JP2023505066A - multi-element golf club head - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of a golf club head is disclosed that includes a first component and a second component coupled together to enclose a hollow interior. The first component comprises at least a striking face, a striking face return and a rear extension. In some embodiments, the first component also includes a weight channel at the rear end and one or more braces attached to the striking face return and rear extension. The second component has a crown portion, a sole toe portion, and a sole heel portion. The density of the second component is less than the density of the first component. In some embodiments, the first component mass is 85% to 96% of the mass of the golf club head. [Selection drawing] Fig. 37

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to multi-element golf club heads and methods of making multi-element golf club heads.

In general, club head mass is the sum of structural mass and discretionary mass. Structural mass is minimized (without sacrificing resilience) in an ideal club design with a constant total swing weight, allowing for arbitrary placement of clubs to customize and maximize club performance. would provide the designer with ample discretionary mass for Structural mass generally refers to the mass of material required to provide the club head with structural resilience to withstand repeated impacts. Structural mass is highly design dependent and the designer has relatively little control over a particular mass distribution. Conversely, discretionary mass is any additional mass (beyond the minimum structural requirements) that may be added to the club head design solely to customize the performance and/or forgiveness of the club. The art provides means for maximizing discretionary weight to maximize club head moment of inertia (MOI) and lower/rear center of gravity (CG), providing options for golf ball flight maneuvers. Therefore, an alternative design to all metal golf club heads is needed.

Fig. 2 shows a rear view of the assembled golf club head;

FIG. 10B shows a bottom view of the assembled golf club head.

1 shows a front perspective view of an assembled golf club head; FIG.

1B shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head having a loft surface, a ground contact surface, and a Z-axis along line 1D-1D in FIG. 1B; FIG.

1 shows a front view of an assembled golf club head having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a hosel axis; FIG.

1 shows an assembled view and an exploded view of a golf club head; FIG.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the second component of the golf club head;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front inside view of a second component of the golf club head;

FIG. 4B illustrates a front inside view of a second component of a golf club head, according to one embodiment.

1 illustrates a front top view of a first component of a golf club head; FIG.

1 shows a top view of a first component of a golf club head; FIG.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the first component of the golf club head showing a mid-plane through the center of the strikeface parallel to the ground plane;

7 shows a cross-section of the first component of FIG. 6 along reference line 610 of FIG. 6;

Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the first component of Figure 6 along the reference line _VIIA - _VIIA of Figure 6;

Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the first component of Figure 6 along the reference line _VIIB - _VIIB of Figure 6;

FIG. 4B shows a bottom view of the first component of the golf club head.

FIG. 10B illustrates a bottom view of the mass of the rear extension of the sole portion of the first component of the golf club head.

FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged rear view of the mass of the rear extension of the sole portion of the first component of the golf club head.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mass of the rear extension of the sole portion of the first component of the golf club head.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sole portion rear extension mass of a first component of a golf club head with removable weight recesses and embedded weight recesses; FIG.

FIG. 10B shows a top view of a removable weight with threaded fasteners.

FIG. 10B shows a side perspective view of a removable weight with threaded fasteners.

1 shows a first component of a golf club head showing a cast support bar;

Figure 13 shows a side view of an embedded weight for fitting into the embedded weight recess of Figure 12;

Fig. 3 shows a top view of an embedded weight;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a golf club head according to a second embodiment;

18 shows a perspective view of a first component of the club head of FIG. 17; FIG.

Figure 19 shows a sole view of the first component of Figure 18 with a movable weight in a central position;

Figure 19 shows a sole view of the first component of Figure 18 with a moveable weight in the toe position;

19 shows a sole view of the first component of FIG. 18 with a moveable weight in the heel position; FIG.

18 shows an enlarged side view of a golf club head similar to the golf club head of FIG. 17 with a weight channel and moveable weight in a central position; FIG.

Figure 21 shows an enlarged rear view of the weight channel of Figure 20;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a straight rear sole extension, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a straight rear sole extension, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a straight rear sole extension, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having an angled rear sole extension, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having an angled rear sole extension, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a rear portion sole extension of varying width, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a rear portion sole extension of varying width, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a second component of a golf club head, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a second component of a golf club head, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a sole rear extension angled toward the toe side, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a sole rear extension angled toward the heel, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having an angled sole rear extension, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having an angled sole rear extension, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a return portion with an angled trailing edge, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a return portion with a trailing edge offset portion, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a crown perspective view of a first component of a golf club head with a crown and a sole return including a weight channel and a crown brace, according to one embodiment;

Figure 38 shows a side view of the first component of Figure 37;

Figure 38 shows a top view of the first component of Figure 37;

38 shows a front view of a segmented second component of a golf club head configured to couple to the first component of FIG. 37; FIG.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of a golf club head according to a third embodiment; FIG.

Figure 4 shows a second portion inner extension of an alternative embodiment of a golf club head;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head according to a fourth example embodiment with toe and heel skirt braces;

44 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 43; FIG.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head according to a fourth exemplary embodiment with toe and heel skirt braces and a crown brace;

46 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 45; FIG.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head according to a fourth example embodiment with toe and heel side crown braces attached to the sides of the sole extension;

48 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 47; FIG.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head according to a fourth exemplary embodiment with a toe and heel side crown brace centrally attached to the sole extension;

50 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 49; FIG.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head according to a fourth example embodiment with toe and heel side crown braces attached to the sides of the sole extension and toe and heel skirt braces;

53 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 52; FIG.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head according to a fourth example embodiment with parallel toe and heel side crown braces attached to the sides of the sole extension and toe and heel side skirt braces;

54 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 53; FIG.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head according to a fourth exemplary embodiment with crossed crown braces and toe and heel side skirt braces;

56 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 55; FIG.

FIG. 11B shows a top perspective view of a golf club head according to a fifth embodiment;

54 shows a sole perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 53; FIG.

54 shows a perspective view of a first component of the club head of FIG. 53; FIG.

54 shows an alternative exploded view of the golf club head of FIG. 53; FIG.

1 illustrates a first method of manufacturing a golf club head;

4 illustrates a second method of manufacturing a golf club head;

4 shows a third method of manufacturing a golf club head.

4 shows a simulated graph of rear weight relative vertical displacement after center impact for a series of test club head components;

65 shows a graph of rear weight relative vertical displacement after center impact for selected test club head components from the simulation of FIG.

FIG. 66 is an enlargement of the graph of FIG. 65;

4 shows a simulated graph of rear weight relative vertical displacement after toe impact for selected test club head components;

A hollow golf club head that includes two major components is described herein. The first component is metal. The second component is non-metallic. The second component may comprise a single portion or multiple portions. A metallic first component includes a striking portion and a sole extension. A non-metallic second component includes the rear portion of the crown and wraps around to include a portion of the sole as well. The first component includes the load-bearing or structural area of the golf club head and also includes most of the mass of the golf club head. The first component includes a rearwardly extending sole portion with most of the golf club mass in the rearmost portion of the extension and the first portion has a "T" shape when viewed from above. Form. The first component may further comprise a bridge or crown brace extending to the rear portion of the golf club head. This configuration provides discretionary mass that can be redistributed to improve center of gravity (CG) location and moment of inertia (MOI). Improved CG and MOI provide more accurate ball flight compared to traditional all metal golf club heads. The golf club heads discussed herein may include driver-type golf club heads, fairway-type golf club heads, or hybrid-type golf club heads.

The denser "T" shaped sole of the first component is coupled to the less dense second component of the wrapped crown to reduce the mass of the crown and reduce the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head. The mass properties can be optimized by shifting to lower. The weight saved from the second component can be redistributed to other locations on the golf club head to further optimize CG and increase MOI. The CG of the golf club head can move downward toward the rear of the golf club head including a first component and a second component, the second component being a first component having a constant density. a second material having a second density that is less than the density of the first material, compared to an alternative golf club head that includes only the material of .

In one or more embodiments, the club head is a hollow wood-type formed by joining a first component to a second component to form an enclosed internal volume therebetween. It may be a golf club head. The first component may include both the striking face and a portion of the sole, and may be formed from a metal or metal alloy. The second and third components may form at least a portion of the crown and may wrap around to form both the heel and toe portions of the sole. In this design, the metal first component extends between the polymeric heel portion of the sole and the polymeric toe portion of the sole.

"A", "an", "said", "at least one", and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. There may be more than one such item unless the terms are used interchangeably and the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values for parameters (e.g., amounts or terms) herein, including the appended claims, are in all instances, whether or not "about" actually appears before the numerical value, It should be understood to be modified by the term "about." "About" indicates that the numerical values set forth allow for some degree of imprecision (approximately or reasonably close to the value, with some approach to accuracy of the value; approximately). Where the imprecision provided by "about" is not understood in this ordinary sense in the art, "about" as used herein is the usual method of measuring and using such parameters. At least possible variations are shown. Also, the disclosure of ranges includes all values and subranges within the entire range. Each value within a range and the endpoints of the range are each disclosed herein as a separate embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of the stated items but do not exclude the presence of other items. As used herein, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items. Where the terms first, second, third, etc. are used to distinguish various items from each other, these designations are for convenience only and are not limiting of the items.

If any, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth", etc. in this specification and claims refer to similar elements. Used to distinguish and not necessarily to describe a particular order or chronological order, the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, e.g. It should be understood that the embodiments described in can operate in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and any variation thereof do not necessarily limit a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus comprising a list of elements to those elements, such processes, Non-exclusive inclusion is intended to include other elements not expressly listed in a method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

If any, the terms "left", "right", "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "upper", "lower", etc. in this specification and claims are Used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe permanent relative positions. The terms so used indicate that embodiments of the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein, for example, are illustrated or otherwise described herein. It should be understood to be interchangeable in appropriate circumstances, as can be operated in other orientations. For consistency and accuracy, all directional references used in this application assume that the referenced golf club head is horizontal and flat such that the predefined loft and lie angles of the head are achieved. It is assumed that it rests on solid ground. The "front" or "front portion" of a golf club head generally refers to the side of the golf club head (when viewed perpendicular to the ground) that includes the strike face of the golf club. Conversely, the rear portion of the club head can include the portion of the club behind the strike face and/or that follows the strike face at impact.

Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Before any embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail, the present disclosure should be understood in its application to the details or configurations and arrangements of components as set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. It should be understood that it is not limited to The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of particular embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure as it covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

I) First Embodiment of Golf Club Head

Embodiments of a golf club head (100) are described herein that include two components, a first component (300) and a second component (200). As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the golf club head includes a striking face (170), a return portion (177), a hosel (140), a crown (110), a sole (120), and a heel tip ( 160), the toe end (150), the trailing edge (130) at the rearmost portion of the trailing end (180), the hosel (140) and the hosel adapter mounting recess (195) in the sole.

The golf club head (100) further defines a loft plane (198) tangent to the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170). The face height parallel to the loft plane can be measured between the top of the hitting face perimeter near the crown (110) and the bottom of the hitting face perimeter near the sole (120). In these embodiments, the perimeter of the striking face (170) may be located along the outer edge of the striking face (170), where the curvature is offset from the bulge and/or roll of the striking face (170).

Referring to FIGS. 1D and 1E, hitting face center (175) defines a coordinate system having an origin at hitting face center (175) of hitting face (170). A coordinate system has an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis (190) is a horizontal axis and extends through the hitting face center (175) of the hitting face (170) in the direction from the heel end (160) to the toe end (150) of the golf club head (100). , is parallel to the ground plane (105) when the club head (100) is at address. the Y-axis (192) is the vertical axis and extends through the hitting face center (175) of the hitting face (170) in a direction from the crown (110) of the golf club head (100) toward the sole (120); It is perpendicular to the X-axis (190). The Z-axis (196) extends through the hitting face center (175) of the hitting face (170) in a direction from the hitting face (170) toward the trailing edge (180) of the golf club head (100) and extends along the X-axis ( 190) and perpendicular to the Y-axis (192).

The coordinate system includes an XY plane extending through the X axis (190) and Y axis (192), an XZ plane extending through the X axis (190) and Z axis (196), and a Y axis (192) and Z axis. YZ plane extending through (196). Here, the XY, XZ, and YZ planes are all perpendicular to each other and intersect at the origin of the coordinate system at the hitting face center (175) of the hitting face (170). The XY plane extends parallel to the hosel axis (199) and is positioned at an angle corresponding to the loft angle of the golf club head (100) from the loft plane. The hosel axis (199) is tilted with respect to the X-axis (190) at an angle called the lie angle. The hosel axis (199) can be tilted with respect to the X-axis (190) with a lie angle between 58 and 65 degrees. In some embodiments, the hosel axis (199) is positioned at a lie angle of 60 degrees with respect to the X axis (190) when viewed perpendicular to the XY plane.

The sole (120) is the lower hemisphere of the golf club head (100). In some embodiments, sole (120) may be defined as the portion of the golf club head that is visible when viewed from the bottom surface when the club is at address. The skirt of the golf club head (100) may be defined as the junction between the sole (120) and the crown (110), and specifically forms the perimeter of the club head behind the striking face (170).

The golf club head (100) may have a hollow body structure forming a closed internal cavity (185). The outer shell of the golf club head (100) may comprise a first component (300) and a second component (200) that cooperatively and/or combine to at least partially internalize. defining the outer boundary of the cavity (185) (ie, each component (200, 300) defines at least a portion of the outer boundary of the internal cavity (185));

Referring to FIG. 1F, the first component (300) is generally T-shaped when viewed from the sole. The sole of the first component (300) has a sole rear extension (500) with a mass (510), the mass (510) being at least one posterior end of the sole extension (500). Accommodates two weights. The second component (200) forms the remainder of the golf club head not formed by the first component (300). This configuration lowers the CG of the assembled golf club head and moves the CG towards the rear of the assembled golf club head.

A first component (300) comprises a first material having a first density. The first material includes a metallic material. A second component (200) comprises a second material having a second density. A second component (200) comprises a non-metallic material. The first and second components (300, 200) each include a first component mass and a second component mass. In some embodiments, the first component (300) may be integrally formed as a single component, thus the first component comprises a single material. In some embodiments, the first component (300) may be integrally formed with the exception of the removable and/or repositionable mass. Alternatively, the first component (300) comprises a separately formed striking face insert comprising a different material than the rest of the first component (300) (i.e., a third material). good too.

The second non-metallic component (200) bonds to and wraps or surrounds the first metallic component (300) to form the hollow golf club head (100). The second component trailing edge (230) connects the second component crown (205) and the second component sole (212, 214) so that they are around the first component (300). to wrap the

The material density (ie, first density) of the first component (300) is greater than the material density (ie, second density) of the second component (200). The mass percentage of the first component (300) may range from 85% to 96% of the total mass of the golf club head (100). For example, the first component percentage of the mass of the golf club head is 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, or It may be 96%. The mass percentage of the second component (200) may range from 4% to 15% of the total mass of the golf club head (100). The first component (300) comprises a rear extension (500) on the sole, the rear extension (500) having a mass (510). The mass (510) is at the rear end of the rear extension (500), starting at the front end of the weight port and ending at the trailing edge (130). The mass (510) may constitute 20% to 35% of the mass of the hollow multi-element golf club head (100). Locating the majority of the mass of the golf club head in the rearmost position of the golf club head provides functionally desirable mass characteristics. For example, the rearmost position of mass (510) can lower the CG of the golf club head, thereby improving launch characteristics.

A) First component

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1F and 4-8, the first component (300) comprises a striking face (170) having a return portion (177) and a rear extension (500). be able to. The return portion (177) comprises at least a portion of the crown (400), a portion of the sole (120), a hosel (140), a portion of the heel end (160) and a portion of the toe end (150). and a recessed lip (450) (also referred to as a coupling extension). A rear extension (500) connects to and extends rearwardly from the return (177). The rear extension (500) forms at least part of the sole and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the striking face (170). A rear extension (500) extends from the trailing end of the return portion (177) toward the trailing edge (130) of the club head (100). The striking face return (177) forms a rearward profile in the heel to toe direction. In other embodiments, the posterior profile of the first component (300) is linear, positive parabolic, bell-shaped from heel end (160) to toe end (150). , or any other profile for the striking face (170).

1E and 4, the first component (300) comprises a hosel bore (145) defining a hosel axis (199), a striking face center (175) and a front crown width (405). and a first component trailing edge (130). Some embodiments include a first component crown having a first component crown turbulator toe (432) and a first component crown turbulator heel (434). A turbulator (430) may further be provided.

The first component overlaps a portion of the second component (200) and is configured to together form the golf club head (100), a recessed lip (450, first component (also called a lip or mating extension surface). A first component lip (450) bounds a first component peripheral edge (462) having a first component crown lip (455) and a first component tab (457). can be done. The first component tabs (457) and alignment grooves in the second component align the first component (300) to the second component (200) during assembly and also align the first component (300) with the second component (200). (300) and the second component (200) to prevent lateral movement. In some embodiments, the second component does not include grooves for receiving first component tabs (457). In these embodiments, first component tab (457) provides a predetermined space (ie, glue gap) between the first and second components. This predetermined space allows the adhesive to provide a uniform and even bond across the lap joint.

The first component lip (450) is designed to match the combined thickness of the overlapping lip of the second component (200) and any adhesive that secures the two components together. It is recessed from the outer surface of the head (100). Referring to Figures 5, 9 and 10, the first component (300) comprises a first component lip recessed offset (459), a first component sole lip (460) and a first component sole lip (460). a component sole rear extension (500) and a first component sole rear extension mass (510) having a mass interior forward boundary (1050, corresponding to the forward extension boundary 918 shown in FIG. 9); , one or more mass internal ribs (520) and a removable weight recess (540) having a threaded fastener receiving boss (542). Referring also to FIG. 1F, the first component lip (455) is formed when the first component (300) is coupled to the second component (200) to form the golf club (100). 2 component (200). The first component (300) is preferably bonded to the second component (200) using an adhesive disposed between overlapping surfaces of the first and second components. may be

Referring to Figure 7A, the first component lip has a width (730), which can range from 0.125 inches to 0.275 inches. For example, the lip widths (730) of the first component are 0.125 inches, 0.150 inches, 0.175 inches, 0.200 inches, 0.022 inches, 0.225 inches, 0.250 inches, or 0.275 inches.

First component recessed offset (459) is the offset distance of lip (455) from the outer surface of first component (300) toward the interior of the golf club head. The recessed offset (459) may range from 0.060 inches to 0.160 inches toward the interior of the golf club head (100). In other embodiments, the recessed offset (459) is 0.060 inch to 0.150 inch, 0.060 inch to 0.140 inch, 0.080 inch to 0.160 inch, 0.090 inch to 0 It can be .150 inches, or range from 0.090 inches to 0.160 inches. For example, recessed offset (459) may be 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.080 inch, 0.090 inch, 0.100 inch, 0.110 inch, 0.120 inch, 0.130 inch, It can be 0.140 inches, 0.150 inches, or 0.160 inches.

