis (2504) form an approximately 90 degree angle when viewed from a sole view. In sonic embodiments, such as thin of (1CS. 25-28, the utters plai le (2840) and the rear en tension axis (2504intersect at an angle that ts no f) degrees.
1001911 A toe-side axis angle (28 is measured (in the sole viewi) from the intersection plane 7810) to the rear extension axis (2501) on the toe-side of the rear extension axis (2504). A heel-side axis angle (2865) is measured (in the sole view.) from the intersection plane (2840) to the rear extension axis (2504) on the heel-side or tilt:: rear extension axis (2504). The toe-side axis angle (2860) and the heel-side axis angle (2863) are supplementary angles (adding to 180 degrees).
1001921 Referring to FIG-. 25, in some embodiments, the rear extension is;3:ached to the striking face sole rettim (2810) closer to the toe end (2130) of the club head (2100) than the heel enc (2160) of the club head (2100), In these embodiments, the toe-side axis angle (2860) is greater than 90 degrees, and the heel-side axis angle (2865) is less than 90 degrees. The weight channel (2540) remains centrally located in the rear end (2180) of the golf club head (2100). Because of the location of the first component rear extension (2500), the second component (2200) can occupy a greater pillion ort1 ic heel side of the sole (2120). More specifically, a second component heel sole portion (2214) can he greater than a second component tog 'Tholg portion (2.21 [00193] Referring; to FIG. 26 in sonic embodiments, the rear extension is attached to the striking face sole return (2810) closer to the heel end (2160) of the club head (2100) than the toe urn (2150) of the club head (2100), in this embodiment, the toe-side axis angle (2860) is greater than 90 degrees, and the hceasida axis angle (2865) is less than 90 degrees. The weight channel (2540) remains centrally located in the rear end (2180) of ne golf club head (2100). Because of the location of the. nrst component (2300) rear extension (25011), the second component (2200) can occupy a greater portion of the toe side of the sole (2120). More specifically, the second component toe sole portion (2212) can be greater than the second component heel sole portion (2214). The attachment posinon or the rear extension can alter the -Weighting and launch characteristics or the golf club head (21(J0).
[00194] Referring to FIGS. 2! and 28, in some embodiments, the rear extension can have a varvinr2; width. in these embodiments, the toe-side wall angle 1\2850) and the heel-side wall angle (2855) may not be supplementary angles (may not sum to 180 degrees). in some embodiments, both the toe-side and the heel side wall anges (2850 and 2855) may be acute angles, reducing the velgnt of the first comp-mu:Lit:Ind aiinuun gre,Iter periincter weigh thigiii he (-Jul) Lead. In °tiler embodiments, both the roe-sid d the heel side wall angles (2.850 and 2833) may be obtuse angles, tncreasing the durabilityof the sole and simplifying manufacturing assembly of the golf club head (2100) [00195] The rear extension width (2507) is measured in a heel to toe direction rearv.ra a rear perimeter of the forward sole portion (2810). the rear extension width (2507) is less than an entire width of the sole (2120) of the golf dub (21001), rear extension width (2507). can range from 23% to 85% of an entire width of the sole (2120). Ihe rear extension width (2307) may be 25%, 30".41, 35)Vo, 401'i, 45°./),, 50%, 60%, 63%, 70u/o, 73%, 80% or 85% of an entire width of the sok (2120). The width of the rear extension adjacent the weight channel (2540) can range between 1 inch to 2.5 inches. 'the rear extension width (8507) between the roe-side intersection point (2824) and the heel-side intersection point (2834) can range between 1 inch and 5 inches. The rear extension width (2507) can be greater adjacent the weight channel (2540), as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, or greater a.diacent the return portion (2810) [00196] Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, the position of the sole rear extension (2500) of the first aotritrument 2.3000 can also be understood in relationship to the striking face 2170) and the x, Y, Z coordinate Lys-trail. A rear extension angle (2508) can be may,red, from tile sole View, between the rear extension axis (2504) and the VZ plane (193). In some embodiments, the rear extension axis (2504) can intersect the YZ -plane (193) adjacent the rear end (2180) of the club head (2100). In other embodiments, the rear extension axis (2504) can intersect the YZ plane (193) at a point between the return portion (2177) and the rear end (2180) of the golf club head (2100). 'the rear extension angle (2508) can range from 0 degrees to 43 degrees. In some embodiments, the rear extension angle (2508) can range from 0 to 10 degrees, 0 to 20 degrees, 0 to 30 degrees, 0 to 40 degrees, 10 to 20 degrees, 10 to 30 degrees, 10 to 40 degrees, 10 to 45 degrees, 20 to 30 degrees, 20 to 40 degrees, 20 to 43 degrees, 30 to 40 degrees, or 30 to 43 degrees.
[90197] Tr) the embodiment ofFIG. 37, the rear e.-LellSiED11 axis (2504) intersects the 17 plane (103) adjacent or at the rear end (2180) of the club head (2100). A front end of the rear extension (2500) is posinoned closer to the heel end (2160) than the toe end (2150). Hy shifting the front end of the rear extension (2500), the CG and 5,101 of the club head (2100) is affected because the first component (2300) comprises a higher density than the second component. Placement of more of the first component (2300) within a heel end (2160) of the club head (2100) increases the mass within the heel end (2160) of the club head (2100).
1001981 In the embodiment of FIG. 38, the rear extension axis (2504) intersects the V/ plane (193) adjacent or at the rear end (2180) of the club head (2100). A front end of the rear extension (2500) is positioned closer to the toe end (2150) than the heel end (2160). Placement of more of the first component (2300) within a toe end (2150) of the club head (2100) increases the mass within the toe end (2150) of the club head (2100).
1001991 Referring to FIG. 39, in some embodiments, the rear edge (2410) of the return portion (2177) can be angled with respect to the XX plane (191). In some embodiments, the rear edge (2410) can be aligned with the intersection plane (2840). in other embodiments, the rear edge (2410) is at least partially curved or angled so that It does not fully align with the Intersection plane (2840). In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 40, portions of the rear edge (2410) can be parallel to the XII plane (191), while the intersection plane (284(J) remains angled with respect to the NY plane (19:). A rear edge angle (2111) can be defined between the intersection plane (2810) and the NY plane (19:). The rear edge angle (2411) can range from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the rear edge angle (2411) can range from 0 degrees to 10 degrees, 10 degrees to 20 degrees, 20 degrees to 30 degrees, or 30 degrees to 45 degrees. Angling the rear edge (2410) places more mass in either the heel end (2160) or toe end (2150) of the club head (2100).
1002001 Referring to FIG, 40, in some embodiments, a portion of the rear edge (2410) is offset from the remainder of the rear edge (2410). For example, a portion of the rear edge (2.410) on the toe-ward side of the rear extension (2300) (hereafter "rear edge toe-ward portion (2412r) can be further forward than a second portion of the rear edge (2410) on the heel-ward side of the rear extension (2500) (hereafter -rear edge heel-ward portion (2113)"9. The rear edge toe-ward portion (2412) can be offset from the rear edge heel-ward portion (2413) by a. distance (2414). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the rear edge heel-ward portion (2113) is ollsot a distance (2414) reamyarcis from the rear edge toe-ward portion (2112). In. other embodiments, the rear edge toe-ward portion (2412) can be offset reanyards from the heel-ward portion (2413). In yet other embodiments, the rear edge (2410) of the return pJ");rtion (2177) can be arcuate, parabolic, tapered, or shaped to contribute to specific mass properties and/or impact durability of the first component (2300): /42 Secood Component.
[00201] As illustrated in FIGS 29;:nc,, the second component can comprise a crown portion (2205), 'a trailing edge portion (2230), a. sole toe portion (2212), and a sole heel portion (2214). The crown portion (2205) connects the sole toe portion (2212) and the sole heel portion (2214). The trailing edge portion (2230) connects the crown portion (2205) to the sole toe and heel portions (2212 and 2214). The crown portion (2205), sole toe portion (2212) and sole heel portion (?214) define a rear cutout (2240) in the sole side 0 the second component (2200). In some embodiment such as the one illustrated in l'1G. 2.9, the rear cutout 2240 cuts into the sole only. In other embodiments, such as the one illustrated in F1G. 30, the rear cutout 2240 cuts into both the sole and the crown portion (2205). The embodiment: that cuts into both the sole and the crown portion (2205) allows more room in the rear end (2180) of the club head (2100) for the weight channel (2540) of the first component (2300).
[00202] The second component sole toe portion (2212) and sole heel portion (2214) can be dimensioned to co: . . espond to the dimensions the first component (2300), as illustrated in FIGS. 22-28. For example, the second component sole toe portion (2212) can be roughly the same sive as the sole I portion (2214) 'cdi CT: the rear csdLitsion (2500) is centrally located, sod t as in tic embodiments of FIG. 22-24. In embodiments wherc the rear extension axis (2504) is angled with respect to thc intersection plane (2840), the sole tee portion (2212) can be-either smaller or larger than the sole heel Portion (2214), as illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 25 and 26.
[00203] in some embodiments, the second component (2200) can be secured to the first component (2300) in:1 way similar to that described above for the first golf club head (100) embodiment. in some embodiments, the materials of the first (2300) and second (2200) components can also be similar to those described above For the first golf club head (100) embodiments.
) Third Embodiment of Golf Club Head (Includes a Crown Brace and a Split Second Component) [002041 A third embodiment of a go If club head (3100), illustrated in 37-41, and Figure 53, comprises a first component (3300) and a second component (3201/) that joins onto the first component (3300). The first component (3300) comprises a sole rear extension (3500) and a crown brace (3560). The First component (3300) of third embodiment golf club head can be similar to the first components (30(1 and 1300) of golf dub heads (4 00 and 21018, with the exception of the added crown brace (3560).1The second component (3200) can comprise a toe portion (3212) and a heel portioit (3214). Tile toe and heel porficuis (3212 and 3214) can be separate parts. With the exception of the two-part desien, U Le second component (3200) of golf club head can be similar to lite second COEllponents (200 and 2200) of golf club liead (100 and 2100). The golf club head forms a striking Lice (3170), a return portion (3177), a hose! (3140), a crown (3110), a sole (3120), a heel end (3160), a toe end (3130), and a skirt (3125) haying a trailing edge (3130) at a rear-most portion of a rear end (3180). fh.e skirt (3125) can extend along a perimeter of the club head between the crown (3110) and the sole (3120), behind the hosel (3140).
[00205] Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, the second component toe portion (3212) can comprise a toe portion central edge (3220) configured to be positioned along the central portion of the crown (3110) when the golf club head is fully assembled, a toe portion maximum crown width (3222) measured from the toe portion central edge (3220) toward the toe end (3150), and a toe portion maximum crown length (3224) measured from a front end toward the rear end. The second component heel portion (3214) can comprise a heel portion central edge (3216) Configured to be positioned along the central portion of the crown (3110) when the golf club head is fully assembled, a heel port-ion maximum crown width (3217) measured from. the heel portion central edge (3216) toward the heel end (3160), and a heel portion maximum crown length (3218) measured frorn a front end toward the rear end.
