KR20190002722A - Method for manufacturing golf club head and golf club head - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of a method for manufacturing a golf club head and a golf club head is described herein. In one example, the golf club head includes a body having a first inner cavity portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, an upper portion, a lower portion, a rear portion, a forward portion having a face portion, and a second inner cavity portion having an elastomeric material ≪ / RTI > The body portion may include a plurality of ports arranged on the lower portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Description

Method for manufacturing golf club head and golf club head

The present invention can be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner does not object to the facsimile copy by anyone in this disclosure and related documents, as shown in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or record, but retains all applicable copyrights.

Cross-reference

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 356,539, filed June 30, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 360,802, filed July 11, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 15 / 453,701.

The disclosure of the referenced application is incorporated herein by reference.

In general, the present invention relates to a sports facility, and more particularly to a method of manufacturing a golf club head and a golf club head.

In golf, a variety of factors can affect the distance and direction the golf ball can travel. In particular, the center of gravity (CG) and / or the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head can affect the orientation of the golf ball at the launch angle, rotational speed and impact. These factors can vary considerably depending on the type of golf swing.

1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary golf club head according to an embodiment of the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein.
Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a bottom view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a front view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a rear view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a discussion of the example golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 8 is a view of the heel of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is a bottom view of an exemplary body portion of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body portion of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 11 is a view of two weight ports of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 12 is a top view of an exemplary weight portion of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 13 is a side view of the example weight portion of Figure 10;
14 shows an exemplary launch path profile of an exemplary golf club head;
15 shows a first weight configuration of an exemplary weight portion;
16 is a diagram showing a second weight configuration of an exemplary weight portion;
17 is a diagram showing a third weight configuration of an exemplary weight portion;
18 shows a fourth weight configuration of an exemplary weight portion;
Fig. 19 shows an exemplary launch path profile of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 18; Fig.
Figure 20 illustrates a method by which the exemplary golf club head described herein can be made.
Figure 21 is another bottom view of an exemplary golf club head.
22 is a bottom view of another exemplary golf club head.
23 is a top perspective view of an exemplary golf club head according to an embodiment of the apparatus, method and article of manufacture described herein.
24 is a bottom perspective view of the example golf club head of Fig.
Figure 25 is a side perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 23;
Figure 26 is a side perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 23;
Figure 27 is a top, perspective view of an exemplary golf club head according to an embodiment of the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein.
28 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 27;
29 is a heel-side perspective view of the example golf club head of Fig. 27;
Figure 30 is a top-side perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 27;
For purposes of simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings depict a method of general construction and the description and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. In addition, elements in the figures may not be drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Generally, a method for manufacturing a golf club head and a golf club head is described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

1 to 13, the golf club head 100 includes a body portion 110, a first set of weight portions 210 (FIG. 2), and a second set of weight portions 220 (FIG. 2) And may include a plurality of weight portions 120 as shown generally. The body portion 110 may include an upper portion 130, a lower portion 140, a toe portion 150, a heel portion 160, a forward portion 170 and a rear portion 180. The lower portion 140 extends from the toe portion 150 about the rear portion 18 to the heel portion 160 across the periphery of the golf club head 100 and extends below the lower portion 140 except for the forward portion 170. [ And a skirt portion 190 defined as a side portion of the golf club head 100 between the top portion 130 and the top portion 130 of the golf club head 100. The lower portion 140 may include a transition region 230 and a weight port region (weight port region) 240. For example, the weight port region 240 may be a D-shaped region. The weight port region 240 may include a plurality of weight ports 900 (FIG. 9) for receiving a plurality of weight portions 120. The front portion 170 may include a face portion 175 that abuts a golf ball (not shown). The body portion 110 may include a hosel portion 165 for receiving a shaft (not shown). Alternatively, the body portion 110 may include a bore instead of the hosel portion 165. For example, the body portion 110 may be partially or wholly made of aluminum-based material, magnesium-based material, steel-based material, titanium-based material, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof, have. In another example, the body portion 110 may be made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof, in whole or in part.

The golf club head 100 may have a club head volume of 300 cubic centimeters (cm3 or cc) or more. In one example, the golf club head 100 may be about 460 cc. Alternatively, the golf club head 100 may have a club head volume of 300 cc or less. In particular, the golf club head 100 may have a club head volume between 100 cc and 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head 100 may be determined using a weighted water displacement method (i.e., the Archimedes principle). For example, a procedure defined by a golf standard organization and / or an administrative body such as the US Golf Association (USGA) and / or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R & A) So that the club head volume of the golf club head 100 can be measured. Although FIG. 1 may represent a particular type of club head (e.g., a driver type head), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be used with other types of club heads (e.g., fairway wood type club head , Hybrid type club head, iron type club head, putter type club head, etc.). The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

Each first set of weight portions 210, shown generally at 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, and 435 (FIG. 4), may be associated with a first mass. Each second set of weight portions 220, shown generally at 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475, 480 (FIG. 4), may be associated with a second mass. The first mass may be larger than the second mass or vice versa. In one example, the first set of weight portions 210 can be made of a tungsten-based material while the second set of weight portions 220 can be made of an aluminum-based material. As described in detail below, the first and second sets of weight portions 210, 220, respectively, can provide various weight shapes (e.g., Figs. 15-18).

9-11, for example, the lower portion 140 of the body portion 110 may include a plurality of weight ports 900. A plurality of weight ports 900, shown generally at 905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935, 940, 945, 950, 955, 960, 965, 970, 975, 980, And may be arranged along the periphery of the weight port region 240. A plurality of weight ports 900 may extend across the lower portion 140. In particular, a plurality of weight ports 900 may extend between bottom portion 150 and heel portion 9160, respectively, across bottom portion 140. A plurality of weight ports 900 may also extend between the forward portion 170 and the rearward portion 180 across the lower portion 140. The plurality of weight ports 900 may extend across the lower portion 140 along a path generally forming a D-shaped loop. In one example, a plurality of weight ports 900 can extend beyond the bottom portion 140 to greater than 50% of the maximum toe-hill distance 500 between the toe portion 150 and the heel portion 160, respectively have. The maximum toe-hill distance 500 of the golf club head 100 can be measured from the transition area between the top portion 130 and the bottom portion 140 at the toe and heel portions 150 and 160, respectively. Alternatively, the maximum toe-heel distance 500 may be the horizontal distance between the vertical protrusions of the outermost points of the toe and heel portions 150, 160, respectively. For example, the maximum toe-heel distance 500 may be measured when the golf club head 100 is arranged at an angle 510 of about 60 degrees. Although the outermost point of the heel portion 160 is not readily defined, the outermost point of the heel portion 160 is approximately 0.875 over the ground plane 530 (i.e., the horizontal plane in which the golf club head 100 is arranged) And may be arranged at an elevation 520 of 22.23 inches (22.23 millimeters). The plurality of weight ports 900 may extend beyond 50% of the maximum toe-hill distance 500 of the golf club head 100. In particular, a plurality of weight ports 900 may be positioned at the maximum toe-hill distance 1005 that is greater than 50% of the maximum toe-hill distance 500 of the golf club head 100, Portion 150 of the first embodiment. In one example, the maximum toe-hill distance 500 of the golf club head 100 may be 5 inches (127 millimeters) or less. Thus, the plurality of weight ports 900 can each extend to a weight port maximum toe-heel weight port distance of at least 2.5 inches between the toe portion 150 and the heel portion 160, respectively. The maximum toe-heel port distance 995 is the maximum distance between the toe-side boundary of the most spaced-apart weight port from the heel portion 160 and the heel-side boundary of the most spaced- have. In the example of FIG. 9, the maximum toe-heel weight port distance 995 may be the maximum distance between the toe-side boundary of the weight port 980 and the heel-side boundary of the weight port 940. For example, the maximum toe-heel weight port distance 995 may be about 3.7 inches. The golf rules may change from time to time (for example, a new rule may be adopted or a previous rule may be deleted or modified by a golf standard body and / or management agency), a lie angle 510 and / Or the height 520 for measuring the maximum toe-heel distance 500 may also be varied. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