The first component lip (450) can include a thickness. The thickness of the first component lip (450) may range from 0.007 inches to 0.030 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first component lip (450) is about 0.007 inch to 0.009 inch, 0.009 inch to 0.011 inch, 0.011 inch to 0.013 inch. inch, 0.013" to 0.015", 0.015" to 0.017", 0.017" to 0.019", 0.019" to 0.021", 0.021" to 0.023 inches, 0.023 inches to 0.025 inches, 0.025 inches to 0.027 inches, or 0.027 inches to 0.030 inches.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the first component has a rear extension on the sole that lowers most of the mass of the assembled golf club head to the sole of the assembled golf club; And you can move it backwards. The rear extension (500) extends from and is integral with the return (177) and allows impact stresses to propagate all the way to the rear of the sole to reduce the distribution of impact stresses in the golf club head. Helps balance.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the first component lip (450) includes a first component crown lip (455) and a first component sole lip (460). The first component lip (450) may have other portions.

Referring to FIG. 6, a plane (610) parallel to the ground plane (105) and intersecting the hitting face center (175) defines the lower view of the first component (300) shown in FIG. 7A. 7A and 8, the rear extension (500) extends from the rear perimeter of the hitting face return sole portion (810) toward the rear end (180) of the golf club head (100).

Referring to FIG. 7A, the first component (300) includes a first component sole heel extension (710), a first component sole toe extension (720), and a first configuration. A first component lip (460) having a component lip width (730), a first component trailing edge (740), a vertical lip (750) and a first mass trailing edge shelf (760). and a sole rear extension mass (510).

The rear extension (500) has more mass at the rearmost position of the extension. Placing the mass in the most rearward position allows manipulation of the rear sole extension position to significantly affect the mass properties of the assembled golf club head. 57-60, in some embodiments, the first component rear extension (500) can comprise a sole hole (555). The sole hole functions to move more mass closer to the rearmost end of the rear extension (500). As noted above, positioning the mass at the rearmost end allows the CG to move rearward, thereby increasing the moment of inertia of the club head. Adding a sole hole (555) creates more discretionary mass that is placed at the rearmost end of the rear extension (500).

Referring to FIG. 8, the first component (300) is a hitting face return sole having a first component sole rear extension length (505) and a first component sole rear extension width (507). includes a rear extension (500). The first component (300) includes a hitting face return sole portion (810) having a hitting face return sole width (815) and a first component sole portion toe extension length (825) having a first component sole portion toe extension length (825). A component sole portion toe extension (820) and a first component sole heel extension (830) having a first component sole heel extension length (835). The rear extension length (505) is measured from the rear perimeter of the striking face sole return (810) toward the rear edge (180). The rear extension length (505) can range from 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches. Return sole width (815) is measured rearwardly from loft surface (198) to the rear perimeter of hitting face return (177), which is the sole portion of first component perimeter edge (462). be. The length of the rear extension (505) and the width of the hitting face return sole portion (815) are both measured from the loft plane (198) along the sole (120) to the rear edge (180) of the golf club head (100). ) constitutes the total length of the sole. The width of the rear extension (507) is the width of the rear extension (500). The rear extension width (507) is measured in the heel-to-toe direction around the rear periphery of the striking face return sole portion (810), which is the sole portion of the first component peripheral edge (462). The width (507) of the rear extension is less than the overall width of the sole (120) of the golf club (100). The width (507) of the rear extension may range from 25% to 85% of the total width of the sole (120). The width (507) of the rear extension may range from 25% to 85% of the total width of the sole (120). In some embodiments, the width of the rear extension (507) can range from 0.4 inches to 2.5 inches.

Referring to Figures 7A and 8, the first component sole rear extension (500), toe extension (720) and heel extension (710) together form a T-shaped configuration. The first component sole rear extension (500) forms a toe directional angle (850) with the toe extension (720) and forms a heel directional angle (855) with the heel extension (710). Form. The first component (300) further comprises a removable weight recess (540) having a plurality of removable weight recess tabs (546).

5, 7A, and 8, striking face return (177) extends rearwardly from the striking face perimeter essentially perpendicular to striking face (170). A striking face (170) and a striking face return (177) comprise the forward portion of the assembled golf club head. The striking face return (177) includes a striking face return crown (400) having a striking face return crown width (405) and a return sole (810) having a striking face return sole width (815). . The striking face return crown portion (400) comprises a rear perimeter forming a profile on the crown (110) from the heel end (160) of the crown (110) to the toe end (150) of the crown (110). The hitting face return crown portion width, measured from the hitting face (170) toward the trailing edge (180), may vary. The maximum width (405) of the striking face return crown may be located at the toe end (150) or the heel end (160). In other embodiments, the maximum width (405) of the striking face return crown may be located in an intermediate region between the toe end (150) and the heel end (160). Hit return crown width (405) may be at least 0.8 inches, at least 1.0 inches, at least 1.2 inches, or at least 1.4 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum width (405) of the striking face return crown may range from 1.0 inches to 1.5 inches. For example, the maximum width (405) of the striking face return crown portion may be 1.0 inches, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, or 1.5 inches. . The second component crown width (405) should be similar to the crown as described in US patent application Ser. No. 11/693,490, now US Pat. No. 7,601,078. can be done.

Striking face return (177) of first component (300) may comprise a thickness extending between an outer surface and an inner surface of striking face return (177). The thickness of the first component (300) can range from 0.015 inches to 0.040 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the first component (300) is 0.010 inch to 0.040 inch, 0.010 inch to 0.020 inch, 0.015 inch to 0.025 inch, 0.015 inch to 0.025 inch, 020" to 0.030", 0.025" to 0.035", 0.030" to 0.040", 0.040" to 0.10", or 0.10" to 0.25" can be For example, the thickness of the first component (300) can be 0.010 inch, 0.015 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.035 inch, or 0.040 inch. can do. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first component (300) is at the striking face (170), at the return crown portion (400), at the first component sole portion (310), and at Varying in the component sole heel extension (710), in the first component sole toe extension (720), in the first component sole rear extension mass (510) can be done.

Referring to FIG. 5, the crown turbulators (430) located in the return crown (400) are protrusions that affect the aerodynamics of the golf club head (100). In some embodiments, the return crown (400) may comprise indentations on its inner surface. The indentations correspond to the crown turbulators (430) and give them the same thickness (wall thickness measured between the inner and outer surfaces) as the rest of the return crown (400). However, in other embodiments, one or more of the crown turbulators (430) may be filled to impart a greater thickness than the rest of the return crown (400). The increased thickness of the return crown (400) in the one or more filled crown turbulators (430) increases the stiffness of at least a portion of the return crown (400), thereby improving the golf club head (100). can increase the durability of

Referring to Figures 5, 7B and 7C, crown turbulators (430) can be classified as toe turbulators (432) and heel turbulators (434). In some embodiments, one or more of the crown turbulators (430) may be filled with a material (solid) such that there are no corresponding indentations on the inner surface of the return crown (400). In some embodiments, one or more of the toe turbulators (432) may be filled. In some embodiments, one or more of the heel turbulators (434) may be filled. A region of the crown return (400) with one or more filled turbulators may be stiffer or harder than a region of the crown return (400) with unfilled turbulators. The solid turbulators have a thickness greater than the thickness of the rest of the crown return (400).

7B and 7C, in some embodiments, thickened region (436) of crown return (400) comprises a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the remainder of crown return (400). . Generally, the crown return portion (400) can comprise the thickness of the striking face return (177), as described above. However, in some embodiments, the thickness of return crown (400) may be up to 0.002 inches, 0.003 inches, 0.004 inches, 0.005 inches, 0.003 inches, 0.004 inches, 0.005 inches, 0.003 inches, 0.004 inches, 0.005 inches, 0.003 inches, 0.004 inches, 0.005 inches, 0.003 inches, 0.004 inches, 0.005 inches, 0.003 inches, 0.004 inches, 0.005 inches, 0.003 inches, 0.004 inches, 0.005 inches It can be increased to 0.006 inch, 0.007 inch, 0.008 inch, 0.009 inch, or 0.010 inch. Thickened regions (436) may be patches, rectangular regions, confined regions, and/or shapes that at least partially cover one or more of crown turbulators (430). In the embodiment shown in Figure 7B, the bounded region covers two of the heel turbulators (434). The turbulators are filled (solid) within the bounded region (436). FIG. 7C shows a cross-sectional view representing a filled crown turbulator (430).

When a golf ball impacts the golf club (100), the first component (300) including the crown return portion (400) flexes. This bending of the crown return portion (400) of the first component (300) can induce stress in the second component that joins the first component lip (450). The second component (200) may be placed where there is a risk of material failure if the crown return portion (400) of the first component (300) is repeatedly flexed beyond a certain threshold. Adding a thickened region (436) may locally increase the cross-sectional area of the crown return portion (400) adjacent to portions of the second component that may be at risk of material failure after repeated impacts. . Increasing the cross-sectional area of crown return portion (400) in thickened region (436) reduces stress, thereby increasing the durability of club head (100).

Manipulating the position of the rear sole extension (500) provides a means of manipulating the mass properties of the assembled golf club head. Referring to Figures 4, 5, 7A and 8, the first component sole portion extends from the center near the striking face to the toe end extension (720) of the first component sole portion. toward the forming toe end, towards the heel end forming the first component sole portion heel end extension (710), and toward the first component sole portion rear extension (500). It can extend towards the forming trailing edge. The first component sole toe extension (720), the first component sole heel extension (710), and the first component sole rear extension (500) have a "T" shaped profile. can be formed. In some embodiments, the toe extension has a first component sole toe end extension length ( 825). For example, the first component sole toe extension (720) may be 1.50 inches, 1.60 inches, 1.70 inches, 1.80 inches, 1.90 inches toward the toe end (150). , or a first component sole toe extension length (825) of 2.00 inches. In some embodiments, the first component sole heel end extension (710) has a first configuration ranging from 0.90 inches to 1.40 inches from the YZ plane toward the heel end (160). It may have a component sole heel extension length (835). For example, the first component sole heel extension (710) can extend 0.90 inches, 1.10 inches, 1.20 inches, 1.30 inches, or 1.40 inches. First component sole rear extension (500) may extend 2.30 inches to 2.90 inches rearward of hitting face return (177). For example, the first component sole rear extension (500) is 2.30 inches, 2.40 inches, 2.50 inches, 2.60 inches, 2.70 inches from the striking face return (177). , 2.80 inches, or 2.90 inches.

Shifting the first component sole rear extension (500) (or simply "rear extension") closer to the toe end (150) or heel end (160) of the golf club head (100) Manipulating the mass properties of the assembled golf club head provides one means of altering ball flight. When manufacturing the first component (300), moving the rear extension (500) toward the toe end (150) or heel end (160) of the golf club (100) results in an assembled golf club head. changes the mass properties of If the rear extension (500) is moved toward the toe end (150) by decreasing the first component sole toe end extension (825), the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) will also move toward the toe. It will move towards the edge (150). If the first component sole rear extension (500) is moved toward the heel end (160) of the golf club head (100), the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) will also move toward the heel end (160). to move.

The first component (300) comprises a surface area ranging from 27 square inches to 41 square inches of the total surface area of the golf club head (100). In some embodiments, the surface area of the first component (300) is 25 to 43 square inches, 25 to 28 square inches, 28 to 31 square inches, 31 to 34 square inches. , 34 to 37 square inches, 37 to 40 square inches, or 40 to 43 square inches. For example, 25 square inches, 27 square inches, 29 square inches, 31 square inches, 33 square inches, 35 square inches, 37 square inches, 39 square inches, 41 square inches, 43 square inches, and so on.

The first component (300) can include materials such as steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, other metals, or metal alloys. In some embodiments, the first component (300) can comprise Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V alloy. In many embodiments where the golf club head (100) is a driver-type club head, the first component (300) can comprise a titanium material. In many embodiments where the golf club head (100) is a fairway wood type club head, the first component (300) may comprise a steel material.

In many embodiments, the first component (300) can be cast. In other embodiments, the first component (300) can be forged, pressed, rolled, extruded, machined, electroformed, 3-D printed, or any suitable forming technique. Referring to FIG. 15, in embodiments in which the first component (300) is cast, the first component (300) includes one or more cast heel support bars (1510) and one or more A plurality of cast support bars including a plurality of toe end cast support bars (1512).

1) First Component Rear Sole Extension

As mentioned above, the first component includes the striking face and striking face return (177). These portions of the golf club head (100) receive and distribute impact forces when the golf club strikes the ball. A rear extension (500) is integrally formed with the remainder of the first component (300) and extends from the striking face return sole portion (810). Additionally, the mass of the rear extension (500) resists torque forces caused by off-center impacts on the hitting face. In many embodiments, the first component sole toe extension (720) and the first component sole heel extension (710) may be parallel to the striking face (170). It has a constant width from front to back. In other embodiments, the toe end extension (720) and heel end extension (710) may increase and/or decrease in width toward the toe end (150) and heel end (160), and may vary. width. In some embodiments, the first component sole toe extension (720) and heel extension (710) can include a width ranging from 1.0 inches to 1.5 inches. For example, the toe extension (720) and heel extension (710) can be 1.00 inches, 1.10 inches, 1.20 inches, 1.30 inches, 1.40 inches, or 1.50 inches. can do.

In many embodiments, the first component sole portion rear extension (500) increases in width and decreases in width from the rear boundary of the striking face return sole portion (810) toward the trailing edge (180). and/or include a boat width (507). In some embodiments, the rear extension (500) can include a width (507) ranging from 1.0 inches to 3.5 inches. For example, rear extensions are 1.0", 1.25", 1.50", 1.75", 2.00", 2.25", 2.50", 2.75", 3.0". It can be inches, 3.25 inches, or 3.50 inches. In some embodiments, the rear extension (500) comprises an anterior-posterior varying width. Specifically, rear extension (500) may include a width that increases in a forward-to-backward direction. In these embodiments, the width of the rear extension (500) has a minimum value adjacent the hitting face return sole portion (810) and a maximum value adjacent the rear portion of the club head. Widening the rear extension (500) toward the rear of the club head allows the rear extension (500) to support a weight or weight system. Varying the width of the rear extension (500) so that the minimum width is adjacent to the striking face return sole portion (810) reduces the mass adjacent to the face return portion and transfers this saved weight to the club. Allows redistribution around the head. In other embodiments, the rear extension (500) may include a width that decreases in the longitudinal direction. Narrowing the width of the rear extension toward the rear of the club head can provide additional structural support for the weight or weight system attached to the rear extension (500).

In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 2, the first component sole rear extension (500) extends perpendicular to the striking face (170) and extends between the toe end (150) and the heel. It can be centered between the edges (160). In other embodiments, the rear extension (500) may extend closer to the toe end (150) or closer to the heel end (160). Rear extension (500) may be offset by 0.05 inch to 1.0 inch toward heel end (160). For example, the rear extension (500) may be 0.1 inch, 0.2 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.4 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.6 inch toward the heel end (160). It can be offset by 7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, or 1.0 inches. The first component sole rear extension (500) may be offset by 0.05 inch to 1.0 inch towards the toe end (150). For example, the rear extension (500) may be 0.1 inch, 0.2 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.4 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.6 inch, 0 inch towards the toe end (160). It can be offset by 0.7 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.9 inch, or 1.0 inch.

When the first component sole rear extension (500) is offset toward the toe end (150), compared to a similar golf club head with the sole rear extension (500) centered: The center of gravity of the golf club head (100) may be offset by up to 0.150 inches toward the toe (150). For example, the center of gravity may be 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.040 inch, 0.050 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.070 inch It can be offset by 080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches. When the first component sole rear extension (500) is offset toward the heel end (160), the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) is shifted toward the heel end (160) by 0.150 inches. can be offset by For example, the center of gravity is 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.040 inch, 0.050 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.070 inch It can be offset by 080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches. The offset of the center of gravity affects ball flight characteristics by biasing the golf club head at impact to a less fade or less draw position.

31 and 32, another means of manipulating the mass properties of the golf club head is to change the angle of the rear sole extension with respect to the striking face of the first component. The sole rear extension of the first component may comprise a rear extension axis (504). A rear extension axis (504) may extend through the center of the sole extension when viewed from the sole. The rear extension axis (504) may be located approximately equidistant from either side of the sole rear extension (500) at any point along the axis (504) when viewed from the sole. As shown in Figures 35 and 36, the rear extension (500) itself can be positioned such that the rear extension axis intersects the YZ plane (193) at a rear extension angle (508). In some embodiments, the rear extension axis (504) can intersect the YZ plane (193) at a point proximate the rear end of the return portion (177). The rear extension angle (508) can range from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the rear extension angle (508) is 0 degrees to 10 degrees, 0 degrees to 20 degrees, 0 degrees to 30 degrees, 0 degrees to 40 degrees, 10 degrees to 20 degrees, 10 degrees to 30 degrees. , 10 degrees to 40 degrees, 10 degrees to 45 degrees, 20 degrees to 30 degrees, 20 degrees to 40 degrees, 20 degrees to 45 degrees, 30 degrees to 40 degrees, or 30 degrees to 45 degrees . Figures 25-28, 33 and 34 show other embodiments with angled sole extensions, as described below.

Since the weight is secured within the removable weight recess (540), the angular adjustment of the rear extension positions the removable weight on the club head (100) in either the heel or toe direction. By angling rear extension (500), club (100) may be biased to have a draw bias when extension (500) is angled toward the heel of club head (100). In other embodiments, angling the rear extension (500) toward the toe of the club head (100) causes the club head to fade bias.

Referring to FIG. 8, the angulation of the rear extension (500) can also be understood as the angle between the end of the sole rear extension (500) and the return portion (177). First component sole rear extension toe direction angle (850) and first component sole rear extension heel direction angle (855) are complementary angles (i.e., the two angles are added). In one embodiment, the toe direction angle (850) and the heel direction angle (855) are each 90 degrees, so the rear extension (500) is essentially perpendicular to the striking face (170). be. In another embodiment, the toe direction angle (850) and heel direction angle (855) may vary between 45 degrees and 135 degrees, respectively, as long as the two angles remain complementary. For example, the toe direction angle (850) can be 100 degrees, while the heel direction angle (855) is a secondary 80 degrees. In this example, mass (510) is angularly offset toward heel end (180) of golf club head (100).

Other combinations of toe direction angle (850) and heel direction angle (855) may be 110 degrees and 70 degrees, 120 degrees and 60 degrees, 130 degrees and 50 degrees, or 135 degrees and 45 degrees. The center of gravity of the golf club head will be offset towards the position of the rear mass (510). For example, the center of gravity is 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.040 inch, 0.050 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.070 inch It can be offset by 080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches. Similarly, the toe direction angle decreases and the heel direction angle increases. For example, the combination of toe direction angle (850) and heel direction angle may be 80 degrees and 100 degrees, 70 degrees and 110 degrees, 60 degrees and 120 degrees, 50 degrees and 130 degrees, or 45 degrees and 135 degrees. good. For example, the center of gravity may be 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.040 inch, 0.050 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.060 inch, 0.070 inch, 0.070 inch It may be offset by 080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches. This angular offset affects ball flight characteristics if it is desired to position the club head center of gravity in that direction by placing the rear mass more towards the rearward heel or rearward toeward portions. There is Angular offsets in other embodiments may be achieved by different combinations of the first component sole rear extension toe direction angle (850) and the first component sole rear extension heel direction angle (855), resulting in different club Head center of gravity locations and different ball flight characteristics can be produced.

