JP7121170B2 - Golf club head with optimized properties and related methods - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on March 14, 2013, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/804,859;
U.S. Patent Application No. 13/804,917, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on March 14, 2013;
This is an international patent application claiming the benefit of US patent application Ser.
The above disclosure is incorporated herein by reference as being 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 may be better understood by reading the following detailed description of example embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 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.
The same reference numbers in different drawings represent the same elements. In the present specification and claims, the terms "first,""second,""third,""fourth," etc. are used to distinguish between like elements where appropriate. 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. .
As used herein and in the claims, terms such as "left", "right", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "upper", "lower" are used where appropriate. are used to describe permanent relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such 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 "connect", "coupled", "link", "connect", 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.
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. 3 depicts 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;

In one example, a golf club head may comprise 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 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 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. 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 can include 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 include 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 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. 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 head volume being greater than 420, and 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. A front surface of the golf club head may 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 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 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 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. 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 orthogonal 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. 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 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 one embodiment, a method of providing a golf club head can include 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. . 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. A front surface of the golf club head may 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 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 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 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 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. A front surface of the golf club head may 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 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 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 can include 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 include connecting a face portion to the head front portion, the hitting 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 includes 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. A front surface of the golf club head may 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 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 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.

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 a 60 degree angle with ground 1010, and for the side view of golf club head 1000 (FIG. 2), hosel axis 1710 is at 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 that are 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 may 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 determined by 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 . 2 also includes a magnified 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, and head forward surface 1160 extending vertically. 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 a CG height axis 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.

Head center of gravity 2500 has 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, intersection point 2802 is defined by the intersection of ground surface 1010 and front surface 2280, where front surface 2280 extends through hitting face center point 1211 and is parallel to hosel axis 1710; 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.

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 relative 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 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.

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 some implementations, the second optimization characteristic may 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.

The golf club head 1000 may also have a third optimized characteristic regarding 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 a total 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 a 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 the golf club head 1000 can be configured to limit the shallowing of the CG depth 2510 toward the 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 40.64 mm or greater. In the same or other embodiments, the absolute value of CG height 2520 can be 2.54 mm or less. Note that in some embodiments, CG height 2520 is characterized as an absolute value, considering that head center of gravity 2500 can be above or below head depth plane 2310 . The third optimization characteristic has a lower bound of at least 425, although other embodiments are possible in which the third optimization characteristic can be defined for other lower bounds. For example, in some implementations, the third optimized property can include a lower bound of at least 435 or 445. 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 between about 0% and about 13% of the CG height axial length 2322 . In the above, 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 .

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, 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 the hosel MOI 1711 , the golf club head 1000 can be designed to limit the distance between the hosel axis 1710 and any additional or optional mass for the 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 . 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.

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 some examples, increasing the vertical MOI 1611 may cause the hitting face 1210 to move 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 limited. 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 causing golf club head 1000 to move 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.

In some implementations, by adjusting the mass distribution of the golf club head 1000 or the relationships between various elements of the golf club head 1000, the first, second, third, fourth and/or fourth The golf club head 1000 can be configured to exhibit 5 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 .

Plumb edge 2705 of plummet structure 2700 is located near 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 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 this clock face, the plumb rim 2705 is completely confined 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 3504 and the 9 o'clock 3509 lines 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, weight structure 2700 protrudes from the outer contour of head sole portion 1130 and thus is at least partially external, thereby allowing greater adjustment of head center of gravity 2500 .

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 stiffening 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.

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 may include block 4500 configuring the golf club head to have a third optimized characteristic, where the head volume magnitude is 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 relation 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 balancing 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 magnitude of the vertical moment of inertia 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 characteristics 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.

All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. As a result, replacement of one or more of the claimed elements constitutes a rearrangement rather than a correction. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. However, any benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, and any element or elements that can give rise to or make any benefit, advantage, or solution more apparent are not defined in any of the claims. or construed as essential, necessary, or essential features or elements to all unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly recited in such claims. should not.

