JP2023070045A - Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads - Google Patents

Abstract

To optimize the position of the center of gravity and/or the moment of inertia of a golf club head.SOLUTION: A face portion may further include: a first rear groove located in the vicinity of the face toe edge and extending from the face top edge or nearby location toward the face toe edge; a second rear groove on the rear surface located near the face top edge and extending from a position at or near the face toe edge to a position at or near the face heel edge; and a third dorsal groove on the dorsal surface located near the face heel edge and extending from a location at or near the face top edge toward the face sole edge. The first back groove and the second back groove, or the second back groove and the third back groove, may be connected. The first rear groove, second rear groove, and third rear groove may be at least partially filled with filler material.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Copyright Notice]
This disclosure may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any person of this disclosure or related documents, as they appear in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. reserve.

[Cross reference to related applications]
This application is a continuation-in-part of Application No. 17/528,402, filed November 17, 2021, which is now U.S. Patent No. Application No. 16/272,269, filed February 11, 2019, which is a continuation of Application No. 16/566,597, filed on February 11, 2019, which is now U.S. Patent No. 10,449,428 No. 62/629,459, filed February 12, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/714,948, filed August 6, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/722,491 filed August 24, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/732,062 filed September 17, 2018; filed November 2, 2018 U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/755,160 filed November 6, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/756,446 filed November 6, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/ 787,554; claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/792,191, filed Jan. 14, 2019.

This application is a continuation-in-part of Application Serial No. 17/682,476 filed February 28, 2022, which is a No. 16/820,136, filed March 16, 2020, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 10,874,919, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 10,632,349, which is a continuation of application Ser. U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/903,467 filed September 20, 2019; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/877,934 filed July 24, 2019; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/877,915 filed July 24; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/865,532 filed June 24, 2019; filed March 29, 2019 U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/826,310; claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/814,959 filed March 7, 2019.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 17/154,579, filed Jan. 21, 2021, which is now U.S. Patent No. 10,905,920. This application is a continuation of application Ser.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 17/505,838, filed Oct. 20, 2021, which is now U.S. Patent No. 11,192,003. This application is a continuation of application Ser.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 17/545,708, filed December 8, 2021, which is a , 481, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/135,426, filed Jan. 8, 2021.

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 63/276,981, filed November 8, 2021.

The disclosures of the applications referenced above are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[Technical field]
TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to golf club heads and methods of making golf club heads.

Various materials (eg, steel-based materials, titanium-based materials, tungsten-based materials, etc.) may be used to manufacture golf club heads. By using multiple materials to manufacture the golf club head, the location of the center of gravity (CG) and/or moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head is adjusted to produce a specific trajectory and spin rate of the golf ball. can be optimized.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a golf club head having a golf club for any of the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 respectively illustrate the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. Perspective front view, perspective rear view, perspective cross-section (taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3), perspective cross-section (taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3), ( Perspective cross-sectional view (along line 6-6 in FIG. 3), perspective front view shown without face portion, alternative perspective front view shown without face portion, alternative perspective front view shown without face portion Figures, perspective cross-section (along line 10-10 in FIG. 2), perspective cross-section (along line 11-11 in FIG. 2), and perspective cross-section (along line 12-12 in FIG. 2) is.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of a golf club head face portion for any of the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of manufacturing an exemplary golf club head described herein.

15 and 16 are schematic cross-sectional views of two exemplary face portions of a golf club head for embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

FIG. 17 is a top view of a mass portion of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

18 and 19 are side views of two exemplary masses of a golf club head for embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33, respectively, are herein Front view, top view, bottom view, back view, alternate back view, top side and toe side view, toe side view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the described apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture. Views, Heel Side View, Cross-Sectional View along Line 28-28 in FIG. 23, Cross-Sectional View along Line 29-29 in FIG. 23, Cross-Sectional View along Line 30-30 in FIG. 23, FIG. 20, along line 32-32 of FIG. 20, and along line 33-33 of FIG. 20. FIG.

FIG. 34 is a mass portion of the golf club head of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

FIG. 35 is the face portion of the golf club head of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

FIG. 35 is the face portion of the golf club head of FIG. 20 for another embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of area 37 of FIG.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of area 38 of FIG.

39, 40, 41, and 42 are pictorial representations of experimental results for the golf club head of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66 are face portions for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

For simplicity and clarity of explanation, the drawings show structures in a general manner, and descriptions and details of well-known functions and techniques are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Sometimes. Additionally, elements in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the disclosed embodiments.

The following U.S. patents and U.S. patent applications are collectively referred to herein as "applications incorporated by reference" and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,961,336, 9,199,143; 9421437, 9427634, 9468821, 9533201, 9610481, 9649542, 9675853, 9814952, 9878220, 10029158, 10029159, 10159876 , No. 10232235 , Nos. 10265590, 10279233, 10286267, 10293229, 10449428, 10478684, 10512829, 10596424, 10596425, 10632349, 10716978 , No. 10729948, No. 10729949, 10814193, 10821339, 10821340, 10828538, 10864414, 10874919, 10874921, 10905920, 10933286, 10940375, 11058932, 11097168 , 11117030, 11141633, 11154755, 11167187, 11173359, 11192003, 11207575, 11235211; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 20170282026, 20170282027 , No. 20170368429, No. 20180050243, No. 20180050244, No. 20180133567, No. 20180140910, No. 20180169488, No. 20180221727, No. 20180236325, No. 20190232125, No. 201902321 No. 26, No. 20190247727, No. 20200171363, No. 20210023422, No. 20210069557 No. 20210086044, No. 20210162278, No. 20210197037, No. 20210205672, No. 20210308537, No. 20220032138, No. 20220040541.

In the example of FIGS. 1-14, golf club 100 may include golf club head 200, shaft 104, and grip . Golf club head 200 may be attached to one end of shaft 104 and grip 106 may be attached to the opposite end of shaft 104 . An individual can hold grip 106 and swing golf club head 200 with shaft 104 to hit a golf ball (not shown). Golf club head 200 includes a toe portion 240 having a toe edge 242 and a grip (exemplary grip 106) at one end to form a golf club (exemplary golf club 100 is shown in FIG. 1). is shown in FIG. 1) and has a golf club head 200 at the other end (an exemplary shaft 104 is shown in FIG. 1). A heel portion 250 having an edge 252, a front portion 260 having a peripheral edge portion 261, a back portion 270 having a back wall portion 272, a top portion 280 having a top portion edge 282, and a sole portion having a sole portion edge 292. 290 may include a body portion 210 . Toe edge 242 , heel edge 252 , top edge 282 , and sole edge 292 may define the perimeter of body portion 210 . Toe portion 240, heel portion 250, front portion 260, back portion 270, top portion 280, and/or sole portion 290 may partially overlap each other. For example, a portion of toe portion 240 may overlap portions of each of front portion 260 , back portion 270 , top portion 280 , and/or sole portion 290 . In a similar manner, portions of heel portion 250 may overlap portions of front portion 260 , back portion 270 , top portion 280 , and/or sole portion 290 . In another example, a portion of back portion 270 may overlap portions of each of toe portion 240 , heel portion 250 , top portion 280 , and/or sole portion 290 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Golf club head 200 may include face portion 262 (ie, the striking surface), which may be integrally formed with body portion 210 (eg, one single piece). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13, face portion 262 is a separate component that is coupled (eg, adhesively, mechanically, welded, and/or soldered) to front portion 260. could be. Face portion 262 may include a front surface 264 and a back surface 266 . In one example (not shown), front portion 260 may include one or more recessed shoulder portions configured to receive face portion 262 for attaching face portion 262 to body portion 210 . In another example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13, back surface 266 may include a peripheral edge 267 that may be attached to peripheral edge 261 of body portion 210 . A peripheral edge 267 of face portion 262 may be attached to peripheral edge 261 of body portion 210 by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives or bonding agents, and/or welding or soldering. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13, peripheral edge 267 of face portion 262 may be welded to peripheral edge 261 of body portion 210 at one or more locations. Alternatively, the entire perimeter 267 of face portion 262 may be welded (ie, continuous weld) to the entire perimeter edge 261 of body portion 210 . Face portion 262 may include a ball striking area 268 for striking a golf ball. In one example, the center of ball striking area 268 may be geometric center 263 of face portion 262 . In another example, the geometric center 263 of face portion 262 may be offset from the center of ball striking area 268 . In one example, geometric center 263 and one or more areas near and/or surrounding the geometric center within ball striking area 268 are defined on face portion 262 for striking a golf ball. (i.e., optimum ball distance, ball speed, ball spin characteristics, etc.). In yet another example, any location at or near geometric center 263 and within ball striking area 268 may provide a generally optimal location on face portion 262 for striking a golf ball. However, a ball may be struck anywhere on the face portion 262 within or outside the ball striking area 268 in any of the golf club heads described herein, resulting in an individual It provides specific ball flight characteristics that are different from the preferred center hit. The configuration of face portion 262 and attachment (e.g., welding) of face portion 262 to body portion 210 may be applied to any golf club head described herein and/or described in any of the publications incorporated by reference herein. can be similar in terms of The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Golf club head 200 may be associated with ground plane 510 , horizontal center plane 520 , and apex plane 530 . In particular, the ground plane 510 is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and when the golf club head 200 is at an address position (eg, when the golf club head 200 is aligned to strike a golf ball). It can be a plane that contacts the bottom edge of the sole edge 292 . The top plane 530 may be the plane that contacts the uppermost edge of the top edge 282 when the golf club head 200 is at the address position. Ground plane 510 and top plane 530 may each be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal center plane 520 can be vertically halfway between each of the ground plane 510 and the top plane 530 . Additionally, the golf club head 200 may be associated with a loft plane 540 that defines a loft angle 545 (α) of the golf club head 200 . Loft plane 540 may be a plane tangent to face portion 262 . Loft angle 545 may be defined by the angle between loft plane 540 and vertical plane 550 perpendicular to ground plane 510 .

Body portion 210 may be hollow including an internal cavity 310 having an inner wall 312 . Internal cavity 310 may extend between front portion 260 , back portion 270 , top portion 280 and sole portion 290 . In the example of FIGS. 2-13, the internal cavity 310 of body portion 210 may be sealed and partially defined by face portion 262 . Configuration of internal cavity 310 (e.g., height, width, volume, shape, etc.), configuration of internal cavity 310 relative to body portion 210 (eg, volume of internal cavity 310 relative to volume of body portion 210), width of internal cavity 310, and The change in height and access to internal cavity 310 from one or more ports of body portion 210 may be any of those described herein and/or in any of the publications incorporated by reference. It can be similar to a golf club head. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Backwall portion 272 of back portion 270 may include an upper backwall portion 612 and a lower backwall portion 614 . Backwall portion 272 may include a ledge portion 616 that may extend continuously or discontinuously between toe edge 242 and heel edge 252 . Lower backwall portion 614 may be positioned rearward of body portion 210 relative to upper backwall portion 612 by ledge portion 616 defining a transition between upper backwall portion 612 and lower backwall portion 614 . Thus, ledge portion 616 may extend laterally with respect to upper backwall portion 612 and lower backwall portion 614 . In one example, ledge 616 can include first ledge 626 and second ledge 636, as shown in FIGS. A first ledge portion 626 may extend over the backwall portion from the toe edge 242 to the center of the backwall backwall portion 272 . A second ledge portion 636 may extend from a central portion of the backwall portion 272 to the heel edge 252 . As shown in FIGS. 2-13, the ledge portion 616 can provide a relatively large mass of the body portion 210 below the horizontal center plane 520, allowing the mass of the body portion 210 below the horizontal center plane 520 to increase. The mass can be moved more rearward in the body portion 210 . The width of ledge portion 616 may be greater than, equal to, or less than the width of the internal cavity at a particular location in body portion 210 . The configuration (e.g., width, segment, taper, shape, etc.) of the ledge 616 and the characteristics of the ledge 616 relative to the width of the internal cavity are described herein and/or in any of the publications incorporated by reference. any ledge or similar configuration of any golf club head. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Body portion 210 may include one or more ports, which may be external ports and/or internal ports (eg, located within body portion 210). The inner wall 312 of the inner cavity 310 may include one or more ports (not shown). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13, back portion 270 may include one or more ports along or near the perimeter of body portion 210 . For example, the body portion 210 has a first set of ports 320 (eg, shown as ports 321, 322) above the horizontal mid-plane 520 and a second set of ports 330 (eg, shown as ports 321, 322) below the horizontal mid-plane 520. ports 331, 332) below the horizontal mid-plane 520 and a third set of ports 340 (eg, shown as ports 341, 342, 343) below the horizontal mid-plane 520; and a fourth set of ports 350 (eg, shown as ports 351, 352). The position, spacing from other ports, and any other configuration of each of the first set of ports 320, the second set of ports 330, the third set of ports 340, and/or the fourth set of ports 350 may be , may be similar in many respects to any of the ports described herein or in any of the publications incorporated by reference. Additionally, any one or more of the first set of ports 320 , the second set of ports 330 , the third set of ports 340 , and/or the fourth set of ports 350 are connected to the internal cavity 310 . may be used, through which one or more filler materials may be injected into the internal cavity 310 . In the example of FIGS. 2-13, ports 321, 331, 351 may be connected to internal cavity 310 via openings 361, 351, 381, respectively. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Body portion 210 may include one or more masses (eg, weights) that may be an integral mass or separate masses coupled to body portion 210 . 2-13, body portion 210 includes a first set of mass portions 420 (eg, shown as mass portions 421, 422) and a second set of mass portions 430 (eg, mass portions 421, 422). 431, 432), a third set of masses 440 (eg, denoted as masses 441, 442, 443), and a fourth set of masses 450 (eg, denoted as masses 451, 452). ). Although the above examples describe a particular number or portion of masses, as described herein and in any of the publications incorporated by reference, a set of masses can be a single mass or a plurality of masses. may contain a mass of For example, any one of the sets of adjacent masses in first set 420, second set 430, third set 440, and/or fourth set 450 of masses or The combination can be a single mass. Further, first set of masses 420 , second set of masses 430 , third set of masses 440 , and/or fourth set of masses 450 are part of the physical structure of body portion 210 . obtain. First set of masses 420, second set of masses 430, third set of masses 440, and/or fourth set of masses 450 may be any of those described in any of the publications incorporated by reference. can be similar to the mass of The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

The internal cavity 310 may be partially or completely filled with one or more filling materials (ie, cavity filling materials), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, the internal cavity 310 can be filled with a first filler material 512 and a second filler material 514, as shown in FIGS. 2-13. In one example, first filler material 512 may be rubber or a rubber compound, and second filler material 514 may be an epoxy-based material. In another example, first filler material 512 and second filler material 514 can be different polymeric materials. First filler material 512 and second filler material 514 may be similar to any filler material described herein or in any of the publications incorporated by reference. First filler material 512 and/or second filler material 514 may be coupled to all or part of inner wall 312 of inner cavity 310 . In one example, first filler material 512 and/or second filler material 514 may have inherent adhesive or bonding properties for attachment to all or part of inner wall 312 . In another example, the first filler material 512 and/or the second filler material are one or more binders or adhesives that can be mixed with the first filler material 512 and/or the second filler material 514, respectively. It may be attached to all or part of the inner wall 312 with an agent. In another example, the first filler material 512 and/or the second filler material 514 can be separated from the first filler material 512 and/or the second filler material 514, respectively, by one or more binders or It may be attached to all or part of the inner wall 312 with an adhesive. The amount (i.e., volume and/or mass) of first filler material 512 and/or second filler material 514 may be determined for each golf club head (i.e., having a particular loft angle). , (i) provide vibration or sound dampening (e.g., a consistent and/or pleasant sound and feel when hitting a golf ball with the golf club head 200, as perceived by the individual using the golf club head 200); (ii) provide structural support to the face portion 262; and/or (iii) ball travel, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball Landing angle and/or ball variability can be optimized. details regarding the filler materials 512, 514; their mutual bonding to the body portion 210; the material composition and/or physical properties of the filler materials 512, 514; Mass and/or volume may be provided in detail in any of the publications incorporated by reference, particularly US Pat. No. 10,632,349, which is incorporated herein by reference. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In the example of FIGS. 2-13, the portion of the internal cavity 310 including the central portion 311 of the internal cavity 310 may be the portion of the internal cavity 310 that may generally correspond to the ball striking area 268, the first A filler material 512 and a second filler material 514 may be included. A width 313 of the internal cavity 310 at a central portion 311 of the internal cavity 310 may be generally greater than a width 313 of the internal cavity 310 at other portions of the internal cavity 310 . Accordingly, the area of internal cavity 310 behind ball striking area 268 , ie, central portion 311 , may contain relatively large amounts of first filler material 512 and/or second filler material 514 . Further, the configuration (ie, size, shape, contour, volume, etc.) of central portion 311 may depend on loft angle 545 . For example, a golf club head 200 having a relatively small loft angle may have a larger central portion 311 (i.e., greater volume, depth, height, etc.) than a golf club head 200 having a relatively large loft angle. . Therefore, as described herein, the amount of first filler material 512 and/or second filler material 514 in internal cavity 310 , and more specifically in central portion 311 , is at loft angle 545 . (i) vibration damping or sound damping (e.g., consistent and/or (ii) provide structural support to the face portion 262; and/or (iii) ball travel distance, ball velocity, ball launch angle, ball spin rate. , ball peak height, ball landing angle, and/or ball variability can be optimized. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

