JP3214539U - Co-forged golf club head - Google Patents

Abstract

A co-forged iron type golf club head that does not require any machining, welding, caulking, bonding, or other post-production operations. A body portion made from a first material and comprising a face cavity and at least one weight cavity 2616, and at least one high density made from a second material and encased in the weight cavity. A weight adjustment portion 2615, a lightweight weight adjustment portion 2614 made from a third material and encased in a face cavity, and a striking face insert 2618 made from the first material and covering the front portion of the body portion. However, both the face cavity and the weight cavity have openings toward the front portion of the golf club head, and the striking face insert completely covers all of the face cavity and weight cavity. [Selection] Figure 26

Description

  This invention relates generally to co-forged golf club heads made from two or more materials. More specifically, the present invention forms an iron-type golf club head from a pre-formed billet that already contains two or more materials prior to the actual forging process, thereby machining it. The present invention relates to providing a multi-material golf club head that does not require any subsequent manufacturing steps such as welding, brazing, and bonding.

  Golf is difficult. When an average golfer swings a golf club, the golf club swing has dramatic fluctuations that result in many off-center hits and reduced performance compared to hitting the middle. It must be. However, in an attempt to make this remarkably difficult game more enjoyable, golf club designers have devised unique golf club designs that alleviate the harsh reality that cannot be compared to a perfect golf swing.

  In one early example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,759 (Igarashi) discloses a perimeter-weighted hollow golf iron that includes a foam core and brings the effective strike area to the center of the moment. And try to help make golf games easier. By dispersing the weight of the golf club around the golf club head, the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head can be increased, and the golf club head is prevented from being undesirably twisted when the golf club head collides with the golf ball. To do.

  U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,977 (Doran et al.) Shows another example of an attempt to increase the moment of inertia of a golf club head by placing additional weight on the heel and toe portions of the golf club head. The increase in the moment of inertia that can be achieved by weighting the toe and heel in this way can also suppress the golf club from twisting in the heel and toe directions, thereby causing an undesirable result that the golf ball moves away from the intended start-up. Alleviated.

  Although the initial attempt to improve the tolerance and playability of golf clubs for the average golfer is impressive, the remarkable tolerances that can be achieved by employing different materials in different parts of the golf club head The advantage of sex is not exploited. In one example, US Pat. No. 5,885,170 (Takeda) describes the advantage of using more than one material to adjust the mass properties more significantly. More specifically, US Pat. No. 5,885,170 teaches a body with a face formed from one material, where the hosel is from another material with a specific gravity different from the specific gravity of the head body. It is formed. US Pat. No. 6,434,811 (Helmsetter et al.) Teaches using multiple materials to improve the performance of a golf club head, where weighting is incorporated after the entire golf club head has been formed. A system is provided for a golf club head.

  More recently, improvements in incorporating multiple materials into golf club heads have also significantly matured by incorporating a number of multiple materials with different properties into the golf club head by machining the cavities. . More specifically, US Pat. No. 7,938,739 (Cole et al.) Discloses a golf club head having a cavity integral with the golf club head, where the cavity extends from the heel region to the toe region. This extends along the lower portion of the back face of the golf club head, extends substantially parallel to the striking face, and is substantially symmetrical about a centerline that bisects the golf club head between the heel region and the toe region. Become.

  However, since multiple materials are introduced after the body is complete, the accuracy of the interface between the different materials may potentially have the undesirable side effect of changing the feeling of the golf club head. US Pat. No. 6,095,931 (Hettinger et al.) Finds a particularly undesirable side effect of sacrificing feeling by using a plurality of different parts. US Pat. No. 6,095,931 addresses this problem by providing an isolation layer between the golf club head and the main body portion having the striking front section.

  US Pat. No. 7,828,674 (Kubota) recognizes the seriousness of this problem and gives the feeling that a hollow golf club head with viscoelastic elements is lightweight and hollow to a good golfer. For this reason, good golfers say they don't like golf clubs like this. U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,674 discloses a defect of such a multi-material golf club, in which a magnesium block is embedded in a recess made of only metal, or is press-fitted and integrated with a metal cover. It is dealt with by.

  Although all previous attempts have attempted to improve golf club head performance and minimize sacrificing in golf club head feel, all approaches have been developed to integrate the secondary material into the club. A significant amount of post-manufacturing operations are required to form cavities and recesses in the head. This type of secondary operation is not only expensive, but also a solid associated with an integrally formed golf club head because of performance limitations that allow to maintain tight tolerances between the various components. Maintaining a good feeling is significantly difficult.

  Thus, as can be appreciated from the above, despite all development activities to produce a more tolerant golf club head without sacrificing the feeling associated with conventional golf club heads, Manufacturing such a club without the use of severe post-fabrication machining that causes the ring is not feasible at this time.

US Pat. No. 4,523,759 US Pat. No. 4,809,977 US Pat. No. 5,885,170 US Pat. No. 6,434,811 US Pat. No. 7,938,739 US Pat. No. 6,095,931 US Pat. No. 7,828,674

  A first aspect of the invention has a body portion that includes a striking face and is manufactured from a first material, and at least one weight adjustment portion that is encased within the body portion and is manufactured from a second material. The at least one weight adjustment portion is a forged golf club head that is monolithically wrapped within the body portion without any other coupling operation.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a method of forging a golf club head, the step of forming a cylindrical billet manufactured from a first material, and one or more cavities in the cylindrical billet. Machining to form, partially filling the one or more cavities with a second material to form a weight adjustment portion, and remaining volume of the one or more cavities to the first A step of wrapping the weight adjusting portion by filling with the material, and a step of forging the cylindrical billet to form a main body portion of the golf club head, the main body portion including the weight adjusting portion, A method for forging the golf club head monolithically wrapped within the body portion without any other coupling operation.

  Another aspect of the invention includes a body portion that includes a striking face and is manufactured from a first material, and at least one weight adjustment portion that is manufactured from the second material that is encased within the body portion. The at least one weight adjustment portion is a forged golf club head that is monolithically wrapped within the body portion without any other coupling operation. The first material is accompanied by a first flow stress at a first forging temperature, the second material is accompanied by a second flow stress at a second forging temperature, the first flow stress and the second flow stress. The first forging temperature and the second forging temperature are substantially similar to each other, and the first material has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The second material has a second coefficient of thermal expansion, and the first coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than or equal to the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

  In yet another aspect of the invention, a forged golf club head is manufactured from a first material and is manufactured from a body portion having one face cavity and at least one weight cavity; At least one high density weight adjusting portion encased within the cavity and a light weight adjusting portion manufactured from a third material and encased within the face cavity; and manufactured from the first material and including the face cavity. A striking face insert adapted to cover, the lightweight weight adjustment portion further comprising a plurality of two or more cutouts, and the high density weight adjustment portion is in the weight cavity. Wrapped in monolithic.

  In another aspect of the invention, the plurality of two or more cutouts have a circular shape, and the diameter of the circular shape is from about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm.

  In other aspects of the invention, the plurality of two or more cutouts may be at least partially filled with a polymer.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for forging a golf club head includes pre-forging a cylindrical billet to form a body portion of the golf club head, the body portion of the golf club head being a face cavity. And at least one weight cavity. When pre-forged, at least one weight cavity is at least partially filled with a second material to form a high density weight adjustment portion, and the face cavity is at least partially filled with a third material and is lightweight. A weight adjusting portion is formed. Next, a cap is provided to at least partially wrap the high density weight adjustment portion and a striking face insert is provided to cover the lightweight weight adjustment portion. Finally, the body portion including the high density weight adjustment portion and the lightweight weight adjustment portion is post-processed forged so that the post-process forging process deforms the inner surface of the striking face insert into two or more cutouts.

