KR102627388B1 - Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Presented herein are embodiments of golf club heads with optimized properties including optimizing head center of gravity height and depth in relation to head volume and mass. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Description

Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods {GOLF CLUB HEADS WITH OPTIMIZED CHARACTERISTICS AND RELATED METHODS}

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/365,133, filed on July 21, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/404,602, filed on October 5, 2016, and filed on March 14, 2013. It is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/826,111. It is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/836,729, filed on August 26, 2015. It is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/413,684, filed on January 24, 2017. . U.S. Patent Application No. 15/413,684 also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/286,899, filed January 25, 2016. The contents of all aforementioned applications are fully incorporated herein by reference.

Technology field

The present disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and more specifically to golf club heads with optimized properties and related methods.

Golf club heads often include different features that can be designed or configured to improve one or more of their performance characteristics. However, there is an inherent interaction between these different features, such that adjusting or configuring one feature may substantially alter the other feature, often to a disadvantage. For example, expanding the strikeface of a golf club to provide a larger impact area can adversely change the location of the golf club's center of gravity, and the interactions between the different features If not configured or designed in a balanced manner to take into account, unintended performance results may result.

In view of the above, further improvements in golf club characteristics balanced with respect to each other will improve the performance of the golf club.

The present disclosure may be better understood from a perusal of the following detailed description, examples of embodiments, taken together with the accompanying drawings.
1 shows a front view of a golf club head according to the present disclosure.
Figure 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head along line II-II in Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the golf club head of Figures 1 and 2.
4 depicts a flow diagram of a method that may be used to provide, form, and/or manufacture a golf club head in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of the upper transition boundary of the golf club head along line II-II in Figure 1;
Figure 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of the rear transition border of the golf club head along line II-II in Figure 1;
Figure 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head along line II-II in Figure 1;
8 shows a rear perspective view of a golf club head according to the present disclosure.
Figure 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head along line IX-IX of Figure 8;

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show a general configuration scheme, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Additionally, elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same elements.

In the description and claims, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc., when present, are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily intended to describe a particular sequential or chronological order. . It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, enabling the embodiments described herein to be operated in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described, for example, herein. . Moreover, the terms “comprise” and “have” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus comprising a list of elements necessarily includes these elements. It is not limited to, and may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or unique to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

In the detailed description and claims, the terms “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “top”, “bottom”, etc., if present, are used for descriptive purposes and must be permanent. It is not intended to describe relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances so that embodiments of the devices, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may be used in a manner other than, for example, those illustrated or otherwise described herein. It should be understood that orientation makes motion possible.

The terms "join", "coupled", "join", "coupling", etc. are to be understood broadly and refer to joining two or more elements mechanically or otherwise. The bond (whether mechanical or otherwise) may be for any length of time, for example permanent or semi-permanent or only momentary.

The absence of the words “removably,” “removable,” etc. in the vicinity of the word “coupled,” etc. does not mean that the combination, etc. in question is removable or not removable.

As defined herein, two or more elements are “integral” if they are comprised of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or more elements are “non-integral” if each is comprised of different pieces of material.

In one example, a golf club head may include a head body that includes a head interior and a hosel structure. The head inner portion may be defined by a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head top portion, and a head sole portion. The hosel structure can have a bore to receive a golf club shaft, where the bore can have a hosel axis. The golf club head extends through the center of gravity of the head from the heel of the head to the toe of the head and is relative to the head horizontal axis, the hosel axis, parallel to the ground plane when the golf club head is in the address position above the ground plane. It may also include a hosel moment of inertia, and a horizontal moment of inertia about the head horizontal axis. The horizontal moment of inertia can be greater than 39% of the hosel moment of inertia.

In one example, a golf club head can include a head body that includes a head inner portion and a hosel structure. The head inner portion may be defined by a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head top portion, and a head sole portion. The hosel structure can have a bore to receive a golf club shaft, where the bore can have a hosel axis. The golf club head has a hosel moment of inertia about the head vertical axis, the hosel axis, which extends through the head center of gravity from the top of the head to the sole of the head and is perpendicular to the ground plane when the golf club head is at the address position above the ground plane; and a vertical moment of inertia about the head vertical axis. The vertical moment of inertia may be greater than 59% of the hosel moment of inertia.

In one implementation, a method for providing a golf club head can include providing a head body having a head medial portion and a hosel structure. The head inner portion may be defined by a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head top portion, and a head sole portion. The hosel structure can have a bore to receive a golf club shaft, where the bore can have a hosel axis. The method may also include coupling a golf club shaft to the hosel structure. The head horizontal axis extends from the head heel to the head toe through the head center of gravity of the golf club head and may be parallel to the ground plane when the golf club head is at an address position above the ground plane. The head vertical axis extends through the center of gravity of the head from the top of the head to the sole of the head and may be perpendicular to the ground plane when the golf club head is at an address position above the ground plane. Additionally, providing the head body: (a) sets the horizontal moment of inertia about the head horizontal axis to be at least 39% of the hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis, or (b) sets the hosel vertical moment of inertia about the head vertical axis. It may include at least one of setting the hosel moment of inertia about the axis to be greater than 59%.

In one example, the golf club head is a hosel structure having a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a bore for receiving a golf club shaft, where the bore extends the hosel axis. It may include a head body including a hosel structure. The golf club head may also include a striking surface at the front of the head and including a striking surface center point, a head volume measured in cc and including a head volume size greater than 420, and optimization characteristics. When the golf club head is at the address position above the ground plane, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground plane, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be tangent to the center point of the striking plane. The front plane of the golf club head may extend through the striking plane center point and be parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane may extend through the strike plane center point, be parallel to the head horizontal axis, and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and intersect the head depth plane perpendicularly at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is between (a) a second intersection point located at the intersection between the front plane and the ground plane, and (b) a third intersection point located at the intersection between the head vertical axis and the ground plane, It can be measured parallel to the ground plane and perpendicular to the frontal plane. The optimization characteristic may be defined by the ratio between (a) the head volume size plus (b) the head CG depth divided by the absolute value of the head CG height. The optimization characteristic may be 425 or higher.

In one example, the golf club head is a hosel structure having a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a bore for receiving a golf club shaft, where the bore extends the hosel axis. It may include a head body including a hosel structure. A golf club head may also include a striking surface at the front of the head and including a striking surface center point, and a head center of gravity. When the golf club head is at the address position above the ground plane, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground plane, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be tangent to the center point of the striking surface. The front plane of the golf club head may extend through the striking plane center point and be parallel to the hosel axis. The upper plane of the golf club head may extend through the striking plane center point and be parallel to the ground plane. The head depth plane may extend through the strike plane center point, be parallel to the head horizontal axis, and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and intersect the head depth plane perpendicularly at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is between (a) a second intersection point located at the intersection between the front plane and the ground plane, and (b) a third intersection point located at the intersection between the head vertical axis and the ground plane, It can be measured parallel to the ground plane and perpendicular to the frontal plane. The head CG upper bound may be measured along the head vertical axis, between the head center of gravity and a fourth intersection located at the intersection between the head vertical axis and the upper plane. The absolute value of the head CG height may be 2.54 mm or less. The head CG depth may be greater than 40.64 mm. In other embodiments, the head CG depth may be greater than approximately 41 mm and less than approximately 102 mm. In other embodiments, the head CG depth is greater than approximately 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, 46 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, or 70 mm. It can be. The head CG upper limit may be approximately 0 mm to approximately -30 mm. In other embodiments, the head CG upper limit is approximately -8 mm, -9 mm, -10 mm, -11 mm, -12 mm, -13 mm, -14 mm, -15 mm, -20 mm, or -25 mm. It may be less than

In one embodiment, a method for providing a golf club head includes a hosel structure having a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a bore for receiving a golf club shaft. , the bore may include providing a head body including a hosel structure having a hosel axis. The method may also include coupling a striking surface to the front portion of the head and establishing optimized characteristics of the golf club head. The striking surface includes a striking surface center point. The head volume of a golf club head may be measured in cc and may include head volume sizes greater than 420. When the golf club head is at an address position above the ground plane, the head vertical axis may extend through the head center of gravity and be perpendicular to the ground plane. The head horizontal axis may extend through the head center of gravity and may be orthogonal to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be tangent to the center point of the striking surface. The front plane of the golf club head may extend through the striking plane center point and be parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane may extend through the strike plane center point, be parallel to the head horizontal axis, and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and intersect the head depth plane perpendicularly at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is between (a) a second intersection point located at the intersection between the front plane and the ground plane, and (b) a third intersection point located at the intersection between the head vertical axis and the ground plane, It can be measured parallel to the ground plane and perpendicular to the frontal plane. The optimization characteristic may be set by the ratio between (a) the head volume size plus (b) the head CG depth divided by the absolute value of the head CG height, where the optimization characteristic may be 425 or more.

In one example, a golf club head can include a head body, a face portion, a head center of gravity, and at least one of a first performance characteristic or a second performance characteristic. The head body is a hosel structure having a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a bore for accommodating a golf club shaft, where the bore may have a hosel axis. It may include a hosel structure. The face portion may be in the front of the head and may include a striking surface center point, a striking surface perimeter, and a face height defined by the striking surface perimeter. When the golf club head is at the address position above the ground plane, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground plane, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be tangent to the center point of the striking surface. The front plane of the golf club head may extend through the striking plane center point and be parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane may extend through the strike plane center point, be parallel to the head horizontal axis, and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and intersect the head depth plane perpendicularly at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is between (a) a second intersection point located at the intersection between the front plane and the ground plane, and (b) a third intersection point located at the intersection between the head vertical axis and the ground plane, It can be measured parallel to the ground plane and perpendicular to the frontal plane. The face height may be approximately 33 mm to approximately 71 mm, measured parallel to the rope plane. The first performance characteristic may include a head CG height of approximately 5.08 mm or less. The second performance characteristic may include a CG performance ratio of less than or equal to 0.56, as defined by (a) 76.2 mm minus the face height divided by (b) the head CG height.