Each of the plurality of weight ports 900 may be associated with a port diameter (D port) (two shown as 1105 and 1110 in FIG. 11). For example, the port diameter of each of the weight ports of the plurality of weight ports 900 may be about 0.3 inches (7.65 millimeters). Alternatively, the port diameters of adjacent weight ports may be different. In one example, the weight port 905 may be associated with the port diameter 1105, and the weight port 910 may be associated with the port diameter 1110. In particular, the port diameter 1105 of the weight port 905 may be greater than the port diameter 1110 of the weight port 910, or vice versa. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The lower portion 140 may also include an outer surface 990. 10, for example, a plurality of weight ports 900 may be formed on the lower portion 140 with respect to the outer surface curve 1090 formed by the outer surface 990. As shown in FIG. In particular, each of the plurality of weight ports 900 may be associated with a port axis generally designated 1005, 1010, 1015. The center of the weight port can form the port axis of the weight port. Each port axis may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the intersection of the outer surface curve 1090 and the port side. In one example, substantially vertical may refer to a deviation of +/- 5 degrees from vertical. In yet another example, substantially vertical may refer to a deviation of +/- 3 degrees from vertical. The deviation from the vertical may depend on manufacturing tolerances.

In one example, the port axis 1010 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the tangential plane 1012 of the outer surface curve 1090 (i.e., perpendicular). A number of fasteners may be used to manufacture the plurality of weight ports 900 by placing the golf club head 100 in various locations. Alternatively, the weight port may be configured to rotate the golf club head about multiple axes (e.g., by water jet cutting and / or laser cutting) to mill excess material to form a plurality of weight ports 900, And can be manufactured by a machining process. In addition, the multi-axis machining process can provide a suitable surface finish because the milling tool can move in tangential directions around the surface. Accordingly, the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein may utilize a multiaxial machining process to form each of the plurality of weight ports 900 on the lower portion 140. For example, a five-axis milling machine can form a plurality of weight ports 900 so that the port axis 1000 of each of the plurality of weight ports 900 can be perpendicular to the outer surface curve 1090 Or may be substantially vertical. The tool of the 5-axis milling machine can move in tangential direction around the outer surface curve 1090 of the outer surface 990. [

Referring to FIG. 11, for example, two adjacent weight ports can be separated by a port distance 1100 that can be the shortest distance between two adjacent weight ports on the outer surface 990. In particular, the port distance 1100 may be less than or equal to the port diameter of one of the two adjacent weight ports. In one example, the port distance 1100 between the weight ports 905, 910 may be less than or equal to one of the port diameter 1110 or the port diameter 1105. In one example, the port distance 1100 between the weight ports 905 and 920 may be less than or equal to the port diameter 1110 or the port diameter 1105. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The plurality of weight portions 120 may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., density, shape, mass, volume, size color, etc.). In one example, the first set of weight portions 210 may be black in color, while the second set of weight portions 220 may be in brown or steel color. Some or all of the plurality of weight portions 120 may be partially or wholly made of a metallic material such as a steel-based material, a tungsten-based material, an aluminum-based material, any combination thereof, or a suitable type of material. Alternatively, some or all of the plurality of weight portions 120 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material (e.g., composite, plastic, etc.).

In the illustrated example, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions 120 may have a cylindrical shape (e.g., a circular cross-section). Although the above example can describe a weight portion having a particular shape, the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein may include weight portions of other suitable shapes (e.g., a full or partial sphere, Cube, cone, cylinder, pyramid, cuboid, prism, frustum, or other suitable geometric shape). Each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions 120 may be associated with a diameter 1200 and a height 1300. In one example, each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions 120 may have a diameter of about 0.3 inches (7.62 millimeters) and a height of about 0.2 inches (5.08 millimeters). Alternatively, the first and second sets of weight portions 210, 220 may each have a different width and / or height.

Instead of the rear-forward direction as in other golf club heads, each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions 120 may be combined with one of the plurality of weight ports 400 in the lower-up direction. The plurality of weight portions 120 may include threads to secure within the weight port. For example, each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions 120 may be a screw. The plurality of weight portions 120 may not be easily removed from the body portion 110 without or with the aid of a tool. Alternatively, the plurality of weight portions 120 can be easily removed, so that a relatively heavy or light weight portion can be substituted for one or more of the plurality of weight portions 120 (e.g., using a tool). In another example, the plurality of weight portions 120 may be secured within the weight port of the body portion 110 with an epoxy or adhesive such that the plurality of weight portions 120 may not be readily removed. In another example, the plurality of weight portions 120 may be secured within the weight ports of the body portion 110 with both epoxy and threads, so that the plurality of weight portions 120 may not be easily removed. Additionally, one or more weight portions of the plurality of weight portions 120 may include a marking corresponding to the mass of the weight portion (e.g., on the lower portion of the weight portion). In one example, the weight portion may include a laser-etched marking of " 2.4 " below to indicate that the weight portion is 2.4 grams. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

In contrast to another golf club head, the golf club head 100 may allow at least four different types of golf swing. As shown in FIG. 14, for example, each weight configuration may be associated with one of a plurality of launch trajectory profiles 1400, generally shown as 1410, 1420, 1430. 15, for example, the first weight configuration 1500 may be associated with the configuration of the first set of weight ports 1510. [ 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935 (shown in FIG. 9), the first set of weight ports 1510 may be located at or adjacent to the forward portion 170 )). In the first weight configuration 1500, the first set of weight portions may be oriented towards the front portion 170, depending on the configuration of the first set of weight ports 1510, Portion 180 of the substrate. In particular, the first set of weight portions may form a cluster according to the configuration of the first set of weight ports 1510 at or adjacent to the front portion 170. The weight ports 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435 can form a first set of weight ports and are arranged in the weight ports 905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, . The weight ports 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475, 480 can form a second set of weight ports and are respectively connected to the weight ports 940, 945, 950, 955, 960, , 975, 980). The first weight configuration 1500 may be associated with the first launch trajectory profile 1410 (Figure 14). In particular, the first weight configuration 1500 may reduce the rotational speed of the golf ball. By placing a relatively more scary weight port (first set of weight ports) toward the front portion 170 of the golf club head 100 in accordance with the configuration of the first set of weight ports 1510, The center of gravity < RTI ID = 0.0 > (GC) < / RTI > of the center of gravity can be moved lower and relatively forward to produce a relatively lower launch and rotation locus. As a result, the first launch trajectory profile 1410 can be associated with a relatively longer roll distance (i.e., distance after impact on the ground). Although any of the weighted portions of the first set of weighted ports 210 may be arranged in any of the weighted ports of the first set of weighted ports 1510, have.

16, for example, a second weight configuration 1600 may be associated with the configuration of the second set of weight ports 1610. The second set of weight ports 1610 may be arranged at or near the rear portion 180 (e.g., the weight ports 945, 950, 955, 960, 965, 970, 975 )). 16, for example, the first set of weight ports may be arranged toward the rear portion 180 in the second weight configuration 1600, while the second set of weight ports may be arranged in the forward portion 170, Lt; / RTI > In particular, the first set of weight ports may form clusters 1610 at or adjacent the rear portion 180, depending on the configuration of the second set of weight ports 1610. The weight ports 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435 can form a first set of weight ports and are arranged in the weight ports 945, 950, 955, 960, 965, 970, . The weight ports 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475 and 480 may form a second set of weight ports, and each of the weight ports 905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930 , 935, 940, 980). The second weight configuration 1600 may be associated with the second launch trace profile 1420 (Figure 14). In particular, the second weight configuration 1600 may increase the launch angle of the golf ball and maximize forgiveness. By positioning the relatively heavy weight portion (i.e., the first set of weight portions) toward the rear portion 180 of the golf club head 100 according to the configuration of the second set of weight ports 1610, 100 can move relatively backward and upwards to produce relatively high launch and rotation trajectories. In addition, the moment of inertia of the golf club head 100 may increase in both the horizontal (front-to-back) and vertical (top-to-bottom) off-center hits. As a result, the second launch trajectory profile 1420 can be associated with a relatively larger carry distance (i.e., in air).

