JP6655651B2 - Golf club head and golf club head manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

[Copyright notice]
The present disclosure may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner shall not object to the facsimile duplication of this disclosure or any related document as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office's patent files or records, but otherwise not all copyrights. Reserve

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

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

  Various materials (e.g., steel-based materials, titanium-based materials, tungsten-based materials, etc.) can be used in the manufacture of golf clubs. The use of multiple materials in the manufacture of a golf club head optimizes the position of the center of gravity (CG) and / or the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head to produce a particular 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 devices, methods, and articles 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 of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 1 along line 7-7.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 1 along line 8-8.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 1 along line 9-9.

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.

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

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 in this specification.

FIG. 18 is another cross-sectional view of the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 4 along line 18-18.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 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.

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

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating 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 devices, methods, and articles 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 devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In general, golf club heads and golf club head manufacturing methods are described herein. The devices, 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 110 (FIG. 14), generally a first set of weights 120 (eg, weights 121, 122, 123, and 124 as shown) and a second set. The set may include two or more weights, shown as weights 130 (eg, weights 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137 shown). 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. Body portion 110 can be made of a first material, while 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 or different materials. For example, the body 110 may be partially or completely made of a steel-based material (eg, 17-4PH stainless steel, Nitronic® 50 stainless steel, maraging steel or other type of stainless steel), a titanium-based material, 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 any other suitable type of material. The first and second sets of weights 120, 130, respectively, may be partially or completely made of a high density material, such as a tungsten-based material, or other suitable type of material. Alternatively, body portion 110 and / or first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 may each be partially or completely made of a non-metallic material (eg, a composite material, plastic, etc.). . The devices, methods, and products are not so limited.

  The golf club head 100 includes 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 wedge-type golf club head (eg, pitching wedge, lob wedge, sand wedge, 44 degree (°), 48 degree, 52 degree, 56 degree, n degree wedge such as 60 degree, etc., etc.). Good. Although FIGS. 1-10 illustrate certain types of club heads, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be used with other types of club heads (eg, driver club heads, fairway wood club heads, Hybrid type club head, putter type club head, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The toe portion 140 and the heel portion 150 may be at opposite ends of the body portion 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 of a shaft forming the golf club, and a golf club at the other end. A head 100 may be included.

  The front part 160 may include a face part 162 (for example, a hitting surface). The face portion 162 may include a front surface 164 and a back surface 166. Front surface 164 may include one or more grooves 168 extending between toe portion 140 and heel portion 150. Although the figures show a particular number of grooves, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or less grooves. Face portion 162 may be used to impact a golf ball (not shown). The face part 162 may be an integral part of the body part 110. Alternatively, the face portion 162 can be formed by various manufacturing methods and / or processes (for example, a bonding process such as an adhesive, a welding process such as a laser welding, a brazing process, a soldering process, a fixing process, a mechanical locking or connecting method). , Or any combination thereof, or another suitable type of manufacturing method and / or process). The face portion 162 may be associated with a loft surface that defines a 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 and 75 degrees. In another example, the loft angle may be between 20 and 60 degrees. The devices, 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 (e.g., the illustrated weight ports 1421, 1422, 1423, and 1424) and a second set of external weight ports 1430 (e.g., the illustrated May include a back wall portion 1410 having one or more external weight ports along the perimeter of the back portion 170, shown as the weight ports 1431, 1432, 1433, 1434, 1435, 1436, and 1437). 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 smaller 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 smaller 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 weights. Specifically, each weight portion of the first set 120 (eg, the illustrated weight portions 121, 122, 123, and 124) is at or near the toe portion 140 and / or the top portion 180 of the back portion 170. It may be arranged at a certain weight port. For example, the weight portion 121 may be partially or completely disposed in the weight port 1421. In another example, weight portion 122 may be located at weight port 1422 in a transition region between top portion 180 and toe portion 140 (eg, a top-and-toe transition region). Each weight portion of the second set 130 (eg, the weight portions 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137 shown) is at or near the toe portion 140 and / or sole portion 190 of the back portion 170. May be placed in the weight port at For example, the weight portion 135 may be partially or completely disposed in the weight port 1435. In another example, the weight portion 136 may be located at a weight port 1436 in a transition region between the sole portion 190 and the toe portion 140 (eg, a sole-to-toe transition region). As will be described in more detail below, the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 may each include various manufacturing methods and / or processes (e.g., bonding, welding, brazing, mechanical locking, etc.). 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, golf club head 100 may not include (i) first set of weights 120, (ii) may not include second set of weights 130, or (iii) first and second weights. It is not necessary to include both of the two sets of weight sections 120 and 130. Specifically, the back part 170 of the body part 110 may not include the weight port in the top part 170 and / or the sole part 190, and may not include the weight port in the vicinity thereof. For example, the mass of the first set of weights 120 (e.g., 3 grams) and / or the mass of the second set of weights 130 (e.g., 16.8 grams) may be replaced by a separate weight (s). It may be a part (plurality) integrated with the body part 110. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The first and second sets of weights 120, 130 may each have similar or different physical properties (eg, color, shape, size, density, mass, volume, etc.). As a result, the first and second sets of weights 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 weights of the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 may each have a cylindrical shape (eg, a circular cross section). Alternatively, each of the weights of the first set 120 can be of a first shape (eg, cylindrical), while each of the weights of the second set 130 has a second shape (eg, cubic). Can be In another example, the first set of weights 120 may include two or more weights of different shapes (e.g., weight 121 may be of a first shape, while weight 122 may be of a first shape). A second shape different from the shape). Similarly, the second set of weights 130 may also include two or more weights of different shapes (e.g., the weight 131 may be of a first shape, while the weight 132 may be of a first shape. Can be a different second shape). Although the above examples describe weights having a particular shape, the devices, methods, and products described herein may have other suitable shapes (eg, spheres, cubes, cones, cylinders, pyramids). , Cubes, prisms, frustums, or any other suitable geometric shape). Although the above examples and figures show a plurality of weight sections as a set of weight sections, each of the first and second sets of weight sections 120 and 130 may each be a single weight section. Good. In one example, the first set of weights 120 may be a single weight instead of a sequence of four separate weights. In another example, the second set of weights 130 may be a single weight instead of a sequence of seven separate weights. The devices, 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 each configured with a thread formed in a weight port of the back portion 170 (shown generally as 1420 and 1430 in FIG. 14). , Respectively, and may be secured to the weight port, generally indicated as 1210 and 1310. For example, each of the weights of the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 may each be a screw. The first and second sets of weights 120, 130, respectively, may not be easily removable from the back 110 with or without tools. Alternatively, the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 can replace one or more weights of the first and second sets 120, 130, respectively, with relatively heavy or light weights, respectively. , (E.g., with a tool). In another example, the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 are respectively backed with an epoxy resin or an adhesive such that the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 cannot be easily removed, respectively. It may be fixed to 170 weight ports. In yet another example, the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 each include both an epoxy resin and an adhesive so that the first and second sets of weights 120, 130, respectively, cannot be easily removed. May be fixed to the weight port of the back portion 170. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

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

  Referring back to FIG. 10, for example, golf club head 100 may be associated with a ground surface 1010, a horizontal mid-plane 1020, and a top surface 1030. Specifically, ground surface 1010 contacts sole 190 of golf club head 100 when golf club head 100 is in an address position (eg, 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 at the address position. The ground plane 1010 and the top plane 1030 may each be substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal center plane 1020 may be vertically intermediate between each of the ground plane 1010 and the top plane 1030.

