KR20220017465A - Multi Material Iron Golf Club Head - Google Patents

Abstract

Described herein are tour irons having a face plate, a body and a golf club head with an insert. The sole, upper rail, back and face plate surround the cavity in the body. The cavity may receive an insert. The insert may include a low-density material such that the weight is concentrated around the peripheral edge of the golf club head. The back of the golf club head is provided with an articulated seam running from the heel to the toe. The golf club head has an upper portion above the articulation seam and a lower portion below the articulation seam. The lower portion may have a greater depth than the upper portion depth. The striking face may be formed by a low density insert. A golf club head has a relatively high moment of inertia and a low center of gravity. Other embodiments and methods are described herein.

Description

Multi Material Iron Golf Club Head

Related applications

This application is filed on June 5, 2019 in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/857,741; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/865,831, filed June 24, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/925,912, filed on October 25, 2019, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

BACKGROUND This disclosure relates to golf equipment, and more particularly to multi-material iron golf club heads and methods of making such golf club heads.

In general, iron-type golf club heads include a variety of styles such as muscle-back, cavity-back or tour irons. Golfers with a high skill level and low handicap prefer tour irons that are compact and aesthetically pleasing. Tour irons have higher loft, lower center of gravity (“CG”), shorter shaft length, smaller profile and thinner topline. Tour irons generally have a sleek, classic look and desirable sound. Forged tour irons are thought to provide an improved "feel" and aesthetic look, especially compared to other types of irons such as cast iron. In general, low-handicap golfers, such as tour players, want an iron-type club head with a low CG and close to the club face. Tour irons allow these golfers to further refine their shots by manipulating the portion of the clubface that affects the golf ball because of the smaller sweet spot for straight flight. Although difficult for high handicap golfers to use effectively, tour irons meet the niche demands of highly skilled and often low handicap golfers.

On the other hand, performance-enhancing irons are generally designed to cater to high handicap golfers who want increased iron forgiveness and increased loft. Higher handicap golfers tend to use high moment of inertia (MOI) iron-type clubheads that give the clubhead more forgiveness. Performance-enhancing irons such as deep cavity-back, muscle-back or hollow body irons allow for ambient weighting to increase clubhead forgiveness, resulting in longer distances due to the presence of bendable space in the face. However, performance-enhancing irons certainly don't "feel" like a solid body tour iron, and may sound less naive to golfers accustomed to traditional solid irons. Performance-improving irons have a large profile, giving them a bulky feel. These performance-enhancing irons can also have a thick top line and other geometric features that many golfers find less aesthetically pleasing. The golf club head described here is aimed at golfers who want a club that shares the benefits of both performance enhancement and tour irons.

Without sacrificing the high moment of inertia and ambient weight of conventional performance-improving irons, a club head with a compact size that can be used by players of medium-low handicap and the heavy feel and sound of traditional tour irons is available in the art. is being demanded

1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a golf club head according to one embodiment;
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 ;
3 illustrates a rear view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 ;
4 illustrates a toe-side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 5 is a toe-side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 illustrating a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 3 ;
FIG. 6 is a toe-side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment with a multi-material insert, illustrating a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 3 ;
7 is a toe-side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 according to a second embodiment having a multi-material insert, illustrating a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 3 ;
FIG. 8 is a toe-side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 according to a third embodiment with a multi-material insert, illustrating a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 3 ;
FIG. 9 is a toe-side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 according to a fourth embodiment with a multi-material insert, illustrating a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 3 ;
10 illustrates a front perspective view of a weight-saving insert according to an embodiment.
11 illustrates a front view of the weight loss insert of FIG. 10 ;
12 illustrates a rear view of the weight loss insert of FIG. 10 ;
13 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of the weight loss insert of FIG. 10 from the side of the golf club head;
14 illustrates a front perspective view of a second weight loss insert according to an embodiment.
15 illustrates a front view of the weight loss insert of FIG. 14 ;
16 illustrates a front perspective view of a variant of the weight loss insert of FIG. 14 ;
17 illustrates a cross-sectional toe side of a golf club head according to an embodiment having a rear shelf.
18 illustrates a toe-side cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to an embodiment having a rear shelf inclined at 90 degrees from the loft plane;
19 illustrates a cross-sectional toe side of the golf club head of FIG. 1 including a layer of tape, along line VV of FIG. 3 ;
20 illustrates a rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 including an exploded view of the toe cavity and toe weight;
21 illustrates an exploded view of a golf club head according to a second embodiment;
22 illustrates a rear view of the golf club head of FIG. 21 ;
23 illustrates a heel side cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 21 taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 22 ;
FIG. 24 illustrates a front perspective view of the body of the golf club head of FIG. 21 ;
25 illustrates a rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 21 ;
FIG. 26 illustrates a heel side cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 21 taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 22 ;
FIG. 27 illustrates a heel side cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 21 according to a first embodiment with a partially filled insert along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 22 ;
FIG. 28 illustrates a heel side cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 21 according to a second embodiment with a partially filled insert, along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 22 ;
29 illustrates a heel side cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 21 according to a third embodiment with a partially filled insert, along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 22 ;
30 illustrates a heel side cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 21 according to a fourth embodiment with a partially filled insert, along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 22 ;
FIG. 31 illustrates a variant of the golf club head of FIG. 22 with a back surrounded;
FIG. 32 illustrates a variant of the golf club head of FIG. 22 with a backside enclosed and securing feature;
33 illustrates a side view of a toe screw weight according to one embodiment.
34 illustrates a perspective view of the toe screw weight of FIG. 33 ;
35 illustrates a front view of a golf club head according to one embodiment.
36 illustrates a front view of the body of the golf club head of FIG. 35 without an insert;
37 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 35 ;
38 illustrates an enlarged view of the upper rail shown in FIG. 37 ;
39 illustrates a front view of a body of a golf club head according to an embodiment similar to the golf club head of FIG. 35;
FIG. 40 illustrates a perspective view of the body of the golf club head of FIG. 39 ;
FIG. 41 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 39;
42 illustrates a front view of a body of a golf club head according to an embodiment similar to the golf club head of FIG. 35;
43 illustrates a perspective view of the body of the golf club head of FIG. 42 ;
FIG. 44 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 42 ;
45 illustrates a front view of the body of a golf club head according to an embodiment similar to the golf club head of FIG. 35;
46 illustrates a front view of a body of a golf club head according to an embodiment similar to the golf club head of FIG. 35;
FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view of the body of the golf club head of FIG. 46 ;
Fig. 48 illustrates a rear view of a golf club head according to an embodiment similar to the golf club head of Fig. 35, having at least toe and heel weights;
49 illustrates a rear view of a golf club head having a plurality of weights, according to an embodiment similar to the golf club head of FIG. 35;
50 illustrates a rear view of a golf club head having a plurality of weights, according to an embodiment similar to the golf club head of FIG. 35;
51 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to one embodiment.
FIG. 52 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 51 including securing features;
53 illustrates a statistical plot area chart of a golf club comparison test.
54 illustrates a method of manufacturing a golf club head according to one embodiment.
55 illustrates a method of manufacturing a golf club head according to a second embodiment.
Those familiar with golf understand that tour irons are visibly distinct from performance irons in both size and appearance. Thus, tour irons have different design requirements than performance-improving irons. The golf clubs described herein meet the market demand for tour style irons while retaining the functional benefits of performance-enhancing irons.
Specifically, the golf club heads described herein have the characteristics of an aesthetically appealing tour iron (eg, compact size, forge, solid feel) and performance advantages of a performance-enhancing iron (eg, ambient weight and high forgiveness). ) are shared. Described herein is a golf club head having a body defining a cavity, wherein the cavity may be fitted with an insert, and the cavity may be surrounded by a cap on the back of the body or by a face plate of the body. The insert may be alternately exposed on the exterior of the club head through one or more openings to maximize the weight of the insert and aid in weight distribution within the club head. Thus, the golf club head provides golfers with tour style iron clubs while maintaining the level of forgiveness that intermediate or beginner golfers need to hit the most accurate shots for their skill level. In general, tour irons are designed for highly skilled golfers or low to medium handicap players, while performance irons are designed for low to medium skill level golfers with high handicap (10+). . The golf club head described here provides an option for golfers who want to play with a set of tour irons but lack the skills to use traditional tour irons.
The golf club head also provides an option for the highly skilled golfer who wants to increase the accuracy of their shots through a high MOI design. Although the golf club heads described herein may have a lower MOI than certain performance or standard irons, the club head nevertheless has a higher MOI than other golf club heads in the same category, i.e. tour irons or small profile irons. . In addition, the disclosed golf club heads provide the low CG desirable for experienced golfers. The golf club heads described herein may be exemplified by, but not limited to, these embodiments.
A golf club head may be manufactured by a method comprising swaging (swagging) a face plate to the body of the golf club head. After the swapping, the boundary between the face plate and the body may be laser welded during the surface welding process. Inserts are not damaged by swaging or laser welding.
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings illustrate a general manner of construction, and descriptions of well-known features and techniques and their details may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. Like reference numbers in different drawings indicate like elements.

Described herein are golf clubs having a hollow golf club head, or a partially/nearly hollow golf club head, each golf club head comprising a low density insert (a hollow golf club head or partially/nearly hollow golf club head or partially/nearly hollow golf club head). The golf club head is hereinafter referred to as the "golf club head"). A golf club has a golf club head, a shaft and a grip. A golf club head includes a body having a hosel, a front, a rear, an upper rail, and a sole. The body may have a cavity. The faceplate, sole, rear and upper rails surround the cavity. In some embodiments, the cavity of the golf club head may be surrounded from the front by a face plate. In some embodiments, the cavity may open at the back of the club to partially expose the cavity. The insert may be mated within the cavity. The front face of the golf club head may further include a face plate surrounding the cavity from the front face.

One embodiment of a golf club head described herein includes a low density insert and a body defining a cavity, wherein the cavity opens to the front side of the golf club head. The body has an interior cavity formed in the center of the club head. The body may be cast or forged. The cavity may receive and contain the low density insert.

The golf club head includes a low-density center, a high-density perimeter, and a low-density insert that improves overall latitude by shifting weight to the periphery as described above. Inserts are constructed of low-density materials such as aluminum, titanium or composite materials. Filling the cavity with a solid insert improves the sound and feel of the golf club head compared to other similar hollow body irons. In some embodiments, adhesives and/or tapes are used to further secure the insert within the cavity and prevent rattling.

The face plate surrounds the front opening of the golf club head and defines a cavity. Swaging, press-fitting and other low-temperature methods are used to secure the face plate. TIG welding is not used. In some embodiments, the face plate is further secured to the body by laser welding because laser welding is very precise and does not create large heat affected zones (hereafter "HAZ") that affect the insert, tape and/or adhesive. can be When the face plate is TIG welded to the front of the golf club head body, the insert, tape and/or adhesive is damaged by exposure to high temperatures, thereby impairing the weight distribution of the insert and impairing the material properties of the tape and/or adhesive.

A high density perimeter of the golf club head may also be achieved by toe weights and/or tip weights within the hosel. In some embodiments, the body may further include a toe cavity. The tow weight may be mounted within the tow cavity. The tow weight is constructed from a high-density material such as tungsten. Additionally, in some embodiments, the golf club head may include toe screw weights for swing weighting.

In a second embodiment of the golf club head, the cavity of the body is exposed through an opening in the upper back. Similar to the first embodiment, the golf club head of the second embodiment includes a body and a low density insert. The body may be cast or forged. The body includes a rear opening in the upper portion of the body. The low density insert is received within the cavity of the body. In this embodiment, the insert comprises a material that can be injected into the cavity, such as a thermoplastic composite, foam, or other filler cushioning material.

The golf club head further includes a face plate defining a front boundary of the cavity. The injection molding process allows low density inserts to be formed within the cavity of the body. The golf club head may further include a toe weight in the toe cavity of the body and/or a tip weight in the hosel for perimeter weighting. Additionally, the golf club head may include toe screw weights for swing weighting.

In the description and claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., if present, are used to distinguish similar elements, but do not necessarily refer to a particular sequential or chronological order. It is not intended to be used for descriptive purposes. It is to be understood that the terminology used as such is interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein may be operated, for example, in an order not illustrated or otherwise described herein. Also, "comprise", "have" and any variations thereof are intended to encompass a non-exclusive connotation, such that a process, method, system, article, apparatus, or apparatus comprising a list of elements refers to those elements. It is not necessarily limited and may include other elements not explicitly listed or inherent to the process, method, system, article, apparatus, or apparatus.

In the description and claims, the terms "front", "rear", "rear", "top", "bottom", etc., if any, are used for descriptive purposes and are necessarily used to describe permanent relative positions. it is not going to be The terminology so used indicates that the embodiments of the apparatus, method, and/or article of manufacture described herein are compatible, under appropriate circumstances, to, for example, operate in an orientation other than that illustrated or otherwise described herein. should know

"Couple" and its like terms should be broadly understood and meant to mean mechanically or otherwise connecting two or more elements together. For example, two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled. Bonding can be for any period of time, for example permanent or semi-permanent, or only momentary.

The term MOI as used herein may be a quantity expressing the tendency of an object to resist angular acceleration. MOI is also known as angular mass or rotational inertia. MOI determines the torque required to achieve the desired angular acceleration about the axis of rotation. A higher MOI provides more forgiveness to the club head, which means that the golfer is conscious of a more consistent shot even when the golf ball is hit by a portion of the off-center hitting surface. The MOI increases as the weight moves away from the center of the golf club head to the periphery of the golf club head. In order to preserve the desired overall golf club head weight, material that is lighter than the cavity or main golf club head should be included in the center of the golf club head to increase the MOI.

Aspects of golf clubs described herein may apply to one or more golf clubs in an iron set. In some embodiments, an iron set includes irons having various club head sizes, shaft lengths, lie angles, loft angles, head weights, and/or other parameters. Each club head in an iron set may be numbered from 1 to 10 as per convention. Most commonly, sets are numbered from 3 to 9. Also, an iron set may consist of one or more wedges having a higher loft angle than the numbered irons.

In some embodiments, the golf club head may be a wedge. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the golf club head is less than about 50 degrees, less than about 49 degrees, less than about 48 degrees, less than about 47 degrees, less than about 46 degrees, less than about 45 degrees, less than about 44 degrees, about 43 degrees. less than about 42 degrees, less than about 41 degrees, or less than about 40 degrees. Further, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the golf club head is greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees; greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees.

In many embodiments, the loft angle of the golf club head is less than about 64 degrees, less than about 63 degrees, less than about 62 degrees, less than about 61 degrees, less than about 60 degrees, less than about 59 degrees, less than about 58 degrees, about 57 degrees. less than about 56 degrees, less than about 55 degrees, or less than about 54 degrees. Further, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the golf club head is greater than about 46 degrees, greater than about 47 degrees, greater than about 48 degrees, greater than about 49 degrees, greater than about 50 degrees, greater than about 51 degrees, or greater than about 52 degrees. .

In some embodiments, the golf club head may have a total volume of between 1.9 in³ and 2.7 in³. In some embodiments, the total volume of the golf club head may be between 1.9 in³ and 2.4 in³, between 2.0 in³ and 2.5 in³, between 2.1 in³ and 2.6 in³, between 2.2 in³ and 2.7 in³, between 2.3 in³ and 2.7 in³, or between 2.4 in³ and 2.7 in³. have. In other embodiments, the total volume of the golf club head 100 may be 1.9 in³, 2.0 in³, 2.1 in³, 2.2 in³, 2.3 in³, 2.4 in³, 2.5 in³, 2.6 in³, or 2.7 in³.

In some embodiments, the golf club head may have a total mass of 200 g to 300 g. In some embodiments, the golf club head is 200 g to 210 g, 210 g to 220 g, 220 g to 230 g, 230 g to 240 g, 240 g to 250 g, 250 g to 260 g, 255 g to 260 g , 260 g to 270 g, 265 g to 275 g, 270 g to 280 g, 275 g to 280 g, or 250 g to 270 g. In another embodiment, the total mass is 200 g, 205 g, 210 g, 220 g, 225 g, 230 g, 235 g, 240 g, 245 g, 250 g, 255 g, 260 g, 265 g, 270 g, 275 g, 280 g, 285 g, 290 g, 295 g or 300 g.

The golf club head described herein can be viewed in a variety of perspective views while in an address position, including, but not limited to, a front view, a rear view, a toe view, a heel side view, a top view, a bottom view, and various perspective views. For example, the front view of the golf club head 100 is a view of the club head parallel to the ground surface 10 from the forward direction of the loft plane 20 . The rear view of the golf club head 100 is a view of the club head parallel to the ground surface 10 from the rear direction of the rear surface 103 . The toe side view of the club head 100 is a view of the club head from the toe-heel direction parallel to the ground 10 . The heel side view of the golf club head 100 is the club head viewed from the heel-toe direction parallel to the ground surface 10 . The bottom view of the golf club head 100 is viewed from the sole-upper direction orthogonal to the ground surface 10 of the club head. The top view of the golf club head 100 is viewed from the top-sole direction orthogonal to the ground surface 10 of the club head.

I. Golf club head with insert and enclosing faceplate

A golf club head 100 is described herein. Golf club head 100 may be a tour style golf club head with forgiveness as discussed above. Golf club head 100 may include a body having a cavity for receiving an insert. A golf club head includes a face plate, a body and an insert. The body includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a sole portion, a rear surface and an upper rail. The back side may further include an articulating seam. The articulating seam is the boundary between the top and bottom of the golf club head. The face plate and part of the body form the striking surface of the golf club head. The face plate, sole, rear and upper rails surround the cavity.

The cavity of the body opens to the front side of the golf club head and is surrounded by a face plate. The face plate may be swaged to the body and laser welded to the body. The club head is a tour iron club head and has a volume of 1.8 in³ to 2.7 in³ (30 cubic centimeters (cc) to 45 cc). The body of the golf club head may be cast or forged from a metallic material.

The insert includes a low-density material and fills a cavity defined by the body of the golf club head. When the mass is reduced at the center of the golf club head, the extra mass is concentrated at the periphery, thereby increasing the value of the moment of inertia of the golf club head. As mentioned above, the golf club head includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion has a greater depth than the upper portion. Accordingly, the lower portion has more mass concentrated on the peripheral heel end, toe end and sole portion. Reducing the mass of the body lowers the CG, increasing the launch angle and reducing the spin. As previously introduced, there is a need in the art for irons that combine tour iron sizing with a relatively high moment of inertia due to ambient weight and low CG due to a low mass location. In some embodiments, tip weights located in the hosel and/or toe weights located in the toe cavity of the body provide additional ambient weighting.

A. parts of golf club head

1 to 13 , the golf club head 100 includes a face plate 155 , a body 110 , and an insert 140 as described above. The body 110 may further include an upper portion 108 , a lower portion 109 , a sole 107 , a back 103 , a toe side 101 , a heel side 102 , and an upper rail 106 . . A part of the face plate 155 and the body may form the striking surface 111 . Face plate 155 , sole 107 , back 103 , and upper rail 106 surround cavity 120 . The upper portion 108 is bounded by an upper rail 106 . The lower portion 109 is bounded by a sole 107 . The back side 103 may include an articulating seam 130 . The articulating seam 130 may extend from the toe side 101 of the golf club head to the heel side 102 . Articulating seam 130 delimits upper portion 108 to upper rail 106 . The articulating seam 130 delimits the lower portion 109 to the sole 107 . Articulation seam 130 marks the end of a constant upper portion depth 116 , as described below. 4-12, the articulation seam 130 is represented as an inflection point in any cross-sectional view taken in the upper rail-sole direction from the toe side view.