00206-1 '[he toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) may have maximum lengths (3224 and 3218) that are the same. Alternately, the toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) max have maximum lengths (3224 and 3218) mar vary such that one is larger than the other. The toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) may have maximum widths (3222 and 3217) that are the same. Alternately, the toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) may have maximum widths (32.22 and 3217) mar vary such that one is larger than the other. The maximum lengths may be between 3.0 inches and 6.0 inches. The maximum lengths may 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6 inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2 inches, 4.3 mutes, 4.4 inches,4,5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4,7 inches, 4.8 inches, 4,9 inches, 5,0 inches, 5.1 inches, 5.2 indies, 5.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 3.3 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5,8 inches, 5.9 illeheS, or 6.0 inches. 44.
100207] As illustrated in FIGS. 7-39, the first component-(3300) of the third embodiment can comprise both a sole rear extension (3500) and a crown brace (3560). the sole rear extension (3500) houses a weight channel (3540) at the rear end (3180). The crown brace (3560) attaches to a forward crown portion (3400) and the sole rear extension (3500). The crown brace (3560) attaches to the sole rear extension (3500) adjacent the weight channel (3540) at the rear end (3180) of the club head. As illustrated in FRi. 39, the crown brace (3560) and the weight channel (3540) of the rear extension (3500) can form a hammerhead shape. In other embodiments, the shape of the crown brace (3560) and rear extension (3500) connection can be filleted., rounded, or otherwise shaped.
1002081 The crown brace (3560) can provide support to prevent the sole rear extension (3500) from bend -1/4ig too far upwards when the golf club head impacts a oif ball. Since the weight channel (3540) houses a movable weight (3350), the weight channel (3540) holds a significicant amount of mass. The mass of the weight channel (3540) and the weight (3350) are supported by the sole rear extension (3500). 1 Towever, an impact with a golf hall can cause the weight channel (3540 portion of the rear extension (3500) to bend upwards. this upwards bending of the rear extension (350(1) can cause compressive stresses within the crown (3110). In some embodiments, these stresses can cause fitiltire or cracking within the second component (3700) that forms the majority-of the crown (311. The crown brace (3560) can provick suppyJrt that prevents the stress -causingiiencling (or clamshell effect') of the sole rear extension (3500). in other words, the crown brace (3560) can reduce the vibration and oscillation of the weight channel (3510) [00209] in some embodiments, the sole rear extension (3500) and the crown brace (3560) can together be angled, similar to the mariner in which the sole rear extensions (St tO and 2500) of the j club heads (100 and 2100) are angled. In some embodiments, the crown brace 056(J) is positioned at an angle different than the angle of CLIC sole rear extension (3500).
[00210] Referring to Figure 39, the crown brace (3560) comprises a crown brace longitudinal axis (1565). The crown brace longitudinal axis (3565) bisects the crown brace (3560) along its 01 some embodiments, the crown brace longnudenal axis (3565) can be onset toward the heel end or toe end of the golf club head parallel to the rear extension axis (2504), or, alternately, non-parallel to the rear extension axis (2504) such that crown brace longitudinal axis (3565) forms an acute anOe to the rear extension axis (2504).
1002111 The crown brace (3560) can comprise a toe --side edge (3562) and a heel--side edge (3564).
The. crow, brace (3.560) can comprise a width (3561), measured from the toe-side edge (3562) to the heel-side edge (3564). The crown brace width (3561) can range berween 0.05 inch and 0.8 inch. In some embodiments, the crown brace width (3561) can range between 0.05 inch and 0.1 inch, 0.1 inch and 0.2 inch, 0.2 inch and 0.4 inch, 0.3 inch and 0.5 inch, 0.3 inch and 0.6 inch, or 0.4 inch and 0.7 inch. In some embodiments, the crown brace width can be approximately 0.2 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.35 inch, 0.4 inch, 0.45 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.55 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.65 inch, 0.7 inch, 0.75 inch, or 0.8 inch. The crown brace -width (3561) can affect or determine the in-ass of the crown brace (3560). To preserve diesi-etlorirv mass, the crown 1-}t-ice (356() can be designed to weigh less than 0.6 a less than 0.5 g, less than 0.4 g, less than 0.3 g, less than 0.2 g, or less than 0.1 g, (002121 Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, the two portions of the second component (32.00) can each comphse portions of the crown (3110), the sole (3120), and the trailing edge (3130). The toe portion (3212) can be configured to fit over and secure to a perimeter hp or ledge of the first component (3300) (not illustrated). In particular, the toe portion (3212) can be configured to engage the rear extension toe-side wall (3522) and overlap the crown brace toe-side wall (3562). The heal portion (3214) can he configured to engage the rear extension heel-side wail (3532) and overlap the cr1 s4m. brace heel-side wall ( [00213] Since the second component (3200) comprises two separate portions (3212. and 3214), die second. component (3200) can be assembled onto the first component (3300) in two steps. lot example, the toe portion (3212) can be slid onto the first component (3300) in a toe-to-heel direction first. The heel portion (3214) can be separately slid onto the First component (3300) in a heel-to-toe direction. The first component (3300) can have more complex geornetri because the second component (3200) can be assenibled onto the first component from tlie heel and toe sides, as described In more detail below. The materials of the first (3300) and second (3200) components can be similar to those described above &it.-the first g iii club head (100) embo, 'talent.
[00214] When Me two second component portions (3212 and 3211) are assembled onto the first component; the ts,vo portions (3212 and 3214) can be positioned to completely cover the crown brace (3360). Fully covering the crown brace (3560) can ensure a strong bond joint between the two portions (3212 and 3214) and the first component (2300). The two portions (3212 and 3214) can be positioned sudi that no portion of the crown brace (3560) is exposed to an exterior of the golf club head.
1002151 In an alternate embodiment, the club head (31(110) can be formed without the J..: own brace (3560), while comprising the two second component portions (3212 and 3214). The two second component portions (3212 and 3214) may comprise central edge interior extensions, by which the component portions (3212 and 3214) are connected. Inc interior extension may extend along the entire central edge of each portion, or may extend along only a portion of the central edge of each portion. The interior extensions may extend inwardly, toward the golf club head interior, parallel to each other and approxitnately parallel to the Y-axis. The heel portion (3214) may have an heel portion interior extension (3231). The toe portion (3212) mar have a toe portion interior extension (3232). The interior extensions may each have an interior ct-tension length between 0.1 inch and 1.0 inch, The interior extension letin-la may be 0.1 inch, 0.2 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.4 inch, 0.5 nit-b, 0.6 inch, 0.7 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.9 inch, or 40 inch, [00216] Referring to Figure 42, in stnne embodiments the interior extensions (3232 and 3234) may positioned to abut one another when the golf club head is assembled. The interior extension (3232 and 3234) may be mechanically affixed to one another with mechanical fasteners or press fit fasteners, or they may be adhesively affixed via epoxies or other appropriate adhesives.
[00217] in another alternate embodiment, the golf club head (3100) can be formed with a single, unitary second component, similar to the second components (200 and 2200) described above for the first and second embodiment's (100 and 2100), rather than two separate second component portions. This alternate embodiment can comprise tile crown brace (3560), which helps support the weight channel (3540) and the single second component.
IV) Fourth Embodiment of Golf Club Elead (Including Two or More Braces) 1002181 A fourth embodiment or a golf club head (4100), comprises a first component (4300) and a second component (not shown) that joins onto the First component (4300). In. this fourth embodiment, the first-component (4300) can have more than one brace, support, bridge, or span extending between a forward crown portion (4400) and the sole rear extension (4500). The braces can reduce the vibration and oscillation of the rear end of the club head, increasing durability. 'the second component (not shown) of the lburth embodiment, can be a. single, unitary second component, similar to second component (200 or 2200), or can be a split (divided) second component, similar to second component (3200).
1002191 The golf club head (4100) can be similar to the golf club heads (100 2100, and 3100), described above. Although the full golf club head (4100) is not shown in FIGS. 3-56, the golf club head (4100) can form the same components as the golf club heads (100, 2100, and 3100) described above. 'the golf club head (4100) forms a striking face (4170, similar to 170, 2170, 3170), a return portion (similar to 177, 2177, 3177), a hosel (4140, similar to 140, 2140, 3140), a crown (similar to 110, 2110, 3110), a sole (similar to 120, 2120,. 3120), a heel end (similar to 160, 2160,, 3160), a roe end (similar to 150, 2150, 3150), and a skirt (similar to 125, 2125, 3125) having at (similar to 130, 2130, 3130) at a rear-most portion of a rear end (4180, similar to 180 7180, 3180) [00220] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-3-56, the golf club head (4100) can comprise a first component (4300) with -various brace configurations. All variations of the first component (1300) comprise the striking face (4170), a forward crown portion (440(3), a forward sole potainr, cds [0), and a sole rear extension (4500) connected to the forward sole portion (4810). The rear extension (4500) can comprise a toe side edge (4522), a heel-side edge (4532), and a weight channel (4540) configured to allow the mounting of a movable weight (4350) at the trailing etai (4130) of the golf club head kb. The weight channel (1540) and thovable weight (4350) can be similar, respectively, to the weight channels (2510, 3540) and movable weight (2.150, 3250) of golf club heads (2100, 3100), as described above, prinaarily with reference to FIGS. 17-21 and 11. 't he first component (4-300) can also cornprise a peripheral lip (4450), which is offset girvards around the edges of the forward crown portion (1100), the lanyard sole portion (4810), and the sole rear extension (41500). The peripheral lip (4450) can be similar to a shell and can act as a lap joint when the second component (42,00) is attached to the first aomponent (4300). The braces can reduce impact-Induced vibrations or oscillations of the weight chtmnel (4540) at the rear end (4180), thereby reducing the stress experienced across the lap joint. Reducing the stress at the lap joint increases the durability of the lap joint bond and helps prevent delami nation.
[00221] All the variations of the first component (1300) can also comprise two or more braces (also called supports, bridges, spars, or connection members). The two or tri,tre braces can provide stability to the weight channel (4540), reducing oscillations and vertical displacement of the rear weight channel after the golf club head (4100) inipacts a golf Lill. 'flie two or more braces can also increase the side-no-side rigidity of the rear extension (4500) of the first component (4300), [00222] In the variation illustrated in FR S. 43 and 44, the first component (4300) comprises a skirt brace (4566) and a heel skirt brace (4568). The toe skirt brace (4566) can extend from the return port-ion the rear end of the club head. More specifically, the toe skirt brace (4566) can extend tisom the tionyard crown and sole portions (4400 and 4810) to the rear extension (4500) at the trailing edge of the club iiiead (4100). The toe skirt brace (4566) and the heel skirt brace (4568) are configured to sit at the same level as a the peripheral lip (4450) of the first component (4300). In ottier words, the toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568) can be flush with the peripheral lip (4450). The second ciimponent (1200) can lit over and frilly cover the toe and skirt braces (4566 and 4568) when the club head (4100) is assembled.
1002231 in the variation illustrated in FIGS. 45 and 46, the first component (4300) comprises a toe skirt brace (4566), a heel skirt brace (4568), and a central crown brace (4560). The toe skirt brace (4566) and the heel skirt brace (4568) can be similar to the toe and skirt braces (4566 and 4568), described above for the variation of FIGS. 43 and 44. The crown brace (4560) can be similar to the crown brace (3560), described above for golf club head (3100), illustrated in FIGS. 37-42. The central crown brace (4-560) can extend from the forward crown portion (4400) to the rear extension (4500) at the trailing edge of the club head (4100). The central crown brace (4560) can be positioned approximately half way between the toe end (4150) and the heel end (4160) of the club head (4100). brom a top view, such as I (IG. 46, the central crown brace (4560) can be approximately perpendicular to the NY plane (191). The orientation of the central crown brace (4560) can approximately bisect the sole rear extension (4500).
