US20230014218A1 - Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control - Google Patents
Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230014218A1 US20230014218A1 US17/945,773 US202217945773A US2023014218A1 US 20230014218 A1 US20230014218 A1 US 20230014218A1 US 202217945773 A US202217945773 A US 202217945773A US 2023014218 A1 US2023014218 A1 US 2023014218A1
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- United States
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- golf club
- club head
- striking face
- damping element
- face
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Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A63B60/54—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with means for damping vibrations
-
- 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
- A63B53/045—Strengthening ribs
- A63B53/0454—Strengthening ribs on the rear surface of the impact face plate
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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
- A63B53/0458—Heads with non-uniform thickness of the impact face plate
-
- 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
- A63B53/047—Heads iron-type
-
- 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
- A63B53/047—Heads iron-type
- A63B53/0475—Heads iron-type with one or more enclosed cavities
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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
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/32—Golf
-
- 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
- A63B53/0416—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert
-
- 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
- A63B53/06—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
- A63B60/52—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with slits
Definitions
- FIG. 11 B depicts a cross sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 7 C including an additional embodiment of an elastomer element.
- FIG. 47 depicts a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a golf club head.
- FIG. 65 depicts a section view E-E of the golf club head of FIG. 15 A including an additional embodiment of a deformable member.
- the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.9 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.8 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.7 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.6 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.5 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.4 mm.
Abstract
A golf club head including a striking face, a periphery portion surrounding and extending rearwards from the striking face, a damping element including a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the damping element opposite the front surface of the damping element, wherein the striking face comprises a first portion having a substantially constant thickness, wherein the front surface of the damping element comprises a geometric center, wherein the striking face comprises a second portion, the second portion of the striking face located heelward of the center face plane, the second portion of the striking face having a thickness which tapers from a maximum thickness at a thick end of the second portion to a minimum thickness at a thin end of the second portion, wherein the thick end is located toeward of the thin end.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/543,459, filed on Dec. 6, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/532,222, filed on Nov. 22,2021, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/377,696, filed on Jul. 16, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/349,519, filed on Jun. 16, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/138,618, filed on Dec. 30, 2020, which is a continuation in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/127,061, filed Dec. 18, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,433,284, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/085,474, filed Oct. 30, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,202,946, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/833,054, filed Mar. 27, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,020,639, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/286,412, filed Feb. 26, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,625,127, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/225,577, filed Dec. 19, 2018, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/158,578, filed Oct. 12, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,293,226, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/027,077, filed Jul. 3, 2018, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/220,122, filed Jul. 26, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,086,244, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/085,474 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/592,170, filed Oct. 3, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,821,344, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/214,405, filed Dec. 10, 2018, now US. Pat. No. 10,471,319, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/085,474 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/401,926, filed May 2, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,821,338, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/848,697, filed Dec. 20, 2017, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/359,206, filed Nov. 22, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,150,019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/220,107, filed Jul. 26, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,993,704, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/543,459, filed on Dec. 6, 2021, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/337,151, filed Jun. 2, 2021, currently pending which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/065,310, filed on Aug. 13, 2020, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. To the extent appropriate, the present application claims priority to the above-referenced applications.
- It is a goal for golfers to reduce the total number of swings needed to complete a round of golf, thus reducing their total score. To achieve that goal, it is generally desirable to for a golfer to have a ball fly a consistent distance when struck by the same golf club and, for some clubs, also to have that ball travel a long distance. For instance, when a golfer slightly mishits a golf ball, the golfer does not want the golf ball to fly a significantly different distance. At the same time, the golfer also does not want to have a significantly reduced overall distance every time the golfer strikes the ball, even when the golfer strikes the ball in the “sweet spot” of the golf club. Additionally, it is also preferable for a golf club head to produce a pleasant sound to the golfer when the golf club head strikes the golf ball.
- One non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a golf club head including a striking face, a periphery portion surrounding and extending rearwards from the striking face, a coordinate system centered at a center of gravity of the golf club head, the coordinate system including a y-axis extending vertically, perpendicular to a ground plane when the golf club head is in an address position at prescribed loft and lie, an x-axis perpendicular to the y-axis and parallel to the striking face, extending towards a heel of the golf club head, and a z-axis, perpendicular to the y-axis and the x-axis and extending through the striking face, a hosel configured to receive a shaft, the hosel located on a heel side of the golf club head, the heel side located opposite a toe side, wherein the striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface, a damping element including a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the damping element opposite the front surface of the damping element, wherein the front surface of the damping element is in contact with the rear surface of the striking face, wherein the striking face comprises a first portion having a substantially constant thickness, wherein the striking face comprises a plurality of scorelines having the same length, and a center face plane parallel to the y-axis and the z-axis, the center face plane located equidistant from a heel-most extent of the plurality of scorelines and a toe-most extent of the plurality of scorelines, wherein the front surface of the damping element contacts the first portion of the striking face, wherein the front surface of the damping element comprises a geometric center, wherein the geometric center of the front surface of the damping element is located toeward of the center face plane, wherein the striking face comprises a second portion, the second portion of the striking face located heelward of the center face plane, the second portion of the striking face having a thickness which tapers from a maximum thickness at a thick end of the second portion to a minimum thickness at a thin end of the second portion, wherein the thick end is located toeward of the thin end.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the geometric center of the front surface of the damping element is located a damping offset distance from the center face plane, wherein the thick end of the second portion of the striking face is located a heel offset distance from the center face plane, and wherein the heel offset distance is greater than the damping offset distance.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the damping offset distance is greater than or equal to 5 mm.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the second portion has a height which tapers from a maximum height at the thick end of the second portion to a minimum height at the thin end of the second portion.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the first portion of the striking face extends above the second portion.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology a chamfer is formed between an upper edge of the second portion and the first portion.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the striking face comprises a third portion, the third portion of the striking face located toeward of the center face plane, the third portion of the striking face having a thickness which tapers from a maximum thickness at a heel end of the third portion to a minimum thickness at a toe end of the third portion.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the periphery portion comprises a sole extending rearwards from a bottom of the striking face, a topline extending rearwards from a top of the striking face, and a back portion extending upwards from the sole and spaced from the striking face, wherein the striking face and the periphery portion form an internal cavity, wherein the damping element resides within the internal cavity, and wherein the rear surface of the damping element is in contact with the periphery portion.
- An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a golf club head including a striking face, a periphery portion surrounding and extending rearwards from the striking face, a coordinate system centered at a center of gravity of the golf club head, the coordinate system including a y-axis extending vertically, perpendicular to a ground plane when the golf club head is in an address position at prescribed loft and lie, an x-axis perpendicular to the y-axis and parallel to the striking face, extending towards a heel of the golf club head, and a z-axis, perpendicular to the y-axis and the x-axis and extending through the striking face, a hosel configured to receive a shaft, the hosel located on a heel side of the golf club head, the heel side located opposite a toe side, wherein the striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface, a damping element including a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the damping element opposite the front surface of the damping element, wherein the front surface of the damping element is in contact with the rear surface of the striking face, wherein the striking face comprises a first portion having a substantially constant thickness, wherein the striking face comprises a plurality of scorelines having the same length, and a center face plane parallel to the y-axis and the z-axis, the center face plane located equidistant from a heel-most extent of the plurality of scorelines and a toe-most extent of the plurality of scorelines, wherein the front surface of the damping element contacts the first portion of the striking face, wherein the front surface of the damping element comprises a geometric center, wherein the striking face comprises a second portion, the second portion of the striking face located heelward of the center face plane, the second portion of the striking face having a thickness which tapers from a maximum thickness at a thick end of the second portion to a minimum thickness at a thin end of the second portion, wherein the thick end is located toeward of the thin end, wherein the second portion has a height which tapers from a maximum height at the thick end of the second portion to a minimum height at the thin end of the second portion.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the geometric center of the front surface of the damping element is located toeward of the center face plane.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the geometric center of the front surface of the damping element is located a damping offset distance from the center face plane, wherein the thick end of the second portion of the striking face is located a heel offset distance from the center face plane, and wherein the heel offset distance is greater than the damping offset distance.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the damping offset distance is greater than or equal to 5 mm.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the periphery portion comprises a sole extending rearwards from a bottom of the striking face, a topline extending rearwards from a top of the striking face, and a back portion extending upwards from the sole and spaced from the striking face, wherein the striking face and the periphery portion form an internal cavity, wherein the damping element resides within the internal cavity, and wherein the rear surface of the damping element is in contact with the periphery portion.
- An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a golf club head including a striking face, a periphery portion surrounding and extending rearwards from the striking face, a coordinate system centered at a center of gravity of the golf club head, the coordinate system including a y-axis extending vertically, perpendicular to a ground plane when the golf club head is in an address position at prescribed loft and lie, an x-axis perpendicular to the y-axis and parallel to the striking face, extending towards a heel of the golf club head, and a z-axis, perpendicular to the y-axis and the x-axis and extending through the striking face, a hosel configured to receive a shaft, the hosel located on a heel side of the golf club head, the heel side located opposite a toe side, wherein the striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface, wherein the striking face comprises a first portion having a substantially constant thickness, wherein the striking face comprises a plurality of scorelines having the same length, and a center face plane parallel to the y-axis and the z-axis, the center face plane located equidistant from a heel-most extent of the plurality of scorelines and a toe-most extent of the plurality of scorelines, wherein the striking face comprises a second portion, the second portion of the striking face located heelward of the center face plane, the second portion of the striking face having a thickness which tapers from a maximum thickness at a thick end of the second portion to a minimum thickness at a thin end of the second portion, wherein the thick end is located toeward of the thin end, wherein the striking face comprises a third portion, the third portion of the striking face located toeward of the center face plane, the third portion of the striking face having a thickness which tapers from a maximum thickness at a heel end of the third portion to a minimum thickness at a toe end of the third portion.
- An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a damping element including a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the damping element opposite the front surface of the damping element, wherein the front surface of the damping element is in contact with the rear surface of the striking face, wherein the front surface of the damping element contacts the first portion of the striking face, wherein the front surface of the damping element comprises a geometric center, wherein the geometric center of the front surface of the damping element is located toeward of the center face plane,
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the geometric center of the front surface of the damping element is located a damping offset distance from the center face plane, wherein the thick end of the second portion of the striking face is located a heel offset distance from the center face plane, and wherein the heel offset distance is greater than the damping offset distance and wherein the damping offset distance is greater than or equal to 5 mm.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the second portion has a height which tapers from a maximum height at the thick end of the second portion to a minimum height at the thin end of the second portion.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the first portion of the striking face extends above the second portion.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology a chamfer is formed between an upper edge of the second portion and the first portion.
- In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology the periphery portion comprises a sole extending rearwards from a bottom of the striking face, a topline extending rearwards from a top of the striking face, and a back portion extending upwards from the sole and spaced from the striking face, wherein the striking face and the periphery portion form an internal cavity, wherein the damping element resides within the internal cavity, and wherein the rear surface of the damping element is in contact with the periphery portion.
- This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
- Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following Figures.
-
FIGS. 1A-1B depict section views of a golf club head having an elastomer element. -
FIG. 1C depicts a perspective section view of the golf club head depicted inFIGS. 1A-1B . -
FIGS. 2A-2B depict section views of a golf club head having an elastomer element and a striking face with a thickened center portion. -
FIGS. 3A-3B depict section views of a golf club head having an elastomer element and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the compression of the elastomer element. -
FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of another example of a golf club head having an elastomer element and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the compression of the elastomer element. -
FIG. 4B depicts a section view of the golf club head ofFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 4C depicts a section view of another example of a golf club having an elastomer element and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the compression of the elastomer element. -
FIG. 5A depicts a stress contour diagram for a golf club head without an elastomer element. -
FIG. 5B depicts a stress contour diagram for a golf club head with an elastomer element. -
FIG. 6A depicts a front view of the golf club head. -
FIG. 6B depicts a toe view of the golf club head ofFIG. 6A . -
FIG. 6C depicts a section view A-A of the golf club head ofFIG. 6A . -
FIG. 6D depicts a perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 6A oriented perpendicular to the striking face. -
FIG. 6E depicts a perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 6A oriented perpendicular to the striking face including the supported region. -
FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of the golf club head. -
FIG. 7B depicts an additional perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 7A . -
FIG. 7C depicts a rear view of the golf club head ofFIG. 7A . -
FIG. 8A depicts a section view B-B of the golf club head ofFIG. 7C . -
FIG. 8B depicts a section view C-C of the golf club head ofFIG. 7C . -
FIG. 8C depicts a section view D-D of the golf club head ofFIG. 7C . -
FIG. 9A depicts an additional section view of the front of the golf club head ofFIG. 7A missing the striking face. -
FIG. 9B depicts the section view fromFIG. 9A with the deformable member removed. -
FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 7A oriented perpendicular to the striking face including the supported region. -
FIG. 11A depicts a cross sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 7C including an additional embodiment of an elastomer element. -
FIG. 11B depicts a cross sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 7C including an additional embodiment of an elastomer element. -
FIG. 11C depicts a cross sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 7C including an additional embodiment of an elastomer element. -
FIG. 11D depicts a cross sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 7C including an additional embodiment of an elastomer element. -
FIG. 12A depicts the periodogram power spectral density estimate of the golf club head depicted inFIG. 11A . -
FIG. 12B depicts the sound power estimate of the golf club head depicted inFIG. 11A . -
FIG. 13A depicts the periodogram power spectral density estimate of the golf club head depicted inFIG. 11D . -
FIG. 13B depicts the sound power estimate of the golf club head depicted inFIG. 11D . -
FIG. 14A illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element having a larger rear portion than front portion. -
FIG. 14B illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element having a larger rear portion than front portion. -
FIG. 14C illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element having a larger rear portion than front portion. -
FIG. 14D illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element similar to that ofFIG. 14A but includes a first material and a second material. -
FIG. 14E illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element similar to that ofFIG. 14B but includes a first material and a second material. -
FIG. 14F illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element similar to that ofFIG. 14C but includes a first material and a second material. -
FIG. 14G illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element similar to that ofFIG. 14A but the center of the front portion is offset from a center of the rear portion. -
FIG. 14H illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element similar to that ofFIG. 14B but the center of the front portion is offset from a center of the rear portion. -
FIG. 14I illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element similar to that ofFIG. 14C but the center of the front portion is offset from a center of the rear portion. -
FIG. 14J illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element which necks down in diameter between the front portion and the rear portion. -
FIG. 14K illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element which necks down in diameter between the front portion and the rear portion. -
FIG. 14L illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastomer element similar to that ofFIG. 14J but includes a first material and a second material. -
FIG. 15A depicts a rear view of the golf club head. -
FIG. 15B depicts a perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 15A . -
FIG. 15C depicts an additional perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 15A . -
FIG. 15D depicts a section view E-E of the golf club head ofFIG. 15A . -
FIG. 16 depicts the section view E-E of the golf club head ofFIG. 15D without the adjustment driver and elastomer element installed. -
FIG. 17A depicts a perspective view of the adjustment driver and elastomer element of the golf club head ofFIG. 15A . -
FIG. 17B depicts an additional perspective view of the adjustment driver and elastomer element of the golf club head ofFIG. 15A . -
FIG. 17C depicts a side view of the adjustment driver and elastomer element of the golf club head ofFIG. 15A . -
FIG. 17D depicts a section view of the adjustment driver and elastomer element ofFIG. 17A . -
FIG. 17E depicts an additional perspective of the section view of the adjustment driver and elastomer element ofFIG. 17A . -
FIG. 18 depicts a rear view of the golf club head. -
FIG. 19 depicts an exploded view of the golf club head ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 20 depicts a section view F-F of the golf club head. -
FIG. 21 depicts a section view G-G of the golf club head. -
FIG. 22 depicts a frontal view of the golf club head ofFIG. 18 , including the supported regions. -
FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of golf club head and an additional embodiment of the second deformable member. -
FIG. 24 depicts the second deformable member illustrated inFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 25 depicts a section view F-F of the golf club head including the second deformable member illustrated inFIGS. 23 and 24 . -
FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a golf club head. -
FIG. 27 depicts a side view of the golf club head ofFIG. 26 . -
FIG. 28 depicts a section view H-H of the golf club head ofFIG. 26 missing the weight member, the second damping element, and the first damping element. -
FIG. 29 depicts a section view H-H of the golf club head ofFIG. 26 missing the weight member and the second damping element. -
FIG. 30 depicts a section view H-H of the golf club head ofFIG. 26 missing the weight member. -
FIG. 31 depicts a section view H-H of the golf club head ofFIG. 26 . -
FIG. 32 depicts a section view I-I of the golf club head ofFIG. 27 missing the weight member. -
FIG. 33 depicts a section view J-J of the golf club head ofFIG. 27 . -
FIGS. 34 depicts a perspective view of the first damping element and second damping element of the golf club head ofFIG. 26 . -
FIGS. 35 depicts an additional perspective view of the first damping element and second damping element of the golf club head ofFIG. 26 . -
FIGS. 36 depicts a perspective view of the second damping element of the golf club head ofFIG. 26 . -
FIGS. 37 depicts an additional perspective view of the second damping element of the golf club head ofFIG. 26 . -
FIG. 38 depicts a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a golf club head. -
FIG. 39 depicts a side view of the golf club head ofFIG. 38 . -
FIG. 40 depicts a section view K-K of the golf club head ofFIG. 38 . -
FIG. 41 depicts a section view L-L of the golf club head ofFIG. 38 . -
FIG. 42 depicts a detail view ofFIG. 41 . -
FIG. 43 depicts a section view M-M of the golf club head ofFIG. 38 missing the first damping element. -
FIG. 44 depicts a perspective view of the second damping element of the golf club head ofFIG. 38 . -
FIG. 45 depicts a section view of an additional embodiment of a golf club head. -