In one example, a golf club head can include a head body, a face portion, and a head center of gravity. The head body is a hosel structure having a head front part, a head rear part, a head heel part, a head toe part, a head sole part, a head top part, and a bore for accommodating a golf club shaft, and the bore has a hosel axis. It can be included. The hosel structure may include a hosel diameter. The face portion may be coupled to the front portion of the head and may include a striking surface having a striking surface center point, a striking surface perimeter, and a face height. When the golf club head is at the address position above the ground plane, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground plane, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be tangent to the center point of the striking surface. The front plane of the golf club head may extend through the striking plane center point and be parallel to the hosel axis. The upper plane of the golf club head may extend through the striking plane center point and be parallel to the ground plane. The head depth plane may extend through the strike plane center point, be parallel to the head horizontal axis, and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and intersect the head depth plane perpendicularly at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is between (a) a second intersection point located at the intersection between the front plane and the ground plane, and (b) a third intersection point located at the intersection between the head vertical axis and the ground plane, It can be measured parallel to the ground plane and perpendicular to the frontal plane. The head CG upper limit may be measured along the head vertical axis, between the head center of gravity and a fourth intersection located at the intersection between the head vertical axis and the upper plane. The face height may be approximately 33 mm to approximately 71 mm, as bounded by the striking surface perimeter and measured parallel to the rope plane. The CG performance ratio between (a) 76.2 mm minus the face height and (b) head CG depth is 0.56 or less. The head body may include a driver-type body. The head volume of a golf club head may be approximately 420 cc to approximately 470 cc. The head weight of a golf club head may be approximately 185 grams to approximately 225 grams. The head CG height can be from approximately 0 mm to approximately 3.18 mm. The head CG depth may be approximately 25 mm to approximately 102 mm. In other embodiments, the head CG depth may be greater than approximately 41 mm and less than approximately 102 mm. In other embodiments, the head CG depth is greater than approximately 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, 46 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, or 70 mm. It can be. The head CG upper limit may be approximately 0 mm to approximately -30 mm. In other embodiments, the head CG upper limit is approximately -8 mm, -9 mm, -10 mm, -11 mm, -12 mm, -13 mm, -14 mm, -15 mm, -20 mm, or -25 mm. It may be less than The head body may include a weight structure positioned toward the sole and rear portion of the head body.

In one embodiment, a method for providing a golf club head includes a hosel structure having a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a bore for receiving a golf club shaft. , including providing a head body with a hosel structure wherein the bore has a hosel axis. The method may also include coupling a face portion to a front portion of the head, wherein the face portion includes a striking surface having a striking surface center point, a striking surface perimeter, and a face height defined by the striking surface perimeter. The method may further include establishing at least one of a first performance characteristic of the golf club head, or a second performance characteristic of the golf club head. When the golf club head is at the address position above the ground plane, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity of the golf club head and is perpendicular to the ground plane, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. do. The loft plane of the golf club head may be tangent to the center point of the striking surface. The front plane of the golf club head may extend through the striking plane center point and be parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane may extend through the strike plane center point, be parallel to the head horizontal axis, and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and intersect the head depth plane perpendicularly at a first intersection point. The head CG height of a golf club head may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity is between (a) a second intersection point located at the intersection between the front plane and the ground plane, and (b) a third intersection point located at the intersection between the head vertical axis and the ground plane, It can be measured parallel to the ground plane and perpendicular to the frontal plane. The face height may be approximately 33 mm to approximately 71 mm, measured parallel to the rope plane. The first performance characteristic may include a head CG height of approximately 5.08 mm or less. The second performance characteristic may include a CG performance ratio of less than or equal to 0.56, as defined by (a) 76.2 mm minus the face height divided by (b) the head CG height.

Other examples and embodiments are also disclosed herein. Such examples and embodiments may be found in the drawings, claims, and/or this description.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a front view of a golf club head 1000 including a head body 1100 and a face portion 1200. The face portion 1200 includes a striking surface 1210. FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of golf club head 1000 along line II-II in FIG. 1. Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the golf club head 1000. 1-3 show golf club head 1000 at an address position relative to ground plane 1010, where hosel axis 1710 is positioned relative to ground plane 1010 in a front view of golf club head 1000. and is at a 60 degree angle (FIG. 1), and where hosel axis 1710 is substantially orthogonal to ground plane 1010 with respect to a side view of golf club head 1000 (FIG. 2).

In this embodiment, head body 1100 and face portion 1200 include individual pieces of material joined together via a welding process, for example. However, in other examples, face portion 1200 includes head front portion 1110, head top portion 1120, head sole portion 1130, head heel portion 1140, head toe portion 1150, and/or head rear portion. It may also include a single piece of material having one or more portions of head body 1100, such as portion 2160. The head front surface 1160 of the golf club head 1000 includes a striking surface 1210, a face portion 1200, and at least a portion of the head front portion 1110. In some embodiments, head front surface 1160 may also include at least a portion of head sole portion 1130. In the same or different embodiments, head front portion 1110 may include a striking surface 1210 and/or a face portion 1200.

The face portion 1200 includes a striking surface 1210 having a striking surface center point 1211, a striking surface perimeter 1212, and a face height 1213. The striking surface center point 1211 is located in this example at the geometric center point of the striking surface perimeter 1212 and at the midpoint of the face height 1213. In the same or another example, the striking surface center point 1211 may also be centered with respect to a machined impact area 1250, which may be defined by the area of the groove 1259 of the striking surface 1210. As another approach, the hitting surface center point 1211 may be located according to the regulations of golf's governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the striking surface center point 1211 is determined according to the USGA's Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead (USGA-TPX3004, Revision 1.0.0, May 1, 2008) (http: As determined in accordance with Section 6.1 of //www.usga.org/equipment/testing/protocols/Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head/) (“Flexibility Procedures”) .

Golf club head 1000 includes a loft plane 2270 (FIG. 2) at striking surface 1210 that is at least tangent to striking surface center point 1211. Face height 1213 may be measured parallel to loft plane 2270 between striking surface top 1215 and striking surface bottom 1216 of striking surface perimeter 1212, and is approximately 33 millimeters in this or other examples. (mm) to approximately 71 mm.

The striking surface perimeter 1212, including the upper striking surface 1215 and the lower striking surface 1216, which define the face height 1213, need not define the entirety of the face portion 1200. For example, as shown in Figure 1, striking surface 1210 is defined by striking surface perimeter 1212 and is only a portion of face portion 1200. In some examples, striking surface 1210 may include a longitudinal roll radius and/or a bulge radius, and impact surface perimeter 1212 may be defined by the contour of face portion 1200 It may be defined along a transition boundary that deviates from the longitudinal and/or transverse radius of curvature of 1210. For example, Figure 2 highlights the vertical longitudinal radius of curvature 2170 extending along the striking surface 1210 and shows how the head front surface 1160 is at the upper transition boundary where it deviates from the vertical longitudinal radius of curvature 2170. Includes an enlarged view of a portion of the upper transition boundary of golf club head 1000, showing where top portion 1215 is located. Figure 2 highlights the vertical longitudinal radius of curvature 2170 extending vertically along the striking surface 1210 and how the head front surface 1160 is positioned at the lower transition boundary where the head front surface 1160 deviates from the vertical longitudinal radius of curvature 2170. Also included is an enlarged view of a portion of the lower transition boundary of the golf club head 1000, showing where 1216 is located.

In the same or other embodiments, striking surface perimeter 1212 may be defined relative to the edge of a strikeplate containing the striking surface. For example, the face portion 1200 includes a striking plate 1220, the striking plate 1210 forms the outer surface of the face plate 1220, and the striking plate 1220 has a striking plate edge 1221. Accordingly, it is connected to the front part of the head (1110). In this example, striking plate edge 1221 defines at least a portion of striking surface perimeter 1212, including upper and lower sections of striking surface perimeter 1212, wherein striking surface top portion 1215 and striking surface bottom portion 1216 are each positioned to define face height 1213, but other examples may exist where the strike plate edge of the striking plate may define most or all of the perimeter of the striking surface of the striking surface.

As shown in Figure 2, golf club head 1000 also includes a head center of gravity (CG) 2500, a head depth plane 2310, and a CG height axis 2320, where the head depth plane ( 2310 extends through strike plane center point 1211 and is perpendicular to loft plane 2270, where CG height axis 2320 extends through head center of gravity 2500 and perpendicular to head depth at intersection 2801. Intersects plane 2310. Golf club head 1000 extends through striking surface center point 1211 and also includes an upper plane 2330 parallel to ground plane 1010.

Head center of gravity 2500 includes a CG height 2520 and a CG depth 2510 that locate the head center of gravity 2500 relative to the golf club head 1000. In this example, CG height 2520 may be measured along CG height axis 2320, between head center of gravity 2500 and intersection 2801. CG depth 2510 may be measured parallel to ground plane 1010 and between intersections 2802 and 2803, as shown in FIG. 2 . In this example, intersection 2802 is defined by the intersection between ground plane 1010 and front plane 2280, where front plane 2280 extends through strike plane center point 1211 and hosel axis ( 1710) and perpendicular to the ground plane 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is at the address position. Additionally, intersection 2803 is defined by the intersection between ground plane 1010 and head vertical axis 1610, where head vertical axis 1610 extends through head center of gravity 2500 and golf club head 1000. ) is perpendicular to the ground plane 1010 when it is at the address position. Head center of gravity 2500 may also be positioned relative to ground plane 1010, where head CG elevation 2530 of head center of gravity 2500 is between center of weight 2750 and ground plane 1010, It can be measured along the vertical axis 1610. Head center of gravity 2500 may also be located relative to head CG upper limit 2540, which is at the intersection between head center of gravity 2500, head vertical axis 1610, and upper plane 2330. Between located fourth intersections 2805, measurements can be made along the head vertical axis 1610. Head CG upper limit 2540 may be positive when measured above upper plane 2330 or negative when measured below upper plane 2330.

