US20220387864A1 - Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads - Google Patents
Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220387864A1 US20220387864A1 US17/886,655 US202217886655A US2022387864A1 US 20220387864 A1 US20220387864 A1 US 20220387864A1 US 202217886655 A US202217886655 A US 202217886655A US 2022387864 A1 US2022387864 A1 US 2022387864A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- golf club
- club head
- protrusion
- bridge structure
- face
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0466—Heads wood-type
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/06—Heads adjustable
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/02—Ballast means for adjusting the centre of mass
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B2053/0491—Heads with added weights, e.g. changeable, replaceable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0408—Heads characterised by specific dimensions, e.g. thickness
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0408—Heads characterised by specific dimensions, e.g. thickness
- A63B53/0412—Volume
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0416—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert
- A63B53/042—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert the face insert consisting of a material different from that of the head
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0416—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert
- A63B53/042—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert the face insert consisting of a material different from that of the head
- A63B53/0425—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert the face insert consisting of a material different from that of the head the face insert comprising two or more different materials
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0416—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert
- A63B53/0429—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert the face insert comprising two or more layers of material
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0433—Heads with special sole configurations
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/045—Strengthening ribs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/045—Strengthening ribs
- A63B53/0454—Strengthening ribs on the rear surface of the impact face plate
Definitions
- FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 14 illustrates a front and top perspective view of an example golf club according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
- FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 14
- Andrews may be used for measuring the club head volume of the golf club head 100 .
- FIG. 1 may depict a particular type of club head (e.g., a driver-type club head), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of club head (e.g., a fairway wood-type club head, a hybrid-type club head, an iron-type club head, a putter-type club head, etc.).
- the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
- the golf club head 100 may include a plurality of weigh port regions. Each weight port region may include a weight port. Each weight port may include a weight. As shown in FIG. 6 , a first weight port region 174 may be located closer to the rear portion 180 than the front portion 170 . A second weight port region 175 may be located closer to the toe portion 150 than the heel portion 160 . A third weight port region 176 may be located closer to the heel portion 160 than the toe portion 150 . A fourth weight port region 177 may be located closer to the front portion 170 than the rear portion 180 .
- the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
- the face portion 1510 may include a front surface 1520 having a plurality of grooves 1521 and a rear surface 1530 .
- the front surface 1520 and the grooves 1521 may be configured to strike a golf ball.
- the face portion 1510 may include an outer face portion 1515 that may be integral with the body portion 1410 and surround a face opening 1517 in the face portion.
- a face insert portion 1550 may be attached to the outer face portion 1515 to close the face opening 1517 and enclose the interior cavity 1412 .
- the face opening 1517 may include a perimeter edge 1522 and the face insert portion 1550 may include a perimeter edge 1552 .
- the variation in the fourth thickness 1752 may also follow a linear path, concave path, a convex path, a compound curvature, a stepwise shape, or any nonlinear shape.
- the variation in the fourth thickness 1752 may follow a linear path from the third thickness 1742 to the fifth thickness 1762 .
- the variation in the second thickness 1732 and/or the variation in the fourth thickness 1752 may also depend on the method of manufacturing the rear surface 1530 of the face portion 1510 .
- the area of the third portion 1740 may be greater than or equal to 15% of the area of the face insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 30% of the area of the face insert portion 1550 . In another example, the area of the third portion 1740 may be greater than or equal to 18% of the area of the face insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 27% of the area of the face insert portion 1550 . In yet another example, the area of the third portion 1740 may be greater than or equal to 21% of the area of the face insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 24% of the area of the face insert portion 1550 .
- the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
- the first portion 1720 , the second portion 1730 , and/or the third portion 1740 may have any shape to provide certain performance characteristics or optimum performance characteristics for the golf club head 1400 .
- the first portion 1720 and the transition portion 1730 may have a rectangular shape having rounded corners.
- the transition portion 1730 may have a constant transition portion width 1738 such that the inner perimeter 1724 and the outer perimeter 1734 have generally the same shape and the inner perimeter 1724 is centered and nested in the outer perimeter 1734 .
- the inner perimeter 1724 may be generally parallel with the outer perimeter 1734 .
- the first portion 1720 and/or the transition portion 1730 may have a circular shape.
- the transition portion 1730 may have a constant transition portion width 1738 such that the inner perimeter 1724 and the outer perimeter 1734 have generally the same shape and the inner perimeter 1724 is concentric with the outer perimeter 1734 .
- the inner perimeter 1724 may be generally parallel with the outer perimeter 1734 .
- the transition portion width 1738 may vary at one of more locations in the transition portion 1730 .
- the bridge structure 3560 may be assembled to the golf club head 1400 by inserting one of the end portions (e.g., first end portion 3910 ) into the receptacle (first receptacle 3710 ) of the corresponding protrusion (e.g., first protrusion 3510 ) followed by inserting the other end portion (e.g., second end portion 3920 ) into the receptacle (e.g., second receptacle 3720 ) of the remaining protrusion (e.g., second protrusion 3520 ), or vice versa.
- one of the end portions e.g., first end portion 3910
- first receptacle 3710 the corresponding protrusion
- the other end portion e.g., second end portion 3920
- any of the golf club heads and/or golf clubs described herein may include one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, strain gauges, etc.) for sensing linear motion (e.g., acceleration) and/or forces in all three axes of motion and/or rotational motion (e.g., angular acceleration) and rotational forces about all three axes of motion.
- the one or more sensors may be internal sensors that may be located inside the golf club head, the hosel, the shaft, and/or the grip.
- the one or more sensors may be external sensors that may be located on the grip, on the shaft, on the hosel, and/or on the golf club head.
- a numerical range defined using the word “between” includes numerical values at both end points of the numerical range.
- a spatial range defined using the word “between” includes any point within the spatial range and the boundaries of the spatial range.
- a location expressed relative to two spaced apart or overlapping elements using the word “between” includes (i) any space between the elements, (ii) a portion of each element, and/or (iii) the boundaries of each element.
- golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment.
- the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Abstract
Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head includes a body portion having a face portion with a front surface and a rear surface. A first protrusion is located at the rear surface and has a first receptacle. A second protrusion is located at the rear surface and has a second receptacle. A bridge structure extends between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The bridge structure has a first end portion received in the first receptacle and a second end portion received in the second receptacle. The first protrusion and the second protrusion maintain the bridge structure in a compressed position. The bridge structure exerts a force against the face portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
Description
- The present disclosure may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the present disclosure and its related documents, as they appear in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all applicable copyrights.
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/400,516, filed Aug. 12, 2021, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/930,716, filed Jul. 16, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,110,328, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/422,661, filed May 24, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,722,765, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/850,292, filed May 20, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/676,860, filed May 25, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62,786,371, filed Dec. 29, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/820,728, filed Mar. 19, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/816,418, filed Mar. 11, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/837,592, filed Apr. 23, 2019.
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/198,906, filed Mar. 11, 2021, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/813,453, filed Mar. 9, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,967,231, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/816,418, filed Mar. 11, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/957,757, filed Jan. 6, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/837,592, filed Apr. 23, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/873,773, filed Jul. 12, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/897,015, filed Sep. 6, 2019.
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/198,770, filed Mar. 11, 2021, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/807,591, filed Mar. 3, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,960,274, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/837,592, filed Apr. 23, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/873,773, filed Jul. 12, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/897,015, filed Sep. 6, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/820,728, filed Mar. 19, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/816,418, filed Mar. 11, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/957,757, filed Jan. 6, 2020.
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/586,971, filed Jan. 28, 2022, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 17/149,954, filed Jan. 15, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,266,888, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/963,430, filed Jan. 20, 2020.
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/407,025, filed Aug. 19, 2021, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 17/225,414, filed Apr. 8, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,117,028, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/057,252, filed Jul. 27, 2020, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/010,036, filed Apr. 14, 2020.
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/528,436, filed Nov. 17, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/117,182, filed Nov. 23, 2020.
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/685,566, filed Mar. 3, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/166,859, filed Apr. 26, 2021
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/876,746, filed Jul. 29, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/289,908, filed Dec. 15, 2021, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/232,767, filed Aug. 13, 2021
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/885,206, filed Aug. 10, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/239,780, filed Sep. 1, 2021
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/316,145, filed Mar. 3, 2022.
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/327,925, filed Apr. 6, 2022.
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/343,709, filed May 19, 2022.
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/354,059, filed Jun. 21, 2022.
- The disclosures of the above-referenced applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- The present disclosure generally relates to sports equipment, and more particularly, to golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads.
- In golf, various factors may affect the performance of a golf club head. In particular, the characteristic time (CT) and the coefficient of restitution (COR) of a golf club head may affect the ball speed of a golf ball at impact. By optimizing the CT and COR values, greater ball speeds may be achieved, and as a result, the golf ball may travel a greater distance.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an example golf club head according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 illustrates a heel side view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 illustrates a toe side view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 taken along section 9-9 ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 taken along section 10-10 ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded toe side view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded rear view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 14 illustrates a front and top perspective view of an example golf club according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. -
FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 14 -
FIG. 16 illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 14 taken at lines 16-16 ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 17 illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 14 taken at lines 17-17 ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 18 illustrates an enlarged view ofregion 18 of the golf club head ofFIG. 16 . -
FIGS. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 illustrate rear views of different example face portions of an example golf club head according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. -
FIG. 29 illustrates a schematic cross sectional view of an example of the face portion ofFIG. 28 taken at lines 29-29 ofFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 30 illustrates a schematic cross sectional view of an example of the face portion ofFIG. 28 taken at lines 30-30 ofFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 31 illustrates a schematic cross sectional view of an example of the face portion ofFIG. 28 taken at lines 31-31 ofFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 32 illustrates a schematic cross sectional view of an example of the face portion ofFIG. 28 taken at lines 32-32 ofFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 33 illustrates a schematic cross sectional view of an example of the face portion ofFIG. 28 taken at lines 33-33 ofFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 34 illustrates a schematic cross sectional view of an example of the face portion ofFIG. 28 taken at lines 34-34 ofFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 35 illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 14 taken at lines 35-35 ofFIG. 14 and depicts a system for improving COR according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. -
FIG. 36 illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 35 taken at lines 36-36 ofFIG. 35 . -
FIG. 37 illustrates a heel and rear perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 35 and depicts certain features of the system for improving COR. -
FIG. 38 illustrates a toe and rear perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 35 and depicts certain features of the system for improving COR. -
FIG. 39 illustrates a front perspective view of a bridge structure of the system for improving COR according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. -
FIG. 40 illustrates a top perspective view of the bridge structure ofFIG. 39 . -
FIG. 41 illustrates the golf club head ofFIG. 35 incorporating another system for improving COR according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacturing described herein. -
FIG. 42 illustrates the golf club head ofFIG. 35 incorporating yet another system for improving COR according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacturing described herein. -
FIG. 43 depicts a process for improving a COR of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacturing described herein. -
FIG. 44 illustrates a golf club including a golf club head according to any of the embodiments of the apparatuses, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. - For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
- The following U.S. Patents and Patent Publications, which are collectively referred to herein as “the incorporated by reference applications,” are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,199,140; 9,352,197; 9,399,158; 9,550,096; 9,555,295; 9,630,070; 9,636,554; 9,662,547; 9,669,270; 9,782,643; 9,795,842; 9,795,843; 9,802,087; 9,814,945; 9,821,200; 9,821,201; 9,833,667; 9,861,867; 9,895,582; 9,895,583; 9,914,029; 9,981,160; 9,987,526; 9,999,814; 10,010,770; 10,052,532; 10,099,093; 10,143,899; 10,195,101; 10,213,659; 10,252,123; 10,293,220; 10,293,221; 10,335,645; 10,376,754; 10,384,102; 10,413,787; 10,420,989; 10,532,257; 10,583,336; 10,617,918; 10,653,928; 10,695,623; 10,695,624; 10,722,764; 10,722,765; 10,821,334; 10,843,051; 10,898,766; 10,926,142; 10,960,274; 10,967,231; 10,981,037; 11,000,742; 11,103,755; and 11,117,028; and U.S. Printed Publication Nos. 20210121747; 20210128996; 20210197039; and 20210197040.
