JP6336215B2 - Golf club head and golf club head manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

[Copyright notice]
This disclosure may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of this disclosure or related documents by any person as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or record, but otherwise all copyrights are reserved. Reserve.

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This application is a U.S. provisional application No. 62 / 118,403 filed on February 19, 2015, a U.S. provisional application No. 62 / 159,856 filed on May 11, 2015, and filed on August 25, 2015. Claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 62 / 209,780, and US Provisional Application No. 62 / 277,636, filed January 12, 2016. This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional application No. 14 / 498,603, filed Sep. 26, 2014, claiming the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62 / 041,538, filed Aug. 25, 2014. This is a continuation application of US Non-Provisional Application No. 14 / 589,277 filed on January 5, 2015. This application is also a continuation of US Non-Provisional Application No. 14 / 498,603, filed September 26, 2014, which claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 62 / 041,538, filed August 25, 2014. One of U.S. non-provisional application No. 14 / 589,277 filed on January 5, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional application No. 14 / 513,073 filed on October 13, 2014 This is a continuation-in-part of US Non-Provisional Application No. 14 / 711,596, filed on May 13, 2015, which is a part continuation application. This application is also a continuation-in-part of US application 29 / 515,013, filed January 20, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of US application 29 / 501,006, filed August 29, 2014. It is an application. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 29 / 540,066, filed on September 21, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 29 / 537,413, filed on August 25, 2015. This is a continuation-in-part of US application 29 / 547,678, filed December 7, 2015, which is an application. The disclosure of the reference application is incorporated herein by reference.

[Technical field]
The present disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more specifically to a golf club head and a method of manufacturing a golf club head.

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

FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 10 is another rear view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a weight portion related to the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a weight portion related to the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a side view of another weight portion related to the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the body portion of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the face portion of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another face portion of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating one method of manufacturing the golf club head exemplified herein.

18 is another cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the face portion of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

20 is a rear view of the face portion of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a groove in the face portion of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the groove of the face portion of FIG.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of still another example of the groove of the face portion of FIG.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of still another example of the groove in the face portion of FIG.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of another example of the face portion of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 1.

26 is a rear view of still another example of the face portion of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 27 is a rear view of still another example of the face portion of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing another method of manufacturing the golf club head exemplified in this specification.

FIG. 30 is a view showing still another method of manufacturing the golf club head exemplified in this specification.

FIG. 31 is a rear view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein.

FIG. 32 is a rear view of the golf club head of FIG.

FIG. 33 is a front view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein.

34 is a rear view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

35 is a rear perspective view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

36 is a rear view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG.

37 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 33, taken along line 37-37 shown in FIG.

38 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 33, taken along line 38-38 shown in FIG.

39 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 33, taken along line 39-39 shown in FIG.

40 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 33, taken along the line 40-40 shown in FIG.

41 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 33, taken along line 41-41 shown in FIG.

42 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 33, taken along the line 42-42 shown in FIG.

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

  In general, a golf club head and a method of manufacturing a golf club head are described herein. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  In the example of FIGS. 1-14, the golf club head 100 includes a body portion 110 (FIG. 14), and generally a first set of weight portions 120 (eg, weight portions 121, 122, 123, and 124 shown) and second. It may include two or more weight portions shown as a set of weight portions 130 (eg, the illustrated weight portions 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137). The body part 110 may include a toe part 140, a heel part 150, a front part 160, a back part 170, a top part 180, and a sole part 190. The body portion 110 can be made of a first material, while the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 can each be made of a second material. The first and second materials may be similar materials or different materials. For example, the body portion 110 may be partially or fully made of a steel-based material (eg, 17-4PH stainless steel, Nitronic® 50 stainless steel, maraging steel or other types of stainless steel), titanium-based materials, It may be made of an aluminum-based material (eg, a high strength aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with a high strength alloy), any combination thereof, and / or other suitable types of materials. The first and second sets of weights 120, 130 may each be partially or fully made of a high density material, such as a tungsten-based material, or other suitable type of material. Alternatively, the body portion 110 and / or the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 may each be partially or completely made of a non-metallic material (eg, composite material, plastic, etc.). . The instrument, method, and product are not limited to this.

  The golf club head 100 is an iron type golf club head (for example, 1 iron, 2 iron, 3 iron, 4 iron, 5 iron, 6 iron, 7 iron, 8 iron, 9 iron, Or a wedge type golf club head (eg, pitching wedge, lob wedge, sand wedge, n degree wedge such as 44 ° (°), 48 °, 52 °, 56 °, 60 °, etc.) Good. Although FIGS. 1-10 illustrate certain types of club heads, the instruments, methods, and products described herein may be used for other types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, The present invention may be applied to a hybrid club head, a putter club head, and the like. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The toe part 140 and the heel part 150 may be at opposite ends of the body part 110. The heel portion 150 includes a hosel portion 155 configured to receive a shaft (not shown) having a grip (not shown) at one end portion of the shaft forming the golf club, and a golf club at the other end portion. The head 100 may be included.

  The front part 160 may include a face part 162 (for example, a striking surface). The face portion 162 may include a front surface 164 and a back surface 166. The front surface 164 may include one or more grooves 168 extending between the toe portion 140 and the heel portion 150. Although the figure shows a particular number of grooves, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer grooves. The face portion 162 may be used to give an impact to a golf ball (not shown). The face part 162 may be an integral part of the body part 110. Alternatively, the face 162 may be formed by various manufacturing methods and / or processes (for example, a bonding process such as an adhesive, a welding process such as laser welding, a brazing process, a soldering process, a fixing process, a mechanical locking or connecting method. , Any combination thereof, or any other suitable type of manufacturing method and / or process), or another part or insert coupled to the body portion 110. The face portion 162 may be associated with a loft surface that defines the loft angle of the golf club head 100. The loft angle may vary depending on the type of golf club (eg, long iron, middle iron, short iron, wedge, etc.). In one example, the loft angle may be between 5 degrees and 75 degrees. In another example, the loft angle may be between 20 degrees and 60 degrees. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the back portion 170 generally includes a first set of external weight ports 1420 (eg, weight ports 1421, 1422, 1423, and 1424 shown) and a second set of external weight ports 1430 (eg, shown). A weight wall 1431, 1432, 1433, 1434, 1435, 1436, and 1437), which may include a back wall portion 1410 having one or more external weight ports along the periphery of the back portion 170. Each external weight port may be associated with a port diameter. In one example, the port diameter may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters). Any two adjacent external weight ports of the first set of external weight ports 1420 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter. Similarly, any two adjacent external ports of the second set of external weight ports 1430 may be separated by a distance that is less than the port diameter. The first and second sets of external weight ports 1420, 1430 may be external weight ports configured to receive one or more weight portions. Specifically, each weight part (for example, the weight parts 121, 122, 123, and 124 shown in the figure) of the first set 120 is in or near the toe part 140 and / or the top part 180 of the back part 170. It may be arranged at a certain weight port. For example, the weight portion 121 may be disposed in the weight port 1421 partially or completely. In another example, the weight portion 122 may be disposed in the weight port 1422 in the transition region (for example, the top and toe transition region) between the top portion 180 and the toe portion 140. Each weight part (for example, the weight parts 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137 shown in the figure) of the second set 130 is in or near the toe part 140 and / or the sole part 190 of the back part 170. May be arranged in the weight port. For example, the weight portion 135 may be partially or completely disposed at the weight port 1435. In another example, the weight portion 136 may be disposed in the weight port 1436 in the transition region (eg, the sole and toe transition region) between the sole portion 190 and the toe portion 140. As will be described in detail below, the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 may each have various manufacturing methods and / or processes (eg, bonding process, welding process, brazing process, mechanical lock). Method, any combination thereof, or any other suitable type of manufacturing method and / or process) may be coupled to the back portion 170 of the body portion 110.

  Alternatively, the golf club head 100 may not include (i) the first set of weight portions 120, (ii) may not include the second set of weight portions 130, or (iii) the first and first sets. Both of the two sets of weight portions 120 and 130 may not be included. Specifically, the back portion 170 of the body portion 110 may not include the weight port in the top portion 170 and / or the sole portion 190, and may not include the weight port in the vicinity thereof. For example, the mass of the first set of weight portions 120 (eg, 3 grams) and / or the mass of the second set of weight portions 130 (eg, 16.8 grams) may be substituted for separate weight portion (s). The body part 110 may be an integral part (s). The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 may each have similar or different physical characteristics (eg, color, shape, size, density, mass, volume, etc.). As a result, the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 can each contribute to the decorative design of the golf club head 100. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, each of the weight portions of the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 may have a cylindrical shape (for example, a circular cross section). Alternatively, each of the weight portions of the first set 120 may have a first shape (eg, a cylindrical shape), while each of the weight portions of the second set 130 may have a second shape (eg, a cubic shape). It can be. In another example, the first set of weight portions 120 may include two or more weight portions of different shapes (eg, the weight portion 121 may be a first shape while the weight portion 122 is a first shape). It can be a second shape different from the shape). Similarly, the second set of weight portions 130 may also include two or more weight portions of different shapes (eg, the weight portion 131 may be the first shape while the weight portion 132 is the first shape). Can be different second shapes). Although the above example describes a weight portion having a particular shape, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may have other suitable shapes (eg, spheres, cubes, cones, cylinders, pyramids). , Cubes, prisms, frustums, or some other suitable geometric shape). Although the above examples and figures show a plurality of weight parts as a set of weight parts, each set of the weight parts 120 and 130 of the first and second sets may be a single weight part. Good. In one example, the first set of weight portions 120 may be a single weight portion rather than a sequence of four separate weight portions. In another example, the second set of weight portions 130 may be a single weight portion rather than a series of seven separate weight portions. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, for example, the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 are respectively threaded configured in the weight ports of the back portion 170 (generally shown as 1420 and 1430 in FIG. 14). And includes threads, generally designated as 1210 and 1310, respectively, that may be secured to the weight port. For example, each of the weight portions of the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 may be a screw. The first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 may or may not be easily removable from the back portion 110 with or without tools, respectively. Alternatively, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 can respectively replace one or more weight portions of the first and second sets 120 and 130 with relatively heavy or light weight portions, respectively. , May be easily removable (eg, with tools). In another example, the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 are backed with epoxy resin or adhesive so that the first and second sets of weights 120, 130, respectively, cannot be easily removed. It may be fixed to 170 weight ports. In yet another example, the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 are both epoxy resin and adhesive so that the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130, respectively, cannot be easily removed. Thus, it may be fixed to the weight port of the back portion 170. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  As described above, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 may each have some physical characteristics that are similar, but other physical characteristics may be different. As shown in FIGS. 11-13, for example, each of the weight portions of the first and second sets 120, 130 may each have a diameter 1110 of about 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters). The first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 may have different heights. Specifically, each of the weight portions of the first set 120 may be associated with a first height 1220 (FIG. 12), and each of the weight portions of the second set 130 may be associated with a second height 1320 (FIG. 13). The first height 1220 may be relatively smaller than the second height 1320. In one example, the first height 1220 can be about 0.125 inches (3.175 millimeters) while the second height 1320 can be about 0.3 inches (7.62 millimeters). In another example, the first height 1220 can be about 0.16 inches (4.064 millimeters) while the second height 1320 can be about 0.4 inches (10.16 millimeters). . Alternatively, the first height 1220 may be the second height 1320 or more. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Referring back to FIG. 10, for example, the golf club head 100 may be associated with a ground plane 1010, a horizontal midplane 1020, and a top plane 1030. Specifically, the ground surface 1010 contacts the sole portion 190 of the golf club head 100 when the golf club head 100 is in an address position (for example, the golf club head 100 is adjusted to hit a golf ball). It may be a surface. The top surface 1030 may be a surface that contacts the top portion 180 of the golf club head 100 when the golf club head is in the address position. The ground surface 1010 and the top surface 1030 may each be substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal central plane 1020 may be the middle in the vertical direction between each of the ground plane 1010 and the top plane 1030.