  In another aspect of the invention, both the face cavity and the at least one weight cavity have an opening toward a front portion of the golf club head, and the striking face insert is the face cavity and the at least one at least one. Completely covers all of the weight cavities.

  In another aspect of the invention, the lightweight weight adjustment portion further includes a plurality of two or more cutouts, and the plurality of two or more cutouts form a draft to countersunk the countersink. Form.

  In another aspect of the present invention, a golf club head set comprising a plurality of two or more golf club heads is a first golf club head, the first loft, the first bounce angle, and the first A first golf club head having a first CG height position from the leading edge of the first golf club head, a second golf club head, a second loft, a second bounce angle, and The second golf club head having a second CG height position from the leading edge of the second golf club head, wherein the first loft is substantially the same as the second loft. If present, the first CG height position from the leading edge is the same as the second CG height position from the leading edge.

  These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be understood with reference to the following drawings, description and utility model registration claims.

    The foregoing or other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention and enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention.

1 is a perspective view of a co-forged golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform billet used to manufacture a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of a golf club head manufactured using a multi-step co-forging method according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of a golf club head manufactured using a multi-step co-forging method according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a preform billet used in a multi-step co-forging method to manufacture a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 shows a bent preform billet in one step of a multi-step co-forging process according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a golf club head in one step of a multi-step co-forging process according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a golf club head in one step of a multi-step co-forging process according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a golf club head in one step of a multi-step co-forging process according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a golf club head in one step of a multi-step co-forging process according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a golf club head in one step of a multi-step co-forging process according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a golf club head in one step of a multi-step co-forging process according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a golf club head in one step of a multi-step co-forging process according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a golf club head in one step of a multi-step co-forging process according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a finished golf club head after a multi-step co-forging process according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a conventionally completed golf club head after a multiple step co-forging process according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a front view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a front view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, showing the cavity with the striking face omitted. FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 2 shows a rear view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded toe side view of a golf club head according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a heel side of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is another exploded perspective view of a golf club head according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing a section line A-A ′. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of the golf club head by another Example of this invention. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is an exploded rear view of a golf club head according to another embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view as shown by a circular area A of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view as shown by a circular area A of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view as shown by a circular area A of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view indicated by a circular area A of a golf club head according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view as shown by a circular area A of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view as shown by a circular area A of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the golf club head by another Example of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the golf club head by another Example of this invention. 4 is a graph of the center of gravity (CG) position of a set of golf club heads having different lofts and bounces according to the present invention.

  The following detailed description implements the invention in the most conceivable manner at present. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, the scope of which is best defined by the appended claims for utility model registration. The

  The features of the various devices described below can be employed independently of each other and can be employed in combination with other features. However, the features of any one device need not address any or all of the problems discussed above, and may address one of the problems described above. Further, one or more of the above-described problems may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.

  FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view of a golf club head 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The golf club head 100 shown in FIG. 1 may generally have a body portion 102 and a hosel portion 104, which includes a plurality of individually identifiable elements, such as a topline portion 106, A sole portion 108, a heel portion 110, and a toe portion 112 are provided. A golf club head 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may generally have at least one weight adjustment portion that is encased in a body portion 102 of the golf club head 100. In a preferred embodiment, the weight adjustment portion may be monolithically encased in the body portion 102 so that the weight adjustment portion is securely secured within the body portion 102 without departing from the scope and content of the invention. . Since the weight adjustment portion is monolithically wrapped within the body portion 102 of the golf club head 100, the weight cannot be seen in FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings. However, these weight adjustment portions will be shown in later drawings when a different view is stagnant.

  Before proceeding to subsequent figures, it is important to emphasize that this golf club head 100 is formed using one forging process and the weights are incorporated without such post-finish machining operations. is there. This is an important difference in realization. This is because the same effect of wrapping the weight adjustment portion monolithically is difficult to achieve using alternative manufacturing processes such as casting. In this application, “monolithic envelopment” may be generally defined as a particular internal part being placed within a separate external part without any joints or seams in the finished product. In the context of this device, the weight adjustment portion is “monolithically wrapped” within the body portion 102 of the golf club head 100. In general, the weight adjustment portion is within the body portion 102 of the golf club head 100. It may be defined as being placed without joints or joints, generally requiring post-production processes such as milling, welding, brazing, bonding, caulking.

  Also, in this definition of the invention, a “monolithically wrapped” weight is a predetermined that has an internal weight exposed in the finished product to illustrate the presence of a weight adjustment portion without departing from the scope and content of the invention. It should be noted that this has the potential to More specifically, “monolithically wrapped” refers to the technique used to manufacture the final product as described above, and is not necessarily limited to visual shielding of the weight adjustment portion.

  2A-2D illustrate the technique used to manufacture a co-forged golf club head 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the steps performed in forging a golf club head from the basic billet 201 shape to the final golf club head 200 product.

  FIG. 2A shows a preform billet 201 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 2A, the preform billet 201 generally begins as a cylindrical rod made from a first material, which is common in forging a golf club head 200. One or more cavities 216 are machined into the preform billet 201 to form a weight adjustment portion 215 that can be monolithically wrapped within the body portion 202 of the golf club head 200. In this example embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, two cavities 216 are machined into the distal end of the preform billet 201. The position and geometry within the preform billet 201 of the cavity 216 is important. This is because this is directly related to the final position of the weight adjusting portion 215 in the golf club head 200 after forging.

  Turning to FIG. 2B, it can be seen that when the cavity 216 is machined, the cavity 216 is filled with a second material having a density different from the density of the first material to form the weight adjustment portion 215. Similar to the previous discussion, the position, size, and shape of the weight adjustment portion 215 are as precise as the position, size, and shape of the cavity 216, because the weight adjustment portion 215 in the preform billet 201 is a golfer. This is because the end of the weight adjustment portion 215 in the club head is associated with each end.

  Finally, FIG. 2C shows the final stage of the preform billet 201 where the remaining volume of the cavity 216 is filled with the first material and sealed by traditional joining methods such as welding, brazing and caulking. Stopped. Since the cavity 216 is sealed, the weight adjusting portion 215 is monolithically wrapped in the preform billet 201, and the weight adjusting portion 215 in the same position is the main body of the golf club head 200 after the forging process is completed. The portion 202 is monolithically wrapped. After the cavities 216 are filled, the preform billet 201 is subjected to the normal forging process associated with forging the golf club head 200. Although the basic steps associated with forging the golf club head 200 are important in understanding this invention, it is a relatively old and established technique and has been described in detail in this application. For more information regarding the steps involved in forging a basic golf club head that has a monolithic weight adjustment section, see US Pat. No. 3,825,991 (Cornell) and US Pat. No. 6,666,779. No. (Iwata et al.), The disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  Although the above discussion relating to forging a golf club, incorporated herein by reference, is good for describing an actual forging process, it adds to the co-forging process of the present invention where two different materials are involved in the forging process. There is no mention of specific issues. More specifically, the weight adjustment portion 215 is manufactured from a second material that may be different from the first material used to form the remainder of the preform billet 201 so that the different materials together Special considerations are necessary to ensure that the golf club head 200 is formed by forging. Thus, in order to select two adherent materials that can be co-forged together, the first material and the second material generally have special material property requirements regarding flow stress and expansion coefficient. Good. Although it is paramount that two materials have consistent and flexible material properties in forging, using the same material will not realize any weight adjustment benefits required by the basis of this invention. .