- In general, golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. In the example of
FIGS. 1-13 , agolf club head 100 may include abody portion 110 with atop portion 130, acrown portion 135, abottom portion 140, atoe portion 150, aheel portion 160, afront portion 170, and arear portion 180. Thebottom portion 140 may include askirt portion 190 defined as a side portion of thegolf club head 100 between thetop portion 130 and thebottom portion 140 excluding thefront portion 170 and extending across a periphery of thegolf club head 100 from thetoe portion 150, around therear portion 180, and to theheel portion 160. Alternatively, thegolf club head 100 may not include theskirt portion 190. Thefront portion 170 may include a face portion 275 to engage a golf ball. The face portion 275 may be integral to thebody portion 110 or may be a separate face portion that is coupled (e.g., welded) to thefront portion 170 to enclose an opening in thefront portion 170. Thebody portion 110 may also include a hosel portion configured to receive a shaft portion (not shown). The hosel portion may be similar in many respects to any of the hosel portions described herein. The hosel portion may include aninterchangeable hosel sleeve 126 and afastener 127. Alternatively, thebody portion 110 may include a bore instead of the hosel portion. Thebody portion 110 may be made partially or entirely of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-type material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example thebody portion 110 may be made partially or entirely of a non-metal material such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
golf club head 100 may have a club head volume greater than or equal to 300 cubic centimeters (cm3 or cc). In one example, thegolf club head 100 may be about 460 cc. Alternatively, thegolf club head 100 may have a club head volume less than or equal to 300 cc. In particular, thegolf club head 100 may have a club head volume between 100 cc and 200 cc. The club head volume of thegolf club head 100 may be determined by using the weighted water displacement method (i.e., Archimedes Principle). For example, procedures defined by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) may be used for measuring the club head volume of thegolf club head 100. AlthoughFIG. 1 may depict a particular type of club head (e.g., a driver-type club head), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of club head (e.g., a fairway wood-type club head, a hybrid-type club head, an iron-type club head, a putter-type club head, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
top portion 130 may include aforward portion 131 extending adistance 134 between thefront portion 170 and thecrown portion 135, as shown inFIG. 8 . In one example, theforward portion 131 may extend adistance 134 of at least 8 mm in a front-to-rear direction, resulting in thecrown portion 135 being positioned at least 8 mm rearward of the face portion 275. In another example, theforward portion 131 may extend adistance 134 of at least 12 mm in a front-to-rear direction. In another example, theforward portion 131 may extend adistance 134 of at least 16 mm in a front-to-rear direction. In yet another example, theforward portion 131 may extend adistance 134 of at least 20 mm in a front-to-rear direction. In still another example, theforward portion 131 may extend adistance 134 of between and including 12 mm and 20 mm in a front-to-rear direction. While the above examples may describe particular distances, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a forward portion extending a distance less than 12 mm in a front-to-rear direction. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
forward portion 131 may enhance structural integrity of thegolf club head 100 and resist rearward deflection of thefront portion 170 during impact with a golf ball. Theforward portion 131 may transfer an impact force to thecrown portion 135 during an impact with a golf ball. Theforward portion 131 may distribute an impact force along a surface of the crown portion that abuts ajunction 132 formed between thecrown portion 135 and theforward portion 131 of thetop portion 130. Theforward portion 131 may be an integral portion of thebody portion 110. In examples where thebody portion 110 is formed through a metal (e.g. titanium) casting process, theforward portion 131 may be formed as an integral portion of the body portion during the casting process. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
crown portion 135 may be a separate piece that may be attached to thetop portion 130. Thecrown portion 135 may enclose anopening 1201 in thetop portion 130. Thecrown portion 135 may include a heel-side perimeter 1131, afront perimeter 1132, arear perimeter 1151, and a toe-side perimeter 1133. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 12 and 13 , for example, thetop portion 130 of thegolf club head 100 may include anopening 1201 prior to installation of thecrown portion 135. Thecrown portion 135 may be constructed from one or more materials, and those materials may be the same or different from the material of thebody portion 110. In one example, thecrown portion 135 may be at least partially constructed from a composite material such as a fiber-based composite material. Thecrown portion 135 may be attached to ashoulder portion 1204 of thetop portion 130. Theshoulder portion 1204 may extend along an entire perimeter of theopening 1201 in thetop portion 130 or a portion of the opening in thetop portion 130. Theshoulder portion 1204 may support thecrown portion 135. Theshoulder portion 1204 may provide a surface suitable for joining (e.g. adhering) thecrown portion 135 to the top portion. In one example, theshoulder portion 1204 may extend adistance 1233 of at least 2 mm inward toward theopening 1201 in thetop portion 130. In another example, theshoulder portion 1204 may extend adistance 1233 of at least 6 mm. In yet another example, theshoulder portion 1204 may extend adistance 1233 of at least 8 mm. In still another example, theshoulder portion 1204 may extend adistance 1233 of between and including 2 mm and 8 mm. While the above examples may describe particular distances, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include ashoulder portion 1204 that extends adistance 1233 less than 2 mm inward toward the opening in thetop portion 130. Theshoulder portion 1204 may be a continuous portion encircling theopening 1201 in thetop portion 130. Alternately, theshoulder portion 1204 may include one or more discrete shoulder portions arranged to support thecrown portion 135. In another example, theshoulder portion 1204 may include a plurality of tabs arranged to support thecrown portion 135. In still another example, theshoulder portion 1204 may be omitted, and thecrown portion 135 may be adhered to an outer surface of thetop portion 130 or to an inner surface of thetop portion 130. In yet another example, theshoulder portion 1204 may be omitted, and thecrown portion 135 may include a protrusion extending from a bottom surface of thecrown portion 135 that provides an interference fit with a perimeter edge of theopening 1201 in thetop portion 130. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, the
crown portion 135 may have a thickness of less than 1.0 mm. In another example, thecrown portion 135 may have a thickness of less than 0.75 mm. In yet another example, thecrown portion 135 may have a thickness of less than or equal to 0.65 mm. Thecrown portion 135 may be made of a composite material. While the above examples may describe particular thicknesses, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may have a thickness greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, the
crown portion 135 may form at least 45% of an exterior surface area of thetop portion 130. In another example, thecrown portion 135 may form at least 55% of an exterior surface area of thetop portion 130. In yet another example, thecrown portion 135 may form at least 65% of an exterior surface area of thetop portion 130. While the above examples may describe particular percentages, thecrown portion 135 may form less than 45% of the exterior surface area of thetop portion 130. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - A top stiffening portion 136 may enhance stiffness of the
top portion 130. The top stiffening portion 136 may compensate for the presence of one or more relatively less stiff, thin, or lightweight regions elsewhere in thetop portion 130 orcrown portion 135. The top stiffening portion 136 may enhance overall stiffness of thegolf club head 100. The top stiffening portion 136 may limit rearward deflection of the face portion 275 and/orforward portion 131 toward therear portion 180 in response to the face portion 275 impacting a golf ball. The top stiffening portion 136 may resist physical compression of thecrown portion 135 in a front-to-rear direction in response to the face portion 275 impacting a golf ball, which may reduce risk of cracking or delaminating of thecrown portion 135 in examples where thecrown portion 135 is constructed of two or more layers of composite material. The top stiffening portion 136 may be a raised portion of thetop portion 130. The top stiffening portion 136 may be part of a contoured portion of thetop portion 130. The top stiffening portion 136 may serve as a visual alignment aid for a golfer aligning a golf shot. The top stiffening portion 136 may improve acoustic response of thegolf club head 100 in response to the face portion 275 impacting a golf ball. The top stiffening portion 136 may have a thickness greater than another region of thetop portion 130 or thecrown portion 135. The top stiffening portion 136 may have a thickness greater than an average thickness of thecrown portion 135. The top stiffening portion 136 may be integral to thetop portion 130. The top stiffening portion 136 may be one or more separate portions adhered or joined to thetop portion 130 to provide structural reinforcement. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - As mentioned above, the
top portion 130 may include one or more top stiffening portions. In one example, the top stiffening portion 136 may include a firsttop stiffening portion 137, a secondtop stiffening portion 138, and a thirdtop stiffening portion 139, as shown inFIG. 1 . The firsttop stiffening portion 137 may be located adjacent to theforward portion 131 of thetop portion 130. The firsttop stiffening portion 137 may have a thickness greater than an average thickness of thecrown portion 135. In one example, the firsttop stiffening portion 137 may have a thickness of greater than 2 mm. In another example, the firsttop stiffening portion 137 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 2.1 mm. In another example, the firsttop stiffening portion 137 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 2.2 mm. In still another example, the firsttop stiffening portion 137 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 2.4 mm. While the above examples may describe particular thickness, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include the firsttop stiffening portion 137 with a thickness of less than or equal to 2 mm. In one example, the firsttop stiffening portion 137 may have a length of at least 1.25 cm in a heel-to-toe direction. In another example, the firsttop stiffening portion 137 may have a length of at least 2 cm in a heel-to-toe direction. In yet another example, the firsttop stiffening portion 137 may have a length of at least 3 cm in a heel-to-toe direction. In still yet another example, the firsttop stiffening portion 137 may have a length of at least 4 cm in a heel-to-toe direction. In another example, the firsttop stiffening portion 137 may have a length of between and including 4 and 4.5 cm in a heel-to-toe direction. While the above examples may describe particular lengths, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture describe herein may include the firsttop stiffening portion 137 having a length of less than 3 cm. The firsttop stiffening portion 137 may reduce aerodynamic drag of thegolf club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The second
top stiffening portion 138 may extend from the firsttop stiffening portion 137 toward therear portion 180. The secondtop stiffening portion 138 may extend from the firsttop stiffening portion 137 toward therear portion 180 and toward thetoe portion 150. The secondtop stiffening portion 138 may extend from a toe-side end of the firsttop stiffening portion 137 to a rear perimeter of thecrown portion 135. The secondtop stiffening portion 138 may extend from the firsttop stiffening portion 137 toward a weight port region on thebottom portion 140. The secondtop stiffening portion 138 may extend from the firsttop stiffening portion 137 toward a weight port region on thebottom portion 140, where the weight port region is closer to thetoe portion 150 than other weight port regions on the bottom portion. The secondtop stiffening portion 138 may taper in width in a front-to-rear direction. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The second
top stiffening portion 138 may serve as a support structure between theforward portion 131 and therear portion 180. The secondtop stiffening portion 138 may oppose rearward deflection of theforward portion 131 in response to the face portion 275 impacting a golf ball. The secondtop stiffening portion 138 may have a thickness greater than an average thickness of thecrown portion 135. The secondtop stiffening portion 138 may have a thickness of greater than 2 mm. The secondtop stiffening portion 138 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 2.1 mm. The secondtop stiffening portion 138 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 2.2 mm. While the above examples may describe particular thicknesses, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include the secondtop stiffening portion 138 with a thickness of less than or equal to 2 mm. In one example, the secondtop stiffening portion 138 may have a length of at least 2 cm. In another example, the secondtop stiffening portion 138 may have a length of at least 4 cm. While the above examples may describe particular lengths, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture describe herein may include a secondtop stiffening portion 138 having a length less than 2 cm. The secondtop stiffening portion 138 may reduce aerodynamic drag of the golf club head. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The third
top stiffening portion 139 may extend from the firsttop stiffening portion 137 toward therear portion 180. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may extend from the firsttop stiffening portion 137 toward therear portion 180 and toward theheel portion 160. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may extend from a heel-side end of the firsttop stiffening portion 137 to a rear perimeter of thecrown portion 135. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may extend from the firsttop stiffening portion 137 toward a weight port region on thebottom portion 140. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may extend from the firsttop stiffening portion 137 toward a weight port region on thebottom portion 140, where the weight port region is closer to theheel portion 160 than other weight port regions on the bottom portion. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may taper in width in a front-to-rear direction. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The third
top stiffening portion 139 may serve as a support structure between theforward portion 131 and therear portion 180. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may oppose rearward deflection of theforward portion 131 in response to the face portion 275 impacting a golf ball. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may have a thickness greater than an average thickness of thecrown portion 135. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may have a thickness of greater than 2 mm. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 2.1 mm. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 2.2 mm. While the above examples may describe particular thicknesses, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include the thirdtop stiffening portion 139 with a thickness of less than or equal to 2 mm. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may have a length of at least 2 cm. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may have a length of at least 4 cm. The thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may reduce aerodynamic drag of the golf club head. While the above example may describe a particular number of top stiffening portions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or fewer top stiffening portions. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