  The first set of weights 120 (eg, weights 121, 122, 123, and 124) are configured to balance the weight of hosel 155 to provide optimal perimeter weighting for golf club head 100. May be done. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a first set of weights 120 (eg, weights 121, 122, 123, and 124) are positioned near the periphery of body 110 and from top to top. It may extend to transition region 145 between 180 and toe portion 140, and from transition region 145 to toe portion 140. In other words, the first set of weights 120 may be located on the golf club head 100 at a location generally opposite the hosel 155. According to one example, at least a portion of the first set of weights 120 may be located near the periphery of the body 110 and 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 a 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 a periphery of the body portion 110 and may extend along a portion of the toe portion 140. The first set of weights 120 may be above the horizontal mid-plane 1020 of the golf club head 100. At least a portion of the first set of weights 120 is near the toe 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 weights 120 is near the perimeter of the body 110 and the top 180, toe 140, so that the weight and balance of the hosel 155 and / or the moment of inertia of the golf club head 100 are increased. And / or may extend through transition region 145. The location of the first set of weights 120 (i.e., the location of the first set of external weight ports 1420) and the physical properties and constituent materials of the weights of the first set of weights 120 are weight, weight distribution, and center of gravity. , May be determined to optimally affect the moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and / or other static and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 100. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The second set of weights 130 (e.g., weights 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 135, and 137) position the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 at an optimal position and provide the center of gravity of the golf club head 100. May be configured to optimize the moment of inertia of the golf club head in a vertical axis extending therethrough. Referring to FIG. 10, all or a substantial portion of the second set of weights 130 may be generally near the sole 190. For example, a second set of weights 130 (eg, weights 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 135, and 137) are near the periphery of body 110 and from the sole 190 to the toe 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 as to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 100. It may extend. The weights 135, 136, and 137 are disposed near the perimeter of the body 110 and have a lower center of gravity and an increased moment of inertia of the golf club head 100 in a vertical axis extending through the center of gravity. 190 may extend to the toe 140 through a transition region 147 between the sole 190 and the toe 140. All or a portion of the second set of weights 130 may be located closer to the sole 190 than the horizontal midplane 1020 so that the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 is lower. For example, the weights 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, and 136 may be located closer to the sole 190 than the horizontal median plane 1020. The location of the second set of weights 130 (ie, the location of the second set of external weight ports 1430), and the physical properties and constituent materials of the weights of the second set of weights 130 are weight, weight distribution, and center of gravity. , May be determined to optimally affect the moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and / or other static and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 100. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Returning to FIGS. 7-9, for example, the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 may each be located away from the back surface 166 of the face 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 outer weight port of the first and second sets of outer weight ports 1420, 1430 has an opening (eg, shown generally as 720 and 730) and a port wall (eg, generally 725). And 735). The port walls 725 and 735 may be a part integrated with the back wall part 1410 (for example, a section of the back wall part 1410). Each of openings 720 and 730 may be configured to receive a weight, such as weights 121 and 135, respectively. Opening 720 may be located at one end of weight port 1421, and port wall 725 may be located at or near the opposite end of weight port 1421. Similarly, opening 730 may be located at one end of weight port 1435, and port wall 735 may be located at or near the opposite end of 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 from the back surface 166 of the face portion 162. The distances 726 and 736 are determined to optimize the location of the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 when the first and second sets of weight ports 1420, 1430 each receive a weight as described herein. You may. According to one example, distance 736 may be greater than distance 726 such that the center of gravity of golf club head 100 moves toward back portion 170. As a result, the width 740 of the lower portion of the horizontal mid-plane 1020 of the internal cavity 700 may be greater than the width 742 of the upper portion of the horizontal mid-plane 1020 of the internal cavity 700. The devices, 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 130 is closer to the sole 190 than the horizontal mid-plane 1020 and the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 By moving each of them away from the back surface 166, the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head 100 is relatively further behind 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 location of the first and second sets of weight ports 1420, 1430, and the physical and constituent materials of each of the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 are based on weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia properties, It may be determined to optimally affect structural integrity and / or other static and / or dynamic properties of the golf club head 100. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

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

  The first and second sets of weights 120, 130 may each have similar masses (eg, all of the weights of the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 each have substantially the same weight). There is). Alternatively, the weights 120 and 130 of the first and second sets may each have a different mass, or the entire set may have a different mass. Specifically, each of the weights of the first set 120 (eg, 121, 122, 123, and 124 in the illustration) can be any weight in the second set 130 (eg, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137). For example, the second set of weights 130 may account for 50% or more of the total mass by the external weights 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 by the external weights located below the horizontal mid-plane 1020. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  In one example, golf club head 100 may have a mass ranging from about 220 grams to about 330 grams based on the type of golf club (eg, 4-iron vs. lob wedge). Body portion 110 includes first and second sets of weight portions 120, 130 each having a mass of approximately 20 grams (eg, the total mass due to the external weight portions), and a mass ranging from approximately 200 grams to approximately 310 grams. May be provided. Each of the weights of the first set 120 may have a mass of about 1 gram (1.0 g), while each of the weights of the second set 130 may have a mass of about 2.4 grams. . The total weight of the first set of weights 120 may be about 3 grams, while the total weight of the second set of weights 130 may be about 16.8 grams. The total weight of the second set of weights 130 may be five times or more the same weight as the total weight of the first set of weights 120 (e.g., about 3 grams of the first set of weights. The total weight of the second set of weights 130 of about 16.8 grams for the total weight of 120). The golf club head 100 may have a total mass of 19.8 grams with each of the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 (e.g., 3 grams with the first set of weights 120 and the second weight of the second set of weights 120, 130). 16.8 grams total due to the weight portion 130 of the set). Thus, the first set of weights 120 can account for about 15% of the total mass by the external weights of the golf club head 100, while the second set of weights 130 can form the external weights of the golf club head 100. Parts can make up about 85% of the total mass. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The first and second sets of weights 120 and 130 are respectively coupled to the body 110 (for example, the first and second sets of weights 120 and 130 are fixed to the weight ports of the back part 170) to thereby provide a 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 first and second sets of weight portions 120 and 130 each lower the position of the CG toward the sole portion 190 and further backward from the face portion 162. May be separated. Further, the MOI may be higher measured on a vertical axis extending through the CG (eg, perpendicular to ground plane 1010). The MOI may also be higher measured on a horizontal axis extending through the CG (eg, extending 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 higher launch angle and a lower spin rate than a golf club head without each of the first and second sets of weights 120, 130. . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