The contour of the inner cavity 310 or the shape of the inner wall 312 may be defined by a plurality of recesses recessed with respect to the peripheral edge 261 . In the example of FIGS. 2-13, the internal cavity 310 has a first recess 314 and a depth that is generally less than the first recess 314 (ie, the internal cavity 310 as seen in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5-40). defined by width 313 ); third recess 316 , which may have a depth generally less than second recess 315 ; and a fifth recess 318 that may have a depth that is generally less than the fourth recess 317 . The internal cavity 310 may have more or fewer recesses. The internal cavity 310 includes a first internal channel 325 that can extend from the toe portion 240 to the central portion 311 and a second internal channel 326 that can extend from the heel portion 250 to the central portion 311 . It's okay. First recess 314, second recess 315, third recess 316, fourth recess 317, fifth recess 318, first internal channel 325, second internal channel 326, and/or therebetween Any transition region of may be provided in detail in one or more of the publications incorporated by reference, particularly US Pat. No. 10,632,349, which is incorporated herein by reference. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13, the first recess 314, the second recess 315, the third recess 316, and the internal channels 325, 326 can be filled with a first filling material 512. , the remaining portion of the internal cavity 310 can be filled with a second filling material 514 . In another example, the first recess 314, the second recess 315, and the internal channels 325, 326 can be filled with the first filling material 512 while the remainder of the internal cavity 310 is filled with the second filling material 512. It may be filled with a filling material 514 . In another example, first recess 314, second recess 315, internal channels 325, 326, third recess 316, and fifth recess 318 may be filled with first fill material 512 while A remaining portion of the internal cavity 310 may be filled with a second filling material 514 . In yet another example, the entire interior cavity 310 may be filled with the first filler material 512 or the first filler material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Width 522 (W _F1 ) of first filler material 512 and width 524 (W _F2 ) of second filler material 514 vary from toe portion 240 to heel portion 250 and/or from top 280 to sole portion 290 . and/or the shape of the first recess 314, the second recess 315, the third recess 316, the fourth recess 317, and/or the fifth recess 318 depending on the position within the internal cavity 310 may vary according to Width 522 of first filler material 512 and width 524 of second filler material 514, which are related to physical properties, ball striking and ballistic properties, and configuration (e.g., loft angle) of golf club head 200, are referenced Details may be provided in any of the incorporated publications, particularly US Pat. No. 10,632,349, which is incorporated herein by reference. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 13, the back surface 266 of the face portion 262 may include one or more grooves proximate a peripheral edge 267 of the face portion 262. As shown in FIG. In one example, as shown in FIG. 13, the rear groove 269 can be a continuous groove (ie, defining a loop) that extends in close proximity to the peripheral edge 267 in a path similar to that of the peripheral edge 267 . Rear groove 269 may include a relatively thin portion of face portion 262 . Accordingly, the rear grooves 269 increase the flexibility of the face portion 262 such that the face portion 262 provides greater rebound force (i.e., greater trampoline effect) when a golf ball strikes the face portion 262. may be used, which may provide greater velocity to the golf ball. All or part of the rear groove 269 may be filled with a first filler material 512 and/or a second filler material 514 . In the example of golf club head 200 , the entire rear groove 269 may be filled with the second filler material 514 . Accordingly, second filler material 514 may structurally support the relatively thin portion of face portion 262 defined by rear groove 269 . In another example, a plurality of discrete grooves (not shown) may be provided on back surface 266 of face portion 262 at specific locations proximate perimeter 267 to provide a particular rebound effect to face portion 262. . In yet another example, a continuous groove similar to back groove 269 and/or a plurality of discrete grooves (not shown) may be formed on perimeter 267 and face portion 262 to provide a particular rebound effect to face portion 262 . It may be provided at a specific location between the geometric center 263 of the back surface 266 . The face portion of any golf club head described herein may include a rear groove 269 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

As described herein, the face portion 262 may be relatively thin to increase flexing and deflection of the face portion 262 during hitting of the golf ball. In addition, face portion 262 includes one or more grooves, such as rear grooves 269, on rear surface 266 of face portion 262, as described herein, to further enhance flexibility of face portion 262. obtain. The second filler material 514 provides structural support to the face portion 262 to prevent failure of the face portion 262 (i.e., face fatigue) during hitting or repeated hitting of the golf ball. It can be a polymeric material having relatively high strength and stiffness. As described herein, the second filler material 514 can be an epoxy-based material. Second filler material 514 may also have a relatively high COR as described herein to provide a rebound effect on face portion 262 after hitting a golf ball. As further described herein, the first filler material 512 has a lower strength and stiffness (i.e., is softer or less stiff) than the second filler material 514, and is more rigid than the second filler material 514. It can be a rubber-based compound with a high COR. Accordingly, first filler material 512 can provide additional structural support to face portion 262 . In addition, the relatively high COR of first filler material 512 allows first filler material 512 to store energy from hitting a golf ball and provide a relatively high rebound effect to face portion 262, thereby increasing the golf ball's can return a significant amount of energy to (i.e. not lose much of the impact energy). Further, as described herein, the different material properties of the first filler material 512 and the second filler material 514 attenuate sound and vibrations in different frequency ranges to provide a pleasing sound and feel to the individual. can be applied. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

FIG. 14 illustrates one method of manufacturing golf club head 200 or any golf club head described herein. In the example of FIG. 14, process 1400 may begin by providing body portion 210 and face portion 262 of golf club head 200 (block 1410). A first filler material 512 may be coupled to the internal cavity 310 (block 1420). In one example, the first filler material 512 can be molded into one or more recesses described herein (i.e., any recesses described herein) of the internal cavity 310 by injection molding. . First filler material 512 may then be cured at ambient temperature or by one or more heating/cooling cycles depending on the material used for first filler material 512 . In another example, the first filler material 512 is molded into the shape of one or more recesses described herein and then molded into one or more recesses with a bonding agent described herein. can be coupled to The face portion 262 may then be attached to the body portion 210 described herein to seal the internal cavity 310 (block 1430). A second filler material 514 can then be connected to the first set of ports 320, the second set of ports 330, the third set of ports 340, and/or the internal cavity 310 described herein. The internal cavity 310 may be injected through one or more of the fourth set of ports 350 (block 1440). Second filler material 514 may then be cured at ambient temperature or by one or more heating/cooling cycles depending on the material used for second filler material 514 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 15, a face portion 1562, which can be any face portion described herein, has a first thickness 1510 (T1) or a second thickness 1520 (T2). You may First thickness 1510 may be the cross-sectional thickness of face portion 1562 adjacent groove 1568 , while second thickness 1520 may be the cross-sectional thickness of face portion 1562 below groove 1568 . could be. For example, first thickness 1510 can be the maximum distance between front surface 1564 and back surface 1566 . A second thickness 1520 may be based on grooves 1568 . In particular, groove 1568 can have a groove depth 1525 (Dgroove). A second thickness 1520 may be the maximum distance between the bottom of groove 1568 and back surface 1566 . The sum of second thickness 1520 and groove depth 1525 may be substantially equal to first thickness 1510 (eg, T2+Dgroove=T1). Accordingly, the second thickness 1520 may be less than the first thickness 1510 (eg, T2<T1).

To lower and/or move the CG of a golf club head further rearward, such as the CG of any golf club head described herein, the mass of the front portion of the golf club head is reduced to a relatively thin face portion 1562 . can be removed by using For example, first thickness 1510 or second thickness 1520 can be about 0.1 inches (2.54 millimeters) or less. In another example, first thickness 1510 or second thickness 1520 may be about 0.075 inches (1.875 millimeters (eg, T1=0.075 inches). Golf club head back wall By supporting the portion to form an internal cavity, and filling at least a portion of the internal cavity with one or more filler materials described herein, the face portion 1562 is provided with the structural integrity of the golf club head. can be made relatively thin (eg, T1<0.075") without degrading performance, sound, and/or feel. In one example, first thickness 1510 is 0.060" (1.524 millimeters). (eg, T1 ≤ 0.060 in.) In another example, the first thickness 1510 can be 0.040 inch (1.016 millimeters) or less (eg, T1 ≤ 0.040 inch).Based on the type of material used to form face portion 1562 and/or body portion 210, face portion 1562 may be thinner, first thickness 1510 being 0.030 inch (0.762 inch). millimeters) or less (e.g., T1 < 0.030 inch). can be about 0.020 inches (0.508 millimeters) (e.g., Dgroove=0.020 inches), so second thickness 1520 can be about 0.010 inches (0.254 millimeters) ( (e.g., T2 = 0.010 inch).In another example, groove depth 1525 may be approximately 0.015 inch (0.381 millimeters) and second thickness 1520 may be approximately 0.015 inch. inches (eg, Dgroove=T2=0.015 inches) Alternatively, groove depth 1525 may be less than second thickness 1520 (eg, Dgroove<T2). Without the one or more filler materials used to support the backwall portion and fill the internal cavity, the golf club head may not be able to withstand multiple impacts of the golf ball by the face portion. In contrast, a golf club head (e.g., a cavity back golf club head) that has a relatively thin face portion but lacks the support of the back wall portion and the support of one or more of the filler materials described herein. , may produce an unpleasant sound (eg, a cheesy sound) and/or feel during impact with a golf ball. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Based on the manufacturing processes and methods used to form golf club heads, such as any of the golf club heads described herein, face portion 1562 may include additional material at or near the perimeter of face portion 1562. obtain. Accordingly, face portion 1562 may also have third thickness 1530 and chamfer 1540 . Third thickness 1530 may be greater than either first thickness 1510 or second thickness 1520 (eg, T3>T1>T2). In particular, face portion 1562 may be coupled to the body portion of the golf club head by a welding process. For example, first thickness 1510 may be approximately 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters) and second thickness 1520 may be approximately 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters). Well, third thickness 1530 may be about 0.050 inches (1.27 millimeters). As such, chamfer 1540 may accommodate some of the additional material when face portion 1562 is welded to the body portion of the golf club head.

As shown in FIG. 16, for example, face portion 1562 may include a reinforced section, shown generally as reinforced section 1605, below one or more grooves 1568. As shown in FIG. In one example, face portion 1562 may include reinforced sections 1605 under each groove. Alternatively, face portion 1562 may include reinforced section 1605 under several grooves (eg, every other groove) or under only one groove. Face portion 1562 may include first thickness 1610 , second thickness 1620 , third thickness 1630 and chamfer 1640 . Groove 1568 may have a groove depth 1625 . Reinforced section 1605 may define a second thickness 1620 . First thickness 1610 and second thickness 1620 may each be substantially equal to each other (eg, T1=T2). In one example, first thickness 1610 and second thickness 1620 may each be approximately 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters) (eg, T1=T2=0.030 inches). Groove depth 1625 may be approximately 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters) and third thickness 1630 may be approximately 0.050 inches (1.27 millimeters). Groove 1568 can also have a groove width. The width of the reinforced section 1605 may be greater than or equal to the groove width. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Alternatively, the face portion 1562 may vary in thickness at and/or between the top and sole portions of the golf club head. In one example, the face portion 1562 may be relatively thicker at or near the top than at or near the sole (eg, the thickness of the face portion 1562 gradually decreases from the top to the sole). can). In another example, the face portion 1562 may be relatively thicker at or near the sole than at or near the top (eg, the thickness of the face portion 1562 increases gradually from the sole to the top). can be reduced to ). In yet another example, the face portion 1562 may be relatively thicker between the top and sole portions than at or near the top and sole portions (eg, the thickness of the face portion 1562 may be bell-shaped). ). Face portion 1562 can be similar to any face portion described in any of the publications incorporated by reference. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

One or more masses of any set of masses described herein may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., color, marking, shape, size, density, mass, volume, outer surface texture, materials of construction, etc.). In an example such as that shown in FIG. 17, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may have a cylindrical shape (eg, circular cross-section). Alternatively, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein have a similar or different shape compared to one or more other masses of the set of masses. can. In another example, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may be combined with one or more masses of another set of masses described herein. In comparison, they may have different colors, marks, shapes, densities, masses, volumes, materials of construction, outer surface textures, and/or any other physical characteristics. The properties of any mass or set of masses described herein may be similar to any mass or set of masses described in any of the publications incorporated by reference. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

18-19, for example, a first mass 1800 and a second mass 1900 are each threaded into threads configured within the ports for securing to the ports described herein. Correspondingly engaging threads, shown generally as threads 1810 and threads 1910, may be included. Accordingly, one or more of the masses described herein can be similar in shape and function to a screw or threaded fastener that engages threads in a port. For example, one or more of the masses of any set of masses described herein can be screws. One or more masses of any set of masses described herein may not be easily removable from the body portion of the golf club head, with or without tools. Alternatively, one or more of the masses of any set of masses described herein may be one or more of any set of masses described herein with a relatively heavy or light mass. It can be easily removable (eg, with a tool) so that multiple masses can be replaced. In another example, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may be secured to the port with epoxy or adhesive so that the masses cannot be easily removed. In yet another example, one or more of the masses of any set of masses described herein can be coated with a thread and thread sealant (e.g., acrylic adhesive, cyanoacrylate glue, epoxy resin, thermoplastic glue, silicone sealant, or urethane glue) can both be secured to the port. In yet another example, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may be press fit into a port. In yet another example, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may be formed within the port by injection molding. For example, a liquid metal material (ie, molten metal) or plastic material (eg, rubber, foam, or any polymeric material) can be injected or introduced into the port. After the liquid material is cooled and/or hardened within the port, the resulting solid material (eg, metallic material, plastic material, or a combination thereof) may form a mass. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

As noted above, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may be similar in some physical properties, but different in other physical properties. For example, one mass may be made from an aluminum-based material or aluminum alloy, while another mass may be made from a tungsten-based material or tungsten alloy. In another example, one mass may be made from a polymeric material while another mass may be made from a steel-based material. In yet another example, as shown in FIGS. 17-19, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein are about 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters). , but one or more of the masses of the other sets of masses described herein can be of different heights. In particular, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may be associated with a first height 1820 and may be associated with another mass described herein. One or more masses of the set may be associated with the second height 1920 . First height 1820 may be relatively smaller than second height 1920 . In one example, the first height 1820 can be approximately 0.125 inches (3.175 millimeters) while the second height 1920 can be approximately 0.3 inches (7.62 millimeters). In another example, the first height 1820 can be approximately 0.16 inches (4.064 millimeters) while the second height 1920 can be approximately 0.4 inches (10.16 millimeters). . Alternatively, first height 1820 can be greater than or equal to second height 1920 . Although the above examples describe specific dimensions, one or more of the masses described herein may have different dimensions. In one example, any mass described herein may be used interchangeably with any port described herein. Any properties of any mass described herein may be similar to corresponding properties of any mass described in any of the publications incorporated by reference. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

