KR102483604B1 - Club heads having reinforced club head faces and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Some embodiments include a club head having a reinforced club head face. Other embodiments of related club heads and methods are also disclosed.

Description

CLUB HEADS HAVING REINFORCED CLUB HEAD FACES AND RELATED METHODS

cross reference

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/521,998, filed on June 19, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/359,450, filed on July 7, 2016. This application also claims priority to US patent application Ser. No. 15/628,639, filed on Jun. 20, 2017. All of the foregoing disclosures are fully incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

technology field

The present invention relates generally to sports equipment, and more specifically to golf club heads and related methods.

Various characteristics of a golf club can affect the performance of a golf club. For example, the center of gravity, moment of inertia and coefficient of restitution of a club head of a golf club are each characteristic of a golf club that can affect performance.

The center of gravity and the moment of inertia of the club head of a golf club are functions of the mass distribution of the club head. In particular, distributing the mass of the club head closer to the sole of the club head, further from the face of the club head and/or closer to the toe and heel ends of the club head You can change the center of gravity and/or moment of inertia of the club head. For example, distributing the club head's mass closer to the club head's sole and/or further from the club head's face can increase the flight angle of the club head and the golf ball hit. Meanwhile, increasing the flight angle of the golf ball may increase the travel distance of the golf ball. Additionally, distributing the mass of the club head closer to the toe and/or heel end of the club head can affect the moment of inertia of the club head which can alter the golf club's forgiveness.

Additionally, the coefficient of restitution of the club head of a golf club may be a function of at least the flexibility of the face of the club head. On the other hand, the flexibility of the face of the club head may be a function of the geometry of the face (eg height, width and/or thickness) and/or material properties of the face (eg Young's modulus). That is, maximizing the height and/or width of the face and/or minimizing the thickness and/or Young's modulus of the face can increase the flexibility of the face, thereby increasing the club head's coefficient of restitution; And increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club head of a golf club, which is essentially a measure of the efficiency of energy transfer from the club head to the golf ball, increases the golf ball's travel distance after impact, reduces the rotation of the golf ball, and/or reduces the rotation of the golf ball. Can increase ball speed.

However, while thinning the face of the club head can redistribute mass from the face to other parts of the club head and make the face more flexible, thinning the face of the club head can also lead to buckling and It can lead to increased bending in the face at the point of failure. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method for preventing the face of the club head from buckling when the face of the club head is thinned.

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following figures are provided.
1 shows a top, rear, toe side view of a club head according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows a top, front, heel side view of a club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
3 shows a conventional club head according to an embodiment.
4 is taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3 simulating the face surface of a conventional club head impacting a golf ball (not shown), in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3, where the resulting flex is tripled. A stress-strain analysis of a partial cross-sectional view of a conventional club head is shown.
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the club head taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
6 shows a top, rear, toe side view of a club head according to an embodiment.
7 shows a top, front, toe side view of a club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the club head taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2, according to another embodiment of FIG. 1;
Figure 9 shows a top, rear, heel side view of a club head according to the embodiment of Figure 8;
10 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of providing a golf club head.
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary act of providing a hardening device in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10 .
12 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a layer in a vibration damping configuration.
FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the club head taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
14 shows a front view of a golf club according to an embodiment.
15 shows a top, rear view of a club head according to an embodiment.
FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the club head taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 15, according to the embodiment of FIG. 15;
17 shows a cross-sectional view of a club head according to another embodiment.
18A shows a cross-sectional view of a club head according to another embodiment.
FIG. 18B shows a detail view in cross section of a club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 18A.
19 shows a cross-sectional view of a club head according to another embodiment.
20 is a rear view of the club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 19;
21 is a front view of a club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 19;
For purposes of simplification and clarity of illustration, the drawings illustrate a general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. In addition, constituent elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some components in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other components to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numbers in different drawings indicate like elements.
Terms such as "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" in the description and claims of the invention are used to distinguish similar elements, if any, from each other, but necessarily in a specific sequence or It is not used to describe the order of occurrence. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein may, for example, operate in an order different from that illustrated or otherwise described herein. Also, the terms “comprises” and “has” and any variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus comprising a list of elements necessarily includes those components. elements, but may include other components not expressly listed or unique to such process, method, system, article, device or apparatus.
The terms "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "above", "below", etc. in the description and claims are used for descriptive purposes, if any. and is not necessarily used to describe a permanent relative position. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein may, for example, operate in directions other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
The terms "couple", "coupled", "coupled", "coupled" and the like are to be understood broadly and refer to mechanically and/or otherwise connecting two or more components. Two or more mechanical components may be mechanically coupled together, but not electrically or otherwise coupled together. The binding may be for any length of time, eg permanent or semi-permanent or only temporary.
“Mechanical coupling” and the like are to be understood broadly and include all types of mechanical coupling.
The absence of the words "removably", "removable", etc. adjacent to the word "coupled", etc., does not imply that the coupling or the like in question is or is not removable.

Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head includes a top end and a bottom end opposite thereto, a front end and a rear end opposite thereto, and a toe end and a hill end opposite thereto. include The golf club head also includes a face component. A face component includes a face surface located at the forward end, the face surface including a face center and a face perimeter. The face component also includes a posterior surface located at the posterior end and generally opposite the face surface, the posterior surface including a posterior center and a posterior perimeter generally opposite the face center. The golf club head also includes a reinforcing device located on the rear surface. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis, and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the posterior center. Also, the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and is equidistant between the top and bottom ends; the y-axis extends through x through the top and bottom ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant between (i) the toe and heel ends and (ii) the top and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the stiffening device includes a stiffening component comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis, the stiffening component extending outwardly from the posterior surface towards the posterior end and away from the front end; The reinforcing component includes a looped rib. On the other hand, the face surface may be closer to the posterior surface near the center of the face than near the perimeter of the face.

Another embodiment includes a golf club head. In some embodiments, the golf club head includes an iron-type golf club head. The golf club head includes a top end and an opposing bottom end, a front end and an opposing rear end, and a toe end and an opposing heel end. The golf club head also includes a face component. The face component includes a face surface located at the front end, the face surface including a face center and a face periphery. The face component also includes a posterior surface located at the posterior end and generally opposite the face surface, the posterior surface including a posterior center and a posterior perimeter generally opposite the face center. The golf club head also includes a reinforcing device located on the rear surface. The golf club head also includes a perimeter wall component that (i) extends outwardly from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end, and (ii) extends entirely around the perimeter of the rear surface. The perimeter wall component includes a first perimeter wall portion extending along the perimeter of the posterior surface at its top end and a second perimeter wall portion extending along the perimeter of the posterior surface at its bottom end. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis, and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the posterior center. Also, the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and is equidistant between the top and bottom ends; the y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant between (i) the toe and heel ends and (ii) the top and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the stiffening device includes a stiffening component comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis, the stiffening component extending outwardly from the posterior surface towards the posterior end and away from the front end; The reinforcing component includes a closed circular loop rib. The golf club head also includes an iron-type golf club head, wherein a center thickness from face center to back center is less than or equal to about 0.203 centimeters, and at least a portion of the second peripheral wall portion is thinner than a face component adjacent to the face circumference. .

Some embodiments further include an insert that at least partially fills the cavity of the reinforcing component formed by the looped rib. In some embodiments, the cavity can be a central cavity. The central cavity may also be partially covered by a badge. The badge may be separate or integral with the insert. In other embodiments, the medium may be integral with the reinforcing component. The insert may be made of a lightweight material of about 3 g or less, and may not significantly affect the center of gravity of the swing of the golf club head. In an alternative embodiment, the insert may weigh more than 3 grams, such as between 5 grams and 10 grams, and contribute to the swing weight or center of gravity of the club head.

Additional embodiments include a vibration damping configuration disposed on the back surface of the golf club head to reduce noise, produce a more desirable sound, and reduce vibration of the golf club head. The vibration damping construction can be constructed of any material or composition capable of damping or canceling vibration, such as a damping foil, rubber, or pressure sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymer. The vibration damping arrangement is pressure sensitive and can reduce or eliminate vibration from the golf club head when striking a golf ball. The viscoelastic damping configuration provides the golf club head with a more desirable sound combined with obtaining better performance in the thin-face golf club head. The vibration damping configuration is at least partially applied to the back surface of the golf club head. Vibration damping arrangements may also be applied to stiffening components. Vibration damping arrangements may additionally be applied to all or part of the cavities of the reinforcing component. The cavity may be a central cavity. The central cavity of the posterior surface may also be partially covered by a vibration damping configuration. The central cavity may also be partially covered by the medium, and a vibration damping element may be placed beneath the medium.

A further embodiment includes a method of providing a golf club head. The method comprises: (i) a face surface located at a front end and comprising a face center and a face periphery; and (ii) providing a face component comprising a posterior surface located at a posterior end and generally opposite the face surface and including a posterior center and a posterior perimeter generally opposite the face center; and providing a reinforcing device to the posterior surface. In these embodiments, the golf club head includes a top end and an opposing bottom end, a front end and an opposing rear end, and a toe end and an opposing heel end. Also, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the posterior center. Also, the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and is equidistant between the top and bottom ends; the y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant between (i) the toe and heel ends and (ii) the top and rear ends. On the other hand, the reinforcement device includes a reinforcement component comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcement component extending outwardly from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcement component extending from the roof Including mold ribs. Also, the face surface may be closer to the posterior surface near the center of the face than near the perimeter of the face.

Some embodiments include golf clubs. A golf club includes a shaft and a golf club head coupled to the shaft. The golf club head includes a top end and an opposing bottom end, a front end and an opposing rear end, and a toe end and an opposing heel end. The golf club head also includes a face component. The face component includes a face surface located at the front end, the face surface including a face center and a face periphery. The face component also includes a posterior surface located at the posterior end and generally opposite the face surface, the posterior surface including a posterior center and a posterior perimeter generally opposite the face center. The golf club head also includes a reinforcing device located on the rear surface. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis, and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the posterior center. Also, the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and is equidistant between the top and bottom ends; the y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant between (i) the toe and heel ends and (ii) the top and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the stiffening device includes a stiffening component comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis, the stiffening component extending outwardly from the posterior surface towards the posterior end and away from the front end; The reinforcing component includes looped ribs. On the other hand, the face surface may be closer to the posterior surface near the center of the face than near the perimeter of the face.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a top, rear, toe side view of a club head 100 according to an embodiment. Meanwhile, FIG. 2 shows top, front, and heel side views of the club head 100 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 . Club head 100 is illustrative only and not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Club head 100 may be used in many other embodiments or examples not specifically shown or described herein.

Generally, club head 100 may include a golf club head. Golf club head 100 may be part of a corresponding golf club. For example, golf club 1400 ( FIG. 14 ) can include golf club head 100 coupled to shaft 1490 and grip 1495 . Additionally, the golf club head can be part of a set of golf club heads and/or the golf club can be part of a set of golf clubs. For example, club head 100 may include any suitable iron-type golf club head. In some embodiments, club head 100 may include a muscle-back iron-type golf club head or a cavity-back iron-type golf club head. Nonetheless, while club head 100 is generally described with reference to an iron-type golf club head, club head 100 may be used for example as a wood-type golf club head (e.g., driver club head, fairway wood club head). head, hybrid club head, etc.) or any other suitable type of golf club head such as a putter golf club head. In general, club head 100 may include any suitable material, but in many embodiments, club head 100 includes one or more metallic materials. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

For reference purposes, club head 100 has top end 101 and bottom end 102 opposite top end 101, front end 203 (FIG. 2) and rear opposite front end 203. end 104) (FIG. 2), and a toe end 105 and an opposing heel end 106. Club head 100 also includes an x-axis 107 , a y-axis 108 and a z-axis 109 .

On the other hand, the x-axis 107, y-axis 108 and z-axis 109 provide a Cartesian reference frame for the club head 100. Thus, the x-axis 107, y-axis 108 and z-axis 109 are perpendicular to each other. Also, the x-axis 107 extends through the toe end 105 and the heel end 106 and is equidistant between the top end 101 and the bottom end 102; y-axis 108 extends through top end 101 and bottom end 102 and is equidistant between toe end 105 and heel end 106; Z-axis 109 extends through front end 203 (FIG. 2) and back end 104, (i) between toe end 105 and heel end 106, and (ii) top end It is equidistant between (101) and the rear end (102).

The club head 100 includes a club head body 110 . The club head body 110 may be solid, hollow or partially hollow. If the club head body 110 is hollow and/or partially hollow, the club head body 110 may comprise a shell structure and may also be filled and/or partially filled with a filler different from the material of the shell structure. can For example, the filler may include plastic foam.

The club head body 110 includes a face component 111 and a strengthening device 112 . In many embodiments, the club head body 110 may include a perimeter wall component 113.

In many embodiments, face component 111 includes face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) and posterior surface 115 . On the other hand, face surface 214 (FIG. 2) includes face center 216 (FIG. 2) and face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2), and posterior surface 115 includes posterior center 118 and posterior perimeter ( 119). Face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) may refer to the striking face or striking plate of club head 100 and may be configured to impact a ball (not shown), such as a golf ball, for example. In many embodiments, face surface 214 (FIG. 2) may include one or more scoring lines 223 (FIG. 2).

In these or other embodiments, face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) may be located at the front end and posterior surface 115 may be located at rear end 104 . Also, posterior surface 115 may be generally opposite face surface 214 (FIG. 2); The posterior center 118 may be approximately opposite the face center 216 (FIG. 2); The back circumference 119 may be approximately opposite the face circumference 217 (FIG. 2). In general, in many examples, face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) may refer to the geometric center of face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ). Accordingly, in these or other examples, face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) is approximately equidistant between toe end 105 and heel end 106 and approximately equidistant between top end 101 and bottom end 102 . It can refer to locations on the equidistant face surface 214 (FIG. 2). In various examples, the face center is described in the American Golf Association: Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead, USGA-TPX 3004, Revision 1.0.0, p.6, May 1, 2008 (retrieved May 12, 2014 from http://www.usga.org/equipment/testing/protocols/Test-Protocols-For-Equipment), which is incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, in some examples, posterior center 118 may refer to the geometric center of posterior surface 115 .