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

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

Referring back to FIGS. 7-9, for example, body portion 110 may be a hollow body that includes an internal cavity 700 extending between front portion 160 and back portion 170. Further, internal cavity 700 may extend between top portion 180 and sole portion 190. Internal cavity 700 may be associated with cavity height 750 (H _C ), and body portion 110 may be associated with body height 850 (H _B ). Cavity height 750 and body height 850 may vary between toe portion 140 and heel portion 150, but cavity height 750 may be at least 50% of body height 850 (H _C > 0.5 * H). _B ). For example, cavity height 750 may vary between 70-85% of body height 850. By making the cavity height 750 of the inner cavity 700 larger than 50% of the body height 850, the golf club 100 can use 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 may be produced than a tall golf club. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  In one example, internal cavity 700 may be unfilled (eg, empty space). Body portion 100 including internal cavity 700 may weigh about 100 grams less than body portion 100 without internal cavity 700. Alternatively, the internal cavity 700 may be made of an elastic polymer or elastomeric material (eg, Sorbothane® from Korbotane, Kent, Ohio) to absorb shock, isolate vibration, and / or dampen noise. Such 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 may have a TPE to absorb shock, isolate vibration, and / or attenuate 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 is partially configured to absorb shock, isolate vibration, and / or attenuate noise when the golf club head 100 strikes a golf ball through the face portion 162. Or completely filled with a polymeric material such as an ethylene copolymer material. Specifically, at least 50% of the internal cavity 700 is a high-density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid-modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, or an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer ionomer. , An ethylene copolymer containing a magnesium ionomer, an ethylene copolymer that can be used in a conventional injection molding apparatus that creates various shapes, an ethylene copolymer that can be used in a conventional extrusion apparatus that creates various shapes, And / or may be filled with a highly compressible and low resilience ethylene copolymer similar to thermoset polybutadiene rubber. For example, ethylene copolymers are available from E.M. of Wilmington, Del. I. DuPont (registered trademark) high performance resin (HPF) family materials (eg, DuPont (registered trademark) HPF AD1172, DuPont (registered trademark) HPF AD1035, DuPont (registered trademark) HPF 1000 manufactured by du Pont de Nemours and Company. And 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 rebound. The devices, 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 may be the thickness of the section of the face portion 162 adjacent to the groove 168, while the second thickness 1520 may be the thickness of the section of the face portion 162 below the groove 168. . For example, the first thickness 1510 may be a 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 a 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 ).

To lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 and / or move it further back, 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, first thickness 1510 may be about 0.075 inches (1.905 millimeters) (eg, T ₁ = 0.075 inches). By forming the internal cavity 700 with the support of the backwall portion 1410 and filling at least a portion of the internal cavity 700 with an elastomeric polymer material, the face portion 162 provides the golf club head 100 with structural integrity, sound, And / or relatively thin (eg, T ₁ <0.075 inches) without degrading feel. In one example, the first thickness 1510 can be no greater than 0.060 inches (1.524 millimeters) (eg, T ₁ ≦ 0.060 inches). In another example, first thickness 1510 may be no greater than 0.040 inches (1.016 millimeters) (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 (0.762 millimeters) or less) (e.g., T ₁ ≦ 0.030 inch). The groove depth 1525 may be equal to or greater than the second thickness 1520 (for example, D _groove ≧ T ₂ ). In one example, the groove depth 1525 may be about 0.020 inches (0.508 millimeters) (eg, D _groove = 0.020 inches). Accordingly, second thickness 1520 may be about 0.010 inches (0.254 millimeters) (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 inches). Alternatively, the groove depth 1525 may be smaller than the second thickness 1520 (for example, D _groove <T ₂ ). Without the support of the backwall portion 1410 and the filling of the interior cavity 700 with an elastomeric polymer material, the golf club head may not be able to withstand multiple impacts of the golf ball on the face portion. In contrast to the golf club head 100 described herein, a golf club head (e.g., a cavity) having a back wall portion 1410 support and an internal cavity 700 that is not filled with an elastic polymer material but has a relatively thin face portion. The back golf club head) may produce an unpleasant sound (e.g., a cheap sound) and / or feel upon impact of a golf ball. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

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

As shown in FIG. 16, for example, the face portion 162 may include a stiffening section, generally indicated at 1605, below one or more grooves 168. In one example, the face portion 162 may include a reinforcement section 1605 below each groove. Alternatively, the face portion 162 may include a reinforcement section 1605 below some grooves (eg, all other grooves) or under only 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. Reinforcement section 168 may define a second thickness 1620. First thickness 1610 and 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 can each be about 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters) (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). Groove 168 may also have a groove width. The width of the reinforcing section 1605 may be equal to or larger than the groove width. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Alternatively, face portion 162 may vary in thickness between top portion 180 and sole portion 190, and / or may vary in thickness therebetween. In one example, the face portion 162 may be relatively 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 may be from the top portion 180 toward the sole portion 190). May gradually decrease). In another example, the face portion 162 may be relatively 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 from the sole portion 190 to the top portion 189). ). In yet another example, the face portion 162 may be relatively thicker between the top portion 180 and the sole portion 190 than at or near the top portion 180 and the sole portion 190 (for example, the thickness of the face portion 162 may be , Bell-shaped profile). The devices, 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 110 and the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 along the circumference of the golf club head 100 are different from the face 162. A relatively high launch angle and a relatively low spin rate can be provided for the departing golf ball. As a result, the golf ball can move far (ie, the total distance including the carry and roll distances increases).

  FIG. 17 illustrates 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 weights, generally indicated as first and second sets of weights 120, 130, respectively (block 1710). The first and second sets of weights 120, 130 may each be made of a first material, such as a tungsten-based material. In one example, the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 may each be a tungsten alloy screw.

  The 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, shown generally as 1420 and 1430 (block 1720). Body portion 110 may be made of a second material that is 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) mechanical process, a die casting process, any combination thereof, or any 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, body portion 110 is made of another suitable type of stainless steel (eg, Nitronic® 50 stainless steel from AK Steel, West Chester, Ohio) using a forging process. Is also good. By using Nitronic® 50 stainless steel for the manufacture of body portion 110, golf club head 100 is relatively more robust and / or more corrosion resistant than golf club heads made from other types of steel. Can be further enhanced. Each weight port of the body 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 from 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 from the back surface 166 of the face portion 162.

  The process 1700 may couple each of the first and second sets of weights 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 into the external weight port 1421, and insert and secure the weight portion 135 into the external weight port 1435. The process 1700 can use a variety of manufacturing methods and / or steps to secure each of the first and second sets of weights 120, 130 to external weight ports, such as weight ports 1421, 1435 (e.g., , Epoxy, welding, brazing, mechanical locking, any combination of them, etc.).

