KR20210120053A - Golf club head and golf club head manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of golf club heads and methods of making golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a front portion, a back portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The front portion may include a front pocket defined by an interior wall. The golf club head may include a face portion and a polymer insert between the face portion and an inner wall. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Description

Golf club head and golf club head manufacturing method

This specification may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright holders have no objection to facsimile reproduction of the content of this specification and related documents appearing in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but retains all applicable copyrights.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to sports equipment, and more particularly to a golf club head and a method of manufacturing a golf club head.

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

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings shown illustrate general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present specification. Also, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

In general, a golf club head and a method of manufacturing the golf club head are described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIGS. 1-14 , golf club head 100 includes top portion 130 , crown portion 135 , bottom portion 140 , toe portion 150 , heel portion 160 , front portion 170 . ) may include a body portion 110 having a. Bottom portion 140 is defined as the side portion of golf club head 100 between bottom portion 140 and top portion 130 excluding front portion 170 , and extends across the perimeter of bottom portion 140 . It may include a skirt portion 190 that is. Golf club head 100 runs from toe portion 150 around back portion 180 and into heel portion 160 . Optionally, golf club head 100 may not include skirt portion 190 . The front portion 170 may include a face portion 175 that engages a golf ball (eg, generally shown at 1501 in FIG. 15 ). Face portion 175 may be integral with body portion 110 or may be a separate face portion coupled (eg, welded) to front portion 170 to enclose an opening in front portion 170 . The body portion 110 may also include a hosel portion 165 configured to receive a shaft portion (not shown). The hosel portion 165 may be similar in many respects to any hosel portion described herein. The hosel portion 165 may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve. Optionally, body portion 110 may include a bore in place of hosel portion 165 .

Body portion 110 may be partially or wholly made of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, a combination thereof, or other suitable material. In other examples, body portion 110 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein;
Fig. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 1;
3 is a plan view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 1;
Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is a front view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a rear view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is a toe view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 1;
Fig. 8 is a heel view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 1;
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 1 taken along section line 9-9 of Fig. 3;
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 1 taken along section line 10-10 of Fig. 3;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 1 taken along section line 11-11 of Fig. 3;
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 1 taken along section line 12-12 of Fig. 3;
13 is a plan view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 1 excluding a crown portion;
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 1 taken along section line 14-14 of Fig. 3;
15 is a plan view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 1 with a golf ball proximate to a face portion;
16 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary crown portion of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along section line 16-16 of FIG. 15;
17 is an enlarged view of a portion of the exemplary crown portion of FIG. 16 ;
18 is an exploded view of an exemplary crown portion of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 1;
19 is a top perspective view of an exemplary golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
20 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 19;
Fig. 21 is a front view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 19;
22 is a rear view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 19;
23 is a top view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 19;
Fig. 24 is a toe view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 19;
Fig. 25 is a bottom view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 19;
26 shows a heel view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 19 ;
27 is a top perspective view of an exemplary golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
Fig. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 27;
29 is a front view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 27;
30 is a rear view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 27;
Fig. 31 is a heel view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 27;
Fig. 32 is a toe view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 27;
Fig. 33 is a top view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 27;
Fig. 34 is a bottom view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 27;
35 is a top perspective view of an exemplary golf club head prior to attachment of a crown portion in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
36 is a top perspective view of an exemplary golf club head prior to attachment of a crown portion in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
Fig. 37 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 19 prior to attaching a crown portion;
Fig. 38 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 27 prior to attaching a crown portion;
39 is an exploded view of an exemplary crown portion for an exemplary golf club head;
40 is an exploded view of an exemplary crown portion for an exemplary golf club head;
41 is an exploded view of an exemplary crown portion for an exemplary golf club head;
42 is a front perspective view of an exemplary golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
Fig. 43 is a front view of the exemplary golf club head of Fig. 42;
FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 42;
45 is an exploded view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 42;
Figure 46 is a front perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 42;
FIG. 47 is a front view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 42;
FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 42;
49 is a front perspective view of an exemplary golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
50 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
51 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
52 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
53 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

Golf club head 100 may have a club head volume of at least 300 cubic centimeters (cm 3 or cc). In one example, the golf club head 100 may be about 460 cc. Optionally, 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 of 100 cc to 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head 100 may be determined using the weighted water displacement method (Archimedes Principle). For example, procedures defined by golf standards organizations and/or governing bodies such as the American Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) measure the club head volume of the golf club head 100 . can be used to Although FIG. 1 may depict certain types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may show other types of club heads (eg, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrid clubs). head, iron-type club head, putter-type club head, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The upper portion 130 may include a front portion 131 extending a distance 134 between the front portion 170 and the crown portion 135 as shown in FIG. 9 . In one example, the front portion 131 may extend a distance 134 of at least 12 mm in the front-rear direction. In another example, the front portion 131 may extend a distance 134 of at least 16 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. In another example, the front portion 131 may extend a distance 134 of at least 20 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. In another example, the front portion 131 may extend a distance 134 between 12 mm and 20 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. While the above examples may illustrate certain distances, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a front portion extending a distance of less than 12 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. The front portion 131 may enhance the structural integrity of the golf club head 100 and resist rearward deflection of the front portion 170 during impact with a golf ball. The front portion 131 may transmit an impact force to the crown portion 135 upon impact with the golf ball. The front portion 131 may distribute the impact force along a surface of the crown portion in contact with the abutment 132 formed between the crown portion 135 and the front portion 131 of the upper portion 130 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are as follows. There is no limitation in this regard.

Crown portion 135 may be a separate piece that may be attached to upper portion 130 . Crown portion 135 may surround the opening of upper portion 130 . 13 , for example, the upper portion 130 of the golf club head 100 may include an opening prior to installation of the crown portion 135 . Crown portion 135 may be comprised of one or more materials, which may be the same or different. In one example, crown portion 135 may be constructed at least in part from a composite material, such as a fibrous composite material. Crown portion 135 may be attached to shoulder portion 133 of upper portion 130 . The shoulder portion 133 may extend along all or a portion of the opening of the upper portion 130 . The shoulder portion 133 may support the crown portion 135 . In one example, the shoulder portion 133 may extend a distance 1333 of at least 2 mm inward toward the opening of the upper portion 130 . In another example, the shoulder portion 133 may extend a distance 1333 of at least 6 mm. In another example, the shoulder portion 133 may extend a distance 1333 of at least 8 mm. In another example, the shoulder portion 133 may extend a distance 1333 between 2 mm and 8 mm. While the above examples may illustrate certain distances, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein provide a shoulder portion 133 that extends a distance 1333 of less than 2 mm inward toward an opening in the upper portion 130 . may include Optionally, shoulder portion 133 may include one or more individual shoulder portions arranged to support crown portion 135 . In another example, shoulder portion 133 may include a plurality of tabs arranged. In another example, the shoulder portion 133 may be omitted, and the crown portion 135 may be adhered to an outer surface of the upper portion 130 or an inner surface of the upper portion 130 . In another example, the shoulder portion 133 may be omitted, and the crown portion 135 may include a protrusion extending from a bottom surface of the crown portion 135 that provides an interference fit with a peripheral edge of the opening. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Crown portion 135 may include one or more thin portions, one shown generally at 1035 . The thin portion 1035 may reduce the weight of the crown portion 135 , which may lower the CG of the golf club head 100 . In one example, the thin portion 1035 can have a thickness 1036 of less than 1.0 mm. In another example, the thin portion 1035 can have a thickness 1036 of less than 0.75 mm. In another example, the thin portion 1035 can have a thickness 1036 of less than 0.65 mm. Although the above examples may illustrate specific thicknesses, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include one or more thin portions 1035 having a thickness of 1.0 mm or greater. One or more thin portions 1035 may extend from one or more relatively thick crown reinforcement regions, shown generally at 136 . In one example, thin portion 1035 may form at least 50% of the outer surface area of crown portion 135 . In another example, thin portion 1035 may form at least 75% of the outer surface area of crown portion 135 . In another example, thin portion 1035 may form at least 85% of the outer surface area of crown portion 135 . In another example, thin portion 1035 may form at least 95% of the outer surface area of crown portion 135 . one or more thin portions 1035 forming less than 75% of the outer surface area of the crown portion 135 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The crown reinforcement portion 136 may improve the rigidity of the crown portion 135 . Crown reinforcement portion 136 may compensate for the presence of one or more relatively less rigid regions elsewhere in crown portion 135 . Crown reinforcement portion 136 may enhance the overall. The crown reinforcement portion 136 limits deflection of the front portion 175 and/or the front portion 131 of the upper portion 130 towards the back-face portion 180 in response to the face portion 175 impacting the golf ball. can do. The crown reinforcement portion 136 may limit physical compression in the anterior-posterior direction of the crown portion 135 in response to the face portion 175 impacting the golf ball, which means that the crown portion 135 is two parts of the composite material. It consists of more than one layer. Crown reinforcement portion 136 may be part of the raised portion. Crown reinforcement portion 136 may be part of a contoured portion. Crown reinforcement portion 136 may serve as a visual alignment aid for the golfer to align golf shots. The crown reinforcement portion 136 may improve the acoustic response of the golf club head 100 in response to the face portion 175 impacting the golf ball. The crown reinforcement portion 136 may have a greater thickness than the thin portion 1035 . The crown reinforcement portion 136 may have a thickness greater than an average thickness of the crown portion 135 . Crown reinforcement portion 136 may be integrated into crown portion 135 . Crown reinforcement portion 136 may be one or more discrete portions glued or secured to an interior surface of crown portion 135 to provide structural reinforcement. Crown reinforcement portion 136 may be one or more discrete portions that are adhered or secured to the outer surface of crown portion 135 to provide structural reinforcement. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As noted above, crown portion 135 may include one or more crown reinforcement portions, which generally in one example include first crown reinforcement portion 137, second crown reinforcement portion 138, and A third crown reinforcement portion 139 is shown. The first crown reinforcement portion 137 may be positioned adjacent the front portion 131 of the upper portion 130 . The first crown reinforcement portion 137 may extend along an abutment 132 formed between the upper crown portion 135 and the front portion 131 . The first crown reinforcement portion 137 may be in contact with the abutment portion 132 . The first crown reinforcement portion 137 may have a surface that matches the contour of the anterior portion proximate the abutment 132 . The first crown reinforcement portion 137 may have a thickness greater than 2 mm, in one example, the first crown reinforcement portion 137 . In another example, the first crown reinforcement portion 137 may have a thickness of 2.2 mm or greater. In another example, the first crown reinforcement portion 137 may have a thickness of at least 2.4 mm. Although the examples above may illustrate specific thicknesses, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a first crown reinforcement portion 137 having a thickness of 2 mm or less. The first crown reinforcement portion 137 may include two or more plies of the fiber-based composite material 7614 (eg, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of the fiber-based composite material 7614 ). dogs or 9 plies). In one example, the first crown reinforcement portion 137 may have a length of at least 1.25 cm in the heel-to-toe direction. As another example, the first crown reinforcement portion 137 may have a length of at least 2 cm in the heel-to-toe direction. In another example, the first crown reinforcement portion 137 may have a length of at least 3 cm in the heel-to-toe direction. In another example, the first crown reinforcement portion 137 may have a length of at least 4 cm in the heel-to-toe direction. In another example, the first crown reinforcement portion 137 may have a length of 4 to 4.5 cm in the heel-to-toe direction. While the above examples may illustrate specific lengths, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a first crown reinforcement portion 137 having a length of less than 3 cm. The first crown reinforcement portion 137 may reduce aerodynamic drag of the golf club head 100 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may extend from the first crown reinforcement portion 137 toward the rear portion 180 . The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may extend from the first crown reinforcement portion 137 towards the back portion 180 and towards the toe portion 150 . The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may extend from a toe side end of the first crown reinforcement portion 137 to a rear perimeter of the crown portion 135 . The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may extend from the first crown reinforcement portion 137 toward the toeside peripheral portion 283 of the protruding portion 141 on the bottom portion 140 . The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may extend from the first crown reinforcement portion 137 towards the weight port 237 on the bottom portion 140 . A second crown reinforcement portion 138 may extend from the first crown reinforcement portion 137 toward a weight port 237 on the bottom portion 140 , wherein the weight port is greater than another weight port on the bottom portion. 150) is closer. The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may be tapered in the front-rear direction.

The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may serve as a support structure between the front portion 131 and the rear portion 180 . The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may oppose a rearward deflection of the front portion 131 in response to the face portion 175 impacting the golf ball. The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may have a thickness greater than an average thickness of the crown portion 135 . The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may have a thickness greater than 2 mm. The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may have a thickness of 2.2 mm or greater. Although the examples described above may account for specific thicknesses, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a second crown reinforcement portion 138 having a thickness of 2 mm or less. The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may include two or more plies of fibrous composite material 1514 (eg, three, four, five, six, seven, eight of fibrous composite material 1514 ). dogs or 9 plies). In one example, the second crown reinforcement portion 138 may have a length of at least 2 cm. In another example, the second crown reinforcement portion 138 may have a length of at least 4 cm. While the above examples may illustrate certain lengths, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a second crown reinforcement portion 138 having a length of less than 2 cm. The second crown reinforcement portion 138 may reduce air resistance of the golf club head. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The third crown reinforcement portion 139 may extend from the first crown reinforcement portion 137 toward the rear portion 180 . The third crown reinforcement portion 139 may extend from the first crown reinforcement portion 137 toward the rear portion 180 and the heel portion 160 . The third crown reinforcement portion 139 may extend from a heel side end of the first crown reinforcement portion 137 to a rear perimeter of the crown portion 135 . The third crown reinforcement portion 139 may extend from the first crown reinforcement portion 137 toward the heel side peripheral portion 284 of the protruding portion 141 on the bottom portion 140 . The third crown reinforcement portion 139 may extend from the first crown reinforcement portion 137 towards the weight port 232 on the bottom portion 140 . A third crown reinforcement portion 139 may extend from the first crown reinforcement portion 137 toward a weight port 232 on the bottom portion 140 , wherein the weight port 232 is greater than another weight port on the bottom portion. closer to the heel portion 160 . The third crown reinforcement portion 139 may be tapered in the front-rear direction.

The third crown reinforcement portion 139 may serve as a support structure between the front portion 131 and the rear portion 180 . The third crown reinforcement portion 139 may oppose a rearward deflection of the front portion 131 in response to the face portion 175 impacting the golf ball. The third crown reinforcement portion 139 may have a thickness greater than an average thickness of the crown portion 135 . The third crown reinforcement portion 139 may have a thickness greater than 2 mm. The third crown reinforcement portion 139 may have a thickness of 2.2 mm or more. While the above examples may describe a specific number of crown reinforcement portions, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer crown reinforcement portions. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Crown portion 135 may include a central crown portion 331 , a toe-side crown portion 332 , and a heel-side crown portion 333 . The central crown portion 331 may be a raised central crown portion. The raised central crown portion 331 may be positioned between the heel-side crown portion 333 and the toe-side crown portion 332 . The raised central crown portion 331 may have a maximum height greater than a maximum height of the toe side crown portion 332 . The raised central crown portion 331 may have a maximum height greater than a maximum height of the heel side crown portion 333 . The raised central crown portion 331 may improve the aerodynamic performance of the golf club head 100 . The raised central crown portion 331 may strengthen the crown portion 135 and reduce deflection (eg, protrusion) of the crown portion 135 in response to the face portion 175 impacting the golf ball. Reducing the expansion of the crown portion 135 may be desirable to reduce shear stress on the joint (eg, adhesive bond) between the crown portion 135 and the upper portion 130 of the golf club head. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The central crown portion 331 may include a thin portion 1035 . The toe-side crown portion 332 may include a thin portion 1035 . The heel-side crown portion 333 may include a thin portion 1035 . A thin portion 1035 may be desirable. Reducing the overall mass of the crown portion 135 may lower the CG of the golf club head 100 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Crown portion 135 may include a plurality of contoured surfaces. The plurality of curved surfaces may reduce aerodynamic drag of the golf club head 100 . The plurality of curved surfaces may improve the structural integrity of the golf club head 100 . The outer surface of the central crown portion 331 may be raised above the outer surface of the golf club head 100 . The outer surface of the central crown portion 331 may be raised above the outer surface of the heel-side crown portion 333 . Crown portion 135 may include a first contour transition region 334 positioned between the central crown portions. Crown portion 135 may include a second contour transition region 335 located between central crown portion 331 and heel-side crown portion 333 . The position of the first contour conversion region 334 may coincide with the following. The location of the second crown reinforcement portion 138 . The position of the second contour conversion region 335 may coincide with the position of the third crown. The central crown portion 331 , the toe side crown portion 332 , the heel side crown portion 333 , the first contour transition region 334 , and the second contour transition region 335 together form a multi-level crown portion 135 . can form. Together, the central crown portion 331 , the toe side crown portion 332 , the heel side crown portion 333 , the first contour transition region 334 , and the second contour transition region 335 are multi-thickness crown portion 135 . ) can be formed. Together, the central crown portion 331 , the toe side crown portion 332 , the heel side crown portion 333 , the first contour transition region 334 , and the second contour transition region 335 are multi-thickness and multi-level crowns. portion 135 may be formed. It is not limited herein in this regard.

