KR20220051424A - Club heads having reinforced club head faces and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Some embodiments include a club head having a reinforced club head face. Other embodiments of related club heads and methods are also disclosed.

Description

CLUB HEADS HAVING REINFORCED CLUB HEAD FACES AND RELATED METHODS

cross reference

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/521,998, filed on June 19, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/359,450, filed on July 7, 2016. This application also claims priority to US Patent Application Serial No. 15/628,639, filed on June 20, 2017. All contents of the foregoing invention are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

technical field

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to sports equipment, and more particularly to golf club heads and related methods.

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

The center of gravity and moment of inertia of the club head of a golf club are functions of the mass distribution of the club head. In particular, distributing the mass of the club head closer to the sole of the club head, further from the face of the club head, and/or closer to the toe and heel ends of the club head It is possible to change the center of gravity and/or moment of inertia of the club head. For example, distributing the mass of the club head closer to the soul of the club head and/or further from the face of the club head may increase the angle of flight of the club head and the golf ball struck. Meanwhile, increasing the flying angle of the golf ball may increase the moving distance of the golf ball. Also, distributing the mass of the club head closer to the toe and/or heel ends of the club head may affect the club head's moment of inertia which may alter the forgiveness of the golf club.

Further, the coefficient of restitution of the club head of the golf club may be at least a function of the flexibility of the face of the club head. On the other hand, the flexibility of the face of the club head may be a function of the geometry of the face (eg, height, width and/or thickness) and/or material properties of the face (eg, Young's modulus). That is, maximizing the height and/or width of the face and/or minimizing the thickness and/or Young's modulus of the face may increase the flexibility of the face, thereby increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club head; And increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club head of a golf club, which is essentially a measure of the efficiency of energy transfer from the club head to the golf ball, increases the distance the golf ball travels after impact, reduces the rotation of the golf ball, and/or increases the You can increase the ball speed.

However, while thinning the face of the club head can redistribute the mass from the face to other parts of the club head and make the face more flexible, thinning the face of the club head also causes buckling and may result in increased bending in the face at the point of failure. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method for preventing the face of a club head from buckling when the face of the club head is thinned.

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided.
1 shows a top, rear, toe side view of a club head according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2 shows a top, front and heel side view of a club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
3 shows a conventional club head according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 is taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3 simulating the face surface of a conventional club head impacting a golf ball (not shown), with the resulting bending tripled, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3 ; A stress-strain analysis of a partial cross-sectional view of a conventional club head is shown.
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the club head taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2 , in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
6 shows a top, rear, toe side view of a club head in accordance with an embodiment.
7 shows a top, front and toe side view of a club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 ;
FIG. 8 shows a side view of the club head taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2 , according to another embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
9 shows a top, rear, heel side view of a club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 8 ;
10 shows a flow diagram for an embodiment of a method of providing a golf club head.
11 illustrates an exemplary act of providing an enhancement device in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10 .
12 shows a diagram for an embodiment of a layer of a vibration damping configuration.
FIG. 13 shows a side view of the club head taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2 , in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
14 shows a front view of a golf club according to an embodiment.
15 shows a top, rear view of a club head according to an embodiment.
FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the club head taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 15 , in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 15 ;
17 shows a cross-sectional view of a club head according to another embodiment.
18A shows a cross-sectional view of a club head according to another embodiment.
18B shows a detailed view of a cross-sectional view of a club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 18A ;
19 shows a cross-sectional view of a club head according to another embodiment.
20 is a rear view of a club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 19 ;
Fig. 21 is a front view of a club head according to the embodiment of Fig. 19;
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings depict a general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. In addition, the constituent elements of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, dimensions of some components in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to other components to help understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numbers in different drawings indicate like elements.
In the description and claims of the invention, terms such as "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" are used to distinguish similar elements, if any, from each other, and must be in a specific sequence or It is not used to describe the order of occurrence. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein, for example, may operate in a different order than illustrated or otherwise described herein. Also, the terms “comprise” and “have” and any variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus comprising a list of components necessarily comprises those components. It is not limited to elements and may include other components not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
In the description and claims, the terms "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "above", "below", etc. are used for descriptive purposes, if any. and is not necessarily used to describe a permanent relative position. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances to enable the embodiments of the invention described herein to operate otherwise than, for example, as illustrated or otherwise described herein.
Terms such as “couple”, “coupled”, “coupled”, “coupled” and the like are to be understood broadly and refer to mechanically and/or otherwise connecting two or more components. Two or more mechanical components may be mechanically coupled together, but not electrically or otherwise coupled together. Bonding may be of any length of time, eg permanent or semi-permanent or only temporary.
"Mechanical coupling" and the like should be understood broadly and should include all types of mechanical coupling.
The absence of the words "removably", "removable", etc. in the vicinity of the word "coupled" or the like does not mean that the combination or the like in question is either removable or non-removable.

Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head has a top end and an opposing bottom end, a front end and opposing rear end, and a toe end and an opposing hill end thereto. include The golf club head also includes a face component. The face component includes a face surface positioned at the front end, the face surface including a face center and a face perimeter. The face component also includes a rear surface positioned at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear perimeter generally opposite the face center. The golf club head also includes a strengthening device located on the rear surface. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis, and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the posterior center. Also, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through x through the top and bottom ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant between (i) the toe and heel ends and (ii) between the top and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the reinforcing device includes a reinforcing component comprising a geometric center positioned approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcing component extending outwardly from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end; The reinforcing component includes looped ribs. On the other hand, the face surface may be closer to the back surface near the center of the face than near the perimeter of the face.

Another embodiment includes a golf club head. In some embodiments, the golf club head comprises an iron-type golf club head. A golf club head includes a top end and an opposing bottom end, a front end and an opposing rear end, and a toe end and an opposing heel end. The golf club head also includes a face component. The face component includes a face surface located at a front end, the face surface including a face center and a face perimeter. The face component also includes a rear surface positioned at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center generally opposite the face center and a rear perimeter. The golf club head also includes a strengthening device located on the rear surface. The golf club head also includes a peripheral wall component that (i) extends outwardly from the rear surface toward and away from the front end, and (ii) extends entirely around the perimeter of the rear surface. The perimeter wall component includes a first perimeter wall portion extending along a perimeter of the rear surface at a top end and a second perimeter wall portion extending along a perimeter of the rear surface at a bottom end. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis, and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the posterior center. Also, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant (i) between the toe and heel ends and (ii) between the top and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the reinforcing device includes a reinforcing component comprising a geometric center positioned approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcing component extending outwardly from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end; The reinforcing component includes closed looped ribs. Further, the golf club head includes an iron-type golf club head, wherein a central thickness from the center of the face to the center of the back is about 0.203 centimeters or less, and wherein at least a portion of the second peripheral wall portion is thinner than a face component adjacent the circumference of the face. .

Some embodiments further include an insert that is at least partially filled in the cavity of the reinforcing component formed by the looped ribs. In some embodiments, the cavity may be a central cavity. The central cavity may also be partially covered by a badge. The badge may be separate or integral to the insert. In other embodiments, the medium may be integral with the fortification component. The insert may be made of a lightweight material weighing less than about 3 g and may not significantly affect the center of gravity of the swing of the golf club head. In alternative embodiments, the insert may weigh more than 3 g, such as between 5 g and 10 g, and may contribute to the swing weight or center of gravity of the club head.

Additional embodiments include a vibration damping configuration disposed on the rear surface of the golf club head to reduce noise, produce a more desirable sound, and reduce vibration of the golf club head. The vibration damping construction may be composed of any material or composition capable of damping or eliminating vibration, such as a damping foil, rubber, or pressure sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymer. The vibration damping configuration is pressure sensitive, which can reduce or eliminate vibration from the golf club head when hitting the golf ball. The viscoelastic damping configuration provides a golf club head with a more desirable sound in combination with getting better performance from a thin-face golf club head. The vibration damping configuration is applied at least in part to the rear surface of the golf club head. A vibration damping configuration may also be applied to the reinforcing component. The vibration damping configuration may further be applied to all or a portion of the cavity of the reinforcing component. The cavity may be a central cavity. The central cavity of the rear surface may also be partially covered by a vibration damping configuration. The central cavity may also be partially covered by the medium, and a vibration damping configuration may be disposed below the medium.

A further embodiment includes a method of providing a golf club head. The method comprises: (i) a face surface positioned at a front end and comprising a face center and a face perimeter; and (ii) providing a face component located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface and comprising a rear surface comprising a rear center and a rear perimeter generally opposite the face center; and providing a reinforcing device on the back surface. In these embodiments, the golf club head includes a top end and an opposing bottom end, a front end and an opposing rear end, and a toe end and an opposing heel end. Also, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the posterior center. Also, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant (i) between the toe and heel ends and (ii) between the top and rear ends. The reinforcing device, on the other hand, includes a reinforcing component comprising a geometric center positioned approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcing component extending outwardly from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing component comprising a loop Includes mold ribs. Also, the face surface may be closer to the posterior surface near the center of the face than near the perimeter of the face.

Some embodiments include golf clubs. A golf club includes a shaft and a golf club head coupled to the shaft. A golf club head includes a top end and an opposing bottom end, a front end and an opposing rear end, and a toe end and an opposing heel end. The golf club head also includes a face component. The face component includes a face surface located at a front end, the face surface including a face center and a face perimeter. The face component also includes a rear surface positioned at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center generally opposite the face center and a rear perimeter. The golf club head also includes a strengthening device located on the rear surface. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis, and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the posterior center. Also, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant (i) between the toe and heel ends, and (ii) between the top and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the reinforcing device includes a reinforcing component comprising a geometric center positioned approximately in the z-axis, the reinforcing component extending outwardly from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end; The reinforcing component includes looped ribs. On the other hand, the face surface may be closer to the back surface near the center of the face than near the perimeter of the face.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top, rear, toe side view of a club head 100 according to an embodiment. Meanwhile, FIG. 2 shows a top, front, and side view of the heel of the club head 100 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 . Club head 100 is exemplary only and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The club head 100 may be used in many other embodiments or examples not specifically shown or described herein.

In general, club head 100 may include a golf club head. The golf club head 100 may be part of a corresponding golf club. For example, golf club 1400 ( FIG. 14 ) may include a golf club head 100 coupled to a shaft 1490 and a grip 1495 . Further, the golf club head may be part of a set of golf clubs and/or the golf club may be part of a set of golf clubs. For example, club head 100 may include any suitable iron-type golf club head. In some embodiments, club head 100 may include a muscle-back iron-type golf club head or a cavity-back iron-type golf club head. Nevertheless, while club head 100 is generally described in the context of an iron-type golf club head, club head 100 may be, for example, a wood-type golf club head (eg, driver's club head, fairway wood club). head, hybrid club head, etc.) or any other suitable type of golf club head, such as a putter golf club head. In general, club head 100 may comprise any suitable material, although in many embodiments club head 100 comprises one or more metallic materials. Notwithstanding the above, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

For reference purposes, the club head 100 has a top end 101 and a bottom end 102 opposite the top end 101 , a front end 203 ( FIG. 2 ) and a rear opposite the front end 203 . end 104 ) ( FIG. 2 ), and a toe end 105 and an opposing heel end 106 . The club head 100 also includes an x-axis 107 , a y-axis 108 , and a z-axis 109 .

Meanwhile, the x-axis 107 , the y-axis 108 , and the z-axis 109 provide a Cartesian reference frame for the club head 100 . Accordingly, the x-axis 107 , the y-axis 108 , and the z-axis 109 are perpendicular to each other. Also, the x-axis 107 extends through the toe end 105 and the heel end 106 and is equidistant between the top end 101 and the bottom end 102 ; The y-axis 108 extends through the top end 101 and the bottom end 102 and is equidistant between the toe end 105 and the heel end 106 ; The z-axis 109 extends through the front end 203 ( FIG. 2 ) and the rear end 104 , (i) between the toe end 105 and the heel end 106, and (ii) the top end. equidistant between 101 and rear end 102 .

The club head 100 includes a club head body 110 . The club head body 110 may be solid, hollow or partially hollow. Where the club head body 110 is hollow and/or partially hollow, the club head body 110 may include a shell structure and may also be filled and/or partially filled with a filler material different from the material of the shell structure. can For example, the filler may include plastic foam.

The club head body 110 includes a face component 111 and a strengthening device 112 . In many embodiments, the club head body 110 may include a peripheral wall component 113 .

In many embodiments, the face component 111 includes a face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) and a back surface 115 . On the other hand, face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) includes face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) and face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ), and posterior surface 115 includes posterior center 118 and posterior perimeter ( FIG. 2 ). 119). Face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) may refer to the striking face or striking plate of club head 100 and may be configured to impact a ball (not shown), such as, for example, a golf ball. In many embodiments, the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) may include one or more scoring lines 223 ( FIG. 2 ).

In these or other embodiments, the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) may be located at the anterior end and the posterior surface 115 may be located at the rear end 104 . Also, the back surface 115 may be approximately opposite the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ); posterior center 118 may be approximately opposite face center 216 (FIG. 2); The back perimeter 119 may be approximately opposite the face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ). In general, in many examples, face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) may refer to the geometric center ( FIG. 2 ) of face surface 214 . Thus, in these or other examples, face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) is approximately equidistant between toe end 105 and heel end 106 and approximately equidistant between top end 101 and bottom end 102 . may refer to a location on the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) that is equidistant. In various examples, the face center is retrieved from the American Golf Association: Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead, USGA-TPX 3004, Revision 1.0.0, p.6, May 1, 2008 (retrieved). May 12, 2014 from http://www.usga.org/equipment/testing/protocols/Test-Protocols-For-Equipment), which is incorporated herein by reference. Likewise, in some examples, the posterior center 118 may refer to the geometric center of the posterior surface 115 .

For reference, the x-axis 107 and the y-axis 108 may extend approximately parallel to the surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) of the face, and the z-axis 109 may extend to the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ). 2) may extend approximately perpendicular to the On the other hand, each of the x-axis 107 , y-axis 108 , and z-axis 109 is a Cartesian frame of reference in which a rear center 118 is provided by the x-axis 107 , y-axis 108 . may intersect the posterior center 118 to include the origin of

In various embodiments, the scoring line 223 ( FIG. 2 ) may each include one or more grooves and may extend between the toe end 105 and the heel end 106 . In these or other embodiments, the scoring line 223 ( FIG. 2 ) may be approximately parallel to the x-axis 107 .