FIG. 46 depicts a perspective view of the second damping element and third damping element of the golf club head ofFIG. 45 . -
FIG. 47 depicts a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a golf club head. -
FIG. 48 depicts a perspective view of cross section N-N of the golf club head ofFIG. 47 . -
FIG. 49 depicts a side view of cross section N-N of the golf club head ofFIG. 47 . -
FIG. 50 depicts a detail view of the golf club head ofFIG. 49 . -
FIG. 51 depicts a perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 47 missing the damping element. -
FIG. 52 depicts a perspective view of cross section O-O of the golf club head ofFIG. 51 . -
FIG. 53 depicts a side view of cross section O-O of the golf club head ofFIG. 51 . -
FIG. 54 depicts a perspective view of the damping element of the golf club head ofFIG. 47 . -
FIG. 55 depicts an additional perspective view of the damping element of thegolf club head 1000 ofFIG. 47 . -
FIG. 56 depicts a perspective view of cross section P-P of the damping element ofFIG. 54 . -
FIG. 57 depicts a side view of cross section P-P of the damping element ofFIG. 54 . -
FIG. 58 depicts a detail view of the damping element ofFIG. 57 . -
FIG. 59 depicts a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a golf club head. -
FIG. 60 depicts a side view of cross section Q-Q view of the golf club head ofFIG. 59 . -
FIG. 61 illustrates an additional cross section view of the golf club head ofFIG. 59 including a golf club shaft and a sixth damping element. -
FIG. 62 depicts a section view E-E of the golf club head ofFIG. 15A including an additional embodiment of a deformable member. -
FIG. 63 depicts a section view E-E of the golf club head ofFIG. 15A including an additional embodiment of a deformable member. -
FIG. 64 depicts a section view E-E of the golf club head ofFIG. 15A including an additional embodiment of a deformable member. -
FIG. 65 depicts a section view E-E of the golf club head ofFIG. 15A including an additional embodiment of a deformable member. -
FIG. 66 depicts the deformable member and adjustment driver of the golf club head ofFIG. 62 . -
FIG. 67 depicts a method of manufacturing a golf club head. -
FIG. 68 depicts a perspective view of a golf club head. -
FIG. 69 depicts a section view R-R of the golf club head ofFIG. 68 missing a weight member. -
FIG. 70 depicts a perspective view of section view R-R of the golf club head ofFIG. 69 . -
FIG. 71 depicts a section view S-S of the golf club head ofFIG. 68 missing the weight member and damping element. -
FIG. 72 depicts a perspective view golf club head missing the striking face and damping element. -
FIG. 73 depicts an additional perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 72 , also missing the striking face and damping element. -
FIG. 74 illustrates a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a golf club head. -
FIG. 75 illustrates a perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 74 missing the support arm and damping element. -
FIG. 76 illustrates a perspective view of the support arm and damping element of the golf club head ofFIG. 74 . -
FIG. 77 illustrates an additional perspective view of the support arm and damping element of the golf club head ofFIG. 74 . -
FIG. 78 illustrates a perspective view of the support arm of the golf club head ofFIG. 74 . -
FIG. 79 illustrates a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a golf club head missing the striking face and damping element for illustrative purposes. -
FIG. 80 illustrates an additional perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 79 missing the striking face and damping element. -
FIG. 81 illustrates a perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 79 further missing the support arm. -
FIG. 82 illustrates a perspective view of the support arm of the golf club head ofFIG. 79 . -
FIG. 83 illustrates a perspective view of the support arm and weight members of the golf club head ofFIG. 79 . -
FIG. 84 illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club head with an additional embodiment of a damping element. -
FIG. 85 illustrates a perspective view of the damping element of the golf club head ofFIG. 84 . -
FIG. 86 depicts a perspective view of a golf club head. -
FIG. 87 depicts an additional perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 86 . -
FIG. 88 depicts a perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 86 missing the striking face. -
FIG. 89 depicts an additional perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 86 missing the striking face. -
FIG. 90 depicts a cross sectional view T-T of the golf club head ofFIG. 86 . -
FIG. 91 depicts a perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 86 including a back cover. -
FIG. 92 depicts a perspective view of the back cover. -
FIG. 93 depicts an additional perspective view of the back cover. -
FIG. 94 depicts a cross sectional view V-V of the golf club head ofFIG. 92 . -
FIG. 95 depicts the golf club head ofFIGS. 86-94 having a tapered heel portion. -
FIG. 96 depicts a rear view of the striking face and damping element of the golf club head ofFIG. 95 . -
FIG. 97 depicts a perspective view of the striking face and damping element ofFIG. 96 . -
FIG. 98 depicts an additional perspective view of the striking face and damping element ofFIG. 96 . -
FIG. 99 depicts a front view of the golf club head ofFIG. 95 including the supported region. - The technologies described herein contemplate an iron-type golf club head that incorporates an elastomer element to promote more uniform ball speed across the striking face of the golf club. Traditional thin-faced iron-type golf clubs generally produce less uniform launch velocities across the striking face due to increased compliance at the geometric center of the striking face. For example, when a golf club strikes a golf ball, the striking face of the club deflects and then springs forward, accelerating the golf ball off the striking face. While such a design may lead to large flight distances for a golf ball when struck in the center of the face, any off-center strike of golf ball causes significant losses in flight distance of the golf ball. In comparison, an extremely thick face causes more uniform ball flight regardless of impact location, but a significant loss in launch velocities. The present technology incorporates an elastomer element between a back portion of the hollow iron and the rear surface of the striking face. By including the elastomer element, the magnitude of the launch velocity may be reduced for strikes at the center of the face while improving uniformity of launch velocities across the striking face. In some examples, the compression of the elastomer element between the back portion and the striking face may also be adjustable to allow for a golfer or golf club fitting professional to alter the deflection of the striking face when striking a golf ball.
-
FIGS. 1A-1B depict section views depict section views of agolf club head 100 having anelastomer element 102.FIG. 1C depicts a perspective section view of thegolf club head 100.FIGS. 1A-1C are described concurrently. Theclub head 100 includes astriking face 118 and aback portion 112. Acavity 120 is formed between thestriking face 118 and theback portion 112. Anelastomer element 102 is disposed in thecavity 120 between thestriking face 118 and theback portion 112. A rear portion of theelastomer element 102 is held in place by acradle 108. Thecradle 108 is attached to theback portion 112 of thegolf club head 100, and thecradle 108 includes arecess 109 to receive the rear portion of theelastomer element 102. The lip of thecradle 108 prevents theelastomer element 102 from sliding or otherwise moving out of position. Theelastomer element 102 may have a generally frustoconical shape, as shown inFIGS. 1A-1B . In other examples, theelastomer element 102 may have a cylindrical, spherical, cuboid, or prism shape. Therecess 109 of thecradle 108 is formed to substantially match the shape of the rear portion of theelastomer element 102. For example, with thefrustoconical elastomer element 102, therecess 109 of thecradle 108 is also frustoconical such that the surface of the rear portion of theelastomer element 102 is in contact with the interior walls of therecess 109 of thecradle 108. Thecradle 108 may be welded or otherwise attached onto theback portion 112, or thecradle 108 may be formed as part of theback portion 112 during a casting or forging process. Theback portion 112 may also be machined to include thecradle 108. - A
front portion 103 of theelastomer element 102 contacts therear surface 119 of thestriking face 118. Thefront portion 103 of theelastomer element 102 may be held in place on therear surface 119 of thestriking face 118 by a securing structure, such asflange 110. Theflange 110 protrudes from therear surface 119 of thestriking face 118 into thecavity 120. Theflange 110 receives thefront portion 103 of theelastomer element 102 to substantially prevent theelastomer element 102 from sliding along therear surface 119 of thestriking face 118. Theflange 110 may partially or completely surround thefront portion 103 of theelastomer element 102. Similar to thecradle 108, theflange 110 may be shaped to match the shape of thefront portion 103 of theelastomer element 102 such that the surface of thefront portion 103 of theelastomer element 102 is in contact with the interior surfaces of theflange 110. Theflange 110 may be welded or otherwise attached to therear surface 119 of thestriking face 118. Theflange 110 may also be cast or forged during the formation of thestriking face 118. For instance, where thestriking face 118 is a face insert, theflange 110 may be incorporated during the casting or forging process to make the face insert. In another example, theflange 110 and thestriking face 118 may be machined from a thicker face plate. Alternative securing structures other than theflange 110 may also be used. For instance, two or more posts may be included onrear surface 119 of thestriking face 118 around the perimeter of thefront portion 103 of theelastomer element 102. As another example, an adhesive may be used to secure theelastomer element 102 to therear surface 119 of thestriking face 118. In other embodiments, no securing structure is utilized and theelastomer element 102 is generally held in place due to the compression of theelastomer element 102 between thecradle 108 and therear surface 119 of thestriking face 118. - In the example depicted in
FIGS. 1A-1C , theelastomer element 102 is disposed behind the approximate geometric center of thestriking face 118. In traditional thin face golf clubs, strikes at the geometric center of thestriking face 118 display the largest displacement of thestriking face 118, and thus the greatest ball speeds. By disposing theelastomer element 102 at the geometric center of thestriking face 118, the deflection of thestriking face 118 at that point is reduced, thus reducing the ball speed. Portions of thestriking face 118 not backed by theelastomer element 102, however, continue to deflect into thecavity 120 contributing to the speed of the golf ball. As such, a more uniform distribution of ball speeds resulting from ball strikes across thestriking face 118 from the heel to the toe may be achieved. In other examples, theelastomer element 102 may be disposed at other locations within theclub head 100. - The elasticity of the
elastomer element 102 also affects the deflection of thestriking face 118. For instance, a material with a lower elastic modulus allows for further deflection of thestriking face 118, providing for higher maximum ball speeds but less uniformity of ball speeds. In contrast, a material with a higher elastic modulus further prevents deflection of thestriking face 118, providing for lower maximum ball speeds but more uniformity of ball speeds. Different types of materials are discussed in further detail below with reference to Tables 2-3. - The
golf club head 100 also includes a sole 105 having asole channel 104 in between a frontsole portion 114 and a rearsole portion 116. Thesole channel 104 extends along the sole 105 of thegolf club head 100 from a point near the heel to a point near the toe thereof. While depicted as being a hollow channel, thesole channel 104 may be filled or spanned by a plastic, rubber, polymer, or other material to prevent debris from entering thecavity 120. Thesole channel 104 allows for additional deflection of the lower portion of thestriking face 118. By allowing for further deflection of the lower portion of thestriking face 118, increased ball speeds are achieved from ball strikes at lower portions of thestriking face 118, such as ball strikes off the turf. Accordingly, theelastomer element 102 and thesole channel 104 in combination with one another provide for increased flight distance of a golf ball for turf strikes along with more uniform ball speeds across thestriking face 118. -
FIGS. 2A-2B depict sections views of agolf club head 200 having anelastomer element 202 and astriking face 218 with a thickenedcenter portion 222.Golf club head 200 is similar togolf club head 100 discussed above with reference toFIGS. 1A-1C , except a thickenedportion 222 of thestriking face 218 is utilized rather than aflange 110. The thickenedportion 222 of thestriking face 218 protrudes into thecavity 220. Thefront portion 203 of theelastomer element 202 contacts therear surface 219 of the thickenedportion 222. The rear portion of theelastomer element 202 is received by arecess 209 in acradle 208, which is attached to theback portion 212 and substantially similar to thecradle 108 discussed above with reference toFIGS. 1A-1C . Due the thickenedportion 222 of thestriking face 218, theelastomer element 202 may be shorter in length than theelastomer element 102 inFIGS. 1A-1C . Thegolf club head 200 also includes asole channel 204 disposed between a frontsole portion 214 and a rearsole portion 216. Thesole channel 204 also provides benefits similar to that ofsole channel 104 described inFIGS. 1A-1C and may also be filled with or spanned by a material. -
FIGS. 3A-3B depict section views of agolf club head 300 having anelastomer element 302 and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the compression of theelastomer element 302. Thegolf club head 300 includes astriking face 318 and aback portion 312, and acavity 320 is formed between theback portion 312 and thestriking face 318. Similar to thegolf club head 100 described above with reference toFIGS. 1A-1C , aflange 310 is disposed on therear surface 319 of thestriking face 318, and theflange 310 receives thefront portion 303 of theelastomer element 302. In the example depicted inFIGS. 3A-3B , theelastomer element 302 has a generally cylindrical shape. In other examples, however, theelastomer element 302 may have a conical, frustoconical, spherical, cuboid, or prism shape. - The
golf club head 300 also includes an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the compression of theelastomer element 302 against therear surface 319 of thestriking face 318. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 3A-3B , the adjustment mechanism includes anadjustment receiver 306 and anadjustment driver 330. Theadjustment receiver 306 may be a structure with a through-hole into thecavity 320, and theadjustment driver 330 may be a threaded element or screw, as depicted. The through-hole of theadjustment receiver 306 includes a threaded interior surface for receiving the threadedelement 330. Theadjustment receiver 306 may be formed as part of the forging or casting process of theback portion 312 or may also be machined and tapped following the forging and casting process. The threadedelement 330 includes aninterface 334, such as a recess, that contacts or receives a rear portion of theelastomer element 302. The threadedelement 330 also includes ascrew drive 332 that is at least partially external to thegolf club head 300 such that a golfer can access thescrew drive 332. When the threadedelement 330 is turned viascrew drive 332, such as by a screwdriver, Allen wrench, or torque wrench, the threadedelement 330 moves further into or out of thecavity 320. In some examples, theinterface 334 that contacts or receives the rear portion of theelastomer element 302 may be lubricated so as to prevent twisting or spinning of theelastomer element 302 when the threadedelement 330 is turned. As the threadedelement 330 moves further into thecavity 320, the compression of theelastomer element 302 against therear surface 319 of thestriking face 318 increases, thus altering a performance of theelastomer element 302. - A higher compression of the
elastomer element 302 against therear surface 319 of thestriking face 318 further restricts the deflection of thestriking face 318. In turn, further restriction of the deflection causes more uniform ball speeds across thestriking face 318. However, the restriction on deflection also lowers the maximum ball speed from the center of thestriking face 318. By making the compression of theelastomer element 302 adjustable with the adjustment mechanism, the golfer or a golf-club-fitting professional may adjust the compression to fit the particular needs of the golfer. For example, a golfer that desires further maximum distance, but does not need uniform ball speed across thestriking face 318, can reduce the initial set compression of theelastomer element 302 by loosening the threadedelement 330. In contrast, a golfer that desires uniform ball speed across thestriking face 318 can tighten the threadedelement 330 to increase the initial set compression of theelastomer element 302. - While the adjustment mechanism is depicted as including a threaded
element 330 and a threaded through-hole inFIGS. 3A-3B , other adjustment mechanisms could be used to adjust the compression of theelastomer element 302 against therear surface 319 of thestriking face 318. For instance, the adjustment mechanism may include a lever where rotation of the lever alters the compression of theelastomer element 302. The adjustment mechanism may also include a button that may be depressed to directly increase the compression of theelastomer element 302. Other types of adjustment mechanisms may also be used. - The
golf club head 300 also includes asole channel 304 between a frontsole portion 314 and a rearsole portion 316, similar to thesole channel 104 discussed above with reference toFIGS. 1A-1C . Thesole channel 304 also provides benefits similar to that ofsole channel 104 and may also be filled with or spanned by a material. - The
golf club head 300 may also be created or sold as a kit. In the example depicted where the adjustment mechanism is a threadedelement 330, such as a screw, the kit may include a plurality of threadedelements 330. Each of the threadedelements 330 may have a different weight, such that the golfer can select the desired weight. For example, one golfer may prefer an overall lighter weight for the head of an iron, while another golfer may prefer a heavier weight. The plurality of threadedelements 330 may also each have different weight distributions. For instance, different threadedelements 330 may be configured so as to distribute, as desired, the weight of each threadedelement 330 along a length thereof. The plurality of threadedelements 330 may also have differing lengths. By having differing lengths, each threadedelements 330 may have a maximum compression that it can apply to theelastomer element 302. For instance, a shorter threadedelements 330 may not be able to apply as much force onto theelastomer element 302 as a longer threadedelements 330, depending on the configuration of theadjustment receiver 306. The kit may also include a torque wrench for installing the threadedelements 330 into theadjustment receiver 306. The torque wrench may include preset settings corresponding to different compression or performance levels. -
FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of another example of agolf club head 400A having anelastomer element 402 and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the compression of theelastomer element 402.FIG. 4B depicts a section view of thegolf club head 400A. Thegolf club 400A includesstriking face 418 and aback portion 412 with a cavity 420 formed there between. Like the adjustment mechanism inFIGS. 3A-3B , the adjustment mechanism ingolf club head 400A includes anadjustment receiver 406 and anadjustment driver 430. In the example depicted, theadjustment receiver 406 is a structure having a threaded through-hole for accepting theadjustment driver 430, and theadjustment driver 430 is a screw. In some embodiments, theadjustment receiver 406 may be defined by a threaded through-hole through theback portion 412, without the need for any additional structure. - The tip of the
screw 430 is in contact with acradle 408A that holds a rear portion of theelastomer element 402. As thescrew 430 is turned, the lateral movement of thescrew 430 causes thecradle 408A to move towards or away from thestriking face 418. Accordingly, in some examples, thescrew 430 extends substantially orthogonal to therear surface 419 of thestriking face 418. Because thecradle 408A holds the rear portion of theelastomer element 402, movement of thecradle 408A causes a change in the compression of theelastomer element 402 against therear surface 419 of thestriking face 418. As such, the compression of theelastomer element 402 may be adjusted by turning thescrew 430 viascrew drive 432, similar to manipulation of the threadedelement 330 ingolf club head 300 depicted inFIGS. 3A-3B . -
FIG. 4C depicts a section view of another example of agolf club 400C having anelastomer element 402 and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the compression of theelastomer element 402. Thegolf club head 400C is substantially similar to thegolf club head 400A depicted inFIGS. 4A-4B , exceptgolf club head 400C includes alarger cradle 408C having a depth D greater than a depth of a comparatively smaller cradle (e.g., thecradle 408A ofFIGS. 4A-4B having a depth d). Thelarger cradle 408C encompasses more theelastomer element 402 than a smaller cradle. By encompassing a larger portion of theelastomer element 402, thecradle 408C further limits the deformation of theelastomer element 402 upon a strike of a golf ball bygolf club head 400C. Limitation of the deformation of theelastomer element 402 also may limit the potential maximum deflection of thestriking face 418, and therefore may reduce the maximum ball speed for thegolf club head 400C while increasing the uniformity of speeds across thestriking face 418. Thelarger cradle 408C does not come into contact with therear surface 419 of thestriking face 418 at maximum deflection thereof. Thecradle 408C itself may be made of the same material as theback portion 412, such as a steel. Thecradle 408C may also be made from a titanium, a composite, a ceramic, or a variety of other materials. - The size of the
cradle 408C may be selected based on the desired ball speed properties. For instance, thecradle 408C may encompass approximately 25% or more of the volume of theelastomer element 402, as shown inFIG. 4C . In other examples, thecradle 408C may encompass between approximately 25%-50% of the volume of theelastomer element 402. In yet other examples, thecradle 408C may encompass approximately 10%-25% or less than approximately 10% of the volume of theelastomer element 402. In still other examples, thecradle 408C may encompass more than 50% of the volume of theelastomer element 402. For the portion of theelastomer element 402 encompassed by thecradle 408C, substantially the entire perimeter surface of that portion ofelastomer element 402 may contact the interior surfaces of therecess 409 of thecradle 408C. - The connection between the
cradle 408C and theadjustment driver 430 can also be seen more clearly inFIG. 4C . The tip of theadjustment driver 430, which may be a flat surface, contacts therear surface 407 of thecradle 408C. Thus, as theadjustment driver 430 moves into the cavity 420, thecradle 408C and theelastomer element 402 are pushed towards thestriking face 418. Conversely, as theadjustment driver 430 is backed out of the cavity 420, thecradle 408C maintains contact with theadjustment driver 430 due to the force exerted from theelastomer element 402 resulting from the compression thereof In some embodiments, the surface of the tip of thescrew 430 and/or therear surface 407 of thecradle 408C may be lubricated so as to prevent twisting of thecradle 408C. In other examples, the tip of theadjustment driver 430 may be attached to thecradle 408C such that thecradle 408C twists with the turning of theadjustment driver 430. In such an embodiment, theelastomer element 402 may be substantially cylindrical, conical, spherical, or frustoconical, and theinterior 409 of thecradle 408C may be lubricated to prevent twisting of theelastomer element 402. In another example, therear surface 419 of thestriking face 418 and/or the front surface of theelastomer element 402 in contact with therear surface 419 of thestriking face 418 may be lubricated so as to allow for spinning of theelastomer element 402 against therear surface 419 of thestriking face 418. - While the golf club heads 400A and 400C are depicted with a continuous sole 414 rather than a sole channel like the
golf club head 300 ofFIGS. 3A-3B , other embodiments of golf club heads 400A and 400C may include a sole channel. In addition, golf club heads 400A and 400C may also be sold as kits with a plurality of screws and/or a torque wrench, similar to the kit discussed above forgolf club head 300. An additional back plate may be added to the aft portion of the golf club heads 400A and 400C, while still leaving a portion of the screw exposed for adjustment. - Simulated results of different types of golf club heads further demonstrate ball speed uniformity across the face of the golf club heads including an elastomer element. Table 1 indicates ball speed retention across the face of a golf club head for several different example golf club heads. Example 1 is a baseline hollow iron having a 2.1 mm face thickness with a sole channel. Example 2 is a hollow iron with a 2.1 mm face with a rigid rod extending from the back portion to the striking face, also including a sole channel. Example 3 is a hollow iron with a striking face having a thick center (6.1 mm) and a thin perimeter (2.1mm), also having a sole channel. Example 4 is a golf club head having an elastomer element similar to
golf club head 100 depicted inFIGS. 1A-1C . The “Center” row indicates ball speeds resulting from a strike in the center of the golf club head, the “½” Heel” row indicates the loss of ball speed from a strike a half inch from the center of the club head towards the heel, and the “½” Toe” row indicates the loss of ball speed from a strike a half inch from the center of the club head towards the toe. All values in Table 1 are in miles per hour (mph). -
TABLE 1 Impact Example Example Example Example Location 1 2 3 4 Center 134.1 132.8 133.8 133.6 ½″ Heel (drop −1.0 −0.4 −0.9 −0.7 from center) 1/2” ″ Toe (drop −6.9 −6.5 −6.8 −6.7 from center) - From the results in Table 1, the golf club head with the elastomer (Example 4) displays a relatively high ball speed from the center of the face, while also providing a reduced loss of ball speed from strikes near the toe or the heel of the golf club.