12 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary golf club head taken along section line 12-12 of FIG. 3 ; The outer surface 1231 of the central crown portion 331 may be raised above the outer surface of the toe side crown portion 332 . In one example, the outer surface 1231 of the central crown portion 331 is the toe-side crown portion 332 by a height of at least 0.5 mm. In another example, the outer surface 1231 of the central crown portion 331 may be raised above the outer surface of the toe-side crown portion 332 by a height of at least 1.0 mm. In another example, the outer surface 1231 of the central crown portion 331 may be raised above the outer surface of the toeside crown portion 332 by a height of at least 2.0 mm. The outer surface 1231 of the central crown portion 331 may be raised above the outer surface 1233 of the heel-side crown portion 333 . In one example, the outer surface 1231 of the central crown portion 331 may be raised above the outer surface 1233 of the heel-side crown portion 333 by a height of at least 0.5 mm. In another example, the outer surface 1231 of the central crown portion 331 may be raised above the outer surface 1233 of the heel-side crown portion 333 by a height of at least 1.0 mm. In another example, the outer surface 1231 of the central crown portion 331 may be raised above the outer surface 1233 of the heel-side crown portion 333 by a height of at least 2.0 mm. Although the above examples may illustrate a particular height, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include external surfaces with a height difference of less than 0.5 mm. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

11 , the outer surface 1233 of the heel side crown portion 333 may be recessed below the front portion 131 proximate the abutment 132 . Similarly, the outer surface 1232 of the toeside crown portion 332 may be recessed below the front portion 131 proximate the abutment 132 . In one example, the outer surface 1233 of the heel-side crown portion 333 may be recessed below the anterior portion 131 proximate the abutment 132 by a distance of at least 0.5 mm. In another example, the outer surface 1233 of the heel-side crown portion 333 may be recessed below the anterior portion 131 proximate the abutment 132 by a distance of 1.0 mm or greater. In another example, the outer surface 1232 of the toeside crown portion 332 may be recessed below the anterior portion 131 proximate the abutment 132 by a distance of at least 0.5 mm. The outer surface 1232 of the toe-side crown portion 332 may be recessed below the anterior portion 131 proximate the abutment 132 by a distance of 1.0 mm or greater. Although the above examples may illustrate certain distances, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include an outer surface that is concave by a distance of less than 0.5 mm. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The central crown portion 331 includes a first contour transition region 334 , a second contour transition region 335 , a posterior perimeter portion 951 of the crown portion 135 , and an anterior perimeter portion 1532 of the crown portion 135 . ) can be delimited by The central crown portion 331 is bounded by a first crown reinforcement portion 137 , a second crown reinforcement portion 138 , a third crown reinforcement portion 139 , and a posterior perimeter 951 of the crown portion 135 . can The front portion of the central crown portion 331 may have a symmetrical shape. A central vertical plane (eg, generally shown at 1504 ) that intersects (eg, at or near the “sweet spot” of golf club head 100 ) geometric center 176 on face portion 175 . ) The anterior portion of the central crown portion 331 may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to a central vertical plane 1504 that intersects and is perpendicular to the geometric center 176 on the face portion 175 . In one example, the second crown reinforcement portion 138 and the third crown reinforcement portion 139 may be branched in the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. 15 . The central crown portion 331 may have an irregular polygon-like shape (eg, a quadrilateral shape). The distance between the second and third crown reinforcement portions 138 and 139 at or proximate the anterior portion 170 at or proximate the anterior portion 170 is the second and third crowns at or proximate the posterior portion 180 . It may be less than the distance between the reinforcement portions 138 and 139 . In another example, the second crown reinforcement portion 138 and the third crown reinforcement portion 139 may converge in the front-rear direction. The distance between the second and third crown reinforcement portions 138 and 139 at or proximate the anterior portion 170 at or proximate the anterior portion 170 is the second and third crowns at or proximate the posterior portion 180 . It may be greater than the distance between the reinforcement portions 138 and 139 . For example, the second crown reinforcement portion 138 and the third crown reinforcement portion 139 may converge and then diverge in the anterior-posterior direction (see, for example, FIG. 40 ). In another example, the second crown reinforcement portion 138 and the third crown reinforcement portion 139 may diverge and then converge in an anterior-posterior direction (see, eg, FIG. 41 ). In another example, the second crown reinforcement portion 138 and the third crown reinforcement portion 139 may be substantially parallel in the fore-and-aft direction. The distance between the second crown reinforcement portion 138 and the third crown reinforcement portion 139 at or proximate the front portion 170 at or near the front portion 170 is the second and third crown reinforcement portions 138 at or proximate the rear. , 139) may be equal to or substantially equal to the distance between the The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the central crown portion 331 may be raised relative to the toe side crown portion 332 and the heel side crown portion 333 . In another example, the central crown portion 331 includes the toe-side crown portion 332 and the central crown portion 331 , the toe-side crown portion 332 , and the change in the relative heights of the heel-side crown portion 333 . Aerodynamic performance may be improved by reducing the drag coefficient associated with the golf club head 100 . Changes in the relative heights of the central crown portion 331 , the toe-side crown portion 332 , and the heel-side crown portion 333 may provide visual alignment assistance. Changes in the relative heights of the central crown portion 331 , the toe side crown portion 332 , and the heel side crown portion 333 improve the structural integrity of the crown portion 135 with a contoured transition region with integrated ribs. can do it The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The total surface area of the crown portion 135 is the central crown portion 331 , the toe side crown portion 332 , the heel side crown portion 333 , the first contour transition region 334 , and the second contour transition region 335 . may contain a surface area of In one example, the surface area of the central crown portion 331 may be at least 10% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the central crown portion 331 may be at least 20% of the total surface area. In another example, the surface area of the central crown portion 331 may be at least 30% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the central crown portion 331 may be at least 40% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the central crown portion 331 may be at least 50% of the surface area of the crown portion 135 . Surface Area in Another Example In another example, the surface area of the central crown portion 331 may be at least 70% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the central crown portion 331 may be at least 80% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the portion 331 of the central crown may be at least 90% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The toeside crown portion 332 may be bounded by a first contour transition region 334 , a toeside perimeter 1533 of the crown portion 135 , and an anterior perimeter 1532 of the crown portion 135 . In one example, the area of the surface toe side crown portion 332 may be at least 5% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the toe side crown portion 332 may be at least 10% of the total surface area. In another example, the surface area of the toe-side crown portion 332 may be at least 15% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the toe-side crown portion 332 may be at least 25% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area crown portion 332 of the toe side may be at least 30% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the toe-side crown portion 332 may be at least 35% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the toe-side crown portion 332 may be at least 40% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The heel-side crown portion 333 may be bounded by a second contour transition region 335 , a heel-side perimeter 1531 of the crown portion 135 , and an anterior perimeter 1532 of the crown portion 135 . In one example, the surface area of the heel-side crown portion 333 may be at least 5% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the heel-side crown portion 333 may be at least 10% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the heel-side crown portion 333 may be at least 15% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the heel-side crown portion 333 may be at least 20% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the heel-side crown portion 333 may be at least 25% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . In another example, the surface area of the heel-side crown portion 333 may be at least 30% of the total surface area of the crown portion 135 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, the central crown portion 331 can have an outer surface area 1231 that is at least 40% of the total outer surface area of the crown portion, and the toe-side crown portion 332 is an exterior that is no more than 30% of the total outer surface area of the crown portion. The heel side crown portion 333 may have a surface area 1232 , and the heel side crown portion 333 may have an exterior surface area 1233 that is less than or equal to 15% of the total exterior surface area of the crown portion. In another example, the central crown portion 331 can have an outer surface area 1231 that is at least 50% of the total outer surface area of the crown portion, and the toe-side crown portion 332 is an outer surface that is at least 15% of the total outer surface area of the crown portion. may have a surface area 1232 , and the heel side crown portion 333 may have an exterior surface area 1233 of at least 5% of the total exterior surface area of the crown portion. In another example, the central crown portion 331 can have an outer surface area 1231 that is at least 40% of the total outer surface area of the crown portion, and the toe-side crown portion 332 is at least 10% of the total outer surface area of the crown portion. may have an outer surface area 1232 and the heel side crown portion 333 may have an outer surface area 1233 of at least 5% of the total outer surface area of the crown portion. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

15 is a top view of the exemplary golf club head 100 of FIG. 1 with a golf ball 1501 adjacent a face portion 175 . Golf ball 1501 may be aligned with geometric center (sweet spot) 176 of face portion 175 . Golf ball 1501 may have a diameter of about 1.68 inches. A central vertical plane 1504 may bisect the golf ball 1501 and the golf club head 100 . The toe side boundary plane 1505 bounds the toe side of the golf club head 100 . Heel-side boundary plane 1506 bounds the heel side of golf. The toe-side splitting plane 1502 bounds the toe side of golf ball 1501 . The heel side dividing plane 1503 bounds the toe side of the golf ball 1501 . Crown portion 135 may include a perimeter including a heel-side perimeter 1531 , an anterior perimeter 1532 , a right-side perimeter 1533 , and a posterior perimeter 951 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

16 is a cross-sectional view of the crown portion 135 of the exemplary golf club head 100 of FIG. 15 taken along section line 16-16. Crown portion 135 may include two or more layers of composite material. Crown portion 135 may include an outer layer of composite material 1510 and an inner layer of composite material 1515 . Crown portion 135 may include a plurality of integral ribs. Each integral rib may include a plurality of layers of composite material. Integral ribs (eg, shown generally at 1525 and 1530 ) may be disposed between an inner layer of composite material 1515 and an outer layer of composite material 1510 . The integral ribs 1525 , 1530 may form a crown reinforcement portion 136 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The toe-side integral rib 1525 may extend from an anterior perimeter 1532 of the crown portion 135 to a posterior perimeter 951 of the crown portion. The toe side integral rib 1525 may include a plurality of layers of composite material 1514 as shown in FIG. 17 . The toe side integral rib 1525 may include two or more layers of composite material 1514 disposed between the inner layer 1515 and the outer layer 1510 of the crown portion 135 . The toe side integral rib 1525 may extend rearwardly from the front portion. The tow-side integral rib 1525 may extend rearwardly from a starting position between the central vertical plane 1504 and the toe-side splitting plane 1502 and terminating at an ending position between the toe-side boundary plane 1505 and the toe-side splitting. can be The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The thickness of the toe-side integral rib 1525 may be equal to the thickness of the plurality of layers of composite material 1514 forming the toe-side integral rib 1525 and positioned between the inner layer 1515 and the outer layer 1510 of the crown. can In one example, the toe side integral rib 1525 may have a maximum thickness of between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm. In another example, the toe side integral rib 1525 can have a maximum thickness of 1.0 mm or greater. In another example, the toe side integral rib 1525 may have a maximum thickness of 2.0 mm or greater. In another example, the toe side integral rib 1525 can have a maximum thickness of 2.2 mm or greater. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of region 1700 of crown portion 135 shown in FIG. 16 . Crown portion 135 may include multiple layers of composite material 1514 . Crown portion 135 may include an outer layer of composite material 1510 and an inner layer of composite material 1515 . In one example, an inner layer of composite material 1515 may include a glass fiber composite material, and an outer layer of composite material 1510 may include a carbon fiber composite material. In another example, an inner layer of composite material 1515 may include a carbon fiber composite material and an outer layer of composite material 1510 may include a glass fiber composite material. In another example, an inner layer of composite material 1515 may include a glass fiber composite material and an outer layer of composite material 1510 may include a glass fiber composite material. In another example, an inner layer of composite material 1515 may include a carbon fiber composite material, and an outer layer of composite material 1510 may include a carbon fiber composite material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Crown portion 135 may include a stack of composite layers forming integral rib 1525 . The integral rib 1525 may be positioned between an outer layer of composite material 1510 and an inner layer of composite material 1515 . Crown portion 135 may include one or more layers of composite material 1514 arranged in parallel or substantially parallel planes. Crown portion 135 may include one or more layers of composite material 1514 arranged in non-parallel planes. For example, as shown in FIG. 17 , crown portion 135 has an integral rib ( 1525) may be included. The non-parallel arrangement of the layers within the crown portion 135 may improve the structural integrity of the crown portion 135 . As shown in FIG. 17 , four layers of integral ribs 1525 may contact a composite layer 1514 adjacent to integral ribs 1525 . In another example, two or more layers of integral rib 1525 may contact composite layer 1514 adjacent integral rib 1525 . The compressive strength of the crown portion 135 determined along the anterior-posterior axis may be enhanced by having the layers of the composite material 1514 arranged in non-parallel planes (ie, non-uniform orientation). The tensile strength of the crown portion 135 as determined along the anterior and posterior axes may be enhanced by having the layers of the composite material 1514 arranged in non-parallel planes (ie, non-uniform orientation). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Integrated ribs (eg, shown generally as 1525 , 1530 , and 1535 ) may provide structural support embedded within crown portion 135 . Each integral rib may be located in a crown reinforcement region adjacent to one or more thin portions 1035 . Crown portion 135 will have a contoured transition region (eg, generally shown as 334 , 335 ) between thin portion 1035 and a thicker crown reinforcement portion in which integral ribs 1525 , 1530 are located. can The contoured transition regions 334 , 335 avoid undesirable stress concentrations within the crown portion 135 by avoiding sharp edges between the thin portion 1035 and an adjacent thick portion (eg, 137 , 138 , or 139 ). can be prevented or mitigated. Stress concentration may be undesirable as it may cause cracking or delamination of the layer of crown portion 135 during use of golf club head 100 . In the crown portion, distinct edges may exist at the junction formed between the surface of the crown portion 135 and the ribs that are not integral, the edges may introduce unwanted stress concentrations. After multiple ball strikes, the presence of stress concentrations may result in cracking or delamination of the layer of crown portion 135 proximate to the non-integral ribs. This physical deterioration of the crown portion 135 can negatively affect the performance of the golf club head 100 . For example, as the crown portion 135 physically deteriorates, inter-shot variability may increase. Shot-to-shot variability may not be acceptable to an individual who requires consistent performance of the golf club head 100 . Physical deterioration of the crown portion 135 may also negatively affect the appearance of the golf club head 100 . For long-term durability, it is therefore desirable to have the crown portion 135 having a transition region contoured between the thin portion 1035 and the thick portion comprising integral ribs 1525 , 1530 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Crown portion 135 may include a plurality of composite layers 1512 positioned between inner structural layer 1515 and outer structural layer 1510 . As used herein, the term “structural layer” includes any suitable shape or shape (eg, planar, curved or complex curve) and any suitable dimension or dimension that significantly increases the structural integrity of crown portion 135 . include Together, the plurality of composite layers 1512 and inner and outer structural layers (eg, shown generally as 1510 and 1515 ) are coupled to the body portion 110 to enclose the opening of the upper portion 130 , It may improve the ability of the golf club head 100 to withstand torsional or compressive forces applied during impact with the golf ball, and may form a crown portion 135 that may improve performance or reduce missshots. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The plurality of composite layers 1512 may include a plurality of layers of composite material in a stacked arrangement. Composite material layer 1514 may include a fabric layer bonded with an amount of resin. The fabric may be composed of graphite fibers (commonly referred to as “carbon fibers”), glass fibers, aramid fibers, carbon nanotubes, or other suitable high-performance fibers, combinations of fibers, or materials. In some examples, the fabric may be a hybrid of two or more types of fibers, such as a hybrid fabric made of carbon fibers and aramid fibers. Examples of aramid fibers include KEVLAR, TWARON, NOMEX, NEW STAR, TECHNORA and TEIJINCONEX fibers. Fabrics may consist of woven, knitted, stitched or non-woven (eg, unidirectional) fabrics. Examples of suitable woven fabrics include Style 1625 Bidirectional E-Glass (Item No. 1094), Twill Weave Carbon Fiber Fabric (Item No. 1069), and KEVLAR Plain Weave Fabric (Item No. 2469), all of which are Fiber Glast Developments Corporation of Brookville, Ohio. can be purchased from

In some cases, the resin may be applied to the fabric during the lamination process either by hand or via an infusion process. In other cases, the fabric may be pre-impregnated with resin. Such fabrics are commonly referred to as "prepreg" fabrics. Prepreg fabrics may need to be refrigerated to prevent premature curing of the resin. During manufacturing, heating the crown portion 135 (eg, in an oven or autoclave) to fully cure (ie, polymerize) the resin such that the crown portion 135 assumes the desired structural properties as the resin cures. in) may be required. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In some examples, the resin may be a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin, a vinyl-ester resin, a polyester resin, or other suitable resin. The resin selection may be based, at least in part, on fabric compatibility and properties of the composite layer. Epoxy resins are suitable because they can be used to form a strong, lightweight composite crown portion 135 that is dimensionally stable. A suitable epoxy resin is System 2000 Epoxy Resin (Item No. 2000-A) available from Fiber Glast Developments Corporation.

The epoxy resin is mixed with a suitable epoxy curing agent, such as, for example, Fiber Glast Developments Corporation's 2020 Epoxy Curing Agent (Item No. 2020-A), 2060 Epoxy Curing Agent (Item No. 2060-A), or 2120 Epoxy Curing Agent (Item No. 2120-A) can be The selection of the epoxy curing agent may be based, at least in part, on the desired pot life and working time, which may be dictated by the size and complexity of the composite crown portion 135 being manufactured. Epoxy curing agent selection may also be based on the desired curing temperature and curing time. Epoxy curing agents suitable for the selected manufacturing temperature and time can be selected. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Crown portion 135 may be formed by any suitable process, such as a wet layup process, in which a liquid resin is distributed over a fabric made of fibers to wet the fabric. The liquid resin may be dispensed by hand, by a resin infusion process, or by any other suitable process. The wet layup process may use a peel ply layer or release agent to prevent the composite crown portion 135 from adhering to the vacuum bag film during the vacuum whitening process. An example of a suitable peel fly layer is described in U.S. Pat. of West Palm Beach, Florida. Peel Ply Release Fabric (catalog number VB-P56150) available from Composites, Inc.

During the layup process, the fabric may be trimmed to the appropriate size and then placed in a mold. The resin can then be applied to the fabric surface using a suitable tool such as a roller or brush. The resin can be impregnated into the fabric by forcing the resin into the fabric through the lamination process. When a prepreg fabric is used for a layup, the resin application step can be omitted because the fabric already contains an appropriate amount of resin to facilitate the lamination process. A peel ply layer may be inserted between the prepreg fabric and the vacuum bag film to prevent the composite carbon crown 135 from adhering to the vacuum bag film. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

18 is an exploded view of the layers of an exemplary crown portion 135 prior to execution of a manufacturing process to create the contoured crown portion 135 shown in FIG. 1 . Crown portion 135 may include an upper plurality of composite layers 1850 , an underlying plurality of composite layers 1855 , and a crown reinforcement portion 136 disposed between the upper and lower plurality of composite layers. . The presence of the crown reinforcement portion 136 may allow a lightweight thin portion 1035 to be utilized adjacent the crown reinforcement portion 136 as shown in FIG. 1 . Together, the crown reinforcement portion 136 and the adjacent thin portion 1035 may create a lighter and/or harder crown portion 135 than a crown portion having a uniform thickness. Thin portion 1035 may be any region of crown portion 135 that does not include crown reinforcement portion 136 . Crown reinforcement portion 136 may include a plurality of layers of composite material arranged in a stacked configuration. Each layer of composite material 1514 may include a fabric layer bonded with a resin. The fabric may be composed of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, carbon nanotubes, or any other suitable high performance fibers, combinations of fibers or materials. In some examples, the fabric may be a hybrid of two or more types of fibers, such as a hybrid fabric made of carbon fibers and aramid fibers. The fabric may consist of a woven, knitted, stitched or unidirectional fabric. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