20-38, the golf club head 2000 can include a body portion 2010 having a toe portion 2040 with a toe edge 2042 and a heel portion 2050 with a heel edge 2052 that can include a hosel portion 2055. . A golf club shaft (exemplary golf club shaft 104 is shown in FIG. 1), while coupled to hosel portion 2055, to form a golf club (exemplary golf club 100 is shown in FIG. 1). and the other end coupled to a golf club grip portion (an exemplary grip portion 106 is shown in FIG. 1). Body portion 2010 further includes a front portion 2060 having peripheral edge portion 2061, a back portion 2070 having back wall portion 2072, a top portion 2080 having top portion edge 2082, and a sole portion 2090 having sole portion edge 2092. can contain. Toe portion 2040, heel portion 2050, front portion 2060, back portion 2070, top portion 2080, and/or sole portion 2090 may partially overlap each other. Toe edge 2042 , heel edge 2052 , top edge 2082 , and sole edge 2092 may define the perimeter of body portion 2010 . Golf club head 2000 can be any type of golf club head described herein, such as, for example, an iron-based golf club head or a wedge-based golf club head. The volume of the golf club head 2000 may include the materials of construction of the golf club head 2000, and/or any components thereof, any materials described herein and/or in any of the publications incorporated by reference. It can be similar to a golf club head. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Golf club head 2000 may include face portion 2062 (ie, the striking surface), which may be integrally formed with body portion 2010 (eg, one single piece). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, face portion 2062 is attached (eg, directly or indirectly, adhesively, mechanically, welded, and/or soldered) to front portion 2060. It can be separate pieces that are joined together to close the front opening of the front portion 2060 . Face portion 2062 may include a front surface 2064 and a back surface 2066 . Front surface 2064 may include a plurality of front surface grooves 2068 that may extend between toe portion 2040 and heel portion 2050 . Each front groove 2068 can have a front groove depth 2069 (D _FG ). In one example, the front groove depth 2069 can be greater than or equal to 0.005 inch (0.127 mm) and less than or equal to 0.025 inch (0.635 mm) (0.005 inch < D _FG < 0.025 inch). In another example, the front face groove depth 2069 can be greater than or equal to 0.011 inch (0.267 mm) and less than or equal to 0.018 inch (0.445 mm) (0.011 inch < D _FG < 0.018 inch). . In another example, the front groove depth 2069 can be greater than or equal to 0.012 inches (0.311 mm) and less than or equal to 0.016 inches (0.400 mm) (0.012 inches < D _FG < 0.016 inches). . In yet another example, the front face groove depth 2069 can be greater than or equal to 0.013 inch (0.33 mm) and less than or equal to 0.015 inch (0.381 mm) (0.013 inch < D _FG < 0.015 inch ). The configuration (ie, cross-sectional shape, curvature, length, width, etc.) of front groove depth 2069 and front groove 2068 may be determined to provide golf club head 2000 with particular performance characteristics. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Each front groove 2068 can have a front groove width 2071 (W _FG ). In one example, the front groove width 2071 can be greater than or equal to 0.011 inch (0.267 mm) and less than or equal to 0.033 inch (0.833 mm) (0.011 inch < W _FG < 0.033 inch). In another example, the front groove width 2071 can be greater than or equal to 0.014 inch (0.347 mm) and less than or equal to 0.055 inch (1.406 mm) (0.014 inch < W _FG < 0.055 inch). In another example, the front face groove width 2071 can be greater than or equal to 0.017 inch (0.427 mm) and less than or equal to 0.062 inch (1.562 mm) (0.017 inch ≤ W _FG ≤ 0.062 inch). In another example, the front groove width 2071 can be greater than or equal to 0.021 inch (0.521 mm) and less than or equal to 0.041 inch (1.041 mm) (0.021 inch < W _FG < 0.041 inch). In another example, the front groove width 2071 can be greater than or equal to 0.025 inch (0.640 mm) and less than or equal to 0.032 inch (0.800 mm) (0.025 inch < _WFG < 0.032 inch). In yet another example, the front groove width 2071 can be greater than or equal to 0.027 inch (0.677 mm) and less than or equal to 0.053 inch (1.354 mm) (0.027 inch < W _FG < 0.053 inch). . The configuration (ie, cross-sectional shape, curvature, length, width, etc.) of front groove width 2071 and front groove 2068 may be determined to provide golf club head 2000 with particular performance characteristics. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example (not shown), front portion 2060 may include one or more recessed shoulder portions configured to receive face portion 2062 for attachment of face portion 2062 to body portion 2010 . In another example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, back surface 2066 may include a peripheral edge 2067 that may be attached to peripheral edge 2061 of body portion 2010 . A peripheral edge 2067 of face portion 2062 may be attached to peripheral edge 2061 of body portion 2010 by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives or bonding agents, and/or welding or soldering. In one example, perimeter 2067 may be welded to perimeter edge 2061 at one or more locations. In another example, the entire perimeter 2067 can be welded (ie, continuous weld) to the entire perimeter edge 2061 . The configuration of face portion 2062 and attachment (e.g., welding) of face portion 2062 to body portion 2010 may be applied to any golf club head described herein and/or described in any of the publications incorporated by reference herein. can be similar in terms of The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Golf club head 2000 may be associated with ground plane 2410 , horizontal center plane 2420 , and apex plane 2430 . In particular, the ground plane 2410 is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and when the golf club head 2000 is at an address position (eg, when the golf club head 2000 is aligned to strike a golf ball). It may be a plane tangent to the bottom edge of the sole edge 2092 . The top plane 2430 may be the plane that contacts the uppermost edge of the top edge 2082 when the golf club head 2000 is at the address position. Ground plane 2410 and top plane 2430 can each be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal central plane 2420 may be vertically halfway between each of the ground plane 2410 and the top plane 2430 and may be parallel or substantially parallel to the ground plane 2410 . Additionally, golf club head 2000 may be associated with a loft plane 2440 that defines a loft angle 2445 (α) of golf club head 2000 . Loft plane 2440 may be a plane that is tangent or coplanar with face portion 2062 . Loft angle 2445 may be defined by the angle between loft plane 2440 and vertical plane 2450 perpendicular to ground plane 2410 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

The backwall portion 2072 can include an upper backwall portion 2120 , a lower backwall portion 2122 , and a ledge portion 2130 between the upper backwall portion 2120 and the lower backwall portion 2122 . Ledge portion 2130 may extend outward (i.e., away from face portion 2062) from upper backwall portion 2120 to lower backwall portion 2122 (i.e., ledge portion 2130 extends upward from lower backwall portion 2122). may extend inward to the backwall 2120 or toward the face portion 2062). Thus, body portion upper width 2150 (W _UB ) can be defined by the distance between front surface 2064 of face portion 2062 and the outer surface of upper back wall portion 2120, and body portion lower width 2152 (W _LB ) can be defined by: It can be defined by the distance between the front surface 2064 of the face portion 2062 and the outer surface of the lower backwall portion 2122 . In one example, the maximum value of body lower width 2152 can be greater than or equal to 1.5 times the maximum value of body upper width 2150 (W _LB(MAX) ≧1.5 W _UB(MAX) ). In another example, the maximum lower body width 2152 may be greater than or equal to 1.25 times the maximum upper body width 2150 (W _LB(MAX) ≧1.25 W _UB(MAX) ). In another example, the maximum value of body lower width 2152 may be greater than or equal to 1.75 times the maximum value of body upper width 2150 (W _LB(MAX) ≧1.75 W _UB(MAX) ). In another example, the maximum lower body width 2152 may be greater than or equal to twice the maximum upper body width 2150 (W _LB(MAX) ≧2.0 W _UB(MAX) ). In another example, the maximum value of body portion lower width 2152 may be greater than the maximum value of body portion upper width 2150 (W _LB(MAX) ≧W _UB(MAX) ). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In the example of FIGS. 20-38, the ledge portion 2130 includes a first ledge portion 2132 that may extend from a location at or near the toe edge 2042 to the heel portion 2050, and a central portion 2073 of the backwall portion 2072 or at the same location. A second ledge 2134 may be located at a proximal location, and a third ledge 2136 may extend from a location at or near heel edge 2052 toward toe 2040 . A second ledge 2134 may extend between the first ledge 2132 and the third ledge 2136 . First ledge portion 2132 and third ledge portion 2136 may also extend in a direction that slopes downward toward sole portion 2090 . Thus, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, first ledge height 2142, which may be defined by the distance between first ledge 2132 and ground plane 2410, is from center portion 2073 to toe edge 2042. A third ledge height 2146, which may be defined by the distance between the third ledge 2136 and the ground plane 2410, may increase toward the heel edge 2052 from the central portion 2073. may be increased. As shown in FIGS. 20-38, for example, the second ledge portion 2134 may include a first sidewall portion 2137 that may extend from the first ledge portion 2132 toward the top portion 2080 and a first sidewall portion 2137 that may extend from the first ledge portion 2132 toward the top portion 2080. a central ledge portion 2138 that may extend from wall portion 2137 toward heel portion 2050 and a second sidewall portion 2139 that may extend from central ledge portion 2138 toward sole portion 2090 to third ledge portion 2136; may include Second ledge 2134 may include second ledge height 2144 , which may be defined by the distance between central ledge 2138 and ground plane 2410 . Second ledge height 2144 may be greater than first ledge height 2142 and third ledge height 2146 at or near central portion 2073 . In another example, ledge 2130 may be similar in some or many respects to ledge 616 of golf club head 200 . In yet another example, ledge 2130 may be similar in some or many respects to any golf club head ledges described in any of the applications incorporated by reference. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In the example of FIGS. 20-38, the first ledge 2132 may include a first ledge width 2162 that may decrease from the central portion 2073 toward the toe edge 2042 . Therefore, the widest portion of the first ledge portion 2132 may be the position where the first ledge portion 2132 and the first sidewall portion 2137 meet. In one example, an increase in first ledge height 2142 and a decrease in first ledge width 2162 may be correlated. For example, all increases in first ledge height 2142 may be based on a particular factor, a similar rate of change, a particular dissimilar rate of change, or a particular mathematical relationship. 2162 reductions may be accommodated. In another example, an increase in first ledge height 2142 and a decrease in first ledge width 2162 may have no correlation. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In the example of FIGS. 20-38, third ledge 2136 may include a third ledge width 2166 that may decrease from central portion 2073 toward heel edge 2052 . Accordingly, the widest portion of the third ledge portion 2136 may be the location where the third ledge portion 2136 and the second sidewall portion 2139 meet. In one example, an increase in third ledge height 2146 and a decrease in third ledge width 2166 may be correlated. For example, all increases in third ledge height 2146 may be based on certain factors, similar rates of change, certain dissimilar rates of change, or certain mathematical relationships. 2166 decrements may be accommodated. In another example, an increase in third ledge height 2146 and a decrease in third ledge width 2166 may have no correlation. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In the example of FIGS. 20-38, first sidewall portion 2137 and second sidewall portion 2139 extend from central ledge portion 2138 to first ledge portion 2132 and from central ledge portion 2138 to third sidewall portion, respectively. can increase in width to a ledge 2136 of . The downward sloping configuration and increasing width of the first ledge portion 2132 and third ledge portion 2136 toward the central portion 2073 and the width of the first sidewall portion 2137 and second sidewall portion 2139 below the The increased width may be adjusted to optimize the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head 2000 at the lower toe portion 2040 and/or heel portion 2050 of the first ledge 2132 and the third ledge 2136, respectively. 2073 of the back wall portion, and placing more mass at or below the middle portion 2073 of the back wall portion to move the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head 2000 lower and further back. be able to. In other words, the configuration of the ledge portion 2130 increases the MOI of the golf club head 2000 and moves a relatively large portion of the golf club head 2000 mass to lower and further rearward the CG of the golf club head. , (i) under the ledge 2130 near the toe edge 2042, (ii) under the ledge 2130 near the heel edge 2052, (iii) at or near the central portion 2073, and/or (iv) ) selectively positioned at or near the sole edge 2092; The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Body portion 2010 may include one or more ports, which may be external ports and/or internal ports (eg, located inside body portion 2010). One or more ports may be located anywhere on body portion 2010 . The inner wall of body portion 2010 that defines internal cavity 2110 may include one or more ports. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 20-38, the body portion may include a first port region 2225 located below the first ledge portion 2132 and between the toe edge 2042 and the central portion 2073 . In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, the first port region 2225 may include a first peripheral groove 2227 that may visually define part or all of the first port region 2225. As shown in FIG. First peripheral groove 2227 can be a slot, channel, depression, or recess. The mass that can be removed from the body portion 2010 to define the first peripheral groove 2227 can be adjusted to a particular MOI, CG location, and/or golf position without altering or substantially altering the overall mass of the body portion 2010. It may be located at other locations or within the body portion 2010 to provide the performance characteristics of the club. In another example, the portion of the body portion 2010 within the first peripheral groove 2227 is of a different color compared to the outside of the first peripheral groove 2227 to visually define the first port area 2225. , texture, or other visually distinguishable features. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 20-38, the body portion has a second port region 2235 located below the central ledge portion 2138 of the second ledge portion 2134 and a second port region 2235 below the third ledge portion 2136. A third port region 2245 located between the heel edge 2052 and the central portion 2073 may be included. A second port region 2235 can be between the first port region 2225 and the third port region 2245 . In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, the third port region 2245 may include a second peripheral groove 2247 that may visually define part or all of the third port region 2245. As shown in FIG. Second peripheral groove 2247 can be a slot, channel, dimple, or recess. The mass that can be removed from the body portion 2010 to define the second peripheral groove 2247 can be adjusted to a particular MOI, CG position, and/or golf position without altering or substantially altering the overall mass of the body portion 2010. It may be located at other locations or within the body portion 2010 to provide the performance characteristics of the club. In another example, the portion of the body portion 2010 within the second peripheral groove 2247 is of a different color compared to the outside of the second peripheral groove 2247 to visually define the third port area 2245. , texture, or other visually distinguishable features. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

First port region 2225 may include any number of ports, and any one or more ports of first port region 2225 may be connected to internal cavity 2110 . In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, the first port region 2225 may include a first set of ports 2220 (eg, shown as ports 2221, 2222, 2223). Ports 2221, 2222, 2223 may be arranged in first port region 2225 in any manner. In one example, ports 2221 , 2222 , 2223 may be arranged to align with the contour of sole edge 2092 similar to the ports of golf club head 200 . In another example, ports 2221, 2222, 2223 may be arranged to align with the general orientation of first ledge 2132, as shown in FIGS. The spacing between ports in the first set of ports 2220 can have any configuration. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 20-38, each port in the first set of ports 2220 is distanced from the port adjacent to the first set of ports 2220 by no more than the port diameter of any port in the first set of ports 2220. can be spaced apart by The distance from any port in the first set of ports 2220 to toe edge 2042 may be less than the distance from any port in first set of ports 2220 to heel edge 2052 or hosel portion 2055 . First port region 2225 may be a thicker and/or structurally strengthened portion of backwall portion 2072 to accommodate the structure and/or function of each port of first set of ports 2220. . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Second port region 2235 may include any number of ports, and any one or more ports may be connected to internal cavity 2110 . In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, the second port region 2235 may include a second set of ports 2230 (eg, shown as ports 2231). A second port region 2235 can be at or near the center portion 2073 . Second port region 2235 may be a thicker and/or structurally strengthened portion of backwall portion 2072 to accommodate each port of second set of ports 2230 . In one example, as shown in FIG. 29, second port region 2235 may include a structurally enhanced portion of backwall portion 2072 to accommodate the structure and/or function of port 2231 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Third port region 2245 may include any number of ports, and any one or more ports of third port region 2245 may be connected to internal cavity 2110 . In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, the third port region 2245 may include a third set of ports 2240 (eg, shown as ports 2241, 2242). Ports 2241, 2242 may be arranged in third port region 2245 in any manner. In one example, ports 2241 , 2242 may be arranged to align with the contour of sole portion edge 2092 similar to the ports of golf club head 200 . In another example, ports 2241, 2242 may be arranged to align with the general direction of third ledge 2136, as shown in FIGS. The spacing between ports in the third set of ports 2240 may have any configuration. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 20-38, each port in the third set of ports 2240 is a distance from the port adjacent to the third set of ports 2240 that is no greater than the port diameter of any port in the third set of ports 2240. can be spaced apart by The distance from any port in the third set of ports 2240 to toe edge 2042 may be greater than the distance from any port in third set of ports 2240 to heel edge 2052 or hosel portion 2055 . Third port region 2245 may be a thicker and/or structurally strengthened portion of backwall portion 2072 to accommodate the structure and/or function of each port of third set of ports 2240. . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