Head body 1100 of golf club head 1000 also includes a hosel structure 1217 (FIG. 1) and a hosel axis 1710 extending along the center of the bore of hosel structure 1217. In this example, the hosel coupling mechanism of golf club head 1000 includes a hosel structure 1217 and a shaft sleeve 1411, where shaft sleeve 1411 can be coupled to the end of golf shaft 1410. The shaft sleeve 1411 may engage the hosel structure 1217 in multiple configurations, thereby allowing the golf shaft 1410 to be secured to the hosel structure 1217 at multiple angles relative to the hosel axis 1710. do. However, other examples may exist where shaft 1410 may be non-adjustably secured to hosel structure 1217.

Golf club heads according to the present disclosure may be configured to exhibit one or more optimization characteristics that optimize or balance their performance. For example, one characteristic of a golf club head that the design of the present invention seeks to optimize is face height and/or face size. Maximizing the face height and/or face size of a golf club head eccentrically offsets the center point of the striking surface to provide a more forgiving club head that produces better results for golf shots being struck to target the impact. It can have a number of benefits, such as increasing area. Additionally, a greater height and/or size of the striking surface can provide better energy transfer to the golf ball at impact and therefore the characteristic time of the golf club head to achieve longer distance golf shots. time) or “spring effect”. In some examples, the height or size of the hitting surface may be increased to achieve characteristic time limits set by golf governing bodies, such as the characteristic time limit of 239 microseconds (μs) established by the USGA in its flexible procedures.

However, indiscriminately increasing face height and/or size can adversely affect performance in other areas, for example, with respect to the hitting surface and the golf ball's launch angle, ball spin, and/or ball speed at impact. can affect For example, increasing the face height and/or size can reduce the CG depth between the center of gravity and the strike surface center point of the golf club head to drive the center of gravity forward, thereby increasing the dynamic loft of the golf club head. and thus reduces the launch angle of the golf ball. As another example, increasing face height and/or size can raise the CG height between the center of gravity and the head depth plane to raise the center of gravity away from the sole of the golf club head, thereby increasing the CG height between the striking surface and the golf club head. Suppresses the gear effect between the balls, thus preventing the golf club head from reducing the amount of backspin of the golf ball generated at impact, and thus preventing the ball from traveling due to backspin. Reduce the distance.

Taking the above into account, the height or size of the face of the golf club head must be balanced with respect to the location of the center of gravity. With respect to golf club head 1000, striking surface 1210 is configured to include an increased face size and/or face height 1213 to provide a larger impact area and greater energy transfer to golf ball 2900. has increased. In particular, golf club head 1000 can be configured such that face height 1213 can be from approximately 33 mm to approximately 71 mm to provide a greater impact area and energy transfer upon impact with golf ball 2900. there is. In some examples, including the increased face area, the area of striking surface 1210 may be approximately 23.6 square centimeters (cm ² ) to approximately 45.2 cm ² .

Notwithstanding the increased face size and/or face height 1213 described above, golf club head 1000 has an increased CG height 2520 toward head top 1120 and/or head depth plane 2310. It still limits straying too far from For example, golf club head 1000 includes a first optimization characteristic that satisfies the following relation 1:

｜CG height ₂₅₂₀ ｜≤ 5.08 mm [Relation 1]

There may be examples where the CG height 2520 may be the limit of relation 1 from approximately 0 mm up to 5.08 mm. CG height 2520 may also have a maximum value of approximately 4.45 mm, 3.81 mm, or 3.18 mm in other examples. In some implementations, the first optimization characteristic may reduce the backspin of the golf ball 2900 via a gear effect between the striking surface 1210 and the golf ball 2900 for better performance. The head center of gravity 2500 is below the depth plane 2310, causing the CG height 2520 to extend between the depth plane 2310 and the head sole 1130, although shown in FIG. There may be embodiments where 2500 may be above depth plane 2310 such that CG height 2520 extends between depth plane 2310 and head top 1120 while still satisfying relation 1 above. . In some implementations, head CG upper limit 2540 can be between approximately 0 mm and approximately -30 mm. In other embodiments, head CG upper limit 2540 is approximately -8 mm, -9 mm, -10 mm, -11 mm, -12 mm, -13 mm, -14 mm, -15 mm, -20 mm, or -Can be less than 25 mm.

Additionally, considering the increased face size and/or face height 1213 described above, the golf club head 1000 still limits the center of gravity 2500 from moving toward the striking surface 1212, thereby reducing the CG Prevents the depth 2510 from being excessively reduced. For example, golf club head 1000 includes a second optimization characteristic that satisfies the following relation 2:

[Relational Expression 2]

Accordingly, the relationship between face height 1213 and CG depth 2510 maintains the second optimal characteristic below 0.56, thereby determining the amount by which CG depth 2510 can be reduced toward striking surface 1210. It is balanced according to relation 2 to limit. Examples may exist where CG depth 2510 may be approximately 25 mm to approximately 102 mm. In the same or another example, CG depth 2510 may be at least approximately 39 mm. In the same or another example, CG depth 2510 may be greater than approximately 41 mm and less than approximately 102 mm. In another example, CG depth 2510 is approximately 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, 46 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, or 70 mm. It may be excessive. In some implementations, the second optimization characteristic may increase or optimize at least one of the dynamic loft of the golf club head 1000 or the launch angle of the golf ball 2900 at impact therebetween.

In some examples, golf club head 1000 may be configured to include only one of the first or second optimization characteristics described above. For example, golf club head 1000 may include a first optimization characteristic and not a second optimization characteristic, thus satisfying relation 1 without having to satisfy relation 2. As another example, golf club head 1000 may include the second optimization characteristic and not the first optimization characteristic, thus satisfying relation 2 without having to satisfy relation 1. Additionally, there may be embodiments in which golf club head 1000 satisfies both relations 1 and 2, and thus includes the first and second optimization characteristics.

Golf club head 1000 may also include a third optimization characteristic with respect to its head volume (HV) 2600. In this example, head body 1000 of golf club head 1000 includes a drive-type body with a head volume greater than 420 cubic centimeters (cc), and thus has a head volume size greater than 420 cubic centimeters (cc). For example, head body 1000 may include a head volume of 420 cc, and thus has a head volume size of 420. As another example, golf club head 1000 may include a head volume of 460 cc, and thus has a head volume size of 460. Golf club head 1000 may, in some implementations, include a head volume of up to approximately 470 cc and/or a total head weight of approximately 185 grams to approximately 225 grams. In some specific examples, the total head weight may be approximately 202 grams and/or the head volume may be approximately 460 cc.

The third optimization may control the relationship between the head volume 2600 and the position of the center of gravity 2500 and may be specified to satisfy the following relation 3:

[Relational Expression 3]

In some cases, head volume 2600 may be increased to adjust the moment of inertia (MOI) of golf club head 1000, for example. However, unrestricted increases in head volume can have detrimental effects with respect to other properties of the golf club head. For example, increasing head volume 2600 may shift head center of gravity 2500 toward head front 1110, toward head top 1120, toward other undesired directions, and/or toward desired center of gravity. This may cause it to shift away from position or direction(s), thereby interfering with the performance of the golf club head 1000. This undesirable change in center of gravity location can have a detrimental effect on one or more characteristics of the golf club head, such as launch speed, launch angle, gear effect, backspin, and/or shot distance. Accordingly, the third optimization characteristic used to balance the relationship between the head volume 2600 and the position of the head center of gravity 2500 can be set to provide desirable balanced properties for the golf club head 1000. . For example, the weight distribution of the golf club head 1000 can be configured to satisfy relational equation 3 so that the golf club head 1000 can exhibit the third optimization characteristic, so that the hitting surface 1210 and the golf ball 2900 This allows the head volume 2600 to be increased for a greater moment of inertia and greater energy transfer to the golf ball 2900 upon impact between golf balls. In the same or another implementation, the weight distribution of the golf club head 1000 limits the CG depth 2510 from decreasing toward the front of the head 1110 due to the increased head volume 2600, thus reducing the golf impact. It may be configured to increase at least one of the dynamic loft of the hitting surface 1210 or the launch angle of the golf ball 2900. Additionally, the weight distribution of the golf club head 1000 limits the CG height 2520 from increasing toward the head top 1120 as a result of the increased head volume 2600, thereby reducing the striking surface ( It may be configured to reduce the backspin of the golf ball 2900 through a gear effect between 1210) and the golf ball 2900.