During fabrication of the crown portion 135 , a plurality of composite layers 1514 as shown in FIG. 18 may be placed in a contoured mold. Pressure may be applied to the layers 1514 to promote bonding of adjacent layers to form the contoured composite crown portion 135 . Heat may be applied to the layers to promote bonding of adjacent layers to form crown portion 135 . The surface of the mold may create a raised central crown portion 331 as shown in FIG. 1 and a contoured transition region adjacent the raised central crown portion (eg, generally shown as 334 and 335 ). have. To ensure a smooth transition region adjacent the raised central crown portion 331 , each subsequent composite layer in the stack of composite layers forming the crown reinforcement portion 136 progressively (e.g., for example, in descending order in the stack). See 334 and 335 in the manufactured crown portion 135 . 18 , each composite layer of crown reinforcement portion 136 may have a front width wF, a heel side width wH, and a toe side width wT. In one example, the composite layer 1514 of the crown reinforcement portion 136 may have a width wF, wH, or wT that is at least 1% greater than the adjacent composite layer 1514 of the crown reinforcement portion 136 . In another example, the composite layer 1514 of the crown reinforcement portion 136 may have a width wF, wH, or wT that is at least 5% greater than the adjacent composite layer 1514 of the crown reinforcement portion 136 . In another example, 1514 of the composite layer crown reinforcement portion 136 can have a width wF, wH, or wT that is at least 10% greater than the adjacent composite layer 1514 of the crown reinforcement portion 136 . The crown reinforcement portion 136 may have a width wF, wH, or wT that is at least 15% greater than the adjacent composite layer 1514 of the crown reinforcement portion 136 . In another example, the composite layer 1514 136 of the crown reinforcement portion may have a width wF, wH or wT. 30% larger to the east than the adjacent composite layer 1514 of the crown reinforcement portion 136 . Although the examples above may describe certain percentages, the composite layer 1514 of the crown reinforcement portion 136 may have a width less than 1% of the adjacent composite layer 1514 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The inner structural layer 1515 may include a fabric layer bonded with a resin. The fabric may be composed of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, carbon nanotubes, or any other suitable high performance fibers, combinations of fibers or materials. In some examples, the fabric may be a hybrid of two or more types of fibers, such as a hybrid fabric made of carbon fibers and aramid fibers. The fabric may consist of a woven, knitted, stitched or unidirectional fabric. In one example, the inner structural layer 1515 may include a layer of glass fiber fabric impregnated with an epoxy resin. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The outer structural layer 1510 may include a fabric layer bonded with a resin. The fabric may be composed of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, carbon nanotubes, or any other suitable high performance fibers, combinations of fibers or materials. In some examples, the fabric may be a hybrid of two or more types of fibers, such as a hybrid fabric made of carbon fibers and aramid fibers. The fabric may consist of a woven, knitted, stitched or unidirectional fabric. In one example, outer structural layer 1510 may include a woven layer of KEVLAR fiber fabric impregnated with an epoxy resin. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The plurality of composite layers 1512 may include a plurality of layers of composite material arranged in a stacked configuration. In one example, the plurality of composite layers 1512 may include two or more layers of prepreg unidirectional fabric. In another example, the plurality of composite layers 1512 may include three or more layers of prepreg unidirectional fabric. In another example, the plurality of composite layers 1512 includes four or more layers of a prepreg unidirectional fabric in which the four layers are arranged in a 0/90/0/90 configuration to increase tensile strength along two perpendicular axes. can do. In another example, the plurality of composite layers 1512 may include two or more layers of a prepreg unidirectional fabric in which the two layers are arranged in a 0/90 configuration to increase tensile strength along two perpendicular axes. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The outer surface 1511 of the crown portion 135 may have an anti-glare finish. The outer surface of crown portion 135 may have a medium or low gloss appearance to align golf club head 100 with a golf ball to reduce the amount of light reflected upward from an individual's eyes when taking a golf shot. The relative gloss value may be determined by projecting a beam of light at a fixed intensity and angle onto the outer surface 1511 of the crown portion 135 and measuring the amount of light reflected upwardly at the same but opposite angle in the individual. A specular reflectance of 0 GU (gloss units) on a measurement scale can be associated with a perfectly matte surface and a specular reflectance of 100 GU can be associated with a high gloss black glass material. Providing the crown portion 135 with relatively low specular reflectivity may be desirable to reduce distraction perceived by the individual of the golf club head 100, which may reduce missshots and improve performance. have. In one example, the outer surface 1511 of the crown portion 135 may have a specular reflectance of less than 55GU. In another example, the outer surface 1511 of the crown portion 135 may have a specular reflectivity of less than 40GU. In another example, the outer surface 1511 of the crown portion 135 may have a specular reflectivity of less than 25GU. In another example, the outer surface 1511 of the crown portion 135 may have a specular reflectivity of less than 10GU. While the above examples may illustrate specific specular reflectivity, devices, methods, and articles of manufacture may include an outer surface 1511 of crown portion 135 having a specular reflectivity of 55GU or greater. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In some examples, the outer surface 1511 of the crown portion 135 may include an anti-reflective coating. In one example, the antireflective coating may have a specular reflectance of less than 55GU. In another example, the antireflective coating can have a specular reflectance of less than 40GU. In another example, the antireflective coating can have a specular reflectance of less than 25GU. In another example, the antireflective coating can have a specular reflectance of less than 10GU. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In order for the inner structural layer 1515 to adhere to the adjacent inner composite layer 1514 during the manufacturing process, it may be necessary to insert a resin or film adhesive layer between the inner structural layer 1515 and the adjacent composite layer. In order for the outer structural layer 1510 to adhere to the adjacent inner composite layer 1514 during the manufacturing process, it may be necessary to insert a resin or film adhesive layer between the outer structural layer 1510 and the adjacent composite layer. The resin or film adhesive may be an epoxy, an epoxy foam, a liquid resin, or any suitable film adhesive available from Collano AG located in Germany. In one example, the crown portion 135 may include a first film adhesion layer between the inner structural layer 1515 and the adjacent composite layer 1514 . The first film adhesive layer may adhere the outer structural layer 1510 to the top surface of the adjacent composite layer 1514 . Crown portion 135 may include a second film adhesive film layer between inner structural layer 1515 and adjacent composite layer 1514 . The second film adhesive layer may adhere the inner structural layer 1515 to the bottom surface of the adjacent composite layer 1514 in the underlying plurality of composite layers 1855 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of area 1700 of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 16 . Crown portion 135 may include integral ribs 1525 disposed between inner layer 1515 and outer layer 1510 . The integral rib 1525 may include multiple layers of composite material 1512 . The integral rib 1525 is a composite material. The integral rib 1525 may include two or more layers of carbon fiber composite material. The integral rib 1525 may include three or more layers of composite material. The integral rib 1525 may include four or more layers of composite material. The integral rib 1525 may include five or more layers of composite material. The integral rib 1525 may include six or more layers of composite material. The integral rib 1525 may include seven or more layers of composite material. The integral rib 1525 may include eight or more layers of composite material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The integral rib may be a toe-side integral rib 1525 . The toe-side integral rib 1525 may extend from an anterior perimeter 1532 of the crown portion 135 to a posterior perimeter 951 of the crown portion 135 . The integral rib 1525 may include multiple layers of composite material 1514 . The toe side integral rib 1525 may include two or more layers of composite material disposed between the inner layer 1515 and the outer layer 1510 of the crown portion 135 . The toe side integral rib 1525 may extend rearwardly from the front portion 131 . A toe-side integral rib 1525 may extend rearwardly from a starting position between the central vertical plane 1504 and the toe-side dividing plane 1502 , and between the toe-side boundary plane 1505 and the toe-side dividing plane 1502 . It can be terminated at the end position of . In one example, the toe-side integral rib 1525 may have a maximum thickness of 2 mm or greater. In another example, the toe side integral rib 1525 can have a maximum thickness of 2.1 mm or greater. In another example, the toe side integral rib 1525 can have a maximum thickness of at least 2.4 mm. While the above examples may illustrate specific thicknesses, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a toe-side integral rib 1525 having a maximum thickness of less than 2 mm. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The crown portion 135 may include a heel-side integral rib 1530 . The heel-side integral rib 1530 may extend from an anterior perimeter 1532 of the crown portion 135 to a posterior perimeter 951 of the crown portion. The heel-side integral rib 1530 may include a plurality of layers of composite material 1514 . The heel-side integral rib 1530 may include two or more layers of composite material disposed between the inner layer 1515 and the outer layer 1510 of the crown portion. The heel-side integral rib 1530 may extend rearward from the front portion 131 . The heel-side integral rib 1530 may extend rearwardly from a starting position between the central vertical plane 1504 and the heel-side dividing plane 1503 and may terminate at an end position. In one example, the heel side integral rib 1530 may have a maximum thickness of 2.0 mm or greater. In another example, the heel-side integral rib 1530 may have a maximum thickness of 2.1 mm or greater. In another example, the heel-side integral rib 1530 can have a maximum thickness of at least 2.4 mm. While the above examples may illustrate certain thicknesses, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a heel-side integral rib 1530 having a maximum thickness of less than 2 mm. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Crown portion 135 may include a central integral rib 1535 . A central integral rib 1535 may extend along an anterior perimeter portion 1532 of the crown portion 135 . The central integral rib 1535 may extend from a forward-most end of the toe-side integral rib 1525 to a forward-most end of the heel-side integral rib 1530 . The central integral rib may then extend. A distance of at least 3 centimeters next to the junction 132 formed between the anterior perimeter portion 1532 of the crown portion 135 and the anterior portion 131 of the upper portion 130 . The central integral rib 1535 may include a plurality of layers of composite material 1514 . The integral rib 1535 may include two or more layers of composite material disposed between the inner layer 1515 and the outer layer 1510 of the crown portion 135 . In one example, the central integral rib 1535 may have a maximum thickness of 2.0 mm or greater. In another example, the central integral rib 1535 may have a maximum thickness of 2.1 mm or greater. In another example, the central integral rib 1535 can have a maximum thickness of at least 2.4 mm. While the above examples may illustrate specific thicknesses, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a central integral rib 1535 having a maximum thickness of less than 2 mm. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Integral ribs (eg, shown generally as 1525 , 1530 and 1535 ) may enhance the flexural strength of crown portion 135 . The integral ribs 1525 , 1530 , 1535 may enhance the compressive strength of the crown portion 135 . The integral ribs 1525 , 1530 , 1535 reduce outward deflection (eg, protrusion) of the crown portion 135 in response to an impact force transmitted from the body portion 110 to the crown portion 135 during impact with a golf ball. can do it The integral ribs 1525 , 1530 , 1535 may reduce inward bending of the crown portion 135 towards the interior cavity of the golf club head 100 in response to a downward force applied to the outer surface of the crown portion 135 . . Crown portion 135 may be easier to accurately measure in a test environment than outward deflection. In certain instances, the resistance to inward deflection may be related to the resistance to outward deflection. The inward deflection may be measured by applying a downward force to the outer surface of the crown portion and measuring the physical deflection of the crown portion with an appropriate measuring device. In one example, when a downward force of 200 pound-force (lbf) is applied to the central crown portion 331 , the central crown portion 331 may deflect by less than 0.025 inches. In another example, when a downward force of 200 lbf is applied to the central crown portion 331 , the central crown portion 331 may deflect by less than 0.015 inches. In another example, when a downward force of 200 lbf is applied to the central crown portion 331 , the central crown portion 331 may deflect less than 0.012 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Certain rules or regulations imposed by the USGA or other governing body may limit the spring-like effect of certain designs, materials, or constructions of golf club heads. To ensure that the club head complies with certain rules and regulations, it may be desirable to minimize spring-like effects on certain aspects of the club head. For example, it may be desirable to minimize the spring-like effect of the crown portion 135 by strengthening the crown portion to minimize deflection during use. Integral ribs (eg, 1525 , 1530 , and 1535 ) may allow crown portion 135 to resist deflection better than similar lightweight crown portions without integral ribs. In one example, a crown portion 135 with integral ribs can deflect inward about 0.012 inches, while a crown portion without integral ribs can deflect about 0.020 inches in response to applying a downward force of 200 lbf to each crown portion. can be biased. In another example, the crown portion 135 having integral ribs (eg, 2715, 2716, 2717) of a fairway wooded golf club head 2700 can be biased inward by about 0.007 inches while the integral ribs of a similar golf club head are Missing crown portions can deflect about 0.013 inches by applying a 200 lbf downward force to each crown portion. In another example, a crown portion 1935 having integral ribs (eg, 1915, 1916, and 1917) of a hybrid golf club head 1900 can be deflected by about 0.005 inches while the integral ribs of a similar golf club head are The missing crown portion deflects approximately 0.009 inches in response to applying a 200 lbf downward force to each crown portion. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 18 , the crown portion 135 may include a central integral rib 1535 , a toe-side integral rib 1525 , and a heel-side integral rib 1530 . The toe-side integral rib 1525 and the heel-side integral rib 1530 may branch in the front-rear direction along the crown portion 135 . In another example, as shown in FIG. 39 , the toe-side integral rib 3925 and the heel-side integral rib 3930 may branch in the front-rear direction along the crown portion 3935 . In another example, the toe side integral rib 4025 and the heel side integral rib 4030 may converge and diverge in an anterior-posterior direction along the crown portion 4035 as shown in FIG. 4 . In another example, the toe-side integral rib 4125 and the heel-side integral rib 4130 may diverge and converge in an anterior-posterior direction along the crown portion 4135 as shown in FIG. 41 . In another example, the integral toe side rib and the integral heel side rib may be substantially parallel in the fore-and-aft direction along the crown portion. Although shown as a substantially straight portion, the toe side integral rib 1525 may include one or more curved portions along its length. Similarly, the heel side rib 1530 may include one or more curved portions along its length. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

39 is an exploded view of a layer 3914 of an exemplary crown portion 3935 prior to executing a manufacturing process to create a contoured crown portion. In one example, crown portion 3935 may replace crown portion 135 in golf club head 100 of FIG. 1 . Crown portion 3935 may include an upper plurality of composite layers 3950 , an underlying plurality of composite layers 3955 , and a crown reinforcement portion 3936 between the upper and lower plurality of composite layers. The presence of the crown reinforcement portion 3936 may allow a lightweight thin portion to be utilized adjacent the crown reinforcement portion 3936 , which together may be lighter and/or harder than the crown portion 3935 having a uniform thickness. ) can be provided. Thin portion 1035 may be any region of crown portion 3935 that does not include crown reinforcement portion 3936 . Crown reinforcement portion 3936 may include toe side integral ribs 3925 and heel side integral ribs 3930. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The toe-side integral rib 3925 may be disposed between the inner layer 3915 and the outer layer 3910 . The toe-side integral rib 3925 may be disposed between the plurality of upper composite layers 3950 and the plurality of lower composite layers 3955 . The toe side integral rib 3925 may include one or more layers of composite material 3914 . The toe side integral rib 3925 may include two or more layers of composite material 3914 . The toe-side integral rib 3925 may extend from the front perimeter portion 3932 or a location proximate to the crown portion 3935 to the rear perimeter portion 3951 or a location proximate thereto. The toe side integral rib 3925 may extend from a location at or proximate to the front perimeter 3932 of the crown portion 3935 toward the toe side perimeter 3933 of the crown portion 3935 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The heel-side integral rib 3930 may be disposed between the inner layer 3915 and the outer layer 3910 . The heel-side integral rib 3930 may be disposed between the plurality of upper composite layers 3950 and the plurality of lower composite layers 3955 . The heel-side integral rib 3930 may include one or more layers of composite material 3914 . The heel-side integral rib 3930 may include two or more layers of composite material 3914 . The heel-side integral rib 3930 may extend from a location at or proximate to the front perimeter 3932 of the crown portion 3935 to a location around or proximate to the back of the crown portion 3935 . The heel-side integral rib 3930 may extend from a location at or proximate to the front perimeter 3932 of the crown portion 3935 toward the heel-side perimeter 3931 of the crown portion 3935 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The toe-side integral rib 3925 and the heel-side integral rib 3930 may branch in the front-rear direction from the crown portion 3935 . The upper plurality of composite layers 3950 may be similar to the upper plurality of composites. Layer 1850 described herein. The underlying plurality of composite layers 3955 may be similar to the underlying plurality of composite layers 1855 described herein. The outer layer 3910 may be similar to the outer layer 1810 described herein. The inner layer 3915 can be similar to the inner layer 1815 described herein. Crown portion 3935 may be integrated into any golf club head (eg, 100 ) described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

During fabrication of the crown portion 3935 , a plurality of composite layers 3914 , such as shown in FIG. 39 , may be placed in the contoured mold. Pressure may be applied to composite layer 3914 to promote bonding of adjacent layers to form contoured composite crown portion 3935 . Heat may be applied to the layers 3914 to promote bonding of adjacent layers to form a crown portion 3935 . Pressing the composite layer 3914 against the contour surface of the mold may create a raised central crown portion and a contour transition region adjacent the raised central crown portion. To ensure a smooth transition region adjacent the raised central crown portion, each subsequent composite layer of the composite layer stack forming the crown reinforcement portion 3936 is gradually produced to create a smooth transition region in the fabricated crown portion 3935 . It can be widened (in descending order on the stack). As shown in FIG. 39 , each composite layer of toeside integral rib 3925 may have a toeside width wT. Each composite layer of the heel-side integral rib 3930 may have a heel-side width wH. In one example, the composite layer 3914 of the integral ribs 3925 or 3930 will have a width (eg, wH or wT) that is at least 1% greater than the adjacent composite layer 3914 of the integral ribs 3925 or 3930. can In another example, the composite layer 3914 of the integral ribs 3925 or 3930 will have a width (eg, wH or wT) that is at least 5% greater than the adjacent composite layer 3914 of the integral ribs 3925 or 3930. can In another example, 3914 of a composite layer integral rib 3925 or 3930 can have a width (eg, wH or wT) that is at least 10% greater than the width of an adjacent composite layer 3914 of the integral rib 3925 or 3930. have. In another example, the composite layer 3914 of the integral ribs 3925 or 3930 can have a width (wH or wT) that is at least 15% greater than the adjacent composite layer 3914 of the integral ribs 3925 or 3930. In another example, the composite layer 3914 of the integral ribs 3925 or 3930 can have a width (wH or wT) that is at least 30% greater than the composite layer 3914 adjacent the integral ribs 3925 or 3930. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

40 is an exploded view of the layers of an exemplary crown portion 4035 prior to execution of a manufacturing process to create a contoured crown portion. In one example, crown portion 4035 may replace crown portion 135 in golf club head 100 of FIG. 1 . Crown portion 4035 may include an upper plurality of composite layers 4050 , an underlying plurality of composite layers 4055 , and a crown reinforcement portion 4036 between the upper and lower plurality of composite layers. The presence of the crown reinforcement portion 4036 may enable a lightweight thin portion adjacent the crown reinforcement portion 4036 to be utilized, which together is a lighter and/or stronger crown portion than a crown portion having a uniform thickness. (4035) can be provided. The thin portion may be any region of the crown portion 4035 that does not include the crown reinforcement portion 4036 . The crown reinforcement portion 4036 may include a toe side integrated rib 4025 and a heel side integrated rib 4030 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The toe-side integral rib 4025 may be disposed between the inner layer 4015 and the outer layer 4010 . The toe-side integral rib 4025 may be disposed between the plurality of upper composite layers 4050 and the plurality of lower composite layers 4055 . The toe side integral rib 4025 may include one or more layers of composite material 4014 . The toe side integral rib 4025 may include two or more layers of composite material 4014 . The toe-side integral rib 4025 may extend from the front perimeter portion 4032 or a location proximate to the front perimeter portion 4035 of the crown portion 4035 to a location proximate to or at the rear perimeter portion. The toe side integral rib 4025 may extend from a location at or proximate to the front perimeter portion 4032 of the crown portion 4035 towards the toe side perimeter portion 4033 of the crown portion 4035 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The heel-side integral rib 4030 may be disposed between the inner layer 4015 and the outer layer 4010 . The heel-side integral rib 4030 may be disposed between the plurality of upper composite layers 4050 and the plurality of lower composite layers 4055 . The heel side integral rib 4030 may include one or more layers of composite material 4014 . The heel side integral rib 4030 may include two or more layers of composite material 4014 . The heel-side integral rib 4030 may extend from a front portion of the crown portion 4035 to a rear surface portion of the crown portion 4035 . The heel-side integral rib 4030 may extend from a position proximate to or at the front perimeter 4032 of the crown portion 4035 toward the heel-side perimeter 4031 of the crown portion 4035 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The toe-side integral rib 4025 and the heel-side integral rib 4030 may converge and then branch in the front-rear direction at the crown portion 4035 . The toe side integral rib 4025 may have a converging front portion and a diverging rear portion. The heel-side integral rib 4030 may have a converging front portion and a diverging rear portion. The top plurality of composite layers 4050 may be similar to the top plurality of composite layers 1850 described herein. The underlying plurality of composite layers 4055 may be similar to the underlying plurality of composite layers 1855 described herein. The outer layer 4010 may be similar to the outer layer 1810 described herein. The inner layer 4015 can be similar to the inner layer 1815 described herein. Crown portion 4035 may be integrated into any golf club head (eg, 100 ) described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