2) the mass of the rear sole extension of the first component;

As noted above, the first component comprises the majority of the mass of the assembled golf club head. The rear extension (500) allows a portion of the mass of the golf club to be positioned away within the sole of the club head toward the rear of the club head. The rear extension (500) includes mass at the rear of the golf club head, allowing the mass there to further affect the CG and MOI of the golf club head. The first component sole rear extension mass (510) alone may comprise 20% to 35% of the total mass of the golf club head (100). Placing this mass at the rearmost portion of the rear extension (500) is an important aspect for controlling the mass properties of the golf club head (100) during manufacture of the first component (300).

Referring to FIG. 9, the first component sole rear extension mass (510) includes a threaded receiver (545), one or more weight recess tabs (546), and a heel-side external boundary. (910), a mass (510) having a toe side outer boundary (915) and a forward outer boundary (918).

Referring to Figure 10, the mass (510) further comprises a plurality of internal ribs (520) having an internal rib width (523). The plurality of internal ribs (520) can include 2 ribs, 3 ribs, 4 ribs, 5 ribs, or 5 or more ribs. A plurality of internal ribs (520) mate with or attach to the inner surface of the removable weight recess (540) of the rear extension mass. Internal ribs (520) can reduce unwanted vibrations in mass (510), which is desirable because most of the mass of golf club head (100) is located to the rear of the golf club head. . The mass (510) has a vertical lip (750) with a vertical lip height (1150) and a mass trailing edge shelf with a shelf length (1048), a shelf height (1044) and a shelf width (1046). (1042), and The shelf length (1048) is approximately the same as the rear extension width (507) and varies as the width of the mass (510) varies.

Shelf (1042) provides a mating surface for a portion of the second component when the first and second components are joined to form an assembled golf club head. Mass (510) further includes an inner forward boundary (1050) and a vertical lip length (1052).

Referring to FIG. 8, the view of the rear mass (510) is bisected by the YZ plane (193). As shown in Figure 11, the mass includes an internal length (1110), a maximum height of the mass (1112), and a vertical lip height (1150). The internal rib further comprises a rib height (1120) and a rib length (1122).

Internal rib width (523) may range from 0.025 inches to 0.100 inches. For example, internal rib width (523) may be 0.025 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.075 inches, or 0.100 inches. The internal rib height (1120) ranges from 25% to 100% of the removable weight recess depth (1216). Internal rib length (1122) may range from 0.100 inches to 1.500 inches. For example, internal rib lengths (1122) are 0.100", 0.200", 0.300", 0.400", 0.500", 0.600", 0.700", 0.800". , 0.900 inches, 1.000 inches, 1.100 inches, 1.200 inches, 1.300 inches, 1.400 inches, or 1.500 inches.

The mass (510) has a maximum mass height (1112) located approximately along the top of the mass vertical lip (750). The mass portion (510) decreases in thickness as it approaches the heel outer boundary (910), the toe outer boundary (915) and the forward outer boundary (918). The maximum height of the mass (1112) comprises the maximum thickness of the mass (510). The maximum thickness of mass portion (510) may range from 0.40 inches to 0.70 inches. For example, the maximum thickness of mass (510) may be 0.40 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.60 inches, or 0.70 inches.

3) Removable weight and embedded weight of the first component

Removable weight recesses and removable weights are provided to allow further control of the mass properties of the assembled golf club head, the mass of the removable weights controlling the mass properties of the golf club head when assembled. Can be fine-tuned. Removable weight recess (540) further comprises a plurality of removable weight recess tabs. The plurality of removable weight recess tabs may be two tabs, three tabs, four tabs, five tabs, or more than five tabs.

Referring to FIG. 12, it is desirable to further increase the mass located at the rearmost portion of the golf club head. The mass (510) may further comprise embedded weight recesses (1220). Thus, an embedded weight recess (1220) and an embedded weight (1600) comprising an embedded weight material having a higher density than the first density of the first material of the first component (300) (the embedded weight recess (1220) ) can be provided.

Referring to FIG. 13, the removable weight (1300) is made of a material such as steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, other metals, metal alloys, composite polymeric materials, or any combination thereof. can include In many embodiments, the sole weight can be tungsten. The removable weight (1300) has mass.

The mass of the removable weight (1300) can range from 1.0 grams to 35.0 grams. For example, the removable weight (1300) masses are 1.0 grams, 1.5 grams, 2.0 grams, 3.0 grams, 4.0 grams, 5.0 grams, 6.0 grams, 7.0 grams. , 8.0 grams, 9.0 grams, 10.0 grams, 11.0 grams, 12.0 grams, 13.0 grams, 14.0 grams, 15.0 grams, 16.0 grams, 17.0 grams , 18.0 grams, 19.0 grams, 20.0 grams, 21 grams, 22 grams, 23 grams, 24 grams, 25 grams, 26 grams, 27 grams, 28 grams, 29 grams, 30 grams, 31 grams, 32 grams grams, 33 grams, 34 grams, or 35 grams.

8 and 13, removable weight (1300) is configured to be received within removable weight recess (540). The removable weight (1300) further comprises a through hole approximately in the center of the removable weight (1300). The throughbore is configured to receive a removable weight threaded fastener (1320) that is threadably received within a threaded receiving boss (542) to provide a removable weight (1320). 1300) can be secured within the removable weight recess (540).

Referring to FIG. 14, removable weight (1300) further includes a thickness (1430), a plurality of removable weight offsets (1434), and a plurality of removable weight gutters (1438). Multiple removable weight offsets (1434) may be two offsets, three offsets, four offsets, five offsets, or more than five offsets. Plurality of removable weight gutters (1438) may be two grooves, three grooves, four grooves, five grooves, or more than five grooves. Offset (1434) slightly offsets removable weight (1300) from the walls of removable weight recess (540) when removable weight (1300) is received within removable weight recess (540). configured as Removable weight gutter (1438) is configured to receive a removable weight recess tab when removable weight (1300) is received within removable weight recess (540).

Referring to Figures 16A and 16B, the embedded weight (1600) has mass. The mass of the embedded weight (1600) can range from 1.0 grams to 20.0 grams. For example, embedded weight (1600) masses are 11.0 g, 12.0 g, 13.0 g, 14.0 g, 15.0 g, 16.0 g, 17.0 g, 18.0 g, 19.0 g, or 20.0 g.

The embedded weight (1600) comprises a tungsten material, a tungsten alloy material, a polymer matrix with embedded tungsten particles, or any other suitable material having a density greater than the first material density. The embedded weight (1600) is configured to fit within and be permanently secured within the embedded weight recess (1220). Embedded weights (1600) may be permanently affixed using an adhesive, by swaging or other press fit methods, or by using a suitable mechanical attachment means.

B) Second Component

The golf club head (100) comprises a first component (300) and a non-metallic lightweight second component (200) configured to be joined together to form a hollow golf club head (100). Prepare. As shown in FIGS. 1F, 2 and 3, the second component (200) comprises at least a portion of the crown (110), the sole (120), the trailing edge (130) and the rear notch. (240). With particular reference to FIGS. 1F and 2, the second component (200) comprises a second component crown (205), a second component sole heel (214) and a second configuration. A component sole toe portion (212), a second component peripheral edge (220), a second component sole rear cutout width (242) and a second component sole rear cutout height. A second component sole rear notch (240) having (244) and a second component sole trailing edge (230). In some embodiments, although not shown, the second component can include only a portion of the crown. In these embodiments, the sole rear notch (240) can surround the crown (205).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the second component crown (205) wraps over the trailing edge (130) and integrally joins the first component and a complementary portion of the sole. Form. The second component heel and toe sole portions (214) (212) formed by the second component (200) are between the toe and trailing extensions of the first component. A triangular shape located between the rear end extension and the heel end extension may be included. In other embodiments, the sole formed by the second component (200) has a circular, square, oval, or any other shape complementary to the sole of the first component (100). It can include squares, or shapes with at least one curved surface. The second component (200) may comprise a single monolithic component formed completely together without the need for further joining. For example, the second component (200) can be formed by injection molding a single monolithic component comprising a single material.

Alternatively, the second component (200) may be attached by adhesive, sonic welding, fusion bonding, or other permanent joining method appropriate to the materials used in forming the plurality of separately formed parts. It may comprise a plurality of separately formed portions which are then permanently joined together. For example, the crown (205), toe (212), and heel (214) of the second component may be separately formed from the same or different materials. The second component portions can then be adhesively bonded to form the complete second component (200). Such formation of separate portions that are subsequently joined together can be advantageous when using materials such as bi-directional carbon fiber prepreg materials. Bi-directional carbon fiber prepregs cannot be easily applied to specific small curvatures and cannot be easily formed as a single piece to reach the desired second component (200) shape. The use of such materials necessitates the formation of separate sole portions (212) and (214), which are later glued or otherwise attached to the rest of the second component (200). is joined to the part of

Alternatively, multiple second components may be remotely coupled to the first component without being coupled to each other.

A second component of the golf club head (100) may include thickness. The thickness of the second component can range from 0.030 inches to 0.500 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the second component is 0.030 inch to 0.040 inch, 0.030 inch to 0.045 inch, 0.030 inch to 0.055 inch, 0.045 inch inch to 0.055 inch, 0.050 inch to 0.060 inch, 0.055 inch to 0.065 inch, 0.060 inch to 0.070 inch, 0.065 inch to 0.075 inch, 0.070 inch to 0.080 inch, 0.075 inch to 0.085 inch, 0.080 inch to 0.090 inch, 0.085 inch to 0.095 inch, 0.090 inch to 0.100 inch, 0.100 It can range from inches to 0.200 inches, 0.200 inches to 0.300 inches, 0.300 inches to 0.400 inches, or 0.400 inches to 0.500 inches. For example, the thickness of the second component can be 0.008 inch, 0.010 inch, 0.015 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.035 inch, 0.040 inch. inches, 0.045 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.055 inches, 0.060 inches, or 0.065 inches. The thickness of the second component can further vary from the crown, sole, heel end, toe end, and trailing edge. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of the second component may vary across the crown, sole, heel end, toe end, and trailing edge of the second component.

In some embodiments, the second component further comprises internal ribs or internal thickened sections. When referring to an internal rib or internal thick section, this disclosure refers to a varying inner surface that exhibits a relatively thicker thickness (measured perpendicular to the outer surface of the component) than the non-thickened areas of the second component. It is intended to refer to a portion of a club body having a contour. In each instance, the term "internal" is intended to mean features that are not readily perceptible from the outside of the club head. In other words, the outer surface retains a distinct or substantially distinct contour over the features and adjacent to the structure.

Internal ribs or internal thickened sections may provide additional strength and/or stiffness to the club head through various mechanisms. First, thick ribs/sections may act as strouts/gussets to provide structural framework for the component. Thus, the design of the structure itself can promote strength. In addition, the presence of thick sections can help control the direction, velocity and uniformity of polymer flow during casting. In that way, the orientation of the embedded fibers can be controlled such that any anisotropic parameters of the material itself are oriented to support the purpose of the club head. In this regard, thick sections can provide both engineered construction and engineered materials. Finally, in some embodiments, the first component may include reinforcing features such as upright strouts configured to be secured to the second component. In such a design, the thick section can provide suitable bonding locations so that the thick material can spread any transmitted load without risking fatigue or fracture of the relatively thin section.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 3, the second component (200) comprises one or more crown thin sections (255) and one or more sole thin sections (257). a plurality of second component thinned sections (250) having a. The second component (200) comprises a plurality of second component internal ribs (260) having one or more crown internal ribs (262) and one or more sole internal ribs (264). Prepare more. The plurality of internal ribs (260) may be 2 ribs, 3 ribs, 4 ribs, 5 ribs, or 5 or more ribs. The internal ribs of the crown (262) and sole (264) are between the second component thinned sections (250). The internal ribs of the crown portion (262) and sole portion (264) may comprise the maximum thickness of the second component (200). In some embodiments, the internal ribs (260) of the second component are incorporated in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/076,511 (now U.S. Patent No. 9,700, 768). The internal ribs (260) of the second component may reduce stress on the golf club head (100) and improve sound during impact.

A plurality of second component thinned sections (250) comprise a thickness. The thickness of the plurality of second component thinned sections (250) may range from 0.008 inches to 0.035 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the thin section (250) is 0.008 inch to 0.015 inch, 0.010 inch to 0.020 inch, 0.015 inch to 0.025 inch, 0.020 inch. to 0.030 inches, or 0.025 inches to 0.035 inches. For example, the thickness of the thin section (250) may be 0.008 inch, 0.010 inch, 0.015 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.030 inch, or 0.035 inch. can be done. The thickness of the internal ribs or thickened sections may be up to 0.010 inches thicker than the rest of the second component (200). In some embodiments, the second component lacks internal ribs and thinned sections.

As generally shown in FIG. 3B, in yet another embodiment the second component comprises a central thick section (270) surrounded by a relatively thin crown thin section (255). In one configuration, this central thickened section (270) has a total area of about 1.5 square inches to about 3.0 square inches. In other configurations, this central thick section (270) has a total area of about 2.0 square inches to about 2.5 square inches. In some embodiments, the central thickened section (270) is slightly trapezoidal and at least a portion (272) of the thickened section (270) near the face and/or the forward end (274) extends from the face. It is wider than some of the more distant thickened sections (270). Such width dimension is preferably taken parallel to the horizontal centerline of the face extending between the heel and toe portions of the club head. As further shown, the central thick section (270) has a distance (d) greater than about 0.8 inches, or 0.8 inches to 1.0 inches, 1.0 inches to 1.2 inches, 1 It may be separated from the forward end (274) by a distance of between 0.2 and 1.4 inches. In some embodiments, the distance (d) is approximately 1.25 inches.

In some embodiments (not shown), the second component may further comprise a front thickening strip running along the perimeter or forward edge (274) of the second component (200). This thick strip may have a thickness comparable to the trailing edge (230) and/or central thick section (270). A front thickening strip provides structural strength to the forward end (274). A thickness transition region exists between the front thick strip and the crown thin section (255) to reduce stress transmission across the crown. The second component comprises the mass percentage of the total mass of the golf club head (100). The mass percentage of the second component may range from 4% to 15% of the total mass of the golf club head (100), or from about 10 grams to 25 grams. In other embodiments, the mass percentage of the second component can range from 4% to 15%. For example, the mass percentage of the second component may be 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13% of the total mass of the golf club head (100). %, 14%, or 15%.

The second component includes an exterior surface area ranging from 17 square inches to 25 square inches. In some embodiments, the surface area of the second component ranges from 15 square inches to 27 square inches, 15 square inches to 18 square inches, 18 square inches to 21 square inches, 21 square inches to 25 square inches. can be For example, the surface area of the second component can be 15 square inches, 17 square inches, 19 square inches, 21 square inches, 23 square inches, and 25 square inches.

1) Second component material

The second component (200) comprises a less dense material than the material of the first component. In some embodiments, the second component can include a composite formed from polymeric resins and reinforcing fibers. Polymer resins can include thermosetting resins or thermoplastic resins. The composite of the second component (200) can be either filled thermoplastic (FT) or fiber reinforced composite (FRC). In some embodiments, the second component (200) can comprise a FT coupled with an FRC. The filled thermoplastic (FT) is typically made into the desired shape by injection molding. As the name suggests, filled thermoplastic (FT) can comprise a thermoplastic resin and randomly oriented discontinuous fibers. Conversely, fiber reinforced composites (FRCs) are formed from resin-impregnated (prepreg) sheets of continuous fibers. Fiber reinforced composites (FRCs) can comprise thermoplastics or thermosets.

In embodiments having a thermoplastic resin, the resin can include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). For example, the resin may be polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide such as PA6 or PA66, polyamideimide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate, engineering polyurethane, and/or other similar materials. can include Although strength and weight are two primary properties considered for composite materials, suitable composite materials can also exhibit secondary benefits such as acoustic properties. In some embodiments, PPS and PEEK are desirable because they emit a generally metallic ringing acoustic response when impacted.

Reinforcement fibers may include carbon fibers (or chopped carbon fibers), glass fibers (or chopped glass fibers), graphite fibers (or chopped graphite fibers), or any other suitable filler material. In other embodiments, the composite material can include optional reinforcing fillers that add strength, durability, and/or weight.

The density of the composite material (resin-fiber composite) forming the second component (200) may range from about 1.15 g/cc to about 2.02 g/cc. In some embodiments, the composite material density is from about 1.20 g/cc to about 1.90 g/cc, from about 1.25 g/cc to about 1.85 g/cc, from about 1.30 g/cc to about 1 in the range of .80 g/cc, from about 1.40 g/cc to about 1.70 g/cc, from about 1.30 g/cc to about 1.40 g/cc, or from about 1.40 g/cc to about 1.45 g/cc be.

Filled thermoplastic (FT)

For FT materials, the polymer resin preferably comprises one or more resins that have sufficiently high material strength and/or strength/weight ratio properties to withstand typical use while providing weight savings benefits to the design. A polymer should be incorporated. Specifically, it is important for the design and materials to effectively withstand the stresses imparted during impact between the striking face and the golf ball without contributing substantially to the overall weight of the golf club head. . Generally, the polymer can be characterized by a yield point tensile strength greater than about 60 MPa (neat). When the polymer resin is combined with the reinforcing fibers, the resulting composite material has a yield tensile strength of greater than about 110 MPa, greater than about 180 MPa, greater than about 220 MPa, greater than about 260 MPa, greater than about 280 MPa, or greater than about 290 MPa. can have In some embodiments, suitable composite materials may have a tensile yield strength of from about 60 MPa to about 350 MPa.

In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers comprise a plurality of dispersed discontinuous fibers (ie, "chopped fibers"). In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers comprise discontinuous "long fibers" having a design fiber length of about 3mm to 25mm. In some embodiments, discontinuous "long fibers" have a design fiber length of about 3 mm to 14 mm. For example, in some embodiments the fiber length is about 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) prior to the molding process. In another embodiment, the reinforcing fibers comprise discontinuous "short fibers" having a design fiber length of about 0.01 mm to 3 mm. In either case (short or long), the lengths given are premixed lengths, and due to breakage during the molding process, some fibers are actually not in the final configuration. Note that the range can be shorter than stated in the element. In some configurations, the discontinuous chopped fibers may be characterized by an aspect ratio (e.g., fiber length/diameter) of greater than about 10, or more preferably greater than about 50, and less than about 1500. good. Regardless of the type of discontinuous chopped fibers used, in certain configurations the composite material may have fiber lengths from about 0.01 mm to about 25 mm, or from about 0.01 mm to about 14 mm.