  The process 1700 may partially or completely fill an internal cavity 700 with an elastic polymeric material (eg, a Sorbothane® material) or a polymeric material (eg, an ethylene copolymer material such as a DuPont® HPF-based material). May be filled (block 1740). In one example, at least 50% of internal cavity 700 may be filled with an elastic polymer material. As described above, the resilient polymer material can absorb shock, isolate vibration, and / or attenuate noise in response to the golf club head 100 striking the golf ball. Alternatively, interior cavity 700 may be filled with a thermoplastic elastomeric 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 having a first opening 1830 and a second opening 1835 (eg, shown as 1431 in FIG. 14). Second opening 1835 may be used to access internal cavity 700. In one example, the process 1700 (FIG. 17) includes filling the interior cavity 700 with the elastomeric polymer material by injecting the elastomeric polymer material into the interior cavity 700 from the first opening 1835 through the second opening 1835. Good. The first opening 1830 and the second opening 1835 may be the same and / or different in size and / or shape, respectively. Although the above example has been described with reference to a particular 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 devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

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

  Referring back to FIGS. 1-14, the face portion 162 improves the adhesion between the resilient polymer material used to fill the interior cavity 700 (eg, FIG. 7) and the face portion 162 and / or peels off. A non-smooth back surface to mitigate the Backing using various methods and / or steps, such as abrasive blasting (eg, bead blasting, sand blasting, other suitable blasting, or any combination thereof) and / or milling (mechanical) processing. 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 μ inches (0.012 to 6.3 μm). The devices, methods, and products are not so limited.

  As shown 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 that extend longitudinally across the front surface 1910 (eg, extend between the toe portion 140 and the heel portion 150 of FIG. 1), shown generally as 1920. Front surface 1910 may be used to impact a golf ball (not shown).

  The back surface 2010 may also include one or more channels, generally indicated as 2020. Groove 2020 may extend longitudinally across back surface 2010. The grooves 2020 may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Groove 2020 engages the elastomeric polymer material used to fill interior cavity 700 and can serve as a mechanical locking mechanism between face portion 1900 and the elastomeric polymer material. Specifically, groove 2100 may include an opening 2110, a bottom section 2120, and two sidewalls, indicated generally 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, shown generally as 2140 and 2142. That is, width 2115 of opening 2110 may be smaller than width 2125 of 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).

  Rather than the flat or substantially flat sidewalls as shown in FIG. 21, the grooves may include other types of sidewalls. As shown in FIG. 22, for example, groove 2200 may include an opening 2210, a bottom section 2220, and two sidewalls, shown generally as 2230 and 2232. Bottom section 2220 may be parallel or substantially parallel to back surface 2010. The two side walls 2230 and 2232 may be side walls having a step. Bottom section 2220 and sidewalls 2230 and 2232 may form two undercuts, shown generally as 2240 and 2242. That is, the width 2215 of the opening 2210 may be smaller than the width 2225 of 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, shown generally 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 section 2330 may form an undercut section 2340.

  Referring to FIG. 24, for example, groove 2400 may include an opening 2410, a bottom section 2420, and two sidewalls, shown generally as 2430 and 2432. Bottom section 2420 may not be parallel or substantially parallel to 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. The bottom section 2420 and the sidewall 2432 may form an undercut portion 2440.

  In the example shown in FIG. 34, face portion 2500 extends transversely across back surface 2510, shown generally as 2520 (eg, extends between top portion 180 and sole portion 190 of FIG. 1), one or more. 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 extending diagonally across the back surface 2610, shown 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 (e.g., extending in a longitudinal, transverse, and / or diagonal direction). Returning to FIG. 27, in still another example, the face portion 2700 may include a back surface 3610 having one or more grooves extending 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 longitudinally across the back surface 2710, a plurality of grooves 2730 extending transversely across the back surface 2710, and a diagonal shape across the back surface 2710. It may include a plurality of grooves 2740 extending in the direction.

  Additionally or alternatively, the golf club head 100 may improve the adhesion between the resilient polymer material used to focus 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 so as to mitigate peeling. Referring to FIG. 28, for example, the golf club head 100 may include a face portion 162, a coupling portion 2810, and an elastic polymer material 2820. In one example, coupling 2810 may be of a low viscosity organic solvent type, such as MEGUM ™, ROBOND ™, and / or THIXON ™, materials from Dow Chemical Company, Auburn Hills, Michigan. It may be a solution and / or a dispersion of the polymer and other reactive chemicals. In another example, coupling 2810 may be LOCTITE®, a material from Henkel, Rocky Hill, Connecticut. A coupling 2810 may be applied to the back surface 166 to couple 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, coupling 2810 may be applied when internal cavity 700 is filled with elastomeric polymer material 2820 via an injection molding process. The devices, methods, and products are not so limited.

  FIG. 29 illustrates one method of partially or completely filling an internal cavity 700 of a golf club head 100 or any golf club head described herein with an elastic polymeric or elastomeric material. Process 2900 may begin by heating golf club head 100 to a particular temperature (block 2910). In one example, 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 internal cavity 700. The elastic polymer material may then be heated to a particular temperature (block 2920). The elastic polymer material may be a non-foamable and injection moldable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. Accordingly, the elastic polymer material may be heated to a liquid or flowing state before being injected into the internal cavity 700. The temperature at which the elastic polymer material is heated may depend on the type of elastic polymer material used to partially or completely fill the interior cavity 700. The heated elastic polymer material is injected into the inner cavity 700 to partially or completely fill the inner cavity 700 (block 2930). The resilient polymer material may pass from one or more weight ports described herein (eg, one or more weight ports of each of the first and second sets of weight ports 1420, 1430 shown in FIG. 14) to the internal cavity 700. It may be injected. One or more weight ports may allow air inside the internal cavity 700 that has been replaced by the elastomeric polymer material to be exhausted from the internal cavity 700. In one example, the golf club head 100 may be oriented horizontally during the injection molding process, as shown in FIG. An elastic polymer material may be injected into the interior cavity 700 from the weight ports 1431 and 1432. The weight ports 1421, 1422 and / or 1423 may function as vents for exhausting the displaced air from the internal cavity 700. Thus, regardless of the orientation of the golf club head 100 during the injection molding process, the resilient polymer material allows the one or more upper weight ports to function as vents while allowing the internal cavity from one or more lower weight ports. 700 may be injected. The mold (i.e., golf club head 100) is then passively (e.g., at room temperature) or actively cooled such that the elastomeric polymer material solidifies and adheres to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162. Is also good. The resilient polymer material may be directly adhered to the back surface 166 of the face 162. Alternatively, the resilient polymer material may be adhered to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162 with the assistance of the back surface 166 and / or the bonding agent described herein (eg, the bonding portion 2810 shown in FIG. 28). Is also good. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  As described above, the elastic polymer material may be heated to a liquid state (ie, non-foamable) and solidified after being injection molded into the internal cavity 700. An elastic polymer material having a low modulus of elasticity can provide vibration and noise attenuation for the face 162 when the face 162 strikes a golf ball. For example, an elastic polymer material that expands when heated can provide vibration and noise attenuation. However, such foamed elastic polymer materials provide structural support for relatively thin faces due to the potential for excessive deflection and / or compression of the elastic polymer material when absorbing the impact of a golf ball. May not have enough rigidity to In one example, the resilient polymer material injection molded into the internal cavity 700 has a relatively high modulus to provide structural support to the face 162 and the impact force the face 162 experiences when hitting a golf ball. May be elastically bent so as to absorb the pressure. Accordingly, the non-foamable and injection moldable resilient polymer material having a relatively high modulus of elasticity provides internal 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, a non-foamable and injection moldable elastic polymer material may be the structural support for the face portion 162. The devices, methods, and products are not so limited.