top portion 130 may include a centraltop portion 101, a toe-side top portion 102, and a heel-side top portion 103. The centraltop portion 101 may be a raised centraltop portion 101. The raised centraltop portion 101 may be located between the heel-side top portion 103 and the toe-side top portion 102. The raised centraltop portion 101 may have a maximum height greater than a maximum height of the toe-side top portion 102, as shown inFIG. 8 . The raised centraltop portion 101 may have a maximum height greater than a maximum height of the heel-side top portion 103, as shown inFIG. 7 . The raised centraltop portion 101 may serve as a visual alignment aid. The raised centraltop portion 101 may improve aerodynamic performance of thegolf club head 100. The raised centraltop portion 101 may stiffen thetop portion 130 and reduce deflection (e.g. bulging) of thetop portion 130 in response to the face portion 275 impacting a golf ball. Reducing bulging of thetop portion 130 may be desirable to reduce shear stress on a joint (e.g. an adhesive bond) between thecrown portion 135 and theshoulder portion 1204 of theopening 1201 in thetop portion 130. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The central
top portion 101 may include a thin portion. The toe-side top portion 102 may include a thin portion. The heel-side top portion 103 may include a thin portion. Thin portions may be desirable to reduce overall mass of thetop portion 130, which may lower a center of gravity (CG) of thegolf club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
top portion 130 may include a plurality of contoured surfaces. The plurality of contoured surfaces may generate turbulent flow across thetop portion 130 of thegolf club head 100 during a golf swing. The plurality of contoured surfaces may reduce aerodynamic drag of thegolf club head 100. The plurality of contoured surfaces may enhance rigidity of thegolf club head 100. The plurality of contoured surfaces may enhance structural integrity of thegolf club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard - An
outer surface 515 of the centraltop portion 101 may be elevated above anouter surface 516 of the toe-side top portion 102. Theouter surface 515 area of the centraltop portion 101 may be elevated above anouter surface 517 of the heel-side top portion 103. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard - The
top portion 130 may include a firstcontoured transition region 501 located between the centraltop portion 101 and the toe-side top portion 102. Thecrown portion 135 may include a secondcontoured transition region 502 located between the centraltop portion 101 and the heel-side top portion 103. The location of the firstcontoured transition region 501 may coincide with the location of the secondtop stiffening portion 138. The location of the secondcontoured transition region 502 may coincide with the location of the thirdtop stiffening portion 139. Together, the centraltop portion 101, toe-side top portion 102, heel-side top portion 103, firstcontoured transition region 501, and secondcontoured transition region 502 may form a multi-leveltop portion 130. Together, the centraltop portion 101, toe-side top portion 102, heel-side top portion 103, firstcontoured transition region 501, and secondcontoured transition region 502 may form a multi-thicknesstop portion 130. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. -
FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional toe side view of the example golf club head ofFIG. 1 taken at section line 9-9 ofFIG. 5 . Theouter surface 515 of the centraltop portion 101 may be elevated above anouter surface 517 of the heel-side top portion 103. In one example, theouter surface 515 of the centraltop portion 101 may be elevated above anouter surface 517 of the heel-side top portion 103 by a height of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm. In another example, theouter surface 515 of the centraltop portion 101 may be elevated above anouter surface 517 of the heel-side top portion 103 by a height of greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. In yet another example, theouter surface 515 of the centraltop portion 101 may be elevated above anouter surface 517 of the heel-side top portion 103 by a height of greater than or equal to 2.0 mm. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
outer surface 515 of the centraltop portion 101 may be elevated above anouter surface 516 of the toe-side top portion 102. In one example, theouter surface 515 of the centraltop portion 101 may be elevated above anouter surface 516 of the toe-side top portion 102 by a height of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm. In another example, theouter surface 515 of the centraltop portion 101 may be elevated above anouter surface 516 of the toe-side top portion 102 by a height of greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. In yet another example, theouter surface 515 of the centraltop portion 101 may be elevated above anouter surface 516 of the toe-side top portion 102 by a height of greater than or equal to 2.0 mm. While the above examples may describe particular heights, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include outer surfaces with a difference in height of less than 0.5 mm. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , theouter surface 517 of the heel-side top portion 103 may be recessed below theforward portion 131 proximate to thejunction 132. Likewise, as shown inFIG. 8 , theouter surface 516 of the toe-side top portion 102 may be recessed below theforward portion 131 proximate thejunction 132. In one example, theouter surface 517 of the heel-side top portion 103 may be recessed below theforward portion 131 proximate to thejunction 132 by a distance of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm. In another example, theouter surface 517 of the heel-side top portion 103 may be recessed below theforward portion 131 proximate to thejunction 132 by a distance of greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. In yet another example, theouter surface 516 of the toe-side top portion 102 may be recessed below theforward portion 131 proximate thejunction 132 by a distance of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm. Theouter surface 516 of the toe-side top portion 102 may be recessed below theforward portion 131 proximate thejunction 132 by a distance of greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. While the above examples may describe particular distances, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include outer surfaces recessed by distances of less than 0.5 mm. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The central
top portion 101 may be bounded by the firstcontoured transition region 501, the secondcontoured transition region 502, arear perimeter 1151, and afront perimeter 1132, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 12 . The centraltop portion 101 may be bounded by the firstcontoured transition region 501, the secondcontoured transition region 502, a rear body perimeter 111, and afront perimeter 1132, as shown inFIG. 5 . The centraltop portion 101 may be bounded by the firsttop stiffening portion 137, the secondtop stiffening portion 138, the thirdtop stiffening portion 139, and therear perimeter 1151, as shown inFIG. 5 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - A front region of the central
top portion 101 may have a symmetrical shape relative to a centralvertical plane 593 that intersects the geometric center (e.g., at or proximate to a “sweet spot” of the golf club head 100) on the face portion 275 and is normal to a front vertical plane. A front portion of the centraltop portion 101 may have a nonsymmetrical shape relative to the centralvertical plane 593 that intersects the geometric center on the face portion 275 and is normal to the front vertical plane. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, the second
top stiffening portion 138 and thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may diverge in a front-to-rear direction, as shown inFIG. 5 . The centraltop portion 101 may have an irregular polygon-like shape (e.g., a quadrilateral-like shape). The distance between the second and thirdtop stiffening portions front portion 170 may be less than the distance between the second and thirdtop stiffening portions rear portion 180. In another example, the secondtop stiffening portion 138 and thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may converge in a front-to-rear direction. A distance between the second and thirdtop stiffening portions front portion 170 may be greater than a distance between the second and thirdtop stiffening portions rear portion 180. In yet another example, the secondtop stiffening portion 138 and thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may converge and then diverge in a front-to-rear direction. In another example, the secondtop stiffening portion 138 and thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may diverge and then converge in a front-to-rear direction. In still another example, the secondtop stiffening portion 138 and thirdtop stiffening portion 139 may be substantially parallel in a front-to-rear direction. The distance between thesecond stiffening portion 138 and thirdtop stiffening portion 139 at or proximate to thefront portion 170 may be equal or substantially the same as the distance between the second and thirdtop stiffening portions rear portion 180. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, as shown in
FIG. 1 , the centraltop portion 101 may be raised relative to the toe-side top portion 102 and the heel-side top portion 103, resulting in a raised centraltop portion 101. Variations in relative heights of the centraltop portion 101, toe-side top portion 102, and heel-side top portion 103 may improve aerodynamic performance by reducing a drag coefficient associated with thegolf club head 100. Variations in relative heights of the centraltop portion 101, toe-side top portion 102, and heel-side top portion 103 may provide a visual alignment aid. Variations in relative heights of the centraltop portion 101, toe-side top portion 102, and heel-side top portion 103, together with contoured transition regions (501, 502) with integral ribs, may enhance structural integrity of thetop portion 130. In another example, the centraltop portion 101 may be depressed relative to the toe-side top portion 102 and the heel-side top portion 103. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The total surface area of the
top portion 130 may include surface areas of the centraltop portion 101, toe-side top portion 102, heel-side top portion 103, firstcontoured transition region 501, secondcontoured transition region 502, and theforward portion 131. In one example, the surface area of the centraltop portion 101 may be less than or equal to 40% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In another example, the surface area of the centraltop portion 101 may be at least 10% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In another example, the surface area of the centraltop portion 101 may be at least 20% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In yet another example, the surface area of the centraltop portion 101 may be at least 30% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the centraltop portion 101 may be at least 40% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the centraltop portion 101 may be at least 50% of the surface area of thetop portion 130. In another example, the surface area of the centraltop portion 101 may be at least 60% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the centraltop portion 101 may be at least 70% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the centraltop portion 101 may be at least 80% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the centraltop portion 101 may be at least 90% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The toe-
side top portion 102 may be bounded by the firstcontoured transition region 501, a toe-side body perimeter 112, and theforward portion 131. In one example, the surface area of the toe-side top portion 102 may be at least 5% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In another example, the surface area of the toe-side top portion 102 may be at least 10% of the total surface area of thecrown portion 135. In yet another example, the surface area of the toe-side top portion 102 may be at least 15% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the toe-side top portion 102 may be at least 20% of the surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the toe-side top portion 102 may be at least 25% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the toe-side top portion 102 may be at least 30% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the toe-side top portion 102 may be at least 35% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the toe-side top portion 102 may be at least 40% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The heel-
side top portion 103 may be bounded by the secondcontoured transition region 502, a heel-side body perimeter 113, and theforward portion 131. In one example, the surface area of the heel-side top portion 103 may be at least 5% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In another example, the surface area of the heel-side top portion 103 may be at least 10% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In yet another example, the surface area of the heel-side top portion 103 may be at least 15% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the heel-side top portion 103 may be at least 20% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the heel-side top portion 103 may be at least 25% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. In still yet another example, the surface area of the heel-side top portion 103 may be at least 30% of the total surface area of thetop portion 130. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, the
outer surface 515 area of the centraltop portion 101 may be greater than or equal to 40% of a total outer surface area of thetop portion 130, theouter surface 516 area of the toe-side top portion 102 may be less than or equal to 30% of the total outer surface area of thetop portion 130, and theouter surface 517 area of the heel-side top portion 103 be less than or equal to 15% of the total outer surface area of thetop portion 130. In another example, theouter surface area 515 of the centraltop portion 101 may be greater than or equal to 50% of a total outer surface area of thetop portion 130, the outer surface area of the toe-side top portion 102 may be greater than or equal to 15% of the total outer surface area of thetop portion 130, and the outer surface area of the heel-side top portion 103 be greater than or equal to 5% of the total outer surface area of thetop portion 130. In another example, theouter surface area 515 of the centraltop portion 101 may be greater than or equal to 30% of a total outer surface area of thetop portion 130, the outer surface area of the toe-side top portion 102 may be greater than or equal to 10% of the total outer surface area of thetop portion 130, and the outer surface area of the heel-side top portion 103 be greater than or equal to 5% of the total outer surface area of thetop portion 130. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. -
FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the examplegolf club head 100 ofFIG. 1 with agolf ball 550 proximate to the face portion 275. Thegolf ball 550 may be in contact with and aligned with a geometric center 276 of the face portion 275. Thegolf ball 550 may have a diameter of about 1.68 inches. A centralvertical plane 593 bisects thegolf ball 550 and thegolf club head 100. A toe-side bounding plane 591 bounds a toe-side of thegolf club head 100. A heel-side bounding plane 595 bounds a heel-side of thegolf club head 100. A toe-side dividing plane 592 divides the toe-side of the golf club head and bounds a toe-side of thegolf ball 550. A heel-side dividing plane 594 divides the heel-side of the golf club head and bounds a heel-side of thegolf ball 550. Thetop portion 130 may include a perimeter that includes a toe-side perimeter, heel-side perimeter, front perimeter, and rear perimeter. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