Returning to Figure 17, for example, the third weight configuration 1700 may be associated with the configuration of the third set of weight ports 1710. In the third weight configuration 1700, for example, the first set of weight portions can be disposed toward the heel portion 160, but the second set of weight portions can be disposed toward the toe portion 150. [ In particular, the first set of weight portions may form a cluster of weight portions at or adjacent the heel portion 160, depending on the configuration of the third set of weight ports 1710. [

The weight portions 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435 can form a first set of weight portions and are arranged in the weight ports 925, 930, 935, 940, 945, 950, . The weight portions 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475, 480 may form a second set of weight portions and the weight portions 905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935 , 940, and 980, respectively. The third weight configuration 1600 may be associated with the third launch trajectory profile 1430 (Fig. 14). In particular, the third weight configuration 1700 may allow an individual to turn over the golf club head 100 relatively easily (i.e., square up the face portion 175 to impact the golf ball) square up). By locating the relatively heavy weight portion (i.e., the first set of weight portions) toward the heel portion 160 of the golf club head 100, the center of gravity GC of the golf club head 100 is positioned on the axis of the shaft You can move relatively closer.

Returning to Fig. 18, for example, the fourth weight configuration 1800 may be associated with the configuration of the fourth set of weight ports 1810. In the fourth weight configuration 1800, for example, the first set of weight portions can be disposed toward the toe portion 150, but the second set of weight portions can be disposed toward the heel portion 160. [ In particular, the first set of weight portions may form a cluster of weight portions in or adjacent to the toe portion 150 according to the configuration of the fourth set of weight ports 1810. The weight portions 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435 can form the first set of weight portions and are arranged in the weight ports 905, 910, 915, 965, 970, 975, .

The weight portions 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475, 480 may form a second set of weight portions and the weight portions 920, 925, 930, 935, 940, 945, 950 , 955, and 960, respectively. The fourth weight configuration 1800 may be associated with the third launch trajectory profile 1430 (FIG. 14). In particular, the fourth weight configuration 1800 may prevent an individual from reversing the golf club head 100 (i.e., the face portion 175 may be more open to impact the golf ball). By placing the relatively heavy weight portion (i. E., The first set of weight portions) toward the toe portion 150 of the golf club head 100, the center of gravity GC of the golf club head 100 is moved away from the axis of the shaft You can move relatively farther. A fade golf shot may be made by the fourth weight configuration 1800 (as shown in FIG. 19, for example, for a right-hand individual the golf ball moves to the left of the target 1910 A curving back trajectory or ball flight to the right of the target). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in connection therewith.

20 shows a method by which the golf club head 100 can be manufactured. In the example of FIG. 20, the process 2000 may begin by providing a plurality of weight portions (block 2010). The plurality of weight portions may include a first set of weight portions and a second set of weight portions. Each weight portion of the first set of weight portions may be associated with the first mass but each weight portion of the second set of weight portions may be associated with the second mass. The first mass may be larger than the second mass. In one example, each weight portion of the first set of weight portions may be made of a tungsten-based material having a mass of 2.6 g, while each weight portion of the second set of weight portions may be made of 0.4 g of an aluminum- have. Each weight portion of the first set of weight portions may include a marking representing the corresponding mass (e.g., " 0.4 " for 0.4 grams). In a similar manner, each weight portion of the second set of weight portions may include marking (e.g., " 0.4 " for 0.4 grams) representing the corresponding mass. The weight portion of the first set may have gray color or steel color, but the weight portion of the second set may have black color.

Process 2000 may provide a body portion of a golf club head (block 2020). The body portion may include a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a bottom portion having an outer surface associated with the outer surface curve, and a skirt portion between the top and bottom portions.

The process 2000 may form a weight port region located at or adjacent to the bottom and skirt portions (block 2030). The transition region may surround the weight port region.

The process 2000 may form a plurality of weight ports along the periphery of the weight port region (block 2040). Each weight port of the plurality of weight ports may be associated with a port diameter and may be configured to receive at least one weight portion of the plurality of weight portions. Two adjacent weight ports can be separated by a port diameter or less. Further, each weight port of the plurality of weight ports may be associated with the port axis. The port axis may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the tangential plane of the outer surface curve of the lower portion of the golf club head.

The exemplary process 2000 of FIG. 20 is provided and described only in connection with FIGS. 1 through 19 as an example of a method of manufacturing a golf club head 100. Although a specific sequence of operations is illustrated in FIG. 20, these operations may be performed in different time sequences. For example, the two or more operations shown in Fig. 20 can be executed sequentially, concurrently, or concurrently. Although Figure 20 shows a specified number of blocks, a process may not execute more than one block. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in connection therewith.

As shown in the above example, the plurality of weight portions 120 and the plurality of weight ports 900 generally have a path that forms a generally D-shaped loop formed into two arcs, shown as 490 and 495 in Fig. 4 And may be positioned on the periphery of the weight port region 240. [ For example, the weight portions 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430 and 435 (FIG. 4) and the weight ports 905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935 One arc 490 can be formed. In particular, the first arc 490 may extend across the bottom portion 140 between the toe and heel portions 150, 160, respectively. The weight portions 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475, 480 (FIG. 4) and the weight ports 940, 945, 950, 955, 960, 965, 970, 975, 980 May form a second arc 495. [ The second arc 495 can generally follow the contour of the rear portion 180 of the body portion 110. Alternatively, the first and second arcs 490 and 495 may form loops having different shapes extending across the lower portion 140 (e.g., generally an O-shaped loop). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in connection therewith.

Although the examples show a plurality of weight portions 120 and a plurality of weight ports 900 that form a particular geometric shape, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be used to form other geometric shapes, And a weight port and a weight portion positioned along the periphery of the region. Returning to Figure 21, for example, the golf club head 2100 may include a lower portion 2110 and a plurality of weight portions 2120 disposed in the plurality of weight ports 2130. A plurality of weight ports 2130 may be positioned along the periphery of the weight port region 2140 of the lower portion 2110 (i.e., the plurality of weight ports 2130 may be located between the toe and heel portions 2112, 2114) Each extending across the lower portion 2110). In contrast to a plurality of weight portions 120 and a plurality of weight ports 900 (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 9), a plurality of weight ports 2130 may be formed generally 0.0 > 2150 < / RTI > and 2155, respectively.

The first arc 2150 may extend between the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114. The first arc 2150 may be curved toward the front portion 2170 of the golf club head 2100 (i.e., concave relative to the front portion 2170). 21, the first arc 2150 extends from a region close to the toe portion 2112 to a region close to the front portion 2170 and from a region close to the front portion 2170 to a region close to the heel portion 2113 (I.e., concave relative to the forward portion). The first arc 2150 thus appears as a C-shaped arc that faces the rear portion 2180 of the golf club head 2100 extending between the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114. The second arc 2155 may also extend between the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114. The second arc 2155 may be curved toward the rear portion 2180 of the golf club head 2100 (i.e., concave relative to the rear portion 2180). Thus, the second arc may be a C-shaped arc facing the forward portion 2170 of the golf club head 2100 extending between the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114. Also, the first arc 2150 may be closer to the front portion 2170 than the second arc 2155. The first arc 2150 and the second arc 2155 can be separated so that the first arc 2150 and the second arc 2155 can be separated along the periphery of the lower portion 2110, respectively. The lower portion 2110 is spaced along the periphery of the lower portion 2110 between the weight port 2130 of the first arc 2150 and the weight port 2130 of the second arc 2155, ). The spacing 2190 and / or 2192 may be greater than or equal to the diameter of any port of the weight port 2130, such as the weight port 2130 adjacent the spacing 2190 and / or 2192. According to the example shown in Fig. 21, the gaps 2190 and 2192 may be of a size larger than the diameter of the weight port 2130 adjacent to the gaps 2190 and 2192, respectively. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in connection therewith.