2 and 3, the ground 10 provides a reference to the ground when the golf club is in an address position. As shown in FIG. 4 , the face plate 20 is parallel to the striking surface 111 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the central plane 45 is perpendicular to the ground plane 10 , perpendicular to the loft plane 20 , and coincides with the central point 80 of the striking plane 111 . 2 and 4 , the golf club head 100 may have a coordinate system centered on the CG 60 of the golf club head 100 . A golf club head 600 to be described later may have a similar coordinate axis. The x-axis 30 reference axis extends through the CG 60 in the toe-heel direction. The x-axis 30 is parallel to the striking plane. The y-axis 40 reference axis extends through the CG 60 in the upper rail-sole direction. The y-axis 40 is perpendicular to the ground 10 when the golf club head 100 is in the address position. The z-axis 50 reference axis extends through the CG 60 in the fore-and-aft direction. The z-axis 50 is parallel to the ground plane 10 and perpendicular to the x-axis 30 and the y-axis 40 . Also, the reference axis of the hosel axis 70 extends through the concentric center of the hosel 105 . The lead edge axis 35 is parallel to the ground 10 , extends in the heel-toe direction, and coincides with the lowest point of the generally planar striking surface 111 along the center of the striking surface 111 . The lead edge plane coincides with the lead edge axis 35 and is parallel to the ground surface 10 .

One) Upper and lower parts of the golf club head

4 and 5 , the golf club head 100 includes an upper portion 108 and a lower portion 109 . As discussed above, the upper portion 108 may be separated from the lower portion 109 by an articulating seam 130 . The upper portion 108 of the rear surface 103 of the body may have a uniform depth 116 measured perpendicular to the loft plane 20 from the striking surface 111 to the rear surface 103 . The rear surface 103 includes an upper wall 131 and a lower wall 132 . By remaining substantially parallel to the loft plane 20 , the upper wall of the back 103 allows a constant depth 116 to be formed in the upper portion 108 of the golf club head 100 . At the articulating seam 130 , the back profile is changed between the upper portion 108 and the lower portion 109 of the golf club head 100 to vary the depth of the golf club head 100 . This change in depth leads to a lower portion 109 having a greater depth 118 than the upper portion 108 , as described below. The greater the depth of the lower portion 109 is advantageous in lowering the CG of the golf club head 100 and improving the firing characteristics.

This contour of the back 103 of the golf club head 100 allows for a lower mass placement in the golf club head 100 than in a golf club head of a flat back design. By moving the mass of the club head lower, the CG is lowered. This may improve ball launch and spin characteristics of the golf ball upon impact by the golf club head 100 . All of the advantages of the CG position are best understood through comparison with a flat-backed golf club head, as provided in Example 3 below. In some embodiments, golf club head 100 may have a CG of 0.030 in to 0.050 in less than the CG of a comparative golf club head with a flat back. In some embodiments, the CG is 0.030 in to 0.032 in, 0.032 in to 0.034 in, 0.034 in to 0.036 in, 0.036 in to 0.038 in, 0.038 in to 0.040 in, 0.040 in to 0.042 in, 0.042 in to 0.044 in, 0.044 in to 0.046 in, 0.046 in to 0.048 in, or 0.048 in to 0.050 in.

The posterior contour may vary between embodiments to allow the upper portion 108 and lower portion 109 to have different depths, volumes or masses. As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 17 and 18 , in some embodiments, the lower wall 132 of the back surface 103 may include a ledge 139 directly below the articulation seam 130 . The shelf 139 may be between the top wall 131 and the remainder of the bottom wall 132 . In these embodiments, shelf portion 139 extends rearwardly and/or downwardly from articulation seam 130 . In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 , shelf portion 139 is approximately perpendicular to loft plane 20 . By changing the posterior contour, the depth, volume or mass of the upper and lower portions 108 , 109 can be changed, which affects the position of the CG and the value of the MOI.

2) the height of the upper part and the lower part

4 and 5 , the golf club head 100 includes an upper portion 108 and a lower portion 109 divided by an articulating seam 130 . The upper portion 108 has a height 188 measured along the central plane 45 from the upper rail 106 to the articulating seam 130 in a direction parallel to the loft plane 20 . The upper portion height 188 may be between 0.60 inches and 0.90 inches. In some embodiments, the upper portion height 188 is 0.60 in to 0.65 in, 0.65 in to 0.70 in, 0.70 in to 0.75 in, 0.75 in to 0.80 in, 0.80 in to 0.85 in, 0.85 in to 0.90 in, 0.60 in. to 0.70 in, 0.70 in to 0.80 in, or 0.80 in to 0.90 in.

The lower portion 109 has a height 189 measured along the central plane 45 from the upper rail 106 to the articulating seam 130 in a direction parallel to the loft plane 20 . The lower portion height 189 may be between 0.80 inches and 1.10 inches. In some embodiments, the lower portion height 189 is 0.80 in to 0.85 in, 0.85 in to 0.90 in, 0.90 in to 0.95 in, 0.95 in to 1.0 in, 1.0 in to 1.05 in, 1.05 in to 1.10 in, 0.9 in. to 1.0 in or 1.0 in to 1.1 in.

The ratio of the upper portion height 188 to the lower portion height 189 may be 9:8 (54:48) to 6:11 (54:99). In some embodiments, the ratio of the upper portion height 188 to the lower portion height 189 is 9:8 (54:48) to 6:8 (54:72), 6:8 (54:72) to 9: 11 (54:66) or 9:11 (54:66) to 6:11 (54:99). A higher ratio of upper and lower portion heights 188 , 189 may result in lower CG as lower portion 109 has greater depth and mass as described below. The low CG reduces the torque transmitted to the golf club head 100 upon impact with the golf ball, thereby improving launch and spin characteristics. A low CG may also increase ball speed and improve the feel of the golf club head 100 .

3) Depth of the upper and lower parts of the golf club head

4 and 5 , the upper portion 108 of the golf club head 100 may have a constant depth. The depth 116 of the upper portion of the club head 100 may be between 0.200 inches and 0.250 inches. In some embodiments, upper portion depth 116 is 0.200 in to 0.210 in, 0.205 in to 0.215 in, 0.210 in to 0.220 in, 0.215 in to 0.225 in, 0.220 in to 0.230 in, 0.225 in to 0.235 in, 0.230 in. to 0.240 in, 0.235 in to 0.245 in, 0.240 in to 0.250 in, or 0.245 in to 0.250 in.

The lower portion 109 has a depth 118 measured perpendicular to the loft plane 20 from the striking face 111 to the outer surface of the back 103 along the central plane 45 . The lower portion depth 118 may vary in the upper rail-toe direction and/or in the heel-toe direction. The lower portion depth 118 is greater than or equal to the depth of the upper portion 116 of the golf club head 100 . The lower portion depth 118 may be between 0.270 inches and 0.780 inches. In other embodiments, the lower portion depth 118 is 0.270 in to 0.320 in, 0.320 in to 0.380 in, 0.380 in to 0.430 in, 0.430 in to 0.480 in, 0.480 in to 0.530 in, 0.530 in to 0.580 in, 0.580 in. to 0.630 in, 0.630 in to 0.680 in, 0.680 in to 0.730 in, 0.730 in to 0.780 in, 0.270 in to 0.470 in, 0.320 in to 0.520 in, 0.370 in to 0.570 in, 0.420 in to 0.620 in, 0.470 in to 0.670 in, 0.420 in to 0.620 in, 0.470 in to 0.670 in, 0.520 in to 0.720 in, or 0.570 in to 0.770 in.

In the toe 101 and heel 102 of the club head 100 , the lower portion depth 118 may be different from the lower portion depth 118 in the central plane 45 . The minimum lower portion depth 118 of the tow 101 may be between 0.300 inches and 0.460 inches. In other embodiments, the lower portion depth 118 of the toe region 101 is 0.300 in to 0.320 in, 0.320 in to 0.330 in, 0.330 in to 0.340 in, 0.340 in to 0.360 in, 0.360 in to 0.380 in, 0.380 in. to 0.400 in, 0.400 in to 0.420 in, 0.420 in to 0.440 in, or 0.440 in to 0.460 in.

The lower portion depth 118 at the heel 102 may also be different from the lower portion depth at the central plane 45 . The minimum lower portion depth 118 of the heel region 102 may be between 0.270 inches and 0.315 inches. In other embodiments, the lower portion depth 118 of the heel region 102 is 0.270 in to 0.280 in, 0.280 in to 0.290 in, 0.290 in to 0.300 in, 0.300 in to 0.310 in, 0.310 in to 0.320 in, 0.320 in. to 0.340 in, 0.340 in to 0.360 in, 0.360 in to 0.380 in, 0.380 in to 0.400 in, 0.400 in to 0.420 in, 0.420 in to 0.440 in, or 0.440 in to 0.460 in.

The maximum depth of the club head 100 is located within the lower portion 109 of the body 110 . The maximum depth of the club head 100 is measured perpendicular to the loft plane 20 from the striking face 111 to the outer surface of the back 103 . The maximum depth may be between 0.670 in and 0.770 in. In other embodiments, the maximum depth may be 0.670 in to 0.690 in, 0.690 in to 0.710 in, 0.710 in to 0.730 in, 0.730 in to 0.750 in, or 0.750 in to 0.770 in.

In some embodiments, the ratio between the upper portion depth 116 and the lower portion depth 118 may be between 1:3 and 4:5. In some embodiments, the ratio between the depth of the upper portion 116 and the lower portion 118 may be 1:3 to 1:2, 1:2 to 2:3, or 2:3 to 4:5. The lower portion extends further rearward in a club head where the ratio between the upper portion depth 116 and the lower portion depth 118 is greater. Conversely, in a club head where the ratio between the upper portion depth 116 and the lower portion depth 118 is smaller, the lower portion does not project far back. These embodiments may look sleeker and resemble a thin profile tour iron.

4) The volume of the upper and lower parts and cavities of the golf club head

4 and 5 , the upper and lower portions 108 , 109 of the golf club head 100 may have a volume. The volume is measured from the plane adjacent the heel 102 and coincident with the edge/perimeter of the face plate 155 to the toe 101 . The volume of the upper portion 108 may be between 0.20 in³ and 0.60 in³. In some embodiments, the volume of the upper portion 108 is between 0.20 in³ and 0.30 in³, between 0.25 in³ and 0.35 in³, between 0.30 in³ and 0.40 in³, between 0.35 in³ and 0.45 in³, between 0.40 in³ and 0.50 in³, between 0.45 in³ and 0.55 in³, or 0.50 in³. in³ to 0.60 in³. In some embodiments, the volume of the upper portion 108 is 0.48 in³.

5 , the upper portion 108 and the lower portion 109 together form a body 110 , which defines a cavity 120 . A portion of cavity 120 in upper portion 108 of body 110 may have a volume between 0.05 in³ and 0.40 in³ (0.82 cc to 6.55 cc). In some embodiments, the cavity volume of upper portion 108 is between 0.05 in³ and 0.15 in³, between 0.10 in³ and 0.20 in³, between 0.15 in³ and 0.25 in³, between 0.20 in³ and 0.30 in³, between 0.25 in³ and 0.35 in³, between 0.30 in³ and 0.40 in³; or 0.35 in³ to 0.45 in³. In some embodiments, the cavity volume of upper portion 108 is 0.17 in³. In some embodiments, the ratio of the volume of the club head upper portion to the cavity volume in the upper portion may range from 11:10 to 12:1.

For proper placement of the low CG within the golf club head 100, the golf club head 100 below the articulation seam 130 (i.e., the lower portion 109) is positioned above the articulation seam 130 ( 100) (ie, upper portion 108). The volume of the lower portion 109 of the club head 100 is measured equal to the upper portion 108 (ie, measured coincidentally with the edge/perimeter of the face plate 155 from the plane adjacent the heel 102 to the toe). being]. The volume of the lower portion 109 may be between 1.15 in³ and 1.55 in³. In some embodiments, the volume of the lower portion 109 may be between 1.15 in³ and 1.35 in³, between 1.25 in³ and 1.45 in³, between 1.35 in³ and 1.55 in³, between 1.20 in³ and 1.30 in³, between 1.30 in³ and 1.40 in³, or between 1.40 in³ and 1.50 in³. have. In some embodiments, the volume of the upper portion is 1.36 in³.

A portion of cavity 120 in lower portion 109 may have a volume between 0.15 in³ and 0.60 in³ (2.46 cc to 9.83 cc). In some embodiments, the cavity volume of the lower portion 109 is between 0.15 in³ and 0.25 in³, between 0.20 in³ and 0.30 in³, between 0.25 in³ and 0.35 in³, between 0.30 in³ and 0.40 in³, between 0.35 in³ and 0.45 in³, between 0.40 in³ and 0.50 in³; It can be between 0.45 in³ and 0.55 in³ or between 0.50 in³ and 0.60 in³. In some embodiments, the cavity volume of the lower portion 109 is 0.37 in³. In some embodiments, the ratio of the volume of the club head lower portion to the volume of the cavity in the lower portion may range from 1.1:1 to 10:1.

5) total volume of the cavity

Referring back to FIG. 1 , the golf club head 100 may include a body 110 having a cavity 120 at the center of the golf club head 100 . The cavity 120 is filled with a low density insert 140 to increase the forgiveness of the golf club head 100 without sacrificing the rugged feel and shape of the tour iron. The forgiveness of the golf club head 100 corresponds to the amount of ambient weight affected by the volume of the cavity 120 . A larger cavity removes more mass from the central region of the golf club head 100 than a smaller cavity. As a result, a larger cavity allows more weight to be placed on the periphery of the golf club head 100 .

Cavity 120 may have a volume between 0.2 in³ and 0.8 in³ (3.28 cc to 13.11 cc). In some embodiments, the volume of the cavity 120 is between 0.2 in³ and 0.3 in³, between 0.2 in³ and 0.25 in³, between 0.25 in³ and 0.30 in³, between 0.30 in³ and 0.40 in³, between 0.30 in³ and 0.35 in³, between 0.35 in³ and 0.40 in³, between 0.40 in³ and 0.40 in³. 0.50 in³; , 0.70 in³ to 0.80 in³, 0.70 in³ to 0.75 in³, 0.75 in³ to 0.80 in³. In other embodiments, the cavity 120 may be 0.20 in³, 0.22 in³, 0.24 in³, 0.26 in³, 0.28 in³, 0.30 in³, 0.32 in³, 0.34 in³, 0.36 in³, 0.38 in³, 0.40 in³, 0.42 in³, 0.44 in³, 0.46 in³, 0.48 in³, 0.50 in³, 0.52 in³, 0.54 in³, 0.56 in³, 0.58 in³, 0.60 in³, 0.62 in³, 0.64 in³, 0.66 in³, 0.68 in³, 0.70 in³, 0.72 in³, 0.74 in³, 0.76 in³, 0.78 in³ or It can have a volume of 0.80 in³.

Cavity 120 may have a volume that is between 5% and 60% of the total club head volume, as described above. In some embodiments, cavities 120 comprise 5%-10%, 10%-30%, 15%-35%, 20%-40%, 25%-45%, 30%-50% of the total club head volume. , 35%-55% or 40%-60% by volume. In one embodiment, the volume of the cavity 120 is 17%-32% of the club head volume.

Increasing the volume of the cavity 120 removes weight from the central region of the body 110 . This saved weight may be redistributed around the perimeter of the golf club head 100 to provide greater forgiveness to the golf club head 100 . The height, depth and volume of the upper and lower portions 108 , 109 of the body 110 provide the club head 100 with the CG 60 in a low position. Thus, the golf club head 100 has a lower CG than a golf club head having a flat back, as illustrated in Example 3 below. As noted above, golf club head 100 may have a CG 60 of 0.030 in to 0.050 in less than the CG of a flat back comparative golf club head. The low CG 60 allows the golf club head 100 to have better firing characteristics, better spin characteristics and higher ball velocity than a flat back golf club head.

6) Thickness Profile of Golf Club Head

The thickness of the back 103 of the body 110 also affects the weighting and thus the CG position of the golf club head 100 . The thickness is measured from the outer surface of the back surface 103 within the cavity 120 to the inner surface of the back side 103 within the cavity 120 . In some embodiments, the back surface 103 of the body 110 is thicker adjacent the sole 107 of the body 110 . Due to the density of the body 110 material, a greater thickness adjacent the sole 107 shifts the mass downward compared to a club head body having a uniform back thickness. 5 , the rear surface 103 of the body 110 may have a thickness 113 . The backside thickness 113 may range from 0.030 inches to 0.100 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness 113 may be 0.030 in, 0.040 in, 0.050 in, 0.060 in, 0.070 in, 0.080 in, 0.090 in, or 0.100 in. The backside thickness 113 may be constant across the backside 103 . In some embodiments, the backside thickness 113 varies across the backside 103 in the heel-toe direction and/or the upper rail-sole direction. Changing the thickness 113 of the back 103 may help to move the mass toward the sole 107 and back 103 sides of the golf club head 100 . When the mass is moved toward the sole 107 and rear 103 sides, the CG is lowered to improve the firing characteristics, the spin characteristics are improved, and the ball speed is increased.

7) body cavity

1 and 5 , the body 110 may include an inner peripheral edge 127 defining an outer boundary of the cavity 120 . An inner peripheral edge 127 surrounds the cavity 120 . Peripheral edge 127 internally borders upper rail 106 , sole 107 , toe 101 and heel 102 . The inner peripheral edge 127 may follow the contour of the outer edge of the golf club head 100 . The peripheral edge 127 of the cavity 120 extends as close to the edge of the golf club head 100 as possible, so that the size of the cavity 120 is maximized. As a result, the size and weighting benefits of the low density insert 140 are also maximized.

In some embodiments not shown, the peripheral edge 127 has a larger area with the cavity 120 closer to the front 104 and closer to the back 103 in a cross-section of the golf club head 100 taken in the anterior-posterior direction. It is gently tapered to cover a smaller area. In these embodiments, this tapered shape allows a larger area adjacent the front surface 104 to retain more surface area of the low-density insert, allowing for placement of the insert closer to the front surface 104 . Less internal cavity area is left for the low density insert and more dense material is left for the back 103 of the golf club head 100 . Thus, the shape of the cavity 120 allows for placement of more mass adjacent the back 103 and sole 107 of the golf club head 100 to move the CG downwards and backwards.

8) recess in the golf club head cavity

1 and 5 , the front surface 104 of the body 110 further includes a recess 142 for receiving the face plate 155 . The recess 142 connects to the front opening of the cavity 120 , but is not considered part of the cavity 120 . It generally follows the contour of the golf club head 100 including, but not limited to, a generally vertical dividing line adjacent the upper rail 106 , the edge of the body in the toe 101 , the sole 107 , and the heel 102 . a peripheral edge 143 . The peripheral edge 143 of the recess 142 is offset from the inner peripheral edge 127 forming the cavity 120 . The footprint of the recess 142 bounded by the peripheral edge 143 is greater than the area surrounded by the inner peripheral edge 127 at the front of the cavity 120 . The concave portion 142 has a depth approximately equal to the thickness of the face plate 155 to be described later.

