KR102545737B1 - Club head having a reinforced club head face and associated method - 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 head having a reinforced club head face and associated method

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/169,089, filed on June 1, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/266,074, filed on December 11, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/266,074, filed on January 18, 2016. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/994,029, filed May 15, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/023,819, filed July 11, 2014, claiming the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 62/280,035 , on May 12, 2015, claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/101,926, filed on January 9, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/146,783, filed on April 13, 2015. It is a continuation-in-part of filed US patent application Ser. No. 14/710,236, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present disclosure relates generally to sporting goods, and more specifically to golf club heads and related methods.

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

The center of gravity and the moment of inertia of the club head of a golf club vary depending on the mass distribution of the club head. Specifically, by 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, the club The center of gravity and/or moment of inertia of the head may be varied. For example, by distributing the mass of the club head closer to the sole of the club head and/or further from the face of the club head, the angle of flight of a golf ball hit with the club head can be increased. On the other hand, by increasing the flight angle of the golf ball, the moving distance of the golf ball can be increased. Also, distributing the mass of the club head closer to the toe end and/or heel end of the club head can affect the moment of inertia of the club head which can alter the forgiveness of the golf club.

Also, the coefficient of restitution of the club head of the golf club may vary depending on 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 vary depending on the geometry of the face (eg, height, width, and/or thickness) and/or material properties of the face (eg, Young's modulus). That is, by maximizing the height and/or width of the face, and/or minimizing the thickness and/or Young's modulus of the face, the flexibility of the face can be increased, thereby increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club head; By increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club head of the golf club, which is substantially a measure of the efficiency of energy transfer from the club head to the golf ball, the distance the golf ball travels after impact can be increased and the spin of the golf ball can be reduced. and/or the ball speed of the golf ball may be increased.

However, by thinning the face of the club head, redistribution of mass from the face to other parts of the club head may be allowed, and the face may be more flexible, however, thinning the face of the club head may also affect the face. buckling and an increase in deflection to the point of failure. Accordingly, there is a need for a device and method for preventing buckling of the face of the club head when the face of the club head is thinned.

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following figures are provided:
1 shows top, rear, toe side views of a club head according to one 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 one embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional line 4- of FIG. 3 simulating the face of a conventional club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 3 upon impact on a golf ball (not shown) and the resulting deflection is amplified by a factor of 3; shows a stress-strain analysis of a partial cross-section of a conventional club head taken along 4;
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a club head taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
6 shows top, rear, toe side views of a club head in accordance with one embodiment;
Fig. 7 shows a top, front, toe side view of a club head according to the embodiment of Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 shows a side view of a club head taken along section line 5-5 of Fig. 2 according to another embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 9 shows a top, rear, heel side view of a club head according to the embodiment of Fig. 8;
10 shows a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of providing a golf club head;
Figure 11 shows an exemplary operation of providing a bracing device according to the embodiment of Figure 10;
12 shows an illustration of one embodiment of a layer of vibration damping features;
Fig. 13 shows 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 one embodiment.
15 shows a top, rear view of a club head according to one embodiment;
16 shows a cross-sectional view of a 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.

For purposes of simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show construction in a general manner, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Additionally, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the invention. Like reference numbers in the various drawings indicate like elements.

In the description and claims, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like, if present, are used to distinguish like elements and in any particular sequential or chronological order. It cannot be said that it was used to explain the The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and thus it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are capable of operation, for example, in an order other than as illustrated or otherwise described herein. . Also, the terms "comprise" and "has", and any derivative thereof, are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus comprising the list of elements, elements, but may include other elements not inherent or expressly listed in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

In the description and claims, the terms "left", "right", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", etc., if present, are used for descriptive purposes. and cannot be said to have been used to describe a permanent relative position. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and thus the embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be operable, for example, in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. It should be understood.

The terms "couple", "coupled", "couples", "coupled" and the like should be understood broadly and refer to mechanically and/or otherwise connecting two or more elements. Two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise. Coupling can be for any length of time, eg permanently or semi-permanently, or only for an instant.

"Mechanical coupling" and the like should be understood in a broad sense and should include all types of mechanical coupling.

The absence of the words "removably", "removable", etc., in the vicinity of the word "coupled", etc., does not mean that the coupling, etc. is removable or non-removable.

Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head includes an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. The golf club head also includes a face element. The face element includes a face face located at a front end, the face face including a face center and a face circumference. The face element also includes a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear circumference approximately opposite the face center. Additionally, the golf club head includes a reinforcing device located on the rear face. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center. Also, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; the y-axis extends through the upper and lower 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 upper and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising: Contains an annular rib. On the other hand, the face face may be closer to the rear face closer to the center of the face than closer to the face circumference.

Other embodiments include a golf club head. In some embodiments, the golf club head includes an iron-type golf club head. The golf club head includes an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. The golf club head also includes a face element. The face element includes a face face located at a front end, the face face including a face center and a face circumference. The face element also includes a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear circumference approximately opposite the face center. Additionally, the golf club head includes a reinforcing device located on the rear face. Further, the golf club head includes a perimeter wall element (i) extending from the rear face toward and away from the front end, and (ii) extending around the entire circumference of the rear face. The circumferential wall element includes a first circumferential wall portion extending along a circumference of the rear face at an upper end and a second circumferential wall portion extending along a circumference of the rear face at a lower end. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center. Also, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; the y-axis extends through the upper and lower 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 upper and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising: It includes a closed annular 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 cm, and at least a portion of the second circumferential wall portion is a face element proximate the face circumference. thinner than

Some embodiments further include an insert that at least partially fills the cavity of the reinforcing element formed by the annular rib. In some embodiments, the cavity can be a central cavity. The central cavity may also be partially covered by a badge. The medium may be separate from the insert or may be integral with the insert. In another embodiment, the badge may be integral with the reinforcing element. The insert may be made of a lightweight material, less than about 3 g, 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 greater than 3 g, such as from 5 g to 10 g, and may contribute to the swing weight or center of gravity of the club head.

Additional embodiments include vibration damping features disposed on the rear face of the golf club head to reduce noise, produce a more desirable sound, and reduce vibration of the golf club head. The vibration damping features can be constructed of any material or composition capable of dampening or canceling vibrations, such as damping foils, rubber, or pressure-sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymers. The vibration damping feature may be pressure responsive, so that when the golf ball is struck, vibration from the golf club head may be reduced or eliminated. The viscoelastic cushioning feature provides a golf club head with a more desirable sound while increasing the performance of the thin-faced golf club head. A vibration damping feature is added at least partially to the rear face of the golf club head. Vibration damping features may also be added to the stiffening element. Vibration damping features may further be added to all or part of the cavity of the stiffening element. The cavity may be a central cavity. The central cavity of the rear face may also be partially covered by vibration damping features. The central cavity may also be partially covered by the medium, and vibration damping features may be placed under the medium.

Additional embodiments include a method of providing a golf club head. The method includes: providing a face element comprising: (i) a face face located at a front end and having a face center and a face circumference; and (ii) a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, the rear surface having a rear center approximately opposite the face center and a rear circumference; and providing a reinforcing device to the posterior face. In these embodiments, the golf club head includes an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the forward end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. do. Also, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center. Moreover, the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; the y-axis extends through the upper and lower 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 upper and rear ends. On the other hand, the reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising an annular rib. do. Also, the face face may be closer to the rear face closer to the center of the face than closer to the face circumference.