- In addition, as mentioned above, the type of material utilized for any of the elastomer elements discussed herein has an effect on the displacement of the striking face. For instance, an elastomer element with a greater elastic modulus will resist compression and thus deflection of the striking face, leading to lower ball speeds. For example, for a golf club head similar to
golf club head 400A, Table 2 indicates ball speeds achieved from using materials with different elasticity properties. All ball speeds were the result of strikes at the center of the face. -
TABLE 2 Elastic Modulus Ball Speed Material (GPa) (mph) Material A 0.41 132.2 Material B 0.58 132.2 Material C 4.14 132.0 Material D 41.4 131.0 - From the results in Table 2, a selection of material for the elastomer element can be used to fine tune the performance of the golf club. Any of the materials listed in Table 2 are acceptable for use in forming an elastomer element to be used in the present technology.
- The different types of materials also have effect on the ball speed retention across the striking face. For example, for a golf club head similar to
golf club head 400A, Table 3 indicates ball speeds achieved across the striking face from heel to toe for the different materials used as the elastomer element. The materials referenced in Table 3 are the same materials from Table 2. All speeds in Table 3 are in mph. -
TABLE 3 ½″ Toe Center ½″ Heel Material Impact Impact Impact No Elastomer 128.7 132.2 129.4 Element Material A 128.7 132.2 129.4 (0.41 GPa) Material C 128.7 132.0 129.3 (4.1 GPa) Material D (41 127.9 131.0 128.7 GPa) - From the results in Table 3, materials having a higher elastic modulus provide for better ball speed retention across the striking face, but lose maximum ball speed for impacts at the center of the face. For some applications, a range of elastic moduli for the elastomer element from about 4 to about 15 GPa may be used. In other applications, a range of elastic moduli for the elastomer element from about 1 to about 40 or about 50 GPa may be used.
- As mentioned above with reference to
FIGS. 4A-4C , the size of the cradle may also have an impact on the ball speed. For a smaller cradle, such ascradle 408A inFIGS. 4A-4B , and an elastomer element made of a 13 GPa material, a loss of about 0.2 mph is observed for a center impact as compared to the same club with no elastomer element. For a larger cradle that is about 5 mm deeper, such ascradle 408C inFIG. 4C , and an elastomer element also made of a 13 GPa material, a loss of about 0.4 mph is observed for a center impact as compared to the same club with no elastomer element. For the same larger cradle and an elastomer element made of a 0.4 GPa material, a loss of only about 0.2 mph is observed for a center impact as compared to the same club with no elastomer element. - San Diego Plastics, Inc. of National City, Calif. offers several plastics having elastic moduli ranging from 2.6 GPa to 13 GPa that would all be acceptable for use. The plastics also have yield strengths that are also acceptable for use in the golf club heads discussed herein. Table 4 lists several materials offered by San Diego Plastics and their respective elastic modulus and yield strength values.
-
TABLE 4 Tecapeek 30% Tecaform Carbon ABS Acetal PVC Tecapeek Fiber Thermoplastic 2.8 2.6 2.8 3.6 13 Elastic Modulus (GPa) Thermoplastic 0.077 0.031 0.088 0.118 0.240 Compressive Yield Strength (GPa) - The inclusion of an elastomer element also provide benefits in durability for the club face by reducing stress values displayed by the striking face upon impact with a golf ball.
FIG. 5A depicts a stress contour diagram for agolf club head 500A without an elastomer element, andFIG. 5B depicts a stress contour diagram for agolf club head 500B with an elastomer element. In thegolf club head 500A, the von Mises stress at the center of theface 502A is about 68% of the maximum von Mises stress, which occurs at thebottom face edge 504A. Without an elastomer element, the von Mises stress levels are high and indicate that the club face may be susceptible to failure and/or early deterioration. In thegolf club head 500B, for an elastomer element having an elastic modulus of 0.41 GPa, the von Mises stress for the face near the edge of theelastomer element 502B is reduced by about 16% and the maximum von Mises stress occurring at thebottom face edge 504B is reduced by about 18%. These von Mises stresses are still relatively high, but are significantly reduced from those of thegolf club head 500A. For agolf club head 500B with an elastomer element having an elastic modulus of about 13 GPa, the von Mises stress for the face near the edge of theelastomer element 502B is reduced by about 50% and the maximum von Mises stress occurring at thebottom face edge 504B is reduced by about 56%. Such von Mises stress values are lower and are indicative of a more durable golf club head that may be less likely to fail. -
FIGS. 6A-6E depict agolf club head 600 having anelastomer element 602.FIG. 6A depicts a front view of thegolf club head 600.FIG. 6B depicts a toe view of thegolf club head 600 ofFIG. 6A .FIG. 6C depicts a section view A-A of thegolf club head 600 ofFIG. 6A .FIG. 6D depicts a perspective view of thegolf club head 600 ofFIG. 6A oriented perpendicular to thestriking face 618.FIG. 6E depicts a perspective view of thegolf club head 600 ofFIG. 6A oriented perpendicular to thestriking face 618 including the supportedregion 642. Thegolf club head 600 includes astriking face 618 configured to strike a ball, a sole 605 located at the bottom of thegolf club head 600, and aback portion 612. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 6A and 6B , thegolf club head 600 includes a coordinate system centered at the center of gravity (CG) of thegolf club head 600. The coordinate system includes a y-axis which extends vertically, perpendicular to a ground plane when thegolf club head 600 is in an address position at prescribed lie and loft a. The coordinate system includes an x-axis, perpendicular to the y-axis, parallel to thestriking face 618, and extending towards the heel of thegolf club head 600. The coordinate system includes a z-axis, perpendicular to the y-axis and x-axis and extending through thestriking face 618. Thegolf club head 600 has a rotational moment of inertia about the y-axis (MOI-Y), a value which represents the golf club head's resistance to angular acceleration about the y-axis. - An
elastomer element 602 is disposed between thestriking face 618 and theback portion 612. Thestriking face 618 includes arear surface 619. Thefront portion 603 of theelastomer element 602 contacts therear surface 619 of thestriking face 618. As illustrated inFIGS. 6C and 6E , thestriking face 618 includes a supportedregion 642, the portion of therear surface 619 supported by theelastomer element 602, which is defined as the area inside the supportedregion perimeter 640 defined by the outer extent of thefront portion 603 of theelastomer element 602 in contact with therear surface 619 of thestriking face 618. The supportedregion 642 is illustrated with hatching inFIG. 6E . The supportedregion 642 wouldn't normally be visible from the front of thegolf club head 600 but was added for illustrative purposes. - The
striking face 618 includes astriking face area 652, which is defined as the area inside thestriking face perimeter 650 as illustrated inFIG. 6D . As illustrated inFIG. 6C , the striking face perimeter is delineated by anupper limit 654 and alower limit 656. Theupper limit 654 is located at the intersection of the substantially flatrear surface 619 and theupper radius 655 which extends to the top line of thegolf club head 600. Thelower limit 656 is located at the intersection of the substantially flatrear surface 619 and thelower radius 657 which extends to the sole 605 of thegolf club head 600. The striking face perimeter is similarly delineated 658 (as illustrated inFIG. 6D ) at the toe of the golf club head 600 (not illustrated in cross section). The heel portion of the striking face perimeter is defined by aplane 659 extending parallel to the y-axis and the x-axis offset 1 millimeter (mm) towards the heel from the heel-most extent of thescorelines 660 formed in thestriking face 618. Thestriking face area 652 is illustrated with hatching inFIG. 6D . Thelimits striking face 618 inFIG. 6D for ease of illustration and understanding. - A plurality of golf club heads much like
golf club head 600 described herein can be included in a set, each golf club head having a different loft a. Each golf club head can also have additional varying characteristics which may include, for example, MOI-Y, Striking Face Area, Area of Supported Region, and the Unsupported Face Percentage. The Unsupported Face Percentage is calculated by dividing the Area of Supported Region by the Striking Face Area and multiplying by 100% and subtracting it from 100%. An example of one set of iron type golf club heads is included in Table 5 below. The set in Table 5 includes the following lofts: 21, 24, 27, and 30. Other sets may include a greater number of golf club heads and/or a wider range of loft a values, or a smaller number of golf club heads and/or a smaller range of loft a values. Additionally, a set may include one or more golf club heads which include an elastomer element and one or more golf club heads which do not include an elastomer element. -
TABLE 5 Striking Area of Unsupported Loft of Face Supported Face Iron MOI-Y Area Region Percentage (Degrees) (kg*mm2) (mm2) (mm2) (%) 21 270 2809 74 97.37 24 272 2790 74 97.35 27 276 2777 74 97.34 30 278 2742 74 97.30 - An example of an additional embodiment of set of iron type golf club heads is included in Table 6 below.
-
TABLE 6 Striking Area of Unsupported Loft of Face Supported Face Iron MOI-Y Area Region Percentage (Degrees) (kg* mm2) (mm2) (mm2) (%) 21 272 2897 74 97.45 24 278 2890 74 97.44 27 289 2878 74 97.43 30 294 2803 74 97.36 - If all other characteristics are held constant, a larger the MOI-Y value increases the ball speed of off-center hits. For clubs with a smaller MOI-Y, the decrease in off-center ball speed can be mitigated with a greater unsupported face percentage. By supporting a smaller percentage of the face, more of the face is able to flex during impact, increasing off-center ball speed. Thus, for the inventive golf club set described in Table 5 above, the MOI-Y increases through the set as loft a increases and the unsupported face percentage decreases through the set as loft a increases. This relationship creates consistent off-center ball speeds through a set of golf clubs.
- A set of golf clubs can include a first golf club head with a loft greater than or equal to 20 degrees and less than or equal to 24 degrees and a second golf club head with a loft greater than or equal to 28 degrees and less than or equal to 32 degrees. In one embodiment, the set can be configured so that the first golf club head has a larger unsupported face percentage than the second golf club head and the first golf club head has a lower MOI-Y than the second golf club head.
- More particular characteristics of embodiments described herein are described below. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be greater than 30 millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be greater than 40 millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be greater than 60 millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be greater than 65 millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be greater than 70 millimeters. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be greater than 73 millimeters.
- In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 140 millimeters2. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 130 millimeters2. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 120 millimeters2. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 110 millimeters2. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 100 millimeters2. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 90 millimeters2. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 85 millimeters2. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 80 millimeters2. In some embodiments, the area of the supported region can be less than 75 millimeters2.
- In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greater than 70%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greater than 75%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greater than 80%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greater than 85%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greater than 90%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greater than 95%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greater than 96%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is greater than 97%.
- In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 99.75%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 99.50%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 99.25%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 99.00%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 98.75%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 98.50%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 98.25%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 98.00%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 97.75%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 97.50%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 97.25%. In some embodiments, the unsupported face percentage is less than 97.00%.