Considering the above, in order to obtain the third optimization characteristic according to Equation 3, the CG depth 2510 may be configured to be 40.64 mm or more. In other embodiments, CG depth 2510 may be greater than approximately 41 mm and less than approximately 102 mm. In other embodiments, CG depth 2510 is approximately 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, 46 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, or 70 mm. It may be more than mm. In the same or another embodiment, the absolute value of CG height 2520 may be less than or equal to 2.54 mm. Note that CG height 2520 is characterized as an absolute value, considering that head center of gravity 2500 may be above or below head depth plane 2310 in some embodiments. The head CG upper limit 2540 may be approximately 0 mm to approximately -30 mm. In other embodiments, head CG upper limit 2540 is approximately -8 mm, -9 mm, -10 mm, -11 mm, -12 mm, -13 mm, -14 mm, -15 mm, -20 mm, or -Can be less than 25 mm. The third optimization characteristic has a lower bound of at least 425, although other embodiments may exist in which the third optimization characteristic may be defined in terms of other lower bounds. For example, the third optimization characteristic may include a lower limit of at least 435 or 445 in some implementations. In other examples, the third optimization characteristic may include a lower bound of at least 460, at least 470, at least 480, at least 490, or at least 500. The position of the head center of gravity 2500 may also be designed or configured with respect to other characteristics of the golf club head 1000 to satisfy relation 3 and/or obtain the third optimization characteristic. For example, the location of head center of gravity 2500 can be configured such that CG depth 2510 includes approximately 25% to approximately 80% of head depth length 2312, where head depth length 2312 is Measured from the striking surface center point 1211 to the intersection of the outer portion of the rear portion of the head 2160 with the head depth plane 2310. As another example, the position of the head center of gravity 2500 can be configured such that the CG height 2520 includes approximately 0% to approximately 13% of the CG height axis length 2322, where CG height axis length 2322 ) is measured from the intersection of the outer portion of the head top portion 1120 by the CG height axis 2320 to the intersection of the outer portion of the head sole portion 1130 by the CG height axis 2320.

The head CG depth 2510 and head CG height 2520 described above relate to driver-type club heads. In an embodiment where the club head is a fairway wood type club head, the head CG depth 2510 may be configured to be 35 mm or more. In another embodiment of a fairway wood-type club head, CG depth 2510 may be greater than approximately 35 mm and less than approximately 90 mm. In another embodiment of a fairway wood-type club head, the CG depth 2510 is approximately 34.5 mm, 35 mm, 36 mm, 37 mm, 38 mm, 39 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm. , 45 mm, or greater than 46 mm. Additionally, in an embodiment where the club head is a fairway wood type club head, the head CG height 2520, or its absolute value, may be configured to be 12.8 mm or less. In another embodiment of a fairway wood-type club head, the head CG height 2520, or its absolute value, is approximately 13.0 mm, 12.8 mm, 12.6 mm, 12.4 mm, 12.2 mm, 12.0 mm, 11.8 mm, 11.6 mm, 11.4 mm. , 11.2 mm, or less than 11.0 mm. In these embodiments, the volume of the fairway wood-type club head may be between 300 cc and 400 cc, and the mass of the fairway wood-type club head may be between 190 grams and 240 grams.

Golf club head 1000 may also include a hosel diameter of hosel structure 1217. The hosel diameter may be kept to a minimum and/or relatively constant from the hosel diameter of a corresponding regular golf club head. In some examples, the hosel diameter may be less than approximately 0.78 inches (20 mm). For example, the hosel diameter may be less than approximately 0.78 inches and greater than approximately 0.50 inches. Hosel diameters within this range can provide performance benefits to golf club head 1000. When the hosel diameter is within this range, the hosel can have greater structural integrity and the stresses experienced in the hosel during a golf club swing can be reduced. In addition to having a hosel diameter within this range, golf club head 1000 may further include optimization characteristics regarding center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI) as described herein.

In other examples, the hosel diameter may be less than approximately 0.50 inches, 0.49 inches, 0.48 inches, 0.47 inches, 0.46 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.44 inches, 0.43 inches, 0.42 inches, 0.41 inches, or 0.40 inches. A hosel diameter of less than 0.50 inches can provide additional performance benefits to golf club head 1000. When the hosel diameter is minimized as described above, the aerodynamic properties of the golf club head 1000 can be improved as a result of reduced aerodynamic drag from the hosel structure 1217. In addition to having a hosel diameter within this range, golf club head 1000 may further include optimization characteristics regarding center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI) as described herein.

Golf club head 1000 may also include a fourth optimization characteristic regarding the balance between hosel MOI 1711 (FIG. 1) and horizontal MOI 1811 (FIG. 1). The hosel MOI (1711) is defined relative to the hosel axis (1710). Horizontal MOI 1811 extends through head center of gravity 2500 from head heel 1140 to head toe 1150 and is above the ground when golf club head 1000 is at the address position above ground plane 1010. It is defined with respect to the head horizontal axis 1810 parallel to plane 1010.

In some examples, the horizontal MOI 1811 is the golf club relative to the head horizontal axis 1810 when striking the golf ball 2600 with the striking surface 1210 eccentric toward the head top 1120 or the head sole 1130. This can be increased to limit the rotation of the head 1000, thereby increasing the forgiveness of the golf club head 1000 for such high or low mis-hits. For example, to increase horizontal MOI 1811, weight may be added or relocated toward the front of the head 1110 and/or the rear of the head 2160. In the same or another example, golf club head 1000 may extend toward head front 1110 and/or head back 2160.

However, these adjustments or changes to increase horizontal MOI 1811 can be made to a point before they begin to affect other golf club head characteristics. For example, unrestricted adjustments to increase horizontal MOI 1811 may lead to excessive increases in hosel MOI 1711 if not properly balanced, thereby preventing the golfer from rotating about the hosel axis 1710. A person may hold a golf club during a golf swing to increase the resistance of the club head 1000 and thus properly position or “squaring” the golf club head 1000 upon impact with the golf ball 2600. Makes it difficult to “turn over.” Increasing the hosel MOI 1711 may also limit or reduce the gearing effect between the golf ball 2600 and the striking surface 1210 that would otherwise impart some corrective spin to the golf ball 2600 during eccentric impact. .

To reduce hosel MOI 1711, golf club head 1000 can be designed to limit the distance between hosel axis 1710 and any additional or discretionary mass of golf club head 1000. If not properly balanced, this approach to reducing hosel MOI 1711 may be incompatible with some of the previously described approaches to increasing horizontal MOI 1811. Accordingly, adding or redistributing weight for the golf club head 1000 to increase horizontal MOI 1811 must be balanced against limiting or maintaining the increase in hosel MOI 1711.

In light of the above, the fourth optimization characteristic of golf club head 1000 controls the relationship between horizontal MOI 1811 and hosel MOI 1711 to satisfy the following equation 4:

(Horizontal MOI ₁₈₁₁ ) ≥ 39% (Hosel MOI ₁₇₁₁ ) [Relation 4]

There may be examples in which golf club head 1000 may be configured such that its fourth optimization characteristic exceeds the requirements of equation 4. By way of example, in some implementations, the fourth optimized characteristic of the golf club head 1000 is such that the horizontal MOI 1811 is at least 40% of the hosel MOI 1711, at least 45% of the hosel MOI 1711, or the hosel MOI ( 1711) can be configured to be more than 50%. In this example, the horizontal MOI 1811 is approximately 3740 grams-square centimeters (g·cm 2 ), although examples may exist where it may range from approximately 2800 g·cm ² to approximately 4300 g·cm ² . In many embodiments, the horizontal MOI 1811 is greater than approximately 2800 g·cm ² , greater than approximately 3000 g·cm ² , greater than approximately 3200 g·cm ² , greater than approximately 3400 g·cm ² , greater than approximately 3600 g·cm ² may be greater than approximately 3800 g·cm ² , greater than approximately 4000 g·cm ² , or greater than approximately 4200 g·cm ² . The hosel MOI 1711 is approximately 9370 g·cm ² in this example, but may range from approximately 7000 g·cm ² to approximately 11,000 g·cm ² in the same or other examples. In many embodiments, the hosel MOI 1711 is greater than approximately 7000 g·cm ² , greater than approximately 7500 g·cm ² , greater than approximately 8000 g·cm ² , greater than approximately 8500 g·cm ² , greater than approximately 9000 g·cm ² may be greater than approximately 9500 g·cm ² , greater than approximately 10,000 g·cm ² , greater than approximately 10,500 g·cm ² , or greater than approximately 11,000 g·cm ² .

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

In some examples, the vertical MOI 1611 is relative to the head vertical axis 1610 when striking the golf ball 2600 with the striking surface 1210 eccentric toward the heel portion 1140 of the head or toward the toe portion of the head 1150. This can be increased to limit the rotation of the golf club head 1000, thereby increasing the forgiveness of the golf club head 1000 for such high or low hits. For example, to increase vertical MOI 1611, weight may be added or relocated toward head heel 1140 and/or head toe 1150. In the same or another example, the golf club head may extend toward head heel portion 1140 and/or head toe portion 1150.

However, these adjustments or changes to increase vertical MOI 1611 can be made to a point before they begin to affect other golf club head characteristics. For example, unrestricted adjustments to increase vertical MOI 1611 may lead to excessive increases in hosel MOI 1711 if not properly balanced, thereby causing rotation about the hosel axis 1710 as described above. Increases the resistance of the golf club head 1000 to playing. Additionally, if not properly balanced, some approaches for reducing hosel MOI 1711 may be incompatible with some of the previously described approaches for increasing vertical MOI 1611. Accordingly, adding or redistributing weight for the golf club head 1000 to increase vertical MOI 1611 must be balanced against limiting or maintaining the increase in hosel MOI 1711.