In many embodiments, the reinforcement device 112 includes one or more reinforcement components 120 (eg, reinforcement components 121 ). Reinforcing device 112 and/or reinforcing component(s) 120 are located on rear surface 115 and from rear surface 115 towards rear end 104 and from front end 203 ( FIG. 2 ). extends far outward. In many embodiments, each reinforcing component of reinforcing component(s) 120 includes an outer perimeter surface and a geometric center. In these or other embodiments, the geometric center(s) of one or more reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, reinforcing component 121 ) may be located approximately at the z-axis 109 . For example, the reinforcing component 121 may include an outer perimeter surface 126 and a geometric center 130 .

Reinforcing device 112 and reinforcing component(s) 120 are still a waste component, such as, for example, when face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) impacts a ball (eg, a golf ball). configured to strengthen the face component 111 while allowing 111 to flex. As a result, face component 111 causes mass from face component 111 to be redistributed to other parts of club head 100 and face component 111 without buckling and failing under the resulting flexing. ) can be thinned to make it more flexible. Advantageously, face component 111 may be thinner when implemented with reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement component 120 than when implemented without reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement component(s) 120 . Therefore, the center of gravity, the moment of inertia, and the coefficient of restitution of the club head 100 may be changed to improve the performance characteristics of the club head 100 . For example, implementation of the reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement component(s) 120 may increase the launch angle of the golf ball (eg, by approximately 0.1-0.3 degrees) to the face surface 214 (degree 2) can increase the distance the golf ball hits and the speed of the golf ball (e.g., by approximately 0.1 miles per hour (mph)) (by 0.161 kilometers per hour (kph)) approximately 3.0 mph (4.83 kph) )) and/or decrease the rotation of the golf ball (eg, by approximately 1-500 rotations per minute). In these examples, the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement component(s) 120 may have the effect of opposing some of the gearing on the golf ball provided by the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ).

Testing of golf clubs including embodiments of golf club head 100 was conducted. Overall, when compared to iron golf clubs with standard reinforced strikefaces and custom tuning ports, higher moments of inertia around the x-axis and/or y-axis, in the face of the golf club head. The test, indicated by the tighter statistical domain of the impact of a golf ball on the In some tests, the moment of inertia about the x-axis increases by about 2%, the moment of inertia about the y-axis increases by about 4%, and/or the statistical area of impact of the golf ball on the face of the golf club head. was reduced by about 15-50%. Additionally, increased ball velocity of the golf ball, higher launch angle of the golf ball, and/or reduced rotation of the golf ball have been found. As an example, in testing of an embodiment of golf club 100 on a 5-iron golf club, the ball speed of the golf ball increased by about 1.5 mph (2.41 kph), the golf ball had a launch angle that was about 0.3 degrees higher, It was found that the rotation of the golf ball decreased by about 250 revolutions per minute (rpm). In another example, in testing of an embodiment of golf club 100 on a 7 iron golf club, the ball velocity of the golf ball increased by about 2.0 mph (3.22 kph), the golf ball exhibited little change in launch angle, It was found that the rotation of the golf ball was reduced by about 450 rpm. As a further example, in testing of an embodiment of golf club 100 in a wedge iron golf club, the ball velocity of the golf ball changed little, the golf ball had a launch angle that was about 0.1 degrees higher, It was found that the rotation of the golf ball was reduced by about 200 rpm.

In particular, in many examples, face component 111 includes scoring line(s) 223 ( FIG. 2 ) and face component 111 without implementation of reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement component 120 . When thinned, buckling and failure of the face component 111 occurs at the bottom of the scoring line 223, particularly at the face center ( 216 (FIG. 2) may occur at the scoring line 223 (FIG. 2).

The club head 100 with the reinforcement device 112 may also have a uniform transition thickness 550 ( FIG. 5 ) extending from the front end 203 to the bottom end 102 . The uniform transition thickness 550 absorbs stresses directed to the region of the club head 100 with the reinforcement device 112 between the front end 203 and the bottom end 102 . The uniform transition thickness 550 may range from approximately 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, the uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches.

In particular, referring to the drawings, FIG. 3 shows a conventional club head 300 according to an embodiment. Club head 300 may be similar to club head 100 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), but unlike club head 100 , is reinforced on the rear surface 315 of face component 311 of club head 300 . There are no devices and reinforcement components. The club head 300 includes one or more scoring lines 323 on the face surface 314 of the club head 300 . posterior surface 315 may be similar to posterior surface 115 ( FIG. 1 ); Face component 311 may be similar or identical to face component 111 ( FIG. 1 ); Face surface 314 may be similar or identical to face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) and/or scoring line(s) 323 may be similar or identical to scoring line 223 ( FIG. 2 ). . Further, the lacking reinforcement device may be similar to the reinforcement device 112 ( FIG. 1 ), and the missing reinforcement component(s) may be similar to the reinforcement component(s) 120 ( FIG. 1 ). 4, on the other hand, is a cross-sectional line of FIG. 3 simulating the face surface 314 of a club head 300 impacting a golf ball (not shown), with the resulting flex being tripled, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3 . A stress-strain analysis of a partial cross-sectional view of the club head 300 taken along 4-4 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 4 , face component 311 behaves like a simply supported beam, and thus includes a neutral axis 436 . The portion of the face component 311 between the face surface 314 and the neutral axis 436 is in compression, and the portion of the face component 311 between the neutral axis 436 and the rear surface 315 is in tension. is the state Stress first builds up at the face surface 314 and the back surface 315 and moves inward towards the neutral axis 436 . However, unlike a simply supported beam, the face component 311 also includes scoring line(s) 323 in the portion of the face component 311 that is in compression. When the face component 311 flexes too much, a mechanical yield of the face component 311 may be reached at the bottom of the scoring line(s) 323 . If not for the scoring line(s) 323, the face component 311 is normally expected to fail first in the portion of the face component 311 that is under tension, but the scoring line(s) 323 is not compressed. The part of the face component 311 that is in a state first causes the occurrence of a failure. That is, the face component 311 fails at the scoring line(s) 323 before the rest of the face component 311 has a chance to reach a sufficiently high stress level to cause failure. The iron-type club head has a scoring line(s) 323 because, unlike wood-type golf club heads, which tend to be convex at the face surface 314 , the iron-type club head tends to be flat at the face surface 314 . ) may be more prone to failure. As a result, when the wood-type golf club head flexes at the face surface 314 , the face surface 314 may still curve somewhat outward. On the other hand, when the iron-type golf club head flexes at the face surface 314, the face surface 314 may bend into a concave shape that increases the degree of compression in the portion of the face component 311 that is under compression. .

Referring now again to FIGS. 1 and 2 , implementation of the reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement component(s) 120 allows for increased overall flex in the face component 111 , while scoring(s) 223 . ) ( FIG. 2 ), particularly at those scoring line(s) of the scoring line(s) 223 adjacent to the face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ). Reinforcing device 112 and reinforcing component(s) 120 provide these advantages by increasing the local thickness of face component 111 , stiffer face component 111 in their location. ) can be made harder. In effect, the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement component(s) 120 act to pull the neutral axis of the face component 111 away from the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) and closer to the back surface 115 . It is possible.

On the other hand, the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing component(s) 120, when embodied as a closed structure (eg, one or more looped ribs), are such a closed structure that the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing component These may further provide these advantages as they may resist deformation as a result of circumferential (ie, hoop) stresses acting on (s) 120 . For example, circumferential (ie, hoop) stresses acting on reinforcing device 112 and reinforcing component(s) 120 cause opposing sides of reinforcing device 112 and reinforcing component(s) 120 to interact with each other. It is possible to prevent rotation away from it, thereby reducing bending.

Additionally, the stiffening device 112 and the stiffening component(s) 120 absorb a substantial portion of the stress in the club head 100 upon impact, thereby causing the face component 111 , the face surface 214 and It prevents stress absorption by other parts of the club head 100 upon impact, such as the rear surface 115 . The directional stress towards the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement component(s) 120 is greater than the club head 300 without the reinforcement device and reinforcement components, or without the reinforcement component(s) 120 . It improves the durability of the face component 111 and the club head 100 compared to a club head with less reinforcement device 112 .

In an implementation, reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, reinforcing component 121 ) serves as the intended function of reinforcing device 112 and/or reinforcing component(s) 120 as described above. may be embodied in any suitable shape (eg, polygonal, oval, circular, etc.) and/or any suitable arrangement configured to perform Further, when reinforcing component(s) 120 includes a plurality of reinforcing components, two or more reinforcing components of reinforcing component(s) 120 may be similar to one another and/or reinforcing components The two or more reinforcing components of (s) 120 may be different from each other.

In some embodiments, reinforcement component(s) 120 (eg, reinforcement component 121 ) may be symmetric about the x-axis 107 and/or the y-axis 108 . When reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, reinforcing component 121 ) is embodied in an elliptical shape, in many embodiments, the maximum dimension (eg, long axis) of reinforcing component(s) may be parallel and/or co-linear with either the x-axis 107 or the y-axis 108 . However, in other embodiments, the largest dimension (eg, the major axis) may be tilted relative to the x-axis 107 and/or the y-axis 108 as desired. Also, in many embodiments, reinforcement component(s) 120 (eg, reinforcement component 121 ) may be centered in the z-axis 109 , although in some embodiments, one or more reinforcement Component(s) 120 (eg, reinforcing component 121 ) may include, for example, one or both of top end 101 , bottom end 102 , toe end 105 and heel end 106 . It may be deflected off-center of the z-axis 109 such as deflected toward.

In many embodiments, each reinforcement component (eg, reinforcement component 121 ) of reinforcement component(s) 120 has one or more looped ribs 127 (eg, looped ribs 122 ). )) may be included. Specifically, the reinforcing component 121 may include a looped rib 122 . In these or other embodiments, when the looped rib(s) 127 includes a plurality of looped ribs, the looped rib 127 may be positioned along a point and/or axis (eg, the z-axis 109 ). ) can be concentric with each other. In other embodiments, when the looped rib(s) 127 includes a plurality of looped ribs, two or more of the looped rib(s) 127 may not be concentric. Also, in these or other embodiments, two or more of the looped rib(s) 127 may overlap. On the other hand, in these embodiments, the looped rib 122 may include an elliptical looped rib, and in some of these embodiments, the looped rib 122 may include a circular looped rib. As noted above, implementing the reinforcing component(s) 120 as the looped rib(s) 127 is a circumferential (eg a hoop) provided by the closure structure of the looped rib(s) 127 . ) can be advantageous because of stress. In many embodiments, one or more (or each) of the looped rib(s) 127 is a continuous closed loop.

In these or other embodiments, each looped rib of the looped rib(s) 127 includes an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface. On the other hand, in these embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of each reinforcing component (eg, reinforcing component 121 ) has a looped rib corresponding to that reinforcing component (eg, looped rib 122 ). the outer perimeter of the surface. For example, the looped rib 122 may include an outer circumferential surface 128 and an inner circumferential surface 129 . Further, the inner circumferential surface 129 may be steep and substantially perpendicular at the rib height 540 ( FIG. 13 ) with respect to the rear surface.

In some embodiments, one or more outer circumferential surface(s) of reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, outer circumferential surface 126 of reinforcing component 121 ) fillet with back surface 115 . can be filled. In these or other embodiments, one or more inner circumferential surfaces of the looped rib(s) 127 (eg, the inner circumferential surface 129 of the looped ribs 122) are to be filleted with the back surface 115. can Filleting the back surface 115 and the outer perimeter surface(s) of the reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, the outer perimeter surface 126 of the reinforcing component 121 ) is the reinforcing component(s) ) 120 (eg, the outer peripheral surface 126 of the reinforcing component 121 ) to the posterior surface 115 . Also, filleting the back surface 115 and the outer perimeter surface of the reinforcing component(s) 120 (eg, the outer perimeter surface 126 of the reinforcing component 121 ) may include the reinforcing component(s). It can direct the stress from impact to 120 and away from face surface 214 . On the other hand, the outer circumferential surface(s) of the reinforcing component(s) (eg, the outer circumferential surface 126 of the reinforcing component 121 ) or the inner circumferential surface(s) of the looped rib(s) 127 ) (eg, inner circumferential surface 129 of looped rib 122 ) may fillet with back surface 115 with fillet 117 having a radius greater than or equal to about 0.012 centimeters. For example, in some embodiments, the fillet 117 of the posterior surface 115 and the outer perimeter surface 126 is between about 0.012 centimeters and about 2.0 centimeters, between about 0.50 centimeters and about 3.0 centimeters, or between about 1.0 centimeters and about 4.0 It can be in the range of centimeters. For further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 117 of the posterior surface 115 and the inner circumferential surface 129 is between about 0.012 centimeters and about 2.0 centimeters, between about 0.50 centimeters and about 3.0 centimeters, or between about 1.0 centimeters and It may be in the range of approximately 4.0 centimeters.

In some embodiments, the outer perimeter surface(s) of the reinforcing component(s) may fillet directly with the back surface 115 . In these embodiments, the face thickness gradually decreases along the fillet 117 from the face thickness at the rib height 540 to the face thickness at the back surface 115 .

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

In many embodiments, the minimum thickness 544 between reinforcing component 120 and lip 552 corresponds to faceplate flex and ball velocity. As the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing component 120 and the lip 552 decreases, the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component 120 may further flex during impact with a golf ball. The increased flexing of the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component 120 upon impact allows for increased faceplate deflection resulting in increased energy transfer to the golf ball and increased ball velocity. For example, the golf club head 100 shown in FIG. 17 having approximately a central thickness 537 and a minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing component 120 and the lip 552 may be greater than the central thickness 537 . This results in a higher ball velocity in miles per hour (mph) than the club head 100 shown in FIGS. 15-16 having a minimum thickness 544 between the large reinforcing component 120 and the lip 552 .