For reference, the x-axis 107 and y-axis 108 may extend approximately parallel to the face surface 214 (FIG. 2), and the z-axis 109 may extend along the face surface 214 (FIG. 2). 2) can be extended approximately perpendicularly. On the other hand, each of the x-axis 107, y-axis 108 and z-axis 109 is a Cartesian frame of reference in which the posterior center 118 is provided by the x-axis 107, y-axis 108 may intersect the posterior center 118 to include the origin of

In various embodiments, scoring lines 223 ( FIG. 2 ) may each include one or more grooves and may extend between toe end 105 and heel end 106 . In these or other embodiments, scoring line 223 ( FIG. 2 ) may be approximately parallel to x-axis 107 .

In many embodiments, the reinforcing device 112 includes one or more reinforcing components 120 (eg, reinforcing components 121 ). The reinforcing device 112 and/or reinforcing component(s) 120 are located on the posterior surface 115 and from the posterior surface 115 towards the posterior end 104 and from the anterior end 203 (FIG. 2). extends far outward. In many embodiments, each reinforcing component of reinforcing component(s) 120 includes an outer perimeter surface and a geometric center. In these or other embodiments, the geometric center(s) of one or more reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, reinforcing component 121 ) may be located approximately on the z-axis 109 . For example, the reinforcing component 121 may include an outer circumferential surface 126 and a geometric center 130 .

The stiffening device 112 and the stiffening component(s) 120 are still face components, such as when the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) strikes a ball (eg, a golf ball). It is configured to stiffen face component 111 while allowing 111 to flex. As a result, the face component 111 allows the mass from the face component 111 to be redistributed to other parts of the club head 100 and the face component 111 without buckling and failing under the resulting flex. ) can be thinned to make it more flexible. Advantageously, face component 111 may be thinner when implemented with reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement component 120 than when implemented without reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement component(s) 120. Since there is, the center of gravity, the moment of inertia and the coefficient of restitution of the club head 100 can be changed to improve the performance characteristics of the club head 100. For example, implementation of the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening component(s) 120 may increase the launch angle of the golf ball (eg, by approximately 0.1 to 0.3 degrees) to the face surface 214 (Fig. 2), and increase the ball speed of the golf ball (e.g., by approximately 0.1 miles per hour (mph)) (by 0.161 kilometers per hour (kph)) by approximately 3.0 mph (4.83 kph). )) and/or decrease the rotation of the golf ball (eg, by approximately 1 to 500 rotations per minute). In these examples, stiffening device 112 and stiffening component(s) 120 may have an effect against some of the gearing on a golf ball provided by face surface 214 (FIG. 2).

A test of a golf club incorporating an embodiment of the golf club head 100 was performed. Overall, higher moments of inertia around the x-axis and/or y-axis, relative to the face of the golf club head, when compared to iron golf clubs with standard reinforced strikefaces and custom tuning ports. The test indicated by a tighter statistical area of golf ball impact on the golf ball showed more forgiveness. In some tests, the moment of inertia about the x-axis increases by about 2%, the moment of inertia about the y-axis increases by about 4%, and/or the statistical area of impact of a golf ball on the face of a golf club head was reduced by about 15 to 50%. Additionally, increased ball speed of the golf ball, higher launch angle of the golf ball, and/or reduced rotation of the golf ball have been found. As an example, in a test of an embodiment of golf club 100 on a 5 iron golf club, the golf ball's ball speed increased by about 1.5 mph (2.41 kph), the golf ball had a launch angle that was about 0.3 degree higher; It was found that the rotation of the golf ball decreased by about 250 revolutions per minute (rpm). In another example, in a test of an embodiment of the golf club 100 on a 7 iron golf club, the golf ball's ball speed increased by about 2.0 mph (3.22 kph), the golf ball experienced little launch angle change; It was found that the rotation of the golf ball was reduced by about 450 rpm. As a further example, in a test of an embodiment of golf club 100 on a wedge iron golf club, the golf ball's ball speed varied little, the golf ball had a launch angle about 0.1 degree higher, It was found that the rotation of the golf ball was reduced by about 200 rpm.

In particular, in many examples, face component 111 includes scoring line(s) 223 ( FIG. 2 ) and face component 111 can be used without implementation of reinforcing device 112 and reinforcing component 120 . When thinning, buckling and failure of the face component 111 occurs at the bottom of the scoring line 223, particularly at the face center ( 216) (FIG. 2) at the scoring line 223 (FIG. 2).

The club head 100 having the strengthening device 112 may also have a uniform transition thickness 550 ( FIG. 5 ) extending from the front end 203 to the bottom end 102 . The uniform transition thickness 550 absorbs stress directed to the area of the club head 100 with the reinforcement device 112 between the front end 203 and the bottom end 102 . The uniform transition thickness 550 may range from approximately 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75 or 0.80 inches.

With particular reference to the drawings, FIG. 3 illustrates a conventional club head 300 according to an embodiment. Club head 300 may be similar to club head 100 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), but unlike club head 100 , the rear surface 315 of face component 311 of club head 300 is reinforced. There are no devices and reinforcing components. Club head 300 includes one or more scoring lines 323 on face surface 314 of club head 300 . Posterior surface 315 may be similar to posterior surface 115 (FIG. 1); Face component 311 may be similar or identical to face component 111 (FIG. 1); Face surface 314 can be similar or identical to face surface 214 (FIG. 2) and/or scoring line(s) 323 can be similar or identical to scoring line 223 (FIG. 2). . Also, the missing reinforcement device can be similar to reinforcement device 112 (FIG. 1), and the missing reinforcement component(s) can be similar to reinforcement component(s) 120 (FIG. 1). On the other hand, FIG. 4 is the cross-sectional line of FIG. 3 simulating the face surface 314 of a club head 300 impacting a golf ball (not shown), in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3 , where the resulting flex is tripled. Stress-strain analysis of a partial cross-sectional view of club head 300 taken along 4-4 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 4 , face component 311 behaves similarly to a simple supported beam and thus includes a neutral axis 436 . The portion of face component 311 between face surface 314 and neutral axis 436 is in compression, and the portion of face component 311 between neutral axis 436 and posterior surface 315 is in tension. state Stress first builds up at the face surface 314 and back surface 315 and moves inward toward the neutral axis 436 . However, unlike simply supported beams, face component 311 also includes scoring line(s) 323 at portions of face component 311 that are in compression. When face component 311 bends too much, mechanical yield of face component 311 may be reached at the bottom of scoring line(s) 323 . If not for scoring line(s) 323, face component 311 would normally be expected to fail first at the portion of face component 311 that is under tension, but scoring line(s) 323 is in compression. The part of the face component 311 that is in the state first causes the occurrence of a failure. That is, face component 311 fails at scoring line(s) 323 before the rest of face component 311 has had a chance to reach a sufficiently high stress level to cause failure. An iron-type club head tends to be flat on the face surface 314, unlike a wood-type golf club head, which tends to be convex on the face surface 314, so the scoring line(s) 323 ) may be more prone to failure. As a result, when a wood-type golf club head is bent at face surface 314, face surface 314 may still flex slightly outward. On the other hand, when an iron-type golf club head is bent at face surface 314, face surface 314 may be bent into a concave shape that increases the degree of compression at the portion of face component 311 that is under compression. .

Referring now again to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the implementation of the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening component(s) 120 allows for increased overall flex in the face component 111 while scoring(s) 223 ) (FIG. 2), in particular those scoring line(s) of adjacent scoring line(s) 223 of face center 216 (FIG. 2), may enhance local bending. The stiffening device 112 and the stiffening component(s) 120 provide these benefits by increasing the local thickness of the face component 111, making the face component 111 stiffer and stiffer in their position. ) can be made harder. In effect, stiffening device 112 and stiffening component(s) 120 act to pull the neutral axis of face component 111 away from face surface 214 (FIG. 2) and closer to posterior surface 115. It is possible.

On the other hand, when the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement component(s) 120 are implemented as a closed structure (eg one or more looped ribs), such a closed structure is such that the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement component These benefits may be further provided by being able to resist deformation as a result of circumferential (ie, hoop) stress acting on (s) 120 . For example, the circumferential (i.e., hoop) stresses acting on the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening component(s) 120 are the opposite sides of the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening component(s) 120 relative to each other. can be prevented from rotating away from , thereby reducing bending.

In addition, the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening component(s) 120 absorb a substantial portion of the stress in the club head 100 upon impact, and thereby face component 111, face surface 214 and It prevents stress from being absorbed by other parts of the club head 100 upon impact, such as the rear surface 115. The directed stress towards the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement component(s) 120 is greater than that of a club head 300 without the reinforcement device and reinforcement components, or without or greater than the reinforcement component(s) 120. Improves the durability of the face component 111 and club head 100 compared to a club head with less strengthening device 112.

In implementations, the reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, the reinforcing component 121) may perform the intended function of the reinforcing device 112 and/or the reinforcing component(s) 120 as described above. may be embodied in any suitable shape (eg, polygonal, elliptical, circular, etc.) and/or in any suitable arrangement configured to perform. Further, when reinforcing component(s) 120 includes a plurality of reinforcing components, two or more reinforcing components of reinforcing component(s) 120 may be similar to one another and/or a reinforcing component Two or more reinforcing components of (s) 120 may be different from each other.

In some embodiments, reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, reinforcing component 121 ) may be symmetric about x-axis 107 and/or y-axis 108 . When reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, reinforcing component 121) is implemented in an elliptical shape, in many embodiments, the largest dimension (eg, major axis) of the reinforcing component(s) is may be parallel and/or co-linear with either the x-axis 107 or the y-axis 108 . However, in other embodiments, the largest dimension (eg, major axis) may be tilted with respect to the x-axis 107 and/or the y-axis 108 as desired. Further, in many embodiments, reinforcement component(s) 120 (eg, reinforcement component 121) can be centered on z-axis 109, although in some embodiments, one or more reinforcements Component(s) 120 (eg, reinforcing component 121) may include, for example, one or both of top end 101, bottom end 102, toe end 105, and heel end 106. It may be biased off center of the z-axis 109, such as being biased toward.

In many embodiments, each reinforcing component (eg, reinforcing component 121 ) of reinforcing component(s) 120 includes one or more looped ribs 127 (eg, looped rib 122 )) may be included. Specifically, the reinforcing component 121 may include a looped rib 122 . In these or other embodiments, when looped rib(s) 127 includes a plurality of looped ribs, looped rib 127 may have a point and/or axis (e.g., z-axis 109). ) may be concentric with each other. In other embodiments, when looped rib(s) 127 includes multiple looped ribs, two or more of looped rib(s) 127 may not be concentric. Also, in these or other embodiments, two or more of the looped rib(s) 127 may overlap. On the other hand, in these embodiments, looped rib 122 may include an elliptical looped rib, and in some of these embodiments, looped rib 122 may include a circular looped rib. As discussed above, implementing the reinforcing component(s) 120 as looped rib(s) 127 is the circumference provided by the closed structure of the looped rib(s) 127 (e.g., a hoop). ) can be advantageous because of stress. In many embodiments, one or more (or each) of the looped rib(s) 127 is a continuous closed loop.

In these or other embodiments, each looped rib of looped rib(s) 127 includes an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface. On the other hand, in these embodiments, the outer circumferential surface of each reinforcing component (eg, reinforcing component 121) is a looped rib corresponding to that reinforcing component (eg, looped rib 122). includes the outer circumferential surface of For example, looped rib 122 may include an outer circumferential surface 128 and an inner circumferential surface 129 . Additionally, the inner circumferential surface 129 can be steep and substantially perpendicular at rib height 540 (FIG. 13) to the posterior surface.

In some embodiments, one or more outer circumferential surface(s) of reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, outer circumferential surface 126 of reinforcing component 121) may be filleted with back surface 115. (fillet) can be. In these or other embodiments, one or more inner circumferential surfaces of looped rib(s) 127 (eg, inner circumferential surface 129 of looped rib 122) may be filleted with back surface 115. can Filleting the back surface 115 and the outer circumferential surface(s) of the reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, the outer circumferential surface 126 of the reinforcing component 121) ) 120 (eg, the outer circumferential surface 126 of the reinforcing component 121 ) to the posterior surface 115 . Additionally, filleting the back surface 115 and the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, the outer circumferential surface 126 of the reinforcing component 121 ) may direct the stress from impact to 120 and away from face surface 214 . On the other hand, the outer circumferential surface(s) of the reinforcing component(s) (eg, the outer circumferential surface 126 of the reinforcing component 121) or the inner circumferential surface(s) of the looped rib(s) 127 ) (eg, the inner circumferential surface 129 of the looped rib 122 may be filleted with the posterior surface 115 with a fillet 117 having a radius greater than or equal to about 0.012 centimeter. For example, in some embodiments, the fillets 117 of the posterior surface 115 and the outer circumferential surface 126 are between approximately 0.012 centimeters and approximately 2.0 centimeters, between approximately 0.50 centimeters and approximately 3.0 centimeters, or between approximately 1.0 centimeters and approximately 4.0 centimeters. It can be in the range of centimeters. For further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 117 of the posterior surface 115 and the inner circumferential surface 129 ranges from approximately 0.012 centimeters to approximately 2.0 centimeters, from approximately 0.50 centimeters to approximately 3.0 centimeters, or from approximately 1.0 centimeters to approximately 1.0 centimeters. It may be in the range of approximately 4.0 centimeters.

In some embodiments, the outer circumferential surface(s) of the reinforcing component(s) may be directly filleted with the back surface 115 . In these embodiments, the face thickness gradually decreases along fillet 117 from the face thickness at rib height 540 to the face thickness at back surface 115 .

