JP7106519B2 - Golf club head with optimized properties and related methods - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This invention benefits from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/365,133, filed July 21, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/404,602, filed October 5, 2016. of U.S. patent application Ser. This is a continuation-in-part application of US patent application Ser. No. 15/413,684, filed Jan. 24, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part application. US patent application Ser. No. 15/413,684 also claims the benefit of US provisional patent application Ser. The entire contents of the disclosure set forth above are fully incorporated herein by reference.

GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH OPTIMIZED CHARACTERISTICS AND RELATED METHODS TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to sporting goods and, more particularly, to golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods.

Golf club heads often include various features that can be designed or configured to enhance one or more performance characteristics of the golf club head. However, since these various characteristics often interact in nature, adjusting or setting one characteristic can inherently change another characteristic, which is often disadvantageous. As an example, widening the hitting face of a golf club to create a larger impact area can adversely change the location of the center of gravity of the golf club, and understanding the interaction between the various features allows each feature to be optimized. If not balanced or designed, unintended performance can result.

In light of the above, further developments have been made with respect to golf club features and balancing these features with respect to each other to improve golf club performance.

The present disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of example embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a front view of a golf club head according to the present disclosure; FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head along line II-II of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the golf club head of FIGS. 1-2; FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method that can be used to provide, form and/or manufacture a golf club head in accordance with the present disclosure; 2 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the upper transition boundary of the golf club head along line II-II of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the rear transition boundary of the golf club head along line II-II of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head along line II-II of FIG. 1; FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of a golf club head in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head along line IX-IX in FIG. 8; FIG.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, each drawing depicts a general aspect of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure. may be Additionally, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to improve the understanding of the disclosed embodiments.

In the specification and claims, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. are used where appropriate to distinguish between like elements. and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or chronological order. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments described herein can be performed, for example, in a different order than described or illustrated herein. should be understood. Further, since "including" and "comprising" and any variations thereof are intended to include non-exclusive inclusion, a process, method, system, article, apparatus or apparatus comprising the recited elements does not necessarily include These elements are not limiting and may include other elements not explicitly listed or inherent in such processes, methods, systems, articles, devices or apparatus. .

In this specification and claims, terms such as "left", "right", "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "upper", "lower", if any, are It is used for explanation and not necessarily for explaining permanent relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances so that embodiments of the apparatus, methods and/or articles of manufacture described herein may be, for example, described or illustrated herein. It should be understood that it can also be implemented in directions other than those described above.

Terms such as "coupled", "coupled", "connected", "connected", and the like are to be interpreted broadly and refer to mechanically or otherwise joining two or more elements together. Point. Coupling (either mechanically or otherwise) may be for any period of time, eg, permanent or semi-permanent, or momentary only.

The absence of terms such as "detachably", "detachable", etc. near a term such as "coupled" does not imply whether or not the connection, etc. is detachable.

As defined herein, two or more elements are "monolithic" if they are constructed from the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or more elements are "non-integral" if each is constructed from a different piece of material.

In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body comprising a head interior and a hosel structure. The head interior can be bounded by a head front portion, a head back portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head top portion and a head sole portion. The hosel structure can have an inner diameter for receiving a golf club shaft, wherein the inner diameter can have a hosel axis. The golf club head has a center of gravity, a head horizontal axis parallel to the ground when the golf club head is in an address position with respect to the ground, a hosel inertia about the hosel axis, which extends through the head center of gravity from the head heel to the head toe. moment, and horizontal moment of inertia about the head horizontal axis. The horizontal moment of inertia can be 39% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body comprising a head interior and a hosel structure. The head interior can be bounded by a head front portion, a head back portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head top portion and a head sole portion. The hosel structure can have an inner diameter for receiving a golf club shaft, wherein the inner diameter can have a hosel axis. a golf club head having a center of gravity, a head vertical axis extending through the center of gravity of the head from the top of the head to the sole of the head, the head vertical axis being perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground; There may also be a hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis and a vertical moment of inertia about the head vertical axis. The horizontal moment of inertia can be 59% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

In one implementation, a method of providing a golf club head may comprise providing a head body including a head interior and a hosel structure. The head interior can be bounded by a head front portion, a head back portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head top portion and a head sole portion. The hosel structure can have an inner diameter for receiving a golf club shaft, wherein the inner diameter can have a hosel axis. The method may also comprise coupling the shaft of the golf club to the hosel structure. A head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity of the golf club head from the head heel portion to the head toe portion and may be parallel to the ground when the golf club head is at an address position relative to the ground. A head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity from the top of the head to the head sole and can be perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is at address with respect to the ground. In addition, providing the head body includes (a) setting the horizontal moment of inertia about the head horizontal axis to be greater than or equal to 39% of the hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis, or (b) setting the horizontal moment of inertia about the head vertical axis. setting the vertical moment of inertia of the hosel to be greater than or equal to 59% of the hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis.

In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body comprising a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion and a hosel structure. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter for receiving the shaft of a golf club, wherein the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head has a hitting face at the front of the head and has a hitting face center point, a head volume measured in cubic centimeters (cc), the size of which is greater than 420, a head center of gravity. and optimization properties can also be provided. A head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is at an address position relative to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is orthogonal to the head vertical axis. ing. The loft surface of the golf club head can be tangent to the hitting face center point. The front surface of the golf club head can extend through the hitting face center point and parallel to the hosel axis. A head depth plane may extend through the hitting face center point parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane. A Center of Gravity (CG) height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and perpendicularly intersect the head depth plane at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured between the head center of gravity and the first intersection along the CG height axis. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is parallel to the ground between (a) the second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) the third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. and can be measured perpendicular to the front surface. The optimized characteristic can be determined by adding (a) the magnitude of the head volume to (b) the ratio of the head CG depth divided by the absolute value of the head CG height. This optimized property can be 425 or higher.

In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body comprising a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion and a hosel structure. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter for receiving the shaft of a golf club, wherein the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also have a hitting face with a hitting face center point at the front of the head, and a head center of gravity. A head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is at an address position relative to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. ing. The loft surface of the golf club head can be tangent to the hitting face center point. A front surface of the golf club head may extend through the hitting face center point and parallel to the hosel axis. The top surface of the golf club head can extend parallel to the ground through the hitting face center point. A head depth plane may extend through the hitting face center point parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and may perpendicularly intersect the head depth plane at the first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point along the CG height axis. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is parallel to the ground between (a) the second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) the third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. and can be measured perpendicular to the front surface. The head CG top boundary can be measured along the head vertical axis between the head center of gravity and a fourth intersection point located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the top surface. The absolute value of the head CG height can be 2.54 mm or less. The head CG depth can be 40.64 mm or more. In other embodiments, the head CG depth can be greater than about 41 mm and less than about 102 mm. In further embodiments, the head CG depth is about 42 mm, about 43 mm, about 44 mm, about 45 mm, about 46 mm, about 47 mm, about 48 mm, about 49 mm, about 50 mm, about 55 mm, about 60 mm, about 65 mm, or about 70 mm. can be larger than The head CG top boundary can be from about 0 mm to about 30 mm. In other embodiments, the head CG top boundary can be less than about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 20 mm, or about 25 mm.

In one embodiment, a method of providing a golf club head can include providing a head body comprising a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion and a hosel structure. . The hosel structure has an inner diameter for receiving the shaft of a golf club, the inner diameter having a hosel axis. The method may also include connecting the striking face to the front of the head and setting optimized characteristics of the golf club head. The hitting face has a hitting face center point. The head volume of a golf club head can be measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and can be greater than 420 in size. A head vertical axis may extend through the head center of gravity and be perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is at address with respect to the ground. A head horizontal axis can extend through the head center of gravity and be orthogonal to the head vertical axis. The loft surface of the golf club head can be tangent to the hitting face center point. The front surface of the golf club head can extend through the hitting face center point and parallel to the hosel axis. A head depth plane may extend through the hitting face center point parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and may perpendicularly intersect the head depth plane at the first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured between the head center of gravity and the first intersection along the CG height axis. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is parallel to the ground between (a) the second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) the third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. and can be measured perpendicular to the front surface. The optimized characteristic can be set by adding (a) the magnitude of the head capacitance to (b) the ratio of the head CG depth divided by the absolute value of the head CG height, where the above optimization Characteristics can be 425 or higher.

In one example, a golf club head can comprise at least one of a head body, a face portion and a head center of gravity, and a first performance characteristic or a second performance characteristic. The head body can include a head front portion, a head back portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter for receiving the shaft of a golf club, the inner diameter having a hosel axis. The face portion can be at the front of the head and can have a hitting face center point, a hitting face edge, and a face height limited by the hitting face edge. A head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is at an address position relative to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is orthogonal to the head vertical axis. ing. The loft surface of the golf club head can be tangent to the hitting face center point. The front surface of the golf club head can extend through the hitting face center point and parallel to the hosel axis. A head depth plane may extend through the hitting face center point parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and may perpendicularly intersect the head depth plane at the first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured between the head center of gravity and the first intersection along the CG height axis. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is parallel to the ground between (a) the second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) the third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. and can be measured perpendicular to the front surface. The face height, measured parallel to the loft plane, can be from about 33 mm to about 71 mm. A first performance characteristic can have a head CG height of about 5.08 mm or less. A second performance characteristic may have a CG performance ratio defined by (a) 76.2 mm minus face height divided by (b) head CG depth at 0.56 or less.

In one example, a golf club head can include a head body, a face portion, and a head center of gravity. The head body can include a head front portion, a head back portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter for receiving the shaft of a golf club, the inner diameter having a hosel axis. The hosel structure can have a hosel diameter. A face portion may be connected to the front of the head and may comprise a striking face having a striking face center point, a striking face edge, and a face height. A head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is at an address position relative to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is orthogonal to the head vertical axis. ing. The loft surface of the golf club head can be tangent to the hitting face center point. The front surface of the golf club head can extend through the hitting face center point and parallel to the hosel axis. The top surface of the golf club can extend parallel to the ground through the hitting face center point. A head depth plane may extend through the hitting face center point parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and may perpendicularly intersect the head depth plane at the first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured between the head center of gravity and the first intersection along the CG height axis. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is parallel to the ground between (a) the second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) the third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. and can be measured perpendicular to the front surface. The head CG top boundary can be measured along the head vertical axis between the head center of gravity and a fourth intersection point located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the top surface. Face height is defined by the striking face edge and can range from about 33 mm to about 71 mm measured parallel to the loft plane. The CG performance ratio of (a) 76.2 mm minus the face height and (b) head CG depth is 0.56 or less. The head body may comprise a driver-type body. The head volume of the golf club head can be from about 420cc to about 470cc. The head weight of the golf club head can be from about 185 grams to about 225 grams. Head CG height can be from about 0 mm to about 3.18 mm. Head CG depth can be from about 25 mm to about 102 mm. In other embodiments, the head CG depth can be greater than about 41 mm and less than about 102 mm. In further embodiments, the head CG depth is about 42 mm, about 43 mm, about 44 mm, about 45 mm, about 46 mm, about 47 mm, about 48 mm, about 49 mm, about 50 mm, about 55 mm, about 60 mm, about 65 mm, or about 70 mm. can be larger than The head CG top boundary can be from about 0 mm to about 30 mm. In other embodiments, the head CG top boundary can be less than about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 20 mm, or about 25 mm. The head body may include a weight structure located near the sole and rear portion of the head body.