top portion 130 of thegolf club head 100 may include a plurality of integral ribs. The integral ribs may form the top stiffening portion 136. The integral ribs (e.g., generally shown as 537, 538, and 539) may provide embedded structural supports within thetop portion 130. Each integral rib may be located in a top stiffening region adjacent to one or more thin portions. Thetop portion 130 may have contoured transition regions (e.g., generally shown as 501 and 502) between the thin portions and the thicker top stiffening portions where the integral ribs reside. Contoured transition regions may prevent or mitigate unwanted stress concentrations within thetop portion 130 by avoiding distinct edges between thin portions and adjacent thicker portions (e.g., such as 137, 138, or 139). Stress concentrations may be undesirable as they may result in cracking or delaminating of layers of thetop portion 130 during use of thegolf club head 100. For example, in an alternative embodiment having non-integral ribs attached to either an inner or outer surface of thetop portion 130, a distinct edge may exist at a junction formed between a non-integral rib and a surface of thetop portion 130, and that edge may introduce an unwanted stress concentration. After numerous ball strikes, presence of the stress concentration may result in cracking of thetop portion 130 proximate to the non-integral rib. This physical deterioration of thetop portion 130 may negatively impact performance of thegolf club head 100. For instance, as thetop portion 130 physically deteriorates, shot-to-shot variability may increase. Shot-to-shot variability may be unacceptable to an individual who requires consistent performance from thegolf club head 100. Physical deterioration of thetop portion 130 may also negatively affect appearance of thegolf club head 100. For the sake of long-term durability, consistency, and appearance, it is therefore desirable to have atop portion 130 with contoured transition regions (501, 502) between the thin portions and the thicker portions containing integral ribs. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
top portion 130 may include a toe-sideintegral rib 538. The toe-sideintegral rib 538 may extend from thefront perimeter 1132 of thecrown portion 135 to therear perimeter 1151 of the crown portion. The toe-sideintegral rib 538 may extend rearward from theforward portion 131. The toe-sideintegral rib 538 may extend rearward from a starting location between the centralvertical plane 593 and the toe-side dividing plane 592 and terminate at an ending location between the toe-side bounding plane 591 and the toe-side dividing plane 592. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, the toe-side
integral rib 538 may have a maximum thickness between and including 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm. In another example, the toe-sideintegral rib 538 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. In another example, the toe-sideintegral rib 538 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 2.0 mm. In another example, the toe-sideintegral rib 538 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 2.1 mm. In yet another example, the toe-sideintegral rib 538 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 2.2 mm. In yet another example, the toe-sideintegral rib 538 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 2.4 mm. While the above examples may describe particular thicknesses, the apparatus, methods, and article of manufacture described herein may include the toe-sideintegral rib 538 with a maximum thickness of less than 2 mm. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
top portion 130 may include a heel-sideintegral rib 539. The heel-sideintegral rib 539 may extend from afront perimeter 1132 of thecrown portion 135 to arear perimeter 1151 of the crown portion. The heel-sideintegral rib 539 may extend rearward from theforward portion 131. The heel-sideintegral rib 539 may extend rearward from a starting location between the centralvertical plane 593 and the heel-side dividing plane 594 and terminate at an ending location between the heel-side bounding plane 595 and the heel-side dividing plane 594. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, the heel-side
integral rib 539 may have a maximum thickness between and including 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm. In another example, the heel-sideintegral rib 539 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. In another example, the heel-sideintegral rib 539 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 2.0 mm. In another example, the heel-sideintegral rib 539 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 2.1 mm. In yet another example, the heel-sideintegral rib 539 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 2.4 mm. While the above examples may describe particular thicknesses, the apparatus, methods, and article of manufacture described herein may include the heel-sideintegral rib 539 with a maximum thickness of less than 2 mm. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
top portion 130 may include a centralintegral rib 537. The centralintegral rib 537 may extend along thefront perimeter 1132 of thecrown portion 135. The centralintegral rib 537 may extend from the toe-sideintegral rib 538 to the heel-sideintegral rib 539. The centralintegral rib 537 may extend from a forward-most end of the toe-sideintegral rib 538 to a forward-most end of the heel-sideintegral rib 539. The centralintegral rib 537 may extend a distance of at least 3 centimeters beside thejunction 132 formed between thefront perimeter 1132 of thecrown portion 135 and theforward portion 131 of thetop portion 130. The centralintegral rib 537 may be located between the toe-side dividing plane 592 and the heel-side dividing plane 594. The centralintegral rib 537 and the face portion 275 may have parallel curves. In one example, the centralintegral rib 537 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 2.0 mm. In another example, the centralintegral rib 537 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 2.1 mm. In yet another example, the centralintegral rib 537 may have a maximum thickness greater than or equal to 2.4 mm. While the above examples may describe particular thicknesses, the apparatus, methods, and article of manufacture described herein may include the centralintegral rib 537 with a maximum thickness of less than 2 mm. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The integral ribs (e.g., generally shown as 537, 538, and 539) may enhance the flexural strength of the
top portion 130. The integral ribs may enhance the compressive strength of thetop portion 130. The integral ribs may reduce outward deflection (e.g., bulging) of thetop portion 130 in response to an impact force transferred from thebody portion 110 to thecrown portion 135 during impact with a golf ball. The integral ribs may reduce deflection of thecrown portion 135 inward toward the interior cavity of thegolf club head 100 in response to a downward force applied to an outer surface of thecrown portion 135. Inward deflection of thecrown portion 135 may be easier to accurately measure in a test environment than outward deflection. In certain instances, resistance to inward deflection may correlate to resistance to outward deflection. Inward deflection may be measured by applying a downward force to an outer surface of the crown portion and measuring physical deflection of the crown portion with a suitable measuring device. In one example, when a downward force of 200 pound-force (lbf) is applied to the centraltop portion 101, the centraltop portion 101 may deflect less than 0.025 inch. In another example, when a downward force of 200 lbf is applied to the centraltop portion 101, the centraltop portion 101 may deflect less than 0.015 inch. In another example, when a downward force of 200 lbf is applied to the centraltop portion 101, the centraltop portion 101 may deflect less than 0.012 inch. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - Certain rules or regulations imposed by the USGA or other governing bodies may limit a spring-like effect of certain designs, materials, or constructions of golf club heads. To ensure a
club head 100 conforms to certain rules and regulations, it may therefore be desirable to minimize spring-like effects of certain aspects of the club head. For instance, it may be desirable to minimize a spring-like effect of thetop portion 130 by reinforcing the crown portion to minimize deflection during use. The integral ribs may allow thetop portion 130 to resist deflection better than a similar lightweight crown portion that lacks integral ribs. In one example, thetop portion 130 with integral ribs may only deflect inward about 0.012 inch whereas a crown portion without integral ribs may deflect about 0.020 inch in response to applying a downward force of 200 lbf to the respective crown portions. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , the toe-sideintegral rib 538 and the heel-sideintegral rib 539 may diverge in a front-to-rear direction along thetop portion 130. In another example, the toe-sideintegral rib 538 and heel-sideintegral rib 539 may converge in a front-to-rear direction along thetop portion 130. In yet another example, a toe-sideintegral rib 538 and a heel-sideintegral rib 539 may converge and then diverge in a front-to-rear direction along thetop portion 130. In another example, the toe-sideintegral rib 538 and heel-sideintegral rib 539 may be substantially parallel in a front-to-rear direction along thetop portion 130. The toe-side rib 538 may include one or more curved portions along its length. Similarly, the heel-side rib 539 may include one or more curved portions along its length. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - An outer surface of the
top portion 130 may have an anti-glare finish. An outer surface of thetop portion 130 may have a medium or low gloss appearance to reduce the amount of light reflected upward at an individual's eyes when aligning thegolf club head 100 with a golf ball and performing a golf shot. A relative gloss value may be determined by projecting a beam of light at a fixed intensity and angle onto the outer surface of thetop portion 130 and measuring the amount of light reflected at an equal but opposite angle upward at the individual. On a measurement scale, a specular reflectance of 0 gloss units (GU) may be associated with a perfectly matte surface, and a specular reflectance of 100 GU may be associated with a highly polished black glass material. Providing atop portion 130 with a relatively low specular reflectance may be desirable to reduce distraction perceived by the individual of thegolf club head 100, which may reduce mishits and thereby improve performance. In one example, an outer surface of thetop portion 130 may have a specular reflectance of less than 55 GU. In another example, the outer surface of thetop portion 130 may have a specular reflectance of less than 40 GU. In yet another example, the outer surface of thetop portion 130 may have a specular reflectance of less than 25 GU. In still another example, the outer surface of thetop portion 130 may have a specular reflectance of less than 10 GU. While the above examples may describe particular specular reflectance, the apparatus, methods, and article of manufacture may include the outer surface of thetop portion 130 with a specular reflectance greater than or equal to 55 GU. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In some examples, the outer surface of the
top portion 130 may include an antireflective coating 133. In one example, the antireflective coating 133 may have a specular reflectance of less than 55 GU. In another example, the antireflective coating 133 may have a specular reflectance of less than 40 GU. In yet another example, the antireflective coating 133 may have a specular reflectance of less than 25 GU. In still another example, the antireflective coating 133 may have a specular reflectance of less than 10 GU. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
golf club head 100 may include a plurality of weigh port regions. Each weight port region may include a weight port. Each weight port may include a weight. As shown inFIG. 6 , a firstweight port region 174 may be located closer to therear portion 180 than thefront portion 170. A secondweight port region 175 may be located closer to thetoe portion 150 than theheel portion 160. A thirdweight port region 176 may be located closer to theheel portion 160 than thetoe portion 150. A fourthweight port region 177 may be located closer to thefront portion 170 than therear portion 180. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The first
weight port region 174 may include afirst weight port 154 containing afirst weight portion 164. The secondweight port region 175 may include asecond weight port 155 containing asecond weight portion 165. The thirdweight port region 176 may include athird weight port 156 containing athird weight portion 166. The fourthweight port region 177 may include afourth weight port 157 containing afourth weight portion 167. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The set of weight portions (e.g., generally shown as
weight portions golf club head 100 for an individual using thegolf club head 100. In one example, the set of weight portions may collectively have a mass of at least 8 grams. In another example, the set of weight portions may collectively have a mass of at least 12 grams. In yet another example, the set of weight portions may collectively have a mass of between and including 8 grams and 13 grams. In still yet another example, the set of weight portions may collectively have a mass of between and including 12 grams and 16 grams. In still yet another example, the set of weight portions may collectively have a mass of between and including 15 grams and 19 grams. In still yet another example, the set of weight portions may collectively have a mass of between and including 18 grams and 22 grams. While the above examples may describe particular masses, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include the set of weight portions to have an aggregate mass of less than 8 grams or an aggregate mass of greater than 19 grams. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
bottom portion 140 of thegolf club head 100 may have ininner surface 142 and anouter surface 145. Thegolf club head 100 may include one or more raised portions protruding outward from theouter surface 145. Each raised portion may include a weight port region. Each weight port region may include a weight port. Each weight port may include a weight portion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
golf club head 100 may include a central protrusion 147 extending from theouter surface 145 of thebottom portion 140. The central protrusion 147 may extend from therear portion 180 toward thefront portion 170, as shown inFIG. 2 . The centralvertical plane 593 may pass through the central protrusion 147. The centralvertical plane 593 may bisect the central protrusion 147. The central protrusion 147 may be located between the toe-side dividing plane 592 and the heel-side dividing plane 594, as shown inFIG. 6 . The central protrusion 147 may include the firstweight port region 174. The centralvertical plane 593 may pass through thefirst weight port 154 and thefirst weight portion 164. The centralvertical plane 593 may bisect thefirst weight port 154 and thefirst weight portion 164. The central protrusion 147 may include the fourthweight port region 177. The centralvertical plane 593 may pass through thefourth weight port 157 and thefourth weight portion 167. The centralvertical plane 593 may bisect thefourth weight port 157 and thefourth weight portion 167. The central protrusion 147 may allow placement of weight portions (e.g. 164, 167) a greater distance from a center point of thegolf club head 100 to increase perimeter weighting and moment of inertia (MOI) without increasing club head volume. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
golf club head 100 may include a toe-side protrusion 148 extending from theouter surface 145 of thebottom portion 140. The toe-side protrusion 148 may be located between the toe-side dividing plane 592 and the toe-side bounding plane 591. The toe-side protrusion 148 may be located closer to therear portion 180 than thefront portion 170. The toe-side protrusion 148 may include the secondweight port region 175. The toe-side protrusion 148 may allow placement of the weight portion 165 a greater distance from the center point of thegolf club head 100 to increase perimeter weighting and MOI without increasing club head volume. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
golf club head 100 may include a heel-side protrusion 149 extending from theouter surface 145 of thebottom portion 140. The heel-side protrusion 149 may be located between the heel-side dividing plane 594 and the heel-side bounding plane 595. The heel-side protrusion 149 may be located closer to therear portion 180 than thefront portion 170. The heel-side protrusion 149 may include the thirdweight port region 176. The heel-side protrusion 149 may allow placement of the weight portion 166 a greater distance from the center point of thegolf club head 100 to increase perimeter weighting and MOI without increasing club head volume. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
golf club head 100 may include aninsert 1350. Theinsert 1350 may be a vibration-dampening insert. Theinsert 1350 may be a sound-enhancing insert that attenuates certain frequencies. Theinsert 1350 may include a filler material. As shown inFIG. 9 , theinsert 1350 may be located on theinner surface 142 of thebottom portion 140 of thegolf club head 100. Theinsert 1350 may be adjacent to one or more of the weight port regions. Theinsert 1350 may surround one or more of the weight ports. Theinsert 1350 may abut one or more of the weight port regions. Theinsert 1350 may abut the thirdweight port region 176. Theinsert 1350 may be closer to theheel portion 160 than thetoe portion 150. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