The face plate 155 is aligned with the recess 142 and is disposed within the cavity 120 and is seated in the recess 142 . Insert 140 (as described below) fits within the cavity with a volume flush with recess 142 . The remaining volume of cavity 120 is filled by face plate 155 that rests in recess 142 . Insert 140 and face plate 155 together fill the entire volume of cavity 120 and recess 142 of golf club head 100 . The insert 140 is seated at the same height as the recess 142 without covering the recess 142 . Accordingly, the insert 140 does not interfere with the face plate 155 seated in the recess 142 .

In another embodiment described below, insert 140 only partially fills the volume of cavity 120 without filling up to recess 142 . Again, these embodiments include an insert 140 that does not interfere with the face plate 155 seated in the recess 142 .

B. insert in golf club head

In contrast to traditional single material tour irons, golf club head 100 includes a low density insert 140 that fits within cavity 120 of body 110 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the insert 140 is formed into a shape that fits within the cavity 120 . Insert 140 completely or partially fills cavity 120 as described above. In some embodiments, insert 140 shares a wall feature with cavity 120 . The shape of the insert 140 may be the same as or approximately the same as the shape of the cavity 120 . In embodiments where the insert substantially fills the cavity 140 , the volume and other dimensions of the insert 120 approximately correspond to respective volumes and other dimensions of the cavity 140 . As discussed below, manufacturing tolerances and insertion of tape and/or adhesive within cavity 120 may require a slightly smaller volume for insert 140 relative to cavity 120 .

One) Multi-material (multi-density) inserts

6-9 , in some embodiments, a multi-material insert 440 is used in place of the insert 140 . Multi-material insert 440 may have dimensions and volumes similar to those of insert 140 . The multi-material insert 440 may include a first portion 450 and a second portion 460 of different materials having different densities. In some embodiments, the first portion 450 is a low density portion and the second portion 460 is a weight. Adding weight to the lower portion of insert 440 lowers CG 60 of golf club head 100 to improve firing characteristics and increase ball velocity. Adding weight to lower the CG 60 increases the ball speed and improves the hitting feel of the golf club head 100 . In another embodiment, the first portion 450 is a vibration damping material and the second portion 460 is a low density material. Forming the first portion 450 with a vibration damping material may affect the hitting feel and sound of the golf club head 100 . The feel, sound, and ambient weight of the golf club head 100 can be altered by forming the insert 440 from various materials.

Insert 440 can be any with respect to each other so long as first portion 450 and second portion 460 form an insert 440 configured to mate within cavity 120 of body 110 as described above. It may be formed of a first portion 450 and a second portion 460 in an orientation or combination. The first portion 450 may be separate from the second portion 460 or may be integrally formed from a single multi-material insert 440 . Various embodiments of multi-material inserts 440 , 440B, 440C and 440D are described in FIGS. 6-9 and below.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the insert 440 includes a first portion 450 and a second portion 460 . Insert 440 may be designed to fit within cavity 120 of golf club head 100 . The cross-sectional incision of FIG. 6 is taken along the central plane 45 of the golf club head 100 . A first portion 450 of the insert 440 is adjacent the striking surface 155 and includes a first material. A second portion 460 of the insert 440 is adjacent the back surface 103 of the body 110 and includes a second material. The first portion 450 overlaps the second portion 460 . The first portion 450 of the insert 440 includes a front surface that abuts the rear surface 128 of the face plate 155 . The second portion 460 is not coupled to the face plate 155 . The second portion 460 includes a front surface that engages the rear surface of the first portion 450 . The second portion 460 is defined within a section of the cavity 120 in the lower portion 109 of the golf club head 100 .

In some embodiments, the bonding surface of one or both of the first and second portions 450 , 460 includes small features (not shown) extending from the generally planar surface to increase the bonding surface area. These small features may include protrusions, lips, ribs, hooks, or other suitable features. These features allow the first portion 450 to be secured to the second portion 460 via a forming process or co-molding process.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9 , three additional exemplary embodiments of multi-material inserts are shown in cross-sectional views of club head 100 taken along central plane 45 . A second embodiment of a multi-material insert 440B includes a first portion 450B and a second portion 460B arranged as shown in FIG. 7 . In this embodiment, first portion 450B forms an upper section of insert 440B and second portion 460B forms a lower section of insert 440B. The first portion 450B and the second portion 460B are both flush with respect to the face plate 155 . The first portion 450B fills a section of the cavity 120 in the upper portion 108 of the body 110 . Second portion 460B is flush with respect to the entire inner sole wall of cavity 120 .

A third embodiment of a multi-material insert 440C includes a first portion 450C and a second portion 460C arranged as illustrated in FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, first portion 450C comprises a majority of the volume of insert 440C. First portion 450C extends partially into a rear end of insert 440C. The entire second portion 460C is located behind the first portion 450C. The first portion 450C is flush with the face plate 155 from the upper rail 106 to the sole 107 in the cavity of the golf club head 100 . The second portion 460C is not coupled to the face plate 155 . The second portion 460C partially fills a section of the cavity 120 within the lower portion 109 of the body 110 and is completely located therein. The second portion 460C engages sections of the inner bristle wall and the rear rear wall of the cavity 120 . In some embodiments, the second portion 460C is formed of a high-density material.

A fourth embodiment of a multi-material insert 440D includes a first portion 450D and a second portion 460D arranged as illustrated in FIG. 9 . In this embodiment, first portion 450D extends partially into a rear end of insert 440D. The first portion 450D engages the second portion 460D along a plane inclined with respect to the loft plane 20 . Also, the first portion 450D is wider adjacent the bottom of the insert 440D than adjacent the top of the insert 440D. With respect to golf club head 100 , first portion 450D is wider adjacent sole 107 than adjacent upper rail 106 . The first portion 450D is flush with the face plate 155 from the upper rail 106 to the sole 107 within the cavity 120 of the golf club head 100 . The second portion 460D is not coupled to the face plate 155 . The second portion 460D partially fills a section of the cavity 120 in the lower portion 109 of the body 110 and is completely located therein. The second portion 460C engages the rear rear wall of the cavity 120 . In some embodiments, second portion 460D is formed of a high-density material. Golf club head 100 with multi-material insert 440 provides improved feel and sound compared to tour irons without an insert.

In another embodiment of a golf club head 100 having a multi-material insert (not shown), a second portion similar to the second portions 460 , 460B, 460C, 460D is primarily a toe of the golf club head 110 . 101) can be located. This provides a toe weighting effect that works similarly to toe weights 161 described below. Embodiments of the second portion of the insert acting as a toe weight do not require an external toe weight. This may improve appearance and simplify manufacturing by eliminating the need for welding in the tow weight.

2) weight loss insert

In some embodiments, a weight-saving (hereafter reduced) insert 240 is employed in place of the insert 140 . The weight reduction insert 240 shown in FIGS. 10-13 has a shape and size similar to that of the insert 140 . That is, the weight loss insert 240 is configured to fit within the cavity 120 of the golf club head 100 . The weight loss insert 240 is divided into an insert upper portion 250 (the upper rail side of the golf club head) and an insert lower portion 260 (the sole side of the golf club head). The insert upper portion 250 may be separated from the insert lower portion 260 by an insert articulating seam 245 . The insert upper portion 250 may be solid. Insert lower portion 260 includes a recess 269 extending inwardly from front surface 241 of insert 240 to provide a shell-out structure to insert lower portion 260 to reduce insert weight .

Insert 240 includes an anterior surface 241 , a posterior surface 242 , a perimeter 244 , and an insert articulating seam 245 . The depth 243 of the insert 240 may be measured perpendicular to the anterior surface 241 in the fore-and-aft direction. The front surface 241 is approximately parallel to the loft plane 20 . In some embodiments, a portion of the back surface 242 in the insert upper portion 250 is also approximately parallel to the loft plane 20 . The lower portion 260 of the insert 240 has a greater depth than the insert upper portion 250 . Insert upper portion 250 has a maximum depth that is less than a maximum depth of insert lower portion 260 . In some embodiments, the insert upper portion 250 has a uniform depth 243 . The depth ratio of the insert upper portion 250 to the insert lower portion 260 may range from 1:3 to 1:10.

The insert upper and lower portions 250 and 260 may each have a length measured in the heel-toe (approximately horizontal) direction. The maximum insert upper length 248 may be greater than the maximum insert lower length 249 . In some embodiments, the shorter lower portion 260 is due to the toe weight taking up space within the lower portion of the golf club 100 . Because of the toe weight of these embodiments, the lower portion of the insert cavity is shorter than the upper portion of the insert cavity.

Insert upper portion 250 is solid and bounded by insert perimeter 244 . The insert upper portion 250 perimeter includes an upper rail edge 256 , a toeside edge 251 , and a heelside edge 252 . The insert perimeter 244 may be configured to lie flush with the wall of the cavity 120 . In some embodiments, the toeside edge 251 has a bend to connect the longer insert upper portion 250 to the insert lower portion 260 . Insert upper portion 250 forms part of front surface 241 of insert 240 . The front surface 241 of the insert 240 lies flat against and/or adjacent to the back of the face plate of the club head as shown in FIG. 13 .

The insert lower portion 260 includes a rear wall 263 , a toe end wall 261 , a heel end wall 262 , a bottom wall 267 and an upper wall 266 , which together are inserted into the insert 240 . A recess 269 (or cavity) is formed. In some embodiments, the recess 269 only opens to the side of the face plate and not the other wall of the cavity 120 . In some embodiments, one or more ribs 268 are provided across recess 269 to provide structural support to insert 240 . One or more ribs 268 may further provide structural support to the face. The one or more ribs 268 may be oriented approximately orthogonal to the face plate when the insert 240 is installed in the club head body. One or more ribs 268 may be oriented approximately parallel to the upper rail-sole direction. The one or more ribs 268 may change the hitting feel or sound of the club upon impact with the golf ball. In some embodiments, at least one of the ribs 268 may have a round peg shutoff (not shown) to accommodate a gating shutoff required for a die casting manufacturing method. In other embodiments, the one or more ribs 268 are thick enough to block without requiring a round peg cut-off point.

One or more ribs 268 divide, separate, and/or subdivide insert recess 269 into multiple sections or one or more smaller recesses. In some embodiments, one or more ribs 268 subdivide lower portion 260 into 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 sections or small recesses. The insert shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is subdivided into five recessed sections.

The lower recess 269 reduces the material volume of the insert 240 , thereby reducing the weight of the insert 240 . In some embodiments, the weight reduction insert 240 may have a weight that is 5-10 grams less than a similar insert without the weight reduction recess. In some embodiments, the weight reduction insert 240 is 5-6 g, 5.5-6.5 g, 6-7 g, 6.5-7.5 g, 7-8 g, 7.5-8.5 g, 8 more than a similar insert without the weight reduction recess. -9 g, 8.5-9.5 g or 9-10 g lower weight. In some embodiments, the weight reduction insert 240 may have a weight that is about 5 g, 6 g, 7 g, 8 g, 9 g, or 10 g less than a similar insert without the weight reduction recess. For example, in one comparison, a 7-iron weight loss insert has a weight of 7.1 g less than a 7-iron solid aluminum insert such as that described for the golf club head 100 above.

A second embodiment of a weight reduction insert 270 is shown in FIGS. 14-16 . A variant of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 17 . The weight reduction insert 270 is similar to the weight reduction insert 240 . The reduction insert 270 includes a front surface 271 , a back surface, a perimeter 274 and an insert articulation seam 275 . The depth of the weight reduction insert 270 may be similar to the depth of the weight reduction insert 240 . An insert upper portion 280 is formed over the insert articulating seam 275 , and an insert lower portion 290 is formed below the insert articulating seam 275 . The insert upper portion 280 includes at least one connecting rail 284 defining two or more apertures 285 (or weight loss areas). The two or more apertures 285 reduce the material required to form the insert 270 and thus also reduce the weight of the insert 270 .

Within the insert upper portion 280 , the perimeter 274 forms a frame supporting the at least one connecting rail 284 . Perimeter 274 includes a top rail 286 , a heel end rail 282 , and a toe end rail 281 . Heel end rail 282 and toe end rail 281 connect upper rail 286 to insert lower portion 290 . The insert upper portion 280 may be integrally formed with the insert lower portion 290 at the insert articulating seam 275 . At least one connecting rail 284 extends from one end of the peripheral frame to the other end of the peripheral frame. The at least one connecting rail 284 may extend in a toe-heel direction, an upper rail-sole direction, or a direction inclined from any one of the aforementioned directions. The at least one connecting rail 284 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more connecting rails 284 .

Insert upper portion 280 may include a subset of connecting rails 284 . In some embodiments, a subset of connecting rails 284 may be positioned horizontally (generally in a toe-heel direction). In some embodiments, a subset of the connecting rails 284 may be positioned vertically (generally in the upper rail-sole direction). In some embodiments, a subset of horizontally positioned connecting rails 284 intersects a subset of vertically positioned connecting rails 284 .

The two or more apertures 285 may include voids, apertures, recesses, holes, or areas free of material. The two or more apertures 285 are defined by the perimeter 274 and the at least one connecting rail 284 . In some embodiments, the two or more apertures 285 are arranged in a grid pattern across the insert upper portion 280 . A portion of the rail 284 forming the two or more apertures 285 may include a round cut-off point that serves the same function as a cut-off point (not shown) on the insert lower portion 290 at the intersection (not shown). can The pattern of holes 285 helps to reduce the weight of the insert 270 .

Insert lower portion 290 of reduction insert 270 is similar to insert lower portion 250 of first weight reduction insert 240 . 14-16, the insert includes two ribs 298 that subdivide the lower recess 299 into three recess sections. The three recess sections may have unequal dimensions due to the location of the ribs 298 adjacent to opposite ends of the recesses 299 . 16 , the insert 270 includes five ribs 298 that subdivide the lower recess 299 into six recess sections. In some embodiments (not shown), one or more gate blocking points may be positioned to coincide with one or more ribs 298 .

The insert lower recess 299 and the insert upper aperture 285 reduce the material volume of the insert 270 , thereby reducing the weight of the second reducing insert 270 . In some embodiments, the second weight loss insert 270 may have a weight 5-12 grams lighter than a similar insert without the weight reduction recess 299 and aperture 285 . In some embodiments, the weight reduction insert 270 is 5-6 g, 5.5-6.5 g, 6-7 g, 6.5-7.5 g, 7-8 than a similar insert without the weight reduction recess 299 and aperture 285 . g, 7.5-8.5 g, 8-9 g, 8.5-9.5 g, 9-10 g, 9.5-10.5 g, 10-11 g, 10.5-11.5 g or 11-12 g. In some embodiments, the weight reduction insert 270 is about 5 g, 6 g, 7 g, 8 g, 9 g, 10 g, 11 g, or 12 more than a similar insert without the weight reduction recess 299 and aperture 285 . g It can have a light weight.

3) The volume of the cavity filled with the insert in the golf club head

As noted above, the insert 140 may completely or partially fill the cavity 120 of the golf club head 100 . Insert 140 may fill 80%-100% of the volume of cavity 120 . In some embodiments, insert 140 increases the volume of cavity 120 by 80%-85%, 85%-90%, 90%-95%, 95%-100%, 80%-90%, or 90%- 100% fillable. In contrast to traditional hollow body irons, golf club head 100 does not include a completely air-filled cavity. Rather, cavity 120 is at least partially filled with insert 140 .

6-9 , in embodiments having a multi-material insert, such as insert 440 , first portion 450 may fill a majority of cavity 120 . The second portion 460 may fill the remainder of the cavity 120 . In some embodiments not shown, the first and second portions together only partially fill cavity 120 . In embodiments with multi-material insert 440 , first portion 450 may fill 20%-90% of the volume of cavity 120 . In some embodiments, first portion 450 is 20%-30%, 30%-40%, 40%-50%, 50%-60%, 60%-70%, 70%-80% or 80% -90% can be filled. The second portion 460 may fill 10%-80% of the volume of the cavity 120 . In some embodiments, second portion 460 may fill 10%-20%, 20%-30%, 30%-40%, 40%-50%.

The volume of the first and second portions 450 , 460 affects the overall weight of the golf club head 100 , which means that the first and second portions 450 , 460 differ as described in detail below. This is because they are formed of different materials with different densities. When designing a golf club head, a number of design parameters must be considered together. By forming inserts from multiple materials, mass placement can be controlled to increase ambient weight and lower CG to improve launch characteristics and increase ball speed.

4) A layer of tape combined with the insert at the golf club head

In some embodiments, the tape layer 150 is disposed within the cavity 120 between the insert 140 and the striking surface 111 . 19 , the tape layer 150 is sandwiched between the insert 140 and the face plate 155 . Golf club head embodiments having a multi-material insert such as 440 similarly provide a layer of tape between first portion 450 and face plate 155 or between first portion 155 and body 110 of insert 440 . (150). In golf club head 100 , insert 140 fits within body 110 , a layer of tape 150 may optionally overlie insert 140 , and face plate 155 with layer of tape 150 . and fills the concave portion 142 of the body 110 .

In some embodiments not shown, a second layer of tape may be flush with the inner surface of the back surface 103 of the body 110 within the cavity 120 . The second tape layer may be interposed between the back 103 of the body 110 and the insert 140 . In some embodiments, a third layer of tape may be flush with the bottom of cavity 120 . The third tape layer may be interposed between the sole 107 of the body 110 and the insert 140 . The golf club head 100 may include one or more of a first tape layer 150 , a second tape layer and a third tape layer.

The tape layer 150 , the second tape layer or the third tape layer may comprise a material such as a very high bonding (“VHB”) tape. The VHB tape is compressible such that, when initially provided, the original thickness of the tape layer 150 (measured perpendicular to the striking surface 111 ) is greater than the thickness of the compressed tape layer in the assembled golf club head 100 . do. The second and third tape layers are similarly compressible. The compressive nature of the one or more tape layers reduces the likelihood of rattling due to manufacturing tolerances between the body 110 and the insert 140 . Additionally, one or more layers of tape may provide vibration damping as well as positively affect the feel and sound of the golf club head 100 .

C. face plate of golf club head

The entire golf club head 100 is formed by the combination of the body 110 , the insert 120 , and the face plate 155 . Body 110 includes an opening in cavity 120 in front 104 of golf club head 100 . The opening is covered by a face plate 155 to completely enclose the cavity 120 and insert 140 . 2 and 3 , the cavity 120 and the insert 140 are not visible from the outside of the golf club head 100 when the insert 140 is positioned within the cavity 120 . By hiding the insert 140 within the golf club head 100 , the shape of the golf club head 100 can be similar to that of a conventional tour iron.

As a result, a portion of the front surface 104 of the body 110 and the face plate 155 form the striking surface 111 . The striking surface 111 may cover 70% to 95% of the surface area of the front surface 104 of the golf club head 100 . In some embodiments, striking surface 111 may cover 70%-80%, 75%-85%, 80%-90%, or 85%-95% of the surface area of the front surface of golf club head 100 . In addition, the front surface of the striking surface 111 may include one or more grooves. In some embodiments, the groove extends into a portion of the body 110 beyond the edge of the face plate 155 .