21, for example, the first arc 2150 may include a second arc 2155 that may be suitable for a particular golf club head (e.g., a fairway wood type golf club head and / or a hybrid golf club head) And may include a greater number of weight ports. Alternatively, the second arc 2155 may include the same or greater number of weight ports 2130 as the first arc 2150. The number of weight ports 2130 in the first and second arcs 2150 and 2155 and the weight portion 2120 facing each weight port 2130 adjacent to and adjacent to each weight port 2130, Type, the preferred weight distribution of the golf club head 2100, and / or the gravity center of gravity of the golf club head 2100.

The weight ports 2130 of the first arc 2150 and / or the second arc 2155 may be spaced apart from one another at the same or about the same distance along the first arc 2150 and / or the second arc 2155, respectively have. Changes in the spacing between the weight ports 2130 of the first arc 2150 or the second arc 2155 or any of the weight ports described herein may be achieved by other manufacturing methods such as manufacturing tolerances and / It may be due to considerations. For example, the change in spacing between the first arc 2150 and / or the weight port 2130 of the second arc 2155 may be between 1/16 inch and 0.001 inch. As described herein, the distance between adjacent weight ports 2130 (i.e., the port distance) may be less than or equal to the diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports. The plurality of weight ports 2130 are the maximum toe-to-heel weight port distances that are greater than 50% of the maximum toe-to-heel club head distance 2195 of the golf club head 2100 to the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114). The maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance may be the maximum distance between the heel side boundary of the most distant weight port in the toe portion 2112 and the toe side boundary of the most distant weight port in the heel portion 2114.

In particular, the golf club head 2100 may have a volume of less than 430cc. For example, the golf club head 2100 may have a volume in the range of 100cc-400cc. In another example, the golf club head 2100 may have a volume in the range of 150cc-350cc. In another example, the golf club head 2100 may have a volume in the range of 200cc-300cc. The golf club head 2100 may have a mass in the range of 100g-350g. In another example, the golf club head 2100 may have masses ranging from 150g to 300g. In another example, the golf club head 2100 may have masses in the range of 200g-250g. The golf club head 2100 may have a loft angle in the range of 10 ° to 30 °. In another example, the golf club head 2100 may have a loft angle in the range of 13 [deg.] - 27 [deg.]. For example, the golf club head 2100 may be a fairway wood type golf club head. Alternatively, the golf club head 2100 may be a smaller driver type golf club head (i.e., larger than a fairway wood type golf club head, but smaller than a driver type golf club). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in connection therewith.

22, for example, the golf club head 2200 may include a lower portion 2210 and a plurality of weight portions 2220 disposed in the plurality of weight ports 2230. As shown in FIG. A plurality of weight ports 2230 located along the periphery of the weight port region 2240 may be arranged along a path forming an arc generally designated 2250 extending across the lower portion 2210 A plurality of weight ports 2230 may extend across the lower portion 2210 between the toe and heel portions 2212, 2214). 22, the arc 2250 extends from a region close to the toe portion 2212 to a region close to the rear portion 2280 and from an area close to the rear portion 2280 to an area close to the heel portion 2214 That is, concave relative to the rear portion). The arc 2250 thus appears as a C-shaped arc facing the front portion 2270 of the golf club head 2200 extending from near the heel portion 2214 to near the toe portion 2212. The second arc 2155 may also extend between the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114. Also, the curvature of the arc 2250 is substantially similar to, or generally follows, the contour of the rear portion of the golf club head. The number of weight ports 2230 of the arc 2250 and the weight portion 2220 associated with each weight port 2230 and facing the adjacent weight ports 2230 are determined by the type of golf club, And / or the gravity center of gravity of the golf club head 2200.

The weight ports 2230 of the arc 2250 can be spaced apart from one another at the same or substantially the same distance along the arc 2250 (e.g., the weight ports 2230 can be spaced substantially similar to one another). Changes in the spacing between the weight ports 2230 of the arc 2250 or any of the weight ports described herein may be due to other manufacturing considerations such as manufacturing tolerances and / or cost efficiencies associated with manufacturing precision. For example, the variation of the spacing between the weight ports 2230 of the arc 2250 may be between 1.16 inches and 0.001 inches. As described herein, the distance between adjacent weight ports 2230 (i.e., the port distance) may be less than or equal to the diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports. The plurality of weight ports 2230 are the maximum toe-to-hill weight port distances that are greater than 50% of the maximum toe-to-hill club head distance 2290 of the golf club head 2200, 2214, respectively. The maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance may be the maximum distance between the heel side border of the farthest weight port in the toe portion 2212 and the toe side boundary of the farthest weight port in the heel portion 2214.

In particular, the golf club head 2200 may have a volume of less than 200 cc. For example, the golf club head 2200 may have a volume in the range of 50cc-150cc. In another example, the golf club head 2200 may have a volume in the range of 60cc-120cc. In another example, the golf club head 2200 may have a volume in the range of 70cc-100cc. The golf club head 2200 may have masses ranging from 180g to 275g. In another example, the golf club head 2200 may have masses ranging from 200g to 250g. The golf club head 2200 may have a loft angle in the range of < RTI ID = 0.0 > 15-35. ≪ / RTI > In another example, the golf club head 2200 may have a loft angle in the range of 17 [deg.] - 33 [deg.]. For example, the golf club head 2200 may be a hybrid golf club head. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

23-26, the golf club head 2300 includes an upper portion 2330, a lower portion 2340, a toe portion 2350, a heel portion 2360, a face (not shown) in contact with the golf ball A front portion 2370 having a portion 2375, and a body portion 2310, which may include a rear portion 2380. [ The body portion 2310 extends from the toe portion 2350 around the rear portion 2380 to the heel portion 2360 and extends across the periphery of the golf club head 2300 and includes a lower portion 2340 without a forward portion 2370, And a skirt portion 2390 formed as a side portion of the golf club head 2300 between the top portion 2330 and the top portion 2330 of the golf club head 2300. Body portion 2310 may also include a hosel portion 2365 (not shown) for receiving a shaft (not shown). Alternatively, the body portion 2310 may include a bore (not shown) instead of the hosel portion 2365 (not shown). For example, the body portion 2310 may be partially or wholly made of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. In another example, the body portion 2310 may be made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof, either partially or entirely.