insert 1350 may be located between the centralvertical plane 593 and the heel-side bounding plane 595. Theinsert 1350 may be located between the heel-side dividing plane 594 and the heel-side bounding plane 595. Theinsert 1350 may be located between the central protrusion 147 and the heel-side bounding plane 595. Theinsert 1350 may be located between the heel-sideintegral rib 539 and theinner surface 142 of thebottom portion 140. Theinsert 1350 may extend from a front side of thethird weight port 156 to a rear side of the third weight port, as shown inFIG. 10 . Theinsert 1350 may surround or partially surround thethird weight port 156. Theinsert 1350 may include a plurality of hexagonal recesses. The hexagonal recesses may define a honeycomb pattern. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The filler material may be an elastic polymer or elastomer material (e.g., a viscoelastic urethane polymer material such as Sorbothane® material manufactured by Sorbothane, Inc., Kent, Ohio), a thermoplastic elastomer material (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU), and/or other suitable types of materials to absorb shock, isolate vibration, and/or dampen noise. In another example, the filler material may be a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer comprising a magnesium ionomer, an injection moldable ethylene copolymer that may be used in conventional injection molding equipment to create various shapes, an ethylene copolymer that can be used in conventional extrusion equipment to create various shapes, and/or an ethylene copolymer having high compression and low resilience similar to thermoset polybutadiene rubbers. For example, the ethylene copolymer may include any of the ethylene copolymers associated with DuPont™ High-Performance Resin (HPF) family of materials (e.g., DuPont™ HPF AD1172, DuPont™ HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000 and DuPont™ HPF 2000), which are manufactured by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del. The DuPont™ HPF family of ethylene copolymers are injection moldable and may be used with conventional injection molding equipment and molds, provide low compression, and provide high resilience. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
- In the example of
FIGS. 14-17 , agolf club head 1400 may include abody portion 1410 with atop portion 1430, acrown portion 1435, abottom portion 1440, atoe portion 1450, aheel portion 1460, afront portion 1470, and arear portion 1480. Thebottom portion 1440 may include askirt portion 1490 defined as a side portion of thegolf club head 1400 between thetop portion 1430 and thebottom portion 1440 excluding thefront portion 1470 and extending across a periphery of thegolf club head 1400 from thetoe portion 1450, around therear portion 1480, and to theheel portion 1460. Alternatively, thegolf club head 1400 may not include theskirt portion 1490. Thefront portion 1470 may include aface portion 1510 to engage a golf ball. Theface portion 1510 may be integral to thebody portion 1410 or may be partially or fully a separate piece that is coupled (e.g., welded) to thefront portion 1470 to enclose aninterior cavity 1412 of thebody portion 1410. Thebody portion 1410 may also include ahosel portion 1465 configured to receive a shaft portion (not shown). Thehosel portion 1465 may be similar in many respects to any of the hosel portions described herein. The hosel portion may include an interchangeable hosel sleeve (not shown) and afastener 1427. Alternatively, thebody portion 1410 may include a bore instead of thehosel portion 1465. Thebody portion 1410 may be made partially or entirely from any of the materials described herein for thegolf club head 100 and may be similar in many respects to thegolf club head 100. Thegolf club head 1400 may be similar in many respects to any of the golf club heads described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
crown portion 1435 may define a separate crown portion insert that may be attached to thetop portion 1430. The crown portion insert may enclose an opening (shown for example inFIG. 12 ) in thetop portion 1430. The configuration of thetop portion 1430 may be similar in many respects to thetop portion 130 of thegolf club head 100. The configuration of the opening in thetop portion 1430 and thecrown portion 1435 may be similar in many respects to the openings and crown portions of any of the golf club heads described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
golf club head 1400 may include a plurality of weigh port regions with each weight portion region having one or more weight ports and weight portions. As shown inFIG. 15 , thegolf club head 1400 may include a firstweight port region 1674 at or proximate to therear portion 1480 with afirst weight port 1654 containing afirst weight portion 1664, a secondweight port region 1676 at or proximate to thefront portion 1470 with asecond weight port 1656 containing asecond weight portion 1666, and thirdweight port region 1677 at or proximate to theheel portion 1460 with athird weight port 1657 containing a third weight portion 1667. In another example, the configuration and number of the weight port regions, weight ports, and weight portions may be similar in many respects to the same parts, respectively, of the golf club head 100 (i.e., four weight port regions, weight ports, and weight portions). In yet other examples, the configuration of the weight ports and weight portions may be similar in many respects to the weight ports and weight portions of any of the golf club heads described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The configuration of the
bottom portion 1440, the structural configuration of theinterior cavity 1412, and the configuration of any one or more inserts in theinterior cavity 1412 of thegolf club head 1400 may be similar in many respects to similar parts, respectively, of thegolf club head 100. Further, the configuration of any one or more inserts in the interior cavity may be similar in many respects to any of the one or more inserts described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
face portion 1510 may include afront surface 1520 having a plurality ofgrooves 1521 and arear surface 1530. Thefront surface 1520 and thegrooves 1521 may be configured to strike a golf ball. In one example, as shown inFIGS. 14-18 , theface portion 1510 may include anouter face portion 1515 that may be integral with thebody portion 1410 and surround aface opening 1517 in the face portion. Aface insert portion 1550 may be attached to theouter face portion 1515 to close theface opening 1517 and enclose theinterior cavity 1412. Theface opening 1517 may include aperimeter edge 1522 and theface insert portion 1550 may include aperimeter edge 1552. A gap (not shown) may exist between theperimeter edge 1552 of theface insert portion 1550 and theperimeter edge 1522 of theface opening 1517. In one example, the gap may be a V-shaped gap to enhance weld penetration. During manufacturing, the gap may be entirely or partially filled with weld material during a welding process in which theface insert portion 1550 is joined to theouter face portion 1515. A sanding or polishing process may follow by which excess weld material is removed to produce a smooth surface across thefront portion 1470 of thegolf club head 1400 and any excess weld material from therear surface 1530 of theface portion 1510. While the above example may describe thebody portion 1410 and theface insert portion 1550 as separate components of thegolf club head 1400, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include golf club heads with the face portion being an integral part of the body portion (i.e., not separate components). In another example, theouter face portion 1515 and theface insert portion 1550 may be a one-piece part. Accordingly, theface portion 1510 may be attached to thefront portion 1470 as described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications to enclose theinterior cavity 1412. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, as shown in
FIGS. 16-18 , theface insert portion 1550 may include afirst portion 1720 having a first thickness 1722 (T1), asecond portion 1730 having a second thickness 1732 (T2), and athird portion 1740 having a third thickness 1742 (T3). Thesecond portion 1730 may also be referred to herein as afirst transition portion 1730, which may define a transition in thickness between thefirst portion 1720 and thethird portion 1740. In one example, as shown inFIG. 18 , thefirst thickness 1722 may be greater than the third thickness 1742 (T1>T3). Thesecond thickness 1732 may vary between thefirst thickness 1722 and thethird thickness 1742. In other words, thesecond portion 1730 may be atransition portion 1730 that provides a transition in the thickness of theface insert portion 1550 between thefirst portion 1720 and thethird portion 1740. Theface portion 1510 may further include afourth portion 1750 having a fourth thickness 1752 (T4) and afifth portion 1760 having a fifth thickness 1762 (T5). Thefifth portion 1750 may be defined by theouter face portion 1515. As described herein, theface insert portion 1550 may have a greater thickness than theouter face portion 1515. Accordingly, thethird thickness 1742 may be greater than the fifth thickness 1762 (i.e., the thickness of the outer face portion 1515). Thefourth thickness 1752 may vary between thethird thickness 1742 and thefifth thickness 1762. In other words, thefourth portion 1750 may be asecond transition portion 1750 that provides a transition in thickness betweenface insert portion 1550 and theouter face portion 1515. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
first transition portion 1730 may surround thefirst portion 1720 at aninner perimeter 1724. Accordingly, at theinner perimeter 1724, which may define a boundary between thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730, thefirst thickness 1722 and thesecond thickness 1732 may be the same or slightly vary due to manufacturing tolerances. From theinner perimeter 1724, thesecond thickness 1732 may decrease up to anouter perimeter 1734, which may define a boundary between thetransition portion 1730 and thethird portion 1740. Accordingly, at theouter perimeter 1734, thesecond thickness 1732 and thethird thickness 1742 may be the same or slightly vary due to manufacturing tolerances. In one example, as shown inFIGS. 16-18 , the decrease in thesecond thickness 1732 from theinner perimeter 1724 to theouter perimeter 1734 may have a shallow or slight s-shaped path or profile. In other examples, some of which may be described herein, the decrease in thesecond thickness 1732 from theinner perimeter 1724 to theouter perimeter 1734 may have any path or profile. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, the
first thickness 1722 may be greater than or equal to 0.1 inch (2.54 millimeters) and less than or equal to 0.2 inch (5.08 mm). In another example, thefirst thickness 1722 may be greater than or equal to 0.12 inch (3.05 millimeters) and less than or equal to 0.19 inch (4.83 mm). In yet another example, thefirst thickness 1722 may be greater than or equal to 0.13 inch (3.3 millimeters) and less than or equal to 0.16 inch (4.06 mm). As described herein, thefirst thickness 1722 may be determined to provide certain performance characteristics or optimum performance characteristics for thegolf club head 1400 without compromising the structural integrity of theface portion 1510. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, the
third thickness 1742 may be greater than or equal to 0.09 inch (2.29 millimeters) and less than or equal to 0.16 inch (4.06 mm). In another example, thethird thickness 1742 may be greater than or equal to 0.1 inch (2.54 millimeters) and less than or equal to 0.15 inch (3.81 mm). In yet another example, thethird thickness 1742 may be greater than or equal to 0.12 inch (3.05 millimeters) and less than or equal to 0.14 inch (3.56 mm). As described herein, thethird thickness 1742 may be determined to provide certain performance characteristics or optimum performance characteristics for thegolf club head 1400 without compromising the structural integrity of theface portion 1510. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, the
fifth thickness 1762 may be greater than or equal to 0.06 inch (1.52 millimeters) and less than or equal to 0.12 inch (3.05 mm). In another example, thefifth thickness 1762 may be greater than or equal to 0.08 inch (2.03 millimeters) and less than or equal to 0.11 inch (2.79 mm). In yet another example, thefifth thickness 1762 may be greater than or equal to 0.09 inch (2.29 millimeters) and less than or equal to 0.10 inch (2.54 mm). As described herein, thefifth thickness 1762 may be determined to provide certain performance characteristics or optimum performance characteristics for thegolf club head 1400 without compromising the structural integrity of theface portion 1510. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, the variation in the
second thickness 1732 may be linear (an example shown inFIG. 29 ) between theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter 1734. Alternatively, the variation in thesecond thickness 1732 may be nonlinear between theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter 1734. For example, as shown inFIG. 18 , the variation in thesecond thickness 1732 may be follow a slightly curved s-shaped path (another example shown inFIG. 34 ). In other words, thesecond thickness 1732 may follow a slight concave path to curve downward from thefirst thickness 1722 and then follow a slight convex path to level with thethird thickness 1742. The variation in the second thickness 1732 (e.g., various examples shown inFIGS. 29-34 ) may follow a concave path, a convex path, a compound curve, a stepwise shape, or any linear or nonlinear shape. The variation in thefourth thickness 1752 may also follow a linear path, concave path, a convex path, a compound curvature, a stepwise shape, or any nonlinear shape. For example, as shown inFIG. 18 , the variation in thefourth thickness 1752 may follow a linear path from thethird thickness 1742 to thefifth thickness 1762. The variation in thesecond thickness 1732 and/or the variation in thefourth thickness 1752 may also depend on the method of manufacturing therear surface 1530 of theface portion 1510. For example, for aface insert portion 1550 that is manufactured by milling or machining, the variation in thesecond thickness 1732 may depend on the shape and movement patterns of the tip of the machining tool used to manufacture thetransition portion 1730. In another example, the variation in thesecond thickness 1732 may not be similar at different locations on thetransition portion 1730. For example, the variation in thesecond thickness 1732 and/or thefourth thickness 1752 may be linear at one portion and curved (e.g., convex or concave) at another portion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - As shown in
FIGS. 16-18 , any variation in the thickness of theface portion 1510 may be defined by variations in theheight 1531 of therear surface 1530 of the face portion 1510 (i.e., the distance by which therear surface 1530 projects into theinterior cavity 1412 of thegolf club head 1400 from the front surface 1520), whereas thefront surface 1520 of theface portion 1510, which is configured to strike a golf ball, has a generally smooth or uniform surface profile except for the plurality ofgrooves 1521. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
first portion 1720 may be located at a center region of theface portion 1510 or at a sweet spot region of theface portion 1510. The sweet spot region may be a region of theface portion 1510 that may provide optimum performance characteristics for thegolf club head 1400 when striking a golf ball. The sweet spot region may also represent a region of theface portion 1510 that may have a higher probability of ball strikes than other locations on theface portion 1510. Thefirst portion 1720 may be partially or fully within the sweet spot region, overlap the sweet spot region, and/or envelope the sweet spot region. The shape, size, and/or thickness of thefirst portion 1720, thesecond portion 1730, and/or thethird portion 1740 may be determined and/or optimized to provide thegolf club head 1400 with certain performance characteristics such as a particular range of CT values, a particular range of COR values, and/or dampened vibration and sound without compromising the structural integrity of theface portion 1510. Thefirst portion 1720 may have any shape. In one example, as shown inFIG. 17 , thefirst portion 1720 may have a slightly curved or rounded trapezoidal shape that may expand in width (i.e., the dimension between thetop portion 1430 and the bottom portion 1440) in a direction towardtoe portion 1450. As shown inFIG. 17 , the slightly rounded trapezoidal shape of thefirst portion 1720 may also be slightly rotated or tilted upward to generally correspond with the configuration of theface portion 1510 and/or the configuration of the sweet spot. As described further herein, thefirst portion 1720 may have any shape and size to provide thegolf club head 1400 with certain performance characteristics. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, as shown in