The face plate 155 may include a material different from that of the body 110 , as will be described later. In some embodiments, the material of the face plate 155 is stronger than the material of the body 110 . To take advantage of the material of the face plate 155 , most of the striking surface 111 is formed by the face plate 155 . The face plate 155 may be formed from 50% to 95% of the surface area of the front face 104 of the golf club head 100 . In some embodiments, the face plate 155 may be formed of 50%-60%, 60%-70%, 70%-80%, 80%-90%, or 85%-95% of the surface area of the striking surface 111 . can Although the materials are different, both the face plate 155 and the portion of the body 110 of the striking surface 111 provide a solid feel because the insert 140 firmly supports the face plate 155 . Body 110 , insert 140 , and face plate 155 are all directed against golf club head 100 when golf club head 100 impacts a golf ball at various areas of face plate 155 . It can contribute to a consistent hitting feel and sound.

One) Other Faceplate Characteristics

The support provided to face plate 155 by insert 140 allows thin face plate 155 to be used with golf club head 100 . 5 , the face plate 155 of the golf club head 100 has a thickness 112 . Thickness 112 may range from 0.030 inches to 0.100 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness 112 of the face plate may be 0.030 in, 0.040 in, 0.050 in, 0.060 in, 0.070 in, 0.080 in, 0.090 in, or 0.100 in. The thickness 112 of the face plate may be constant across the face plate 155 . In some embodiments, the thickness 112 of the face plate may vary in the heel-toe direction or the upper rail-sole direction. In some embodiments, the thickness 112 of the face plate may vary radially from the center of the face plate 155 .

In another embodiment, the face plate 155 may further have a variable thickness region. In some embodiments, a central region of face plate 155 may be thicker than a peripheral region of face plate 155 . In some embodiments, the thick central region may have an elliptical shape. The thickness of the face plate 155 may taper from the center of the face plate 155 toward the periphery.

D. Other peripheral weights on the golf club head (tip weights, toe weights)

In addition to the peripheral weighting and swing characteristics provided by insert 140 and body 110 , golf club head 100 may further include other peripheral types of weights. In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 may further include a tip weight 160 . The tip weight 160 is a weight that fits into the junction between the hosel 105 and the golf club shaft. The tip weight 160 provides additional peripheral weight to the club head 100 . As shown in FIG. 20 , the tip weight 160 fits within the hosel 105 of the body 110 . Tip weight 160 may be cylindrical, spherical, cube-shaped, or any other suitable shape. The tip weight 160 may be positioned higher or lower in the hosel 105 than shown in FIG. 20 .

1 and 20 , the body 110 of the golf club head 100 may further include a toe cavity 114 . The toe cavity 114 is designed to receive a toe weight 161 that improves the swing characteristics and peripheral weighting of the golf club head 100 . 3 and 4 show a tow cavity 114 with a tow weight 161 mounted thereon. 20 shows the tow weight 161 removed from the tow cavity 114 . In some embodiments, tow cavity 114 is located partially within sole 107 and partially within tow 101 . In some embodiments, the toe cavity 114 is positioned entirely within the toe 101 of the golf club head 100 adjacent the sole 107 . In some embodiments, the toe cavity 114 is positioned entirely within the sole 107 adjacent the toe 101 . In some embodiments, the tow cavity 114 is positioned entirely within the tow 101 . In some embodiments, the tow cavity 114 is located at the center of the tow 101 approximately midway between the upper rail 106 and the sole 107 .

In some embodiments, the toe cavity 114 is visible from the back of the body 110 of the club head 100 . In other embodiments, the toe cavity 114 is not visible from the back of the body 110 . In some embodiments, the toe cavity 114 is visible from the toe side of the body 110 . In other embodiments, the toe cavity 114 is not visible from the toe side of the body 110 . In some embodiments, the toe cavity 114 is visible at the sole of the body 110 . In other embodiments, the toe cavity 114 is not visible from the sole of the body 110 . 1-13, the toe cavity 114 is viewable from the back, sole, and toe side.

The toe weight 161 has a shape that matches the contour of the toe cavity 114 of the body 110 . The outer wall of the toe weight 161 is designed to follow the curve of the golf club head body 110 . In some embodiments, the mass of the tow weight 161 may be between 5% and 45% of the mass of the body 110 . In some embodiments, the mass of the toe weight 161 is 5%-20%, 5%-15%, 10%-20%, 15%-25%, 20%-40% of the mass of the body 110 , 20%-30%, 30%-40% or 35%-45%.

In some embodiments, the body 110 of the golf club head 100 may further include a toe screw weight port not shown in the toe 101 . The golf club head 100 may further include a toe screw weight fitted within the screw weight port. In some embodiments, the tow screw weight may have a weight between 2 g and 15 g, as described below. In order to adjust the golf club head 100 to a golfer's swing, a screw weight having one weight value may be exchanged for another screw weight having a different weight value.

In some embodiments, there is a combination of weights as described above including insert, toe weights, tip weights and toe screw weights. Other embodiments may include a multi-material insert in combination with one or more of a toe weight, a tip weight, and a toe screw weight. Another embodiment includes a weight reduction insert in combination with one or more of a toe weight, a tip weight, and a toe screw weight. For example, some embodiments include weight reduction inserts, tip weights, and toe screw weights.

E. material

The material from which the body 110 , insert 140 , and face plate 155 are formed affects the mass distribution of golf club head 100 . Consequently, the MOI and CG of the golf club head 100 are also affected by the density of the material. The material also provides the necessary strength and flexibility to the golf club head 100 . The golf club head 100 includes one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more materials. In some embodiments, the material may be of a first density, a second density, a third density, a fourth density, a fifth density, or a sixth density.

In some embodiments, face plate 155 may include a first material of a first density. The body 110 may include a second material of a second density. Insert 140 may include a third material of a third density. The third density may be less than the first density and/or the second density. In some embodiments, the face plate 155 may be the same material (and thus the same density) as the body 110 . As described above and in some embodiments, insert 440 may include two or more materials, where the materials are of different densities with respect to each other, and which are in the material of face plate 155 and/or body 110 . may be different or the same for

One) body material

Body 110 may comprise a material such as steel, a steel alloy, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, body 110 may include a different density of material than face plate 155 and insert 140 . The material may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of a steel-based material or a steel alloy. In some embodiments, the body material comprises iron, about 0.17-0.23 wt% carbon, 0.15-0.35 wt% silicon, 0.60-0.90 wt% manganese, 0.15-0.30 wt% molybdenum, 0.40-0.70 wt% nickel, 0.40-0.65 wt% 8620 carbon steel containing weight percent chromium, 0.040 weight percent phosphorus and traces of other elements. In some embodiments, the body material comprises iron, about 18-19 wt% nickel, 8.5-9.5 wt% cobalt, 4.6-5.2 wt% molybdenum, 0.5-0.8 wt% titanium, 0.05-0.15 wt% aluminum and traces of other It can be a grade 300 steel containing elements. In some embodiments, the body material comprises iron, about 17-19 wt% nickel, 8-12.5 wt% cobalt, 3.0-5.2 wt% molybdenum, 0.15-1.6 wt% titanium, 0.05-0.15 wt% aluminum and traces of others It may be maraging steel containing elements. The density of the body 110 material may range from 7.70-8.10 grams per cubic centimeter (hereinafter "g/cc"). In some embodiments, the density of the body material is 7.70 g/cc, 7.75 g/cc, 7.80 g/cc, 7.85 g/cc, 7.90 g/cc, 7.95 g/cc, 8.05 g/cc, or 8.10 g/cc. can In one embodiment, the density of the body material is 7.85 g/cc.

2) insert material

Insert 140 comprises a material such as titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, elastomer, polymer matrix composite, any other suitable low density material, or any other suitable density material lower than the body 110 material. The aluminum alloy may be a high strength aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with a high strength alloy. The polymer matrix composite may be a glass filled elastomer, stainless steel filled elastomer, tungsten filled elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or other elastomeric matrix composite, Kevlar® (aramid) fiber reinforced polymer, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, or It may be any combination of suitable resins and suitable reinforcing fibers. The polymer matrix composite material may be an elastomeric matrix composite material. In some embodiments, the metallic material may be a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, an aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy, or any combination thereof. The steel-based material may be 17-4 PH stainless steel, 431, 455, 475, C300, maraging steel or other types of stainless steel. The aluminum alloy may be a high strength aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with a high strength alloy. The titanium alloy may be Ti-9S, Ti-6-4 and Ti-15-3-3-3. The titanium alloy may be an α-β titanium alloy.

Insert 140 may include a material having a different density than body 110 and face plate 155 . Suitable materials for insert 140 may include any material having a density less than that of the body material. In some embodiments, particularly those having a metallic insert material, the density of the insert 140 material may range from 2.4-5.0 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the insert 140 material is 2.4 g/cc, 2.5 g/cc, 2.6 g/cc, 2.7 g/cc, 2.8 g/cc, 2.9 g/cc, 3.0 g/cc, 3.1 g /cc, 3.2 g/cc, 3.3 g/cc, 3.4 g/cc, 3.5 g/cc, 3.6 g/cc, 3.7 g/cc, 3.8 g/cc, 3.9 g/cc, 4.0 g/cc, 4.1 g /cc, 4.2 g/cc, 4.3 g/cc, 4.4 g/cc, 4.5 g/cc, 4.6 g/cc, 4.7 g/cc, 4.8 g/cc, 4.9 g/cc or 5.0 g/cc . In one embodiment, the insert 140 material is aluminum and the insert 140 material has a density of about 2.7 g/cc. In another embodiment, the insert 140 material is titanium and the insert 140 material has a density of about 4.5 g/cc.

In some embodiments, particularly those having a polymer matrix composite material, the density of the insert 140 may range from 1.0-12.0 g/cc. In a preferred embodiment of the polymer matrix composite material, the density of the insert 140 may range from 1.0 g/cc to 5.0 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the insert 140 is 1.0 g/cc, 1.5 g/cc, 2.0 g/cc, 2.5 g/cc, 3.0 g/cc, 3.5 g/cc, 4.0 g/cc, 4.5 g/cc cc or 5.0 g/cc. When the density of the insert 140 is low, the center of the club head accommodating the insert 140 becomes lighter, so that the weight can be redistributed to the periphery of the club head. The redistributed weight increases the MOI.

In some embodiments of golf club head 100 , insert 440 includes discrete portions formed of different materials and different densities. In some embodiments, first and second portions 450 , 460 of insert 440 may each be formed from any of the materials described above for single material inserts. In some embodiments, the first portion 450 of the insert 140 is formed of an elastomeric or polymer matrix composite material having a density of 0.8 g/cc to 1.4 g/cc, and the second portion 460 of the insert 440 is ) is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a density of 1.5 g/cc to 3.0 g/cc.

In some embodiments of golf club head 100 , first portion 450 of insert 440 may include any of the materials described above having a density between 1.0 g/cc and 12.0 g/cc. In some embodiments, the second portion 460 of the insert 440 may include a material having a density greater than that of the body material. In some embodiments, second portion 460 of insert 440 may be a weight portion comprising any of the materials described above for tow weight 161 and having a density of 14.0-19.6 g/cc. have. In some of these embodiments, the toe weight 161 is not required, as the second portion 460 of the insert 140 serves a similar purpose.

The weight of the insert 140 or 440 may range from 10 g to 50 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the insert 140 is 10 g, 11 g, 12 g, 13 g, 14 g, 15 g, 16 g, 17 g, 18 g, 19 g, 20 g, 21 g, 22 g. , 23 g, 24 g, 25 g, 26 g, 27 g, 28 g, 29 g, 30 g, 31 g, 32 g, 33 g, 34 g, 35 g, 36 g, 37 g, 38 g, 39 g, 40 g, 41 g, 42 g, 43 g, 44 g, 45 g, 46 g, 47 g, 48 g, 49 g or 50 g. In a multi-material insert embodiment in which the second portion 460 of the insert comprises a material similar to that of the toe weight 161 described below, the weight of the insert 140 or 440 and the insert 140 or 440 is 10 g- 70 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the multi-material insert 140 or 440 is 10 g-20 g, 20 g-30 g, 30 g-40 g, 40 g-50 g, 50 g-60 g, or 60 g- 70 g.

Inserts 140 and 440 also provide structural support to striking surface 111 . For embodiments having a metal insert material, insert 140 or 440 or a portion of insert 140 or 440 may have a Rockwell B hardness of between 30 HRB and 100 HRB. In some embodiments, insert 140 or 440 or a portion of insert 140 or 440 is 30 HRB-40 HRB, 40 HRB-50 HRB, 50 HRB-60 HRB, 60 HRB-70 HRB, 70 HRB-80 HRB , 80 HRB-90 HRB, 90 HRB-100 HRB Rockwell B hardness. In another embodiment, insert 140 or a portion of insert 140 is 30 HRB, 31 HRB, 32 HRB, 33 HRB, 34 HRB, 35 HRB, 36 HRB, 37 HRB, 38 HRB, 39 HRB, 40 HRB, 41 HRB, 42 HRB, 43 HRB, 44 HRB, 45 HRB, 46 HRB, 47 HRB, 48 HRB, 49 HRB, 50 HRB, 51 HRB, 52 HRB, 53 HRB, 54 HRB, 55 HRB, 56 HRB, 57 HRB , 58 HRB, 59 HRB, 60 HRB, 61 HRB, 62 HRB, 63 HRB, 64 HRB, 65 HRB, 66 HRB, 67 HRB, 68 HRB, 69 HRB, 70 HRB, 71 HRB, 72 HRB, 73 HRB, 74 HRB, 75 HRB, 76 HRB, 77 HRB, 78 HRB, 79 HRB, 80 HRB, 81 HRB, 82 HRB, 83 HRB, 84 HRB, 85 HRB, 86 HRB, 87 HRB, 88 HRB, 89 HRB, 90 HRB, It may have a Rockwell B hardness of 91 HRB, 92 HRB, 93 HRB, 94 HRB, 95 HRB, 96 HRB, 97 HRB, 98 HRB, 99 HRB or 100 HRB. For other embodiments with metal inserts, insert 140 or 440 or a portion of insert 140 or 440 may have a Rockwell C hardness of 30 HRC to 60 HRC. In some embodiments, insert 140 or 440 may have a hardness of 30 HRC-40 HRC, 35 HRC-45 HRC, 40 HRC-50 HRC, 45 HRC-50 HRC, or 50 HRC-60 HRC. In another embodiment, the insert is 30 HRC, 31 HRC, 32 HRC, 33 HRC, 34 HRC, 35 HRC, 36 HRC, 37 HRC, 38 HRC, 39 HRC, 40 HRC, 41 HRC, 42 HRC, 43 HRC, 44 HRC, 45 HRC, 46 HRC, 47 HRC, 48 HRC, 49 HRC, 50 HRC, 51 HRC, 52 HRC, 53 HRC, 54 HRC, 55 HRC, 56 HRC, 57 HRC, 58 HRC, 59 HRC or 60 HRC It may have a Rockwell C hardness. For some embodiments including titanium or titanium alloy inserts 140 or 440, the insert hardness is 44 HRC.

3) face plate material

Face plate 155 may be formed of a face plate material. In some embodiments, the face plate material is the same material as the body 110 material. In another embodiment, the face plate material is a different material than the body material. In some embodiments, face plate 155 may include a different density of material than body 110 and insert 140 .

The face plate material may be a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, a titanium alloy, or any combination thereof. The steel-based material may be carbon steel, 17-4 PH stainless steel, 431, 455, 475, C300, maraging steel, or other types of stainless steel. The titanium alloy may be Ti-7S+ (ST721), Ti-9S, Ti-6-4, Ti-15-3-3-3 or any other suitable titanium alloy. The titanium alloy may be an α-β titanium alloy. In embodiments where the face plate 155 is a titanium-based material, an aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy, or any combination thereof, the density of the face plate 155 material may range from 2.6-8.7 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the faceplate material is 2.6 g/cc, 2.8 g/cc, 3.0 g/cc, 3.2 g/cc, 3.4 g/cc, 3.6 g/cc, 3.8 g/cc, 4.0 g/cc , 4.2 g/cc, 4.4 g/cc, 4.6 g/cc, 4.8 g/cc, 5.0 g/cc, 5.2 g/cc, 5.4 g/cc, 5.6 g/cc, 5.8 g/cc, 6.0 g/c , 6.2 g/cc, 6.4 g/cc, 6.6 g/cc, 6.8 g/cc, 7.0 g/cc, 7.2 g/cc, 7.4 g/cc, 7.6 g/cc, 7.8 g/cc, 8.0 g/cc , 8.2 g/cc, 8.4 g/cc, 8.6 g/cc or 8.7 g/cc. In embodiments where the faceplate 155 is a steel-based material, the density of the faceplate material may range from 7.7 g/cc to 8.1 g/cc.

4) tip weight material

Tip weight 160 may include a material different from that of body 110 , face plate 155 , and insert 140 or 440 . Tip weight 160 includes a high-density material such as tungsten or any other suitable metal or metal alloy material. The density of tip material 160 may range from 1.1 g/cc to 19.6 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the tip weight 160 material is 1.1 g/cc, 1.5 g/cc, 2.0 g/cc, 2.5 g/cc, 3.0 g/cc, 3.5 g/cc, 4.0 g/cc, 4.5 g/cc, 5.0 g/cc, 5.5 g/cc, 6.0 g/cc, 6.5 g/cc, 7.0 g/cc, 7.5 g/cc, 8.0 g/cc, 8.5 g/cc, 9.0 g/cc, 9.5 g/cc, 10.0 g/cc, 10.5 g/cc, 11.0 g/cc, 11.5 g/cc, 12.0 g/cc, 12.5 g/cc, 13.0 g/cc, 13.5 g/cc, 14.0 g/cc, 14.5 g/cc, 15.0 g/cc, 15.5 g/cc, 15.8 g/cc, 16.0 g/cc, 16.2 g/cc, 16.4 g/cc, 16.6 g/cc, 16.8 g/cc, 17.0 g/cc, 17.2 g/cc, 17.4 g/cc, 17.6 g/cc, 17.8 g/cc, 18.0 g/cc, 18.2 g/cc, 18.4 g/cc, 18.6 g/cc, 18.8 g/cc, 19.0 g/cc, 19.2 g/cc, 19.4 g/cc or 19.6 g/cc. The weight of the tip weight 160 may range from 0 g to 18 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the tip weight 160 is 0 g (in embodiments without a tip weight), 1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, 5 g, 6 g, 7 g, 8 g, 9 g, 10 g, 11 g, 12 g, 13 g, 14 g, 15 g, 16 g, 17 g or 18 g. In most embodiments, the tip weight 160 ranges from 0 g to 9 g.