The golf club head 2300 may have a club head volume of 300 cubic centimeters (cm3 or cc) or more. In one example, the golf club head 2300 may be about 460cc. Alternatively, the golf club head 2300 may have a club head volume of 300 cc or less. In particular, the golf club head 2300 may have a club head volume between 100 cc and 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head 2300 may be determined using a weighted water displacement method (i.e., the Archimedes principle). For example, a procedure defined by a golf standard organization and / or an administrative body such as the US Golf Association (USGA) and / or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R & A) So that the club head volume of the golf club head 2300 can be measured. Although Figure 23 may represent a particular type of club head (e.g., a driver type head), the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein may be used with other types of club heads (e.g., fairway wood type club head , Hybrid type club head, iron type club head, putter type club head, etc.). Thus, the club head 2300 can be any type of club head, such as any of the club heads described herein. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The golf club head 2300 may have a club head volume of 300 cubic centimeters (cm3 or cc) or more. In one example, the golf club head 2300 may be about 460cc. Alternatively, the golf club head 2300 may have a club head volume of 300 cc or less. In particular, the golf club head 2300 may have a club head volume between 100 cc and 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head 2300 may be determined using a weighted water displacement method (i.e., the Archimedes principle). For example, a procedure defined by a golf standard organization and / or an administrative body such as the US Golf Association (USGA) and / or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R & A) So that the club head volume of the golf club head 2300 can be measured. 23-26 may represent a particular type of club head (e.g., a driver type head), but the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein may be used with other types of club heads (e.g., fairway wood Type club head, hybrid type club head, iron type club head, putter type club head, etc.). The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The body portion 2310 may be a hollow body having one or more inner cavity portions. In one example, the body portion 2310 may include a first inner cavity portion 2539 and a second inner cavity portion 2540. The first inner cavity portion 2539 can form the entire volume of the body portion 2310. The second inner cavity portion 2540 may form part of the overall volume of the body portion 2310 and be within the first inner cavity portion 2530. The first inner cavity portion 2539 and the second inner cavity portion 2540 can be connected. For example, the second inner cavity portion 2540 may have an opening to the first inner cavity portion 2539 (not shown). In one example, as shown in Figs. 23-26, the first inner cavity portion 2539 and the second inner cavity portion 2540 do not have their inner spaces separated or have a connection therebetween. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The lower portion 2340 may include a plurality of weight portions 2420 generally shown as weight portions 2621, 2622, 2623, 2624, 2625, 2626, 2627, 2628, 2629 (Fig. Body portion 2310 may include a plurality of weight ports 2440 generally shown as weight portions 2621, 2622, 2623, 2624, 2625, 2626, 2627, 2628, 2629 (FIG. 24, each of the weight ports 2440 may extend from the lower portion 2340 into the first inner cavity portion 2539. As shown in Fig. Depending on the position of the weight port 2440 on the lower portion 2340, some or all of the weight ports 2440 may extend from the lower portion 2340 into the second inner cavity portion 2540 (not shown). Each weight port 2440 may receive one of the weight portions 2420. The weight distribution of the weight portion 2420 on the body portion 2310 of each weight portion 2420, the distance between the weight ports 2440, and the weight portion 2420 of the weight portion 2420, the weight port 2440, The dimensions of the weight portion 2420, the shape of the weight portion 2420 and / or any other physical characteristics of the weight portion 2420 and / or the weight port 2440 may be determined using any of the features described herein The weight portion and the weight port of the first embodiment. For example, each weight port of the weight port 2440 may have a port diameter that may be similar to the port diameter of an adjacent weight port. For example, the distance between two adjacent weight ports may be less than or equal to the port diameter of any two adjacent weight portions. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The weight port 2440 may be arranged on the body portion 2310 in any configuration. In one example, the weight port 2440 may extend between the heel portion 2360 and the toe portion 2350 at a location between the forward portion 2370 and the rear portion 2380. In one example, the weight port 2440 may extend from the toe portion 2350 to the heel portion 2360 along the line. In the example of FIGS. 23-26, the weight ports 2643, 2644, 2645, 2646 and 2647 extend from the toe portion 2360 to the heel portion 2360 at or near the central portion 2341 of the lower portion 2340. [ To form a first set of weight ports. The weight port 2641 may be closer to the rear portion 2380 than the weight port 2643 and may form a second set of weight ports. Thus, the weight ports 2641 and 2642 can extend from the center portion 2341 toward the toe portion 2350 and the rear portion 2380 or adjacent thereto. The weight ports 2648 and 2649 may be closer to the rear portion 2380 than the weight port 26470 and form a third set of weight ports. The plurality of weight ports 2440 may be configured to extend from the center portion 2341 to the golf club heads 2340 described herein and to the rear portion 2380. In one example, A plurality of weight ports 2440 may extend along a concave curve with respect to the forward portion 2370. In one example, a plurality of weight ports 2440 2440 may extend along a concave curve with respect to the rear portion 2380. In one example, some or all of the plurality of weight ports 2440 may be closer to the forward portion 2370 than the rear portion 2380 In one example, a plurality of weights Some or all of the ports 2440 may be closer to the rear portion 2380 than the front portion 2370. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

In one example, the weight portions of the plurality of weight portions 2420 may have the same mass. In one example, the weight portions of the plurality of weight portions 2420 may have different masses. In one example, the plurality of weight portions 2420 include a second set of weight portions (not shown) associated with the second mass and a first set of weight portions (not shown) associated with the second mass . In one example, a plurality of weight portions 2420 may be associated with a plurality of sets of masses. Thus, the weight distribution of the body portion 2310 may be configured with any type of weight distribution, such as a toe deflection weight distribution, a heel deflection weight distribution, a forward deflection weight distribution, a rear deflection weight distribution, or various combinations thereof. Thus, the golf club head 2300 may be acceptable to any individual having any type of golf swing. In one example, the weight distribution of the body portion 2310 may be configured similar to the example described herein. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

In one example, the plurality of weight ports 2440 extend along the first path 2464 across the lower portion 2340 to a respective maximum toe-heel distance 2460 between the toe portion 2350 and the heel portion 2360 ≪ / RTI > The maximum toe-heel distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300 may be similar in many respects to the maximum toe-heel distance of any golf club head described herein. In one example, a plurality of weight ports 2440 may be positioned at the toe portion 2350 at a maximum toe-heel port distance 2462, which may be greater than 50% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300. [ And the heel portion 2360. The heel portion 2360 of FIG. The maximum toe-heel port distance 2462 may be the maximum distance between the toe-side boundary of the weight port that is most remote from the heel portion 2360 and the heel-side boundary of the weight port that is most remote from the toe portion 2350. In one example, the plurality of weight ports 2440 are configured to receive the toe portion 2350 at a maximum toe-heel port distance 2462, which may be greater than 60% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300. [ And the heel portion 2360. The heel portion 2360 of FIG. In one example, a plurality of weight ports 2440 may be provided to the toe portion 2350 at a maximum toe-heel port distance 2462, which may be greater than 70% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300. [ And the heel portion 2360. The heel portion 2360 of FIG. In one example, the plurality of weight ports 2440 are configured to receive the toe portion 2350 at a maximum toe-heel port distance 2462, which may be greater than 80% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300. [ And the heel portion 2360. The heel portion 2360 of FIG. In one example, the plurality of weight ports 2440 are configured to receive the toe portion 2350 at a maximum toe-heel port distance 2462, which may be greater than 90% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300. [ And the heel portion 2360. The heel portion 2360 of FIG. In one example, a plurality of weight ports 2440 may be provided at the maximum toe-hill distance 2462, which may be the same or substantially the same as the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 2350 < / RTI > The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

In one example, the body portion 2310 may include an external support portion on the lower portion 2340. 24-26, the outer support portion may extend over the lower portion 2340 along the second path 2520 and may include a plurality of weight ports 2440 and a forward portion 2370. For example, A groove portion 2510 on the lower portion 2340 that may be positioned between the lower portion 2340 and the lower portion 2340. [ The groove portion 2510 can structurally support the lower portion 2340 when the face portion 2375 contacts a golf ball (not shown). Thus, the groove portion 2510 can function as a structural support portion of the golf club head 2300. 23-26, the second path 2520 may be similar or substantially similar to the first path 2464 of the plurality of weight ports 2440. In one embodiment, Thus, the groove portion 2510 includes a first groove portion, a rear portion 2380, and a toe portion 2350 that extend in a direction from the toe portion 2360 to the toe portion 2360 at or near the center portion 2341 A second groove portion extending from the first groove portion toward the rear portion 2380 and the heel portion 2360 and a third groove portion extending from the first groove portion toward the rear portion 2380 and the heel portion 2360. [ In one example, the first path 2464 and the second path 2520 may be substantially parallel. In one example, the groove portion 2510 extends between the heel portion 2360 and the toe portion 2350 in a path different from the extension path of the plurality of weight ports 2440 (e.g., the first path 2464) . The body portion 2310 may include additional grooved portions on the lower portion that can provide structural support to the golf club head 2300. [ Additionally, the groove portion 2510 may have any physical properties (i.e., depth, width, length, orientation, location, etc.). The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