In some embodiments, club head 100 may further include a lip 552 on rear surface 115 of club head 100 . 15-17 , in the illustrated embodiment, lip 552 extends from heel end 106 to toe end 105 around stiffening component 120 of club head 100 . In these or other embodiments, the fillet 117 on the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component 120 is such that the face thickness gradually increases along the fillet 117 from the face thickness at the rib height 540 to the minimum thickness 544. , and then transition to lip 552 to gradually increase from minimum thickness 544 to face thickness at lip height 554 . In these embodiments, the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing component 120 and the rib 552 may be greater than the center thickness 537, and the minimum thickness between the reinforcing component 120 and the rib 552 ( 544 may be approximately equal to center thickness 537 , or minimum thickness 544 between stiffening component 120 and rib 552 may be less than center thickness 537 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the minimum thickness 544 between the stiffening component 120 and the lip 552 is greater than the center thickness 537 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 , minimum thickness 544 between stiffening component 120 and rib 552 is approximately equal to center thickness 537 .

In many embodiments, the minimum thickness 544 between the stiffening component 120 and the lip 552 corresponds to faceplate flex and ball speed. As the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing component 120 and the lip 552 is reduced, the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component 120 is more capable of flexing during impact with a golf ball. Increased flexion of the outer circumferential surface of stiffening component 120 upon impact allows for increased faceplate deflection resulting in increased energy transfer to the golf ball and increased ball speed. For example, a golf club head 100 shown in FIG. 17 having an approximate center thickness 537 and a minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing component 120 and the rib 552 may be less than the center thickness 537. 15-16 with a large reinforcing component 120 and minimal thickness 544 between the ribs 552 results in higher ball speeds up to miles per hour (mph).

In some embodiments, when reinforcing component 121 includes looped rib 122 , looped rib 122 may include cavity 131 . In another embodiment, when reinforcing component 121 includes looped rib 122 , looped rib 122 does not include cavity 131 . In embodiments without cavity 131, center thickness 537 ( FIGS. 5 and 13 ) may be greater than in embodiments with cavity 131 , and looped ribs from face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) Rib height 542 (Figs. 5 and 13), which may be measured with the distal end of 122 (e.g., the combined distance of center thickness 537 (Fig. 5) and rib height 542 (Fig. 5). may be less than or equal to the face thickness in Cavity 131 is defined by inner circumferential surface 129 and posterior surface 115 . In some embodiments, cavity 131 may be a central cavity. In many embodiments, cavity 131 may be free of any contents, such as, for example, weighted inserts. In other embodiments, cavity 131 may contain an insert 805 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .

As discussed in some detail above, by implementing the strengthening device 112 and the strengthening component(s) 120, the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) proximate the face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2) (e.g. , it may be closer (ie, thinner) to the posterior surface 115 near (eg, there) face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) rather than there. In some embodiments, the portion of face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) proximate face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) bounds face surface center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) and the total surface area of face surface 214 A portion of the surface area of face surface 214 that represents about 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, or 20% of In these or other embodiments, a portion of the surface area of the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) may correspond to a portion of the surface area of the back surface 115 covered by the reinforcing component 121 . On the other hand, in some embodiments, a portion of face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) proximate face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ) is the area of face surface 214 bounded by face perimeter 217 and the face perimeter. 217 ( FIG. 2 ) may refer to an insert boundary located at about 0.10 cm, 0.20 cm, 0.25 cm, 0.50 cm, 1.00 cm, or 2.00 cm.

Referring momentarily to the drawings, FIGS. 5 and 13 show cross-sectional views of the club head 100 taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 . Club head 100 may include a center thickness 537 . Center thickness 537 may refer to the distance from face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) to back center 118 ( FIG. 1 ). In many embodiments, center thickness 537 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, center thickness 537 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In some embodiments, the center of reinforcing component 120 may be at least partially filled. For example, the center of stiffening component 120 may be filled with a damping material or vibration damping construction (eg, insert 805 (FIG. 8)) or other material. In many embodiments, center thickness 537 may be less than the face thickness at rib height 540 . In other embodiments, center thickness 537 may be approximately equal to the face thickness at rib height 540 . The face thickness of the rib height 540 may be the rib height 540 added to the center thickness 537 . In many embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120 may be greater than the center thickness 537 but less than the face thickness at the rib height 540 . In other embodiments, face thickness 542 may be equal to center thickness 537 .

In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be between about 0.30 cm and about 0.70 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be between about 0.30 cm and about 0.50 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be between about 0.40 cm and about 0.60 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be between about 0.50 cm and about 0.70 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be greater than 0.30 cm, greater than 0.40 cm, greater than 0.50 or greater than 0.60 cm.

In some embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120 can vary. 15-16 show a top portion 545 of the faceplate outside the reinforcing component 120 with a top thickness 546, and a bottom portion 547 of the faceplate outside the reinforcement component with a bottom thickness 548. shows In some embodiments, top thickness 546 can be equal to bottom thickness 548 (FIGS. 5 and 13). In these embodiments, center thickness 537 can be less than top thickness 546 and bottom thickness 548, and top thickness 546 and bottom thickness 548 can be less than face thickness at rib height 540. can In some embodiments, top thickness 546 can be different from bottom thickness 548 (FIGS. 15-16). For example, in some embodiments, center thickness 537 can be less than top thickness 546, top thickness 546 can be less than bottom thickness 548, and bottom thickness 548 can be rib height ( 540) may be thinner than the face thickness. For further example, in some embodiments, top thickness 546 can be less than center thickness 537, center thickness 537 can be less than bottom thickness 548, and bottom thickness 548 can be rib It may be less than the face thickness at height 540 .

In many embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, face thickness 542 outside reinforcing component 120 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In many embodiments, normal thickness 546 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, normal thickness 546 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In many embodiments, bottom thickness 548 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, bottom thickness 548 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm.

In many embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120 can be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.300 cm, and the center thickness 537 can be without the need for a backing material for support ( from about 0.150 cm to about 0.300 cm (without a filler material such as an elastomer located behind the faceplate). For example, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcement component 120 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm without having an elastomer or other flexible material disposed behind the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcement component 120. can be For a further example, center thickness 537 may be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.300 cm without having an elastomer or other flexible material positioned behind face center thickness 537 .

Typically, golf club head faceplates are designed to maximize ball speed (eg, by reducing faceplate thickness) for a particular swing speed requirement. In general, since the force at impact with the club head decreases with swing speed, the faceplate thickness may be reduced for lower swing speed durability requirements (e.g., for a female golf club head compared to a male golf club head). in). For example, a club head with a low swing speed durability requirement may have a low center thickness (537), a low face thickness at rib height (540), a low top thickness (546), a low bottom thickness (548), or a higher swing It may have any combination of the aforementioned reductions in thickness compared to a club head with speed durability requirements. In some embodiments, center thickness 537 can be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm, top thickness 546 can be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm, and bottom thickness 548 can be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm, and bottom thickness 548 can be from club head 100 Swing speeds less than 100 miles per hour (mph) (160.9 kilometers per hour (kph)), less than 90 mph (144.8 kph), less than 80 mph (128.7 kph), less than 70 mph (112.6 kph), or less than 60 mph (96.6 kph) to about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm. In some embodiments, center thickness 537 can be from about 0.200 cm to about 0.300 cm, top thickness 546 can be from about 0.200 cm to about 0.300 cm, and bottom thickness 548 can be from about 0.200 cm to about 0.300 cm. to withstand swing speeds of less than 130 mph (209.2 kph), less than 120 mph (193.1 kph), less than 110 mph (177.0 kph), less than 100 mph (160.9 kph) or less than 90 mph (144.8 kph) It may be approximately 0.300 cm.

In many embodiments, scoring line 223 may have a depth of about 0.030 cm to about 0.060 cm. In some embodiments, scoring line 223 may have a depth of less than 0.060 cm, less than 0.055 cm, less than 0.050 cm, less than 0.045 cm, less than 0.040 cm, or less than 0.035 cm. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 15-16, scoring line 223 has a depth of approximately 0.046 cm. As described herein, measurements for center thickness 537, face thickness 542 outside reinforcing component 120, top thickness 546, and bottom thickness 548 are the area of the faceplate where there is no scoring line. is determined in Thus, a faceplate thickness measured within scoring line 223 will be lower (by scoring line depth) than an associated faceplate thickness measured outside or adjacent scoring line 223 within the same region of the faceplate.

In some embodiments, the width of the ribs can vary through looped ribs 122 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) and/or inner circumferential surface 129 ( FIG. 1 ) may include a maximum rib span 538 . Maximum rib span 538 measured parallel to posterior surface 115 (FIG. 1) across from one side of inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1) to the opposite side of inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1). It can refer to the maximum distance reached. Thus, when looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) comprises an elliptical looped rib, maximum rib span 538 can refer to the long axis of inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1). Further, when looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) comprises a circular looped rib, maximum rib span 538 can refer to the diameter of inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1). In particular, in many embodiments, the maximum rib span 538 may be measured at the midpoint of the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, the maximum rib span 538 may be between about 0.609 cm and about 1.88 cm. In some embodiments, the maximum rib span 538 may be approximately 1.0 cm. In some embodiments, when maximum span 538 is too large (eg, greater than about 1.88 centimeters), looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) is the scoring line closest to face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ). 223 (FIG. 2) may be insufficient. On the other hand, in these or other embodiments, when maximum span 538 is too small (eg, less than approximately 0.609 centimeters), looped rib 122 scores the line closest to face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ). 223 (FIG. 2) may be insufficient. In general, these upper and lower limits on maximum rib span 538 may be a function of the size of face component 111 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, two or more ribs 621 and 641 may be present, for example as shown in FIG. 6 . In this case, the larger rib span or inner or outer diameter of rib 641 (FIG. 6) may be greater than 1.88 centimeters, and the smaller rib span or inner or outer diameter of rib 621 (FIG. 6) may be 0.609 centimeters. may be smaller than

Looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) may also include a rib thickness 539 . The rib thickness 539 is the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1) of the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) measured parallel to the posterior surface 115 (FIG. 1) and the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1). 1) may refer to the distance between the outer circumferential surfaces 128 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the thickness of the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) can vary across the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1), and the rib thickness 539 is the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1). may be the maximum rib thickness of In many embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be between about 0.050 cm and about 1.50 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 0.05 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be greater than or equal to about 0.25 centimeter. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be approximately 0.50 centimeter. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 0.75 centimeters. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be approximately 1.00 centimeters. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 1.25 centimeters. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 1.50 centimeters. In various embodiments, when looped rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) includes multiple looped ribs, two or more looped ribs of looped rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) are identical. rib thickness, and/or the two or more looped ribs of looped rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) can include different rib thicknesses. In particular, in many embodiments, rib span 539 may be measured at a midpoint of inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1) and/or outer circumferential surface 128 (FIG. 1).

Also, the looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) may include a rib height 540 . The rib height 540 is the center position of the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) furthest from the posterior surface 115 (FIG. 1) (i.e., the outer circumferential surface 128 (FIG. 1)). It may refer to the vertical distance to where it interfaces with the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1). In these or other embodiments, the rib height 540 may be approximately 0.3048 centimeters or greater. In some embodiments, rib height 540 may be between approximately 0.1778 cm and approximately 0.3048 cm. In some embodiments, rib height 540 may be approximately 0.17 cm, 0.20 cm, 0.23 cm, 0.26 cm, 0.29 cm, or 0.30 cm. In many embodiments, rib height 540 may be approximately 0.512 cm or less. In some embodiments, the height of looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) can vary through looped rib 122, and rib height 540 is the maximum rib height of looped rib 122 (FIG. 1). can In various embodiments, when looped rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) includes multiple looped ribs, two or more looped ribs of looped rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) are identical. rib height, and/or the two or more looped ribs of looped rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) can include different rib heights.

In many embodiments, center thickness 537 , maximum rib span 538 , rib thickness 539 , and/or rib height 540 may depend on one or more of each other. For example, center thickness 537 can be a function of rib thickness 539 and rib height 540 . That is, for an increase in rib thickness 539 and/or rib height 540 , center thickness 537 may decrease and vice versa. On the other hand, the rib thickness 539 and the rib height 540 may be dependent on each other. For example, increasing rib thickness 539 can cause rib height 540 to decrease, and vice versa.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in many embodiments, the perimeter wall component 113 can include a first perimeter wall portion 124 and a second perimeter wall portion 125 . The perimeter wall component 113 may (i) at least partially (eg, entirely) around the posterior perimeter 119 of the posterior surface 115 and (ii) extend from the posterior surface 115 to the posterior end 104 . outwards, and (iii) away from the front end 203 (FIG. 2). Meanwhile, the first circumferential wall portion 124 may extend along the rear circumference 119 of the rear surface 115 at the top end 101, and the second circumferential wall portion 125 may extend along the rear circumference 119 at the bottom end 102. It may extend along the rear perimeter 119 of 115. In many embodiments, the reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement component(s) 120 are located separate from and/or remote from the perimeter wall component 113 at the back surface 115 to provide reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement components. Element 120 floats on back surface 115 . By floating the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening component(s) 120, the face component 111 can be bent approximately symmetrically about the face center 216 (FIG. 2).

In many embodiments, the club head body 110 comprises (i) a first peripheral wall portion 124 and/or a top surface 132 at least partially at the top end 101, and/or (ii) a second peripheral wall portion 124. It includes a sole surface at least partially at the wall 125 and/or the bottom end 102 . Thus, in some embodiments, first perimeter wall portion 124 can include at least a portion of top surface 132; The second circumferential wall portion 125 may include at least a portion of the sole surface 133 . Additionally, top surface 132 may interface with face surface 214 (FIG. 2) at top end 101; The sole surface 133 may interface with the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) at the bottom end 102 .

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second perimeter wall portion 125 can be about the same thickness as or thinner than the face component 111 at and/or near the face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ). there is. For example, the second circumferential wall portion 125 may be formed at a portion of the second circumferential wall portion 125 proximate to the face circumference 217 (i.e., where the second circumferential wall portion 125 interfaces with the face component 111). may be the same thickness as or thinner than face component 111 at and/or near face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2). Applying this portion of the second circumferential wall portion 125 to the same thickness as or thinner than the face component 111 at and/or near the face circumference 217 (FIG. 2), the face surface It is possible to prevent a stress riser from being formed in the second peripheral wall portion 125 when 214 (FIG. 2) impacts a golf ball.