5) tow weight material

The toe weight 161 may include a material different from that of the body 110 , the face plate 155 , the tip weight 160 , and the insert 140 or 440 . Tow weight 161 comprises a high-density material such as tungsten or any other suitable metal or metal alloy material. The density of the tow weight 161 material may range from 14.0-19.6 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the tow weight 161 material is 14.0 g/cc, 14.2 g/cc, 14.4 g/cc, 14.6 g/cc, 14.8 g/cc, 15.0 g/cc, 15.2 g/cc, 15.4 g/cc. g/cc, 15.6 g/cc, 15.8 g/cc, 16.0 g/cc, 16.2 g/cc, 16.4 g/cc, 16.6 g/cc, 16.8 g/cc, 17.0 g/cc, 17.2 g/cc, 17.4 g/cc, 17.6 g/cc, 17.8 g/cc, 18.0 g/cc, 18.2 g/cc, 18.4 g/cc, 18.6 g/cc, 18.8 g/cc, 19.0 g/cc, 19.2 g/cc, 19.4 g/cc or 19.6 g/cc. The weight of the tow weight 161 may range from 10 g to 40 g. In some embodiments, the weight of tow weight 161 is 10 g, 11 g, 12 g, 13 g, 14 g, 15 g, 16 g, 17 g, 18 g, 19 g, 20 g, 21 g, 22 g g, 23 g, 24 g, 25 g, 26 g, 27 g, 28 g, 29 g, 30 g, 31 g, 32 g, 33 g, 34 g, 35 g, 36 g, 37 g, 38 g, 39 g or 40 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the tow weight 161 may range from 12 g to 26.5 g.

6) tow screw weight material

The toe screw weight (swing weight) may comprise any high-density material similar to the high-density material of the tip weight or toe weight. The density of the tow screw material may be similar to the density of the tip weight material. The weight of the toe screw weight may be similar to the weight of the tip weight described above.

II. Golf club head with rear opening

A golf club head 600 is described herein. Like golf club head 100 , golf club head 600 may be a tour style golf club head with the forgiveness described above. The golf club head 100 may include a body 610 having a cavity 620 to receive an insert 640 . The golf club head 600 includes a face plate 655 , a body 610 and an insert 640 . The body 610 includes an upper portion 608 , a lower portion 609 , a sole 607 , a rear surface 603 , and an upper rail 606 . The back surface 603 may further include an articulating seam 630 . Articulating seam 630 is the boundary between upper portion 608 and lower portion 609 of golf club head 600 . The face plate 655 and a portion of the body form the striking surface 611 (the striking surface) of the golf club head. Face plate 655 , sole 607 , back 603 and upper rail 606 surround cavity 620 .

21-32 show a golf club head 600 similar to the golf club head 100 . Golf club head 600 includes a body 610 defining a cavity 620 , a face plate 655 , a back opening 680 and a low density insert 640 within the cavity. The body 610 includes an upper portion 608 , a lower portion 609 , a sole 607 , a rear surface 603 , and an upper rail 606 . The back surface 603 may further include an articulating seam 630 . Articulating seam 630 is the boundary between upper portion 608 and lower portion 609 of golf club head 600 . The face plate 655 and a portion of the body 610 form the striking surface 611 (the striking surface) of the golf club head 600 .

Body 610 is similar to body 110 . The face plate 655 , the sole 607 and the back surface 603 form a cavity 620 with the rear opening 680 of the upper portion 608 of the golf club head 600 . The back opening 680 of the body 610 partially exposes the cavity 620 . After assembly, insert 640 is visible through opening 680 in backside 603 . The body 610 further includes a recess 642 formed in the front surface 604 of the body 610 to receive the face plate 655 as a portion similar to the recess 142 described above for the club head 100 . include

Insert 640 is received within cavity 620 . Insert 640 may include a non-metal or polymer-based material. Insert material may be injected into cavity 620 of golf club head 600 through rear opening 680 to form insert 640 within cavity 620 . In other embodiments, insert 640 may include a similar metallic material as insert 140 described above. Face plate 655 surrounds cavity 620 at front 604 of golf club head 600 . The face plate 655 and the front surface 604 of the body 610 together form a striking surface 611 .

Golf club head 600 is a tour iron club head and has a volume of 1.8 in³ to 2.7 in³ (30 cc to 45 cc). The body 610 of the golf club head 600 may be cast or forged from a metallic material.

Insert 640 includes a low-density material and fills cavity 620 defined by body 610 of golf club head 600 . Reducing the mass of the center of the golf club head 600 increases the value of the moment of inertia of the golf club head 600 by concentrating the extra mass on its periphery. As noted above, golf club head 600 includes a lower portion 609 and an upper portion 608 . The lower portion 609 has a greater depth than the upper portion 608 . Accordingly, the lower portion 609 has more mass concentrated in the surrounding heel 602 , toe 601 and sole 607 . Reducing the mass of the body 610 lowers the CG 60 to increase launch angle, decrease spin, and increase ball velocity. As introduced above, there is a need in the art for irons that combine tour iron sizing with a relatively high moment of inertia due to ambient weight and low CG due to a low mass location. In some embodiments, a tip weight 660 located in the hosel and/or a toe weight 661 located in the toe cavity 614 of the body 610 provide additional peripheral weighting. In some embodiments, toe screw weight 662 (swing weight) located in toe screw weight cavity 663 (swing weight cavity) of body 610 provides additional peripheral weighting.

Golf club head 600 may be described with the same reference plane and axis as golf club head 100 . Ground (10), loft plane (20), center plane (45), center point (80), lead edge axis (35), lead edge plane, x-axis (30), y-axis (40), z-axis The definitions of 50 and hosel axis 70 remain the same for golf club head 600 as for golf club head 100 .

A. parts of golf club head

As discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 , the body 610 comprises an upper portion 108 , a lower portion 109 , a sole 107 , an upper rail 106 of the golf club head 100 , respectively; Back 103, front 104, toe 101, heel 102 and hosel 105 similar top portion 608, bottom portion 609, sole 607, top rail 606, rear at least 603 , a front 604 , a toe 601 , a heel 602 , and a hosel 605 . In some embodiments, face plate 655 is welded or swaged over the front opening of body 610 .

The body 610 has an articulated seam 630 and a back profile similar to the articulated seam 130 and back profile of the golf club head 100 . The height of the upper and lower portions 608 , 609 , the depth of the upper and lower portions 608 , 609 , and the thickness of the back surface 603 are the height of the upper and lower portions 108 , 109 of the golf club head 100 . , similar to the depth of the upper and lower portions 108 , 109 and the thickness of the back surface 103 .

The body 610 further includes an opening wall 682 at the back of the body 610 . Aperture wall 682 defines a rear opening 680 . The back opening 680 of the body 610 is located in the upper portion 608 of the club head 600 , which is above the articulation seam 680 . The constant depth of the upper portion 608 relative to the location of the rear opening 680 completely within the upper portion 608 allows for a flat surface surrounding the opening 680 . On all sides of the opening wall 682 (rear opening 680) of the body 610, the outer surface of the golf club head 600 is planar. This planar surface is needed to provide a seal around the back opening 680 during injection of insert material into the cavity 620 during manufacture as described below.

To identify the size of the rear opening 680 , the area protruding from the rear surface 603 (not including the hosel 605 or sole 607 ) can be taken parallel to the loft plane 20 . The protruding area of the back surface 603 may be compared to the protruding area surrounded by the opening wall 682 . Aperture wall 682 surrounds (covered by the rear opening) an area of 25% to 50% of the projected area of rear surface 603 of club head 600 . In some embodiments, the aperture wall 682 comprises of 25%-30%, 25%-35%, 30%-40%, 35%-45%, 40%-50%, or 45%-50% of the rear surface area. parts can be circumscribed. In other embodiments, the aperture wall 682 comprises 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36% of the rear surface area; 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49% or 50% of the portion may be circumscribed.

In some embodiments, insert 640 is visible through back opening 680 . In some embodiments, 10%-60% of the insert is viewable through the back opening 680 . In some embodiments, 10%-20%, 15%-25%, 20%-30%, 25%-35%, 30%-40%, 35%-45%, 40%-50 of insert 640 . %, 45%-55% or 50%-60% are visible through the rear opening 680 . In some embodiments, a badge (not shown) is disposed over the back opening 680 . In such an embodiment, the medium may cover 10%-60% of the insert. In some embodiments, the medium is 10%-20%, 15%-25%, 20%-30%, 25%-35%, 30%-40%, 35%-45%, 40% of the insert 640 . It can cover -50%, 45%-55% or 50%-60%.

The rear surface 603 with the opening wall 682 defining the rear opening 680 contributes to the lower mass of the upper portion 608 . Filling the back opening 680 with a material having a density less than that of the body material, the golf club head 600 will have a low CG. Reducing the mass of the upper portion 608 lowers the CG and distributes the weight around, improving the forgiveness of the golf club head. Various design parameters can contribute to the low mass of the upper part. As discussed above for golf club head 100 , maintaining a uniform upper portion depth contributes to a reduction in the mass of upper portion 608 .

Because the material used to form the body 610 generally has a higher density than the material of the insert 640 , the mass of the upper portion 608 is the portion of the back body 610 surrounded by the aperture wall 682 . can be reduced by replacing the Compared to a similar golf club head having a solid back formed entirely of body material, golf club head 600 has a lower CG due to back opening 680 . The density of the insert material and some overhanging areas of the opening 680 can reduce the mass of the upper portion 608 by 1 g to 17 g. In some embodiments, the mass of upper portion 608 is 1 g-3 g, 3 g-5 g, 5 g-7 g, 7 g-9 g, 9 g-11 g, 11 g-13 g, 13 g-15 g or 15 g-17 g may be reduced. In other embodiments, the mass of the upper portion 608 is 1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, 5 g, 6 g, 7 g, 8 g, 9 g, 10 g, 11 g, 12 g, 13 g g, 14 g, 15 g, 16 g or 17 g may be reduced. This reduction in the mass of the upper portion 108 of the body 610 helps lower CG, improve launch and spin characteristics, and increase ball speed.

The body 610 of the golf club head 600 defines a cavity 620 . The cavity 620 of the body 610 may be configured to receive a low density insert 640 that increases the MOI of the golf club head 600 without sacrificing the desired solid hitting feel of a tour iron. The area, volume, and contour of cavity 620 is similar to that of cavity 120 . Adjacent to the front opening of cavity 620 , body 610 includes an inner peripheral edge 627 similar to inner peripheral edge 127 of golf club head 100 . The sole 607 , the upper rail 606 , the back surface 603 , the inner peripheral edge 627 and the face plate 655 form a cavity 620 . The cavity 620 is connected to the back opening 680 of the body 610 and is surrounded by a face plate 655 at the front side 604 of the body 610 . Cavity 620 is exposed through rear opening 680 of rear surface 603 of body 610 .

B. insert in golf club head

The insert 640 is configured to fit within the cavity 620 of the body 610 to increase the MOI of the golf club head 600 and maintain a firm feel of the golf club head 600 . The volume of insert 640 may be similar to the volume of insert 140 of golf club head 100 . In some embodiments, the volume of the insert 640 may be greater than the volume of the cavity 620 because the insert 640 extends past the cavity 620 and into the back opening 680 .

Insert 640 completely or partially fills cavity 620 as described above for golf club head 100 . Insert 640 may fill some volume of cavity 620 as described for golf club head 100 . In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 26 , insert 640 fills 100% of cavity 620 and may extend into rear opening 680 . 27 , insert 640 may fill 60% of cavity 620 . 28 , insert 640 fills 70% of cavity 620 and may extend partially into backside opening 680 . 29 , insert 640 fills 80% of cavity 620 and may extend partially into rear opening 680 . 30 , insert 640 fills 90% of cavity 620 and may extend partially into rear opening 680 . In some embodiments not shown, the insert 640 may only fill the cavity 620 and not the back opening 680 . In some embodiments, insert 640 may include a metallic material and may only fill cavity 620 . In this exemplary embodiment, not shown, the opening wall 682 of the body 610 may be tapered to fit within the insert 640 to provide a less distinct boundary for the back opening 680 .

In some embodiments, insert 640 is formed prior to insertion into golf club head 600 as described below. In another embodiment, the insert 640 is formed within the cavity 620 of the body 610 . In this embodiment, the opening wall 682 defining the back opening 680 may serve as a port through which the insert 640 is injected into the cavity 620 , as described below.

C. body cavity

The front surface of the body cavity 620 may be surrounded by a face plate 655 . Face plate 655 and striking surface 611 may be similar to face plate 155 and striking surface 111 of golf club head 100 . However, in some embodiments, the striking surface 611 may be integrally formed with the body 610 . The striking surface 611 has a thickness 612 similar to the thickness 112 of the striking surface 111 of the golf club head 100 .

Body 610 is partially or completely filled by insert 640 that is secured within golf club head 600 by face plate 655 . In some embodiments, cavity 620 further receives tape layer 150 and/or adhesive similar to tape layer 150 and/or adhesive of golf club head 100 .

Cavity 620 may change dimensions in the toe-heel direction. In some embodiments, the back surface 603 of the golf club head 600 includes a thickened region as shown in FIG. 31 . This thick region of the body 610 may provide additional weight to certain regions of the golf club head 600 . Also, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 , the cavity 620 may be blocked by a weld bead 648 , a protrusion, a dimple, or a seam (hereinafter collectively referred to as a “weld bead”). A weld bead may be positioned along a peripheral edge of the face plate 655 . In some embodiments, the weld bead 648 is created during a manufacturing step of welding the face plate 655 to the body 610 to form the striking face 611 . 31 and 32 , the weld bead 648 may extend rearwardly from the rear surface of the striking face 611 . In some embodiments, the weld bead 648 structurally bonds the striking surface 655 to the body 610 as well as assists in retaining the insert 640 within the cavity 620 . Weld bead 648 may be a locking feature. The weld bead 648 may block a peripheral region of the cavity 620 having a anteroposterior depth greater than the anteroposterior depth of the cavity in the weld bead. This change in depth of cavity 620 caused by weld bead 648 causes the insert to be thicker or deeper (front to rear) adjacent top rail 606 and sole 607 than at weld bead 648. ) to prevent the insert from sliding, moving, or removed in the upper-sole direction.

F. Other peripheral weights of the golf club head (tip weights, toe weights)

In some embodiments, golf club head 600 further includes a shaft tip weight 660 similar to shaft tip weight 160 of golf club head 100 . In some embodiments, the body 610 further includes a toe cavity 114 of the golf club head 100 and a toe cavity 614 for receiving a toe weight 661 similar to the toe weight 161 .

24 and 25 , the golf club head 600 may further include a toe screw cavity 663 and a toe screw weight 662 for adjusting swing weights. The toe screw weight 662 can have a weight of 2 g-15 g as described for the optional toe screw weight of the golf club head 100 . The toe screw weight 662 may be removed to fit the golf club head 600 to the golfer's swing and then replaced with another screw weight 662 of a different weight value.

33 and 34 , a toe screw weight 662 of a golf club head 600 may include a head 690 and a shaft 695 . The head 690 may include an outer surface 691 , an inner surface 692 , and an outer rim 694 . Shaft 695 projects outwardly from head interior surface 692 . The head interior surface 692 further includes a slot 396 extending radially outward from the shaft 695 . Slot 693 may allow air to be evacuated from body cavity 620 during manufacture. Slot 693 may be oriented approximately perpendicular to outer rim 694 of tow screw weight head 690 (or perpendicular to a plane tangent to outer rim 694 of tow screw weight head 690 ). Slot 693 may be approximately 180 degrees, 120 degrees, 90 degrees, 72 degrees, 60 degrees, 51 degrees, 45 degrees, 10-45 degrees, 45-90 degrees, 90-180 degrees, 180-270 degrees or 270-360 degrees. They may be radially spaced apart from each other by an angle of degrees.

The toe screw weight 662 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more slots 693 . Slots 693 may each have a depth. The depth of each slot 693 may range from 0.002 inches to 0.010 inches. In some embodiments, the depth of each slot 693 can range from 0.002-0.004 in, 0.003-0.005 in, 0.004-0.006 in, 0.005-0.007 in, 0.006-0.008 in, 0.007-0.009 in, or 0.008-0.010 in. can The depth of the slot 693 can affect the rate at which air can flow through the slot 693 . A slot 693 cut or formed into the head of the tow screw weight 662 allows the tow screw weight 662 to airtightly seal the tow screw cavity 663 when the tow screw weight 662 is received within the tow screw cavity 663 . prevent sealing. The slot 693 allows air to enter and exit the body cavity 620 even when the tow screw weight 662 is installed in the tow screw cavity 663 . Slot 693 may allow air to be evacuated from body cavity 620 during injection of insert material 140 into body cavity 620 during manufacture. In embodiments with low viscosity inserts, the depth of slot 693 may also prevent insert material from flowing or escaping through slot 693 during manufacture.

The toe screw weight shaft 695 may include a neck 696 , a threaded portion 698 , and an unthreaded portion 699 . The neck 696 may be positioned between the threaded portion 698 of the shaft 695 and the toe screw weight head 690 . The neck 696 may have a diameter 697 that is less than the diameter of a corresponding region of the tow screw cavity 663 . The neck diameter 697 may be 0.005-0.015 inches less than the diameter of the corresponding region of the tow screw cavity 663 . In some embodiments, a corresponding region of tow screw cavity 663 has a diameter less than neck diameter 697 by 0.005-0.008 in, 0.007-0.010 in, 0.009-0.012 in, or 0.011-0.015 in.

The threaded portion 698 of the shaft 695 may be positioned adjacent the neck 696 of the shaft 695 near the toe screw weight head 690 . Threaded portion 698 may include 1 to 10 threads. In some embodiments, threaded portion 698 may cover one-quarter to one-half the length of shaft 695 . In another embodiment, the threaded portion 698 covers approximately one third of the length of the shaft 695 . The purpose of the shaft thread 698 is to engage a corresponding thread on the toe screw cavity 663 to retain the toe screw weight 662 on the golf club head body 610 . Also, shaft threads 698 may be offset from the toe screw cavity threads by a tolerance or gap. In some embodiments, the tolerance gap may provide sufficient space for air to pass between the tow screw weight 662 and the tow screw cavity 663 during the injection molding process of forming the insert. Additionally, a tolerance gap between the toe screw weight threads and the toe screw cavity threads may prevent insert material from flowing out of the cavity 620 during the manufacturing process. Although the insert material contacts the toe screw weight threads 698, the tow screw weights may remain removable due to the different material properties of the metallic tow screw weights 662 and 640 of the insert.

Beyond the threaded portion 698 , the remaining unthreaded portion 699 of the shaft 695 may extend at least partially within the toe screw cavity 663 . The shaft unthreaded portion 699 may have a diameter that is less than a diameter of a corresponding portion of the tow screw cavity 663 configured to receive the shaft unthreaded portion 699 . In some embodiments, the shaft unthreaded portion 699 may extend at least partially into the body cavity 620 of the club head 600 . The purpose of shaft unthreaded portion 699 is to add weight to toe screw weight 662 .

The tow screw weight shaft is configured with tolerances to allow air to pass between the tow screw weight 662 and the corresponding tow screw cavity 663 . In an embodiment of a golf club head 600 with an injection molded insert, the threads of the shaft of the toe screw weight 662 prevent insert material from flowing out of the body cavity during the manufacturing process, as described below. The slots are also sized to prevent the insert material from escaping in the rare case of allowing the insert material to pass through the threads of the toe screw weight 662 .

The slots, shaft diameter, and shaft threads of the tow screw weight 662 described above include flashes (including inside the vents) around the injection port inlet because air can be exhausted through the tow screw weight 662. Allows insert 620 to be injection molded without leaving excess unwanted material between the parts. The need for post injection molding processing to remove flash can be eliminated or reduced by venting air through the tow screw weight 662 as described below.