During fabrication of the crown portion 4035 , a plurality of composite layers 4014 , such as shown in FIG. 40 , may be placed in a contoured mold. Pressure may be applied to the composite layer 4014 to promote bonding of adjacent layers to form a contoured composite crown portion 4035 . Heat may be applied to layer 4014 to promote bonding of adjacent layers to form crown portion 4035 . Composite layer 4014 may be pressed against the contoured surface of the mold to create a raised central crown portion and a contour transition region adjacent the raised central crown portion. To ensure a smooth transition region adjacent the raised central crown portion, each subsequent composite layer in the stack of composite layers forming the crown reinforcement portion 4036 is progressive to create a smooth transition region in the fabricated crown portion 4035 . (in descending order on the stack). In the example shown in FIG. 40 , each composite layer of toe side integral rib 4025 may have a toe side width wT. Each composite layer of heel-side integral rib 4030 may have a heel-side width wH. In one example, the composite layer 4014 of the integral ribs 4025 or 4030 will have a width (eg, wH or wT) that is at least 1% greater than the adjacent composite layer 4014 of the integral ribs 4025 or 4030. can In another example, the composite layer 4014 of the integral ribs 4025 or 4030 will have a width (eg, wH or wT) that is at least 5% greater than the adjacent composite layer 4014 of the integral ribs 4025 or 4030. can In another example, the composite layer 4014 of the integral ribs 4025 or 4030 has a width (eg, wH or wT) that is at least 10% greater than the width of the adjacent composite layer 4014 of the integral ribs 4025 or 4030. can have In another example, the composite layer 4014 of the integral ribs 4025 or 4030 can have a width (wH or wT) that is at least 15% greater than the adjacent composite layer 3914 of the integral ribs 4025 or 4030. In another example, the composite layer 3914 of the integral ribs 4025 or 4030 can have a width (wH or wT) that is at least 30% greater than the adjacent composite layer 3914 of the integral ribs 4025 or 4030. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

41 is an exploded view of the layers of an exemplary crown portion 4135 prior to execution of a manufacturing process to create a contoured crown portion. In one example, crown portion 4135 may replace crown portion 135 in golf club head 100 of FIG. 1 . Crown portion 4135 may include an upper plurality of composite layers 4150 , an underlying plurality of composite layers 4155 , and a crown reinforcement portion 4136 between the upper and lower plurality of composite layers. The presence of the crown reinforcement portion 4136 may allow a lighter thin portion to be utilized adjacent the crown reinforcement portion 4136 , which may be a lighter or stronger crown than a crown portion having a uniform thickness (eg, 4835 ). A portion 4135 may be provided together. The thin portion may be any region of the crown portion 4135 that does not include the crown reinforcement portion 4136 . The crown reinforcement portion 4136 may include a toe side integrated rib 4125 and a heel side integrated rib 4130 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The toe-side integral rib 4125 may be disposed between the inner layer 4115 and the outer layer 4110 . The toe-side integral rib 4125 may be disposed between the plurality of upper composite layers 4150 and the plurality of lower composite layers 4155 . The toe side integral rib 4125 may include one or more layers of composite material 4114 . The toe side integral rib 4125 may include two or more layers of composite material 4114 . The toe-side integral rib 4125 may extend from a front portion of the crown portion 4135 to a rear surface portion of the crown portion. The toe-side integral rib 4125 may extend from a position proximate to or anterior perimeter portion 4132 of the crown portion 4135 to a position proximate to or posterior perimeter portion 4151 of the crown portion 4135 . The toe-side integral rib 4125 extends from a location at or proximate to the front perimeter portion 4132 of the crown portion 4135 towards the toe-side perimeter portion 4133 of the crown portion 4135 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The heel-side integral rib 4130 may be disposed between the inner layer 4115 and the outer layer 4110 . The heel-side integral rib 4130 may be disposed between the plurality of upper composite layers 4150 and the plurality of lower composite layers 4155 . The heel side integral rib 4130 may include one or more layers of composite material 4114 . The heel side integral rib 4130 may include two or more layers of composite material 4114 . The heel side integral rib 4130 may extend from a front portion of the crown portion 4135 to a rear surface portion of the crown portion. The heel-side integral rib 4130 may extend from a location at or proximate to the front perimeter 4132 of the crown portion 4135 to a location at or proximate to the rear perimeter 4151 of the crown portion 4135 . The heel-side integral rib 4130 extends toward the heel-side perimeter portion 4131 of the crown portion 4135 from a position at or proximate to the front perimeter portion 4132 of the crown portion 4135 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The toe-side integral rib 4125 and the heel-side integral rib 4130 may diverge and then converge in the front-rear direction at the crown portion 4135 . The toe side integral rib 4125 may have a diverging front portion and a converging rear portion. The heel-side integral rib 4130 may have a diverging front portion and a converging rear portion. The overlying plurality of composite layers 4150 may be similar to the overlying plurality of composite layers 1850 described herein. The underlying plurality of composite layers 4155 may be similar to the underlying plurality of composite layers 1855 described herein. The outer layer 4110 may be similar to the outer layer 1810 described herein. The inner layer 4115 may be similar to the inner layer 1815 described herein. Crown portion 4135 may be incorporated into any golf club head described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

During fabrication of the crown portion 4135 , a plurality of composite layers 4114 as shown in FIG. 41 may be placed in a contoured mold. Pressure may be applied to the composite layer 4114 to promote bonding of adjacent layers to form a contoured composite crown portion 4135 . Heat may be applied to composite layer 4114 to promote bonding of adjacent layers to form crown portion 4035 . Composite layer 4114 may be pressed against the contoured surface of the mold to create a raised central crown portion and a contour transition region adjacent the raised central crown portion. To ensure a smooth transition region adjacent the raised central crown portion, create a smooth transition region in the crown portion 4135 from which each subsequent composite layer in the stack of composite layers forming the crown reinforcement portion 4136 is fabricated. It can be widened gradually (descending in the stack). As shown in FIG. 41 , each composite layer of toe-side integral rib 4125 may have a toe-side width wT. Each composite layer of the heel-side integral rib 4130 may have a heel-side width wH. In one example, the composite layer 4114 of integral ribs (eg, 4125, 4130) can have a width (eg, wH or wT) that is at least 1% greater than the adjacent composite layer 4114 of the integral ribs. In another example, the composite layer 4114 of the integral ribs 4125 or 4130 will have a width (eg, wH or wT) that is at least 5% greater than the adjacent composite layer 4114 of the integral ribs 4125 or 4130. can In another example, the composite layer 4114 of the integral ribs 4125 or 4130 has a width (eg, wH or wT) that is at least 10% greater than the width of the adjacent composite layer 4114 of the integral ribs 4125 or 4130. ) can have In another example, the composite layer 4114 of the integral ribs 4125 or 4130 can have a width (wH or wT) that is at least 15% greater than the adjacent composite layer 1514 of the integral ribs 4125 or 4130. For example, the composite layer 4114 of the integral ribs 4125 or 4130 can have a width (wH or wT) that is at least 30% greater than the adjacent composite layer 4114 of the integral ribs 4125 or 4130. The manufacturing method described herein is not limited in this regard.

The body portion 110 may include, for example, a protruding portion 141 as shown in FIG. 2 . The protruding portion 141 serves to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 100 . The protruding portion 141 serves to move the center of gravity rearward from the face portion 175 toward the rear portion 180 . The protruding portion 141 may have an arcuate shape that follows the contour of the posterior surface portion 180 of the body portion 110 . The protruding portion 141 may extend from the skirt portion 190 . The protruding portion 141 may extend from the bottom portion 140 . The protruding portion 141 may extend from the rear portion 180 . The protruding portion 141 may extend from the bottom portion 140 and the skirt portion 190 , and the protruding portion 141 may extend from the back portion 180 and the bottom portion 140 . The protruding portion 141 may extend from the rear portion 180 and the skirt portion. The protruding portion 141 may extend from the bottom portion 140 , the skirt portion 190 , and the rear face portion 180 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The protruding portion 141 may extend a distance 746 beyond the rear perimeter 951 of the crown portion 135 as shown in FIG. 7 . In one example, the protruding portion 141 may extend rearwardly beyond the rear perimeter 951 of the crown portion 135 by a distance of at least 2 mm. In another example, the protruding portion 141 may extend rearwardly beyond the rear perimeter 951 of the crown portion 135 by a distance of at least 3 mm. In another example, the protruding portion 141 may extend rearwardly by a distance of at least 5 mm past the rear perimeter 951 of the crown portion 135 . The protruding portion 141 may be located within the rear half of the golf club head 100 . The protruding portion 141 may extend from the toe portion 150 to the heel portion 160 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The protruding portion 141 may include a toe side portion 281 proximate to the toe portion 150 . The toe side portion 281 of the protruding portion 141 may include a toe side perimeter portion 283 that extends from the protruding portion 141 to the floor. The protruding portion 141 may include a heel side 282 proximate the heel portion 160 . The heel-side portion 282 of the protruding portion 141 may include a heel-side peripheral portion 284 extending from the protruding portion 141 to the floor. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The neutral axis 706 of the golf club head 100 may intersect the protruding portion 141 as shown in FIG. 7 . A portion of the protruding portion 141 may be located above the neutral axis 706 . A portion of the protruding portion 141 may be located below the neutral axis 706 . The protruding portion 141 may be concave with respect to the front vertical surface 715 . The protruding portion 141 may be concave with respect to the front portion 170 . The protruding portion 141 may be concave with respect to the face portion 175 . The protruding portion 141 may coincide with the contour of the rear face portion 180 . The protruding portion 141 may have a bottom. The protruding portion 141 may have a bottom surface 290 defining a first plane parallel to a second plane, wherein the second plane includes the neutral axis 706 and is perpendicular to the central vertical plane 1504 . . The protruding portion 141 may be located within the rear third of the golf club head. The protruding portion 141 may be positioned below the horizontal central plane 705 of the golf club head 100 . The horizontal central plane 705 may be parallel to and vertically offset to the ground plane 710 . The geometric center 176 may correspond to the midpoint of the face portion 175 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Due to the location and mass of the protruding portion 141 , the golf club head 100 may have a relatively low CG compared to other golf club heads. A low CG height can produce relatively low ball spin, which may be desirable for some individuals. In one example, the CG may be located along or proximate to the neutral axis 706 of the golf club head 100 . In another example, the CG may be positioned below the neutral axis 706 as shown in FIG. 7 . The CG may be located below the neutral axis 706 and within 0.2 inches. The CG may be positioned between about 0.1 inches and about 0.2 inches below the neutral axis 706 . The CG may be positioned at least 0.1 inches below the neutral axis 706 . The CG may be positioned at least 0.15 inches below the neutral axis 706 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The protruding portion 141 may include one or more weight port areas. Each weight port area may include one or more weight pots. In one example, the protruding portion 141 may include a weight port area 230 . The weight port area 230 may be formed on the bottom surface 290 of the protruding portion. Weight port area 230 may include a set of weight ports 231 (eg, shown generally as weight ports 232 , 233 , 234 , 235 , 236 , 237 ). At least one weight port may be formed on the toe side portion 281 of the protruding portion 141 . Two or more weight ports may be formed on the toe side portion 281 of the protruding portion 141 . A weight port may be formed in the heel side portion 282 of the protrusion. Two or more weight ports may be formed in the heel side portion 282 of the protrusion. Three or more weight ports may be formed on the heel side portion 282 of the protrusion. Weight port 231 may be arranged along arc 245 . The arc 245 may follow the contour of the back portion 180 . Arc 245 may be concave with respect to anterior vertical plane 715 . The weight port area 230 may extend more than 50% of the maximum toe-heel club head distance. . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 100 may include a plurality of weight portions, represented by a set of weight portions 261 (generally indicated as weight portions 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , 266 , 267 ). One or more weight ports of weight port set 231 may receive weight portions. Each weight portion may be associated with a mass. In one example, the weight portion may be made of a tungsten based material. In another example, the weight portion may be made of an aluminum-based material. In another example, one or more weight ports of the set of weight ports 231 may not include a weight portion. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As shown in FIG. 13 , one or more weight ports (eg, 233 , 236 ) may include an opening that accesses the interior volume of the golf club head 100 , which may include an interior of the golf club head 100 . It can facilitate adding filling material to the volume. In one example, the interior volume of the golf club head 100 may be completely filled with a filling material. In another example, the interior volume of golf club head 100 may be partially filled with a filling material. In another example, the interior volume of the golf club head may not be filled with the filling material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Filling materials include elastomeric or elastomeric materials (e.g., viscoelastic urethane polymeric materials such as Sorbothane® materials manufactured by Sorbothane, Inc., Kent, Ohio), thermoplastic elastomeric materials (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane materials (TPU) and/or other suitable types of materials for absorbing shocks, isolating vibrations, and reducing noise. In another example, the filler material is a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer comprising a magnesium ionomer, a conventional Injection moldable ethylene copolymers that can be used in a variety of shapes for use in the injection molding equipment of It may be an ethylene copolymer having elasticity. For example, the ethylene copolymer may be a material of the DuPont™ HPF (High Performance Resin) series manufactured by EI du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware, such as DuPont™ HPF AD1172. , DuPont™ HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000 and DuPont™ HPF 2000). The DuPont™ HPF family of ethylene copolymers are injection moldable, compatible with existing injection molding equipment and molds, and offer low compression and high resilience. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

properties (e.g., density, shape, volume, size, color, dimension, depth, diameter, material of construction, mass, method of formation, etc.) and/or other characteristics of each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions and each weight portion of the plurality of weight ports. The weight port may be similar for any weight portion and weight port of any golf club head, respectively, described herein. In one example, the weight port and weight portion of the golf club head of FIGS. 1-14 each have a larger dimension (eg, length, width, diameter) than any of the weight port and/or weight portion described herein. , depth, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

A set of weight portions 261 (eg, generally shown as weight portions 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , 266 , 267 ) may have similar or different masses. By using weight portions with similar or different masses in each weight port, the total mass of weight port area 230 and/or the mass distribution of weight port area 230 is generally determined by the swing weight, center of gravity, moment of inertia and and/or may be adjusted to optimize and/or adjust the overall feel of the golf club head 100 for an individual using the golf club head 100 . In one example, the set of weight portions 261 may collectively have a mass of at least 8 grams. In another example, the set of weight portions 261 may collectively have a mass of at least 12 grams. In another example, the set of weight portions 261 may collectively have a mass between 8 grams and 13 grams. In another example, the set of weight portions 261 may collectively have a mass between 12 g and 16 g. In another example, the set of weight portions 261 may collectively have a mass between 15 g and 19 g. In another example, the set of weight portions 261 may collectively have a mass between 18 g and 22 g. Although the examples above may describe a specific mass, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a set of weight portions 261 having a total mass of less than 8 grams or a total mass greater than 19 grams. . Further, the protruding portion 141 may have a mass of at least 15 g in combination with the set of weight portions 261 . In another example, the protruding portion 141 may have a mass of at least 18 grams in combination with the set of weight portions 261 . In another example, the protruding portion 141 may have a mass of at least 24 grams in combination with the set of weight portions 261 . While the above examples may illustrate a specific mass, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a protruding portion 141 along with a set of weight portions 261 to have a total mass of less than 15 grams. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The one or more weight ports 231 may have a vertical, backward tilted axis. As shown by way of example in FIG. 9 , the weight port 236 can have an axis 936 that is vertically tilted backwards by an angle 938 . The rear inclined orientation of the weight port 236 with respect to the front vertical plane 715 is such that the weight portion 266 is positioned lower than if the weight portion 236 was perpendicular to the bottom portion 140 . A rearwardly tilted orientation of the weight 236 may lower the CG of the golf club head 100 . The backward tilted orientation 236 of the weight may move the CG of the golf club head 100 rearward. In one example, angle 938 may be at least 5 degrees. In another example, angle 938 may be at least 10 degrees. In another example, angle 938 may be at least 15 degrees. Although the above examples may illustrate specific angles, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture may include a weight port 236 having a rearwardly tilted orientation of less than 5 degrees. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The outer surface 142 and/or the inner surface 144 of the bottom portion 140 may include one or more inner support portions (not shown) and/or one or more outer support portions (not shown). The bottom portion 140 may have a thickness 145 of less than 1 mm. The bottom portion 140 may have a thickness 145 of less than 0.7 mm. The bottom portion 140 may have a thickness 145 of less than 0.6 mm. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Certain regions within the body portion 110 of the golf club head 100 may include an elastomeric material or an elastomeric material, which may be referred to herein as a filler material. The filling material may dampen vibrations, dampen noise, lower the center of gravity and/or provide a better feel and sound in response to the golf club head 100 hitting a golf ball. Golf club head 100 may have one or more interior regions that may include a fill material as described herein. In one example, the filler material is fed from one or more weight ports (eg, generally shown as weight ports 232 , 233 , 234 , 235 , 236 , 237 ) into body portion 110 as described herein. can be injected. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Crown portion 135 is shown in relation to, but not limited to, a driver-type golf club head in certain figures. Crown portion 135 may be sized for use in, for example, a hybrid golf club as shown in FIGS. 19-26 and a fairway wood-type golf club as shown in FIGS. 27-34, for example. can Any golf club head described herein may include a crown portion having a crown reinforcement portion as described herein. Any golf club head described herein may include a crown portion having one or more integral ribs as described herein. Any golf club head described herein may include a crown portion having a toe side crown portion and a heel side crown portion as described herein. Any golf club head described herein may include a crown portion having a central crown portion, a toe-side crown portion, and a heel-side crown portion as described herein. Any golf club head described herein may include a crown portion having one or more contoured transition regions as described herein. Any golf club head described herein may include a multi-stage crown portion described herein. Any of the golf club heads described herein may include a raised central crown portion as described herein. Any golf club head described herein may include a crown portion having a multi-layer composite structure as described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