-
FIGS. 7A-10 depict agolf club head 700 having anelastomer element 702.FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of thegolf club head 700.FIG. 7B depicts an additional perspective view of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 7A .FIG. 7C depicts a rear view of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 7A .FIG. 8A depicts a section view B-B of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 7C .FIG. 8B depicts a section view C-C of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 7C .FIG. 8C depicts a section view D-D of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 7C .FIG. 9A depicts an additional section view of the front of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 7A missing the striking face.FIG. 9B depicts the section view fromFIG. 9A with the elastomer element removed.FIG. 10 . Depicts a perspective view of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 7A oriented perpendicular to thestriking face 718 including the supportedregion 742. Please note that thegolf club head 700 illustrated inFIGS. 7A-10 is an iron-type cavity back golf club but the inventions described herein are applicable to other types of golf club heads as well. - The
golf club head 700 includes adeformable member 702 disposed between thestriking face 718 and theback portion 712. In one embodiment, thedeformable member 702 is formed from an elastomer. Thefront portion 703 of theelastomer element 702 contacts therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. Thestriking face 718 includes a supportedregion 742, the portion of therear surface 719 supported by theelastomer element 702, which is defined as the area inside the supportedregion perimeter 740 defined by the outer extent of thefront portion 703 of theelastomer element 702 in contact with therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. The supportedregion 742 wouldn't normally be visible from the front of thegolf club head 700 but was added inFIG. 10 for illustrative purposes. - The
golf club head 700 illustrated inFIGS. 7A-10 is a cavity back construction and includes aperiphery portion 701 surrounding and extending rearward from thestriking face 718. Theperiphery portion 701 includes the sole 705, thetoe 706, and thetopline 707. Theperiphery portion 701 can also include aweight pad 710. Thegolf club head 700 also includes aback portion 712 configured to support theelastomer element 702. - The
back portion 712 includes acantilever support arm 762 affixed to theperiphery portion 701. Thesupport arm 762 can include acradle 708 configured to hold theelastomer element 702 in place. Thecradle 708 can include alip 709 configured to locate theelastomer element 702 on thecradle 708 and relative to thestriking face 718. Thelip 709 can surround a portion of theelastomer element 702. Additionally, an adhesive can be used between theelastomer element 702 and thecradle 708 to secure theelastomer element 702 to thecradle 708. - The
support arm 762 extends from theweight pad 710 located at the intersection of the sole 705 and thetoe 706 of theperiphery portion 701 towards the supportedregion 742. Thesupport arm 762 is oriented substantially parallel to therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. Thesupport arm 762 can include arib 764 to increase the stiffness of thesupport arm 762. Therib 764 can extend rearwards from thesupport arm 762 substantially perpendicularly to therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. One benefit of acantilever support arm 762 is it provides a lower CG height than an alternative beam design, such as the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4A , which supported at both ends by the periphery portion. - In order to provide a low CG height the
support arm 762 is cantilevered which means it is only affixed to theperiphery portion 701 at one end of thesupport arm 762. The support arm is designed such that the distance H between the highest portion of thesupport arm 762 and the ground plane GP when thegolf club head 700 is in an address position, as illustrated inFIG. 8C , is minimized, while locating theelastomer element 702 in the optimal position. In one embodiment, H is less than or equal to 50 mm. In an additional embodiment, H is less than 45 mm. In an additional embodiment, H is less than or equal to 40 mm. In an additional embodiment, H is less than or equal to 35 mm. In an additional embodiment, H is less than or equal to 30 mm. In an additional embodiment, H is less than or equal to 29 mm. In an additional embodiment, H is less than or equal to 28 mm. - In one embodiment, the
golf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 25 mm. In an additional embodiment, thegolf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 24 mm. In an additional embodiment, thegolf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 23 mm. In an additional embodiment, thegolf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 22 mm. In an additional embodiment, thegolf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 21 mm. In an additional embodiment, thegolf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 20 mm. In an additional embodiment, thegolf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 19 mm. In an additional embodiment, thegolf club head 700 can have a CG height CGH of less than or equal to 18 mm. - Another advantage to the illustrated
support arm 762 is it provides a high MOI-Y due to its orientation. By concentrating mass at the heel end and toe end of thegolf club head 700 the MOI-Y can be increased. Thesupport arm 762 is angled to concentrate much of its mass near thetoe 706, increasing MOI-Y compared with a back portion located more centrally on thegolf club head 700. In one embodiment, the MOI-Y of thegolf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 200 kg-mm2. In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of thegolf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 210 kg-mm2. In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of thegolf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 220 kg-mm2. In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of thegolf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 230 kg-mm2. In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of thegolf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 240 kg-mm2. In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of thegolf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 250 kg-mm2. In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of thegolf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 260 kg-mm2. In an additional embodiment, the MOI-Y of thegolf club head 700 is greater than or equal to 270 kg-mm2. - The
support arm 762 can include an arm centerline CL, as illustrated inFIG. 8A , which is oriented parallel to therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718 and extends along the center of thesupport arm 762 from theperiphery portion 701 towards the supportedregion 742. The angle α is measured between the ground plane GP and the centerline CL. In one embodiment, the angle α is greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees. In an additional embodiment, the angle α is greater than or equal to 10 degrees and less than or equal to 40 degrees. In an additional embodiment, the angle α is greater than or equal to 15 degrees and less than or equal to 35 degrees. In an additional embodiment, the angle α is greater than or equal to 20 degrees and less than or equal to 30 degrees. In an additional embodiment, the angle α is greater than or equal to 23 degrees and less than or equal to 28 degrees. - The
support arm 762 can have an arm width AW measured perpendicularly to the arm centerline CL and parallel to therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. The arm width AW can vary along the length of thesupport arm 762. In one embodiment the arm width of at least one portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 6 mm. In an additional embodiment the arm width of at least one portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 8 mm. In an additional embodiment the arm width of at least one portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 10 mm. - The
support arm 762 can have an arm thickness AT measured perpendicular to therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. The arm thickness AT can vary along the length of thesupport arm 762. In one embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 2 mm. In an additional embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 3 mm. In an additional embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 4 mm. In an additional embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 5 mm. In an additional embodiment the arm thickness AT of at least one portion of the support arm is greater than or equal to 6 mm. - The
rib 764 of thesupport arm 762 can have a rib width RW measured perpendicularly to the arm centerline CL and parallel to therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. The rib width RW can vary along the length of the rib. In one embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 1 mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 2 mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 3 mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib width RW of at least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 4 mm. - The
rib 764 of thesupport arm 762 can have a rib thickness RT measured perpendicular to therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. The rib thickness RT can vary along the length of the rib. In one embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 2 mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 3 mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 4 mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 5 mm. In an additional embodiment, the rib thickness RT of at least a portion of the rib is greater than or equal to 6 mm. - The supported
region 742, as illustrated inFIG. 10 , is specifically located on therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. The striking faceheel reference plane 759 extends parallel to the y-axis and the z-axis and is offset 1 mm towards the heel from the heel-most extent of thescorelines 760 formed in thestriking face 718. Thegeometric center 743 of the supportedregion 742 is located a supported region offset length SROL toeward from the striking faceheel reference plane 759 measured parallel to the ground plane GP and parallel to thestriking face 718 with thegolf club head 700 in an address position. In one embodiment, the supported region offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 20 mm. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 22 mm. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 24 mm. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 26 mm. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 27 mm. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset length SROL is greater than or equal to 28 mm. - The striking face length SFL is measured from the striking face
heel reference plane 759 to the toe-most extent of thestriking face 718, measured parallel to the ground plane GP and parallel to thestriking face 718 with thegolf club head 700 in an address position. In one embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 60 mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 65 mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 70 mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 71 mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 72 mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 73 mm. In an additional embodiment, the striking face length SFL is greater than or equal to 74 mm. - In one embodiment, the supported region offset ratio, defined as the supported region offset length SROL divided by the striking face length SFL multiplied by 100%, is greater than or equal to 40%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 41%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 42%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 43%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 44%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 45%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 46%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 47%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 48%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 49%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 50%. In an additional embodiment, the supported region offset ratio is greater than or equal to 51%.
- An additional benefit of incorporating a supported
region 742 is the ability to utilize a thin striking face. In the illustrated embodiments, thestriking face 718 has a constant thickness. In other embodiments, the striking face may have a variable thickness. In one embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 2.5 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 2.4 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 2.3 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 2.2 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 2.1 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 2.0 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.9 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.8 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.7 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.6 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.5 mm. In an additional embodiment, the thickness of the striking face is less than or equal to 1.4 mm. -
FIGS. 11A-11D depict thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 7A having additional embodiments of anelastomer element 702.FIG. 11A illustrates a cross sectional view of thegolf club head 700 including an additional embodiment of anelastomer element 702. Theelastomer element 702 ofFIG. 11A is circular similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7A . Thefront portion 703 of theelastomer element 702, which abuts therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718, has a front diameter FD and therear portion 744, which abuts thecradle 708, has a rear diameter RD. The front diameter FD is substantially similar or equal to the rear diameter RD of theelastomer element 702 illustrated inFIG. 11A . -
FIG. 11B illustrates a cross sectional view of thegolf club head 700 including an additional embodiment of anelastomer element 702. Theelastomer element 702 ofFIG. 11B is circular. The front diameter FD is greater than rear diameter RD of theelastomer element 702 illustrated inFIG. 11B . Therear portion 744 of theelastomer element 702 in contact with thecradle 708 has arear support region 747, which has an area. -
FIG. 11C illustrates a cross sectional view of thegolf club head 700 including an additional embodiment of anelastomer element 702. Theelastomer element 702 ofFIG. 11C is circular. The front diameter FD is greater than rear diameter RD of theelastomer element 702 illustrated inFIG. 11C . -
FIG. 11D illustrates a cross sectional view of thegolf club head 700 including an additional embodiment of anelastomer element 702. Theelastomer element 702 ofFIG. 11D is circular. The front diameter FD is greater than rear diameter RD of theelastomer element 702 illustrated inFIG. 11D . Additionally, therear portion 744 has aconstant diameter region 745 aft of the taperedregion 746 extending towards thestriking face 718. In one embodiment, the rear diameter RD is approximately 12.5 mm and the front diameter FD is approximately 18.5 mm. - The
enlarged front portion 703 and thus enlarged supportedregion 742 offered by the embodiments of theelastomer elements 702 illustrated inFIGS. 11B, 11C, and 11D offer advantages. These advantages include more consistent off-center ball speeds, reduced sound energy, particularly above 3800 Hz. - In one embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 75 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 100 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 125 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 150 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 175 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 200 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 225 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 250 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 255 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 260 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 50 millimeters2 and less than 1000 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 100 millimeters2 and less than 1000 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 150 millimeters2 and less than 1000 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 200 millimeters2 and less than 1000 millimeters2. In an additional embodiment, the area of the supported region can be greater than 250 millimeters2 and less than 1000 millimeters2.
- In one embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter FD divided by the rear diameter RD is greater than 1.2. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter FD divided by the rear diameter RD is greater than 1.4. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter FD divided by the rear diameter RD is greater than 1.6. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter FD divided by the rear diameter RD is greater than 1.8. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter FD divided by the rear diameter RD is greater than 2.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter FD divided by the rear diameter RD is greater than 3.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the front diameter FD divided by the rear diameter RD is greater than 4.0.
- In one embodiment, the area of the supported
region 742 is greater than the area of therear support region 747. In one embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 1.2. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 1.4. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 1.6. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 1.8. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 2.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 2.5. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 3.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 3.5. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 4.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 5.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 6.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 7.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 8.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 9.0. In an additional embodiment, the ratio of the supportedregion 742 divided by the area of the rear supportedregion 747 is greater than 10.0. - The contact energy absorption factor is defined as the ratio of the front diameter FD divided by the diameter of a golf ball, which is approximately 42.75 mm. In one embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 0.1. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 0.2. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 0.3. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 0.4. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 0.5. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 0.6. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 0.7. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 0.8. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 0.9. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is greater than 1.0. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less than 0.2. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less than 0.3. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less than 0.4. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less than 0.5. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less than 0.6. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less than 0.7. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less than 0.8. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less than 0.9. In an additional embodiment, the contact energy absorption factor is less than 1.0.
- In additional embodiments, the
elastomer elements 702 may not be circular. They may have additional shapes which may include square, rectangular, octagonal, etc. - Identical golf club heads with different elastomer elements were subjected to acoustic testing to determine the effectiveness of different embodiments of elastomer elements. The testing was performed with each club head striking a Titleist ProV1 golf ball with a club head speed at impact of approximately 95 miles per hour. The acoustic qualities of the embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 11A and 11D were recorded when each golf club head struck a golf ball.FIGS. 12A and 12B reflect the recording of the golf club head utilizing the cylindrical elastomer element embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11A striking a golf ball andFIGS. 13A and 13B reflect the recording of the golf club head utilizing the tapered elastomer element embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11D striking a golf ball.FIG. 12A illustrates the periodogram power spectral density estimate of theFIG. 11A cylindrical embodiment.FIG. 12B illustrates the sound power estimate of theFIG. 11A cylindrical embodiment.FIG. 13A illustrates the periodogram power spectral density estimate of theFIG. 11D tapered embodiment.FIG. 13B illustrates the sound power estimate of theFIG. 11D tapered embodiment. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 12A and 12B , the dominant frequency for thecylindrical elastomer element 702 ofFIG. 11A is 4,279.7 HZ. As illustrated inFIGS. 13A and 13B , the dominant frequency for the taperedelastomer element 702 ofFIG. 11D is 4317.4 Hz. Generally, when an iron type golf club head strikes a golf ball, sound frequencies produced between approximately 1,000 Hz and 3,800 Hz are produced by golf club and golf ball interaction and golf ball resonances while sound frequencies above approximately 3,800 Hz are produced solely by the golf club head. Thus, the first sound power peak in the sound power estimate graphs ofFIGS. 12B and 13B correlates primarily to the golf ball and the subsequent sound power peak correlates to the vibration of the striking face of the golf club head. As illustrated inFIGS. 12B and 13B the peak sound power estimate below 3,800 Hz, corresponding to the golf ball, is approximately 1.00×10−3 watts. As illustrated inFIG. 12B , the sound power generated by the golf club head utilizing the cylindrical elastomer element embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11A peaks at approximately 1.40×10−3 watts. As illustrated inFIG. 13B , the sound power generated by the golf club head utilizing the tapered elastomer element embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11D peaks at approximately 1.04×10−3 watts. Sound power levels correlate directly with the loudness of the sound produced by the golf club striking a golf ball. Therefore, it is evident that the sound produced by the golf club head utilizing the cylindrical elastomer element embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11A is significantly less loud than the golf club head utilizing the tapered elastomer element embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11D . - Additionally, the sound power generated by the golf club head utilizing the cylindrical elastomer element embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 11A divided by the sound power generated by the golf ball is approximately 1.40. The sound power generated by the golf club head utilizing the cylindrical elastomer element embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11D divided by the sound power generated by the golf ball is approximately 1.04. In some embodiments, it is preferable to have the sound power generated by the golf club head divided by the sound power generated by the golf ball to be less than 1.50. In some embodiments, it is preferable to have the sound power generated by the golf club head divided by the sound power generated by the golf ball to be less than 1.40. In some embodiments, it is preferable to have the sound power generated by the golf club head divided by the sound power generated by the golf ball to be less than 1.30. In some embodiments, it is preferable to have the sound power generated by the golf club head divided by the sound power generated by the golf ball to be less than 1.20. In some embodiments, it is preferable to have the sound power generated by the golf club head divided by the sound power generated by the golf ball to be less than 1.10. In some embodiments, it is preferable to have the sound power generated by the golf club head divided by the sound power generated by the golf ball to be less than 1.00. -