[00224] The variation illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 8 comprises a toe-side brace (4557) and a heel-side brace (4559), both connected to outer edges of the rear extension (4500). The toe-side brace (4557) can extend rearward from the forward crown portion (4400) and attach to the rear extension (4500) toe-side edge (4522) at the trailing edge (4532) of the club head (4100). Similarly, the heel-side brace (4557) can extend. rearward from the forward crown portion (4400) and attach to the rear extension (4500) heel-side edge (4532) at the trailing edge (4130) of the club head (4100). The toe-side and heel-side braces (, z I 557 and 4559) can be attached to the forward crown portion (4400) at positions that roughly ci rid e the forward crow ii portion (4400) into thirds, from a top In other words, from a top view, the toe-side and heel-side braces (45:57 and 4559) are attached to the forward crown portion (4400) such that when measuring along a rear edge of the forward crown portion (4400): the distance between the toe end (4150) of the club head (4100) and the me-side brace (4557) is approximately equal to the distance between the toe-side brace (4557) and the heel-side brace (4559), which is also approximately equal to the distance between the heel-side brace (4559) and the heel end (4160) of the club head (4100).
[00225] The toe and heel-side braces (4557 and 4559) can he separated by a greater distance towards the trailing edge (-1130) at the rear end (4180) of golf club head (4100), as illustrated in the top view of 141(34. 48. From a top view, the toe and heel-side braces (4537 and 4559) can be within Mc: footprint of the sole rear extension (4500).
1002261 The variation tilias. waled in FIGS. 49 and 50 comprises a toe-side brace (4557) and a heel-side brace (4559), both connected to a center of the rear extension (4500). The toe-side and heel-side braces (4557 and 4559) can be attached to the forward crown portion (4400) at positions that roughly divide the forward crown portion (4400) into thirds, from a top view, as described above for the variation of FIGS. .47 and 48. However, in the variation of FIGS. 49 and 50, the toe-side and heel-side braces (4557 and 4559) are separated by a. lesser distance towards the trailing (4130) at the rear end (4180) of the golf club head (4100). The toe-side brace (4557) can join with the heel-side brace (4359) prior to or at the connection with the rear extension (45001 at the rear end (4180). 'The toe-side and heel-side braces (4337 and 4559) can fonm a V-shaped pattern from a. top view, as illustrated iii FIG. 50.
100227] The variation illustrated in FIGS. 51 and 52 comprises four braces: a toe-side brace (4557), a heel-side brace (4559), a toe skirt brace (4566), and a heel skirt brace (4568). The toe and heel-side braces (4557 and 4559) of the FIGS. 51 and 32 variation can be similar to the toe and heel side braces of the FIG. 47 and 48 variation, described above. 'The toe and heel skirt braces (1566 and 4568) of the 1IGS..51 and 52 variation can be similar to the toe and heel skirt braces of the FIG. 43 and 44 variation, described above.
100228] 1 lat vatiaii( )n illustrated inhIGS. 53 and 54 comprises four 1)taces. a toe-side brace (4557), a heel-side brace (4559), a toe skirt brace (4566), and a heel slur( brace (4568). The roe and heel-side braces (4537 and -1559) of the FIGS. 53 and 54 variation can extend from de forward crown portion (4400) to the rear extension (4500) at the trailing edge (4130) of the club head rear end (4180). From a top view, the toe-side brace (4557) and the heel-side brace (4559) can be oriented roughly perpendicular to the XT plane (191). In some embodiments, the toe-side and heel-side braces (4357 and 4559) can be aligned so that their top view footprint approximately follows the edges (4522 and1532) of the sole rear extension (4300).
1002291 Rot-bring to FIGS. 53 and 54, in sonic embodiments, sra 1measuring along a rear edge of the forward crown portion (4400), a distance between the toe end (4150) and the toe-side brace (4557) can be less than a distance between the heel-side brace (4559) and the heel end (4160). In other embodiments, When measuring -along, the rear edge of the forward crown portion (4400), a distance between the toe end (4150) and the toe-side brace (4557) can be approximately equal to a distance between the heel-side brace (4559) and the heel end (4160). Both the distance between the toe end (1150) and the toe-side brace (4557) and the distance between, the heel end. (4160) and the heel-side brace (4559) can be less than the distance between the toe-side brace (4557) and the heel-side brace (1559).
[00230] The variation illustrated in FIGS and 56 comprises two crisscrossing braces: a first brace (4570) and a second brace (4572). The first brace (4570) extends from a heel-side half of the forward crown portion (4400) to a toe-side half of the rear extension (4500) at the trailing edge (4130) of the rear end (4180). The second brace (4572) extends from a. toe--side half of the forward crown portion (4400) to a heel-side half of the rear extension (4500) at the trailing edge (4130) of the rear end (4180). The first and second brace (4570 and 4572) intersect and crisscross each other. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 56, the first and second brace (4570 and 4572) crisscross at approximately halfwiry between the forward crown portion (440(1) and the rear extension 05(10) adjacent the trailing edge (4130). jfhti crisscrossing braces (15'70 and 4572) can form an X-shape or an hourglass shape when viewed From a top view. In some embodiments, the crisscrossing braces 570 and 4572) are shifted towards the toe end (1150) or the heel end (4160) to achieve the desired structural support.
[002311 Ann of the aforementioned braces can compose a thickness. The brace thickness, measured from an outer surface of the brace to an inner surface of the brace, can be between approximately 0.015 mch and 0.035 inch. In son IC: embodiments, the brace thickness can be 0.015 inch, 0.016 inch, 0.017 inch, 0.018 inch, 0.019 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.021 inch, 0.022 inch, 0.023 inch., 0.024 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.026 inch, 0.027 inch, 0.028 inch, 0.029 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.031 inch, 0.032 inch., 0.033 inch, 0.031 inch, or 0.035 inch. The braces located on the crown (not the skirt braces) can comprise a width similar to the crown brace width (3561), described above for club head (3100).
101112321 Any of the aforementioned braces can compn, 'ewidtli. similar to the crown brace width (3561), described above. The width of each brace ect or determine the mass of the brace. To preserve discretionary mass, the braces within the club head (4100) can be designed to togsalaer have a total weight that is less than 0.6 g, less than 0.5 g, less than 0.4 g, less than 0.3 g, less than 0.2 g, or less than 0.1 g. In some embodiments, the total weight of the braces equals 0.6 g, 0.5 g, 0.4g. 0.3 g, 0.2 g, or 0.1 g. 'llerefore, in some cases, in embodiments having more braces, the brace width can be less than tlie brace width within embodin Lents having less braces.
[002331 the two or more braces, described above, can increase the durability of the go]f club head. More specifically, the braces can reduce the potential vertical oscillation of the weight channel (4540) of the sole rear extension (4500). the braces can also reduce sideways movement of the weight channel (4540), In dub heads lacking die herein described braces, the impact forces experienced when -die golf club head (4100) strikes a golf ball can induce vibration and oscillation of the rear extension because of the high concentration of weight within the weight channel and movable weight. _A vertical displacement of the trailing edge (4130) of the rear extension (4500) can be measured in simulations to quantify the potential osciallations. A higher vertical displacement at impact-corresponds to a lower durability, since oscillations of a greater amplitude can cause material fatigue. The braces described above reduce the vertical displacement of the trailing edge (4130) at impact and thus increase the durability of the club head (4100).
[00234] The Iwo or more braces, described above, call. define or Corm boundaries of openings in the first component (4300). The openings can also be called voids, areas. devoid of material, or empty regions. The two or more braces can define three, four, five, six, or more openings in the first component (4300). In the variation of FIGS. 43 and 44, the toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568) form part of a. boundary of a crown opening, part of a boundary of a toe sole opening, and part of a boundary of a heel sole opening. The rear extension (4500) and the striking face return also form part of the boundary of the toe and heel sole openings. In the variation of FIGS. 45 and 46, the toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568) and. the forward crown portion (4400) surround and define two crown openings, separated by the central crown brace (4560). The variation of PIGS. 45 and 46 can have toe and heel sole openings, similar to the variation of FIGS. 43 and 44.
1002351 tn the vat-laicals of FIGS, 47 and 48, the toe and heel-side braces (4557 and 4559) define a central crown opening and two side openings. The crown openings cross the skirt and each cover a portion of the crown and a portion of the sole. The variation of FIGS. 49 and 50 is similar, except that the central crown opening has an approximately triangular shape. In the variations of FIGS. 51-54, the braces define five openings. The skirt braces (4566 and 4568), crown braces (4557 and 4559), rear extension (4500), and forward crown portion (4400) define three crown openings.
The sktrt braces (4566 and 4568), the striking return, and the sole extension (4500) detine a toe sole opening and a. heel sole opening.
1002361 Tn the variation of FIGS. 55 and 56, the braces define six openings. The crisscrossing braces (4570 and 4572) define a Front triangular opening and a rear triangular opening. The forward crown portion (4400) and the crisscrossing braces form (4570 and 4572) form edges of the front triangular opening. The rear extension to)00) and the crisscrossing nraces form (4570 and 4572) form edges of the rear triangular opening. A toe side crown opening and a heel side crown opening are formed between the central crisscrossing braces (41570 and 4572) and the toe and heel skirt braces (4366 and 4368). Additionally, the skirt braces (41566 and 4568), the striking face return, and the sole extension (4500) define a toe sole opening and a heel sole opening.
[00237] During and just after impact wall a golf hall, the rear eight (4350) and weight channel (4540) of the first component (4300) can deflect vertically relative to the remainder of the golf chit; hei-id (4100). For a first component Wi thou it any liiraces, a 30 gram to 35 gram it -weight (4350) Cart deflect over 0.3 inch, without the additional support or the second component (4200). For a first component (4300) with two or more braces, a 30 gram to 35 gram rear weight (4330) can deflect by inaKitnUM of between 0.03 inch and 0.20 inch, without the additional support oldie second con-Li:sin:int (4200). in sonic embodiments, the rear weight (4350) can deflect by a maxim urn of lietween 0.03 inch arid 0.06 inch, 0.04 inch and 0.07 inch, 0.05 inch and 0.08 inch, 0.05 inch and 0.10 inch, 0.10 inch_ and 0.15 inch, or 0.15 inch and 0.20 inch. in some embodiments, the rear weight (4350) can deflect by a maximum of about less than 0.3 inch, less than 0.2 inch, less than 0.18 inch, less than 0.16 inch, less than 0.14 inch, less than 0.12 inch, less than 0.10 inch, less than 0.08 inch, less than 0.06 inch, less than 0.04 inch. or less than 0.02 inch.
[00238] Tn some embodiments, having two crown braces and no skirt braces, a 30 gram to 35 gram reariveight (4350) can deflect (vertically relative to the remainder of the club head) by a maximum of between 0.09 Mch and 0.18 inch or between 0.10 inch and 0.15 inch, even without the additional support ofjthe second component (4200). in some embodiments, haying two skirt braces and no crown braces, the rear weight (4350) can deflect by a Inas-in-16m of between 0.10 inch and 0.20 inch. In some embodiments, having two skirt braces and at least one crown brace, the rear weight (4350) can deflect by a maximum of between 0.03 inch and 0.10 inch or by less than 0.10 Inch, less than 0.08 inch, less than 0.07 inch, or fess than 0.06 inch. in some embodirnents, lianatie,nswith pirai c toe and heel side braces provide greater support (less deflection) than variations with crisscross ing or;',1nglcd (pon-paralkl) braces.