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 relating 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 where 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 express elements and/or limitations therein are provided for public use under a doctrine of dedication.
The features of this embodiment are listed below.
(Feature 1)
A golf club head,
A head body including a hosel structure having a front head portion, a rear head portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion having a hosel axis. When,
a face portion at the front of the head, the face portion having a hitting face having a hitting face center point and a hitting face edge and a face height limited by the hitting face edge;
the center of gravity of the head,
at least one of the first performance characteristic or the second performance characteristic;
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 and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head. perpendicular to the vertical axis,
a loft surface of the golf club head is in contact with the hitting face center point;
a front surface of the golf club head extending parallel to the hosel axis through the hitting face center point;
a head depth plane extends 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 extends through the head center of gravity and perpendicularly intersects the head depth plane at a first intersection;
a head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point along the CG height axis;
The head CG depth of the center of gravity of the head is parallel to the ground between a second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground and a third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. and measured perpendicular to said front surface,
the face height is between about 33 mm and about 71 mm measured parallel to the loft plane;
the first performance characteristic has a head CG height of about 5.08 mm or less;
The golf club head, wherein the second performance characteristic has a CG performance ratio of 0.56 or less, determined by (a) subtracting the face height from 76.2 mm and (b) dividing by the head CG depth. .
(Feature 2)
The golf club head of Feature 1, wherein the golf club head comprises the first performance characteristic.
(Feature 3)
The golf club head of Feature 1 or Feature 2, wherein the golf club head comprises the second performance characteristic.
(Feature 4)
4. The golf club head of any one of features 1-3, wherein the striking face has an area of about 23.6 cm ² to about 45.2 cm ² .
(Feature 5)
The head main body includes a weight structure disposed near the sole portion and the rear portion of the head main body,
The weight structure is
increasing the face size of the hitting face as defined by the face height to provide a larger impact area and to transfer more energy to the golf ball at golf impact between the hitting face and the golf ball;
The increased face size limits the depth of the head CG from becoming shallower toward the front of the head, thereby reducing at least one of the dynamic loft of the striking face and the launch angle of the golf ball at the golf impact. improve the
The increased face size restricts the head CG height from rising toward the top of the head, thereby reducing the golf ball's height due to the gear effect between the striking face and the golf ball during the golf impact. 5. The golf club head of any one of features 1-4, wherein the golf club head reduces backspin.
(Feature 6)
The head main body includes a weight structure arranged near the head sole portion and the rear portion of the head,
the weight structure protrudes at least partially from the outer contour of the head sole portion;
5. The golf club head of any one of Features 1-4, wherein the weight structure has a weight mass of about 2 grams to about 50 grams and a weight volume of about 1 cubic centimeter to about 30 cubic centimeters.
(Feature 7)
The head main body includes a weight structure disposed near the sole portion and the rear portion of the head main body,
5. The golf club head of any one of features 1 through 4, wherein a weight distance between the head center of gravity and the weight center of the weight structure is between about 25 mm and about 102 mm.
(Feature 8)
The head main body has a weight center and includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion and the head rear portion,
an axis of weight center vertical distance extends between the weight center and the ground and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is at the address position;
Head CG vertical distance is measured between the head center of gravity and the ground along the head vertical axis;
a weight center vertical distance is measured between the head center of gravity and the ground along the weight center vertical distance axis;
5. The golf club head of any one of features 1 through 4, wherein a vertical distance ratio defined by dividing the weight center vertical distance by the head CG vertical distance is greater than 0.44.
(Feature 9)
The head main body has a weight center and includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion and the head rear portion,
an axis of weight center vertical distance extends between the weight center and the ground and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is at the address position;
the weight center depth of the weight center is between the second intersection point at the intersection between the front surface and the ground surface and the fourth intersection point at the intersection of the weight center vertical distance axis and the ground surface, said measured parallel to the ground,
5. The golf club head of any one of claims 1-4, wherein a depth ratio defined by dividing the weight center depth by the head CG depth is less than 2.54.
(Feature 10)
the face portion includes a striking plate, the striking plate being joined to the front portion of the head along a striking plate edge of the striking plate;
the striking plate edge defines at least a portion of the striking face edge of the striking face;
the hitting face edge includes a hitting face top and a hitting face bottom;
10. The golf club head of any one of Features 1-9, wherein the face height is measured from the bottom of the hitting face to the top of the hitting face.
(Feature 11)
further comprising a head front surface including the hitting face;
the striking face includes a vertical roll radius extending along the striking face and transverse to the striking face center point;