The composite material may have a polymer resin content of about 40% to about 90%, or about 55% to about 70% by weight. The second component composite material can have a fiber content of about 10% to about 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material has a fiber content of about 20% to about 50%, 30% to 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material comprises about 10 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 25 wt% to about 30 wt% , from about 30% to about 35%, from about 35% to about 40%, from about 40% to about 45%, from about 45% to about 50%, from about 50% to about 55% by weight , or have a fiber content of from about 55% to about 60% by weight.

In embodiments in which the second component (200) comprises a filled thermoplastic (FT) material, the second component (200) is injection molded from a single composite pellet containing both polymeric resin and reinforcing fibers. be able to. The reinforcing fibers can be embedded within the resin prior to injection molding the second component. The pellet can be melted and injected into an empty mold to form the second component (200). The FT composite can have a melting point of about 210°C to about 280°C. In some embodiments, the composite material can have a melting point of about 250°C to about 270°C.

In embodiments of the second component (200) comprising FT material, at least 50% of the fibers may be aligned generally longitudinally in the central region of the crown (110). In other words, the fibers may be aligned generally perpendicular to the striking face (170). FT materials exhibit maximum strength in the fiber direction. Accordingly, the generally longitudinally aligned fibers of the crown (110) can improve the durability of the club head in the longitudinal direction. The fiber alignment can correspond to the direction of material flow during the injection molding process.

When golf club head (100) strikes a golf ball, the impact can cause the position of the mass at rear end (180) of rear extension (500) to move vertically, in the Y-axis (192) direction. At impact, the sole rear extension (500) flexes upward, exerting stress on the crown (205) of the second component. The crown portion is compressed between the rear extension of the first component (500) and the front portion of the first component (300). Therefore, in embodiments of the second component (200) with FTs, aligning the fibers in the direction of expected compressive stress at impact is critical to failure of the second component (200) composite. reduce the chances.

In some embodiments, the second component (200) may be formed from long fiber reinforced TPU material (an example of FT material). The long fiber TPU can contain about 40% by weight of long carbon fibers. Long fiber TPU can exhibit a high modulus, which is greater than that of short carbon fiber compounds. Long-fiber TPU can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in golf club heads that are used and/or stored in hot environments. Long-fiber TPU exhibits even higher toughness and can serve as a replacement for traditional metal components. In some embodiments, the long fiber TPU comprises a tensile modulus between about 26,000 MPa and about 30,000 MPa, or between about 27,000 MPa and about 29,000 MPa. In some embodiments, the long fiber TPU comprises a flexural modulus between about 21,000 MPa and about 26,000 MPa, or between about 22,000 MPa and 25,000 MPa. Long-fiber TPU materials can exhibit a tensile elongation (at break) of about 0.5% to about 2.5%. In some embodiments, the composite TPU material has a tensile elongation of about 1.0% to about 2.0%, about 1.2% to about 1.4%, about 1.4% to about 1.6% , about 1.6% to about 1.8%, about 1.8% to about 2.0%.

Fiber Reinforced Composite (FRC)

In some embodiments, the second component (200) can comprise a fiber reinforced composite (FRC) material. FRC materials generally include one or more layers of unidirectional or multidirectional fiber cloth extending across a larger portion of the polymer. Unlike reinforcing fibers that can be used in filled thermoplastic (FT) materials, the maximum dimension of the fibers used in FRC can be substantially larger/longer than those used in FT materials, It can have sufficient size and properties so that it can be provided as a continuous fabric separate from the polymer. When formed from a thermoplastic polymer, the included continuous fibers are generally not flowable, even though the polymer may be freely flowable when melted. The reinforcing fibers can have an areal weight (ratio of weight to length times width) of 75 g/m ² to 150 g/m ² .

FRC materials are generally formed by placing fibers in the desired locations and then impregnating the fibrous material with a sufficient amount of polymeric material to provide stiffness. Thus, the FT material can have a resin content greater than about 45 vol.%, or more preferably greater than about 55 vol.%, while the FRC material desirably has a resin content of less than about 45 vol.%, or More preferably it has a resin content of less than about 35% by volume. In some embodiments, the resin content of the FRC material can range from 25% to 45% by volume.

FRC materials traditionally use two-part thermosetting epoxies as the polymer matrix, but it is also possible to use thermoplastic polymers as the matrix. FRC materials are often pre-prepared prior to final manufacture, and such intermediate materials are often referred to as prepregs. When a thermoset polymer is used, the prepreg is partially cured in the intermediate form and final curing occurs once the prepreg is formed into the final shape. When thermoplastic polymers are used, the prepreg may comprise a cooled thermoplastic matrix, which may subsequently be heated and molded into the final shape.

The second component (200) of the FRC can comprise multiple layers (also referred to as multiple thin films). Each layer can have the same thickness as the prepreg and/or are the same thickness as the prepreg. Each of the multiple layers can comprise a unidirectional fabric (UD) or a multidirectional fabric (also called a weave). In some embodiments, the multiple layers can comprise at least three UD layers. The second and third layers can be angled with respect to the base layer. With the base layer oriented at 0 degrees, the second and third layers can be oriented at ±45 degrees from the base layer. In some embodiments, the layers can be oriented at 0 degrees, +45 degrees, -45 degrees, +90 degrees, -90 degrees, in any suitable order. In some embodiments, the plurality of layers comprises at least one multi-directional fabric layer, typically arranged as a top layer, to improve the appearance of the FRC second component (200) can be done.

mixed material

The second component (200) can have a mixed material construction including both fiber reinforced composite elastic layers and molded thermoplastic structural layers. In some preferred embodiments, the shaped thermoplastic structural layer may be formed from a filled thermoplastic material (FT). As noted above, the FT can be discontinuous glass, carbon, or aramid polymer fiber fillers embedded throughout the thermoplastic material. Thermoplastic resins can be, for example, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or TPUs such as polyamides such as PA6 or PA66. The fiber reinforced composite elastic layer can be a woven glass, carbon fiber, or aramid polymer fiber reinforced layer embedded in a polymer resin (or matrix). The polymeric resin of the elastic layer can be thermoplastic or thermoset.

In some embodiments, the fiber-reinforced composite elastic layer is a thermoplastic material similar to the resin of the molded thermoplastic structural layer. In other words, the fiber reinforced elastic layer and the molded thermoplastic structural layer can comprise a common fiber plastic resin. Using a common fiber plastic resin to form the elastic and structural layers can form a strong chemical bond between these layers. In these embodiments, the elastic layer and structural layer can be joined without the use of an intermediate adhesive. In certain embodiments, the elastic layer of the second component can comprise a carbon fiber cloth embedded in polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and the structural layer of the second component comprises a filled polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polymer. be prepared. In other embodiments, the second component can be extrusion, injection blow molding, 3-D printing, or any other suitable molding means.

cross connect member

In alternative embodiments, the second component (200) may have one or more internal cross-connect members (not shown). Cross-connect members can provide additional structural stiffness or acoustic control. Internal cross-connect members may include members that connect non-adjacent portions of the interior of the second component (200). For example, the cross-connect member connects the inner surface of the second component crown portion (205) to one of the second component sole heel portion (214) or the second component sole toe portion (212). be able to. The internal cross-connect member may comprise a length extending completely from the inner surface of the forwardmost end of the second component (200) to the inner surface of the second component trailing edge (230), or the internal cross-connect The member may include a length that does not fully extend from the inner surface of the forwardmost end of the second component (200) to the inner surface of the second component trailing edge (230). The internal cross-connect member has a thickness. The thickness of the internal cross-connect member can range from 0.01 inch to 0.25 inch. For example, the thickness of the internal cross-connect member can be 0.01 inch, 0.05 inch, 0.10 inch, 0.15 inch, 0.20 inch, or 0.25 inch.

II) Second Embodiment of Golf Club Head (Including Weight Channel)

A second embodiment golf club head (2100) shown in FIG. 17 includes a first component (2300) having weight channels and a second component (2200) mating onto the first component (2300). ) and The first component (2300) of golf club head (2100) may be similar to the first component (300) of golf club head (100), except for the weight system. The second component (2200) of golf club head (2100) may be similar to the second component of golf club head (100) described above. Golf club head (2100) includes a hitting face (2170), a hitting face return (2177), a hosel (2140), a crown (2110), a sole (2120), a heel end (2160), and a toe end. forming (2150), a skirt (2125) with a trailing edge (2130) at the rearmost portion of the trailing edge (2180), and a sole hosel adapter mounting recess (2195). A skirt (2125) may extend between the crown (2110) and the sole (2120) along the circumference of the club head behind the hosel (2140).

As shown in Figure 18, the first component (2300) may include a rear extension (2500). Rear extension (2500) may comprise a portion of sole (2120). Rear extension (2500) comprises a weight channel (2540). Weight channel (2540) is exposed at trailing edge (2180) and sole (2120) of club head (2300).

Weight channel (2540) is configured to receive movable weight (2350) in one of three positions. Weights (2350) may be secured to weight channels (2540) by threaded fasteners (2320). Weights (2350) may be placed in a toe position, a mid position, or a heel position. Weight channel (2540) comprises an attachment wall (2542) and a sole wall (2550). Attachment wall (2542) may be oriented substantially perpendicular to sole (2120). Sole wall (2550) may be oriented substantially parallel to main sole (2120), but may enter inwardly a distance equal to the height of mounting wall (2542). Movable weight (2350) may comprise an elongated, trapezoidal shape, or any other suitable weight. Movable weight ( ) (2350) may comprise an inner wall and a connecting wall. Movable weight (2350) may comprise an inner wall and a connecting wall. The inner wall is flush with the sole wall (2550) of the weight channel (2540). Connecting wall is flush with mounting wall (2542) when weight (2350) is mounted in one of three positions.

The mass of the movable weight (2350) can range from 1.0 grams to 35.0 grams. For example, the mass of the movable weight (2350) is 1.0 grams, 2.0 grams, 3.0 grams, 4.0 grams, 5.0 grams, 6.0 grams, 7.0 grams, 8.0 grams. , 9.0 grams, 10.0 grams, 11.0 grams, 12.0 grams, 13.0 grams, 14.0 grams, 15.0 grams, 16.0 grams, 17.0 grams, 18.0 grams , 19.0 grams, 20.0 grams, 21.0 grams, 22.0 grams, 23.0 grams, 24.0 grams, 25.0 grams, 26.0 grams, 27.0 grams, 28.0 grams , 29.0 grams, 30.0 grams, 31.0 grams, 32.0 grams, 33.0 grams, 34.0 grams, or 35.0 grams. Concentration of mass in weight channels (2540) at the rear end (2180) of the club head can strategically position the head center of gravity and improve the launch characteristics of the golf club.

Mounting wall (2542) of weight channel (2540) includes three threaded holes corresponding to the three weight positions. Mounting wall (2542) includes a toe threaded hole (2544), a central threaded hole (2546), and a heel side threaded hole (2548). Movable weight (2350) is achieved by placing the connecting wall of weight (2350) flush with the mounting wall (2542) of channel (2540) and securing fastener (2320) to toe side screw hole (2544). , is positioned at the toe side position. Movable weight (2350) is achieved by placing the connecting wall of weight (2350) flush with the mounting wall (2542) of channel (2540) and securing fastener (2320) within central screw hole (2546). , is positioned in the central position. Movable weight (2350) is configured such that connecting wall of weight (2350) is flush with mounting wall (2542) of channel (2540) and fastener (2320) is secured within heel side screw hole (2548). is positioned at the heel side position.

As illustrated in the sole view of FIG. 19A, golf club (2100) is configured to impart no draw or fade bias when moveable weight (2350) is placed in a central position. As illustrated in FIG. 19B, the weight (2350) imparts a fade bias to the club head when the weight (2350) is placed in the toe position. As illustrated in FIG. 19C, when weight (2350) is placed in the heel position, weight (2350) imparts a draw bias to the club head. The more mass the weight (2350) has, the more the weight (2350) produces a greater fade or draw bias when placed on the toe or heel side, respectively. A greater separation distance between each of the toe, center and heel positions can also increase fade or draw bias. Thus, in some embodiments, the mass of the movable weight (2350) can be balanced with the weight position separation distance to achieve the desired shot bias.

20 and 21, when the movable weight (2350) is received in the weight channel (2540), the movable weight (2350) is offset from the sole wall (2550) of the weight channel (2540) with a gap. . Gap or offset distance (2557) may be measured as the minimum distance between movable weight (2350) and sole wall (2550). The offset distance (2557) may be between approximately 0.004 inches and 0.050 inches. In some embodiments, the offset distance (2557) is about 0.004 inches to 0.010 inches, 0.006 inches to 0.010 inches, 0.008 inches to 0.012 inches, 0.010 inches to 0.014 inch, about 0.012 inch to 0.016 inch, 0.014 inch to 0.018 inch, 0.016 inch to 0.020 inch, 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch, 0.030 inch to 0.040 inches, or between 0.040 inches and 0.050 inches. A larger offset distance (2557) allows the movable weight (2350) to oscillate or oscillate up and down after the golf club head impacts the golf ball. This vibration can transmit stress to fasteners (2320), screw holes (2544, 2546, 2548) and/or weight channels (2540) that can cause aging.

Reducing the vertical deflection of the movable weight (2350) is 10% more, 20% more, 30% more than similar designs that allow the movable weight (2350) to swing vertically. , or more than 40% stress relief. In some embodiments, the reduction in vertical deflection of the weight (2350) is less than about 40% stress according to finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. The vertical deflection (towards the crown or sole) of the movable weight (2350) is related to the vibration amplitude of the movable weight (2350). The vertical deflection of movable weight (2350) may be limited by the offset distance (gap size) described above between movable weight (2350) and sole wall (2550). In some embodiments, the offset distance is less than 0.04 inches, less than 0.03 inches, less than 0.02 inches, to maintain durability by reducing vertical deflection of the movable weight (2350). Must be less than an inch, less than 0.01 inch, less than 0.009 inch, less than 0.008 inch, less than 0.007 inch, less than 0.006 inch, or less than 0.005 inch.

Vertical deflection and vibration of the weight (2350) is also controlled by inserting a heavy duty tape (2558) such as very high bond (VHB) tape between the movable weight (2350) and the sole wall (2550). can be controlled. VHB tape (2558) fills most of the gap. In some embodiments, the VHB tape (2558) completely fills the gap. VHB tape (2558) can reduce or eliminate vibration of movable weight (2350).

The first component (2300) includes a sole rear extension (2500), a hitting face return crown (2400), and a hitting face return sole (2810). The striking face return sole portion (2810) includes a heel extension (2830) and a toe extension (2820). Heel extension (2830) includes a rear wall (2832). Toe extension (2820) includes a rear wall (2822).

First component rear extension (2500) comprises toe sidewall (2522) and heel sidewall (2532) connecting weight channel (2540) to striking face sole return (2810). Rear extension toe sidewall (2522) and toe extension rear wall (2822) may form a toe sidewall angle (2850). The toe sidewall angle (2850) can range from 45 degrees to 180 degrees. Rear extension heel sidewall (2532) and heel extension rear wall (2832) may form a heel sidewall angle (2855). The heel sidewall angle (2855) can range from 45 degrees to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) is approximately equal to the heel sidewall angle (2855). In other embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) and heel sidewall angle (2855) are different. In some embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) and the heel sidewall angle (2855) are complementary angles (the sum of which is approximately equal to 180 degrees). In these embodiments, the toe extension rear wall (2822) and the heel extension rear wall (2832) lie approximately in the same plane (the toe rear wall (2822) and the heel rear wall (2832) are in the same plane as viewed from the sole). approximately parallel). For example, the toe sidewall angle (2850) may be acute while the heel sidewall angle (2855) may be supplemental.

19 and 22, some embodiments comprise obtuse toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855). Referring to FIG. 23, some embodiments comprise toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855) of about 90°. Referring to FIG. 24, some embodiments comprise sharp toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855). Embodiments with obtuse toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855) can distribute stress smoothly posteriorly in sole (2120). The obtuse angle can increase the strength of the sole (2120) and support the sole rear extension (2500). However, embodiments with acute angles may include a first component having a lower mass than embodiments with obtuse or 90 degree angles. Accordingly, embodiments with sharp toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855) can enable improved weight characteristics such as high MOI.

The weight channels (2540) may fan outward beyond the main portion of the rear sole extension (2500) as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-21. In these embodiments, where weight channel (2540) extends in the toe and heel directions, rear extension toe sidewall (2522) and heel sidewall (2532) are adjacent to weight channel (2540), respectively. It has a bend. In other embodiments, such as shown in Figure 22, the rear extension toe sidewall (2522) and heel sidewall (2532) may be straight. In some embodiments, rear extended toe sidewall (2522) may be parallel to rear extended heel sidewall (2532). In some embodiments, the rear extended toe sidewall (2522) may be non-parallel to the rear extended heel sidewall (2532). The rear extension (2500) can extend to different locations from the return (2810). This shift in the position of rear extension (2500) can affect how rear extension (2500) is angled relative to return (2810). Rear extension axis (2504) approximates the center of rear extension (2500). A rear extension axis (2504) extends between the forward midpoint (2502) of the rear extension and the central threaded hole (2546) of the weight channel (2540). The front midpoint (2502) is located midway between the toe side intersection point (2824) and the heel side intersection point (2834). The toe side intersection (2824) is the point where the toe extension rear wall (2822) intersects and connects with the rear extension toe side wall (2522). Similarly, heel-side intersection (2834) is the point where heel extension rear wall (2832) intersects and connects with rear extension heel sidewall (2532). The toe and heel intersections (2824 and 2834) may be located anywhere along the trailing edge of the forward sole portion (2810). In some embodiments, the connection between the toe/heel extension rear wall (2822/2832) and the rear extension sole/heel sidewall (2522/2532) is filled, beveled, or chamfered, respectively.

The sole rear extension (2500) of the first component (2300) may be angled with respect to the intersection plane (2840). As illustrated in Figures 19 and 22-28, the intersection plane (2840) coincides with the toe side intersection point (2824) and the heel side intersection point (2834). In some embodiments, the intersection plane (2840) extends parallel to the XY plane (191). In some embodiments, such as in FIGS. 19-24, rear extension (2500) extends linearly rearward such that intersection plane (2840) and rear extension axis (2504) are aligned with the sole. form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In some embodiments, such as those of Figures 25-28, the intersection plane (2840) and the rear extension axis (2504) intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees.

The toe-side axis angle (2860) is measured from the intersection plane (2840) to the rear extension axis (2504) on the toe side of the rear extension axis (2504) (in sole view). The heel-side axis angle (2865) is measured from the intersection plane (2840) to the extension axis (2504) that is heel-side of the rear extension axis (2504) (in sole view). The toe side axis angle (2860) and heel side axis angle (2865) are supplementary angles (added to 180 degrees).