While the aforementioned ambient weights contribute to the high MOI and ambient weighting of the club head, the peripheral body also plays an important role in ambient weighting. Forming the part around the body to have more material can change the weight and increase the MOI.

D. Material of club head body with rear opening

The material used to form the part of the golf club head 600 may be similar to the material used to form the part of the golf club head 100 as described above. In particular, body 610 may include the same body material as body 110 . Insert 640 may include the same insert material as insert 140 . Face plate 655 may include the same face plate material as face plate 155 . The toe weight 661 , the tip weight 660 , and the toe screw weight 662 may include the same material as the toe weight 161 , the tip weight 160 , and the toe screw weight material of the golf club head 100 . .

Ⅲ. Golf club head with rear and front openings

A golf club head 300 is described herein. Like golf club heads 100 , 600 , golf club head 300 may be a tour style golf club head with the forgiveness described above. 35-38 , a golf club head 300 may include a body 310 having a cavity 320 to receive an insert 340 . Unlike golf club heads 100 and 600, golf club head 300 does not include a face plate made of metal. The golf club head includes a body 310 and an insert 340 . The insert 340 is exposed on the front of the golf club head 300 and functions as a striking surface (also referred to as a “hitting surface” or “heating surface”) for striking a golf ball. The striking surface 311 formed by the insert may include a groove. The striking surface 311 may be flush with the front surface 304 of the body 310 . The insert material striking surface 311 may be configured to strike a golf ball. In some embodiments, the insert material striking surface 311 may be formed of a polymer or composite material.

The body 310 has an upper portion 308 , a lower portion 309 , a sole 307 , a back 303 , a front 304 , a toe area 301 , a heel area 302 and an upper rail 306 . include The back side 303 further includes an articulating seam 330 . Articulating seam 330 is the boundary between upper portion 308 and lower portion 309 of golf club head 300 . The sole 307 , the back 303 , and the upper rail 306 surround the cavity 320 .

35-52 illustrate several variations of a golf club head 300 that may be similar to golf club heads 100 and 600 . Golf club head 300 includes a body 310 defining a cavity 320 . The body 310 defines a back opening 380 in the upper portion 308 . The back opening 380 at least partially exposes the cavity 320 . Body 310 further defines a front opening or recess 342 . The front opening at least partially exposes (and/or connects to) the cavity 320 . After assembly, insert 340 is visible through rear opening 380 and front opening 342 .

Insert 340 is received within cavity 320 . Insert 340 may include a non-metal or polymer-based material. Insert 340 may include a low-density material. Insert material may be injected into cavity 320 of golf club head 300 through back opening 380 or front opening 342 to form insert 340 within cavity 320 . In another embodiment, insert 340 comprises a similar metallic material as insert 140 described above. Insert 340 extends completely from front 304 to back 303 of golf club head 300 .

In some embodiments, golf club head 300 may be a touring or performance-enhancing iron club head, and may have a volume of 1.8 in³ to 2.7 in³ (30 cc to 45 cc). The body 310 of the golf club head 300 may be cast or forged from a metallic material. In some embodiments, insert 340 may be injection molded into cavity 320 of body 310 . Insert 340 may be formed of a polymer or composite material. In some embodiments, the golf club head 300 may be a performance-improving iron having a larger volume than that of a tour iron. In some embodiments, golf club head 300 may be a performance enhancing iron having a blade length greater than 2.7 inches and/or 2.7-2.9 inches, 2.8-2.9 inches.

Insert 340 includes a low-density material similar to the insert in club heads 100 and 600 . However, the insert 340 of the golf club head 300 is significantly more golf than the inserts of the golf club heads 100 and 600 as the insert 340 of the golf club head 300 can displace a denser body material. It is possible to increase the value of the moment of inertia of the club head. In other words, the body 310 of the golf club head 300 contains less material than the bodies of the golf club heads 100 and 600 . Specifically, the golf club head 300 has no metal face plate. Instead, the low density insert 340 of the golf club head 300 forms the striking surface 311 of the golf club head 300 . Since a high-density face plate is not used in the golf club head 300 , the mass of the body 310 can be greatly reduced. The reduced weight may be redistributed as any built-in or removable weight. By disposing the reduced weight around the club head 300 , the moment of inertia may be increased. The CG may also be lowered in a manner similar to that described for golf club heads 100 and 600 .

In some embodiments, a tip weight 360 located in the hosel and/or a toe weight 361 located in the toe cavity 314 of the body 310 provide additional peripheral weighting. The tip and/or toe weight may have a density greater than the body material density and greater than the insert density. The body material may include, but is not limited to, a steel-based material or a steel alloy. The body material may have a density of 7.70-8.10 g/cc. Insert materials include, but are not limited to, glass filled elastomers, stainless steel filled elastomers, tungsten filled elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or any other elastomeric matrix composite, i.e. Kevlar® (aramid) fiber reinforced polymer. , a carbon fiber reinforced polymer, or any suitable polymer matrix composite (ie, any combination of suitable resins and suitable reinforcing fibers). In some embodiments, the insert material may have a density of 0.8-1.4 g/cc. In other embodiments, the insert material may have a density of 1.0-12.0 g/cc. The metallic body material and polymer or composite insert material may be similar to the materials described above for the body and insert of the golf club head 600 .

In some embodiments, toe screw weight 362 (swing weight) located in toe screw weight cavity 363 (swing weight cavity) of body 310 provides additional peripheral weighting. In some embodiments, the inner contour of cavity 320 is altered to leave the body material in locations requiring additional weighting. In some embodiments, the back 303 of the club head 300 includes one or more weight ports for receiving removable weights. In some embodiments, the back 303 of the club head may be configured to receive a tungsten weight in the lower toe region 301 or the lower heel region 302 .

Golf club head 300 may be described with the same reference plane and axis as golf club head 100 . Ground (10), loft plane (20), center plane (45), center point (80), lead edge axis (35), lead edge plane, x-axis (30), y-axis (40), z-axis The definitions of 50 and hosel axis 70 remain the same for golf club head 300 as for golf club head 100 .

E. parts of golf club head

As discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 28-31 , the body 310 includes an upper portion 108 , a lower portion 109 , a sole 107 , an upper rail 106 of the golf club head 100 , respectively; Back 103 , front 104 , toe 101 , heel 102 , and an upper portion 308 similar to hosel 105 , lower portion 309 , sole 307 , upper rail 306 , rear 303 , a front 304 , a toe 301 , a heel 302 and a hosel 305 .

The body 310 has an articulated seam 330 and a back profile similar to the articulated seam 130 and back profile of the golf club head 100 . The height of the upper and lower portions 308 , 309 , the depth of the upper and lower portions 308 , 309 and the thickness of the back 303 are the height of the upper and lower portions 108 , 109 of the golf club head 100 ; Similar to the depth of the upper and lower portions 108 , 109 and the thickness of the back surface 103 .

Body 310 further includes an aperture wall 382 similar to aperture wall 682 of golf club head 600 . Aperture wall 382 defines a rear opening 380 . The rear opening 380 location, size, and dimensions (including the protruding area) may be similar to the rear opening 680 of the golf club head 600 . The CG position and weights of the golf club head 300 may be effected in a manner similar to that described for the golf club heads 100 and 600 . However, the golf club head 300 may have more extreme variations in CG position compared to similar clubs without the low density insert, which means that the golf club head 300 will lose any additional weight upon removal of the metal striking surface. because it has Replacing the metal striking surface with part of the insert 340 frees up a large amount of weight that may be redistributed to the peripheral edge of the golf club head 300, lowering the CG and/or increasing the moment of inertia.

Golf club head 300 covers an area corresponding to a metal face plate (corresponding to front opening 642 of golf club head 300) and a metal upper rear wall (corresponding to rear opening 380 of golf club head 300). to a similar golf club head having a metal body comprising By replacing the metal body material that would otherwise occupy the back opening 380 and the front opening 342 , the insert 340 can reduce the mass of the upper portion 308 by 1 g to 70 g. In some embodiments, the mass of the upper portion 308 may be reduced by 1-10 g, 10-20 g, 20-30 g, 30-40 g, 40-50 g, 50-60 g, or 60-70 g. can This reduction in the mass of the upper portion 308 of the body 310 helps to lower the CG, improve launch and spin characteristics, and increase ball speed.

36 , the body 310 of the golf club head 300 defines a cavity 320 . Cavity 320 of body 310 may be configured to receive low density insert 340 . The area, volume, and contour of cavity 320 is similar to that of cavity 120 . The sole 307 , the upper rail 306 and the back 303 form a cavity 120 . Cavity 320 is exposed through front opening 342 and back opening 380 of body 310 .

F. insert in golf club head

The insert 340 is configured to fit within the cavity 320 of the body 310 to increase the MOI of the golf club head 300 and maintain a firm feel of the golf club head 300 . The volume of the insert 340 may be greater than the volume of the insert 140 of the golf club head 100 because the insert 340 forms a striking surface as well as a central insert therein. In some embodiments, insert 340 completely fills cavity 320 to have the same volume as cavity 320 . 37 , insert 640 may be formed in cavity 320 of body 310 . The back opening 380 can serve as a port through which the insert 340 is injected into the cavity 320 as described below.

G. body cavity

35 and 30 , the body 310 of the golf club head 300 may form an edge or wall of the cavity 320 . 39-45 , in some embodiments, the body 310 may have one or more securing features 345 , locking features, arches, tubes, or other features that interfere with the cavity space (hereinafter “fixing”). (collectively referred to as "features"). The anchoring feature 345 may be located therein. The anchoring feature 345 is not visible from the outside in the finished golf club head 300 . The securing feature 345 can geometrically secure the insert 340 into the cavity 320 . The material of the insert 340 may flow around the one or more securing features 345 and subsequently harden such that the insert 340 is permanently secured into the cavity 320 . The anchoring features 345 may also add weight to certain areas of the golf club head 300 .

Body 310 may include between one and six anchoring features 345 . In some embodiments, body 310 includes one, two, three, four, five or six anchoring features 345 . One or more anchoring features 345 may extend from one or more of the back 303 , sole 307 , toe region 301 , or heel region 302 . In some embodiments, one or more securing features 345 extend between the back surface 303 and the sole 307 . In some embodiments, one of the securing features 345 includes first and second ends that both connect to the remainder of the body 310 in the toe region 301 . In some embodiments, one of the securing features 345 includes first and second ends that both connect to the rest of the body 310 in the heel region 302 . In some embodiments, one of the securing features 345 includes first and second ends that both connect to the rest of the body 310 at the sole 307 .

39-41 , the golf club head 300 includes two anchoring features 345 extending from the back 303 to the sole 307 . 42-44 , one anchoring feature 345 extends from the toe end of the sole 307 to the heel end of the sole 307 . 45 , the single anchoring feature 345 (or arch) includes first and second ends that both connect to the body 310 at the heel region 302 . As shown in FIG. 45 , one or more anchoring features 345 may form a channel 346 , an opening, a through hole, or tube (hereinafter collectively referred to as a “channel”) that may be filled with an insert material. Channel 346 may have a minimum diameter of 0.065 inches. In some embodiments, channel 346 may have a diameter of 0.065-0.075 inches, 0.070-0.080 inches, 0.075-0.085 inches, or 0.080-0.090 inches. In some embodiments, channel 346 may have a diameter greater than 0.080 inches or greater than 0.090 inches. The diameter of the channel 346 below and/or surrounded by the anchoring features allows the insert material to flow during injection of the insert material into the cavity during manufacture.

The one or more securing features 345 may have a cross-sectional shape that is circular, oval, oval, or any other shape configured to facilitate flow of insert material around the securing features. 44 illustrates an anchoring feature having a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, cavity 620 further includes an undercut in upper rail 306 and/or sole 307 . The undercut 347 may help mechanically lock the insert 640 within the cavity 320 . A golf club having an upper rail 306 provided with an undercut 347 and a sole 307 is illustrated in FIGS. 37 and 38 .

51 and 52 , some variations of the golf club head 300 do not have a rear opening 380 . Instead, the body 310 covers the entire rear surface 303 of the club head 300 . In this embodiment, the cavity 320 is exposed only on the front side 304 of the club head 300 . Such embodiments may include one or more undercuts 347 and/or one or more securing features 345 to retain the insert 340 in the cavity 320 .

H. Different peripheral weights of the golf club head (tip weights, toe weights)

Golf club head 300 includes toe weights 361 similar to toe weights 161 and 661, tip weights 360 similar to tip weights 160 and 660, and toe screw weights similar to toe screw weights 662 ( 362) may be included. 48-50 , golf club head 300 may additionally or alternatively include a plurality of weights 365 disposed on the rear surface of club head 300 . 48 , the club head 300 may include a toe weight 361 and a heel weight 364 . In some embodiments, toe weight 361 and heel weight 364 may be swaged (swagged), welded, joint forged or otherwise secured within the receiving cavity of club head 300 . In another embodiment, toe and heel weights 361 , 364 are secured to club head 300 via a fastening mechanism. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 49 , toe weight 361 and heel weight 364 are screwed into a receiving bore of club head 300 . In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 50 , a plurality of weights 365 are secured to or formed on the back surface 303 of the club head 300 .

IV. golf club head characteristics

A. golf club head measurement

Golf club heads 100 , 300 , 600 may be tour irons. The golf club heads 100 , 300 , and 600 described herein may be tour iron heads having blade length, hosel-x length, offset distance, and upper portion depth characteristics of a tour iron. The features that identify golf club head 100 as a tour iron are described below. Golf club heads 300 , 600 may have tour iron characteristics similar to golf club head 100 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the golf club head 100 has a blade length 173 . The blade length 173 is measured as the maximum distance from the edge of the striking surface 111 of the heel region 102 to the edge of the club head 100 of the toe region 101 . The blade length of a regular tour iron can be less than 2.8 inches. Blade lengths for performance irons are typically greater than 2.8 inches. The blade length 173 of the golf club head 100 is less than 2.8 inches as characteristic of a tour iron. In some embodiments, the blade length 173 of the golf club head 100 may be 2.2-2.8 inches, 2.2-2.4 inches, 2.4-2.6 inches, or 2.6-2.8 inches.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the hosel-X length 174 is measured from the center plane 45 to the intersection of the hosel axis 70 and the lead edge axis 35 . The hosel-X length of tour irons is typically less than 1.5 inches, and the hosel-X length of performance irons is typically greater than 1.5 inches. The hosel-X length of the golf club head 100 is less than 1.5 inches as characteristic of a tour iron. In some embodiments, hosel-X length 174 may be 1.30-1.50 inches, 1.30-1.40 inches, or 1.40-1.50 inches.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , an offset distance 173 between the forward-most point and the front edge of the hosel 105 of the golf club head 100 is measured. Generally, the forwardmost point is located adjacent to the sole 107 at the bottom of the striking face 111 . The offset distance 172 may be different for different golf club heads in the same set due to different loft angles. Accordingly, to compare sets of irons, the average of the offset distances 173 of all golf clubs in the set is taken. The average offset of a set of tour irons is typically less than 0.140 in. The average offset of a set of performance-improving irons is typically greater than 0.140 in. The average offset for a set of golf clubs including a golf club head similar to club head 100 is less than 0.140 inches. The offset distance 172 of a single golf club head 100 may be 0.100-0.160 inches. In some embodiments, the offset distance may be 0.100-0.110 in, 0.110-0.120 in, 0.120-0.130 in, 0.130-0.140 in, 0.140-0.150 in, or 0.150-0.160 in.

The upper portion depth 116 is measured perpendicular to the striking surface 111 and adjacent the upper rail 106 from the front 104 to the rear 103 as shown in FIG. 4 . The average upper section depth of tour irons is typically less than 0.290 inches. The average upper section depth of performance irons is typically greater than 0.290 inches. The average upper portion depth for a set of golf clubs including a golf club head similar to golf club head 100 is less than 0.290 inches, as characteristic of a set of tour irons.

A similar parameter between performance enhancing and tour irons is the height of the golf club head. As shown in FIG. 2 , the golf club head 100 may each have a maximum height 175 measured along the loft plane 20 from the lead edge axis 35 to the highest point on the upper rail 106 . Golf club head 600 may have golf club head 100 of similar height. The maximum height 175 may be 2.0-2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum height 175 may be 2.0-2.1 inches, 2.1-2.2 inches, 2.2-2.3 inches, 2.3-2.4 inches, 2.4-2.5 inches.

Table I below compares the blade length, hosel X, average offset, average top depth and maximum height of tour irons versus performance irons.

Table I.

B. CG and MOI of golf club head

In order to accurately understand the benefits of ambient weighting of golf club heads 100, 300, and 600, the MOI and CG characteristics of golf club heads 100, 300, and 600 and the tour size of golf club heads 100, 300, and 600 are required. All should be considered. Performance irons are known for their high MOI values, but they lack other characteristics that are unique to tour irons. The golf clubs described here combine the benefits of performance irons with tour iron styles.

In some embodiments, the CG 60 of the golf club heads 100 , 300 , 600 has been moved downward and rearward relative to the flat back tour irons. The CG 60 position of the golf club head 100 , 300 , 600 may also be measured from the lead edge plane.

The CG 60 of the golf club heads 100 , 600 may be positioned 0.380-0.670 inches above the lead edge plane. In some embodiments, the CG 60 of the golf club heads 100, 600 is 0.400-0.650 in, 0.380-0.400 in, 0.400-0.420 in, 0.420-0.440 in, 0.440-0.460 in, 0.460- above the lead edge plane. 0.480 in, 0.480-0.500 in, 0.500-0.520 in, 0.520-0.540 in, 0.540-0.560 in, 0.560-0.580 in, 0.580-0.600 in, 0.600-0.620 in, 0.620-0.640 in, 0.640-0.660 in, or 0.660- It can be positioned at 0.670 in. In another embodiment, the CG 60 is 0.380 in, 0.390 in, 0.400 in, 0.410 in, 0.420 in, 0.430 in, 0.440 in, 0.450 in, 0.460 in, 0.470 in, 0.480 in, 0.490 in, above the lead edge plane. 0.500 in, 0.510 in, 0.520 in, 0.530 in, 0.540 in, 0.550 in, 0.560 in, 0.570 in, 0.580 in, 0.590 in, 0.600 in, 0.610 in, 0.620 in, 0.630 in, 0.640 in, 0.650 in, 0.660 in or 0.670 in.

As noted above, golf club heads 100 , 300 , 600 described herein may include lightweight inserts 140 , 440 , 240 , 270 and/or 640 in the center of the golf club head. The reduced weight can be added to the periphery of the golf club heads 100, 300, and 600 without significantly changing the overall weight of the golf club heads 100, 300, and 600, but the movement of the CG 60 and the increase in MOI allow This peripheral weight may be provided in the form of toe weights, tip weights or body material added around the perimeter. The compact nature of golf club heads 100 , 300 , 600 leads to material properties that play a greater role in MOI improvement than structural sizing. MOI (Ixx) for CG 60 and x-axis 30 may range from 70-140 g in². MOI (Iyy) for CG 60 and y-axis 40 may range from 310-500 g in². These MOI values may be applied to the golf club heads 100 , 300 , and 600 . These MOI values may further apply to any embodiment having inserts 140 , 640 , multi-material inserts 440 , or weight loss inserts 240 or 270 .