  To provide optimal perimeter weighting for the golf club head 100, the first set of weight portions 120 (eg, weight portions 121, 122, 123, and 124) are configured to balance the weight of the hosel 155. May be. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the first set of weight portions 120 (for example, the weight portions 121, 122, 123, and 124) are disposed near the periphery of the body portion 110, and from the top portion to the top portion. The transition region 145 between 180 and the toe portion 140 may extend from the transition region 145 to the toe portion 140. In other words, the first set of weight portions 120 may be disposed on the golf club head 100 at a position roughly opposite to the hosel 155. According to an example, at least a portion of the first set of weight portions 120 may be disposed near the periphery of the body portion 110 and may extend through the transition region 145. According to another example, at least a portion of the first set of weight portions 120 may extend near the periphery of the body portion 110 and may extend along a portion of the top portion 180. According to another example, at least a portion of the first set of weight portions 120 may extend near the periphery of the body portion 110 and may extend along a portion of the toe portion 140. The first set of weight portions 120 may be above the horizontal center plane 1020 of the golf club head 100. At least a portion of the first set of weight portions 120 is near the toe portion 140 such that the moment of inertia of the golf club head 100 in the vertical axis of the golf club head 100 extending through the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 is increased. There may be. Accordingly, the first set of weight portions 120 are close to the periphery of the body portion 110 so as to balance the weight of the hosel 155 and / or increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 100, as well as the top 180 and the toe portion 140. And / or may extend through transition region 145. The position of the first set of weight portions 120 (that is, the position of the first set of external weight ports 1420) and the physical characteristics and constituent materials of the weight portions of the first set of weight portions 120 are weight, weight distribution, center of gravity. , Moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and / or other static and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 100 may be determined to work optimally. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The second set of weight portions 130 (for example, the weight portions 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 135, and 137) are arranged so that the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 is at an optimum position and the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 is set. A golf club head moment of inertia in a vertical axis extending therethrough may be optimized. Referring to FIG. 10, all or a substantial portion of the second set of weight portions 130 may generally be near the sole portion 190. For example, the second set of weight portions 130 (eg, weight portions 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 135, and 137) are located near the periphery of the body portion 110 and from the sole portion 190 to the toe portion 140. It may extend. As shown in the example of FIG. 10, the weight portions 131, 132, 133, and 134 are arranged near the periphery of the body portion 110 and along the sole portion 190 so that the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 is lowered. May extend. The weight portions 135, 136, and 137 are disposed near the periphery of the body portion 110 and have a sole portion so that the moment of inertia of the golf club head 100 on the vertical axis that decreases through the center of gravity and extends through the center of gravity is increased. 190 may extend to the toe part 140 through a transition region 147 between the sole part 190 and the toe part 140. All or part of the second set of weight portions 130 may be disposed closer to the sole portion 190 than the horizontal central plane 1020 so that the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 is lowered. For example, the weight portions 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, and 136 may be disposed closer to the sole portion 190 than the horizontal central plane 1020. The position of the second set of weight portions 130 (that is, the position of the second set of external weight ports 1430) and the physical properties and constituent materials of the weight portions of the second set of weight portions 130 are weight, weight distribution, center of gravity. , Moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and / or other static and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 100 may be determined to work optimally. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Returning to FIGS. 7-9, for example, the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 may each be disposed away from the back surface 166 of the face portion 162 (eg, not directly coupled to each other). That is, each of the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 and the back surface 166 may be partially or completely separated by the internal cavity 700 of the body portion 110. As shown in FIG. 14, for example, each external weight port of the first and second sets of external weight ports 1420, 1430 has an opening (eg, generally indicated as 720 and 730) and a port wall (eg, generally 725). And 735). The port walls 725 and 735 may be an integral part of the back wall part 1410 (for example, a section of the back wall part 1410). Each of the openings 720 and 730 may be configured to receive weight portions such as weight portions 121 and 135, respectively. The opening 720 may be disposed at one end of the weight port 1421, and the port wall 725 may be disposed at or near the end opposite to the weight port 1421. Similarly, the opening 730 may be disposed at one end of the weight port 1435, and the port wall 735 may be disposed at or near the end opposite to the weight port 1435. Port walls 725 and 735 may be separated from face portion 162 (eg, separated by internal cavity 700). The port wall 725 may be provided with a distance 726 with respect to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162, as shown in FIG. The port wall 735 may be provided with a distance 736 with respect to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162. The distances 726 and 736 are determined to optimize the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 when each of the first and second sets of weight ports 1420, 1430 receive the weight portions described herein. May be. According to an example, the distance 736 may be greater than the distance 726 such that the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 moves toward the back portion 170. As a result, the width 740 of the lower portion of the horizontal central plane 1020 of the internal cavity 700 may be greater than the width 742 of the internal cavity 700 above the horizontal central plane 1020. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  As discussed herein, all or a substantial portion of the second set of weight portions 130 is closer to the sole portion 190 than the horizontal midplane 1020 and the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130. By separating each from the back surface 166, the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head 100 is relatively further rearward from the face portion 162 than when the second set of weight portions 130 are directly coupled to the back surface 166. And can be lowered relatively toward the ground plane (eg, shown as 1010 in FIG. 10). The positions of the first and second sets of weight ports 1420 and 1430 and the physical characteristics and constituent materials of the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 are weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, inertia moment characteristics, It may be determined to optimally affect the structural integrity and / or other static and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 100. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Although the drawings show weight ports having a particular cross-sectional shape, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include weight ports having other suitable cross-sectional shapes. In one example, the weight ports of the first and / or second set of weight ports 1420, 1430 may have a U-shaped cross-sectional shape. In another example, the weight ports of the first and / or second set of weight ports 1420, 1430 may have a V-shaped cross-sectional shape. The one or more weight ports associated with the first set of weight portions 120 may have a different cross-sectional shape than the one or more weight ports associated with the second set of weight portions 130. For example, the weight port 1421 can have a U-shaped cross-sectional shape, while the weight port 1435 can have a V-shaped cross-sectional shape. Also, the two or more weight ports associated with the first set of weight portions 120 may have different cross-sectional shapes. Similarly, two or more weight ports associated with the second set of weight portions 130 may have different cross-sectional shapes. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The weight portions 120 and 130 of the first and second sets may be similar in mass (for example, all of the weight portions of the weight portions 120 and 130 of the first and second sets are substantially the same weight). There is) Alternatively, the weight parts 120 and 130 of the first and second sets may have different masses, respectively, or may have different masses as a whole set. Specifically, each of the weight portions (for example, 121, 122, 123, and 124 shown in the figure) of the first set 120 is an arbitrary weight portion (for example, 131, 132, 133, and so on shown) of the second set 130. 134, 135, 136, and 137). For example, the second set of weight portions 130 may occupy 50% or more of the total mass by the external weight portions of the golf club head 100. As a result, the golf club head 100 can be configured to have at least 50% of the total mass due to the external weight portion disposed below the horizontal central plane 1020. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  In one example, the golf club head 100 may have a mass in the range of about 220 grams to about 330 grams, based on the type of golf club (eg, 4 iron vs. lob wedge). Body portion 110 includes a first and second set of weight portions 120, 130 each having a mass of about 20 grams (eg, the total mass due to the external weight portion), with a mass in the range of about 200 grams to about 310 grams. You may have. Each of the weight portions of the first set 120 may have a mass of about 1 gram (1.0 g), while each of the weight portions of the second set 130 may have a mass of about 2.4 grams. . The total mass of the first set of weights 120 can be about 3 grams, while the total mass of the second set of weights 130 can be about 16.8 grams. The total mass of the second set of weight portions 130 may be five times as heavy as the total mass of the first set of weight portions 120 (eg, about 3 grams of the first set of weight portions). About 16.8 grams of the second set of weights 130 for a total mass of 120). The golf club head 100 may have a total mass of 19.8 grams due to each of the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 (eg, 3 grams and second due to the first set of weights 120). 16.8 grams total due to set weight portion 130). Accordingly, the first set of weight portions 120 may occupy about 15% of the total mass by the external weight portion of the golf club head 100, while the second set of weight portions 130 is the external weight of the golf club head 100. The portion can occupy about 85% of the total mass. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  By joining the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 to the body portion 110 (for example, fixing the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 to the weight ports of the back portion 170), the golf club The position of the center of gravity (CG) and the moment of inertia (MOI) of the head 100 may be optimized. Specifically, as described in this specification, the weight portions 120 and 130 of the first and second sets respectively lower the position of the CG toward the sole portion 190 and further rearward from the face portion 162. May be separated. Further, the MOI may have a higher measurement on a vertical axis that extends through the CG (eg, perpendicular to the ground plane 1010). The MOI may also have a higher measurement on a horizontal axis that extends through the CG (eg, extends toward each of the toe portion 150 and the heel portion 160 of the golf club head). As a result, the club head 100 can provide a relatively high launch angle and a relatively low spin rate than a golf club head that does not have the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130, respectively. . The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Alternatively, two or more weight portions in the same set may have different masses. In one example, the weight portion 121 of the first set 120 may have a relatively smaller mass than the weight portion 122 of the first set 120. In another example, the weight portion 131 of the second set 130 may have a relatively smaller mass than the weight portion 135 of the second set 130. A relatively large mass in the top and toe transition region and / or sole and toe transition region increases the weight and increases the moment of inertia (MOI) of the vertical axis through the center of gravity (CG) Thus, it can be dispersed from the CG of the golf club head 100.