In one embodiment, a method of providing a golf club head comprises providing a head body including a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion, and a hosel structure. can. The hosel structure has an inner diameter for receiving the shaft of a golf club, the inner diameter having a hosel axis. The method may also comprise connecting a face portion to the front of the head, the face portion having a hitting face center point, a hitting face edge, and a face height limited by the hitting face edge. Have a face. The method further comprises setting at least one of a first performance characteristic of the golf club head or a second performance characteristic of the golf club head. When the golf club head is at an address position with respect to the ground, a head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity of the golf club head and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is head vertical. perpendicular to the axis. The loft surface of the golf club head can be tangent to the hitting face center point. The front surface of the golf club head can extend through the hitting face center point and parallel to the hosel axis. A head depth plane may extend through the hitting face center point parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and may perpendicularly intersect the head depth plane at the first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured between the head center of gravity and the first intersection along the CG height axis. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is parallel to the ground between (a) the second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) the third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. and can be measured perpendicular to the front surface. The face height, measured parallel to the loft plane, can be from about 33 mm to about 71 mm. A first performance characteristic can have a head CG height of about 5.08 mm or less. A second performance characteristic may have a CG performance ratio defined by (a) 76.2 mm minus the face height and (b) divided by the head CG depth, at or below 0.56.

Other examples and embodiments are further disclosed herein. Such examples and embodiments can be found in the drawings, the claims and/or the description.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a front view of a golf club head 1000 comprising a head body 1100 and a face portion 1200. As shown in FIG. Face portion 1200 includes a striking face 1210 . FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of golf club head 1000 along line II-II of FIG. FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of golf club head 1000 of golf club head 1000 . 1-3 depict the golf club head 1000 at an address position relative to the ground 1010. FIG. In these figures, for the front view of golf club head 1000 (FIG. 1), hosel axis 1710 is at an angle of 60 degrees with ground 1010, and for the side view of golf club head 1000 (FIG. 2), hosel axis 1710 is at an angle of 60 degrees. Axis 1710 is substantially perpendicular to ground 1010 .

In this embodiment, the head body 1100 and the face portion 1200 are composed of different pieces of material joined together, for example, by welding. However, in other examples, the face portion 1200 may include one or more portions of the head body 1100 , such as head front portion 1110 , head top portion 1120 , head sole portion 1130 , head heel portion 1140 , head toe portion 1150 and/or head back portion 2160 . Each section may be constructed with a single piece of material. Head front surface 1160 of golf club head 1000 includes striking face 1210 , face portion 1200 and at least a portion of head front portion 1110 . In some embodiments, head forward surface 1160 can also include at least a portion of head sole portion 1130 . In the same or different embodiments, head front portion 1110 can include striking face 1210 and/or face portion 1200 .

Face portion 1200 includes a striking face 1210 having a striking face center point 1211 , a striking face edge 1212 and a face height 1213 . The hitting face center point 1211 is located at the geometric center of the hitting face edge 1212 in this example and is located at the midpoint of the face height 1213 . In the same or other examples, the striking face center point 1211 can be centered with respect to the designed impact area 1250, which can be defined by the extent of the grooves 1259 of the striking face 1210. can. As another approach, the hitting face center point 1211 can be positioned according to regulations of a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the hitting face center point 1211 is defined in the USGA Procedure for Measuring Golf Club Head Flexibility (“Flexibility Procedure”) (USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 1.0.0, May 1, 2008). (available at http://www.usga.org/equipment/testing/protocols/Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head/) section 6.1. can.

Golf club head 1000 includes a loft surface 2270 ( FIG. 2 ) that is at least tangent to strikingface center point 1211 of strikingface 1210 . Face height 1213 can be measured parallel to loft plane 2270 between hitting face top edge 1215 and hitting face bottom edge 1216 of hitting face edge 1212, and in this or other examples ranges from about 33 millimeters (mm) to It can be about 71 mm.

The striking face edge 1212 includes a striking face top edge 1215 and a striking face bottom edge 1216 that define a face height 1213 but need not bound the entire face portion 1200 . For example, as can be seen from FIG. 1, striking face 1210 is bounded by striking face edge 1212 but is only part of face portion 1200 . In some examples, the striking face 1210 can have a roll radius and/or a bulge radius. A striking face edge 1212 may be defined along a transition boundary, which is where the contour of the face portion 1200 leaves the roll radius and/or bulge radius of the striking face 1210 . For example, FIG. 2 includes a magnified view of a portion of the upper transition boundary of golf club head 1000, highlighting vertical roll radius 2170 extending along striking face 1210, with head forward surface 1160 extending along vertical roll. It shows how the hitting face top 1215 lies at the upper transition boundary, which is where it leaves the radius 2170 . FIG. 2 also includes an enlarged view of a portion of the lower transition boundary of golf club head 1000, highlighting vertical roll radius 2170 extending vertically along striking face 1210, with head forward surface 1160 extending vertically along the vertical roll. It shows how the hitting face lower edge 1216 lies at the lower transition boundary where it leaves the radius 2170 .

In the same or other embodiments, the striking face edge 1212 can be defined relative to the edge of the striking plate that includes the striking face. For example, the face portion 1200 includes a striking plate 1220 , where the striking face 1210 forms the exterior surface of the striking plate 1220 and the striking plate 1220 extends along the striking plate edge 1221 to the head front portion 1110 . are spliced. In this example, the striking plate edge 1221 defines at least a portion of the striking face edge 1212 . The portions so defined include upper and lower hitting face edges 1212 , each of which is located at a hitting face upper end 1215 and a striking face lower end 1216 , to provide a face height 1213 . define. Other examples are possible, in which the striking plate edge of the striking plate may define most or all of the striking face edge of the striking face.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the golf club head 1000 also includes a head center of gravity (CG) 2500 , a head depth plane 2310 and an axis of CG height 2320 . In the figure, the head depth plane 2310 extends through the hitting face center point 1211 and is orthogonal to the loft plane 2270 , and the CG height axis 2320 extends through the head center of gravity 2500 and extends through the head depth plane at intersection 2801 . It intersects 2310 perpendicularly. Golf club head 1000 also includes an upper surface 2330 that extends parallel to ground 1010 through hitting face center point 1211 .

Head center of gravity 2500 comprises CG height 2520 and CG depth 2510 , which position head center of gravity 2500 relative to golf club head 1000 . In this example, CG height 2520 can be measured between head center of gravity 2500 and intersection point 2801 along CG height axis 2320 . CG depth 2510 can be measured parallel to ground 1010 and between intersection points 2802 and 2803, as can be seen in FIG. In this example, the intersection point 2802 is defined by the intersection of the ground surface 1010 and the front surface 2280, where the front surface 2280 extends through the hitting face center point 1211 and is parallel to the hosel axis 1710, and furthermore, the golf club It is perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the head 1000 is at the address position. Additionally, intersection point 2803 is defined by the intersection of ground plane 1010 and head vertical axis 1610, where head vertical axis 1610 extends through head center of gravity 2500 and when golf club head 1000 is at address. is perpendicular to the ground 1010; The head center of gravity 2500 can also be positioned relative to the ground 1010, in which case the head CG vertical distance 2530 of the head center of gravity 2500 is measured between the weight center 2750 and the ground 1010 along the head vertical axis 1610. can be done. Head center of gravity 2500 is also located relative to head CG top boundary 2540 , but here along head vertical axis 1610 is located at the intersection of head center of gravity 2500 and head vertical axis 1610 with top surface 2330 . can be measured between the intersection 2805 of Head CG top boundary 2540 may be positive when measured above top surface 2330 and negative when measured below top surface 2330 .

The head body 1100 of the golf club head 1000 also includes a hosel structure 1217 (FIG. 1) and a hosel axis 1710 extending along the center of the inner diameter 1217 of the hosel structure. In this example, the hosel connection mechanism of golf club head 1000 includes hosel structure 1217 and shaft sleeve 1411 , where shaft sleeve 1411 can be connected to the end of golf shaft 1410 . Shaft sleeve 1411 can be coupled with hosel structure 1217 in multiple configurations. This allows golf shaft 1410 to be secured to hosel structure 1217 at multiple angles with respect to hosel axis 1710 . However, other examples are possible, in which the shaft 1410 can be non-adjustably fixed to the hosel structure 1217 .

A golf club head according to the present disclosure can be configured to exhibit one or more optimized characteristics that optimize or balance its performance. For example, one characteristic of the golf club head that the present design seeks to optimize is that of face height and/or face size. Maximizing the face height and/or face size of a golf club head can provide several benefits. These benefits include an enlarged impact area with an object on the hitting face, resulting in a more forgiving club head, with such a club head, off the hitting face center point. Good results are also obtained for hit golf shots. In addition, a higher hitting face height and/or a larger size can better transfer energy to the golf ball upon impact with the golf ball. Accordingly, the characteristic time or "spring effect" of the golf club head may be increased to achieve longer distance golf shots. In some instances, to achieve characteristic time limits set by golf governing bodies (such as the characteristic time limit of 239 microseconds (μs) set by the USGA in their own Flexibility Procedures). , may increase the height or size of the striking face.

However, indiscriminate increases in face height and/or face size adversely affect performance in other areas, such as with respect to golf ball launch angle, ball spin and/or ball speed at impact with the striking face. there is a possibility. For example, increasing the face height and/or face size may decrease the CG depth between the golf club head center of gravity and the hitting face center point due to the forward movement of the center of gravity. This reduces the dynamic loft of the golf club head, thereby lowering the launch angle of the golf ball. In another example, increasing the face height and/or face size can increase the CG height between the center of gravity and the head depth plane, lifting the center of gravity away from the sole of the golf club head. As a result, the gear effect between the hitting face and the golf ball is suppressed, making it difficult for the golf club head to reduce the backspin amount of the golf ball at impact. fly distance becomes shorter.

Considering the above, the face height or face size of the golf club head needs to be balanced against the center of gravity position. With respect to golf club head 1000 , striking face 1210 has been enlarged to increase face size and/or face height 1213 to provide a larger impact area and transfer more energy to golf ball 2900 . I have to. In particular, golf club head 1000 is configured such that face height 1213 can range from about 33 mm to about 71 mm to provide a larger impact area and transfer more energy upon impact with golf ball 2900. It is possible. In some examples, the area of the striking face 1210 (including the increased face area) can be from about 23.6 square centimeters (cm ² ) to about 45.2 cm ² .