  FIG. 30 illustrates one method of applying the binder described herein to a golf club head before partially or completely injecting the resilient polymer into the internal cavity 700. In the example of FIG. 30, the process 3900 may begin by injecting a binder onto the back surface 166 of the face 162 (block 3010). The binder may be sprayed on 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 sprayed on 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, a jetting 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 device. Further, the device may be moved, rotated and / or swirled inside the internal cavity 700 such that the binder is sprayed onto the area of the back surface 166 around the device. For example, the outlet of the injector may be moved in an annular pattern inside the weight port such that the binder is ejected 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 a binder onto the back surface 166. However, it may not be necessary to use all of the first set of weight ports 1420 and / or the second set of weight ports 1430. For example, the use of all other adjacent weight ports may be sufficient to inject binder throughout back surface 166. In another example, weight ports 1421, 1422, 1431, 1433, and 1436 may be used to inject a binder onto back surface 166. The devices, methods, and products are not so limited.

  Process 3000 may also include spraying the binder on back surface 166 and then spreading the binder on back surface 166 such that a substantially uniform coating of the binder is provided on 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 interior cavity 700 and back surface 166 by inserting air nozzles into one or more of first set of weight ports 1420 and second set of weight ports 1430. According to one example, the air nozzle may be configured to provide a uniform or substantially uniform coating of the binder on the back surface 166 such that the air is evenly sprayed on the binder to spread the binder on the back surface 166. It may be rotated, moved and / or pivoted at a fixed distance from 166. The devices, methods, and products are not so limited.

  Process 3000 may include a single step of spraying a binder to coat 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 fine particles or droplets and sprayed onto the back surface 166. Thus, the back surface 166 may be uniformly or substantially uniformly coated with the binder in one step. A substantially uniform coating of the back surface 166 with the binder may be defined as a coating having a slight non-uniformity due to the spraying or manufacturing process. However, such slight non-uniformities do not affect the bonding of the filler material to the back surface 166 with the bonding agents described herein. For example, spraying the binder onto the back surface 166 may result in overlapping areas of the binder having a coating that is slightly thicker than other areas of the binder on the back surface 166. The devices, methods, and products are not so limited.

  As described herein, 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 and generally a first set of weight portions 3120 (eg, weight portions 3121, 3122, 3123, and 3124 shown) and a second set of weight portions. And two or more weights, shown as 3130. The body 3110 may include a toe 3140, a heel 3150, a front (not shown), a back 3170, a top 3180, and a sole 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 golf club head 3100 are not provided.

  Body portion 3110 can be made of a first material, while first set of weights 3120 and second set of weights 3130 can be made of a second material. The first and second materials may be similar or different materials. For example, body portion 3110 may be partially or completely made of a steel-based material (eg, 17-4PH stainless steel, Nitronic® 50 stainless steel, maraging steel or other type of stainless steel), a titanium-based material, 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 completely made of a high density material, such as a tungsten-based material, or other suitable type of material. Alternatively, body portion 3110 and / or first set of weight portions 3120 and second set of weight portions 3130 may be partially or completely made of a non-metallic material (eg, a composite material, plastic, etc.). Good. The devices, methods, and products are not so limited.

  The golf club head 3100 includes 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 wedge-type golf club head (eg, pitching wedge, lob wedge, sand wedge, 44 degree (°), 48 degree, 52 degree, 56 degree, n degree wedge such as 60 degree, etc., etc.). Good. While FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate certain types of club heads, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be used with other types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, Hybrid type club head, putter type club head, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The toe 3140 and the heel 3150 may be at opposite ends of the body 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 of a shaft forming the golf club, and a golf club at the other end. A head 3100 may be included.

  The back portion 3170 extends generally along the perimeter of the back portion 3170, shown as a first set of external weight ports 3220 (eg, weight ports 3221, 3222, 3223, and 3224 as shown) and a second set of external weight ports 3230. And a back wall portion 3210 having one or more external weight ports. 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 smaller 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 weights.

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

  The second set of weight ports 3230 extends from a position near the toe portion 3140 or the toe portion 3140 to a position near the sole portion 3190 or the sole portion 3190 and a transition region between the toe portion 3140 and the sole portion 3190. An extended recess may be used. Thus, 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. Second weight portion 3130 may be partially or completely disposed in weight port 3230. The second weight 3130 may have any shape, such as elliptical, glued, triangular, or any geometric or non-geometric shape. Second weight port 3230 may be similar in shape to second weight portion 3130. However, a part of second weight portion 3130 inserted into second weight port 3230 may have a shape similar to that of weight port 3230. As described in detail herein, any of the weights described herein, including the weights 3120 and the second weights 3130, may include various manufacturing methods and / or processes (e.g., bonding, Welding, brazing, mechanical locking, 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.

  The second weight portion 3130 is configured to position the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 at an optimal position and to optimize the moment of inertia of the golf club head in a vertical axis extending through the center of gravity of the golf club head 3100. You may. All or a substantial portion of second weight 3130 may be generally near sole 3190. For example, second weight portion 3130 may be near the periphery of body portion 3110 and may extend from sole portion 3190 to toe portion 3190. As shown in the example of FIG. 32, the second weight portion 3130 is disposed near the periphery of the body portion 3110, and a part or most of the sole portion 3190 is provided 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 perimeter 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 to the toe portion 3140 through a transition region 3147 between the sole portion 3190 and the toe portion 3140. All or a portion of the second weight portion 3130 may be disposed closer to the sole portion 3190 than the horizontal center 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 devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The weights of the first set of weights 3120 may have similar or different physical properties (eg, color, shape, size, density, mass, volume, etc.). In the example illustrated in FIG. 32, each of the weights of the first set of weights 3120 may have a cylindrical shape (eg, a circular cross section). Alternatively, each of the weight portions of the first set 3120 may have a different shape. Although the above examples describe weights having a particular shape, the devices, methods, and products described herein may have other suitable shapes (eg, spheres, cubes, cones, cylinders, pyramids). , Cubes, prisms, frustums, or any other suitable geometric shape). The devices, 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 3310 and generally a first set of weights 3320 (eg, weights 3321 and 3322 as shown) and a second set of weights 3330 (eg, as shown). , Weight portions 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335). Body portion 3310 may include toe portion 3340, heel portion 3350, front portion 3360, back portion 3370, top portion 3380, and sole portion 3390. The heel portion 3350 includes a hosel portion 3355 configured to receive a shaft (not shown) having a grip (not shown) at one end of a shaft forming the golf club, and a golf club at the other end. A head 3300 may be included.