  Although the weight portions are shown as separate individual parts in the figure, each set of the weight portions 120 and 130 of the first and second sets may be a single weight portion. In one example, all weight portions (eg, 121, 122, 123, and 124 shown) in the first set 120 may be combined into a single weight portion (eg, the first weight portion). Similarly, all weight portions (eg, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137) of the second set 130 are also combined into a single weight portion (eg, the second weight portion). Also good. In this example, the golf club head 100 may have only two weight portions. Although the figure shows a particular number of weights, the devices, methods, and products described herein may have a greater or lesser number of weights. In one example, the first set of weight portions 120 may have two separate weight portions instead of the three separate weight portions shown in the figure. In another example, the second set of weight portions 130 may have five separate weight portions instead of the seven separate weight portions shown in the figure. Alternatively, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may not have any separate weight portions (eg, body portion 110 is an integral part of body portion 110 ( May be manufactured to include the mass of separate weight portions). The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Referring back to FIGS. 7-9, for example, the body portion 110 may be a hollow body that includes an internal cavity 700 that extends between the front portion 160 and the back portion 170. Further, the internal cavity 700 may extend between the top portion 180 and the sole portion 190. The internal cavity 700 may be associated with a cavity height 750 (H _C ), and the body portion 110 may be associated with a body height 850 (H _B ). The cavity height 750 and the body height 850 may vary between the toe portion 140 and the heel portion 150, but the cavity height 750 may be at least 50% of the body height 850 (H _C > 0.5 * H _B ). For example, the cavity height 750 may vary between 70-85% of the body height 850. By making the cavity height 750 of the internal cavity 700 greater than 50% of the body height 850, the golf club 100 has a cavity smaller than 50% of the body height when the golf club 100 hits a golf ball through the face portion 162. A relatively more consistent feel, sound and / or result can be produced than a high golf club. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  In one example, the internal cavity 700 may be unfilled (eg, empty space). Body portion 100 that includes internal cavity 700 may weigh about 100 grams less than body portion 100 that does not include internal cavity 700. Alternatively, the internal cavity 700 can be an elastic polymer or elastomeric material (eg, Sorbothane® from Sorbotane, Kent, Ohio) to absorb shocks, isolate vibrations, and / or attenuate noise. Such as viscoelastic urethane polymer materials), thermoplastic elastomer materials (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane materials (TPU), and / or other suitable types of materials may be partially or completely filled. For example, at least 50% of the internal cavity 700 has a TPE that absorbs shock, isolates vibrations, and / or attenuates noise when the golf club head 100 strikes a golf ball through the face portion 162. It may be filled with a material.

  In another example, the internal cavity 700 may be partially configured to absorb impact, isolate vibration, and / or attenuate noise when the golf club head 100 strikes a golf ball through the face portion 162. Alternatively or completely, it may be filled with a polymer material such as an ethylene copolymer material. Specifically, at least 50% of the internal cavity 700 is comprised of a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer ionomer. , Ethylene copolymers containing magnesium ionomers, injection moldable ethylene copolymers used in conventional injection molding equipment to create various shapes, ethylene copolymers that can be used in conventional extrusion equipment to produce various shapes, And / or may be filled with a high compressibility and low resilience ethylene copolymer similar to thermoset polybutadiene rubber. For example, ethylene copolymers are available from E.I. in Wilmington, Delaware. I. DuPont® High Performance Resin (HPF) family of materials (eg DuPont® HPF AD1172, DuPont® HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000, manufactured by du Pont de Nemours and Company. , And any of the ethylene copolymers related to DuPont® HPF 2000). The DuPont® family of ethylene copolymers is injection moldable and can use conventional injection molding equipment and molds that provide low compressibility and high resilience. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Returning to FIG. 15, for example, the face portion 162 may include a first thickness 1510 (T ₁ ) and a second thickness 1520 (T ₂ ). The first thickness 1510 can be the thickness of the section of the face portion 162 adjacent to the groove 168, while the second thickness 1520 can be the thickness of the section of the face portion 162 below the groove 168. . For example, the first thickness 1510 may be the maximum distance between the front surface 164 and the back surface 166. The second thickness 1520 may be based on the groove 162. Specifically, the groove 168 may have a _groove depth 1525 (D _groove ). The second thickness 1520 may be the maximum distance between the bottom surface of the groove 168 and the back surface 166. The sum of the second thickness 1520 and the groove depth 1525 may be substantially equal to the first thickness 1510 (eg, T ₂ + D _groove = T ₁ ). Accordingly, the second thickness 1520 may be smaller than the first thickness 1510 (eg, T ₂ <T ₁ ).

In order to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 and / or move it further backward, the weight of the front portion 160 of the golf club head 100 may be removed by using a relatively thin face portion 162. For example, the first thickness 1510 may be about 0.075 inches (eg, T ₁ = 0.075 inches). By receiving the support of the back wall portion 1410 to form the internal cavity 700 and filling at least a part of the internal cavity 700 with an elastic polymer material, the face portion 162 can be used for structural integrity, sound, And / or can be relatively thin (eg, T ₁ <0.075 inches) without degrading the feel. In one example, the first thickness 1510 may be 0.060 inches (1.524 millimeters) or less (eg, T ₁ ≦ 0.060 inches). In another example, the first thickness 1510 may be 0.040 inches (1.016 millimeters) or less (eg, T ₁ ≦ 0.040 inches). Based on the type of material (s) used to form face portion 162 and / or body portion 110, face portion 162 may have a first thickness 1510 (e.g., 0.030 inches or less) (e.g., (T ₁ ≦ 0.030 inch). The groove depth 1525 may be the second thickness 1520 or more (for example, D _groove ≧ T ₂ ). In one example, the groove depth 1525 may be about 0.020 inches (eg, D _groove = 0.020 inches). Accordingly, the second thickness 1520 may be about 0.010 inches (eg, T ₂ = 0.010 inches). In another example, the groove depth 1525 may be about 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters) and the second thickness 1520 may be about 0.015 inches (eg, D _groove). = T ₂ = 0.015 inch). Alternatively, the groove depth 1525 may be smaller than the second thickness 1520 (for example, D _groove <T ₂ ). Without support of the backwall portion 1410 and filling of the internal cavity 700 with an elastic polymer material, the golf club head may not be able to withstand multiple impacts by the golf ball at the face portion. In contrast to the golf club head 100 described herein, a golf club head (e.g., a cavity) that has a relatively thin face portion but is not filled with elastic polymer material in the support of the back wall portion 1410 and the internal cavity 700. The back golf club head) may produce an unpleasant sound (eg, a cheesy sound) and / or feel upon impact of the golf ball. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Based on the manufacturing process and method of forming the golf club head 100, the face portion 162 may include additional materials around or near the face portion 162. Accordingly, the face portion 162 may also have a third thickness 1530 and a chamfered portion 1540. The third thickness 1530 may be greater than either the first thickness 1510 or the second thickness 1520 (eg, T ₃ > T ₁ > T ₂ ). Specifically, the face portion 162 may be coupled to the body portion 110 by a welding process. For example, the first thickness 1510 may be about 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters), the second thickness 1520 may be about 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters), The third thickness 1530 may be about 0.050 inch (1.27 millimeters). Accordingly, the chamfered portion 1540 can accommodate a portion of the additional material when the face portion 162 is welded to the body portion 110.

As shown in FIG. 16, for example, the face portion 162 may include a reinforcement section, generally designated 1605, below one or more grooves 168. In one example, the face portion 162 may include a reinforcing section 1605 below each groove. Alternatively, the face portion 162 may include a reinforcing section 1605 below some grooves (eg, all other grooves) or below just one groove. The face portion 162 may include a first thickness 1610, a second thickness 1620, a third thickness 1630, and a chamfered portion 1640. The groove 168 may have a groove depth 1625. The reinforcing section 168 may define a second thickness 1620. The first thickness 1610 and the second thickness 1620 may each be substantially equal to each other (eg, T ₁ = T ₂ ). In one example, the first thickness 1610 and the second thickness 1620 may each be about 0.030 inches (eg, T ₁ = T ₂ = 0.030 inches). The groove depth 1625 may be about 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters) and the third thickness 1630 may be about 0.050 inches (1.27 millimeters). The groove 168 may also have a groove width. The width of the reinforcing section 1605 may be equal to or greater than the groove width. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Alternatively, the thickness of the face portion 162 may vary between the top portion 180 and the sole portion 190, and / or the thickness may vary therebetween. In one example, the face portion 162 may be thicker at or near the top portion 180 than at or near the sole portion 190 (for example, the thickness of the face portion 162 is from the top portion 180 toward the sole portion 190). May be gradually reduced). In another example, the face portion 162 may be thicker at or near the sole portion 190 than at or near the top portion 180 (for example, the thickness of the face portion 162 may be increased from the sole portion 190 to the top portion 189). You may gradually decrease towards). In another example, the face portion 162 may be relatively thicker between the top portion 180 and the sole portion 190 than the top portion 180 and the sole portion 190 or the vicinity thereof (for example, the thickness of the face portion 162 is , May have a bell-shaped outer shape). The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Unlike other golf club head designs, the positions of the internal cavity 700 of the body portion 110 and the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 along the periphery of the golf club head 100 are different from the face portion 162. A relatively high launch angle and a relatively low spin rate can be provided for a golf ball that is moving away. As a result, the golf ball can move far (ie, the total distance including the carry and roll distances increases).

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating one method of manufacturing the example golf club head described herein. In the example of FIG. 17, process 1700 may begin by providing two or more weight portions, generally shown as first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130, respectively (block 1710). The first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 may each be made of a first material such as a tungsten-based material. In one example, the first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 may each be a tungsten alloy screw.

  Process 1700 may provide a body portion 110 having a face portion 162, an internal cavity 700, and a back portion 170 having two or more external weight ports, generally shown as 1420 and 1430 (block 1720). The body part 110 may be made of a second material different from the first material. Body portion 110 may be manufactured using an investment casting process, a billet forging process, a pressing process, a computer numerical control (CNC) machine process, a die casting process, any combination thereof, or other suitable manufacturing process. . In one example, body portion 110 may be made of 17-4PH stainless steel using a casting process. In another example, the body portion 110 is manufactured from other suitable types of stainless steel (eg, Nitronic® 50 stainless steel from AK Steel, Inc., Westchester, Ohio) using a forging process. Also good. By using Nitronic® 50 stainless steel in the manufacture of the body portion 110, the golf club head 100 is relatively more robust and / or corrosion resistant than golf club heads made from other types of steel. Can be further enhanced. Each weight port of the body portion 110 may include an opening and a port wall. For example, the weight port 1421 may include an opening 720 and a port wall 725 provided at both ends facing each other. The internal cavity 700 may separate the port wall 725 of the weight port 1421 and the back surface 166 of the face portion 162. Similarly, the weight port 1835 may include an opening 730 and a port wall 735 provided at both ends facing each other. The internal cavity 700 may separate the port wall 735 of the weight port 1435 and the back surface 166 of the face portion 162.

  Process 1700 may couple each of the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 to one of two or more external weight ports (block 1730). In one example, the process 1700 may insert and secure the weight portion 121 in the external weight port 1421 and insert and secure the weight portion 135 in the external weight port 1435. Process 1700 can secure each of the first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 to external weight ports, such as weight ports 1421, 1435, using various manufacturing methods and / or processes (eg, , Epoxy resin, welding, brazing, mechanical lock, any combination thereof, etc.).