Despite increasing face size and/or face height 1213 as described above, golf club head 1000 still has CG height 2520 rising toward head top 1120 and/or head depth plane. It limits being too far from 2310. For example, golf club head 1000 comprises a first optimized characteristic that satisfies Relation 1 below.
|CG height ₂₅₂₀ |≦5.08 mm [Relationship 1]
Examples are also possible in which the CG height 2520 can be from about 0 mm to the limit of 5.08 mm in relation 1. In other examples, CG height 2520 may be up to about 4.45 mm, 3.81 mm or 3.18 mm. In some implementations, a first optimization characteristic can reduce backspin of golf ball 2900 via a gear effect between striking face 1210 and golf ball 2900 for good performance. . In FIG. 2, head center of gravity 2500 is shown below depth plane 2310 and CG height 2520 extends between depth plane 2310 and head sole portion 1130 . However, there are also embodiments in which the head center of gravity 2500 can reside above the depth plane 2310 such that the CG height 2520 extends between the depth plane 2310 and the head top 1120 while still satisfying relationship 1 above. It is possible. In some embodiments, head CG top boundary 2540 can be from about 0 mm to about 30 mm. In other embodiments, head CG top boundary 2540 may be less than about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 20 mm, or about 25 mm.

Additionally, considering increasing face size and/or face height 1213 as further described above, golf club head 1000 still limits movement of center of gravity 2500 toward striking face 1212 and does prevents the CG depth 2510 from becoming excessively shallow. For example, golf club head 1000 has a second optimized characteristic that satisfies Relation 2 below.

As such, the relationship between face height 1213 and CG depth 2510 is balanced according to relationship 2 such that the second optimization characteristic remains 0.56 or less, thereby increasing CG depth 2510 to It limits the amount that it can be shallow towards face 1210 . Examples are also possible where the CG depth 2510 can be from about 25 mm to about 102 mm. In the same or other examples, CG depth 2510 can be at least about 39 mm. In the same or other examples, CG depth 2510 can be greater than about 41 mm and less than about 102 mm. In further embodiments, the CG depth 2510 is about 42 mm, about 43 mm, about 44 mm, about 45 mm, about 46 mm, about 47 mm, about 48 mm, about 49 mm, about 50 mm, about 55 mm, about 60 mm, about 65 mm, or about 70 mm. can be larger than In some implementations, the second optimization characteristic can improve or optimize at least one of the dynamic loft of golf club head 1000 or the launch angle of golf ball 2900 at impact.

In some examples, golf club head 1000 may be configured to have only one of the first or second optimization characteristics described above. For example, golf club head 1000 may have the first optimized characteristic but not the second optimized characteristic, thus satisfying relationship one without satisfying relationship two. As another example, golf club head 1000 may have the second optimized characteristic but not the first optimized characteristic, thus satisfying relationship two without satisfying relationship one. Additionally, embodiments are possible in which the golf club head 1000 satisfies both Relation 1 and Relation 2, and thus has the first and second optimized characteristics.

Golf club head 1000 may also have a third optimized characteristic for its head volume (HV) 2600 . In this example, the head body 1000 of the golf club head 1000 is comprised of a driver-shaped body having a head volume of 420 cubic centimeters (cc) or greater, so the head volume magnitude is 420 or greater. For example, the head body 1000 can have a head volume of 420cc, so the size of the head volume is 420cc. As another example, the golf club head 1000 may have a head volume of 460 cc, so the head volume magnitude is 460 cc. The golf club head 1000, in some implementations, can have a head volume of up to about 470 cc and/or an overall head weight of about 185 grams to about 225 grams. In some specific examples, the total head weight can be approximately 202 grams and/or the head volume can be approximately 460 cc.

A third optimization characteristic can control the relationship between the head volume 2600 and the position of the center of gravity 2500, and can be determined to satisfy the following relationship 3.

In some cases, the head volume 2600 may be increased to adjust the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head 1000, for example. However, increasing head volume indefinitely can have detrimental effects on other properties of the golf club head. For example, increasing head volume 2600 may move toward head front 1110, toward head top 1120, toward other undesired directions, and/or away from the desired center of gravity location or one or more directions. In turn, it can move the head center of gravity 2500 , thereby hampering the performance of the golf club head 1000 . Such undesirable center-of-gravity position changes can adversely affect one or more properties of the golf club head, such as launch velocity, launch angle, gear effect, backspin and/or shot distance. Therefore, setting the third optimization characteristic used to balance the relationship between head volume 2600 and head center of gravity 2500 provides desirable and balanced attributes for golf club head 1000 . For example, the weight distribution of golf club head 1000 can be configured to satisfy relationship 3 to enable golf club head 1000 to exhibit a third optimized characteristic, thereby reducing head volume 2600 to It can be increased to provide a greater moment of inertia and transfer more energy to golf ball 2900 upon golf impact between hitting face 1210 and golf ball 2900 . In the same or other implementations, the weight distribution of golf club head 1000 can be configured to limit the shallowing of CG depth 2510 toward head front 1110 due to increased head volume 2600. , thus improving at least one of the dynamic loft of the striking face 1210 or the launch angle of the golf ball 2900 at golf impact. Additionally, the weight distribution of golf club head 1000 can be configured to limit the rise of CG height 2520 toward head top 1120 as a result of increasing head volume 2600, thereby , reduces the backspin of the golf ball 2900 due to the gear effect between the hitting face 1210 and the golf ball 2900 during golf impact.

In view of the above, to achieve the third optimized property according to Relationship 3, CG depth 2510 can be configured to be greater than or equal to 40.64 mm. In other embodiments, CG depth 2510 can be greater than about 41 mm and less than about 102 mm. In further embodiments, the CG depth 2510 is about 42 mm, about 43 mm, about 44 mm, about 45 mm, about 46 mm, about 47 mm, about 48 mm, about 49 mm, about 50 mm, about 55 mm, about 60 mm, about 65 mm, or about 70 mm. can be larger than In the same or other embodiments, the absolute value of CG height can be 2.54 mm or less. Considering that the head center of gravity 2500 can be above or below the head depth plane 2310 in some embodiments, it is noted that the CG height 2520 is characterized as an absolute value. Head CG top boundary 2540 can be from about 0 mm to about 30 mm. In other embodiments, head CG top boundary 2540 may be about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 20 mm, or about 25 mm or less. The third optimized characteristic has a lower bound of at least 425, although there are other embodiments in which the third optimized characteristic can be defined for other lower bounds. For example, in some embodiments, the third optimization characteristic can comprise a lower bound of at least 435 or 445. In other examples, the third optimization characteristic can comprise a lower bound of at least 460, at least 470, at least 480, at least 490, or at least 500. The location of the head center of gravity 2500 may also be designed or set with respect to other features of the golf club head 1000 to satisfy relationship 3 and/or achieve the third optimization characteristic. For example, the location of the head center of gravity 2500 can be configured such that the CG depth 2510 has about 25% to about 80% of the head depth 2312 . In the above description, the head depth length 2312 is the dimension from the hitting face center point 1211 to the intersection of the outer surface of the head rear portion 2160 and the depth surface 2310 . As another example, the location of the head center of gravity 2500 can be configured such that the CG height 2520 has about 0% to about 13% of the CG height axial length 2322 . In the above description, the axial length 2322 of the CG height is the dimension from the intersection of the outer surface of the head upper portion 1120 and the CG height axis 2320 to the intersection of the outer surface of the head sole portion 1130 and the CG height axis 2320 .

Head CG depth 2510 and head CG height 2520 described above relate to a driver-type club head. In embodiments where the club head is a fairway wood type club head, head CG depth 2510 may be configured to be 35 mm or greater. In other embodiments of fairway wood-type club heads, CG depth 2510 may be greater than about 35 mm and less than about 90 mm. In further embodiments of fairway wood club heads, CG depth 2510 is greater than about 34.5 mm, 35 mm, 36 mm, 37 mm, 38 mm, 39 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, or 46 mm. can be done. Further, in embodiments in which the club head is a fairway wood type club head, the head CG height 2520 or its absolute value may be configured to be 12.8 mm or less. In other embodiments of fairway wood-type club heads, the CG height 2520, or its absolute value, is about 13.0 mm, 12.8 mm, 12.6 mm, 12.4 mm, 12.2 mm, 12.0 mm, 11. It can be less than 8 mm, 11.6 mm, 11.4 mm, 11.2 mm, or 11.0 mm. In these embodiments, the volume of the fairway-wood club head may be between 300cc and 400cc, and the mass of the fairway-wood club head may be between 190 grams and 240 grams.

Golf club head 1000 may also include a hosel diameter of hosel structure 1217 . The hosel diameter can be kept to a minimum and/or can remain relatively unchanged from the hosel diameter of a corresponding standard golf club head. In some examples, the hosel diameter can be less than about 0.78 inch (20 mm). For example, the hosel diameter can be less than about 0.78 inches and greater than about 0.50 inches. A hosel diameter within this range can impart performance advantages to the golf club head 1000 . When the hosel diameter is within this range, the hosel can have greater structural integrity and can reduce stress on the hosel during a golf club swing. In addition to having a hosel diameter within this range, the golf club head 1000 may also have optimized characteristics related to center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI) as described herein. .

In further examples, the hosel diameters are approximately 0.50 inch, 0.49 inch, 0.48 inch, 0.47 inch, 0.46 inch, 0.45 inch, 0.44 inch, 0.43 inch, 0.43 inch, It can be less than 0.42 inches, 0.41 inches, or 0.40 inches. Hosel diameters less than 0.50 inches can impart additional performance benefits to the golf club head 1000 . When the hosel diameter is minimal as described above, the aerodynamic properties of golf club head 1000 may be improved as a result of reduced aerodynamic drag from hosel structure 1217 . In addition to having a hosel diameter within this range, the golf club head 1000 may also have optimized characteristics related to center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI) as described herein. .

Golf club head 1000 may also include a fourth optimization characteristic regarding the balance of hosel MOI 1711 (FIG. 1) and horizontal MOI 1811 (FIG. 1). Hosel MOI 1711 is defined about hosel axis 1710 . A horizontal MOI 1811 is defined about the head horizontal axis 1810 . This axis extends through the head center of gravity 2500 from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150 and is parallel to the ground surface 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is at address with respect to the ground surface 1010 .

In some examples, increasing horizontal MOI 1811 increases the amount of golf club head 1000 about head horizontal axis 1810 when striking face 1210 hits golf ball 2600 off-center toward head top 1120 or head sole 1130 . Rotation can be restricted. This makes the golf club head 1000 more tolerant of up or down misses as described above. For example, weights may be added or relocated near head front 1110 and/or head back 2160 to increase horizontal MOI 1811 . In the same or other examples, golf club head 1000 can extend toward head front portion 1110 and/or head back portion 2160 .

However, such adjustments or modifications to increase horizontal MOI 1811 can be made to some extent before they begin to affect other golf club head characteristics. For example, an unlimited adjustment to increase horizontal MOI 1811 may, if not properly balanced, excessively increase hosel MOI 1711 . This increases the resistance to rotate the golf club head 1000 about the hosel axis 1710 and, for some people, to properly position (or “square”) the golf club head 1000 upon impact with the golf ball 2600 . ), making it difficult to "turn" the golf club during the golf swing. Increasing the hosel MOI 1711 can also limit or suppress the gear effect between the golf ball 2600 and the hitting face 1210. This gear effect would otherwise correct the spin of golf ball 2600 somewhat at off-center impacts.