In light of the above, the fifth optimization characteristic of golf club head 1000 controls the relationship between vertical MOI 1611 and hosel MOI 1711 to satisfy the following equation 5:

(Vertical MOI ₁₆₁₁ )≥ 59% (Hosel MOI ₁₇₁₁ ) [Relation 5]

There may be examples in which golf club head 1000 may be configured such that its fifth optimization characteristic exceeds the requirements of relation 5. By way of example, in some implementations, the fifth optimized characteristic of golf club head 1000 may be such that vertical MOI 1611 is at least 60% of hosel MOI 1711, at least 65% of hosel MOI 1711, or hosel MOI ( 1711) can be configured to be more than 70%. In some examples, golf club head 1000 may be configured such that its fourth optimization characteristic satisfies equation 4, and its fourth optimization characteristic also satisfies equation 5.

weight structure

In some implementations, golf club head 1000 can adjust the head CG depth, head CG height, first, second, and third head CG heights described above by adjusting the distribution of mass or relationships between different elements of golf club head 1000. , fourth, and/or fifth optimization characteristics. For these purposes, golf club head 1000 may include a head sole portion 1130 and a weight structure 2700 positioned toward the head rear portion 2160, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In some configurations, weight structure 2700 may be designed and/or positioned to satisfy the constraints imposed by relation(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5, thereby causing striking surface 1210 ) face height or size, head volume 2600, location of center of gravity 2500, and/or different moments of inertia of the golf club head 1000.

As can be seen in Figure 3, weight structure 2700 can be positioned relative to a clock grid 3500, which can be aligned with respect to striking surface 1210. For example, the clock grid 3500 includes a 12 o'clock ray 3512 aligned with the hitting surface center point 1211 in this embodiment. The 12 o'clock line 3512 is perpendicular to the front intersection line 3271 defined by the intersection of loft plane 2270 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and ground plane 1010 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Clock grid 3500 may be centered along 12 o'clock line 3512, at the midpoint between the front end of front portion 1110 and the rear end of back portion 2160. In the same or another example, clock grid center point 3515 may be centered proximate the geometric center point of golf club head 1000. Clock grid 3500 also includes a 3 o'clock line 3503 extending toward head heel portion 1140, and a 9 o'clock line 3509 extending toward head toe portion 1150.

The weight perimeter 2705 of the weight structure 2700 defines, in this embodiment, a head rear portion 2160 at least partially defined between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 8 o'clock line 3508 of the clock grid 3500. While the weight center 2750 is located between the 5 o'clock line 3505 and the 7 o'clock line 3507. In examples such as this one, weight perimeter 2705 is fully defined between 4 o'clock line 3504 and 8 o'clock line 3508. Although weight perimeter 2705 is defined outside of golf club head 1000 in this example, other examples may exist where the weight perimeter may extend into, or be defined within, an interior portion of golf club head 1000. In some examples, the position of weight 2700 may be set relative to a larger area. For example, in this example, the weight perimeter 2705 of the weight structure 2700 is defined at least in part between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 9 o'clock line 3509 of the clock grid 3500. 2160, while the weight center 2750 can be positioned between the 5 o'clock line 3505 and the 8 o'clock line 3508.

In the same or different embodiments, weight structure 2700 may extend or shift toward heel portion 1140. For example, weight perimeter 2705 and/or weight center 2750 may be shifted toward the 4 o'clock line 3504 rather than toward the 9 o'clock line 3509. Biasing the weight structure 2700 toward the head heel portion 1140 may allow for a reduction in the hosel MOI 1711 about the hosel axis 1710 by limiting the distance between the hosel axis 1710 and the weight structure 2700. This allows easier rotation of the golf club head 1000 about the hosel axis 1710 during the swing.

In some examples, weight structure 2700 may include a mass of approximately 2 grams to approximately 50 grams, and/or a volume of approximately 1 cc to approximately 30 cc. In this example, the weight structure 2700 protrudes from the outer contour of the head sole portion 1130 and is therefore at least partially external to allow for greater adjustment of the head center of gravity 2500.

Weight structure 2700 may include, in the same or another example, a removable weight 2790, where removable weight 2790 may include a mass of approximately 0.5 grams to approximately 30 grams, and the relation(s): One or more other similar weights may be substituted to adjust the position of the head center of gravity 2500 as required to satisfy 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5. In the same or another example, center of weight 2750 may be the center of gravity of weight structure 2700, the center of gravity of removable weight 2790, the geometric center of weight structure 2700, and/or the center of gravity of removable weight 2790. It may contain at least one of the geometric centers.

Center of weight 2750 can be located relative to ground plane 1010 and center of gravity elevation axis 2340, which extends between center of weight 2750 and ground plane 1010. Weight center elevation axis 2340 is perpendicular to ground plane 1010 when golf club head 1000 is at the address position. The center-of-weight elevation 2730 for the center of gravity 2750 can thus be measured along the center-of-weight elevation axis 2340 between the center of weight 2750 and the ground plane 1010. Additionally, the center of gravity depth 2710 for the center of gravity 2750 can be measured parallel to the ground plane 1010, between intersections 2802 and 2804. In this example, intersection point 2804 is defined by the intersection between ground plane 1010 and weight center elevation axis 2340 when golf club head 1000 is at the address position. Center of weight 2750 may be positioned in the same or other embodiments such that weight distance 2751 (FIG. 2) separating head center of gravity 2500 from center of weight 2750 is approximately 25 mm to approximately 102 mm. there is.

There may also be embodiments in which the face portion 1200 may include a reduced thickness portion on the back side of the striking surface 1210 and/or between the face portion 1200 and the front portion of the head 1110. The joints may be reinforced as needed with one or more reinforcing structures. Other mass redistribution mechanisms may likewise be employed as required to satisfy relation(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5.

In some implementations, the relationship or ratio between head center of gravity 2500 and center of weight 2750 can be configured to allow one or more of relation(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to be satisfied. . For example, the elevation ratio defined by the ratio of center of gravity elevation 2730 to head CG elevation 2530 may be 0.44 to help keep head center of gravity 2500 closer to head sole 1130. It may be excessive. As another example, the depth ratio defined by the ratio of the weight center depth 2710 to the head CG depth 2510 is 2.54 to prevent the CG depth 2510 from excessively decreasing toward the head front 1110. It may be less than There may be some implementations in which head CG elevation 2530 may be less than approximately 28.5 mm, center of weight elevation 2730 may be less than approximately 12.5 mm, and/or center of weight depth 2710 may be greater than approximately 99.7 mm. You can.

In the same or other embodiments, the distribution of mass within golf club head 1000 is configured such that golf club head 1000 exhibits the first, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth optimization characteristics described above. Preferably it can also be adjusted. For these purposes, golf club head 1000 may include one or more weight members comprised of adhesive material distributed toward head sole portion 1130. One or more weight members may be disposed on the inner surface of the head sole portion 1130. In some configurations, one or more weight members may be designed and/or positioned to satisfy the constraints imposed by relation(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5, thereby forming the striking surface 1210 balances the face height or size, head volume 2600, location of center of gravity 2500, and/or different moments of inertia of the golf club head 1000.

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

In addition to adjusting the distribution of mass within the golf club head 1000 such that the golf club head 1000 exhibits the first, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth optimization characteristics described above, one or more The weight members may impart additional performance benefits to golf club head 1000. In some examples, the adhesive material comprising one or more weight members maintains its tacky or adhesive properties such that loose fragments within club head 1000 will adhere to the one or more weight members during use of golf club head 1000. You can. In the same or another example, one or more weight members disposed on the interior surface of the head sole portion 1130 may provide vibration damping and/or sound attenuation during impact of the golf club head 1000 with the golf ball 2900. can be provided. In the same or another example, one or more weight members may be positioned on the interior surface of the head sole portion 1130 at specific locations and at specific amounts to ensure that the desired acoustic properties of the golf club 1000 are consistent with those of the golf ball 2900. It can also be achieved during the impact of .

thin area

In some embodiments, golf club head 1000 can adjust the distribution of mass or relationships between different elements of golf club head 1000 to adjust the head CG depth, head CG height, first, second, and third head CG heights described above. , fourth, and/or fifth optimization characteristics. For these purposes, golf club head 1000 may include one or more thin areas located in various areas of club head 1000. Club head 1000 may include a thin region instead of or in addition to weight structure 2700. The thin area increases the free weight of the golf club head 1000 so that the added free weight is within the weight structure, on the inner or outer surface of the club head 1000, and/or on the free weight of the club head 1000. It may be positioned in different areas to achieve first, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth performance characteristics.

The thin area may be located on any area of the club head 1000. For example, the thin region may be on one or more of the head top 1120, head sole 1130, head heel 1140, head toe 1150, head rear 2160, or face 1200. can be located

In many embodiments, the thin region includes a thickness of less than approximately 0.020 inches. In other embodiments, the thin region includes a thickness of less than 0.025 inches, less than 0.020 inches, less than 0.015 inches, or less than 0.010 inches. For example, the thin region may include a thickness of approximately 0.010 to 0.025 inches, approximately 0.015 to 0.020 inches, approximately 0.016 to 0.020 inches, approximately 0.017 to 0.020 inches, or approximately 0.018 to 0.020 inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thin regions vary in shape and location and cover approximately 25% of the surface area of club head 1000. In other embodiments, the thin region is approximately 20 to 30%, approximately 15 to 35%, approximately 15 to 25%, approximately 10 to 25%, approximately 15 to 30%, or approximately 20 to 20% of the surface area of club head 1000. It can cover 50%. Additionally, in other embodiments, the thin region may be up to 5%, up to 10%, up to 15%, up to 20%, up to 25%, up to 30%, up to 35%, up to 40%, etc. of the surface area of club head 1000. It can cover up to 45%, or up to 50%.

In many embodiments, a portion of the thin area is located on head top 1120 such that approximately 51% of the surface area of head top 1120 includes the thin area. In many embodiments, at least a portion of the thin region is up to 20%, up to 25%, up to 30%, up to 35%, up to 40%, up to 45%, up to 50%, up to 55% of head top 1120. , may be positioned on the head top 1120 to include up to 60%, up to 65%, up to 70%, or up to 75% of the thin area. For example, in some embodiments, approximately 40 to 60% of head top 1120 may include thin areas. As another example, in other embodiments, approximately 35 to 65%, approximately 30 to 70%, or approximately 25 to 75% of head top 1120 may include a thin region.