First, in order to maintain the ability of metal materials to be co-forged together, the flow stress of each material needs to be properly considered. The flow stress of a material is generally defined as the instantaneous value of the stress required to continuously deform the material (i.e. keep flowing the metal) and form an adhesive forged part from two different materials. Require that the materials flow at relatively the same rate when the forging process is stressed. It is known that the flow stress of a material is generally a function of yield stress, and the flow stress of a material may be generally summarized in the following equation (1).
Y _f = Ke ⁿ
Where Y _f = flow stress (MPa)
K = strain coefficient (MPa)
N = Strain Hardening Exponent

  In addition to the previous equation, it is also important to state that the flow stress of a material is not grasped in a vacuum, but rather depends on the forging temperature of the material. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first flow stress at the first forging temperature of the first material is substantially the second flow stress at the second forging temperature of the second material. Similar but not identical, where the first forging temperature and the second forging temperature are substantially similar. More specifically, in a more detailed embodiment, the first material may be 1025 steel with a first flow stress of about 10 ksi (kilopond square inch) at a forging temperature of about 1200 ° C. On the other hand, the second material may be a niobium material with a flow stress of about 12 ksi at a forging temperature of about 1100 ° C.

  In the above-described exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first material may be 1025 steel and the second material may be niobium material, as long as it is with similar fluid stress at similar forging temperatures. Various other materials may be employed without departing from the scope and content of the invention. Alternatively, any two materials may be used in this co-forging process if the second flow stress is 20% greater or less, or 20% less or greater than the first flow stress. You can do it.

  As mentioned earlier, in addition to the flow stress, the thermal expansion coefficients of the first material and the second material are also important for proper co-forging of the two individual materials. More specifically, the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material may generally need to be greater than or at least the same as the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the second material. Since the coefficient of thermal expansion is also related to the shrinkage of the material after forging, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material that monolithically wraps the second material is such that no gap is formed at the interface portion between the two materials. It is important to be larger. In a more detailed embodiment of the invention, the first material may be 1025 steel and its coefficient of thermal expansion is about 8.0 μin / in ° F., while the second material is niobium and its second The coefficient of thermal expansion is about 3.94 μin / in ° F.

  In the previous example embodiment, the second coefficient of thermal expansion is less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion, but the two materials are completely the same, with both values being the same, without departing from the scope and content of the invention. You may make it match. Indeed, in one exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the first material and the second material have the same coefficient of thermal expansion. This is because, if the outer material shrinks excessively with respect to the inner material, an additional stress is potentially formed at the interface between the two materials.

  Alternatively, in an attempt to achieve different weighting characteristics, the second material can be manufactured from 6-4 titanium material to reduce the weight of the weight weight adjustment portion 215. Titanium materials typically have a flow stress of about 10 ksi at a forging temperature of about 1100 ° C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion of about 6.1 μin / in ° F.

  Now that considerations related to the forging process and the co-forging process of different materials have been described, FIG. 2D of the accompanying drawings is a perspective view of the finished golf club head 200 formed using the co-forging process described above. The golf club head 200 monolithically wraps at least one weight adjustment portion 215 within the body portion 202. More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, weight adjustment portion 215 is disposed near heel portion 210 and toe portion 212 of golf club head 200. By placing the weight adjustment portion near the heel portion 210 and the toe portion 212, the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head 200 can be increased without any secondary additional operation. This makes it possible to consistently feel the golf ball when it is impacted.

  Prior to considering different embodiments of the present invention, the exact position of the weight adjustment portion 215 within the body portion 202 of the golf club head 200 is different for each individual golf club head, which is different in the co-forging process of the present invention. It is important to note that this is the result of using the material. More specifically, the exact position of the weight adjustment portion 215 may vary from one golf club head 200 to another. This is because the flow stress of the first material and the second material acts to determine the final position of the weight adjustment portion 215. In addition to this, the interface between the weight adjustment portion 215 and the main body portion 202 of the golf club head 200 may be generally an irregular interface, and the jaggedness of this boundary is shared by the entire golf club head 200. Indicates that it has been forged. This is dramatically different from a cavity, typically with a clean branch line between two different materials, formed by a second post-machining operation, such as milling or drilling.

  FIGS. 3A-3D of the accompanying drawings illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which two separate weight adjustment portions 314 and 315 are disposed in different portions of the preform billet 301 to provide different performance criteria. The accompanying golf club head 300 is formed. More specifically, the golf club head 300 shown in FIG. 3D includes a lightweight weight adjustment portion 314 near the top line portion 306 of the golf club head 300 and a heavy weight near the sole portion 308 of the golf club head 300. An adjustment portion 315 may be provided to assist the launch and spin characteristics of the golf club head 300 of the present invention by shifting the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head 300 downward.

  3A-3C illustrate the manufacturing process of the golf club head 300 of the present invention, as before, starting with the preform billet 301. FIG. More specifically, FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a preform billet 301 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where a plurality of cavities 316 are drilled in a pre-determined position within the billet 301. . Note that in this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of cavities 316 are drilled near the top and bottom portions of each of the ends of preform billet 301. Because this particular embodiment removes weight from the top line portion 306 of the golf club head 300 and moves it to the sole portion 308 of the golf club head 300, the CG of the golf club head 300 is lowered downward. This is because the focus is on moving.

  FIG. 3B of the accompanying drawings shows two weight adjustment portions 314 and 315 disposed within the cavity 316 formed in FIG. 3A. Although it is generally desirable to minimize weight near the top portion of the golf club head 300 when it is desired to lower the CG position, the top cavity 316 remains completely blank in this embodiment of the invention. Can not leave. This is because the entire preform billet 301 is actually forged into the shape of the golf club head 300 and any empty cavities 316 are broken. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the top cavity 316 may be filled with a lightweight weight adjustment portion 314, while the lower cavity 316 may be filled with a heavy weight adjustment portion 315. The light weight adjustment portion 314 may be generally formed from a third material of a third density, and the weight adjustment portion 315 is generally formed from a second material of a second density. May be good. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the third density may be generally less than about 7.0 g / cc, where the second density is typically about 7.8 g / cc. On the other hand, the first density of the first material employed to form the body portion 302 of the golf club head 300 may be about 7.8 g / cc.

  FIG. 3C of the accompanying drawings shows the final stage of the preform billet 201, where the billet 301 monolithically encloses the weight adjustment portions 314 and 315 within the cavity 316 therein. More specifically, the preform billet shown in FIG. 3C is formed by filling the remaining volume of the cavity 316 with a third material and enclosing the weight adjustment portions 315 and 316 within the preform billet 301. Including that. As previously discussed, the preform billet 301 is then forged to form the golf club head 300 as shown in FIG. 3D. Here, the weight adjustment portions 314 and 315 are monolithically wrapped within the body portion 302 of the golf club head 300.

  Similar to the technique described above, in order to co-forge the third material formed in the first material, the third flow stress of the third material is generally that of the first material. It must be similar to the first flow stress and the third coefficient of thermal expansion of the third material must be less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material. More specifically, the third material may be 6-4 titanium, the third flow stress is about 10 ksi at a forging temperature of about 1100 ° C., and the third coefficient of thermal expansion is about 6. 1 μin / in ° F.

  Although FIGS. 2A-2D and FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate different embodiments of the present invention that are employed to achieve high MOI and low CG, respectively, these features are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, in the other alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the features are taken from both of the previously discussed embodiments and are high MOI without departing from the scope and content of the invention. A low CG co-forged golf club head may be formed. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, a lightweight weight adjustment portion 414 is incorporated near the top portion 406 of the golf club head 400 and near the toe portion 412 and the heel portion 410 of the golf club head 400. Incorporating a weight adjustment portion 415 having a weight of 2 or more into a high MOI and low CG golf club is required.