To reduce hosel MOI 1711 , golf club head 1000 can be designed to limit the distance between hosel axis 1710 and any additional or optional mass for golf club head 1000 . The above approaches for decreasing hosel MOI 1711 may conflict with some of the above approaches for increasing horizontal MOI 1811 if not properly balanced. Therefore, when adding or redistributing weight to golf club head 1000 to increase horizontal MOI 1811 , a balance must be struck with respect to maintaining or limiting the increase in hosel MOI 1711 .

In view of the above, a fourth optimization characteristic of golf club head 1000 controls the relationship between horizontal MOI 1811 and hosel MOI 1711 to satisfy relationship 4 below.
(Horizontal MOI ₁₈₁₁ ) ≧39% (Hosel MOI ₁₇₁₁ ) [Relationship 4]

Examples are possible in which the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that its fourth optimization characteristic can exceed the requirements of Relationship 4. As an example, in some implementations, the fourth optimized characteristic of the golf club head 1000 is that the horizontal MOI 1811 is 40% or more of the hosel MOI 1711, 45% or more of the hosel MOI 1711, or 50% or more of the hosel MOI 1711. can be configured to be In this example, the horizontal MOI 1811 is about 3740 grams squared centimeters (g·cm ² ), but examples are possible where it can range from about 2800 g·cm ² to about 4300 g·cm ² . In many embodiments, the horizontal MOI is greater than about 2800 g-cm ² , greater than about 3000 g-cm ² , greater than about 3200 g-cm ² , greater than about 3400 g-cm ² , greater than about 3600 g-cm 2 It can be greater than ² , greater than about 3800 g-cm ² , greater than about 4000 g-cm ² , or greater than about 4200 g-cm ² . Hosel MOI 1711 is about 9370 g·cm ² in this example, but can range from about 7000 g·cm ² to about 11,000 g·cm ² in the same or other examples. In many embodiments, the hosel MOI 1711 is greater than about 7000 g-cm ² , greater than about 7500 g-cm ² , greater than about 8000 g-cm ² , greater than about 8500 g-cm ² , greater than about 9000 g-cm 2 ² , greater than about 9500 g-cm ² , greater than about 10,000 g-cm ² , greater than about 10,500 g-cm ² , or greater than about 11,000 g-cm ² can.

Golf club head 1000 may also include a fifth optimization characteristic regarding the balance of hosel MOI 1711 and vertical MOI 1611 (FIG. 1). A vertical MOI 1611 is defined about the head vertical axis 1610 . This axis extends through the head center of gravity 2500 from the head top portion 1120 to the head sole portion 1130 and is perpendicular to the ground surface 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is at address. Vertical MOI 1611 is about 5300 g·cm ² in this example, but can range from about 4700 g·cm ² to about 6000 g·cm ² in the same or other examples. In many embodiments, the vertical MOI 1611 is greater than about 4700 g-cm ² , greater than about 4900 g-cm ² , greater than about 5100 g-cm ² , greater than about 5300 g-cm ² , greater than about 5500 g-cm 2 . It can be greater than ² , greater than about 5700 g-cm ² , or greater than about 5900 g-cm ² .

In some examples, increasing the vertical MOI 1611 may cause the hitting face 1210 to move more about the head vertical axis 1610 when striking the golf ball 2600 off-center toward the head heel 1140 (or toward the head toe 1150). of the golf club head 1000 can be restricted. This makes the golf club head 1000 more tolerant of heel-side or toe-side misses as described above. For example, weights can be added or repositioned near head heel 1140 and/or head toe 1150 to increase vertical MOI 1611 . In the same or other examples, the golf club head can extend toward head heel portion 1140 and/or head toe portion 1150 .

However, such adjustments or modifications to increase vertical MOI 1611 can be made to some extent before they begin to affect other golf club head characteristics. For example, adjustments without limit to increase vertical MOI 1611, if not properly balanced, may excessively increase hosel MOI 1711, thereby increasing golf club head 1000 as described above. The resistance to rotate about the hosel axis 1710 increases. Additionally, some approaches for decreasing hosel MOI 1711 may conflict with some of the above approaches for increasing vertical MOI 1611 if not properly balanced. Therefore, when adding or redistributing weight to golf club head 1000 to increase vertical MOI 1611 , a balance must be struck with respect to maintaining or limiting the increase in hosel MOI 1711 .

In view of the above, a fifth optimization characteristic of golf club head 1000 controls the relationship between vertical MOI 1611 and hosel MOI 1711 to satisfy relationship 5 below.
(Vertical MOI ₁₆₁₁ ) ≧59% (Hosel MOI ₁₇₁₁ ) [Relationship 5]

Examples are possible in which the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that its fifth optimization characteristic can exceed the requirements of relationship 5. As an example, in some implementations, the fifth optimized characteristic of golf club head 1000 is that vertical MOI 1611 is 60% or greater of hosel MOI 1711, 65% or greater of hosel MOI 1711, or 70% or greater of hosel MOI 1711. can be configured to be In some examples, golf club head 1000 may be configured such that its fourth optimized characteristic satisfies relationship four and its fifth optimized characteristic also satisfies relationship five.

(Plummet structure)
In some implementations, by adjusting the mass distribution of the golf club head 1000 or the relationship between various elements of the golf club head 1000, the head CG depth, head CG height, first, second , third, fourth and/or fifth optimized characteristics. To this end, the golf club head 1000 can include a weight structure 2700 positioned about the head sole portion 1130 and the head rear portion 2160, as can be seen in FIGS. 2-3. In some configurations, weight structure 2700 can be designed and/or arranged to meet the constraints imposed by relationship 1, relationship 2, relationship 3, relationship 4, and/or relationship 5; balances the face height or face size of the striking face 1210, the head volume 2600 of the golf club head 1000, the location of the center of gravity 2500 and/or the various moments of inertia.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the weight structure 2700 can be placed against the clock face 3500 , which can be aligned with respect to the striking face 1210 . For example, watch face 3500 includes a 12 o'clock line 3512, which is aligned with strike face center point 1211 of the present embodiment. The 12 o'clock line 3512 is orthogonal to the front intersection line 3271, which is defined by the intersection of the loft surface 2270 (FIGS. 2-3) and the ground surface 1010 (FIGS. 1-2). The clock face 3500 is centered along the 12 o'clock line 3512 at the midpoint between the front end of the front portion 1110 and the rear end of the rear portion 2160 . In the same or other examples, clock face center point 3515 may be positioned proximate to the geometric center of golf club head 1000 . Clock face 3500 also includes a 3 o'clock line 3503 extending toward head heel portion 1140 and a 9 o'clock line 3509 extending toward head toe portion 1150 .

The plumb edge 2705 of the plumb structure 2700 is located near the head rear 2160, in this embodiment at least partially bounded between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 8 o'clock line 3508 of the clock face 3500, which In addition, a weight center 2750 is located between the 5 o'clock line 3505 and the 7 o'clock line 3507 . In examples such as the present clock face, the plumb edge 2705 is completely bounded between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 8 o'clock line 3508 . In this example, the weight edge 2705 is defined by the outer surface of the golf club head 1000, but other examples are possible, in which the weight edge may extend inside the golf club head 1000 ( Alternatively, it may be defined within the golf club head 1000). In some examples, the position of weight 2700 can be set for a larger area. For example, in the above example, the plumb edge 2705 of the plumb structure 2700 can be located near the head rear 2160, at least partially bounded between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 9 o'clock line 3509 of the clock face 3500. with which the plumb center 2750 can be positioned between the 5 o'clock line 3505 and the 8 o'clock line 3508 .

In the same or other embodiments, weight structure 2700 can be extended or moved toward heel portion 1140 . For example, the cone edge 2705 and/or the cone center 2750 can be moved toward the 4 o'clock line 3504 rather than toward the 9 o'clock line 3509 . Biasing the weight structure 2700 near the head heel 1140 can reduce the hosel MOI 1711 about the hosel axis 1710 by limiting the distance between the hosel axis 1710 and the weight structure 2700 . This may facilitate rotation of the golf club head 1000 about the hosel axis 1710 during the swing.

In some examples, weight structure 2700 can have a mass of about 2 grams to about 50 grams and/or a volume of about 1 cc to about 30 cc. In this example, the weight structure 2700 protrudes from the outer contour of the head sole portion 1130 and thus is at least partially external, thereby allowing the head center of gravity 2500 to be adjusted to a greater extent.

The weight structure 2700 can comprise a removable weight 2790 in the same or another example. In this case, the removable weight 2790 can have a mass of about 0.5 grams to about 30 grams, and if necessary to satisfy Relationship 1, Relationship 2, Relationship 3, Relationship 4 and/or Relationship 5. , by replacing this weight with one or more other similar weights, the position of the head center of gravity 2500 can be adjusted. In the same or other examples, the center of gravity 2750 is at least one of the center of gravity of weight structure 2700, the center of gravity of removable weight 2790, the geometric center of weight structure 2700 and/or the geometric center of removable weight 2790. have one

The weight center 2750 can be positioned with respect to the ground 1010 and the weight center vertical distance axis 2340 , which extends between the weight center 2750 and the ground 1010 . The center-of-weight vertical distance axis 2340 is perpendicular to the ground surface 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is at address with respect to the ground surface. Thus, the weight center vertical distance 2730 of the weight center 2750 can be measured between the weight center 2750 and the ground 1010 along the weight center vertical distance axis 2340 . Additionally, a weight center depth 2710 of weight center 2750 can be measured parallel to ground 1010 between intersection points 2802 and 2804 . In this example, the intersection point 2804 is defined by the intersection between the ground surface 1010 and the weight center vertical distance axis 2340 when the golf club head 1000 is at address. In the same or other embodiments, the weight center 2750 can be positioned such that the weight distance 2751 (FIG. 2) separating the head center of gravity 2500 from the weight center 2750 can be from about 25 mm to about 102 mm.

Although embodiments are possible in which the thickness of the face portion 1200 can be reduced, one or more reinforcing structures may be used to reduce the thickness of the back of the striking face 1210 and/or the face portion 1200 and front of the head, if desired. The face portion 1200 may be reinforced at the junction of 1110 . Other mass redistribution mechanisms may be utilized if desired to satisfy relations 1, 2, 3, 4 and/or 5.

In some implementations, the relationship or ratio between the head center of gravity 2500 and the center of mass 2750 is configurable such that one or more of relationships 1, 2, 3, 4 and/or 5 can be satisfied. be. For example, the vertical distance ratio determined by the ratio of the weight center vertical distance 2730 to the head CG vertical distance 2530 can be made larger than 0.44 to obtain the effect of maintaining the head center of gravity 2500 closer to the head sole portion 1130. can. In another example, the depth ratio defined by the ratio of mass center depth 2710 to head CG depth 2510 is less than 2.54 to prevent CG depth 2510 from becoming too shallow toward head front 1110. be able to. Some implementations are also possible where the head CG vertical distance 2530 can be less than about 28.5 mm, in which case the weight center vertical distance 2730 can be less than about 12.5 mm and/or the weight Center depth 2710 can be greater than about 99.7 mm.