The striking face edge includes a striking face top edge at an upper transition boundary where the head forward face contour departs from the vertical roll radius and a lower transition where the face portion contour departs from the vertical roll radius. including the bottom edge of the hitting face at the boundary,
the face height is measured from the bottom of the hitting face to the top of the hitting face;
A golf club head according to any one of features 1 to 9.
(Feature 12)
12. The golf club head of any one of Features 1-11, wherein the head CG depth is from about 25 mm to about 102 mm.
(Feature 13)
13. The golf club head of any one of Features 1-12, wherein the head CG height is from about 0 mm to about 5.08 mm.
(Feature 14)
The head body is composed of a driver-type body,
The head CG height is about 0 mm to about 5.08 mm,
the head CG depth is about 25 mm to about 102 mm;
the golf club head has a head volume of about 420 cubic centimeters to about 470 cubic centimeters;
12. The golf club head of any one of Features 1-11, wherein the golf club head has a head weight of about 185 grams to about 225 grams.
(Feature 15)
12. The golf club head of any one of Features 1-11, wherein the head CG height is from about 0 mm to about 4.45 mm.
(Feature 16)
12. The golf club head of any one of Features 1-11, wherein the head CG height is from about 0 mm to about 3.81 mm.
(Feature 17)
A golf club head,
A head body including a hosel structure having a front head portion, a rear head portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion having a hosel axis. When,
a face portion coupled to the head front portion and including a hitting face having a hitting face center point, a hitting face edge, and a face height;
with a head center of gravity and
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 and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head. perpendicular to the vertical axis,
a loft surface of the golf club head is in contact with the hitting face center point;
a front surface of the golf club head extending parallel to the hosel axis through the hitting face center point;
a head depth plane extends 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 extends through the head center of gravity and perpendicularly intersects the head depth plane at a first intersection;
a head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point along the CG height axis;
The head CG depth of the center of gravity of the head is parallel to the ground between a second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground and a third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. and measured perpendicular to said front surface,
the face height defined by the striking face edge is between about 33 mm and about 71 mm measured parallel to the loft plane;
The CG performance ratio of (a) 76.2 mm minus the face height and (b) the head CG depth is 0.56 or less,
The head body is composed of a driver-type body,
the golf club head has a head volume of about 420 cubic centimeters to about 470 cubic centimeters;
a head weight of the golf club head is between about 185 grams and about 225 grams;
The head CG height is about 0 mm to about 3.18 mm,
the head CG depth is about 25 mm to about 102 mm;
A golf club head, wherein the head body includes a weight structure disposed near the sole portion and the rear portion of the head body.
(Feature 18)
The weight structure is
increasing the face size of the hitting face as defined by the face height to provide a larger impact area and to transfer more energy to the golf ball at golf impact between the hitting face and the golf ball;
The increased face size limits the depth of the head CG from becoming shallower toward the hitting face, thereby reducing at least one of the dynamic loft of the hitting face or the launch angle of the golf ball at the golf impact. improve,
The increased face size restricts the head CG height from rising toward the top of the head, thereby reducing the golf ball's height due to the gear effect between the striking face and the golf ball during the golf impact. 18. The golf club head of feature 17, which reduces backspin.
(Feature 19)
19. The golf club head of Feature 17 or Feature 18, wherein the weight distance between the head center of gravity and the weight center of the weight structure is between about 25 mm and about 102 mm.
(Feature 20)
A method of providing a golf club head, comprising:
A head body including a hosel structure having a front head portion, a rear head portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion having a hosel axis. to provide
connecting to the head front portion a face portion including a hitting face center point, a hitting face edge, and a face height limited by the hitting face edge; and a first portion of the golf club head. setting at least one of a performance characteristic 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. extending and perpendicular to the head vertical axis;
a loft surface of the golf club head is in contact with the hitting face center point;
a front surface of the golf club head extending parallel to the hosel axis through the hitting face center point;
a head depth plane extends 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 extends through the head center of gravity and perpendicularly intersects the head depth plane at a first intersection;
a head CG height of the golf club head is measured between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point along the CG height axis;
The head CG depth of the center of gravity of the head is parallel to the ground and between a second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground and a third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. Measured perpendicular to said front surface,
the face height is between about 33 mm and about 71 mm measured parallel to the loft plane;
the first performance characteristic has a head CG height of about 5.08 mm or less;
The method, wherein the second performance characteristic has a CG performance ratio of 0.56 or less determined by (a) subtracting the face height from 76.2 mm and (b) dividing by the head CG depth.
(Feature 21)
21. The method of Feature 20, wherein the golf club head comprises the first performance characteristic.
(Feature 22)
22. The method of feature 20 or feature 21, wherein the golf club head comprises the second performance characteristic.