Some embodiments include golf clubs. A golf club includes a shaft and a golf club head connected to the shaft. The golf club head includes an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. The golf club head also includes a face element. The face element includes a face face located at a front end, the face face including a face center and a face circumference. The face element also includes a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear circumference approximately opposite the face center. Additionally, the golf club head includes a reinforcing device located on the rear face. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center. Also, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; the y-axis extends through the upper and lower 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 upper and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising: Contains an annular rib. On the other hand, the face face may be closer to the rear face closer to the center of the face than closer to the face circumference.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows top, rear, and toe side views of a club head 100 according to one embodiment. Meanwhile, FIG. 2 shows top, front, and heel 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 employed in many other embodiments or embodiments 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 (see FIG. 14 ) can include golf club head 100 connected to shaft 1490 and grip 1495 . Also, a golf club head can be part of a set of golf club heads, and/or a 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. Nevertheless, while club head 100 is generally described with reference to an iron-type golf club head, club head 100 may be any other suitable type of golf club head, such as a wood-type golf club head (eg, , a driver club head, a fairway wood club head, or a hybrid club head) or a putter golf club head. In general, club head 100 may comprise any suitable material, but in many embodiments club head 100 comprises one or more metallic materials. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

For reference purposes, the club head 100 has an upper end 100 and a lower end 102 opposite the upper end 101, a front end 203 (FIG. 2) and a front end 203. Opposite rear end 104 (FIG. 2), and toe end 105 and heel end 106 opposite to toe end 105. 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 frame of reference for the club head 100. Thus, the x-axis 107, y-axis 108 and z-axis 109 are orthogonal to each other. Also, the x-axis 107 extends through the toe end 105 and the heel end 106 and is equidistant between the upper end 101 and the lower end 102; y-axis 108 extends through upper end 101 and lower end 102 and is equidistant between toe end 105 and heel end 106; The z-axis 109 extends through the front end 203 (FIG. 2) and the rear end 104, (i) between the toe end 105 and the heel end 106 and (ii) the top end. It is equidistant between (101) and the rear end (104).

In implementation, 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, further filled with a filler material different from the material of the shell structure, and/or It can be partially filled. For example, the filler material may include plastic foam.

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

In many embodiments, face element 111 includes a face face 214 ( FIG. 2 ) and a rear face 115 . On the other hand, the face face 214 (FIG. 2) includes a face center 216 (FIG. 2) and a face circumference 217 (FIG. 2), and the rear face 115 includes a rear center 118 and a rear circumference. includes section 119. Face surface 214 (FIG. 2) may relate to the striking surface or striking plate of club head 100 and may be configured to exert impact on a ball (not shown), such as a golf ball or the like. In many embodiments, face surface 214 (FIG. 2) may include one or more scoring lines 223 (FIG. 2).

In the above and other embodiments, face face 214 ( FIG. 2 ) may be located at front end 203 ( FIG. 2 ) and rear face 115 may be located at rear end 104 . there is. Also, the back face 115 may be approximately opposite the face face 214 (FIG. 2); The back 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 embodiments, face center 216 (FIG. 2) may represent the geometric center of face face 214 (FIG. 2). Accordingly, in the foregoing and other embodiments, face center 216 (FIG. 2) is approximately equidistant between toe end 105 and heel end 106 in face plane 214 (FIG. 2). And furthermore, it may represent a position equidistant between the upper end 101 and the lower end 102. In various embodiments, the face center may represent the face center as defined by the United States Golf Association: Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Club Head, USGA-TPX 3004, Revision 1.0.0, incorporated herein by reference. p. 6, 1 May 2008 (retrieved 12 May 2014 from http://www.usga.org/equipment/testing/protocols/Test-Protocols-For-Equipment). Similarly, in some embodiments, posterior center 118 may represent the geometric center of posterior face 115 .

For reference, the x-axis 107 and y-axis 108 may extend approximately parallel to face plane 214 (FIG. 2), and the z-axis 109 may extend approximately parallel to face plane 214 (FIG. 2). 2) can be extended vertically. On the other hand, the x-axis 107, y-axis 107, y-axis 118 includes the origin of the Cartesian frame of reference given by the x-axis 107, y-axis 108 and z-axis 109. Axis 108 and z-axis 109 may each intersect the posterior center 118 .

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 the above and 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 elements 120 (eg, reinforcing elements 121 ). The stiffening device 112 and/or the stiffening element(s) 120 are located on the rear face 115, from the rear face 115 towards the rear end 104 and from the front end 203 (FIG. 2). extends farther away In many embodiments, the stiffening element(s) 120 include an outer circumferential surface and a geometric center. In the above and other embodiments, the geometric center(s) of one or more stiffening element(s) 120 (eg, stiffening element 121 ) may be located approximately on the z-axis 109 . For example, the stiffening element 121 may include an outer circumferential surface 126 and a geometric center 130 .

The bracing device 112 and the bracing element(s) 120 are configured to reinforce the face element 111, together with, for example, the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) of a ball (e.g., a golf ball). It still allows deflection of the face element 111, such as when applying an impact to the face element 111. The result is a more flexible face element 111 to allow mass to be redistributed from the face element 111 to other parts of the club head 100 and without buckling and breaking under the influence of the resulting flex. To make it, the face element 111 may be thinned. Advantageously, the face element ( 111) can be thinner, the center of gravity, moment of inertia and coefficient of restitution of the club head 100 can be altered to improve the performance characteristics of the club head 100. For example, through the implementation of the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening element(s) 120, the face surface 214 is increased by increasing the launch angle of the golf ball (eg, by about 1/10 degree to 1/3 degree). ) (FIG. 2), the flight distance of the golf ball hit can be increased, the ball speed of the golf ball can be increased (e.g., by about 0.1 mph (0.161 kph) to about 3.0 mph (4.83 kph)), and /or the spin of the golf ball may be reduced (eg, by about 1-500 rpm). In these embodiments, the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening element(s) 120 will have the effect of counteracting some of the gearing on the golf ball provided by the face surface 214 (FIG. 2). can

A test of a golf club incorporating one embodiment of the golf club head 100 was conducted. In general, compared to an iron golf club with a standard reinforced striking surface and custom tuning port, the test shows that the moment of inertia is greater around the x-axis and/or y-axis and the impact the golf ball has on the face of the golf club head showed greater tolerance, as indicated by the tighter statistical area of . In some tests, the moment of inertia about the x-axis was increased by about 2%, the moment of inertia about the y-axis was increased by about 4%, and/or the statistics of the impact of the golf ball on the face of the golf club head The academic area was reduced by about 15-50%. Additionally, the ball speed of the golf ball is increased, the launch angle of the golf ball is increased, and/or the spin of the golf ball is reduced. In one example, testing of one embodiment of a golf club 100 on a 5 iron golf club increased the ball speed of a golf ball by about 1.5 mph (2.41 kph) and the launch angle of the golf ball by about 0.3 It was confirmed that the spin of the golf ball was reduced by about 250 rpm. In another example, in a test of one embodiment of a golf club 100 on a 7 iron golf club, the ball speed of a golf ball was increased by about 2.0 mph (3.22 kph), and the change in launch angle of the golf ball was Almost none, and it was confirmed that the spin of the golf ball was reduced by about 450 rpm. In a further example, in a test of one embodiment of golf club 100 on a wedge iron golf club, there was little change in the ball speed of the golf ball, an increase in the launch angle of the golf ball by about 0.1 degrees, and It was found that the spin was reduced by about 200 rpm.

In particular, in many embodiments face element 111 includes scoring line(s) 223 ( FIG. 2 ) and without implementation of reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 face element 111 ) is thinned, below the scoring line(s) 223, particularly at the face center 216, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 . At scoring line(s) 223 (FIG. 2) close to (FIG. 2) buckling and failure of face element 111 may occur.

The club head 100 having the stiffening device 112 may also have a uniform transitional thickness 550 ( FIG. 5 ) extending from the front end 203 to the lower end 102 . The uniform transitional thickness 550 absorbs stress directed to the area between the front end 203 and the lower end 102 of the club head 100 with the stiffening device 112 . The uniform transitional 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.

Specifically, looking ahead to the drawings, FIG. 3 shows a conventional club head 300 according to one embodiment. Club head 300 may be similar to club head 100 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), but unlike club head 100, the club head 300 is located on the rear face 315 of the face element 311. There are no reinforcing devices and reinforcing elements. Club head 300 includes one or more scoring lines 323 on face face 314 of club head 300 . Posterior face 315 may be similar to posterior face 115 (FIG. 1); Face element 311 may be similar or identical to face element 111 (FIG. 1); Face surface 314 may be similar or identical to face surface 214 (FIG. 2); and/or scoring line(s) 323 may be similar or identical to scoring line 223 (FIG. 2). Further, the omitted reinforcing device may be similar to reinforcing device 112 ( FIG. 1 ), and the omitted reinforcing element(s) may be similar to reinforcing element(s) 120 ( FIG. 1 ). On the other hand, FIG. 4 simulates the face surface 314 of the club head 300 according to the embodiment of FIG. 3, where an impact is applied to a golf ball (not shown) and the resulting deflection is amplified by a factor of three. Stress-strain analysis of a partial cross-sectional view of club head 300 taken along section line 4-4 of Fig. 3 is shown.