First set of ports 2220, second set of ports 2230, and/or third set of ports 2240 may include any number of ports. The location of each port in the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and/or the third set of ports 2240, the spacing from other ports, and any other configuration may be as described herein or It may be similar in many respects to any of the ports described in any of the applications incorporated by reference. Further, any one or more of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and/or the third set of ports 2240 may be connected to the internal cavity 2110 through which a single Alternatively, multiple filler materials may be injected into the internal cavity 2110 . In the illustrated example of FIGS. 20-38, ports 2221 and 2241 may be connected to internal cavity 2110 via openings 2261 and 2281, respectively. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, the second set of ports 2230 is a single port 2231 having a larger diameter than either the first set of ports 2220 and/or the third set of ports 2240. can include The port 2231 may be located at or near the center portion 2073 of the backwall portion 2072 and at or near the sole edge 2092 . In one example, the diameter of port 2231 may be 1.1 times or more and 8.0 times or less than the diameter of any port in first set of ports 2220 and any port in third set of ports 2240 . In another example, the diameter of port 2231 may be more than twice the diameter of either of the first set of ports 2220 and the third set of ports 2240 . In another example, the diameter of port 2231 may be greater than or equal to 2.5 times the diameter of either of the first set of ports 2220 and the third set of ports 2240 . In another example, the diameter of port 2231 may be greater than or equal to 3.5 times the diameter of either of the first set of ports 2220 and the third set of ports 2240 . In yet another example, the diameter of port 2231 may be greater than or equal to the diameter of any port in first set of ports 2220 and any port in third set of ports 2240 . In the examples of FIGS. 20-38, each of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and the third set of ports 2240 are shown as cylindrical. In another example (not shown), the port can have any shape. Thus, the relative size of a port may be length, width, radius, diameter, distance between two boundaries, or any dimension corresponding to a particular geometry (e.g., the major axis of an elliptical port and the short axis). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Body portion 2010 may include any number of ports above and/or below first ledge portion 2132 , second ledge portion 2134 , and/or third ledge portion 2136 . Body portion 2010 may include any number of ports above or below horizontal center plane 2420 . Body portion 2010 may include any number of ports at toe edge 2042 , heel edge 2052 , top edge 2082 , and/or sole edge 2092 . The number of ports on body portion 2010, the arrangement and/or configuration of the ports on body portion 2010 are similar in many respects to golf club head 200 or any golf club head described in any of the applications incorporated by reference. obtain. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Body portion 2010 may include one or more mass portions (eg, weight portions) at any location on body portion 2010 . The one or more masses may be integral masses or separate masses that may be coupled to body portion 2010 at any external or internal location of body portion 2010 . In the illustrated example of FIGS. 20-38, body portion 2010 includes a first set of mass portions 2320 (eg, shown as mass portions 2321, 2322, 2323) and a second set of mass portions 2330 (eg, mass portions 2321, 2322, 2323). 2331) and a third set of masses 2340 (eg, shown as masses 2341, 2342). In the example of FIGS. 20-38, each mass of the first set of masses 2320 and the third set of masses 2320 can be any mass described herein, such as the masses of FIGS. It can be similar to mass sections described in sections 1800, 1900, or any of the applications incorporated by reference. The second set of masses 2330 may include a single mass 2331 that may have a greater mass than any of the masses of the first set of masses 2320 and the third set of masses 2340 . In one example, as shown in FIG. 33, mass portion 2331 can be cylindrical with head portion 2333 , shaft portion 2335 and top portion 2337 including tool engaging portion 2339 . Diameter 2334 of mass 2331 may be greater than length 2336 of mass 2331 . Thus, mass 2331 is herein greater than the diameter of each mass of first set 2320 and third set 2340 of masses illustrated as masses 1800, 1900 in FIGS. 17-19, for example. 34, having a larger diameter 2334 as described in . Port 2231 is configured to receive mass 2331 that can be inserted into port 2231 and secured in any manner described herein, such as screwing, press fitting, gluing, or welding. good too. In one example, as shown in FIG. 33, head portion 2333 may be threaded to engage internal threads within port 2231 to secure mass portion 2331 within port 2231 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Each port of the first set of ports 2220 and the third set of ports 2240 is described herein or in any of the applications incorporated by reference (e.g., masses 1800, 1900 of FIGS. 17-19). Any of the first set of masses 2320 and/or the third set of masses 2340 may be configured to receive any of the masses, as well as coupling and/or engagement of any masses and ports. As shown in FIGS. 18-19, each mass in the first set of masses 2320 and/or the third set of masses 2340 may have different lengths or other physical properties, as described herein. physical properties (eg, one or more constituent materials). Accordingly, each port of the first set of ports 2220 and/or the third set of ports 2240 has a length corresponding to or substantially corresponding to the depth of the port. Part 2340 can be accepted. For example, the depth of port 2222 may be greater than the depth of port 2241, as shown in FIGS. Accordingly, mass portion 2322 secured to port 2222 may have a greater length (example shown in FIG. 19) than mass portion 2341 (example shown in FIG. 18) secured to port 2241 . Thus, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, the inner diameter and/or depth of each of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and the third set of ports 2240, and/or the The diameter and/or length of each mass in one set of masses 2320 , second set of masses 2330 , and third set of masses 2340 is such that the masses are flush with the outer surface of backwall portion 2072 . , the selection of the corresponding mass may be determined. Further, as described herein and in any of the applications incorporated by reference, the material of construction of each mass, which affects the density of each mass, may determine the choice of mass. In other words, each port can receive a correspondingly sized mass having a certain total mass as described herein. In another example, the inner diameter and/or depth of each of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and the third set of ports 2240 and/or the first set of masses 2320, the The diameter and/or length of each mass of the two sets of masses 2330 and the third set of masses 2340 may be selected for corresponding mass selections due to the concave configuration of the masses relative to the outer surface of the backwall portion 2072. can be determined. In yet another example, the inner diameter and/or depth of each of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and the third set of ports 2240 and/or the first set of masses 2320, The diameter and/or length of each mass of the second set of masses 2330 and the third set of masses 2340 may have a corresponding mass due to the convex configuration of the masses relative to the outer surface of the backwall portion 2072. can determine the selection of Performance criteria for a particular golf club head, which may be influenced by the MOI and CG location of the golf club head, may also determine mass selection for ports. In one example, a mass having a greater mass may be placed at the port closer to the toe than the heel to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head. In another example, the ports closest to the center section 2073 may receive a relatively heavy mass section so that the center of gravity of the golf club head is lowered. Each mass of the first set of masses 2320, the second set of masses 2330, and/or the third set of masses 2340 may be relatively heavy to provide golf club head 2000 with particular performance characteristics. Or it may be interchangeable with a lighter mass. Thus, the configuration of each port, the configuration of each mass, and/or the performance criteria of a particular golf club head may dictate the selection and/or placement of the masses within the ports. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

The total mass of mass 2331 may be greater than the total mass of any mass in first set of masses 2320 and/or third set of masses 2340 . The total mass of masses 2331 may be greater than or equal to the total mass of first set of masses 2320 and/or third set of masses 2340 . The total mass of mass portion 2331 may be determined to provide golf club head 2000 with particular performance characteristics. In one example, mass portion 2331 can have a total mass of no less than 2 grams and no more than 30 grams. In another example, mass portion 2331 can have a total mass of no less than 4 grams and no greater than 18 grams. In another example, mass portion 2331 can have a total mass of no less than 6 grams and no more than 12 grams. In another example, mass portion 2331 can have a total mass of no less than 7 grams and no more than 9 grams. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

The diameter of mass 2331 may be determined based on one or more properties of the material of which mass 2331 is composed (eg, material density). In one example, mass 2331 can have a diameter of 0.2 inch (5.08 mm) or more and 1.0 inch (25.4 mm) or less. In another example, mass 2331 may have a diameter of 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) or more and less than 1.5 inches (38.1 mm). In another example, mass 2331 may have a diameter of 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) or more and 0.8 inches (20.32 mm) or less. In another example, mass 2331 may have a diameter of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) or more and 0.7 inches (17.78 mm) or less. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

A central region or geometric center of the ports 2231 of the second set of ports 2230 may be located at or near the CG of the golf club head 2000 . Accordingly, the center of gravity of mass 2331 may be located at or near the CG of golf club head 2000 when mass 2331 is secured to port 2231 as described herein. As a result, the mass portion 2331 can be replaced with another mass portion 2331 having a lower mass or a mass portion 2331 having a higher mass without causing a relatively large or significant shift in the CG of the golf club head 2000. could be. In one example, for each gram mass increase of mass 2331, the CG position of the golf club head is less than 0.5% of the CG _X position (CG x-axis coordinate) and 0 of the CG _Y position (CG y-axis coordinate). 5% and/or less than 0.2% of the CG _Z position (CG z-axis coordinate). In another example, for each gram mass increase of mass portion 2331, the CG position of the golf club head is less than 0.35% of the CG _X position, less than 0.35% of the CG _Y position, and/or less than 0.35% of the CG _Z position. It can be shifted by less than 0.15. In yet another example, for each gram mass increase of mass portion 2331, the CG position of the golf club head is less than 0.25% of CG _X position, less than 0.25% of CG _Y position, and/or CG _Z position. can be shifted by less than 0.10 of . As such, the mass portion 2331 may be configured to be individually specific without substantially shifting the CG of the golf club head 2000 and/or altering the overall or general performance characteristics of the golf club head 2000 . It may be interchangeable with another mass portion 2331 having a smaller or larger mass to provide performance characteristics (ie, customize the performance of the golf club head 2000 for a particular individual). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, each mass in the first set of masses 2320 and/or the third set of masses 2340 can have a mass greater than or equal to 0.25 grams and less than or equal to 6.0 grams. In another example, each mass in the first set of masses 2320 and/or the third set of masses 2340 can have a mass greater than or equal to 1.25 grams and less than or equal to 5.25 grams. In another example, each mass in the first set of masses 2320 and/or the third set of masses 2340 may have a mass greater than or equal to 1.75 grams and less than or equal to 4.1 grams. In another example, each mass in the first set of masses 2320 and/or the third set of masses 2340 may have a mass of 0.75 grams or more and 3.5 grams or less. In yet another example, each mass in the first set of masses 2320 and/or the third set of masses 2340 can have a mass of 0.5 grams or more and 4.0 grams or less. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

The internal cavity 2110 may be partially or completely filled with one or more filling materials (ie, cavity filling materials), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, internal cavity 2110 is filled with filler material 2512, which can be similar to any filler material described herein or in any of the applications incorporated by reference. good too. In another example (not shown in FIGS. 20-38), internal cavity 2110 may be similar to golf club head 200 or any golf club head described in any of the applications incorporated by reference. , a first filling material and a second filling material. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, filler material 2512 can be injected into internal cavity 2110 through either of ports 2221, 2241, while the other one of ports 2221, 2241 is filled with filler material 2512. can act as an exhaust port through which the air in the internal cavity 2110 displaced by is exhausted. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, the filler material 2512 may be molded into the shape of the internal cavity 2110. FIG. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, the one or more materials of the filler material, the physical properties (i.e., density and/or elasticity) of the one or more materials, and the amount (i.e., volume and/or mass) of the filler material 2512 are each It may be determined for a golf club head (i.e., having a particular loft angle), and (i) vibration damping or acoustic damping (e.g., golf club head 2000 as perceived by an individual using golf club head 2000). (ii) provide structural support to the face portion 2062; and/or (iii) Ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle, and/or ball variability can be optimized. In one example, filler material 2512 may be formed from any type of polymeric material, such as any polymeric material described herein or in any of the applications incorporated by reference. In one example, filler material 2512 may be formed from a rubber-based compound, such as rubber or any rubber-based compound described herein. In another example, filler material 2512 may be formed from a thermosetting material such as an epoxy-based material. In another example, filler material 2512 may be formed from a thermoplastic material. In yet another example, the filler material may be formed from a metal or metal alloy (eg, aluminum or aluminum alloy), which may have a density different than that of the material of body portion 2010 . Filler material 2512 may be bonded to body portion 2010 and face portion 2062 using any bonding agent or any adhesive that may be suitable for bonding or attaching filler material 2512 to the material of body portion 2010 and/or face portion 2062 . can be attached to the inner wall of In another example (not shown), filler material 2512 may be a polymeric material that may include self-adhesive properties such that it adheres to body portion 2010 and/or face portion 2062 without the use of binders or adhesives. good. In another example, injection molding and/or curing of filler material 2512 is sufficient to maintain filler material 2512 in engagement with body portion 2010 and/or face portion 2062 without the use of bonding agents or adhesives. holding force (eg, filler material 2512 that expands during the filling or curing process). In yet another example, the filler material 2512 may be pre-formed and placed within the interior cavity 2110 and/or attached to the inner walls of the body portion 2010 defining the interior cavity 2110 prior to sealing the interior cavity 2110 . can be Injection molding, curing, and/or attaching filler material 2512 in internal cavity 2110 may be similar to the process described herein or in any of the applications incorporated by reference. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 35, the face portion 2062 has a first peripheral side defined by a face toe edge (herein referred to as face toe edge 2740), a face heel edge (herein a second peripheral side defined by the face heel edge 2750), a third peripheral side defined by the face top edge (herein referred to as the face top edge 2780), and a face sole edge. (referred to herein as the face-sole edge 2790) may include a face perimeter that may include four perimeter sides, which may be a fourth perimeter side defined by the face sole edge 2790). The back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 may include one or more grooves, slots, channels, depressions, or recesses, any of which are referred to herein as back surface grooves, resulting in a relatively reduced face thickness. Any structure on back surface 2066 can be defined that can provide . In the illustrated example of FIG. 35, back surface 2066 includes first end portion 3502 , first portion 3504 , first transition portion 3505 , second portion 3506 , second transition portion 3507 , third portion 3508 . , and a rear groove 3500 having a second terminal portion 3510 . In one example, first terminal portion 3502 may be proximate face-to-wedge 2740 and proximate face-sole edge 2790, as shown in FIG. First end portion 3502 may be circular as shown in FIG. 35 to eliminate or reduce areas of stress concentration on face portion 2062 at or near first end portion 3502 . First portion 3504 may extend from first terminal portion 3502 toward face top edge 2780 . In the illustrated example of FIG. 35, first portion 3504 may be linear and extend vertically from first terminal portion 3502 toward face top edge 2780 . In another example, first portion 3504 may extend from first terminal portion 3502 toward face top edge 2780 with a curvature that may be similar or substantially similar to the curvature or profile of face to wedge 2740 . . In yet another example, first portion 3504 may curve inward. First portion 3504 may then transition to second portion 3506 via first transition portion 3505 located proximate face to wedge 2740 and proximate face top edge 2780 . First transition portion 3505 may be curved to eliminate or reduce areas of stress concentration on face portion 2062 at or near first transition portion 3505 . A second portion 3506 may extend from the first transition portion 3505 toward the face heel edge 2750 . Second portion 3506 may be linear and have the same orientation and profile as face top edge 2780 . Second portion 3506 may then transition to third portion 3508 via second transition portion 3507 located proximate face heel edge 2750 and proximate face top edge 2780 . Second transition portion 3507 may be curved to prevent or reduce areas of stress concentration on face portion 2062 at or near second transition portion 3507 . A third portion 3508 may extend from the second transition portion 3507 toward the second terminal portion 3510 to the second terminal portion 3510 . Second portion 3506 may be linear and have the same orientation and profile as face heel edge 2750 . A second terminating portion 3510 may be positioned proximate face heel edge 2750 and proximate face sole edge 2790 . Second end portion 3510 may be circular as shown in FIG. 35 to eliminate or reduce areas of stress concentration on face portion 2062 at or near second end portion 3510 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