In many embodiments, a portion of the thin area is located on the head sole portion 1130 such that approximately 64% of the surface area of the head sole portion 1130 includes the thin area. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the thin region is up to 20%, up to 25%, up to 30%, up to 35%, up to 40%, up to 45%, up to 50%, up to 55% of the head soul portion 1130. , may be positioned on the head soul portion 1130 to include up to 60%, up to 65%, up to 70%, or up to 75% of the thin area. For example, in some embodiments, approximately 40 to 60% of the head sole portion 1130 may include a thin area. As another example, in other embodiments, approximately 35 to 65%, approximately 30 to 70%, or approximately 25 to 75% of the head and sole portion 1130 may include a thin area.

In many embodiments, club head 1000 with thin areas may be manufactured using centrifugal casting. In other embodiments, portions of club head 1000 having thin areas may be manufactured using other suitable methods, such as stamping, forging, or machining. In embodiments where the portion of the club head 1000 having thin areas is manufactured using stamping, forging, or machining, the portion of the club head 1000 may be epoxy, tape, welded, mechanical fastener, or other suitable method. Can be combined using .

fixed weight

In some embodiments, golf club head 1000 can adjust the distribution of mass or relationships between different elements of golf club head 1000 to adjust the head CG depth, head CG height, first, second, and third head CG heights described above. , fourth, and/or fifth optimization characteristics. For these purposes, golf club head 1000 may include one or more fixed weights 3100 having a specific gravity greater than that of the body, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Club head 1000 may include one or more fixed weights 3100 instead of or in addition to weight structure 2700. Additionally, club head 1000 may include one or more fixed weights 3100 instead of or in addition to thin sections. Additionally, in embodiments where the club head includes one or more fixed weights 3100 in addition to weight structure 2700, one or more fixed weights 3100 may be located within weight structure 2700, or one The above fixed weight 3100 may be located outside or separately from the weight structure 2700.

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

Additionally, in these or other embodiments, one or more fixed weights 3100 are positioned at a front plane 2280 of the club head 1000 that is greater than 3.75 inches, greater than 4.0 inches, greater than 4.25 inches, greater than 4.50 inches, or greater than 4.75 inches. It can be located at a distance from. Additionally, in these or other embodiments, one or more fixed weights 3100 can be positioned at a head CG 2500 of the club head 1000 that is greater than 1.5 inches, greater than 1.75 inches, greater than 2.0 inches, greater than 2.25 inches, or greater than 2.5 inches. It can be located at a distance from.

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

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

In some embodiments, fixed weight 3100 may be formed integrally with the body of the club head by casting, comolding, or any other suitable method. In other embodiments, the fixed weight 3100 is formed separately from the body of the club head and can be welded (e.g., with the fixed weight sintered to a less dense weldable material), brazed, or glued (e.g., with the fixed weight sintered to a less dense weldable material). such as epoxy), rivets, screws, or any other suitable method. In many embodiments, one or more fixed weights are permanently coupled to the club head. In other embodiments, one or more fixed weights may be removably coupled to the club head.

relative mass properties

Various embodiments of the mass properties of golf club head 1000 can be configured to achieve the head CG depth, head CG height, first, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth optimization characteristics described above. Drivers, fairway woods, and hybrid golf club heads are described below.

In many embodiments, golf club head 1000 has a first rear region that includes a portion of the rear end of club head 1000 located within the last or rearmost 20% of the length 2910 of club head 1000. may include. Golf club head 1000 may also include a second rear region comprising a portion of the rear end of club head 1000 located within the last or rearmost 10% of the length 2910 of club head 1000. there is. In these or other embodiments, the length 2910 of the club head 1000 is measured in the direction from the face portion 1200 to the rear portion of the head 2160 perpendicular to the front plane 2280. 2912) is the maximum distance from the rear end.

An exemplary driver-type club head 1000 may have a volume of approximately greater than 400 cc and a golf club length of greater than 44 inches. In other embodiments, exemplary driver-type club heads may include a volume of greater than 400 cc, greater than 410 cc, greater than 420 cc, greater than 430 cc, greater than 440 cc, or greater than 450 cc. Additionally, in other embodiments, exemplary driver-type club heads may include golf club lengths greater than 44 inches, greater than 45 inches, greater than 46 inches, or greater than 47 inches. Additionally, in other embodiments, an exemplary driver-type club head may include a golf club length of 44 to 48 inches, 45 to 48 inches, or 46 to 48 inches.

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

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

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

An exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head may have a volume of less than approximately 400 cc and a golf club length of less than 44 inches. In other embodiments, an exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head may include a volume of less than 420 cc, less than 410 cc, less than 400 cc, less than 390 cc, less than 380 cc, or less than 370 cc. In some embodiments of an exemplary fairway wood type club head, the volume of the club head is approximately 300 cc to 400 cc, approximately 325 cc to 400 cc, approximately 350 cc to 400 cc, approximately 250 cc to 400 cc, approximately 250 to 350 cc. cc, or approximately 275 to 375 cc. In some embodiments of the exemplary hybrid club head, the volume of the club head may be approximately 100 cc to 150 cc, approximately 75 cc to 150 cc, approximately 100 cc to 125 cc, or approximately 75 to 125 cc. Additionally, in other embodiments, an exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head may include a golf club length of less than 45 inches, less than 44 inches, less than 43 inches, or less than 42 inches. Additionally, in other embodiments, an exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head may include a golf club length of 40 to 44 inches, 37 to 40 inches, or 35 to 40 inches.

In many embodiments of the example fairway wood or hybrid club head, the first material of body 1100 includes a steel alloy. In other embodiments, the first material of body 1100 may include any suitable material having a specific gravity of less than 10.0. For example, the first material of body 1100 may be titanium, aluminum, barium, bismuth, cadmium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, copper, dysprosium, europium, gadolinium, gallium, holmium, indium, iron, steel, steel alloy, Can include lanthanum, lutetium, neodymium, nickel, niobium, polonium, praseodymium, promethium, terbium, thulium, tin, vanadium, zinc, zirconium, beryllium, scandium, strontium, or yttrium. In many embodiments of an exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight is less than approximately 0.8. In other embodiments of the exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight is less than about 0.9, less than about 0.8, less than about 0.7, less than about 0.6, Or it may be less than approximately 0.5. Additionally, in other embodiments of the exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight is approximately 0.75 to 0.85, approximately 0.7 to 0.9, or approximately 0.3 to 0.3. It may be in the range of 0.9.

In embodiments of club head 1000 that include a fairway wood type club head, the first rear region is greater than approximately 13%, greater than approximately 14%, greater than approximately 15%, greater than approximately 16% of the total mass of club head 1000. It may include greater than approximately 17%, greater than approximately 18%, greater than approximately 19%, greater than approximately 20%, greater than approximately 22.5%, and greater than approximately 25%. Additionally, in other embodiments, the first region of the fairway wood-type club head may comprise 13 to 20%, 17.5 to 25%, or 20 to 30% of the total mass of club head 1000. For example, in one embodiment of a fairway wood-type club head, the first rear region includes approximately 20.0% of the total mass of club head 1000.

In the same or other embodiments of the club head 1000 including a fairway wood type club head, the second rear area may be greater than approximately 5%, greater than approximately 6%, greater than approximately 7% of the total mass of the club head 1000; It may include greater than approximately 8%, greater than approximately 9%, greater than approximately 10%, greater than approximately 11%, greater than approximately 12%, greater than approximately 15%, greater than approximately 18%, and greater than approximately 21%. Additionally, in other embodiments, the second rear region of the fairway wood-type club head may comprise 5 to 10%, 7.5 to 15%, 12.5 to 20%, or 17.5 to 25% of the total mass of club head 1000. You can. For example, in one embodiment of a fairway wood-type club head, the second rear region includes approximately 8% of the total mass of club head 1000.

In embodiments of club head 1000 including a hybrid club head, the first rear region is greater than approximately 12.5%, greater than approximately 15%, greater than approximately 16%, greater than approximately 17% of the total mass of club head 1000. , greater than approximately 18%, greater than approximately 19%, greater than approximately 20%, greater than approximately 22.5%, and greater than approximately 25%. Additionally, in other embodiments, the first rear region of the hybrid club head may comprise 12.5 to 20%, 15 to 20%, 17.5 to 25%, or 20 to 30% of the total mass of club head 1000. there is. For example, in one embodiment of a hybrid club head, the first rear region comprises approximately 17.5% of the total mass of club head 1000.

In the same or other embodiments of club head 1000, including a hybrid club head, the second rear area is greater than approximately 3%, greater than approximately 4%, greater than approximately 5%, greater than approximately 5% of the total mass of club head 1000. It may include greater than 6%, greater than approximately 7%, greater than approximately 8%, greater than approximately 9%, greater than approximately 12%, and greater than approximately 15%. Additionally, in other embodiments, the second rear region of the hybrid club head may comprise 3 to 7.5%, 5 to 10%, 7.5 to 15%, or 12 to 20% of the total mass of club head 1000. there is. For example, in one embodiment of a hybrid club head, the second rear region includes approximately 6% of the total mass of club head 1000.

Crown angle

In some embodiments, golf club head 1000 can adjust the distribution of mass or relationships between different elements of golf club head 1000 to adjust the head CG depth, head CG height, first, second, and third head CG heights described above. , fourth, and/or fifth optimization characteristics. For these purposes, golf club head 1000 may include a steep crown angle 1660 near the central region of club head 1000, heel portion 1140, and/or toe portion 1150. In many embodiments, steep crown angle 1660 may assist in lowering the position of head CG height 2510 and/or increasing head CG depth 2520.