As demonstrated in FIG. 4 , face element 311 behaves similarly to a simple support beam and thus includes a neutral axis 436 . In the face element 311, the portion between the face surface 314 and the neutral axis 436 is in a compression state, and in the face element 311, the portion between the neutral axis 436 and the rear face 315 is in tension. It is a state. Stresses first build up on the face face 314 and back face 315 and move inward toward the neutral axis 436 . However, unlike simple support beams, face element 311 also includes scoring line(s) 323 in portions of face element 311 that are in a compressed state. When face element 311 flexes excessively, mechanical yielding of face element 311 at the underside of scoring line(s) 323 may result. Without scoring line(s) 323, face element 311 would typically be expected to fail first in tension in the portion of face element 311, but due to scoring line(s) 323 , In the face element 311, destruction occurs first in a portion in a compressed state. That is, face element 311 fails at scoring line(s) 323 before the remainder of face element 311 is likely to reach a high enough stress level to cause failure. Unlike wood-type golf club heads, which tend to be convex at face face 314, iron-type club heads tend to be flat at face face 314, so iron-type club heads do not have a scoring line(s). ) (323) may be more vulnerable to destruction. As a result, when a wood-type golf club head flexes at face face 314, face face 314 may still flex outward to some extent. On the other hand, when an iron-type golf club head bends at the face surface 314, the face element 311 may bend into a concave shape that increases the degree of compression at a portion of the face surface 314 that is in a state of compression. .

Referring now back to FIGS. 1 and 2 , by implementing the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening element(s) 120 , scoring line(s) 223 while allowing the overall deflection of the face element 111 to be increased. ) (FIG. 2), in particular the scoring line(s) of scoring line(s) 223 (FIG. 2) close to the face center 216 (FIG. 2), the local deflection can be reinforced. The stiffening device 112 and the stiffening element(s) 120 may provide the above benefits by increasing the localized thickness of the face element 111, at which point the face element 111 may become stiffer and stiffer. there is. In practice, the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening element(s) 120 act to pull the neutral axis of the face element 111 away from the face face 214 (FIG. 2) and closer to the rear face 115. possible.

On the other hand, the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element(s) 120 may additionally provide the above benefits when implemented as a closed structure (eg, one or more annular ribs), which is and because the closed structure can resist deformation as a result of circumferential (ie, hoop) stresses acting on the stiffening element(s) 120 . For example, the circumferential (ie, hoop) stress acting on the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening element(s) 120 is such that both sides of the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening element(s) 120 are back to each other. Rotation in the losing direction can be prevented, whereby warping is reduced.

In addition, the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element(s) 120 absorb a significant portion of the stress acting on the club head 100 during impact, so that the face element 111, the face surface 214 and It prevents stress from being absorbed by other parts of the club head 100, such as the rear face 115. By directing the stress towards the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening element(s), compared to a club head 300 without the stiffening device and stiffening element, or with the stiffening device 112 but no or few stiffening elements 120. Compared to the club head, the durability of the club head 100 and face element 111 is improved.

In implementation, stiffening element(s) 120 (eg, stiffening element 121) may be implemented in any suitable shape(s) (eg, polygonal, elliptical, circular, etc.), and/or as described above. Likewise, the reinforcement device 112 and/or reinforcement element(s) 120 may be implemented in any suitable arrangement(s) configured to fulfill the intended function described above. Further, when the reinforcing element(s) 120 includes a plurality of reinforcing elements, two or more of the reinforcing element(s) 120 may be similar to other reinforcing elements, and/or the reinforcing element(s) ) 120, two or more reinforcing elements may be different from other reinforcing elements.

In some embodiments, the stiffening element(s) 120 (eg, stiffening element 121 ) can be symmetric about the x-axis 107 and/or the y-axis 108 . If stiffening element(s) 120 (eg, stiffening element 121) is implemented in an elliptical shape, in many embodiments, the largest dimension (eg, major axis) of the stiffening element(s) is along the x-axis ( 107) or y-axis 108 may be parallel and/or collinear. However, in other embodiments, the largest dimension (eg, the major axis) may be inclined with respect to the x-axis 107 and/or the y-axis 108 as desired. Additionally, in many embodiments, stiffening element(s) 120 (eg, stiffening element 121) can be centered on z-axis 109, although in some embodiments, one or more stiffening element(s) ) 120 (e.g., stiffening element 121) may be centered off the z-axis 109, such as upper end 101, lower end 102, toe end 105 and It may be biased toward one or two of the heel end 106 and the like.

In many embodiments, each stiffening element of stiffening element(s) 120 (eg, stiffening element 121 ) may include one or more annular ribs 127 (eg, annular rib 122 ). Specifically, the reinforcing element 121 may include an annular rib 122 . In the above and other embodiments, where annular rib(s) 127 includes a plurality of annular ribs, annular rib 127 is about a point and/or axis (eg, z-axis 109). They may be concentric with each other. In other embodiments, where annular rib(s) 127 includes a plurality of annular ribs, two or more annular rib(s) 127 may not be concentric. Also, in the above and other embodiments, two or more annular rib(s) may overlap. On the other hand, in these embodiments, annular rib 122 may include an elliptical rib, and in some of these embodiments, annular rib 122 may include a toroidal rib. As previously mentioned, implementing stiffening element(s) 120 as annular rib(s) 127 is a circumference (eg, hoop) provided by the closed structure of annular rib(s) 127. Stress can be advantageous. In many embodiments, one or more (or each) annular rib(s) 127 is a continuous closed loop.

In the above and other embodiments, each annular rib of annular 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 element (eg, reinforcing element 121) includes an outer circumferential surface of an annular rib (eg, annular rib 122) corresponding to the reinforcing element. For example, the annular rib 122 may include an outer circumferential surface 128 and an inner circumferential surface 129 . Additionally, the inner circumferential surface 129 can be angled and substantially perpendicular to the posterior surface at rib height 540 (FIG. 13).

In some embodiments, one or more outer circumferential surface(s) of stiffening element(s) 120 (eg, outer circumferential surface 126 of stiffening element 121 ) is filleted (filleted) with respect to posterior surface 115 . ) can be processed. In the foregoing and other embodiments, one or more inner circumferential surface(s) of annular rib(s) 127 (eg, inner circumferential surface 129 of annular rib 122 ) is relative to posterior surface 115 . Can be filleted. Filleting the outer circumferential surface(s) of the stiffening element(s) 120 (e.g., the outer circumferential surface 126 of the stiffening element 121) relative to the rear face 115 results in the stiffening element(s) ( 120) (eg, the outer circumferential surface 126 of the reinforcing element 121 ) may allow a smooth transition to the rear surface 115 . Additionally, by filleting the outer circumferential surface(s) of the stiffening element(s) 120 (eg, the outer circumferential surface 126 of the stiffening element 121) to the rear surface 115, stress from impact is reduced. It may be directed towards the stiffening element(s) 120 and away from the face surface 214 . On the other hand, the outer circumferential surface(s) of the reinforcing element(s) (eg, the outer circumferential surface 126 of the reinforcing element 121) or the inner circumferential surface(s) of the annular rib(s) 127 (eg, annular circumferential surface) The inner circumferential surface 129 of the rib 122 may be filleted to the back surface 115 with a fillet 117 having a radius greater than or equal to about 0.012 cm. For example, in some embodiments, the fillets 117 of the rear face 115 and the outer circumferential face 126 range from about 0.012 cm to about 2.0 cm, from about 0.50 cm to about 3.0 cm, or from about 1.0 cm. cm to about 4.0 cm. As a further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 117 of the posterior face 115 and inner circumferential face 129 ranges from about 0.012 cm to about 2.0 cm, from about 0.50 cm to about 3.0 cm, or from about 1.0 cm. cm to about 4.0 cm.