19-26 and 37, hybrid golf club head 1900 has a body portion 1910 and an upper portion 1930, a crown portion 1935, a bottom portion 1940, a toe portion 1950, It may include a heel portion 1960 and a front portion 1970 . The bottom portion 1940 is defined as the side portion of the golf club head 1900 between the top portion 1930 and the bottom portion 1940 excluding the front portion 1970 , and extends across the perimeter of the skirt portion 1990 . It may include a skirt portion 1990 that becomes Golf club head 1900 moves from toe portion 1950 around back portion 1980 and to heel portion 1960 . Optionally, golf club head 1900 may not include skirt portion 1990 . The front portion 1970 may include a face portion 1975 for engaging a golf ball (not shown). Face portion 1975 may be integrated into body portion 1910 or may be a separate face portion coupled (eg, welded) to front portion 1970 to enclose an opening in front portion 1970 . Body portion 1910 may also include a hosel portion 1965 configured to receive a shaft portion. Hosel portion 1965 may be similar in many respects to any hosel portion described herein. The hosel portion 1965 may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve. Optionally, body portion 1910 may include a bore in lieu of hosel portion 1965 . Body portion 1910 may be partially or wholly made of any of the materials described herein. Further, golf club head 1900 may be any type of golf club head having a club head volume similar to that of any golf club head described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The upper portion 1930 can include a front portion 1911 extending between the front portion 1970 and the crown portion 1935 . In one example, the anterior portion 1911 may extend a distance 2434 of at least 12 mm in a forward to posterior direction. In another example, the front portion 1911 can extend a distance 2434 of at least 16 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. In another example, the front portion 1911 can extend a distance 2434 of at least 20 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. While the above examples may illustrate certain distances, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a front portion extending a distance of less than 12 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. The front portion 1911 may improve the structural integrity of the golf club head 1900 and resist rearward deflection of the front portion 1970 during impact with a golf ball. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Crown portion 1935 may include a central crown portion 1931 . Crown portion 1935 may include toeside crown portion 1932 . Crown portion 1935 may include heel-side crown portion 1933 . Separate the central crown portion 1931 and the toe side crown portion 1932 . The second contour conversion region 1922 may separate the central crown portion 1931 and the heel-side crown portion 1933 . Crown portion 1935 includes a central integral rib 1915 , a toe side integral rib 1916 , and a heel side integral rib 1917 . A central integral rib 1915 may be disposed within the crown portion 1935 proximate the anterior perimeter 1903 of the crown portion. The toe-side integral rib 1916 may be disposed within the crown portion 1935 proximate the first contour transition region 1921 . -The lateral crown portion 1932 may be bounded by an anterior perimeter 1903 of the crown portion 1935 , a toe perimeter 1901 of the crown portion, and a first contour transition region 1921 . The heel-side crown portion 1933 includes a front perimeter 1903 , a heel-side perimeter 1902 of the crown portion, and a second contour transition region 1922 . A central crown portion 1931 may extend between the first contour transition region 1921 and the second contour transition region 1922 . Central crown portion 2731 may be bounded by a posterior perimeter 1904 of the crown portion. In one example, the central crown portion 1931 may have a surface area greater than two square inches. In another example, the central crown portion 1931 may have a surface area of between 2 and 4 square inches. In another example, the central crown portion 1931 may have a surface area of between 2.2 and 3.5 square inches. In another example, the central crown portion 1931 may have a surface area between 2.5 and 3.2 square inches. In one example, the toe side crown portion 1932 may have a surface area of between 0.2 and 1.5 square inches. In another example, the toe side crown portion 1932 may have a surface area of between 0.2 and 1.2 square inches. In another example, the toe side crown portion 1932 may have a surface area of between 0.3 and 0.8 square inches. In another example, the toe side crown portion 1932 may have a surface area of between 0.4 and 0.5 square inches. Although the above examples may illustrate specific surface areas, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a toe-side crown portion 1932 having a surface area greater than four square inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 37 , the hybrid golf club head 1900 is shown before the crown portion 1935 is attached. Crown portion 1935 may be attached to shoulder portion 3701 of upper portion 1930 . The shoulder portion 3701 may extend along all or a portion. Shoulder portion 3701 may support crown portion 1935 . In one example, the shoulder portion 3701 can extend a distance 3702 of at least 2 mm inward toward the opening of the upper portion 1930 . For example, shoulder portion 3701 can extend distance 3702 of at least 6 mm. In another example, shoulder portion 3701 can extend distance 3702 of at least 8 mm. In another example, shoulder portion 3701 can extend distance 3702 between 2 mm and 8 mm. While the above examples may illustrate certain distances, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein include a shoulder portion 3701 extending a distance 3702 of less than 2 mm inward toward an opening in the upper portion 1930 . may include Optionally, shoulder portion 3701 may include one or more individual shoulder portions arranged to support crown portion 1935 . In another example, shoulder portion 3701 can include a plurality of tabs arranged. In another example, shoulder portion 3701 may be omitted, and crown portion 1935 may be attached to an outer surface of upper portion 1930 or an inner surface of upper portion 1930 . As another example, shoulder portion 3701 may be omitted, and crown portion 1935 may include a projection extending from a bottom surface of crown portion 1935 . Provide an interference fit with the peripheral edge of the opening. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As shown in FIG. 37 , an insert 3750 may be provided within the interior region of the golf club head 1900 . The insert 3750 may attenuate vibrations in the golf club head 1900 caused by the impact with the golf ball, thereby improving the sound or feel perceived by the individual. Insert 3750 may be an elastomeric or elastomeric material (eg, 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 other suitable types of materials for absorbing shock, isolating vibration, and/or reducing noise. In another example, insert 3750 comprises a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer comprising a magnesium ionomer, It may be an injection moldable ethylene copolymer. High compressibility and low elasticity similar to ethylene copolymers that can be used in conventional injection molding equipment to create various shapes, ethylene copolymers that can be used in conventional extrusion equipment to create various shapes, and/or thermosetting polybutadiene rubbers ethylene copolymers having For example, ethylene copolymers are made from the DuPont™ HPF (High Performance Resins) family of materials manufactured by EI du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware, such as DuPont™ HPF AD1172, DuPont™ HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000 and DuPont™ HPF 2000). The DuPont™ HPF family of ethylene copolymers are injection moldable, compatible with existing injection molding equipment and molds, and offer low compression and high resilience. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The insert 3750 is bonded to, attached to, and attached to the golf club head 1900 by a bonding portion (not shown) to improve adhesion and/or mitigate delamination between the insert and the body portion of the golf club head 1900. / or can be connected. In one example, insert 3750 may bond, attach, and/or connect to an interior surface of bottom portion 1940 . The bonding moiety may be a bonding agent, an epoxy, a combination of bonding agents, a bonding structure or attachment device, a combination of bonding structures and/or attachment devices, and/or a combination of one or more binders, one or more bonding structures and/or one or more attachment devices. can In one example, the binding moiety can be a low-viscosity, organic, solvent-based solution and/or dispersion of a polymer and/or other reactive compound such as a MEGUM™, ROBOND™ and/or THIXON™ material manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company, Auburn Hills, Michigan. have. In another example, the bonding portion may be a LOCTITE® material manufactured by Henkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 1900 may include a set of weight ports (eg, 2032-2039) located on bottom portion 1940 of golf club head 1900. Each weight pot may include a weight portion (eg, 2070-2077). The set of weight ports may include a first plurality of weight ports 2001 , a second plurality of weight ports 2002 , and a third plurality of weight ports 2003 . The second set of weight ports 2002 may be located closer to the heel portion 1960 than the toe portion 1950 . The second set of weight ports 2002 may be located closer to the rear portion 1980 than the front portion 1970 . The set of weight ports 2002 may be located closer to the back portion 1980 than the first set of weight ports 2001 . A first set of weight pots (2001). A third set of weight ports 2003 may be located closer to the toe portion 1950 than the heel portion 1960 . A third set of weight ports 2003 may be located closer to the rear portion 1980 than to the front. may be located closer together. The third set of weight ports 2003 may have weight ports closer to the heel portion 1960 than any. A weight pot of a first set of weight ports 2001. The first set of weight ports 2001 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of at least about 3.5 grams. The first set of weight ports 2001 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of about 4 grams or greater. The second set of weight ports 2002 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of at least about 0.5 grams. The second set of weight ports 2002 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of at least about 0.75 grams. The third set of weight ports 2003 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of about 0.5 grams or greater. The third set of weight ports 2003 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of at least about 0.75 grams. The second set of weight ports 2002 and the third set of weight ports 2003 may collectively have the same number of weight ports as the first set of weight ports 2001 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

37 , insert 3750 may extend from a first set of weight ports 2001 toward a rear surface portion 1980 of golf club head 1900 . The insert 3750 may extend from the first set of weight ports 2001 to the back surface portion 1980 of the golf club head. Insert 3750 may extend between the second set of weight ports 2002 and the third set of weight ports 2003 . Insert 3750 may include a plurality of hexagonal holes that extend through or partially through the thickness of insert 3750 . Hexagonal holes may be arranged on the insert 3750 to define a pattern similar to a honeycomb pattern. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIGS. 27-34 and 38 , a fairway wood type golf club head 2700 has a body portion 2710 and an upper portion 2730, a crown portion 2735, a lower portion 2740, a toe portion 2750, A heel portion 2760 may include a front portion. Bottom portion 2740 is defined as the side portion of golf club head 2700 between bottom portion 2740 and top portion 2730 excluding front portion 2770 , and from toe portion 2750 to rear portion 2780 . may include a skirt portion 2790 that extends across the perimeter of the golf club head 2700 , around and to the heel portion 2760 . Optionally, golf club head 2700 may not include skirt portion 2790 . The front portion 2770 may include a face portion 2775 that engages (not shown) a golf ball. Face portion 2775 may be integrated into body portion 2710 or may be a separate face portion that is coupled (eg, welded) to front portion 2770 to enclose an opening in front portion 2770 . Body portion 2710 may also include a hosel portion 2765 configured to receive a shaft portion. Hosel portion 2765 may be similar in many respects to any hosel portion described herein. The hosel portion 2765 may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve. Optionally, body portion 2710 may include a bore in place of hosel portion 2765 . Body portion 2710 may be made partially or wholly from any of the materials described herein. Further, golf club head 2700 may be any type of golf club head having a club head volume similar to that of any golf club head described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Upper portion 2730 may include a front portion 2711 extending between front portion 2770 and crown portion 2735 . In one example, the front portion 2711 can extend a distance 3234 of at least 12 mm in a front to rear direction. In another example, the front portion 1911 can extend a distance 3234 of at least 16 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. In another example, the front portion 2711 can extend a distance 3234 of at least 20 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. While the above examples may illustrate certain distances, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a front portion extending a distance of less than 12 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. The front portion 2711 may improve the structural integrity of the golf club head 2700 and resist rearward deflection of the front portion 2770 during impact with a golf ball. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Crown portion 2735 may include a central crown portion 2731 . Crown portion 2735 may include toeside crown portion 2732 . Crown portion 2735 may include heel-side crown portion 2733 . Separate the central crown portion 2731 and the toe side crown portion 2732 . The second contour conversion region 2722 may separate the central crown portion 2731 and the heel-side crown portion 2733 . Crown portion 2735 may include a central integral rib 2715 . Crown portion 2735 may include a right-side integral rib 2716 . Crown portion 2735 may include a heel-side integral rib 2717 . A central integral rib 2715 may be disposed within the crown portion 2735 proximate the anterior perimeter 2703 of the crown portion. The toe side integral rib 2716 may be disposed within the crown portion 2735 proximate the first contour transition region 2721 . The methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The central crown portion 2731 may extend between the first contour transition region 2721 and the second contour transformation region 2722 . Central crown portion 2731 may be bounded by a posterior perimeter portion 2704 of crown portion 2735 . The central crown portion 2731 may be raised relative to the toe side crown portion 2732 . The central crown portion 2731 may be raised relative to the heel side crown portion 2733 . In one example, the central crown portion 2731 may have a surface area greater than three square inches. In another example, the central crown portion 2731 may have a surface area of between 2.5 and 6 square inches. In another example, the central crown portion 2731 may have a surface area of between 3.0 and 4.5 square inches. In another example, the central crown portion 2731 may have a surface area of between 3.2 and 4.2 square inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The toe side crown portion 2732 may be bounded by an anterior perimeter portion 2703 of the crown portion 2735 . The lateral crown portion 2732 may be bounded by a first contour transition region 2721 . In one example, the toe-side crown portion 2732 may have a surface area of between 0.4 and 2.3 square inches. In another example, the toe side crown portion 2732 may have a surface area of between 0.8 and 1.5 square inches. In another example, the toe side crown portion 2732 may have a surface area between 1.0 and 1.4 square inches. In another example, the toe side crown portion 2732 may have a surface area between 1.1 and 1.3 square inches. While the above examples may illustrate specific surface areas, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a toe-side crown portion 2732 having a surface area greater than 2.3 square inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The heel side crown portion 2733 may be bounded by an anterior perimeter 2703 of the crown portion 2735 . The heel-side crown portion 2733 may be bounded by a heel-side perimeter 2702 of the crown portion 2735 . The lateral crown portion 2733 may be bounded by a second contour transition region 2722 . In one example, the heel-side crown portion 2733 may have a surface area of less than two square inches. In another example, the heel-side crown portion 2733 may have a surface area between 0.2 and 1 square inch. In another example, the heel-side crown portion 2733 may have a surface area of between 0.2 and 0.8 square inches. In another example, the heel-side crown portion 2733 may have a surface area between 0.3 and 0.6 square inches. While the above examples may illustrate specific surface areas, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a heel-side crown portion 2733 having a surface area greater than two square inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

38 , an insert 3850 may be provided within the interior region of the golf club head 2700 . The insert 3850 attenuates vibrations within the golf club head 2700 due to impact with the golf ball, thereby improving the sound or feel perceived by the individual. Insert 3850 may be made of an elastomeric or elastomeric material (eg, a viscoelastic urethane polymer material such as Sorbothane® material manufactured by Sorbothane, Inc., Kent, Ohio), a thermoplastic elastomeric material (TPE), or a thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU). and/or any other suitable type of material for absorbing shock, isolating vibration, and/or reducing noise. In another example, insert 3850 is a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer comprising a magnesium ionomer, Injection Moldable Ethylene copolymers that can be used in conventional injection molding equipment to create a variety of shapes, ethylene copolymers that can be used in conventional extrusion equipment to create a variety of shapes, and/or have high compressibility and similar properties to thermosetting polybutadiene rubber and ethylene copolymers having low elasticity. For example, ethylene copolymers are made from the DuPont™ HPF (High Performance Resins) family of materials manufactured by EI du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware, such as DuPont™ HPF AD1172, DuPont™ HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000 and DuPont™ HPF 2000). The DuPont™ HPF family of ethylene copolymers are injection moldable, compatible with existing injection molding equipment and molds, and offer low compression and high resilience. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The insert 3850 is bonded to, attached to, and attached to the golf club head 2700 by a bonding portion (not shown) to improve adhesion and/or mitigate delamination between the insert and the body portion of the golf club head 2700. / or can be connected. In one example, insert 3850 may bond, attach, and/or connect to an interior surface of bottom portion 2740 . The bonding moiety may be a binder, an epoxy, a combination of binders, a bonding structure or attachment device, a combination of a bonding structure and/or an attachment device, and/or a combination of one or more binders, one or more bonding structures and/or one or more attachment devices. can In one example, the bonding moiety can be a low-viscosity, organic, solvent-based solution and/or dispersion of a polymer and/or other reactive compound such as a MEGUM™, ROBOND™ and/or THIXON™ material manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company, Auburn Hills, Michigan. have. In another example, the bonding portion may be a LOCTITE® material manufactured by Henkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 2700 may include a set of weight ports (eg, 2832 - 2839 ) located on bottom portion 2740 of golf club head 2700 . The set of weight ports may include a first plurality of weight ports 2801 . The set of weight ports may include a second plurality of weight ports 2802 . The set of weight ports may include a third plurality of weight ports 2803 . Each weight port of the set of weight ports may include a weight portion (eg, 2865-2872). The first set of weight ports 2801 may be located closer to the front portion 2770 than the rear portion 2780 . The second set of weight ports 2802 may be located closer to the heel portion 2760 than the toe portion 2750 . Second Set of Weight Ports At least one weight port of the second set of weight ports 2802 may be located closer to the heel portion 2760 than any of the weight ports of the first set of weight ports. The second set of weight ports 2802 may be located closer to the heel portion 2760 than any of the weight ports of the first set of weight ports 2801 . The third set of weight ports 2803 may be located closer to the toe portion 2750 The third set of weight ports 2803 may be located closer to the back portion 2780 than the front portion 2770 . At least one weight port of the third set of weight ports 2803 may be located closer to the toe portion 2750 than any of the weight ports of the first set of weight ports 2801 . The third set of weight ports 2803 may be located closer to the toe portion 2750 than any of the weight ports of the first set of weight ports 2801 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The first set of weight ports 2801 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of at least about 3.5 grams. The first set of weight ports 2801 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of about 4 grams or greater. The second set of weight ports 2802 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of at least about 0.5 grams. The second set of weight ports 2802 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of about 0.75 grams or greater. The third set of weight ports 2803 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of about 0.5 grams or greater. The third set of weight ports 2803 may include one or more weight portions having a mass of at least about 0.75 grams. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