FIGS. 14A-L depict additional embodiments of anelastomer element 702, which can also be referred to as a deformable member. These embodiments are designed with variable compressive stiffness, spring rate, or flexural modulus. This can be achieved through various geometries as well as combinations of various co-molded materials of different durometers. -
FIG. 14A illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 having a largerrear portion 744 thanfront portion 703. Thefront portion 703 andrear portion 744 are substantially planar.FIG. 14B illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 having a largerrear portion 744 thanfront portion 703. Therear portion 744 is substantially planar and thefront portion 703 is hemispherical.FIG. 14C illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 having a largerrear portion 744 thanfront portion 703. Theelastomer element 702 includes a frontconstant diameter region 746 and a rearconstant diameter region 745, where the rearconstant diameter region 746 has a larger diameter than the frontconstant diameter region 745.FIG. 14D illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 similar to that ofFIG. 14A but includes afirst material 770 and asecond material 780. In one embodiment, thefirst material 770 can be stiffer than thesecond material 780. In an additional embodiment, thesecond material 780 can be stiffer than thefirst material 770.FIG. 14E illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 similar to that ofFIG. 14B but includes afirst material 770 and asecond material 780.FIG. 14F illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 similar to that ofFIG. 14C but includes afirst material 770 and asecond material 780. -
FIG. 14G illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 similar to that ofFIG. 14A but the center of thefront portion 703 is offset from a center of therear portion 744. The offset can be towards the topline, towards, the sole, towards the toe, towards the heel, or any combination thereof.FIG. 14H illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 similar to that ofFIG. 14B but the center of thefront portion 703 is offset from a center of therear portion 744.FIG. 141 illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 similar to that ofFIG. 14C but the center of thefront portion 703 is offset from a center of therear portion 744.FIG. 14J illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 which necks down in diameter between thefront portion 703 and therear portion 744.FIG. 14K illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 which necks down in diameter between thefront portion 703 and therear portion 744.FIG. 14L illustrates a cross sectional view of anelastomer element 702 similar to that ofFIG. 14J but includes afirst material 770 and asecond material 780. - Any of these embodiments of
elastomer element 702 described herein can be flipped, such that therear portion 744 abuts the rear surface of the striking face rather than the front portion. Additionally, the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 14A-14L are circular when viewed from a front view in a preferred embodiment. In other embodiments, the elastomer elements may comprise different shapes. In some embodiments, the flexural modulus of the first material can be greater than the flexural modulus of the second material. -
FIGS. 15A-15D depict agolf club head 800 having anelastomer element 702.FIG. 15A depicts a rear view of thegolf club head 800.FIG. 15B depicts a perspective view of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 15A .FIG. 15C depicts an additional perspective view of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 15A .FIG. 15D depicts a section view E-E of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 15A .FIG. 16 depicts the section view E-E of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 15D without theadjustment driver 830 andelastomer element 702 installed.FIG. 17A depicts a perspective view of theadjustment driver 830 andelastomer element 702 of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 15A .FIG. 17B depicts an additional perspective view of theadjustment driver 830 andelastomer element 702 of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 15A .FIG. 17C depicts a side view of theadjustment driver 830 andelastomer element 702 of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 15A .FIG. 17D depicts a section view of theadjustment driver 830 andelastomer element 702 ofFIG. 17A .FIG. 17E depicts an additional perspective of the section view of theadjustment driver 830 andelastomer element 702 ofFIG. 17A . - As illustrated in
FIGS. 15D and 16 , thegolf club head 800 includes astriking face 818 having arear surface 819. Thegolf club head 800 also includes aback portion 812 configured to support theelastomer element 702. Thegolf club head 800 is made with a hollow body construction and theback portion 812 covers a substantial portion of the back of thegolf club head 800. Theback portion 812 is located behind thestriking face 818 and extends between the topline 807 and the sole 805 and from theheel 804 to thetoe 806 forming acavity 820. Theelastomer element 702 is disposed within thecavity 820. As illustrated inFIG. 15 D. thestriking face 818 can be formed separately and welded to the rest of thegolf club head 800. More specifically, the separately formed striking face portion can include a portion of the sole, forming an L-shaped striking face portion. In other embodiments, thestriking face 818 may be formed integrally with the rest of the golf club. - The
golf club head 800 includes anadjustment driver 830 much like theadjustment driver 330 described earlier and illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B . Thegolf club head 800 also includes adeformable member 702 disposed between thestriking face 818 and theadjustment driver 830. Thedeformable member 702 can take the form of any of the elastomer elements described herein. Theadjustment driver 830 is configured to retain theelastomer element 702 between theadjustment driver 830 and thestriking face 818, with thefront portion 703 of theelastomer element 702 contacting therear surface 819 of thestriking face 818 and therear portion 744 of theelastomer element 702 contacting theadjustment driver 830. The adjustment driver can include aninterface 834 configured to retain theelastomer element 702. Theinterface 834 can include a recess with alip 809 surrounding at least a portion of theelastomer element 702 as illustrated inFIGS. 15D and 17A-17E . - The
golf club head 800 can include anadjustment receiver 890, much like theadjustment receiver 306 illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B . As illustrated inFIG. 16 , theadjustment receiver 890 can include an aperture formed in theback portion 812 of thegolf club head 800. The aperture can include a threadedportion 893. Additionally, theadjustment receiver 890 can include areceiver shelf 895 for theadjustment driver 830 to engage when it is installed in theadjustment receiver 890 as illustrated inFIG. 15D . Theadjustment driver 830, as illustrated inFIG. 15D and 17A-17E , can include a threadedportion 833 configured to engage the threadedportion 893 of theadjustment receiver 890. Additionally, theadjustment driver 830 can include aflange 835 configured to engage thereceiver shelf 895 of theadjustment receiver 890 when theadjustment driver 830 is installed in theadjustment receiver 890. Thereceiver shelf 895 andflange 835 help to ensure the elastomer element properly and consistently engages therear surface 819 of thestriking face 818 and provides the support necessary for optimal performance. While theadjustment driver 330 discussed earlier is configured such that it may be adjusted after assembly, the preferred embodiment of theadjustment driver 830 illustrated inFIGS. 15A-15D and 17A-17E is configured to be installed to a set position during assembly and remain in that position. Thereceiver shelf 895 andflange 835 help to ensure theadjustment driver 830 is installed consistently and that the elastomer element properly and consistently engages therear surface 819 of thestriking face 818 and provides the support necessary for optimal performance. Theadjustment driver 830 can also include ascrew drive 832 configured to receive a tool and allow theadjustment driver 830 to be rotated relative to thegolf club head 800. Finally, theadjustment driver 830 can have a mass. In some embodiments, the mass of the golf club head can be adjusted by swapping out theadjustment driver 830 for anotheradjustment driver 830 having a different mass. The difference in mass can be achieved through the use of different materials for different adjustment drivers such as aluminum, brass, polymers, steel, titanium, tungsten, etc. In another embodiment, not illustrated, mass elements could be added to the adjustment driver to change the mass. In one embodiment, mass elements could be added to the recess of the adjustment driver. Additionally, the mass element added to the recess could also be used to change the distance between the rear portion of the elastomer element and the rear surface of the striking face, altering the compression of the elastomer element. -
FIGS. 18-22 depict agolf club head 900 similar to thegolf club head 800 depicted inFIGS. 15A-15D .Golf club head 900 however includes a seconddeformable member 702B in addition to a firstdeformable member 702A.FIG. 18 depicts a rear view of thegolf club head 900.FIG. 19 depicts an exploded view of thegolf club head 900 ofFIG. 18 .FIG. 20 depicts a section view F-F of thegolf club head 900.FIG. 21 depicts a section view G-G of thegolf club head 900.FIG. 22 depicts a frontal view of thegolf club head 900 ofFIG. 18 , including the supported regions. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 18-22 , thegolf club head 900 includes astriking face 918 having arear surface 919. Thegolf club head 900 also includes aback portion 912 configured to support the firstdeformable member 702A and the seconddeformable member 702B. The firstdeformable member 702A can be the same as the deformable member described earlier. The firstdeformable member 702A and a seconddeformable member 702B can each take the form of any of the elastomer elements described herein. They may take the same form, or they make take different forms. Thegolf club head 900 is made with a hollow body construction and theback portion 912 covers a substantial portion of the back of thegolf club head 900. Theback portion 912 is located behind thestriking face 918 and extends between the topline 917 and the sole 905 from theheel 904 to thetoe 906 forming acavity 920. In the preferred illustrated embodiments the firstdeformable member 702A is spaced from and does not contact the seconddeformable member 702B. In an alternative embodiment, the firstdeformable member 702A may be spaced closely to and contact the seconddeformable member 702B. - Much like
golf club head 800, thegolf club head 900 includes anadjustment driver 830 configured to retain the firstdeformable member 702A. Thefront portion 703A of the firstdeformable member 702A contacts therear surface 919 of thestriking face 918. Theback portion 912 of thegolf club head 900 includes a back cover M. In the illustrated embodiment, theback cover 913 includes arecess 915 configured to retain the seconddeformable member 702B such that thefront portion 703B of the seconddeformable member 702B contacts therear surface 919 of thestriking face 918. Theback cover 913 also includes anaperture 914 for theadjustment driver 830. In one embodiment, the second deformable member is attached to theback cover 913 with an adhesive. Additionally, theback cover 913 can be attached to the rest of thegolf club head 900 with an adhesive, which may include, for example, double sided tape. In one embodiment, thestriking face 918 of thegolf club head 900 is made from a high density material such as steel, whereas theback cover 913 is made from a low density material, such as plastic, which may include for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. In an alternative embodiment, the back cover may also be made of a high density material. - As illustrated in
FIG. 22 , the striking face includes a plurality of supported regions. The first supportedregion 742A is defined by the portion of therear surface 919 of thestriking face 918 supported by the firstdeformable member 702A, which is defined by the area inside the first supportedregion perimeter 740A defined by the outer extent of thefront portion 703A of the firstdeformable member 702A in contact with therear surface 919 of thestriking face 918. The second supportedregion 742B is defined by the portion of therear surface 919 of thestriking face 918 supported by the seconddeformable member 702B, which is defined by the area inside the second supportedregion perimeter 740B defined by the outer extent of thefront portion 703B of the seconddeformable member 702B in contact with therear surface 919 of thestriking face 918. The first supportedregion 742A and second supportedregion 742B wouldn't normally be visible from the front of thegolf club head 900 but was added inFIG. 22 for illustrative purposes. - The first
geometric center 743A of the first supportedregion 742A is located a first supported region offsetlength SROL 1 toeward from the striking faceheel reference plane 959, measured parallel to the ground plane and parallel to thestriking face 918 with thegolf club head 900 in an address position. The secondgeometric center 743B of the second supportedregion 742B is located a second supported region offsetlength SROL 2 toeward from the striking faceheel reference plane 959, measured parallel to the ground plane and parallel to thestriking face 918 with thegolf club head 900 in an address position. - In a preferred embodiment,
SROL 1 is approximately 36.0 mm andSROL 2 is approximately 17.6 mm. In apreferred embodiment SROL 1 is greater thanSROL 2. In a preferred embodiment,SROL 1 divided bySROL 2 is greater than 1.0. In a preferred embodiment,SROL 1 divided bySROL 2 is greater than 1.25. In a preferred embodiment,SROL 1 divided bySROL 2 is greater than 1.50. In a preferred embodiment,SROL 1 divided bySROL 2 is greater than 1.75. In a preferred embodiment,SROL 1 divided bySROL 2 is greater than 2.0. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated,SROL 2 is greater thanSROL 1. - In one embodiment, the first
deformable member 702A is made of the same material as the seconddeformable member 702B and thus has the same hardness. In an additional embodiment, the firstdeformable member 702A is made of a material which has a greater hardness than the material of the seconddeformable member 702B. In an alternative embodiment, the material of the firstdeformable member 702A has a lower modulus than the material of the seconddeformable member 702B. In one embodiment, the firstdeformable member 702A has a Shore A 50 durometer and the second deformable member has aShore A 10 durometer. In one embodiment, the firstdeformable member 702A has a Shore A durometer greater than 25 and the second deformable member has a Shore A durometer less than 25. - It should be noted that the first deformable member could be housed, structured, or supported similarly to the second deformable member and also the second deformable member could be housed, structured, or supported similarly to the first deformable member. Additionally, the first deformable member and second deformable member could be housed, structured, or supported in any fashion described throughout this disclosure.
-
FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view ofgolf club head 900 and an additional embodiment of the seconddeformable member 702C. The seconddeformable member 702C is illustrated in an exploded fashion behind thegolf club head 900.FIG. 24 depicts the seconddeformable member 702C illustrated inFIG. 23 .FIG. 25 depicts a section view F-F of thegolf club head 900 including the seconddeformable member 702C illustrated inFIGS. 23 and 24 . Theback portion 912 of thegolf club head 900 includes anaperture 930 configured to receive the seconddeformable member 702C, or alternatively the seconddeformable member 702B. The seconddeformable member 702C, as illustrated inFIGS. 23-25 , includes anannular groove 940 formed therein configured to engage the perimeter of theaperture 930 of theback portion 912 of thegolf club head 900 and secure the seconddeformable member 702C to thegold club head 900. Portions of the seconddeformable member 702C can be configured to deform as the seconddeformable member 702C is installed in theaperture 930 of thegolf club head 900 until thegroove 940 engages theaperture 930. - Additional embodiments of golf club heads will be described below which incorporate various damping elements, many of them applied to the back surface of the striking face. The damping elements described below can include any of the deformable members or elastomers described herein, including their materials, properties, geometry, and features, as well as the additional details which will be described below. The damping elements help reduce vibrations and improve the sound produced by the golf club head when it strikes a golf ball by making it more pleasing to the golfer's ear.
-
FIGS. 26-33 depict an additional embodiment of agolf club head 700 having a first dampingelement 702A and a second dampingelement 702D.FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of thegolf club head 700.FIG. 27 depicts a side view of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 26 .FIG. 28 depicts a section view H-H of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 26 missing theweight member 710, the second dampingelement 702D, and the first dampingelement 702A.FIG. 29 depicts a section view H-H of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 26 missing theweight member 710 and the second dampingelement 702D.FIG. 30 depicts a section view H-H of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 26 missing theweight member 710.FIG. 31 depicts a section view H-H of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 26 .FIG. 32 depicts a section view I-I of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 27 missing theweight member 710.FIG. 33 depicts a section view J-J of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 27 .FIGS. 34 and 35 depict perspective views of the first dampingelement 702A and second dampingelement 702D.FIGS. 36 and 37 depict perspective views of the second dampingelement 702D. - The
golf club head 700 illustrated inFIGS. 26-33 is an iron having a cavity back construction and includes aperiphery portion 701 surrounding and extending rearward from thestriking face 718. Theperiphery portion 701 includes the sole 705, thetoe 706, and thetopline 707. Theperiphery portion 701 can also include aweight member 710. The periphery portion can also include aback portion 712, which may partially enclose thecavity 720, as illustrated inFIG. 26 . In other embodiments, the back portion can substantially enclose the cavity, as illustrated inFIG. 15A . Theperiphery portion 701 of thegolf club head 700 can include a cantilever support arm affixed to and extending from the sole 705. As illustrated inFIG. 28 , thesupport arm 762 can extend substantially parallel to thestriking face 718. As illustrated inFIG. 29 , thegolf club head 700 can include a first dampingelement 702A disposed between therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718 and thecantilever support arm 762. As illustrated inFIG. 26 , the first dampingelement 702A includes afront surface 703A which contacts a central portion of thestriking face 718. The dampingelement 702A can support thestriking face 718 and offer damping properties, as described above. In other embodiments, the back portion can substantially enclose the cavity, as illustrated inFIG. 15A . In such embodiments, the first damping element can be disposed between the rear surface of the striking face and the back portion. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 26 and 30-33 , the golf club head can include a second dampingelement 702D, which is shown along with the first dampingelement 702A inFIGS. 34 and 35 , and in isolation inFIGS. 36 and 37 . As illustrated, a portion of the second dampingelement 702D can be disposed between therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718 and thesupport arm 762. The second dampingelement 702D can be located further from the geometric center of thestriking face 718 than the first dampingelement 702A. More specifically, the second dampingelement 702D can be located proximate the sole 705. The second dampingelement 702D includes afront surface 703B in contact with therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718 and arear surface 781 in contact with thesupport arm 762. The second dampingelement 702D can include atoe portion 782 which extends toewards of thesupport arm 762. The second dampingelement 702D can include aheel portion 783 which extends heelwards of thesupport arm 762. The second dampingelement 702D can include arear portion 784 which extends around thesupport arm 762, forming acavity 785 configured to accept the support arm. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 705 , the golf club head can include aweight member 710 located and spaced rearward of the support arm, and therear portion 784 of the second dampingelement 702D can reside between theweight member 710 and thesupport arm 762. Theweight member 710 can be formed integrally with another portion of thegolf club head 700, or can be a different material bonded to thegolf club head 700. The second dampingelement 702D can include arelief 786 formed in the top of the dampingelement 702D configured to complement the shape of the first dampingelement 702A. The second dampingelement 702D can be formed of an elastomeric material that is deformable and offers damping properties. In one embodiment, the first dampingelement 702A has a higher elastic modulus than the second dampingelement 702D. In an alternative embodiment, the second dampingelement 702D has a higher elastic modulus than the first dampingelement 702A. In yet another embodiment, the first dampingelement 702A has a substantially similar elastic modulus as the second dampingelement 702D. - In addition to the materials disclosed already, the damping elements, and more specifically the second damping