FIG. 17 , thetransition portion 1730 may have a constanttransition portion width 1738 such that theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter 1734 have generally the same shape with theinner perimeter 1724 being centered with and nested in theouter perimeter 1734. In other words, theinner perimeter 1724 may be generally parallel with theouter perimeter 1734. Thethird portion 1740 may surround thetransition portion 1730 and extend from theouter perimeter 1734 to theperimeter edge 1552 of theface insert portion 1550. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, an area of the
first portion 1720 may be greater than or equal to 0.7 inch2 (451.61 mm2) and less than or equal to 1.6 inch2 (1032.26 mm2). In another example, an area of thefirst portion 1720 may be greater than or equal to 0.88 inch2 (567.74 mm2) and less than or equal to 1.42 inch2 (916.13 mm2). In yet another example, an area of thefirst portion 1720 may be greater than or equal to 1.06 inch2 (683.87 mm2) and less than or equal to 1.24 inch2 (800.00 mm2). The area of thefirst portion 1720 relative to theface insert portion 1550 may be determined to provide certain performance characteristics or optimum performance characteristics for thegolf club head 1400. In one example, the area of thefirst portion 1720 may be greater than or equal to 25% of the area of theface insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 40% of the area of theface insert portion 1550. In another example, the area of thefirst portion 1720 may be greater than or equal to 28% of the area of theface insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 37% of the area of theface insert portion 1550. In yet another example, the area of thefirst portion 1720 may be greater than or equal to 31% of the area of theface insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 34% of the area of theface insert portion 1550. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, an area of the
second portion 1730 may be greater than or equal to 1.0 inch2 (645.16 mm2) and less than or equal to 2.3 inch2 (1483.87 mm2). In another example, an area of thesecond portion 1730 may be greater than or equal to 1.26 inch2 (812.90 mm2) and less than or equal to 2.04 inch2 (1316.13 mm2). In yet another example, an area of thesecond portion 1730 may be greater than or equal to 1.52 inch2 (980.64 mm2) and less than or equal to 1.78 inch2 (1148.38 mm2). The area of thesecond portion 1730 relative to theface insert portion 1550 may be determined to provide certain performance characteristics or optimum performance characteristics for thegolf club head 1400. In one example, the area of thesecond portion 1730 may be greater than or equal to 35% of the area of theface insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 55% of the area of theface insert portion 1550. In another example, the area of thesecond portion 1730 may be greater than or equal to 38% of the area of theface insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 52% of the area of theface insert portion 1550. In yet another example, the area of thesecond portion 1730 may be greater than or equal to 41% of the area of theface insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 49% of the area of theface insert portion 1550. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, an area of the
third portion 1740 may be greater than or equal to 0.5 inch2 (322.58 mm2) and less than or equal to 1.1 inch2 (709.68 mm2). In another example, an area of thethird portion 1740 may be greater than or equal to 0.62 inch2 (400.00 mm2) and less than or equal to 0.98 inch2 (632.26 mm2). In yet another example, an area of thethird portion 1740 may be greater than or equal to 0.74 inch2 (477.42 mm2) and less than or equal to 0.86 inch2 (554.84 mm2). The area of thethird portion 1740 relative to theface insert portion 1550 may be determined to provide certain performance characteristics or optimum performance characteristics for thegolf club head 1400. In one example, the area of thethird portion 1740 may be greater than or equal to 15% of the area of theface insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 30% of the area of theface insert portion 1550. In another example, the area of thethird portion 1740 may be greater than or equal to 18% of the area of theface insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 27% of the area of theface insert portion 1550. In yet another example, the area of thethird portion 1740 may be greater than or equal to 21% of the area of theface insert portion 1550 and less than or equal to 24% of the area of theface insert portion 1550. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, an area of the
fourth portion 1750 may be greater than or equal to 0.5 inch2 (322.58 mm2) and less than or equal to 0.9 inch2 (580.64 mm2). In another example, an area of thefourth portion 1750 may be greater than or equal to 0.58 inch2 (374.19 mm2) and less than or equal to 0.82 inch2 (529.03 mm2). In yet another example, an area of thefourth portion 1750 may be greater than or equal to 0.66 inch2 (425.81 mm2) and less than or equal to 0.74 inch2 (477.42 mm2). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, an area of the
fifth portion 1760 may be greater than or equal to 1.9 inch2 (1225.80 mm2) and less than or equal to 3.3 inch2 (2129.03 mm2). In another example, an area of thefifth portion 1760 may be greater than or equal to 2.18 inch2 (1406.45 mm2) and less than or equal to 3.02 inch2 (1948.38 mm2). In yet another example, an area of thefifth portion 1760 may be greater than or equal to 2.46 inch2 (1587.09 mm2) and less than or equal to 2.74 inch2 (1767.74 mm2). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The area of the
face insert portion 1550 relative to the area offace portion 1510 may be determined to provide certain performance characteristics or optimum performance characteristics for thegolf club head 1400 without compromising the structural integrity of thegolf club head 1400. In one example, the area of theface insert portion 1550 may be greater than or equal to 40% of the area of theface portion 1510 and less than or equal to 60% of the area of theface portion 1510. In another example, the area of theface insert portion 1550 may be greater than or equal to 45% of the area of theface portion 1510 and less than or equal to 55% of the area of theface portion 1510. In yet another example, the area of theface insert portion 1550 may be greater than or equal to 48% of the area of theface portion 1510 and less than or equal to 53% of the area of theface portion 1510. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
first portion 1720, thesecond portion 1730, and/or thethird portion 1740 may have any shape to provide certain performance characteristics or optimum performance characteristics for thegolf club head 1400. In one example, as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 , thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 may have a rectangular shape having rounded corners. In one example, as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 , thetransition portion 1730 may have a constanttransition portion width 1738 such that theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter 1734 have generally the same shape and theinner perimeter 1724 is centered and nested in theouter perimeter 1734. In other words, theinner perimeter 1724 may be generally parallel with theouter perimeter 1734. In another example (not shown), thetransition portion width 1738 may vary at one of more locations in thetransition portion 1730. InFIG. 20 , the shape of thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 may be elongated and slightly tilted upward relative to the shape and orientation of thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730, respectively, that are shown inFIG. 19 . Accordingly, thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 shown in the example ofFIG. 20 have larger areas than the corresponding parts, respectively, that are shown inFIG. 19 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, as shown in
FIGS. 21 and 22 , thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 may have an elliptical shape. In one example, as shown inFIGS. 21 and 22 , thetransition portion 1730 may have a constanttransition portion width 1738 such that theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter 1734 have generally the same shape and theinner perimeter 1724 is centered and nested in theouter perimeter portion 1734. In other words, theinner perimeter 1724 may be generally parallel with theouter perimeter portion 1734. In another example (not shown), thetransition portion width 1738 may vary at one of more locations in thetransition portion 1730. InFIG. 22 , the elliptical shape of thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 may be elongated and slightly tilted upward relative to the corresponding shapes, respectively, that are shown inFIG. 21 . Accordingly, thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 shown in the example of FIG. 22 have larger areas than the corresponding parts, respectively, that are shown inFIG. 21 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, as shown in
FIG. 23 , thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 may have a rhombus-like shape having rounded corners. In one example, as shown inFIG. 23 , thetransition portion 1730 may have a constanttransition portion width 1738 such that theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter 1734 have generally the same shape and theinner perimeter 1724 is centered and nested in theouter perimeter 1734. In other words, theinner perimeter 1724 may be generally parallel with theouter perimeter 1734. In another example (not shown), thetransition portion width 1738 may vary at one of more locations in thetransition portion 1730. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, as shown in
FIG. 24 , thefirst portion 1720 and/or thetransition portion 1730 may have a circular shape. In one example, as shown inFIG. 24 , thetransition portion 1730 may have a constanttransition portion width 1738 such that theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter 1734 have generally the same shape and theinner perimeter 1724 is concentric with theouter perimeter 1734. In other words, theinner perimeter 1724 may be generally parallel with theouter perimeter 1734. In another example (not shown), thetransition portion width 1738 may vary at one of more locations in thetransition portion 1730. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - As shown in the examples of
FIGS. 16 and 19-24 , thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 may have any geometric shape. However, thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 may have any simple or complex geometric and/or non-geometric shapes. For example, thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 may have shapes that may be constructed from a combination of simple geometric shapes. In one example, as shown inFIG. 25 , thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 may have a four-lobed shape that may be constructed from a combination of two transversely intersecting elliptical shapes (shown in dashed lines). In the example ofFIG. 25 , thetransition portion 1730 may have a constanttransition portion width 1738 such that theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter 1734 have generally the same shape and theinner perimeter 1724 is concentric with theouter perimeter 1734. In another example (not shown), thetransition portion width 1738 may vary at one of more locations in thetransition portion 1730. In another example, as shown inFIG. 26 , thefirst portion 1720 and thetransition portion 1730 may have a geometric shape that may be similar to a figure eight shape and constructed from a combination of two intersecting circular shapes (shown in dashed lines). In the example ofFIG. 26 , thetransition portion 1730 may have a constanttransition portion width 1738 such that theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter portion 1734 have generally the same shape and theinner perimeter 1724 is concentric with theouter perimeter portion 1734. In another example (not shown), thetransition portion width 1738 may vary at one of more locations in thetransition portion 1730. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - As shown in the examples of
FIGS. 16 and 19-26 , thetransition portion 1740 may have a constanttransition portion width 1738 such that theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter portion 1734 have generally the same shape and theinner perimeter 1724 is concentric with theouter perimeter 1734. In other words, theinner perimeter 1724 may be generally parallel with theouter perimeter 1734. However, theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter 1734 may have any shape that may result in a variabletransition portion width 1738 on theface portion 1510. In one example, as shown inFIG. 27 , theinner perimeter 1724 may have an elliptical shape and theouter perimeter 1734 may have a trapezoidal shape. In another example, as shown inFIG. 28 , theinner perimeter 1724 may have a circular shape and theouter perimeter 1734 has an elliptical shape. Accordingly, in the examples ofFIGS. 27 and 28 , thetransition portion width 1738 may vary at different locations on theface portion 1510. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
transition portion thickness 1732 may also vary in profile between theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter 1734 for any of the configurations of theface insert portion 1550 described herein. For example, with reference toFIGS. 28-30 , thetransition portion thickness 1732 inregion 2910, which has a relatively largetransition portion width 1738, may have a linear profile having a smaller slope than a linear profile of the variation in thetransition portion thickness 1732 inregion 2920, which has a relatively smalltransition portion width 1738. In other words, the variation intransition portion thickness 1732 is more gradual inregion 2910 than the variation intransition portion thickness 1732 inregion 2920. In another example, and with reference toFIGS. 28, 31, and 32 , thetransition portion 1730 may have a convex thickness profile. Accordingly, thetransition portion thickness 1732 inregion 2910, which has a relatively largetransition portion width 1738, may have a smaller (i.e., shallower) curvature than a curvature of the variation in thetransition portion thickness 1732 inregion 2920, which has a smalltransition portion width 1738. In yet another example, as illustrated inFIGS. 28, 33, and 34 , thetransition portion 1730 may have an s-shaped curvature. Accordingly, thetransition portion thickness 1732 inregion 2910, which has a relatively largetransition portion width 1738, may have a slight and elongated s-shaped curvature, whereas thetransition portion thickness 1732 inregion 2920, which has a smalltransition portion width 1738, may have a relatively sharp and shortened s-shaped curvature. Accordingly, the variation intransition portion thickness 1732 may be more gradual inregion 2910 than the variation in thetransition portion thickness 1732 inregion 2920. Thus, in one example, the rate of change in thetransition portion thickness 1732 between theinner perimeter 1724 and theouter perimeter portion 1734 at any location on thetransition portion 1730 may depend on the magnitude of thetransition portion width 1738 and the profile of the variation of the transition portion thickness 1732 (i.e., linear, curved, etc.). In other examples of theface portion 1510, thetransition portion thickness 1732 may vary in any manner (not shown) at any location in thetransition portion 1730 to provide certain performance characteristics for thegolf club head 1400. Thetransition portion thickness 1752 may also be configured to have any profile shape as described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example (not shown), the
outer face portion 1515 and theface insert portion 1550 may be made from the same material. Referring toFIGS. 14-18 , for example, theouter face portion 1515 may be made from titanium or titanium alloy, whereas theface insert portion 1550 may be made from steel. In another example (not shown), theouter face portion 1515 may be made from a composite material, whereas theface insert portion 1550 may be made from one or more metals or metal alloys. In yet another example, theface insert portion 1550 may be made from two or more different materials. For example, thefirst portion 1720 may be made from steel and thethird portion 1740 may be made from titanium or a titanium alloy. Theouter face portion 1515 and theface insert portion 1550 may be made from one or more materials to provide certain performance characteristics or optimum performance characteristics for thegolf club head 1400. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In the example of