Referring to FIG. 25, in some embodiments, the rear extension is a hitting face sole return (2810) closer to the toe end (2150) of the club head (2100) than the heel end (2160) of the club head (2100). ). In these embodiments, the toe side axis angle (2860) is greater than 90 degrees and the heel side axis angle (2865) is less than 90 degrees. Weight channel (2540) remains centrally located at rear end (2180) of golf club head (2100). Due to the position of the rear extension (2500) of the first component, the second component (2200) can occupy a greater portion of the heel side of the sole (2120). More specifically, the heel sole portion (2214) of the second component can be larger than the toe sole portion (2212) of the second component.

Referring to FIG. 26, in some embodiments, the rear extension is a hitting face sole return (2810) closer to the heel end (2160) of the club head (2100) than the toe end (2150) of the club head (2100). ). In this embodiment, the toe side axis angle (2860) is greater than 90 degrees and the heel side axis angle (2865) is less than 90 degrees. Weight channel (2540) remains centrally located at rear end (2180) of golf club head (2100). Due to the position of the rear extension (2500) of the first component (2300), the second component (2200) can occupy a larger portion of the toe side of the sole (2120). More specifically, the second component toe sole portion (2212) may be larger than the second component heel sole portion (2214). The mating position of the rear extension may change the weight and launch characteristics of the golf club head (2100).

27 and 28, in some embodiments the rear extension can have varying widths. In these embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) and the heel sidewall angle (2855) may not be complementary angles (they may not total 180 degrees). In some embodiments, both the toe sidewall angle and the heel sidewall angle (2850 and 2855) may be acute, reducing the weight of the first component and allowing for greater perimeter weight at the club head. do. In other embodiments, both the toe sidewall angle and the heel sidewall angle (2850 and 2855) may be obtuse to increase sole durability and simplify manufacturing assembly of the golf club head (2100).

The rear extension width (2507) is measured in the heel-toe direction behind the rear circumference of the forward sole portion (2810). Rear extension width (2507) is less than the overall width of sole (2120) of golf club (2100). Rear extension width (2507) may range from 25% to 85% of the total width of sole (2120). The rear extension width (2507) is 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80% of the total width of the sole (2120). or 85%. The width of the rear extension adjacent weight channel (2540) may range from 1 inch to 2.5 inches. The rear extension width (8507) between the toe intersection (2824) and the heel intersection (2834) may range from 1 inch to 5 inches. Rear extension width (2507) may be increased adjacent weight channel (2540), as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, or may be increased adjacent return portion (2810).

Referring to Figures 37 and 38, the position of the sole extension (2500) of the first component (2300) can also be understood in relation to the striking face (2170) and the XYZ coordinate system. A rear extension angle (2508) may be measured between the rear extension axis (2504) and the YZ plane (193) in sole view. In some embodiments, rear extension axis (2504) may intersect the YZ plane adjacent rear end (2180) of club head (2100). In other embodiments, rear extension axis (2504) may intersect the YZ plane at a point between return portion (2177) of club head (2100) and trailing edge (2180) of club head (2100). . The rear extension angle (2508) can range from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the rear extension angle (2508) is 0 degrees to 10 degrees, 0 degrees to 20 degrees, 0 degrees to 30 degrees, 0 degrees to 40 degrees, 10 degrees to 20 degrees, 10 degrees to 30 degrees. , 10 degrees to 40 degrees, 10 degrees to 45 degrees, 20 degrees to 30 degrees, 20 degrees to 40 degrees, 20 degrees to 45 degrees, 30 degrees to 40 degrees, or 30 degrees to 45 degrees .

In the embodiment of FIG. 37, rear extension axis (2504) intersects the YZ plane adjacent to or at trailing edge (2180) of club head (2100). The front end of the rear extension (2500) is located closer to the heel end (2160) than the toe end (2150). Moving the front end of the rear extension (2500) affects the CG and MOI of the club head (2100) as the first component (2300) is denser than the second component. The greater placement of first component (2300) within heel end (2160) of club head (2100) increases the mass within heel end (2160) of club head (2100).

In the embodiment of FIG. 38, rear extension axis (2504) intersects the YZ plane of club head (2100) adjacent to or at trailing edge (2180) of club head (2100). . The front end of the rear extension (2500) is located closer to the toe end (2150) than the heel end (2160). The greater placement of the first component (2300) within the toe end (2150) of club head (2100) increases the mass within the toe end (2150) of club head (2100).

Referring to Figure 39, in some embodiments, the trailing edge (2410) of the return portion (2177) may be angled with respect to the XY plane (191). In some embodiments, the trailing edge (2410) can be aligned with the intersection plane (2840). In other embodiments, trailing edge (2410) is at least partially curved or angled and is not perfectly aligned with intersection plane (2840). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 40, a portion of the trailing edge (2410) is in the XY plane (191) even though the intersection plane (2840) is angled with respect to the XY plane (191). 191). A trailing edge angle (2411) may be defined between the intersection plane (2840) and the XY plane (191). The trailing edge angle (2411) can range from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, trailing edge angle (2411) can range from 0 to 10 degrees, 10 to 20 degrees, 20 to 30 degrees, or 30 to 45 degrees. The angulation of the trailing edge (2410) places more mass at the heel end (2160) or toe end (2150) of the club head (2100).

Referring to FIG. 40, in some embodiments, a portion of trailing edge (2410) is offset from the remainder of trailing edge (2410). For example, a portion of the rear end (2410) on the toe side of the rear extension (2500) (hereinafter "the rear end toe side (2412)) further includes a rear end (2410) on the heel side of the rear extension (2500). ) (hereinafter “rear heel side (2413)). The rear toe side (2412) is a distance (2414) from the rear heel side (2410). 40, the trailing heel side (2413) is offset a distance (2414) rearwardly from the trailing toe side (2412). The trailing toe side (2412) may be offset rearwardly from the heel side (2413).In still other embodiments, the trailing edge (2410) of the return (2177) is arcuate, parabolic, tapered. , or a shape that contributes to specific mass properties and/or impact durability of the first component (2300).

Second component

As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the second component includes a crown portion (2205), a trailing edge portion (2230), a sole toe portion (2212), and a sole heel portion (2214). can be done. A crown portion (2205) connects the sole toe portion (2212) and the sole heel portion (2214). A trailing edge (2230) connects the crown (2205) to the sole toe and heel (2212 and 2214). Crown portion (2205), sole toe portion (2212) and sole heel portion (2214) define a rear cutout (2240) on the sole side of second component (2200). In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 29, rear cutouts 2240 are cut into the sole only. In some other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 30, rear cutouts 2240 are cut into both the sole and crown portions (2205). Embodiments that cut into both the sole and crown (2205) allow more space for the weight channels (2540) of the first component (2300) at the rear end (2180) of the club head (2100). enable.

The sole toe portion (2212) and sole heel portion (2214) of the second component may be sized to correspond to the dimensions of the first component (2300), as shown in FIGS. . For example, the sole toe portion (2212) of the second component is substantially the same as the sole heel portion (2214) when the rear extension (2500) is centered, as in the embodiment of FIGS. It can be size. In embodiments in which the rear posterior extension axis (2504) is angled with respect to the intersection plane (2840), the sole toe portion (2212) is formed into a sole heel portion ( 2214).

In some embodiments, the second component (2200) is secured to the first component (2300) in a manner similar to that described above for the first golf club head (100) embodiment. can be done. In some embodiments, the materials of the first component (2300) and the second component (2200) can also be similar to those described above for the first golf club head (100) embodiment. can.

III) Third Embodiment of Golf Club Head (including Crown Brace and Separated Second Component)

A third embodiment (3100) of a golf club head, shown in FIGS. an element (3200); The first component (3300) comprises a sole rear extension (3500) and a crown brace (3560). The first component (3300) of the golf club head of the third embodiment is similar to the first component (300 and 300) of the golf club heads (100 and 2100), except with the addition of a crown brace (3560). 1300). The second component (3200) may comprise a toe portion (3212) and a heel portion (3214). The toe and heel portions (3212 and 3214) can be separate components. Except for the two-component design, the second component (3200) of the golf club head may be similar to the second component (200 and 2200) of the golf club heads (100 and 2100). The golf club head includes a striking face (3170), a return portion (3177), a hosel (3140), a crown (3110), a sole (3120), a heel end (3160), and a toe end (3150). , and a skirt (3125) having a trailing edge (3130) at the rearmost portion of the trailing edge (3180). A skirt (3125) may extend around the club head behind the hosel (3140) and between the crown (3110) and the sole (3120).

40 and 41, the toe portion (3212) of the second component was configured to lie along the center of the crown (3110) when the golf club head was fully assembled. Toe Center Edge (3220), Toe Maximum Crown Width (3222) measured from Toe Center Edge (3220) to Toe Edge (3150), and Toe Maximum Crown Length measured from front to rear. (3224). the heel portion (3214) of the second component has a heel center edge (3216) configured to lie along the center of the crown (3110) when the golf club head is fully assembled; It may comprise a heel maximum crown width (3217) measured from heel center edge (3216) to heel edge (3160) and a heel maximum crown length (3218) measured from front to back edge.

Toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) may have the same maximum length (3224 and 3218). Alternatively, the toe (3212) and heel (3214) may have varying maximum lengths (3224 and 3218) such that one is greater than the other. The toe (3212) and heel (3214) may have the same maximum width (3222 and 3217). Alternatively, the toe (3212) and heel (3214) may have varying maximum widths (3222 and 3217) such that one is greater than the other. The maximum length can be 3.0 inches to 6.0 inches. Maximum lengths are 3.0", 3.1", 3.2", 3.0", 3.4", 3.5", 3.6", 3.7", 3.8", 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2 inches, 4.3 inches, 4.4 inches, 4.5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4.7 inches, 4.8 inches, 4.9 inches, 5.0 inches, 5.1 inches, 5.2 inches, 5.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, It can be 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 37-39, the first component (3300) of the third embodiment may comprise both a sole rear extension (3500) and a crown brace (3560). The sole rear extension (3500) houses a weight channel (3540) at the rear end (3180). A crown brace (3560) is attached to the forward crown (3400) and the sole rear extension (3500). A crown brace (3560) is attached to the sole rear extension (3500) adjacent to the weight channel (3540) at the rear end (3180) of the club head. As shown in FIG. 39, crown brace (3560) and weight channel (3540) of rear extension (3500) may form a hammerhead shape. In other embodiments, the shape of the crown brace (3560) and rear extension (3500) connection may be fillet, round, or other shape.

Crown brace (3560) may provide support to prevent sole rear extension (3500) from bending too far up as the golf club head impacts the golf ball. Because weight channel (3540) houses movable weight (3350), weight channel (3540) carries a substantial amount of mass. The weight channel (3540) and the mass of the weight (3350) are supported by the sole rear extension (3500). However, an impact with a golf ball may cause weight channel (3540) portion of rear extension (3500) to bend upward. This upward bending of rear extension (3500) may create compressive stress in crown (3110). In some embodiments, these stresses may cause fractures or cracks within the second component (3200) forming the majority of the crown (3110). The crown brace (3560) may provide support to prevent stress-generating bending (or clamshell effect) of the sole rear extension (3500). In other words, crown brace (3560) may reduce vibration and oscillation of weight channel (3540).

In some embodiments, just as the sole rear extensions (500 and 2500) of the golf club heads (100 and 2100) are angled, the sole rear extension (3500) and crown brace (3560) are both angled. It may be angled. In some embodiments, the crown brace (3560) is positioned at a different angle than the angle of the sole rear extension (3500).

Referring to FIG. 39, crown brace (3560) comprises a crown brace longitudinal axis (3565). Crown brace longitudinal axis (3565) bisects crown brace (3560) along its maximum length. In some embodiments, the crown brace longitudinal axis (3565) is parallel to the rear extension axis (2504), or alternatively, the crown brace longitudinal axis (3565) is at an acute angle to the rear extension axis (2504). may be offset toward the heel or toe end of the golf club head, non-parallel to the rear extension axis (2504) to form a .

Crown brace (3560) may comprise a toe side edge (3562) and a heel side edge (3564). Crown brace (3560) may comprise a width (3561) measured from a toe side edge (3562) to a heel side edge (3564). The crown brace width (3561) can range from 0.05 inches to 0.8 inches. In some embodiments, the crown brace width (3561) is 0.05 inch to 0.1 inch, 0.1 inch to 0.2 inch, 0.2 inch to 0.4 inch, 0.3 inch to It can range from 0.5 inch, 0.3 inch to 0.6 inch, or 0.4 inch to 0.7 inch. In some embodiments, the crown brace widths are approximately 0.2 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.5 inches, It can be 0.55 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.65 inch, 0.7 inch, 0.75 inch, or 0.8 inch. Crown brace width (3561) may affect or determine the mass of crown brace (3560). To keep discretionary mass, the crown brace (3560) should weigh less than 0.6g, less than 0.5g, less than 0.4g, less than 0.3g, less than 0.2g, or less than 0.1g. can be designed.

Referring to Figures 40 and 41, the two portions of the second component (3200) may each comprise a crown (3110), a sole (3120), and a trailing edge (3130) portion. Toe (3212) may be configured to fit and secure against a peripheral lip or ledge (not shown) of first component (3300). In particular, toe portion (3212) may be configured to engage rear extension toe sidewall (3522) and overlap crown brace toe sidewall (3562). Heel portion (3214) may be configured to engage rear extension heel sidewall (3532) and overlap crown brace heel sidewall (3564).

Because the second component (3200) comprises two separate parts (3212 and 3214), the second component (3200) can be assembled onto the first component (3300) in two steps. For example, first, the toe portion (3212) may be slid over the first component (3300) in a toe-to-heel direction. The heel portion (3214) can be slid separately onto the first component (3300) in a heel-to-toe direction. The first component (3300) is more complex because the second component (3200) can be assembled onto the first component from the heel and toe sides, as described in more detail below. external shape. Materials for the first (3300) and second (3200) components may be similar to those described above for the first golf club head (100) embodiment.

When the two second component portions (3212 and 3214) are assembled onto the first component, the two portions (3212 and 3214) can be positioned to completely cover the crown brace (3560). Completely covering the crown brace (3560) may ensure a strong bond joint between the two portions (3212 and 3214) and the first component (2300). The two portions (3212 and 3214) may be positioned such that no portion of the crown brace (3560) is exposed to the exterior of the golf club head.

In an alternative embodiment, club head (3100) may be formed without crown brace (3560) but still comprise two second component portions (3212 and 3214). The two second component parts (3212 and 3214) may comprise a center edge inner extension by which the component parts (3212 and 3214) are connected. The inner extension may extend along the entire central edge of each portion or may extend along only a portion of the central edge of each portion. The inner extensions may extend inwardly into the golf club head, parallel to each other and generally parallel to the Y-axis. Heel (3214) may have a heel internal extension (3234). Toe (3212) may have a toe internal extension (3232). Each inner extension can have an inner extension length of 0.1 inch to 1.0 inch. Internal extension lengths are 0.1 inch, 0.2 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.4 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.7 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.9 inch , or 1.0 inch.

Referring to FIG. 42, in some embodiments, the inner extensions (3232 and 3234) may be positioned to abut each other when the golf club head is assembled. The inner extensions (3232 and 3234) may be mechanically secured together with mechanical or press-fit fasteners, or they may be adhesively secured via epoxy or other suitable adhesive. .

In another alternative embodiment, the golf club head (3100) has the second configuration described above for the first and second embodiments (100 and 2100), rather than two separate second component parts. It may be formed of a single unitary second component similar to elements (200 and 2200). This alternative embodiment may comprise a crown brace (3560), which helps support weight channel (3540) and a single second component.

IV) Fourth Embodiment of Golf Club Head (Includes Two or More Braces)

A fourth embodiment of a golf club head (4100) comprises a first component (4300) and a second component (not shown) mating onto the first component (4300). In this fourth embodiment, the first component (4300) comprises more than one brace, support, bridge, or brace extending between the anterior crown (4400) and the sole rear extension (4500). can have a span. The brace can reduce vibrations and oscillations in the trailing edge of the club head and increase durability. The second component (not shown) of the fourth embodiment can be a single, unitary second component similar to the second component (200 or 2200), or can be a second It may be a separate (divided) second component similar to component (3200).

Golf club head (4100) may be similar to golf club heads (100, 2100, and 3100) described above. Although complete golf club head (4100) is not shown in FIGS. 43-56, golf club head (4100) may form the same components as golf club heads (100, 2100, and 3100) described above. . The golf club head (4100) includes a striking face (170, 2170, 4170 similar to 3170), a return portion (177, 2177, 3177 similar), a hosel (140, 2140, 4140 similar to 3140), a crown (similar to 110, 2110, 3110), a sole (similar to 120, 2120, 3120), a heel edge (similar to 160, 2160, 3160), a toe edge (similar to 150, 2150, 3150), a skirt (similar to 125, 2125, 3125) having a trailing edge (similar to 130, 2130, 3130) at the rearmost portion of the trailing edge (similar to 180, 2180, 3180 to 4180).

As shown in FIGS. 43-56, a golf club head (4100) may comprise a first component (4300) having various brace configurations. All variations of the first component (4300) consist of a striking face (4170), an anterior crown (4400), an anterior sole (4810), and a sole rear extension connected to the anterior sole (4810). and a part (4500). Rear extension (4500) is configured to allow attachment of moveable weights (4350) at toe side edge (4522), heel side edge (4532), and trailing edge (4130) of golf club head (4100). a configured weight channel (4540). Weight channel (4540) and moveable weight (4350) are similar to weight channel (2540, 3540) and weight channel (2540, 3540) of golf club head (2100, 3100) as described above primarily with reference to FIGS. 17-21 and 41, respectively. It can be similar to movable weights (2350, 3350). The first component (4300) may also comprise a peripheral lip (4450) that faces inwardly around the edges of the anterior crown (4400), anterior sole (4810) and sole rear extension (4500). is offset to Perimeter lip (4450) may be similar to a shelf and may function as a lap joint when second component (4200) is attached to first component (4300). The brace may reduce impact-induced vibrations or oscillations of the weight channel (4540) at the rear end (4180), thereby reducing stresses experienced by the overall lap joint. Reducing stress at the lap joint increases the durability of the lap joint bond and helps prevent delamination.

All variations of the first component (4300) may also comprise two or more braces (also called supports, bridges, spans or connecting members). The two or more braces may provide stability to weight channel (4540) and reduce oscillation and vertical displacement of rear weight channel after golf club head (4100) impacts a golf ball. Two or more braces may also increase the lateral stiffness of the rear extension (4500) of the first component (4300).