  Body portion 3310 can be made of a first material, while 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 or different materials. The material comprising golf club head 3300, weights 3320 and / or weights 3330 may be similar in many respects to any of the golf club heads and weights described herein, such as golf club head 100. . Accordingly, a detailed description of the material forming the golf club head 3300, the weight portion 3320, and / or the weight portion 3330 is not described in detail. The devices, methods, and products are not so limited.

  The golf club head 3300 includes 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 wedge-type golf club head (eg, pitching wedge, lob wedge, sand wedge, 44 degree (°), 48 degree, 52 degree, 56 degree, n degree wedge such as 60 degree, etc., etc.). Good. While FIGS. 33-42 illustrate certain types of club heads, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be used with other types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, Hybrid type club head, putter type club head, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Front portion 3360 may include a face portion 3362 (eg, a striking surface). The face portion 3362 may include a front surface 3364 and a back surface 3366 (shown in FIG. 37). Front surface 3364 may include one or more grooves 3368 extending between toe 3340 and heel 3350. Although the figures show a particular number of grooves, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or less grooves. Face portion 3362 may be used to impact a golf ball (not shown). Face portion 3362 may be an integral part of body portion 3310. Alternatively, the face portion 3362 can 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). , Or any combination thereof, or another suitable type of manufacturing method and / or process) or another component or insert coupled to body portion 3310. Face portion 3362 may be associated with a loft surface that defines the 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 and 75 degrees. In another example, the loft angle may be between 20 and 60 degrees. The devices, 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, the illustrated weight ports 3521 and 3522) and a second set of external weight ports 3530 (eg, the illustrated weight port 3531, 3532, 3533, 3534, and 3535), which may include a back wall portion 3510 having one or more external weight ports along the perimeter 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 separated by a distance 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 an external weight port configured to receive one or more weight portions. Specifically, each weight of the first set of weights 3320 (e.g., weights 3321 and 3322 shown) may be located at or near toe 3340 and / or top 3380 of back portion 3370. It may be located at a port. For example, the weight portion 3321 may be partially or completely disposed in the weight port 3521. In another example, weight portion 3322 may be located at weight port 3522 in a transition region between top portion 3380 and toe portion 3340 (eg, a top and toe transition region). Each weight of the second set of weights 3330 (eg, weights 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335 shown) is at or near toe 3340 and / or sole 3390 of back portion 3370. It may be arranged in the weight port. For example, the weight portion 3333 may be partially or completely disposed in the weight port 3533. In another example, weight portion 3335 may be located at weight port 3535 in a transition region between sole portion 3390 and toe portion 3340 (eg, a sole and toe transition region). In another example, any weights of the first set of weights 3320 and the second set of weights 3330 are arranged at any weight of the first set of weight ports 3520 and the second set of weight ports 3530. You may. As will be described in detail below, the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 may each include various manufacturing methods and / or steps (e.g., bonding, welding, brazing, mechanical locking, etc.). 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, golf club head 3300 may not include (i) first set of weights 3320, (ii) may not include second set of weights 3330, or (iii) first and second weights. It is not necessary to include both of the two sets of weights 3320 and 3330. Specifically, back portion 3370 of body portion 3310 may not include a weight port in top portion 3370 and / or sole portion 3390, and may not include a weight port in the vicinity thereof. For example, the mass of the first set of weights 3320 (e.g., 3 grams) and / or the mass of the second set of weights 3330 (e.g., 16.8 grams) can be replaced by a separate weight (s). It may be a component (plurality) integrated with the body part 3310. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 may each have similar or different physical properties (eg, color, shape, size, density, mass, volume, etc.). As a result, the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 can each contribute to the decorative design of the golf club head 3300. The physical properties of the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 may be similar in many respects to any of the weights described herein, such as the weights illustrated in FIG. . Further, the device and / or method of coupling the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 to the golf club head 3300 may include any of the weights described herein, such as the weights illustrated in FIGS. It may be similar in many respects to the weight. Accordingly, a detailed description of the physical properties of the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 and the devices and / or methods of coupling the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 to the golf club head 3300 are provided. , Will not be described in detail herein. The devices, 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 surface 4110, a horizontal mid-plane 4120, and a top surface 4130. In particular, the ground plane 4110 is substantially parallel to the ground and the golf club head 3300 when the golf club head 3300 is in an address position (eg, the golf club head 3300 is adjusted to hit a golf ball). A surface tangent to the sole portion 3390 may be used. Top surface 4130 may be a surface that contacts top portion 3380 of golf club head 3300 when golf club head 3300 is at the address position. The ground plane 4110 and the top plane 4130 may each be substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal center plane 4120 may be vertically intermediate between each of the ground plane 4110 and the top plane 4130.