In some embodiments, when the reinforcing component 121 includes a looped rib 122 , the looped rib 122 may include a cavity 131 . In another embodiment, when the reinforcing component 121 includes a looped rib 122 , the looped rib 122 does not include the cavity 131 . In embodiments without cavity 131 , central thickness 537 ( FIGS. 5 and 13 ) may be greater than in embodiments with cavity 131 , and looped ribs ( 122 (eg, the combined distance of central thickness 537 ( FIG. 5 ) and rib height 542 ( FIG. 5 )) rib height 542 ( FIGS. 5 and 13 ) may be less than or equal to the face thickness at The cavity 131 is defined by an inner circumferential surface 129 and a rear surface 115 . In some embodiments, cavity 131 may be a central cavity. In many embodiments, cavity 131 may be free of any content, such as, for example, a weighting insert. In other embodiments, the cavity 131 may contain an insert 805 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .

As discussed in some detail above, by implementing the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement component(s) 120 , the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) can be positioned near (eg, around the face perimeter 217 , FIG. 2 ). , may be closer (ie, thinner) to the posterior surface 115 near (eg, there) face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) rather than there). In some embodiments, the portion of the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) proximal to the face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) bounds the face surface center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) and the total surface area of the face surface 214 . may refer to the portion of the surface area of the face surface 214 representing about 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 10% or 20% of the In these or other embodiments, a portion of the surface area of the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) may correspond to a portion of the surface area of the back surface 115 covered by the reinforcing component 121 . On the other hand, in some embodiments, the portion of the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) proximate to the face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ) is the area of the face surface 214 bounded by the face perimeter 217 and the face perimeter. an insert boundary located at about 0.10 centimeters, 0.20 centimeters, 0.25 centimeters, 0.50 centimeters, 1.00 centimeters, or 2.00 centimeters from 217 ( FIG. 2 ).

Referring briefly to the drawings, FIGS. 5 and 13 show cross-sectional views of the club head 100 taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2 , in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 . Club head 100 may include a central thickness 537 . Central thickness 537 may refer to the distance from face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ) to posterior center 118 ( FIG. 1 ). In many embodiments, the central thickness 537 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, the central thickness 537 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In some embodiments, the center of the reinforcing component 120 may be at least partially filled. For example, the center of reinforcing component 120 may be filled with a damping material or vibration damping construction (eg, insert 805 ( FIG. 8 )) or other material. In many embodiments, the central thickness 537 may be less than the face thickness at the rib height 540 . In other embodiments, the central thickness 537 may be approximately equal to the face thickness at the rib height 540 . The face thickness at rib height 540 may be rib height 540 added to central thickness 537 . In many embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120 may be thicker than the central thickness 537 but less than the face thickness at the rib height 540 . In other embodiments, face thickness 542 may be equal to center thickness 537 .

In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be between about 0.30 cm and about 0.70 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be between about 0.30 cm and about 0.50 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be between about 0.40 cm and about 0.60 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be between about 0.50 cm and about 0.70 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be greater than 0.30 cm, greater than 0.40 cm, greater than 0.50, or greater than 0.60 cm.

In some embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120 may vary. 15-16 show a top portion 545 of the faceplate outside the reinforcing component 120 having a normal thickness 546, and a bottom portion 547 of the faceplate outside the reinforcing component having a bottom thickness 548. shows In some embodiments, the top thickness 546 may be equal to the bottom thickness 548 ( FIGS. 5 and 13 ). In these embodiments, the center thickness 537 may be less than the top thickness 546 and the bottom thickness 548 , and the top thickness 546 and the bottom thickness 548 may be thinner than the face thickness at the rib height 540 . can In some embodiments, the top thickness 546 may be different from the bottom thickness 548 ( FIGS. 15-16 ). For example, in some embodiments, the central thickness 537 may be less than the normal thickness 546, the normal thickness 546 may be less than the bottom thickness 548, and the bottom thickness 548 is the rib height ( It may be thinner than the face thickness in 540). For further example, in some embodiments, the top thickness 546 can be less than the central thickness 537 , the central thickness 537 can be less than the bottom thickness 548 , and the bottom thickness 548 can be a rib It may be thinner than the face thickness at height 540 .

In many embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In many embodiments, the normal thickness 546 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, the normal thickness 546 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In many embodiments, the bottom thickness 548 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, the bottom thickness 548 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm.

In many embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm, and the central thickness 537 without the need for a backing material for support ( from about 0.150 cm to about 0.300 cm (without filler material such as elastomer located behind the faceplate). For example, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120 may be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.300 cm without an elastomeric or other flexible material disposed behind the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcing component 120 . can be As a further example, the central thickness 537 can be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.300 cm without the elastomeric or other flexible material positioned behind the face central thickness 537 .

Typically, golf club head faceplates are designed to maximize ball speed (eg, by reducing faceplate thickness) for a particular swing speed requirement. In general, since the force on impact with the club head decreases with swing speed, the faceplate thickness can be reduced according to low swing speed durability requirements (e.g., on a female golf club head compared to a male golf club head). in). For example, a club head with low swing speed durability requirements may have a low center thickness 537 , a low face thickness at rib height 540 , a low top thickness 546 , a low bottom thickness 548 , or a higher swing It can have any combination of the foregoing reductions in thickness compared to club heads having speed endurance requirements. In some embodiments, the center thickness 537 may be between approximately 0.150 cm and approximately 0.250 cm, the top thickness 546 may be between approximately 0.150 cm and approximately 0.250 cm, and the bottom thickness 548 may be the club head 100 . Swing speed less than 100 miles per hour (mph) (160.9 kilometers per hour, kph), less than 90 mph (144.8 kph), less than 80 mph (128.7 kph), less than 70 mph (112.6 kph), or less than 60 mph (96.6 kph) It may be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm to withstand the In some embodiments, the center thickness 537 may be between approximately 0.200 cm and approximately 0.300 cm, the top thickness 546 may be between approximately 0.200 cm and approximately 0.300 cm, and the bottom thickness 548 may be the club head 100 . of approximately 0.200 cm to withstand swing speeds of less than 130 mph (209.2 kph), less than 120 mph (193.1 kph), less than 110 mph (177.0 kph), less than 100 mph (160.9 kph), or less than 90 mph (144.8 kph). It may be approximately 0.300 cm.

In many embodiments, the scoring line 223 may have a depth of between about 0.030 cm and about 0.060 cm. In some embodiments, the scoring line 223 may have a depth of less than 0.060 cm, less than 0.055 cm, less than 0.050 cm, less than 0.045 cm, less than 0.040 cm, or less than 0.035 cm. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-16 , the scoring line 223 has a depth of approximately 0.046 cm. As described herein, measurements for center thickness 537 , face thickness 542 outside reinforcing component 120 , top thickness 546 , and bottom thickness 548 are areas of the faceplate without a scoring line. is determined in Thus, the faceplate thickness measured within the scoring line 223 will be lower (by the scoring line depth) than the associated faceplate thickness measured outside or adjacent to the scoring line 223 within the same area of the faceplate.

In some embodiments, the width of the ribs may vary through looped ribs 122 ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, looped ribs 122 ( FIG. 1 ) and/or inner circumferential surface 129 ( FIG. 1 ) may include a maximum rib span 538 . The maximum rib span 538 is measured parallel to the rear surface 115 ( FIG. 1 ) across from one side of the inner circumferential surface 129 ( FIG. 1 ) to the opposite side of the inner circumferential surface 129 ( FIG. 1 ). It can refer to the maximum distance. Thus, when looped ribs 122 ( FIG. 1 ) include elliptical looped ribs, maximum rib span 538 may refer to the long axis of inner circumferential surface 129 ( FIG. 1 ). Also, when looped ribs 122 ( FIG. 1 ) include circular looped ribs, maximum rib span 538 may refer to the diameter of inner circumferential surface 129 ( FIG. 1 ). In particular, in many embodiments, the maximum rib span 538 may be measured at the midpoint of the inner circumferential surface 129 ( FIG. 1 ).

In some embodiments, the maximum rib span 538 may be between about 0.609 cm and about 1.88 cm. In some embodiments, the maximum rib span 538 may be approximately 1.0 cm. In some embodiments, when the maximum span 538 is too large (eg, greater than about 1.88 centimeters), the looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) is the scoring line closest to the face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ). 223 (FIG. 2) may be insufficient to strengthen. On the other hand, in these or other embodiments, when the maximum span 538 is too small (eg, less than approximately 0.609 centimeters), the looped rib 122 is the scoring line closest to the face circumference 217 ( FIG. 2 ). 223 (FIG. 2) may be insufficient to strengthen. In general, these upper and lower limits on maximum rib span 538 may be a function of the size of face component 111 ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, two or more ribs 621 , 641 may be present, for example as shown in FIG. 6 . In this case, the larger rib span or inner or outer diameter of rib 641 ( FIG. 6 ) may be greater than 1.88 centimeters, and the smaller rib span or inner or outer diameter of rib 621 ( FIG. 6 ) is 0.609 centimeters. may be smaller than

Also, the looped ribs 122 ( FIG. 1 ) may include a rib thickness 539 . Rib thickness 539 is equal to inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1) of looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) measured parallel to rear surface 115 (FIG. 1) and looped rib 122 (FIG. 1). 1) may refer to the distance between the outer peripheral surfaces 128 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the thickness of the looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) can vary across the looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ), and the rib thickness 539 is the looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ). may be the maximum rib thickness of In many embodiments, the rib thickness 539 may be between about 0.050 cm and about 1.50 cm. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 may be about 0.05 cm. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 may be greater than or equal to about 0.25 centimeters. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 may be approximately 0.50 centimeters. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 may be about 0.75 centimeters. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 may be approximately 1.00 centimeters. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 may be about 1.25 centimeters. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 may be about 1.50 centimeters. In various embodiments, when the looped rib(s) 127 ( FIG. 1 ) includes a plurality of looped ribs, two or more looped ribs of the looped rib(s) 127 ( FIG. 1 ) are the same and/or two or more looped ribs of looped rib(s) 127 ( FIG. 1 ) may include different rib thicknesses. In particular, in many embodiments, the rib span 539 may be measured at a midpoint of the inner perimeter surface 129 ( FIG. 1 ) and/or the outer perimeter surface 128 ( FIG. 1 ).

Also, looped ribs 122 ( FIG. 1 ) may include rib heights 540 . The rib height 540 is the central location (ie, the outer circumferential surface 128 ( FIG. 1 ) of the looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) furthest from the rear surface 115 from the rear surface 115 ( FIG. 1 ). may refer to the vertical distance to this inner circumferential surface 129 (where it interfaces with FIG. 1 ). In these or other embodiments, the rib height 540 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.3048 centimeters. In some embodiments, the rib height 540 may be between approximately 0.1778 cm and approximately 0.3048 cm. In some embodiments, the rib height 540 may be approximately 0.17 cm, 0.20 cm, 0.23 cm, 0.26 cm, 0.29 cm, or 0.30 cm. In many embodiments, the rib height 540 may be approximately 0.512 cm or less. In some embodiments, the height of the looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) can vary through the looped rib 122 , the rib height 540 being the maximum rib height of the looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ). can In various embodiments, when looped rib(s) 127 ( FIG. 1 ) includes multiple looped ribs, two or more looped ribs of looped rib(s) 127 ( FIG. 1 ) are the same It may include rib heights and/or two or more looped ribs of looped rib(s) 127 ( FIG. 1 ) may include different rib heights.

In many embodiments, central thickness 537 , maximum rib span 538 , rib thickness 539 , and/or rib height 540 may depend on one or more of each other. For example, central thickness 537 may be a function of rib thickness 539 and rib height 540 . That is, for an increase in rib thickness 539 and/or rib height 540 , central thickness 537 may decrease, and vice versa. On the other hand, the rib thickness 539 and the rib height 540 may be dependent on each other. For example, an increase in rib thickness 539 may cause rib height 540 to decrease, and vice versa.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in many embodiments, the circumferential wall component 113 may include a first circumferential wall portion 124 and a second circumferential wall portion 125 . The perimeter wall component 113 extends (i) at least partially (eg, entirely) around the posterior perimeter 119 of the posterior surface 115 , (ii) the posterior end 104 from the posterior surface 115 . outward toward, and (iii) away from the front end 203 ( FIG. 2 ). On the other hand, the first circumferential wall portion 124 may extend along the rear perimeter 119 of the rear surface 115 at the top end 101 , and the second circumferential wall portion 125 may extend along the rear surface at the bottom end 102 . may extend along a rear perimeter 119 of 115 . In many embodiments, the reinforcing device 112 and reinforcing component(s) 120 are separated from and/or positioned away from the peripheral wall component 113 at the rear surface 115 such that the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing component Element 120 floats on rear surface 115 . By floating the reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement component(s) 120 , the face component 111 can be bent approximately symmetrically about the face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ).

In many embodiments, the club head body 110 comprises (i) a top surface 132 at least partially at the first perimeter wall portion 124 and/or the top end 101, and/or (ii) a second perimeter. at least partially at the wall 125 and/or the bottom end 102 , including a sole surface. Accordingly, in some embodiments, first peripheral wall portion 124 may include at least a portion of top surface 132 ; The second peripheral wall portion 125 may include at least a portion of the sole surface 133 . Also, the top surface 132 may interface with the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) at the top end 101 ; The sole surface 133 may interface with the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) at the bottom end 102 .

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second peripheral wall portion 125 may be about the same thickness or thinner than the face component 111 at and/or near the face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ). there is. For example, the second peripheral wall portion 125 may be located in a portion of the second peripheral wall portion 125 proximate the face perimeter 217 (ie, the second peripheral wall portion 125 interfaces with the face component 111 ). may be the same thickness or thinner than the face component 111 at and/or near the face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ). Implementing this portion of the second peripheral wall portion 125 to the same thickness or thinner than the face component 111 at and/or near the face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ) is the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) may prevent a stress riser from forming in the second peripheral wall 125 when impacting the golf ball.

The rear surface 115 includes a first rear surface portion and a second rear surface portion. The first rear surface portion may refer to the portion of the rear surface 115 covered by the peripheral wall component 113 and the second rear surface portion may refer to the remainder of the rear surface 115 . In many embodiments, the reinforcing component 121 (eg, looped ribs 122 ) comprises at least about 25% of the surface area of the second rear surface portion of the rear surface 115 , and/or the rear surface 115 . ) may cover up to about 40% of the surface area of the second rear surface portion. In other embodiments, the reinforcing component 121 (eg, looped ribs 122 ) may cover at least about 30% of the surface area of the second rear surface portion of the rear surface 115 . In some embodiments, reinforcing component 121 (eg, looped ribs 122 ) comprises about 25%, 28%, 31%, 34% of the surface area of a second rear surface portion of rear surface 115 . , 37% or 40%.