element 702D can comprise a damping foam. In one embodiment, the second dampingelement 702D may be formed separately from the golf club head and subsequently installed. In another embodiment, the second dampingelement 702D can be co-molded with the golf club head so as to specifically fit the geometry of that particular club. In other embodiments, the second dampingelement 702D may be specifically chosen or formed to meet the specific geometry of a particular golf club head. - In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the first damping
element 702A and second dampingelement 702D may be formed monolithically out of a single piece of material such that a single damping element includes the features of both the first and second damping elements. In yet another embodiment, more than one piece of material may comprise the first and/or second damping element. -
FIGS. 38-42 depict an additional embodiment of agolf club head 700 having a first dampingelement 702A and a second dampingelement 702E.FIG. 38 depicts a perspective view of thegolf club head 700.FIG. 39 depicts a side view of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 38 .FIG. 40 depicts a section view K-K of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 38 .FIG. 41 depicts a section view L-L of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 38 .FIG. 42 depicts a detail view ofFIG. 41 .FIG. 43 depicts a section view M-M of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 38 missing the first dampingelement 702A.FIG. 44 depicts a perspective view of the second dampingelement 702E of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 38 . - The
golf club head 700 illustrated inFIGS. 38-43 includes a first dampingelement 702A similar to the one described above and illustrated inFIGS. 26-33 and a different embodiment of a second dampingelement 702E than the golf club head illustrated inFIGS. 26-33 . The second dampingelement 702E can be affixed to therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. In some embodiments, the second dampingelement 702E can be affixed to the striking face via an adhesive 711. The adhesive 711 could be double sided tape, such as 3M Very High Bond tape, epoxy, glue, or a mechanical form of adhesion such as a fastener, rivet, or backing plate. As illustrated, at least a portion of the second dampingelement 702E can be located below the first dampingelement 702A. The second dampingelement 702E can extend toeward of the first dampingelement 702A and heelward of the first dampingelement 702A, and may extend substantially from theheel 704 to thetoe 706, as illustrated inFIG. 43 . The second dampingelement 702E can have a relief configured to complement the shape of the first dampingelement 702A. In an alternative embodiment the second dampingelement 702E may cover a majority of therear surface 719 of saidstriking face 718 which isn't covered by the first dampingelement 702A. - As illustrated in
FIG. 44 , acover 717 can be affixed to the outside surface of the second dampingelement 702E. The outside surface of the second dampingelement 702E is located on an opposite side of the second dampingelement 702E as thestriking face 718. In one embodiment, the thickness of thecover 717 is less than the thickness of the second dampingelement 702E. In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of thecover 717 is higher than the elastic modulus of the second dampingelement 702E. In one embodiment, the hardness of thecover 717 is higher than the elastic modulus of the second dampingelement 702E. - The
golf club head 700 ofFIGS. 38-43 also includes amedallion 790 which improves the appearance of thegold club head 700. Additionally, themedallion 790 can add to the damping qualities of thegolf club head 700. As illustrated inFIGS. 38, 40, 41, and 42 , afirst portion 791 of themedallion 790 is adhered to arear surface 719 of thestriking face 718 and asecond portion 792 extends rearwards away from thestriking face 718 and behind thesupport arm 762. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 41 and 42 , a third dampingelement 702F is disposed between a rear surface of thesupport arm 762 and themedallion 790. -
FIG. 45 depicts a section view of an additional embodiment of thegolf club head 700.FIG. 46 depicts a perspective view of the second dampingelement 702G and third dampingelement 702H of thegolf club head 700 ofFIG. 45 . Thegolf club head 700 includes a first damping element hidden behind themedallion 790, a second dampingelement 702G and a third dampingelement 702H. The second dampingelement 702G is much like the dampingelement 702E ofFIGS. 38-44 in that it has afirst portion 796 which is disposed on therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718, except that it also has asecond portion 797 which extends rearward from thestriking face 718 along the sole 705 in this embodiment. In one embodiment, thegolf club head 700 can also include a third dampingelement 702H, much like the second dampingelement 702F, except that it covers an upper portion of therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718. In one embodiment, the third dampingelement 702H is disposed between therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718 and themedallion 790. The third dampingelement 702H can include a relief configured to complement the shape of the first dampingelement 702A. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the second dampingelement 702G and third dampingelement 702H may be formed monolithically out of a single piece of material such that a single damping element includes the features of both the second and third damping elements. In yet another embodiment, more than one piece of material may comprise the second and/or third damping element. - Additionally, each of the embodiments of golf club heads described herein, particularly in reference to
FIGS. 26-46 , may include the second damping elements and/or third damping elements described herein without including the first damping element. Additionally, any combination of damping elements described herein may be combined to form a single damping element combining the features of each damping element described herein. - One goal of the damping elements described herein is to dissipate energy of the golf club head after it strikes a golf ball. As the striking face and other portions of the golf club head vibrate, the damping element in contact with those surfaces can dissipate the energy. This can change the sound produced by the golf club head by reducing the loudness and/or duration of the sound produced when the golf club head strikes a golf ball. The damping elements, elastomers, and deformable members described herein can be formed of a viscoelastic material. Tanδ represents the ratio of the viscous to elastic response of a viscoelastic material, which is the energy dissipation potential of the material. The greater Tanδ, the more dissipative the material. More specifically, Tanδ=E″/E′, where E″ is the loss modulus and represents Energy dissipated by the system, and E′ is the storage modulus and represents Energy stored elastically by the system. Tanδ varies depending on temperature and the frequency of vibration. The damping elements described herein are preferably formed of a viscoelastic material which has a peak Tanδ between 3 kHz and 9 kHz within a temperature range of 20° C. to 50° C., and more preferably between 5 kHz and 7 kHz. In some embodiments, the damping elements may be formed of different viscoelastic materials, wherein one damping element has a Tanδ which peaks at a higher frequency than another. In reference to specifically to the
golf club head 700 ofFIGS. 26-37 , the first dampingelement 702A is formed of a first viscoelastic material, the second dampingelement 702D is formed of a second viscoelastic material, and the Tanδ of the first viscoelastic material peaks at a first frequency, the Tanδ of the second viscoelastic material peaks at a second frequency, and the first frequency is less than the second frequency. This particular arrangement allows the first damping element to be better able to dampen the striking face vibrations and the second damping element to be better able to dampen the support arm vibrations. -
FIGS. 47-58 depict an additional embodiment of agolf club head 1000 including a dampingelement 1002.FIG. 47 depicts a perspective view of an additional embodiment of agolf club head 1000.FIG. 48 depicts a perspective view of cross section N-N of thegolf club head 1000 ofFIG. 47 .FIG. 49 depicts a side view of cross section N-N of thegolf club head 1000 ofFIG. 47 .FIG. 50 depicts a detail view of thegolf club head 1000 ofFIG. 49 .FIG. 51 depicts a perspective view of thegolf club head 1000 ofFIG. 47 missing the dampingelement 1002.FIG. 52 depicts a perspective view of cross section O-O of thegolf club head 1000 ofFIG. 51 .FIG. 53 depicts a side view of cross section O-O of thegolf club head 1000 ofFIG. 51 .FIG. 54 depicts a perspective view of the dampingelement 1002 of thegolf club head 1000 ofFIG. 47 .FIG. 55 depicts an additional perspective view of the dampingelement 1002 of thegolf club head 1000 ofFIG. 47 .FIG. 56 depicts a perspective view of cross section P-P of the dampingelement 1002 ofFIG. 54 .FIG. 57 depicts a side view of cross section P-P of the dampingelement 1002 ofFIG. 54 .FIG. 58 depicts a detail view of the dampingelement 1002 ofFIG. 57 . - The
golf club head 1000 includes astriking face 1018 having arear surface 1019. Thegolf club head 1000 includes aback portion 1012 configured to support a dampingelement 1002. The illustratedgolf club head 1000 is a hollow body construction and theback portion 1012 covers a substantial portion of the back of thegolf club head 1000. Theback portion 1012 is located behind thestriking face 1018 and extends between the topline 1017 and the sole 1005 from theheel 1004 to thetoe 1006 forming acavity 1020. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 51-53 , theback portion 1012 of thegolf club head 1000 can include anaperture 1013. Theaperture 1013 can be surrounded by ashelf 1014. Theaperture 103 is configured to receive the dampingelement 1002 andshelf 1014 is configured to engage and retain the dampingelement 1002 as illustrated inFIGS. 48-50 . - As illustrated in
FIGS. 54-57 , the dampingelement 1002 includes anexterior portion 1103 and a dampingportion 1104. Theexterior portion 1103 resides primarily behind theback portion 1012 of thegolf club head 1000. The dampingportion 1104 resides primarily within thecavity 1020 of thegolf club head 1000 and is configured to abut therear surface 1019 of thestriking face 1018 as illustrated inFIGS. 48-50 . Achannel 1105 is formed between theexterior portion 1103 and the dampingportion 1104, thechannel 1105 configured to engage theshelf 1014 of therear portion 1012 of thegolf club head 1000. As illustrated inFIGS. 48, 49, 55, and 57 the dampingelement 1002 can include a recess formed inside the dampingportion 1104 and extending up to theexterior portion 1103. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the dampingelement 1002 may not include therecess 1106. - The
exterior portion 1103 of the dampingelement 1002 can include aflange surface 1107 configured to abut theshelf 1014 of thegolf club head 1000. Theexterior portion 1103 can also include anoutside surface 1108 opposite theflange surface 1107. Theoutside surface 1108 can be exterior and thus be designed such that it is aesthetically appealing to the golfer and take the place of a conventional medallion. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 50 , an adhesive 1112 can reside between saidflange surface 1107 of said dampingelement 1002 and saidshelf 1014 of saidback portion 1012. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 48-50 , at least a portion of the dampingportion 1104 of the dampingelement 1002 resides between theshelf 1014 and therear surface 1019 of thestriking face 1018, contacting both theshelf 1014 and therear surface 1019. As illustrated inFIG. 58 , the dampingportion 1104 of the dampingelement 1002 can include afront surface 1109 configured to abut therear surface 1019 of thestriking face 1018 and arear surface 1110 configured to abut theshelf 1014. - In the illustrated embodiments, the damping
portion 1104 and theexterior portion 1103 of the damping element are formed monolithically and of the same material. In other, non-illustrated embodiments, the dampingportion 1104 andexterior portion 1103 can be formed of different materials and affixed to one another. The dampingportion 1104, and thus in the preferred embodiment, the damping element 1102 in its entirety, can be formed of any of the materials disclosed herein when referring to the damping elements, deformable members, and elastomers. Those materials may also include a silicone with a shore A durometer between approximately 50 and 70, which may also have an approximate compression set of 10%, 70 hours, at 212 degrees F., which may also have a tensile strength of approximately 1400 psi. The damping element 1102 is configured to deform as thestriking face 1018 deforms upon impact with a golf ball, similar to the other damping elements, deformable members, and elastomers described herein. As illustrated inFIG. 58 , the dampingportion 1104 can also includerelief 1111 configured to aid in the ability of the dampingportion 1104 to deform and absorb energy during impact. - As illustrated in
FIG. 50 , the striking face can have a centralunsupported area 1016 surrounded by a supportedarea 1015. The supportedarea 1015 is defined by the portion of therear surface 1019 of thestriking face 1018 in contact with thefront surface 1109 of the dampingportion 1104 of the dampingelement 1002. The centralunsupported area 1016 is defined by the portion of therear surface 1019 of thestriking face 1018 located centrally of said supportedarea 1015. - In one embodiment, the central
unsupported area 1016 can be greater than 100 mm2. In an additional embodiment, the centralunsupported area 1016 can be greater than 200 mm2. In an additional embodiment, the centralunsupported area 1016 can be greater than 300 mm2. In an additional embodiment, the centralunsupported area 1016 can be greater than 400 mm2. In an additional embodiment, the centralunsupported area 1016 can be greater than 500 mm2. In one embodiment, the supportedarea 1015 can be less than 300 mm2. In one embodiment, the supportedarea 1015 can be less than 250 mm2. In an additional embodiment, the supportedarea 1015 can be less than 200 mm2. In an additional embodiment, the supportedarea 1015 can be less than 150 mm2. In an additional embodiment, the supportedarea 1015 can be less than 125 mm2. In an additional embodiment, the supportedarea 1015 can be less than 100 mm2. In one embodiment, a ratio of the centralunsupported area 1016 divided by the supportedarea 1015 is greater than or equal to 1.0. In an additional embodiment, a ratio of the centralunsupported area 1016 divided by the supportedarea 1015 is greater than or equal to 1.5. In one embodiment, a ratio of the centralunsupported area 1016 divided by the supportedarea 1015 is greater than or equal to 2.0. In one embodiment, a ratio of the centralunsupported area 1016 divided by the supportedarea 1015 is greater than or equal to 2.5. In one embodiment, a ratio of the centralunsupported area 1016 divided by the supportedarea 1015 is greater than or equal to 3.0. In one embodiment, a ratio of the centralunsupported area 1016 divided by the supportedarea 1015 is greater than or equal to 3.5. In one embodiment, a ratio of the centralunsupported area 1016 divided by the supportedarea 1015 is greater than or equal to 4.0. In one embodiment, a ratio of the centralunsupported area 1016 divided by the supportedarea 1015 is greater than or equal to 4.5. In one embodiment, a ratio of the centralunsupported area 1016 divided by the supportedarea 1015 is greater than or equal to 5.0. -
FIG. 59 depicts a perspective view of an additional embodiment of agolf club head 1000.FIG. 60 depicts a side view of cross section Q-Q view of thegolf club head 1000 ofFIG. 59 . Thegolf club head 100 illustrated inFIGS. 59 and 60 includes a few additional features. In one embodiment, thegolf club head 1000 includes a second dampingelement 1120. In the illustrated embodiment, the second dampingelement 1120 is an o-ring shaped elastomer which resides between thestriking face 1018 and theback portion 1012. The second dampingelement 1120 can form a continuous loop, surrounding the dampingelement 1002. In some embodiments, the back portion may include a relief configured to receive a portion of the second damping element. - In one embodiment, the golf club head can include a third damping
element 1130. The third damping element can reside around the top (illustrated inFIG. 60 ), bottom (illustrated inFIG. 60 ), heel side (not illustrated), and toe side (not illustrated) of theexterior portion 1103 of the damping element 1102 between theexterior portion 1103 and theback portion 1012 of the golf club head. - In one embodiment, the
golf club head 1000 includes a fourth dampingelement 1140. The fourth dampingelement 1140 can reside within therecess 1106 of the damping element 1102. In one embodiment, the fourth dampingelement 1140 can comprise hot melt. In another embodiment it could include an elastomer. In another embodiment it could include a rubber. In another embodiment it could include a foam. In another embodiment, the fourth dampingelement 1140 could be softer and thus have a lower hardness value than the dampingelement 1002. In one embodiment, the fourth dampingelement 1140 could be formed of a silicone. - In one embodiment, the
golf club head 1000 includes a fifth dampingelement 1150. The golf club head can include a slot configured to receive the fifth dampingelement 1150 which is preferably a rubber. In one embodiment the slot can be formed in theback portion 1112 of the gofl club head. In another embodiment the slot can be formed in one or more of the following: theback portion 1112, thetopline 1007, thetoe 1006, the sole 1005. -
FIG. 61 illustrates an additional cross section view of thegolf club head 1000 ofFIG. 59 including agolf club shaft 1089 and a sixth dampingelement 1160. Thehosel 1098 of the golf club head includes ahosel bore 1099 configured to receive ashaft 1089. In one embodiment, thehosel bore 1099 can also receive a sixth dampingelement 1160 which can take the form of a plug as illustrated inFIG. 60 . -
FIGS. 62-65 depicts additional embodiments of thedeformable member 702 of thegolf club head 800 described above and illustrated inFIGS. 15A-17E .FIG. 62 depicts a section view E-E of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 15A including an additional embodiment of adeformable member 702.FIG. 63 depicts a section view E-E of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 15A including an additional embodiment of adeformable member 702.FIG. 64 depicts a section view E-E of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 15A including an additional embodiment of adeformable member 702.FIG. 65 depicts a section view E-E of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 15A including an additional embodiment of adeformable member 702.FIG. 66 depicts thedeformable member 702 andadjustment driver 830 of thegolf club head 800 ofFIG. 62 . - As illustrated in
FIGS. 62-65 thegolf club head 800 includes astriking face 818 having arear surface 819. Thegolf club head 800 also includes aback portion 812 configured to support thedeformable member 702. Thegolf club head 800 is made with a hollow body construction and theback portion 812 covers a substantial portion of the back of thegolf club head 800. Theback portion 812 is located behind thestriking face 818 and extends between the topline 807 and the sole 805 and from the heel to the toe forming acavity 820. Thedeformable member 702 is disposed within thecavity 820. - The back portion of the
golf club head 800 includes anadjustment driver 830. Thedeformable member 702 is disposed between thestriking face 818 and theadjustment driver 830. Theadjustment driver 830 is configured to retain theelastomer element 702 between theadjustment driver 830 and thestriking face 818, with thefront portion 703 of theelastomer element 702 contacting therear surface 819 of thestriking face 818 and therear portion 744 of theelastomer element 702 contacting theadjustment driver 830. - As illustrated in
FIG. 66 , thedeformable member 702 has a free thickness FT. As illustrated inFIG. 62 , thedeformable member 702 has an installed thickness IT. In some embodiments, the free thickness FT and the installed thickness IT of thedeformable member 702 can be substantially the same. In this case, there would be little to no preload of thedeformable member 702 against therear surface 819 of thestriking face 818. In other embodiments, the installed thickness IT can be lower than the free thickness FT, creating a preload force on therear surface 819 of thestriking face 818. This preload force can change the coefficient of restitution of thestriking face 818, a value that effects how fast a golf ball will leave the striking face when struck by the golf club head at a particular club head speed. In some embodiments, theback portion 812, including theadjustment driver 830, can be configured to have a particular installed thickness IT, to achieve a particular coefficient of restitution. Multiple versions of theadjustment driver 830 may be available to fine tune the coefficient of restitution to a desired value. In an additional embodiment, multiple versions of thedeformable member 702 may be available with different free thicknesses FT, to achieve a particular coefficient of restitution. Alternatively, the material of thedeformable member 702 could be altered to change its stiffness, thus altering the coefficient of restitution of the golf club head. - As illustrated in