38 , insert 3850 may extend from a first set of weight ports 2801 towards a rear surface portion 2780 of golf club head 2700 . Insert 3850 may extend between the second set of weight ports 2802 and the third set of weight ports. Insert 3850 may have a front face 3851 that abuts the first set of weight ports 2801 . The insert 3850 can have a back surface 3852 that extends between the second set of weight ports 2802 and the third set of weight ports 2803 . The back surface 3852 of the insert 3850 may extend into a first set of weight ports 2801 , a second set of weight ports 2802 , and a third set of weight ports 2803 . have. Insert 3850 comprising a plurality of hexagons may include a plurality of hexagonal holes that extend through or partially through the thickness of insert 3850 . A plurality of hexagonal holes may be arranged on the insert 3850 to define a pattern similar to a honeycomb pattern. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 35 , golf club head 3500 is shown prior to attachment of the crown portion to body portion 3510 . The body portion 3510 may include a top portion 3530 , a bottom portion 3540 , a toe portion 3550 , a heel portion 3560 , and a front portion. The bottom portion 3540 is defined as the side portion of the golf club head 3500 between the bottom portion 3540 and the top portion 3530 excluding the front portion 3570 , the golf club head 3500 being the toe portion 3550 . ) to around the back portion 3580 and to the heel portion 3560 . Optionally, golf club head 3500 may not include a skirt portion. Front portion 3570 may include a face portion that engages a golf ball. The face portion may be integrated into the body portion 3510 or may be a separate face portion coupled (eg, welded) to the front portion 3570 to enclose an opening in the front portion 3570 . Body portion 3510 may also include a hosel portion 3565 configured to receive a shaft portion (not shown). Hosel portion 3565 may be similar in many respects to any hosel portion described herein. The hosel portion 3565 may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve. Optionally, body portion 3510 may include a bore in place of hosel portion 3565 . Body portion 3510 may be made partially or wholly from any of the materials described herein. Further, golf club head 3500 may be any type of golf club head having a club head volume similar to that of any golf club head described herein. In one example, the golf club head may have a club head volume of less than 460 cubic centimeters. In another example, a golf club head may have a club head volume greater than 460 cubic centimeters. In another example, a golf club head may have a club head volume greater than 500 cubic centimeters. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The upper portion 3530 may include a front portion 3511 . In one example, the front portion 3511 may extend a distance 3515 of at least 12 mm in the anterior-posterior direction. In another example, the front portion 3511 may extend a distance 3515 of at least 16 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. In another example, the front portion 3511 may extend a distance 3515 of at least 20 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. While the above examples may illustrate certain distances, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a front portion extending a distance of less than 12 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. The front portion 3511 may improve the structural integrity of the golf club head 3500 and resist rearward deflection of the front portion 3570 during impact with a golf ball. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 3500 may include a crown portion similar to any of the crown portions described herein (eg, 135, 3935, 4035, 4135). The crown portion may include one or more integral ribs. The crown portion may include one or more thin portions. The crown portion may include one or more crown strengthening regions. The crown portion may be a separate piece that may be attached to the upper portion 3530 . A crown portion may surround a top opening of the upper portion 3530 . In one example, the crown portion may be constructed at least in part from a composite material, such as a fiber-based composite material. The crown portion may be attached to the shoulder portion 3512 of the upper portion 3530 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Shoulder portion 3512 may extend along a top opening of the upper portion. The shoulder portion 3512 may support the crown portion. In one example, the shoulder portion 3512 may extend a distance 3513 of at least 2 mm inward toward the upper opening of the upper portion 3530 . In another example, shoulder portion 3512 may extend distance 3513 of at least 6 mm. In another example, shoulder portion 3512 may extend distance 3513 of at least 8 mm. Although the above examples may illustrate specific distances, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a shoulder portion 3512 , wherein the shoulder portion 3512 is inward toward the opening of the upper portion 3530 . can extend the distance less than 2mm. Shoulder portion 3512 may optionally include one or more individual shoulder portions arranged to support a crown portion. In another example, shoulder portion 3512 may include a plurality of tabs arranged to support the crown portion. In another example, the shoulder portion 3512 may be omitted and the crown portion may be adhered to the outer surface of the upper portion 3530 . In another example, the shoulder portion 3512 may be omitted, and the crown portion may include a projection extending from a bottom surface of the crown portion that provides an interference fit with the peripheral edge of the opening. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 3500 may include a set of weight ports (eg, 3532 - 3536 ) on bottom portion 3540 . The weight port may be located proximate the rear portion. The weight ports may be arranged in rows extending from the toe portion 3550 to the heel portion 3560 . The row may be a concave arc with respect to the front portion 3570 . The row may be an arc that follows the contour of the back. Each weight port may be configured to receive a weight portion. One or more weight ports (eg, 3532 - 3536 ) may include openings suitable for introducing filler into the interior volume of golf club head 3500 . The filler may be similar to any of the filler materials described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The golf club head 3500 may include an insert 3545 similar in material to any of the inserts described herein. 35 , the insert 3545 may be positioned on the inner surface of the bottom portion 3540 of the golf club head 3500 . Insert 3545 may be adjacent to one or more weight ports. Insert 3545 may contact one or more weight ports. Insert 3545 may damp vibrations from one or more weight ports. Insert 3545 can damp vibrations from bottom portion 3540 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 36 , the golf club head 3600 is shown prior to attaching the crown portion to the body portion 3610 . The body portion 3610 may include a top portion 3630 , a bottom portion 3640 , a toe portion 3650 , a heel portion 3660 , a front portion 3670 , and a back portion 3680 . Bottom portion 3640 is defined as the side portion of golf club head 3600 between top portion 3630 and bottom portion 3640 excluding front portion 3570 and from toe portion 3650 to rear portion 3680. and a skirt portion extending across the circumference of the golf club head 3600 to the perimeter and to the heel portion 3660 . Optionally, golf club head 3600 may not include a skirt portion. Front portion 3670 may include a face portion that engages a golf ball. The face portion may be integrated into the body portion 3610 or may be a separate face portion coupled (eg, welded) to the front portion 3670 to surround the opening of the front portion 3570 . Body portion 3610 may also include a hosel portion 3665 configured to receive a shaft portion (not shown). Hosel portion 3665 may be similar in many respects to any hosel portion described herein. The hosel portion 3665 may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve. Optionally, body portion 3610 may include a bore in place of hosel portion 3665 . Body portion 3610 may be made partially or wholly from any of the materials described herein. Further, golf club head 3600 may be any type of golf club head having a club head volume similar to that of any golf club head described herein. In one example, the golf club head may have a club head volume of less than 460 cubic centimeters. In another example, a golf club head may have a club head volume greater than 460 cubic centimeters. In another example, a golf club head may have a club head volume greater than 500 cubic centimeters. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The upper portion 3630 may include a front portion 3611 . In one example, the anterior portion 3611 may extend a distance 3615 of at least 12 mm in the anterior-posterior direction.

In another example, the front portion 3611 can extend a distance 3615 of at least 16 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. In another example, the front portion 3611 can extend a distance 3615 of at least 20 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. While the above examples may illustrate certain distances, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a front portion extending a distance of less than 12 mm in the fore-and-aft direction. The front portion 3611 may improve the structural integrity of the golf club head 3600 and resist rearward deflection of the front portion 3670 during impact with a golf ball. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 3600 may include a crown portion similar to any of the crown portions described herein (eg, 135, 3935, 4035, 4135). The crown portion may include one or more integral ribs. The crown portion may include one or more thin portions. The crown portion may include one or more crown strengthening regions. The crown portion may be a separate piece that may be attached to the upper portion 3630 . A crown portion may surround a top opening of the upper portion 3630 . In one example, the crown portion may be constructed at least in part from a composite material, such as a fiber-based composite material. The crown portion may be attached to the shoulder portion 3612 of the upper portion 3630 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Shoulder portion 3612 may extend along a top opening of the upper portion. The shoulder portion 3612 may support the crown portion. In one example, the shoulder portion 3612 can extend a distance 3613 of at least 2 mm inward toward the upper opening of the upper portion 3630 . In another example, shoulder portion 3612 can extend distance 3613 of at least 6 mm. In another example, shoulder portion 3612 can extend distance 3613 of at least 8 mm. Although the above examples may illustrate specific distances, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a shoulder portion 3612 , wherein the shoulder portion 3612 is inward toward the opening of the upper portion 3630 . can be extended to a distance of less than 2 mm. Shoulder portion 3612 may optionally include one or more individual shoulder portions arranged to support a crown portion. In another example, shoulder portion 3612 may include a plurality of tabs arranged to support the crown portion. In another example, the shoulder portion 3612 may be omitted and the crown portion may be adhered to the outer surface of the upper portion 3630 . In another example, the shoulder portion 3612 may be omitted, and the crown portion may include a projection extending from a bottom surface of the crown portion that provides an interference fit with the peripheral edge of the opening. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 3600 may include a set of weight ports (eg, 3631 - 3639 ) on bottom portion 3640 . Each weight port may be configured to receive a weight portion. The set of weight ports may include a first set of weight ports (eg, 3631 , 3638 , 3639 ). The set of weight ports may include a second set of weight ports (eg, 3632-3634). The weight port set may include a third weight port set (eg, 3635-3637). The first set of weight ports may be arranged in rows extending from toe portion 3650 to heel portion 3660 . The first set of weight ports may be located closer to the front portion 3670 than the rear portion 3680 . The port may include at least two weight ports. The first set of weight ports may include three or more weight ports. The second set of weight ports may be located closer to the heel portion 3660 than the toe portion 3650 . The second set of weight ports may be located closer to the rear portion 3680 than the front portion 3670 . The second set of weight ports may include at least two weight ports. The second set of weight ports may include three or more weight ports. A third set of weight ports may be located closer to the toe portion 3650 than the heel portion 3660 . A third set of weight ports may be located closer to the rear portion 3680 than the front portion 3670 . The third set of weight ports may include at least two weight ports. The third set of weight ports may include three or more weight ports. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The one or more weight ports (eg, 3631 - 3639 ) may include an opening suitable for introducing a fill material into the interior volume of the golf club head 3600 . The filler material may be similar to any filler material described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The golf club head 3600 may include an insert 3645 similar in material to any of the inserts described herein. Insert 3645 may be provided within the interior region of golf club head 3600 . As shown in FIG. 36 , insert 3645 may be positioned adjacent an inner surface of bottom portion 3640 of golf club head 3500 . feelings that an individual feels. Insert 3645 may be adjacent to one or more weight ports (eg, 3631 - 3639 ). Insert 3645 may surround one or more weight ports (eg, 3631 - 3639 ). Insert 3645 may surround the first set of weight ports. Insert 3645 may abut a second set of weight ports. Insert 3645 may abut a third set of weight ports. Inserts 3645 may extend from a first set of weight ports to a second set of weight ports. Inserts 3645 may extend from a first set of weight ports to a third set of weight ports. The insert may extend from the second set of weight ports to the third set of weight ports. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Insert 3645 may include a central opening 3651 . Central opening 3651 may improve weight distribution of insert 3645 within golf club head 3600 . The size and location of the central opening 3651 in the insert 3645 may increase the MOI of the golf club head 3600 by reducing the weight of the central sole area of the golf club head 3600 . The central opening 3651 may have an area of at least about 10% of the total interior surface area 3616 of the bottom portion of the golf club head. The central opening 3651 may have an area that is at least about 15% of the total interior surface area 3616 of the bottom portion of the golf club head. The central opening 3651 may have an area that is at least about 20% of the total interior surface area 3616 of the bottom portion of the golf club head. The central opening 3651 may have an area of at least about 25% of the total interior surface area 3616 of the sole portion of the golf club head. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Certain areas within the body portion may include an elastomeric or elastomeric material similar to any of the golf club heads described herein. The filling material may dampen vibrations, dampen noise, lower the center of gravity and/or provide a better feel and sound to the golf club head when striking a golf ball (not shown). A golf club head may have one or more interior regions that may include a fill material as described herein. In one example, the fill material may be injected into the body portion from one or more weight ports as described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

42-48 , golf club head 4200 includes top portion 4230 , crown portion 4235 , bottom portion 4240 , toe portion 4250 , heel portion 4260 , front portion 4270 . ), and a body portion 4210 having a back face portion. Bottom portion 4240 is defined as the side portion of golf club head 4200 between bottom portion 4240 and top portion 4230 excluding front portion 4270 and extends across the perimeter of golf club head 4200 . It may include a skirt portion 4290 that is Optionally, golf club head 4200 may not include skirt portion 4290 . The front portion 4270 can include a face portion 4275 that engages a golf ball. Face portion 4275 may be a separate face portion that is coupled (eg, welded) to golf club head 4200 . The body portion 4210 may also include a hosel portion 4265 configured to receive a shaft portion (not shown). Hosel portion 4265 may be similar in many respects to any hosel portion described herein. The hosel portion 4265 may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve. Optionally, body portion 4210 may include a bore in place of hosel portion 4265 . Body portion 4210 may be made partially or wholly from an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In other examples, body portion 4210 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 4200 may have a club head volume of at least 300 cubic centimeters (cm 3 or cc). As an example, the golf club head 4200 may be about 460 cc. Optionally, golf club head 4200 may have a club head volume of 300 cc or less. In particular, the golf club head 4200 may have a club head volume of 100 cc to 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head 4200 may be determined using the weighted water displacement method (Archimedes Principle). For example, the club head volume may be measured using procedures defined by golf standards organizations and/or governing bodies such as the American Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A). Golf Club Head (4200). 42 may depict certain types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads), the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may depict other types of club heads (eg, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrid clubs). head, iron-type club head, putter-type club head, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the examples described herein, the face portion (eg, 175, 1975, 2775) may be a separate portion installed in the front opening of the front portion (eg, 170, 1970, 2770) and coupled to the golf club. A head (eg 100, 1900, 2700) is used to surround the front opening. Optionally, the face portion (eg, 175, 1975, 2775) may be an integral part (eg, 100, 1900, 2700) of a golf club head, such as part of a conventional casting. 42-48 , the front portion 4270 of the golf club head 4200 may include a front pocket 4276 configured to receive a separate face portion 4275 . In another example shown in FIG. 51 , the front portion 5170 of the golf club head 5100 is a separate face portion in a face cavity 5198 positioned between the face portion 5175 and the inner wall 5178 of the front pocket. 5175 and a front pocket portion 5176 configured to receive fill material 5199 . In another example shown in FIG. 52 , the front portion 5270 of the golf club head 5200 is a separate face portion in a face cavity 5298 positioned between the face portion 5275 and the inner wall 5278 of the front pocket. 5275 and a front pocket 5277 configured to receive a polymer insert 5211 . In another example shown in FIG. 53 , front portion 5370 of golf club head 5300 includes separate face portion 535 , polymer insert 5311 , inner wall 5278 of the front pocket and face portion 5375 . ) may include a front pocket portion 5376 configured to receive a fill material 5399 within the face cavity 5398 located between the The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Face portion 4275 may be located in front pocket 4276 . Face portion 4275 may include a front surface 4291 , a rear surface 4293 , a side surface, a front peripheral edge, and a rear peripheral edge. The face portion 4275 may be coupled (eg, welded) to the sidewall 4279 of the front pocket portion. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front pocket 4276 may be defined by an interior wall 4278 and a side wall 4279 . The interior wall 4278 may have an interior surface 4277 . The front pocket 4276 can have an outer perimeter edge 4281 .