In the same or other embodiments, the mass distribution within the golf club head 1000 is configured to provide the first, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth optimized characteristics discussed above. can be further adjusted to configure For such purposes, golf club head 1000 may include one or more weight members composed of adhesive material distributed near head sole portion 1130 . One or more weight members can be disposed on the inner surface of the head sole portion 1130 . In some configurations, one or more weight members can be designed and/or positioned to meet the constraints imposed by relationships 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5, thereby , the face height or face size of the striking face 1210, the head volume 2600 of the golf club head 1000, the location of the center of gravity 2500 and/or the various moments of inertia.

In some examples, each of the one or more weight members can include a mass of about 2 grams to about 50 grams and/or a volume of about 1 cc to about 30 cc. In some configurations, one or more of the weight members can include an adhesive such as an acrylic or epoxy adhesive. One or more of the weight members may optionally be constructed from a mixture of adhesive and metal powder. Alternatively, one or more weight members may comprise a combination of adhesive and one or more mass elements. Each of the one or more mass elements can weigh between about 0.5 grams and about 30 grams. In some examples, each of the one or more mass elements may comprise a metal, metal alloy, or some other material with high density.

Adjusting the mass distribution within the golf club head 1000 to configure the golf club head 1000 to exhibit the first, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth optimized characteristics discussed above. Additionally, one or more weight members can impart additional performance benefits to the golf club head 1000 . In some examples, the ability of the adhesive material comprising one or more of the weight members to maintain its cohesive or adhesive properties may result in a single loose piece within the club head 1000 during use of the golf club head 1000. It comes to adhere to the above weight member. In the same or other examples, one or more weight members disposed on the inner surface of head sole portion 1130 may provide vibration damping and/or sound wave damping during impact between golf club head 1000 and golf ball 2900. can be done. In the same or further examples, one or more weight members can be positioned on the inner surface of head sole portion 1130 in specific locations and in specific amounts, thereby increasing the weight of golf club 1000 during impact with golf ball 2900. Desired acoustic properties can be achieved.

(small area)
In some embodiments, by adjusting the mass distribution of the golf club head 1000 or the relationships between various elements of the golf club head 1000, the head CG depths described above, first, second, third, third The golf club head 1000 can be configured to exhibit the fourth and/or fifth optimized characteristics. For such purposes, golf club head 1000 may include one or more sub-regions located within various regions of club head 1000 . Club head 1000 may include narrow regions instead of or in addition to weight structure 2700 . The narrow regions increase the discretionary weight of the golf club head 1000, thereby positioning additional discretionary weight within the weight structure, on the inner or outer perimeter of the club head 1000, and/or in other areas of the club head 1000. can achieve the first, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth performance characteristics.

A narrow region can be positioned on any area of the club head 1000 . For example, the narrow regions can be positioned on one or more of head top 1120 , head sole portion 1130 , head heel portion 1140 , head toe portion 1150 , head back portion 2160 , or face portion 1200 .

In many embodiments, the strip regions have a thickness of less than about 0.020 inch. In other embodiments, the narrow region comprises a thickness of less than 0.025 inches, less than 0.020 inches, less than 0.015 inches, or less than 0.010 inches. For example, the subregions can be from about 0.010 to about 0.025 inches, from about 0.015 to about 0.020 inches, from about 0.016 to about 0.020 inches, from about 0.017 to about 0.020 inches, Or it can have a thickness of about 0.018 to about 0.020 inch.

In the illustrated embodiment, the narrow regions are variable in shape and position and cover approximately 25% of the surface area of club head 1000 . In other embodiments, the minor regions are about 20 to about 30%, about 15 to about 35%, about 15 to about 25%, about 10 to about 25%, about 15 to about 30% of the surface area of the club head 1000. , or about 20 to about 50% coverage. Further, in other embodiments, the minor regions are up to 5%, up to 10%, up to 15%, up to 20%, up to 25%, up to 30%, up to 35%, up to 40%, It can cover up to 45%, or up to 50%.

In many embodiments, a portion of the narrow area is positioned on head top 1120 such that approximately 51% of the surface area of head top 1120 comprises the narrow area. In other embodiments, up to 20%, up to 25%, up to 30%, up to 35%, up to 40%, up to 45%, up to 50%, up to 55%, up to 60%, up to 65%, At least a portion of the narrow regions can be positioned such that up to 70%, or up to 75% comprise the narrow regions. For example, in some embodiments, about 40-60% of the head top portion 1120 can comprise narrow areas. By way of further example, in other embodiments about 35-65%, about 30-70%, or about 25-75% of the head top portion 1120 can comprise narrow areas.

In many embodiments, a portion of the narrow region is positioned on head sole portion 1130 such that about 64% of the surface area of head sole portion 1130 comprises the narrow region. In other embodiments, up to 20%, up to 25%, up to 30%, up to 35%, up to 40%, up to 45%, up to 50%, up to 55%, up to 60%, up to 65% of the head sole portion 1130 , up to 70%, or up to 75% comprise the narrow area. For example, in some embodiments, about 40% to about 60% of the head sole portion 1130 can comprise narrow areas. By way of further example, in other embodiments, about 35 to about 65%, about 30 to about 70%, or about 25 to 75% of the head sole portion 1130 can comprise narrow areas.

In many embodiments, a club head 1000 with narrow areas can be manufactured using centrifugal casting. In other embodiments, portions of club head 1000 having narrow regions may be manufactured using other suitable methods such as stamping, forging, or machining. In embodiments in which the portion of club head 1000 having the narrowed region is manufactured using stamping, forging, or machining, that portion of club head 1000 may be coated with epoxy, tape, welds, mechanical fasteners, or other suitable fasteners. can be concatenated using any method.

(fixed weight)
In some embodiments, by adjusting the mass distribution of the golf club head 1000 or the relationships between various elements of the golf club head 1000, the head CG depth, head CG height, first, second , third, fourth and/or fifth optimized characteristics. For such purposes, the golf club head 1000 may include one or more fixed weights 3100 having a specific gravity greater than that of the body, as shown in FIGS. Club head 1000 may include one or more fixed weights 3100 instead of or in addition to weight structure 2700 . Additionally, club head 1000 may include one or more fixed weights 3100 instead of or in addition to narrow regions. Further, in embodiments in which the club head includes one or more fixed weights 3100 in addition to weight structure 2700, one or more fixed weights 3100 can be disposed within weight structure 2700, or one or more The fixed weight 3100 can be placed outside the weight structure 2700 or separately.

In these or other embodiments, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , one or more fixed weights 3100 are positioned on the sole of the club head near the edge 2162 of the head rear 2160 of the club head 1000 . For example, in many embodiments, one or more fixed weights 3100 are positioned within 1.0 inch of edge 2162 of head rear 2160 . In other embodiments, one or more fixed weights 3100 are 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 from edge 2162 of head rear 2160. , or within 2.0 inches.

Further, in these or other embodiments, the one or more fixed weights 3100 are greater than 3.75 inches, greater than 4.0 inches, greater than 4.25 inches, greater than 4.50 inches from the front surface 2280 of the club head 1000. They can be positioned a distance greater than an inch or greater than 4.75 inches apart. Further, in these or other embodiments, one or more fixed weights 3100 are greater than 1.5 inches, greater than 1.75 inches, greater than 2.0 inches, 2.25 inches from head CG 2500 of club 1000. They can be positioned a distance greater than an inch or greater than 2.5 inches apart.

Body 1100 of club head 1000 includes a first material. One or more fixed weights 3100 may be tungsten, gold, hafnium, iridium, mercury, neptunium, osmium, palladium, platinum, plutonium, protactinium, rhenium, rhodium, ruthenium, tantalum, uranium, or any other high density material. including a second high density material such as In many embodiments, the second material has a specific gravity greater than 12.0. In other embodiments, the second material is greater than 10.0, greater than 11.0, greater than 12.0, greater than 13.0, greater than 14.0, greater than 15.0, 16.0. It can have a specific gravity greater than 0, greater than 17.0, or greater than 18.0. For example, in some embodiments the second material has a specific gravity between 10.0 and 18.0, between 12.0 and 18.0, or between 14.0 and 18.0. can be done.

In many embodiments, one or more of fixed weights 3100 can include a mass greater than 12 grams. In other embodiments, one or more of the fixed weights 3100 can include a mass greater than 8 grams, greater than 9 grams, greater than 10 grams, greater than 11 grams, or greater than 12 grams.

In some embodiments, fixed weight 3100 may be integrally formed with the body of the club head by casting, co-molding, or any other suitable method. In other embodiments, the fixed weight 3100 is formed separately from the body of the club head and welded, brazed, glued (e.g., by sintering the fixed weight into a low density weldable material), glued (epoxy, etc.). , rivets, screws, or any other suitable method to the club head. In many embodiments, one or more fixed weights are permanently connected to the club head. In other embodiments, one or more fixed weights can be removably coupled to the club head.

(relative mass properties)
In the following, in order to achieve the head CG depth, head CG height, first, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth optimization characteristics described above, the golf club head 1000 mass property Various embodiments are described with respect to exemplary drivers, fairway woods, and hybrid golf club heads.

In many embodiments, the golf club head 1000 includes a first rear region that includes a portion of the rear end of the club head 1000 located within the last or last 20% of the length 2910 of the club head 1000. can be done. Additionally, golf club head 1000 may include a second trailing region that includes a portion of the trailing edge of club head 11000 located within the last or trailing 10% of length 2910 of club head 1000 . In these or other embodiments, the length 2910 of the club head 1000 is the maximum distance measured perpendicular to the front face 2280 from the face portion 1200 toward the back of the head 2160 from the leading edge 2912 to the rear end of the club head. .

The exemplary driver-style club head 1000 can have a volume greater than about 400cc and a golf club length greater than 44 inches. In other embodiments, an exemplary driver-type club head can include a volume greater than 400cc, greater than 410cc, greater than 420cc, greater than 430cc, greater than 440cc, or greater than 450cc. Furthermore, in other embodiments, exemplary driver-type club heads may include golf club lengths greater than 44 inches, greater than 45 inches, greater than 46 inches, or greater than 47 inches. Further, in other embodiments, exemplary driver-type club heads may include golf club lengths of between 44-48 inches, 45-48 inches, or 46-48 inches.

In many embodiments of the exemplary driver-type club head, the first material of body 1100 comprises a titanium alloy such as Ti-6-4 or Ti-9s. In other embodiments, the first material of body 1100 can include any suitable material having a specific gravity of less than 5.0. For example, the first material of body 1100 can include titanium, aluminum, barium, beryllium, scandium, strontium, or yttrium. In many embodiments of the exemplary driver-type club head, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight is less than about 0.4. In other embodiments of the exemplary driver-type club head, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight is less than about 0.6, less than about 0.5, about 0. can be less than 0.4, less than about 0.3, or less than about 0.2. Further, in other embodiments of the exemplary driver-type club head, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight is between about 0.35 and 0.45, about 0.45. It can range from 35 to 0.5, or from about 0.2 to 0.6.