V. Way

As shown in FIG. 54 , a method 500 of manufacturing a golf club head 100 is described herein. The method includes providing (510) each part, placing an insert into the body (520), swapping (swagging) the faceplate to the body (530) (530), the boundary between the faceplate and the body. laser welding 540, and cleaning the final product through grinding and polishing. In some embodiments of method 500 , method 500 may consist of steps 510 , 520 , 530 and 550 .

Step 510 may include providing at least the body 110 , the insert 140 or multi-material insert 440 , and the face plate 155 as components for the golf club head 100 . In some embodiments, providing the body 110 may be accomplished by one or more of forging, casting, forming by additive manufacturing, machining, or any other suitable method to form the body 110 . Step 510 may include forming the body 110 as a single piece.

In some embodiments, providing insert 140 may be accomplished by one or more of forging, casting, forming by additive manufacturing, machining, or any other suitable method to form insert 140 . In some embodiments, insert 140 or a portion of multi-material insert 440 is molded by pouring resin into a fiber reinforced structure to form an elastomeric matrix composite. Insert 140 may be formed from a single piece having a uniform density or multiple pieces having different densities. In embodiments with multi-material insert 440 , insert 440 may be formed as a single unit or disposed into cavity 120 as two separate parts.

In some embodiments, providing the multi-material insert 440 includes (1) providing a first portion 450 of the insert 440 , (2) providing a second portion 460 of the insert 440 . and (3) joining the first and second portions of the insert (440). Providing the first portion 450 of the insert 440 may include forming the first portion 440 . Providing the second portion 460 of the insert 440 may include casting, forging, stamping, die casting, or other means of providing the second portion 460 . In some embodiments, the sub-steps of (1) providing the second portion 460 and (2) joining the first and second portions 450 , 460 are performed such that the first portion 450 is molded into the second Combined when coupled to portion 460 . In some embodiments, insert 440 may be sanded, ground, or polished prior to being inserted into cavity 120 of golf club head 100 .

In some embodiments, forming the face plate 155 may consist of forging, casting, machining, forming by additive manufacturing, or otherwise forming the face plate 155 . In some embodiments, forming the face plate 155 may include machining, casting, or forging the variable thickness feature into the face plate 155 .

In some embodiments, step 510 of method 500 may further include providing a toe weight, a tip weight, and/or a toe screw weight. In these embodiments, step 510 further includes welding the tow weight 161 into the tow cavity 114 of the body 110 . In another embodiment, the toe weight 161 may be swaged, glued, or secured to the body 610 . For embodiments of the golf club head 100 that further include a toe screw weight, the toe screw weight may be screwed into the golf club head at step 510 , 520 , 530 or 550 .

Step 520 of method 500 includes placing insert 140 in cavity 120 of body 110 . The insert 140 is inserted through the front opening of the cavity 120 at the front side 104 of the body 110 . Step 520 includes applying an adhesive such as epoxy to the cavity 120 and the insert 140 of the body 110 to fix the insert 140 to the body 110 . In some embodiments, this step 520 includes applying one or more tape layers, such as tape layer 150 , to the cavity 120 prior to placing the insert 140 into the cavity. One or more tape layers, such as tape layer 150 , may form a strong and durable connection between insert 140 and cavity 120 of body 110 . Additionally, the use of tape may reduce the potential for rattling and other undesirable quality issues. In some embodiments, various different methods of securing insert 140 to body 110 are combined for maximum fixation. Not all embodiments of method 500 require attaching or securing insert 140 to cavity 120 .

Step 530 of method 500 includes securing face plate 155 to body 110 . The face plate 155 is disposed in the recess 142 . By placing the face plate 155 in the recess 142 , the face plate 155 is positioned to cover the insert 140 and the cavity 120 of the body 110 . Step 530 further includes the step of swapping (swaging) the face plate 155 to the body 110 such that the face plate 155 is embedded in the recess 142 of the front surface 104 of the body 110 . may include In this manner, the insert 140 remains within the golf club head 100 and is completely isolated from the exterior of the golf club head 100 . In other embodiments, the face plate 155 is glued, press-fitted, or otherwise secured to the body.

Some golf club heads are manufactured by methods that involve co-forging (also known as integral forging) and individual bonding of cast parts by high temperature and high applied pressure. This method applies high temperatures that affect various parts of the golf club head, including any inserts. For example, the co-forging process is conducted at a temperature of 700-1000 degrees Celsius. The melting point of some aluminum alloys is 650-680 degrees Celsius. Thus, in the case of aluminum inserts, co-forging compromises the integrity of the aluminum material. Inserts 140 , 440 , body 110 and face plate 155 are not co-forged together because co-forging can induce high temperatures that can damage inserts 140 , 440 . .

Also, a TIG that welds the face plate to the golf club head can transfer high temperatures to the golf club head that can also damage the insert. Existing manufacturing processes severely limit the materials available for the low-density core of an iron-type golf club head. Golf club head 100 can be made from a variety of insert materials because the final assembly is not placed under high temperatures during the manufacturing process. Also, some insert materials described herein, such as thermoplastic composites, simply cannot be co-forged with metal body materials. The manufacturing method 500 described herein allows the inserts 140 , 440 to be formed from any suitable material without requiring that the material be co-forged with the body 110 .

Steps 530 and 540 described below both use a low temperature method of securing the face plate 155 to encapsulate the insert 140 within the cavity 120 . In order to fine-tune the hitting sound, hitting feel, and weighting, the insert 140 or 440 may be made of various materials by swaging, laser welding, and low-temperature methods for fixing the face plate 155 . The low temperature method of steps 530 and 540 further allows for design versatility, such as using adhesive and/or tape around cavity 120 to reduce unwanted rattling and vibration.

Step 540 includes laser welding the boundary between the face plate 155 and the body 110 . The process of step 540 is also referred to as surface melt processing. After the face plate 155 is swaged to the body 110 in step 530 , an overlapping area or boundary between the face plate 155 and the body 110 is laser welded. This laser welding process mixes the metal material of the face plate 155 and body 110 without creating a deep heat affected zone (hereinafter "HAZ"). Laser welding of the boundary removes any cracks or seams between the face plate 155 and the body 110 . In some embodiments, golf club head 100 is finished with a coating in step 550 as described below. If there are micro cracks or seams at the boundary, the coating can seep into the seam and cause quality problems. Laser welding of the boundary in step 540 eliminates this manufacturing problem.

Step 540 described above may be performed without compromising the integrity of the material within cavity 120 as the HAZ depth may be 0.03-0.08 inches, which may be less than the thickness 112 of faceplate 155 . In some embodiments, the HAZ depth may be less than 0.08 inches, less than 0.07 inches, less than 0.06 inches, less than 0.05 inches, less than 0.04 inches, or less than 0.03 inches. In some embodiments, the HAZ depth may be 0.03 in, 0.04 in, 0.05 in, 0.06 in, 0.07 in, or 0.08 in. Laser welding heats the insert and other cavity fillers, such as the tape layer(s), to a temperature below the melting point of the insert material. The heat transferred to the golf club head 100 during step 540 does not damage any material sealed within the cavity 120 .

At step 550 of method 500 , golf club head 100 is cleaned through grinding and polishing. Grinding is used to create a smooth surface on the striking surface 111 of the golf club head 100 . Also, this step 550 may include polishing the surface of the golf club head 100 after grinding. In some embodiments, a groove is ground into the striking surface 111 of the face plate 155 and then the striking surface 111 is polished. None of the steps in the manufacturing method 500 involve joint forging with different materials.

As shown in FIG. 32 , a method 700 of making a golf club head similar to a golf club head 600 includes providing at least a body 610 , insert material, a face plate 655 , and a face plate 655 . ) to the body 610 , injecting an insert material into the cavity 620 of the body 610 , and polishing and cleaning the golf club head 600 .

At step 710 , the body 610 may be formed by forging, casting, or additive manufacturing. Face plate 655 may be formed by forging, casting, or additive manufacturing. In a variant of the manufacturing process 700 , the striking face 655 is formed separately from the face plate 655 and is integrally formed as part of the body 610 rather than being welded or swaged to the front opening of the body 610 . . In some embodiments, step 710 of method 700 further includes providing a toe weight 661 , a tip weight 650 , and/or a toe screw weight 662 . In these embodiments, step 710 further includes welding the tow weight 661 to the tow cavity 614 of the body 610 . In other embodiments, the toe weight 661 may be swaged, glued, or secured to the body 610 . For embodiments of the golf club head 600 that further include a toe screw weight 662 , the toe screw weight 662 may be screwed into the golf club head in steps 710 , 720 , 730 or 750 .

Also, in step 710 of method 700 , an opening wall 782 defining a rear opening 680 is formed in the body 610 or after the body 610 is formed, the rear surface 603 of the body 610 . can be cut in Step 710 may further include polishing or finishing the opening wall 782 of the backside 603 .

Step 720 includes placing the face plate 655 within the recess 642 of the body. The face plate 655 is welded, swaged, or otherwise secured to the body 610 . Body 610 and striking surface 655 define cavity 620 . After the face plate 655 is secured to the body 610 , the only opening to the cavity 620 is the back opening 680 of the body 610 , as illustrated for the embodiment of FIGS. 14-23 . . In some embodiments, step 720 of method 700 may further include a laser welding or surface melt treatment process similar to that described in step 540 of method 500 above.

Step 720 may further include installing a tow screw weight 662 into the tow screw cavity 663 . The toe screw cavity 663 opens into the body cavity 620 , so that the toe screw weight 662 prevents the insert material from escaping through the toe screw cavity 663 during the injection molding of step 730 . ) can be inserted. The club head 600 may be further prepared for injection molding by precision machining the back or entrance of the back opening 680 . Provided cast or forged golf club heads generally do not have a smooth enough surface to seal the mold. In this embodiment of the manufacturing process, the back or inlet of the back opening 680 serves as a blocking surface at the threshold where the injected material fills during fabrication. Tight tolerances are required to provide a secure seal to the mold at the blocking surface and to prevent flash formation during injection molding.

In step 730 , insert material is injected in liquid form into cavity 620 through opening 60 in the backside. Cavity 620 of body 610 serves as a mold for the injected material. In some embodiments, the insert material is bonded to the surface of the cavity 620 by an injection molding process. In order to inject material into the cavity 620 under pressure, the injection device must be sealed to the inlet of the rear opening 680 . The plane surrounding the rear opening 680 in the upper portion 608 of the golf club head 600 allows a good seal to be made between the injection device and the body 610 of the golf club head 600 . In some embodiments where the insert 640 only partially fills the cavity 620 , the injection device is configured to further form a seal with a portion of the cavity 620 to prevent material from filling the entire cavity 620 .

In step 740 of method 700 , golf club head 600 is cleaned through grinding and polishing. Grinding is used to create a smooth surface on the striking surface 611 of the golf club head 600 . Also, this step 740 may include polishing the surface of the golf club head 600 after grinding. In some embodiments, after a groove is ground into the striking surface 611 of the face plate 655 , the striking surface 611 is polished.

The method of making some embodiments of a golf club head 600 is more similar to method 500 than method 700 above. In some embodiments, the method of forming a golf club head 600 in which the golf club head 600 includes a metal insert 640 includes inserting the insert 640 into the cavity 640 prior to swaging against the face plate 655 . ) may be required.

VI. Yes

Example 1: measurement of golf club head

The golf club head 100 as described above was measured using some different parameters. Parameters include blade length 173 , hosel-x length 174 , offset distance 172 , upper portion depth 116 and maximum height 175 . These values were compared to performance-improving irons and are illustrated in Table II below. The measured performance-improving irons and the golf club head 100 were all 7-irons, and had approximately equal loft angles.

Table II. Parameters for Example 1

Example 2: Moment of inertia (MOI) comparison and center of gravity (CG) comparison

A test was conducted to compare the MOI of a typical tour iron head with the golf club head 100 described above. A typical tour iron head used in this comparative test is the same size and head weight as the sample golf club head. Therefore, this test accurately compared the performance of the sample to a typical tour iron head by separating the MOI as a variable. Testing yielded an Ixx value of approximately 108 g in² for the sample club head and an Ixx value of approximately 103 g in² for a typical tour iron head. Thus, the MOI around the x-axis 30 is about 4.8% higher in the sample club head. The tests achieved an Iyy value of approximately 413 g in² for the sample club head and an Iyy value of approximately 398 g in² for a typical tour iron head. Thus, the MOI around the y-axis 40 is about 3.7% higher in the sample club head. This test shows that the lightweight insert in the golf club head 100 improves the MOI without changing the size or weight of the golf club head 100 .

Also, (1) an iron similar to a golf club head 600 having an opening in the back and an insert formed of TPC; (2) an iron similar to a golf club head 600 having an opening in the back and an insert formed of aluminum; (3) an iron similar to golf club head 100 having a closed cavity filled with a TPC insert; (4) an iron similar to golf club head 100 having a closed cavity filled with an aluminum insert; and (5) five club heads, which are solid steel club heads with an overall club head volume similar to the golf club heads described herein. Measurements were performed using a computer-aided design (CAD) model of each club head. Table III below summarizes the collected MOI data. Table IV below summarizes the collected CG data.

Table III. MOI Comparison Data for Example 2

Since MOI is a function of mass and distance from the CG, the MOI will reflect the change in the overall mass of the golf club head. Therefore, in order to accurately compare the club head MOI, it is necessary to account for the difference in the total mass of the golf club head. In order to explain the efficiency of MOI for the compared golf club heads, the MOI was divided by the mass of the golf club head to arrive at the MOI efficiency value. The MOI efficiency values of a golf club head can be compared independent of mass to show how the structure of the golf club head and unbalanced weights affect the MOI. Therefore, the MOI values in both the x-axis 30 and y-axis 40 directions are higher for the low-density insert golf club head [(1)-(4)] than for the solid forced golf club head [(5)]. was higher, but the MOI efficiency of the solid forced golf club head [(5)] was lower than that of the golf club head [(1)-(4)]. Thus, golf club heads with low density inserts [(1)-(4)] are more forgiving than golf club heads without low density inserts 140, 440, 460 of golf club heads 100, 600 described herein. Big.

As can be seen in Table III, the golf club head [(1)-(4)] with the low density insert had a MOI efficiency of 5.9% in the x-axis (30) direction than the solid steel golf club head [(5)] [(5)] 11.2% higher. As can be seen in Table III, the club head with low density inserts [(1)-(4)] had an MOI efficiency of 8.5% in the y-axis (40) direction than the solid steel golf club head [(5)] -15.5% higher.

In addition to increasing the MOI, lowering the CG can also benefit golf club head performance. Golf club heads 100 , 300 , 600 described herein have a lower CG 60 than equivalent solid steel irons having a shape similar to golf club heads 100 , 600 . A low CG is desirable on tour irons because the low CG facilitates the formation of shots. For the golf club head 600 , the lowering of the CG is due in part to the removal of the dense body material by including an opening 680 in the back surface 603 .

Table IV. CG comparison data for Example 2

Referring to FIG. 1 , CGy is measured in the y-axis 40 direction (vertical) and upward from the lead edge axis 35 . The CGx is measured horizontally along the lead edge axis 35 with the origin in the y-axis 40 so that the CG is closer to the heel 102 when the CGx value is positive. CGz is measured horizontally from the lead edge axis 35 back along the z-axis 50 . The CGy values are lower in golf club heads 1, 2 than in golf club heads 3-5. This shows that a golf club head having an opening in the back of the body (similar to golf club head 600 described above) preferably has a low CG. CG is 2.06% lower in club head (2) than in forced club head (5). The CG is 2.84% lower in golf club head 1 than in forced golf club head 5, indicating that the low density TPC insert results in better CG placement than the mating aluminum insert (golf club head 2).

The comparative data in Tables III and IV further illustrate the strength of the closed cavity examples and the back opening examples. All embodiments of the invention (comparative golf club heads [(1)-(4)]) show improvements over solid club heads (5), while closed cavity embodiments (comparative golf club heads [(3)-() 4)] and rear aperture embodiments (comparative golf club heads [(1)-(2)]) provide unique advantages. The comparative data is in the x-axis (30) direction as illustrated in the MOI Efficiency column of Table II. and the MOI efficiency in both the y-axis 40 direction is higher in the closed cavity club head [(3), (4)] than in the club head [(1), (2), (5)]. This means that a closed cavity embodiment similar to the golf club head 100 or comparative club head [(3), (4)] described herein is combined with the golf club head 600 or comparative club head [(1), (2)]. suggests that it is more tolerant than the embodiment having a back opening 680 in the body 610. However, the embodiment having a back opening 680 in the body 610 is the embodiment having a closed cavity as illustrated in column CGy of Table IV. It has a lower CG value.

Example 3: Center of Gravity Flat Bag vs Articulated Seam Bag Comparison

In addition to the MOI and feel, the position of the CG of the golf club head affects performance. In particular, the CG position affects the amount of torque transmitted to the golf club head upon impact with the golf ball. Lowering the CG shortens the arm between the CG and the force exerted by the golf ball, as the golf ball is typically struck into the lower portion of the striking surface. The shortened arm between the applied force and the CG lowers the torque on impact with the golf ball and improves the firing characteristics. Accordingly, in order to provide the best possible experience for the golfer, the golf club heads described herein have a low CG.

A golf club head similar to golf club head 100 , 300 , 600 to illustrate how uniform depth of upper portion 108 , 608 of golf club head 100 , 600 leads to low CG 60 . and a comparative golf club head with variable depth from the upper rail to the sole. The comparative golf club head has a flat back that extends from the upper rail to the sole. To provide an accurate illustration, the comparative golf club heads and golf club heads similar to 100, 300 and 600 were all modeled with the same total mass. The comparison results are summarized in Table V below.

Table V. CG Comparison Data for Example 3

As illustrated in Table V, the CGy values measured along the vertical y-axis 40 are significantly lower for golf club heads similar to 100, 300 and 600. Specifically, golf club heads similar to 100, 300 and 600 have a CGy 0.039 in lower than comparative golf club heads. This shows that the uniform depth of the upper portions 108, 608 above the inflection points 130, 630 lowers the CG, providing better launch and spin characteristics and higher ball velocity.

Also measured along the z-axis 50 are CGz values where the back of CG 60 is negative and the front of CG 60 is positive. CG 60 of the golf club head similar to 100, 300 and 600 is closer to the front of the golf club head.

Example 4: Hitting sensation and hitting sound

Part of the appeal of Tour irons is their compact profile and sleek aesthetic. It is also recognized by many golfers that forged golf club heads perform better than cast club heads. Therefore, it is important that tour irons meet these expectations. Golfers especially enjoy the sound and feel of forged tour irons compared to other types of irons. In golf, the golf club head's "feel of impact" perceived by the golfer plays a major role in the golfer's athletic ability. The "feel of impact" is generally affected by the weight, material, sound and thickness of the striking surface. Most golfers agree that tour irons provide a solid feel that many other types of irons do not. The golf club heads described herein exhibit the same solid feel and sound quality as long as they do not exceed conventional tour irons.

A survey was conducted to quantify the feel of a sample tour iron having a golf club head similar to the golf club head 100 described herein. Twenty golfers took part in a survey and compared their experience with sample irons to their experience with traditional tour irons. After using both sample irons and traditional irons, survey participants were asked the following question for each iron: "How satisfied are you with the impact experience (feel/sound) this iron provides?". The majority of players preferred the impact experience of sample tour irons over traditional tour irons.