The posterior surface 115 includes a first posterior surface portion and a second posterior surface portion. The first rear surface portion may refer to the portion of the rear surface 115 covered by the perimeter wall component 113 and the second rear surface portion may refer to the remaining portion of the rear surface 115 . In many embodiments, reinforcing component 121 (eg, looped rib 122 ) covers at least about 25% of the surface area of the second posterior surface portion of posterior surface 115 , and/or posterior surface 115 . ) may cover up to about 40% of the surface area of the second rear surface portion of the ). In other embodiments, stiffening component 121 (eg, looped rib 122 ) may cover at least about 30% of the surface area of the second posterior surface portion of posterior surface 115 . In some embodiments, reinforcing component 121 (eg, looped rib 122) covers about 25%, 28%, 31%, 34% of the surface area of the second posterior surface portion of posterior surface 115. , can cover 37% or 40%.

The club head body 110 also includes a hosel 134 or any other suitable mechanism (eg, a bore) for receiving and coupling the club head 100 and/or a shaft to the club head body 110. can do. Other suitable instruments may be similar to hosel 134 in one or more respects.

On the other hand, generally speaking, hosel 134 may be located at or near heel end 106 . Although the shaft is not shown in the drawings, hosel 134 may be configured to receive (ie, through an opening in hosel 134 ) a shaft, such as a golf club shaft, for example. Accordingly, hosel 134 may receive the shaft and allow the shaft to be coupled to club head 100 and/or club head body 110 when hosel 134 receives the shaft.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the second perimeter wall portion 125 may include a weight cavity 135 . In these embodiments, the weight cavity 135 may be configured to receive weighted inserts that are either removable or permanent. The weighted insert may be positioned in the weight cavity 135 such that the weighted insert is positioned closer to the bottom end 102 of the club head 100 than the center of gravity of the club head 100. That is, the weighted insert may be positioned in the weight cavity 135 such that the center of gravity of the club head 100 is located closer to the top end 101 of the club head 100 than the weighted insert. The weighting insert may be configured to change the center of gravity of the club head 100.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 6 shows a top, rear, toe side view of a club head 600 according to an embodiment. Meanwhile, FIG. 7 shows a top, front, toe side view of club head 600 according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 .

Club head 600 may be similar or identical to club head 100 (FIG. 1). Accordingly, the club head 600 may include a strengthening device 612 , and the strengthening device 612 may include the strengthening component(s) 620 . Hardening device 612 may be similar or identical to hardening device 112 (FIG. 1); Reinforcement component(s) 620 may be similar or identical to reinforcement component(s) 120 (FIG. 1).

The reinforcing component(s) 620 may include a first reinforcing component 621 and a second reinforcing component 641 . The first reinforcing component 621 and/or the second reinforcing component 641 may each be similar to the first reinforcing component 121 (FIG. 1). Thus, the first reinforcing component 621 can include a first looped rib 622 and the second reinforcing component 641 can include a second looped rib 642 . First looped rib 622 and/or second looped rib 642 may each be similar to looped rib 122 (FIG. 1).

In these embodiments, the first reinforcing component 621 and/or the first looped rib 622 can include a circular looped rib, and the second reinforcing component 622 and/or the second looped rib. Rib 642 may include an elliptical looped rib. The second reinforcing component 622 and/or the second looped rib 642 may surround the first reinforcing component 621 and/or the first looped rib 622 . In many embodiments, the long axis of the elliptical looped ribs may be approximately parallel to the x-axis of club head 600 . The x-axis may be similar or identical to x-axis 107 (FIG. 1). In the same or different embodiments, the minor axis of the elliptical looped rib may be non-parallel to the y-axis of the club head 600 . The y-axis may be similar or identical to y-axis 108 (FIG. 1).

Club head 600 with strengthening device 612 may also have a uniform transition thickness 550 (not shown) extending from front end 203 to bottom end 102 . The uniform transition thickness 550 absorbs stress directed between the front end 203 and the bottom end 102 to the area of the club head 600 with the reinforcement device 612 . The uniform transition thickness 550 may range from about 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75 or 0.80 inches.

In another embodiment, FIG. 8 shows a side view of a club head 800 taken along section line 5-5 in FIG. 2, according to another embodiment of FIG. 1 . Club head 800 shown in FIG. 8 shows insert 805 in cavity 131 . FIG. 9 shows a top, rear, toe side view of a club head 800 according to the embodiment of FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, insert 805 may be a vibration damping configuration. Insert 805 may be a non-metallic material, an elastomeric material such as polyurethane, or another material such as foam. Insert 805 can be used to adjust the sound and feel of club head 800. By absorbing or dampening vibrations, insert 805 enhances the feel of club head 800. Additionally, the insert 805 absorbs the sound of a golf ball hitting the face, making the golf club 800 head feel less hollow and more soulful. In further embodiments, a medium (not shown) may at least partially cover cavity 131 . The medium may be separate from the insert 805 or may be integral with the insert 805 . In other embodiments, the badge may be integral with a reinforcement component, such as reinforcement component 120 (FIG. 1).

In some cases, the weight of the insert 805 may be less than about 3 grams so as not to significantly affect the swing weight or center of gravity of the club head 800 . In other embodiments, the weight of the insert 805 may be greater than about 3 grams, such as from about 5 grams to about 10 grams, and may contribute substantially to the swing weight and/or center of gravity of the club head 800 . In some embodiments, insert 805 may be adhered to cavity 131 using an epoxy adhesive, viscoelastic foam tape, vibration damping construction, or high strength tape such as 3M™ VHB ^™ tape. In other embodiments, insert 805 may be poured directly into cavity 131 and glued. The medium can be adhered with a similar adhesive. In some embodiments, insert 805 or badging can be flush with looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) at the top of rib height 540 or can be positioned below rib height 540 when fully assembled. there is.

In some embodiments, at least one vibration damping feature (eg, insert 805 (FIG. 8)) is disposed on a posterior surface 115 (FIG. 1) of a golf club head, such as golf club head 800. It can be. The vibration damping configuration may produce a more desirable sound from the golf club head 800 upon impact. The thin face component 111 (FIG. 1) of the golf club head 800 can cause an undesirable sound when striking a golf ball. The vibration damping configuration may reduce vibration leading to a more desirable sound upon impact by the thin face component 111 (FIG. 1). By providing more desirable noise, vibration damping components can increase user confidence during use. The vibration damping configuration may also reduce the vibrational impact felt by a user of the golf club when striking a golf ball. In addition, the vibration damping configuration may reduce vibration fatigue to reduce wear on the golf club 800 and various configurations such as but not limited to the cavity 131 or weight cavity 135 (FIG. 1). Reduced vibration fatigue may lower the risk of loosening or displacement of components, such as but not limited to insert 805 in cavity 131 or insert in weight cavity 135 (FIG. 1). Reduced vibration fatigue can extend the performance life of the golf club head 800.

As shown in FIG. 12 , in a further embodiment, the vibration damping arrangement may include at least one layer of viscoelastic damping material. The damping material may include a pressure sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymer and aluminum foil forming the damping foil 1202, such as 3M™ damping foil tape 2552. Damping foil 1202 may include an adhesive layer. In one embodiment, the vibration damping configuration comprises at least one viscoelastic adhesive layer 1203, which may include a composition of various layers of at least one epoxy adhesive layer, viscoelastic foam tape, and/or high-strength tape, such as 3M™ VHB™ tape. can include In some embodiments, the vibration damping construction may include various layer combinations of at least one of viscoelastic adhesive 1203 , damping foil 1202 , and/or badge 1201 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, a vibration damping configuration may be applied to a back surface 115 of a golf club head such as golf club head 800 ( FIG. 1 ) comprising a back surface material such as iron steel 1204. can be placed on top. In other embodiments, vibration damping components may be disposed in cavity 131 or on or below insert 805 of golf club head 800 . Vibration damping features can be located at various locations on the back surface 115 (FIG. 1) of the golf club head 800. Generally, the vibration damping feature is located at least partially below the profile of the badge on the posterior surface 115 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the vibration damping configuration is disposed under the entirety of the badge profile. In other embodiments, vibration damping features are disposed at least partially under only certain areas of the media profile, such as aluminum or elastomeric areas. The vibration damping element may be disposed under only at least a portion of the circumferential region of the badge profile. In some embodiments, the vibration damping element may be disposed at least partially in the cavity 131 of the golf club head 800. The vibration damping element may be disposed at least partially on or below the insert 805 within the cavity 131 . In many embodiments, the placement of the vibration damping feature on the golf club head 800 is at least partially below the badge, at least partially over the insert 805, at least partially in the weight cavity 135 (FIG. 1), and/or various combinations of foils disposed at least partially in cavity 131 . In some embodiments, vibration damping features will be disposed to cover at least 10% of the surface area of rear surface 115 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the vibration damping feature covers at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 of the surface area of the posterior surface 115. , can cover 95 or 100%.

Club head 800 with insert 805 can also have a uniform transition thickness 550 ( FIG. 8 ) extending from front end 203 to bottom end 102 . Uniform transition thickness 550 absorbs stress directed to the area of club head 800 with insert 805 between front end 203 and bottom end 102 . The uniform transition thickness 550 may range from about 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75 or 0.80 inches.

In another embodiment, FIG. 18A is a side cross-sectional view of a club head 900 . The club head 900 includes a top end 901, a bottom end 902, a toe end 905, a heel end 906, a front end 903, a back end 904 and a face component 911. It may be similar to the club head 100 having a club head body 910 that does. Face component 911 includes face surface 914 (i.e., striking face or striking plate) located on front end 903, and posterior surface 915 located on rear end 904, where Surface 915 includes posterior center 918 .

The top end 901 of the club head body 910 includes a top rail 924 extending in an arcuate fashion from the front end 903 toward the rear end 904 and the bottom end 902. Top rail 924 extends along top end 901 from toe end 905 to heel end 906 . A recess in the bend located between the back surface 915 of the face component 911 and the top rail 924 defines an undercut 950 . In many embodiments, undercut 950 extends along top rail 924 from toe end 905 to heel end 906 . In another embodiment, the undercut 950 is a portion of the toe end 905, a portion of the heel end 906, or a portion of the toe end 905 and a portion of the heel end 906 along top rail 924. Combinations can be extended. Undercut 950 may also be applied to club heads 300, 600 and 800.

The face component 911 further includes a strengthening device 912 similar to the strengthening devices 112 and 612 . Reinforcing device 912 is located on posterior surface 915 generally at posterior center 918 . Reinforcing device 912 extends from posterior surface 915 away from anterior end 903 . The reinforcing device 912 includes one or more reinforcing components 920 . In many embodiments, each reinforcing component of reinforcing component 920 includes an outer circumferential surface 926 , an inner circumferential surface 929 and a geometric center. Reinforcing component 920 may further include a looped rib 927 . In these or other embodiments, the geometric center(s) of one or more of the reinforcing components 920 may be at the posterior center 918 of the posterior surface 915 .

In some embodiments, looped rib 927 can include multiple looped ribs, where each looped rib 927 can be concentric with each other. In other embodiments, when looped rib 927 includes multiple looped ribs, two or more looped ribs 927 may not be concentric. Also, in these or other embodiments, two or more looped ribs 927 may overlap. Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the looped rib 927 may include an oval looped rib, and in other embodiments, the looped rib 927 may include a circular looped rib.

In an implementation, the reinforcing component(s) 920 and looped rib 927 are configured to perform the intended function of the reinforcing device 912 and/or the reinforcing component(s) 920 as described above. It may be embodied in any suitable shape (eg, polygonal, elliptical, circular, etc.) and/or in any suitable arrangement. Further, when reinforcing component(s) 920 includes a plurality of reinforcing components, two or more reinforcing components of reinforcing component(s) 920 may be similar to each other, and/or a reinforcing component ( s) 1520 may be different from each other.

In some embodiments, one or more outer perimeter surfaces 926 of reinforcing component 920 may be filleted with back surface 915 . In these or other embodiments, one or more inner circumferential surfaces 929 of the looped ribs 927 may be filleted with the posterior surface 915 . Filleting the back surface 915 and the outer circumferential surface 926 of the reinforcing component 920 may allow a smooth transition of the reinforcing component 920 to the back surface 915 . Additionally, filleting the back surface 915 and the outer perimeter surface 926 of the reinforcing component 920 may direct stress from impact away from the face surface 914 and into the reinforcing component 920. Meanwhile, the outer circumferential surface 926 of the reinforcing component 920 or the inner circumferential surface 929 of the looped rib 927 will be filleted with the rear surface 915 with a fillet 923 having a radius of approximately 0.012 centimeter or greater. can For example, in some embodiments, fillet 923 of posterior surface 915 and outer circumferential surface 926 is between approximately 0.012 centimeters and approximately 2.0 centimeters, between approximately 0.50 centimeters and approximately 3.0 centimeters, or between approximately 1.0 centimeters and approximately 4.0 centimeters. It can be in the range of centimeters. For further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 923 of the inner circumferential surface 929 to the posterior surface 915 is between approximately 0.012 centimeters and approximately 2.0 centimeters, between approximately 0.50 centimeters and approximately 3.0 centimeters, or between approximately 1.0 centimeters and approximately 1.0 centimeters. It may be in the range of approximately 4.0 centimeters.

In some embodiments, the outer perimeter surface 926 of the reinforcing component 920 may be filleted directly into the back surface 915 . In these embodiments, the face thickness gradually decreases from the face thickness at the apex of the reinforcing component 920 along the fillet 923 to the face thickness at the back surface 915 .

In some embodiments, club head 900 further includes a lip (not shown) on rear surface 915 of club head 900 similar to lip 552 as described above and in FIGS. 9-17. can do. The lip of the club head 900 may extend from the heel end 906 to the toe end 905 around the reinforcing component 920 of the club head 900 . In these or other embodiments, the fillet 923 on the outer circumferential surface 926 of the reinforcing component 920 is such that the face thickness is along the fillet 923 from the apex of the reinforcing component 920 to the lip and the reinforcing component. 920, and then transition to the rib gradually increasing from that minimum thickness to the apex of the rib. In these embodiments, the minimum thickness between the reinforcing component 920 and the rib can be greater than the thickness at face center 916, and the minimum thickness between the reinforcing component 920 and the lip can be greater than the thickness at face center 916. , or the minimum thickness between the stiffening component 920 and the lip can be less than the thickness at the center of the face 916 .