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

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

In many embodiments, minimum thickness 544 between stiffening element 120 and lip 552 corresponds to face plate deflection and ball speed. As the minimum thickness 544 between the stiffening element 120 and the lip 552 is reduced, the outer circumferential surface of the stiffening element 120 may be more deflected by the golf ball during impact. Through the increase in the bending of the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element 120 upon impact, the deflection of the face plate can be increased, and as a result, energy transfer to the golf ball is increased and ball speed is increased. For example, a golf club head 100 shown in FIG. 17 in which minimum thickness 544 between stiffening element 120 and rib 552 is approximately equal to center thickness 537, stiffening element 120 ) and the lip 552, the minimum thickness 544 is greater than the center thickness 537, resulting in higher ball speeds up to 1 mph than the golf club head 100 shown in FIGS.

In some embodiments, when stiffening element 121 includes annular rib 122 , annular rib 122 may include cavity 131 . In another embodiment, when the stiffening element 121 includes an annular rib 122 , the annular rib 122 does not include a cavity 131 . In embodiments without cavity 131, center thickness 537 ( FIGS. 5 and 13 ) may be greater than in embodiments with cavity 131 , and rib height 542 ( FIGS. 5 and 13 ). 13), which can be measured from face surface 214 (FIG. 2) to the distal end of annular rib 122 (e.g., center thickness 537 (FIG. 5) and coupling distance of rib height 542 (FIG. 5)]. The cavity 131 is defined by an inner circumferential surface 129 and a rear 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 or the like. In other embodiments, cavity 131 may receive insert 805 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .

As discussed in some detail above, by implementing the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening element(s) 120, the face face 214 (FIG. 2) is close to the face circumference 217 (FIG. 2) (e.g. , closer to the face center 216 (eg, at the face center) than to the face circumference. In some embodiments, the portion of face surface 214 (FIG. 2) proximal to face center 216 (FIG. 2) is the portion of face center 216 (FIG. 2) in the surface area of face surface 214. It can demarcate and represent a portion equivalent to about 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 10% or 20% of the total surface area of face surface 214 . In the foregoing or other embodiments, said portion of the surface area of the face face 214 ( FIG. 2 ) may correspond to a portion of the surface area of the rear face 115 covered by the stiffening element 121 . On the other hand, in some embodiments, the portion of face surface 214 (FIG. 2) proximal to face circumference 217 (FIG. 2) is between face circumference 217 and face circumference of face surface 214. 217 (FIG. 2) may represent an area bounded by an inset boundary located at about 0.10 cm, 0.20 cm, 0.25 cm, 0.50 cm, 1.00 cm, or 2.00 cm.

Referring briefly to the drawings in advance, FIGS. 5 and 13 show cross-sectional views of the club head 100 taken along section line 5-5 in FIG. 2 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 . Club head 100 may include a center thickness 537 . Center thickness 537 may be related to the distance from face center 216 (FIG. 2) to back center 118 (FIG. 1). In many embodiments, the center thickness 537 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, center thickness 537 can 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 central portion of stiffening element 120 may be at least partially filled. For example, the central portion of stiffening element 120 may be filled with a damping material or vibration damping feature (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 can be approximately equal to the face thickness at rib height 540 . The face thickness at rib height 540 may be rib height 540 plus center thickness 537 . In many embodiments, face thickness 542 at the exterior of stiffening element 120 is greater than center thickness 537 , but may be less than face thickness at 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 about 0.30 cm, greater than about 0.40 cm, greater than about 0.50 cm, or greater than about 0.60 cm.

In some embodiments, face thickness 542 on the outside of stiffening element 120 may vary. 15-16 show an upper portion 545 of the face plate external to the stiffening element 120 and having an upper thickness 546, and a face plate external to the stiffening element 120 and having a lower thickness 548. shows the lower portion 545 of In some embodiments, upper thickness 546 can be the same as lower thickness 548 (FIGS. 5 and 13). In these embodiments, center thickness 537 may be less than upper thickness 546 and lower thickness 548, and upper thickness 546 and lower thickness 548 may be less than the face thickness at rib height 540. can In some embodiments, upper thickness 546 can be different than lower thickness 548 (FIGS. 15-16). For example, in some embodiments, center thickness 537 can be thinner than upper thickness 546, upper thickness 546 can be thinner than lower thickness 548, and lower thickness 548 is equal to the rib height ( 540) may be thinner than the face thickness. For example, in some embodiments, top thickness 546 can be thinner than center thickness 537, center thickness 537 can be thinner than bottom thickness 548, and bottom thickness 548 can be rib height ( 540) may be thinner than the face thickness.

In many embodiments, face thickness 542 on the outside of stiffening element 120 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, face thickness 542 on the outside of stiffening element 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, top thickness 546 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, top thickness 546 can 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, lower thickness 548 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, lower thickness 548 can 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 on the outside of the stiffening element 120 is between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm, even without a supportive backing material (eg, without a filler material such as an elastomer disposed behind the face plate). cm, and the center thickness 537 can be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.300 cm. For example, even if no elastomer or other flexible material is disposed behind face thickness 542 on the outside of stiffening element 120, face thickness 542 on the outside of stiffening element 120 can be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.150 cm. It may be about 0.300 cm. As a further example, center thickness 537 may be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.300 cm, even if no elastomer or other flexible material is disposed behind face center thickness 537 .

Typically, the face plate of a golf club head is designed to maximize ball speed for a particular swing speed requirement (eg, by reducing the face plate thickness). In general, the force at impact by the club head decreases with swing speed, so where the swing speed durability requirements are low (e.g., in the case of a woman's golf club head compared to a man's golf club head), the face plate thickness can reduce For example, a club head with a lower swing speed durability requirement has a center thickness 537, a face thickness at lip height 540, an upper thickness 546, and a lower thickness ( 548) or any combination of the foregoing thicknesses may be reduced. In some embodiments, the club head 100 is less than 100 mph (160.9 kph), less than 90 mph (144.8 kph), less than 80 mph (128.7 kph), less than 70 mph (112.6 kph), or 60 mph (96.6 kph). The center thickness 537 may be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm, the top thickness 546 may be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm, and the bottom thickness 548 may be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm. In some embodiments, club head 100 is 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 90 mph (144.8 kph) The center thickness 537 may be from about 0.200 cm to about 0.300 cm, the top thickness 546 may be from about 0.200 cm to about 0.300 cm, and the bottom thickness 548 may be from about 0.200 cm to about 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 about 0.046 cm. As described herein, measurements for center thickness 537, face thickness 542 outside of stiffening element 120, top thickness 546, and bottom thickness 548 are the scoring for the face plate. It is determined in the area where there is no line. Thus, a face plate thickness measured within scoring line 223 will be less (by the depth of the scoring line) than a corresponding face plate thickness measured outside or near scoring line 223 within the same area of the face plate. will be.

In some embodiments, the width of the ribs may vary throughout annular rib 122 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, annular rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) and/or inner circumferential surface 129 ( FIG. 1 ) may include a maximum rib span 538 . The maximum rib span 538 is the transverse distance from one side of the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1) to the opposite side of the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1) parallel to the posterior surface 115 (FIG. 1). It may be related to the maximum distance measured. Thus, if annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) comprises an annular rib, maximum rib span 538 may be relative to the major axis of inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1). Further, if annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) comprises an annular rib, maximum rib span 538 may be related 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 about 1.0 cm. In some embodiments, if the maximum rib span 538 is too large (eg, greater than about 1.88 cm), the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) is the scoring line closest to the face center 216 (FIG. 2). may be insufficient to reinforce (s) 223 (FIG. 2). On the other hand, in the foregoing and other embodiments, if the maximum rib span 538 is too small (eg, less than about 0.609 cm), the annular rib 122 is closest to the face circumference 217 (FIG. 2). It may be insufficient to reinforce nearby scoring line(s) 223 (FIG. 2). In general, the upper and lower limits of maximum rib span 538 may be a function of the size of face element 111 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, two or more ribs 621 , 641 may be present, for example as shown in FIG. 6 . In this case, the large rib span or inner or outer diameter of rib 641 (FIG. 6) may be greater than 1.88 cm, and the small rib span or inner or outer diameter of rib 621 (FIG. 6) may be less than 0.609 cm. there is.