  FIGS. 5A-5D of the accompanying drawings illustrate another alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the body portion 502 of the golf club head 500 has a weight adjustment portion 514 that is monolithically wrapped. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the weight adjustment portion 514 is large in size, so that when the forging process is complete, this portion replaces the majority of the body portion 502 of the golf club head 500. In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the weight adjustment portion 514 that is monolithically wrapped may be manufactured generally from a third material of a third density, the third density being the body of the golf club head 500. Significantly less than the first density of the first material used to form the portion 502, this allows weight to be removed from the body portion 502 of the golf club head 500. Since the lightweight third material employed to form the weight adjustment portion 514 is generally relatively soft compared to the first material, the weight adjustment portion 514 can be attached to the inner body of the golf club head 500. It is preferably monolithically wrapped inside, which can save significant weight without sacrificing feeling.

  More particularly, FIG. 5A of the accompanying drawings shows a preform billet 501 similar to that previously described. However, in this exemplary embodiment, the cavity 506 is significantly larger inside the preform billet 501 itself. This large cavity 506 may then be filled with a weight adjustment portion 514 to adjust the weight, density, and overall feel of the golf club head 500. In FIG. 5C, the remaining volume of the cavity 506 is reduced to the original first material before the forging process is performed on the entire preform billet 501 to produce the golf club head 500, as previously described. Fill with.

  In this exemplary embodiment, it is important that the hosel portion 504 of the golf club head 500 is intentionally formed of a first material that is conventional. This is because the bending characteristics of the second material used to form the weight adjustment portion 514 are generally not suitable for the bending requirements of the iron type golf club head 500. More specifically, the third material used to form the weight adjustment portion 514 may be a lightweight iron-aluminum material having a density of about 7.10 g / cc, more preferably about 7 0.05 g / cc, most preferably about 7.00 g / cc, all of which should be within the scope and content of the invention. However, a number of other materials may be used to form the weight adjustment portion 514 if the density of the third material is within the range described above without departing from the scope and content of the invention. It may be adopted as a material.

  FIG. 6 of the accompanying drawings shows an exploded back perspective view of a golf club head 600 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention utilizing a multi-step co-forging process. The details of the multi-step co-forging process will be described later with reference to FIGS. According to this multi-step co-forging process, improvement can be achieved so that various weight members can be accurately arranged inside various portions of the golf club head 600. An improvement in the ability to accurately place weight members not only opens doors that allow forging several different materials together, previously impossible due to their inherent constraints, It is also possible to improve the golf club head 600 more in performance characteristics than previously discussed.

  More specifically, FIG. 6 of the accompanying drawings shows a co-forged golf club head 600 formed using a multi-step co-forging process. Golf club head 600 includes a higher density weight adjustment portion 615 at heel portion 610 and toe portion 612 of golf club head 600 corresponding to cavity 616. The weight adjustment portions 615 are then combined with the cap 617 to hold the weight adjustment portions 615 together with the body of the golf club head 600 during the co-forging process. Note that the current example golf club head 600 utilizes a multi-step co-forging process to implement the heavy weight adjustment portion 615 and does not require post-processing finishes such as welding, brazing, caulking, and the like. As previously mentioned, the advantage of utilizing such a co-forging process is material uniformity and consistency, which results in performance and feeling superiority. In addition to the advantages described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a heavy weight adjustment portion 615 can be placed at the tip of the golf club head 600, and the center of gravity and moment of inertia of the golf club head 600 can be further improved.

  FIG. 7 of the accompanying drawings shows an exploded front perspective view of a golf club head 700 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the golf club head 700 incorporates a lightweight weight adjustment portion 714 into the cavity 716 behind the striking face 718 portion of the golf club head 700 in a multi-step forging process. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, due to the high precision co-forging process discussed above, the position and placement of the lightweight weight adjustment portion 714 can be more accurately positioned, thereby providing a golf club head 700. This provides an opportunity to reduce weight from the portion of the hitting face 718. To understand this multi-step co-forging process, FIGS. 8-14 are presented, detailing the steps involved in the multi-step co-forging process.

  FIG. 8 of the accompanying drawings is similar to FIGS. 2-5 above and shows a preform billet 801 used to manufacture a forged golf club head. The forged billet 801 is then bent into an L shape as shown in FIG. 9 to prepare a billet 901 for a mold for starting the forging process. 10A and 10B show a front view and a back view of the golf club head 1000 with the first step of the multi-step co-forging process. In this preliminary step, the billet is forged into a shape roughly similar to the shape of the golf club head 1000. In fact, even at this initial stage, the shape of the golf club head 1000 already appears to already have a hosel portion 1004, a heel portion 1010, and a toe portion 1012. In the back view of the golf club head 1000 shown in FIG. 10A, preliminary indentations of the cavities 1016 can be found in the heel portion 1010 and toe portion 1030 of the golf club head 100, while the golf club head 1000 shown in FIG. 10B. In the front view, the cavity 1016 can be found near the striking face.

  Following the initial forging process, excess trim 1030 may be removed from golf club head 1000, followed by another rough forging step. In this forging step, excess material goes out of the mold area and forms what is conventionally known as a “flash”. This flash material may be cut between individual multiple forging steps as discussed above to improve mold adhesion in later steps.

  The result of the second forging step can be shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. As can be seen from FIGS. 11A and 11B, the golf club head 1100 in this state begins by taking a shape that is more similar to the shape of the finished product. In addition to the more shaped overall shape, the boundaries and shapes of the cavities 1116 also begin by taking their respective shapes. Following this second step, weight adjustments may be added to the individual cavities 1116 before the golf club head 1100 is subjected to a final forging step.

  The relationship between the cavity 1116 of the golf club head 1100 and the weight adjustment portion is more clearly shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Here, in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the cavity 1216 at the back of the golf club head 1200 may be filled with a weight adjustment portion 1215, which generally has a greater density than the body of the golf club head 1200. good. This high density weight adjustment portion 1215 may then be covered with a cap made of a material similar to the body of the golf club head 1200, thereby retaining the high density weight adjustment portion 1215 within the cavity 1216. be able to. On the front surface of the golf club head 1200, the cavities 1216 may be filled with weight adjustment portions 1214 that are less dense than the body of the golf club head 1200. As with the rear side, the weight adjustment portion 1214 may be held in the cavity 1216 by a cap, similar to a mechanism that also acts as a striking face 1218. The striking face 1218 may be manufactured from the same material as the body of the golf club head 1200, similar to the cap 1217. Producing cap 1217 and striking face 1218 from the same material as the rest of the golf club head body is beneficial because these two parts can be welded to the body portion of golf club head 1200. When these parts are welded in place, the weight adjustment portions 1215 can be secured to the respective cavities, and then a final forging step is performed to complete the multi-step co-forging process.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the cap 1217 need not necessarily completely cover the cavity 1216 and the weight adjustment portion 1214. Indeed, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the cap 1217 only partially covers the weight adjustment portion 1215 to such an extent that the weight adjustment portion 1215 is sufficiently prevented from separating from the body of the golf club head 1200. Good.

  The final forging process involved in the process forms a golf club head 1200 that can be considered “co-forged”, which includes two or more different materials that are forged together in the last step. . FIGS. 13A and 13B show the resulting golf club head 1300 after the final co-forging step has been completed. In this state, the golf club head 1300 takes the final shape and the weight adjustment portions 1316 and 1314 are now monolithically sealed within their respective cavities by the cap 1317 and the striking face 1318. Although the golf club head 1300 takes its form, there is still excess flash 1330 around the periphery of the golf club head 1300, which must be trimmed before the golf club head 1300 assumes its final form.