As shown in FIG. 35 , the rear groove 3500 may define an inner region 3562 and an outer region 3564 of the face portion 2062 . Inner region 3562 may correspond to or include a portion of face portion 2062 that is generally capable of striking a golf ball. As discussed herein, back groove 3500 can provide a relatively thin portion of face portion 2062 as compared to the remainder of face portion 2062 . Thus, the rear grooves 3500 can enhance the deflection of the inner region 3562 relative to the outer region 3564 as compared to the face portion 2062 without the rear grooves 3500 . In other words, the rear grooves 3500 can provide a trampoline effect to the inner region 3562 of the face portion 2062 . The enhanced deflection of the inner region 3562 can provide enhanced rebound of the inner region 3562 after the face portion 2062 strikes a golf ball, resulting in a golf club similar to the golf club head 2000 but without the rear groove 3500. Compared to the head, it can increase ball launch angle, decrease ball backspin, and/or increase ball carry distance. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 35, 37, and 38, any portion of the back groove 3500 can include a back groove width 3710 (W _BG ). Back groove width 3710 (W _BG ) may have any value to provide golf club head 2000 with particular performance characteristics. In one example, the back groove width 3710 can be greater than or equal to 0.050 inch (1.270 mm) and less than or equal to 0.200 inch (5.080 mm) (0.050 inch < W _BG < 0.200 inch). In another example, back groove width 3710 can be greater than or equal to 0.094 inch (2.381 mm) and less than or equal to 0.156 inch (3.969 mm) (0.094 inch < W _BG < 0.156 inch). In another example, the back groove width 3710 can be greater than or equal to 0.109 inches (2.778 mm) and less than or equal to 0.141 inches (3.572 mm) (0.109 inches ≤ W _BG ≤ 0.141 inches). In yet another example, the back groove width 3710 can be greater than or equal to 0.120 inches (3.048 mm) and less than or equal to 0.130 inches (3.302 mm) (0.120 inches ≤ W _BG ≤ 0.130 inches). . The posterior groove width 3710 may be constant or substantially constant (considering manufacturing tolerances) along any one or more portions of the posterior groove 3500 or along the entirety of the posterior groove 3500 . The back groove width 3710 can vary in a particular portion or portions of the back groove 3500 . Any portion of rear groove 3500 and/or any portion of rear groove 3600 may have any cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, the posterior groove width 3710 at any one or more portions may vary according to corresponding changes in the cross-sectional shape of the posterior groove 3500 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 35, 37, and 38, any portion of back groove 3500 can include back groove depth 3720 (D _BG ). Back groove depth 3720 (D _BG ) may have any value to provide golf club head 2000 with particular performance characteristics. In one example, the back groove depth 3720 can be greater than or equal to 0.003 inches (0.076 mm) and less than or equal to 0.015 inches (0.381 mm) (0.003 inches < D _BG < 0.015 inches). In another example, the back groove depth 3720 can be greater than or equal to 0.005 inches (0.133 mm) and less than or equal to 0.009 inches (0.222 mm) (0.005 inches < D _BG < 0.009 inches). . In another example, the back groove depth 3720 can be greater than or equal to 0.006 inches (0.156 mm) and less than or equal to 0.008 inches (0.200 mm) (0.006 inches < D _BG < 0.008 inches). . In yet another example, the back groove depth 3720 can be greater than or equal to 0.0065 inch (0.1651 mm) and less than or equal to 0.0075 inch (0.1905 mm) (0.0065 inch < D _BG < 0.0075 inch ). Back groove depth 3720 may be constant or substantially constant (considering manufacturing tolerances) along any one or more portions of back groove 3500 or along the entirety of back groove 3500 . Back groove depth 3720 may vary in a particular portion or portions of back groove 3500 . Any portion of rear groove 3500 and/or any portion of rear groove 3600 may have any cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, the posterior groove depth 3720 at any one or more portions may vary according to corresponding changes in the cross-sectional shape of the posterior groove 3500 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 37-38, face portion 2062 has a first face thickness 3750 (T ₁ ), a second face thickness 3752 (T ₂ ), and a third face thickness 3752 (T 2 ). 3754 (T ₃ ) and a fourth face thickness 3756 (T ₄ ). First face thickness 3750 is defined by the distance between front surface 2064 and rear surface 2066 of face portion 2062 at locations on face portion 2062 that do not include any portion of front surface groove 2068 and any portion of rear surface groove 3500 . can be defined. A second face thickness 3752 is the thickness between the front surface 2064 of face portion 2062 and the bottom surface of back groove 3500 at locations on face portion 2062 that include a portion of back groove 3500 but not any portion of front groove 2068 . can be defined by the distance between Accordingly, a second face thickness 3752 can be determined by subtracting the back groove depth 3720 from the first face thickness 3750 . A third face thickness 3754 may be defined by the distance between the bottom surface of the front groove 2068 and the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 at a location on the face portion 2062 that does not include any portion of the rear groove 3500 . Accordingly, a third face thickness 3754 can be determined by subtracting the front face groove depth 2069 from the first face thickness 3750 . A fourth face thickness 3756 is determined by the distance between the bottom surface of the front groove 2068 and the bottom surface of the rear groove 3500 at the location of the face portion 2062 that includes a portion of the front groove 2068 and an opposing portion of the rear groove 3500. can be defined. Accordingly, a fourth face thickness 3756 can be determined by subtracting the sum of back groove depth 3720 and front groove depth 2069 from first face thickness 3750 . First face thickness 3750 may be greater than second face thickness 3752, third face thickness 3754, and fourth face thickness 3756 (T ₁ >T ₂ , T ₁ >T ₃ , T ₁ >T ₄ ). Second face thickness 3752 may be greater than fourth face thickness 3756 (T ₂ >T ₄ ). Third face thickness 3754 may be greater than fourth face thickness 3756 (T ₃ >T ₄ ). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 37-38, second face thickness 3752 may be greater than third face thickness 3754 (T ₂ >T ₃ ). In another example (not shown), third face thickness 3754 may be greater than second face thickness 3752 (T ₃ >T ₂ ). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

First face thickness 3750 may have any value to provide golf club head 2000 with particular performance characteristics. In one example, the first face thickness 3750 can be greater than or equal to 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) and less than or equal to 0.125 inches (3.175 mm) (0.025 inches ≤ T ₁ ≤ 0.125). In another example, the first face thickness 3750 can be greater than or equal to 0.047 inches (1.181 mm) and less than or equal to 0.078 inches (1.969 mm) (0.047 inches ≤ T ₁ ≤ 0.078 ). In another example, the first face thickness 3750 can be greater than or equal to 0.054 inches (1.378 mm) and less than or equal to 0.070 inches (1.772 mm) (0.054 inches ≤ T ₁ ≤ 0.070 ). In another example, the first face thickness 3750 can be greater than or equal to 0.060 inches (1.524 mm) and less than or equal to 0.065 inches (1.651 mm) (0.060 inches ≤ T ₁ ≤ 0.065 ). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Second face thickness 3752 may have any value to provide golf club head 2000 with particular performance characteristics. The second face thickness 3752 value can be determined by subtracting the back groove depth 3720 value described herein from the first face thickness 3750 value. The second face thickness 3752 value can also be expressed as a percentage of the first face thickness 3750 value. In one example, the second face thickness 3752 can be greater than or equal to 75% and less than or equal to 98% of the first face thickness ₃₇₅₀ (0.75≤T2/ _T1≤0.98 ). Thus, the back groove depth 3720 can be 25% or less, 2% or more of the first face thickness 3750 (0.02≤D _BG /T ₁ ≤0.25). In another example, second face thickness 3752 can be greater than or equal to 70% and less than or equal to 85% of first face thickness ₃₇₅₀ (0.70≤T2/ _T1≤0.85 ). Accordingly, the back groove depth 3720 can be 30% or less, 15% or more of the first face thickness 3750 (0.15≦D _BG /T ₁ ≦0.30). In another example, second face thickness 3752 can be greater than or equal to 85% and less than or equal to 95% of first face thickness ₃₇₅₀ (0.85≤T2/ _T1≤0.95 ). Accordingly, the back groove depth 3720 can be 15% or less, 5% or more of the first face thickness 3750 (0.05≤D _BG /T ₁ ≤0.15). In yet another example, second face thickness 3752 can be greater than or equal to 80% and less than or equal to 90% of first face thickness ₃₇₅₀ (0.80≤T2/ _T1≤0.90 ). Thus, the back groove depth 3720 can be 20% or less, 10% or more of the first face thickness 3750 (0.10≤D _BG /T ₁ ≤0.20). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Third face thickness 3754 may have any value to provide golf club head 2000 with particular performance characteristics. The third face thickness 3754 value can be determined by subtracting the front face groove depth 2069 value described herein from the first face thickness 3750 value. The third face thickness 3754 value can also be expressed as a percentage of the first face thickness 3750 value. In one example, the third face thickness 3754 can be greater than or equal to 60% and less than or equal to 97% of the first face thickness 3750 ( _0.60≤T3 / _T1≤0.97 ). In another example, third face thickness 3754 can be greater than or equal to 75% and less than or equal to 85% of first face thickness 3750 ( _0.75≤T3 / _T1≤0.85 ). In another example, third face thickness 3754 can be greater than or equal to 80% and less than or equal to 95% of first face thickness 3750 ( _0.80≤T3 / _T1≤0.95 ). In yet another example, third face thickness 3754 can be greater than or equal to 70% and less than or equal to 90% of first face thickness 3750 ( _0.70≤T3 / _T1≤0.90 ). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Fourth face thickness 3756 may have any value to provide golf club head 2000 with particular performance characteristics. The fourth face thickness 3756 value is the first face thickness 3750 value minus the front groove depth 2069 value described herein and the back groove depth 3720 value described herein. can be determined by The fourth face thickness 3756 value can also be expressed as a percentage of the first face thickness 3750 value. In one example, fourth face thickness 3756 can be greater than or equal to 45% and less than or equal to 85% of first face thickness 3750 ( _0.45≤T4 / _T1≤0.85 ). In another example, fourth face thickness 3756 can be greater than or equal to 55% and less than or equal to 75% of first face thickness 3750 ( _0.55≤T4 / _T1≤0.75 ). In another example, fourth face thickness 3756 can be greater than or equal to 60% and less than or equal to 70% of first face thickness 3750 ( _0.60≤T4 / _T1≤0.70 ). In yet another example, fourth face thickness 3756 can be greater than or equal to 62% and less than or equal to 68% of first face thickness 3750 ( _0.62≤T4 / _T1≤0.68 ). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, rear groove width 3710 may be greater than front groove width 2071 and rear groove depth 3720 may be less than front groove depth 2069, as shown in FIGS. In another example (not shown), rear groove width 3710 may be greater than front groove width 2071 and rear groove depth 3720 may be greater than front groove depth 2069 . In another example (not shown), rear groove width 3710 may be less than front groove width 2071 and rear groove depth 3720 may be greater than front groove depth 2069 . In yet another example (not shown), back groove width 3710 may be less than front groove width 2071 and back groove depth 3720 may be less than front groove depth 2069 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, back groove width 3710 and back groove depth 3720 can be similar. In another example, back groove width 3710 may be less than back groove depth 3720 . In yet another example, back groove width 3710 may be greater than back groove depth 3720 . In the illustrated example of FIGS. 37 and 38 , the back groove width 3710 may be substantially greater than the back groove depth 3720 . Back groove width 3710 and back groove depth 3720 may be determined to provide sufficient deflection for face portion 2062 without compromising the structural integrity of the face portion. In other words, the back groove width 3710 and the back groove depth 3720 are the values that determine when hitting a golf ball without failure after using the golf club head 2000 once, several times, or repeatedly for extended periods of time to hit a golf ball. Additionally, it is determined to allow the face portion 2062 to flex sufficiently to provide the rebound and trampoline effects described herein. Also, the values of back groove width 3710 and back groove depth 3720 may depend on the values of first face thickness 3750, front groove width 2071, and/or front groove depth 2069. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Internal cavity 2110 may be filled with one or more filler materials, such as filler material 2512, as described herein. Thus, in one example, all or part of the back groove 3500 can be filled with the filler material 2512 . The filler material 2512 can structurally support relatively thin portions of the face portion 2062 at locations within and/or near the back groove 3500 . In another example, all or part of back groove 3500 may be filled with a filler material that may have different physical properties than any filler material within internal cavity 2110 . In yet another example, a portion of the back groove 3500 can be filled with a first filler material while another portion of the back groove 3500 is one or more different physical materials than the first filler material. It can be filled with a second filling material having properties. The configuration (e.g., depth, width, position on the face, cross-sectional shape) of the rear groove 3500 may be one or more filler materials that may be used to fill the rear groove 3500 and/or the internal cavity 2110. Physical properties and amounts of one or more filler materials can be determined. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

First end portion 3502 and/or second end portion 3510 may be of any shape and/or without sharp corners or vertices so as to eliminate or reduce stress concentration points or regions at or near rear groove 3500 . size. In one example, first end portion 3502 and/or second end portion 3510 can have an elliptical or semi-elliptical shape. In another example, first end portion 3502 and/or second end portion 3510 may have a triangular shape with rounded vertices. In another example, as shown in FIG. 49, first end portion 3502 and/or second end portion 3510 may have an oval shape (ie, a rectangle with semicircles on opposite sides). In another example, as shown in FIGS. 65-66, the rear groove 3500 can extend to the face perimeter. In other words, any portion of the back groove 3500 may extend to and terminate at the face perimeter. In yet another example, as shown in FIG. 59, the rear groove 3500 may terminate in a rounded or curved end portion 5952 having the same width as the rear groove width 3710 without having an enlarged end portion. Any termination portion of any rear groove described herein may be any shape and/or sharp corner or apex to eliminate or reduce areas of stress concentration on face portion 2062 at or near the rear groove. can have any shape that does not have The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