The front pocket 4276 is an assembly aid that allows the face portion 4275 to be easily and accurately positioned relative to the front portion 4270 during a bonding process, such as a welding process in which the face portion 4275 is welded to the front portion 4270 . can play a role By accurately positioning the face portion 4275 relative to the front portion 4270 during the bonding process, the time and cost associated with a subsequent finishing process, such as a sanding or polishing process, may be reduced. Also, it is possible to reduce variability between manufactured golf club heads for improved consistency of performance. The inner wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 may reinforce and support the face portion 4275 during impact with the golf ball. The front pocket 4276 may improve the structural integrity of the golf club head 4200 . The front pocket 4276 may enhance the performance of the golf club head 4200 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front pocket 4276 may be defined by an interior wall 4278 and a side wall 4279 . An outer perimeter edge 4281 may surround the front pocket 4276 . The interior surface 4277 of the front pocket 4276 may be the surface of the interior wall. The inner wall 4278 may extend in a heel to toe direction. The inner wall 4278 may extend from bottom to top. The inner wall 4278 can have a thickness 4477 extending in the fore-and-aft direction. In one example, the interior wall 4278 can have a thickness 4477 between 0.020 inches and 0.030 inches. In another example, the interior wall 4278 can have a thickness 4477 of less than 0.030 inches. In another example, the interior wall 4278 can have a thickness 4477 of 0.035 inches or less. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The interior wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 may be partially or wholly made of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-type material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example, the interior wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of the inner wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 may have a density of at least 4 grams per cubic centimeter. The material of the inner wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 may have a density of at least 4.4 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 may be the same material as the body portion 4210 of the golf club head. The material of the inner wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 may be a different material than the body portion 4210 of the golf club head 4200 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 48 , a gap 4815 may exist between the outer perimeter edge 4281 of the face portion 4275 and the outer perimeter edge 4281 of the front pocket 4276 . During manufacturing, the gap 4815 may be completely or partially filled with welding material during a welding process in which the face portion 4575 is joined to the front portion 4270 . Creates a smooth surface across the front portion 4270 of the golf club head 4200 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The face portion 4575 may include a front surface 4591 , a side surface 4592 , a rear surface 4593 , a front perimeter edge 4590 , and a rear perimeter edge 4594 as shown in FIG. 45 . In one example, face portion 4575 may have a thickness of between 0.075 inches and 0.125 inches. In another example, face portion 4575 may have a thickness between 0.090 inches and 0.110 inches. In another example, face portion 4575 can have a thickness of less than 0.115 inches. In another example, face portion 4575 can have a thickness of less than 0.125 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Face portion 4575 may be made, in part or in whole, from an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example, face portion 4575 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of face portion 4575 may have a density of at least 4 g/cm 3 . The material of face portion 4575 may have a density of at least 4.4 g/cm 3 . The material of face portion 4575 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the face portion 4575 may have a higher density than the material of the inner wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 . The material of the face portion 4275 may have a higher yield strength than the material of the front inner wall 4278 . For example, the material of the face portion 4575 may have a yield strength that is at least 40% higher than the material of the inner wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 . In another example, the material of the face portion 4575 can have a yield strength that is at least 45% higher than the material of the interior wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The entire backside of the face portion 4575 may contact the interior wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 as shown in FIG. 42 . In another example, only a portion of the rear surface of the face portion 4275 may contact the interior wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 . 50 , the rear surface of the face portion 5075 may not be in contact with the interior wall 5078 of the front pocket portion 5076 and the empty volume 5098 may be in contact with the rear surface of the face portion 5075 . between the inner walls 5078 . FIG. 51 , the rear surface of the front portion 5175 may not be in contact with the inner wall 5178 of the front pocket portion 5176 , and the fill material 5199 may be disposed between the inner wall and the front portion 5175 . may partially or completely fill the volume 5198 between the posterior surfaces of The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In instances where the rear surface of the face portion only partially or does not contact the interior wall, there may be a face cavity within the front pocket between the interior wall and the rear surface of the face portion. front pocket. As shown in Figure 1. As shown in FIG. 50 , for example, face cavity 5098 can extend from the back surface of face portion 5075 to the interior wall 5078 of the front pocket in an anterior-posterior direction. In one example, the face cavity may have a depth measured anteriorly and posteriorly, including between 0.020 inches and 0.250 inches. In another example, the face cavity can have a depth of between 0.030 inches and 0.110 inches measured anteriorly and posteriorly. In another example, the face cavity can have a depth (measured anteriorly and posteriorly) of less than 0.030 inches. In yet another example, the face cavity may have a depth measured anterior-to-back of greater than 0.250 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The face cavity may include a filling material. The filler material may support the face portion and limit rearward deflection of the face portion. The filling material may dampen vibrations due to impact with the golf ball. Filling materials can effectively reduce the measured CT values across the face portion and ensure compliance with certain rules or regulations. 51 , the face cavity 5198 may be filled with a filling material 5199 . In another example, the face cavity may be partially filled with a filling material. In another example, the face cavity may not be filled with a filling material as shown in FIG. 4 . In another example, the face cavity may include a polymer insert 5311 and a filler material 5399 as shown in FIG. 53 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Fill materials may include elastomeric or elastomeric materials (eg, viscoelastic urethane polymeric materials such as Sorbothane® materials manufactured by Sorbothane, Inc. of Kent, Ohio), thermoplastic elastomeric materials (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane materials (TPU). ) and/or any other suitable type of material for absorbing shock, isolating vibration, and reducing noise. In another example, the filler material is a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer comprising a magnesium ionomer, injection It may be moldable. High compressibility and low elasticity similar to ethylene copolymers that can be used in conventional injection molding equipment to create various shapes, ethylene copolymers that can be used in conventional extrusion equipment to create various shapes, and/or thermosetting polybutadiene rubbers ethylene copolymers having For example, ethylene copolymers are made from the DuPont™ HPF (High Performance Resins) family of materials manufactured by EI du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware, such as DuPont™ HPF AD1172, DuPont™ HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000 and DuPont™ HPF 2000). The DuPont™ HPF family of ethylene copolymers are injection moldable, compatible with existing injection molding equipment and molds, and offer low compression and high resilience. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Filling material may be added to the front pocket 4276 prior to coupling the face portion 4575 to the front portion 4270 . Optionally, a filling material may be added to the face cavity after coupling the face portion 4575 to the front portion 4270 . In an example where filling material is added to the face cavity after face portion 4575 is installed in front pocket 4276 , filling material may be added to front pocket 4276 through one or more access holes. The access hole may extend through the interface of the face cavity. For example, the access hole may extend through the interior wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276 in the interior volume of the golf club head 4200 . Optionally, an access hole may be provided through the sidewall 4279 of the front pocket 4276 or one or more port holes may be provided to allow air to escape from the face cavity during the filling process. The port hole may extend through the boundary surface of the face cavity. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The filler material may be a liquid, solid, gas, or a combination thereof. In one example, the fill material may be a solid fill material with gas bubbles entrapped within the solid fill material. In another example, the fill material may be a solution of a liquid fill material with suspended solid particles. Where the filling material comprises a liquid or gas filling material, the face cavity may be a sealed cavity to prevent loss of the filling material. When the filling material comprises a liquid or gas filling material, the contents of the face cavity may be pressurized to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. In one example, the fill material may be pressurized to a pressure of between 1.1 atm and 25 atm. In another example, the fill material may be pressurized to a pressure of 1.1 atm to 10 atm. In another example, the fill material may be pressurized to a pressure of between 1.1 atm and 5 atm. In another example, the fill material may be pressurized to a pressure greater than 1 atm. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 49 , golf club head 4900 includes a top portion 4930 , a crown portion 4935 , a bottom portion 4940 , a toe portion 4950 , a heel portion 4960 , a front portion 4970 , and can include a body portion 4910 having a backface portion 4980 . Bottom portion 4940 is defined as the side portion of golf club head 4900 between bottom portion 4940 and top portion 4930 excluding front portion 4970 and transverses the circumference of golf club head 4900 from the toe. may include a skirt portion 4990 that extends across the Optionally, golf club head 4900 may not include skirt portion 4990 . The front portion 4970 can include a face portion 4975 that engages a golf ball. Face portion 4975 may be a separate face portion that is coupled (eg, welded) to golf club head 4900 . Body portion 4910 may also include a hosel portion 4965 configured to receive a shaft portion (not shown). Hosel portion 4965 may be similar in many respects to any hosel portion described herein. The hosel portion 4965 may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve. Optionally, body portion 4910 may include a bore instead of hosel portion 4965 . Body portion 4910 may be partially or wholly made of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, a combination thereof, or other suitable material. In other examples, body portion 4910 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 4900 may have a club head volume of at least 300 cubic centimeters (cm 3 or cc). In one example, the golf club head 4900 may be about 460 cc. Optionally, golf club head 4900 may have a club head volume of 300 cc or less. In particular, the golf club head 4900 may have a club head volume of 100 cc to 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head 4900 may be determined using a weighted water displacement method (ie, Archimedes principle). For example, procedures defined by golf standards organizations and/or governing bodies, such as the American Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) of St Andrews, measure the club head volume of the golf club head 4900 . can be used to Although FIG. 49 may depict certain types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads), the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may depict other types of club heads (eg, fairway wood club heads, hybrid club heads). , iron-type club heads, putter-type club heads, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 4900 may include a front opening 4971 in front portion 4970 . Front pocket portion 4976 may surround front opening 4971 . The front pocket portion 4976 can include a front pocket 4977 defined by an interior wall 4978 and a side wall 4979 . A polymer insert 4911 may be located in the front pocket 4977 . A polymer insert 4911 may be positioned between the face portion 4975 and the interior wall 4978 of the front pocket portion 4976 . A polymer insert 4911 may extend from the face portion 4975 to the interior wall 4978 of the front pocket portion 4976 . The polymer insert 4911 may be compressed between the face portion 4975 and the inner wall 4978 of the front pocket portion 4976 . Polymer insert 4911 may be disc-shaped or other suitable shape. Polymer insert 4911 may include any of the polymer materials described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Face portion 4975 may be located in front pocket 4977 . Face portion 4975 may include a front, back, side, front circumferential edge, and back circumferential edge. Face portion 4975 may be coupled (eg, welded) to sidewall 4979 of the front pocket portion. The polymer insert 4911 can provide structural support between the face portion 4975 and the inner wall 4978 of the front pocket portion 4976, thereby supporting the face portion and preventing inward deflection of the face portion during ball striking. can be limited The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front pocket 4977 can serve as an assembly aid that allows the face portion 4975 to be easily and accurately positioned relative to the front portion 4970 during a bonding process, such as a welding process in which the face portion 4975 is welded to the face portion 4975 . . By accurately positioning the face portion 4975 relative to the front portion 4970 during the bonding process, the time and cost associated with a subsequent finishing process, such as a sanding or polishing process, may be reduced. Also, it is possible to reduce variability between manufactured golf club heads for improved consistency of performance. The inner wall 4978 of the front pocket 4977 may reinforce and support the face portion 4975 during impact with the golf ball. Front pocket 4977 and polymer insert 4911 may improve the structural integrity of golf club head 4900 . Front pocket 4977 and polymer insert 4911 may enhance the performance of golf club head 4900 . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front pocket 4977 may be defined by an interior surface and a side surface. An outer perimeter edge may surround the front pocket 4977 . The interior surface of the front pocket may be the surface of the interior wall 4978 . An inner wall 4978 may extend in a heel to toe direction. The inner wall 4978 may have a thickness that extends in the fore-and-aft direction. In one example, the interior wall 4978 may have a thickness between 0.020 inches and 0.030 inches. In another example, the interior wall 4978 can have a thickness of less than 0.030 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The inner wall 4978 of the front pocket portion 4976 is partially or wholly an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example, the interior wall 4978 of the front pocket portion 4976 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of the inner wall 4978 of the front pocket portion 4976 may have a density of at least 4 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 4978 of the front pocket portion 4976 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 4978 of the front pocket portion 4976 may be the same material as the body portion 4910 of the golf club head 4900 . The material of the inner wall 4978 of the front pocket portion 4976 may be a different material than the body portion 4910 of the golf club head 4900 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, face portion 4975 may have a thickness of between 0.075 inches and 0.125 inches. In another example, face portion 4975 may have a thickness between 0.090 inches and 0.110 inches. In another example, face portion 4975 may have a thickness of 0.125 inches or less. In another example, face portion 4975 may have a thickness of 0.115 inches or less. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The face portion 4975 may be made partially or wholly of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example, face portion 4975 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of face portion 4975 may have a density of at least 4 g/cm 3 . The material of face portion 4975 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the face portion 4975 may have a higher density than the material of the inner wall 4978 of the front pocket portion 4976 . The material of the face portion 4975 may have a higher yield strength than the material of the front inner wall. pocket. For example, the material of the face portion 4975 may have a yield strength that is at least 40% higher than the yield strength of the material of the inner wall 4978 of the front pocket. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, the polymer insert may contact the entire backside of face portion 4975 . 49 , the polymer insert 4911 may contact a portion of the back surface of the face portion 4975 . In another example, the back surface of the face portion may not be in direct contact with the polymer insert in the front pocket. In an example where the rear surface of the face portion only partially contacts the polymer insert 4911 or does not contact the polymer insert 4911 , the face cavity is a front pocket between the interior wall 4978 and the rear surface of the face portion 4975 . (4977). In one example, the face cavity may have a depth measured anteriorly and posteriorly inclusive of and between 0.020 inches and 0.250 inches. In another example, the face cavity can have a depth of between 0.030 inches and 0.110 inches measured anteriorly and posteriorly. In another example, the face cavity can have a depth (measured anteriorly and posteriorly) of less than 0.110 inches. In another example, the face cavity may have a depth (measured anteriorly and posteriorly) of less than 0.030 inches. In yet another example, the face cavity may have a depth measured anterior-to-back of greater than 0.250 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Face cavity 4998 may include a filling material. In one example, face cavity 4998 may be completely filled with a filling material. In another example, face cavity 4998 may be partially filled with a filling material. Filling material may be injected around the perimeter of the polymer insert 4911 . The filler material may have a higher hardness than the material of the polymer insert 4911 . The filler material may have a lower hardness than the material of the polymer insert 4911 . Fill material may contact polymer insert 4911 , interior wall 4978 , and face portion 4975 . Filling material may surround the perimeter of the polymer insert 4911 . A fill material may be positioned between the interior wall 4978 and the polymer insert 4911 . A filling material may be positioned between the face portion 4975 and the polymer insert 4911 . Filling material may be positioned between the interior wall 4978 and the polymer insert 4911 and between the face portion 4975 and the polymer insert 4911 . In another example, face cavity 4998 may not be filled with a filling material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Fill materials may include elastomeric or elastomeric materials (eg, viscoelastic urethane polymeric materials such as Sorbothane® materials manufactured by Sorbothane, Inc. of Kent, Ohio), thermoplastic elastomeric materials (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane materials (TPU). ) and/or any other suitable type of material for absorbing shock, isolating vibration, and reducing noise. In another example, the filler material is a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer comprising a magnesium ionomer, injection It may be moldable. High compressibility and low elasticity similar to ethylene copolymers that can be used in conventional injection molding equipment to create various shapes, ethylene copolymers that can be used in conventional extrusion equipment to create various shapes, and/or thermosetting polybutadiene rubbers ethylene copolymers having For example, ethylene copolymers are made from the DuPont™ HPF (High Performance Resins) family of materials manufactured by EI du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware, such as DuPont™ HPF AD1172, DuPont™ HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000 and DuPont™ HPF 2000). The DuPont™ HPF family of ethylene copolymers are injection moldable, compatible with existing injection molding equipment and molds, and offer low compression and high resilience. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Filling material may be added to the front pocket 4977 prior to coupling the face portion 4975 to the front portion 4970 . Optionally, the filling material may be added to the face cavity after joining the front portion to the front portion. In examples where filling material is added to the face cavity after face portion 4975 is installed in front pocket 4977, the filling material may be added to the front pocket through one or more access holes. The access hole may extend through the interface of the face cavity. For example, the access hole may extend through the interior wall 4978 of the front pocket 4977 in the interior volume of the golf club head 8200 . Optionally, access holes may be provided through sidewall 4979 of front pocket portion 4976 or one or more port holes may be provided to allow air to escape from the face cavity during the filling process. The port hole may extend through the boundary surface of the face cavity. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The filler material may be a liquid, solid, gas, or a combination thereof. In one example, the fill material may be a solid fill material with gas bubbles entrapped within the solid fill material. In another example, the fill material may be a solution of a liquid fill material with suspended solid particles. When the filling material comprises a liquid or gas filling material, the face cavity may be a sealed cavity. When the filling material comprises a liquid or gas filling material, the contents of the face cavity may be pressurized to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. In one example, the fill material may be pressurized to a pressure of between 1.1 atm and 25 atm. In another example, the fill material may be pressurized to a pressure of 1.1 atm to 10 atm. In another example, the fill material may be pressurized to a pressure of between 1.1 atm and 5 atm. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 50 , golf club head 5000 includes a top portion 5030 , a crown portion (not shown), a bottom portion 5040 , a toe portion 5050 , a heel portion 5060 , a front portion 5070 and may include a body portion 5010 having a back surface. The bottom portion 5040 is defined as the side portion of the golf club head 5000 between the bottom portion 5040 and the top portion 5030 excluding the front portion 5070 and extends across the perimeter of the golf club head 5000 . and a skirt portion 5090 that is Optionally, golf club head 5000 may not include skirt portion 5090 . The front portion 5070 may include a face portion 5075 that engages a golf ball. Face portion 5075 may be a separate face portion that is coupled (eg, welded) to golf club head 5000 . Body portion 5010 may also include a hosel portion 5065 configured to receive a shaft portion (not shown). Hosel portion 5065 may be similar in many respects to any hosel portion described herein. The hosel portion 5065 may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve. Optionally, body portion 5010 may include a bore in place of hosel portion 5065 . Body portion 5010 may be made, in part or in whole, from an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, a combination thereof, or other suitable material. In other examples, body portion 5010 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 5000 may have a club head volume of at least 300 cubic centimeters (cm 3 or cc). As an example, the golf club head 5000 may be about 460 cc. Optionally, golf club head 5000 may have a club head volume of 300 cc or less. In particular, the golf club head 5000 may have a club head volume of 100 cc to 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head 5000 may be determined using the weighted water displacement method (Archimedes Principle). For example, the club head volume of the golf club head 5000 may be determined using procedures defined by a golf standards organization and/or governing body such as the American Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) of St Andrews. can be measured Although FIG. 50 may depict certain types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads), the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may show other types of club heads (eg, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrid clubs). head, iron-type club head, putter-type club head, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 5000 may include a front opening 5071 in a front portion 5070 . Front pocket portion 5076 may couple to front portion 5070 and surround front opening 5071 . The front pocket portion 5076 may include a front pocket 5077 defined by an interior wall 5078 and a sidewall 5079 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Face portion 5075 may be located in front pocket 5077 . The face portion 5075 may include a front, back, side, front circumferential edge, and a back circumferential edge. The face portion 5075 may be coupled (eg, welded) to the sidewall 5079 of the front pocket portion. The front pocket 5077 may serve as an assembly aid allowing the face portion 5075 to be easily and accurately positioned relative to the front portion 5070 during a bonding process, such as a welding process in which the face portion 5075 is welded to the front pocket portion. can By accurately positioning the face portion 5075 relative to the front portion 5070 during the bonding process, the time and cost associated with a subsequent finishing process, such as a sanding or polishing process, may be reduced. Also, it is possible to reduce variability between manufactured golf club heads for improved consistency of performance. The interior wall 5078 of the front pocket 5077 may reinforce and support the front portion 5070 during impact with a golf ball. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front pocket 5077 may be defined by an interior surface and a side surface. An outer perimeter edge may surround the front pocket 5077 . The interior surface of the front pocket may be the surface of the interior wall 5078 . The inner wall 5078 may extend in a heel-to-toe direction. The inner wall 5078 may have a thickness that extends in the fore-and-aft direction. In one example, the interior wall 5078 may have a thickness between 0.020 inches and 0.030 inches. In another example, the interior wall 5078 can have a thickness of less than 0.030 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The interior wall 5078 of the front pocket portion 5076 may be made partially or wholly of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. . In another example, the interior wall 5078 of the front pocket portion 5076 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of the inner wall 5078 of the front pocket portion 5076 may have a density of at least 4 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 5078 of the front pocket portion 5076 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 5078 of the front pocket portion 5076 may be the same material as the body portion 5010 of the golf club head 5000 . The material of the inner wall 5078 of the front pocket portion 5076 may be another material. Body portion 5010 of golf club head 5000 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, face portion 5075 may have a thickness of between 0.075 inches and 0.125 inches. In another example, face portion 5075 may have a thickness of between 0.090 inches and 0.110 inches. In another example, face portion 5075 can have a thickness of less than 0.115 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Face portion 5075 may be made partially or wholly of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example, face portion 5075 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of the face portion 5075 may have a density of at least 4 g/cm 3 . The material of face portion 5075 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the face portion 5075 may have a higher density than the material of the inner wall 5078 of the front pocket portion 5076 . The material of the face portion 5075 may have a higher yield strength than the material of the inner wall 5078 of the front pocket portion 5076 . front pocket part. For example, the material of the face portion 5075 may have a yield strength that is at least 40% higher than the yield strength of the material of the inner wall 5078 of the front pocket portion 5076 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As shown in FIG. 50 , a gap 5015 may exist between the peripheral edge of the face portion 5075 and the peripheral edge of the front pocket portion 5076 . During manufacturing, the gap 5015 may be completely or partially filled with welding material during a welding process in which the face portion 5075 is joined to the front portion 5070 . Creates a smooth surface across the front portion 5070 of the golf club head 5000 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 51 , golf club head 5100 includes a top portion 5130 , a crown portion (not shown), a bottom portion 5140 , a toe portion 5150 , a heel portion 5160 , a front portion 5170 and may include a body portion 5110 having a back face portion. Bottom portion 5140 is defined as the side portion of golf club head 5100 between bottom portion 5140 and top portion 5130 excluding front portion 5170 and extends across the perimeter of golf club head 5100 . It may include a skirt portion 5190 that is. Optionally, golf club head 5100 may not include skirt portion 5190 . The front portion 5170 may include a face portion 5175 that engages a golf ball. Face portion 5175 may be a separate face portion that is coupled (eg, welded) to golf club head 5100 . Body portion 5110 may also include a hosel portion 5165 configured to receive a shaft portion (not shown). Hosel portion 5165 may be similar in many respects to any hosel portion described herein. The hosel portion 5165 may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve. Optionally, body portion 5110 may include a bore in place of hosel portion 5165 . Body portion 5110 may be made partially or wholly of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In other examples, body portion 5110 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 5100 may have a club head volume of at least 300 cubic centimeters (cm 3 or cc). As an example, the golf club head 5100 may be about 460 cc. Optionally, golf club head 5100 may have a club head volume of 300 cc or less. In particular, the golf club head 5100 may have a club head volume of 100 cc to 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head 5100 may be determined using the weighted water displacement method (Archimedes Principle). For example, the club head volume of the golf club head 5100 using procedures defined by a golf standards organization and/or governing body, such as the American Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A). can be measured. While FIG. 51 may depict certain types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads), the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may depict other types of club heads (eg, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrids). type club head, iron type club head, putter type club head, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 5100 may include a front opening 5171 in front portion 5170 . Front pocket portion 5176 may couple to front portion 5170 and surround front opening 5171 . The front pocket portion 5176 may include a front pocket 5177 defined by an interior wall 5178 and a sidewall 5179 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Front portion 5175 may be located in front pocket 5177 . The front portion 5175 may include a front surface, a back surface, a side surface, a front perimeter edge, and a back perimeter edge. Face portion 5175 may be coupled (eg, welded) to sidewall 5179 of front pocket portion 5176 . The filler material supports the face portion 5175 and may limit rearward deflection of the face portion during a ball strike. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front pocket portion 5176 allows the face portion 5175 to accurately position the front portion 5175 relative to the front portion 5170 during the bonding process, thereby enabling subsequent finishing processes such as sanding or polishing processes. The associated time and cost may be reduced. Also, it is possible to reduce variability between manufactured golf club heads for improved consistency of performance. The inner wall 5178 of the front pocket 5177 may reinforce and support the face portion 5175 during impact with the golf ball. Front pocket 5177 and filling material 5199 may improve the structural integrity of golf club head 5100 . Front pocket 5177 and filling material 5199 may improve the performance of golf club head 5300 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front pocket 5177 may be defined by an interior surface and a side surface. An outer perimeter edge may surround the front pocket 5177 . The interior surface of the front pocket may be the surface of the interior wall 5178 . The inner wall 5178 may extend in a heel-to-toe direction. The inner wall 5178 may have a thickness that extends in the fore-and-aft direction. In one example, the interior wall 5178 may have a thickness between 0.020 inches and 0.030 inches. In another example, the interior wall 5178 can have a thickness of less than 0.030 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The interior wall 5178 of the front pocket portion 5176 may be made partially or wholly of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-type material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. . In another example, the interior wall 5178 of the front pocket portion 5176 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of the inner wall 5178 of the front pocket portion 5176 may have a density of at least 4 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 5178 of the front pocket portion 5176 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 5178 of the front pocket portion 5176 may be the same material as the body portion 5110 of the golf club head 5100 . The material of the inner wall 5178 of the front pocket portion 5176 may be a different material than the body portion 5110 of the golf club head 5100 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, face portion 5175 may have a thickness between 0.075 inches and 0.125 inches. In another example, face portion 5175 may have a thickness between 0.090 inches and 0.110 inches. In another example, face portion 5175 can have a thickness of less than 0.115 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Face portion 5175 may be made partially or wholly of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example, face portion 5175 may be partially or entirely made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of face portion 5175 may have a density of at least 4 g/cm 3 . The material of face portion 5175 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the face portion 5175 may have a higher density than the material of the inner wall 5178 of the front pocket portion 5176 . The material of the face portion 5175 may have a higher yield strength than the material of the front inner wall. pocket. For example, the material of the face portion 5175 may have a yield strength that is at least 40% higher than the yield strength of the material of the inner wall 5178 of the front pocket. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