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

On the other hand, generally speaking, the hosel 134 may be located at or near the heel end 106 . Although the shaft is not shown in the figures, the hosel 134 may be configured to receive a shaft (ie, through an opening in the hosel 134 ), such as, for example, a golf club shaft. Accordingly, the hosel 134 may receive a shaft and allow the shaft to be coupled to the club head 100 and/or club head body 110 when the hosel 134 receives the shaft.

Also, in some embodiments, the second peripheral wall portion 125 may include a weight cavity 135 . In these embodiments, the weight cavity 135 may be configured to receive a removable or permanent weighted insert. The weighting insert may be positioned in the weight cavity 135 such that the weighting insert is positioned closer to the bottom end 102 of the club head 100 than to the center of gravity of the club head 100 . That is, the weighting insert may be positioned in the weight cavity 135 such that the center of gravity of the club head 100 is located closer to the top end 101 of the club head 100 than the weighting insert. The weighting insert may be configured to alter the center of gravity of the club head 100 .

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 6 shows a top, rear and toe side view of a club head 600 in accordance with an embodiment. Meanwhile, FIG. 7 shows a top, front, and toe side view of the club head 600 according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 .

Club head 600 may be similar or identical to club head 100 ( FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, club head 600 may include reinforcement device 612 , and reinforcement device 612 may include reinforcement component(s) 620 . The strengthening device 612 may be similar to or the same as the strengthening device 112 ( FIG. 1 ); Reinforcing component(s) 620 may be similar or identical to reinforcing component(s) 120 ( FIG. 1 ).

Reinforcing component(s) 620 may include a first reinforcing component 621 and a second reinforcing component 641 . The first reinforcing component 621 and/or the second reinforcing component 641 may each be similar to the first reinforcing component 121 ( FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, the first reinforcing component 621 may include a first looped rib 622 and the second reinforcing component 641 may include a second looped rib 642 . The first looped rib 622 and/or the second looped rib 642 may each be similar to the looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ).

In these embodiments, the first reinforcing component 621 and/or the first looped ribs 622 may include circular looped ribs, the second reinforcing component 622 and/or the second looped ribs Rib 642 may include an elliptical looped rib. The second reinforcing component 622 and/or the second looped rib 642 may surround the first reinforcing component 621 and/or the first looped rib 622 . In many embodiments, the long axis of the elliptical looped rib may be approximately parallel to the x-axis of the club head 600 . The x-axis may be similar to or identical to the x-axis 107 (FIG. 1). In the same or different embodiments, the minor axis of the elliptical looped ribs may be non-parallel to the y-axis of the club head 600 . The y-axis may be similar to or identical to the y-axis 108 ( FIG. 1 ).

The club head 600 with the reinforcement device 612 may also have a uniform transition thickness 550 (not shown) extending from the front end 203 to the bottom end 102 . The uniform transition thickness 550 absorbs stresses directed to the region of the club head 600 with the reinforcement 612 between the front end 203 and the bottom end 102 . The uniform transition thickness 550 may range from about 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, the uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches.

In another embodiment, FIG. 8 shows a side view of the club head 800 taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2 , according to another embodiment of FIG. 1 . The club head 800 shown in FIG. 8 shows an insert 805 within a cavity 131 . 9 shows a top, rear, toe side view of the club head 800 according to the embodiment of FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, insert 805 may be of a vibration damping configuration. Insert 805 may be a non-metallic material, an elastomeric material such as polyurethane, or other material such as a foam. Insert 805 may be used to adjust the sound and feel of club head 800 . By absorbing or damping vibrations, the insert 805 enhances the feel of the club head 800 . The insert 805 also absorbs the sound of a golf ball hitting the face, making the golf club 800 head feel less hollow and more soulful. In further embodiments, medium (not shown) may at least partially cover cavity 131 . The medium may be separate from the insert 805 or may be integral with the insert 805 . In other embodiments, the medium may be integral with a reinforcing component, such as reinforcing component 120 ( FIG. 1 ).

In some cases, the weight of the insert 805 may be less than about 3 grams so as not to significantly affect the swing weight or center of gravity of the club head 800 . In other embodiments, the weight of the insert 805 may be greater than about 3 grams, such as from about 5 grams to about 10 grams, and may contribute substantially to the swing weight and/or center of gravity of the club head 800 . In some embodiments, insert 805 may be adhered to cavity 131 using an epoxy adhesive, viscoelastic foam tape, vibration damping construction, or a high strength tape such as 3M™ VHB ^™ tape. In other embodiments, the insert 805 may be poured and glued directly into the cavity 131 . The medium may be adhered with a similar adhesive. In some embodiments, the insert 805 or media may be flush with the looped rib 122 ( FIG. 1 ) on top of the rib height 540 or may be located below the rib height 540 when fully assembled. there is.

In some embodiments, at least one vibration damping configuration (eg, insert 805 ( FIG. 8 )) is disposed on a rear surface 115 ( FIG. 1 ) of a golf club head, such as golf club head 800 . can be The vibration damping configuration may produce a more desirable sound from the golf club head 800 upon impact. The thin face component 111 ( FIG. 1 ) of the golf club head 800 may cause an undesirable sound when striking a golf ball. The vibration damping configuration can reduce vibrations that lead to a more desirable sound upon impact by the thin face component 111 ( FIG. 1 ). By providing a more desirable noise, the vibration damping component may increase user confidence during use. The vibration damping configuration may also reduce the vibrational shock felt by the user of the golf club when striking the golf ball. In addition, the vibration damping configuration may reduce vibration fatigue, thereby reducing wear to golf club 800 and various configurations such as, but not limited to, cavities 131 or weight cavities 135 (FIG. 1). Reduced vibration fatigue may lower the risk of loosening or displacement of a component, such as, but not limited to, insert 805 in cavity 131 or insert in weight cavity 135 ( FIG. 1 ). Reduced vibration fatigue may extend the performance life of the golf club head 800 .

12 , in a further embodiment, the vibration damping construction may include at least one layer of viscoelastic damping material. The damping material may include an aluminum foil and a pressure sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymer forming a damping foil 1202 such as 3M™ damping foil tape 2552 . Damping foil 1202 may include an adhesive layer. In one embodiment, the vibration damping construction comprises at least one layer of viscoelastic adhesive ( 1203 ), which may comprise a composition of at least one layer of epoxy adhesive, various layers of viscoelastic foam tape and/or high strength tape, such as 3M™ VHB™ tape. may include In some embodiments, the vibration damping construction may include various layer combinations of at least one of viscoelastic adhesive 1203 , damping foil 1202 , and/or medium 1201 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the vibration damping configuration is configured such that the rear surface 115 ( FIG. 1 ) of a golf club head, such as golf club head 800 , includes a rear surface material such as iron steel 1204 . may be placed on the In other embodiments, the vibration damping configuration may be disposed in the cavity 131 or on or below the insert 805 of the golf club head 800 . The vibration damping configuration may be located at various locations on the rear surface 115 ( FIG. 1 ) of the golf club head 800 . Generally, the vibration damping configuration is located at least partially below the profile of the medium on the back surface 115 ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the vibration damping configuration is disposed entirely below the media profile. In other embodiments, the vibration damping configuration is disposed at least partially below only certain regions of the media profile, such as aluminum or elastomeric regions. The vibration damping configuration may be disposed below only at least a portion of the peripheral region of the media profile. In some embodiments, the vibration damping configuration may be disposed at least partially in the cavity 131 of the golf club head 800 . The vibration damping configuration may be disposed at least partially on or below the insert 805 in the cavity 131 . In many embodiments, the placement of the vibration damping configuration on the golf club head 800 is at least partially below the medium, at least partially above the insert 805, at least partially in the weight cavity 135 (FIG. 1), and/or various combinations of foils disposed at least partially in cavity 131 . In some embodiments, the vibration damping configuration will be arranged to cover at least 10% of the surface area of the rear surface 115 ( FIG. 1 ). In other embodiments, the vibration damping configuration comprises at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 of the surface area of the rear surface 115 . , 95 or 100%.

Club head 800 with insert 805 may also have a uniform transition thickness 550 ( FIG. 8 ) extending from front end 203 to bottom end 102 . The uniform transition thickness 550 absorbs stresses directed to the region of the club head 800 having the insert 805 between the front end 203 and the bottom end 102 . The uniform transition thickness 550 may range from about 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, the uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches.

In another embodiment, FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional side view of club head 900 . The club head 900 includes a top end 901 , a bottom end 902 , a toe end 905 , a heel end 906 , a front end 903 , a rear end 904 , and a face component 911 . may be similar to the club head 100 having a club head body 910 . Face component 911 includes a face surface 914 (ie, striking face or striking plate) located on a front end 903 , and a rear surface 915 located on a rear end 904 , where the rear Surface 915 includes a posterior center 918 .

A top end 901 of the club head body 910 includes a top rail 924 extending in an arcuate manner from a front end 903 toward a rear end 904 and a bottom end 902 . Top rail 924 extends along top end 901 from toe end 905 to heel end 906 . A recess in the curve positioned between the top rail 924 and the rear surface 915 of the face component 911 defines an undercut 950 . In many embodiments, undercut 950 extends along top rail 924 from toe end 905 to heel end 906 . In other embodiments, the undercut 950 is a portion of the toe end 905 , a portion of the heel end 906 , or a portion of the toe end 905 and a portion of the heel end 906 along the top rail 924 . It can be extended in combination. Undercut 950 may also be applied to club heads 300 , 600 and 800 .

Face component 911 further includes a reinforcement device 912 similar to reinforcement devices 112 and 612 . Reinforcing device 912 is positioned on posterior surface 915 generally at posterior center 918 . Reinforcing device 912 extends from rear surface 915 away from front end 903 . The reinforcement device 912 includes one or more reinforcement components 920 . In many embodiments, each reinforcing component of reinforcing component 920 includes an outer perimeter surface 926 , an inner perimeter surface 929 , and a geometric center. Reinforcing component 920 may further include looped ribs 927 . In these or other embodiments, the geometric center(s) of one or more of the reinforcing components 920 may be at the posterior center 918 of the posterior surface 915 .

In some embodiments, looped ribs 927 may include multiple looped ribs, where each looped rib 927 may be concentric with one another. In other embodiments, when the looped ribs 927 include multiple looped ribs, the two or more looped ribs 927 may not be concentric. Also, in these or other embodiments, two or more looped ribs 927 may overlap. On the other hand, in some embodiments, looped ribs 927 may include elliptical looped ribs, and in other embodiments, looped ribs 927 may include circular looped ribs.

In an implementation, reinforcing component(s) 920 and looped ribs 927 are configured to perform the intended function of reinforcing device 912 and/or reinforcing component(s) 920 as described above. It may be embodied in any suitable shape (eg, polygonal, oval, circular, etc.) and/or in any suitable arrangement. Further, when the reinforcing component(s) 920 includes a plurality of reinforcing components, two or more reinforcing components of the reinforcing component(s) 920 may be similar to each other and/or ) 1520 may be different from each other.

In some embodiments, one or more outer perimeter surfaces 926 of reinforcing component 920 may fillet with back surface 915 . In these or other embodiments, one or more inner circumferential surfaces 929 of the looped ribs 927 may fillet the back surface 915 . Filleting the back surface 915 and the outer perimeter surface 926 of the reinforcing component 920 may allow for a smooth transition of the reinforcing component 920 to the back surface 915 . Also, filleting the back surface 915 and the outer perimeter surface 926 of the reinforcing component 920 may direct stress from impact into the reinforcing component 920 away from the face surface 914 . On the other hand, the outer circumferential surface 926 of the reinforcing component 920 or the inner circumferential surface 929 of the looped rib 927 may be filleted with the back surface 915 with a fillet 923 having a radius of approximately 0.012 centimeters or greater. can For example, in some embodiments, the fillet 923 of the posterior surface 915 and the outer perimeter surface 926 is between about 0.012 centimeters and about 2.0 centimeters, between about 0.50 centimeters and about 3.0 centimeters, or between about 1.0 centimeters and about 4.0 It can be in the range of centimeters. For further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 923 of the inner circumferential surface 929 to the posterior surface 915 is between about 0.012 centimeters and about 2.0 centimeters, between about 0.50 centimeters and about 3.0 centimeters, or between about 1.0 centimeters and It may be in the range of approximately 4.0 centimeters.

In some embodiments, the outer perimeter surface 926 of the reinforcing component 920 may be filleted directly with the back surface 915 . In these embodiments, the face thickness gradually decreases from the face thickness at the apex of the reinforcing component 920 along the fillet 923 to the face thickness at the back surface 915 .

In some embodiments, club head 900 further includes a lip (not shown) on rear surface 915 of club head 900 similar to lip 552 as described above and in FIGS. 9-17 . can do. The lip of the club head 900 may extend from the heel end 906 to the toe end 905 around the reinforcing component 920 of the club head 900 . In these or other embodiments, the fillet 923 on the outer perimeter surface 926 of the reinforcing component 920 has a face thickness along the fillet 923 from the apex of the reinforcing component 920 to the lip and reinforcing component. It may gradually decrease to a minimum thickness between 920 and then transition to the rib to gradually increase from the minimum thickness to the apex of the rib. In these embodiments, the minimum thickness between the reinforcing component 920 and the lip may be greater than the thickness at the face center 916 , and the minimum thickness between the reinforcing component 920 and the lip is at the face center 916 . may be approximately equal to the thickness of , or the minimum thickness between the reinforcing component 920 and the lip may be less than the thickness at the face center 916 .