Annular rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) may also include rib thickness 539 . The rib thickness 539 is the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1) of the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) and the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1), measured parallel to the posterior surface 115 (FIG. 1). 1) may relate to the distance between the outer circumferential surfaces 128 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the thickness of the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) can vary throughout the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1), and the rib thickness 539 is the thickness of the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1). may be the maximum rib thickness of In many embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be between about 0.05 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 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 0.50 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 0.75 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 1.00 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 1.25 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 1.50 cm. In various embodiments, where annular rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) includes a plurality of annular ribs, two or more annular ribs of annular rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) include the same rib thickness. and/or two or more annular ribs of annular 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).

Additionally, the annular rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) may include a rib height 540 . The rib height 540 is at the center position of the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) farthest from the rear face 115 (FIG. 1) (i.e., the outer circumferential surface 128). (FIG. 1) and the bordering position of the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1)]. In the above and other embodiments, the rib height 540 may be greater than or equal to about 0.3048 cm. In some embodiments, rib height 540 may be between about 0.1778 cm and about 0.3048 cm. In some embodiments, rib height 540 may be about 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 less than or equal to about 0.512 cm. In some embodiments, the height of annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) can vary throughout annular rib 122, and rib height 540 is the maximum rib height of annular rib 122 (FIG. 1). can In various embodiments, where annular rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) includes a plurality of annular ribs, two or more annular ribs of annular rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) include the same rib height. and/or two or more annular ribs of annular 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, when the rib thickness 539 and/or the rib height 540 is increased, the center thickness 537 can be decreased, and vice versa. On the other hand, rib thickness 539 and/or rib height 540 may depend on each other. For example, by increasing rib thickness 539, rib height 540 may be allowed to decrease, and vice versa.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in many embodiments, the perimeter wall element 113 can include a first perimeter wall portion 124 and a second perimeter wall portion 125 . The perimeter wall element 113 may (i) at least partially (eg, entirely) around the rear perimeter 119 of the rear face 115 and (ii) from the rear face 115 toward the rear end 104 . , and (iii) extends away from the front end 203 (FIG. 2). Meanwhile, the first circumferential wall portion 124 may extend from the upper end 101 along the rear circumferential portion 119 of the rear face 115, and the second circumferential wall portion 125 may extend along the lower end 102. It may extend along the rear circumferential portion 119 of the rear face 115 at . In many embodiments, the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element(s) 120 are coupled to the rear face 115 such that the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element(s) 120 float on the rear face 115. is separated from and/or remote from the perimeter wall element 113 at . By configuring the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening element(s) 120 to float, the face element 111 may be allowed to flex approximately symmetrically about the face center 216 (FIG. 2).

In many embodiments, the club head body 110 comprises (i) at least partially a first circumferential wall portion 124 and/or a top surface 132 at the upper end 101, and/or (ii) at least a partial As a second circumferential wall portion 125 and/or may include a brush face 133 at the lower end 102. Thus, in some embodiments, first perimeter wall portion 124 may include at least a portion of top surface 132; and/or the second peripheral wall portion 125 may include at least a portion of the sole surface 133 . Additionally, top surface 132 may abut face surface 214 (FIG. 2) at top end 101; and/or the sole face 133 may abut the face face 214 ( FIG. 2 ) at the lower end 102 .

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second perimeter wall portion 125 is at about and/or close to the face element 111 at and/or proximate the face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ). It may be of the same or thinner thickness. For example, the second circumferential wall portion 125 is a portion close to the face circumferential portion 217 in the second circumferential wall portion 125 (that is, the second circumferential wall portion 125 and the face element 111). borders], may be of the same or lesser thickness than the face element 111 that is at and/or proximate the face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2). The second circumferential wall portion 125 is the same as or thinner than the face element 111 at and/or proximate to the face circumference 217 ( FIG. 2 ). When the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) applies an impact to the golf ball by implementing such thickness, the formation of a stress riser in the second peripheral wall portion 125 can be prevented.

The posterior face 115 includes a first posterior face portion and a second posterior face portion. The first rear surface portion may represent the portion of the rear surface 115 covered by the perimeter wall element 113 and the second rear surface portion may represent the remaining portion of the rear surface 115 . In many embodiments, stiffening element 121 (eg, annular rib 122 ) covers at least about 25% of the surface area of the second posterior face portion of posterior face 115 and/or the second posterior face portion of posterior face 115 . 2 Can cover up to about 40% of the surface area of the posterior face. In other embodiments, stiffening element 121 (eg, annular rib 122 ) may cover at least about 30% of the surface area of the second posterior surface portion of posterior face 115 . In some embodiments, stiffening element 121 (eg, annular rib 122 ) comprises about 25%, 28%, 31%, 34%, 37%, or 40% can be covered.

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

On the other hand, schematically, hosel 134 may be located at or proximate to heel end 106 . Although a shaft is not shown in the figure, hosel 134 may be configured to receive a shaft (ie, through an opening in hosel 134 ), such as, for example, a golf club shaft or the like. Accordingly, hosel 134 may receive a shaft, and when hosel 134 receives a shaft, the shaft may be attached (eg, permanently or detachably) to club head 100 and/or club head body 110. ) can be allowed to be connected.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the second peripheral wall portion 125 may include a weight cavity 135 . In the foregoing embodiments, the weight cavity 135 may be configured to receive a removable or permanent weight insert. The weighting insert may be positioned within the weight cavity 135 such that the weighting insert is positioned closer to the lower end 102 of the club head 100 than the center of gravity of the club head 100 . In other words, the weighted insert may be positioned within the weight cavity 135 such that the center of gravity of the club head 100 is positioned closer to the upper 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.

Looking ahead to the drawings, FIG. 6 shows top, rear, and toe side views of the club head 600 according to one embodiment. On the other hand, Figure 7 shows the top, front side, toe side views of the club head 600 according to the embodiment of FIG.

Club head 600 may be similar or identical to club head 100 (FIG. 1). Accordingly, club head 600 may include a reinforcing device 612 , and reinforcing device 612 may include reinforcing element(s) 620 . The bracing device 612 can be similar or identical to the bracing device 112 (FIG. 1); Stiffening element(s) 620 may be similar or identical to stiffening element(s) 120 (FIG. 1).

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

In the above embodiments, the first reinforcing element 621 and/or the first annular rib 622 may include an annular rib, and the second reinforcing element 622 and/or the second annular rib 642 ) may include an elliptical annular rib. The second reinforcing element 622 and/or the second annular rib 642 may surround the first reinforcing element 621 and/or the first annular rib 622 . In many embodiments, the long axis of the toroidal ribs may be approximately parallel to the x-axis of the club head 600 . The x-axis may be similar or identical to x-axis 107 (FIG. 1). In the same or different embodiments, the short axis of the elliptical ribs may not be parallel to the y-axis of the club head 600 . The y-axis may be similar or identical to y-axis 108 (FIG. 1).

The club head 600 with the stiffening device 612 can also have a uniform transitional thickness 550 (not shown) extending from the front end 203 to the lower end 102 . The uniform transitional thickness 550 absorbs stress directed to the area between the front end 203 and the lower end 102 in the club head 600 with the stiffening device 612 . The uniform transitional 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.

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

In some cases, the weight of the insert 805 may be less than about 3 g so as not to significantly affect the center of gravity or swing weight of the club head 800 . In other embodiments, the weight of the insert 805 can be greater than 3 grams, such as from about 5 grams to about 10 grams, etc., and can contribute substantially to the center of gravity and/or swing weight of the club head 800. there is. In some embodiments, insert 805 may be attached to cavity 131 using an epoxy adhesive, viscoelastic foam tape, vibration damping features, or high strength tape such as 3M™ VHB™ tape or the like. In other embodiments, insert 805 may be poured directly into cavity 131 and bonded thereto. Media can be bonded with similar adhesives. In some embodiments, the insert 805 or badge can be coplanar with the annular rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) above rib height 540 and below rib height 540 when fully assembled. can be in

In some embodiments, at least one vibration damping feature (eg, insert 805 (FIG. 8)) may be disposed on the rear face 115 (FIG. 1) of a golf club head, such as golf club head 800. can Vibration damping features can produce a more desirable sound from the golf club head 800 at impact. The thin face element 111 (FIG. 1) of the golf club head 800 can cause an undesirable sound when a golf ball is struck. Vibration damping features can reduce vibration, resulting in a more desirable sound at impact by the thin face element 111 (FIG. 1). By providing more desirable noise, vibration damping components can increase a user's confidence during use. The vibration damping feature may also reduce the vibrational impact perceived by a user of the golf club upon impact of the golf ball. In addition, vibration damping features may be used to reduce vibration fatigue in golf club 800 and various features such as, but not limited to, cavity 131 or weight cavity 135 (FIG. 1). can reduce By reducing vibration fatigue, components such as but not limited to insert 805 in cavity 131 or insert in weight cavity 135 (FIG. 1) may be less at risk of loosening or displacement. By reducing vibration fatigue, the performance life of the golf club head 800 may be extended.