The bottom end 902 of the club head body 910 may further include a sole 961 , wherein the sole 961 includes an inner sole surface 962 . In addition, sole 961 may also be a feature in club heads 300, 600, and 800. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B , there is an inner radius transition 963 from the posterior surface 915 of the face component 911 to the inner sole surface 962 . Radius transition 963 may include a smooth transition or cascading sole 955 proximal to posterior surface 915 of face component 911 . As shown in FIG. 18B , stepped sole 955 includes a first layer 959 and a second layer 960, where first layer 959 is adjacent to front end 903 and second layer 959 is adjacent to front end 903. Layer 960 transitions from first layer 959 to second layer 959 adjacent rear end 904 . Also, the first layer 959 includes a thickness greater than that of the second layer 960 . Additional details of the stepped sole 955 are disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 14/920,280, entitled Golf Club Heads with Energy Storage Characteristics.

The undercut 950 increases the structural integrity of the face component 911 of the club head 900. More specifically, the location of the undercut allows for a larger distribution area of stress experienced by the face component 911 at the top end 901 during impact with the ball, where the stress travels along the top rail 924. Stress distribution in the top rail of top end 901 can prevent permanent deformation of face component 911 . Maintaining the structural integrity of the face component 911 allows the club head body 910 to produce consistent, optimal performance characteristics and feel, where performance (i.e., ball speed, ball trajectory) improves over time. And it does not degrade after multiple uses.

Also, the undercut 950 located just aft of the front end 903 on the top end 901 allows the face component 911 to have greater deflection during impact. The deflection of face component 911 affects the coefficient of restitution (COR) of club head 900 . COR measures the elasticity of an object upon impact and is the ratio of an object's final relative velocity to its initial relative velocity. A high COR results in increased ball speed and distance and a low COR results in decreased ball speed and distance. Thus, the undercut 950 of the club head 900 affects the distance and speed of the ball after impact. Since the undercut 950 increases the deflection of the face component 911, the distance and speed of the ball also increases.

Also, the undercut 950 allows for the removal of mass from the top end 901 of the club head. The removed mass can then be redistributed to other locations on the club head (eg, bottom end 902, toe end 905, heel end 906, or any combination thereof). The redistribution of mass provides the club head with higher performance characteristics such as increased moment of inertia (MOI) and ideal center of gravity (CG) placement. The increased MOI and ideal CG placement can also lead to increased ball speed as well as preventing rotation of the club head 900 from the toe end 905 to the heel end 906 during the swing. Preventing rotation of the club head 900 from the toe end 905 to the heel end 906 allows for better contact with the ball and a more ideal trajectory of the ball (i.e. straight line).

As discussed above, stiffening device 912 and stiffening component(s) 920 allow face component 911 to still bend, such as when face surface 914 impacts a golf ball, for example. It is configured to strengthen the face component 911. As a result, face component 911 is thinner allowing mass from face component 911 to be redistributed to other parts of club head 900 and without buckling and failure of the face component under resulting flex. (911) can be made more flexible. Advantageously, because face component 911 can be thinner when implemented with stiffening device 912 and stiffening component(s) 920, the center of gravity, moment of inertia and coefficient of restitution of club head 900 are reduced. is changed to improve the performance characteristics of the club head 900. For example, implementing the stiffening device 912 and the stiffening component(s) 920 may increase the launch angle, increase the ball speed, and/or reduce the rotation of the golf ball, thereby increasing the impact of the face surface 914 and The flying distance of the colliding golf ball can be increased. In these examples, the strengthening device 912 and the strengthening component(s) 920 may have the effect of counteracting some of the golf fancy gearing provided by the face surface 914 .

Reinforcement device 912 and reinforcement component(s) 920 may additionally provide stress reduction benefits when implemented as a closed structure (ie, looped rib 927), as such a closed structure is a reinforcement device. 912 and the reinforcing component(s) 920 to resist deformation as a result of circumferential (ie, hoop) stresses. For example, the circumferential (i.e., hoop) stress acting on the stiffening device 912 and the stiffening component(s) 920 is the opposite side of the stiffening device 912 and the stiffening component(s) 920 relative to each other. can be prevented from rotating away from, thereby reducing bending.

Stepped sole 955 allows some of the stress experienced by face component 911 near sole 961 to be distributed to first layer 959 and second layer 960 . The stress distribution into the first layer 959 and the second layer 960 of the stepped sole 955 prevents stress from collecting primarily in the thinnest area of the face component 911 near the sole 961 . The stress distribution in first layer 959 and second layer 960 of sole 961 can prevent permanent deformation and maintain the structural integrity of face component 911 . Thus, the face component 911 may create a more consistent performance and feel after multiple impacts of the ball.

19-21 show another embodiment of a club head 1500. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of club head 1500 , while FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of club head 1500 and FIG. 21 is a front view of club head 1500 . The club head 1500 includes a club head body 1510. As shown in FIG. 19 , club head body 1510 can be similar to club head bodies 110 and 910 , wherein club head body 1510 has top end 1501 , opposite top end 1501 . a bottom end 1502 opposite the front end 1503, a rear end 1504 opposite the front end 1503, a toe end 1505, a heel end 1506 opposite the toe end 1505, and a face component. (1511). The tow end is also further divided into a first tow end portion 1505A, a second tow end portion 1505B and a third tow end portion 1505C. A first tow end portion 1505A is located adjacent to and formed integrally with the top end 1501 . A third toe portion 1505C is positioned adjacent to and integrally formed with bottom end 1502 . The second tow end portion 1505B is positioned between the first tow end portion 1505A and the third tow end portion 1505C.

Club head 1500 further includes a hosel 1521 . The hosel 1521 is integrally formed with the club head body 1510. 20 and 21 , dashed line A-A represents the junction of the hosel 1521 and the club head body 1510, where the club head body 1510 as the face component 1511 transitions from a flat surface to a curve. ) is terminated and hosel 1521 is started.

In many embodiments, face component 1511 of club head body 1510 has face surface 1514 located on front end 1503, and on rear end 1504 opposite face surface 1514. and a positioned posterior surface 1515. Face surface 1514 may refer to the striking face or striking plate of club head 1500 and may be configured to impact a golf ball (not shown). Face surface 1514 includes a face center 1516 located at the general center of face surface 1514, and a face perimeter 1517 that follows the perimeter of face surface 1514, where face perimeter 1517 is the club At the heel end 1506 of the head body 1510 it tangents to dashed line AA. A posterior surface 1515 of face component 1511 includes a posterior center 1518 opposite face center 1516 and a posterior perimeter 1519 opposite face perimeter 1517, where posterior perimeter 1519 ) tangents to dashed line AA at the heel end 1506 of the club head body 1510.

19 shows the rear end 1504 of the club head body 1510, where several cavities may be formed along the circumference of the face component 1511 between the rear surface 1515 and several rear wall structures. is described in more detail below. In many embodiments, these cavities are all integral to each other and connected together to form a 360 degree undercut between posterior surface 1515 and several posterior wall structures. Several back wall structures are formed from the top end 1501, bottom end 1502, toe end 1505 and heel end 1506 of the club head body 1510. In other embodiments, some of the cavities are integral with each other and can be connected together, while other cavities are blocked by structures (eg ribs, ledges, walls or any other separate-type structures). In many embodiments, the club head body 1510 that includes the formed cavity may further include a strengthening device 1512 (as described in more detail below). In other embodiments, a golf club head that includes a formed cavity may be free of reinforcing device 1512.

club head with undercut

19 and 20, the top end 1501 of the club head body 1510 includes a top rail 1507. The top rail 1507 extends in an arcuate fashion towards the rear end 1504 and the bottom end 1502 to form a top rail wall 1513 . The curvature of the top rail wall 1513 covers a portion of the back surface 1515 where a first cavity 1541 is formed between the back surface 1515 and the top rail wall 1513 . Top rail wall 1513 may extend from heel end 1506 to toe end 1505; Similarly, the first cavity 1541 at the top end 1501 can extend from the heel end 1506 to the toe end 1505 . The top rail wall 1513 may cover between about 10% and 22% of the back surface 1515. For example, the top rail wall 1513 may cover about 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20% or 22% of the back surface 1515. In some embodiments, top rail wall 1513 may cover approximately 18% of back surface 1515 . This percentage coverage of the back surface 1515 by the top rail wall 1513 is related to the first depth 1531 of the first cavity 1541 .

As shown in FIG. 19 , the first depth 1531 of the first cavity 1541 is the face surface 1514 from the opening of the first cavity 1541 to the top of the top rail 1507 to the rear circumference 1519. is measured parallel to The first depth 1531 can be a constant depth or can vary along the first cavity 1541 . The first depth 1531 of the first cavity 1541 at the top rail 1507 may range from approximately 0.115 inches to 0.135 inches. For example, the first depth 1531 of the first cavity 1541 is approximately 0.115 inches, 0.117 inches, 0.119 inches, 0.121 inches, 0.123 inches, 0.125 inches, 0.127 inches, 0.129 inches, 0.131 inches, 0.133 inches, or 0.135 inches. may be inches. In some embodiments, first depth 1531 is approximately 0.125 inches.

The bottom end 1502 of the club head body 1510 includes a sole 1508 integrally formed with a rear portion 1509 extending over a portion of the rear surface 1515 and upward toward the top end 1501. The posterior upward extension of the posterior portion 1509 across the posterior surface 1515 forms a second cavity 1542 between the posterior surface 1515 and the posterior portion 1509 . rear portion 1509 can extend from heel end 1506 to toe end 1505; Similarly, a second cavity 1542 between the rear surface 1515 and the rear portion can extend from the heel end 1506 to the toe end 1505 . Posterior portion 1509 may cover about 30% to 55% of posterior surface 1515 . For example, posterior portion 1509 may cover approximately 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or 55% of posterior surface 1515 . In some embodiments, posterior portion 1509 extending upward toward top end 1501 may cover approximately 45% of posterior surface 1515 . This ratio coverage of the posterior portion 1509 to the posterior surface 1515 is related to the second depth 1532 of the second cavity 1542 .

As shown in FIG. 19, the second depth 1532 of the second cavity 1542 extends from the opening of the second cavity 1542 to the rear circumference 1519 at the bottom of the sole 1508 along the face surface 1514. measured parallel to The second depth 1532 can be a constant depth or can vary along the second cavity 1542 . The second depth 1532 of the second cavity 1542 may range from approximately 0.460 inches to 0.580 inches. For example, the second depth 1532 can be approximately 0.460 inches, 0.480 inches, 0.500 inches, 0.520 inches, 0.540 inches, 0.560 inches or 0.580 inches. In some embodiments, the second depth 1532 of the second cavity 1542 can be approximately 0.500 inches.

20, at the toe end 1505 of the club head body 1510, the toe ledge 1526 is curved in a manner toward the top rail 1507, sole 1508, and heel end 1506. may be extended. A toe ledge 1526 extends from the top end 1501 toward the bottom end 1502, where the toe ledge connects to the rear portion 1509 of the sole 1508 and the top rail wall 1513 of the top rail 1507. formed integrally. More specifically, tow ledge 1526 at first tow end portion 1505A is adjacent to and integrally formed with top rail 1507, and tow ledge 1526 at third tow end portion 1505C is adjacent to and integrally formed with the posterior portion 1509. A toe ledge 1526 extending toward the top rail 1507 and heel end 1506 defines a third cavity 1543 between the rear surface 1515 and the toe ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A. can form The third cavity 1543 may be adjacent to and integral with the first cavity 1541 in the top rail 1507 . Below the third cavity 1543, a fourth cavity 1544 may be further formed between the back surface 1515 and the toe ledge 1526 at the second tow end portion 1505B. The fourth cavity 1544 may be adjacent to and integral with the second cavity 1542 in the soul 1508 .

Toe ledge 1526 may cover a portion of back surface 1515 . More specifically, tow ledge 1526 at first toe end portion 1505A may cover about 7% to 15% of rear surface 1515 . For example, tow ledge 1526 at first toe end portion 1505A may cover about 7%, 9%, 11%, 13% or 15% of rear surface 1515 . In some embodiments, toe ledge 1526 at first toe end portion 1505A covers about 9% of rear surface 1515 . The percentage coverage of toe ledge 1526 is largest and most prominent at first toe end portion 1505A; Similarly, the third depth 1533 (discussed in more detail below) of the third cavity 1543 associated with the above percentage coverage of the toe ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A is also very pronounced. At the first end the ratio coverage by the toe ledge is more pronounced, which can help increase the top/toe weight to improve the moment of inertia. The percentage coverage by tow ledge 1526 at first tow end portion 1505A decreases toward second tow end portion 1505B, where the ratio of tow ledge 1526 at second tow end portion 1505B decreases. The percentage coverage is the smallest of the two.

As shown in FIG. 20 , the third cavity 1543 of the toe end 1505 includes a third depth 1533 adjacent to the top rail 1507 . Third depth 1533 is measured parallel to face surface 1514 from the opening of third cavity 1543 from edge first toe end portion 1505A to rear circumference 1519 . The third depth 1533 can be a constant depth or can vary along the third cavity 1543 . The third depth 1533 of the third cavity 1543 may range from approximately 0.215 inches to 0.245 inches. For example, the third depth 1533 can be approximately 0.215 inches, 0.219 inches, 0.223 inches, 0.227 inches, 0.231 inches, 0.235 inches, 0.239 inches, 0.243 inches or 0.245 inches. In some embodiments, the third depth 1533 of the third cavity 1543 can be approximately 0.230 inches.