V) Fifth Embodiment of Golf Club Head [00239] A itt.th embodiment ot a g it club head (5100), illustrated in FIGS. 53-56 coriar)rises First component (5300) with a weight channel (5540) and a sole aperture (5555), a second component (3200) that: joins onto the first component (5300), and a sole panel (5336) that: covers soic cavil, (5555) in the first component 7300). The first component (5300) at the fifth einbodirrent golf club head (5100) can be similar to the firs t components (300 and 1300) of go) ) heads (100 and 2100), with the exception of the sole aperture (5555). 1-he second component (5200) of r club head (3100) can be similar to the second component of r club head (100), described above. the second component (5200) of golf club head (5100) can be similar to the second component olgtall club head (100), described above. 'Iahe golf club head (5100) forms a sHR-inn Face (5170), a return portion (51'77), a hose) (3110), a crown (3110), a sole 7120), a heel end (5160), a toe end (5150), a trailing edge (5130) at a rear-most pi..rtion of a rear end (31 80), a hose] (5140), and a sole portion hosel adaptor attachment recess (5195).
[00240] As illustrated in fIG. 37, the first component (5300) can comprise a rear extension The rear extension (5500) further comprises a toe side side span (5557) and a heel side span (5559). The toe side span (5557) extends towards and connects to the rear end (5180). The heel side span (5559) extends towards and connects to the rear end (51/0), opposite to the toe side span (3557). The toe side span (5557), heel side span (5559), rear end and return portion (5177) form the sole aperture (3555). The sole aperture (3555) functions to remove high density material of the First component (5300) towards the rear end (5180) °Fele first component (5300). la he sole aperture (5)355), Further allows a different material sole panel (5556) to cover and seal the sole aperture (5555) to create a thulti-material sole (5120), leading to increased MOT and improved sound characteristics.
[00241] 'the sole aperture (5555) can be any shape, however in most emboditnents" the sole aperture (5555) is approximately rectangular. The sole aperture (5555) bends with general shape of the sole (5120). In some embodiments, the sole aperture (5555) can be square, rectangular, circular, ovular, ellipsular, triangular, polygonal, pentagonal, hexagonal. trapezoidal, or any other desired shape.
1002 The sole aperture (55!' itornpriscs a width (5574), wherein the width (5574) is measured from the toe side span (5557) to the heel side side span (5559). In most embodiments, the sole aperture (3353) has a greater width, nearer the return portion (5177), than the aperture width nearer the rear end (3180). This characteristic helps remove as much high density mass from the center of the club head (5100) as possible, allowing the mass to be redistributed rho the rear end (5180) of the club head (5100). However" in some embodiments, the sole aperture (5555) width can be equal or uniform from the return portion (5177) to the rear (5180). Further still, in some embodiments, the sole aperture (5553) width can be greater near the the rear end (5180) than the aperture width near the return portion (5177).
[00243] The sole aperture widths (5574) may be between 0.5 inch and 6,0 inches. The ichltis (5574) may be 0.5 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.7 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.9 inch, 1.0 inch,1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, -inches, 2.1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.6 inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.0 nclaes, 3.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6 inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2 inches 3 inches, 4.4 inches,4.5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4.7 inches, 4.8 inches, 4.9 inches, 5.0 inches, 5.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 5.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 3.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.
[00244] hurdler, the sole aperture (5) "a) comprises a length (53wherein the length (5516) is measured front the return portion (5177) to the rear end (5180). In most embodiments, the sole aperture (5555) has an equal length near the heel side span (5559) to the length near the toe sine span (5357). This characteristic helps keep the club head balanced in a. heel to toe direction. in some embodiments, the length near the heel side span (5559) can be less than the length near the toe side span (5557), removing mass from the toe and placin,tt,i more in ti.ic heel, in order to influence a draw or hook shot. In contrast, in some embodiments, the length near the toe side span (5557) can be less than the length near the heel side span (5559), rem:iv-1]-1g Mass from the heel and placing, .01 ore near the toe, in order to influence a slice or lade shot.
100245] The sole aperture'. lengths (55 ma be between 0.3 inch and 6.0 inches. The lengths (5376) may 5 inch, 0.6 inch, 0,7 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.9 inch, 1.0 inch, 1.1 inches, 1.2. inches, 1.3 inches. 1.4:itches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, 2,1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.6 inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6 inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3,9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2 inches, 4.3 inches, 4.4 inches,4.5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4.7 inches, 4.8 inches, 4.9 inches, 5.0 inches, 5.1 niches, 5.2 inches, 5.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.
[00246] The toe side span (5557) and heel side span (5559) connect the return portion (5177) to the rear end (5180H The toe side span (3537) and heel side span (5559) of die rear extension (5500) can comprise a portion Of the sole (5 20). 'l'he rear extension (3300) c.:11ipriscs a \veight channel (5540). The weight channel (5540) is exposed at the rear end (5180) and at least a portion sole (5120) of the club head (5300).
002471 The weight channel (5540) is configured to receive a movable weight (5350) in one of three positions. 't the weight (5350) can be secured to the weight channel (5540) by a threaded fastener (5320). The weight (5350) can he placed in a toe-side position, A central position, or a heel-side position. The weight channd (5540) comprises a 'mounting wall,(5542) and a sole wall (5.530). The mounting wail (5542) can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the sole (5120). The sole \vall (5550) can be oriented approxiniately parallel to the main sole (5120), but inset by a distance equal to a height of the mounting wall (5512). The tnovable weight (5350) can comprise an elongate, tiapezoidal shape, or any other suitable weight. Hibr movable weight (5350) call comprise a inward wall and a connecting wall. The inward wail lies flesh against the sole wall (3350) 01 the weight channel (5540). The connecting wall lies flush with the mounting wall (3542) when the weight (5350) is attached in one of the three positions.
[00248] 'the. mounting wall (5542) of the weight channel (5540) comprises three threaded apertures that correspond to Hie three weight positions. The mounting wall (5542) comprises a toe-side threaded aperture (5344), a center threaded aperture (3546), and a heel-side threaded aperture (5548). The movable weight (5350) is positioned in the toe-side position by placing the connecting wall of the weight (5350) Hush against the mounting wall (5542) of the channel (5540) and securing the fastener (5320) into the toe--side threaded aperture (5544). The movable weight (5350) is positioned in the central position by placing the connecting wall of the -weight (3350) flush against the mounting wail (5542) oir the channel (5540) and securing the fastener (5320) into the center threaded aperture (5546). 'the movable weight (5350) is positioned in the heel-side position by placing the connecting wall of the weight (5350) Bush against the mounting wall (5542) of the channel (5540) and securing the fastener (5320) into the heel-side threaded aperture (5548).
1002491 When the:rim/able weight (5350) is positioned M the central position (similar to golf club (2100) as illustrated in the sole view of FIG. 19), the golf club (5100) is configured to offer no draw or fade bias. When the weight (2350) is positioned in the toe-side position (similar to golf club (21(0) as illustrated in FIG. 20) the weight (2350) gives the club head a fade bias. When the weight (5350) is positioned in the heel-side position (similar to golf ebb head (2100) as illustrated in FIG. 21) the weight (5350) gives the club head a draw bias.
[00250] 't he first component (5300) comprises a sole portion rear extension (5500), a forward crown portion (5400), and a forward sole portion (5810). The forward sole portion (5810) comprises a heel extension (3830) and a toe extension (5820). The heel extension (3830) comprises a rear wall (5832). The toe extension (5820) comprises a rear wall (5822).
[00251] The first component rear extension (5500) comprises the toe-side wall (5522) and a heel-side wall (.5532) that connect the weight channel (5540) to the striking Face sole return (5810). The toe-side wall (5522) is formed by the toe side span (5557), opposite the sole aperture (5555). Similarly, ii ie. heel-side wall (5532) is formed by the heel side span (5559), opposite the sole aperture (5555). The rear extension toe-side wall (5522) and the teie extension rear wall (5822) can form a toe-side wall angle (5830). The toe-side wall angle (5850) can range between 45 degrees and 180 degrees. 't he rear extension heel-side wall (5532) and the heel extension rear wall (5832) can form a heel-side wall angle (5855). The heel-side wall angle (5858) can range between 45 degrees and 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the toe-side wall angle (5850) is roughly eciiial to the heel-side wall angle (5855). In other embodiments, the toe-side wall angle (5850) and the heel-side wall angle (5855) are different. In some embodiments, the toe-side wall angle (5850) and the heel-side wall angle (5855) are supplementary angles (their F,Ufn eyitals roughly 180 degrees). In these embodiments, the toe extension rear wall (5822) and the heel extension rear wall (5832) are located roughly within the same plane (the toe rear wall (5822) and the heel rear wall (5832) are roughly parallel when viewed from the sole). 17.))r example, the toeiside wall angle (5850) can be an acute angle, while the.. heels-side (3835) is a stipptementary °house angle.
[00252] the second component (5200), and similar to second component (2200) as illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, can comprisi_ a crown portion (5205), a trailing edge portion (5230), a sole toe portion (5212), and a sole heel portion (5214). The crown portion (52(15) connects the sole toe pornon (5212) and the sole heel portion (5214). The trailing edge portion (5230) connects the crown portion (5205) to the sole toe and heel portions (5212 and 5214). The crown portion (5205), sole toe portion (5212) and sole heel p.ort (5214) define a rear cutout in the sole side of the second component (5200). The rear cutout can be similar to the rear cutout (2240), described for the second embodiment, with reference to 11 Cs. 29 and 30. In some embodiments, such as the one dlustrated in FIG. 29, tlie rear cutout (2240) cuts into the sole only. In other embodiments, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 30, the rear cutout (2240) cuts into both the sole portion and the crown portion (5205). The embodiment that cuts into both the sole and the cnrwit portion (5205) allows more room in the rear end (5180) of the club head (5100) for the weight channel (5540) oldie first component (5300).
1002531 in some embodiments, the second component (5200) can be secured to the fris,..
component (5300) in a way similar to that described above for the first golf club head (100) embodiment and second club head embodiment (2100); In some embodiments, the materials Of die first (5300) and second (5200) components can also be similar to those described:Wove for the first golf club head (100) en ILO d in-lent& [00254] The geometry of the rear sole cs tension (5500) can mechanically lock or hold the second component (5200) onto the first component. The Pan -shaped rear extension (5500), comprising the 'vciglit chain id (5540), prevent: a rigid parr from sliding onto the first component (5300). in (mkt-to overcome this manufacturing-challenge, the second component (5200) can comprise a semi-rigid or Flexible material, alloy:mg the second compon cut (5200) to bend around Or onto the first component In these embodiments, the second component (5200) can snap or lock into place. In some embodiments, the fan-shape geometry of the rear sole extension (5500) allows the second component (517100) to be secured to the first component (5300) without the use of adhesive, or with the use of less adhesive.
[00255] Further, the golf club head (5100) comprises the sole panel (5554, whet emn the sole panel (5556) covers the sole aperture (5353) of the first component (5300). The sole panel;5 when:Entering the sole aperture (3535), combines with the toe side span (5557), heel side span (5559) and the rear end (5180) to form the entire sole (5120). The sole panel (5556) is the same shape as the sole aperture (5555), such that the sole panel (5556) covers the entire sole aperture (5555) by joining to the rear (5180), the toe side span (5557), heel side span (3559), and the forward sole portion (5810). In most embodiments, the sole panel (5556)-is adhered to the sole aperture (5555).