  Process 1700 may partially or fully introduce an elastic polymeric material (eg, Sorbothane® material) or a polymeric material (eg, an ethylene copolymer material such as DuPont® HPF-based material) into internal cavity 700. May be filled (block 1740). In one example, at least 50% of the internal cavity 700 may be filled with an elastic polymer material. As described above, the elastic polymer material can absorb shocks, isolate vibrations, and / or attenuate noise in response to the golf club head 100 hitting the golf ball. Alternatively, the internal cavity 700 may be filled with a thermoplastic elastomer material and / or a thermoplastic polyurethane material. As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the golf club head 100 may include one or more weight ports (eg, shown as 1431 in FIG. 14) having a first opening 1830 and a second opening 1835. The second opening 1835 may be used to access the internal cavity 700. In one example, the process 1700 (FIG. 17) may fill the internal cavity 700 with the elastic polymer material by injecting the elastic polymer material into the internal cavity 700 from the first opening 1835 through the second opening 1835. Good. The first opening 1830 and the second opening 1835 may have the same or different sizes and / or shapes, respectively. While the above example has been described with a specific weight port having a second opening, any other weight port of the golf club head 100 may include the second opening (eg, weight port 720). The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Referring back to FIG. 17, the example process 1700 simply provides and describes one example method of manufacturing the golf club head 100 in conjunction with the other figures. Although a specific sequence of actions is shown in FIG. 17, these actions may be performed in other order over time. For example, two or more actions shown in FIG. 17 may be executed sequentially, simultaneously, or simultaneously. In one example, blocks 1710, 1720, 1730, and / or 1740 may be performed simultaneously or simultaneously. Although FIG. 17 shows a specific number of blocks, the process may not execute one or more blocks. In one example, the internal cavity 700 may not be filled (eg, block 1740 may not be performed). The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Referring back to FIGS. 1-14, the face portion 162 improves and / or peels the adhesion between the elastic polymer material used to fill the internal cavity 700 (eg, FIG. 7) and the face portion 162. A non-smooth back surface may be included so as to alleviate. Back using various methods and / or processes such as an abrasive blast process (eg, bead blast process, sand blast process, other suitable blast process, or any combination thereof) and / or milling The surface 166 can be non-smooth. For example, the back surface 166 may have a surface roughness (Ra) in the range of 0.5 to 250 μinch (0.012 to 6.3 μm). The instrument, method, and product are not limited to this.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 19-21, for example, the face portion 1900 may include a front surface 1910 and a back surface 2010. The front surface 1910 may include one or more grooves, generally indicated as 1920, extending longitudinally across the front surface 1910 (eg, extending between the toe portion 140 and the heel portion 150 of FIG. 1). Front surface 1910 may be used to impact a golf ball (not shown).

  The back surface 2010 may also include one or more channels, shown generally as 2020. The groove 2020 may extend longitudinally across the back surface 2010. The grooves 2020 may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The groove 2020 engages the elastic polymer material used to fill the internal cavity 700 and can act as a mechanical locking mechanism between the face 1900 and the elastic polymer material. Specifically, the groove 2100 may include an opening 2110, a bottom section 2120, and two sidewalls generally indicated as 2130 and 2132. The bottom section 2120 may be parallel or substantially parallel to the back portion 2010. The two sidewalls 2130 and 2132 may be approaching sidewalls (ie, the sidewalls 2130 and 2132 may be non-parallel to each other). Bottom section 2120 and sidewalls 2130 and 2132 may form two undercuts, generally indicated as 2140 and 2142. That is, the width 2115 in the opening 2110 may be smaller than the width 2125 in the bottom section 2120. The cross section of the groove 2100 may be symmetric with respect to the axis 2150. Although FIG. 21 shows a flat or substantially flat sidewall, the two sidewalls 2130 and 2132 may be curved (eg, convex with respect to each other).

  Instead of a flat or substantially flat sidewall as shown in FIG. 21, the trench may include other types of sidewalls. As shown in FIG. 22, for example, the groove 2200 may include an opening 2210, a bottom section 2220, and two sidewalls generally indicated as 2230 and 2232. The bottom section 2220 may be parallel or substantially parallel to the back surface 2010. The two side walls 2230 and 2232 may be stepped side walls. Bottom section 2220 and sidewalls 2230 and 2232 may form two undercuts, shown generally as 2240 and 2242. That is, the width 2215 in the opening 2210 may be smaller than the width 2225 in the bottom section 2220. The cross section of the groove 2200 may be symmetric with respect to the axis 2250.

  Instead of being symmetric as shown in FIGS. 21-22, the grooves may be asymmetric. As shown in FIG. 23, in another example, the groove 2300 may include an opening 2310, a bottom section 2320, and two sidewalls, generally indicated as 2330 and 2332. The bottom section 2320 may be parallel or substantially parallel to the back surface 2010. The bottom section 2320 and the sidewall portion 2330 may form an undercut portion 2340.

  Referring to FIG. 24, for example, the groove 2400 may include an opening 2410, a bottom section 2420, and two sidewalls, generally indicated as 2430 and 2432. The bottom section 2420 may not be parallel or substantially parallel to the back surface 2010. The two sidewalls 2430 and 2432 may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other, but one sidewall may be longer than the other sidewall. The bottom section 2420 and the sidewall 2432 may form an undercut portion 2440.

  In the example shown in FIG. 34, the face portion 2500 extends in the lateral direction across the back surface 2510, shown generally as 2520 (eg, extends between the top portion 180 and the sole portion 190 of FIG. 1), one or more A back surface 2510 having a plurality of grooves may be included. In another example shown in FIG. 26, the face portion 2600 may include a back surface 2610 having one or more grooves that extend diagonally across the back surface 2610, indicated generally as 2620. Alternatively, the face portion may include a combination of grooves extending across the back surface of the face portion in different directions (eg, extending in the longitudinal direction, the transverse direction, and / or the oblique direction). Returning to FIG. 27, in yet another example, the face portion 2700 may include a back surface 3610 having one or more grooves that extend in different directions across the back surface 2710, shown generally as 2720, 2730, 2740. . Specifically, the face portion 2700 includes a plurality of grooves 2720 extending in the longitudinal direction across the back surface 2710, a plurality of grooves 2730 extending in the lateral direction across the back surface 2710, and slanted across the back surface 2710. A plurality of grooves 2740 extending in the direction may be included.

  Additionally or alternatively, the golf club head 100 improves the adhesion between the elastic polymer material used for the emphasis of the internal cavity 700 of the golf club head (eg, FIG. 7) and the face portion 162 and / or. Alternatively, a binder may be included to mitigate peeling. Referring to FIG. 28, for example, the golf club head 100 may include a face portion 162, a joint portion 2810, and an elastic polymer material 2820. In one example, the coupling 2810 is of a low viscosity organic solvent type, such as MEGUM ™, ROBOND ™, and / or TIXON ™, materials from Dow Chemical, Auburn Hills, Michigan. It may be a solution and / or a dispersion of polymer and other reactive chemicals. In another example, coupling 2810 may be LOCTITE®, a material from Henkel, Rocky Hill, Connecticut. A coupling portion 2810 may be applied to the back surface 166 to bond the elastic polymer material 2820 to the face portion 162 (eg, extending between the back surface 166 and the elastic polymer material 2820). For example, the joint 2810 may be applied when the internal cavity 700 is filled with the elastic polymer material 2820 via an injection molding process. The instrument, method, and product are not limited to this.

  FIG. 29 illustrates one method of partially or completely filling the internal cavity 700 of the golf club head 100 or any golf club head described herein with an elastic polymeric material or elastomeric material. Process 2900 may begin by heating golf club head 100 to a particular temperature (block 2910). In one example, the golf club head 100 can be heated to a temperature in the range of 150 ° C. to 250 ° C., depending on factors such as the vaporization temperature of the elastic polymer material injected into the internal cavity 700. The elastic polymeric material may then be heated to a specific temperature (block 2920). The elastomeric polymer material may be a non-foamed and injection moldable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. Accordingly, the elastic polymeric material may be heated to be in a liquid or fluid state before being injected into the internal cavity 700. The temperature at which the elastomeric polymer material is heated may depend on the type of elastomeric polymer material used to partially or completely fill the internal cavity 700. The heated elastic polymeric material is injected into the internal cavity 700 to partially or completely fill the internal cavity 700 (block 2930). The elastomeric polymer material may enter the internal cavity 700 from one or more weight ports described herein (eg, one or more weight ports in each of the first and second sets of weight ports 1420, 1430 shown in FIG. 14). It may be injected. One or more weight ports may allow air inside the internal cavity 700 displaced by the elastic polymer material to be exhausted from the internal cavity 700. In one example, the golf club head 100 may be oriented horizontally as shown in FIG. 14 during the injection molding process. Elastic polymer material may be injected into the internal cavity 700 from the weight ports 1431 and 1432. The weight ports 1421, 1422, and / or 1423 may function as vent holes for exhausting the substituted air from the internal cavity 700. Thus, regardless of the orientation of the golf club head 100 during the injection molding process, the elastic polymer material allows the one or more upper weight ports to function as vents and the one or more lower weight ports to the internal cavity. 700 may be injected. The mold (ie, golf club head 100) is then passively (eg, at room temperature) or actively cooled so that the elastic polymer material becomes solid and adheres to the back surface 166 of the face 162. Also good. The elastic polymer material may be bonded directly to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162. Alternatively, the elastic polymeric material is adhered to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162 with the assistance of the back surface 166 and / or the binder described herein (eg, the joint 2810 shown in FIG. 28). Also good. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  As described above, the elastic polymeric material may be solidified after being heated to a liquid state (ie, non-foaming) and injection molded into the internal cavity 700. An elastic polymeric material having a low modulus of elasticity can provide vibration and noise attenuation for the face portion 162 when the face portion 162 impacts the golf ball. For example, an elastic polymeric material that foams when heated can provide vibration and noise attenuation. However, such foamed elastic polymer material provides structural support to the relatively thin face due to the possibility of excessive deflection and / or compression of the elastic polymer material when absorbing the impact of the golf ball. May not have sufficient rigidity. In one example, the resilient polymeric material injection molded into the internal cavity 700 has a relatively high modulus to provide structural support to the face portion 162 and the impact force experienced by the face portion 162 when striking a golf ball. It may be elastically bent to absorb. Thus, a non-foamed and injection moldable elastic polymeric material having a relatively high modulus of elasticity provides an internal cavity so as to provide structural support and reinforcement of the face portion 162 in addition to providing vibration and noise damping. It may be used to partially or completely fill 700. That is, the non-foamed and injection moldable elastic polymer material may be a structural support for the face portion 162. The instrument, method, and product are not limited to this.