  14A and 14Bb show the completed golf club head 1400 as a result of this co-forging process. As can be seen from FIGS. 14A and 14B, the excess flash 1330 has been trimmed to improve the aesthetics of the golf club head 1400. As previously described, as a result of this co-forging, the weight adjustment portions 1416 and 1418 are seamlessly and monolithically surrounded by the body of the golf club head 1400 via the cap 1417 and the striking face plate 1318. As discussed above, the weight adjustment portion 1416 is seamlessly and monolithically surrounded by the body of the golf club head 1400 by this co-forging process, thereby preventing rattling and improving the unity of the golf club head 1400. This produces the advantage. In fact, using this process, the golf club head can achieve a feeling that is indistinguishable from a single forged golf club using conventional forging methods.

  In other words, this multi-step co-forging method forms a special relationship between the weight adjustment portions 1416 and 1418 and the cavities 1216 (FIG. 12) in which they are seated. More specifically, the outer surface area of the weight adjustment portion 1416 may generally be the same as the inner surface area of the cavity 1216. The cavity 1216 generally includes the surface area of any caps 1217 and 1218 that are used to complete the cavity 1216 formed by a rough forging step (see FIG. 12). Although the similarities in shape and surface area between the cavity 1216 and the weight adjustment portion 1416 are not initially visible for an innovative achievement, the reality of this situation is that without the co-forging involved, The seamless interface between them cannot be realized. Given the constraints on the bonding of materials used for different parts of a golf club head, the co-forging method of this invention is the only way to achieve a seamless interface between those parts.

  FIG. 15 of the accompanying drawings shows a front view of a finished golf club head 1500 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention utilizing the previously described co-forging technique. In this embodiment, the striking face insert 1518 can only partially cover the lower portion of the golf club head 1500, and a cavity can be formed only in the lower portion of the golf club head 1500. This particular bifurcation of the club head 1500 provides a structural support near the central hemisphere of the club head 1500 in forming a dual cavity design that provides a firmer feel during impact. This is useful for improving the performance of the head 1500.

  FIG. 16 of the accompanying drawings shows a front view of a golf club head 1600 without the striking face insert 1518 (shown in FIG. 15). This view of the golf club head 1600 shows a plurality of support rods 1630 that allow the inner cavity 1616 to be more clearly shown and can be used to further provide structural support to the striking face portion. In one embodiment, the plurality of rods 1630 may be circular rods as shown in FIG. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of rods 1630 may not be cylindrical, but may be square, rectangular, or other shapes, all without departing from the scope and content of the invention. This invention is included in this invention as long as it provides any kind of local support for the striking face. In addition to changes in the arrangement of the rods 1630, the arrangement of the rods 1630 need not be distributed throughout the inner wall of the face cavity 1616; Implemented without departing from the content. Finally, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the face cavity 1616 does not require any support rod 1630, and the face cavity 1616 may be completely hollow without departing from the scope and content of the invention. Good.

  FIG. 17 of the accompanying drawings shows an exploded perspective view of the golf club head according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. More specifically, this exploded view allows a clearer depiction of the relationship and fit between the striking face insert 1718 and the face cavity 1716 of the golf club head 1700. The connection between the striking face insert 1718 and the body of the golf club head 1700 describes the previous discussion about using a co-forging process to join together different metals that cannot be easily welded together. However, it includes a cavity 1716 portion that can deform the striking face insert 1718 during the forging process. Fortunately, in this example, the material used for the striking face insert 1718 may be similar to the material of the body portion 1700 and after forging other parts together, using a conventional welding process. Two parts can be joined together.

  Another feature that deserves identification is the length of the plurality of rods 1730. A plurality of rods 1730 can generally contact the rear surface of the striking face insert 1718 to provide structural support to the striking face insert 1718. In other words, the ends of the plurality of rods 1730 can be brought into contact with the rear surface of the striking face insert 1718 to provide structural improvements. However, in alternative embodiments, the ends of the plurality of rods 1730 may terminate slightly on the rear surface of the striking face insert 1718 to form a gap. While making a backstop to maintain the elastic deformation of the material of the striking face insert 1718, it facilitates face deflection upon impact with the golf ball.

  FIG. 18 of the accompanying drawings shows a rear view of a golf club head 1800 having one or more weights 1815 and caps 1817 joined together using the co-forging process described above. Without repeating the above process, FIGS. 19-20 show an exploded view of the toe and heel of the various components created using the co-forging process described above.

  FIG. 19 shows an exploded toe perspective view of a golf club head 1900 showing the various components of the weighting system according to this embodiment of the invention. The exploded view of the golf club head 1900 does not illustrate the methodology used to create the weighting system, but how the components are used together in the co-forging process described above to form a golf club. Shown here to show you what you can do. More specifically, the weighting system herein includes a weight cavity 1916, a weight 1915, a cap 1979, and a welding material 1920. The weight cavity 1916 is now formed with a rough forging step, after which the weight 1915 is finalized as described above in FIGS. 13a and 13b after the various components are approximately connected together. Receive forging process.

  FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the exploded heel of the golf club head 2000 showing the various components of the weighting system according to this embodiment of the invention. Similar to the description of FIG. 19, FIG. 20 is provided to illustrate the relationship between the components.

  In addition to the above, this multi-step co-forging process differs from a pure co-forging process in that it does not require that these two materials must have similar flow stresses between different materials. I will. This elimination of the requirement that the material must be accompanied by similar flow stresses is beneficial because it allows a very wide range of materials to be used, especially the oddities of tungsten. This is especially the case for quirky materials that provide extreme weight benefits. This multi-step co-forging process takes this into account before filling the gap around the cavity using the last cap-type material and completely enclosing the weight adjustment part inside the cap-type material. This can be realized by forging. While eliminating the need for materials to have similar flow stresses, the need for the second material to be less than the thermal expansion coefficient of the first material still applies to this multiple co-forging process. This is necessary because the second material is surrounded by a cap within the cavity, but is still exposed to the same forging temperature as the outer first material. Excessive expansion of the second material will degrade the structural rigidity of the cap and cause a potential designation in the bonding process.

  FIG. 21 of the accompanying drawings shows an exploded view of a golf club head 2100 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the golf club head 2100 includes a plurality of high density weight adjustment portions 2115, a plurality of caps 2117, a lightweight weight adjustment portion 2114, and a striking face 2218 previously described with respect to FIGS. This is the same as described in the above. Here, however, it can be seen that the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2214 appears to differ significantly from the prior art embodiments in that it incorporates a unique shape not previously shown. More specifically, FIG. 21 shows a lightweight weight adjustment portion that further includes a plurality of cutouts 2140 across the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2114. The plurality of cutouts 2140 shown in this embodiment may be distributed evenly between the various components without departing from the scope and content of this invention, which may be distributed substantially evenly throughout the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2114. In order to promote proper coupling, a weight adjusting unit 2114 is included. Incorporating this cut-out 2140 feature into the lightweight weight adjustment portion helps to improve the performance of the golf club head in several ways. In one aspect, the most immediate perceivable benefit of incorporating multiple cutouts 2140 is a further reduction in weight at the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2114. In addition to the benefit of removing weight from the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2114, the plurality of cutouts 2140 are subtle in helping the lightweight weight adjustment portion shift its position relative to the body of the golf club head 2100 and the striking face 2128. It can serve a very important purpose.

  Upon understanding that the current golf club head 2100 is formed using the co-forging process described above, for the proper functionality of the overall club head 2100, the ability of the various parts formed together in a unitary structure is Very important. This structural integrity becomes even more important when the insert is added near the ball striking face portion 2128 of the golf club head 2100. In order to help maintain the structural integrity of the various components, multiple cutouts 2140 can flow into the cutout 2140 by a small amount of the material of the striking face 2128 between different parts. Make the bond good. This deformation of the material of the striking face 2128 helps to improve the bond between the parts by preventing the materials from moving relative to each other via the mechanical interface and increasing the structural integrity. Finally, since the body portion is made of a material similar to the striking face portion 2128, this deformation effect exhibited by the striking face portion 2128 can occur at the rear surface of the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2114 along with the golf body. The club head 2100 can be used without departing from the scope and content of this invention.