In one example, the groove portion 2510 may extend between the heel portion 2360 and the toe portion 2350 in excess of 50% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300. In one example, the groove portion 2510 may extend between the heel portion 2360 and the toe portion 2350 in excess of 60% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300. In one example, the groove portion 2510 may extend between the heel portion 2360 and the toe portion 2350 in excess of 70% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300. In one example, the groove portion 2510 may extend between the heel portion 2360 and the toe portion 2350 in excess of 80% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300. In one example, the groove portion 2510 may extend between the heel portion 2360 and the toe portion 2350 by more than 90% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300. In one example, the groove portion 2510 can extend between the heel portion 2360 and the toe portion 2350 in the same or substantially the same as the maximum toe-hill distance 2460 of the golf club head 2300 . In one example shown in FIGS. 23-26, the groove portion 2510 may be a single continuous groove portion 2510. In one example, the groove portion 2510 may be a plurality of recessed portions (not shown) and at least a portion thereof may be discontinuous. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The second inner cavity portion 2540 may be located at any position within the body portion 2310. In one example, the second inner cavity portion 2540 may be positioned within the body portion 2310 between the plurality of weight ports 2440 and the rear portion 2380, as shown in Figs. 23-26. The second inner cavity portion 2540 may be located at any location on the body portion 2310 between the rear portion 2380 and the plurality of weight ports 2440. [ 23-26, the second inner cavity portion 2540 is disposed within the body portion 2310 at or near the lower portion 2340 and at or near the rear portion 2380. In one embodiment, Can be. The second inner cavity portion 2540 may be formed by a recessed portion (not shown) of the lower portion 2340 that may be covered with a lower cover (not shown). In one example, the second inner cavity portion 2540 may form part of the volume of the body portion 2310 and be in the body portion 2310. In one example, the inner cavity 2540 may have any shape, configuration, length and / or width. The second inner cavity portion 2540 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 85% of the volume of the body portion 2310. The second inner cavity portion 2540 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 65% of the volume of the body portion 2310. The second inner cavity portion 2540 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 45% of the volume of the body portion 2310. The second inner cavity portion 2540 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 35% of the volume of the body portion 2310. The second inner cavity portion 2540 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 25% of the volume of the body portion 2310. The second inner cavity portion 2540 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 10% of the volume of the body portion 2310. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

In one example, the second inner cavity 2540 may not be filled (i.e., empty space). Alternatively, the second inner cavity 2540 can partially or wholly absorb the filler material and / or impact, which is an elastic polymer or elastomer material, intercept vibration and / or attenuate noise and / or the golf club head 2300 ) To move the center of gravity downward and backward. The second inner cavity portion 2540 can be filled from any opening on the body portion 2310 that can be sealed after the second inner cavity portion 2540 is filled with a filler material. For example, any one or more of the weight ports 2440 may be connected to the second inner cavity portion 2540. Thus, the second inner cavity portion 2540 can be filled with a filler material from one or more of the connected weight ports 2440. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The filler material may be an elastomeric or elastomeric material (e.g., a viscoelastic urethane polymer material such as Sorbothane® material manufactured by Sorbothane, Inc., Kent, Ohio) , A thermoplastic elastomeric material (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU), and / or any other suitable type of material that absorbs shocks, intercepts vibrations and / or attenuates noise. In another example, the filler material may be a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a high amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer comprising a magnesium ionomer, An injection-moldable ethylene copolymer that can be used in conventional injection molding apparatus to make various shapes, an ethylene copolymer that can be used in conventional extrusion apparatus to form various shapes, and / or a thermosetting polybutadiene rubber, ≪ / RTI > For example, ethylene copolymers can be made from any of the ethylene associated with the DuPont ™ high-performance resin (HPF) material family (eg DuPont ™ HPF AD1172, DuPont ™ HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000 and DuPont ™ HPF 2000) Copolymers, which are manufactured by DuPont, Wilmington, Delaware, USA. The DuPont (TM) HPF ethylene copolymer family can be injection molded and used with conventional injection molding apparatus and molds to provide low compressibility and high resilience. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The filler material may be bonded to any of the golf club heads described herein by a mating portion (not shown) to prevent peeling and / or to improve adhesion between the filler material and the body portion of any golf club head described herein , Attached and / or connected. The bonding portion can be a binder, epoxy, a combination of bonding agents, a bonding structure or attachment device, a bonding structure and / or a combination of bonding devices and / or one or more bonding agents, one or more bonding structures and / or a combination of one or more bonding devices. In one example, the bonding moiety may be a low-viscosity, organic, solvent-based solution and / or dispersed polymer and other reactive chemicals, such as MEGUM , ROBOND (TM), and / or THIXON (TM) material. In another example, the bonding portion may be a LOCTITE® material manufactured by Henkel Corporation located in Rocky Hill, Conn. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

27-30, a golf club head 2700 includes an upper portion 2730, a lower portion 2740, a toe portion 2750, a heel portion 2760, a forward portion 2770, 2780, < / RTI > The body portion 2710 extends from the toe portion 2750 around the rear portion 2780 to the heel portion 2760 and extends across the periphery of the golf club head 2700 and includes a lower portion 2740 without the forward portion 2770, And a skirt portion 2790 formed as a side portion of the golf club head 2700 between the upper portion 2730 and the upper portion 2730. Front portion 2770 may include a face portion 2775 in contact with a golf ball (not shown). Body portion 2710 may also include a hosel portion 2765 (not shown) for receiving a shaft (not shown). Alternatively, the body portion 2710 may include a bore (not shown) instead of the hosel portion 2765 (not shown). For example, the body portion 2710 may be partially or wholly made of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. In another example, the body portion 2710 may be made of a non-metallic material, such as partially or totally ceramic material, composite material, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof.