FIG. 63 , theadjustment driver 830 can also include aspacer 1200 configured to alter the installed thickness IT of thedeformable member 702. By changing the thickness of thespacer 1200, the installed thickness IT can be varied, thus varying the coefficient of restitution of the golf club head. - As illustrated in
FIG. 64 , thedeformable member 702 can include afirst material 770 and asecond material 780. Multiple material deformable members were described above in reference toFIGS. 14D, 14E, 14F, and 14L . In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 64 thefirst material 770 is in contact with therear surface 819 of thestriking face 818 and thesecond material 780 is in contact with theadjustment driver 830. In one embodiment, the first material can have a higher hardness than the second material. In another embodiment, the second material could have a higher hardness than the first material. In a preferred embodiment, the first material can have a Shore A hardness value which is less than the Shore A hardness value of the second material. In a more preferred embodiment, the first material can have a Shore A hardness value less than 50 and the second material can have a Shore A hardness value of greater than 15. In a more preferred embodiment, the first material can have a Shore A hardness value less than 40 and the second material can have a Shore A hardness value of greater than 25. In a more preferred embodiment, the first material can have a Shore A hardness value less than 30 and the second material can have a Shore A hardness value of greater than 35. In a more preferred embodiment, the first material can have a Shore A hardness value less than 20 and the second material can have a Shore A hardness value of greater than 40. In a more preferred embodiment, the first material can have a Shore A hardness value less than 15 and the second material can have a Shore A hardness value of greater than 45. By including multiple materials, not only can the face be supported and the coefficient of restitution be altered, but additional benefits including reduced vibration for better feel and sound can be attained. - As illustrated in
FIG. 65 , thegolf club head 800 anddeformable member 702 can be configured such that thedeformable member 702 substantially deforms in shape when installed in thegolf club head 800. Similar to the embodiment inFIG. 64 , thedeformable member 702 ofFIG. 65 can include afirst material 770 and asecond material 770. Thedeformable member 702 has a substantial difference between the free thickness FT and the installed thickness IT such that thedeformable member 702 is preloaded against therear surface 819 of thestriking face 818. In one embodiment, the free thickness FT of the deformable member is at least 5% larger than the installed thickness IT. In an additional embodiment, the free thickness FT of the deformable member is at least 10% larger than the installed thickness IT. In an additional embodiment, the free thickness FT of the deformable member is at least 15% larger than the installed thickness IT. In an additional embodiment, the free thickness FT of the deformable member is at least 20% larger than the installed thickness IT. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 65 , a portion of thedeformable member 702 can deform such that the diameter of itsfront portion 703 abutting therear surface 819 of thestriking face 818 when installed in the golf blue had 800 is greater than the diameter of theadjustment receiver 890 through which thedeformable member 702 was installed. - One method of utilizing the embodiments described herein is outlined in
FIG. 67 . During construction of thegolf club head 800, one can identify a target coefficient of restitution of thegolf club head 1211, then they can choose appropriate deformable member configuration to reach the target coefficient ofrestitution value 1212, then they can install the chosen deformable member configuration into thegolf club head 1213, then they can optionally test the coefficient of restitution of the golf club head and modify the deformable member configuration if necessary 1214, then they can optionally repeat the prior step as necessary 1215. Alternatively, rather than utilizing coefficient of restitution as a measurement and target value for the golf club head, the characteristic time can be utilized, which is analogous to the coefficient of restitution and easier to measure. - While the methods and
deformable members 702 described above in reference toFIGS. 62-67 were illustrated and described in the context of thegolf club head 800, they could be utilized in any of the golf club head embodiments described herein. - As noted above, the
golf club head 700 illustrated inFIGS. 26-33 include a second dampingelement 702D. The second dampingelement 702D can be disposed between therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718 and thesupport arm 762. Additionally, there may be at least oneweight member 710 and the second dampingelement 702D can be disposed between therear surface 719 of thestriking face 718 and theweight member 710 or between thesupport arm 762 and theweight member 710. It was also noted that the second dampingelement 702D could be formed separately from the golf club head and subsequently installed or it could be co-molded with the golf club head so as to specifically fit the geometry of the particular club. The co-molding process could include a pour-in filler material that sets after being inserted into the golf club head. The pour-in filler material could use a first ingredient and a second ingredient that begin to cure once mixed together and inserted into the golf club head. Additionally, the second dampingelement 702D could include a combination of both a pre-formed member installed into the golf club head in addition to a poured-in portion. The poured-in portion can aid in taking up any gaps between the pre-formed member and thestriking face 718, thesupport arm 762, theweight member 710, or theback portion 712 of thegolf club head 700. The poured-in portion could reduce any inconsistencies between clubs due to part and assembly tolerances and ensure flush contact with intended surfaces of the golf club head. Examples of pourable filler materials which could be used in a golf club head include Flex Seal™ liquid rubber or Dip Seal™ cellulose based plastic coating. In another embodiment, rather than a pour-in rubber material a foam material can be used. The foam could be pre-formed, a pour-in cast in place foam, or a combination of the two. Additionally, a pour-in cast in place foam could be used in addition to a pre-formed elastomer member, much like discussed above. An adhesive could be used in conjunction with any of the embodiments and combinations above to help secure the damping elements in place. -
FIGS. 68-71 depict an additional embodiment of agolf club head 1300 having a dampingelement 702.FIG. 68 depicts a perspective view of agolf club head 1300.FIG. 69 depicts a section view R-R of thegolf club head 1300 ofFIG. 68 missing aweight member 1311.FIG. 70 depicts a perspective view of section view R-R of thegolf club head 1300 ofFIG. 69 .FIG. 71 depicts a section view S-S of thegolf club head 1300 ofFIG. 68 missing theweight member 1311 and dampingelement 702. Thegolf club head 1300 ofFIGS. 68-71 shares many features and qualities with thegolf club head 700 depicted inFIGS. 26-33 and described above while incorporating some unique features. - The
golf club head 1300 illustrated inFIGS. 68-71 is an iron having a cavity back construction and includes aperiphery portion 1301 surrounding and extending rearward from thestriking face 1318. Theperiphery portion 1301 includes the sole 1305, thetoe 1306, theheel 1304, and thetopline 1307. Theperiphery portion 701 can also include one ormore weight members periphery portion 1301 can also include aback portion 1312, which may partially enclose the cavity 1320. Theperiphery portion 1301 of thegolf club head 1300 can include asupport arm 1366. As illustrated inFIGS. 68-71 , thesupport arm 1366 can extend from the sole 1305 to thetopline 1307. Thesupport arm 1366 can include afirst portion 1365, acradle 1308, and asecond portion 1366. Thefirst portion 1365 etends from the sole 1305. Thefirst portion 1365 may be at least partially incorporated into theback portion 1312, as illustrated. Thefirst portion 1365 is connected to thecradle 1308 which is configured to support a dampingelement 702 disposed between therear surface 1319 of thestriking face 1318 and thecradle 1308 of thesupport arm 1362. Thesecond portion 1366 extends between the topline 1307 and thecradle 1308. The dampingelement 702 can support thestriking face 1318 and offer damping properties, as discussed above. In other embodiments, thegolf club head 1300 could also incorporate additional damping elements like the embodiments described above. In other embodiments, the back portion can substantially enclose the cavity. In other embodiments, an additional member such as a medallion can be affixed to the back portion of the golf club head. In some embodiments, the medallion can cover thesupport arm 1365 and dampingelement 702 from view. - As illustrated, the
first portion 1365 is substantially thicker in a fore-aft direction than it is in the heel-toe direction and thesecond portion 1366 is substantially thicker in a heel-toe direction than it is in the fore-aft direction. In another embodiment, this could be reversed. In another embodiment, both thefirst portion 1365 and thesecond portion 1365 can be substantially thicker in a fore-aft direction than in the heel-toe direction. In another embodiment, both thefirst portion 1365 and thesecond portion 1365 can be substantially thicker in a heel-toe direction than it in the fore-aft direction. -
FIGS. 72 and 73 depict an additional embodiment of agolf club head 1400 which is an alternative construction to thegolf club head 1300 depicted inFIGS. 68-71 .FIG. 72 depicts a perspective viewgolf club head 1400 missing the striking face and damping element.FIG. 73 depicts an additional perspective view of thegolf club head 1400 ofFIG. 72 , also missing the striking face and damping element. Thegolf club head 1400 ofFIGS. 72 and 73 shares many features and qualities with thegolf club head 1300 depicted inFIGS. 68-71 and described above. The primary difference between the embodiments is thesupport arm 1462. Thegolf club head 1400 includes asupport arm 1462 that is arranged substantially horizontally as opposed to the substantiallyvertical support arm 1362 of thegolf club head 1300. Thefirst portion 1462 andsecond portion 1465 extend from theperiphery portion 1401 and each connect to thecradle 1408 which is configured to support a dampingelement 702. Thefirst portion 1465 extends from aheel side 1404 of thegolf club head 1400. Theheel side 1404 of thegolf club head 1400 may include aweight member 1410 and thefirst portion 1465 can extend from theweight member 1410 toe-ward to thecradle 1408. Thesecond portion 1466 extends from atoe side 1406 of thegolf club head 1400. Thetoe side 1406 of thegolf club head 1400 may include aweight member 1411 and thesecond portion 1466 can extend from theweight member 1411 heel-ward to thecradle 1408. In an alternative embodiment, thegolf club head 1400 may not include a damping element. In such an embodiment, the support arm may contact the rear surface of the striking face directly. Alternatively, the support arm may be offset from the rear surface of the striking face a small distance, 0.5 mm for example, such that when a golf ball impacts the striking face it deflects into the support arm which then reduces the striking face deflection and supports it in a central location. - The
first portion 1465 of the support arm is angled upwards from theheel side 1404 towards thecradle 1408 measured relative to the x-axis. In some embodiments, thefirst portion 1465 can be angled upwards greater than 5 degrees. In another embodiment, thefirst portion 1465 can be angled upwards greater than 10 degrees. In another embodiment, thefirst portion 1465 can be angled upwards greater than 15 degrees. In another embodiment, the first portion 465 can be angled upwards greater than 20 degrees. In another embodiment, thefirst portion 1465 can be angled upwards greater than 25 degrees. In another embodiment, thefirst portion 1465 can be angled upwards greater than 30 degrees. Thesecond portion 1466 of the support arm is angled upwards from thetoe side 1406 towards thecradle 1408 measured relative to the x-axis. In some embodiments, thesecond portion 1466 can be angled upwards greater than 5 degrees. In another embodiment, thesecond portion 1466 can be angled upwards greater than 10 degrees. In another embodiment, thesecond portion 1466 can be angled upwards greater than 15 degrees. In another embodiment, thesecond portion 1466 can be angled upwards greater than 20 degrees. In another embodiment, thesecond portion 1466 can be angled upwards greater than 25 degrees. In another embodiment,second portion 1466 can be angled upwards greater than 30 degrees. -
FIG. 74 illustrates a perspective view of an additional embodiment of agolf club head 1300A.FIG. 75 illustrates a perspective view of thegolf club head 1300A ofFIG. 74 missing thesupport arm 1366A and dampingelement 702.FIG. 76 illustrates a perspective view of thesupport arm 1366A and dampingelement 702 of thegolf club head 1300A ofFIG. 74 .FIG. 77 illustrates an additional perspective view of thesupport arm 1366A and dampingelement 702 of thegolf club head 1300A ofFIG. 74 .FIG. 78 illustrates a perspective view of thesupport arm 1366A of thegolf club head 1300A ofFIG. 74 . -
Golf club head 1300A is substantially similar to thegolf club head 1300 illustrated inFIGS. 68-71 including a dampingelement 702 and asupport arm 1362A extending substantially vertically. Unlike thegolf club head 1300 ofFIGS. 68-71 ,golf club head 1300A ofFIG. 74 includes asupport arm 1362A which is manufactured separately from and affixed to the rest of thegolf club head 1300A. As in earlier embodiments, thesupport arm 1362A is configured to support the dampingelement 702 which is in contact with therear surface 1319 of thestriking face 1318. Thesupport arm 1362A includes acradle 1308A in contact with the dampingelement 702. Thesupport arm 1362A also includes afirst portion 1365A extending from the cradle 308A and towards the sole 1305. Thefirst portion 1365A can be affixed to theback portion 1312. Thesupport arm 1362A also includes asecond portion 1366A extending from thecradle 1308A towards the topline 1207. Thesecond portion 1365A can be affixed to thetopline 1307. Additionally, thesupport arm 1362A can include arib 1368A, as illustrated inFIG. 76 , extending from thefirst portion 1365A to thesecond portion 1366A. Therib 1368A can also contact thecradle 1308A, increasing the stiffness of thesupport arm 1362A. - As illustrated in
FIG. 75 , theback portion 1312 can include a firstportion mating member 1365B configured to engage thefirst portion 1365A of thesupport arm 1362A and the topline 1307 can include a secondportion mating member 1366B configured to engage thesecond portion 1366A of thesupport arm 1362A. Thesupport arm 1362A can be affixed to theperiphery portion 1301 of thegolf club head 1300A in a variety of ways which may include, for example, welding, brazing, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, interference fits, clips, deflectable members, etc. The firstportion mating member 1365B and the secondportion mating member 1366B can include aapertures 1367B configured to receive a fastener. Additionally, thefirst portion 1366A andsecond portion 1365A of thesupport arm 1362A can includeapertures 1367A configured to receive a fastener. As illustrated inFIG. 74 , theapertures 1367A can be aligned with theapertures 1367B and fasteners (not illustrated) such as a rivet or threaded fastener can be installed into theapertures support arm 1362A to thegolf club head 1300A. Thesupport arm 1362A can be affixed to the rear of theback portion 1312 and thetopline 1307, as illustrated inFIG. 74 , or in an alternative embodiment, thesupport arm 1362A can be affixed to a front side of theback portion 1312 and thetopline 1307. Alternatively, thesupport arm 1362A could be installed on a front side of thetopline 1307 and a rear side of theback portion 1312, or vice-versa. Additionally, thesupport arm 1362A could be secured to the sole 1305, or thetoe 1306, or theheel 1304. In one embodiment, the position which the support arm is affixed to the golf club head may be adjustable such that the location of the damping element may be adjusted relative to the center of the striking face. Additionally, in an additional embodiment a medallion could be incorporated into the support arm and attached via the same affixation method as the support arm. -
FIG. 79 illustrates a perspective view of an additional embodiment of agolf club head 1400A missing the striking face and damping element for illustrative purposes.FIG. 80 illustrates an additional perspective view of thegolf club head 1400A ofFIG. 79 missing the striking face and damping element.FIG. 81 illustrates a perspective view of thegolf club head 1400A ofFIG. 79 further missing thesupport arm 1462A.FIG. 82 illustrates a perspective view of thesupport arm 1462A of thegolf club head 1400A ofFIG. 79 .FIG. 83 illustrates a perspective view of thesupport arm 1462A andweight members golf club head 1400A ofFIG. 79 . -
Golf club head 1400A is substantially similar to thegolf club head 1400 illustrated inFIGS. 72 and 73 including a dampingelement 702 and asupport arm 1462A extending substantially horizontally. Unlike thegolf club head 1400 ofFIGS. 72 and 73 ,golf club head 1400A ofFIG. 79 includes asupport arm 1462A which is manufactured separately from and affixed to the rest of thegolf club head 1400A. - As in earlier embodiments, the
support arm 1462A is configured to support the damping element which is in contact with the rear surface of the striking face. Thesupport arm 1462A includes a cradle 1408A in contact with the damping element. Thesupport arm 1462A also includes afirst portion 1465A extending from the cradle 1408A and towards theheel 1404. Thesupport arm 1462A also includes asecond portion 1466A extending from the cradle 1408A towards thetoe 1406. Thefirst portion 1465A andsecond portion 1466A can be affixed to theperiphery portion 1401. The periphery portion can includesupport arm receptacles 1469 configured to engage thesupport arm 1462A. The periphery portion can includeapertures 1467B configured to receive afastener 1468. The support arm can includeapertures 1467A configured to receive afastener 1468. As illustrated, thefirst portion 1465A andsecond portion 1466A can be inserted into thesupport arm receptacles 1469 aligning thesupper arm apertures 1467A with theperiphery portion apertures 1467B andfasteners 1468 can be installed to secure thesupport arm 1462A and damping element (not illustrated) to thegolf club head 1400A. In some embodiments, theapertures 1467B and support arm receptacles can be formed in a heelside weight member 1410 and toeside weight member 1411. The fastener can be a threaded fastener and one or more of theapertures -
Golf club head 1300A andgolf club head 1400A includemodular support arms - Additionally, a removeable support arm can allow for various damping elements to be installed in the golf club head, fine tuning the golf club head to maximize coefficient of restitution, or fine tuning the acoustic profile of the golf club head when impacting a golf ball.
-
FIG. 84 illustrates a cross sectional view of thegolf club head 1300A with an additional embodiment of a dampingelement 702.FIG. 85 illustrates a perspective view of the dampingelement 702 of thegolf club head 1300A ofFIG. 84 . The dampingelement 702 illustrated inFIGS. 84 and 85 includes afirst portion 770 and asecond portion 780. Thefirst portion 770 is centrally located and thesecond portion 780 at least partially surrounds thefirst portion 770. Thefirst portion 770 is made of a first material having a first durometer. Thesecond portion 780 is made of a second material having a second durometer. The first durometer is greater than the second durometer. Thefirst portion 770 helps support the center of thestriking face 1318 while the second portion aids in damping the vibrations of thestriking face 1318. In the illustrated embodiment, thecradle 1308A supports thefirst portion 770 of the damping element. In other embodiments, thecradle 1308A could support both thefirst portion 770 and thesecond portion 780. Thefirst portion 770 andsecond portion 780 could be made from one or more materials which may include, for example, elastomer, rubber, silicone, foam, etc. - In one embodiment, the first durometer can be greater than Shore 10A and less than Shore 95A. In an additional embodiment, the first durometer can be greater than Shore 20A and less than Shore 95A. In an additional embodiment, the first durometer can be greater than Shore 30A and less than Shore 95A. In an additional embodiment, the first durometer can be greater than Shore 40A and less than Shore 95A. In an additional embodiment, the first durometer can be greater than Shore 50A and less than Shore 95A. In an additional embodiment, the first durometer can be greater than Shore 60A and less than Shore 95A. In an additional embodiment, the first durometer can be greater than Shore 70A and less than Shore 95A. In an additional embodiment, the first durometer can be greater than Shore 80A and less than Shore 95A. In one embodiment, the
first portion 770 is formed from an elastomer. - In one embodiment the second durometer can have a Shore 00 value greater than 10 and less than 100. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have a Shore 00 value greater than 20 and less than 100. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have a Shore 00 value greater than 30 and less than 100. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have a Shore 00 value greater than 40 and less than 100. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have a Shore 00 value greater than 50 and less than 100. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have a Shore 00 value greater than 60 and less than 100. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have a Shore 00 value greater than 70 and less than 100. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have a Shore 00 value greater than 80 and less than 100. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have an Asker C value greater than 10 and less than 90. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have an Asker C value greater than 20 and less than 90.