In previous embodiments of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the titanium lightweight face insert 714 has a total weight of about 21 grams. However, in the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 21, the total weight of the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2114 exceeds about 13% without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. More preferably it can be reduced by more than about 15% and most preferably by more than about 17%. In the same example above where a titanium material having a density of about 4.5 g / cm ³ is used, the weight of the light weight adjustment is less than about 18.5 g, more preferably without departing from the scope and content of the invention. May be less than about 17.5 g, and most preferably less than about 17 grams.

FIG. 22 of the accompanying drawings shows an inverted exploded view of a golf club head 2200 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This inverted exploded view can more clearly show the cavity 2216 in which the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2214 is located. Here, the cutout 2240 in this exemplary embodiment of the invention generally has a circular shape having a diameter of about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm, more preferably about 1.50 mm to about 2.5 mm. Most of the thickness is preferably about 2.0 mm. The exact diameter of the cutout 2240 is important for proper functioning of the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2214. This is because not only does it need to provide a sufficient amount of weight reduction, but also the amount of pinching material must be properly balanced with leakage from the cutout 2240. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a circular shape to form the cutout 2240, but may be oval, triangular, rectangular, or any other shape that can remove material from the lightweight weight adjustment member 2214. This may be employed and is within the scope and content of this invention. Another different way of quantifying the importance of finding the correct balance of cutout 2240 dimensions is a function of the amount of surface area removed. In the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the amount of front area removed by cutout 2240 is generally greater than about 15% of the total surface area and less than about 30% of the total surface area, more preferably Less than about 17.5% of the total surface area, less than about 27.5% of the total surface area, most preferably greater than about 20% of the total surface area and less than about 25% of the total surface area. In the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the area of the striking face is about 2,400 mm ² , the front area generated by the cutout 2240 of the lightweight weight adjustment member 2214 is typically about 360 mm ² ? 720 mm ^2, more preferably about 420mm greater than ^2, less than about 660 mm ^2, and most preferably greater than about 600 mm ² from 480 mm ^2.

  To show that the pinching material between the striking face 2218 and the body portion of the golf club head 2200 enters the cutout 2240, a cross-sectional view of the golf club head 2200 needs to be provided. However, before the cross-sectional view is shown, FIG. The cross-sectional line A-A 'shown in this exemplary embodiment may generally be taken across the center point of the hitting face area of the golf club head 2300.

  FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head 2400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention along the cross-sectional line A-A 'shown in FIG. In this cross-sectional view of the golf club head 2400, it can be seen that the cutout 2440 is widened along the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2414 and sandwiched between the striking face 2418 and the rear of the golf club head 2400. FIG. 24 provides a very important view that allows the relationship between the various components to be shown more clearly, but the final description given above provides structural rigidity to the entire golf club head 2400. To the extent sufficient to explain the subtle material flow during a typical forging process, the figure has not been enlarged. In order to explain this, FIG. 25 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a golf club head.

  FIG. 25 of the accompanying drawings shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a golf club head 2500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this enlarged cross-sectional view of the golf club head 2500, it can be seen that a small portion of the material of the striking face 2518 has visibly sinked into the cutout 2540 after the final forging process. It should be noted that the very important dimensions of the cutout 2540 described above allow this slight deformation at the rear of the striking face 2518 without deforming the front face of the striking face 2518. FIG. 25 of the accompanying drawings also shows a deformation of the body portion of the golf club head 2500 at the rear of the cavity 2516. This current exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides greater structural rigidity than the deformation of the body portion of the golf club head 2500 at the rear of the deformation cavity 2516 of the striking face 2518. In addition to the difference between before and after deformation, the striking face 2518 and the body portion of the golf club head 2500 can also have upper and lower deformation differences. More specifically, a golf club head 2500 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention generally has more deformation at the top cutout 2540 near the top line compared to the bottom near the sole. Can do.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of cutouts 2540 may be completely filled, partially filled or impregnated with a polymer type material. Filling the cutout 2540 with a polymer type material improves the structural rigidity of the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2514 and improves the feel of the golf club head 2500 during impact with the golf ball by providing vibration damping. be able to. The polymer filler can either completely fill the cutout 2540 or partially fill the cutout 2540 without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, where the cutout 2540 is completely filled with polymer, the hardness can be compromised by the hardness of the striking face 2518 and the body portion mechanically locking. It is important to control the hardness of the polymer. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the polymer filler in the cutout 2540 can have a hardness of up to 20 Shore 00 hardness and 60 Shore D hardness.

  FIG. 26 of the accompanying drawings shows an exploded perspective view of a golf club head 2600 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the co-forged golf club head 2600 is similar to a conventional golf club head having a plurality of cavities. All of the cavities 2616 in this embodiment are generally open toward the front portion of the golf club head 2600. This arrangement of the cavities 2616 that are open toward the front portion of the golf club head 2600 can cover the entire cavity 2616 and the corresponding insert using a single cover, in this example a single The cover is a striking face 2618. Fixing the entire cavity 2616 and each weight portion insert with a single cover is preferred as it dramatically simplifies the structure. In addition to the above, it is beneficial to note that a weld line between the striking face 2618 and the chassis of the golf club head 2600 occurs around the perimeter of the striking face 2618. This placement of the separation helps to move the weld line from the high stress impact location on the striking face 2618.

  Focusing on the cavity 2616 shown in FIG. 26, it can be seen that the cavity 2616 can have different geometric shapes and can be located at different locations within the golf club head 2600 depending on the desired center of gravity position. In this embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the golf club head is biased toe side with a large cavity 2616 located near the top of the golf club head 2600 adapted to engage a lightweight weight adjustment portion 2614. A lower toe portion cavity 2616 adapted to engage the high density weight adjustment portion 2615 and a lower heel portion cavity 2616 biased to the heel side may be provided. This embodiment allows weight to be removed from the top of the golf club head 2600 and allows weight to be added to the heel and toe portions of the golf club head, thereby lowering the center of gravity and increasing the moment of inertia. Finally, FIG. 26 also shows a cutout 2640 strategically placed across the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2614, allowing the striking face 2618 and chassis material to penetrate the cutout 2640, This is as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 27 shows a rear exploded perspective view of a golf club head 2700 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The golf club head 2700 shown in FIG. 27 is very similar to the golf club head 2600 shown in FIG. 26, but may further comprise a plurality of posts 2742 positioned on the rear surface of the striking face 2718. . The plurality of posts 2742 in this embodiment of the invention are intended to engage a plurality of cutouts 2740 positioned on the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2714 and move these components relative to another component. To prevent. The plurality of posts 2742 combined with the plurality of cutouts 2740, after the secondary forging process of co-forging these components, similar to the method described in FIGS. It works to generate the correct parts.

  In the current exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of posts 2742 are all disposed on the striking face 2718 for ease of explanation. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of posts 2742 may be disposed on the opposite side of the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2614 in the upper cavity 2616 (see FIG. 26) without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of posts 2742 may be partially disposed on the back of the striking face 2718 and partially on the front of the upper cavity 2616 (see FIG. 26), It does not depart from the scope and content of this invention.

  FIGS. 28-34 of the accompanying drawings all show a cross-sectional view of a golf club head including the plurality of posts 2742 and a corresponding plurality of cutouts 2740 in accordance with various different embodiments of the present invention. Before referring to the cross-sectional view of the golf club head 2800 shown in FIG. 28, as shown in FIG. 28, the cross-sectional view is along the cross-sectional line AA ′ shown in FIG. 23 under the center of the golf club head 2800. It is important to note that However, different embodiments of the present invention may use multiple other cross-section lines without departing from the scope and content of the present invention, but include the relationship of post 2842 and multiple cutouts 2840. There must be.

  FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head 2800 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a plurality of posts 2842 positioned on the rear surface of the striking face 2818 and a plurality of cutouts 2840 positioned on the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2814. This is sandwiched between other parts. The plurality of posts 2842 in this exemplary embodiment may all be the same size to ensure consistent bonding between different posts during the final forging step. However, in alternative embodiments, the plurality of posts can have various diameters depending on the quality of the joint joint required without departing from the scope and content of the invention. In order to more clearly show the relationship between the plurality of posts 2842 and the plurality of cutouts 2840, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the golf club head 2800 focused on the circular area A is shown in FIG.

FIG. 29 of the accompanying drawings shows an enlarged sectional view of the circular region A shown in FIG. In addition to more clearly illustrating the relationship between the plurality of posts 2942 and the plurality of cutouts 2940 on the rear surface of the striking face 2918, the diameters d1 of the plurality of posts can be illustrated more clearly. The diameter d1 shown here is generally between about 0.5 mm and about 5.0 mm, more preferably between about 0.5 mm and about 2.5 mm, and most preferably about 0.5 mm and about 1. It is between 0 mm. Similar to the description above for multiple cutout diameters, the diameter d1 of the multiple posts 2942 can be achieved by ensuring proper alignment of the different components without sacrificing feel and weight savings. Important for proper functioning.

  It should be noted that in this present exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of posts 2942 are terminated before reaching the backing portion of the golf club head chassis. However, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the backing portion of the chassis may have a plurality of cutouts corresponding to the same plurality of cutouts 2940 in the lightweight weight adjustment portion 2914, and the plurality of posts 2942 may be In the middle of reaching the back of the golf club head. By combining the plurality of posts 2942 with a plurality of cutouts extending on both sides, the plurality of posts 2942 can be welded to the chassis on the rear surface of the golf club head, and all components depart from the scope and content of this invention. Can be implemented without.

  Although FIG. 30 of the accompanying drawings shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the circular area A shown in FIG. 28, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, a plurality of posts 3042 replace the rear surface of the striking face 3018 and Formed in front of a cavity 2616 (see FIG. 26) formed in the club head chassis, this does not depart from the scope and content of the invention. A plurality of cutouts 3040 are still formed in the lightweight weight adjustment portion 3014.

  FIG. 31 of the accompanying drawings shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the circular region A shown in FIG. 28, which is according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 31, a plurality of posts 3142 may be located at both ends of the interface. More specifically, both the rear face of the striking face 3118 and the front face of the cavity 2616 (see FIG. 26) are adapted to engage a plurality of cutouts 3140 that are jointly disposed across the lightweight weight adjustment portion 3114. A plurality of posts 3142.

  FIG. 32 of the accompanying drawings shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the circular region A shown in FIG. 28, which is according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the sidewalls of the plurality of cutouts 3240 can be angled to form countersinks that expand the plurality of posts 3242 in a mushroom shape after the final forging process. A plurality of post 3242 mushrooms due to the counterbore geometry on the lightweight weight adjustment portion 3214 can help further secure the striking face 3218 to the lightweight weight adjustment portion 3214 and the golf club head chassis. Note that prior to the final forging step, the plurality of posts 3242 generally appear as cylindrical posts, but deform with the countersink after the forging step. Finally, the countersink in this embodiment of the invention generally has a side wall of the plurality of cutouts 3240 of about 5 ° to about 25 °, more preferably about 10 ° to about 20 °, and most preferably about 15 °. Formed by tilting at an angle. The countersink draft angle (draft angle) at the plurality of cutouts 3240 combined with the dimensions of the plurality of posts 3242 is important for proper functioning of the present invention. This is because if the amount of draft is insufficient, a sufficient bond cannot be formed between the components, while too large draft can leave too much air gap filled by the posts 3242. I will. FIG. 33 of the accompanying drawings shows countersinks arranged in opposite directions so that a plurality of posts 3342 come from the chassis and instead the mechanical lock is reinforced. Finally, FIG. 34 of the accompanying drawings shows that countersinks are on either side of the lightweight weight adjustment portion 3414 and can form a better bond across all components.

  FIG. 35 of the accompanying drawings shows an exploded perspective view of a golf club head 3500 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the lightweight weight adjustment portion 3514 and the high density weight adjustment portion 3515 can be of different shapes, There are 3500 different locations. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the lightweight weight adjustment portion 3514 may be smaller and the high density weight adjustment portion 3515 may be located directly under the lightweight weight adjustment portion 3514 in the center of the golf club head 3500. This embodiment is preferred when the adjustment of the center of gravity is not dramatic and there is no need to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 3500 dramatically. Of course, one or more cavities 3516 remain in proportion to the number of weight adjustment portions required, and the striking face 3518 continues to be used to cover the front portion of the golf club head 3500.

  FIG. 36 of the accompanying drawings shows an exploded perspective view of a golf club head 3600 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of the invention can place a high density weight adjustment portion 3615 in the cavity 3616 above the position of the lightweight weight adjustment portion 3614 to achieve a higher center or gravity position, It does not depart from the scope and content of the invention.

  FIG. 37 of the accompanying drawings shows a graphical representation of the final goal of using these extreme geometries in an iron or wedge to help achieve a center of gravity position that could not be achieved previously. In addition to the above, FIG. 37 of the accompanying drawings illustrates an innovative method of measuring the position of the center of gravity of a golf club head that provides more consistent results. The prior art generally determines the center of gravity of a golf club head based on its position relative to the ground plane. This conventional method is useful to provide a basis for measuring the characteristics of a golf club head across all platforms. However, in iron-type golf club settings where the bounce of the golf club head can significantly change the position of the golf club head itself relative to the ground plane, conventional methodologies can produce inconsistent results. Accordingly, the present invention seeks to eliminate undesirable fluctuations by creating an innovative method of determining and designing the position of the center of gravity of a golf club head by focusing on the leading edge of the golf club head.

  Referring to FIG. 37, it can be seen that the CG position line 3751 points to the CG position of the golf club head relative to the prior art ground via different lofts and different bounces. Although data series form a general trend, different sole bouncing creates large outliers in the data, making it undesirable. However, viewing the same set of golf club heads by measuring the CG position 3752 relative to the leading edge results in even more discrepancies. Therefore, to address this discrepancy issue, the present invention seeks to maintain a consistent golf club head CG position relative to the ground throughout a particular loft, regardless of bounce. Achieving this goal is generally achieved by using the configuration described above with reference to FIGS. 1-36, resulting in the CG location diagram shown by the data series 3753 shown in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 37, the 46 degree wedge maintains its CG position regardless of the sole bounce profile, and the same is done over the entire set of wedges up to loft 64 (loft is 64 °). Note that no matter what wedge combination the golfer chooses, adjacent lofts are consistent, so several lofts that are similar to each other will retain the same CG height position relative to the leading edge. . In other words, if the first loft and the second loft are substantially the same, the first CG height position with respect to the leading edge and the second CG height position with respect to the leading edge are equally the same. It can be said. FIG. 37 also shows a data series 3754 showing the results of the design intent of the present invention under conventional measurement methodologies, but the older measurement method is no longer in the present invention. Not a concern.