  FIG. 30 illustrates one method of applying the binder described herein to a golf club head prior to partially or completely injecting the elastic polymer into the internal cavity 700. In the example of FIG. 30, process 3900 may begin by injecting a binder onto the back surface 166 of the face portion 162 (block 3010). The binder may be sprayed onto the back surface 166 before or after heating the golf club head as described above, depending on the properties of the binder. The binder may be injected through one or more of the first set of weight ports 1420 and / or the second set of weight ports 1430. The binder may be injected onto the back surface 166 through some or all of the first set of weight ports 1420 and the second set of weight ports 1430. For example, an injection device such as a nozzle or needle may be inserted into each weight port until the tip or outlet of the device approaches the back surface 166. Thereafter, the binder may be sprayed onto the back surface 166 from the outlet of the instrument. Further, the instrument may be moved, rotated and / or pivoted within the internal cavity 700 such that the binder is injected into the region of the back surface 166 around the instrument. For example, the outlet portion of the injection device may be moved in an annular pattern inside the weight port so that the binder is injected corresponding to the annular pattern of the back surface 166. Each of the first set of weight ports 1420 and the second set of weight ports 1430 may be used to inject binder onto the back surface 166. However, the use of all of the first set of weight ports 1420 and / or the second set of weight ports 1430 may not be required. For example, the use of all other adjacent weight ports may be sufficient to inject the binder across the back surface 166. In another example, weight ports 1421, 1422, 1431, 1433, and 1436 may be used to inject binder onto back surface 166. The instrument, method, and product are not limited to this.

  The process 3000 may also include spreading the binder on the back surface 166 after spraying the binder on the back surface 166 such that a substantially uniform coating of the binder is provided on the back surface 166 (block 3920). Good. According to one example, the binder may be spread on the back surface 166 by injecting air into the internal cavity 700 through one or more of the first set of weight ports 1420 and the second set of weight ports 1430. Air may be injected into the internal cavity 700 and the back surface 166 by inserting air nozzles into one or more of the first set of weight ports 1420 and the second set of weight ports 1430. According to one example, the air nozzle may be configured to spray the binder evenly to spread the binder on the back surface 166 for a uniform or substantially uniform coating of the binder on the back surface 166. 166 may be rotated, moved, and / or pivoted at a fixed distance from 166. The instrument, method, and product are not limited to this.

  Process 3000 may include a single step of spraying the binder to coat the back surface 166 uniformly or substantially uniformly. In one example, the binder may be sprayed onto the back surface 166 by being converted (ie, atomized) into particulates or droplets and sprayed onto the back surface 166. Accordingly, the back surface 166 may be coated uniformly or substantially uniformly with the binder in one step. A substantially uniform coating of the back surface 166 with the binder may be defined as a coating with a slight non-uniformity due to the spraying or manufacturing process. However, such slight non-uniformity does not affect the bonding of the filler material to the back surface 166 with the binder described herein. For example, spraying the binder onto the back surface 166 results in an overlapping region of the binder having a coating that is slightly thicker than other regions of the binder on the back surface 166. The instrument, method, and product are not limited to this.

  As described herein, the two or more weight portions may be configured as a single weight portion. In the example of FIGS. 31 and 32, the golf club head 3100 includes a body portion 3110, generally a first set of weight portions 3120 (eg, weight portions 3121, 3122, 3123, and 3124 shown) and a second set of weight portions. Two or more weight portions indicated as 3130 may be included. The body part 3110 may include a toe part 3140, a heel part 3150, a front part (not shown), a back part 3170, a top part 3180, and a sole part 3190. The front portion may be similar in many respects to the front portion 160 of the golf club head 100. Accordingly, details of the front portion of the golf club head 3100 are not provided.

  The body portion 3110 can be made of a first material, while the first set of weight portions 3120 and the second set of weight portions 3130 can be made of a second material. The first and second materials may be similar materials or different materials. For example, the body portion 3110 may be partially or completely made of steel-based material (eg, 17-4PH stainless steel, Nitronic® 50 stainless steel, maraging steel or other types of stainless steel), titanium-based materials, It may be made of an aluminum-based material (eg, a high strength aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with a high strength alloy), any combination thereof, and / or other suitable types of materials. The first set of weights 3120 and the second set of weights 3130 may be partially or fully made of a high density material, such as a tungsten-based material, or other suitable type of material. Alternatively, the body portion 3110 and / or the first set of weight portions 3120 and the second set of weight portions 3130 may be partially or completely made of a non-metallic material (eg, composite material, plastic, etc.). Good. The instrument, method, and product are not limited to this.

  The golf club head 3100 is an iron type golf club head (for example, 1 iron, 2 iron, 3 iron, 4 iron, 5 iron, 6 iron, 7 iron, 8 iron, 9 iron, Or a wedge type golf club head (eg, pitching wedge, lob wedge, sand wedge, n degree wedge such as 44 ° (°), 48 °, 52 °, 56 °, 60 °, etc.) Good. Although FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate certain types of club heads, the instruments, methods, and products described herein may be used for other types of club heads (eg, driver type club heads, fairway wood type club heads, The present invention may be applied to a hybrid club head, a putter club head, and the like. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The toe part 3140 and the heel part 3150 may be at opposite ends of the body part 3110. The heel portion 3150 includes a hosel portion 3155 configured to receive a shaft (not shown) having a grip (not shown) at one end portion of the shaft forming the golf club, and a golf club at the other end portion. The head 3100 may be included.

  The back portion 3170 is generally along the periphery of the back portion 3170, shown as a first set of external weight ports 3220 (eg, weight ports 3221, 3222, 3223, and 3224 shown) and a second set of external weight ports 3230. Further, a back wall portion 3210 having one or more external weight ports may be included. Each external weight port of the first set of weight ports 3220 may be associated with a port diameter. In one example, the port diameter may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters). Any two adjacent external weight ports of the first set of external weight ports 3220 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter. The first set of external weight ports 3220 and the second set of external weight ports 3230 may be external weight ports configured to receive one or more weight portions.

  Each weight part (for example, the weight parts 3121, 3122, 3123, and 3124 shown in the figure) of the first set of weight parts 3120 is on or near the toe part 3140 and / or the back part 3170 of the top part 3180. Ports (eg, weight ports 3221, 3222, 3223, and 3224 shown) may be disposed. For example, the weight portion 3121 may be partially or completely disposed on the weight port 3221. In another example, the weight portion 3122 may be disposed in the weight port 3222 in the transition region (for example, the top-and-toe transition region) between the top portion 3180 and the toe portion 3140. The configurations of the first set of weight ports 3220 and the first set of weight portions 3120 are similar to the golf club head 100 in many respects. Accordingly, a detailed description of the configuration of the first set of weight ports 3220 and the first set of weight portions 3120 is not provided.

  The second set of weight ports 3230 passes through the transition region between the toe part 3140 and the sole part 3190 from the position near the toe part 3140 or the toe part 3140 to the sole part 3190 or the vicinity of the sole part 3190. An extending recess may be used. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 31, the second weight port 3230 may resemble an L-shaped recess. The second weight portion 3130 may resemble the shape of the second weight port 3230 and may be configured to be disposed on the second weight port 4130. The second weight portion 3130 may be partially or completely disposed on the weight port 3230. The second weight portion 3130 may have any shape, such as an oval, a patch system, a triangle, or any geometric or non-geometric shape. The second weight port 3230 may have a shape similar to that of the second weight portion 3130. However, a part of the second weight portion 3130 inserted into the second weight port 3230 may have a shape similar to the weight port 3230. As described in detail herein, any weight portion described herein, including weight portion 3120 and second weight portion 3130, can be manufactured using a variety of manufacturing methods and / or processes (eg, a bonding process, Welding process, brazing process, mechanical locking method, any combination thereof, or any other suitable type of manufacturing method and / or process) may be coupled to the back portion 3170 of the body portion 3110.

  Second weight portion 3130 is configured to optimize the golf club head's moment of inertia on a vertical axis that extends through the center of gravity of golf club head 3100 while positioning the center of gravity of golf club head 100 at an optimal location. May be. All or a substantial portion of the second weight portion 3130 may generally be near the sole portion 3190. For example, the second weight portion 3130 may be near the periphery of the body portion 3110 and may extend from the sole portion 3190 to the toe portion 3190. As shown in the example of FIG. 32, the second weight portion 3130 is arranged near the periphery of the body portion 3110 and part or most of the sole portion 3190 so that the center of gravity of the golf club head 3100 is lowered. May extend along. A portion of the second weight portion 3130 is disposed near the periphery of the body portion 3110 and has a lower center of gravity and an increased moment of inertia of the golf club head 3100 in a vertical axis extending through the center of gravity. The portion 3190 may extend through the transition region 3147 between the sole portion 3190 and the toe portion 3140 to the toe portion 3140. All or part of the second weight portion 3130 may be disposed closer to the sole portion 3190 than the horizontal central plane 3260 of the golf club head 3100 so that the center of gravity of the golf club head 3100 is lowered. The position of the second weight portion 3130 (that is, the position of the weight port 3230) and the physical characteristics and constituent materials of the weight portion of the second weight port 3130 are weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia characteristics, structural It may be determined to optimally affect integrity and / or other static and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 3100. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The weight portions of the first set of weight portions 3120 may have similar or different physical characteristics (eg, color, shape, size, density, mass, volume, etc.). In the example illustrated in FIG. 32, each of the weight portions of the first set of weight portions 3120 may have a cylindrical shape (for example, a circular cross section). Alternatively, each of the weight portions of the first set 3120 may have a different shape. Although the above example describes a weight portion having a particular shape, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may have other suitable shapes (eg, spheres, cubes, cones, cylinders, pyramids). , Cubes, prisms, frustums, or some other suitable geometric shape). The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  In the example of FIGS. 33-42, the golf club head 3300 includes a body portion 3310, generally a first set of weight portions 3320 (eg, weight portions 3321 and 3322 shown) and a second set of weight portions 3330 (eg, shown). And two or more weight portions shown as weight portions 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335). The body portion 3310 may include a toe portion 3340, a heel portion 3350, a front portion 3360, a back portion 3370, a top portion 3380, and a sole portion 3390. The heel portion 3350 has a hosel portion 3355 configured to receive a shaft (not shown) having a grip (not shown) at one end portion of the shaft forming the golf club, and a golf club at the other end portion. The head 3300 may be included.

  The body portion 3310 can be made of a first material, while the first and second sets of weight portions 3320, 3330 can each be made of a second material. The first and second materials may be similar materials or different materials. The material making up the golf club head 3300, weight portion 3320, and / or weight portion 3330 may be similar in many ways to any golf club head and weight portion described herein, such as the golf club head 100. . Therefore, a detailed description of the material constituting the golf club head 3300, the weight portion 3320, and / or the weight portion 3330 is not described in detail. The instrument, method, and product are not limited to this.