A fourth cavity 1544 of toe end 1505 is adjacent to sole 1508 and associated with toe ledge 1526 at second toe end portion 1505B. The tow ledge 1526 at the second tow end portion 1505B may cover a portion of the rear surface 1515 in the range of about 4% to 10%. for example. The toe ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B may cover about 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% of the rear surface 1515 . In some embodiments, tow ledge 1526 at second tow end portion 1505B may cover about 5% of rear surface 1515 . The percentage coverage of the toe ledge 1526 is minimal at the second toe end portion 15050B; Similarly, the fourth depth 1534 (described in more detail below) of the fourth cavity 1544 associated with the percentage coverage of the toe ledge 1526 at the second tow end portion 1505B is also very small. The percentage coverage of tow ledge 1526 at second tow end portion 1505B is much less than the percentage coverage at first tow end portion 1505A. In other embodiments, the percentage coverage of the rear surface 1515 in the second tow end portion 1505B can be greater than or equal to the percentage coverage of the rear surface 1515 in the first tow end portion 1505A. . The percentage coverage of the tow ledge 1526 at the second tow end portion 1505B remains substantially constant, slightly toward the third tow end portion 1505C until it is integrally formed with the rear portion 1509. It increases.

The fourth cavity 1544 of the toe end 1505 between the third cavity 1543 adjacent to the top rail 1507 and the second cavity 1542 in the sole 1508 includes a fourth depth 1534. . The fourth depth 1534 is the distance measured parallel to the face surface 1514 from the opening of the fourth cavity 1544 from the edge of the second tow end portion 1505B to the rear perimeter 1519. The fourth depth 1534 can be seen to vary along the fourth cavity 1544, but may be constant along the fourth cavity 1544 in other embodiments. The fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 may range from approximately 0.140 inches to 0.165 inches. For example, the fourth depth 1534 may be approximately 0.140 inches, 0.144 inches, 0.148 inches, 0.152 inches, 0.156 inches, 0.160 inches or 0.165 inches. In some embodiments, the fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 can be approximately 0.150 inches. As noted above, the fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 correlates to the percentage of the rear surface 1515 covered by the toe ledge 1526 at the second tow end portion 1505B. Since the percentage coverage of rear surface 1515 by toe ledge 1526 is less at second tow end portion 1505B than at first tow end portion 1505A, fourth depth 1534 is thereby reduced to third less than depth 1533. In another embodiment, the percentage coverage of the rear surface 1515 by the toe ledge 1526 is greater at the second tow end portion 1505B than at the first tow end portion 1505A, the fourth depth 1534 may also be Can be greater than 3 depth (1533). In another embodiment, the percentage coverage of rear surface 1515 by toe ledge 1526 is the same at second tow end portion 1505B and first tow end portion 1505A, fourth depth 1534 may also be a third It can be equal to depth 1533.

At the heel end 1506 of the club head body 1510, the heel ledge 1524 may extend in a curved fashion towards the top rail 1507, sole 1508 and toe end 1505. A fifth cavity 1545 is formed between the back surface 1515 and the heel portion 1524. A heel ledge 1524 extends from the top end 1501 to the bottom end 1502 and is integrally formed with the top rail 1507 and the rear portion 1509 . Heel ledge 1524 may cover a portion of rear surface 1515 . Heel ledge 1524 may cover about 3% to 8% of posterior surface 1515 . For example, heel ledge 1524 may cover about 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7% or 8% of posterior surface 1515 . In some embodiments, heel ledge 1524 may cover about 4% of posterior surface 1515 . The percentage coverage of the heel ledge 1524 over the posterior surface 1515 is related to the fifth depth 1535 of the fifth cavity 1545.

20, the fifth depth 1535 of the fifth cavity 1545 extends from the opening of the fifth cavity 1545 to the rear circumference 1519 at the heel end 1506 (tangent to dashed line A-A). Measured parallel to the face surface 1514. The fifth depth 1535 can be a constant depth or can vary along the fifth cavity 1545 . The fifth depth 1535 of the fifth cavity 1545 may range from approximately 0.080 inches to 0.110 inches. For example, the fifth depth 1535 is approximately 0.080 inches, 0.082 inches, 0.084 inches, 0.086 inches, 0.088 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.092 inches, 0.094 inches, 0.096 inches, 0.098 inches, 0.100 inches 0.102 inches, 0.104 inches, It may be 0.106 inches, 0.108 inches or 0.110 inches. In some embodiments, fifth cavity 1545 can have a fifth depth 1535 of about 0.100 inches.

As shown in FIG. 20, the first cavity 1541, the second cavity 1542, the third cavity 1543, the fourth cavity 1544, and the fifth cavity 1545 as described above are integral with each other. are connected sequentially to define a continuous 360 degree undercut 1550. In an exemplary embodiment, the undercut 1550 can include a first cavity 1541, a second cavity 1542, a third cavity 1543, a fourth cavity 1544, and a fifth cavity 1545. . The undercut 1550 further includes 100% of the rear circumference 1519 of the face component 1511 of the club head body 1510. The undercut 1550 of the club head body 1510 can help save weight as well as increase flex within the face component 1511. In other embodiments, the cavities (eg, first 1541 , second 1542 , third 1543 , fourth 1544 , and fifth 1545 ) may be any It can be separated into combinations, where undercut 1550 includes between 70% and 100% of posterior perimeter 1519 . For example, the cavity may be between the first cavity 1541 and the second cavity 1542, or between the third cavity 1543 and the fourth cavity 1544, or between the first, second, third, and fourth cavities. It may be blocked or non-continuous between any combination of fourth and fifth cavities 1541 , 1542 , 1543 , 1544 and 1545 . In some embodiments, the blocking between cavities may be a structure (not shown) such as a rib, lip, ledge, wall, protrusion or any other blocking structure. In this exemplary embodiment, undercut 1550 may include 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of posterior perimeter 1519 .

The face component 1511 of the club head body 1510 that includes several of the aforementioned cavities to form the 360 degree undercut 1550 may further include a face thickness. The face thickness of face component 1511 can help dissipate stress and together with undercut 1550 allow for additional face deflection during ball impact. In many embodiments, the face thickness of face component 1511 can vary from toe end 1505 to heel end 1506, top end 1501 to bottom end 1502, or any combination thereof. .

As shown in FIG. 19 , the face thickness of face component 1511 can include a first thickness 1551 , a second thickness 1552 , a third thickness 1553 , and a fourth thickness 1554 . . The first thickness 1551 of the face component is measured perpendicularly from the face center 1516 to the back center 1518. The first thickness 1551 may range from approximately 0.055 inches to 0.075 inches, 0.055 inches to 0.065 inches, 0.065 inches to 0.075 inches, or 0.060 inches to 0.070 inches. For example, the first thickness 1551 can be 0.055 inches, 0.057 inches, 0.059 inches, 0.061 inches, 0.063 inches, 0.065 inches, 0.067 inches, 0.069 inches, 0.071 inches, 0.073 inches or 0.075 inches. In some embodiments, first thickness 1551 of face component 1511 may be approximately 0.065 inches.

As shown in FIG. 19 , the second thickness 1552 is the face thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface 1514 to the apex of the reinforcing component 1520 (described in more detail below). In some embodiments without stiffening device 1512, the second thickness is measured perpendicularly from face surface 1514 to posterior surface 1515 adjacent posterior center 1518. The second thickness 1552 is approximately 0.150 inches to 0.200 inches, 0.150 inches to 0.160 inches, 0.160 inches to 0.170 inches, 0.170 inches to 0.180 inches, 0.180 inches to 0.190 inches, 0.190 inches to 0.200 inches, 0.150 inches to 0.175 inches, or from 0.175 inches to 0.200 inches. For example, the second thickness 1552 can be approximately 0.150 inches, 0.155 inches, 0.160 inches, 0.165 inches, 0.170 inches, 0.175 inches, 0.180 inches, 0.185 inches, 0.188 inches, 0.190 inches, 0.195 inches, or 0.200 inches. . In some embodiments, second thickness 1552 of face component 1511 may be approximately 0.188 inches.

As shown in FIG. 19 , third thickness 1553 is free of reinforcement device 1512 and adjacent to posterior perimeter 1519 and measured perpendicularly from face surface 1514 to posterior surface 1515 and adjacent to posterior center ( 1518) and the far face thickness. The third thickness 1553 is approximately 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.070 inches, 0.070 inches to 0.080 inches, 0.080 inches to 0.090 inches, 0.090 inches to 0.100 inches, 0.050 inches to 0.75 inches, or 0.075 inches to 0.100 inches. may be in the range of For example, the third thickness 1553 can be approximately 0.050 inches, 0.55 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.065 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.075 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.085 inches, 0.088 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.095 inches, or 0.100 inches. . In some embodiments, third thickness 1553 of face component 1511 may be about 0.088 inches.

As shown in FIG. 19 , the fourth thickness 1554 is the face thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface 1514 to the very edge of the posterior perimeter 1519 of the posterior surface 1515 . The fourth thickness 1554 may range from approximately 0.050 inches to 0.070 inches, 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.070 inches, 0.050 inches to 0.058 inches, 0.058 inches to 0.064 inches, or 0.064 inches to 0.070 inches. For example, the fourth thickness 1554 can be approximately 0.50 inches, 0.052 inches, 0.054 inches, 0.056 inches, 0.058 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.062 inches, 0.064 inches, 0.066 inches, 0.068 inches, or 0.070 inches. In some embodiments, the fourth thickness 1554 of the face component 1511 may be approximately 0.060 inches.

In some embodiments, club head body 1510 may be free of reinforcing device 1512 and reinforcing component 1520. In these exemplary embodiments, face component 1511 near face center 1516 (first thickness 1551 and second thickness 1552) is greater than 0.088 inches (approximately 0.088 inches to 0.100 inches, 0.088 inches to 0.088 inches to 0.220 inch, 0.100 inch to 0.220 inch or 0.140 inch to 0.180 inch) face thickness to absorb distributed stress. For example, face component 1511 adjacent to face center 1516 is approximately 0.088 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.092 inches, 0.094 inches, 0.096 inches, 0.098 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.114 inches, 0.180 inches, or 0.220 inches. It may include a first thickness 1551 and a second thickness 1552 in inches.

Club head with undercut and reinforcement

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , club head body 1510 further includes a reinforcement device 1512 similar to reinforcement devices 112 , 612 and 912 . In other embodiments, the club head body 1510 may lack the strengthening device 1512. The reinforcement device 1512 is located on the posterior surface 1515 of the face component 1511 generally at the posterior center 1518. Reinforcing device 1512 extends from posterior surface 1515 away from anterior end 1503 . The reinforcing device 1512 includes one or more reinforcing components 1520 . In many embodiments, each reinforcing component of reinforcing component 1520 includes an outer circumferential surface 1626, an inner circumferential surface 1629, and a geometric center. Reinforcing component 1520 further includes a looped rib 1627 . In these or other embodiments, the geometric center(s) of one or more reinforcing component 1520 may be at posterior center 1518 of posterior surface 1515 .

In some embodiments, looped rib 1527 can include multiple looped ribs, where each looped rib 1527 can be concentric with one another. In other embodiments, when looped rib 1527 includes multiple looped ribs, two or more looped ribs 1527 may be non-concentric. Also, in these or other embodiments, two or more looped ribs 1527 may overlap. Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the looped rib 1527 may include an elliptical looped rib, and in other embodiments, the looped rib 1527 may include a circular looped rib.

In an implementation, the reinforcing component(s) 1520 and looped rib 1527 are any configured to perform the intended function of the reinforcing device 1512 and/or reinforcing component(s) 1520 as described above. of suitable shape(s) (eg, polygonal, elliptical, circular, etc.) and/or any suitable arrangement. Further, when reinforcing component(s) 1520 includes multiple reinforcing components, two or more reinforcing components of reinforcing component(s) 1520 may be similar to one another and/or or reinforcing components. Two or more reinforcing components of element(s) 1520 may be different.

In some embodiments, one or more outer perimeter surfaces 1626 of reinforcing component 1520 may be filleted with back surface 1515 . In these or other embodiments, one or more inner circumferential surfaces 1629 of the looped rib 1627 may be filleted with the posterior surface 1515. Filleting the back surface 1515 and the outer perimeter surface 1626 of the reinforcing component 1520 may allow a smooth transition of the reinforcing component 1520 to the back surface 1515 . Additionally, filleting the back surface 1515 and the outer perimeter surface 1626 of the reinforcing component 1520 can direct stresses from impact into the reinforcing component 1520 and away from the face surface 1514. On the other hand, the outer circumferential surface 1626 of the reinforcing component 1520 or the inner circumferential surface 1629 of the looped rib 1627 will be filleted with the back surface 1515 with a fillet 1523 having a radius greater than about 0.012 centimeter. can For example, in some embodiments, fillet 1523 of posterior surface 1515 and outer circumferential surface 1626 is between approximately 0.012 centimeters and approximately 2.0 centimeters, between approximately 0.50 centimeters and approximately 3.0 centimeters, or between approximately 1.0 centimeters and approximately 4.0 centimeters. It can be in the range of centimeters. For further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 1523 of the posterior surface 1515 and the inner circumferential surface 1629 ranges from approximately 0.012 centimeters to approximately 2.0 centimeters, from approximately 0.50 centimeters to approximately 3.0 centimeters, or from approximately 1.0 centimeters to approximately 1.0 centimeters. It may be in the range of approximately 4.0 centimeters.

In some embodiments, the outer perimeter surface 1626 of the reinforcing component 1520 may be filleted directly into the back surface 1515 . In these embodiments, the face thickness is from the face thickness at the second face thickness 1552 (face surface 1514 to the apex of the stiffening component 1520) along the fillet 1523 to the back surface 1515. It gradually decreases with the face thickness.

In some embodiments, club head 1500 further includes a lip (not shown) on rear surface 1515 of club head 1500 similar to lip 552 as described above and in FIGS. 15-17. can do. The lip of the club head 1500 may extend from the heel end 1506 to the toe end 1505 around the stiffening component 1520 of the club head 1500 . In these or other embodiments, the fillet 1523 on the outer circumferential surface 1626 of the reinforcing component 1520 has a face thickness along the fillet 1523 from the second thickness 1552 to the lip and the reinforcing component 1520. It may gradually decrease to a minimum thickness between the ribs and then gradually increase from the minimum thickness to the apex of the rib. In these embodiments, the minimum thickness between the reinforcing component 1520 and the rib can be greater than the first thickness 1551 at face center 1516, and the minimum thickness between the reinforcing component 1520 and the rib can be 1 thickness 1551 , or the minimum thickness between the stiffening component 1520 and the rib can be less than the first thickness 1551 .