The bottom end 902 of the club head body 910 may further include a sole 961 , wherein the sole 961 includes an inner sole surface 962 . Further, the sole 961 may also be a feature in the club heads 300 , 600 , 800 . 18A and 18B , there is an inner radial transition 963 from the rear surface 915 of the face component 911 to the inner sole surface 962 . Radius transition 963 may include a smooth transition or cascading sole 955 proximate the rear surface 915 of face component 911 . As shown in FIG. 18B , the stepped sole 955 includes a first layer 959 and a second layer 960 , wherein the first layer 959 is adjacent the front end 903 and the second Layer 960 is adjacent to back end 904 , where first layer 959 transitions to second layer 959 . Also, the first layer 959 includes a thickness greater than the thickness of the second layer 960 . Additional details of the stepped sole 955 are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 14/920,280 to Golf Club Heads with Energy Storage Characteristics.

The undercut 950 increases the structural integrity of the face component 911 of the club head 900 . More specifically, the location of the undercut allows a larger area of distribution of the stress experienced by the face component 911 at the top end 901 during impact with the ball, where the stress travels along the top rail 924 . The stress distribution in the top rail of the top end 901 can prevent permanent deformation of the face component 911 . Maintaining the structural integrity of the face component 911 enables the club head body 910 to produce consistent optimal performance characteristics and feel, where performance (ie, ball velocity, ball trajectory) varies over time. And it does not deteriorate after multiple uses.

Also, an undercut 950 located just behind the front end 903 on the top end 901 allows the face component 911 to have greater deflection during impact. Deflection of face component 911 affects the coefficient of restitution (COR) of club head 900 . COR measures the elasticity of an object upon impact and is the ratio of the object's final relative velocity to its initial relative velocity. A high COR results in increased ball velocity and distance and a low COR results in decreased ball velocity and distance. Thus, the undercut 950 of the club head 900 affects the distance and velocity of the ball after impact. As the undercut 950 increases the deflection of the face component 911, the distance and velocity of the ball also increase.

The undercut 950 also allows removal of mass from the top end 901 of the club head. The removed mass may then be redistributed to other locations on the club head (eg, bottom end 902 , toe end 905 , heel end 906 , or any combination thereof). The redistribution of mass provides the club head with higher performance characteristics such as increased moment of inertia (MOI) and ideal center of gravity (CG) placement. Increased MOI and ideal CG placement may also lead to increased ball velocity as well as preventing rotation of club head 900 from toe end 905 to heel end 906 during swing. Preventing rotation of the club head 900 from the toe end 905 to the heel end 906 allows for better contact with the ball and a more ideal trajectory (ie, a straight line) of the ball.

As noted above, the reinforcing device 912 and reinforcing component(s) 920 allow the face component 911 to still flex, such as when the face surface 914 impacts a golf ball, for example. configured to strengthen the face component 911 . As a result, the face component 911 becomes thinner allowing the mass from the face component 911 to be redistributed to other parts of the club head 900 and without buckling and failure under the resulting flex. (911) could be made more flexible. Advantageously, the club head 900's center of gravity, moment of inertia, and coefficient of restitution, as face component 911 may be thinner when implemented with reinforcing device 912 and reinforcing component(s) 920 . may be changed to improve the performance characteristics of the club head 900 . For example, implementing the reinforcement device 912 and reinforcement component(s) 920 may engage the face surface 914 and the face surface 914 by increasing the launch angle, increasing ball velocity, and/or reducing rotation of the golf ball. It can increase the distance of the hitting golf ball. In these examples, the reinforcement device 912 and the reinforcement component(s) 920 may have an effect against a portion of the gearing of the golf fancy provided by the face surface 914 .

Reinforcing device 912 and reinforcing component(s) 920 may further provide a stress reduction advantage when implemented as a closed structure (ie, looped ribs 927 ), which closure structure is a reinforcing device. This is because it can resist deformation as a result of circumferential (ie, hoop) stresses acting on 912 and reinforcing component(s) 920 . For example, circumferential (ie, hoop) stresses acting on the reinforcing device 912 and the reinforcing component(s) 920 may cause opposite sides of the reinforcing device 912 and the reinforcing component(s) 920 to interact with each other. can be prevented from rotating away from it, thereby reducing bending.

The stepped sole 955 causes a portion of the stress experienced by the face component 911 near the sole 961 to be distributed to the first layer 959 and the second layer 960 . The stress distribution of stepped sole 955 into first layer 959 and second layer 960 prevents stress from collecting primarily in the thinnest region of face component 911 near sole 961 . The stress distribution in the first layer 959 and second layer 960 of the sole 961 can prevent permanent deformation and maintain the structural integrity of the face component 911 . Accordingly, the face component 911 may produce a more consistent performance and feel after multiple impacts of the lesson.

19-21 show another embodiment of a club head 1500 . 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the club head 1500 , while FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the club head 1500 , and FIG. 21 is a front view of the club head 1500 . The club head 1500 includes a club head body 1510 . 19 , club head body 1510 may be similar to club head body 110 , 910 , wherein club head body 1510 has a top end 1501 , opposite top end 1501 . bottom end 1502 , front end 1503 , rear end 1504 opposite front end 1503 , toe end 1505 , heel end 1506 opposite toe end 1505 and face components (1511). The toe end is also further divided into a first toe end portion 1505A, a second toe end portion 1505B and a third toe end portion 1505C. A first toe end portion 1505A is positioned adjacent to and integrally formed with the top end 1501 . A third toe portion 1505C is positioned adjacent to and integrally formed with the bottom end 1502 . The second toe end portion 1505B is positioned between the first toe end portion 1505A and the third toe end portion 1505C.

The club head 1500 further includes a hosel 1521 . The hosel 1521 is integrally formed with the club head body 1510 . 20 and 21 , dashed lines A-A indicate the junction of the hosel 1521 and the club head body 1510 , where the club head body 1510 as the face component 1511 transitions from a flat surface to a curve. ) ends and hosel 1521 begins.

In many embodiments, the face component 1511 of the club head body 1510 is on a face surface 1514 located on a front end 1503 , and on a rear end 1504 opposite the face surface 1514 . and a positioned rear surface 1515 . Face surface 1514 may refer to the striking face or striking plate of club head 1500 and may be configured to impact a golf ball (not shown). The face surface 1514 includes a face center 1516 located at the general center of the face surface 1514 , and a face perimeter 1517 along the perimeter of the face surface 1514 , where the face perimeter 1517 is the club Abuts dashed line AA at heel end 1506 of head body 1510 . The posterior surface 1515 of the face component 1511 includes a posterior center 1518 opposite the face center 1516 , and a posterior perimeter 1519 opposite the face perimeter 1517 , where the posterior perimeter 1519 . ) tangent to dashed line AA at heel end 1506 of club head body 1510 .

19 shows the rear end 1504 of the club head body 1510 , where several cavities may be formed along the perimeter of the face component 1511 between the rear surfaces 1515 and several rear wall structures. is described in more detail below. In many embodiments, these cavities are all integral with one another and connected together to form a 360 degree undercut between the rear surface 1515 and several rear wall structures. Several rear wall structures are formed from the top end 1501 , the bottom end 1502 , the toe end 1505 and the heel end 1506 of the club head body 1510 . In other embodiments, some of the cavities are integral with each other and can be connected together, while other cavities are blocked by structures (eg, ribs, ledges, walls, or any other separation-type structure). In many embodiments, the club head body 1510 including the formed cavity may further include a strengthening device 1512 (as described in more detail below). In other embodiments, a golf club head including a defined cavity may be free of reinforcement device 1512 .

club head with undercut

19 and 20 , the top end 1501 of the club head body 1510 includes a top rail 1507 . Top rail 1507 extends in an arcuate fashion towards rear end 1504 and bottom end 1502 to form top rail wall 1513 . The curvature of the top rail wall 1513 covers a portion of the rear surface 1515 , wherein a first cavity 1541 is formed between the rear surface 1515 and the top rail wall 1513 . top rail wall 1513 may extend from heel end 1506 to toe end 1505 ; Likewise, a first cavity 1541 at the top end 1501 may extend from the heel end 1506 to the toe end 1505 . Top rail wall 1513 may cover between about 10% and 22% of rear surface 1515 . For example, top rail wall 1513 may cover about 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, or 22% of rear surface 1515 . In some embodiments, top rail wall 1513 may cover approximately 18% of rear surface 1515 . This proportion of coverage of the rear surface 1515 by the top rail wall 1513 is related to the first depth 1531 of the first cavity 1541 .

19 , the first depth 1531 of the first cavity 1541 extends from the opening of the first cavity 1541 to the top of the top rail 1507 to the rear perimeter 1519 of the face surface 1514 . measured parallel to The first depth 1531 may be a constant depth or may vary along the first cavity 1541 . The first depth 1531 of the first cavity 1541 in the top rail 1507 may range from approximately 0.115 inches to 0.135 inches. For example, the first depth 1531 of the first cavity 1541 may be approximately 0.115 inches, 0.117 inches, 0.119 inches, 0.121 inches, 0.123 inches, 0.125 inches, 0.127 inches, 0.129 inches, 0.131 inches, 0.133 inches, or 0.135 inches. can be inches. In some embodiments, the first depth 1531 is approximately 0.125 inches.

The bottom end 1502 of the club head body 1510 includes a sole 1508 integrally formed with a rear portion 1509 that extends upwardly toward the top end 1501 over a portion of the rear surface 1515 . The posterior upward extension of the posterior portion 1509 across the posterior surface 1515 defines a second cavity 1542 between the posterior surface 1515 and the posterior portion 1509 . rear portion 1509 may extend from heel end 1506 to toe end 1505 ; Likewise, a second cavity 1542 between the rear surface 1515 and the rear portion may extend from the heel end 1506 to the toe end 1505 . The posterior portion 1509 may cover between about 30% and 55% of the posterior surface 1515 . For example, the posterior portion 1509 may cover about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or 55% of the posterior surface 1515 . In some embodiments, the posterior portion 1509 extending upward toward the top end 1501 may cover approximately 45% of the posterior surface 1515 . This proportionate coverage of the posterior portion 1509 relative to the posterior surface 1515 is related to the second depth 1532 of the second cavity 1542 .

19 , the second depth 1532 of the second cavity 1542 extends from the opening of the second cavity 1542 to the posterior perimeter 1519 at the bottom of the sole 1508 face surface 1514 . measured parallel to The second depth 1532 may be a constant depth or may vary along the second cavity 1542 . The second depth 1532 of the second cavity 1542 may range from approximately 0.460 inches to 0.580 inches. For example, the second depth 1532 may be approximately 0.460 inches, 0.480 inches, 0.500 inches, 0.520 inches, 0.540 inches, 0.560 inches, or 0.580 inches. In some embodiments, the second depth 1532 of the second cavity 1542 may be approximately 0.500 inches.

20 , at the toe end 1505 of the club head body 1510 , the toe ledge 1526 is curved in a manner toward the top rail 1507 , the sole 1508 and the heel end 1506 . can be extended A tow ledge 1526 extends from a top end 1501 toward a bottom end 1502 , where the tow ledge 1513 connects with the rear portion 1509 of the sole 1508 and the top rail wall 1513 of the top rail 1507 . formed integrally More specifically, tow ledge 1526 at first toe end portion 1505A adjoins and is integrally formed with top rail 1507 and tow ledge 1526 at third toe end portion 1505C. is formed integrally with and adjacent to the rear portion 1509 . A toe ledge 1526 extending towards the top rail 1507 and heel end 1506 defines a third cavity 1543 between the rear surface 1515 and the toe ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A. can be formed The third cavity 1543 may be adjacent to and integral with the first cavity 1541 in the top rail 1507 . Below the third cavity 1543 , a fourth cavity 1544 may further be formed between the back surface 1515 and the tow ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B. The fourth cavity 1544 may be adjacent to and integral with the second cavity 1542 in the sole 1508 .

Tow ledge 1526 may cover a portion of back surface 1515 . More specifically, the tow ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A may cover about 7% to 15% of the back surface 1515 . For example, tow ledge 1526 at first toe end portion 1505A may cover about 7%, 9%, 11%, 13%, or 15% of back surface 1515 . In some embodiments, the tow ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A covers about 9% of the back surface 1515 . The percentage coverage of tow ledge 1526 is greatest and most pronounced in first toe end portion 1505A; Similarly, the third depth 1533 (discussed in more detail below) of the third cavity 1543 (discussed in more detail below) associated with said proportion covering of the tow ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A is also very pronounced. The proportion coverage by the tow ledge at the first end is more pronounced, which can help increase the top/toe weight to improve the moment of inertia. The percentage coverage by the tow ledge 1526 at the first toe end portion 1505A decreases towards the second toe end portion 1505B, where of the tow ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B. Proportional coverage is the smallest of the two.

20 , the third cavity 1543 of the toe end 1505 includes a third depth 1533 adjacent the top rail 1507 . A third depth 1533 is measured parallel to the face surface 1514 from the opening of the third cavity 1543 to the rear perimeter 1519 at the edge first toe end portion 1505A. The third depth 1533 may be a constant depth or may vary along the third cavity 1543 . The third depth 1533 of the third cavity 1543 may range from approximately 0.215 inches to 0.245 inches. For example, the third depth 1533 may be approximately 0.215 inches, 0.219 inches, 0.223 inches, 0.227 inches, 0.231 inches, 0.235 inches, 0.239 inches, 0.243 inches, or 0.245 inches. In some embodiments, the third depth 1533 of the third cavity 1543 may be approximately 0.230 inches.