As shown in FIG. 12 , in a further embodiment, the vibration damping feature may include at least one layer of viscoelastic damping material. The damping material may include a pressure-sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymer and an 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 feature includes at least one viscoelastic foam tape, which may include a composition of several layers of high strength tape, such as at least one layer of epoxy adhesive, viscoelastic foam tape, and/or 3M™ VHB™ tape, and the like. An adhesive layer 1203 may be included. In some embodiments, the vibration damping features can include a multi-layer combination of at least one of viscoelastic adhesive 1203 , damping foil 1202 , and/or badge 1201 .

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

The club head 800 with insert 805 can also have a uniform transition thickness 550 ( FIG. 8 ) extending from the front end 203 to the lower end 102 . The uniform transitional thickness 550 absorbs stress directed to the area between the front end 203 and the lower end 102 of the club head 800 with the insert 805 . The uniform transitional 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.

Golf club heads 100, 300, 600, 800 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 of the stiffening element 120, the top thickness 546, the bottom thickness 548, the face thickness at the rib height 540, or the aforementioned Any combination of the thicknesses may vary depending on the loft angle of the club heads within the set of club heads.

Turning now to the following figures, FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram of one 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 employed in many other embodiments or embodiments not specifically shown or described herein. In some embodiments, the tasks, procedures, and/or processes of method 1000 may be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the actions, procedures, and/or processes of method 1000 may be performed in any other suitable order. In yet other embodiments, one or more tasks, procedures, and/or processes in method 1000 may be combined or skipped. In many embodiments, the golf club head may include golf club head 100 (FIGS. 1 & 2), golf club head 600 (FIGS. 6 & 7), and/or golf club head 800 (FIG. 8). & may be similar or identical to FIG. 9).

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

Method 1000 can include act 1002 of providing a reinforcing device. The bracing device may be similar or identical to bracing device 112 (FIG. 1). 11 shows an exemplary task 1002 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10 .

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

Activity 1002 can also include activity 1102 of providing a second reinforcing element. The second reinforcing element may be similar or identical to any one of the second reinforcing element 641 ( FIG. 6 ) and/or the reinforcing element(s) 620 ( FIG. 6 ). In some embodiments, task 1101 and task 1102 may be performed approximately concurrently. In other embodiments, task 1102 may be omitted.

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

In some embodiments, method 1000 can include operation 1004 of providing an insert within a central cavity within the stiffening device provided in operation 1002 . In some embodiments, task 1004 can be omitted.

In many embodiments, two or more of the tasks 1001 - 1004 may be performed sequentially or may be performed approximately concurrently with each other. In the above and other embodiments, operations 1001 - 1004 may be performed implementing any suitable manufacturing technique (eg, casting, forging, forming, machining, bonding, etc.).

Although the golf club head(s) and related methods herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. For example, tasks 1001 to 1004 in FIG. 10 and tasks 1101 and 1102 in FIG. 11 may consist of a number of different procedures, processes and tasks, by a number of different modules, in a number of different sequences. , that any element of FIGS. 1-4 may be modified, and that the foregoing description of these specific embodiments is not intended to be an exhaustive description of all possible embodiments. , will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Further, while the above embodiments may be described in conjunction with an iron-type golf club head, the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and article of manufacture described herein may be used for other types of golf, such as wood-type golf clubs or putter-type golf clubs. It may be applicable to your club. Alternatively, the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of sporting goods, such as hockey sticks, tennis racquets, fishing rods, ski poles, and the like.

Additional embodiments of the above and other variations are provided in the foregoing description. Other permutations of different embodiments having one or more of the features of the various figures are contemplated as well. Accordingly, the detailed description, claims and drawings herein are intended to illustrate the scope of the present disclosure 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: A golf club head comprising: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element comprising: a face face located at a front end and having a face center and a face circumference; and a rear face located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face face, the face element having a posterior center approximately opposite the face center and a posterior perimeter; and a reinforcing device located on the rear face; , wherein the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center, and the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center. and the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and intersects the rear center, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and extends through the upper end and the lower ends, the y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends, and the z-axis extends through the front and rear ends, equidistant between (i) the toe end and the heel end and (ii) the upper end and the rear end, the reinforcing device comprising a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis; The reinforcing element extends from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising an annular rib; The face plane is the one closer to the posterior plane closer to the center of the face than closer to the face circumference.

Clause 2: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the face face includes at least one scoring line extending between the toe end and the heel end.

Item 3: The golf club head of item 1, wherein the golf club head includes an iron-type golf club head.

Item 4: The golf club head of item 1, wherein the posterior surface is closer to the face surface at the face center rather than closer to the face circumference, or the center thickness from face center to rear center is less than about 0.203 cm, or having at least one of the same configurations.

Item 5: The golf club head of item 1, wherein the annular rib has at least one of a configuration symmetric about the x-axis, or a configuration where the annular rib is symmetric about the y-axis.

Item 6: The golf club head according to item 5, wherein the annular rib includes an elliptical annular rib.

Item 7: The golf club head of item 6, wherein the elliptical annular rib includes an annular rib.

Clause 8: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the stiffening element comprises an outer circumferential surface, the annular rib comprises an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the stiffening element comprises an outer circumferential surface of the annular rib. And, the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element has at least one of a configuration in which the rear surface is filleted, or an inner circumferential surface of the annular rib is filleted in relation to the rear surface.

Item 9: The golf club head of item 1, wherein the annular rib includes an inner circumferential surface, the annular rib includes a cavity defined by the inner circumferential surface and the back surface, the cavity being without a weighting insert.

Item 10: The golf club head of item 1, wherein the annular rib includes an inner circumferential surface, the annular rib includes a cavity defined by the inner circumferential surface and the rear surface, the cavity to receive the insert.

Item 11: The golf club head of item 10, wherein the insert includes an elastomer or foam.

Clause 12: The golf club head of clause 10, wherein the cavity is at least partially covered by a badge.

Clause 13: The golf club head of clause 12, wherein the badge is integral with the insert.

Item 14: The golf club head according to item 12, wherein the weight of the insert is about 3 g or less.

Item 15: The golf club head according to item 12, wherein the combined weight of the insert and the badge is about 8 g or less.

Clause 16: The golf club head of clause 10, wherein the rear face at least partially includes vibration damping features disposed on the rear face.

Clause 17: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein the vibration damping feature comprises a damping foil disposed on a rear surface of the golf club head, wherein the badge at least partially covers the rear surface of the golf club head, or wherein the badge is formed in a cavity It is to have at least one of the configurations that at least partially cover the.

Item 18: The golf club head of item 17, wherein the damping foil is disposed between at least one of the rear surface or cavity of the golf club head and the badge.

Clause 19: The golf club head of clause 17, wherein the badge comprises at least one aluminum segment, and the damping foil is disposed between at least one of the rear face or cavity of the golf club head and the aluminum segment.

Clause 20: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the golf club head further comprises a perimeter wall element extending from the rear surface towards the rear end and away from the front end, the perimeter wall element at the upper end of the rear surface. and a first circumferential wall portion extending along the circumference and a second circumferential wall portion extending along the circumference of the rear face at a lower end.

Clause 21: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein at least a portion of the second circumferential wall portion is thinner than the face element proximate the face circumference.

Clause 22: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein the second peripheral wall portion comprises a weight cavity configured to receive a weighted insert.