The golf club head 2700 may have a volume of less than 430cc. In one example, the golf club head 2700 may have a volume of 100 cc to 400 cc. In another example, the golf club head 2700 may have a volume of 150 cc to 350 cc. In another example, the golf club head 2700 may have a volume of 200 cc to 300 cc. The golf club head 2700 may have a mass of 100 grams to 350 grams. In another example, the golf club head 2700 may have a mass of 150 grams to 300 grams. In another example, the golf club head 2700 may have a mass of 200 grams to 250 grams. The golf club head 2700 may have a loft angle of 10 ° to 30 °. The golf club head 2700 may have a loft angle of 13 ° to 27 °. For example, the golf club head 2700 may be a fairway wood type club head. Alternatively, the golf club head 2700 may be a smaller driver-type golf club head (i.e., larger than a fairway wood type club head but smaller than a driver-type golf club head). The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The body portion 2710 may be a hollow body having one or more inner cavity portions. In one example, the body portion 2710 may include a first inner cavity portion 2939 and a second inner cavity portion 2940. The first inner cavity portion 2939 may form the entire volume of the body portion 2710. The second inner cavity portion 2940 may form part of the overall volume of the body portion 2710 and be in the first inner cavity portion 2930. The first inner cavity portion 2939 and the second inner cavity portion 2940 can be connected. For example, the second inner cavity portion 2940 may have an opening for the first inner cavity portion 2939 (not shown). In one example, as shown in Figs. 27-26, the first inner cavity portion 2939 and the second inner cavity portion 2940 do not have their inner spaces separated or have a connection therebetween. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The lower portion 2740 may include a plurality of weight portions 2820 generally shown as weight portions 3021, 3022, 3027, 3028, 3029, 3030, 3027, 3028, 3029 (FIG. Body portion 2710 may include a plurality of weight ports 2840 generally shown as weight portions 3041, 3042, 3043, 3044, 3045, 3046, 3047 (FIG. 28, each of the weight ports 2840 may extend from the lower portion 2740 into the first inner cavity portion 2939. As shown in Fig. Depending on the position of the weight port 2840 on the lower portion 2740, some or all of the weight ports 2840 may extend from the lower portion 2740 into the second inner cavity portion 2940 (not shown). Each weight port 2840 can receive one of the weight portions 2820. The weight distribution of the weight portion 2820 on the body portion 2710, the distance between the weight ports 2840, the weight portion 2820, the weight port 2820, the mass of each weight portion 2820, The dimensions of the weight portion 2820, the shape of the weight portion 2820 and / or any other physical characteristics of the weight portion 2820 and / or the weight port 2840 can be determined using any of the herein described The weight portion and the weight port of the first embodiment. For example, each weight port of weight port 2840 may have a port diameter that may be similar to the port diameter of an adjacent weight port. For example, the distance between two adjacent weight ports may be less than or equal to the port diameter of any two adjacent weight portions. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The weight port 2840 may be arranged on the body portion 2710 in any configuration. In one example, the weight port 2840 may extend between the heel portion 2760 and the toe portion 2750 at a location between the forward portion 2770 and the back portion 2780. In one example, the weight port 2840 may extend from the toe portion 2750 to the heel portion 2760 along the line. In the example of FIGS. 27-30, the weight ports 3043, 3044 and 3045 are arranged in the direction from the soil portion 2750 to the heel portion 2760 at or near the central portion 2741 of the lower portion 2740 And the first set of weight ports can be formed. The weight ports 3041 and 3042 may be closer to the rear portion 2780 than the weight port 3043 and may form a second set of weight ports. Thus, the weight ports 3041 and 3042 can extend from the center portion 2741 toward or adjacent to the toe portion 2750 and the rear portion 2780. The weight ports 3046 and 3047 may be closer to the rear portion 2780 than the weight port 3045 and may form a third set of weight ports. The weight ports 3046 and 3047 can extend from the center portion 2741 toward the heel portion 2760 and the rear portion 2780 or extend adjacent thereto. In one example, the configuration of the plurality of weight ports 2840 may be similar to any one or combination of the golf club heads described herein. In one example, a plurality of weight ports 2840 may extend along a concave curve with respect to the forward portion 2770. In one example, a plurality of weight ports 2840 may extend along a concave curve with respect to the rear portion 2780. In one example, some or all of the plurality of weight ports 2840 may be closer to the forward portion 2770 than the rear portion 2780. In one example, some or all of the plurality of weight ports 2840 may be closer to the rear portion 2780 than the forward portion 2770. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

In one example, the weight portions of the plurality of weight portions 2820 may have the same mass. In one example, the weight portions of the plurality of weight portions 2820 may have different masses. In one example, the plurality of weight portions 2820 include a second set of weight portions (not shown) associated with the second mass and a first set of weight portions (not shown) associated with the second mass . In one example, a plurality of weight portions 2820 may be associated with a plurality of sets of masses. Thus, the weight distribution of the body portion 2710 may be configured with any type of weight distribution, such as a toe deflection weight distribution, a heel deflection weight distribution, a forward deflection weight distribution, a rear deflection weight distribution, or various combinations thereof. Thus, the golf club head 2700 may be acceptable to any individual having any type of golf swing. In one example, weight distribution of the body portion 2710 may be configured similar to the example described herein. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

In one example, the plurality of weight ports 2840 extend along the first path 2864 across the lower portion 2740 to a respective maximum toe-heel distance 2860 between the toe portion 2750 and the heel portion 2760 ≪ / RTI > The maximum toe-heel distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700 may be similar in many respects to the maximum toe-heel distance of any golf club head described herein. In one example, a plurality of weight ports 2840 may be positioned at the toe portion 2750 at a maximum toe-hill weight port distance 2862, which may be greater than 50% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700. [ And the heel portion 2760. The maximum toe-heel port distance 2862 may be the maximum distance between the top-side boundary of the weight port that is most remote from the heel portion 2760 and the heel-side boundary of the weight port that is most remote from the toe portion 2750. In one example, a plurality of weight ports 2840 may extend from the toe portion 2750 at a maximum toe-heel port distance 2862, which may be greater than 60% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700. [ And the heel portion 2760. In one example, the plurality of weight ports 2840 are configured to receive the toe portion 2750 at a maximum toe-hill weight port distance 2862, which may be greater than 70% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700. [ And the heel portion 2760. In one example, the plurality of weight ports 2840 are configured to receive the toe portion 2750 at a maximum toe-hill weight port distance 2862, which may be greater than 80% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700. [ And the heel portion 2760. In one example, the plurality of weight ports 2840 are configured to receive the toe portion 2750 at a maximum toe-heel port distance 2862, which may be greater than 90% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700. [ And the heel portion 2760. In one example, the plurality of weight ports 2840 are positioned at the maximum toe-hill distance 2862, which may be the same or substantially the same as the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700, Gt; 2750 < / RTI > The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

In one example, the body portion 2710 may include an external support portion on the lower portion 2740. For example, as shown in FIGS. 28-30, an outer support portion may extend over a lower portion 2740 along a second path 2920 and may include a plurality of weight ports 2840 and a forward portion 2770, A groove portion 2910 on the lower portion 2740, which may be located between the lower portion 2740 and the lower portion 2740. The groove portion 2910 can structurally support the lower portion 2740 when the face portion 2775 contacts a golf ball (not shown). Thus, the groove portion 2910 can function as a structural support portion of the golf club head 2700. [ In one example shown in FIGS. 27-30, the second path 2920 may be similar or substantially similar to the first path 2864 of the plurality of weight ports 2840. Thus, the groove portion 2910 includes a first groove portion, a rear portion 2780, and a toe portion 2750 that extend in a direction from the toe portion 2760 to the heel portion 2760 at or near the center portion 2741 And a third recessed portion extending from the first recessed portion toward the rear portion 2780 and the heel portion 2760. The second recessed portion may extend from the first recessed portion toward the rear portion 2780 and the heel portion 2760, In one example, the first path 2864 and the second path 2920 can be substantially parallel. In one example, the groove portion 2910 extends between the heel portion 2760 and the toe portion 2750 in a path different from the extension path (e.g., the first path 2864) of the plurality of weight ports 2840 . The body portion 2710 may include additional grooved portions on the lower portion that can provide structural support to the golf club head 2700. Additionally, the groove portion 2910 may have any physical property (i.e., depth, width, length, orientation, location, etc.). The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

In one example, the groove portion 2910 may extend between the heel portion 2760 and the toe portion 2750 by more than 50% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700. In one example, the groove portion 2910 may extend between the heel portion 2760 and the toe portion 2750 by more than 60% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700. In one example, the groove portion 2910 may extend between the heel portion 2760 and the toe portion 2750 by more than 70% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700. In one example, the groove portion 2910 may extend between the heel portion 2760 and the toe portion 2750 by more than 80% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700. In one example, the groove portion 2910 may extend between the heel portion 2760 and the toe portion 2750 by more than 90% of the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700. In one example, the groove portion 2910 can extend between the heel portion 2760 and the toe portion 2750 in the same or substantially the same as the maximum toe-hill distance 2860 of the golf club head 2700 . In one example shown in Figs. 27-30, the groove portion 2910 can be a single continuous groove portion 2910. Fig. In one example, the groove portion 2910 may be a plurality of recessed portions (not shown) and at least some of which may be discontinuous. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The second inner cavity portion 2940 may be located at any position within the body portion 2710. In one example, a second inner cavity portion 2940 may be positioned within the body portion 2710 between the plurality of weight ports 2840 and the rear portion 2780, as shown in Figs. 27-30. The second inner cavity portion 2940 may be located at any location on the body portion 2710 between the rear portion 2780 and the plurality of weight ports 2840. [ In one example, a second inner cavity portion 2940 is shown within the body portion 2710 at or near the lower portion 2740 and at or near the rear portion 2780, as shown in Figures 27-30. Can be. The second inner cavity portion 2940 may be formed by a recessed portion (not shown) of the lower portion 2740 that may be covered with a lower cover (not shown). In one example, the second inner cavity portion 2940 may form part of the volume of the body portion 2710 and be within the body portion 2710. In one example, the inner cavity 2940 can have any shape, configuration, length, and / or width. The second inner cavity portion 2940 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 85% of the volume of the body portion 2710. The second inner cavity portion 2940 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 65% of the volume of the body portion 2710. The second inner cavity portion 2940 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 45% of the volume of the body portion 2710. The second inner cavity portion 2940 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 35% of the volume of the body portion 2710. The second inner cavity portion 2940 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 29% of the volume of the body portion 2710. The second inner cavity portion 2940 may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 10% of the volume of the body portion 2710. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