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

Steep crown angles 1660 are defined for various points and axes on the upper and rear transition boundaries of the club head, as described below. Referring to FIG. 5 , the upper transition boundary extends from around the heel of the head 1140 to around the toe of the head 1150, between the perimeter 1212 of the striking surface of the golf club head 1000 and the top of the head 1120. The striking surface perimeter 1212 may be defined along a transition boundary where the contour of the face portion 1200 deviates from the longitudinal and/or transverse radius of curvature of the striking surface 1210. The upper transition boundary includes an upper transition boundary profile 1500 when viewed from a side cross-sectional view. In these embodiments, a cross-sectional side view of the upper transition boundary profile 1500 may be taken along any point of the club head 1000 from approximately the heel of the head 1140 to approximately the toe of the head 1150.

Top transition boundary profile 1500 includes a top radius of curvature 1515. The top radius of curvature 1515 is defined by the first top transition point 1510 and the second top transition point 1520. The first upper transition point 1510 is located on the upper transition boundary where the contour of the club head 1000 deviates from the longitudinal and/or transverse radius of curvature of the striking surface 1210 (i.e., on the striking surface perimeter 1212). ] is located. The second upper transition point 1520 is located along the upper transition boundary where the profile deviates from the top radius of curvature 1515. The first top radius of curvature 1515 extends from the first top transition point 1510 to the second top transition point 1520.

5 , in the illustrated embodiment, top radius of curvature 1515 is substantially constant from head heel 1140 to head toe 1150 of club head 1000. In other embodiments, the top radius of curvature 1515 may vary from the heel 1140 to the toe 1150 of the club head 1000. For example, the top radius of curvature 1515 may be toward the head heel portion 1140 of the club head 1000, toward the head toe portion 1150 of the club head 1000, at the center of the club head 1000, or It may be larger in any combination of the positions described above. Top radius of curvature 1515 may vary from head heel 1140 to head toe 1150 according to any profile, such as linear, parabolic, quadratic, exponential, or any other profile. It may be possible.

In the illustrated embodiment, upper transition boundary profile 1500 has two transition points and one radius of curvature. In other embodiments, upper boundary transition profile 1500 may include any number of transition points and any number of radii of curvature. For example, the upper transition boundary profile 1500 may have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or any number of transition points. It may also be included. As another example, the upper transition boundary profile 1500 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or any number of radii of curvature. You may.

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

Posterior transition profile 1600 further includes a posterior radius of curvature 1615 located between first posterior transition point 1610 and second posterior transition point 1620. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear transition point 1610 is located at the edge of the head top 1120 near the head rear portion 2160 where the curvature of the head top 1120 deviates from the cross-sectional view. In the same or another embodiment, first rear transition point 1610 may be located on the rear transition profile of club head 1000 in the cross-section where rear radius of curvature 1615 begins. The second rear transition point 1620 is located on the head rear portion 2160 of the club head 1000 in the cross-section where the rear radius of curvature 1615 ends.

In the illustrated embodiment, the posterior radius of curvature 1615 is substantially constant along the head posterior portion 2160 of the golf club head 1000 from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150. In another embodiment, the posterior radius of curvature 1615 may vary along the rear portion 2160 of the golf club head 1000 from the heel portion 1140 to the toe portion 1150 of the golf club. The posterior radius of curvature may be greater near the heel of the head 1140, near the toe of the head 1150, near the center of the golf club head 1000, or any combination of the foregoing locations. For example, rear radius of curvature 1615 may be greater near head heel 1140 and head toe 1150 than at the center of head rear 2160 of golf club head 1000. The posterior radius of curvature 1615 may vary from head heel 1140 to head toe 1150 according to any profile, such as linear, parabolic, quadratic, exponential, or any other profile. It may be possible.

In the illustrated embodiment, posterior transition profile 1600 has two posterior transition points and one radius of curvature. In other embodiments, the back transition profile may include any number of back transition points and any number of radii of curvature. For example, the backward transition profile 1600 may have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or any number of backward transition points. It may also be included. As another example, posterior transition profile 1600 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or any number of radii of curvature. It may be possible.

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

Crown axis 1650 intersects front plane 2280 at a point forward of golf club head 1000. Crown axis 1660 is defined as the acute angle between crown axis 1650 and front plane 2280. Crown axis 1660 may vary when a side cross-sectional view is taken at different positions relative to head heel 1140 and/or head toe 1150.

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

In some embodiments, crown angle 1660 near head heel portion 1140 is less than approximately 70 degrees, less than approximately 69 degrees, less than approximately 68 degrees, less than approximately 67 degrees, less than approximately 66 degrees, less than approximately 65 degrees, or approximately 64 degrees. It may be less than degrees, less than approximately 63 degrees, less than approximately 62 degrees, less than approximately 61 degrees, less than approximately 60 degrees, or less than approximately 59 degrees. For example, the crown angle 1660 measured in a side cross-sectional view of the club head taken through a point located approximately 1.0 inches toward the heel portion of the head 1140 from the geometric center point of the striking surface is less than approximately 70 degrees, less than approximately 69 degrees. , less than approximately 68 degrees, less than approximately 67 degrees, less than approximately 66 degrees, less than approximately 65 degrees, less than approximately 64 degrees, less than approximately 63 degrees, less than approximately 62 degrees, less than approximately 61 degrees, less than approximately 60 degrees, less than approximately 59 degrees You can.

In some embodiments, crown angle 1660 about the center of club head 1000 is less than approximately 70 degrees, less than approximately 69 degrees, less than approximately 68 degrees, less than approximately 67 degrees, less than approximately 66 degrees, less than approximately 65 degrees, It may be less than approximately 64 degrees, less than approximately 63 degrees, less than approximately 62 degrees, less than approximately 61 degrees, less than approximately 60 degrees, or less than approximately 59 degrees. For example, the crown angle 1660 measured from a side cross-sectional view of the club head taken through the geometric center point of the striking surface is less than approximately 70 degrees, less than approximately 69 degrees, less than approximately 68 degrees, less than approximately 67 degrees, and less than approximately 66 degrees. , less than approximately 65 degrees, less than approximately 64 degrees, less than approximately 63 degrees, less than approximately 62 degrees, less than approximately 61 degrees, less than approximately 60 degrees, and less than approximately 59 degrees.

In many embodiments, reducing crown angle 1660 compared to the current club head results in a steeper head top 1120 or a head top 1120 positioned closer to the ground. Accordingly, the reduced crown angle 1660 may result in a lower head CG position.

In some embodiments, reducing crown angle 1660 to create a steeper head top 1120 and lower head CG position may result in an undesirable increase in aerodynamic drag. To avoid the increased drag associated with a steeper head top 1120, the maximum head top height 1670 may be increased. Referring again to FIG. 7, the maximum head top height 1670, defined as the maximum distance between the head top 1120 and the crown axis 1650, is taken at any cross-sectional view. In many embodiments, a larger head top height 1670 creates a head top 1120 with a greater curvature. The greater curvature within head top 1120 shifts the location of airflow separation back further on club head 1000 during the swing. In other words, greater curvature allows airflow to remain attached to the club head 1000 for a longer distance across the top of the head 1120 as the club is swung. Moving the airflow back to the point of separation on the golf club head 1000 can result in less drag and faster club head speed.

In some embodiments, maximum head top height 1670 may be approximately 16.5 mm (or approximately 0.65 inches). In other embodiments, the maximum head top height 1670 is greater than approximately 5 mm, greater than approximately 7.5 mm, greater than approximately 10 mm, greater than approximately 12.5 mm, greater than approximately 15 mm, greater than approximately 17.5 mm, greater than approximately 20 mm, greater than approximately 22.5 mm. mm, or approximately greater than 25 mm. Additionally, in other embodiments, the maximum head top height 1670 may be within the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, or 10 mm to 20 mm, or 15 mm to 25 mm.

Method for manufacturing club heads

4 depicts a flow diagram of a method 4000 that may be used to provide, form, and/or manufacture a golf club head in accordance with the present disclosure. In some examples, the golf club head may be similar to golf club head 1000 shown above (FIGS. 1-3).

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

Block 4200 of method 4000 includes coupling a face portion to a front portion of the head, wherein the front portion of the head includes a striking surface having an increased face size. In some examples, the face portion may be similar to face portion 1200 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and have a striking surface 1210 with an increased face size described above. For example, the increased face size of the striking surface may allow the face height to be up to approximately 71 mm in some instances.

Method 4000 may include a block 4300 for configuring a golf club head to include a first optimization characteristic, wherein the CG height between the center of gravity of the golf club head and the head depth plane of the golf club head is between approximately 0 mm and It may be approximately 5.08 mm or 0.200 inches. In some examples, the first optimization characteristic may be similar to that described above with respect to Equation 1 to balance golf club head face height or size with respect to center of gravity height. In some examples, the CG height may be similar to CG height 2520 (Figure 2); The center of gravity may be similar to the head center of gravity 2500 (FIG. 2); The head depth plane may be similar to head depth plane 2310 (FIG. 2).

There may be implementations in which method 4000 may include a block 4400 for configuring a golf club head to include a second optimization characteristic, wherein (a) the face height is at 76.2 mm (or approximately 3.0 inches); The ratio between the subtracted value and (b) the CG depth between the center point of the hitting surface and the center of gravity is less than 0.56. In some examples, the second optimization characteristic may be similar to that described above with respect to Equation 2 to balance golf club head face height or size with respect to center of gravity depth. For example, the face height may be similar to face height 1213 and the CG depth may be similar to CG depth 2510.