FIGS. 35-40 , thegolf club head 1400 may include asystem 3500 for improving COR. In the illustrated example, afirst protrusion 3510 and asecond protrusion 3520 may be coupled to therear surface 1530 of theface portion 1510. Thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520 may be located at or proximate theperimeter edge 1522 at a toe-side portion 3530 and a heel-side portion 3540 of therear surface 1530, respectively. Accordingly, thefirst protrusion 3510 may be also referred to herein as the toe-side protrusion, and thesecond protrusion 3520 may be also referred to herein as the heel-side protrusion 3520. In one example, the toe-side portion 3530 may include a portion of therear surface 1530 located between a centerlongitudinal plane 3550 and a toe-side bounding plane 3552 of thegolf club head 1400. In another example, the toe-side portion 3530 may include a portion of therear surface 1530 located between the toe-side bounding plane 3552 and a toe-side dividing plane 3554 located between and equidistant to the centerlongitudinal plane 3550 and the toe-side bounding plane 3552. In one example, the heel-side portion 3540 may be include a portion of therear surface 1530 located between the centerlongitudinal plane 3550 and a heel-side bounding plane 3556 of thegolf club head 1400. In another example, the heel-side portion 3540 may include a portion of therear surface 1530 located between the heel-side bounding plane 3556 and a heel-side dividing plane 3558 located between and equidistant to the centerlongitudinal plane 3550 and the heel-side bounding plane 3556. Thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520 may be made from a material similar to or different from theface portion 1510 including any of the materials described herein. In one example, thefirst protrusion 3510 and/or thesecond protrusion 3520 may be integral with theface portion 1510. In another example, thefirst protrusion 3510 and/or thesecond protrusion 3520 may be provided separately and joined to the face portion 1510 (e.g., via welding, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, a combination thereof, or the like). Thefirst protrusion 3510 and/or thesecond protrusion 3520 may be oblong having a uniform or variable cross section. Thefirst protrusion 3510 and/or thesecond protrusion 3520 may each include a corresponding receptacle shown as afirst receptacle 3710 and asecond receptacle 3720. In one example, as shown inFIGS. 35-40 , thefirst receptacle 3710 and thesecond receptacle 3720 may be defined by slits or slots. Thefirst receptacle 3710 and thesecond receptacle 3720 may be disposed adjacent theperimeter edge 1522 and may be oriented to point slightly away from therear surface 1530 in a club-inward direction. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - In one example, as illustrated in
FIGS. 35-40 , abridge structure 3560 may be removably coupled to thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520 and may extend between thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520. Thebridge structure 3560 may extend laterally in a toe-to-heel direction. Thebridge structure 3560 may be coupled to thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520 by any means. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS. 35-40 , thebridge structure 3560 may include afirst end portion 3910 configured to be entirely or partially received in thefirst receptacle 3710 and asecond end portion 3920 configured to be entirely or partially received in thesecond receptacle 3720 to assemble thebridge structure 3560 to theface portion 1510. Thebridge structure 3560 may be flexible or semi-rigid and may be straight or have a slight bow in a disassembled state. Thebridge structure 3560 may have a length determined such that thebridge structure 3560 is compressed when assembled to thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520. In the assembled state, thebridge structure 3560 may exhibit increased bowing in a direction away from therear surface 1530 of theface portion 1510. As a result, thebridge structure 3560 may structurally reinforce theface portion 1510 by exerting force against theface portion 1510 by virtue of thebridge structure 3560 being compressed by thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520. In one example, thebridge structure 3560 may exert a continuous and simultaneous force (e.g., tension) against theface portion 1510 having a toe-ward component and a heel-ward component as is generally represented byforce arrows face portion 1510 may have reduced elasticity, or said differently, theface portion 1510 may exhibit a reduced spring-like effect during impact. In practice, thebridge structure 3560 may have the effect of lowering the CT of thegolf club head 1400. Accordingly, by adopting thesystem 3500, thegolf club head 1400 or any other example golf club head may be constructed with a relativelythinner face portion 1510 to increase the CT toward the legal limit established by the rules of golf while maintaining structural integrity through repeated impacts. Compared to a golf club head having a similar CT but lacking the bridge structure, the relativelythinner face portion 1510 of the present example may exhibit an improved COR when impacting a golf ball thereby producing higher ball speeds at similar CT values. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - The
bridge structure 3560 may be made from a single material or multiple materials. In one example, thebridge structure 3560 may be made from a composite material. In another example, thebridge structure 3560 may be made from a high strength polymer material. In another example, thebridge structure 3560 may be made from a metallic alloy. In yet another example, thebridge structure 3560 may be made with a plurality of layers having similar or different materials. In one example, thebridge structure 3560 may be frictionally engaged to thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520. Additionally or alternatively, thebridge structure 3560 may be secured to thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520 using adhesive and/or mechanical fasteners. In another example, thebridge structure 3560 may be directly attached to therear surface 1530 of theface portion 1510 without the use of thefirst protrusion 3510 or thesecond protrusion 3520 by welding, with one or more adhesives, and/or with fasteners. Thebridge structure 3560 may be configured as a strip having uniform or variable thickness and uniform or variable width. In one example, thebridge structure 3560 may gradually reduce in thickness toward thefirst end portion 3910 and thesecond end portion 3920. In another example, thebridge structure 3560 may gradually reduce in width toward thefirst end portion 3910 and thesecond end portion 3920. Thebridge structure 3560 may be assembled to thegolf club head 1400 by inserting one of the end portions (e.g., first end portion 3910) into the receptacle (first receptacle 3710) of the corresponding protrusion (e.g., first protrusion 3510) followed by inserting the other end portion (e.g., second end portion 3920) into the receptacle (e.g., second receptacle 3720) of the remaining protrusion (e.g., second protrusion 3520), or vice versa. Based on the length of thebridge structure 3560, an individual may be required to compress thebridge structure 3560 into a flexed or bowed position in order to assemble thebridge structure 3560 to the first andsecond protrusions bridge structure 3560 may be frictionally engaged to the first andsecond protrusions face portion 1510. Additionally or alternatively, an adhesive and/or mechanical fasteners may be employed to secure thebridge structure 3560 to the first andsecond protrusions bridge structure 3560, a variety of CT and COR values may be achieved to impart additional club head performance and club head design options. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - Referring to
FIG. 41 , thegolf club head 1400 is depicted incorporating another example of asystem 4100 for improving COR. In the illustrated example, afirst protrusion 4110 and asecond protrusion 4120 may be coupled to therear surface 1530 of theface portion 1510. Thefirst protrusion 4110 and thesecond protrusion 4120 may be located at or proximate theperimeter edge 1522 at a top-side portion 4130 and a bottom-side portion 4140 of therear surface 1530, respectively. Accordingly, thefirst protrusion 4110 may be also referred to herein as the top-side protrusion 4110, and thesecond protrusion 4120 may be also referred to herein as the bottom-side protrusion 4120. Thefirst protrusion 4110 and thesecond protrusion 4120 may be similar in many respects to thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520 described herein with reference to theexample system 3500 ofFIGS. 35-40 . Abridge structure 4160 extending vertically in a top-to-bottom direction may be assembled to thefirst protrusion 4110 and thesecond protrusion 4120 in the manner described with reference to the example ofFIGS. 35-40 . Thebridge structure 4160 may be similar in many respects to thebridge structure 3560 described herein with reference to the example ofFIGS. 35-40 . For example, thebridge structure 4160 may have a length determined such that thebridge structure 4160 is maintained in a compressed position when assembled to thefirst protrusion 4110 and thesecond protrusion 4120. In the assembled state, thebridge structure 4160 may exhibit increased bowing in a direction away from therear surface 1530 of theface portion 1510. Thebridge structure 4160 may structurally reinforce theface portion 1510 by exerting a simultaneous and continuous force (e.g., tension) against theface portion 1510 having an upward component and a downward component as is generally represented byforce arrows 4170 and 4175, respectfully Similar to the example ofFIGS. 35-40 , thegolf club head 1400 incorporating thesystem 4100 of the present example may be constructed with athinner face portion 1510 to increase COR while maintaining structural integrity and a CT that conforms to the rules of golf. Accordingly, thegolf club head 1400 may generate higher ball speeds relative to a golf club head having a similar CT value but lacking thesystem 4100 described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - Referring to
FIG. 42 , thegolf club head 1400 is depicted incorporating yet another example of asystem 4200 for improving COR. In the illustrated example, a plurality ofprotrusions 4210 may be coupled to therear surface 1530 of theface portion 1510. The plurality ofprotrusions 4210 are exemplarily depicted as the toe-side protrusion 3510 and the heel-side protrusion described in reference to the example ofFIGS. 35-40 and the top-side protrusion 4110 and the bottom-side protrusion 4120 described in reference to the example ofFIG. 41 . Abridge structure 4260 may be assembled to the plurality ofprotrusions 4210 in the manner described with reference to the example ofFIGS. 35-40 and the example ofFIG. 41 . Thebridge structure 4260 may be T-shaped and proportioned such that thebridge structure 4260 is maintained in a compressed position when assembled to the plurality ofprotrusions 4210. In the assembled state, thebridge structure 4260 may exhibit increased bowing in a direction away from therear surface 1530 of theface portion 1510. Thebridge structure 4260 may include acentral portion 4265 that decreases in thickness toward each of its terminal ends. Thebridge structure 4260 may structurally reinforce theface portion 1510 by exerting a simultaneous and continuous force (e.g., tension) against theface portion 1510 having a toe-ward component, a heel-ward component, an upward component, and a downward component as is generally represented byforce arrows FIGS. 35-40 and the example ofFIG. 41 , thegolf club head 1400 incorporating thesystem 4200 of the present example may be constructed with athinner face portion 1510 to improve COR while maintaining structural integrity and a CT that conforms to the Rules of Golf. Accordingly, thegolf club head 1400 may generate higher ball speeds relative to a golf club head having a similar CT value but lacking thesystem 4200 described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - A system for improving COR as described herein may include a plurality of one or more bridge structures in any configuration. In one example, a system for improving COR may include a bridge structure that extends diagonally across the
rear surface 1530 of the face portion. In another example, a system for improving COR may include two diagonally oriented and intersecting bridge structures coupled to therear surface 1530 of theface portion 1510. The diagonally oriented bridge structures may be separate and overlapping bridge structures or joined at a center portion similar to thebridge structure 4260 ofFIG. 42 . In another example, a system for improving COR may include a plurality of bridge structures (i.e., greater than two bridge structures) that may be centrally joined and extend radially from the centrally joined location toward theperimeter edge 1522. In another example, a system for improving COR may include a plurality of bridge structures arranged in a mesh formation. In yet another example, a system for improving COR may include a plurality of concentric circular or elliptical bridge structures that may be connected. Thus, a system for improving COR as described herein may include any bridge structure configuration that may allow thegolf club head 1400 to be constructed with athinner face portion 1510 to improve COR while maintaining structural integrity and a CT that conforms to the Rules of Golf. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. -
FIG. 43 depicts aprocess 4300 for improving the COR of thegolf club head 1400 or any other golf club head described herein. For purposes of understanding, theprocess 4300 is detailed herein with respect to theexample system 3500 ofFIGS. 35-40 for improving COR. However, the process may be similarly adopted with respect to theexample systems FIGS. 41 and 42 , respectively. Theprocess 4300 may include providing agolf club head 1400 that includes abody portion 1410 having aface portion 1510 with afront surface 1520 and a rear surface 1530 (block 4310). Abridge structure 3560 may be coupled in a compressed state to therear surface 1530 of the face portion 1510 (block 4320). In one example, as described herein, the coupling of thebridge structure 3560 to therear surface 1530 may include providing afirst protrusion 3510 and asecond protrusion 3520 at therear surface 1530 of theface portion 1510 and assembling thebridge structure 3560 to thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520. In one example, thebridge structure 3560 may be received into aninterior cavity 1412 of thebody portion 1410 through an opening (shown for example inFIG. 12 ) at thetop portion 1430. Next, afirst end portion 3910 of thebridge structure 3560 may be received (e.g., frictionally engaged) inside afirst receptacle 3710 of thefirst protrusion 3510 followed by asecond end portion 3920 of thebridge structure 3560 received (e.g., frictionally engaged) inside asecond receptacle 3720 of thesecond protrusion 3520. Thefirst protrusion 3510 and thesecond protrusion 3520 may maintain thebridge structure 3560 in a compressed position such that thebridge structure 3560 reinforces theface portion 1510 by exerting a force (e.g., tension) against theface portion 1510. In one example, the force exerted against theface portion 1510 by thebridge structure 3560 may have a toe-ward component and a heel-ward component. As described herein, thegolf club head 1400 incorporating any of theexample systems thinner face portion 1510 to improve COR while maintaining structural integrity and a CT that conforms to the Rules of Golf. Accordingly, thegolf club head 1400 may generate higher ball speeds relative to a golf club head having a similar CT value but lacking thesystems - Any of the golf club heads described herein may be part of a golf club. In one example, as shown in
FIG. 44 , agolf club 4400, which may include any of the golf club heads described herein, may include ashaft 4410 extending from agolf club head 4412. Theshaft 4410 may have afirst end 4414 or first end portion 4414 (afirst end portion 4414 of the shaft is shown inFIG. 44 ) attached to ahosel 4426 of thegolf club head 4412 and asecond end 4416 or a second end portion 4416 (asecond end portion 4416 of theshaft 4410 is shown inFIG. 44 ) opposite thefirst end 4414. Thegolf club 4400 may include agrip 4430 at or proximate to thesecond end 4416 of theshaft 4410. Theshaft 4410 may be formed from metal material, composite material, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. Thegrip 4430 may be formed from rubber material, polymer material, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. - While each of the above examples may describe a certain type of golf club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club heads (e.g., a driver-type golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club head, a hybrid-type golf club head, an iron-type golf club head, a putter-type golf club head, etc.).