Item 23: The golf club head of item 18, wherein the weighting insert has a weight of about 5 g to about 10 g.

Clause 24: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein the rear face includes a first rear face portion and a second rear face portion, the perimeter wall element extending around the entire circumference of the rear face and covering the first rear face portion. and the second posterior surface portion comprises the surface area, and the reinforcing element covers at least about 25% of the surface area.

Clause 25: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the stiffening element comprises an outer circumferential surface, the annular rib comprises an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the stiffening element comprises an outer circumferential surface of the annular rib. and the inner circumferential surface having a maximum rib span of at least about 0.609 cm to about 1.88 cm.

Clause 26: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the stiffening element comprises an outer circumferential surface, the annular rib comprises an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the stiffening element comprises an outer circumferential surface of the annular rib. And, the rib thickness between the inner circumferential surface of the annular rib and the outer circumferential surface of the annular rib is about 0.0508 cm to about 1.448 cm.

Clause 27: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the annular rib comprises a rib height, wherein the rib height is from about 0.1778 cm to about 0.3048 cm.

Clause 28: The golf club head of clause 23, wherein the annular rib includes an inner circumferential surface of the annular rib, the inner circumferential surface of the annular rib being substantially perpendicular to the rear surface at rib height.

Clause 29: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the annular rib includes a rib height, and the rib height is greatest in the middle region of the annular rib.

Clause 30: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the stiffening element comprises a first stiffening element, the annular rib comprises the first annular rib, the stiffening device comprises a second stiffening element, and the second stiffening element comprises a second stiffening element. It includes two annular ribs, the second annular rib being approximately concentric with the first annular rib.

Article 31: An iron-type golf club head comprising: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, comprising: a face face located at a front end and having a face center and a face circumference; A face element comprising a rear surface having a rear surface, a reinforcing device located on the rear surface, (i) extending from the rear surface toward and away from the rear end and (ii) around the entire circumference of the rear surface. An elongated perimeter wall element comprising a first perimeter wall portion extending at an upper end along a perimeter of the rear face and a second perimeter wall portion extending at a lower end along a perimeter of the rear face. , wherein the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center, and the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center. and the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and intersects the rear center, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and extends through the upper end and the lower ends, the y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends, and the z-axis extends through the front and rear ends, equidistant between (i) the toe end and the heel end and (ii) the upper end and the rear end, the reinforcing device comprising a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis; The stiffening element extends from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, the stiffening element includes a closed annular rib, the golf club head includes an iron-type golf club head, and extends from face center to rear center. a center thickness of greater than or equal to about 0.203 cm, and at least a portion of the second circumferential wall portion is thinner than a face element proximate the face circumference.

Clause 32: The iron-type golf club head of clause 27, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a first reinforcing element, the reinforcing device comprises a second reinforcing element, the second reinforcing element closure surrounding the closure toroidal rib. It includes an elliptical annular rib, wherein the closed elliptical rib is approximately concentric with the closed elliptical rib, and the closed elliptical rib includes a long axis approximately parallel to the x-axis.

Clause 33: A method of providing a golf club head comprising: a face element located at a front end and having a face center and a face circumference; and a rear surface located at a rear end and approximately opposite to the face faces; providing a face element comprising a posterior face having a posterior center and a posterior circumference approximately opposite center; and providing a reinforcing device to the posterior face, wherein the golf club head comprises an upper end and a a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end, the x-axis being substantially parallel to the face plane. , and intersects the posterior center, the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center, and the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane. and extends almost perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and intersects the rear center, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends, and the y-axis is Extending through the upper and lower ends and equidistant between the toe and heel ends, the z-axis extends through the fore and aft ends and (i) between the toe and heel ends and (ii) ) equidistant between the upper end and the rear end, the step of providing the reinforcing device is providing a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcing element from the rear face providing a stiffening element extending toward the rear end and away from the front end, wherein the stiffening element includes an annular rib, the face face being closer to the face center rather than closer to the face circumference; is more adjacent to

Clause 34: The method of clause 33, wherein the annular rib comprises an inner circumferential surface, the annular rib comprising a central cavity defined by the inner circumferential surface and the rear surface, the central cavity receiving the insert.

Clause 35: The method of clause 33, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a first reinforcing element, the annular rib comprises the first annular rib, and wherein providing the reinforcing device further comprises providing a second reinforcing element. and the second reinforcing element includes a second annular rib, the second annular rib being substantially concentric with the first annular rib.

Article 36: A golf club includes a shaft and a golf club head coupled to the shaft, the golf club head comprising: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, a face face located at a front end and having a face center and a face circumference, and a rear face located at a rear end and approximately opposite to the face face, a rear center and a rear circumference approximately opposite to the face center. a face element comprising a rear surface having; and a reinforcing device located on the posterior face, wherein the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center, and the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and extends about the x-axis extends approximately perpendicular to and intersects the rear center, the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the rear center, and the x-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the toe end and through the heel ends and equidistant between the upper and lower ends, the y-axis extending through the upper and lower ends and equidistant between the toe and heel ends, the z-axis Extending through the front and rear ends and equidistant (i) between the toe and heel ends and (ii) between the upper and rear ends, the stiffening device comprises a geometrical position located approximately in the z-axis. a reinforcing element comprising a center, the reinforcing element extending from the posterior face towards the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising an annular rib, the face face being at the center of the face rather than closer to the face circumference. It is more adjacent to the near posterior surface.

Article 37: A golf club head comprising: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, a face face located at a front end and having a face center and a face circumference, and a rear face located at a rear end and approximately opposite to the face face, a rear center and a rear circumference approximately opposite to the face center. a face element comprising a rear surface having; and a reinforcing device located on the rear face; , wherein the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center, and the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center. and the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center; the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; the y-axis extends through the upper and lower 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 upper and rear ends; The reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis; the reinforcing element extends from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end; the reinforcing element comprises an annular rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface; The face face is closer to the posterior face closer to the center of the face than closer to the face circumference; The outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element may be filleted to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of about 0.012 cm or greater; The inner circumference is one comprising a maximum rib span of greater than about 0.609 cm to about 1.88 cm.

Clause 38: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the face face includes at least one scoring line extending between the toe end and the heel end.

Clause 39: The golf club head of clause 37, further comprising a lip disposed on a rear surface of the club head.

clause 40: the golf club head of clause 37, wherein the posterior face is closer to the face face at the center of the face than closer to the face circumference; or a center thickness from face center to back center of less than or equal to about 0.203 cm.

Clause 41: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the annular rib is configured to be symmetric about the x-axis; or the annular rib has at least one of a configuration symmetric about the y-axis.

Item 42: The golf club head of item 41, wherein the annular rib includes an elliptical annular rib.

Item 43: The golf club head of item 42, wherein the elliptical annular rib includes a toroidal rib.

Clause 44: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the annular rib is filleted with respect to the rear surface.

Clause 45: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the annular rib comprises a cavity defined by an inner circumferential surface and a posterior surface; Cavities are without weighted inserts.

Clause 46: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the annular rib comprises a cavity defined by an inner circumferential surface and a posterior surface; The cavity is to receive the insert.

Clause 47: The golf club head of clause 46, wherein the insert comprises an elastomer or foam.

Clause 48: The golf club head of clause 46, wherein the rear surface at least partially includes vibration damping features disposed on the rear surface, the vibration damping features comprising a damping foil disposed on the rear surface of the golf club head, A configuration that at least partially covers the rear surface of the golf club head; or wherein the medium at least partially covers the cavity.

Clause 49: The golf club head of clause 48, wherein the damping foil is disposed between the badge and at least one of the rear surface or cavity of the golf club head.

Clause 50: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the golf club head further comprises a perimeter wall element extending from the rear surface towards the rear end and away from the front end, the perimeter wall element extending at the upper end to the rear surface. and a first circumferential wall portion extending along the circumference, and a second circumferential wall portion extending along the circumference of the rear face at a lower end.

Clause 51: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the stiffening element comprises an outer circumferential surface, the annular rib comprises an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the stiffening element comprises an outer circumferential surface of the annular rib. And, the rib thickness between the inner circumferential surface of the annular rib and the outer circumferential surface of the annular rib is about 0.0508 cm to about 1.448 cm.