A fourth cavity 1544 of toe end 1505 is adjacent sole 1508 and is associated with tow ledge 1526 at second toe end portion 1505B. The tow ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B may cover a portion of the back surface 1515 in the range of about 4% to 10%. for example. The tow ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B may cover about 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10% of the back surface 1515 . In some embodiments, the tow ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B may cover about 5% of the back surface 1515 . The percentage coverage of the tow ledge 1526 is minimal at the second toe end portion 15050B; Similarly, the fourth depth 1534 (discussed in more detail below) of the fourth cavity 1544 associated with the percentage coverage of the tow ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B is also very small. The percentage coverage of the tow ledge 1526 in the second toe end portion 1505B is much less than the percentage coverage in the first toe end portion 1505A. In other embodiments, the percentage coverage of the rear surface 1515 in the second toe end portion 1505B may be greater than or equal to the percentage coverage of the rear surface 1515 in the first toe end portion 1505A. . The percentage coverage of the tow ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B remains substantially constant and slightly towards the third toe end portion 1505C until it is integrally formed with the rear portion 1509 . increases

A fourth cavity 1544 of the toe end 1505 between the third cavity 1543 adjacent the top rail 1507 and the second cavity 1542 in the sole 1508 includes a fourth depth 1534 . . The fourth depth 1534 is the distance measured parallel to the face surface 1514 from the opening of the fourth cavity 1544 to the back perimeter 1519 at the edge of the second toe end portion 1505B. The fourth depth 1534 can be seen varying along the fourth cavity 1544 , but may be constant along the fourth cavity 1544 in other embodiments. The fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 may range from approximately 0.140 inches to 0.165 inches. For example, the fourth depth 1534 may be approximately 0.140 inches, 0.144 inches, 0.148 inches, 0.152 inches, 0.156 inches, 0.160 inches, or 0.165 inches. In some embodiments, the fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 may be approximately 0.150 inches. As noted above, the fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 correlates with the percentage of the back surface 1515 covered by the tow ledge 1526 at the second toe end portion 1505B. Because the percentage coverage of the back surface 1515 by the tow ledge 1526 is less in the second toe end portion 1505B than in the first toe end portion 1505A, thereby the fourth depth 1534 is a third less than the depth 1533 . In other embodiments where the percentage coverage of the back surface 1515 by the tow ledge 1526 is greater at the second toe end portion 1505B than the first toe end portion 1505A, the fourth depth 1534 is also 3 may be greater than depth 1533 . In other embodiments where the proportioned coverage of the rear surface 1515 by the tow ledge 1526 is the same in the second toe end portion 1505B and the first toe end portion 1505A, the fourth depth 1534 is also It may be equal to the depth 1533 .

At heel end 1506 of club head body 1510 , heel ledge 1524 may extend in a curved manner towards top rail 1507 , sole 1508 and toe end 1505 . A fifth cavity 1545 is formed between the back surface 1515 and the heel portion 1524 . Heel ledge 1524 extends from top end 1501 to bottom end 1502 and is integrally formed with top rail 1507 and rear portion 1509 . The heel ledge 1524 may cover a portion of the back surface 1515 . The heel ledge 1524 may cover between about 3% and 8% of the back surface 1515 . For example, heel ledge 1524 may cover about 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, or 8% of back surface 1515 . In some embodiments, heel ledge 1524 may cover about 4% of back surface 1515 . The percentage coverage of the heel ledge 1524 over the rear surface 1515 is related to the fifth depth 1535 of the fifth cavity 1545 .

20 , the fifth depth 1535 of the fifth cavity 1545 extends from the opening of the fifth cavity 1545 to the rear perimeter 1519 at the heel end 1506 (tangent to dashed line A-A). Measured parallel to the face surface 1514 . The fifth depth 1535 may be a constant depth or may vary along the fifth cavity 1545 . The fifth depth 1535 of the fifth cavity 1545 may range from approximately 0.080 inches to 0.110 inches. For example, the fifth depth 1535 may be approximately 0.080 inches, 0.082 inches, 0.084 inches, 0.086 inches, 0.088 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.092 inches, 0.094 inches, 0.096 inches, 0.098 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.102 inches, 0.104 inches, 0.106 inches, 0.108 inches, or 0.110 inches. In some embodiments, the fifth cavity 1545 may have a fifth depth 1535 of about 0.100 inches.

20 , the first cavity 1541 , the second cavity 1542 , the third cavity 1543 , the fourth cavity 1544 and the fifth cavity 1545 as described above are all integral with each other. connected to define a continuous 360 degree undercut 1550 . In an exemplary embodiment, the undercut 1550 can include a first cavity 1541 , a second cavity 1542 , a third cavity 1543 , a fourth cavity 1544 , and a fifth cavity 1545 . . The undercut 1550 further comprises 100% of the rear perimeter 1519 of the face component 1511 of the club head body 1510 . The undercut 1550 of the club head body 1510 may help save weight as well as increase flex within the face component 1511 . In other embodiments, the cavities (eg, first cavity 1541 , second cavity 1542 , third cavity 1543 , fourth cavity 1544 , and fifth cavity 1545 ) can be any may be separated in combination, wherein the undercut 1550 comprises 70% to 100% of the posterior circumference 1519 . For example, the cavity may be between the first cavity 1541 and the second cavity 1542 , or between the third cavity 1543 and the fourth cavity 1544 , or the first, second, third, third cavity. It may be blocked or non-continuous between any combination of the fourth and fifth cavities 1541 , 1542 , 1543 , 1544 and 1545 . In some embodiments, the barrier between the cavities may be a structure (not shown), such as a rib, lip, ledge, wall, protrusion, or any other barrier structure. In this exemplary embodiment, the undercut 1550 may comprise 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the posterior circumference 1519 .

The face component 1511 of the club head body 1510 that includes several cavities described above to form a 360 degree undercut 1550 may further include a face thickness. The face thickness of face component 1511 can help dissipate stress and, in conjunction with undercut 1550 , allow additional face deflection during ball impact. In many embodiments, the face thickness of the face component 1511 may vary from toe end 1505 to heel end 1506 , top end 1501 to bottom end 1502 , or any combination thereof. .

19 , the face thickness of the face component 1511 may include a first thickness 1551 , a second thickness 1552 , a third thickness 1553 , and a fourth thickness 1554 . . The first thickness 1551 of the face component is measured perpendicularly from the face center 1516 to the back center 1518 . The first thickness 1551 may range from approximately 0.055 inches to 0.075 inches, 0.055 inches to 0.065 inches, 0.065 inches to 0.075 inches, or 0.060 inches to 0.070 inches. For example, the first thickness 1551 may be 0.055 inches, 0.057 inches, 0.059 inches, 0.061 inches, 0.063 inches, 0.065 inches, 0.067 inches, 0.069 inches, 0.071 inches, 0.073 inches, or 0.075 inches. In some embodiments, the first thickness 1551 of the face component 1511 may be approximately 0.065 inches.

19 , the second thickness 1552 is the face thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface 1514 to the apex of the reinforcing component 1520 (described in more detail below). In some embodiments without reinforcement device 1512 , the second thickness is measured perpendicularly from face surface 1514 to posterior surface 1515 adjacent posterior center 1518 . The second thickness 1552 is approximately 0.150 inches to 0.200 inches, 0.150 inches to 0.160 inches, 0.160 inches to 0.170 inches, 0.170 inches to 0.180 inches, 0.180 inches to 0.190 inches, 0.190 inches to 0.200 inches, 0.150 inches to 0.175 inches, or 0.175 inches to 0.200 inches. For example, the second thickness 1552 may be approximately 0.150 inches, 0.155 inches, 0.160 inches, 0.165 inches, 0.170 inches, 0.175 inches, 0.180 inches, 0.185 inches, 0.188 inches, 0.190 inches, 0.195 inches, or 0.200 inches . In some embodiments, the second thickness 1552 of the face component 1511 may be approximately 0.188 inches.

19 , the third thickness 1553 is adjacent to the posterior perimeter 1519 and is adjacent to the posterior center without reinforcement 1512, measured perpendicular from the face surface 1514 to the posterior surface 1515. 1518) and the far face thickness. The third thickness 1553 is approximately 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.070 inches, 0.070 inches to 0.080 inches, 0.080 inches to 0.090 inches, 0.090 inches to 0.100 inches, 0.050 inches to 0.75 inches, or 0.075 inches to 0.100 inches may be in the range of For example, the third thickness 1553 can be approximately 0.050 inches, 0.55 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.065 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.075 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.085 inches, 0.088 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.095 inches, or 0.100 inches. . In some embodiments, the third thickness 1553 of the face component 1511 may be about 0.088 inches.

19 , the fourth thickness 1554 is the face thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface 1514 to the immediate edge of the posterior perimeter 1519 of the posterior surface 1515 . The fourth thickness 1554 may range from approximately 0.050 inches to 0.070 inches, 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.070 inches, 0.050 inches to 0.058 inches, 0.058 inches to 0.064 inches, or 0.064 inches to 0.070 inches. For example, the fourth thickness 1554 may be approximately 0.50 inches, 0.052 inches, 0.054 inches, 0.056 inches, 0.058 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.062 inches, 0.064 inches, 0.066 inches, 0.068 inches, or 0.070 inches. In some embodiments, the fourth thickness 1554 of the face component 1511 may be approximately 0.060 inches.

In some embodiments, the club head body 1510 may be free of the stiffening device 1512 and the stiffening component 1520 . In these exemplary embodiments, the face component 1511 near the face center 1516 (first thickness 1551 and second thickness 1552 ) is greater than 0.088 inches (approximately 0.088 inches to 0.100 inches, 0.088 inches to 0.088 inches). 0.220 inches, 0.100 inches to 0.220 inches, or 0.140 inches to 0.180 inches) to absorb dispersive stress. For example, face component 1511 adjacent face center 1516 may be approximately 0.088 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.092 inches, 0.094 inches, 0.096 inches, 0.098 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.114 inches, 0.180 inches, or 0.220 inches. a first thickness 1551 and a second thickness 1552 in inches.

Club head with undercut and reinforcement

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the club head body 1510 further includes a strengthening device 1512 similar to the reinforcement devices 112 , 612 and 912 . In other embodiments, the club head body 1510 may be free of the reinforcement device 1512 . Reinforcement device 1512 is positioned on posterior surface 1515 of face component 1511 , generally at posterior center 1518 . The reinforcement device 1512 extends from the rear surface 1515 away from the front end 1503 . The reinforcement device 1512 includes one or more reinforcement components 1520 . In many embodiments, each reinforcing component of reinforcing component 1520 includes an outer perimeter surface 1626 , an inner perimeter surface 1629 , and a geometric center. Reinforcing component 1520 further includes looped ribs 1627 . In these or other embodiments, the geometric center(s) of the one or more reinforcing components 1520 may be at the posterior center 1518 of the posterior surface 1515 .

In some embodiments, looped ribs 1527 may include multiple looped ribs, where each looped rib 1527 may be concentric with each other. In other embodiments, when looped ribs 1527 include multiple looped ribs, two or more looped ribs 1527 may be non-concentric. Also, in these or other embodiments, two or more looped ribs 1527 may overlap. On the other hand, in some embodiments, the looped rib 1527 may include an elliptical looped rib, and in other embodiments, the looped rib 1527 may include a circular looped rib.

In an implementation, the stiffening component(s) 1520 and looped ribs 1527 are any configured to perform the intended function of the stiffening device 1512 and/or the stiffening component(s) 1520 as described above. may be embodied in any suitable shape(s) (eg, polygonal, oval, circular, etc.) and/or any suitable arrangement. Further, when reinforcing component(s) 1520 includes multiple reinforcing components, two or more reinforcing components of reinforcing component(s) 1520 may be similar to one another and/or a reinforcing component The two or more reinforcing components of element(s) 1520 may be different.

In some embodiments, one or more outer perimeter surfaces 1626 of reinforcing component 1520 may fillet with back surface 1515 . In these or other embodiments, one or more inner circumferential surfaces 1629 of the looped ribs 1627 may fillet the back surface 1515 . Filleting the back surface 1515 and the outer perimeter surface 1626 of the reinforcing component 1520 may allow for a smooth transition of the reinforcing component 1520 to the back surface 1515 . Also, filleting the back surface 1515 and the outer perimeter surface 1626 of the reinforcing component 1520 can direct stress from impact to the reinforcing component 1520 and away from the face surface 1514 . On the other hand, the outer circumferential surface 1626 of the reinforcing component 1520 or the inner circumferential surface 1629 of the looped rib 1627 may be filleted with the back surface 1515 with a fillet 1523 having a radius of about 0.012 centimeters or greater. can For example, in some embodiments, the fillet 1523 of the posterior surface 1515 and the outer perimeter surface 1626 is between about 0.012 centimeters and about 2.0 centimeters, between about 0.50 centimeters and about 3.0 centimeters, or between about 1.0 centimeters and about 4.0 It can be in the range of centimeters. For further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 1523 of the posterior surface 1515 and the inner circumferential surface 1629 is between about 0.012 centimeters and about 2.0 centimeters, between about 0.50 centimeters and about 3.0 centimeters, or between about 1.0 centimeters and It may be in the range of approximately 4.0 centimeters.

In some embodiments, the outer perimeter surface 1626 of the reinforcing component 1520 may be directly filleted with the back surface 1515 . In these embodiments, the face thickness is at the back surface 1515 from the face thickness at the second face thickness 1552 (face surface 1514 to the apex of the reinforcing component 1520 ) along the fillet 1523 . Gradually decreases with face thickness.

In some embodiments, club head 1500 further includes a lip (not shown) on rear surface 1515 of club head 1500 similar to lip 552 as described above and in FIGS. 15-17 . can do. The lip of the club head 1500 may extend from the heel end 1506 to the toe end 1505 around the stiffening component 1520 of the club head 1500 . In these or other embodiments, the fillet 1523 on the outer perimeter surface 1626 of the reinforcing component 1520 has a face thickness along the fillet 1523 from the second thickness 1552 to the reinforcing component 1520 . It may gradually decrease to a minimum thickness in between and then transition to the rib from the minimum thickness to gradually increase to the apex of the rib. In these embodiments, the minimum thickness between the reinforcing component 1520 and the lip may be greater than the first thickness 1551 at the face center 1516, and the minimum thickness between the reinforcing component 1520 and the lip is the second It may be approximately equal to one thickness 1551 , or the minimum thickness between the reinforcing component 1520 and the lip may be less than the first thickness 1551 .

As noted above, the reinforcing device 1512 and reinforcing component(s) 1520 still allow the face component 1511 to flex, such as, for example, when the face surface 1514 impacts a golf ball. while strengthening the face component 1511 . As a result, the face component 1511 allows the mass from the face component 1511 to be redistributed to other parts of the club head 1500 and frees the face component 1511 from buckling and failure under the resulting flexing. It can be thinned to make it more flexible. Advantageously, the club head 1500's center of gravity, moment of inertia, and coefficient of restitution, as face component 1511 may be thinner when implemented with reinforcing device 1512 and reinforcing component(s) 1520 . is changed to improve the performance characteristics of the club head 1500 . For example, implementing reinforcement device 1512 and reinforcement component(s) 1520 may impact face surface 1514 by increasing launch angle, increasing ball velocity, and/or reducing rotation of a golf ball. It can increase the distance of the golf ball hitting it. In these examples, the reinforcement device 1512 and the reinforcement component(s) 1520 may have an effect against some of the gearing on the golf ball provided by the face surface 1514 .