In the variation shown in Figures 43 and 44, the first component (4300) comprises a toe skirt brace (4566) and a heel skirt brace (4568). A toe skirt brace (4566) may extend from the return to the rear end of the club head. More specifically, toe skirt brace (4566) may extend from forward crown and sole portions (4400 and 4810) to rear extension (4500) at the trailing edge of club head (4100). Toe skirt brace (4566) and heel skirt brace (4568) are configured to be level with peripheral lip (4450) of first component (4300). In other words, the toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568) may be flush with the peripheral lip (4450). The second component (4200) may fit and completely cover the toe and skirt braces (4566 and 4568) when the club head (4100) is assembled.

In the variation shown in Figures 45 and 46, the first component (4300) comprises a toe skirt brace (4566), a heel skirt brace (4568) and a central crown brace (4560). Toe skirt brace (4566) and heel skirt brace (4568) may be similar to toe and skirt braces (4566 and 4568) described above for the variations of FIGS. Crown brace (4560) may be similar to crown brace (3560) described above for golf club head (3100), shown in FIGS. A central crown brace (4560) may extend from the forward crown portion (4400) to a rear extension (4500) at the trailing edge of the club head (4100). Central crown brace (4560) may be located approximately midway between toe end (4150) and heel end (4160) of club head (4100). From a top view such as FIG. 46, the central crown brace (4560) may be substantially perpendicular to the XY plane (191). The orientation of the central crown brace (4560) may approximately bisect the sole rear extension (4500).

The variation shown in Figures 47 and 48 comprises a toe brace (4557) and a heel brace (4559), both connected to the outer edge of the rear extension (4500). Toe brace (4557) may extend rearwardly from forward crown (4400) and attach to rear extension (4500) toe side edge (4522) at trailing edge (4532) of club head (4100). Similarly, a heel brace (4557) extends rearwardly from the forward crown (4400) and attaches to the heel side edge (4532) of the rear extension (4500) at the trailing edge (4130) of the club head (4100). can be Toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) may be attached to anterior crown (4400) at locations that, from a top view, divide anterior crown (4400) into approximately one third. In other words, from a top view, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) are equal to the toe end (4150) and toe brace of club head (4100) as measured along the trailing edge of forward crown (4400). (4557) is approximately equal to the distance between the toe brace (4557) and the heel brace (4559), which is also the distance between the heel brace (4559) and the heel end of the club head (4100). (4160) is attached to the anterior crown (4400) so as to be approximately equal to the distance between (4160).

As shown in the top view of FIG. 48, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) are separated by a greater distance at the trailing edge (4180) of the golf club head (4100) toward the trailing edge (4130). can be From a top view, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) may be within the footprint of the sole rear extension (4500).

The variation shown in Figures 49 and 50 comprises a toe brace (4557) and a heel brace (4559), both connected to the center of the rear extension (4500). 47 and 48, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) are placed in the anterior crown (4400) at a location that, from a top view, divides the anterior crown (4400) into approximately one third. (4400). However, in the variations of FIGS. 49 and 50, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) are positioned at the rear end (4180) of the golf club head (4100) toward the rear (4130) at a smaller distance. separated. Toe brace (4557) may join heel brace (4559) before or at the connection with rear extension (4500) at rear end (4180). As shown in FIG. 50, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) may form a V-shaped pattern from a top view.

The variation shown in FIGS. 51 and 52 has four braces: a toe brace (4557), a heel brace (4559), a toe skirt brace (4566), and a heel skirt brace (4568). Prepare. The alternative toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) of FIGS. 51 and 52 may be similar to the alternative toe and heel braces of FIGS. 47 and 48 described above. The alternative toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568) of FIGS. 51 and 52 may be similar to the alternative toe and heel skirt braces of FIGS. 43 and 44 described above.

The variation shown in FIGS. 53 and 54 has four braces: a toe brace (4557), a heel brace (4559), a toe skirt brace (4566), and a heel skirt brace (4568); Prepare. The modified toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) of FIGS. 53 and 54 extend from the forward crown (4400) to the rear extension (4500) at the trailing edge (4130) of the trailing club head (4180). can extend. From a top view, the toe brace (4557) and heel brace (4559) may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the XY plane (191). In some embodiments, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) may be aligned such that their top view footprints generally follow the edges (4522 and 4532) of the sole rear extension (4500).

53 and 54, in some embodiments, the distance between the toe end (4150) and the toe side brace (4557) when measured along the trailing edge of the forward crown (4400) is: It may be less than the distance between heel side brace (4559) and heel end (4160). In other embodiments, the distance between the toe end (4150) and the toe brace (4557), as measured along the trailing edge of the anterior crown (4400), is the distance between the heel brace (4559) and the heel end (4559). 4160). Both the distance between the toe end (4150) and the toe brace (4557) and the distance between the heel end (4160) and the heel brace (4559) are (4559).

The variation shown in Figures 55 and 56 comprises two crisscrossing braces, a first brace (4570) and a second brace (4572). A first brace (4570) extends from the heel half of the forward crown (4400) to the toe half of the rear extension (4500) at the trailing edge (4130) of the trailing edge (4180). A second brace (4572) extends from the toe half of the forward crown (4400) to the heel half of the rear extension (4500) at the trailing edge (4130) of the trailing edge (4180). The first and second braces (4570 and 4572) crisscross each other. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 56, the first and second braces (4570 and 4572) are approximately between the forward crown (4400) and the rear extension (4500) adjacent the trailing edge (4130). crossed in the middle. The crisscross braces (4570 and 4572) may form an X shape or an hourglass shape when viewed in top view. In some embodiments, the crisscross braces (4570 and 4572) are shifted toward the toe end (4150) or heel end (4160) to achieve the desired structural support.

Any of the aforementioned braces may comprise a thickness. The brace thickness, measured from the outer surface of the brace to the inner surface of the brace, can be approximately 0.015 inches to 0.035 inches. In some embodiments, the brace thickness is 0.015 inch, 0.016 inch, 0.017 inch, 0.018 inch, 0.019 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.021 inch, 0.022 inch. inch, 0.023 inch, 0.024 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.026 inch, 0.027 inch, 0.028 inch, 0.029 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.031 inch, 0.032 It can be inches, 0.033 inches, 0.034 inches, or 0.035 inches. A brace located on the crown (not a skirt brace) may have a width similar to the crown brace width (3561) described above for club head (3100).

Any of the aforementioned braces may have a brace width similar to the crown brace width (3561) described above. The width of each brace can affect or determine the mass of the brace. To preserve discretionary mass, braces in the club head (4100) collectively less than 0.6g, less than 0.5g, less than 0.4g, less than 0.3g, less than 0.2g, or less than 0.1g can be designed to have a total weight of In some embodiments, the total weight of the brace is equal to 0.6g, 0.5g, 0.4g, 0.3g, 0.2g, or 0.1g. Thus, in some cases, in embodiments with more braces, the brace width may be smaller than in embodiments with fewer braces.

Two or more braces as described above may increase the durability of the golf club head. More specifically, the brace may reduce possible vertical oscillation of the weight channel (4540) of the sole rear extension (4500). The brace may also reduce lateral movement of weight channel (4540). In club heads lacking the braces described herein, the impact force experienced when the golf club head (4100) hits a golf ball is reduced to rear extension due to the high concentration of weights within the weight channels and movable weights. It can induce vibrations and oscillations of the body. The vertical displacement of the trailing edge (4130) of the rear extension (4500) can be measured in simulations to quantify possible oscillations. Larger vertical displacements at impact correspond to lower durability because larger amplitude oscillations can cause material fatigue. The brace described above reduces the vertical displacement of the trailing edge (4130) at impact, thus increasing the durability of the club head (4100).

Two or more braces as described above may define or form the boundaries of the opening in the first component (4300). Apertures may also be referred to as voids, areas without material, or empty regions. The two or more braces may define 3, 4, 5, 6, or more openings in the first component (4300). 43 and 44, the toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568) form part of the boundary of the crown opening, part of the boundary of the toe sole opening, and part of the boundary of the heel sole opening. ing. The rear extension (4500) and hitting face return also form part of the boundaries of the toe and heel sole openings. 45 and 46, the toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568) and forward crown portion (4400) surround and define two crown openings separated by a central crown brace (4560). The variations of FIGS. 45 and 46 may have similar toe and heel sole openings as the variations of FIGS.

47 and 48, the toe and heel side braces (4557 and 4559) define a central crown opening and two side openings. A crown opening intersects the skirt and extends to a portion of the crown and a portion of the sole, respectively. The variations of Figures 49 and 50 are similar except that the central crown opening has a generally triangular shape. In the variation of Figures 51-54, the brace defines five openings. Skirt braces (4566 and 4568), crown braces (4557 and 4559), rear extension (4500), and forward crown (4400) define three crown openings. Skirt braces (4566 and 4568), striking face return, and sole extension (4500) define toe-sole openings and heel-sole openings.

In the variation of Figures 55 and 56, the brace defines six openings. The crisscross braces (4570 and 4572) define an anterior triangular opening and a posterior triangular opening. The anterior crown (4400) and the crisscross brace formations (4570 and 4572) form the edges of the anterior triangular aperture. A rear extension (4500) and criss-cross brace formations (4570 and 4572) form the edges of the rear triangular opening. The toe and heel crown openings are formed between the central crisscross braces (4570 and 4572) and the toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568). Additionally, skirt braces (4566 and 4568), striking face return, and sole extension (4500) define toe-sole openings and heel-sole openings.

During and immediately after impact with a golf ball, rear weight (4350) and weight channel (4540) of first component (4300) may swing perpendicular to the rest of golf club head (4100). . For the first component without any braces, a 30-35 gram rear weight (4350) can swing more than 0.3 inches without the additional support of the second component (4200). For a first component (4300) with two or more braces, 30 grams to 35 grams of rear weight (4350) is up to 0.03 inches without additional support of the second component (4200) can swing from 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the rear weight (4350) is up to 0.03" to 0.06", 0.04" to 0.07", 0.05" to 0.08", 0.05" to It can swing by 0.10 inch, 0.10 inch to 0.15 inch, or 0.15 inch to 0.20 inch. In some embodiments, the rear weight (4350) is up to about less than 0.3 inches, less than 0.2 inches, less than 0.18 inches, less than 0.16 inches, less than 0.14 inches, 0.12 inches It can run out less than an inch, less than 0.10 inch, less than 0.08 inch, less than 0.06 inch, less than 0.04 inch, or less than 0.02 inch.

In some embodiments with two crown braces and no skirt braces, a 30-gram to 35-gram rear weight (4350) can be used even without the additional support of the second component (4200). It can swing up to 0.09 inches to 0.18 inches or 0.10 inches to 0.15 inches (perpendicular to the rest of the club head). In some embodiments with two skirt braces and no crown brace, the rear weight (4350) can swing up to 0.10 inches to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments having two skirt braces and at least one crown brace, the rear weight (4350) is from 0.03 inches to 0.10 inches maximum, or less than 0.10 inches, 0.08 It can swing less than an inch, less than 0.07 inch, or less than 0.06 inch. In some embodiments, variants with parallel toe and heel braces provide more support (less runout) than variants with crisscross or angled (non-parallel) braces do.

V) Fifth Embodiment of Golf Club Head

A fifth embodiment of a golf club head (5100), shown in FIGS. A second component (5200) joining onto the element (5300) and a sole panel (5556) covering the sole cavity (5555) in the first component (5300). First component (5300) of golf club head (5100) of the fifth embodiment is similar to first component (300 and 1300) of golf club heads (100 and 2100), except for sole opening (5555). ). Second component (5200) of golf club head (5100) may be similar to the second component of golf club head (100) described above. Second component (5200) of golf club head (5100) may be similar to the second component of golf club head (100) described above. The golf club head (5100) includes a striking face (5170), a return portion (5177), a hosel (5140), a crown (5110), a sole (5120), a heel end (5160), and a toe end (5160). 5150), a trailing edge (5130) at the rearmost portion of the trailing edge (5180), a hosel (5140), and a sole hosel adapter mounting recess (5195).

As shown in FIG. 57, the first component (5300) may comprise a rear extension (5500). Rear extension (5500) further comprises a toe span (5557) and a heel span (5559). The toe span (5557) extends toward and connects to the trailing edge (5180). Heel span (5559) extends to and connects to rear end (5180) opposite toe span (5557). Toe span (5557), heel span (5559), trailing edge (5180), and return (5177) form sole opening (5555). Sole opening (5555) functions to remove dense material of first component (5300) toward rear end (5180) of first component (5300). The sole opening (5555) further allows sole panels (5556) of different materials to seal over the sole opening (5555) to create a multi-material sole (5120), increasing MOI and acoustic It leads to improvement of characteristics.

Sole opening (5555) may be of any shape, but in most embodiments sole opening (5555) is generally rectangular. Sole opening (5555) is curved with the general shape of sole (5120). In some embodiments, sole opening (5555) may be square, rectangular, circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, polygonal, pentagonal, hexagonal, trapezoidal, or any other desired shape. .

The sole opening (5555) comprises a width (5574), the width (5574) being measured from the toe side span (5557) to the heel side span (5559). In most embodiments, sole opening (5555) has a greater width closer to return (5177) than the width of the opening closer to trailing edge (5180). This feature helps remove as much dense mass as possible from the center of the club head (5100), allowing the mass to be redistributed to the trailing edge (5180) of the club head (5100). do. However, in some embodiments, the sole opening (5555) width may be equal or uniform from the return portion (5177) to the trailing edge (5180). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sole opening (5555) width may be greater near the trailing edge (5180) than the opening width near the return (5177).

The sole opening width (5574) can be from 0.5 inches to 6.0 inches. Widths (5574) are 0.5", 0.6", 0.7", 0.8", 0.9", 1.0", 1.1", 1.2", 1.3" , 1.4", 1.5", 1.6", 1.8", 1.9", 2.0", 2.1", 2.2", 2.3", 2.4" , 2.5", 2.6", 2.7", 2.8", 2.9", 3.0", 3.1", 3.2", 3.0", 3.4" , 3.5", 3.6", 3.7", 3.8", 3.9", 4.0", 4.1", 4.2", 4.3", 4.4" , 4.5", 4.6", 4.7", 4.8", 4.9", 5.0", 5.1", 5.2", 5.3", 5.4" , 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.

Further, sole opening (5555) comprises a length (5576), which is measured from return portion (5177) to rear end (5180). In most embodiments, the sole opening (5555) has a length near the heel span (5559) equal to the length near the toe span (5557). This feature helps balance the club head in the heel-toe direction. In some embodiments, the length near the heel side span (5559) removes mass from the toe and places more at the heel to affect the draw or hook shot, leaving the toe side span (5559) 5557). In contrast, in some embodiments, the length near the toe side span (5557) removes mass from the heel and places more near the toe to affect slice or fade shots. , less than the length near the heel side span (5559).

The sole opening length (5576) can be from 0.5 inches to 6.0 inches. Length (5576) is 0.5 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.7 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.9 inch, 1.0 inch, 1.1 inch, 1.2 inch, 1.3 inch inch, 1.4 inch, 1.5 inch, 1.6 inch, 1.8 inch, 1.9 inch, 2.0 inch, 2.1 inch, 2.2 inch, 2.3 inch, 2.4 inch, 2.5 inch, 2.6 inch, 2.7 inch, 2.8 inch, 2.9 inch, 3.0 inch, 3.1 inch, 3.2 inch, 3.0 inch, 3.4 inch, 3.5 inch, 3.6 inch, 3.7 inch, 3.8 inch, 3.9 inch, 4.0 inch, 4.1 inch, 4.2 inch, 4.3 inch, 4.4 inch, 4.5 inch, 4.6 inch, 4.7 inch, 4.8 inch, 4.9 inch, 5.0 inch, 5.1 inch, 5.2 inch, 5.3 inch, 5.4 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.

Toe span (5557) and heel span (5559) connect return (5177) to rear end (5180). Toe span (5557) and heel span (5559) of rear extension (5500) may comprise portions of sole (5120). Rear extension (5500) comprises a weight channel (5540). Weight channel (5540) is exposed at rear end (5180) and at least a portion of sole (5120) of club head (5300).

Weight channel (5540) is configured to receive movable weight (5350) in one of three positions. Weights (5350) may be secured to weight channels (5540) by threaded fasteners (5320). Weights (5350) may be placed in a toe, center, or heel position. Weight channel (5540) comprises an attachment wall (5542) and a sole wall (5550). Attachment wall (5542) may be oriented generally perpendicular to sole (5120). Sole wall (5550) may be oriented generally parallel to main sole (5120), but may enter inwardly a distance equal to the height of mounting wall (5542). Movable weight (5350) may comprise an elongated trapezoidal shape, or any other suitable weight. Movable weight (5350) may comprise an inner wall and a connecting wall. The inner wall lies flush with the sole wall (5550) of the weight channel (5540). The connecting wall lies flush with the mounting wall (5542) when the weight (5350) is mounted in one of three positions.

Mounting wall (5542) of weight channel (5540) includes three threaded openings corresponding to the three weight positions. Mounting wall (5542) includes a toe side threaded opening (5544), a center side threaded opening (5546), and a heel side threaded opening (5548). Movable weight (5350) is configured such that the connecting wall of weight (5350) is flush with the mounting wall (5542) of channel (5540) and fastener (5320) is threaded into toe screw opening (5544). It is located at the toe side position by fixing to the Movable weight (5350) is configured such that connecting wall of weight (5350) is flush with mounting wall (5542) of channel (5540) to position fastener (5320) within center screw opening (5546). It is located in a central position by fixing it. Movable weight (5350) is configured such that connecting wall of weight (5350) is positioned flush with mounting wall (5542) of channel (5540) to insert fastener (5320) into heel-side screw opening (5548). By fixing to the heel side position.

Golf club (5100) provides no draw or fade bias when movable weight (5350) is located in a central position (similar to golf club (2100) as shown in the sole view of FIG. 19). is configured as When weight (2350) is positioned in a toe-side position (similar to golf club (2100) as shown in FIG. 20), weight (2350) imparts a fade bias to the club head. When weight (5350) is located in a heel-side position (similar to golf club head (2100) as shown in FIG. 21), weight (5350) imparts a draw bias to the club head.

The first component (5300) comprises a sole rear extension (5500), an anterior crown (5400) and an anterior sole (5810). Forward sole portion (5810) comprises a heel extension (5830) and a toe extension (5820). Heel extension (5830) comprises a rear wall (5832). Toe extension (5820) comprises a rear wall (5822).