Clause 52: A method of providing a golf club head comprising:

A face element, comprising: a face face located at a front end and having a face center and a face circumference; providing a face element comprising a rear surface comprising: and providing a reinforcing device to the posterior face; wherein: the golf club head includes an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. and; the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center; The x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends, and the y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends. , with a z-axis extending through the front and rear ends and equidistant between (i) the toe and heel ends and (ii) the upper and rear ends; providing a reinforcing device comprises providing a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the posterior face towards the posterior end and away from the anterior end; the reinforcing element comprises an annular rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface; The face face is closer to the posterior face closer to the center of the face than closer to the face circumference; The outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element may be filleted to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of about 0.012 cm or greater; The inner circumference is one comprising a maximum rib span of greater than about 0.609 cm to about 1.88 cm.

Clause 53: The golf club head of clause 52, wherein the annular rib includes a central cavity defined by an inner circumferential surface and a rear surface, the central cavity to receive the insert.

Clause 54: The golf club head of clause 52, wherein the stiffening element comprises a first stiffening element and the annular rib comprises a first annular rib; providing the reinforcing device further comprises providing a second reinforcing element; the second reinforcing element comprises a second annular rib; The second annular rib is approximately concentric with the first annular rib.

Clause 55: A golf club includes a shaft and a golf club head connected to the shaft, the golf club head comprising: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, a face face located at a front end and having a face center and a face circumference, and a rear face located at a rear end and approximately opposite to the face face, a rear center and a rear circumference approximately opposite to the face center. a face element comprising a rear surface having; and a reinforcing device located on the rear face; , wherein the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center; the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; the y-axis extends through the upper and lower 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 upper and rear ends; The reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the posterior face towards the rear end and away from the front end; the reinforcing element comprises an annular rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface; The face face is closer to the posterior face closer to the center of the face than closer to the face circumference; The outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element may be filleted to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of about 0.012 cm or greater; The inner circumference is one comprising a maximum rib span of greater than about 0.609 cm to about 1.88 cm.

The club head and related methods described herein may be embodied in many different embodiments, and the foregoing description of these specific embodiments is not intended to be 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.

Replacement of one or more claimed components is considered to be a reconstruction rather than a correction. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described in relation to specific embodiments. However, a benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to manifest or become more pronounced, is that said benefit, advantage, solution, or element It is not to be construed as an essential, intended, or essential feature or element of any or all claims unless expressly stated in that claim.

Because the rules for golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted or old rules may be replaced by golf standards associations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and British Golf Association (R&A), etc.) may be removed or modified by], golf equipment associated with manufacturing devices, methods of manufacture, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may or may not conform to the Rules of Golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or marketed as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. . The manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Moreover, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein may not apply unless such embodiments and/or limitations are: (1) expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) is not diverted to the public under the principle of contribution to the public if it is or is potentially equivalent of the express elements and/or limitations of the claim under the principle of equivalence.

Claims (19)

As a golf club head,
an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end;
a front end and a rear end opposite the front end;
a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end;
As a face element:
a face face located at the front end and having a face center and a face circumference; and
A rear face located at the rear end and opposite the face face, the rear face having a rear center opposite the face center and a rear circumference.
A face element comprising a; and
a reinforcing device located on the rear face;
including,
the x-axis extends parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center;
the y-axis extends parallel to the face plane and perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center;
the z-axis extends perpendicular to the face plane and extends perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center;
the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends;
the y-axis extends through the upper and lower 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 upper and rear ends;
The reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located in the z-axis;
the reinforcing element extends from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end;
the reinforcing element comprises an annular rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface;
The face face is closer to the posterior face closer to the center of the face than closer to the face circumference;
The outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element may be filleted to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of 0.012 cm or more;
wherein the inner circumferential surface comprises a maximum rib span of at least 0.609 cm to 1.88 cm. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the face face includes at least one scoring line extending between the toe end and the heel end. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a lip disposed on the rear face of the club head. According to claim 1,
a configuration wherein the posterior face is closer to the face face at the center of the face rather than closer to the face circumference; or
Configurations in which the center thickness from the center of the face to the center of the back is 0.203 cm or less
A golf club head having at least one of According to claim 1,
The annular rib is configured symmetric about the x-axis; or
wherein the annular rib has at least one of configurations symmetric about the y-axis. 6. A golf club head according to claim 5, wherein the annular rib comprises an ellipsoidal rib. 7. A golf club head according to claim 6, wherein the toroidal rib comprises a toroidal rib. 2. A golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the annular rib is filleted to the rear surface. According to claim 1,
The annular rib includes a cavity defined by an inner circumferential surface and a rear surface;
Cavity is a golf club head without weighted inserts. According to claim 1,
The annular rib includes a cavity defined by an inner circumferential surface and a rear surface;
A golf club head in which the cavity is to receive the insert. 11. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein the insert comprises an elastomer or foam. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the rear face at least partially includes vibration damping features disposed thereon;
Vibration damping features include:
a damping foil disposed on the rear face of the golf club head;
wherein the badge at least partially covers the rear surface of the golf club head; or
A golf club head, wherein the badge has at least one of the configurations at least partially covering the cavity. According to claim 12,
The damping foil is a badge,
the rear face of the golf club head; or
A golf club head disposed between at least one of the cavities. According to claim 1,
The golf club head further includes a perimeter wall element extending from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end, the perimeter wall element comprising:
a first circumferential wall portion extending along the circumference of the rear surface at the upper end; and
A golf club head comprising: a second circumferential wall portion extending at its lower end along a circumference of the rear surface. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing element comprises an outer circumferential surface;
the annular rib includes an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface;
the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element includes an outer circumferential surface of the annular rib;
A golf club head, wherein a rib thickness between an inner circumferential surface of the annular rib and an outer circumferential surface of the annular rib is 0.0508 cm to 1.448 cm. A method of providing a golf club head comprising:
providing a face element, the face element comprising:
a face face located at the front end and having a face center and a face circumference; and
A rear face located at the rear end and opposite the face face, the rear face having a rear center opposite the face center and a rear circumference.
A face element providing step comprising a; and
providing a reinforcing device to the posterior face;
including,
The golf club head:
an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end;
a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; and
a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end;
the x-axis extends parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center;
the y-axis extends parallel to the face plane and perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center;
the z-axis extends perpendicular to the face plane and extends perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center;
the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends;
the y-axis extends through the upper and lower 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 upper and rear ends;
providing a reinforcing device comprises providing a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located in the z-axis;
the reinforcing element extends from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end;
the reinforcing element comprises an annular rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface;
The face face is closer to the posterior face closer to the center of the face than closer to the face circumference;
The outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element may be filleted to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of 0.012 cm or more;
wherein the inner circumferential surface comprises a maximum rib span of at least 0.609 cm to 1.88 cm. According to claim 16,
The annular rib includes a central cavity defined by an inner circumferential surface and a posterior surface;
wherein the central cavity receives an insert. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a first reinforcing element;
the annular rib includes a first annular rib;
providing the reinforcing device further comprises providing a second reinforcing element;
the second reinforcing element comprises a second annular rib;
wherein the second annular rib is concentric with the first annular rib. As a golf club,
shaft; and
Golf club head connected to the shaft
Including, the golf club head
an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end;
a front end and a rear end opposite the front end;
a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end;
As a face element:
a face face located at the front end and having a face center and a face circumference; and
A rear face located at the rear end and opposite the face face, the rear face having a rear center opposite the face center and a rear circumference.
A face element comprising a; and
a reinforcing device located on the rear face;
including,
the x-axis extends parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center;
the y-axis extends parallel to the face plane and perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center;
the z-axis extends perpendicular to the face plane and extends perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center;
the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends;
the y-axis extends through the upper and lower 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 upper and rear ends;
The stiffening device has a stiffening element comprising a geometric center located in the z-axis;
the reinforcing element extends from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end;
the reinforcing element comprises an annular rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface;
The face face is closer to the posterior face closer to the center of the face than closer to the face circumference;
The outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element may be filleted to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of 0.012 cm or more;
wherein the inner circumferential surface comprises a maximum rib span of at least 0.609 cm to 1.88 cm.

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