Reinforcing device 1512 and reinforcing component(s) 1520 may further provide a stress reduction advantage when implemented as a closed structure (ie, looped ribs 1527), which This is because it can resist deformation as a result of circumferential (ie, hoop) stresses acting on 1512 and reinforcing component(s) 1520 . For example, circumferential (ie, hoop) stresses acting on the reinforcing device 1512 and the reinforcing component(s) 1520 may affect opposite sides of the reinforcing device 1512 and the reinforcing component(s) 1520 . rotation away from each other can be prevented, thereby reducing bending.

The undercut 1550 of the club head body 1510 can produce performance characteristics similar to those of the reinforcement device 1512 as described above. In some embodiments, club head body 1510 may be devoid of reinforcement device 1512 , wherein club head body 1510 including undercut 1550 has both reinforcement device 1512 and undercut 1550 . It can be performed similarly to the club head body 1510 . The undercut extending 360 degrees including the first cavity 1541 , the second cavity 1542 , the third cavity 1543 , the fourth cavity 1544 , and the fifth cavity 1545 is the face component 1511 during impact. ) to allow for optimal bending and deflection of In a similar club head body without a 360 degree undercut, the face component cannot be bent or deflected that much. More specifically, a similar club head body without a third cavity 1543 , a fourth cavity 1544 , and/or a fifth cavity 1545 cannot flex or deflect at the heel end and toe end. Similar club head deflection is due to the rear surface of the face component that is limited at the heel end 1506 and toe end 1505 and has no space to bend back. A 360 degree undercut 1550 of the club head body 1510 including, inter alia, a third cavity 1543 and a fourth cavity 1544 at the toe end 1505 and a fifth cavity 1545 at the heel end 1506 are Prevents the rear surface 1515 of the face component 1511 from contacting the toe ledge 1526 and heel ledge 1524 during impact, thus allowing the face component 1511 to flex freely for greater deflection. can get the fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1544 further prevents the rear surface 1515 of the face component 1511 from coming into contact with the tow ledge 1526 during impact for increased deflection; Due to the small fourth depth 1534 of the fourth cavity 1543 (ie, the toe ledge 1526 is not prominent), the face component 1511 near the toe end 1505 may extend further back. there is.

Deflection of face component 1511 affects the coefficient of restitution (COR) of club head 1500 . COR measures the elasticity of an object upon impact and is the ratio of the object's final relative velocity to its initial relative velocity. A high COR results in increased ball velocity and distance and a low COR results in decreased ball velocity and distance. Thus, the increased deflection of the 360 degree undercut 1550 of the club head 1500 affects the distance and speed of the ball after impact. As the undercut 1550 increases the deflection of the face component 1511 , the distance and velocity of the ball also increase.

In addition, the 360 degree undercut 1550 includes a perimeter of the face component 1511 (ie, a rear surface 1515) that is subjected to minimal stress, and a rear portion 1509, a top rail 1507, a toe ledge 1526, and the rear perimeter 1519 located between the heel ledges 1524). The removed mass is then redistributed to other locations on the club head 1500 (eg, near the bottom end 1502 , near the toe end 1505 , near the heel end 1506 , or any combination thereof). can be The redistribution of mass can lower the center of gravity (CG) and move it back towards the rear end 1504, which can provide the club head with higher performance characteristics, such as increased moment of inertia (MOI). The width of the first portion 1526A may further affect the mass distribution for the CG and MOI. The width of the first portion 1526A as shown in FIG. 20 helps to improve the MOI by adding mass to the toe end 1505 . Better CG placement and increased MOI can increase ball velocity as well as prevent rotation of club head 1500 from toe end 1505 to heel end 1506 . Preventing rotation of the club head 1500 from the toe end 1505 to the heel end 1506 allows for better contact with the ball upon impact, which may result in optimal ball velocity, rotation and trajectory. In some embodiments, a weight (not shown) may be disposed within the second cavity 1542 between the posterior surface 1515 and the posterior portion 1509 to further perform a CG. The weight located within the second cavity 1542 allows the CG to move towards the rear end 1504 and the sole 1508 . A weight disposed within the second cavity 1542 may further absorb stress and vibration experienced by the club head body 1510 during impact. Stress and vibration absorption by the weight can help maintain the durability and structural integrity of the club head body 1510 as well as an improved feel for the player.

The club head body 1510 may further include a stepped sole 1555 located on the inner cavity of the sole 1508 at the bottom of the second cavity 1542 located between the rear portion 1509 and the rear surface 1515 . can The stepped sole 1555 of the club head body 1510 may be similar to the stepped sole 955 of the club head body 910 described above having a first layer (not shown) and a second layer (not shown). there is. The stepped sole 1555 of the club head body 1510 causes some of the stress experienced by the face component 1511 in the vicinity of the sole 1508 to be distributed to the first and second layers of the club head body 1510 . The first and second layers of stepped sole 1555 of club head body 1510 prevent stresses from collecting primarily in the thinnest portion of face component 1511 proximate sole 1508 . The stress distribution in the first and second layers of the sole 1508 can prevent permanent deformation of the face component 1511 , thus giving more consistent performance characteristics and feel after multiple impacts of the ball.

Golf club heads 100 , 300 , 600 , 800 , 900 , 1500 may be part of a set of club heads having various loft angles. In some embodiments, central thickness 537 , face thickness 542 outside reinforcing component 120 , top thickness 546 , bottom thickness 548 , face thickness at rib height 540 , or the thickness The combination may vary depending on the loft angle of the club head within the set of club heads.

Referring now to the following figures, FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram for an embodiment of a method 1000 of providing a golf club head. Method 1000 is exemplary only and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The method 1000 may be used in many other embodiments or examples not specifically shown or described herein. In some embodiments, the acts, procedures, and/or processes of method 1000 may be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the acts, procedures, and/or processes of method 1000 may be performed in any other suitable order. In yet other embodiments, one or more acts, procedures, and/or processes in method 1000 may be combined or omitted. In many embodiments, the golf club head includes a golf club head 100 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), a golf club head 600 ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) and/or a golf club head 800 ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ) and may be similar or identical.

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

The method 1000 may include an act 1002 of providing an enhancement device. The reinforcement device may be similar or identical to the reinforcement device 112 ( FIG. 1 ). 11 illustrates an example act 1002 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 11 .

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

Also, act 1002 can include act 1102 of providing a second reinforcement component. The second reinforcing component may be similar or identical to any one reinforcing component of the second reinforcing component 641 ( FIG. 6 ) and/or the reinforcing component 620 ( FIG. 6 ). In some embodiments, acts 1101 and 1102 may be performed substantially simultaneously. In other embodiments, act 1102 may be omitted.

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

In some embodiments, method 1000 may include act 1004 of providing an insert within a central cavity within the reinforcement device provided in act 1002 . In some embodiments, act 1004 may be omitted.

In many embodiments, the two or more acts 1001 - 1004 may be performed sequentially or may be performed approximately simultaneously with each other. In these or other embodiments, acts 1001 - 1004 may be performed by performing any suitable manufacturing technique (eg, casting, forging, forming, machining, bonding, etc.).

Although golf club head(s) and related methods have been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that acts 1001 - 1004 of Figure 10 and acts 1101 , 1102 of Figure 11 may consist of many different procedures, processes, and acts, in many different modules in many different orders. It will be quite clear that the above description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent an exhaustive description of all possible embodiments. .

Example

Example 1: 360 Degree Undercut vs. Partial Undercut

Referring to Table 1 below, a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) test was performed to evaluate the internal energy (measured in lbf·inch) of two similar golf club heads during impact by a golf ball at 90 mph. became Three points of impact on the face component of the golf club head, toe end, face center and heel end were selected for FEA testing. The first golf club head tested was a club head 1500 with a 360 degree undercut 1550 , where the undercut 1550 is continuous and first, second, third as described above of the club head body 1510 . , including fourth and fifth cavities 1541 , 1542 , 1542 , 1544 and 1545 . For comparative measurements, the control golf club heads used were similar in size and construction and included cavities and soles in the top rails, but no 360 degree undercuts (ie, no cavities at the heel and toe ends).

peak pace
component bending
(inch) at the end of the heel
ball speed
( mph) at the center
ball speed
( mph) at the toe end
ball speed
( mph) Club Head(1500) 0.040 - 0.050 123.0 125.3 123.2 contrast club head 0.030 - 0.040 122.4 124.3 121.9

Deflection and Ball Velocity Performance of Club Head 1500 vs. Control

The FEA test measured the internal energy generated by the face component, where 7.8 lbf·inch equated to about 1 mph. As shown in Table 1 above, the golf club head produced golf ball velocities of approximately 123.0 mph at the heel end 1506 , approximately 125.3 mph at the face center 1516 , and approximately 123.2 mph at the toe end 1505 . Compared to club head 1500, the control golf club head produced slower golf ball velocities of about 122.4 mph at the heel end, about 124.3 mph at the center of the face, and about 121.9 mph at the toe end. a complete 360 undercut 1550 including a first cavity 1541 , a second cavity 1542 , a third cavity 1543 , a fourth cavity 1544 , and a fifth cavity 1545 integrally continuous The constructed club head 1500 had an increase in ball velocity at all three points tested compared to a similar control golf club head that had only cavities in the top rail and sole (ie, no cavities at the heel and toe ends). . More specifically, the club head 1500 has an increase of approximately 0.5 - 0.75 mph at the heel end 1506 (approximately a 0.5% increase), an increase of approximately 1 mph in the center of the face (approximately a 0.8% increase) over the control golf club head; and an approximately 1-1.5 mph increase (approximately 1.1% increase) at the toe end 1505 .

The FEA test further showed the peak deflection of the face component of the golf club head experienced during impact with the golf ball. The peak deflection was measured in FEA from the face surface of the face component at the starting position to the face surface of the face component at the end of the impact position, before the face component rebounding back to the starting position. The face component 1511 of the club head 1500 with a 360 degree undercut suffered a peak deflection of 0.040 inches to 0.050 inches, while the face component of the control golf club head had a cavity at the top rail and a cavity at the sole. However, it suffered a peak deflection of 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches as there were no cavities at the heel end and toe end. Thus, the face component 1511 of the club head 1500 with a 360 degree undercut exhibits a 28.6% increase in peak deflection.

As shown in Table 1 and discussed above, club head 1500 has a heel end 1506 , face center 1516 and toe end 1505 as well as increased peak deflection of face component 1511 as compared to a control golf club. showed increased ball speed. The increased performance result of the club head 1500 is a 360 undercut composed primarily of a first cavity 1541 , a second cavity 1542 , a third cavity 1543 , a fourth cavity 1544 , and a fifth cavity 1545 . (1550); This is compared to a comparable golf club head of similar construction and size, having a cavity in the top rail and a cavity in the sole, but no cavities at the heel and toe ends.

A continuous 360 degree undercut 1550 comprising, in particular, third and fourth cavities 1543 , 1544 at toe end 1505 and fifth cavity 1545 at heel end 1506 , is the face component 1511 . ) allowed more space to be biased. Thus, more internal energy was generated, which equates to a faster ball velocity. Higher ball speeds can result in other performance characteristics such as launch angle, ball rotation, and tightening the statistical area where the ball lands, all of which affect the ball's distance during play. More specifically, the increased ball speed experienced by the club head 1500 results from a 0.1 to 0.3 degree higher launch angle, and 100 rpm (revolutions per minute) to 100 rpm (revolutions per minute) to a higher launch angle, compared to a similar control club having only a top rail and soul cavity only. 300 rpm can be equated to low idle. A high launch angle and low ball rotation can increase the distance the ball travels after impact. An increase in the launch angle and a decrease in the rotational speed of the club head 1500 including the first, second, third, fourth and fifth cavities 1541 , 1542 , 1542 , 1544 and 1545 include the toe and heel ends. It showed an increase in ball distance of 2 to 5 yards compared to the control club head without the cavity.

A club head 1500 with a 360 degree undercut 1550 maintained a similar MOI as the control club head with only the top rail and sole cavity, as well as increased ball speed. Having a similar MOI to a club head with a lower ball velocity means that the club head 1500 can act as a more tolerant club without sacrificing higher ball velocity. Club head 1500 is more tolerant due to a more consistent ball velocity across face component 1511 (toe end 1505 to heel end 1506). Thereby, more consistent ball velocity across face component 1511 may produce more consistent ball flight and distance during misses (ie, impact at heel end 1506 or toe end 1505 ). .

Also, while the above embodiments may be described in the context of an iron-type golf club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles described herein can be used for other types of golf, such as wood-type golf clubs or putter-type golf clubs. Can be applied to clubs. Alternatively, the devices, methods, and articles described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, and the like.

Additional examples and others of such modifications are given in the foregoing description. Other permutations of different embodiments having one or more features of the various figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the specification, claims and drawings herein are intended to be illustrative of the scope of the invention and not to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the present application be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

Clause 1: front end and rear end; a face component comprising a face surface located at the front end and a rear surface located at the rear end, the rear surface comprising a rear center, a rear perimeter, and a reinforcement device; a top end having a top rail extending in an arcuate manner toward the bottom end to form a top rail wall; a bottom having a sole integrally formed into a rear portion extending upwardly toward the top end; a toe end divided into a first toe end portion, a second toe end portion and a third toe end portion, the first toe end portion adjacent to and integrally formed with the top end, the third toe end portion comprising: adjacent and integrally formed with the bottom end, the second toe end portion positioned between the first toe end portion and the third toe end portion, the toe end comprising the top rail, the sole and the heel a toe end having a tow ledge extending in a curved manner towards the end, the tow ledge being integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion; a heel end comprising a heel ledge extending in a curved manner toward the top rail, the sole and the toe end, the heel ledge being integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion; A golf club head comprising an undercut comprising a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, a fourth cavity, and a fifth cavity, wherein the first cavity is formed between the rear surface and the top rear wall. wherein the first cavity has a first depth in the range of 0.115 inches to 0.135 inches; the second cavity is defined between the rear surface and the rear portion, the second cavity having a second depth in the range of 0.460 inches to 0.580 inches; the third cavity is defined between the tow ledge and the back surface at the first toe end portion and has a third depth in the range of 0.215 inches to 0.245 inches; the fourth cavity is formed between the tow ledge and the rear surface at the second tow end portion and has a fourth depth in the range of 0.140 inches to 0.165 inches; the fifth cavity is defined between the rear surface and the heel ledge, the fifth cavity having a fifth depth in the range of 0.080 inches to 0.110 inches; the reinforcing component includes a looped rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface; and an outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component fillets with a rear surface.