  The golf club head 3300 is an iron type golf club head (for example, 1 iron, 2 iron, 3 iron, 4 iron, 5 iron, 6 iron, 7 iron, 8 iron, 9 iron, Or a wedge type golf club head (eg, pitching wedge, lob wedge, sand wedge, n degree wedge such as 44 ° (°), 48 °, 52 °, 56 °, 60 °, etc.) Good. Although FIGS. 33-42 illustrate certain types of club heads, the instruments, methods, and products described herein may be used for other types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, The present invention may be applied to a hybrid club head, a putter club head, and the like. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The front portion 3360 may include a face portion 3362 (for example, a striking surface). The face portion 3362 may include a front surface 3364 and a back surface 3366 (shown in FIG. 37). The front surface 3364 may include one or more grooves 3368 extending between the toe portion 3340 and the heel portion 3350. Although the figure shows a particular number of grooves, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer grooves. The face portion 3362 may be used to give an impact to a golf ball (not shown). The face portion 3362 may be an integral part of the body portion 3310. Alternatively, the face portion 3362 may be formed by various manufacturing methods and / or processes (for example, a bonding process such as an adhesive, a welding process such as laser welding, a brazing process, a soldering process, a fixing process, a mechanical locking or connecting method. , Any combination thereof, or any other suitable type of manufacturing method and / or process), or another part or insert coupled to the body portion 3310. Face portion 3362 may be associated with a loft surface that defines a loft angle of golf club head 3300. The loft angle may vary depending on the type of golf club (eg, long iron, middle iron, short iron, wedge, etc.). In one example, the loft angle may be between 5 degrees and 75 degrees. In another example, the loft angle may be between 20 degrees and 60 degrees. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the back portion 3370 generally includes a first set of external weight ports 3520 (eg, illustrated weight ports 3521 and 3522) and a second set of external weight ports 3530 (eg, illustrated weight ports 3531, 3532, 3533, 3534 and 3535) may include a back wall portion 3510 having one or more external weight ports along the periphery of the back portion 3370. Each external weight port may be defined by an opening in the back wall portion 3510. Each external weight port may be associated with a port diameter. In one example, the port diameter may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters). The weight ports of the first set of external weight ports 3520 may be separated by a distance that is less than or equal to the port diameter of any two adjacent external weight ports of the first set of external weight ports 3520. Similarly, any two adjacent external ports of the second set of external weight ports 3530 are less than or equal to the port diameter of any two adjacent external weight ports of the second set of external weight ports 3530. May be separated. The first and second sets of external weight ports 3520, 3530 may each be external weight ports configured to receive one or more weight portions. Specifically, each weight portion of the first set of weight portions 3320 (eg, the weight portions 3321 and 3322 shown in the figure) is located at or near the toe portion 3340 and / or the top portion 3380 of the back portion 3370. It may be placed in a port. For example, the weight portion 3321 may be partially or completely disposed on the weight port 3521. In another example, the weight portion 3322 may be disposed in the weight port 3522 in the transition region (eg, the top and toe transition region) between the top portion 3380 and the toe portion 3340. Each weight portion (eg, the weight portions 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335 shown) of the second set of weight portions 3330 is at or near the toe portion 3340 and / or sole portion 3390 of the back portion 3370. It may be arranged in the weight port. For example, the weight portion 3333 may be partially or completely disposed on the weight port 3533. In another example, the weight portion 3335 may be disposed in the weight port 3535 in the transition region (eg, the sole and toe transition region) between the sole portion 3390 and the toe portion 3340. In another example, arbitrary weight portions of the first set of weight portions 3320 and the second set of weight portions 3330 are disposed in arbitrary weight ports of the first set of weight ports 3520 and the second set of weight ports 3530. May be. As will be described in detail below, the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 may each have various manufacturing methods and / or processes (eg, bonding process, welding process, brazing process, mechanical lock). Method, any combination thereof, or any other suitable type of manufacturing method and / or process) may be coupled to the back portion 3370 of the body portion 3310.

  Alternatively, the golf club head 3300 may not include (i) the first set of weight portions 3320, (ii) the second set of weight portions 3330, or (iii) the first and first sets. Both of the two sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 may not be included. Specifically, the back portion 3370 of the body portion 3310 may not include the weight port in the top portion 3370 and / or the sole portion 3390, and may not include the weight port in the vicinity thereof. For example, the mass (eg, 3 grams) of the first set of weight portions 3320 and / or the mass (eg, 16.8 grams) of the second set of weight portions 3330 may be substituted for separate weight portion (s). The body part 3310 may be an integral part (s). The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The first and second sets of weight portions 3320, 3330 may each have similar or different physical characteristics (eg, color, shape, size, density, mass, volume, etc.). As a result, the first and second sets of weight portions 3320, 3330 can each contribute to the decorative design of the golf club head 3300. The physical characteristics of the first and second sets of weight portions 3320, 3330 may be similar in many respects to any weight portion described herein, such as the weight portion illustrated in FIG. . Further, devices and / or methods for coupling the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 to the golf club head 3300 may be any of those described herein, such as the weights illustrated in FIGS. It may be similar in many respects to the weight portion. Accordingly, a detailed description of the physical characteristics of the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 and the devices and / or methods for coupling the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 to the golf club head 3300 is provided. It will not be described in detail in this specification. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  As shown in FIG. 34, the golf club head 3300 may be associated with a ground plane 4110, a horizontal central plane 4120, and a top plane 4130. In particular, the ground plane 4110 is substantially parallel to the ground and when the golf club head 3300 is in an address position (eg, the golf club head 3300 is adjusted to strike a golf ball) and the golf club head 3300 A surface tangential to the sole portion 3390 may be used. The top surface 4130 may be a surface that contacts the top portion 3380 of the golf club head 3300 when the golf club head 3300 is in the address position. The ground surface 4110 and the top surface 4130 may each be substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal center plane 4120 may be a vertical middle between each of the ground plane 4110 and the top plane 4130.

  In order to provide optimal perimeter weighting for the golf club head 100, a first set of weight portions 3320 (eg, weight portions 3321 and 3322) balances the weight of the hosel 3355 and / or the golf club head 3300. The golf club head 3300 extending through the center of gravity may be configured to increase the moment of inertia in the vertical axis. For example, as shown in FIG. 34, the first set of weight portions 3320 (eg, weight portions 3321 and 3322) are near the periphery of the body portion 3310 and a transition region 3345 between the top 3380 and the toe portion 3340. You may extend to. In another example, the first set of weight portions 3320 (eg, weight portions 3321 and 3322) may be near the periphery of the body portion 3310 and may extend near the toe portion 3340. The position of the first set of weight portions 3320 (ie, the position of the first set of weight ports 3520) and the physical characteristics and constituent materials of the weight portions of the first set of weight portions 3320 are weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, It may be determined to optimally affect moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and / or other static and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 3300. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Second weight portion 3330 (eg, weight portions 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335) is a vertical axis in which the center of gravity of the golf club head is positioned at an optimal position and / or extends through the center of gravity of golf club head 3300. The moment of inertia at may be configured to be optimized. Referring to FIG. 34, all or a substantial portion of the second set of weight portions 3330 may be near the sole portion 3390. For example, the second set of weight portions 3330 (eg, weight portions 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335) are sole portions between the top portion 3340 and the heel portion 3350 so that the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 is lowered. It may extend to 3390 or its vicinity. The weight portions 3334, 3335 are closer to the toe portion 3340 than the heel portion 3350 and / or between the sole portion 3390 and the toe portion 3340 so that the moment of inertia of the golf club head 3300 in the vertical axis passing through the center of gravity increases. The transition region 3347 or the vicinity thereof may be arranged. Some weight portions of the second set of weight portions 3330 may be disposed in the toe portion. All or part of the second set of weight portions 3330 may be disposed closer to the sole portion 3390 than the horizontal central plane 4120 so that the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300 is lowered. The position of the second set of weight portions 3330 (ie, the position of the second set of weight portions 3350) and the physical characteristics and constituent materials of the weight portions of the second set of weight portions 3330 are weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, It may be determined to optimally affect moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and / or other static and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 3300. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Returning to FIG. 37, for example, the first and second sets of weight portions 332, 3330 may each be disposed away from the back surface 3366 of the face portion 3362 (eg, not directly coupled to each other). That is, each of the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 and the back surface 3366 may be partially or completely separated by the internal cavity 3800 of the body portion 3300. For example, each external weight port of the first and second sets of external weight ports 3320, 3330 has an opening (eg, generally indicated as 3820 and 3830) and a port wall (eg, generally indicated as 3825 and 3835). May be included. The port walls 3825 and 3835 may be a part integrated with the back wall part 3510 (for example, a section of the back wall part 3510). Each of openings 3820 and 3830 may be configured to receive weight portions such as weight portions 3321 and 3335, respectively. The opening 3820 may be disposed at one end of the weight port 3521, and the port wall 3825 may be disposed at or near the end opposite to the weight port 3521. Similarly, the opening 3830 may be disposed at one end of the weight port 3535 and the port wall 3835 may be disposed at or near the opposite end of the weight port 3535. Portwalls 3825 and 3835 may be separated from face portion 3362 (eg, separated by internal cavity 3800). Each port wall of the first set of weight ports 3520, such as the port wall 3825, may be provided a distance 3826 with respect to the back surface 3366 of the face portion 3362, as shown in FIG. Each port wall of the second set of weight ports 3530, such as the port wall 3835, may be provided a distance 3836 with respect to the back surface 3366 of the face portion 3362. The distances 3826 and 3836 are determined to optimize the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300 when each of the first and second sets of weight ports 3520, 3530 receives the weight portion described herein. May be. According to an example, distance 3836 may be greater than distance 3826 such that the center of gravity of golf club head 3300 moves toward back portion 3370 and / or lowers toward sole portion 3390. According to an example, the distance 3836 may be greater than the distance 3826 by a multiple in the range of about 1.5 to about 4. In other words, the distance 3836 may be about 1.5 times to about 4 times larger than the distance 3826. As a result, the width 3840 (shown in FIG. 34) of the lower portion of the horizontal central plane 4120 of the internal cavity 3800 may be larger than the width 3842 of the upper side of the horizontal central plane 4120 of the internal cavity 3800. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  As discussed herein, all or a substantial portion of the second set of weights 3330 is closer to the sole 3390 than the horizontal central plane 4120, and the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 By separating each from the back surface 3366 rather than when the second set of weights 3330 are directly coupled to the back surface 3366, the width 3840 of the internal cavity 3800 is greater than the width 3842 of the internal cavity 3800 as described herein. The golf club head 3300 has a center of gravity (CG) that can be further rearward relative to the face portion 3362 and a ground plane (eg, shown as 4110 in FIG. 34) as compared to a golf club head that does not increase It can be made relatively low toward. The positions of the first and second sets of weight ports 3520 and 3530 and the physical properties and constituent materials of the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 are weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia characteristics, It may be determined to optimally affect the structural integrity and / or other static and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 3300. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Although the drawings show weight ports having a particular cross-sectional shape, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include weight ports having other suitable cross-sectional shapes. The weight ports of the first and / or second set of weight ports 3520, 3530 may have a cross-sectional shape similar to that of any weight port described herein. Therefore, detailed description of the cross-sectional shape of the weight ports 3520 and 3530 will not be described in detail. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The weight portions 3320 and 3330 of the first and second sets may be similar in mass (for example, all of the weight portions of the weight portions 3320 and 3330 of the first and second sets are substantially the same weight). There is) Alternatively, the weight portions 3320 and 3330 of the first and second sets may have different masses, respectively, or may have different masses as a whole set. Specifically, each of the weight portions (for example, 3321 and 3322 shown in the figure) of the first set 3320 is more than an arbitrary weight portion (for example, 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334 and 3335 shown in the drawing) of the second set 3330. May have a relatively small mass. For example, the second set of weight portions 3330 may occupy 50% or more of the total mass by the external weight portions of the golf club head 3300. As a result, the golf club head 3300 can be configured to have at least 50% of the total mass by an external weight portion disposed below the horizontal central plane 4120. In one example, the total mass due to the external weight portion may be larger on the lower side of the horizontal central plane 4120 than the total mass due to the external weight portion above the horizontal central plane 4120. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  In one example, the golf club head 3300 may have a mass in the range of about 220 grams to about 330 grams based on the type of golf club (eg, 4 iron vs. lob wedge). The body portion 3310 includes a first and second set of weight portions 3320, 3330 each having a mass of about 20 grams (eg, the total mass due to the external weight portion), with a mass ranging from about 200 grams to about 310 grams. You may have. Each of the weight portions of the first set 3320 may have a mass of about 1 gram (1.0 g), while each of the weight portions of the second set 3330 may have a mass of about 2.4 grams. . The total mass of the first set of weights 3320 can be about 3 grams, while the total mass of the second set of weights 3330 can be about 16.8 grams. The total weight of the second set of weight portions 3330 may be five times or more the same weight as the total mass of the first set of weight portions 3320 (eg, the first set of weight portions of about 3 grams. About 16.8 grams of the second set of weights 3330 relative to the total mass of 3320). The golf club head 3300 may have a total mass of 19.8 grams due to each of the first and second sets of weight portions 3320, 3330 (eg, 3 grams and second due to the first set of weight portions 3320). 16.8 grams total by weight part 3330 of set). Accordingly, the first set of weight portions 3320 can occupy about 15% of the total mass by the external weight portion of the golf club head 3300, while the second set of weight portions 3330 can account for the external weight of the golf club head 3300. The portion can occupy about 85% of the total mass. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  A golf club by coupling the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 to the body portion 3310 (eg, fixing the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 to the weight port of the back portion 3370). The position of the center of gravity (CG) and the moment of inertia (MOI) of the head 3300 may be optimized. Specifically, as described in the present specification, the weight portions 3320 and 3330 of the first and second sets respectively lower the position of the CG toward the sole portion 3390 and further rearward from the face portion 3362. May be separated. Further, the MOI may have a higher measurement on a vertical axis that extends through the CG (eg, perpendicular to the ground plane 4110). The MOI may also have a higher measurement on a horizontal axis that extends through the CG (e.g., extends toward each of the toe portion 3350 and heel portion 3360 of the golf club head 3300). As a result, the club head 3300 can provide a relatively high launch angle and a relatively low spin rate than a golf club head that does not have the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330, respectively. . The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Alternatively, two or more weight portions in the same set may have different masses. In one example, the weight portion 3321 of the first set 3320 may have a relatively smaller mass than the weight portion 3322 of the first set 3320. In another example, the weight portion 3331 of the second set 3330 may have a relatively less mass than the weight portion 3335 of the second set 3330. A relatively large mass in the top and toe transition region and / or sole and toe transition region increases the weight and increases the moment of inertia (MOI) of the vertical axis through the center of gravity (CG) Thus, it can be dispersed from the CG of the golf club head 100.