100256] Similar to the sole aperture (555.5), the sole pane 556) can be any shape, bov,ieyer ifl most embodiments, the sole panel (5556) is approximately rectangular. The sole panel (5556) bends with general shape of the sole (5120). In some embodiments, the sole panel (5556) can be square, rectangular, circular, ovular, ellipsular, triangular, polygonal, pentagonal, hexagonal, trapezoidal, or am, other desired shape.
100257] The sole panel (555() comprises a width, wherein the width is measured from the toe side span (5557) to the heel side side span (5559). in most embodiments Me sole panel (5536) has a reaterwioth, nearer the return porlion (5177), than the panel width nearer the rear end (5180). This characteristic helps match the geometry of the sole aperture (5355) and provide a enclosed golf club head (5100). Sm-iilar to the width of the sole aperture (5555), in some embodiments, the sole panel (5556) width can be equal or untform from the return portion (5177) to the rear (5180). Further still, it: some embodiments, the sole panel (5556) width can he greater near the rear end (5180) than the panel width near the return portion (5177).
[00258] The sole panel width may be between 0.5 inch and 6.0 inches. The widths may be 0.5 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.7 inch., 0.8 inch., 0.9 inch, 1.0 inch, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.6 inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.4 inches, 3.3 inches, 3.6 inches; 3.7 inches; 3.8 inches, 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2 inches, 4.3 inches, 4.4 inches,4.5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4.7 inches, 4.8 inches, 4.9 inches, 5,0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 5.5 inches; 5.6 inches, D. * iches, 5,8 inches, SOjicries, or 6.0 inches.
[00259] Further, the sole panel)556) comprises a. length, wehrein the length is measured from the return portion (5177) to the rear end (5180). Tr: most embodiments, the sole panel (5556) has an qua!length near the heel side span (5559) to the length near the toe side span (5557). This characteristic helps the sole panel (5556) match the csact length of the sole aperture 3) in some embodiments, the length near the heel side span (5559) can be less than the length near the toe side span (5557). In contrast, in sonic embodimen Ls, the Inngib near the toe side span (5557) can be less than the length near the heel side span (3539).
100260] the sole panel lengths May be between 0.5 inch and 6.0 inches.'the lengths may be 0.5 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.7 inch, 0.8 Inch, 011 inch, 1.0 inch, 1,1 inches, 11 inches, 1,3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4 inches, 2.5 Sc) inches, 2.6 inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6 inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 4.4 inches,4.5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4.7 inches, 4.8 inches, 4.9 inches, 5.0 inches, 5.1 inches, 5.2 inches, 5.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.
VT) Method of Manufacture First Method [00261] Referring to FIG. 61,a first embodiment of a method, _ anu t a c tit nii n tit e golf I t club head (100) comprises forming the first component (300), forming the component (200), applying an adhesive to a first component lip (450), aligning the second component (200) to the First component (300), fitting the second component (200) to the first component (300) so Me second component (200) overla-ys the lip (450), and allowing the adhesive to set, permanently affixing the second component (200) to the First component (300) to form the hollow golf club head (100) ("step 4(340 in HG. 30). The method (10) can be used to form a golf club head similar to the first, second, third, or fourth golf club heads (100, 2100, 3100, or 4100), described above. For the sake simpliciry, the reference numbers in the following method description refer to the first club head (100), but this method (10) can be applicable to all of the. aforementioned club heads (100, 2100, 3100, or 4100) or variations thereof.
100262] Referring to PR" 15, as discu.ssed above, the first. component (300) may further comprise a plurality of casting support bars, including one or more heel end casting support bars (1510), and one or more toe end casting support bars (1512). The casting support bars stabilize the cast part of the first component (300) while the metal coots after casting. The stabilization provided by the casting support bars prevents the front portion of the cast part from Folding towards or away from the first component sole 1,)onion rear extension (300) while the part cools after cas6ng. The casing support bars are removed from the as cast first component (300) and are riot present in the finished golf club head (100).
[00263] An alternative method of manufactunng the golf club lie (10comprises casting the first component (300), molding a wax pattern of the first component adding wax support bars to the wax pattern, investing, the modified wax pattern, casting the investment, thinning the metal casting support bars (1510) and (1512), forming the first component (300), forming the second con woman (200), applying an ad] iesive to a first component lip (430), aligning the. second componr ( 10) to the first component (300), fitting the second component (210) to the first component (300) so the second component (200) overlays the lip (430), and allowing the adhesive to set, permanently affixing the second component (200) to the first component (300) to form the hollow golf club head (100). W[ ten adding the support bars to the wax pattern, the attachnient points for the support bars are an interior surface of the first component (300) wax pattern, to avoid any marring or distortion of an outer surface of the first comp( neEat (300) The advantage of adding the support bars is that the casting of the first component is supported against distortion while in a cooling phase after casting.
100264] 'the fast component (300) can be coupled to the second component (200) at the first component Lip (450) to fbmi the body or the golf club head (100). The first component lip (450), including the crown portion lip (455), the sole portion lip (460), and the mass portion vertical hp (750) are entirely covered by the second component (200) when the first component ($00) is coupled to the second component (200) to form the body of the god' club head (100). The second componcnt sole portion rear cutout c240) ccEmprisesa porticm of perimeter edge (220) at the trailing edge portion (230). When the first component (300) is coupled to second component (200) at the first component hp (450) (to form the body of the golf club head (100)), the portion of perimeter edge (220) at the trailing edge portion (230) is joined along the mass portion trailing edge shelf (1042).
[00265] The first component (300) may be coupled to the second component (200) by means of an adhesive many embodiments, an adhesive such as glue, epoxy, epoxy gasket, tape (e.g., VHB tape), or any other adhesive mate6als can be disposed at the junction of the second component (200) and the first component lip (450). In some embodiments, the first component tabs (457) on the first component lip (450 and 455) can abut the second component (200), leaving a clearance gap between the First component lip (430 and 455) and the second component (200). This clearance gap can house the adhesive:. The clearance gap can have a uniform height or thickness due to the first C.( )1111,111101t LMS (457) having uniform heights. This uniform heigi it of the clearance at can create an even bond between the first and second components. in other embodiments, the second component (200) can be coupled to the first component (300) by fasteners, clips, press fit, or any other appropriate mechanical means of attachment (not shown). in other embodiments, the first component (300) may be coupled to the second component (200) by an adhesive in conEunction with an appropriate mechanical means of attachment. In other embodiments" the first component (30( b may he couoed to the second component (200) material to cause it (200) using laser velithrvi: to hear the seconi tern to the First corrinonent (200) material.
100266] Tn some embodiments,when the First component is coupled to the second component to form the z,tielf-dub head 100), the surface of the first component (300) is not offset from the surface of the second component (200). When the First component (300) is coupled to the second component (200) to form the golf club head (1(J0), a nominal outer surface or the nrst component is not offset above or below a nominal outer surface of the second component at the juncture of the coupling (i.e. the outer surfaces of the first component (300) and the second component (200) are flush).
Second Method 1002671 Referring to 11G. 62, a second method of manufacturing (2 the go.lf club head (IOU) comprises the folLIWing steps: (1Step 1: 21) casting an unfgaished first c)empanent, (Step 2: 22) cutting out portions of the unfinished first component to form a finished first component, (Step 3: 23) injection molding the second component, (Step 4: 24) permanently securing the second component to the first component, and (Step 5: 25) finishing the club head. The second method (20) can be used to form a golf club head similar to the first, second, third, or fourth golf club heads (100, 2100, 3100, or 4100), described above. For the sake simplicity, the reference numbers in th following method description refer to the fir:sr club head (100), but this method (20) can be applicable to all of the aforementioned club heads (100, 2100, 31(i0, or 4100) or variations thereof.
[00268] Forming the first f.ompoiaint in the first step (21) can start with casting an unfinished version of the first component (300). The first component (300) can be cast as a Full club head, \yid) a reduced thickness region. A majority of the reduced thickness region can be located approximately where the second component (200) will later be attached. A peripheral section around an edge of the reduced thickness region will eventually form the lip (450) of the first component (300). The unfinished first component:ts cast with the reduced thickness region because the reduced thickness region helps the first component hold its desired shape during the casting process. Casting, the first component (100) without the reduced thinkess region could result in warping of the part or other casting quality issues, Therefore, casting with the reduced thickness regjorx, which is later removed, ensures that the First component maintains its desired shape so that the second component (200) will Et on it correctly during step three.
1002691 After the unfinished first component is removed from the mold in wi en it as east, a laser is used to cut out the unwanted portion of the reduced thickness region (second step: 22), ng only the peripheral section, winch forms the lip of the second component (45(0.1' he lip can be ground down or polished, as necessarv. In some embodiments, the strikeface (170) of the club head is integrally cast as parr of the first component (300). In other embodiments, the first component (300) can be cast without a strikelace (170) (with an opening or void in the front of the first component). In these embodiments, a faceplate is provided separately bv either casting or forging the faceplate from a metallic material. The faceplate can he conventionally welded, laser welded, or swedged (swagged) into the front opening of the first component (300).
[00270] The third step (23) can comprise injection molding the second component. The third step (23) can comprise providing a composite material (typically in pellet form), melting the composite material, injecting the melted composite material into a mold to form an unfinished second component, cutting off the sprue, and polishing the gate arca. to finish the second component (200). As describe above, the composite material can comprise a polymer resin and a reinforcing fiber. The composite material can be provided in pellets that comprise both resin and fiber. The COMpiDSite pellets are melted and injected into a mold to form the unfinished second component. The injection molding process of the third step (i can be similar to the injection molding process disclosed in Patent Cooponition Treaty (PC) Application No. PCT/ITS2020/047702, filed on August 21, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference iii its en tirety.
100271] The fouri. step (24) can comprise applying an adhesive such as a two-parr liquid epoxy) to the first component lip,'450), aligning and phicing, the second component (2)0) over the component hp (450), and allowing the acid ies3VC to dry. One or more first component tabs the hp (150) and (455) can pro yide a clearance gap between Ole first component in i(450) aid the second component. This clearance gap can km use the adhesive. The clearance gap can have a uniform height or thickness due P.J the first component tabs (457) having uniform heights. This uniform height at the clearance gap can create an even bond between the first component (300) and the second component (.200).
1002721 In some embodiments of this second method (20), a timctionalized bonding film or layer can be used instead of an adhesive. The functionalized bonding film can he provided in one or more strip sections that correspond to the shape and side of the first component lip (450) and (455).
The lunctionalized bonding film comprises a t r I second side. The ram can be configured to bond with the material of the first cornponent on the first side and with the material of the second component on the second side. l'be bonding film can bond the first and second COMponents together when placed tuldeST the necessary temperature and pressure conditions for a set amount of time.
[00273] After the adhesive is applied to the first component lip (450) and (455), the second component can be placed or slid over the first component lip. The second component can be slid over the first component lip distil an outer edge of the second component comes into cont"ct with the remainder of the first component. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first component lip comprises a recessed offset (459), which die second component tills when the club head is assembled. The fourth step can further comprise allowing rhe adhesive to dry and bond the first component to the second component.