In the illustrated embodiment of the exemplary driver-type club head, the first posterior region comprises approximately 20.6% of the total mass of club head 1000 . In other embodiments, the first posterior region of the driver-type club head 1000 is greater than 15%, greater than about 16%, greater than about 17%, greater than about 18%, about It can comprise greater than 19%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 22.5%, or greater than about 25%. Additionally, in other embodiments, the first posterior region of the driver-type club head is between 15-20%, between 17.5-25%, or between 20-30% of the total mass of the club head 1000. can be included in

In the illustrated embodiment of the exemplary driver-type club head, the second posterior region comprises approximately 10.0% of the total mass of club head 1000 . In other embodiments, the second posterior region of the driver-type club head 1000 is greater than about 5%, greater than about 6%, greater than about 7%, greater than about 8% of the total mass of the club head 1000; It can comprise greater than about 9%, greater than about 10%, greater than about 12.5%, or greater than about 15%. Additionally, in other embodiments, the second posterior region of the driver-type club head is between 5-10%, between 7.5-15%, or between 10-20% of the total mass of the club head 1000. can include

An exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head may have a volume of less than about 400cc and a golf club length of less than 44 inches. In other embodiments, exemplary fairway woods or hybrid club heads may include volumes of less than 420cc, less than 410cc, less than 400cc, less than 390cc, less than 380cc, or less than 370cc. In some embodiments of the exemplary fairway wood-type club head, the club head has a volume of about 300cc-400cc, about 325cc-400cc, about 350cc-400cc, about 250cc-400cc, about 250-350cc, or about 275cc. ~375 cc. In some embodiments of the exemplary hybrid club head, the club head may have a volume of about 100cc-150cc, about 75cc-150cc, about 100cc-125cc, or about 75cc-125cc. Furthermore, in other embodiments, exemplary fairway woods or hybrid club heads may include golf club lengths of less than 45 inches, less than 44 inches, less than 43 inches, or less than 42 inches. Further, in other embodiments, exemplary fairway woods or hybrid club heads may include golf club lengths of between 40-44 inches, 37-40 inches, or 35-40 cc inches. can.

In many embodiments of exemplary fairway woods or hybrid club heads, the first material of body 1100 comprises a steel alloy. In other embodiments, the first material of body 1100 can include any suitable material having a specific gravity of less than 10.0. For example, the first material of body 1100 may be titanium, aluminum, barium, bismuth, cadmium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, copper, dysprosium, europium, gadolinium, gallium, holmium, indium, iron, steel, steel alloys, lanthanum, Lutetium, neodymium, nickel, niobium, polonium, praseodymium, promethium, terbium, thulium, tin, vanadium, zinc, zirconium, beryllium, scandium, strontium, or yttrium can be included. In many embodiments of exemplary fairway woods or hybrid club heads, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight is less than about 0.8. In other embodiments of exemplary fairway woods or hybrid club heads, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight is less than about 0.9, less than about 0.8 , less than about 0.7, less than about 0.6, or less than about 0.5. Further, in other embodiments of the exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight is between about 0.7 and 0.85; It can range from about 0.7 to 0.9, or from about 0.3 to 0.9.

In embodiments of club head 1000 that include fairway wood-type club heads, the first posterior region comprises greater than about 13%, greater than about 14%, greater than about 15%, greater than about 16% of the total mass of club head 1000. greater than about 17%, greater than about 18%, greater than about 19%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 22.5%, including greater than about 25%. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the first region of the fairway wood-type club head is between 13-20%, between 17.5-25%, or between 20-30% of the total mass of the club head 1000. can be included in For example, in one fairway wood-type club head embodiment, the first posterior region comprises approximately 20.0% of the total mass of club head 1000 .

In the same or other embodiments of club head 1000, including fairway wood-type club heads, the second posterior region comprises greater than about 5%, greater than about 6%, greater than about 7% of the total mass of club head 1000. , greater than about 8%, greater than about 9%, greater than about 10%, greater than about 11%, greater than about 12%, greater than about 15%, greater than about 18%, greater than about 21% can be done. Further, in other embodiments, the second posterior region of the fairway wood-type club head is between 5-10%, between 7.5-15%, 12.5-20% of the total mass of the club head 1000 or between 17.5-25%. For example, in one fairway wood-type club head embodiment, the second posterior region comprises approximately 8% of the total mass of club head 1000 .

In embodiments of club head 1000 that include hybrid club heads, the first posterior region is greater than about 12.5%, greater than about 15%, greater than about 16%, greater than about 17% of the total mass of club head 1000. %, greater than about 18%, greater than about 19%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 22.5%, greater than about 25%. Further, in other embodiments, the first posterior region of the hybrid club head comprises between 12.5-20%, between 15-20%, 17.5-25% of the total mass of the club head 1000. between, or between 20-30%. For example, in one hybrid club head embodiment, the first posterior region comprises approximately 17.5% of the total mass of club head 1000 .

In the same or other embodiments of club head 1000, including hybrid club heads, the second posterior region is greater than about 3%, greater than about 4%, greater than about 5% of the total mass of club head 1000; greater than about 6%, greater than about 7%, greater than about 8%, greater than about 9%, greater than about 12%, and greater than about 15%. Further, in other embodiments, the second posterior region of the hybrid club head comprises between 3-7.5%, between 5-10%, 7.5-15% of the total mass of the club head 1000. between, or between 12-20%. For example, in one hybrid club head embodiment, the second posterior region comprises approximately 6% of the total mass of club head 1000 .

(crown angle)
In some embodiments, by adjusting the mass distribution of the golf club head 1000 or the relationships between various elements of the golf club head 1000, the head CG depth, head CG height, first, second , third, fourth and/or fifth optimized characteristics. For such purposes, the golf club head 1000 may include a steep crank angle 1660 near the central region of the club head 1000, the heel portion 1140, and/or the toe portion 1150. In many embodiments, steep crown angle 1660 can help lower head CG height 2510 and/or increase head CG depth 2520 .

Club head 1000 may include a steep crown angle 1660 instead of or in addition to weight structure 2700 . Additionally, the club head 1000 may include a steep crown angle 1660 instead of, or in addition to, a narrow region. Additionally, club head 1000 may include a steep crown angle 1660 instead of or in addition to one or more fixed weights 3100 .

A steep crown angle 1660 is defined for various points and axes on the upper and aft transition boundaries of the club head, as described below. Referring to FIG. 5, the upper transition boundary extends between the hitting face edge 1212 of the golf club head 1000 and the head upper portion 1120 from near the head heel portion 1140 to near the head toe portion 1150 . A striking face edge 1212 may be defined along a transition boundary, which is where the contour of the face portion 1200 leaves the roll radius and/or bulge radius of the striking face 1210 . The upper transition boundary includes upper transition boundary shape 1500 when viewed from a side cross-sectional view. In these embodiments, a cross-sectional side view of upper transition boundary shape 1500 may be cut along any point of club head 1000 from near head heel 1140 to near head toe 1150 .

Upper transition boundary shape 1500 includes upper radius of curvature 1515 . An upper radius of curvature 1515 is defined by a first upper transition point 1510 and a second upper transition point 1520 . The first upper transition point 1510 is positioned on the upper transition boundary (ie, on the striking face edge 1212) where the profile of the club head 1000 leaves the roll radius and/or bulge radius of the striking face 1210. A second upper transition point 1520 is positioned where the shape deviates from the upper radius of curvature 1515 along the upper transition boundary. A first upper radius of curvature 1515 extends from the first upper transition point 1510 to the second upper transition point 1520 .

5, in the illustrated embodiment, top radius of curvature 1515 is substantially constant from head heel portion 1140 to head toe portion 1150 of club head 1000 . In other embodiments, the upper radius of curvature 1515 may vary from heel 1140 to toe 1150 of club head 1000 . For example, the upper radius of curvature 1515 may be greater toward the head heel portion 1140 of the club head 1000, toward the head toe portion 1150 of the club head 1000, within the center of the club head 1000, or any combination of the above-described positions. can do. Top radius of curvature 1515 can vary from head heel 1140 to head toe 1150 according to any shape, such as a linear shape, a parabolic shape, a quadratic shape, an exponential shape, or any other shape.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper transition boundary shape 1500 has two transition points and one radius of curvature. In other embodiments, upper boundary transition shape 1500 may include any number of transition points and any number of radii of curvature. For example, upper transition boundary shape 1500 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or any number of transition points. can. For further examples, upper transition boundary shape 1500 may have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or any number of radii of curvature. can contain.

6, the rear transition boundary extends between head rear portion 2160 and head top portion 1120 of golf club head 1000 from near head heel portion 1140 to near head toe portion 1150. Referring to FIG. The aft transition boundary includes aft transition boundary shape 1600 when viewed from a side cross-sectional view. In these embodiments, a side cross-sectional view of the rear transition boundary shape 1600 may be cut along any point on the club head 1000 from near the head heel 1140 to near the head toe 1150 .

Aft transition shape 1600 further includes a posterior radius of curvature 1615 positioned between first posterior transition point 1610 and second posterior transition point 1620 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first aft transition point 1610 is located at the end of the head top 1120 near the head aft 2160, which is where the curvature of the head top 1120 diverges in cross-section. In the same or other embodiments, the first rear transition point 1610 can be located on the rear transition shape of the club head 1000 in cross-section, which is where the rear radius of curvature 1615 begins. A second aft transition point 1620 is located on the head aft portion 2160 of the club head 1000 in cross-section, where the posterior radius of curvature 1615 ends.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rear radius of curvature 1615 is substantially constant along the head rear portion 2160 of the golf club head 1000 from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150 . In other embodiments, the rear radius of curvature 1615 may vary along the head rear portion 2160 of the golf club head 1000 from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150 . The rear radius of curvature can be greater near the head heel portion 1140, near the head toe portion 1150, near the center of the golf club head 1000, or any combination of the above locations. For example, the rear radius of curvature 1615 may be greater near the head heel portion 1140 and head toe portion 1150 than within the center of the head rear portion 2160 of the golf club head 1000 . Back radius of curvature 1615 can vary from head heel 1140 to head toe 1150 according to any shape, such as a linear shape, a parabolic shape, a quadratic shape, an exponential shape, or any other shape.

In the illustrated embodiment, the posterior transition shape 1600 has two posterior transition points and one radius of curvature. In other embodiments, the posterior transition shape can include any number of posterior transition points and any number of radii of curvature. For example, posterior transition shape 1600 can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or any number of posterior transition points. . For further examples, the posterior transition shape 1600 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or any number of radii of curvature. can be done.

7, head upper portion 1120 of golf club head 1000 further includes crown axis 1650 when viewed from a side cross-sectional view. In these embodiments, the side cross-sectional view may be cut along any point of club head 1000 from near head heel 1140 to near head toe 1150 . Crown axis 1650 extends through second upper transition point 1520 and first rear transition point 1610 .