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

  The second weights 3330 (eg, weights 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335) may include a vertical axis where the center of gravity of the golf club head is optimally positioned and / or extends through the center of gravity of golf club head 3300. May be configured such that the moment of inertia at is optimized. Referring to FIG. 34, all or a substantial portion of the second set of weights 3330 may be near the sole 3390. For example, the second set of weights 3330 (e.g., weights 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335) may include a sole portion between top portion 3340 and heel portion 3350 such that the center of gravity of golf club head 100 is low. It may extend to or near 3390. Weights 3334, 3335 may be closer to toe 3340 than heel 3350 and / or between sole 3390 and toe 3340 so that the moment of inertia of golf club head 3300 in the vertical axis through the center of gravity is increased. May be arranged in or near the transition region 3347. Some weights of the second set of weights 3330 may be located on the toe. All or a portion of the second set of weights 3330 may be located closer to the sole 3390 than the horizontal mid-plane 4120 so that the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300 is lower. The position of the second set of weights 3330 (i.e., the position of the second set of weights 3350) and the physical properties and constituent materials of the weights of the second set of weights 3330 include weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, It may be determined to optimally affect the moment of inertia characteristics, structural integrity, and / or other static and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 3300. The devices, 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 located 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, 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 outer weight port of the first and second sets of outer weight ports 3320, 3330 has an opening (eg, generally shown as 3820 and 3830) and a port wall (eg, generally shown as 3825 and 3835). May be included. The port walls 3825 and 3835 may be a part integrated with the back wall portion 3510 (for example, a section of the back wall portion 3510). Each of openings 3820 and 3830 may be configured to receive a weight, such as weights 3321 and 3335, respectively. Opening 3820 may be located at one end of weight port 3521, and port wall 3825 may be located at or near the opposite end of weight port 3521. Similarly, opening 3830 may be located at one end of weight port 3535, and port wall 3835 may be located at or near the opposite end of weight port 3535. Port walls 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 a port wall 3825, may be provided with a distance 3826 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 port wall 3835, may be provided with 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 the first and second sets of weight ports 3520, 3530 each receive a weight as described herein. You may. According to an example, distance 3836 can be greater than distance 3826 such that the center of gravity of golf club head 3300 moves toward back portion 3370 and / or decreases toward sole portion 3390. According to an example, distance 3836 can be greater than distance 3826 in multiples ranging from about 1.5 to about 4. In other words, distance 3836 may be about 1.5 to about 4 times greater than distance 3826. As a result, the width 3840 (shown in FIG. 34) of the lower portion of the horizontal mid-plane 4120 of the internal cavity 3800 may be greater than the width 3842 of the upper portion of the horizontal mid-plane 4120 of the internal cavity 3800. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  As discussed herein, all or a significant portion of the second set of weights 3330 is closer to the sole 3390 than the horizontal mid-plane 4120 and the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 Each is spaced further from the back surface 3366 than if the second set of weights 3330 are directly coupled to the back surface 3366, thereby increasing the width 3840 of the internal cavity 3800 from the width 3842 of the internal cavity 3800 as described herein. As compared to a golf club head that does not increase the center of gravity, the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head 3300 can be moved relatively further away from the face portion 3362 and a ground plane (eg, shown as 4110 in FIG. 34). To be relatively lower. The locations of the first and second sets of weight ports 3520, 3530, and the physical properties and constituent materials of each of the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 are weight, weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia properties, It may be determined to optimally affect structural integrity and / or other static and / or dynamic properties of the golf club head 3300. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Although the drawings illustrate weight ports having particular cross-sectional shapes, 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 the cross-sectional shape of any of the weight ports described herein. Therefore, a detailed description of the cross-sectional shapes of the weight ports 3520 and 3530 will not be described in detail. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The weights of the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 may each be similar in mass (eg, all of the weights of the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 may each have substantially the same weight, respectively). There is). Alternatively, the weights of the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 may be individually different in mass, or the weights of the entire set may be different. Specifically, each of the weights of the first set 3320 (for example, 3321 and 3322 in the drawing) is provided by an arbitrary weight in the second set 3330 (for example, 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335 in the drawing). May also be a relatively small mass. For example, the second set of weights 3330 may account for 50% or more of the total mass by the external weights of 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 the external weights located below the horizontal mid-plane 4120. In one example, the total mass due to the external weights may be greater below the horizontal midplane 4120 than the total mass due to the external weights above the horizontal midplane 4120. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  In one example, golf club head 3300 may have a mass ranging from 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 weights), and a mass ranging from about 200 grams to about 310 grams. May be provided. Each of the weights of first set 3320 may have a mass of about 1 gram (1.0 g), while each of the weights of second set 3330 may have a mass of about 2.4 gram. . The total weight of the first set of weights 3320 may be about 3 grams, while the total weight of the second set of weights 3330 may be about 16.8 grams. The total weight of the second set of weights 3330 may be five times or more the same weight as the total weight of the first set of weights 3320 (eg, about 3 grams of the first set of weights 3330). About 16.8 grams of the total weight of the second set of weights 3330 relative to the total weight of the 3320). The golf club head 3300 may have a total mass of 19.8 grams with each of the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 (eg, 3 grams with the first set of weights 3320 and the second set of weights 3320, 3330). 16.8 grams total due to weight 3330 of the set). Thus, the first set of weights 3320 can occupy about 15% of the total mass by the external weights of the golf club head 3300, while the second set of weights 3330 can be external weights of the golf club head 3300. Parts can make up about 85% of the total mass. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  The golf club is formed by coupling the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 to the body portion 3310, respectively (for example, 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 this specification, the first and second sets of weight portions 3320 and 3330 each lower the position of the CG toward the sole portion 3390, and further backward from the face portion 3362. May be separated. Further, the MOI may be higher measured on a vertical axis extending through the CG (eg, perpendicular to the ground plane 4110). The MOI may also be higher measured on a horizontal axis extending through the CG (eg, extending toward each of the toe 3350 and heel 3360 of the golf club head 3300). As a result, the club head 3300 can provide a relatively higher launch angle and a lower spin rate than a golf club head without each of the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330. . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

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

  Although the weights are shown as separate individual parts in the figure, each of the first and second sets of weights 3320, 3330 may each be a single weight. In one example, all weights of the first set 3320 (eg, 3321 and 3322 shown) may be combined into a single weight (eg, the first weight). Similarly, all weights (eg, 3331, 3332, 3333, 3334, and 3335) of the second set 3330 are combined into a single weight (eg, the second weight) as in the example of FIG. May be done. Although the figures show a particular number of weights, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may have a greater or lesser number of weights. The devices, 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, internal cavity 3800 may extend between top portion 3380 and sole portion 3390. Internal 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 3340 and heel 3350 and between top 3380 and sole 3390, although cavity height 3850 may be at least 50% of body height 3950. Good (H _C > 0.5 * H _B ). For example, cavity height 3850 may vary between 70-85% of body height 3950. By setting the cavity height 3850 of the internal cavity 3800 to be greater than 50% of the body height 3950, the golf club 3300 has a cavity smaller than 50% of the body height when the golf club 3300 hits a golf ball via the face portion 3362. A relatively more consistent feel, sound, and / or result may be produced than a tall golf club. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

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

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

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

  In one example, internal cavity 3800 can be unfilled (eg, empty space). Body portion 3300 including internal cavity 3800 may weigh about 100 grams less than body portion 3300 without internal cavity 3800. Alternatively, the internal cavity 3800 can be made of an elastic polymer or elastomeric material (eg, Sorbothane® from Korbotane, Kent, Ohio) to absorb shock, isolate vibration, and / or dampen noise. Such 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 such that the golf club head 3300 absorbs shock, isolates vibration, 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, internal cavity 3800 may be partially configured to absorb shock, isolate vibration, and / or attenuate noise when golf club head 3300 strikes a golf ball through face portion 3362. Or completely filled with a polymeric material such as an ethylene copolymer material. Specifically, at least 50% of the internal cavity 3800 is a high-density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid-modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, or an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer ionomer. , An ethylene copolymer containing a magnesium ionomer, an ethylene copolymer that can be used in a conventional injection molding apparatus that creates various shapes, an ethylene copolymer that can be used in a conventional extrusion apparatus that creates various shapes, And / or may be filled with a highly compressible and low resilience ethylene copolymer similar to thermoset polybutadiene rubber. For example, ethylene copolymers are available from E.M. of Wilmington, Del. I. DuPont (registered trademark) high performance resin (HPF) family materials (eg, DuPont (registered trademark) HPF AD1172, DuPont (registered trademark) HPF AD1035, DuPont (registered trademark) HPF 1000 manufactured by du Pont de Nemours and Company. And 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 rebound. The devices, 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 mid-plane 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 mid-plane 4120 of the golf club head 3300. Accordingly, the center of gravity of the golf club head 3300 may be lower, as compared to a golf club head having a cavity width less than about 20% of the body width and partially or completely filled with an elastic polymer or elastomeric material. And can be moved further back. In addition, the golf club head 3300 is partially or completely 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. A relatively more consistent feel, sound, and / or result may be produced as compared to a golf club head having a cavity width.