51 , a gap 5115 may exist between the perimeter edge of the front portion 5175 and the perimeter edge of the front pocket portion 5176 . A sanding or polishing process may follow in which excess welding material is removed to create a smooth surface across the front portion 5170 of the golf club head 5100 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 52 , golf club head 5200 includes top portion 5230 , crown portion (not shown), bottom portion 5240 , toe portion 5250 , heel portion 5260 , front portion 5270 . and a back portion 5280 . Bottom portion 5240 is defined as the side portion of golf club head 5200 between top portion 5230 and bottom portion 5240 excluding front portion 5270 , and from toe portion 5250 to rear portion 5280 may include a skirt portion 5290 extending around and across the perimeter of the golf club head 5200 to the heel portion 5260 . Optionally, golf club head 5200 may not include skirt portion 5290 . The front portion 5270 may include a face. Portion 5275 engages a golf ball. Face portion 5275 may be a separate face portion that is coupled (eg, welded) to golf club head 5200 . The body portion 5210 may also include a hosel portion 5265 configured to receive a shaft portion (not shown). Hosel portion 5265 may be similar in many respects to any hosel portion described herein. The hosel portion 5265 may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve. Optionally, body portion 5210 may include a bore in place of hosel portion 5265 . Body portion 5210 may be partially or wholly made of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In other examples, body portion 5210 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 5200 may have a club head volume of at least 300 cubic centimeters (cm 3 or cc). As an example, the golf club head 5200 may be about 460 cc. Optionally, golf club head 5200 may have a club head volume of 300 cc or less. In particular, the golf club head 5200 may have a club head volume of 100 cc to 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head 5200 may be determined using a weighted water displacement method (ie, Archimedes principle). For example, the club head volume may be measured using procedures defined by golf standards organizations and/or governing bodies such as the American Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A). 52 may illustrate certain types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may also illustrate other types of club heads (eg, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrid types). club head, iron type club head, putter type club head, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 5200 may include a front opening 5271 in front portion 5270 . Front pocket portion 5276 may surround front opening 5271 . A front pocket portion 5276 may be positioned on an interior wall 5278 and a polymer insert 5211 may be located in the front pocket 5277 . The polymer insert 5211 may be compressed between the inner wall 5278 of the front pocket portion 5276 and the face portion 5275 . The polymer insert 5211 may be disc-shaped or any other suitable shape. The polymer insert 5211 may include any of the polymer materials described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Face portion 5275 may be located in pocket 5277 . The face portion 5275 may include a front, back, side, front perimeter edge, and a back perimeter edge. Face portion 5275 may be coupled (eg, welded) to sidewall 5279 of the front pocket portion. The polymer insert 5211 can provide structural support between the face portion 5275 and the inner wall 5278 of the front pocket portion 5276, thereby supporting the face portion and preventing inward deflection of the face portion during ball striking. can be limited The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front pocket 5277 can serve as an assembly aid that allows the front portion 5275 to be easily and accurately positioned relative to the front portion 5270 during a bonding process, such as a welding process in which the front portion 5275 is welded to the front portion 5275. . By accurately positioning the front portion 5275 relative to the front portion 5270 during the bonding process, the time and cost associated with a subsequent finishing process, such as a sanding or polishing process, may be reduced. Also, it is possible to reduce variability between manufactured golf club heads for improved consistency of performance. The inner wall 5278 of the front pocket 5277 may reinforce and support the face portion 5275 during impact with the golf ball. Front pocket 5277 and polymer insert 5211 may improve the structural integrity of golf club head 5200 . Front pocket 5277 and polymer insert 5211 may enhance the performance of golf club head 5200 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front pocket 5277 may be defined by an interior surface and a side surface. An outer perimeter edge may surround the front pocket 5277 . The interior surface of the front pocket may be the surface of the interior wall 5278 . The inner wall 5278 may extend in a heel-to-toe direction. The inner wall 5278 may have a thickness that extends in the fore-and-aft direction. In one example, the interior wall 5278 can have a thickness between 0.020 inches and 0.030 inches. In another example, the interior wall 5278 can have a thickness of less than 0.030 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The interior wall 5278 of the front pocket portion 5276 may be made partially or wholly of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-type material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. . In another example, the interior wall 5278 of the front pocket portion 5276 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of the inner wall 5278 of the front pocket portion 5276 may have a density of at least 4 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 5278 of the front pocket portion 5276 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 5278 of the front pocket portion 5276 may be the same material as the body portion 5210 of the golf club head 5200 . The material of the inner wall 5278 of the front pocket portion 5276 may be another material. Body portion 5210 of golf club head 5200 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, face portion 5275 may have a thickness of between 0.075 inches and 0.125 inches. In another example, face portion 5275 may have a thickness between 0.090 inches and 0.110 inches. In another example, face portion 5275 can have a thickness of less than 0.115 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Face portion 5275 may be made, in part or in whole, from an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example, face portion 5275 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of face portion 5275 may have a density of at least 4 g/cm 3 . The material of face portion 5275 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the face portion 5275 may have a higher density than the material of the inner wall 5278 of the front pocket portion 5276 . The material of the face portion 5275 may have a higher yield strength than the material of the front inner wall. pocket. For example, the material of the face portion 5275 may have a yield strength that is at least 40% higher than the yield strength of the material of the inner wall 5278 of the front pocket. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The face cavity 5298 may exist within the front pocket 5277 between the back surface of the face portion 5275 and the interior wall 5278 of the front pocket portion 5276 . In one example, the face cavity may have a depth of between 0.020 inches and 0.250 inches measured in the anterior and posterior directions. In another example, the face cavity can have a depth of between 0.030 inches and 0.110 inches measured anteriorly and posteriorly. In another example, the face cavity can have a depth (measured anteriorly and posteriorly) of less than 0.030 inches. In yet another example, the face cavity may have a depth measured anterior-to-back of greater than 0.250 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

52 , a gap 5215 may exist between the perimeter edge of the front portion 5275 and the perimeter edge of the front pocket portion 5276 . During manufacturing, the gap 5215 may be fully or partially filled with welding material during a welding process in which the front portion 5275 is joined to the front portion 5270 . Creates a smooth surface across the front portion 5270 of the golf club head 5200 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 53 , golf club head 5300 includes upper portion 5330 , crown portion (not shown), bottom portion 5340 , toe portion 5350 , heel portion 5360 , front portion 5370 . and a body portion 5310 having a backface portion 5380 . The bottom portion 5340 includes a skirt portion 5390 defined as the side portion of the golf club head 5300 between the upper portion 5330 and the lower portion 5340 , the skirt portion excluding the front portion 5370 . and extends from toe portion 5350 , across the perimeter of golf club head 5300 , around back portion 5380 , and to heel portion 5360 . The front portion 5370 can include a face portion 5375 that engages a golf ball. Face portion 5375 may be a separate face portion that is coupled (eg, welded) to golf club head 5300 . The body portion 5310 may also include a hosel portion 5365 configured to receive a shaft portion (not shown). Hosel portion 5365 may be similar in many respects to any hosel portion described herein. The hosel portion 5365 may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve. Optionally, body portion 5310 may include a bore in place of hosel portion 5365 . Body portion 5310 may be partially or wholly made of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, a combination thereof, or other suitable material. In other examples, body portion 5310 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 5300 may have a club head volume of at least 300 cubic centimeters (cm 3 or cc). In one example, the golf club head 5300 may be about 460 cc. Optionally, golf club head 5300 may have a club head volume of 300 cc or less. In particular, the golf club head 5300 may have a club head volume of 100 cc to 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head 5300 may be determined using a weighted water displacement method (ie, Archimedes principle). For example, the club head volume of the golf club head 5300 using procedures defined by a golf standards organization and/or governing body, such as the American Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A). can be measured. 53 may depict certain types of club heads (eg, driver-type club heads), the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may depict other types of club heads (eg, fairway wood-type club heads, hybrid clubs). head, iron-type club head, putter-type club head, etc.). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 5300 may include a front opening 5371 in front portion 5370 . Front pocket portion 5376 may surround front opening 5371 . The front pocket portion 5376 can include a front pocket 5377 defined by an interior wall 5378 and a side wall 5379 . A polymer insert 5311 may be located in the front pocket 5377 . A polymer insert 5311 may be positioned between the face portion 5375 and the interior wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376 . A polymer insert 5311 may extend from the face portion 5375 to the interior wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376 . The polymer insert 5311 may be compressed between the front portion 5375 and the inner wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376 . The polymer insert 5311 may be disc-shaped or other suitable shape. Polymer insert 5311 may include any of the polymer materials described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Front portion 5375 may be located in front pocket 5377 . The front portion 5375 may include a front surface, a back surface, a side surface, a front perimeter edge, and a back perimeter edge. Face portion 5375 may be coupled (eg, welded) to sidewall 5379 of the front pocket portion. The polymer insert 5311 can provide structural support between the face portion 5375 and the inner wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376, thereby supporting the face portion and preventing inward deflection of the face portion during ball striking. can be limited The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front pocket 5377 is an assembly aid that allows the front portion 5375 to be easily and accurately positioned relative to the front portion 5370 during a bonding process, such as a welding process in which the front portion 5375 is welded to the front portion 5375 . can play the role of By accurately positioning the front portion 5375 relative to the front portion 5370 during the bonding process, the time and cost associated with a subsequent finishing process, such as a sanding or polishing process, may be reduced. Also, it is possible to reduce variability between manufactured golf club heads for improved consistency of performance. The inner wall 5378 of the front pocket 5377 may reinforce and support the face portion 5375 during impact with the golf ball. Front pocket 5377 and polymer insert 5311 may enhance the structural integrity of golf club head 5300 . Front pocket 5377 and polymer insert 5311 may enhance the performance of golf club head 5300 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The front pocket 5377 may be defined by an interior surface and a side surface. An outer perimeter edge may surround the front pocket 5377 . The interior surface of the front pocket may be the surface of the interior wall 5378 . The inner wall 5378 may extend in a heel-to-toe direction. The inner wall 5378 may have a thickness that extends in the fore-and-aft direction. In one example, the interior wall 5378 may have a thickness between 0.020 inches and 0.030 inches. In another example, the interior wall 5378 can have a thickness of less than 0.030 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The interior wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376 may be made partially or wholly of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-type material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. . In another example, the interior wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of the inner wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376 may have a density of at least 4 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the inner wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376 may be the same material as the body portion 5310 of the golf club head 5300 . The material of the inner wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376 may be a different material than the body portion 5310 of the golf club head 5300 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, face portion 5375 may have a thickness of between 0.075 inches and 0.125 inches. In another example, face portion 5375 may have a thickness of between 0.090 inches and 0.110 inches. In another example, face portion 5375 can have a thickness of less than 0.115 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Face portion 5375 may be made partially or wholly of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, a combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example, face portion 5375 may be partially or wholly made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of face portion 5375 may have a density of at least 4 g/cm 3 . The material of face portion 5375 may have a density of at least 4.5 g/cm 3 . The material of the face portion 5375 may have a higher density than the material of the inner wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376 . The material of the face portion 5375 may have a higher yield strength than the material of the inner wall of the front pocket. For example, the material of the face portion 5375 may have a yield strength that is at least 40% higher than the yield strength of the material of the inner wall 5378 of the front pocket. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The face cavity 5398 can exist within the front pocket 5377 between the back surface of the face portion 5375 and the interior wall 5378 of the front pocket portion 5376 . In one example, face cavity 5398 may have a depth of between 0.020 inches and 0.250 inches measured anteriorly and posteriorly. In another example, the face cavity can have a depth of between 0.030 inches and 0.110 inches measured anteriorly and posteriorly. In another example, the face cavity can have a depth (measured anteriorly and posteriorly) of less than 0.030 inches. In yet another example, the face cavity may have a depth measured anterior-to-back of greater than 0.250 inches. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Face cavity 5398 may include a filling material. In one example, face cavity 5398 may be completely filled with a filling material. In another example, face cavity 5398 may be partially filled with a filling material. The filling material may occupy 50% or more of the face cavity 5398 . The filling material may occupy at least 75% of the face cavity 5398 . The filling material may occupy 95% or more of the face cavity 5398 . The fill material may occupy at least 25% of the volume of the front pocket 5377 . The fill material may occupy at least 45% of the volume of the front pocket 5377 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Filling material may be injected around the perimeter of the polymer insert 5311 . Fill material may contact polymer insert 5311 , interior wall 5378 , and face portion 5375 . A filling material may surround the perimeter of the polymer insert. Fill material 5399 may have a higher hardness than the material of polymer insert 5311 . Fill material 5399 may have a lower hardness than the material of polymer insert 5311 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

53 , a gap 5315 may exist between the outer perimeter edge of the face portion 5375 and the outer perimeter edge of the front pocket 5376 portion. During fabrication, the gap 5315 may be fully or partially filled with welding material during a welding process in which the front portion 5375 is joined to the front portion 5370 . A sanding or polishing process may follow in which excess welding material is removed to create a smooth surface across the front portion 5370 of the golf club head 5300 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Any golf club head described herein may be part of a golf club. The golf club may include a shaft (not shown) extending from the golf club head. The shaft may have a first end attached to a hosel of the golf club head and a second end opposite the first end. The golf club may include a grip at or proximate to the second end of the shaft. The shaft may be formed of a metallic material, a composite material, or other suitable material or combination of materials. The grip may be formed of a rubber material, a polymer material, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[00247] The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include one or more club identifiers (eg, serial number, matrix barcode, brand name, model, club number, loft angle, character, etc.). For example, a golf club head may include a visual indicator, such as a club number, to identify the type of golf club. In one example, the club number may correspond to a loft angle (eg, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9) of a golf club head. For example, a "7" may be displayed on a 7-iron type golf club head. In another example, the golf club head may include a loft angle. For example, a 54 degree wedge golf club head may be marked "54", and in another example a 10.5 degree driver type golf club head may be marked "10.5". The club identifier may be a trademark for identifying a brand or model of a golf club head. The club identifier may be another type of visual indicator, such as a product number or serial number, to identify the golf club head 100 as genuine equipment, to track inventory, or to distinguish the golf club head from counterfeit or counterfeit products. Optionally, the club identifier is a digital signature or machine readable optical representation of information or data about the golf club head (eg, numeric, alphanumeric, bytes, one-dimensional barcode such as Universal Product Code (UPC), Quick Response (QR) code). two-dimensional barcodes, such as, etc.). The club identifier may be placed in various locations on the golf club head (eg, hosel portion, face portion, sole portion, etc.) using a variety of methods (eg laser etching, stamping, casting or golf molding). For example, the club identifier may be a serial number laser etched into the hosel portion of the golf club head. A club identifier that is not an integral part of a golf club head may be a separate component (eg, a label attached via adhesive or epoxy) bonded to the golf club head.

The terms “and” and “or” can have both combined and separate meanings. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless the present disclosure dictates otherwise. The term “coupled” and variations thereof means directly or indirectly connecting two or more elements chemically, mechanically and/or otherwise. The phrase "removably linked" is defined such that two elements "removably linked" can be separated from each other without destroying or destroying the utility of either element.

The term "substantially" when used to describe a characteristic, parameter, attribute or value of an element may refer to a deviation or variation that does not reduce the characteristic, parameter, attribute, or value that the element may be intended to provide. . Deviations or variations in the values of properties, parameters, attributes or elements may be based on, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors. The term "nearby" is synonymous with terms such as "adjacent", "near", "immediately", "adjacent", "neighbor", etc., and these terms may be used interchangeably as they appear in this disclosure.

The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be embodied in various embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent 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.

As the Rules of Golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted or old rules may be removed or amended by golf standards organizations and/or governing bodies such as the USGA, R&A, etc.), the devices, methods and manufactures described herein The golf equipment associated with the item may or may not comply with the rules of golf at certain times. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as suitable or unsuitable golf equipment. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Further, while the above examples may be described in the context of golf clubs, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applied to other suitable types of sports equipment, such as fishing rods, hockey sticks, ski poles, tennis rackets, and the like.

Although specific exemplary devices, methods, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, the present invention includes all devices, methods and articles of manufacture which fall substantially within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or in accordance with the principle of equivalents.

Claims (20)

In the golf club head,
A body part comprising a front part, a back part, a toe part, a heel part, a top part and a bottom part:
front opening in the front part;
a front pocket portion coupled to the front portion and surrounding the front opening, the front pocket portion comprising a front pocket defined by an interior wall and a sidewall;
a polymer insert located in the front pocket and comprising a front, back and side, the back in contact with the inner wall;
a front portion located in the front pocket and in contact with the front surface of the polymer insert and joined to a sidewall of the front pocket portion; and
A golf club head comprising fill material in the front pocket in contact with the inner wall, the front portion, and the side of the polymer insert. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the polymer insert is disc-shaped and centered behind the sweet spot of the face portion. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the front pocket portion comprises a first material having a first yield strength and the face portion comprises a second material having a second yield strength at least 40% greater than the first yield strength. golf club head. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the inner wall of the front pocket portion has a thickness of between 0.020 inches and 0.030 inches. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the inner wall of the front pocket portion has a thickness of 0.035 inches or less. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said face portion has a thickness of between 0.075 inches and 0.125 inches. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said face portion has a thickness of 0.125 inches or less. For a golf club head:
a body portion comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion and a bottom portion;
front opening in the front part;
a front pocket portion coupled to the front portion and surrounding the front opening, the front pocket portion comprising a front pocket defined by an inner wall, the inner wall comprising a first material having a first density;
a face portion comprising a second material having a second density and comprising a second material greater than the first density, the face portion being positioned in the front pocket and coupled to the front portion; and
a polymer insert in the front pocket extending from the rear surface of the face portion to the inner wall of the front pocket portion and having a third density;
wherein the third density is less than the first density and less than the second density. 9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein the polymer insert is adhesively bonded to the rear surface of the face portion in a disk shape. 9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein said second material has a yield strength that is at least 45% greater than a yield strength of said first material. 9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein the front pocket has a depth of less than 0.110 inches. 9. The golf club head of claim 8, further comprising a gap between the sidewall of the face portion and the sidewall of the front pocket portion, the gap being at least partially filled with a welding material. 9. The golf club of claim 8, wherein the front pocket portion comprises a first material having a density greater than 4.4 g/cm 3 and the face portion comprises a second material having a density greater than 4.4 g/cm 3 head. In the golf club head,
a body portion comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion and a bottom portion;
The front part is:
a front pocket in a front portion comprising an inner wall;
a polymer insert positioned in the front pocket and comprising a front surface, a back surface in contact with an interior wall, and a side surface;
a face portion located in the front pocket and in contact with the front of the polymer insert and joined to the front;
a gap between the side surface of the face portion and the side wall of the front pocket, at least partially filled with welding material; and
A golf club head comprising fill material in the interior wall, the front portion, and the front pocket in contact with the side of the polymer insert. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the front pocket comprises a first titanium-based material and the face portion comprises a second titanium-based material, wherein the second titanium-based material yields at least 50% greater than the yield strength of the first titanium-based material. A golf club head, characterized in that it has strength. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein said inner wall has a thickness of 0.30 inches or less. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein said front pocket has a depth of between 0.020 inches and 0.250 inches. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein the filler material has a higher hardness than the material of the polymer insert. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein the fill material has a lower hardness than the material of the polymer insert. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein said fill material occupies at least 25% of the volume of said front pocket.

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