Crown axis 1650 intersects front surface 2280 at a point on the front surface of golf club head 1000 . Crown angle 1660 is defined as the acute angle between crown axis 1650 and front surface 2280 . The crown angle 1660 can be variable if the side sectional views are cut at various locations relative to the head heel portion 1140 and/or the head toe portion 1150 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the crown angle 1660 near the head toe portion 1150 is approximately 72.25 degrees, the crown angle 1660 near the head heel portion 1140 is approximately 64.5 degrees, and the crown angle 1660 near the center of the golf club head 1000 is approximately 72.25 degrees. The crown angle 1660 of is approximately 64.2 degrees. In other embodiments, crown angle 1660 near head toe portion 1150 of club head 1000 is less than about 79 degrees, less than about 78 degrees, less than about 77 degrees, less than about 76 degrees, less than about 75 degrees, less than about 74 degrees, It can be less than about 73 degrees, less than about 72 degrees, less than about 71 degrees, less than about 70 degrees, less than about 69 degrees, or less than about 68 degrees. For example, the crown angle 1660 measured in a side cross-sectional view of the club head cut through a point positioned about 1.0 inch off the toe of the head from the geometric center of the hitting face is less than 79 degrees, 78 degrees. less than 77 degrees, less than 76 degrees, less than 75 degrees, less than 74 degrees, less than 73 degrees, less than 72 degrees, less than 71 degrees, less than 70 degrees, less than 69 degrees, or less than 68 degrees.

In some embodiments, crown angle 1660 near head heel 1140 is less than about 70 degrees, less than about 69 degrees, less than about 68 degrees, less than about 67 degrees, less than about 66 degrees, less than about 65 degrees, about It can be less than 64 degrees, less than about 63 degrees, less than about 62 degrees, less than about 61 degrees, less than about 60 degrees, less than about 59 degrees. For example, the crown angle 1660 measured in a side cross-sectional view of the club head cut through a point positioned about 1.0 inch off the head heel portion 1140 from the geometric center of the striking face is less than about 70 degrees. , less than about 69 degrees, less than about 68 degrees, less than about 67 degrees, less than about 66 degrees, less than about 65 degrees, less than about 64 degrees, less than about 63 degrees, less than about 62 degrees, less than about 61 degrees, less than about 60 degrees , less than about 59 degrees.

In some embodiments, the crown angle 1660 near the center of the club head 1000 is less than about 70 degrees, less than about 69 degrees, less than about 68 degrees, less than about 67 degrees, less than about 66 degrees, less than about 65 degrees, less than about It can be less than 64 degrees, less than about 63 degrees, less than about 62 degrees, less than about 61 degrees, less than about 60 degrees, less than about 59 degrees. For example, the crown angle 1660 measured in a side cross-sectional view of the club head cut through the geometric center of the striking face is less than about 70 degrees, less than about 69 degrees, less than about 68 degrees, less than about 67 degrees, less than about It can be less than 66 degrees, less than about 65 degrees, less than about 64 degrees, less than about 63 degrees, less than about 62 degrees, less than about 61 degrees, less than about 60 degrees, less than about 59 degrees.

In many embodiments, reducing the crown angle 1660 relative to existing club heads creates a steeper head top 1120 or a head top 1120 positioned closer to the ground. Therefore, the reduced crown angle 1660 can result in a lower head CG position.

In some embodiments, reducing crown angle 1660 to create a steeper head top 1120 and lower head CG location may result in an undesirable increase in aerodynamic drag. To prevent the increased drag associated with a steeper head top 1120, the maximum head top height 1670 can be increased. Referring again to FIG. 7, maximum head top height 1670 is defined as the maximum distance between head top 1120 and crown axis 1650 taken in any cross-sectional side view. In many embodiments, a greater head top height 1670 results in a greater curvature of the head top 1120 . As the curvature in the head upper portion 1120 increases, the location of airflow separation during the swing moves further back on the club head 1000 . In other words, the greater curvature allows the airflow to remain attached to the club head 1000 for a longer distance across the head top 1120 when swinging the club. Moving the airflow separation point later on the golf club head 1000 can result in less drag and higher club head speeds.

In some embodiments, the maximum head top height 1670 can be approximately 16.5 mm (or approximately 0.65 inches). In other embodiments, the maximum head top height 1670 is greater than about 5 mm, greater than about 7.5 mm, greater than about 10 mm, greater than about 12.5 mm, greater than about 15 mm, about 17 mm. It can be greater than .5 mm, greater than about 20 mm, greater than about 22.5 mm, or greater than about 25 mm. Additionally, in other embodiments, the maximum head top height 1670 can be in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, 10 mm to 20 mm, or 15 mm to 25 mm.
(Method of manufacturing a club head)
FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart of a method 4000 that can be used to provide, form and/or manufacture a golf club head in accordance with the present disclosure. In some examples, the golf club head can be similar to golf club head 1000 (FIGS. 1-3) presented above.

Method 4000 includes block 4100 of providing a head body of a golf club head including a head front. In some examples, the head body can be similar to head body 1100 (FIGS. 1-3) and the head front can be similar to head front 1110 (FIGS. 1-3).

Block 4200 of method 4000 includes connecting a face portion to a head front, which includes a striking face of increased face size. In some examples, the face portion can be similar to face portion 1200 (FIGS. 1-2), but includes a striking face 1210 having an increased face size (described above with respect to the face portion). . For example, increasing the face size of the hitting face may allow the face height to be up to about 71 mm in some instances.

The method 4000 can include block 4300 of configuring the golf club head to have a first optimized characteristic, where the CG height between the golf club head's center of gravity and the golf club head's depth plane is , from about 0 mm to about 5.08 mm (or 0.200 inches). In some examples, the first optimization characteristic may be similar to that described above with respect to Relationship 1 that balances the face height or face size of the golf club head with respect to the center of gravity. In some examples, CG height may be similar to CG height 2520 (FIG. 2), center of gravity may be similar to head center of gravity 2500 (FIG. 2), and head depth plane may be similar to head depth plane 2310 (FIG. 2). 2) can be the same.

It is also possible that the method 4000 includes a block 4400 that configures the golf club head to have the second optimized characteristic, in which case (a) 76.2 mm (or about 3.0 inches) ) minus the face height and (b) the CG depth between the hitting face center point and the center of gravity is less than 0.56. In some examples, the second optimization characteristic may be similar to that described above with respect to Relationship 2, which balances the face height or face size of the golf club head against the depth of the center of gravity. For example, face height can be similar to face height 1213 and CG depth can be similar to CG depth 2510 .

In some examples, the method 4000 can include block 4500 configuring the golf club head to have a third optimized characteristic, where the amount of head volume plus the CG depth and CG height When the ratio is added, it becomes 425 or more. In some implementations, the third optimization characteristic can be similar to that described above for relationship 3, which balances head volume with respect to center of gravity position. For example, the size of the head volume can be similar to the size of the head volume 2600 (FIG. 2), the CG depth can be similar to the CG depth 2510, and the CG height can be similar to the CG It can be similar to height 2520 .

Method 4000 may include method 4600 in some embodiments of configuring a golf club head to have a fourth optimized characteristic, where the golf club head's horizontal moment of inertia is equal to its hosel moment of inertia is 39% or more of In some implementations, the fourth optimization characteristic can be similar to that described above with respect to relationship 4 that balances horizontal MOI 1811 with respect to hosel MOI 1711 (FIG. 1). In the same or other examples, the horizontal moment of inertia magnitude can be similar to that described above for horizontal MOI 1811 . Additionally, the magnitude of the hosel moment of inertia can be similar to that described above with respect to hosel MOI 1711 . Examples are also possible where the horizontal moment of inertia and/or the hosel moment of inertia can be balanced against other characteristics (such as against the vertical moment of inertia of the golf club head).

Block 4700 of method 4000 may be implemented in some implementations of configuring a golf club head to have a fifth optimized characteristic, where the golf club head's vertical moment of inertia is equal to its hosel inertia 59% or more of the moment. In some implementations, the fifth optimization characteristic can be similar to that described above with respect to relationship 5 balancing vertical MOI 1611 with respect to hosel MOI 1711 (FIG. 1). In the same or other examples, the vertical moment of inertia magnitude can be similar to that described above for vertical MOI 1611 . Additionally, the magnitude of the hosel moment of inertia can be similar to that described above with respect to hosel MOI 1711 . Examples are also possible where the vertical moment of inertia and/or the hosel moment of inertia can be balanced against other features (such as against the horizontal moment of inertia of block 4500).

In this example, method 4000 also includes block 4800 that provides a mass repositioning mechanism to adjust the center of gravity of the golf club head. In some examples, the mass repositioning mechanism can be configured such that the golf club head can achieve the requirements of block 4300, block 4400, block 4500, block 4600 and/or block 4700 of method 4000. The mass relocating mechanism can comprise a weight structure, such as weight structure 2700 (FIGS. 2-3), to position the center of gravity near the sole and/or rear portion of the golf club head, if desired. Position can be adjusted. In the same or other embodiments, the mass redistribution mechanism can reduce the thickness of the face portion of the golf club head, but at the back of the hitting face and/or the golf club, if desired. One or more reinforcing structures may be used to reinforce the face portion of the golf club head, such as at the junction of the face portion of the head and the head body.

In some examples, one or more of the different blocks of method 4000 may be combined into one block or performed concurrently and/or the order of each such block may be changed. For example, blocks 4100 and 4200 may be combined in some embodiments (such as when the face portion and at least a portion of the head body are constructed from a single piece of material). In the same or other examples, block 4800 may be combined with one or more of block 4100, block 4300, block 4400, block 4500, block 4600 and/or block 4700, such as using the mass repositioning mechanism of block 4800. and by adjusting one or more of the golf club head's center of gravity, face height, face size, head volume and/or moment of inertia. In the same or other examples, a portion of each block of method 4000 can be subdivided into several sub-blocks. For example, block 4100 may be subdivided into a number of sub-blocks providing different portions of the head body of the golf club head. There are also possible examples where the method 4000 can include additional or different blocks. As an example, method 4000 may include another block that provides or couples the golf club shaft to the head body of block 4100 . Additionally, it may be an example that the method 4100 may include only a portion of each block described above. For example, one or more of blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600 and/or 4700 may be optional in some implementations and/or blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600 and/or Alternatively, block 4800 may be omitted if not necessary to achieve the requirements of block 4700. Other variations may be implemented to method 4000 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Although a golf club head with optimized characteristics and related methods have been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various changes can be made without departing from the concept or scope of the disclosure. is possible. For example, although the above examples may be described in relation to driver-type golf clubs, the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be applied to other types of golf clubs (fairway wood-type golf clubs). golf clubs, hybrid type golf clubs, iron type golf clubs, wedge type golf clubs, putter type golf clubs, etc.). Alternatively, the devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment (hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, etc.).

Further examples of these modifications and others have been given in the description above. Other permutations of various embodiments having one or more features of various features are also contemplated. Accordingly, the specification, claims, and drawings herein are intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of this application shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

The golf club heads with optimized properties and related methods described herein may be embodied in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive of all possible embodiments. does not represent a complete description of Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.

Replacement of one or more of the claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that give rise to or make more apparent the benefits, advantages, or solutions may not be material, necessary, or essential to some or all of the claims. should not be construed as a required or essential feature or element, except where such benefit, advantage, solution, or element is expressly recited in such claim.