[00274] The fifth step (25) can compnse noushi11p, cleaning, coating, and/or painting the club head. In some embodiments, the fifth step (25) can further comprise placing a detachable weight (1300) within the weight recess (540) and securing the detachable weight (1300) using a fastener. Tri other einbodiments, the fifth step (25) can further comprise placing a movable weight (2350) within a weight channel (2540) and securing the turntable weight (2350) using a Els-tenet-.
Third Method [00275] As illustrated in FIG. 63, a third method (30) comprises the following steps: Step 1: 31) forming the firs!: component, (Step 2: 32) providing the second component as a toe portion (3212) at Id a hisel portion (321T), i(Steo 3: 33) securing the second component toe norticin (3212) to the first component (3300), (Step 4: 34) securing the second compuiusin heel portion (3214) to the first component (3300), and (Step 5:35) finishing the club head. The first step (31) can comprise casting an unfinished first component, laser cutting out unwanted portions of the unfinished fast component, and optionally welding a faceplate to the first component to form the finished first component. The third method (30) can be used to form a golf club head similar to the third or fourth golf club heads (3100 or 4100), described above. Nor the-sake simplicity, the reference numbers in the following method description refer to the third club head (3100), hut this method (30) can be applicable to all of the aforementioned club heads (3100 or 4100) orvaratons them-of.
100276] The first step (31) of fbrmnig the first component (3300) can be si lar to steps one and two (21 tin(i 22) of ffie second method (20), described above. However, in this manufacturing process, the crown brace (3560) remains after the laser cutting of the unfinished first component. The finished first component comprises an opening on the heel side (configured to receive the second component heel portion (3214)) and an opening on the toe side (an:figured to receive the second component toe portion (3212)).
1002771 't he second step (32.) of providing the second component (3200), can be similar to step three (23) of the second method (20), described above. However, in the third manufacturing process (30), the second component (3200) is provided as two separate pieces: a toe portion (3212) and a heel portion (3214). In some embodiments, the toe pornon (3212) and heel portion (3214) can be injection molded simultaneously from the same spruc and gate, and then disconnected from each other. in other embodiments, the toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) are individually injection molded at different times. After injection molding, the toe and heel portions (3212 and 3214) are finished by cutting or grinding off any excess material left from the gate of the mold, where the material entered the mold.
[00278] Steps three and lour (33 and 34) can be performed in any desired order. Step three (33) comprises applying adhesive onto a perimeter lip (not illustrated) of the first component (3300), sliding the toe portion (32.12) onto the lip of the first component (3300), and allowing the adhesive to curt/set. 't he toe portion (3212) can be assembled by sliding it in a toe-to-heel direction onto the first component (3300). Step four (34) comprises applying adhesive onto a, perimeter lip of the first component (3300), sliding the heel portion (3214) onto the hp of the first component (3300), and allowing the adhesive to cure/set. The heel portion (3214) can be assembled by sliding it in a heelto-toe direction onto the first component (3300). in some embodiments of the method, steps three and tour (33 and 31) are combined so that the adhesive is applied first, the: toe portion (3212) and beet or:.rm (3214) are individually slid. onto the first component (3300), and the adhesive is then allowed to dry.
1002791 Because the toe portion (3212) and the heel portion (3214) are geometrically configured to slide onto the first component (3300) from the sides, the first component (3300) can comprise geometries at the rear end of the club head that would not otherwise be possible. fior instance, in embodiments with a unitary second component, the second component generally must be slid in a rear-to-front direction onto the first component (3300). This direction:at assembly required for the unitary second component determines that the first component comprise women)! with appropriate draft angles. For example, in some embodiments \vial a unitary second component, the sole rear extension cannot comprise a region with a smaller width than -Lice rearmost edge of the extension. In light of this, forrni rig the second component as two pans (toe and heel portions) -allows the first component to have complex geometries that are not lanited by rear-to-front direction draft maples.
VII) T-Shaped Design Functions (00280J As discussed above, the embodiment of a hollow golf club hi 100, 2100, 31 00, or 5100) described herein can compose at least two major components. The metallic, first contponent (300, 2300, 3300, 4300, or 5300) comprises the striking portion and a sole extension (500, 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500) forming a "T" shape. "flie non-metallic, second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4.200, 5200) comprises the rear portion of the crown (110, 2110, 3110, 4110, or 5110), and wraps around the first component to also comprise a portion of the sole (120, 2120, 3120, 1120, or 5120). The more dense "T' shaped of the first component (300, 2300, 3300, 4300, or 5300), coupleci to the less dense crown wrapped around second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200) c-an optimize mass properties by reducing the crown mass, and shiffing the golf club head center of {gravity (CU) lower. The saved weight from the second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200) can he redistributed to other locations of the golf club head (100, 2100, 3100, 4100, or 5100) to further optimize the CU, increase die \401, and manipulate the shape of the shot trajectory.
1.002811 The CU of the golf club head (100, 2100,3100, 4100, or 5100) can move lower and toward the rear of the golf club head comprising the first component (300, 2300, 3300, 4300, or 5300) and the second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200), wherein the second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200) comprises a second material with a second density that is lower than the first material density, compared to an alternate golf club head comprising only the first material with a constant density.
EXAMPLES
Example I:
100282i A comparative c head and An exemplary club head of the instant 'application are cornpared in 'Table 1. 'The comparative club is entirely metallic. bur has similar total mass and total volurno as the exemplary club head. The exemplary club head was similar to the first embodiment of a golf club head, described above. ['he exemplan-club head comprised a metallic first conmonent and a poi. merle second component that attached to the first component to enclose a hollow interior. The first component had a sinking face, a striking face return, and a rear extension on the sole. I he second component had a crown portion, d Sole toe portion, and a sole heel portion.
[00283] eorouarau ye club hear ud an cx.emplary club head have equal volittnes of 3pproximatelv 445 cm'. The oimapabson club, IT entirely if a metallic material has a C,",,, which is the height of the CC above the ground plane (105), of 0.893 inch. *rho exemplary golf club head has a CC, of 0.887 inch. It is desirable to have a lower value For CC".. The CG, ofthe exemplary golf club head is lower than that of the comparison club by 0.008 inch.
[00284] As described aix CG" is measured as A distance the CC is located toWani the rear end of the golf club head from the strike face center (175) in a direction nerpendicular to the oft plane of the (198). A greater CC", located further to the rear of the golf club, is beneficial for bail flight control. The comparison club, has a CC, of 1.913 inches. The exemplary golf club head has a CC, of 1.986 inches. The CC, of the exemplary golf club head is 0.073 inch further back than the CC, of Ole comparison club.
100285] The position of the CC helps determine the launch characteristics of a ha (2.s.., ball trajectory, bail spin, and ball speed), monient of inertia CMOL, and performance characteristics (0"g., swing speed, squaring the face during impart). A high MO: prevents rotation or the golF club head during a swing, and helps square the striking face during impact with the ball. Striking the ball with a squared striking face helps ensure a straight ball path and optimal height/trajectory, compared to slicing or hooking the ball when the striking fact is not squared. hurdler, with a lower CG, the ble Comparative Golf Club Head Exemplary Golf Club Head Exemplary Golf Club Head with Embedded Weight 0.895 1.913 584.45 834.3 ')( 4 0.887: 1.986 652.71 E 875.94: 205.8 g 0.89 2.013 678.31 901.78 205.2c speed and spin of the ball d, which can an cc and eve t the backwards upon landing.
100286] The N1OT of the exemplary golf club head is greater than the MOT of the com ison golf club. MOT values Fax and Tv-rare the MOT values about the X axis (190) and Y axis, (192) respectively. Larger _MOT. is desirable, as a high 1W.D.1 helps prevent rotation of the golf club head during a Swing. and helps square the striking face during impact with the ball. 'the comparative club has Tsx. and lyy values of 384.45 and 834.30, respectively. The exemplary golf club head has Txx and lyy values of 652,71 and 875,94, respectively. 'flat exemplary golf club head has a quite large 11.7/0 improvement of _La, and a 3.0% improvement of iyy over the comparative club.
[00287] The ball flight of a gait nail struck by the exemplary golf club head has improved CG" and CC, values, directly leading to improved IKx and Ivy values. The improved CC values leads to lower ball spin at impact, which leads to a longer carry For the ball flight. The improved MOT values lead directly to more Forgiveness for off center hits.
[00288] In an alternate embodiment, an embedded high density weight was added to the exemplary golf club head. The exemplary golf club head with weight has a CC; of 0.890 inch and a CG, of 2.013 inches. The exemplary golf club head with weight (XL, is less than the CG, of the comparative golf club head by 0.005 inch, but the CG., of the exemplary golf with weight is greater than the CC, of the comparative golf club head by 0.100 inch. The exemplary golf club head with wetght has an Txx value of 678.31, and In value of 901.78. These MOT values are both greater than e 1),..x and in of the comparative golf club head by 16% and 8.1%, respectively, *Fixaslivk 2: [00289.] A series of club head co,ThOnentS were compared to one another through a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation. test or the impact or a ga)Ir ball with each club head. The club head components were metallic components comprising at least a Face, a striking fact return, and a sole extension having a rear weight channel holding a movable -,veight ma center position. The tested components were not fully assembled club heads. They did not include a. second component with a lower density. Rather, this test isolated metallic club head components, since simulation and comparison of single components can be more accunite than complex simulatinn of assembled club heads. The simulation test considered the relative vet tiCal diSIDI-acement oF thie rear weiaht after a center face impact crolf ball traveljng at 80 naph. The rear we in the simulation had a mas of 32 grams.
1002910] The series of club head components included: a first, a. second, a. third, a. fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, and an eighth test component. The first test component was similar to the first component (300) of the first golf club head (100), described above, except that the first test component comprised a rear weight channel holding a movable weight in a center position rather than a single rear weight. The first test component did not have any brace between the striking face return and a trailing edge of the rear extension.
/002911 The second test component was similar to the first comports.: (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100), described above, specifically the variation of FIGS. 43 and 44. The second test component had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566) and a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568). The third test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100), described above, specifically the variation of FIGS. 45 and 46. The third test component had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a heel skirt brace (similar to 4368), and a central crown brace (similar to 4560).
1002921 The fourth test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth_ golf club head (411)0), described above, specifically the variation of FIGS. 47 and 48. The fourth test component had a toe-side brace (similar to 4557) and a heel-side brace (similar to 4559). The toe-side brace and the heel-side brace of the fOurth test component were separated by a greater yvadth towards the rear end or the fourth test component. the 11 tth test component was similar to the first component (4300) ot the fourth golf club head (4100), ciescrilieci above, specifically the variation of FIGS-49 and 50. The fifth test component had a toe-side brace (similar to 4557) and a heel-side brace (similar to 4559). The toe-side brace and the heel-side brace of the fifth test component were separated by a lesser width towards die rear end of the filth test component, so that they formed a V-shape from a top view.
1002931 The sixth test contp.nent was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100), described above, specifically the variation of FIGS. 51 and 52. The sixth test component had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568), a toe-side brace (sirrillar to 4557), and a heel-side brace (similar to 4559). The toe-side and heel-side braces of the sixth test component were separated by a greater width towards the rear end of the sixth test component. The seventh test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100), described above, specifically the variation ot FIGS. 53 and 54. The seventh test compoilent had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a hed skirt brace (similar to 4568), a toe-side brace (similar to 4557), and a heel-side brace (similar to 4559). the toe-side and heel-side braces of the seventh test component were parallel to WIC another.