In some examples, method 4000 may include block 4500 for configuring a golf club head to include a third optimization characteristic where the head volume size plus the ratio between CG depth and CG height is greater than or equal to 425. In some implementations, the third optimization characteristic may be similar to that described above with respect to Equation 3 to balance the head volume with respect to the center of gravity location. For example, the head volume size may be similar to the size of head volume 2600 (FIG. 2), the CG depth may be similar to CG depth 2510, and the CG height may be similar to CG height 2520. there is.

Method 4000 may, in some embodiments, include a block 4600 for configuring a golf club head to include a fourth optimization characteristic, wherein the horizontal moment of inertia of the golf club head is at least 39% of its hosel moment of inertia. . In some implementations, the fourth optimization characteristic may be similar to that described above with respect to equation 4 to balance horizontal MOI 1811 with respect to hosel MOI 1711 (Figure 1). In the same or another example, the magnitude of the horizontal moment of inertia may be similar to that described above with respect to horizontal MOI 1811. Additionally, the magnitude of the hosel moment of inertia may be similar to that described above with respect to hosel MOI 1711. There may also be examples where the horizontal moment of inertia and/or the hosel moment of inertia may be balanced with respect to other characteristics, for example the vertical moment of inertia of the golf club head.

Block 4700 of method 4000 may, in some implementations, be performed to configure a golf club head to include a fifth optimization characteristic, wherein the vertical moment of inertia of the golf club head is at least 59% of its hosel moment of inertia. . In some implementations, the fifth optimization characteristic may be similar to that described above with respect to Equation 5 to balance vertical MOI 1611 with respect to hosel MOI 1711 (Figure 1). In the same or another example, the magnitude of the vertical moment of inertia may be similar to that described above with respect to vertical MOI 1611. Additionally, the magnitude of the hosel moment of inertia may be similar to that described above with respect to hosel MOI 1711. There may also be examples where the vertical moment of inertia and/or the hosel moment of inertia may be balanced with respect to other characteristics, for example with respect to the horizontal moment of inertia of the block 4500.

In this example, method 4000 also includes block 4800 to provide a mass redistribution mechanism to adjust the center of gravity of the golf club head. In some examples, the mass redistribution mechanism may be configured to allow the golf club head to achieve the needs of block 4300, block 4400, block 4500, block 4600, and/or block 4700 of method 4000. The mass redistribution mechanism may include a weight structure, such as weight structure 2700 (FIGS. 2 and 3), that can adjust the position of the center of gravity toward the sole and/or rear portion of the golf club head, if desired. In the same or another embodiment, the mass redistribution mechanism may be reinforced with one or more reinforcing structures if desired, such as at the back side of the striking surface and/or at the junction between the head body and face portion of the golf club head. It may include a thickness reduction portion of the face portion of the head.

In some examples, one or more of the different blocks of method 4000 may be combined into a single block or performed simultaneously, and/or the sequence of such blocks may be varied. For example, blocks 4100 and 4200 may be combined in some embodiments, such that at least one portion of the face portion and head body comprises a single piece of material. Block 4800 may be combined with one or more of blocks 4100, 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600, and/or 4700 in the same or other examples, for example, via the mass redistribution mechanism of block 4800, to adjust the center of gravity of the golf club head; This may also be achieved simultaneously by adjusting face height, face size, head volume, and/or one or more moments of inertia. In the same or another example, some of the blocks of method 4000 may be subdivided into multiple sub-blocks. For example, block 4100 may be subdivided into multiple sub-blocks to provide different portions of the head body of a golf club head. There may also be examples where method 4000 may include other or different blocks. As an example, method 4000 may include another block for providing or coupling a golf club shaft to the head body of block 4100. Additionally, there may be examples where method 4100 may include only some of the blocks described above. For example, one or more of blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600, and/or 4700 may be optional in some implementations, and/or block 4800 can be combined with blocks 4300, block 4400, block 4500, block 4600, and/or Alternatively, it may be skipped if not required to fulfill the needs of block 4700. Various modifications may be implemented for method 4000 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the golf club heads and associated methods with optimized properties herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. For example, although the above examples may be described in relation to driver-type golf clubs, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein also apply to fairway wood-type golf clubs, hybrid-type golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs, and wedge-type golf clubs. It may also be applicable to other types of golf clubs, such as golf clubs or putter-type golf clubs. Alternatively, the devices, methods, and articles described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing poles, ski poles, etc.

Examples of additions of these changes and others are provided in the description above. Other permutations of different embodiments having one or more of the features of the various figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the description, claims, and drawings herein are intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure, and not to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of this application be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

The golf club heads and associated methods with optimized characteristics described herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the above description of any particular one of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment and may also disclose alternative embodiments.

Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes rebuilding and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to specific embodiments. However, any benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, and any factor or elements that might cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to arise or be more pronounced are not excluded from the scope of these claims. Unless explicitly stated, it should not be construed as an essential, required, or essential feature or element of any or all claims.

Because the rules of golf may change from time to time [e.g., United States Golf Association (USGA), Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc. New rules may be adopted or old rules may be removed or modified by the same golf standards body and/or governing body], and golf equipment related to the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may not be subject to any specific It may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any given time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or marketed as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Moreover, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein do not apply unless the embodiments and/or limitations (1) are explicitly claimed in the claims; and (2) if it is an equivalent or potential equivalent of the stated elements and/or limitations of the claims under the doctrine of equivalents, then it is not a contribution to the public under the doctrine of dedication.

Claims (20)

As a golf club head,
a head body including a head inner portion defined by a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head top portion, and a head sole portion;
A striking surface having a geometric center point; and
Head center of gravity with head CG depth and head CG height
Including,
The club head includes a driver-type body,
The head CG height is 0 mm to 5.08 mm,
The head CG depth is 41 mm to 102 mm,
The head volume of the golf club head is 420 cc to 470 cc,
The golf club head has a head weight of 185 grams to 225 grams,
More than 15% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 20% of the length of the club head,
More than 5% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 10% of the length of the club head,
The club head further includes a crown axis and a maximum head top height defined as a maximum distance between the head top and the crown axis, wherein the maximum head top height is greater than 5 mm. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein more than 20% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 20% of the length of the club head. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein more than 25% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 20% of the length of the club head. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein more than 10% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 10% of the length of the club head. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein more than 15% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 10% of the length of the club head. According to paragraph 1,
It further includes a weight structure located toward the head sole portion and the head rear portion of the head body, wherein the weight structure has a center of gravity of the weight structure located between the 5 o'clock line and the 8 o'clock line of the clock grid. Includes, and the clock grid is
12 o'clock selection;
3 o'clock selection;
4 o'clock selection;
5 o'clock selection;
Seonbu at 8 o'clock; and
Including the 9 o'clock prelude,
When the golf club head is at address, from a bottom view of the golf club head, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the center point of the hitting surface and perpendicular to the front intersection line between the loft plane and the ground plane,
the clock grid is centered along the 12 o'clock line at the midpoint between the front end of the front portion of the head and the rear end of the rear portion of the head,
The 3 o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion,
A golf club head wherein the 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe portion. 7. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein the weight structure protrudes at least partially from an outer contour of the head sole portion. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising one or more thin regions located on the top of the head, the one or more thin regions comprising a thickness of less than 0.020 inches. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a weight located within 1.0 inches of the rear portion of the club head, the weight having a specific gravity greater than 10.0 and a mass greater than 10 grams. 10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the weight is positioned more than 1.5 inches from the head center of gravity. 2. The club of claim 1, further comprising a crown angle, wherein the crown angle is less than 70 degrees as measured in a side cross-sectional view of the club head taken such that the crown angle passes through the geometric center point of the striking surface, and wherein the crown angle is less than 79 degrees as measured in a side cross-sectional view of the club head taken such that the crown angle passes through a point located 1.0 inches toward the toe of the head from the geometric center of the striking surface. As a golf club head,
a head body including a head inner portion defined by a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head top portion, and a head soul portion;
A striking surface having a geometric center point; and
Head center of gravity with head CG depth and head CG height
Including,
The club head includes a body,
The head CG height is 0 mm to 12.8 mm,
The head CG depth is 35 mm to 90 mm,
The head volume of the golf club head is 300 cc to 400 cc,
The golf club head has a head weight of 190 grams to 240 grams,
More than 15% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 20% of the length of the club head,
More than 5% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 10% of the length of the club head,
The club head further includes a crown axis and a maximum head top height defined as a maximum distance between the head top and the crown axis, wherein the maximum head top height is greater than 5 mm. 13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein more than 20% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 20% of the length of the club head. 13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein more than 25% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 20% of the length of the club head. 13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein more than 10% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 10% of the length of the club head. 13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein more than 15% of the mass of the club head is located in the rearmost 10% of the length of the club head. According to clause 12,
Further comprising a weight structure positioned toward the head sole portion and the head rear portion of the head body, the weight structure including a center of gravity of the weight structure positioned between the 5 o'clock line and the 8 o'clock line of the clock grid, clock grid
12 o'clock selection;
3 o'clock selection;
4 o'clock selection;
5 o'clock selection;
Seonbu at 8 o'clock; and
Including the 9 o'clock prelude,
When the golf club head is at address, from a bottom view of the golf club head, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the striking surface center point and perpendicular to the front intersection line between the loft plane and the ground plane,
the clock grid is centered along the 12 o'clock line at the midpoint between the front end of the front portion of the head and the rear end of the rear portion of the head,
The 3 o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion,
A golf club head wherein the 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe portion. 18. The golf club head of claim 17, wherein the weight structure protrudes at least partially from an outer contour of the head sole portion. 13. The golf club head of claim 12, further comprising one or more thin regions located on the top of the head, the one or more thin regions comprising a thickness of less than 0.020 inches. 13. The golf club head of claim 12, further comprising a weight positioned within 1.0 inches of the rear portion of the club head.