As the rules of golf may change from time to time (e.g., by golf standards bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and/or golf governing bodies such as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A)), New provisions may be adopted, and old rules may be repealed or changed), golf equipment with respect to the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may, at any particular time: It may or may not conform to the rules of golf. Accordingly, golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, marketed and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Moreover, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein may be subject to claims if the embodiments and/or limitations are (1) not expressly claimed in a claim and (2) a claim under the doctrine of equivalents. No equivalents, or potential equivalents, of the explicit elements and/or limitations therein are provided for public use under a doctrine of dedication.
The following items are claimed elements as originally filed:
(Item 1)
A golf club head,
a head body comprising a head interior bounded by a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head upper portion and a head sole portion;
a hitting face having a geometric center;
a head center of gravity having a head CG depth and a head CG height;
wherein the club head comprises a driver-shaped body;
the head CG height is from about 0 mm to about 5.08 mm;
the head CG depth is from about 41 mm to about 102 mm;
the golf club head has a head volume of about 420 cc to about 470 cc;
wherein the golf club head has a head weight of about 185 grams to about 225 grams;
more than 15% of the club head's mass is located within the trailing 20% of the length of the club head;
A golf club head wherein more than 5% of the mass of the club head is located within the trailing 10% of the length of the club head.
(Item 2)
Item 2. The golf club head of item 1, wherein more than 20% of the club head mass is located within the rearmost 20% of the club head length.
(Item 3)
Item 2. The golf club head of item 1, wherein more than 25% of the club head mass is located within the rearmost 20% of the club head length.
(Item 4)
Item 2. The golf club head of item 1, wherein more than 10% of the mass of the club head is located within the trailing 10% of the length of the club head.
(Item 5)
Item 2. The golf club head of item 1, wherein more than 15% of the club head's mass is located within the trailing 10% of the length of the club head.
(Item 6)
The golf club head further includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion of the head main body and the rear portion of the head, and disposed between the 5 o'clock line and the 8 o'clock line of the clock face. The weight structure having the weight structure center of gravity,
The clock face is
12 o'clock line,
3 o'clock line,
4 o'clock line,
5 o'clock line,
8 o'clock line, and
Equipped with a 9 o'clock line,
When the golf club head is at address viewed from the bottom surface of the golf club head, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the hitting face center point and is perpendicular to the front intersection line between the loft plane and the ground. and
said clock face being centered along said 12 o'clock line at a midpoint between the front end of said front head and the rear end of said rear head;
the three o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion;
Item 2. The golf club head of item 1, wherein the 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe portion.
(Item 7)
Item 7. The golf club head of item 6, wherein the weight structure protrudes at least partially from the outer contour of the head sole portion.
(Item 8)
2. Clause 1, wherein the golf club head further comprises one or more narrow regions positioned on the top of the head, the one or more narrow regions having a thickness of less than 0.020 inches. golf club head.
(Item 9)
The golf club head further includes a weight positioned within 1.0 inches of the rear head edge of the club head, the weight having a specific gravity greater than 10.0 and a mass greater than 10 grams. 2. The golf club head of item 1, comprising:
(Item 10)
10. The golf club head of item 9, wherein the weight is positioned more than 1.5 inches from the head center of gravity.
(Item 11)
the golf club head further comprising a crown angle;
said crown angle is less than 70 degrees when measured in a side cross-sectional view of said club head cut through said geometric center of said hitting face;
said crown angle when measured in a cross-sectional side view of said club head cut through a point located about 1.0 inch toward said head toe from said geometric center of said hitting face; is less than 79 degrees.
(Item 12)
A golf club head,
a head body comprising a head interior bounded by a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head upper portion and a head sole portion;
a hitting face having a geometric center;
a head center of gravity having a head CG depth and a head CG height;
wherein the club head comprises a driver-shaped body;
the CG height is from about 0 mm to about 12.8 mm;
the head CG depth is from about 35 mm to about 90 mm;
the golf club head has a head volume of about 300 cc to about 400 cc;
wherein the golf club head has a head weight of about 190 grams to about 240 grams;
more than 15% of the club head's mass is located within the trailing 20% of the length of the club head;
A golf club head wherein more than 5% of the mass of the club head is located within the trailing 10% of the length of the club head.
(Item 13)
13. The golf club head of item 12, wherein more than 20% of the club head mass is located within the rearmost 20% of the club head length.
(Item 14)
13. The golf club head of item 12, wherein more than 25% of the club head mass is located within the rearmost 20% of the club head length.
(Item 15)
13. The golf club head of item 12, wherein more than 10% of the mass of the club head is located within the trailing 10% of the length of the club head.
(Item 16)
13. The golf club head of item 12, wherein more than 15% of the mass of the club head is located within the trailing 10% of the length of the club head.
(Item 17)
The golf club head further includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion of the head main body and the rear portion of the head, and disposed between the 5 o'clock line and the 8 o'clock line of the clock face. The weight structure having the weight structure center of gravity,
The clock face is
12 o'clock line,
3 o'clock line,
4 o'clock line,
5 o'clock line,
8 o'clock line, and
Equipped with a 9 o'clock line,
When the golf club head is at address viewed from the bottom surface of the golf club head, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the hitting face center point and is perpendicular to the front intersection line between the loft surface and the ground. and
said clock face being centered along said 12 o'clock line at a midpoint between the front end of said front head and the rear end of said rear head;
the three o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion;
Item 13. The golf club head of item 12, wherein the 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe.
(Item 18)
Item 18. The golf club head of item 17, wherein the weight structure protrudes at least partially from the outer contour of the head sole portion.
(Item 19)
13. Clause 13, wherein the golf club head further comprises one or more narrow regions positioned on the top of the head, the one or more narrow regions having a thickness of less than 0.020 inches. golf club head.
(Item 20)
Item 13. The golf club head of item 12, wherein the golf club head further comprises a weight positioned within 1.0 inch of the rear head edge of the club head.

Claims (19)

A golf club head,
a head body comprising a head interior bounded by a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head upper portion and a head sole portion;
a hitting face having a geometric center;
a head center of gravity having a head CG depth and a head CG height;
wherein the club head comprises a driver-shaped body;
the head CG height is from 0 mm to 5.08 mm;
the head CG depth is from 41 mm to 102 mm;
the golf club head has a head volume of 420 cc (420 cubic centimeters) to 470 cc (470 cubic centimeters);
wherein the golf club head has a head weight of 185 grams to 225 grams;
more than 15% of the club head's mass is located within the trailing 20% of the length of the club head;
more than 5% of the club head's mass is located within the trailing 10% of the length of the club head ;
the golf club head further comprising a crown angle;
said crown angle is less than 70 degrees when measured in a side cross-sectional view of said club head cut through said geometric center of said hitting face;
When said crown angle is measured in a side sectional view of said club head cut through a point located 1.0 inch (2.54 cm) into said head toe from said geometric center of said hitting face; , the golf club head, wherein the crown angle is less than 79 degrees . 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein more than 20% of the club head's mass is located within the rearmost 20% of the club head's length. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein more than 25% of the club head mass is located within the rearmost 20% of the club head length. 4. The golf club head of any one of claims 1-3, wherein more than 10% of the mass of the club head is located within the rearmost 10% of the length of the club head. 4. The golf club head of any one of claims 1-3, wherein more than 15% of the mass of the club head is located within the rearmost 10% of the length of the club head. The golf club head further includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion of the head main body and the rear portion of the head, and disposed between the 5 o'clock line and the 8 o'clock line of the clock face. The weight structure having the weight structure center of gravity,
The clock face is
12 o'clock line,
3 o'clock line,
4 o'clock line,
5 o'clock line,
Equipped with an 8 o'clock line and a 9 o'clock line,
When the golf club head is at address viewed from the bottom surface of the golf club head, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the hitting face center point and is perpendicular to the front intersection line between the loft plane and the ground. and
said clock face being centered along said 12 o'clock line at a midpoint between the front end of said front head and the rear end of said rear head;
the three o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion;
6. The golf club head of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe. 7. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein the weight structure protrudes at least partially from the outer contour of the head sole portion. The golf club head further comprises one or more narrow regions positioned on the top of the head, the one or more narrow regions having a thickness of less than 0.020 inch (0.051 cm). 8. The golf club head of any one of claims 1-7. The golf club head further comprises a weight positioned within 1.0 inches (2.54 cm) of the head rear edge of the club head, having a specific gravity greater than 10.0 and a mass greater than 10 grams. 9. The golf club head of any one of claims 1-8, comprising the weight having a . 10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the weight is positioned more than 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) from the head center of gravity. A golf club head,
a head body comprising a head interior bounded by a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head upper portion and a head sole portion;
a hitting face having a geometric center;
a head center of gravity having a head CG depth and a head CG height;
wherein the club head comprises a fairway -shaped body;
The CG height is from 0 mm to 12.8 mm,
the head CG depth is from 35 mm to 90 mm;
The golf club head has a head volume of 300 cc (300 cubic centimeters) to 400 cc (400 cubic centimeters),
the golf club head has a head weight of 190 grams to 240 grams;
more than 15% of the club head's mass is located within the trailing 20% of the length of the club head;
more than 5% of the club head's mass is located within the trailing 10% of the length of the club head ;
the golf club head further comprising a crown angle;
said crown angle is less than 70 degrees when measured in a side cross-sectional view of said club head cut through said geometric center of said hitting face;
When said crown angle is measured in a side sectional view of said club head cut through a point located 1.0 inch (2.54 cm) into said head toe from said geometric center of said hitting face; , the golf club head, wherein the crown angle is less than 79 degrees . 12. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein more than 20% of the club head mass is located within the rearmost 20% of the club head length. 12. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein more than 25% of the club head mass is located within the rearmost 20% of the club head length. 14. The golf club head of any one of claims 11-13 , wherein more than 10% of the mass of the club head is located within the trailing 10% of the length of the club head. 14. The golf club head of any one of claims 11-13 , wherein more than 15% of the mass of the club head is located within the rearmost 10% of the length of the club head. The golf club head further includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion of the head main body and the rear portion of the head, and disposed between the 5 o'clock line and the 8 o'clock line of the clock face. The weight structure having the weight structure center of gravity,
The clock face is
12 o'clock line,
3 o'clock line,
4 o'clock line,
5 o'clock line,
Equipped with an 8 o'clock line and a 9 o'clock line,
When the golf club head is at address viewed from the bottom surface of the golf club head, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the hitting face center point and is perpendicular to the front intersection line between the loft plane and the ground. and
said clock face being centered along said 12 o'clock line at a midpoint between the front end of said front head and the rear end of said rear head;
the three o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion;
16. The golf club head of any one of Claims 11-15, wherein the 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe portion. 17. The golf club head of claim 16 , wherein the weight structure protrudes at least partially from the outer contour of the head sole portion. The golf club head further comprises one or more narrow regions positioned on the top of the head, the one or more narrow regions having a thickness of less than 0.020 inch (0.051 cm). 18. The golf club head of any one of claims 11-17 . 19. The golf club head of any one of Claims 11-18, further comprising a weight positioned within 1.0 inches (2.54 cm) of the rear head edge of the club head. A golf club head as described.

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