1002941 1 he eighth test component was similar to the first component (.4300) of Fourth golf club head (4 WO), described above, specifically the variation of FIGS. 55 and 56. the eighth test component had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568), and a pair of crisscrossing braces (similar to the above-described first brace 4570 and second brace 4572).
[00295] When a golf ball impacts a club head off center relative to the center of gravity force line, a golf club head will torque about the center of gravity. The center of gravity force line is A theoretical line extending roughly perpendicular to the [ACC and coincident with the center of gravity. The induced torque effect about the center of gravity caused by an off line impact is known in the golf industry as gearing. Relative movement of portions of a test con-gaol:cm cannot be accurately measured based on a fixed coordinate sastem, because gearing could COISICHIA1, LSD the sncasurcliicrits. For exainpic, gearing could cause a tear riiovai.1c weight to appear to move downwards if the golf ball strikes the face above the center of gravity force line. Therefore, when measuring the relative vertical displacement of the rear weight channel and weight, measurements must be take with respect to a coordinate system tint follows the overall movement of the golf club head.
[00296] 'i'a conduct an accurate simulation rest, a coordinate system WAS set up within each test component. The coordinate system WAS linked to A theoretical plane. Abe theoretical plane was parallel to the loft plane and offset 1.25 inches behind the loft plane. because this region of a golf club head is adequately distanced from the critical stress zones in the crown and sole. Separating the theoretical plane from the critical stress zones isolates the anchored coordinate system, allowing the coordinate system to accurately follow the overall movement of the club head component. Tieing the coordinate system to the overall movement of the club head component allows for accurate measurement of the relative vertical deflection of the movable weight. For the purposes of this example, "relative vertical deflection" should be understood to mean_ deflection in a sole-to-crown direction parallel to the loft plane (and the theoretical plane). in other words, relative vertical deflection is a measurement of the a.mplitude of the impact duced oscillation of the rear weight, relative to the rest of the test golf club head component.
[00297] As graphed in FIG. 64, the back weight of the first test component (with no braces) deflected over 0.3 inch. The second test component (with toe and heel skirt braces) showed an improvement, with the rear weight deflecting up to approximately 0.15 inch. The fifth test component (\via) toil: and heel-side braces, V-shaped) showed a ma>:imurri relative vertical weight displacement of approximately 0,12 inch. the fourth test component (with rearwardly widening toe and heel side braces) performed similarly to the fifth test component. The fourth test component showed a maximum relative vertical displacernent of approximately Oil inch, The eighth test component (with skirt braces and crisscrossing crown braces) showed a maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0,075 inch.712he third, sixth, and seventh test components performed better than any of the other components.
[00298] The graph of FIG. 65 shows the third, sixth, and seventh test components co ed to the baseline first test component. The graph of FIG. 66 is a zoomed in view of the graph ofFIG. 65. As shown in the FIG. 66 graph, the third test component (with skirt braces and central crown brace) showed a InaXinIUM relative vertical displaccincnt of approximately 0.065 inch 'the sixtli test con-Log-lent with skirt braces and rcalwardly widening toe and heel side braces) showed a slightly lower maxim im relatiYe -vertical displacement of approximately 0.057, and the seventh test component (with skirt braces and parallel toe and heel side bracts) showed a maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.054 inch.
[00299] A rear weight which deflects upwards more will Yund downwards more, inducing more material fatigue and stress in the sole rear extension. I or a fully assembled golf club head having the herein described two-component design, the lip or overlapping joint structure connecting the First and second components is at risk for delaminating if the rear weight oscillates or -vibrates at high amplitudes (high values of relative vertical displacement). Therefore, the test components exhibiting lower relative vertical displacement of the rear weight will form more durable golf club heads. This simulation test-showed that adding braces to the first component improves the durability of the golf club head. In particular, including a combination of two skirt braces, a toe-side brace, and a heel-side brace into a first component (such as in FIGS. 51-54) provided the best stability to the rear weight and thus the greatest durability.
100300] The performance of a full golf club head will he better than the perfnmiance of the tested series of club head components (lit. metallic, first components). For the herein described golf club head embodiments, the second component, typically comprising a polymeric matefial, provides some support to the first component. the attached second component reduces the relative vertical displacement of the 'rear weight Therefore, any component of the series of tested Hub head components can form a sufficiently durable club head if coupled with properly designed second component. However, a First component (metallic) that has less relative vertical displacement of the rear weight can be coupled to a thinner, lighter weight, or less durable second component to arrive at an equally durable overall club head.
Example 3:
[00301] A second comparison was done between the titmt test component, the third test component, and the seventh test component, described in Example 2 above. This comparison test was conducted through? Finite Element Analysis (TEA) simulation test of the impact of a golf ball with each club head. The simulation test considered the relative vertical displacement of the rear weight after a toe-side (off-center) Face impact lay a golf ball traveling at 80 mph. The Face was impacted at 1 inch towards the toe end from the Li-colfie-Mc center ol the face.
[00302] As shown in the graph of FIG. 67, the first test component (with no braces) showed a rear weight relative vertical displacement of over 0.5 inch. The third test component (with skirt braces and central crown brace) showed a rear weight maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.1 inch. the seventh test component (with skirt braces and parallel toe and heel side braces) showed a re/Jr weight maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.08 inch. This comparison illustrates that braces increase club head durability not only for center hit shots, but also for off-center hit shots.
[00303] Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstnichon and not repair Acklitionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such 100304] As the rules to golf may change from -bane to time (e.g," new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be confort-nil-1,c; or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and alladeS of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-contlDrming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
[00305] Custom within the industry, rules set by golf organizations such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) or The R&A, and naming convention may augment this description of terminology without departing from the scope of the present application.
[00306] While the above examples may be described in connection with a hollow body golf club, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types ()fgolf dub such. as an iron-type golf club, a wedge-type golf club, or a putter-type golf club. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of roanu facture described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole., etc. [003071 Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine: or euuivalents.
[00308] Various features and advantages of the disclosures are set forth in the following clauses
- -
[00309] Clause 1: A gall club bead comprising: a body comprising: a striking face, a rear end, a toe end, a heel end, a crown, a sole, a skirt, and a trailing edge, the body higher comprising: a first component comprising the striking lace, a striking Face return, a rear extension comprising a weight channel, and a crown brace attached to the striking face retunu and to the rear extension; and a second component comprising a crown portion, a sole toe portion, and a. sole heel portion; wherein: the second component is configured to be coupled to the first component to fOrm an enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head; the first component L.:A-uprises a First material having a first density: the second component comprises a second material basing a second density; the First density is greater than the second density; the striking face comprises a striking lace center; the wthght channel is centrally located in the rear end of the golf club bead; the striking face return of the First component extends reamardly from the striking face, and comprises a Forward crown portioii and a fbmard sole portion; the rear extension extends front the Forward sole portion of the striking face return toward the rear end; the rear extension farther comprises a rear extension arns extending through a,,.enter of the rear extension; and a first component mass is 85% to 96% of a mass of the golf club head.
[00310] Clause 2: The g:ol club head of clause 1. wherein the crown brace attaches to the forward crown portion of the striking, face return and to the sole rear extension adjacent to the weight channel at the rear crlil of the golf club head.
[00311] Clause 3: the golf club head of clause 2, wherein the crown brace and the weight channel comprise a hammerhead shape.
100312] Clause 4 The golf club head of clause 2, wherein: the crown brace Further comprises a crown brace longitudinal axis; the crown brace comprises a maximum length; and the crown brace loiwiudinal axis bisects the crown brace along the maximum length.
100313] Clause 5: The gplf club head of clause 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is offset toward the heel end parallel to the rear extension axis.
[00314] Chaise 6: The golf club head of clause 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is offset toward the toe end parallel to the rear extension axis.
100315] Clause 7: the golf club head of clause 4, whereiii the crown brace longitudinal axis is non-parallel to the rear extension axis such that the crown brace longitudinal axis forms an acute angle relative to the rear extension axis.
[00316] Clause 8: The;golf club head of claim 4, wherein: an,K-axis that extends through the striking face center in a din:el:jolt from the heel end to the toe end of the golf club bead, also extending parallel to a g-round plane when the club head is at an address position; a Y-axis extends through die striking lac:c center in. a direction from the crown to HIE! sole of the golf club head, and perpendicular to the N.--axis; a X-axis extends through the striking face center in a direction from the striking lace to the golf club head rear end and perpendicular to the X--axis and the lihaxis, a loft plane is approximately parallel to the striking fact and tangent to the striking face center forming a loft angle with the ground plane; an XY plane extends through the X-axis and the Y-axis; a YZ Diane extends through the Y--axis and the Z-axis, and the crown brace longitudinal axis is parallel to the -VZ plane.
[00317] Clause 9: 't the golf dub head of clause 1, wherein the weight channel is exposed at the rear end and sole of the body.
[00318] Clause 10: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the weight channel is configured to receive a moveable weight in one of three positions.
[00319] Clause 11: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the rear extension comprises a toe-* side wall and a heel-side w.a1.1 extending between the weight channel and the forward sole portion of the striking; face return, [00320] Clause 12: The golf club head of clause 10, wherein: the weight channel further comprises a mounting wall comprising three threaded apertures; the three threaded apertures comprise a toe--side threaded aperture, a center threaded aperture, and a heel-side threaded aperture; and the center threaded aperture is located at center point of a length of the mounting wall.
[00321] Clause 13: The golf dub head of clause 1, wherein: the rear extension comprises a rear extension width measured in a heel to toe direction rearward of a rear perimeter of the forward sole portion of the striking face return; and the rear extension width is in a range of 25111) to 85% of an entire width of the sole.
[003221 Clause 14: The golf club head of clause 13, wherein the rear extension width ad acent the weight channel can range between 1 inch and 2.5 inches.
[00323] Clause 15: The golf club head of clause 12, wherein a moveable weight is secured by a threaded fastener, which engages one of the three threaded apertures.
[00324] Clause 16: The golf club head of claim 12, wherein: the weight channel further coniprises a sole wall, the sole wall being inset from the sole; the mounting wall is,merited approximately perpendicular to the sole; and the sole wall is inset from the sole by a distance approximately equal to the height of the mounting wall.
[00325] Clause 17: A golf club head comprising: a body comprising: a striking face, a rear end, a toe end, a heel end, a crown, ;ri sole, a skirt, and a trailing edge, the b(..)ily farther comprising: a first c(minpontint comprising the striking face, a strikillig AC retUrfl a rear extensp:m comprising a -weight channel, and a plurality of crown braces; and a second component comprising a crown portion, a sole toe portion, and a sole heel portion; wherein: the second component is configured to be coupled to the, first component to Corm an et-ft:Rased hollow interior of the golf club liead; the first 7r, component comprises a first material having a firs density; the second component comprises a second material having a second density; the first density is greater than the second clensirr, the striking face comprises a striking face center, the weight channel is centrally located in the rear end or the golf club head; the striking face return of the first component extends real-wan-By from the striking Face; and comprises a first component crown portion and a first comporient sole portion: the rear extension extends from the first component sole portion of the strikins, Face return toward the rear end; the rear extension Further comprises a rear extension axis extending through a center of the rear extension; and a First component mass is 85% to 96% of a mass of the gollclub head.
[00326] Clause 18: The golf club head of clause 17, wherein: the plurality of crown braces dclincs a number of openings in the first component; and the number of openings is selected from the group consisting oh three, idur, live, or six openings.