Finally, the quality and durability of an iron is important to its continued performance. The striking surfaces 111 , 311 , 611 are engineered to withstand only the stress applied to it by striking a golf ball. However, due to the inclusion of a thermoplastic composite insert 140 or 640 , an all metal insert 140 or 640 , a multi-material insert 440 or a weight loss insert 240 or 280 , a golf club head compared to a similar hollow body golf club head In addition to that, a solid feel is provided and the acoustic quality of the golf club head is improved. The face plates 155, 655 may improve the quality and durability of the golf club head by ensuring that the insert 140, 340, 440, 240, 280 or 640 is always held fixed inside the golf club head. .

Example 5: performance test

Tests were conducted to compare control clubs, with a first test club having an insert of Shore A30 hardness (similar to golf club head 600 described above) and a second test club having an insert formed of TPU (described above). similar to golf club head 600]. Shot data for all three clubs was recorded for 12 golfers. The results showed that both the first test club (Shore A30 insert) and the second test club (TPU insert) exhibited ball speeds (within 0.9 mph) roughly comparable to the control club. The firing angles and rotational speeds of the first and second test clubs were not significantly different from those of the control clubs. The control club was predicted to outperform the first and second test clubs in ball speed, launch angle and spin speed due to the material of the insert. Therefore, it was unexpected that the test results showed that the two clubs performed similar ball speed, launch angle and spin speed.

As shown in Figure 53, ball speed, launch angle and spin speed were similar for the three clubs, but the second test club showed more downline (or carry) and offline consistency. The landing points of all shots were charted and analyzed to determine the statistical plot area for each club. The statistical plot area is the elliptical area determined from the test data, the elliptical area where 90% of any future shots are expected to fall. The statistical plot area is determined by first taking the average standard deviation of the downline distances of the test shots and multiplying by a factor to form the downline radius of the ellipse. Taking the average standard deviation of the offline distances of the test shots and multiplying by a factor gives the offline radius of the ellipse. The statistical plot area ellipse is centered on the average downline and offline distances at which 90% of any future shot is expected to fall.

The first test club performed similarly to the control club. The first test club produced a statistical plot area of 1246 square yards, while the control club produced a statistical plot area of 1183 square yards. However, the second test club (TPU insert) produced a statistical plot area that was about 42% smaller than the size of the control club statistics plot area. The second test club produced a statistical area of 690 square yards. The smaller statistical plot area of the second test club shows that this club (TPU insert) significantly increases the golfer's shot consistency. 53 , the second test club (TPU insert) showed greater consistency in both the downline and offline directions compared to the control club and the first test club. This performance test showed that the second golf club (similar to golf club head 600, TPU insert) provided greater shot precision than the control or first golf club.

By combining and balancing CG placement, ambient weighting for MOI, and tour iron look and feel, the golf club heads 100, 300, 600 described herein combine the reliability of performance-enhancing irons with the precision of tour irons. It meets the industry's need for a shinning iron-type club head. Golf club head 600 may exhibit greater downline and offline consistency than traditional golf club heads.

The golf club heads 100 and 600 described herein function as tour type golf club heads. The golf club head 300 may function as a tour type iron or an iron for improving performance. Golf club heads 100, 600 and optionally 300 provide a high MOI while remaining smaller than typical performance-improving irons. These multi-material golf club heads 100 , 600 and optionally 300 provide a compact product with excellent forgiveness.

1-52 illustrate specific embodiments of a golf club head, the disclosure of the embodiments is not intended to be limiting as they are intended to illustrate the scope of the disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

As the Rules of Golf may change from time to time (for example, new rules may be adopted or old rules may be removed or amended by golf standards organizations and/or governing bodies), in connection with the devices, methods and products described herein; Golf equipment may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any given time. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the devices, methods, and products described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as suitable or unsuitable golf equipment. The devices, methods, and articles described herein are not limited in this regard.

Replacement of one or more of the claimed elements constitutes a reconstruction rather than a repair. Additionally, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to specific embodiments. However, an advantage, advantage, solution to a problem, and any element or elements that may give rise to, or further accentuate any advantage, advantage, or solution, such advantage, advantage, solution or element is expressly recited in the claims. It should not be construed as a key, necessary, or essential feature or element of any or all claims.

In addition, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not limited to: (1) not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) express elements and/or limitations of the claims under the doctrine of equivalents, or potentially equivalents, are not contributed to the public under the doctrine of equivalence.

Item 1: A golf club head comprising: a face plate, a body and an insert; the body includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a sole portion, a rear surface and an upper rail; the bristles rest on the ground; a loft plane is tangential to the face plate and intersects the ground plane; the back surface includes an articulating seam; the upper portion is bounded by the upper rail and the articulating seam; the lower portion is bounded by the articulating seam and the sole; the face plate, the sole, the rear surface and the upper rail surround the cavity; the insert is received in the cavity; the insert includes an insert upper portion configured to be received in the upper portion of the body; the insert comprises an insert lower portion configured to be received in the lower portion of the body; one or more recesses are formed in the insert lower portion; said face plate comprising a first material of a first density; the body comprising a second material of a second density; the insert comprises a third material of a third density; and the third density is less than the first and second densities.

Clause 2: Clause 2: The insert of clause 1, wherein the insert comprises a front surface, a back surface, a perimeter and an insert articulating seam separating the insert upper portion from the insert lower portion; the insert upper portion and the insert lower portion are integrally formed at the insert articulating seam; the one or more recesses extend non-penetratingly from the front surface inward toward the rear surface of the insert; the insert perimeter is flush with the wall of the cavity; wherein the one or more recesses open only toward the face plate.

Clause 3: Clause 3, wherein the one or more recesses comprise a plurality of recesses selected from the group consisting of 2 recesses, 3 recesses, 4 recesses, 5 recesses, and 6 recesses; ; and the insert further comprises one or more ribs separating the plurality of recesses.

Clause 4: The golf club head of clause 3, wherein the one or more ribs are oriented orthogonal to the face plate in a direction parallel to the upper rail-sole direction.

Clause 5: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the insert upper portion is solid.

Clause 6: The insert of clause 1, wherein the insert comprises a front surface, a back surface, a perimeter, and an insert articulation seam separating the insert upper portion from the insert lower portion; the insert upper portion further comprises at least one connecting rail defining two or more apertures; a perimeter of the insert defines a frame supporting the at least one connecting rail; wherein the at least one connecting rail comprises a plurality of rails selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 rails. club head.

Clause 7: 5-6 g, 5.5-6.5 g, 6-7 g, 6.5-7.5 g, 7-8 g, 7.5-g than a similar insert without the one or more recesses. A golf club head that is as light as a jillang selected from the group consisting of 8.5 g, 8-9 g, 8.5-9.5 g and 9-10 g.

Clause 8: Clause 1, wherein the insert is selected from the group consisting of 80%-85%, 85%-90%, 90%-95%, 95%-100%, 80%-90% of the cavity. A golf club head, filling the proportions of its volume.

Clause 9: Clause 9: The upper portion of the insert according to clause 1, wherein the upper portion of the insert has a height measured from the upper rail to the articulating seam in a direction parallel to the loft plane; the lower portion of the insert has a height measured from the sole to the articulating seam in a direction parallel to the loft plane; the height of the upper part and the height of the lower part have a ratio of 9:8 to 6:11; the upper portion has a first depth and the lower portion has a second depth, the depths measured perpendicular to the loft plane from the striking surface to the outer surface of the back surface; wherein the first depth is constant and less than the second depth.

Item 10: The method of item 1, wherein the heel and toe; an x-axis extending in the heel-toe direction and parallel to the striking surface and coincident with the center of gravity of the club head; a y-axis orthogonal to the ground plane and coincident with the center of gravity; the measured moment of inertia (Ixx) about the x-axis ranges from 78 g in² to 120 g in²; wherein the measured moment of inertia (Iyy) about the y-axis ranges from 310 g in² to 466 g in².

Clause 11: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the third density is 2.4-5.0 g/cc.

Clause 12: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the third material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum and titanium.

Clause 13: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the first density is between 2.6-8.7 g/cc and the second density is between 7.7-8.1 g/cc.

Clause 14: Clause 13, wherein the first material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, an aluminum alloy, or a titanium alloy; wherein the second material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a steel-based material or a steel alloy.

Item 15: The total mass of Item 1; further comprising a toe weight; the body further comprising a toe cavity; the tow cavity receives the tow weight; and the toe weight has a mass of 5%-45% of the total mass of the club head.

Item 16: The method of item 1, wherein the center of gravity; a lead edge axis parallel to the ground and extending in a heel-toe direction and coincident with the loft plane; a lead edge plane parallel to the ground and coincident with the lead edge axis; a y-axis orthogonal to the ground plane and coincident with the center of gravity; wherein the center of gravity of the golf club head is located 0.380-0.670 inches above the lead edge plane.

Item 17: The method of item 1, further comprising a heel and a toe; a center plane running vertically through the center point of the face plate; a cylindrical hosel integrated into the body; a hosel reference plane parallel to the front edge of the cylindrical hosel when viewed from the toe side; a hosel axis defined as said central axis of said cylindrical hosel; a lead edge axis parallel to the ground and extending in a heel-toe direction and coincident with the loft plane; a hosel-X distance measured from the intersection of the lead edge axis and the center plane to the intersection of the lead edge axis and the hosel axis, wherein the hosel-X distance is less than 1.5 inches in a front view; and an offset distance, measured as the minimum distance between the lead edge axis and the hosel reference plane, wherein the offset distance is 0.05-0.27 inches.

Item 18: The method of item 1, further comprising a heel and a toe; and a blade length measured in a heel-toe direction from an edge of the striking surface of the heel to an outermost point of the toe; wherein the blade length is less than 2.8 inches.

Clause 19: The golf club head of clause 1, further comprising a high-density tape disposed between the insert and the face plate.

Clause 20: The clause of clause 1, wherein the body comprises: a recess concatenating a perimeter of the cavity; a rear surface of the face plate in contact with the insert; and a remaining area of said rear surface of said face plate in contact with said recess.

Clause 21: A golf club head comprising: a body and an insert, the body comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a sole, a back, a toe area, a heel area and an upper rail, the sole resting on the ground, and a loft plane tangential to the face plate and intersecting the ground plane, the back surface comprising an articulating seam; the upper portion delimits the upper rail and the articulating seam; the lower portion defines a boundary between the articulating seam and the sole; the sole portion, the rear surface and the upper rail of the body surround the cavity; the body defining a front opening connected to the cavity; the insert is received within the cavity and the front opening; the insert forms at least a portion of the striking surface; the body comprising a first material of a first density; the insert comprises a second material of a second density; wherein the second density is less than the first density.

Clause 22: The clause of clause 21, wherein the insert comprises an insert upper portion configured to be received into the upper portion of the body; the insert comprises an insert lower portion configured to be received in the lower portion of the body; and the insert upper portion and the insert lower portion both form at least a portion of the striking surface.

Clause 23: The golf club head of clause 21, wherein the first density of the first material is 7.70-8.10 g/cc.

Clause 24: The golf club head of clause 21, wherein the second material comprises a polymeric resin and reinforcing fibers.

Clause 25: Clause 24, wherein the second material is a glass filled elastomer, a stainless steel filled elastomer, a tungsten filled elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a Kevlar® (aramid) fiber reinforced polymer and carbon fiber. A golf club head selected from the group consisting of reinforcing polymers.

Clause 26: The golf club head of clause 21, wherein the second density of the second material is 0.8-1.4 g/cc.

Clause 27: The body of clause 21, further comprising an opening wall at the rear surface defining a rear opening; the rear opening is opposite the front opening and located within the upper portion of the body; and the insert is further received within the rear opening.

Clause 28: The golf club head of clause 27, wherein the mass of the upper portion of the body is 1-70 g lighter than the mass of a golf club head without a rear opening and an insert having a smaller density than the body.

Clause 29: The golf club head of clause 29, wherein the body further comprises one or more securing features disposed within the cavity and extending from one or more of the rear surface, the sole, the toe region, and the heel region. .

Clause 30: The golf club head of clause 29, wherein at least one of the securing features extends from the rear surface to the sole within the cavity.

Clause 31: The clause of clause 29, wherein at least one of the securing features comprises a first end and a second end; and the first end and the second end are both attached to the sole in the cavity.

Clause 32: The clause of clause 29, wherein at least one of the securing features defines a through hole filled by the insert; and the insert is geometrically secured to the at least one securing feature.

Clause 33: The clause of clause 21, wherein the body further comprises an undercut in the upper rail; the undercut forms part of the cavity; and the insert fills the undercut such that the insert is mechanically secured within the cavity.

Clause 34: The clause of clause 21, wherein the body further comprises an undercut in the sole; the undercut forms part of the cavity; and the insert fills the undercut such that the insert is mechanically secured within the cavity.

Clause 35: The x-axis of clause 21 extending in the heel-toe direction and parallel to the striking surface and coincident with the center of gravity of the club head; a y-axis orthogonal to the ground plane and coincident with the center of gravity; the measured moment of inertia (Ixx) about the x-axis ranges from 78 g in² to 120 g in²; wherein the measured moment of inertia (Iyy) about the y-axis ranges from 310 g in² to 466 g in².

Clause 36: The golf club head of clause 21, wherein the first material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, an aluminum alloy, and a titanium alloy.

Item 37: The method according to Item 21, wherein the total mass; further comprising a toe weight; the body further comprising a toe cavity; the tow cavity receives the tow weight; and the toe weight has a mass of 5%-45% of the total mass of the club head.

Item 38: The method according to item 21, further comprising: a center of gravity; a lead edge axis parallel to the ground and extending in a heel-toe direction and coincident with the loft plane; a lead edge plane parallel to the ground and coincident with the lead edge axis; a y-axis orthogonal to the ground plane and coincident with the center of gravity; wherein the center of gravity of the golf club head is located 0.380-0.670 inches above the lead edge plane.

Clause 39: The clause of clause 21, wherein the heel and toe; a center plane running vertically through the center point of the face plate; a cylindrical hosel integrated into the body; a hosel reference plane parallel to the front edge of the cylindrical hosel when viewed from the toe side; a hosel axis defined as said central axis of said cylindrical hosel; a lead edge axis parallel to the ground and extending in a heel-toe direction and coincident with the loft plane; a hosel-X distance measured from the intersection of the lead edge axis and the center plane to the intersection of the lead edge axis and the hosel axis, wherein the hosel-X distance is less than 1.5 inches in a front view; and an offset distance measured as the minimum distance between the lead edge axis and the hosel reference plane, wherein the offset distance is 0.05-0.27 inches.

Clause 40: Clause 21, wherein the heel and toe; and a blade length measured in a heel-toe direction from an edge of the striking surface of the heel to an outermost point of the toe; wherein the blade length is less than 2.8 inches.

Claims (20)

As a golf club head:
body and insert;
including,
said body comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a sole, a rear portion, a toe area, a heel area and an upper rail;
the brush portion rests on the ground;
the loft plane is tangential to the face plate and intersects the ground plane;
the back surface includes an articulating seam;
the upper portion is bounded by the upper rail and the articulated seam;
the lower portion is bounded by the articulating seam and the sole;
the sole portion, the rear surface and the upper rail of the body surround a cavity;
the body defining a front opening connected to the cavity;
the insert is contained within the cavity and the front opening;
the insert forms at least a portion of the striking surface;
the body comprising a first material of a first density;
the insert comprises a second material of a second density;
and the second density is less than the first density. The system of claim 1 , wherein: the insert comprises an insert upper portion configured to be received in the upper portion of the body;
the insert comprises an insert lower portion configured to be received in the lower portion of the body;
and the insert upper portion and the insert lower portion both form at least a portion of the striking surface. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the first density of the first material is between 7.70-8.10 g/cc. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the second material comprises a polymeric resin and reinforcing fibers. 5. The polymer of claim 4, wherein the second material is a glass filled elastomer, a stainless steel filled elastomer, a tungsten filled elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a Kevlar® (aramid) fiber reinforced polymer, and a carbon fiber reinforced polymer. A golf club head selected from the group consisting of The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the second density of the second material is 0.8-1.4 g/cc. The method of claim 1 , wherein: the body further comprises an opening wall at the rear surface defining a rear opening;
the rear opening is opposite the front opening and located within the upper portion of the body;
and the insert is further contained within the rear opening. 8. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein the mass of the upper portion of the body is 1-70 g less than the mass of a golf club head without a rear opening and an insert having a smaller density than the body. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises one or more securing features disposed within the cavity and extending from one or more of the rear face, the sole, the toe region, and the heel region. 10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein at least one of the securing features extends from the rear surface to the sole within the cavity. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein: at least one of the securing features comprises a first end and a second end;
wherein both the first end and the second end are attached to the sole in the cavity. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein: at least one of the securing features defines a through hole filled by the insert; and the insert is geometrically secured to the at least one securing feature. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: said body further comprises an undercut in said upper rail;
the undercut forms part of the cavity;
and the insert fills the undercut such that the insert is mechanically secured within the cavity. The method of claim 1 , wherein: the body further includes an undercut in the sole portion;
the undercut forms part of the cavity;
and the insert fills the undercut such that the insert is mechanically secured within the cavity. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: an x-axis extending in a heel-toe direction and parallel to the striking surface and coincident with the center of gravity of the club head;
y-axis perpendicular to the ground and coincident with the center of gravity
further comprising;
the measured moment of inertia (Ixx) about the x-axis ranges from 78 g in² to 120 g in²;
wherein the measured moment of inertia about the y-axis (Iyy) ranges from 310 g in² to 466 g in². The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the first material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, an aluminum alloy, and a titanium alloy. The method of claim 1 , comprising: a total mass;
tow weight
further comprising;
the body further comprises a toe cavity;
the tow cavity receives the tow weight;
wherein the toe weight has a mass of 5%-45% of the total mass of the club head. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: a center of gravity;
a lead edge axis parallel to the ground and extending in a heel-toe direction and coincident with the loft plane;
a lead edge plane parallel to the ground and coincident with the lead edge axis;
y-axis perpendicular to the ground and coincident with the center of gravity
further comprising;
and the center of gravity of the golf club head is located 0.380-0.670 inches above the lead edge plane. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: a heel and a toe;
a center plane running vertically through the center point of the face plate;
As a cylindrical hosel integrated into the body,
hosel reference plane parallel to the front edge of the cylindrical hosel when viewed from the toe side;
a hosel axis defined as the central axis of the cylindrical hosel;
a lead edge axis parallel to the ground and extending in a heel-toe direction and coincident with the loft plane;
a hosel-X distance measured from the intersection of the lead edge axis and the center plane to the intersection of the lead edge axis and the hosel axis, wherein the hosel-X distance is less than 1.5 inches in a front view; and
an offset distance measured as the minimum distance between the lead edge axis and the hosel reference plane, the offset distance being 0.05-0.27 in.
A cylindrical hosel comprising
A golf club head further comprising a. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: a heel and a toe; and
blade length measured in the heel-toe direction from the edge of the striking face of the heel to the outermost point of the toe, wherein the blade length is less than 2.8 inches;
A golf club head further comprising a.

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