As discussed above, stiffening device 1512 and stiffening component(s) 1520 still allow face component 1511 to bend, for example, as face surface 1514 impacts a golf ball. while strengthening the face component 1511. As a result, face component 1511 allows mass from face component 1511 to be redistributed to other parts of club head 1500 and holds face component 1511 without buckling and failing under the resulting flex. It can be thinned to make it more flexible. Advantageously, because face component 1511 can be thinner when implemented with stiffening device 1512 and stiffening component(s) 1520, the center of gravity, moment of inertia and coefficient of restitution of club head 1500 are reduced. is changed to improve the performance characteristics of the club head 1500. For example, implementing stiffening device 1512 and stiffening component(s) 1520 may increase launch angle, increase ball speed, and/or reduce rotation of a golf ball to hit face surface 1514. It is possible to increase the flight distance of the golf ball hit. In these examples, stiffening device 1512 and stiffening component(s) 1520 may have an effect against the portion of gearing on a golf ball provided by face surface 1514 .

Reinforcement device 1512 and reinforcement component(s) 1520 may additionally provide stress reduction benefits when implemented as a closed structure (ie, looped rib 1527), since such a closed structure is a reinforcement device. 1512 and the reinforcing component(s) 1520 to resist deformation as a result of circumferential (ie, hoop) stresses. For example, the circumferential (i.e. hoop) stress acting on the stiffening device 1512 and the stiffening component(s) 1520 may be on opposite sides of the stiffening device 1512 and the stiffening component(s) 1520. It can prevent them from rotating away from each other, thereby reducing bending.

The undercut 1550 of the club head body 1510 may result in similar performance characteristics as the strengthening device 1512 described above. In some embodiments, club head body 1510 may be without strengthening device 1512, wherein club head body 1510 including undercut 1550 has both strengthening device 1512 and undercut 1550. Similar to club head body 1510. An undercut extending 360 degrees including a first cavity 1541, a second cavity 1542, a third cavity 1543, a fourth cavity 1544, and a fifth cavity 1545 is part of the face component 1511 during impact. ) allows optimal bending and deflection of In a similar club head body without the 360 degree undercut, the face components cannot bend or deflect as much. More specifically, a similar club head body without third cavity 1543, fourth cavity 1544 and/or fifth cavity 1545 cannot bend or deflect at the heel end and toe end. Similar club head deflection is due to the rear surfaces of the face components being limited at the heel end 1506 and toe end 1505 and having no room to bend back. A 360 degree undercut 1550 of the club head body 1510 that specifically includes a third cavity 1543 and a fourth cavity 1544 at the toe end 1505 and a fifth cavity 1545 at the heel end 1506 Prevents the posterior surface 1515 of the face component 1511 from contacting the toe ledge 1526 and heel ledge 1524 during impact, so the face component 1511 is free to bend for greater deflection. can lose The fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 further prevents the posterior surface 1515 of the face component 1511 from coming into contact with the toe ledge 1526 during impact for increased deflection; Due to the small fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1543 (ie, the toe ledge 1526 is not prominent), the face component 1511 near the toe end 1505 can extend further back. there is.

The deflection of the face component 1511 affects the coefficient of restitution (COR) of the club head 1500. COR measures the elasticity of an object upon impact and is the ratio of an object's final relative velocity to its initial relative velocity. A high COR results in increased ball speed and distance and a low COR results in decreased ball speed and distance. Thus, the increased deflection of the 360 degree undercut 1550 of the club head 1500 affects the distance and speed of the ball after impact. Since the undercut 1550 increases the deflection of the face component 1511, the distance and speed of the ball also increases.

Additionally, a 360 degree undercut 1550 is formed around the face component 1511 that experiences minimal stress (i.e., the posterior surface 1515, and the posterior portion 1509, top rail 1507, toe ledge 1526, and the rear perimeter 1519 located between the heel ledge 1524). The removed mass is then redistributed to another location on the club head 1500 (e.g., near the bottom end 1502, near the toe end 1505, near the heel end 1506, or any combination thereof). It can be. The redistribution of mass can lower the center of gravity (CG) and move it back toward the rear end 1504, which can provide higher performance characteristics to the club head, such as increased moment of inertia (MOI). The width of the first portion 1526A may further affect the mass distribution for CG and MOI. The width of first portion 1526A as shown in FIG. 20 adds mass to toe end 1505 to help improve MOI. Better CG placement and increased MOI can prevent rotation of club head 1500 from toe end 1505 to heel end 1506 as well as increase ball speed. Preventing rotation of the club head 1500 from the toe end 1505 to the heel end 1506 allows for better contact with the ball at impact, which can result in optimal ball speed, rotation and trajectory. In some embodiments, a weight (not shown) may be placed in the second cavity 1542 between the posterior surface 1515 and the posterior portion 1509 to further perform CG. A weight located in the second cavity 1542 allows the CG to move towards the rear end 1504 and the sole 1508. A weight disposed within the second cavity 1542 may further absorb stress and vibration experienced by the club head body 1510 during impact. Stress and vibration absorption by the weight can help maintain the durability and structural integrity of the club head body 1510 as well as improved feel for the player.

The club head body 1510 will further include a stepped sole 1555 located on the inner cavity of the sole 1508 at the bottom of the second cavity 1542 located between the rear portion 1509 and the rear surface 1515. can The stepped sole 1555 of the club head body 1510 can be similar to the stepped sole 955 of the club head body 910 described above having a first layer (not shown) and a second layer (not shown). there is. The stepped sole 1555 of the club head body 1510 allows some of the stress experienced by the face component 1511 near the sole 1508 to be distributed to the first and second layers of the club head body 1510. The first and second layers of the stepped sole 1555 of the club head body 1510 prevent stress from collecting primarily in the thinnest part of the face component 1511 near the sole 1508. The stress distribution in the first and second layers of the sole 1508 can prevent permanent deformation of the face component 1511, thus giving more consistent performance characteristics and feel after multiple impacts of the ball.

Golf club heads 100, 300, 600, 800, 900, and 1500 may be part of a set of club heads having various loft angles. In some embodiments, the center thickness 537, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120, the top thickness 546, the bottom thickness 548, the face thickness at the rib height 540, or the above thickness The combination of these may vary depending on the loft angle of the club heads in the club head set.

Referring now to the following figures, FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 1000 of providing a golf club head. Method 1000 is illustrative only and not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 1000 may be used in many other embodiments or examples not specifically shown or described herein. In some embodiments, the acts, procedures, and/or processes of method 1000 may be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the acts, procedures and/or processes of method 1000 may be performed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more acts, procedures and/or processes in method 1000 may be combined or omitted. In many embodiments, a golf club head may be combined with golf club head 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2), golf club head 600 (FIGS. 6 and 7), and/or golf club head 800 (FIGS. 8 and 9). may be similar or identical.

Method 1000 may include an act 1001 of providing a face component. The face component may be similar or identical to face component 111 (FIG. 1).

Method 1000 can include an act 1002 of providing a hardening device. The reinforcement device may be similar or identical to reinforcement device 112 (FIG. 1). FIG. 11 shows an exemplary act 1002 according to the embodiment of FIG. 11 .

For example, act 1002 may include act 1101 of providing a first enhancement component. The first reinforcing component is any one of the first reinforcing component 121 (FIG. 1), the reinforcing component 621 (FIG. 6), and the reinforcing component(s) 120 (FIG. 1). element, and/or reinforcing component(s) 620 (FIG. 6) may be similar or identical to any one of the reinforcing components.

Act 1002 can also include act 1102 of providing a second enhancement component. The second reinforcing component may be similar or identical to any one of the second reinforcing component 641 ( FIG. 6 ) and/or the reinforcing component 620 ( FIG. 6 ). In some embodiments, acts 1101 and 1102 may be performed approximately simultaneously. In other embodiments, act 1102 may be omitted.

Referring again to FIG. 10 , method 1000 may include an act 1003 of providing a perimeter wall component. The perimeter wall component may be similar or identical to perimeter wall component 113 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, act 1003 may be omitted.

In some embodiments, method 1000 may include an act 1004 of providing an insert within a central cavity in the reinforcement device provided in act 1002. In some embodiments, act 1004 may be omitted.

In many embodiments, two or more acts 1001 - 1004 may be performed sequentially or may be performed approximately concurrently with each other. In these or other embodiments, acts 1001 - 1004 may be performed by performing any suitable manufacturing technique (eg, casting, forging, forming, machining, joining, etc.).

Although golf club head(s) and related methods have been described herein with reference to particular embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, to those skilled in the art, acts 1001-1004 of FIG. 10 and acts 1101 and 1102 of FIG. 1 to 4 may be modified, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent an exhaustive description of all possible embodiments. .

Example

Example 1: 360 degree undercut versus partial undercut

Referring to Table 1 below, a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) test was performed to evaluate the internal energy (measured in lbf inches) of two similar golf club heads during impact by a golf ball at 90 mph. It became. Three points of impact on the face components of the golf club head, toe end, face center and heel end were selected for FEA testing. The first golf club head tested was a club head 1500 with a 360 degree undercut 1550, wherein the undercut 1550 was continuous and formed on the first, second and third sections of the club head body 1510 as described above. , fourth and fifth cavities 1541, 1542, 1542, 1544 and 1545. For comparison purposes, the control golf club heads used were similar in size and construction and included a cavity and sole in the top rail, but without a 360 degree undercut (i.e., no cavity at the heel end and toe end).

peak face
component bent
(inch) at the heel end
ball speed
(mph) at the center
ball speed
(mph) at toe end
ball speed
(mph) Club Head (1500) 0.040 - 0.050 123.0 125.3 123.2 contrast club head 0.030 - 0.040 122.4 124.3 121.9

Club head 1500 versus control deflection and ball speed performance

The FEA test measured the internal energy generated by the face components, where 7.8 lbf inches equaled approximately 1 mph. As shown in Table 1 above, the golf club head produced golf ball velocities of approximately 123.0 mph at the heel end 1506, approximately 125.3 mph at the center of the face 1516, and approximately 123.2 mph at the toe end 1505. Compared to the club head 1500, the control golf club head produced slower golf ball speeds of about 122.4 mph at the heel end, about 124.3 mph at the face center, and about 121.9 mph at the toe end. into a full 360 undercut 1550 comprising integrally continuous first cavity 1541, second cavity 1542, third cavity 1543, fourth cavity 1544, and fifth cavity 1545. The constructed club head 1500 had an increase in ball speed at all three points tested, compared to a similar control golf club head that had only cavities in the top rail and sole (i.e., no cavities at the heel and toe ends). . More specifically, the club head 1500 has an increase of approximately 0.5 - 0.75 mph at the heel end 1506 (about a 0.5% increase), an increase of approximately 1 mph at the center of the face (about a 0.8% increase) over a control golf club head, and an increase of approximately 1 - 1.5 mph at the toe end 1505 (about a 1.1% increase).

The FEA tests further showed peak deflection of the face components of the golf club head experienced during impact with a golf ball. Peak deflection was measured in FEA from the face surface of the face component at the starting position, before the face component rebounded back to the starting position, to the face surface of the face component at the end of the impact position. The face component 1511 of the club head 1500 with a 360 degree undercut experienced a peak deflection of 0.040 inches to 0.050 inches, while the face component of the control golf club head had a cavity in the normal rail and a cavity in the sole. However, there were no cavities at the heel end and toe end, and suffered a peak deflection of 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches. Thus, face component 1511 of club head 1500 with a 360 degree undercut exhibits a 28.6% increase in peak deflection.

As shown in Table 1 and discussed above, club head 1500 exhibits increased peak deflection of face component 1511 as well as heel end 1506, face center 1516 and toe end 1505 compared to a control golf club. showed an increased ball speed. The increased performance of the club head 1500 results in a 360 undercut primarily composed of the first cavity 1541, the second cavity 1542, the third cavity 1543, the fourth cavity 1544 and the fifth cavity 1545. (1550); This is compared to a control golf club head of similar construction and size, having a cavity in the top rail and a cavity in the sole, but no cavities at the heel and toe ends.

In particular, the continuous 360 degree undercut 1550 including the third and fourth cavities 1543, 1544 at the toe end 1505 and the fifth cavity 1545 at the heel end 1506 is the face component 1511 ) allowed more space for bias. Thus, more internal energy was created, which equates to a higher ball speed. A higher ball speed may result in other performance characteristics such as launch angle, ball rotation, and tightening of the statistical region in which the ball lands, all of which affect the ball's distance during play. More specifically, the increased ball speed experienced by the club head 1500 was 0.1 to 0.3 degrees higher launch angle and 100 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 300 rpm can be equated to low ball rotation. A high launch angle and low ball rotation can increase the distance the ball travels after impact. An increase in launch angle and a decrease in rotational speed of the club head 1500 including the first, second, third, fourth and fifth cavities 1541, 1542, 1542, 1544 and 1545, the toe and heel ends It showed an increase in ball distance of 2 to 5 yards compared to the control club head without a cavity.

The club head 1500 with the 360 degree undercut 1550 not only increased ball speed but also maintained a similar MOI as the control club head with only a normal rail and sole cavity. Having a MOI similar to a low ball speed club head means that the club head 1500 can act as a more forgiving club without giving up higher ball speed. Club head 1500 is more forgiving due to more consistent ball speed across face component 1511 (from toe end 1505 to heel end 1506). Thereby, a more consistent ball velocity across the face component 1511 can produce more consistent ball flight and distance during a mishit (i.e., impact at the heel end 1506 or toe end 1505). .

Further, while the above embodiments may be described with respect to iron-type golf club heads, the devices, methods, and products described herein are useful for other types of golf, such as wood-type golf clubs or putter-type golf clubs. may apply to clubs. Alternatively, the devices, methods and products described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis racquets, fishing rods, ski poles, and the like.