  Although the weight portions are shown as separate individual parts in the figure, each set of the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 may be a single weight portion. In one example, all weight portions (eg, 3321 and 3322 shown) in the first set 3320 may be combined into a single weight portion (eg, first weight portion). Similarly, all weight portions (eg, 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334 and 3335) of the second set 3330 are combined into a single weight portion (eg, second weight portion) in the same manner as in the example of FIG. May be. Although the figure shows a particular number of weights, the devices, methods, and products described herein may have a greater or lesser number of weights. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Body portion 3310 may be a hollow body including an internal cavity 3800 extending between front portion 3360 and back portion 3370. Further, the internal cavity 3800 may extend between the top portion 3380 and the sole portion 3390. Inner cavity 3800 may be associated with cavity height 3850 (H _C ) and body portion 3310 may be associated with body height 3950 (H _B ). Cavity height 3850 and body height 3950 may vary between toe portion 3340 and heel portion 3350 and between top portion 3380 and sole portion 3390, although cavity height 3850 may be at least 50% of body height 3950. Good (H _C > 0.5 * H _B ). For example, the cavity height 3850 may vary between 70-85% of the body height 3950. By making the cavity height 3850 of the internal cavity 3800 greater than 50% of the body height 3950, the golf club 3300 is less than 50% of the body height when the golf club 3300 hits a golf ball through the face portion 3362. A relatively more consistent feel, sound and / or result can be produced than a high golf club. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Inner cavity 3800 may be associated with cavity width 3840 (W _C ) and body portion 3310 may be associated with body width 3990 (W _B ). Cavity width 3840 and body width 3990 may vary between top portion 3380 and sole portion 3390 and between toe portion 3340 and heel portion 3350. The cavity width 3840 may be at least 50% of the body width 3990 in a particular region of the body portion 3310 between the top portion 3370 and the sole portion 3390 and between the toe portion 3340 and the heel portion 3350 (W _C > 0.5 * W _B ). According to another example, the cavity width 3840 may vary between about 40% -50% of the body width 3990 in a particular region between the top portion 3380 and the sole portion 3390. According to another example, the cavity width 3840 may vary between about 30% -70% of the body width 3990 in a particular region between the top portion 3380 and the sole portion 3390. According to another example, the cavity width 3840 may vary between about 20% -80% of the body width 3990 in a particular region between the top portion 3380 and the sole portion 3390. For example, the cavity width 3840 may vary between about 20% -80% of the body width 3990 at or below the horizontal midplane 4120. The cavity width 3890 of the internal cavity 3800 can vary from about 20% to about 80% of the body width 3990 at or below the horizontal midplane 4120, so that a significant portion of the mass of the golf club head 3300 is Compared to a golf club head having a cavity width less than about 20% of the body width, it can be moved lower and further rearward. Further, the golf club head 3300 has a relatively more consistent feel and sound when hitting a golf ball through the face portion 3362 with the golf club head 3300 than a golf club having a cavity width that is less than 20% of the body width. And / or can produce results. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  About 20% of the body width 3990 at or below the horizontal midplane 4120 to lower the CG of the golf club head 3300 and / or move the CG of the golf club head 3300 further back relative to the face portion 3360. The back portion 3370 extends between a position near the horizontal midplane 4120 and a position near or near the top portion 3380 to provide an internal cavity 3800 with a cavity width 3840 that varies in the 80% range. A recess 3410 (shown in FIGS. 35, 36 and 39) may be provided. Recess 3410 may be defined by upper wall 3412 and ledge portion 3414 of back portion 3370. The upper wall 3412 of the back portion 3370 may extend from a position in or near the horizontal central plane 4120 to a position in or near the top portion 3380. The ledge portion 3414 may extend from the upper wall 3412 of the back portion 3370 to the lower wall 3416 of the back portion 3370. The lower wall 3416 of the back portion 3370 may extend from a position at or near the horizontal central plane 4120 to a position at or near the bottom portion 3380. The ledge portion 3414 may extend in a direction away from the upper wall 3412 with respect to the face portion 3360. Accordingly, the ledge portion 3414 has an upper wall 3412 to a lower wall 3416 in which the width of the body portion 3310 substantially increases at or near the horizontal central plane 4120 as compared to the width of the upper body portion 3310 of the horizontal central plane. Easy transition to The ledge portion 3414 may have a ledge portion width 3418 (shown in FIG. 39) that is greater than the upper body width 3420 of the body portion 3310. In one example, the ledge width 34148 is generally a back portion 3370 that extends between a plane 3413 defined by the upper wall 3412 of the back portion 3370 and a plane 3417 generally defined by the lower wall 3416 of the back portion 3370. May be defined as the width of the surface. Upper body width 3420 may be defined as the width of horizontal central plane 4120 or body portion 3310 above it. According to one example, the ledge width 3418 may be wider than the upper body width 3420 in multiples ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.0. According to another example, the ledge width 3418 may be wider than the upper body width 3420 by a factor of about 1.5. According to another example, the ledge width 3418 may be wider than the upper body width 3420 by a multiple of about 3.0. Accordingly, the golf club head according to the examples described herein may have a ledge width 3418 that is a multiple of about 0.5 to about 3.0 and wider than the upper body width 3420. Accordingly, the body width 3990 at or near or below the horizontal midplane 4120 can provide a cavity width 3840 that is about 20% to 80% of the body width 3990 at or near the horizontal midplane 4120. It can be substantially larger than the body width 3420. Further, the recess 3410 allows the golf club head 3300 to have a greater mass below the horizontal central plane 4120 than generally above the horizontal central plane 4120. In other words, the mass removed from the golf club head 3300 to define the recess 3410 may be moved to the back or back of the body portion 3310 around and below the horizontal central plane 4120.

  To generally maintain a cavity width 3840 that is approximately 20% -80% of the body width 3990, the cavity width 3840 is near the top portion 3380 or near the top center 3380, near the sole portion 3390 or below the horizontal central plane 4120. It may be larger than the upper side of the plane 4120. According to one example, cavity width 3840 may generally vary according to changes in body width 3990 in a particular region between top portion 3380 and sole portion 3390 and between toe portion 3340 and heel portion 3350. For example, as shown in FIG. 40, the cavity width 3840 may generally vary according to the body width 3990 in a particular region of the body portion 3310 between the top portion 3380 and the sole portion 3390. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  In one example, the internal cavity 3800 may be unfilled (eg, empty space). Body portion 3300 including internal cavity 3800 may weigh about 100 grams less than body portion 3300 not including internal cavity 3800. Alternatively, the internal cavity 3800 can be made of an elastic polymer or elastomeric material (e.g., Sorbothane (R) from Sorbotane, Kent, Ohio) to absorb shocks, isolate vibrations, and / or attenuate noise. Such as viscoelastic urethane polymer materials), thermoplastic elastomer materials (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane materials (TPU), and / or other suitable types of materials may be partially or completely filled. For example, at least 50% of the internal cavity 3800 may have a TPE that absorbs shock, isolates vibrations, and / or attenuates noise when the golf club head 3300 strikes a golf ball through the face portion 3362. It may be filled with a material.