The cross-sectional shape of the rear groove 3500 may be free of sharp corners to eliminate or reduce stress concentration points or regions at or near the rear groove 3500 . In one example, as shown in FIG. 37, the cross-section of the rear groove 3500 can have a wide, shallow U-shape. In another example, the cross-section of the rear groove 3500 can have a deep and/or narrow U-shape. In another example, the cross-section of the rear groove 3500 can have a rectangular shape with rounded corners or vertices. In yet another example, the cross-sectional shape of the rear groove 3500 can be semi-circular or semi-elliptical. Accordingly, the rear groove 3500 can be manufactured with any cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of back groove 3500 may be manufactured without sharp corners or vertices to eliminate or reduce areas of stress concentration on face portion 2062 at or near back groove 3500 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 36, back surface 2066 of face portion 2062 may include back grooves 3600, which may be similar in many respects to back grooves 269 of FIG. Back groove 3600 can have a back groove width, back groove depth, and/or cross-sectional shape similar to those described and illustrated herein with respect to back groove 3500 . Rear groove 3600 includes first portion 3604, first transition portion 3605, second portion 3606, second transition portion 3607, third portion 3608, third transition portion 3609, fourth portion 3610, and a fourth transition portion 3611, all of which extend proximate the perimeter of the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 and generally follow the contours of the perimeter of the face portion 2062. A continuous back groove 3600 may be defined without sharp corners to prevent stress concentration areas near it. As shown in FIG. 36 , the rear groove 3600 may define an inner region 3662 and an outer region 3664 of the face portion 2062 . Inner region 3662 may generally correspond to or include the portion of face portion 2062 that strikes a golf ball. Additionally, the back groove 3600 can provide a relatively thin portion of the face portion 2062 as compared to the rest of the face portion 2062 . Thus, the rear groove 3600 can provide enhanced deflection of the inner region 3662 relative to the outer region 3664 as compared to the face portion 2062 without the rear groove 3600 . In other words, the rear grooves 3600 can provide a trampoline effect to the inner region 3662 of the face portion 2062 . Enhanced deflection of the inner region 3662 can provide enhanced rebound of the inner region 3662 after the face portion 2062 strikes a golf ball, increasing ball speed and/or carry distance. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, any portion of the posterior groove 3500 may have a curved or chamfered shape when changing direction to eliminate or reduce stress concentration areas in or around the posterior groove 3500 . In one example, as shown in FIG. 35, first transition portion 3505 and/or second transition portion 3507 of back groove 3500 can be curved. In another example, as shown in FIG. 36, first transition portion 3605, second transition portion 3607, third transition portion 3609, and fourth transition portion 3611 of back groove 3600 can be curved. In another example, as shown in FIG. 35, first end portion 3502 and second end portion 3510 of rear groove 3500 may be circular. The sizes of the circles defining the first end portion 3502 and/or the second end portion 3510 are the first face thickness, the second face thickness, the third face thickness, the fourth face thickness. , the material properties of the face portion, the method of manufacture of the face portion, and/or the wide range of deflections that the face portion 2062 can undergo from repeated hitting of the golf ball. In one example, the diameter of the circle defining the first end portion 3502 and/or the second end portion 3510 can be greater than or equal to 0.1 inches (2.54 mm) and less than or equal to 0.4 inches (10.16 mm). . In another example, the diameter of the circle defining first end portion 3502 and/or second end portion 3510 is greater than or equal to 0.188 inches (4.763 mm) and less than or equal to 0.313 inches (7.938 mm). could be. In yet another example, the diameter of the circle defining first end portion 3502 and/or second end portion 3510 is greater than or equal to 0.219 inches (5.556 mm) and less than or equal to 0.281 inches (7.144 mm) can be The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

To determine the effect of the rear grooves 3500, 3600 on the performance of the golf club head 2000, certain club performance parameters were measured as golf club number 1 (club No. 1), golf club number 2 (club 1) in FIGS. No. 2) and three sample golf clubs identified as Golf Club No. 3 (Club No. 3). All three golf clubs are 7 iron golf clubs with golf club heads identical in all respects to the golf club head 2000 described herein, except for the configuration of the rear grooves on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062. Met. Club No. 1 did not include any rear grooves such as rear grooves 3500 or rear grooves 3600 . Club No. 2 included a rear groove 3500 as described herein and shown in FIG. Club No. 3 included a rear groove 3600 as described herein and shown in FIG. Club No. 2 back groove 3500 and club no. 3 had a rear groove width 3710 of about 0.125 inches (3.175 mm) and a rear groove depth 3720 of about 0.007 inches (0.178 mm). The diameter of the circles defining the first end portion 3502 and the second end portion 3510 of the back groove 3500 was approximately 0.25 inches (6.350 mm).

Each of the sample golf clubs was tested with a swing robot to hit a golf ball at an average golf club head speed of 84 mph to 86 mph for multiple repetitions at each of five positions on the face portion of the golf club head; Average ball speed (mph), average ball launch angle (degrees), average ball backspin (rpm), and average total carry distance (yards) were determined. For example, the swing robot can be a model manufactured by Golf Research Institute of San Diego, California. The five positions of the face portion are the center position, the toe position, the heel position, the low position, and the high position, all of which may be referred to herein as measurement positions. The center position was determined as the position on the face where the golf ball is normally hit by an individual. In other words, the center position statistically receives the most ball hits (eg, over 75%). Center position is 0.75 inches or about 0.75 inches above sole edge 2092, subject to variation and/or approximation depending on measurement tolerances and/or swing robot actual ball striking area of face 2062. , was set at the center corresponding to the front groove 2068 of the face portion 2062 . Toe and heel positions are 0.5 inches each in the toe and heel directions from the center position, subject to measurement tolerances and/or variations and/or approximations depending on the actual ball striking area of the face portion 2062 by the swing robot. Or set to about 0.5 inches. The high and low positions are 0.25 inches each in the top and bottom directions from the center position, subject to measurement tolerances and/or variations and/or approximations depending on the actual ball-striking area of the face portion 2062 by the swing robot. Or set to about 0.25 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

As shown in FIG. Ball speed of 3 is measured at club no. 1 and Club No. It was higher than the ball speed of 2. Returning to FIG. 36, rear groove 3600 forms a continuous loop on rear surface 2066 of face portion 2062 . Accordingly, the entire inner region 3662 of the face portion 2062 flexes inwardly relative to the outer region 3664 upon hitting a golf ball, providing an enhanced trampoline or rebound effect to the golf ball, thus making club no. 1 and Club No. 3 can improve ball velocity at all measured positions.

As shown in FIG. The launch angle of No. 2 is the club No. 2 at all measurement positions. 1 and Club No. It was higher than the launch angle of 3. Returning to FIG. 35, rear groove 3500 forms a C-shaped groove in rear surface 2066 of face portion 2062 . Accordingly, the upper portion of the inner region 3562 of the face portion 2062 has a greater inward deflection when the face portion 2062 strikes the golf ball, thus allowing the golf ball to flex at higher launch angles. be launched. In other words, the upper portion of the inner region 3562 provides a greater trampoline or rebound effect than the lower portion of the inner region 3562, club no. 1 and Club No. 3 can provide a higher launch angle.

As shown in FIG. 2 ball backspin at the center position, club No. It was lower than the backspin of club No. 1 and club No. 3. Returning to FIG. 35, rear groove 3500 forms a C-shaped groove in rear surface 2066 of face portion 2062 . Accordingly, the central portion of the inner region 3562 of the face portion 2062 has more inward deflection than the lower portion of the inner region 3562 when the face portion 2062 strikes the golf ball, resulting in lower backspin of the golf ball. . In other words, the relatively large inward flexing of the upper side of inner region 3562 causes club no. 1 and Club No. A backspin of less than 3 can be imparted to the ball.

As shown in FIG. 2 and Club No. 3 ball carry distances are generally similar at the center and heel positions, but club no. It was longer than the ball carry distance of 1. As discussed herein, club no. 2 back groove 3500 and club no. The large trampoline or rebound effect provided by the rear grooves 3600 of Club No. Carry distances greater than one can be generated.