Additional examples of such variations and others are given in the foregoing description. Other permutations of different embodiments having one or more features of the various figures are contemplated as well. Accordingly, the specification, claims and drawings herein are intended to illustrate the scope of the invention and not to limit it. It is intended that the scope of this application be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

Article 1: anterior end and posterior end; a face component comprising a face surface located at the front end and a posterior surface located at the posterior end, the posterior surface comprising a posterior center, a posterior perimeter and a reinforcing device; a top end having a top rail extending in an arcuate manner towards the bottom end and forming a top rail wall; a bottom with a sole integrally formed into a rear portion extending upward toward the top end; A tow end divided into a first tow end portion, a second tow end portion, and a third tow end portion, the first tow end portion being adjacent to and integrally formed with the top end, the third tow end portion comprising: adjacent to and integrally formed with the bottom end, wherein the second tow end portion is positioned between the first tow end portion and the third tow end portion, wherein the tow end comprises the top rail, the sole, and the heel a tow end having a toe ledge extending in a curved manner toward the end, the toe ledge being integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion; a heel end comprising a heel ledge extending in a curved manner toward the top rail, the sole and toe ends, the heel ledge being integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion; A golf club head comprising an undercut comprising a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, a fourth cavity and a fifth cavity, the first cavity being formed between the rear surface and the top rear wall. wherein the first cavity has a first depth ranging from 0.115 inches to 0.135 inches; the second cavity being formed between the posterior surface and the posterior portion, the second cavity having a second depth ranging from 0.460 inches to 0.580 inches; the third cavity is formed between the toe ledge and the rear surface at the first tow end portion and has a third depth ranging from 0.215 inches to 0.245 inches; the fourth cavity is formed between the tow ledge and the rear surface at the second tow end portion and has a fourth depth ranging from 0.140 inches to 0.165 inches; the fifth cavity being formed between the rear surface and the heel ledge, the fifth cavity having a fifth depth ranging from 0.080 inches to 0.110 inches; the reinforcing component includes a looped rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface; wherein the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component is filleted with the rear surface.

Clause 2: The golf club head of Clause 1, wherein the looped rib is symmetric about the x-axis or the looped rib is symmetric about the y-axis.

Clause 3: The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, the fourth cavity and the fifth cavity are all integrally connected and continuous.

Clause 4: The golf club head of Clause 1, wherein the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, the fourth cavity, and the fifth cavity are discontinuous and blocked by a blocking structure.

Clause 5: The face component of Clause 1, wherein the face component comprises a first thickness measured perpendicularly from the face center to the rear center of the face surface in the range of 0.055 inches to 0.075 inches; the face component comprises a second thickness, measured perpendicularly from the apex of the reinforcing component to the face surface, ranging from 0.150 inches to 0.200 inches; the face component comprises a third thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface to the posterior surface adjacent the posterior perimeter and posterior center and without reinforcement, ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches; The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the face component comprises a fourth thickness at the rear circumference ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.070 inches.

Clause 6: The golf club head of clause 1, further comprising a cascading sole at the bottom of the second cavity, the cascading sole comprising a first layer and a second layer.

Clause 7: The golf club head of clause 6, wherein the first layer comprises a thickness greater than a thickness of the second layer.

Clause 8: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the looped rib is filleted with the back surface.

Clause 9: The clause 1, wherein the first depth of the first cavity is about 0.125 inches; the second depth of the second cavity is about 0.500 inches; a third depth of the third cavity at the first tow end portion is about 0.225 inches; a fourth depth of the fourth cavity at the second tow end portion is about 0.120 inches; and a fifth depth of the fifth cavity at the heel end is about 0.080 inches.

Clause 10: The toe ledge of clause 1, wherein the toe ledge covers a proportion of the rear surface, the toe ledge being most prominent at the first toe end portion and decreasing towards the second toe end portion, substantially wherein the golf club head is constant and increases slightly toward the third toe end portion.

Article 11: anterior end and posterior end; a face component comprising a face surface located at the front end and a posterior surface located at the posterior end, the posterior surface comprising a posterior center and a posterior perimeter; a top end having a top rail extending in an arcuate manner toward the bottom end and forming a top rail wall; a bottom with a sole integrally formed into a rear portion extending upward toward the top end; A tow end divided into a first tow end portion, a second tow end portion, and a third tow end portion, the first tow end portion being adjacent to and integrally formed with the top end, the third tow end portion comprising: adjacent to and integrally formed with the bottom end, wherein the second tow end portion is positioned between the first tow end portion and the third tow end portion, wherein the tow end comprises the top rail, the sole, and the heel a tow end having a toe ledge extending in a curved manner toward the end, the toe ledge being integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion; a heel end comprising a heel ledge extending in a curved manner toward the top rail, the sole and toe ends, the heel ledge being integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion; A golf club head comprising an undercut comprising a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, a fourth cavity and a fifth cavity, wherein the first cavity is formed between the rear surface and the normal rear wall, wherein the first cavity is formed between the rear surface and the top rear wall; the first cavity has a first depth ranging from 0.115 inches to 0.135 inches; the second cavity being formed between the posterior surface and the posterior portion, the second cavity having a second depth ranging from 0.460 inches to 0.580 inches; the third cavity is formed between the toe ledge and the rear surface at the first tow end portion and has a third depth ranging from 0.215 inches to 0.245 inches; the fourth cavity is formed between the tow ledge and the rear surface at the second tow end portion and has a fourth depth ranging from 0.140 inches to 0.165 inches; wherein the fifth cavity is formed between the rear surface and the heel ledge, wherein the fifth cavity has a fifth depth ranging from 0.080 inches to 0.110 inches.

Clause 12: The face component of Clause 11, wherein the face component comprises a first thickness measured perpendicularly from face center to rear center of the face surface in the range of 0.088 inches to 0.100 inches; the face component comprises a second thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface to the posterior surface adjacent the posterior center, ranging from 0.088 inches to 0.100 inches; the face component comprises a third thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface to the posterior surface adjacent the second thickness and adjacent the posterior perimeter, ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches; wherein the face component comprises a fourth thickness at the rear circumference ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.070 inches.

Clause 13: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the stepped sole comprises a first layer and a second layer.

Clause 14: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the first layer is adjacent the front end, the second layer is adjacent the back end, and the first layer transitions to the second layer.

Clause 15: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the first layer comprises a thickness greater than a thickness of the second layer.

Clause 16: The clause 11, wherein the first depth of the first cavity is about 0.125 inches; the second depth of the second cavity is about 0.500 inches; a third depth of the third cavity at the first tow end portion is about 0.225 inches; a fourth depth of the fourth cavity at the second tow end portion is about 0.120 inches; and a fifth depth of the fifth cavity at the heel end is about 0.080 inches.

Clause 17: The golf club head according to Clause 11, wherein the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, the fourth cavity and the fifth cavity are all integrally connected and continuous.

Clause 18: The golf club head according to Clause 11, wherein the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, the fourth cavity, and the fifth cavity are discontinuous and blocked by a blocking structure.

Clause 19: The golf club head according to Clause 11, wherein a weight may be disposed within the second cavity between the posterior portion and the posterior surface.

Clause 20: The method according to clause 11, wherein the toe ledge covers a percentage of the rear surface, the toe ledge being most prominent at the first toe end portion and decreasing towards the second toe end portion, substantially wherein the golf club head is constant and increases slightly toward the third toe end portion.

Clause 21: a top end with a front end and a rear end, a toe end and a heel end, a top rail extending from the toe end to the heel end, the top rail extending from the front end towards the rear end and the bottom end in an arcuate manner elongated), a bottom with sole comprising an inner sole surface, a face component located at the front end, and a face component comprising a rear surface located at the rear end and opposite the face surface, the rear surface extending from the rear center. a reinforcing device located on the rear surface, and a recess located between the rear surface of the face component and the top rail defining an undercut, the undercut being along the top rail. Extending from the toe end to the heel end, the reinforcing component includes a looped rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component being filleted with the rear surface. golf club head.

Clause 22: The golf club head of clause 21, further comprising an inner radius transition from a rear surface of the face component to an inner sole surface, wherein the inner radius transition includes a stepped sole.

Clause 23: The golf club head of clause 22, wherein the stepped sole comprises a first layer and a second layer.

Clause 24: The golf club head of clause 23, wherein the first layer is adjacent the front end and the second layer is adjacent the back end, the first layer transitioning to the second layer.

Clause 25: The golf club head of clause 23, wherein the first layer comprises a thickness greater than a thickness of the second layer.

Clause 26: The golf club head of Clause 21, wherein the looped rib comprises an oval looped rib or a circular looped rib.

Clause 27: The golf club head of Clause 21, wherein the looped rib comprises a plurality of looped ribs, each looped rib being concentric with one another.

The golf club heads and related methods discussed herein may be embodied in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent an exhaustive description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings and the drawings themselves disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.

Substitution of one or more claimed components represents reconstruction rather than repair. Further, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described in relation to specific embodiments. However, an advantage, advantage, solution to a problem, and any element or components that can cause a benefit, advantage, or solution to arise or become more prominent, is such that such benefit, advantage, solution, or element does not fall within the scope of the claims. Unless expressly stated, it should not be construed as a critical, essential or essential feature or element of any or all claims.

The Rules of Golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted by golf standards bodies and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) of St. Andrews, etc.). Golf equipment associated with the devices, methods and products described herein may conform or not conform to the Rules of Golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the devices, methods, and products described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or unsuitable golf equipment. The devices, methods and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

Further, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are provided only if the embodiments and/or limitations are not (1) expressly claimed in the claims; (2) If, under the principle of equivalence, equivalence or potentially equivalence of the elements and/or limitations specified in the claim is not consecrated to the public under the doctrine of consecration.

Claims (19)

As a golf club head,
a top end and a bottom end opposite to the top end;
a front end and a rear end opposite to the front end;
a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; and
face components
including,
The face component,
a face surface located at the front end and comprising a face center and a face circumference;
a posterior surface located at the posterior end, opposite the face surface, and including a posterior center and a posterior perimeter opposite the face center; and
A reinforcing component located on the rear surface
including,
the tow end is divided into a first tow end portion, a second tow end portion and a third tow end portion;
The first tow end portion is adjacent to and integrally formed with the top end, the third tow end portion is adjacent to and integrally formed with the bottom end, and the second tow end portion is formed adjacent to and integrally with the bottom end, and the second tow end portion is adjacent to the first tow end portion. portion and the third tow end portion,
the toe end has a toe ledge extending in a curved manner towards the top rail, sole and heel ends, the toe ledge being integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion;
the heel end includes a heel ledge extending in a curved manner towards the top rail, sole and toe ends;
the face component is thinner on the inside of the inner circumferential surface than on the outside of the outer circumferential surface;
the inner circumferential surface has a maximum rib span of greater than or equal to 0.609 cm and less than or equal to 1.88 cm;
the undercut includes a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, a fourth cavity, and a fifth cavity;
the first cavity is formed between the posterior surface and the top end;
the second cavity is formed between the posterior surface and the posterior perimeter;
the third cavity is formed between the tow ledge and the rear surface at a portion of the first tow end;
the fourth cavity is formed between the tow ledge and the rear surface at a portion of the second tow end;
the fifth cavity is formed between the rear surface and the heel ledge;
the reinforcing component includes a looped rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component being filleted with the rear surface;
wherein the reinforcing component extends from the rear surface towards the rear end and away from the front end. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said looped rib includes a cavity formed by said inner circumferential surface and said back surface, said cavity being free of a weighting insert. 2. The golf club head of claim 1 wherein said looped rib includes a cavity formed by said inner circumferential surface and said back surface, said cavity including an insert. According to claim 3,
and at least one vibration damping feature disposed at least partially on the rear surface. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the vibration damping features comprise at least one viscoelastic damping material;
a badge at least partially covering the rear surface of the golf club head; and
A medium that at least partially covers the cavity
A golf club head comprising a. 6. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein the vibration damping feature is disposed between the badge and at least one of the cavity and the back surface of the golf club head. 6. A golf club head according to claim 5, wherein said viscoelastic damping material comprises a pressure sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymer and aluminum foil. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first cavity has a first depth ranging from 0.115 inches to 0.135 inches;
the second cavity has a second depth ranging from 0.460 inches to 0.580 inches;
the third cavity has a third depth ranging from 0.215 inches to 0.245 inches;
the fourth cavity has a fourth depth ranging from 0.140 inches to 0.165 inches;
wherein the fifth cavity has a fifth depth ranging from 0.080 inches to 0.110 inches. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the looped rib is filleted with the back surface. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a cascading sole positioned between the rear portion and the rear surface, the cascading sole comprising a first layer and a second layer. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, the fourth cavity and the fifth cavity are all integrally connected and continuous. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, fourth and fifth cavities are discontinuous and blocked by the blocking structure. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first cavity has a first depth ranging from 0.115 inches to 0.135 inches;
the second cavity has a second depth ranging from 0.460 inches to 0.580 inches;
the third cavity has a third depth ranging from 0.215 inches to 0.245 inches;
the fourth cavity has a fourth depth ranging from 0.140 inches to 0.165 inches;
wherein the fifth cavity has a fifth depth ranging from 0.080 inches to 0.110 inches. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the face component comprises a first thickness measured perpendicularly from face center to rear center of the face surface in the range of 0.088 inches to 0.100 inches;
the face component comprises a second thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface to the posterior surface adjacent the posterior center, ranging from 0.088 inches to 0.100 inches;
wherein the face component includes a third thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface to the rear surface adjacent the second thickness and adjacent the rear circumference, ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches. 4. The golf club head of claim 3, further comprising a stepped sole at the bottom end of the second cavity, the stepped sole comprising a first layer and a second layer. 16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the first layer is adjacent the front end and the second layer is adjacent the rear end, the first layer transitioning to the second layer. 17. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the first layer comprises a thickness greater than the thickness of the second layer. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the toe ledge covers a proportion of the rear surface, the proportion of the toe ledge being greatest at the first tow end portion and decreasing towards the second tow end portion to become constant, and 3 Golf club head increasing towards the toe end portion. delete

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