First component rear extension (5500) comprises toe sidewall (5522) and heel sidewall (5532) connecting weight channel (5540) to striking face sole return (5810). The toe sidewall (5522) is formed by a toe side span (5557) opposite the sole opening (5555). Similarly, heel sidewall (5532) is formed by heel-side span (5559) opposite sole opening (5555). Rear extension toe sidewall (5522) and toe extension rear wall (5822) may form a toe sidewall angle (5850). The toe sidewall angle (5850) can range from 45 degrees to 180 degrees. Rear extension heel sidewall (5532) and heel extension rear wall (5832) may form a heel sidewall angle (5855). The heel sidewall angle (5855) can range from 45 degrees to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (5850) is approximately equal to the heel sidewall angle (5855). In other embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (5850) and heel sidewall angle (5855) are different. In some embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (5850) and heel sidewall angle (5855) are complementary angles (their sum equals approximately 180 degrees). In such an embodiment, the toe extension rear wall (5822) and the heel extension rear wall (5832) are disposed substantially in the same plane (the toe rear wall (5822) and the heel extension wall (5832) are in the same plane as the sole). are almost parallel when viewed from above). For example, the toe sidewall angle (5850) may be acute, while the heel sidewall angle (5855) is a supplementary obtuse angle.

A second component (5200), similar to the second component (2200) as shown in FIGS. ) and a sole heel portion (5214). A crown portion (5205) connects the sole toe portion (5212) and the sole heel portion (5214). A trailing edge (5230) connects the crown (5205) to the sole toe and heel (5212 and 5214). Crown portion (5205), sole toe portion (5212), and sole heel portion (5214) define a rear cutout on the sole side of second component (5200). The rear cutout may be similar to the rear cutout (2240) described for the second embodiment with reference to FIGS. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 29, the rear cutout (2240) cuts into the sole only. In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 30, the rear notch (2240) cuts into both the sole and crown (5205). Embodiments that cut into both the sole and crown (5205) allow more space at the trailing edge (5180) of the club head (5100) for the weight channels (5540) of the first component (5300) do.

In some embodiments, the second component (5200) is configured in a manner similar to that described above for the first golf club head (100) embodiment and the second club head embodiment (2100). 1 component (5300). In some embodiments, the materials of the first (5300) and second (5200) components may also be similar to those described above for the first golf club head (100) embodiment.

The profile of the rear sole extension (5500) may mechanically lock or retain the second component (5200) on the first component. A fan-shaped rear extension (5500) with weight channels (5540) prevents the rigid portion from sliding onto the first component (5300). To overcome this manufacturing challenge, the second component (5200) may comprise a semi-rigid or flexible material such that the second component (5200) is flexible around or around the first component. Allows bending over the first component. In such embodiments, the second component (5200) may be snapped or locked into place. In some embodiments, the fan-shaped profile of the rear sole extension (5500) allows the second component (5200) to adhere to the first without or with less adhesive. (5300).

Further, golf club head (5100) comprises a sole panel (5556) that covers sole opening (5555) of first component (5300). Sole panel (5556) covers sole opening (5555) and joins toe span (5557), heel span (5559), and trailing edge (5180) to form overall sole (5120). . Sole panel (5556) is the same shape as sole opening (5555) such that sole panel (5556) has a trailing edge (5180), a toe side span (5557), a heel side span (5559), and a Covers the entire sole opening (5555) by joining to the front sole portion (5810). In most embodiments, sole panel (5556) is adhered to sole opening (5555).

As with sole opening (5555), sole panel (5556) may be of any shape, but in most embodiments, sole panel (5556) is generally rectangular. Sole panel (5556) is curved with the general shape of sole (5120). In some embodiments, sole panel (5556) may be square, rectangular, circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, polygonal, pentagonal, hexagonal, trapezoidal, or any other desired shape.

The sole panel (5556) comprises a width, the width being measured from the toe side span (5557) to the heel side span (5559). In most embodiments, sole panel (5556) has a greater width nearer return portion (5177) than the panel width nearer rear end (5180). This feature helps provide a golf club head (5100) that matches and surrounds the contour of the sole opening (5555). Similar to the width of sole opening (5555), in some embodiments, sole panel (5556) width may be equal or uniform from return (5177) to trailing edge (5180). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sole panel (5556) width may be greater near the trailing edge (5180) than the panel width near the return portion (5177).

The sole panel width can be from 0.5 inches to 6.0 inches. Widths are 0.5 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.7 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.9 inch, 1.0 inch, 1.1 inch, 1.2 inch, 1.3 inch, 1.0 inch 4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4 inches, 2. 5 inches, 2.6 inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.4 inches, 3. 5 inches, 3.6 inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2 inches, 4.3 inches, 4.4 inches, 4. 5 inch, 4.6 inch, 4.7 inch, 4.8 inch, 4.9 inch, 5.0 inch, 5.1 inch, 5.2 inch, 5.3 inch, 5.4 inch, 5.1 inch It can be 5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.

Further, sole panel (5556) comprises a length, the length being measured from return portion (5177) to rear end (5180). In most embodiments, sole panel (5556) has a length near heel span (5559) equal to a length near toe span (5557). This feature helps sole panel (5556) match the exact length of sole opening (5555). In some embodiments, the length near the heel span (5559) may be less than the length near the toe span (5557). In contrast, in some embodiments, the length near the toe span (5557) may be less than the length near the heel span (5559).

The sole panel length can be from 0.5 inches to 6.0 inches. Lengths are 0.5", 0.6", 0.7", 0.8", 0.9", 1.0", 1.1", 1.2", 1.3", 1 .4", 1.5", 1.6", 1.8", 1.9", 2.0", 2.1", 2.2", 2.3", 2.4", 2 .5", 2.6", 2.7", 2.8", 2.9", 3.0", 3.1", 3.2", 3.0", 3.4", 3 .5", 3.6", 3.7", 3.8", 3.9", 4.0", 4.1", 4.2", 4.3", 4.4", 4 .5 inch, 4.6 inch, 4.7 inch, 4.8 inch, 4.9 inch, 5.0 inch, 5.1 inch, 5.2 inch, 5.3 inch, 5.4 inch, 5 5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.

VI) Manufacturing method
1st method

Referring to FIG. 61, a first embodiment method (10) of manufacturing a golf club head (100) includes the steps of forming a first component (300) and forming a second component (200). applying adhesive to the first component lip (450); aligning the second component (200) to the first component (300); mating the second component (200) to the first component (300) such that the component (200) covers the lip (450); ) to the first component (300) to form the hollow golf club head (100) (step 4040 of FIG. 50). Method 10 can be used to form golf club heads similar to the first, second, third or fourth golf club heads (100, 2100, 3100, or 4100) described above. For simplicity, reference numbers in the methods described below refer to a first club head (100), but this method (10) applies to any club head (100, 2100, 3100, or 4100) or It is applicable to the modification.

Referring to FIG. 15, the first component (300) includes one or more heel cast support bars (1510) and one or more toe cast support bars (1512), as described above. A plurality of cast support bars may be further included. The casting support bars stabilize the cast portion of the first component (300) as the metal cools after casting. Stabilization provided by the casting support bar is achieved by folding the front of the cast component towards the first component sole rear extension (500) while the component cools after casting, or prevent you from leaving. The cast support bar is removed from the cast first component (300) and is not present in the finished golf club head (100).

An alternative method of manufacturing the golf club head (100) includes the steps of casting a first component (300), molding a wax model of the first component (300), and attaching a wax support bar to the wax model. investing the modified wax pattern; casting the investment; trimming the metal casting support bars (1510, 1512); and forming the first component (300). , forming a second component (200); applying an adhesive to the first component (300); and attaching the second component (200) to the first component (300). aligning; fitting the second component (200) to the first component (300) such that the second component (200) covers the lip (450); curing the adhesive; and permanently securing the second component (200) to the first component (300) to form the hollow golf club head (100). When adding a support bar to the wax model, the attachment point for the support bar should be on the inner surface of the first component (300) wax model to avoid marring or distortion of the outer surface of the first component (300). be. An advantage of adding support bars is that the casting of the first component is supported against distortion during the post-cast cooling stage.

The first component (300) may be joined to the second component (200) at the first component lip (450) to form the body of the golf club head (100). A first component lip (450) comprising a crown lip (455), a sole lip (460) and a mass vertical lip (750) is a first component (300) connected to a second component (200). ) to form the body of the golf club head (100), it is completely covered by the second component (200). A second component sole rear cutout (240) comprises a portion of the peripheral edge (220) at the trailing edge (230). When the first component (300) is joined to the second component (200) at the first component lip (450) (to form the body of the golf club head (100)), the trailing edge A portion of the peripheral edge (220) of (230) is joined along the mass trailing edge shelf (1042).

The first component (300) can be bonded to the second component (200) by an adhesive. In many embodiments, an adhesive such as glue, epoxy, epoxy gasket, tape (eg, VHB tape), or any other adhesive material is applied between the second component (200) and the first component lip. (450) can be placed at the junction. In some embodiments, the first component tab (457) on the first component lip (450 and 455) abuts the second component (200) and the first component lip (450 and 455) A gap can be left between 450 and 455) and the second component (200). This gap can accommodate adhesive. The gap can have a uniform height or thickness because the first component tabs (457) have a uniform height. A uniform height of this gap can create a uniform bond between the first component and the second component. In other embodiments, the second component (200) is coupled to the first component (300) by fasteners, clips, press fit, or any other suitable attachment means (not shown). obtain. In other embodiments, the first component (300) may be bonded to the second component (200) by an adhesive along with suitable mechanical attachment means. In other embodiments, the first component (300) is welded using laser welding to heat and bond the second component (200) material to the first component (300) material. It may be coupled to the second component (200).

In some embodiments, when the first component is joined to the second component to form golf club head 100, the surface of the first component (300) is the surface of the second component (200). ) is not offset from the surface of When the first component (300) is joined to the second component (200) to form the golf club head (100), the nominal outer surface of the first component is the second (ie, the outer surfaces of the first component (300) and the second component (200) are coplanar).

Second method

Referring to FIG. 62, a second method (20) of manufacturing a golf club head (100) comprises the following steps: (Step 1:21) casting an incomplete first component; 2:22) cutting a portion of the incomplete first component to form a completed first component; (3:23) injection molding the second component; :24) permanently securing the second component to the first component; and (5:25) completing the club head. The second method 20 can be used to form golf club heads similar to the first, second, third or fourth golf club heads (100, 2100, 3100, or 4100) described above. For simplicity, the reference numerals in the method description below refer to the first club head (100), but this method (20) applies to the aforementioned club heads (100, 2100, 3100, or 4100). Or it may be applicable to all of those modifications.

Forming the first component in the first step (21) may begin with casting an unfinished version of the first component (300). The first component (300) may be cast as a complete club head with thinned regions. Most of the thinned areas can be located approximately where the second component (200) will be later attached. A peripheral section around the edge of the thinned region ultimately forms the lip (450) of the first component (300). The unfinished first component is cast with the thinned region because the thinned region helps the first component retain its desired shape during the casting process. Casting the first component (300) without thinned regions may result in some warping or other casting quality issues. Casting with a thinned region that is later removed therefore ensures that the first component maintains its desired shape and the second component (200) is correctly placed on it during step 3. make it fit.

After the unfinished first component has been removed from the mold in which it was cast, a laser is used to cut out the unwanted portion of the thinned area (second step: 22) and the second leaving only the peripheral section forming the lip of the component (450) of the . The lip can be ground or polished as desired. In some embodiments, the club head striking face (170) is integrally cast as part of the first component (300). In other embodiments, the first component (300) can be cast without the striking face (170) (with an opening or void in the front of the first component). In these embodiments, the faceplate is separately provided by casting or forging the faceplate from a metallic material. The faceplate can be conventionally welded, laser welded, or swaged into the front opening of the first component (300).

A third step (23) may comprise injection molding the second component. The third step (23) comprises providing a composite material (typically in pellet form), melting the composite material, and It may comprise injecting material into a mold, cutting a sprue, and polishing the gate area to finish the second component (200). As noted above, composite materials can include polymeric resins and reinforcing fibers. The composite material can be provided in pellets containing both resin and fiber. The composite pellet is melted and injected into a mold to form the unfinished second component. The injection molding process of the third step (23) can be similar to the injection molding process disclosed in Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application No. PCT/US2020/047702, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A fourth step (24) includes applying an adhesive (such as a two-part epoxy) to the first component lip (450) and attaching the second component (200) to the first component lip (450). 450) and drying the adhesive. One or more first component tabs (457) on lips (450) and (455) provide clearance between first component lip (450) and second component. can be done. This gap can accommodate adhesive. The gap can have a uniform height or thickness because the first component tabs (457) have a uniform height. This uniform height of the gap can create a uniform bond between the first component (300) and the second component (200).

In some embodiments of this second method (20), a functionalized bonding film or layer can be used in place of the adhesive. A functionalized bonding film may be provided in one or more strip regions corresponding to the shape and sides of the first component lip (450, 455). The functionalized bonding film includes first and second sides. The film can be configured to bond a first component material on a first side and a second component material on a second side. The adhesive film is capable of adhering the first and second components together when subjected to the required temperature and pressure conditions for a set period of time.

After the adhesive has been applied to the first component lip (450, 455), the second component can be placed or slid over the first component lip. The second component can slide over the first component lip until the outer edge of the second component contacts the remainder of the first component. As shown in FIG. 5, the first component lip includes a recessed offset (459) that fills the second component when the club head is assembled. do. The third step can further include drying the adhesive to bond the first component to the second component.

A fifth step (25) may include polishing, cleaning, coating and/or painting the club head. In some embodiments, the fifth step (25) includes placing the removable weight (1300) in the weight recess (540) and securing the removable weight (1300) using fasteners. and can further include. In other embodiments, the fifth step (25) further comprises placing the moveable weight (2350) within the weight channel (2540) and securing the moveable weight utilizing fasteners. can be done.

Third method

As shown in FIG. 63, the third method (30) includes the following steps: (step 1:31) forming a first component; (step 2:32) forming a toe (3212) ) and heel (3214); (step 3:33) securing the second component toe (3212) to the first component (3300); (Step 4:34) securing the second component heel (3214) to the first component (3300); and (Step 5:35) completing the club head. A first step (31) comprises casting an unfinished first component, laser cutting unnecessary portions of the unfinished first component, and optionally removing a faceplate. welding to the first component to form a completed first component. The third method (30) may be used to form a golf club head similar to the third or fourth golf club head (3100 or 4100) described above. For simplicity, reference numerals in the method description below refer to the third club head (3100), but this method (30) may be used with the aforementioned club heads (3100 or 4100) or variations thereof. may be applicable to all of

The first step (31) of forming the first component (3300) may be similar to steps 1 and 2 (21 and 22) of the second method (20) described above. However, in this manufacturing process, the crown brace (3560) remains after laser cutting the unfinished first component. The completed first component has an opening at the heel side (configured to receive a second component heel (3214)) and an opening (to receive a second component toe (3212)). and an opening at the toe side (configured).

A second step (32) of providing a second component (3200) may be similar to step 3 (23) of the second method (20) described above. However, in the third manufacturing process (30), the second component (3200) is provided as two separate components, a toe (3212) and a heel (3214). In some embodiments, the toe (3212) and heel (3214) may be injection molded simultaneously from the same sprue and gate and then separated from each other. In other embodiments, the toe (3212) and heel (3214) are individually injection molded at different times. After injection molding, the toe and heel portions (3212 and 3214) are finished by cutting or sanding any excess material that entered the mold left from the mold gates.

Steps 3 and 4 (33 and 34) can be performed in any desired order. Step three (33) involves applying adhesive on the peripheral lip (not shown) of the first component (3300) and placing the toe (3212) on the lip of the first component (3300). Sliding and allowing the adhesive to cure/harden. The toe portion (3212) may be assembled over the first component (3300) by sliding it in a toe-to-heel direction. Step four (34) includes applying adhesive on the perimeter lip of the first component (3300); sliding the heel (3214) over the lip of the first component (3300); and allowing the adhesive to cure/harden. Heel portion (3214) may be assembled over first component (3300) by sliding it in a heel-to-toe direction. In some embodiments of the method, steps 3 and 4 (33 and 34) are performed by first applying an adhesive to separate the toe (3212) and heel (3214) onto the first component (3300). and then bonded to allow the adhesive to dry.

Toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) are geometrically configured to slide onto first component (3300) from the side so that first component (3300) is separate. may provide contours at the trailing edge of the club head that are not possible with the method of . For example, in embodiments having an integral second component, the second component should generally be slid over the first component (3300) in a back-to-front direction. This directional assembly required for the integral second component dictates that the first component must have a profile with the proper draft angle. For example, in some embodiments having an integral second component, the sole rear extension cannot comprise a region having a width less than the rearmost edge of the extension. From this point of view, forming the second component as two components (toe and heel) means that the first component has a complex profile that is not limited by the rear-to-front directional draft angle. enable

VII) T-shaped design feature

As noted above, embodiments of the hollow golf club head (100, 2100, 3100, 4100, or 5100) described herein can include at least two primary components. A metallic first component (300, 2300, 3300, 4300, or 5300) comprises a striking portion and a sole extension (500, 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500) forming a "T" shape; including. The non-metallic second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200) includes the rear portion of the crown (110, 2110, 3110, 4110, or 5110) and the sole (120, 2120, 3120, 4120, or 5120). The denser "T" shaped sole of the first component (300, 2300, 3300, 4300, or 5300) is less dense and crown-wrapping the second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200) to optimize mass properties by reducing the mass of the crown and shifting the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head lower. Weight saved from the second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200) is redistributed to other locations on the golf club head (100, 2100, 3100, 4100, or 5100) to provide CG can be further optimized to increase the MOI and manipulate the shape of the shot trajectory.

The CG of a golf club head (100, 2100, 3100, 4100, or 5100) includes a first component (300, 2300, 3300, 4300, or 5300) and a second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200). , or 5200), wherein the second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200) comprises a first material having a constant density. Including a second material having a second density that is lower than the first material density compared to an alternative golf club head including only.

Example
Example 1

The comparative and example club heads of this application are compared in Table 1. The Comparative Example club, although entirely metal, has a similar total mass and total volume as the Example club head. The example club head was similar to the first embodiment golf club head described above. The example club head included a metallic first component and a polymeric second component attached to the first component and surrounding a hollow interior. The first component included the hitting face, the hitting face return, and the rear extension on the sole. The second component included a crown portion, a sole toe portion, and a sole heel portion.

The comparative club head and the example club head have the same volume of approximately 445 cm ³ . The Comparative Example club, constructed entirely of metallic material, has a CG height of 0.895 inches, the height of the CG above the ground plane (105). The example golf club head has a CGy of 0.887 inches. It is desirable to reduce the value of CGy. The CGy of the Example golf club head is 0.008 inches lower than that of the Comparative Example club.

As noted above, CGz is measured as the distance located from the hitting face center (175) toward the trailing edge of the golf club head in a direction perpendicular to the loft surface (198). A larger CGz is located further back in the golf club and is advantageous for ball flight control. The CGz of the comparative club is 1.913 inches. The example golf club head has a CGz of 1.986 inches. The CGz of the Example golf club head is 0.073 inches further back than the CGz of the Comparative Example club.