The configuration of the rear grooves on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can affect the performance characteristics of the golf club. Accordingly, specific performance characteristics of a golf club can be achieved with different groove configurations. In one example, face portion 2062 includes first portion 4304, first transition portion 4305, second portion 4306, second transition portion 4307, third portion 4308, third portion 4308, and third portion 4308, as shown in FIG. It may include a rear groove 4300 having a transition portion 4310 , a fourth portion 4312 , and a fourth transition portion 4314 , all of which define a continuous rear groove 4300 . Rear groove 4300 may extend linearly between face top edge 2780 and face sole edge 2790 instead of following the contour of face toe edge 2740 as shown in FIG. , and may resemble rear groove 3600 in many respects. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 44, face portion 2062 includes first end portion 4402, first portion 4404, first transition portion 4405, second portion 4406, second transition portion 4407, It may include a rear groove 4400 having a third portion 4408 and a second terminal portion 4410 . The dorsal groove 4400 has a first portion 4404 terminating in a first terminal portion 4402 located at or near the face toe wedge 2740 and face sole edge 2790 and a third portion 4408 having a face heel edge 2750 and a face sole edge 2750 . It can be similar in many respects to the back groove 3600 except that it terminates at a second termination portion 4410 located at or near edge 2790 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 45, face portion 2062 includes first portion 4504, first transition portion 4505, second portion 4506, second transition portion 4507, and third portion 4508. may include a rear groove 4500 having a The back groove 4500 can also include a first terminal portion 4520 that can be at or near the face-sole edge 2790 and a second terminal portion 4530 that can be at or near the face-sole edge 2790 . The first end portion 4520 may be closer to the face-to-wedge 2740 than the face-heel edge 2750 and the second end portion 4530 may be closer to the face-heel edge 2750 than the face-to-wedge 2740 . The back groove 4500 further extends from the first end portion 4520 toward the face-to-wedge 2740 to a third transition portion 4503 that connects the fourth portion 4501 to the first portion 4504. 4501 and a fifth portion 4512 extending from the second terminal portion 4530 toward the face heel edge 2750 to a fourth transition portion 4509 connecting the fifth portion 4512 to the third portion 4508 . can contain. Thus, rear groove 4500 is partially similar in configuration to rear groove 3500 , except for the discontinuity defined by gap 4540 between first end portion 4520 and second end portion 4530 . , may extend continuously to the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 46, face portion 2062 includes first portion 4604, first transition portion 4605, second portion 4606, second transition portion 4607, and third transition portion 4608. may include a rear groove 4600 having a . The back groove 4600 can also include a first terminal portion 4620 that can be at or near the face-sole edge 2790 and a second terminal portion 4630 that can be at or near the face-sole edge 2790 . The first terminal portion 4620 may be closer to the face-to-wedge 2740 than the face-heel edge 2750 and the second terminal portion 4630 may be closer to the face-heel edge 2750 than the face-to-wedge 2740 . Rear groove 4600 further extends from first terminal portion 4620 toward face-to-wedge 2740 to a third transition portion 4603 that connects fourth portion 4601 to first portion 4604. 4601 and a fifth portion 4612 extending from the second terminal portion 4630 toward the face heel edge 2750 to a fourth transition portion 4609 connecting the fifth portion 4612 to the third portion 4608. can contain. Thus, rear groove 4600 is partially similar in configuration to rear groove 3600, except for the discontinuity defined by gap 4640 between first end portion 4620 and second end portion 4630. , may extend continuously to the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 47, face portion 2062 may include first rear groove 4710 and second rear groove 4720 . First rear groove 4710 can include first end portion 4712 , first portion 4714 , transition portion 4715 , second portion 4716 , and second end portion 4718 . The first back groove 4710 may be closer to the face toe edge 2740 than to the face heel edge 2750 . Second rear groove 4720 can include first end portion 4722 , first portion 4724 , transition portion 4725 , second portion 4726 , and second end portion 4728 . The second rear groove 4720 may be closer to the face heel edge 2750 than the face toe edge 2740 . All or a significant portion of first posterior groove 4710 and second posterior groove 4720 may be closer to face top edge 2780 than face sole edge 2790 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 48, face portion 2062 may include first rear groove 4810 and second rear groove 4820 . First rear groove 4810 includes first end portion 4812, first portion 4814, first transition portion 4815, second portion 4816, second transition portion 4817, and second end portion 4818. obtain. The first rear groove 4810 may be closer to the face top edge 2780 than to the face sole edge 2790 . Second rear groove 4820 can include first end portion 4822 , first portion 4824 , transition portion 4825 , second portion 4826 , second transition portion 4827 , and second end portion 4828 . The second rear groove 4820 may be closer to the face sole edge 2790 than the face top edge 2780 . Further, each of the first rear groove 4810 and the second rear groove 4820 may extend from or near the face toe edge 2740 to or near the face heel edge 2750 . The first back groove 4810 may be proximate to and contour to the face toe edge 2740, the face top edge 2780, and the face heel edge 2750. As shown in FIG. A second dorsal groove 4820 may be proximate to and contour to face toe edge 2740, face sole edge 2790, and face heel edge 2750. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 49, the face portion 2062 includes a rear groove 4900 that may be similar in many respects to the rear groove 3500, except for a first end portion 4902 and a second end portion 4910. It's okay. Returning to the illustrated example of FIG. 35, first end portion 3502 and second end portion 3510 may be circular and may have any diameter as described herein. In another example, as shown in FIG. 49, first end portion 4902 may be circular with a larger diameter than first end portion 3502 of FIG. In another example, as shown in FIG. 49, the second end portion 4910 can have an obround shape (ie, a rectangle with semicircles on opposite sides). In another example (not shown), first end portion 4902 and/or second end portion 4910 may have an elliptical shape. In another example (not shown), first end portion 4902 and/or second end portion 4910 may have a triangular shape with rounded vertices. In yet another example (not shown), the first termination portion 4902, the second termination portion 4910, and/or any rear groove termination portion described herein may be a face portion at or near the rear groove. It may have any shape and/or any shape without sharp corners or vertices so as to eliminate or reduce areas of stress concentration on 2062 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 50, face portion 2062 may include first rear groove 5010 and second rear groove 5020 . First rear groove 5010 can include first end portion 5012 , first portion 5014 , first transition portion 5015 , second portion 5016 , and second end portion 5018 . The first back groove 5010 may be closer to the face toe edge 2740 than to the face heel edge 2750 . Second rear groove 5020 can include first end portion 5022 , first portion 5024 , transition portion 5025 , second portion 5026 , and second end portion 5028 . The second back groove 5020 may be closer to the face heel edge 2750 than the face toe edge 2740 . Further, each of the first posterior groove 5010 and the second posterior groove 5020 may extend from a position at or near the face top edge 2780 to a position at or near the face sole edge 2790 . The first dorsal groove 5010 may be proximate to and contour to the face top edge 2780, face toe edge 2740, and face sole edge 2790. A second dorsal groove 5020 may be proximate to and contour to face top edge 2780, face heel edge 2750, and face sole edge 2790. As shown in FIG. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 51, face portion 2062 includes first end portion 5102, first portion 5104, first transition portion 5105, second portion 5106, second transition portion 5107, It may include a rear groove 5100 having a third portion 5108 and a second terminal portion 5110 . The posterior groove 5100 may extend proximate the face top edge 2780, the face heel edge 2750, and the face sole edge 2790 and along their contours. First termination portion 5102 may be at or near face top edge 2780 and face to wedge 2740, and second termination portion 5110 may be at or near face heel edge 2790 and face to wedge 2740. may be close. Thus, the rear groove 5100 extends from the face top edge 2780 to the face sole edge 2790 at or near the face to wedge 2740 between the first terminal portion 5102 and the second terminal portion 5110 . It does not have to include elongated parts. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 52, face portion 2062 includes first end portion 5202, first portion 5204, first transition portion 5205, second portion 5206, second transition portion 5207, It may include a rear groove 5200 having a third portion 5208 and a second terminal portion 5210 . The posterior groove 5200 may extend proximate to the face top edge 2780, the face toe edge 2740, and the face sole edge 2790 and along their contours. First terminal portion 5202 may be at or near face top edge 2780 and face heel edge 2750 , and second terminal portion 5210 may be at or near face sole edge 2790 and face heel edge 2750 . can be close. Thus, the rear groove 5200 extends from the face top edge 2780 to the face sole edge 2790 at or near the face heel edge 2750 between the first terminal portion 5202 and the second terminal portion 5210 . It does not have to include elongated parts. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 53, face portion 2062 includes first end portion 5302, first portion 5304, first transition portion 5305, second portion 5306, second transition portion 5307, A rear groove 5300 having a third portion 5308 and a second terminal portion 5310 may be included. The dorsal groove 5300 may extend proximate to the face toe edge 2740 , the face sole edge 2790 and the face heel edge 2750 . First termination portion 5302 may be at or near face top edge 2780 and face to wedge 2740, and second termination portion 5310 may be at or near face top edge 2780 and face to wedge 2740. may be close. Thus, the rear groove 5300 extends from the face-to-wedge 2740 to the face-heel edge 2750 at or near the face-top edge 2780 between the first terminal portion 5302 and the second terminal portion 5310 . It does not have to include elongated parts. As shown in FIG. 53, the rear grooves 5300 can be similar in many respects to the rear grooves 3500, but compared to the rear grooves 3500, can be in an inverted configuration on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062. As shown in FIG. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 54, face portion 2062 includes first portion 5404, first transition portion 5405, second portion 5406, second transition portion 5407, and third portion 5408. may include a rear groove 5400 having a The back groove 5400 can also include a first terminating portion 5420 that can be at or near the face top edge 2780 and a second terminating portion 5430 that can be at or near the face top edge 2780 . The first end portion 5420 may be closer to the face-to-wedge 2740 than the face-to-heel edge 2750 and the second end portion 5430 may be closer to the face-heel edge 2750 than the face-to-wedge 2740 . As shown in FIG. 54, the rear grooves 5400 can be similar in many respects to the rear grooves 4600, but can be of an inverted configuration on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 compared to the rear grooves 4600. As shown in FIG. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 55, the face portion 2062 includes a first portion 5504, a first transition portion 5505, a second portion 5506, a second transition portion 5507, a third portion 5508, a third It may include a rear groove 5500 having a transition portion 5510 , a fourth portion 5512 , and a fourth transition portion 5514 , all of which may define a continuous rear groove 5500 . The dorsal groove 5500 can be similar in many respects to the dorsal groove 4300 except that the fourth portion 5512 can have a convex shape with respect to the face-sole edge 2790 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 56, the face portion 2062 includes a first portion 5604, a first transition portion 5605, a second portion 5606, a second transition portion 5607, a third portion 5608, a third It may include a rear groove 5600 having a transition portion 5610 , a fourth portion 5612 , and a fourth transition portion 5614 , all of which may define a continuous rear groove 5600 . The dorsal groove 5600 can be similar in many respects to the dorsal groove 3600 except that the fourth portion 5612 can have a concave shape with respect to the face-sole edge 2790 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 57, face portion 2062 includes first end portion 5702, first portion 5704, first transition portion 5705, second portion 5706, second transition portion 5707, A rear groove 5700 having a third portion 5708 and a second terminal portion 5710 may be included. Rear groove 5700 may be similar in many respects to rear groove 3500 , except that rear groove width 5720 of second portion 5706 may be greater than rear groove width 5720 of the remainder of rear groove 5700 . In another example, any one or more of first portion 5704, second portion 5706, and third portion 5708 can have similar or different back groove widths and/or back groove depths. Any of the back grooves described herein can have portions with different or similar back groove widths and/or back groove depths. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 58, face portion 2062 includes first portion 5804, first transition portion 5805, second portion 5806, second transition portion 5807, third portion 5808, third portion 5808, and third portion 5808. The rear groove 5800 may include three transition portions 5810 , a fourth portion 5812 , and a fourth transition portion 5814 , all of which may define a continuous rear groove 5800 . Back groove 5800 is similar in many respects to back groove 3600, except that back groove width 5820 of second portion 5806 can vary between first transition portion 5805 and second transition portion 5807. can. As shown in the example of FIG. 58, the back groove width 5820 gradually increases in the direction from the first transition portion 5805 toward the second transition portion 5807 to a maximum back groove width 5822, and the position of the maximum back groove width 5822 to the second transition portion 5807. Any portion of any of the rear grooves described herein may increase, decrease in a continuous (i.e., gradual), or increase, decrease in a discrete (i.e., stepwise increase or decrease) manner. It may have portions with different or similar back groove widths and/or back groove depths. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 59, face portion 2062 may include first rear groove 5900 and second rear groove 5950 . First rear groove 5900 includes a first terminal portion 5902, a first portion 5904, a first transition portion 5905, a second portion 5906, a second transition portion 5907, a third portion 5908, and a second can include a terminating portion 5910 of the . First rear groove 5900 can be similar in many respects to rear groove 3500 . A second rear groove 5950 extends between a first end portion 5902 and a second end portion 5910 and comprises a second groove first end portion 5952, a second groove portion 5954, and a second end portion 5960 of the second groove. Second groove first end portion 5952 may be proximate first end portion 5902 and second groove second end portion 5960 may be proximate second end portion 5910 . good. FIG. 59 shows examples of multiple rear grooves positioned on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 in different configurations. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 60, the face portion 2062 includes a first portion 6004, a first transition portion 6005, a second portion 6006, a second transition portion 6007, a third portion 6008, a The rear groove 6000 may include three transition portions 6010 , a fourth portion 6012 , and a fourth transition portion 6014 , all of which may define a continuous rear groove 6000 . Rear groove 6000 may be similar in many respects to rear groove 6000 and further includes fifth portion 6016 and sixth portion 6018, both of which are first portion 6004 and third portion. 6008 and can extend from the second portion 6006 to the fourth portion 6012 . Fifth portion 6016 may be closer to face toe edge 2740 than to face heel edge 2750 . Sixth portion 6018 may be closer to face heel edge 2750 than face toe edge 2740 . Rear groove 6000 includes first portion 6004, first transition portion 6005, second portion 6006, second transition portion 6007, third portion 6008, third transition portion 6010, fourth portion 6012, and/or may include any groove portion extending between and/or connecting any two adjacent or opposing pairs of fourth transition portions 6014 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 61, face portion 2062 includes first end portion 6102, first portion 6104, first transition portion 6105, second portion 6106, second transition portion 6107, It may include a rear groove 6100 having a third portion 6108 and a second terminal portion 6110 . The posterior groove 5700 may be similar in many respects to the posterior groove 3500 and further includes a fifth portion 6114 and a sixth portion 6116, both of which are the second portion 6106 and the face-sole edge 2790. and may extend from the first portion 6104 and the third portion 6108 . Fifth portion 6114 may be closer to face top edge 2780 than face sole edge 2700 . The sixth portion 6116 may be closer to the face sole edge 2790 than the face top edge 2780 . The back groove 6100 may include a first terminal portion 6102, a first portion 6104, a first transition portion 6105, a second portion 6106, a second transition portion 6107, a third portion 6108, and/or a second Any groove portion extending between and/or connecting between any two adjacent or opposing pairs of end portions 6110 may be included. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 62, face portion 2062 may include first rear groove 6200 and second rear groove 6230 . A first posterior groove 6200 may extend diagonally to the posterior surface 2066 of the face portion 2062, with a first terminal portion 6202 positioned proximate the face to wedge 2740 and the face top edge 2780, and the face It includes a second terminal portion 6206 positioned proximate heel edge 2750 and face-sole edge 2790 and a groove portion 6204 connecting first terminal portion 6202 and second terminal portion 6206 . A second dorsal groove 6230 may extend diagonally to the dorsal surface 2066 of the face portion 2062, with a first terminal portion 6232 positioned proximate the face toe wedge 2740 and the face sole edge 2790, and the face It includes a second terminal portion 6236 positioned proximate the heel edge 2750 and the face top edge 2780 and a groove portion 6234 connecting the first terminal portion 6232 and the second terminal portion 6236 . The groove portion 6204 of the first rear groove 6200 and the groove portion 6234 of the second rear groove 6230 may intersect at a common groove portion 6220 that may be located at or near the central region of the face portion 2062 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 63, face portion 2062 may lie within the bounds of face portion 2062 defined by face toe edge 2740, face heel edge 2750, face top edge 2780, and face sole edge 2790. It may also include a rear groove 6300 that may be circular with an inner diameter 6302 . A rear groove 6300 may be located in the central region of the face portion 2062, as shown in the example of FIG. In another example, rear groove 6300 may be anywhere on rear surface 2066 of face portion 2062 . In another example, the rear grooves 6300 may include multiple separate or overlapping circular grooves on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion. In yet another example, the rear grooves 6300 can include a plurality of separate and concentric circular grooves in the rear surface 2066 of the face portion. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 64, face portion 2062 is elliptical and defined by face toe edge 2740, face heel edge 2750, face top edge 2780, and face sole edge 2790. may include a rear groove 6400 that may be located within the boundaries of . A central portion of the rear groove 6400 may be located in the central region of the face portion 2062, as shown in the example of FIG. In another example, rear groove 6400 may be anywhere on rear surface 2066 of face portion 2062 . In another example, the rear grooves 6400 may include a plurality of separate or overlapping elliptical grooves on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion. In yet another example, the rear grooves 6400 may include a plurality of separate or concentric or nested elliptical grooves on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 65, face portion 2062 includes first portion 6504, first transition portion 6505, second portion 6506, second transition portion 6507, and third portion 6508. can include a rear groove 6500 with a Rear groove 6500 may be similar in many respects to rear groove 3500 , except rear groove 6500 does not include first end portion 3502 and second end portion 3510 of rear groove 3500 . First portion 6504 and third portion 6508 extend to face sole edge 2790 . Similarly, any portion of any back groove discussed herein may extend to face toe edge 2740 , face heel edge 2750 , face top edge 2780 , or face sole edge 2790 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In yet another example, as shown in FIG. 66, the face portion 2062 can include a rear groove 6600 with a curved shape that can be concave with respect to the face sole edge 2790. As shown in FIG. The back groove 6600 is continuous from a first groove end 6602 at the face-sole edge 2790 and adjacent the face-toe edge 2740 to a second groove end 6610 at the face-sole edge 2790 and adjacent the face-heel edge 2750. can extend. Similarly, any portion of any dorsal groove discussed herein may have any straight or curved shape and extend to face toe edge 2740, face heel edge 2750, face top edge 2780, or face sole edge 2790. can exist. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Any one or more of the rear grooves shown in the examples of FIGS. 13, 35, 36, and 43-66 or the Any one or more portions of the rear grooves may be combined to provide other rear groove configurations. In one example, back surface 2066 of face portion 2062 may include either or both of back grooves 6200, 6230 of FIG. 62 in combination with back groove 64 of FIG. In another example, the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can include the back groove 3600 of FIG. 36 and the back groove 6300 of FIG. In another example, the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 may include rear groove portions 4710, 4720 of FIG. 47 and rear groove portion 5950 of FIG. In another example, the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 may include the rear groove 6500 of FIG. 65 and the rear groove portion 5950 of FIG. In yet another example, the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 may include either or both of the rear grooves 5010, 5020 of FIG. 50 and the rear groove 6300 of FIG. Thus, any one or more of the back grooves or any one or more portions of each back groove discussed herein and shown in FIGS. 13, 35, 36, and 43-66 can be combined to provide any configuration of rear groove portions on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

As shown in the examples of FIGS. 13, 35, 36, and 43-66, back surface 2066 of face portion 2062 may have any configuration to provide golf club 2000 with particular performance characteristics. number of rear grooves. As described herein, the area of face portion 2062 that may be partially or completely surrounded by one or more rear grooves (i.e., partially or completely joined by the rear groove portions) is hits the face portion 2062, it may exhibit greater deflection than the area of the face portion 2062 surrounding the back groove. Thus, specific face deflection characteristics can be achieved by providing specific back groove characteristics. In one example, referring back to FIG. 50, the portion of the face portion 2062 surrounded by the first rear groove 5010 and the portion of the face portion 2062 surrounded by the second rear groove 5020 are each a central region of the face portion 2062. can have greater deflection. In another example, referring back to FIG. 51, the portion of the face portion 2062 surrounded by the back groove 5100 flexes more at locations nearer the face heel edge 2750 than the portion of the back groove 5100 closer to the face toe wedge 2740. can have In another example, referring back to FIG. 54, the portion of face portion 2062 surrounded by back groove 5400 is greater near face sole edge 2790 than the portion of back groove 5400 near face top edge 2780. can have deflection. In yet another example, referring back to FIG. 62, the maximum deflection of face portion 2062 can be at or near common groove portion 6220 . Accordingly, each of the rear groove configurations illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 13, 35, 36, and 43-66 can provide specific performance characteristics to the golf club head. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Golf club head 2000 may be manufactured by any method described herein, such as the method shown in FIG. 14 or the method described in any of the applications incorporated by reference. The back grooves may be manufactured together with the face portion, or the grooves, channels, slots, slits, depressions, dimples, recesses, or generally part of the object may be created after the face portion is manufactured. The face portion may be formed in any manner that reduces thickness. For example, a rear groove may be machined into the back surface of the face portion. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Any of the golf club heads described herein may be iron-based golf club heads (e.g., 1-iron, 2-iron, 3-iron, 4-iron, 5-iron, 6-iron, 7-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron, etc.), or wedge-type golf club heads (e.g., pitching wedge, lob wedge, sand wedge, n-degree wedges such as 44° (degrees), 48°, 52°, 56°, 60°, etc.) ). Although particular types of club heads have been illustrated and described, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be used with other types of club heads (e.g., driver-based club heads, fairway wood-based club heads, hybrid club heads, etc.). system club heads, putter system club heads, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

The body portion and/or face portion of any golf club head described herein may be made of steel-based materials (eg, 17-4PH stainless steel, Nitronic® 50 stainless steel, alloy steel 8620, maraging steel, or other types of stainless steel), titanium-based materials, aluminum-based materials (e.g., high-strength aluminum alloys, or composite aluminum alloys coated with high-strength alloys), any combination thereof, non-metallic materials, composite materials, and/or made partially or completely of other suitable types of materials. The body portion and/or face portion may be constructed of materials similar to any body portion and/or face portion described herein or in any of the publications incorporated by reference. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any golf club head described herein can be greater than or equal to 330 mm ² and less than or equal to 5000 mm ² . In another example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any golf club head described herein may be greater than or equal to 1000 mm ² and less than or equal to 5300 mm ² . In yet another example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any golf club head described herein may be greater than or equal to 1500 mm ² and less than or equal to 4800 mm ² . Although the above examples describe specific areas, the area of the front face can be larger or smaller than those figures. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

In one example, the filler material described herein can be a resilient polymeric or elastomeric material (e.g., Sorbothane® available from Sorbothane Inc. of Kent, Ohio) that can absorb shock, isolate vibration, and/or attenuate noise. viscoelastic urethane polymer materials such as (trademark) materials), thermoplastic elastomer materials (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane materials (TPU), other polymeric materials, binders (e.g., adhesives), and/or other suitable types may contain materials of In another example, the filler material can be one or more thermoset polymers (eg, one or more adhesives or epoxy materials) that have bonding properties. The material may also absorb impact, isolate vibration, and/or attenuate noise when striking a golf ball with the golf club heads described herein. Additionally, the filler material may be an epoxy material that may be flexible or slightly flexible when cured. In another example, the filler material is the 3M ^™ Scotch-Weld ^™ DP100 family of epoxy adhesives manufactured by 3M Corporation of St. Paul, Minnesota (e.g., 3M ^™ Scotch-Weld ^™ Epoxy Adhesives DP100, DP100 Plus, DP100NS, DP100FR). In another example, the filler material can include 3M ^™ Scotch-Weld ^™ DP100 Plus Clear adhesive. In another example, the filler material is a low viscosity organic solvent-based solution and/or polymer, such as MEGUM ^™ , ROBOND ^™ , and/or THIXON ^™ materials available from The Dow Chemical Company of Auburn Hills, Michigan. It may contain dispersions of other reactive chemicals. In yet another example, the filler material can be LOCTITE® manufactured by Henkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Connecticut. In another example, the filler material can be a polymeric material, such as an ethylene copolymer material, that can absorb impact, isolate vibration, and/or attenuate noise when a golf ball is struck with the golf club head. good. In another example, the filler material includes high density ethylene copolymer ionomers, fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomers, high amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomers, ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer ionomers, magnesium ionomers. Ethylene Copolymer, Injection Moldable Ethylene Copolymer Used in Conventional Injection Molding Equipment to Create Various Shapes, Ethylene Copolymer for Use in Conventional Extrusion Equipment to Create Various Shapes, Thermosetting Polybutadiene Rubber high compressibility and low resilience ethylene copolymers similar to material, and filler. For example, ethylene copolymers are available from E.I. I. DuPont ^™ High Performance Resins (HPF) family of materials from du Pont de Nemours and Company (e.g., DuPont ^™ HPF AD1172, DuPont ^™ HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000, and DuPont ^™ HPF 200 0) related can include any ethylene copolymer that The DuPont ^™ family of ethylene copolymers are injection moldable using conventional injection molding equipment and molds to provide low compressibility and high rebound, i.e., relatively high coefficient of restitution (COR). can be done. In another example, any one or more of the filler materials described herein can be formed from one or more metals or metal alloys, such as aluminum, copper, zinc, and/or titanium. Filler materials not specifically detailed herein may include one or more similar or different types of materials described herein and in any of the publications incorporated by reference. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Any filler material described herein may be subjected to different processes during the manufacture of any golf club head described herein. Such processes include one or more filler materials that are heated and/or cooled by conduction, convection, and/or heat dissipation during one or more injection molding processes or post-injection curing processes. can contain. For example, all heating and cooling processes are performed using a heating or cooling system that uses a conveyor belt to move the golf club head described herein through a heating or cooling environment for the period of time described herein. can be The process of manufacturing a golf club head with one or more filler materials can be similar to any process described in any of the publications incorporated by reference. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Although each of the above examples describes a particular type of golf club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein can be used with other types of golf club heads (e.g., driver-based golf club heads, fairway wood type golf club heads, hybrid type golf club heads, iron type golf club heads, putter type golf club heads, etc.).