  Other things in the working example, or all numerical ranges, quantities, values, percentages, such as material quantity, moment of inertia, center of gravity position, loft, draft angle, various performance ratios, unless otherwise stated And others in the specification can be read as if "about" is placed in front of it even if the term "about" is not displayed in relation to that value, amount or range . Therefore, unless indicated otherwise, the number of parameters expressed in the specification and utility model claims are approximate, and this is a desired characteristic that is intended to be obtained by this invention. Will change accordingly. At a minimum, of course, it does not limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents, but each number of parameters should be interpreted in the light of the number of significant digits recorded and the normal rounding process.

  Although the numerical ranges and parameters that represent the broad range of this invention are approximate, the numerical values shown in the examples were recorded as accurately as possible. Any numerical value still contains errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in each test measurement. Further, it should be understood that any combination of values, including the exemplified values, can be used where numerical ranges of various scopes are indicated.

  Of course, it should be noted that the foregoing relates to examples of examples of the present invention, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims of the utility model registration.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Golf club head 102 Main body part 104 Hosel part 106 Top line part 108 Sole part 110 Heel part 112 Toe part 200 Golf club head 201 Billet 202 Main body part 210 Heel part 212 Toe part 215 Weight adjustment part 216 Cavity 300 Golf club head 301 Billet 302 Body portion 306 Top line portion 308 Sole portion 314 Light weight adjustment portion 315 Weight weight adjustment portion 316 Cavity 400 Golf club head 406 Top portion 410 Heel portion 412 Toe portion 414 Light weight adjustment portion 415 Weight weight adjustment portion 500 Golf club head 501 Billet 502 Main body portion 504 Hosel portion 506 Cavity 514 Weight adjustment portion 600 Gol Club head 610 Heel portion 612 Toe portion 615 Weight adjustment portion 616 Cavity 617 Cap 700 Golf club head 714 Light weight adjustment portion 716 Cavity 718 Strike face 801 Billet 901 Billet 1000 Golf club head 1004 Hosel portion 1010 Heel portion 1012 Toe portion 1016 Cavity 1030 Excess trim 1100 Golf club head 1116 Cavity 1200 Golf club head 1214 Light weight adjustment portion 1215 High density weight adjustment portion 1216 Cavity 1217 Cap 1218 Strike face 1300 Golf club head 1314 Light weight adjustment portion 1316 High density weight adjustment portion 1317 Cap 1318 Stroke face 1330 Flash 1 00 golf club head 1416 weight adjustment portion 1417 cap 1500 golf club head 1518 hitting face insert 1600 golf club head 1616 face cavity 1630 support rod 1700 golf club head 1716 face cavity 1718 hitting face insert 1730 rod 1800 golf club head 1815 weight 1817 cap 1900 Golf Club Head 1915 Weight 1916 Weight Cavity 1920 Welding Material 1979 Cap 2000 Golf Club Head 2100 Golf Club Head 2114 Light Weight Weight Adjusting Portion 2115 High Density Weight Adjusting Portion 2117 Cap 2128 Strike Face 2140 Cutout 2200 Golf Club Head 2214 Light Weight Eight adjustment portion 2216 Cavity 2218 Strike face 2240 Cutout 2300 Golf club head 2400 Golf club head 2414 Light weight adjustment portion 2418 Strike face 2440 Cutout 2500 Golf club head 2514 Light weight adjustment portion 2516 Cavity 2518 Strike face 2540 Cutout 2600 Golf club Head 2614 Lightweight Weight Adjustment Portion 2615 High Density Weight Adjustment Portion 2616 Cavity 2618 Strike Face 2640 Cutout 2700 Golf Club Head 2714 Lightweight Weight Adjustment Portion 2718 Cutout Face 2740 Cutout 2742 Golf Club Head 2814 Lightweight Weight Adjustment Portion 2818 Strike Face 2840 Cut out 2842 Post 2914 Lightweight Weight Adjustment Portion 2918 Blowing Face 2940 Cutout 2942 Post 3014 Lightweight Weight Adjustment Portion 3018 Blowing Face 3040 Cutout 3042 Post 3114 Lightweight Weight Adjustment Portion 3118 Blowing Face 3140 Cutout 3142 Post 3214 Lightweight Weight Adjustment Portion 3218 Strike Face 3240 Cutout 3242 Post 3414 Light weight adjustment part 3500 Golf club head 3514 Light weight adjustment part 3515 High density weight adjustment part 3516 Cavity 3518 Strike face 3600 Golf club head 3614 Light weight adjustment part 3615 High density weight adjustment part 3616 Cavity 3751 Conventional example Data series of CG height position with respect to grounding 752 conventional CG data series height position relative to the CG data sequence 3754 leading edge of this invention the height position relative to the ground of the CG data series height position 3753 this invention for the leading edge of

Claims (15)

A body portion manufactured from a first material and comprising a face cavity and at least one weight cavity;
At least one high density weight adjusting portion made from a second material and encased in the weight cavity;
A lightweight weight adjustment portion manufactured from a third material and encased in the face cavity;
A striking face insert made from the first material and adapted to cover the front portion of the body portion;
Both the face cavity and the at least one weight cavity have an opening toward the front portion of the golf club head, and the striking face insert completely covers the face cavity and the at least one weight cavity. A forged golf club head characterized by:   The lightweight weight adjustment portion further includes a plurality of two or more cutouts, and the rear surface of the striking face insert or the front surface of the face cavity further includes a plurality of posts, The forged golf club head of claim 1, wherein a post is adapted to engage the plurality of two or more cutouts.   The forged golf club head of claim 2, wherein only the rear surface of the striking face insert has a plurality of posts.   The forged golf club head of claim 2, wherein only the front surface of the face cavity has a plurality of posts.   The forged golf club head of claim 2, wherein both the rear surface of the striking face insert and the front surface of the face cavity have a plurality of posts.   The forged golf club head of claim 2, wherein the plurality of two or more cutouts are substantially evenly distributed throughout the lightweight weight adjustment portion.   3. A forged golf club head according to claim 2, wherein the density of the second material is greater than the density of the first material, and the density of the first material is greater than the third density.   The forged golf club head of claim 2, wherein the plurality of two or more cutouts form a draft angle to form countersinks for the plurality of posts. A body portion manufactured from a first material and comprising a face cavity and at least one weight cavity;
At least one high density weight adjusting portion made from a second material and encased in the weight cavity;
A lightweight weight adjustment portion manufactured from a third material and encased in the face cavity;
A striking face insert made from the first material and adapted to cover the front portion of the body portion;
The lightweight weight adjustment portion further includes a plurality of two or more cutouts, the plurality of two or more cutouts forming a draft angle to form a countersink,
The forged golf club head, wherein the high-density weight adjusting portion is monolithically wrapped in the weight cavity. 10. A forged golf club head according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the draft of the plurality of two or more cutouts is between 5 [deg.] And 25 [deg.].   The forged golf club head of claim 10, wherein the draft angle of the plurality of two or more cutouts is between 10 ° and 20 °.   The forged golf club head of claim 11, wherein the draft angle of the plurality of two or more cutouts is 15 °.   The lightweight weight adjustment portion further includes a plurality of two or more cutouts, and the rear surface of the striking face insert or the front surface of the face cavity further includes a plurality of posts, The forged golf club head of claim 9, wherein a post is adapted to engage the plurality of two or more cutouts. A first golf club and a second golf club, wherein the first golf club and the second golf club each have a first golf club head and a second golf club head; The golf club set according to claim 1, wherein the golf club head and the second golf club head are forged golf club heads according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
The first golf club head has a first loft, a first bounce angle, and a first CG height position from the leading edge of the first golf club head;
The second golf club head has a second loft, a second bounce angle, and a second CG height position from the leading edge of the second golf club head,
If the first loft is the same as the second loft, the first CG height position from the leading edge is the same as the second CG height position from the leading edge. A featured golf club set.   The golf club set according to claim 14, wherein the first bounce angle is different from the second bounce angle.

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