  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 devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

  Unlike other golf club head designs, the inner cavity 3800 of the body portion 3310 and the respective positions of the first and second sets of weight portions 3320, 3330 along the circumference 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 to the departing golf ball. 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 in any of the ways described herein and shown in FIG. Accordingly, a detailed description of a method of manufacturing 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 fayes 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. Second opening 3935 may be used to access internal cavity 3800. In one example, the process 1700 (FIG. 17) also includes filling the interior cavity 3800 with the elastomeric polymer material by injecting the interior cavity 3800 with the elastomeric polymer material from the first opening 3930 through the second opening 3935. Good. The first opening 3930 and the second opening 3935 may be the same and / or different in size and / or shape, respectively. The weight port 3521 may include a first opening 4030 and a second opening 4305. Second opening 4035 may be used to access internal cavity 3800. In one example, the process 1700 (FIG. 17) may fill the interior cavity 3800 with the elastomeric polymer material by injecting the elastomeric polymer material from the weight port 3531 into the interior cavity 3800. As the resilient polymer material fills the inner cavity 3800, air in the inner cavity 3800 displaced by the resilient polymer material is exhausted from the inner cavity from the weight port 3521 through the second opening 4035 and then through the first opening 4030. Is also good. After the cavity is partially or completely filled with the elastomeric polymer material, the weight ports 3531 and 3521 may be closed by inserting and securing weights, as described in detail herein. . Alternatively, a resilient polymer material may be injected into the internal cavity 3800 from the weight port 3521. Accordingly, the weight port 3531 can function as a discharge port for the replaced air in the internal cavity 3800. Although the above example has been described with reference to a particular 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 devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

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

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

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

  The devices, methods, and products described herein can be implemented in various embodiments, and some of the above descriptions of these embodiments necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Not something. 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 the rules of golf from time to time (e.g., by the Golf Standards Organization and / or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the British Golf Association (R & A), etc.). Or old rules may change), golf equipment associated with the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any particular time. Good. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be promoted, sold, and / or sold as compliant or non-compliant golf equipment. The devices, 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 scope of the disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers all instruments, methods, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims or the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (20)

A hollow body having a face, a toe, a top, a sole, a back, and an internal cavity extending between the top and the sole;
A plurality of external ports along the periphery of the back portion below the horizontal center plane of the golf club head;
A golf club head comprising:
The width of the internal cavity below the horizontal center plane is at least 20% of the width of the hollow body part below the horizontal center plane, and the hollow body below the horizontal center plane. Less than 80% of the width of the part,
More than 50% of the mass of the hollow body portion is below the horizontal mid-plane of the golf club head,
The internal cavity has a section above the horizontal center plane, in which the width of the internal cavity does not substantially change,
The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of external ports below the horizontal center plane is disposed at a position where the width of the internal cavity is larger than the width of the section. The golf club head according to claim 1,
A golf club head further comprising at least one port above the horizontal center plane. The golf club head according to claim 1,
The golf club head of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of external ports is associated with a port diameter, and at least two adjacent external 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,
Further comprising a plurality of weight portions,
A golf club head, wherein each of the plurality of external ports is configured to receive one of the plurality of weight portions. The golf club head according to claim 1,
A golf club head, wherein at least one of said external ports is connected to said internal cavity, said internal cavity being partially or completely filled with an elastic polymer material from said at least one external port. . The golf club head according to claim 1,
The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the face portion has a thickness less than 1.5 millimeters (0.06 inches). A hollow body having a face, a toe, a top, a sole, a back, and an internal cavity extending between the top and the sole;
An elastic polymer material injection molded into the internal cavity through an opening in the back portion to structurally support the face portion during a golf ball impact;
A plurality of weight portions coupled to the hollow body portion at a position below the horizontal center plane of the golf club head,
An iron-type golf club head comprising:
The width of the internal cavity below the horizontal center plane is at least 20% of the width of the hollow body part below the horizontal center plane, and the hollow body below the horizontal center plane. Less than 80% of the width of the part,
More than 50% of the mass of the hollow body portion is below the horizontal mid-plane of the golf club head,
At least 50% of the elastomeric polymer material in the internal cavity is below the horizontal mid-plane of the golf club head;
The internal cavity has a section above the horizontal center plane, in which the width of the internal cavity does not substantially change,
An iron-type golf club head, wherein each of the plurality of weight portions below the horizontal center plane is disposed at a position where the width of the internal cavity is larger than the width of the section. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 8,
An iron-type golf club head, further comprising a coupling configured to couple the elastic polymer material to the face. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 8,
An iron-type golf club head, wherein the internal cavity has a cavity that is at least 50% filled with a thermoplastic elastomer material. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 8,
The iron-type golf club head, wherein the internal cavity is configured to separate the face portion and the plurality of weight portions. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 8,
An iron-type golf club head, wherein the face portion has a thickness of 1.5 millimeters (0.06 inches) or less. A face portion, a toe portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, and a hollow body portion having an internal cavity extending between the top and the sole portion,
The back portion,
An upper wall portion above the horizontal center plane of the hollow body portion, wherein a width of the hollow body portion above the horizontal center plane is defined by a distance between the upper wall portion and the face portion. , The upper wall portion,
A lower wall portion below the horizontal center plane, wherein a width of the hollow body portion below the horizontal center plane is defined by a distance between the lower wall portion and the face; The lower wall 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, the hollow body portion,
A plurality of external ports along the periphery of the back portion below the horizontal center plane of the golf club head;
An iron-type golf club head comprising:
The width of the internal cavity below the horizontal center plane is at least 20% of the width of the hollow body part below the horizontal center plane, and the hollow body below the horizontal center plane. Less than 80% of the width of the part,
More than 50% of the mass of the hollow body portion is below the horizontal mid-plane of the golf club head,
The internal cavity extends between the external port and the face portion,
The width of the ledge is at least a multiple of 1.0 and is greater than the width of the hollow body above the horizontal mid-plane,
The internal cavity has a section above the horizontal center plane, in which the width of the internal cavity does not substantially change,
An iron-type golf club head, wherein each of the plurality of external ports below the horizontal center plane is disposed at a position where the width of the internal cavity is larger than the width of the section. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 13,
The width of the ledge is a multiple of greater than 1.0 and less than 3.0, and is greater than the width of the hollow body above the horizontal mid-plane. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 13,
Further comprising a plurality of weight portions,
An iron-type golf club head, wherein each port of the plurality of external ports is configured to receive one of the plurality of weight portions. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 13,
An iron-type golf club head, wherein the internal cavity has a cavity that is at least 50% filled with a thermoplastic elastomer material. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 13,
An iron-type golf club, wherein the internal cavity has a cavity that is at least 50% filled with a thermoplastic elastomer material, and a coupling configured to couple the thermoplastic elastomer material to the face. head. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 13,
Said internal cavity is filled with a thermoplastic elastomer material, at least 50% of said thermoplastic elastomer material in the inner cavity, and characterized in that on the lower side than the horizontal central plane of the golf club head Iron type golf club head. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 13,
An iron-type golf club head, 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,
An iron-type golf club head, further comprising at least one port above the horizontal center plane.

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