In one example, the second inner cavity 2940 may not be filled (i.e., empty space). Alternatively, the second inner cavity 2940 may partially or wholly absorb the filler material and / or impact that is an elastomeric or elastomeric material, intercept vibration and / or attenuate noise and / or the golf club head 2700 ) To move the center of gravity downward and backward. Coupling portions (not shown) similar to any of the coupling portions described herein may be used to join the filler material to all or part of the inner wall of the second inner cavity 2940. The second inner cavity portion 2940 can be filled from any opening on the body portion 2710 that can be sealed after the second inner cavity portion 2940 is filled with a filler material. For example, any one or more of the weight ports 2840 may be connected to the second inner cavity portion 2940. Thus, the second inner cavity portion 2940 can be filled with a filler material from one or more connected weight ports 2840. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

The terms " and " and " or " can have both conjunctive and disjunctive meanings. The term " singular " is defined as one or more unless otherwise stated herein. The term " coupled " and any variation thereof means to connect two or more elements directly or indirectly, chemically, mechanically and / or otherwise. The phrase " removably connected " is defined as the two elements that are " removably connected " can be separated from one another without rupturing or destroying the usefulness of the elements.

The term "substantially" when used to describe an element's properties, parameters, features, or values may indicate variations or variations that do not reduce the characteristics, parameters, features, or values that may be intended to be provided by the element have. Variations or variations in the characteristics, parameters, features, or values of the elements may be based on, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limits, and other factors. The terms " adjacent " are identified as " adjacent ", " proximal ", " near ", " lateral ", and the like. These terms may be used interchangeably as described herein.

The devices, methods, and articles described herein may be implemented in various embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily provide a complete description of all possible embodiments. Instead, the description of the drawings and the drawings themselves disclose at least one embodiment and may disclose alternative embodiments.

Since golf rules may change from time to time (e.g., new rules are adopted, or if the previous rule is applied to golf standard organizations such as the US Golf Association (USGA), Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R & A) The golf equipment associated with the devices, methods, and articles described herein may or may not conform to the golf rules at any particular time. Thus, the golf equipment associated with the devices, methods, and articles described herein may be advertised, sold for, and / or sold as non-compliant golf equipment. The devices, methods, and articles described herein are not limited thereto.

In addition, although the above example may be described for a golf club, the devices, methods, and articles described herein may be applied to other suitable types of sports equipment such as fishing rods, hockey sticks, ski poles, tennis racquets,

Although certain exemplary devices, methods, and articles have been described herein, the scope of the disclosure is not so limited. Rather, the disclosure encompasses all devices, methods, and articles, which are themselves incorporated into the scope of the appended claims, literally or under the teaching of equivalents.

Claims (20)

As a golf club head,
A body portion having a first inner cavity portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, an upper portion, a lower portion, a rear portion, a forward portion having a face portion, and a second inner cavity portion located at or near the lower portion and the rear portion, , And
A plurality of ports extending between the toe portion and the heel portion and positioned between the front portion and the second inner cavity portion, each port of the plurality of ports extending from the bottom portion to the first inner cavity portion,
And the second inner cavity portion is filled by at least 50% with an elastomeric material. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the second inner cavity portion is separate from the first inner cavity portion and is disposed within the body portion. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the at least one port of the plurality of ports is connected to the second inner cavity portion and the second inner cavity portion is filled with the elastomeric material from the at least one port. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a recessed portion disposed on the lower portion extending between the forward portion and the plurality of ports and extending between the heel portion and the toe portion. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a recessed portion on a lower portion extending substantially parallel to the plurality of ports. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ports comprises a first set of ports extending in a substantially central portion of the lower portion between the toe portion and the heel portion in substantially the same direction as the face portion, A second set of ports extending from the port and a third set of ports extending from the first set of ports toward the rear portion and the heel portion. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: forming a first concave portion on the lower portion extending between the toe portion and the heel portion in substantially the same direction as the face portion, on the lower portion extending from the first concave portion toward the toe portion and the rear portion, A second groove portion, and a third groove portion on the lower portion extending from the first groove portion toward the rear portion and the heel portion. As a golf club head,
A body portion having a front portion with a first inner cavity portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, an upper portion, a lower portion, a rear portion, and a face portion,
A second inner cavity portion located about the lower portion and the rear portion and within the body portion,
A plurality of ports extending between the heel portion and the toe portion along the first path, each port of the plurality of ports extending from the lower portion to the first inner cavity portion, and
And an outer support portion on a lower portion extending between the heel portion and the toe portion along a second path substantially similar to the first path, the outer support portion being located between the front portion and the plurality of ports,
And the second inner cavity portion is filled by at least 50% with an elastomeric material. 9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein the second inner cavity portion is separate from the first inner cavity portion. 9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein at least one port of the plurality of ports is connected to the second inner cavity portion and the second inner cavity portion is filled with the elastomeric material from the at least one port. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of ports comprises a first set of ports extending between the toe portion and the heel portion in substantially the same direction as the face portion, a second set of ports extending from the first set of ports toward the toe portion and the rear portion, And a third set of ports extending from the first set of ports toward the rear portion and the heel portion. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the outer support portion comprises a first groove portion extending between the toe portion and the heel portion in substantially the same direction as the face portion, a second groove portion extending from the first groove portion toward the toe portion and the rear portion, And a third groove portion extending from the first groove portion toward the rear portion and the heel portion. As a golf club head,
A first inner cavity portion, a top portion, a bottom portion, a rear portion, a front portion having a face portion, a second inner cavity portion located at or near the bottom and rear portions, a body portion having a toe portion and a heel portion, And
A plurality of ports extending in a direction between the heel portion and the toe portion and on a lower portion between the front portion and the second inner cavity portion, each port of the plurality of ports being associated with a port diameter,
Adjacent ports of the plurality of ports are spaced below the port diameter,
The plurality of ports extend more than 50% of the maximum distance from the toe portion to the heel portion,
And the second inner cavity portion is filled by at least 50% with an elastomeric material. 14. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the second inner cavity portion is separate from the first inner cavity portion and is disposed within the body portion. 14. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the at least one port of the plurality of ports is connected to the second inner cavity portion and the second inner cavity portion is filled with the elastomeric material from the at least one port. 14. The golf club head of claim 13, further comprising an outer support portion on a lower portion extending between the toe portion and the heel portion. 14. The golf club head of claim 13, further comprising a front portion and an outer support portion disposed between the plurality of ports and on a lower portion extending between the heel portion and the toe portion. 14. The golf club head of claim 13, further comprising an outer support portion having a recessed portion on a lower portion extending substantially parallel to the plurality of ports. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of ports comprises a first set of ports extending between the toe and heel portions in substantially the same direction as the face portions, a second set of ports extending from the first set of ports toward the toe portion and the rear portion, And a third set of ports extending from the first set of ports toward the rear portion and the heel portion. 14. The article of claim 13, further comprising an outer support portion on the lower portion, wherein the outer support portion includes a first groove portion extending between the toe portion and the heel portion in substantially the same direction as the face portion, A second groove portion extending from the first groove portion toward the rear portion and a third groove portion extending from the first groove portion toward the rear portion and the heel portion.

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