Claims (19)

A golf club head,
A head body including a hosel structure having a front head portion, a rear head portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion having a hosel axis. When,
A face portion at the front of the head, comprising a hitting face center point, a hitting face edge, and a face height limited by the hitting face edge, wherein the hitting face center point is less than the face height. a face portion having the face height located at the midpoint;
the center of gravity of the head,
A weight structure disposed near the head sole portion and the head rear portion of the head body, the weight having a weight center and protruding at least partially from an outer contour of the head sole portion. comprising a struct and
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 and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head. perpendicular to the vertical axis,
a loft surface of the golf club head is in contact with the hitting face center point;
a front surface of the golf club head extending through the hitting face center point, parallel to the hosel axis, and perpendicular to the ground;
a head depth plane extends through the hitting face center point parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane;
a center-of-gravity height axis (CG height axis) extends through the head center-of-gravity and perpendicularly intersects the head depth plane at a first intersection;
a head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point along the CG height axis;
The head CG depth of the center of gravity of the head is parallel to the ground between a second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground and a third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. and measured perpendicular to said front surface,
The head CG depth is 25 mm to 102 mm,
the face height is between 33 mm and 71 mm measured parallel to the loft plane;
an axis of weight center vertical distance extends between the weight center and the ground and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is at the address position;
Head CG vertical distance is measured between the head center of gravity and the ground along the head vertical axis;
a weight center vertical distance is measured between the head center of gravity and the ground along the weight center vertical distance axis;
the weight center depth of the weight center is between the second intersection point at the intersection between the front surface and the ground surface and the fourth intersection point at the intersection of the weight center vertical distance axis and the ground surface, said measured parallel to the ground,
a depth ratio determined by dividing the weight center depth by the head CG depth is less than 2.54;
A golf club head having a vertical distance ratio greater than 0.44, defined by dividing said weight center vertical distance by said head CG vertical distance. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the head CG vertical distance is less than 28.5 mm. 3. The golf club head of claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight center vertical distance is less than 12.5 mm. 4. The golf club head of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the weight center depth is greater than 99.7 mm. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the head CG depth is between 30mm and 102mm. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the head CG depth is between 35 mm and 102 mm. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the head CG depth is between 42mm and 102mm. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the head CG depth is between 44mm and 102mm. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the absolute value of the head CG height is 5.08 mm or less. 10. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the head center of gravity is located between the head depth surface and the head sole portion. The CG performance ratio determined by (a) subtracting the face height from 76.2 mm and (b) dividing by the head CG depth is 0.56 or less.
A golf club head according to any one of claims 1-10. The clock face includes at least a 12 o'clock line, a 3 o'clock line, a 4 o'clock line, a 5 o'clock line, an 8 o'clock line and a 9 o'clock line,
Viewing the golf club head from below when the golf club head is at the address position relative to the ground, the twelve o'clock line is aligned with the hitting face center point and perpendicular to the frontal line of intersection between the grounds,
the clock face is centered along the 12 o'clock line at a midpoint between the front edge of the head front portion and the back edge of the head rear portion;
The 3 o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion,
The 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe portion,
an edge of the weight structure is at least partially bounded between the 4 o'clock and the 9 o'clock;
12. The golf club head of any one of claims 1 through 11, wherein the center of gravity of the weight structure is located between the 5 o'clock line and the 8 o'clock line. The head body is composed of a driver-type body,
The golf club head has a head volume of 420 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters,
The golf club head of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the golf club head has a head weight of between 185 grams and 225 grams. The golf club head of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the weight structure has a weight mass of 2 grams to 50 grams and a weight volume of 1 cubic centimeter to 30 cubic centimeters. A golf club head,
A head body including a hosel structure having a front head portion, a rear head portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion having a hosel axis. When,
A face portion at the front of the head, comprising a hitting face center point, a hitting face edge, and a face height limited by the hitting face edge, wherein the hitting face center point is less than the face height. a face portion having the face height located at the midpoint;
the center of gravity of the head,
A weight structure disposed near the head sole portion and the head rear portion of the head body, the weight having a weight center and protruding at least partially from an outer contour of the head sole portion. comprising a struct and
The golf club head has a head volume of 420 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters,
The golf club head has a head weight of 185 grams to 225 grams,
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 and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head. perpendicular to the vertical axis,
a loft surface of the golf club head is in contact with the hitting face center point;
a front surface of the golf club head extending through the hitting face center point, parallel to the hosel axis, and perpendicular to the ground;
a head depth plane extends through the hitting face center point parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane;
a center-of-gravity height axis (CG height axis) extends through the head center-of-gravity and perpendicularly intersects the head depth plane at a first intersection;
a head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point along the CG height axis;
The head CG depth of the center of gravity of the head is parallel to the ground between a second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground and a third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. and measured perpendicular to said front surface,
The head CG depth is 28 mm to 102 mm,
the face height is between 33 mm and 71 mm measured parallel to the loft plane;
an axis of weight center vertical distance extends between the weight center and the ground and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is at the address position;
Head CG vertical distance is measured between the head center of gravity and the ground along the head vertical axis;
a weight center vertical distance is measured between the head center of gravity and the ground along the weight center vertical distance axis;
the weight center depth of the weight center is between the second intersection point at the intersection between the front surface and the ground surface and the fourth intersection point at the intersection of the weight center vertical distance axis and the ground surface, said measured parallel to the ground,
a depth ratio determined by dividing the weight center depth by the head CG depth is less than 2.54;
A golf club head having a vertical distance ratio greater than 0.44, defined by dividing said weight center vertical distance by said head CG vertical distance. 16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the head CG vertical distance is less than 28.5 mm. 17. The golf club head of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the weight center vertical distance is less than 12.5 mm. 18. The golf club head of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the weight center depth is greater than 99.7 mm. 19. The golf club head of any one of claims 15-18, wherein the head CG depth is between 42mm and 102mm.

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