- Procedures defined by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) may be used for measuring the club head volume of any of the golf club heads described herein. For example, a club head volume may be determined by using the weighted water displacement method (i.e., Archimedes Principle). Although the figures may depict particular types of club heads (e.g., a driver-type club head or iron-type golf club head), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of club head (e.g., a fairway wood-type club head, a hybrid-type club head, a putter-type club head, etc.). Accordingly, any golf club head as described herein may have a volume that is within a volume range corresponding to certain type of golf club head as defined by golf governing bodies. A driver-type golf club head may have a club head volume of greater than or equal to 300 cubic centimeters (cm3 or cc). In another example, a driver-type golf club head may have a club head volume of 460 cc. A fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume of between 100 cc and 300 cc. In one example, a fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume of 180 cc. An iron-type golf club head may have a club head volume of between 25 cc and 100 cc. In one example, an iron-type golf club head may have a volume of 50 cc. Any of the golf clubs described herein may have the physical characteristics of a certain type of golf club (i.e., driver, fairway wood, iron, etc.), but have a volume that may fall outside of the above-described ranges. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
- Any of the golf club heads and/or golf clubs described herein may include one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, strain gauges, etc.) for sensing linear motion (e.g., acceleration) and/or forces in all three axes of motion and/or rotational motion (e.g., angular acceleration) and rotational forces about all three axes of motion. In one example, the one or more sensors may be internal sensors that may be located inside the golf club head, the hosel, the shaft, and/or the grip. In another example, the one or more sensors may be external sensors that may be located on the grip, on the shaft, on the hosel, and/or on the golf club head. In yet another example, the one or more sensors may be external sensors that may be attached by an individual to the grip, to the shaft, to the hosel, and/or to the golf club head. In one example, data collected from the sensors may be used to determine any one or more design parameters for any of the golf club heads and/or golf clubs described herein to provide certain performance or optimum performance characteristics. In another example, data from the sensors may be collected during play to assess the performance of an individual. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
- Any of the apparatus, methods, or articles of manufacture described herein may include one or more visual identifiers such as alphanumeric characters, colors, images, symbols, logos, and/or geometric shapes. For example, one or more visual identifiers may be manufactured with one or more portions of a golf club such as the golf club head (e.g., casted or molded with the golf club head), painted on the golf club head, etched on the golf club (e.g., laser etching), embossed on the golf club head, machined onto the golf club head, attached as a separate badge or a sticker on the golf club head (e.g., adhesive, welding, brazing, mechanical lock(s), any combination thereof, etc.), or any combination thereof. The visual identifier may be made from the same material as the golf club head or a different material than the golf club head (e.g., a plastic badge attached to the golf club head with an adhesive). Further, the visual identifier may be associated with manufacturing and/or brand information of the golf club head, the type of golf club head, one or more physical characteristics of the golf club head, or any combination thereof. In particular, a visual identifier may include a brand identifier associated with a manufacturer of the golf club (e.g., trademark, trade name, logo, etc.) or other information regarding the manufacturer. In addition, or alternatively, the visual identifier may include a location (e.g., country of origin), a date of manufacture of the golf club or golf club head, or both.
- The visual identifier may include a serial number of the golf club or golf club head, which may be used to check the authenticity to determine whether or not the golf club or golf club head is a counterfeit product. The serial number may also include other information about the golf club that may be encoded with alphanumeric characters (e.g., country of origin, date of manufacture of the golf club, or both). In another example, the visual identifier may include the category or type of the golf club head (e.g., 5-iron, 7-iron, pitching wedge, etc.). In yet another example, the visual identifier may indicate one or more physical characteristics of the golf club head, such as one or more materials of manufacture (e.g., visual identifier of “Titanium” indicating the use of titanium in the golf club head), loft angle, face portion characteristics, mass portion characteristics (e.g., visual identifier of “Tungsten” indicating the use of tungsten mass portions in the golf club head), interior cavity and filler material characteristics (e.g., one or more abbreviations, phrases, or words indicating that the interior cavity is filled with a polymer material), any other information that may visually indicate any physical or play characteristic of the golf club head, or any combination thereof. Further, one or more visual identifiers may provide an ornamental design or contribute to the appearance of the golf club, or the golf club head.
- Any of the golf club heads described herein may be manufactured by casting from metal such as steel. However, other techniques for manufacturing a golf club head as described herein may be used such as 3D printing or molding a golf club head from metal or non-metal materials such as ceramics.
- All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Although a particular order of actions may be described herein with respect to one or more processes, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. Further, two or more actions in any of the processes described herein may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously.
- The terms “and” and “or” may have both conjunctive and disjunctive meanings. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure indicates otherwise. The term “coupled,” and any variation thereof, refers to directly or indirectly connecting two or more elements chemically, mechanically, and/or otherwise. The phrase “removably connected” is defined such that two elements that are “removably connected” may be separated from each other without breaking or destroying the utility of either element.
- The term “substantially” when used to describe a characteristic, parameter, property, or value of an element may represent deviations or variations that do not diminish the characteristic, parameter, property, or value that the element may be intended to provide. Deviations or variations in a characteristic, parameter, property, or value of an element may be based on, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors. The term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “adjacent,” “close,” “immediate,” “nearby,” “neighboring,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in this disclosure.
- Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. A numerical range defined using the word “between” includes numerical values at both end points of the numerical range. A spatial range defined using the word “between” includes any point within the spatial range and the boundaries of the spatial range. A location expressed relative to two spaced apart or overlapping elements using the word “between” includes (i) any space between the elements, (ii) a portion of each element, and/or (iii) the boundaries of each element.
- The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely for clarification and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of any embodiments discussed herein.
- Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements disclosed herein. One or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
- While different features or aspects of an embodiment may be described with respect to one or more features, a singular feature may comprise multiple elements, and multiple features may be combined into one element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although methods may be disclosed as comprising one or more operations, a single operation may comprise multiple steps, and multiple operations may be combined into one step without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Instead, the description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one embodiment, and may disclosure alternative embodiments.
- As the rules of golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the USGA, the R&A, etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
- Further, while the above examples may be described with respect to golf clubs, the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other suitable types of sports equipment such as a fishing pole, a hockey stick, a ski pole, a tennis racket, etc.
- Although certain example apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this disclosure covers all apparatus, methods, and articles of articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims (20)
1. A golf club head comprising:
a body portion comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion;
a face portion at the front portion and having a front surface and a rear surface;
a first protrusion located at the rear surface and having a first receptacle;
a second protrusion located at the rear surface and having a second receptacle; and
a bridge structure extending between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the bridge structure having a first end portion received in the first receptacle and a second end portion received in the second receptacle,
wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion maintain the bridge structure in a compressed position, and
wherein the bridge structure exerts a force against the face portion.
2. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 , wherein the bridge structure is configured as a strip having variable thickness.
3. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 , wherein the bridge structure is made from one of a composite material, a high strength polymer material, and a metallic alloy material.
4. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are configured as slits.
5. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are located at opposing portions of the rear surface.
6. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 , wherein the force exerted against the face portion by the bridge structure includes a toe-ward component and a heel-ward component.
7. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 , wherein the force exerted by the bridge structure against the face portion is continuous.
8. A golf club head comprising:
a body portion comprising an interior cavity, a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, and a top portion;
a face portion at the front portion and having a front surface, a rear surface, and an opening;
a face insert portion coupled to the opening to close the interior cavity;
a first protrusion located at a toe-side portion of the rear surface at or proximate a perimeter edge of the opening;
a second protrusion located at a heel-side portion of the rear surface at or proximate the perimeter edge; and
a bridge structure coupled to the first protrusion and the second protrusion,
wherein a compression in the bridge structure is maintained by the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and
wherein the bridge structure reinforces the face portion by exerting tension against the face portion.
9. A golf club head as defined in claim 8 , wherein the bridge structure is frictionally engaged to the first protrusion and the second protrusion.
10. A golf club head as defined in claim 8 , wherein the body portion is made from a first material and the face insert portion is made from a second material different from the first material.
11. A golf club head as defined in claim 8 , wherein the bridge structure is made from one of a composite material, a high strength polymer material, and a metallic alloy material.
12. A golf club head as defined in claim 8 , wherein the bridge structure is configured as a strip having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the bridge structure decreases in thickness or width toward the first end portion and the second end portion.
13. A golf club head as defined in claim 8 , wherein the tension exerted against the face portion by the bridge structure includes a toe-ward component and a heel-ward component.
14. A golf club head comprising:
a body portion comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion;
a face portion at the front portion and having a front surface and a rear surface;
a first protrusion located at a first portion of the rear surface;
a second protrusion located at a second portion of the rear surface different from the first portion; and
a bridge structure removably coupled to the first protrusion and the second protrusion to define a coupled state of the bridge structure,
wherein the bridge structure is bowed in an uncoupled state,
wherein the bridge structure exhibits increased bowing in the coupled state, and
wherein the bridge structure reinforces the face portion by continuously exerting tension against the face portion.
15. A golf club head as defined in claim 14 , wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion maintain the bridge structure in the coupled state through frictional engagement.
16. A golf club head as defined in claim 14 , wherein the bridge structure bows away from the rear surface.
17. A golf club head as defined in claim 14 , wherein the bridge structure is configured as a strip, and wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion each include a receptacle pointing away from the rear surface for receiving a corresponding end portion of the bridge structure.
18. A golf club head as defined in claim 14 , wherein the bridge structure is made from one of a composite material, a high strength polymer material, and a metallic alloy material.
19. A golf club head as defined in claim 14 , wherein the first protrusion is located at a toe-side portion of the rear surface and the second protrusion is located at a heel-side portion of the rear surface.
20. A golf club head as defined in claim 14 , wherein the tension exerted against the face portion by the bridge structure includes a first directional component and a second directional component different from the first directional component.
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US20220016499A1 (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2022-01-20 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club head |
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US20200406109A1 (en) * | 2019-06-25 | 2020-12-31 | Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. | Golf club head |
-
2022
- 2022-08-12 US US17/886,655 patent/US20220387864A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20220016499A1 (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2022-01-20 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club head |
US11806586B2 (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2023-11-07 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club head |
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