  In another example, the internal cavity 3800 can be partially configured to absorb impact, isolate vibration, and / or attenuate noise when the golf club head 3300 strikes a golf ball through the face portion 3362. Alternatively or completely, it may be filled with a polymer material such as an ethylene copolymer material. Specifically, at least 50% of the internal cavity 3800 is comprised of a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, and an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer ionomer. , Ethylene copolymers containing magnesium ionomers, injection moldable ethylene copolymers used in conventional injection molding equipment to create various shapes, ethylene copolymers that can be used in conventional extrusion equipment to produce various shapes, And / or may be filled with a high compressibility and low resilience ethylene copolymer similar to thermoset polybutadiene rubber. For example, ethylene copolymers are available from E.I. in Wilmington, Delaware. I. DuPont® High Performance Resin (HPF) family of materials (eg DuPont® HPF AD1172, DuPont® HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000, manufactured by du Pont de Nemours and Company. , And any of the ethylene copolymers related to DuPont® HPF 2000). The DuPont® family of ethylene copolymers is injection moldable and can use conventional injection molding equipment and molds that provide low compressibility and high resilience. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  As described herein, the cavity width 3840 may vary between about 20-80% of the body width 3990 at or below the horizontal midplane 4120. In one example, at least 50% of the elastic polymer or elastomeric material that fills some or all of the internal cavity 3800 may be located below the horizontal central plane 4120 of the golf club head 3300. Accordingly, the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300 should be lower than that of a golf club head having a cavity width less than about 20% of the body width and partially or fully filled with an elastic polymer or elastomer material. And can be moved further backward. Further, the golf club head 3300 is partially or fully filled with an elastic polymer or elastomeric material that is less than about 20% of the body width when the golf club head 3300 hits a golf ball through the face portion 3362. Compared to a golf club head with a cavity width, it can produce a relatively more consistent feel, sound, and / or result.

  The thickness of the face portion 3362 may vary between the top portion 3380 and the sole portion and between the toe portion 3340 and the heel portion as described in detail herein and illustrated in FIGS. . Accordingly, a detailed description of the change in thickness of the face portion 3362 is not provided. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Unlike other golf club head designs, the positions of the internal cavity 3800 of the body portion 3310 and the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 along the periphery of the golf club head 3300 are different from the face portion 3362. A relatively high launch angle and a relatively low spin rate can be provided for a golf ball that is moving away. As a result, the golf ball can move far (ie, the total distance including the carry and roll distances increases).

  Golf club head 3300 may be made by any method described herein and illustrated in FIG. Accordingly, a detailed description of the method of manufacturing the golf club head 3300 is not provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 37 and 41, for example, the golf club head 3300 may include one or more weight ports (eg, one shown as a faye and ports 3521 and 3531) leading to the internal cavity 3800. The weight port 3531 may include a first opening 3930 and a second opening 3935. The second opening 3935 may be used to access the internal cavity 3800. In one example, the process 1700 (FIG. 17) may fill the internal cavity 3800 with the elastic polymer material by injecting the elastic polymer material from the first opening 3930 through the second opening 3935 into the internal cavity 3800. Good. The first opening 3930 and the second opening 3935 may have the same size and / or shape, or may be different. The weight port 3521 may include a first opening 4030 and a second opening 4305. The second opening 4035 may be used to access the internal cavity 3800. In one example, the process 1700 (FIG. 17) may fill the internal cavity 3800 with the elastic polymer material by injecting the elastic polymer material from the weight port 3531 into the internal cavity 3800. As the elastic polymer material fills the internal cavity 3800, the air in the internal cavity 3800 displaced by the elastic polymer material is exhausted from the internal cavity through the weight port 3521 through the second opening 4035 and then through the first opening 4030. Also good. After the cavity is partially or completely filled with the elastic polymer material, the weight ports 3531 and 3521 may be closed by inserting and securing the weight portion as described in detail herein. . Alternatively, the elastic polymer material may be injected into the internal cavity 3800 from the weight port 3521. Thus, the weight port 3531 can function as a discharge port for the displaced air in the internal cavity 3800. Although the above example has been described with a specific weight port having a second opening, any other weight port of the golf club head 4200 may include the second opening (eg, weight port 3532). The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Although the above examples have described iron or wedge type golf club heads, the apparatus, methods, and products described herein may be applied to other types of golf club heads.

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

  The term “substantially” when used to describe an element feature, parameter, characteristic, or value, impairs the feature, parameter, characteristic, or value that the element intends to provide May represent no deviation or variation. Deviations or variations in element features, parameters, characteristics, or values may be based on tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limits, and other factors, for example. The term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “adjacent”, “close”, “immediate”, “nearby”, etc. Such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in this disclosure.

  The devices, methods, and products described herein can be implemented in various embodiments, and the above description of some of these embodiments necessarily represents a complete description of all possible embodiments. It is not a thing. Instead, the description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one embodiment and may disclose alternative embodiments.

  New rules may be adopted by administrative organizations such as the Golf Standards Organization and / or the National Golf Association (USGA), the British Golf Association (R & A), etc., so that the rules of the golf are changed from time to time. Or the golf equipment associated with the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may or may not conform to any particular point-in-time golf rules. Good. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, sold, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

Although specific examples of instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the subject area of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers all instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture that fall fairly within the scope of the appended claims or equivalent theory.

Claims (20)

A plurality of weight parts associated with the total weight part mass;
A hollow body portion having a face portion, a toe portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, a heel portion, and an internal cavity extending between the top and the sole portion;
A plurality of external weight ports along the periphery of the back portion, the first set of external weight ports having at least one external weight port above the horizontal center plane of the golf club head; A second set of external weight ports having at least one external weight port below the horizontal central plane, each external weight port configured to receive one weight portion of the plurality of weight portions. The plurality of external weight ports;
A golf club head comprising:
The width of the internal cavity below the horizontal central plane is 20% or more of the width of the hollow body portion below the horizontal central plane;
Wherein more than 50% of the total weight portion mass, Ri bottom near the horizontal center plane of the golf club head,
The distance from the face part to the second set of external weight ports is greater than the distance from the face part to the first set of external weight ports,
The width of the internal cavity between the face portion and the second set of external weight ports is greater than the width of the internal cavity between the face portion and the first set of external weight ports. Golf club head. The golf club head according to claim 1,
The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a width of the internal cavity below the horizontal central plane is 80% or less of a width of the hollow body portion below the horizontal central plane. The golf club head according to claim 1,
Each of the plurality of external weight ports is associated with a port diameter, and any two adjacent external weight ports of the first set of external weight ports are spaced apart by an interval smaller than the port diameter. And any two adjacent external weight ports of the second set of external weight ports are separated by a distance smaller than the port diameter. The golf club head according to claim 1,
A golf club head, wherein the internal cavity is partially or completely filled with an elastic polymer material. The golf club head according to claim 1,
The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the first set of external weight ports has at least two external weight ports. The golf club head according to claim 1,
The second set of external weight ports has a plurality of external weight ports that are below the horizontal central plane and extend in the vicinity of the periphery of the hollow body portion between the toe portion and the heel portion. And golf club head.   2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the face portion has a thickness of less than 1.5 millimeters (0.06 inches). A hollow body portion having a face portion, a toe portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, a heel portion, and an internal cavity extending between the top portion and the sole portion;
An elastic polymer material injection molded into the internal cavity through the opening in the back portion to structurally support the face portion during a golf ball collision;
A first set of weight portions coupled to the hollow body portion above a horizontal central plane of a golf club head, the first set of weight portions being associated with a first total mass;
A second set of weight portions coupled to the hollow body portion below the horizontal central plane of the golf club head, wherein the weight portions are associated with a second total mass greater than the first total mass. Two sets of weights,
An iron-type golf club head comprising:
At least 50% of the elastic polymer material within said interior cavity, Ri bottom near the horizontal center plane of the golf club head,
The distance from the face part to the second set of weight parts is greater than the distance from the face part to the first set of weight parts,
The iron having a width between the face portion and the second set of weight portions is greater than a width of the internal cavity between the face portion and the first set of weight portions. Type golf club head. The iron type golf club head according to claim 8,
An iron-type golf club head having a coupling portion configured to couple the elastic polymer material to the face portion. The iron type golf club head according to claim 8,
The iron type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the internal cavity has a cavity filled with at least 50% of a thermoplastic elastomer material. The iron type golf club head according to claim 8,
The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the internal cavity is configured to separate the face portion from the first and second sets of weight portions. The iron type golf club head according to claim 8,
The face portion has a thickness of 1.5 millimeters (0.06 inches) or less, and is an iron type golf club head. A hollow body portion having a face portion, a toe portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, a heel portion, and an internal cavity extending between the top portion and the sole portion,
The back portion is
An upper wall portion above a horizontal central plane of the hollow body portion, the width of the hollow body portion above the horizontal central plane being defined by a distance between the upper wall portion and the face portion; An upper wall,
A lower wall portion below the horizontal central plane, wherein the lower body portion defines a width of the hollow body portion below the horizontal central plane by a distance between the lower wall portion and the face. Side wall,
The hollow body portion having a ledge portion extending between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion in a direction from the face portion toward the back portion;
A first set of weight portions coupled to the hollow body portion above the horizontal central plane of the golf club head, the first set of weight portions being associated with a first total mass;
A second set of weight portions coupled to the hollow body portion below the horizontal central plane of the golf club head, wherein the weight portions are associated with a second total mass greater than the first total mass. Two sets of weights,
An iron-type golf club head comprising:
The internal cavity extends between the first set of weight portions and the face portion above the horizontal center plane, and between the second set of weight portions and the face portion below the horizontal center plane. And
The width of the ledge is at least 1.0 multiple of, rather larger than the width of the hollow body portion of the upper of the horizontal central plane,
The distance from the face part to the second set of weight parts is greater than the distance from the face part to the first set of weight parts,
The iron having a width between the face portion and the second set of weight portions is greater than a width of the internal cavity between the face portion and the first set of weight portions. Type golf club head. The iron type golf club head according to claim 13,
The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the ledge portion has a width larger than 1.0 and smaller than 3.0 and larger than the width of the hollow body portion above the horizontal central plane. The iron type golf club head according to claim 13,
Each weight portion of the first set of weight portions is associated with a first mass, and each weight portion of the second set of weight portions is associated with a second mass, wherein the first mass is the second mass. An iron type golf club head characterized by being relatively smaller than the above. The iron type golf club head according to claim 13,
The iron type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the internal cavity has a cavity filled with at least 50% of a thermoplastic elastomer material. The iron type golf club head according to claim 13,
The internal cavity includes a cavity filled with at least 50% of a thermoplastic elastomer material, and a coupling portion configured to couple the thermoplastic elastomer material to the face portion. head. The iron type golf club head according to claim 13,
The internal cavity is filled with a thermoplastic polymer material, and at least 50% of the thermoplastic elastomer material in the internal cavity is below the horizontal central plane of the golf club head. Iron type golf club head. The iron type golf club head according to claim 13,
The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the face portion has a thickness of less than 1.5 millimeters (0.06 inches). The iron type golf club head according to claim 13,
The first set of weight portions includes at least two weight portions extending in the vicinity of the top portion and around the body portion, and the second set of weight portions is between the toe portion and the heel portion. An iron-type golf club head comprising a plurality of weight portions extending in the vicinity of the sole portion and around the body portion.

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