Clause 2: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the looped ribs are symmetric about the x-axis or the looped ribs are symmetrical about the y-axis.

Clause 3: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the first, second, third, fourth and fifth cavities are all integrally connected and continuous.

Clause 4: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, the fourth cavity, and the fifth cavity are interrupted and discontinuous by a blocking structure.

Clause 5: The clause of clause 1, wherein the face component comprises a first thickness in the range of 0.055 inches to 0.075 inches, measured perpendicularly from the center of the face to the center of the back of the face surface; the face component includes a second thickness, measured perpendicularly from the apex of the reinforcing component to the face surface, in a range of 0.150 inches to 0.200 inches; wherein the face component comprises a third thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface to a rear surface adjacent the rear perimeter and rear center without reinforcement devices, the third thickness ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches; and the face component comprises a fourth thickness at the rear perimeter in the range of 0.050 inches to 0.070 inches.

Clause 6: The golf club head of clause 1, further comprising a cascading sole at the bottom of the second cavity, the cascading sole comprising a first tier and a second tier.

Clause 7: The golf club head of clause 6, wherein the first layer comprises a thickness greater than a thickness of the second layer.

Clause 8: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the looped rib is filleted with the rear surface.

Clause 9: The clause of clause 1, wherein the first depth of the first cavity is about 0.125 inches; a second depth of the second cavity is about 0.500 inches; a third depth of the third cavity at the first toe end portion is about 0.225 inches; a fourth depth of the fourth cavity at the second toe end portion is about 0.120 inches; and a fifth depth of the fifth cavity at the heel end is about 0.080 inches.

Clause 10: The tow ledge of clause 1, wherein the tow ledge covers a proportion of the rear surface, the tow ledge being most prominent at the first toe end portion and decreasing towards the second toe end portion, and a golf club head that is constant and increases slightly towards said third toe end portion.

Article 11: front end and rear end; a face component comprising a face surface located at the front end and a rear surface located at the rear end, the rear surface comprising a rear center and a rear perimeter; a top end having a top rail extending in an arcuate manner toward the bottom end to form a top rail wall; a bottom having a sole integrally formed into a rear portion extending upwardly toward the top end; a toe end divided into a first toe end portion, a second toe end portion and a third toe end portion, the first toe end portion adjacent to and integrally formed with the top end, the third toe end portion comprising: adjacent and integrally formed with the bottom end, the second toe end portion being positioned between the first toe end portion and the third toe end portion, the toe end comprising the top rail, the sole and the heel a toe end having a tow ledge extending in a curved manner toward the end, the tow ledge being integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion; a heel end comprising a heel ledge extending in a curved manner toward the top rail, the sole and the toe end, the heel ledge being integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion; A golf club head comprising an undercut comprising a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, a fourth cavity, and a fifth cavity, the first cavity formed between the rear surface and the top rear wall; the first cavity has a first depth in the range of 0.115 inches to 0.135 inches; the second cavity is defined between the rear surface and the rear portion, the second cavity having a second depth in the range of 0.460 inches to 0.580 inches; the third cavity is defined between the tow ledge and the rear surface at the first toe end portion and has a third depth in the range of 0.215 inches to 0.245 inches; the fourth cavity is formed between the tow ledge and the rear surface at the second toe end portion and has a fourth depth in the range of 0.140 inches to 0.165 inches; and said fifth cavity is defined between said rear surface and said heel ledge, said fifth cavity having a fifth depth in the range of 0.080 inches to 0.110 inches.

Clause 12: The clause of clause 11, wherein the face component comprises a first thickness in the range of 0.088 inches to 0.100 inches, measured perpendicularly from the center of the face to the center of the back of the face surface; the face component includes a second thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface to the rear surface adjacent the rear center, the second thickness ranging from 0.088 inches to 0.100 inches; the face component comprises a third thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface to a rear surface adjacent the second thickness and adjacent the rear perimeter, the third thickness ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches; wherein the face component comprises a fourth thickness at the rear perimeter ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.070 inches.

Clause 13: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the stepped sole comprises a first layer and a second layer.

Clause 14: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the first layer is adjacent the front end, the second layer is adjacent the rear end, and the first layer transitions to the second layer.

Clause 15: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the first layer comprises a thickness greater than a thickness of the second layer.

Clause 16: The clause of clause 11, wherein the first depth of the first cavity is about 0.125 inches; a second depth of the second cavity is about 0.500 inches; a third depth of the third cavity at the first toe end portion is about 0.225 inches; a fourth depth of the fourth cavity at the second toe end portion is about 0.120 inches; and a fifth depth of the fifth cavity at the heel end is about 0.080 inches.

Clause 17: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the first, second, third, fourth and fifth cavities are all integrally connected and continuous.

Clause 18: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, the fourth cavity, and the fifth cavity are interrupted and discontinuous by a blocking structure.

Clause 19: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein a weight can be disposed within the second cavity between the rear portion and the rear surface.

Clause 20: The tow ledge of clause 11, wherein the tow ledge covers a proportion of the rear surface, the tow ledge being most prominent at the first toe end portion, decreasing towards the second toe end portion, and substantially and a golf club head that is constant and increases slightly towards said third toe end portion.

Clause 21: A top end having a front end and a rear end, a toe end and a heel end, a top rail extending from the toe end to the heel end, the top rail arcing away from the front end towards the rear end and the bottom end extending), a face component comprising a bottom having a sole comprising an inner sole surface, a face surface located at a front end, and a rear surface located at a rear end and opposite the face surface, the rear surface having a rear center a reinforcing device positioned on the rear surface; and a recess positioned between the top rail and the rear surface of the face component and defining an undercut, the undercut being along the top rail. extending from the toe end to the heel end, the reinforcing component comprising a looped rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component being filled with the back surface a golf club head.

Clause 22: The golf club head of clause 21, further comprising an inner radius transition from the rear surface of the face component to the inner sole surface, wherein the inner radius transition comprises a stepped sole.

Clause 23: The golf club head of clause 22, wherein the stepped sole comprises a first layer and a second layer.

Clause 24: The golf club head of clause 23, wherein the first layer is adjacent the front end and the second layer is adjacent the rear end, and the first layer transitions to the second layer.

Clause 25: The golf club head of clause 23, wherein the first layer comprises a thickness greater than a thickness of the second layer.

Clause 26: The golf club head of clause 21, wherein the looped ribs comprise oval looped ribs or circular looped ribs.

Clause 27: The golf club head of clause 21, wherein the looped ribs comprise a plurality of looped ribs, each looped rib being concentric with one another.

The golf club heads and related methods discussed herein may be embodied in various embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent an exhaustive description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings and the drawings themselves disclose at least one preferred embodiment and may disclose alternative embodiments.

Substitution of one or more claimed components represents reconstruction rather than repair. Additionally, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to specific embodiments. However, an advantage, an advantage, a solution to a problem, and any component or components that may cause or make any benefit, advantage, or solution more pronounced, are not intended to be excluded from the scope of the claims. It should not be construed as a critical, essential, or essential feature or component of any or all claims unless explicitly stated.

As the rules of golf may change from time to time (for example, new rules may be adopted by golf standards bodies and/or governing bodies such as the American Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), etc.) or as previous rules may be removed or modified), golf equipment associated with the devices, methods and products described herein may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the devices, methods, and products described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The devices, methods, and articles described herein are not limited in this regard.

In addition, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not intended to be construed as (1) not expressly claimed in the claims; (2) is not dedicated to the public under the principle of consecration if, under the principle of equivalence, an equivalent or potentially equivalent of the elements and/or limitations specified in a claim are equivalent;

Claims (19)

As a golf club head,
a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end;
a front end and a rear end opposite the front end;
a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; and
face component
including,
The face component,
a face surface located at the front end and comprising a face center and a face perimeter;
a rear surface located at the rear end, opposite the face surface, and comprising a rear center opposite the face center and a rear perimeter; and
a reinforcing component located on the rear surface
including,
the tow end is divided into a first toe end portion, a second toe end portion and a third toe end portion;
The first toe end portion is adjacent and integral with the top end, the third toe end portion is adjacent and integral with the bottom end, and the second toe end portion is formed with the first toe end. disposed between the portion and the third toe end portion;
the toe end has a top rail, a sole and a toe ledge extending in a curved manner towards the heel end, the toe ledge being integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion;
wherein the heel end includes a heel ledge extending in a curved manner towards a top rail, sole and toe end;
wherein the face component is thinner on the inside of the inner circumferential surface than the outside of the outer circumferential surface;
wherein the inner circumferential surface comprises a maximum rib span of greater than or equal to 0.609 cm and less than or equal to 1.88 cm;
the undercut comprises a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, a fourth cavity, and a fifth cavity;
the first cavity is formed between the posterior surface and the top end;
the second cavity is formed between the posterior surface and the posterior perimeter;
the third cavity is formed between the tow ledge and the rear surface at the first tow end portion;
the fourth cavity is formed between the tow ledge and the rear surface at the second tow end portion;
the fifth cavity is formed between the rear surface and the heel ledge;
wherein the reinforcing component includes a looped rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component fillets with the rear surface;
and the reinforcing component extends from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said looped ribs include a cavity defined by said inner circumferential surface and said back surface, said cavity being free of weighting inserts. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the looped rib includes a cavity defined by the inner circumferential surface and the rear surface, the cavity comprising an insert. 4. The method of claim 3,
The golf club head further comprising at least one vibration damping feature disposed at least partially on the rear surface. The vibration damping feature of claim 3 , further comprising: at least one viscoelastic damping material;
a badge at least partially covering the rear surface of the golf club head; and
medium at least partially covering the cavity
A golf club head comprising: 6. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein the vibration damping feature is disposed between the badge and at least one of the cavities and the rear surface of the golf club head. 6. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein said viscoelastic damping material comprises a pressure sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymer and aluminum foil. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first cavity has a first depth in the range of 0.115 inches to 0.135 inches;
the second cavity has a second depth in the range of 0.460 inches to 0.580 inches;
the third cavity has a third depth in the range of 0.215 inches to 0.245 inches;
the fourth cavity has a fourth depth in the range of 0.140 inches to 0.165 inches;
and said fifth cavity has a fifth depth in the range of 0.080 inches to 0.110 inches. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein an inner circumferential surface of the looped rib fillets with the rear surface. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a cascading sole positioned between said rear portion and said rear surface, said cascading sole comprising a first layer and a second layer. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, the fourth cavity, and the fifth cavity are all integrally connected and continuous. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, the fourth cavity, and the fifth cavity are interrupted and discontinuous by a blocking structure. As a golf club head,
a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end;
a front end and a rear end opposite the front end;
a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; and
face component
including,
The face component,
a face surface located at the front end and comprising a face center and a face perimeter;
a rear surface located at the rear end, opposite the face surface, and comprising a rear center opposite the face center and a rear perimeter; and
a reinforcing component located on the rear surface
including,
the tow end is divided into a first toe end portion, a second toe end portion and a third toe end portion;
The first toe end portion is adjacent and integral with the top end, the third toe end portion is adjacent and integral with the bottom end, and the second toe end portion is formed with the first toe end. disposed between the portion and the third toe end portion;
the toe end having a toe ledge extending in a curved manner towards a top rail, sole and heel end, the toe ledge being integrally formed with the top rail wall and the rear portion;
wherein the heel end comprises a heel ledge extending in a curved manner towards a top rail, sole and toe end;
wherein the face component is thinner on the inside of the inner circumferential surface than the outside of the outer circumferential surface;
wherein the inner circumferential surface comprises a maximum rib span of greater than or equal to 0.609 cm and less than or equal to 1.88 cm;
the undercut comprises a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, a fourth cavity, and a fifth cavity;
the first cavity is formed between the posterior surface and the top end;
the second cavity is formed between the posterior surface and the posterior perimeter;
the third cavity is formed between the tow ledge and the rear surface at the first tow end portion;
the fourth cavity is formed between the tow ledge and the rear surface at the second tow end portion;
the fifth cavity is formed between the rear surface and the heel ledge;
the reinforcing component includes a looped rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing component filleted with the rear surface;
the reinforcing component extends from the rear surface towards the rear end and away from the front end;
wherein the looped rib comprises a cavity defined by an inner circumferential surface and a rear surface, the cavity comprising an insert. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first cavity has a first depth in the range of 0.115 inches to 0.135 inches;
the second cavity has a second depth in the range of 0.460 inches to 0.580 inches;
the third cavity has a third depth in the range of 0.215 inches to 0.245 inches;
the fourth cavity has a fourth depth in the range of 0.140 inches to 0.165 inches;
and said fifth cavity has a fifth depth in the range of 0.080 inches to 0.110 inches. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the face component comprises a first thickness in the range of 0.088 inches to 0.100 inches, measured perpendicularly from the center of the face to the center of the back of the face surface;
wherein the face component comprises a second thickness, measured perpendicularly from the face surface to the rear surface adjacent the rear center, in the range of 0.088 inches to 0.100 inches;
wherein said face component comprises a third thickness measured perpendicularly from the face surface to a rear surface adjacent said second thickness and adjacent said rear circumference in a range of 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches. 14. The golf club head of claim 13, further comprising a stepped sole at the bottom end of the second cavity, the stepped sole comprising a first layer and a second layer. The golf club head of claim 16 , wherein the first layer is adjacent the front end, the second layer is adjacent the rear end, and the first layer transitions to the second layer. 18. The golf club head of claim 17, wherein said first layer comprises a thickness greater than a thickness of said second layer. 14. The tow ledge of claim 13, wherein the tow ledge covers a predetermined proportion of the rear surface, the proportion of the tow ledge being greatest at the first toe end portion and decreasing towards the second toe end portion to become constant, 3 A golf club head that increases towards the toe end portion.

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