[00327] Clause 19: The golf club head of clause 17, wherein: the pluralitv of crown braces comprises two crown braces; each of the two crown braces attaches to the forward cro'vn portion and to the rear ex-tension adjacent to the weight channel at the rear end of the 9.01f club head.
[00328.] Clause 20: The golf club head of clause 19, wherein the two crown braces attach to roar extension at different points.
Claims (20)
- Claims 1. A golf club head comprising: a body comprising: a striking face, a rear end, a toe end, a heel end, a crown, a sole, a skirt, and a trailing; edge, the body farther comprising: a first component comprising the striking face, a striking face return, a rear extension comprising a weight channel, and a crown brace attached to the striking face return and to the rear extension; and a second component comprising a crown portion, a SOIC toe portion, and a sole heel portion; wherein: the second component is configured to he coupled to the first component to corm an enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head; the see raid component comprises a toe portion and a heel portion; wherein the second component toe portion and the second component heel portion are separate parts; the first component comprises a first material haring a first density; the second component comprises a second irriterial having a second density; the First density is greater than the second densiq; the striking face comprises a striking rice center; the weight channel is centrally located in the rear end of the golf dub head; the weight channel is configured to receive a moveable weight; the weight char Ind Furtlier comprises a mounting wail conlprising three threaded apertures; the three threaded apertures comprises a toe-side threaded aperture, a center threaded aperture, and a heel-side threaded aperture; the striking Face return of the first component es tends rearwardly from the striking Lice, and comprises a forward crOWn portion and a forward sole portion; t le rear extension extends from the forward sole portion of the striking face return toward the rear end; and /7 the rear extension tiurtht omprises a rear extension axt S extending through a. center of the rear extension.
- The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the second component heel portion and the second component toe portion are configured to completely cover the crown brace.
- 3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the crown brace attaches to the tbrward crown portion of the striking face return and to the rear extension adjacent to the weight channel at the rear end of the golf club head.
- 4. The,golf club licad of claim 2, wile rein no portion of the crown brace is igiposed to an exterior of the golf club head.
- 5. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the second component toe portion comprises a toe 1K rtlin centrai edge; arid the second ctimponent heel portitim comprises a heel portion central edge: wherein the toe portion central edge and the heel portion central edoe are both configured 10 be Fit...sit:mined along a central port itin cif the crown.
- 6. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein: the crown brace further comprises a crown brace longitudinal axis; the crown brace comprises a maximum length; and the CTOWT1 brace longitudinal axis bisects the crown brat long, the maximum length; an X-axis extends tlinawigh the striking face center in a. direction from the heel end frit the toe end of the golf club head, also extending parallel to a ground plane when the club head is at an address position; a. Y-axis extends through the striking -ace center in a direction from the crown to the sole of the golf club head, and perpendicular to the liiisaxis; a 7-axis extends through the striking lace center in a direction from the striking lace to the if club head mar end and perpendicular to the X-axis and the V-axis: a loft plane is approximately parallel to the striking tirce and tangent to the striking face center, forming a loft angle with the ground plane; an V plane extends through the vaxis and the V-axis; YZ plane extends through the Y-axis and the Z-11.7dS; and the crown brace longitudinal axis is parallel to the YZ plane.
- 7 The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis offset d the heel end parallel to the rear extension aids.
- 8. Ihe golf club head of claim /4" herein the crown brace longitudinal axis is offset toward the toe end par 11 a__el to the rear extension aids.
- 9 the gall club head of claiin 1, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis ts n( parallel to the rear extension axis such fitat the crown brace longitudinal axis forms an acute angle relative to the rear extension....txis.
- 0. the golf club head of claim i wherein the rear cot:.nsion commiscs a toe-side wall and a heel-side wall extending between the weight channel and the forward sole portion of the striking face return.
- "l he golf club head of claim 1 whe rein a first componentmass is 85' to 96'w of a. mass of the golf club head.
- 12. diac golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the rear extension composes a rear extension width measured in heel to toe direction rearward of a rear perimeter of the fin:ward sole n onion of the striking face return; and the rear eattension. width is in a range of 25".:0 to 85% ofan entire width, of the sole.
- 13. 'Jibe golf club head of claim 1, wherein a moveable weight is secured by a threaded fastener, which engages one of the three threaded apermres.
- 14. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the 7N-eight channel further comprises a sole wall, the sole wall being; inset from the sole; the mounting wall is oriented approximately perpendicular to the sole; and the sole wall is inset from the sole by a distance PP lately equal to a he mounting waif
- 15. A golf club head comprising: a body comprising: srliking face, a rear end, a toe end, a heel end, a clown, a sole, a skirt, and '1' edge., the both' further comprising: a first component comprising the striking face, a striking face return, and a rear extension; a second conaponent conlpnsing a CT( * a') portion, a sole toe portion, and 2 sole heel portion; whe the second component nfigured to be coupled to the first component to form an enclosed hollow interior or the golf club head; the second component comprises a toe portion and a heel portion; \therein the second component toe portion and the second component heel portion are separate parts; the first component comprises a first material haying a first del the second component comprises a second material hav nag a second density; the that density is greater than the second density; the striking Face comprises a striking face center; the striking face return of the first component extends rearward's from the striking face, and comprises a forward crown portion and a forward sole portion; the second component toe portion and the second component heel portion comprise central edge interior eninsions; wherein the central edge interior extensions extend inwardly, in a direction toward an interior of the golf club head; the toe portion and the heel portion are configured to be connected, ' edge interior extensions.
- 16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the rear extenslon further comprises a channel; and wherein: the weight channel is centrally located in the rear end of the gotI:club head; 8k) the weight channel is configured to receive a moveable weight; and the weight channel fiirther comprises a mounting wall comprising; three threaded apertures.
- 17. 'The golf club head of lanh 16, wherein the three threaded apertures comprises a toe-side threaded aperture, a center threaded aperture, and a heel-side threaded aperture.
- 18. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the central edge interior extensions extend along only a pardon of the central edge of each of the second component roe portion and the second component heel portion.
- 19. The golf club head of cFaini 15, wflerein thecentral edge interjor extensions are parallel one an other.
- 20. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the second component toe portion comprises a roe portion central edge; and the second component heel portion comprises a heel portion central edge., wherein the toe portion central edge and the heel portion central edge are both configured to be positioned al0fig a central portion of the crown.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB2402669.2A GB2624577A (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
GB2402671.8A GB2624578A (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
GB2402667.6A GB2624575A (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201962940799P | 2019-11-26 | 2019-11-26 | |
US16/789,261 US10953294B2 (en) | 2017-12-08 | 2020-02-12 | Multi-component golf club head |
US202062976229P | 2020-02-13 | 2020-02-13 | |
US202063015398P | 2020-04-24 | 2020-04-24 | |
PCT/US2020/043483 WO2021016555A1 (en) | 2019-07-24 | 2020-07-24 | Multi-component golf club head |
PCT/US2020/047702 WO2021041353A1 (en) | 2019-08-23 | 2020-08-24 | Method of forming a golf club head |
GB2208696.1A GB2605720B (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB202400227D0 GB202400227D0 (en) | 2024-02-21 |
GB2622746A true GB2622746A (en) | 2024-03-27 |
GB2622746B GB2622746B (en) | 2024-07-10 |
Family
ID=76130423
Family Applications (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB2402667.6A Pending GB2624575A (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
GB2402669.2A Pending GB2624577A (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
GB2400227.1A Active GB2622746B (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
GB2402671.8A Pending GB2624578A (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
GB2208696.1A Active GB2605720B (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB2402667.6A Pending GB2624575A (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
GB2402669.2A Pending GB2624577A (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB2402671.8A Pending GB2624578A (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
GB2208696.1A Active GB2605720B (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2020-11-25 | Multi-component golf club head |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4065246A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2023505066A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20220100709A (en) |
GB (5) | GB2624575A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021108723A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7632193B2 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2009-12-15 | Thielen Feinmechanik Gmbh & Co. Fertigungs Kg | Golf club |
US20190176001A1 (en) * | 2017-12-08 | 2019-06-13 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Multi-component golf club head |
EP3897882A1 (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2021-10-27 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head with stiffening ribs |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2001038562A2 (en) * | 1999-11-22 | 2001-05-31 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club head having skeletal support structure |
US7993216B2 (en) * | 2008-11-17 | 2011-08-09 | Nike, Inc. | Golf club head or other ball striking device having multi-piece construction |
US9821201B1 (en) * | 2016-04-29 | 2017-11-21 | Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads |
US20160271462A1 (en) * | 2015-03-17 | 2016-09-22 | Dean L. Knuth | Golf club with low and rearward center of gravity |
US9873029B1 (en) * | 2016-08-24 | 2018-01-23 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Golf club head |
-
2020
- 2020-11-25 JP JP2022531052A patent/JP2023505066A/en active Pending
- 2020-11-25 GB GB2402667.6A patent/GB2624575A/en active Pending
- 2020-11-25 KR KR1020227021320A patent/KR20220100709A/en active Search and Examination
- 2020-11-25 GB GB2402669.2A patent/GB2624577A/en active Pending
- 2020-11-25 GB GB2400227.1A patent/GB2622746B/en active Active
- 2020-11-25 WO PCT/US2020/062434 patent/WO2021108723A1/en unknown
- 2020-11-25 GB GB2402671.8A patent/GB2624578A/en active Pending
- 2020-11-25 EP EP20892837.4A patent/EP4065246A4/en active Pending
- 2020-11-25 GB GB2208696.1A patent/GB2605720B/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7632193B2 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2009-12-15 | Thielen Feinmechanik Gmbh & Co. Fertigungs Kg | Golf club |
US20190176001A1 (en) * | 2017-12-08 | 2019-06-13 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Multi-component golf club head |
EP3897882A1 (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2021-10-27 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Golf club head with stiffening ribs |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2605720A (en) | 2022-10-12 |
EP4065246A1 (en) | 2022-10-05 |
GB2624578A (en) | 2024-05-22 |
WO2021108723A1 (en) | 2021-06-03 |
JP2023505066A (en) | 2023-02-08 |
GB2605720B (en) | 2024-02-21 |
EP4065246A4 (en) | 2024-01-17 |
KR20220100709A (en) | 2022-07-15 |
GB2622746B (en) | 2024-07-10 |
GB202402671D0 (en) | 2024-04-10 |
GB202208696D0 (en) | 2022-07-27 |
GB2624575A (en) | 2024-05-22 |
GB202400227D0 (en) | 2024-02-21 |
GB2624577A (en) | 2024-05-22 |
GB202402667D0 (en) | 2024-04-10 |
GB202402669D0 (en) | 2024-04-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11517799B2 (en) | Multi-component golf club head | |
US11541290B2 (en) | Multi-component golf club head | |
US7530903B2 (en) | Golf club head | |
US20240226672A1 (en) | Golf club head | |
US11969632B2 (en) | Mixed material golf club head | |
US12017123B2 (en) | Golf club heads | |
US20230027166A1 (en) | Multi-component golf club head | |
US20240131404A1 (en) | Multi-component golf club head | |
US11484756B2 (en) | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads | |
US20240024741A1 (en) | Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads | |
TWI805140B (en) | Mixed material golf club head | |
KR20210100733A (en) | Golf club head with reinforcing ribs | |
GB2622746A (en) | Multi-component golf club head | |
JP2022541625A (en) | multi-element golf club head |