CG position helps determine ball launch characteristics (eg, ball trajectory, ball spin, and ball velocity), moment of inertia (MOI), and performance characteristics (eg, swing velocity, square during impact). A high MOI prevents rotation of the golf club head during the swing and helps square the striking face during impact with the ball. Impacting the ball with a square hitting face helps ensure a straight ball path and optimal height/trajectory compared to slicing or hooking the ball when the hitting face is not square. A lower CG also increases the speed and spin of the ball, which can add distance and prevent the ball from rolling backwards upon landing.

The MOI of the Example golf club head is greater than the MOI of the Comparative Example golf club. The IXX and IYY MOI values are the MOI values around the X-axis (190) and Y-axis (192), respectively. A higher MOI is desirable because it helps prevent rotation of the golf club head during the swing and helps square the striking face during impact with the ball. The comparative club has an IXX value of 584.45 and an IYY value of 834.30. The example golf club head has an IXX value of 652.71 and an IYY value of 875.94. The Example golf club head has an IXX improvement of 11.7% and an IYY improvement of 5.0% over the Comparative Example club.

The ball flight of a golf ball hit by an example golf club head has improved CGy and CGz values, which translates directly into improved IXX and IYY values. Improved CG values lead to lower ball spin at impact and longer carry for ball flight.

In an alternate embodiment, embedded high density weights were added to the example golf club head. The example golf club head with weights has a CGy of 0.890 inches and a CGz of 2.013 inches. The CGy of the example golf club head with weights is 0.005 inches less than the CGy of the comparative golf club head, while the CGz of the example golf club head with weights is 0.100 inches less than the CGz of the comparative golf club head. inch big. The example golf club head with weights has an IXX value of 678.31 and an IYY value of 901.78. Both of these MOI values are 16% and 8.1% greater than the comparative golf club head's IXX and IYY, respectively.

Example 2

A series of club head components were compared to each other through finite element analysis (FEA) simulation testing of golf ball impact at each club head. The club head component was a metal component comprising at least a face, a hitting face return, and a sole extension with a rear weight channel that held a movable weight at a central location. The component tested was a fully unassembled club head. They did not contain a second component with a lower density. Rather, this test isolated the metal club head components because simulation and comparison of single components may be more accurate than complex simulations of assembled club heads. A simulation test examined the relative vertical displacement of the rear weights after center face impact with a golf ball traveling at 80 mph. The rear weight in the simulation had a mass of 32 grams.

The series of club head components included first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth test components. The first test component was the first golf club described above, except that the first test component included a rear weight channel that held a movable weight at a central location, rather than a single rear weight. It was similar to the first component (300) of the head (100). The first test component did not have any braces between the hitting face return and the trailing edge of the rear extension.

The second test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variations of FIGS. The second test component had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566) and a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568). The third test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variations of FIGS. The third test component had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568), and a central crown brace (similar to 4560).

The fourth test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variations of FIGS. The fourth test component had a toe brace (similar to 4557) and a heel brace (similar to 4559). The toe and heel braces of the fourth test component were separated by a greater width towards the rear end of the fourth test component. The fifth test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variations of FIGS. The fifth test component had a toe brace (similar to 4557) and a heel brace (similar to 4559). The toe and heel braces of the fifth test component were separated by a smaller width towards the rear end of the fifth test component so that they formed a V-shape from the top view.

The sixth test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variations of FIGS. The sixth test component was a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568), a toe side brace (similar to 4557), and a heel side brace (similar to 4559). and had The toe and heel braces of the sixth test component were separated by a greater width towards the rear end of the sixth test component. The seventh test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variations of FIGS. The seventh test component was a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568), a toe side brace (similar to 4557), and a heel side brace (similar to 4559). and had The toe and heel braces of the seventh test component were parallel to each other.

The eighth test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variations of FIGS. The eighth test component was a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568) and a pair of braces (similar to first brace 4570 and second brace 4572 described above). and crisscross braces.

When a golf ball impacts the club head off-center with respect to the center of the line of gravity, the golf club head exerts a torque about the center of gravity. The center of the line of gravity is a theoretical line that extends approximately perpendicular to the face and coincides with the center of gravity. The induced torque effect around the center of gravity caused by off-line impacts is known in the golf industry as gearing. Relative movement of some of the test components cannot be accurately measured based on a fixed coordinate system, as gearing can contribute to the measurement. For example, if a golf ball hits the face above the center of the line of gravity, the gearing can cause the rear movable weight to move downward. Therefore, when measuring the relative vertical displacement of the rear weight channel and weight, the measurement must be made with respect to a coordinate system that follows the overall movement of the golf club head.

In order to conduct accurate simulation testing, a coordinate system was established within each test component. The coordinate system was linked to the theoretical plane. The theoretical plane was parallel to the loft plane and offset behind the loft plane by 1.25 inches. This is because this area of the golf club head is well distanced from critical stress zones in the crown and sole. Separating the theoretical plane from the critical stress zone separates the anchor coordinate system and allows it to accurately follow the overall movement of the club head components. Tying the coordinate system to the overall movement of the club head components allows for accurate measurement of the relative vertical bending of the movable weights. For the purposes of this example, "relative vertical bending" should be understood to mean bending in the sole-to-crown direction parallel to the loft plane (and theoretical plane). In other words, relative vertical bending is a measure of the amplitude of the rear weight impact-induced oscillation relative to the other test golf club head components.

As shown graphically in FIG. 64, the rear weight of the first test component (without braces) bent over 0.3 inches. The second test component (with toe and heel skirt braces) showed improvement with rear weight bending up to approximately 0.15 inches. The fifth test component (having a V-shaped toe and heel brace) exhibited a maximum relative vertical weight displacement of approximately 0.12 inches. The fourth test component (with wide rear toe and heel brace) performed similarly to the fifth test component. The fourth test component exhibited a maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.11 inches. The eighth test component (having a skirt brace and a crisscross crown brace) exhibited a maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.075 inches. The third, sixth, and seventh test components outperformed any of the other components.

The graph in FIG. 65 shows the third, sixth, and seventh test components compared to the baseline first test component. The graph in FIG. 66 is an enlarged view of the graph in FIG. As shown in the graph of Figure 66, the third test component (having a skirt brace and central crown brace) exhibited a maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.065 inches. The sixth test component (with skirt brace and rear wide toe and heel braces) showed a slightly lower maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.057 (skirt brace and parallel toe and heel braces). The seventh test component (with side braces) exhibited a maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.054 inches.

A rear weight that bends up more will bounce back down more and involve more material fatigue and stress in the sole rear extension. For a fully assembled golf club head having the two-component design described herein, the lip or overlap joint structure connecting the first and second components ensures that the rear weight has a high amplitude (relative If it oscillates or oscillates at high values of typical vertical displacement), there is a risk of delamination. Accordingly, test components exhibiting a smaller relative vertical displacement of the rear weight form a more durable golf club head. This simulation test showed that adding a brace to the first component improved the durability of the golf club head. In particular, the inclusion of a combination of two skirt braces, a toe brace, and a heel brace into the first component (such as FIGS. 51-54) provides the best stability to the rear weight, and thus the most Excellent durability provided.

The performance of the complete golf club head is superior to that of the series of club head components tested (ie, the metal first component). For the golf club head embodiments described herein, the second component, which typically comprises polymeric material, provides some support to the first component. The attached second component reduces the relative vertical displacement of the rear weight. Thus, any component of the tested series of club head components can form a sufficiently durable club head when coupled with an appropriately designed second component. However, the first component (metal), which has a smaller relative vertical displacement of the rear weight, can be connected to a thinner, lighter, or less durable second component to make it equally durable. can reach the entire club head with

Example 3

A second comparison was made between the first test component, the third test component, and the seventh test component, described in Example 2 above. This comparison test was conducted through a finite element analysis (FEA) simulation test of golf ball impact at each club head. A simulation test examined the relative vertical displacement of the rear weights after a toe-side (off-center) face impact with a golf ball traveling at 80 mph. The face was impacted 1 inch from the geometric center of the face towards the toe edge.

As shown in the graph of FIG. 67, the first test component (without braces) exhibited a relative vertical displacement of the rear weight of over 0.5 inches. A third test component (having a skirt brace and a central crown brace) exhibited a maximum relative vertical displacement of the rear weight of approximately 0.1 inches. The seventh test component (having skirt braces and parallel toe and heel braces) exhibited a maximum relative vertical displacement of the rear weight of approximately 0.08 inches. This comparison shows that the brace increases club head durability not only for center hit shots, but also for off-center hit shots.

Replacement of one or more of the claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. However, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element or elements that give rise to or make apparent any advantage, advantage, or solution, shall not be construed as shall not constitute a critical, essential, or essential feature or element of any or all elements of a claim, unless such solution or element is expressly recited in such claim. do not have.

The rules to golf are changed from time to time (new rules may be applied by golf standards bodies and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the British Golf Association (R&A), or old rules may be revised). (repeated or modified), the golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods and products described herein may or may not conform to the Rules of Golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the methods, apparatus, and/or products described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Customs within the industry, rules set by golf organizations such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the R&A, and naming conventions may enhance this description of terms without departing from the scope of this application.

Although the above examples may be described in connection with hollow-body golf clubs, the devices, methods, and articles described herein may be used on golf clubs such as iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, or putter-type golf clubs. It may be applicable to other types of golf clubs. Alternatively, the devices, methods, and products described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing poles, ski poles, and the like.

Further, the embodiments and limitations described herein are subject to the following conditions: (1) not explicitly claimed in a claim; and (2) under the doctrine of equivalents, Equivalents or potential equivalents to the elements and/or limitations in the claims shall not be made available to the public under open doctrine.

Various features and advantages of the disclosure are described in the following sections.

Item 1: A golf club head comprising a body having a striking face, a trailing edge, a toe edge, a heel edge, a crown, a sole, a skirt and a trailing edge. said body further comprising: said striking face, a striking face return, a rear extension having a weight channel, and a crown brace attached to said striking face return and rear extension. and a second component comprising a crown portion, a sole toe portion, and a sole heel portion, wherein the second component is coupled to the first component , wherein the first component comprises a first material having a first density; and the second component is configured to form an enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head. comprises a second material having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density, the striking face having a striking face center, the weight channel comprising: , centered at the rear end of the golf club head, the hitting face return of the first component extending rearwardly from the hitting face and comprising a forward crown portion and a forward sole portion; said rear extension extending from said front sole portion of said hitting face return toward said rear end, said rear extension further comprising a rear extension axis extending through the center of said rear extension. and wherein a first component mass is 85% to 96% of the mass of said golf club head.

Item 2: The crown brace is attached to the forward crown portion of the hitting face return and is attached to the sole rear extension adjacent the weight channel at the rear end of the golf club head. 2. The golf club head according to 1.

Item 3: The golf club head of Item 2, wherein the crown brace and said weight channel comprise a hammerhead shape.

Item 4: The crown brace further comprises a crown brace longitudinal axis, the crown brace having a maximum length, the crown brace longitudinal axis bifurcating the crown brace along the maximum length. 3. The golf club head of item 2, wherein the golf club head splits.

Item 5: The golf club head of Item 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is parallel to the rear extension axis and offset toward the heel end.

Item 6: The golf club head of Item 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is parallel to the rear extension axis and offset toward the toe end.

Item 7: The golf club head of Item 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is non-parallel to the rear extension axis such that it forms an acute angle with the rear extension axis.

Item 8: An X-axis extends through the center of the hitting face from the heel end to the toe end of the golf club head and in a direction parallel to the ground plane when the club head is at address. a Y-axis extending through the center of the hitting face from the crown to the sole of the golf club head and in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis; and a Z-axis extending from the hitting face to the sole. a loft extending through the hitting face center to a rear end of the golf club head and in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis and substantially parallel to and tangent to the hitting face center; A surface forms a loft angle with respect to the ground plane, an XY plane extending through the X axis and the Y axis, and a YZ plane extending through the Y axis and the Z axis. 5. The golf club head of claim 4.

Item 9: The golf club head of Item 1, wherein the weight channel is exposed at the rear end of the body and the sole.

Item 10: The golf club head of Item 1, wherein the weight channel is configured to receive a movable weight in one of three positions.

Item 11: The golf club head of Item 1, wherein the rear extension comprises toe and heel sidewalls extending between the weight channel and the forward sole portion of the striking face return.

Item 12: The weight channel further comprises a mounting wall having three threaded holes, the three threaded holes comprising a toe side threaded hole, a central threaded hole and a heel side threaded hole. 11. The golf club head of item 10, wherein the central screw hole is located at the midpoint of the length of the mounting wall.

Item 13: The rear extension has a rear extension width measured in a heel-to-toe direction behind the rear perimeter of the forward sole portion of the hitting face return, wherein the rear extension width is equal to the 2. The golf club head of item 1, which ranges from 25% to 85% of the total width of the sole.

Item 14: The golf club head of item 13, wherein the rear extension width adjacent the weight channel can range from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.

Item 15: The golf club head of Item 12, wherein the movable weight is secured by a threaded fastener attached to one of said three threaded holes.

Item 16: The weight channel further comprises a sole wall, the sole wall inboard from the sole, the mounting wall oriented substantially perpendicular to the sole, the sole wall comprising: 13. The golf club head of item 12, recessed inwardly a distance approximately equal to the height of the mounting wall.

Item 17: A golf club head comprising a body having a striking face, a trailing edge, a toe edge, a heel edge, a crown, a sole, a skirt and a trailing edge. said body further comprising: a first component comprising said striking face, a striking face return, a rear extension having a weight channel, and a plurality of crown braces; a crown portion; and a sole toe portion. and a sole heel portion, said second component coupled to said first component to form an enclosed hollow interior of said golf club head. wherein the first component comprises a first material having a first density and the second component comprises a second material having a second density a material, wherein the first density is greater than the second density, the striking face has a striking face center, and the weight channel is centered at the trailing end of the golf club head; said first component hitting face return extending rearwardly from said hitting face and comprising a first component crown portion and a first component sole portion; a portion extending from said first component crown portion of said striking face return toward said rearward end, said rear extension further comprising a rear extension axis extending through the center of said rear extension; , the first component mass is 85% to 96% of the mass of said golf club head.

Item 18: The plurality of crown braces define openings in the first component, the number of openings being selected from the group consisting of 3, 4, 5, 6 openings. 18. The golf club head according to 17.

Item 19: The plurality of crown braces comprises two crown braces, each of the two crown braces attached to the forward crown portion and supporting the weight at the rear end of the golf club head. Item 18. The golf club head of item 17, attached to the rear extension adjacent the channel.

Item 20: The golf club head of Item 19, wherein the two crown braces are attached to the rear extension at different points.

Claims (20)

A golf club head,
has a body,
said body having a striking face, a trailing edge, a toe edge, a heel edge, a crown, a sole, a skirt and a trailing edge;
The body further includes:
a first component comprising the striking face, a striking face return, a rear extension having a weight channel, and a crown brace attached to the striking face return and rear extension;
a second component comprising a crown portion, a sole toe portion, and a sole heel portion;
the second component is configured to couple to the first component to form an enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head;
the first component comprises a first material having a first density;
the second component comprises a second material having a second density;
the first density is greater than the second density;
The hitting face has a hitting face center,
the weight channel is centrally located at the rear end of the golf club head;
the hitting face return of the first component extends rearwardly from the hitting face and comprises a forward crown and a forward sole;
the rear extension extends from the front sole portion of the hitting face return toward the rear end;
said rear extension further comprising a rear extension axis extending through the center of said rear extension;
A golf club head, wherein the first component mass is 85% to 96% of the mass of the golf club head. 2. The crown brace of claim 1, wherein the crown brace is attached to the forward crown portion of the hitting face return and is attached to the sole rear extension adjacent the weight channel at the rear end of the golf club head. A golf club head as described. 3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein the crown brace and the weight channel have a hammerhead shape. the crown brace further comprising a crown brace longitudinal axis;
said crown brace having a maximum length;
3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis bisects the crown brace along the maximum length. 5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is parallel to the rear extension axis and offset toward the heel end. 5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is parallel to the rear extension axis and offset toward the toe end. 5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is non-parallel to the rear extension axis to form an acute angle with the rear extension axis. an X-axis extends through the center of the hitting face from the heel end to the toe end of the golf club head and in a direction parallel to the ground plane when the club head is at address;
a Y-axis extending through the center of the hitting face from the crown to the sole of the golf club head and in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis;
a Z-axis extending from the striking face to a rear end of the golf club head and through the center of the striking face in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis;
a loft surface that is substantially parallel to the hitting face and tangent to the center of the hitting face forms a loft angle with respect to the ground plane;
an XY plane extends through the X axis and the Y axis;
5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein a YZ plane extends through said Y-axis and said Z-axis. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said weight channel is exposed at said rear end of said body and said sole. 3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the weight channel is configured to receive a movable weight in one of three positions. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the rear extension comprises toe and heel sidewalls extending between the weight channel and the forward sole portion of the hitting face return. said weight channel further comprising a mounting wall having three threaded holes;
the three screw holes comprise a toe-side screw hole, a center screw hole, and a heel-side screw hole;
11. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein the central screw hole is located at the midpoint of the length of the mounting wall. the rear extension having a rear extension width measured in a heel-to-toe direction behind the rear perimeter of the front sole portion of the hitting face return;
2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the rear extension width ranges from 25% to 85% of the total width of the sole. 14. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the rear extension width adjacent the weight channel can range from 1 inch to 2.5 inches. 13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein the movable weight is secured by a threaded fastener attached to one of said three threaded holes. said weight channel further comprising a sole wall, said sole wall inward from said sole;
the mounting wall is oriented substantially perpendicular to the sole;
13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein the sole wall is inboard a distance approximately equal to the height of the mounting wall. A golf club head,
has a body,
said body having a striking face, a trailing edge, a toe edge, a heel edge, a crown, a sole, a skirt and a trailing edge;
The body further includes:
a first component comprising the striking face, a striking face return, a rear extension having a weight channel, and a plurality of crown braces;
a second component comprising a crown portion, a sole toe portion, and a sole heel portion;
the second component is configured to couple to the first component to form an enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head;
the first component comprises a first material having a first density;
the second component comprises a second material having a second density;
the first density is greater than the second density;
The hitting face has a hitting face center,
the weight channel is centrally located at the rear end of the golf club head;
the first component hitting face return extends rearwardly from the hitting face and comprises a first component crown portion and a first component sole portion;
the rear extension extends from the first component crown of the striking face return toward the trailing edge;
said rear extension further comprising a rear extension axis extending through the center of said rear extension;
A golf club head, wherein the first component mass is 85% to 96% of the mass of the golf club head. the plurality of crown braces defining a number of openings in the first component;
18. The golf club head of claim 17, wherein the number of openings is selected from the group consisting of 3, 4, 5, 6 openings. the plurality of crown braces comprising two crown braces;
18. Each of the two crown braces of claim 17, wherein each of the two crown braces is attached to the forward crown portion and to the rear extension adjacent the weight channel at the rearward end of the golf club head. golf club head. 20. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein the two crown braces are attached to the rear extension at different points.

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