Procedures established by golf standards bodies and/or governing bodies, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and/or The Golf Association of Great Britain (R&A), determine the club head volume of any golf club head described herein. can be used to measure For example, club head volume can be determined using a weighted water displacement method (ie, Archimedes' principle). Although the figures show particular types of club heads (e.g., driver-based club heads or iron-based club heads), the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be used with other types of club heads (e.g., fairway club heads). wood type club heads, hybrid type club heads, putter type club heads, etc.). Accordingly, any golf club head described herein may have a volume within a volume range corresponding to a particular type of golf club head as defined by a golf governing body. A driver-based club head may have a club head volume of 300 cubic centimeters (cm ³ or cc) or greater. In another example, a driver-based club head may have a club head volume of 460cc. A fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume of between 100cc and 300cc. In one example, a fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume of 180cc. An iron-based golf club head may have a club head volume of between 25cc and 100cc. In one example, an iron-based golf club head may have a club head volume of 50cc. Any of the golf clubs described herein may have the physical properties of a particular type of golf club (i.e., drivers, fairway woods, irons, etc.), but have volumes outside the above ranges. good too. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Any golf club head and/or golf club described herein may have linear motion (e.g., acceleration) and/or force in all three axes of motion and/or rotational motion in all three axes of motion. (eg, respective accelerations) and rotational forces (eg, accelerometers, strain gauges, etc.). In one example, the one or more sensors may be internal sensors that may be located inside the golf club head, hosel, shaft, and/or grip. In another example, the one or more sensors may be external sensors that may be located on the grip, shaft, hosel, and/or golf club head. In yet another example, the one or more sensors may be external sensors that may be attached to the grip, shaft, hosel, and/or golf club head by the individual. In one example, any one or any of the golf club heads and/or golf clubs described herein may use data collected from sensors to provide specific or optimal performance characteristics. Multiple design parameters can be determined. In another example, data from sensors can be collected during play to assess an individual's performance. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Any of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include one or more visual identifiers such as alphanumeric characters, colors, images, symbols, logos, and/or geometric shapes. . For example, the one or more visual identifiers may be golf club head (eg, cast or molded into golf club head), painted onto golf club head, etched onto golf club head (eg, laser etched), golf club head machined into the golf club head; affixed to the golf club head with a separate badge or sticker (e.g., adhesive, welded, brazed, mechanically locked, or any combination thereof); Multiple portions of the golf club head may be manufactured, such as any combination. The visual identifier may be made of the same material as the golf club head or a different material than the golf club head (eg, a plastic badge adhesively attached to the golf club head). Additionally, the visual identifier may be associated with manufacturing and/or branding information of the golf club head, type of golf club head, one or more physical characteristics of the golf club head, or combinations thereof. In particular, the visual identifier may include brand identifiers (eg, trademarks, trade names, logos, etc.) associated with the manufacture of the golf club head, or other information regarding the manufacturer. Additionally or alternatively, the visual identifier may include the location (eg, country of origin), date of manufacture of the golf club or golf club head, or both.

The visual identifier may include the serial number of the golf club or golf club head and may be used for authenticity checks to determine if the golf club or golf club head is counterfeit. The serial number may also include other alphanumeric-encoded information about the golf club head (eg, country of origin, date of manufacture of the golf club, or both). In another example, the visual identifier may include a category or type of golf club head (eg, 5-iron, 7-iron, pitching wedge, etc.). In yet another example, the visual identifier is one or more of materials of manufacture (e.g., a visual identifier for "Titanium" indicating the use of titanium in a golf club head), loft angle, face portion characteristics, mass portion (e.g., a "Tungsten" visual identifier to indicate the use of a mass of tungsten in a golf club head), internal cavity and fill material properties (e.g., to indicate that the internal cavity is filled with a polymeric material (one or more abbreviations, phrases or words), any other information that may visually indicate any physical or playing characteristic of the golf club head, or any combination thereof. It may exhibit one or more physical properties. Additionally, the one or more visual identifiers can provide a decorative design or contribute to the appearance of the golf club or golf club head.

Any golf club head described herein may be manufactured by casting from a metal such as steel. However, other techniques for manufacturing the golf club heads described herein may be used, such as 3D printing or molding golf club heads from non-metallic materials such as metals or ceramics.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Although a particular order of actions is described herein with respect to one or more processes, these actions may be performed in other chronological orders. Moreover, two or more actions in any process described herein can be performed in series, concurrently or concurrently.

The terms "and" and "or" can have both conjunctive and disjunctive meanings. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless otherwise indicated in this disclosure. The term "coupled" and any variations thereof refers to chemically, mechanically, and/or otherwise directly or indirectly connecting two or more elements. The phrase "removably connected" is defined so that two elements that are "removably connected" can be separated from each other without destroying or impairing the usefulness of either element. be.

The term "substantially," when used to describe a feature, parameter, property, or value of an element, does not impair the feature, parameter, property, or value that the element seeks to provide. may represent no deviation or variation. Deviations or variations in element characteristics, parameters, properties, or values may be based, for example, on tolerances (tolerances), measurement errors, measurement accuracy limits, and other factors. The term "proximate" is synonymous with the terms "adjacent", "close", "immediate", "nearby", etc., which terms are may be used interchangeably as they appear in this disclosure.

Any ranges of values recited herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, individual values are incorporated herein as if individually recited herein. Numeric ranges defined using the word "between" are inclusive of the numbers at both ends of the numerical range. A spatial extent defined using the word "between" includes any point within the spatial extent and the boundaries of the spatial extent. A position expressed using the word "between" for two spaced apart or overlapping elements is defined as (i) any space between the elements, (ii) a portion of each element, (iii) Contains the bounds of each element.

The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended to be illustrative only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. No. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the embodiments discussed herein.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be understood as limitations. Each group element may be referred to or claimed individually or in any combination with other elements of the group or other elements described herein. One or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the modified group and thus satisfies all Markush group statements used in the appended claims.

Although different features or aspects of an embodiment may be described in terms of one or more features, a single feature may comprise multiple elements, and multiple features may be combined into one element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. can be combined with Additionally, although a method may be disclosed as comprising one or more operations, a single operation may comprise multiple steps, or multiple operations may be combined into one step without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. be able to.

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

The Rules of Golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted by golf standards bodies and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), The Golf Association of England (R&A), or old rules may be repealed or changed. As such, golf equipment associated with the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may or may not comply with the Rules of Golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, marketed and/or sold as compliant or non-compliant golf equipment. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Furthermore, although the above examples describe golf club heads, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are applicable to other suitable types of golf club heads, such as fishing rods, hockey sticks, ski poles, tennis rackets, and the like. It can be applied to sporting goods.

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

1 illustrates a golf club head having a golf club for any of the embodiments of apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 1 is a perspective rear view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a golf club head, shown without a face portion, for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. FIG. 4 is another perspective front view of the golf club head shown without the face portion for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 4 is another perspective front view of the golf club head shown without the face portion for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; 10-10 of FIG. 2 of the golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 2 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 2 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 1 is a rear view of the face portion of a golf club head for any of the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 1A-1D illustrate a method of manufacturing an exemplary golf club head described herein; 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary face portion of a golf club head for embodiments of apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary face portion of a golf club head for embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 1 is a top view of a mass portion of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary mass portion of a golf club head for embodiments of apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of another exemplary mass portion of a golf club head for embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; 1 is a front view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 1 is a rear view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. FIG. 4 is another rear view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; 1A and 1B are top and toe views of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; 1 is a view from the toe side of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 1 is a heel-side view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 23 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 23 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 23 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 21 is a mass portion of the golf club head of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; 21 is the face portion of the golf club head of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; 21 is the face portion of the golf club head of FIG. 20 for another embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; Figure 29 is an enlarged view of area 37 of Figure 28; 30 is an enlarged view of area 38 of FIG. 29; FIG. 21 is a pictorial representation of experimental results for the golf club head of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 21 is a pictorial representation of experimental results for the golf club head of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 21 is a pictorial representation of experimental results for the golf club head of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 21 is a pictorial representation of experimental results for the golf club head of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; FIG. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 10 is a face portion for some embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

Claims (20)

An internal cavity, a toe portion with a toe edge, a heel portion with a heel edge, a front portion, a back portion with a back wall portion, a top portion with a top edge, and a sole with a sole edge. a body portion having a portion;
a filling material within the internal cavity;
a face portion coupled to the front portion to seal the internal cavity, the golf club head comprising:
The face portion is
a front surface configured to strike a golf ball;
a back surface opposite the front surface;
a face perimeter defined by a face toe edge, a face heel edge, a face top edge, and a face sole edge;
a first back groove in the back surface located near the face toe wedge and extending from a location at or near the face top edge toward the face sole edge;
a second rear groove in the rear surface located near the face top edge and extending from a position at or near the face toe edge to a position at or near the face heel edge;
a third rear groove in the rear surface located near the face heel edge and extending from a location at or near the face top edge toward the face sole edge;
The first rear groove and the second rear groove or the second rear groove and the third rear groove are connected,
A golf club head, wherein said first rear groove, said second rear groove, and said third rear groove are at least partially filled with said filler material. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein
The golf club head, wherein the first back groove extends vertically from a position at or near the face top edge to a position at or near the face sole edge. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein
The first back groove extends from a location at or near the face top edge to a location at or near the face sole edge along a path that resembles or substantially resembles the contour of the face to wedge. A golf club head characterized by: The golf club head of claim 1, wherein
The second rear groove extends from a location at or near the face toe edge to a location at or near the face heel edge along a path similar or substantially similar to the contour of the face top edge. ,
The third rear groove extends from a location at or near the face top edge to a location at or near the face sole edge along a path similar or substantially similar to the contour of the face heel edge. A golf club head characterized by: The golf club head of claim 1, wherein
further comprising a fourth back groove in the back surface located near the face sole edge and extending from a location at or near the face toe edge to a location at or near the face heel edge; golf club head. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein
A golf club head, wherein the first rear groove, the second rear groove, or the third rear groove includes an end portion having a shape without sharp corners or vertices. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein
said first rear groove connected to said second rear groove through a curved first rear groove transition portion;
The golf club head of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second rear groove portion is connected to the third rear groove portion via a curved second rear groove transition portion. an internal cavity, a toe portion with a toe edge, a heel portion with a heel edge, a back portion with a back wall portion, a top portion with a top edge, a sole portion with a sole edge, and a face. A golf club head comprising: a body portion having a front portion having a portion;
The face portion is
a front surface configured to strike a golf ball;
a plurality of front grooves in the front surface, each front groove having a front groove depth and a front groove width;
a back surface facing the internal cavity;
a face perimeter defined by a face toe edge, a face heel edge, a face top edge, and a face sole edge;
a plurality of rear grooves on the rear surface of the face portion, each rear groove of the plurality of rear grooves having a rear groove depth and a rear groove width;
The plurality of rear grooves are
a first rear groove located near the first portion of the face perimeter and extending in the same or substantially the same direction as the first portion of the face perimeter;
A second portion of the face perimeter positioned proximate a second portion of the face perimeter adjacent to the first portion of the face perimeter and extending in the same or substantially the same direction as the second portion of the face perimeter. 2 back grooves,
a back groove transition having a curvature and connecting the first back groove and the second back groove;
the depth of the front groove is greater than the depth of the rear groove,
A golf club head, wherein the width of the groove on the back surface is larger than the width of the groove on the front surface. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein
A golf club head, wherein each rear groove of said plurality of rear grooves is at least partially filled with a polymeric material. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein
The first portion of the face peripheral portion is one of the face top edge and the face sole edge, and the second portion of the face peripheral portion is the face top edge. golf club head. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein
The first portion of the face periphery is one of the face top edge and the face sole edge, and the second portion of the face periphery is the face heel edge. golf club head. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein
positioned proximate a third portion of the face perimeter adjacent to the first portion of the face perimeter and extending in the same or substantially the same direction as the third portion of the face perimeter; further comprising a third rear groove;
The first portion of the face perimeter is one of the face top edge and the face sole edge, the second portion of the face perimeter is the face toe edge, and the face perimeter is the face perimeter. The golf club head, wherein the third portion of the section is the face heel edge. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein
A golf club head, wherein the first rear groove portion or the second rear groove portion includes an end portion having a shape without sharp corners or vertices. A toe part with a toe part edge, a heel part with a heel part edge, a back part with a back wall part, a top part with a top part edge, a sole part with a sole part edge, and a front part with a face part A golf club head comprising a hollow body portion having a portion;
The face portion is
a front surface configured to strike a golf ball;
back and
a first peripheral side defined by the face top edge; a second peripheral side defined by the face heel edge; a third peripheral side defined by the face top edge; a face perimeter comprising four peripheral sides;
a plurality of rear grooves on the rear surface of the face portion;
at least two of the plurality of back grooves extend to the back surface of the face near at least two of the four peripheral sides of the face;
The at least two rear grooves of the plurality of rear grooves extend along a path similar or substantially similar to the contours of the at least two peripheral side surfaces of the four peripheral side surfaces of the face portion. extending to the back surface of the face portion;
A golf club head, wherein said at least two rear grooves of said plurality of rear grooves are connected to said rear surface of said face portion to form a continuous rear groove. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein
One of the plurality of back grooves is located near the face toe wedge and extends vertically from a position at or near the face top edge to a position at or near the face sole edge. A golf club head characterized by: 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein
One of the plurality of back grooves is positioned proximate to the face to wedge and is characterized by extending along a path similar or substantially similar to the contour of the face to wedge. golf club head. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein
at least three of the plurality of back grooves extend to the back surface of the face near at least three of the four peripheral sides of the face;
The at least three rear grooves of the plurality of rear grooves extend along a path similar or substantially similar to the contours of the at least three peripheral side surfaces of the four peripheral side surfaces of the face portion. extending to the back surface of the face portion;
A golf club head, wherein said at least three rear grooves of said plurality of rear grooves are connected to said rear surface of said face portion so as to form a continuous rear groove. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein
at least four rear grooves of the plurality of rear grooves extend to the rear surface of the face near the four peripheral sides of the face;
The at least four rear grooves of the plurality of rear grooves extend to the rear surface of the face along a path similar or substantially similar to contours of the four peripheral side surfaces of the face. ,
A golf club head, wherein said at least four rear grooves of said plurality of rear grooves are connected to said rear surface of said face portion to form a continuous rear groove. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein
A golf club head, wherein at least one back groove of said plurality of back grooves includes an end portion having a shape without sharp corners or vertices. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein
wherein the plurality of back grooves includes a curved back groove transition;
The golf club head, wherein the at least two of the plurality of back grooves are connected via the back groove transition.

Images