- In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have an Asker C value greater than 30 and less than 90. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have an Asker C value greater than 40 and less than 90. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have an Asker C value greater than 50 and less than 90. In an additional embodiment, the second durometer can have an Asker C value greater than 60 and less than 90. In one embodiment, the second durometer is less than Shore 20A. In one embodiment, the
second portion 780 is formed of a foam. -
FIGS. 86-94 Depict an additional embodiment of agolf club head 1500 having a dampingelement 702.FIG. 86 depicts a perspective view of agolf club head 1500.FIG. 87 depicts an additional perspective view of thegolf club head 1500 ofFIG. 86 .FIG. 88 depicts a perspective view of thegolf club head 1500 ofFIG. 86 missing the striking face.FIG. 89 depicts an additional perspective view of thegolf club head 1500 ofFIG. 86 missing the striking face.FIG. 90 depicts a cross sectional view T-T of thegolf club head 1500 ofFIG. 86 . - The
golf club head 1500 illustrated inFIGS. 86-90 is an iron having a cavity back construction and includes aperiphery portion 1501 surrounding and extending rearward from thestriking face 1518. Theperiphery portion 1501 includes the sole 1505, thetoe 1506, theheel 1504, and thetopline 1507. Theperiphery portion 1501 can also include aback portion 1512, which may partially enclose thecavity 1520. Theperiphery portion 1501 of thegolf club head 1500 can include asupport arm 1566. Thesupport arm 1566 can extend from the sole 1505 to thetopline 1507. In another embodiment, thesupport arm 1566 can extend from theback portion 1512 to thetopline 1507. Thesupport arm 1566 can include afirst portion 1565, acradle 1508, and asecond portion 1566. Thefirst portion 1565 extends from the sole 1505 or the back portion 512, or both. The first portion 15165 is connected to thecradle 1508 which is configured to support a dampingelement 702 disposed between therear surface 1519 of thestriking face 1518 and thecradle 1508 of thesupport arm 1562. Thesecond portion 1566 extends between the topline 1507 and thecradle 1508. The dampingelement 702 can support thestriking face 1518 and offer damping properties, as discussed above. - As illustrated, the
first portion 1565 is substantially thicker in a fore-aft direction than it is in the heel-toe direction and thesecond portion 1566 is substantially thicker in a heel-toe direction than it is in the fore-aft direction. Additionally, thecradle 1508 is thicker in a heel-toe direction than thesecond portion 1566. In another embodiment, this could be reversed. In another embodiment, both thefirst portion 1565 and thesecond portion 1565 can be substantially thicker in a fore-aft direction than in the heel-toe direction. In another embodiment, both thefirst portion 1565 and thesecond portion 1565 can be substantially thicker in a heel-toe direction than it in the fore-aft direction. In another embodiment thesecond portion 1566 could be thicker in a heel-toe direction than thecradle 1508. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 91-94 thegolf club head 1500 can include a back cover affixed to theperiphery portion 1501.FIG. 91 depicts a perspective view of thegolf club head 1500 ofFIG. 86 including aback cover 1600.FIG. 92 depicts a perspective view of theback cover 1600.FIG. 93 depicts an additional perspective view of theback cover 1600.FIG. 94 depicts a cross sectional view V-V of thegolf club head 1500 ofFIG. 92 . As illustrated inFIG. 94 the periphery portion can include ashelf 1514 configured to accept theback cover 1600. Theback cover 1600 can be affixed to theperiphery portion 1501 in a variety of ways, which may include for example, adhesive, double sided tape, mechanical fasteners, interference fit, an undercut, epoxy, etc. As illustrated inFIGS. 91 to 93 the back cover can include acentral recess 1602 with aheel side leg 1604 and atoe side leg 1606 extending downwards. Theback portion 1512 of theperiphery portion 1501 can include acentral protrusion 1513 extending upwards further than the rest of theback portion 1512. As illustrated inFIG. 94 , thefirst portion 1565 of thesupport arm 1562 can extend from thecentral protrusion 1513 of theback portion 1512. Additionally, thecentral protrusion 1513 can extend into thecentral recess 1602 of theback cover 1600. - Additionally, as illustrated in
FIG. 93 the back cover can include a plurality of stiffeningmembers 1610 configured to increase the stiffness of theback cover 1600 while maintaining its light weight. Theback cover 1600 can include stiffening members extending vertically and stiffening members extending horizontally. Thestiffening members 1610 generally protrude away from theback cover 1600 towards theinterior cavity 1520 of thegolf club head 1500. - The
golf club head 1500 can include a variable face thickness geometry to further promote more uniform ball speed across the striking face of the golf club head.FIG. 95 depicts thegolf club head 1500 ofFIGS. 86-94 having a taperedheel portion 1540.FIG. 96 depicts a rear view of thestriking face 1518 and dampingelement 702 of thegolf club head 1500 ofFIG. 95 .FIG. 97 depicts a perspective view of thestriking face 1518 and dampingelement 702 ofFIG. 96 .FIG. 98 depicts an additional perspective view of thestriking face 1518 and dampingelement 702 ofFIG. 96 .FIG. 99 depicts a front view of thegolf club head 1500 ofFIG. 95 including the supportedregion 742. - As illustrated in
FIG. 95 thegolf club head 1500 includes a plurality of scorelines on thestriking face 1518. A majority of thescorelines 1560 can be considered full length scorelines, each of them having the same length. Some of the scorelines don't extend as far heelward due to the sloped nature of thetopline 1507 of iron type golf club heads and can be considered partial length scorelines. Thecenter face plane 1521 extends parallel to the y-axis and the z-axis and is located equidistant between the heel-most extent and the toe-most extent of thefull length scorelines 1560. Thestriking face 1518 can also include asole return 1517 extending aft from the bottom of thestriking face 1518 forming a portion of the sole 1505 of the golf club head. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 96-98 thestriking face 1518 can include aconstant thickness portion 1530 and atapered heel portion 1540. As illustrated, theconstant thickness portion 1530 can have substantially constant thickness. The scorelines are not considered when measuring the thickness of the striking face and considering whether it is substantially constant in thickness. As illustrated above, therear surface 1519 of thestriking face 1518 can be supported by a dampingelement 702. In a preferred embodiment, the dampingelement 702 abuts theconstant thickness portion 1530 of thestriking face 1518. The taperedheel portion 1540 extends from a tapered heel portionthick end 1541 adjacent theconstant thickness portion 1530 to a tapered heel portionthin end 1542 heelwards of thethick end 1541. In one embodiment, the thin end can be located heelwards of the heel-most extent of thefull length scorelines 1560. In one embodiment, the taperedheel portion 1540 can taper at a substantially constant rate from thethick end 1541 to thethin end 1542. In other embodiments, the taper rate can be variable along the length of the taperedheel portion 1540. Theconstant thickness portion 1530 can extend above the taperedheel portion 1540. Anupper heel chamfer 1544 can be formed between thetapered heel portion 1540 and theconstant thickness portion 1530 above the taperedheel portion 1540. Theconstant thickness portion 1530 can extend below the taperedheel portion 1540. Alower heel chamfer 1543 can be formed between thetapered heel portion 1540 and theconstant thickness portion 1530 below the taperedheel portion 1540. - The
striking face 1518 can also include atapered toe portion 1550. The taperedtoe portion 1550 extends from a tapered toe portionthick end 1551 adjacent theconstant thickness portion 1530 towards a tapered toe portionthin end 1552. In one embodiment the tapered toe portionthin end 1552 is located toeward of the toe-most extent of thefull length scorelines 1560. In one embodiment the tapered toe portionthin end 1552 has a boundary which is arcuate in shape, as illustrated inFIGS. 96-98 . In one embodiment, theconstant thickness portion 1530 extends below the taperedtoe portion 1550. In one embodiment, theconstant thickness portion 1530 extends above the taperedtoe portion 1550. In one embodiment, theconstant thickness portion 1530 extends around a toe side of the taperedtoe portion 1550. In on embodiment, not illustrated, a chamfer can be formed between thetapered toe portion 1550 and theconstant thickness portion 1530. - In one embodiment, the
constant thickness portion 1530 of thestriking face 1518 has a thickness CT greater than 1.5 mm and less than 2.5 mm. In one embodiment, theconstant thickness portion 1530 of thestriking face 1518 has a thickness CT greater than 1.7 mm and less than 2.2 mm. In one embodiment thethick end 1541 of the taperedheel portion 1540 has a heel offset HO from thecenter face plane 1521 that is less than 20 mm and greater than 1 mm. In one embodiment thethick end 1541 of the taperedheel portion 1540 has a heel offset HO from thecenter face plane 1521 that is less than 15 mm. In one embodiment thethick end 1541 of the taperedheel portion 1540 has a heel offset HO from thecenter face plane 1521 that is less than 10 mm. In one embodiment the width HW of the tapered heel portion is greater than 5 mm and less than 30 mm. In one embodiment the width HW of the tapered heel portion is greater than 10 mm and less than 25 mm. In one embodiment the width HW of the tapered heel portion is greater than 15 mm and less than 20 mm. In one embodiment the height HH of thethick end 1542 taperedheel portion 1540 is greater than 20 mm and less than 40 mm. In one embodiment the height HH of thethick end 1542 taperedheel portion 1540 is greater than 25 mm and less than 40 mm. In one embodiment the height HH of thethick end 1542 taperedheel portion 1540 is greater than 30 mm and less than 40 mm. In one embodiment the height HH of the taperedheel portion 1540 decreases in a heelward direction. In one embodiment the taperedtoe portion 1550 has a toe offset TO from thecenter face plane 1521 that is less than 40 mm. In one embodiment the taperedtoe portion 1550 has a toe offset TO from thecenter face plane 1521 that is less than 30 mm. In one embodiment the taperedtoe portion 1550 has a toe offset TO from thecenter face plane 1521 that is less than 15 mm. In one embodiment the dampingelement 702 has a damping offset DO toeward from thecenter face plane 1521 that is greater than 1 mm and less than 20 mm. In one embodiment the dampingelement 702 has a damping offset DO toeward from thecenter face plane 1521 that is greater than 1 mm and less than 15 mm. In one embodiment the dampingelement 702 has a damping offset DO toeward from thecenter face plane 1521 that is greater than 1 mm and less than 10 mm. In one embodiment the dampingelement 702 has a damping offset DO toeward from thecenter face plane 1521 that is greater than 1 mm and less than 5 mm. In another embodiment, the dampingelement 702 has a damping offset DO toeward from thecenter face plane 1521 that is greater than 5 mm. In another embodiment, the dampingelement 702 has a damping offset DO toeward from thecenter face plane 1521 that is greater than 10 mm. In another embodiment, the dampingelement 702 has a damping offset DO toeward from thecenter face plane 1521 that is greater than 15 mm. In one embodiment the taperedtoe portion 1550 can have a decreasing thickness in the toeward direction with similar minimum thicknesses as thetapered heel portion 1540. In one embodiment the toe offset TO is greater than the heel offset HO. In one embodiment the toe offset TO is at least 125% of the heel offset HO. In one embodiment the toe offset TO is at least 150% of the heel offset HO. In one embodiment the toe offset TO is at least 175% of the heel offset HO. In one embodiment the toe offset TO is at least 200% of the heel offset HO. - Although specific embodiments and aspects were described herein and specific examples were provided, the scope of the invention is not limited to those specific embodiments and examples. One skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments or improvements that are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.
Claims (20)
1. A golf club head comprising:
a striking face;
a periphery portion surrounding and extending rearwards from said striking face;
a coordinate system centered at a center of gravity of said golf club head, said coordinate system comprising a y-axis extending vertically, perpendicular to a ground plane when said golf club head is in an address position at a prescribed loft and lie, an x-axis perpendicular to said y-axis and parallel to the striking face, extending towards a heel of said golf club head, and a z-axis, perpendicular to said y-axis and said x-axis and extending through said striking face;
a hosel configured to receive a shaft, said hosel located on a heel side of said golf club head, said heel side located opposite a toe side;
wherein said striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite said front surface;
a damping element comprising a front surface and a rear surface, said rear surface of said damping element opposite said front surface of said damping element;
wherein said front surface of said damping element is in contact with said rear surface of said striking face;
wherein said striking face comprises a first portion having a substantially constant thickness;
wherein said striking face comprises a plurality of scorelines having the same length; and
a center face plane parallel to said y-axis and said z-axis, said center face plane located equidistant from a heel-most extent of said plurality of scorelines and a toe-most extent of said plurality of scorelines;
wherein said front surface of said damping element contacts said first portion of said striking face;
wherein said front surface of said damping element comprises a geometric center;
wherein said geometric center of said front surface of said damping element is located toeward of said center face plane; and
wherein said geometric center of said front surface of said damping element is located a damping offset distance from said center face plane.
2. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein said damping offset distance is greater than 1 mm and less than 15 mm.
3. The golf club head of claim 2 , wherein said first portion of said striking face has a thickness greater than 1.5 mm and less than 2.5 mm.
4. The golf club head of claim 3 , wherein said first portion of said striking face has a thickness greater than 1.7 mm and less than 2.2 mm.
5. The golf club head of claim 2 , wherein said damping offset distance is greater than 1 mm and less than 5 mm.
6. The golf club head of claim 5 , wherein said striking face comprises a second portion, said second portion of said striking face located heelward of said center face plane, said second portion of said striking face having a thickness which tapers from a maximum thickness at a thick end of said second portion to a minimum thickness at a thin end of said second portion, wherein said thick end is located toeward of said thin end.
7. The golf club head of claim 6 , wherein said second portion has a height which tapers from a maximum height at said thick end of said second portion to a minimum height at said thin end of said second portion.
8. The golf club head of claim 6 , wherein said first portion of said striking face extends above said second portion.
9. The golf club head of claim 6 , wherein said striking face comprises a third portion, said third portion of said striking face located toeward of said center face plane, said third portion of said striking face having a thickness which tapers from a maximum thickness at a heel end of said third portion to a minimum thickness at a toe end of said third portion.
10. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein said periphery portion comprises a sole extending rearwards from a bottom of said striking face, a topline extending rearwards from a top of said striking face, and a back portion extending upwards from said sole and spaced from said striking face, wherein said striking face and said periphery portion form an internal cavity, wherein said damping element resides within said internal cavity, and wherein said rear surface of said damping element is in contact with said periphery portion.
11. A golf club head comprising:
a striking face;
a periphery portion surrounding and extending rearwards from said striking face;
a coordinate system centered at a center of gravity of said golf club head, said coordinate system comprising a y-axis extending vertically, perpendicular to a ground plane when said golf club head is in an address position at a prescribed loft and lie, an x-axis perpendicular to said y-axis and parallel to the striking face, extending towards a heel of said golf club head, and a z-axis, perpendicular to said y-axis and said x-axis and extending through said striking face;
a hosel configured to receive a shaft, said hosel located on a heel side of said golf club head, said heel side located opposite a toe side;
wherein said striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite said front surface;
a damping element comprising a front surface and a rear surface, said rear surface of said damping element opposite said front surface of said damping element;
wherein said front surface of said damping element is in contact with said rear surface of said striking face;
wherein said striking face comprises a first portion having a substantially constant thickness;
wherein said striking face comprises a plurality of scorelines having the same length; and
a center face plane parallel to said y-axis and said z-axis, said center face plane located equidistant from a heel-most extent of said plurality of scorelines and a toe-most extent of said plurality of scorelines;
wherein said front surface of said damping element contacts said first portion of said striking face; and
wherein at least a portion of said damping element overlaps said center face plane.
12. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein said front surface of said damping element comprises a geometric center located toeward of said center face plane.
13. The golf club head of claim 12 , wherein said geometric center of said front surface of said damping element is located a damping offset distance from said center face plane greater than 1 mm and less than 15 mm.
14. The golf club head of claim 13 , wherein said damping offset distance is greater than 1 mm and less than 5 mm.
15. The golf club head of claim 14 , wherein said first portion of said striking face has a thickness greater than 1.5 mm and less than 2.5 mm.
16. The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein said first portion of said striking face has a thickness greater than 1.7 mm and less than 2.2 mm.
17. The golf club head of claim 16 , wherein said periphery portion comprises a sole extending rearwards from a bottom of said striking face, a topline extending rearwards from a top of said striking face, and a back portion extending upwards from said sole and spaced from said striking face, wherein said striking face and said periphery portion form an internal cavity, wherein said damping element resides within said internal cavity, and wherein said rear surface of said damping element is in contact with said periphery portion.
18. The golf club head of claim 17 , wherein said striking face comprises a second portion, said second portion of said striking face located heelward of said center face plane, said second portion of said striking face having a thickness which tapers from a maximum thickness at a thick end of said second portion to a minimum thickness at a thin end of said second portion, wherein said thick end is located toeward of said thin end.
19. The golf club head of claim 18 , wherein said striking face comprises a third portion, said third portion of said striking face located toeward of said center face plane, said third portion of said striking face having a thickness which tapers from a maximum thickness at a heel end of said third portion to a minimum thickness at a toe end of said third portion.
20. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein said damping element has a circular cross-section.
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US15/220,122 US10086244B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2016-07-26 | Golf club having an elastomer element for ball speed control |
US15/220,107 US9993704B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2016-07-26 | Striking face deflection structures in a golf club |
US15/359,206 US10150019B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2016-11-22 | Striking face deflection structures in a golf club |
US15/848,697 US20180133565A1 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2017-12-20 | Striking face deflection structures in a golf club |
US16/027,077 US20180339207A1 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2018-07-03 | Golf club set having an elastomer element for ball speed control |
US16/158,578 US10293226B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2018-10-12 | Golf club set having an elastomer element for ball speed control |
US16/214,405 US10471319B1 (en) | 2018-12-10 | 2018-12-10 | Iron golf club head with badge |
US16/225,577 US20190134473A1 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2018-12-19 | Golf club having an elastomer element for ball speed control |
US16/286,412 US10625127B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2019-02-26 | Golf club having an elastomer element for ball speed control |
US16/401,926 US10821338B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2019-05-02 | Striking face deflection structures in a golf club |
US16/592,170 US10821344B2 (en) | 2018-12-10 | 2019-10-03 | Iron golf club head with badge |
US16/833,054 US11020639B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2020-03-27 | Golf club having an elastomer element for ball speed control |
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US17/138,618 US11794080B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2020-12-30 | Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control |
US17/337,151 US20220047925A1 (en) | 2020-08-13 | 2021-06-02 | Iron type golf club head |
US17/349,519 US11786789B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2021-06-16 | Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control |
US17/377,696 US11826620B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2021-07-16 | Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control |
US17/532,222 US20220080275A1 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2021-11-22 | Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control |
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US17/945,773 US20230014218A1 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2022-09-15 | Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control |
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US11794080B2 (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2023-10-24 | Acushnet Company | Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control |
US11020639B2 (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2021-06-01 | Acushnet Company | Golf club having an elastomer element for ball speed control |
US20180133565A1 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2018-05-17 | Acushnet Company | Striking face deflection structures in a golf club |
US20230211217A1 (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2023-07-06 | Acushnet Company | Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control |
US10625127B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2020-04-21 | Acushnet Company | Golf club having an elastomer element for ball speed control |
US10086244B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2018-10-02 | Acushnet Company | Golf club having an elastomer element for ball speed control |
US11938387B2 (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2024-03-26 | Acushnet Company | Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control |
US20230042378A1 (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2023-02-09 | Acushnet Company | Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control |
US11433284B2 (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2022-09-06 | Acushnet Company | Golf club having a damping element for ball speed control |
US10220272B2 (en) | 2016-08-31 | 2019-03-05 | Acushnet Company | Iron golf club with badge |
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US10744379B2 (en) | 2017-02-09 | 2020-08-18 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf club head comprising microscopic bubble material |
KR20240012616A (en) * | 2017-05-05 | 2024-01-29 | 카스턴 매뉴팩츄어링 코오포레이숀 | Variable thickness face plate for a golf club head |
US10245475B2 (en) * | 2017-07-18 | 2019-04-02 | Mizuno Corporation | Golf club head and golf club |
US10039965B1 (en) | 2017-11-22 | 2018-08-07 | Callaway Golf Company | Iron-type golf club head with damping features |
JP7003754B2 (en) * | 2018-03-15 | 2022-01-21 | 住友ゴム工業株式会社 | Golf club head |
EP3863739A4 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2022-06-22 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Iron-type golf club head with flex structure |
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2021
- 2021-12-06 US US17/543,459 patent/US11938387B2/en active Active
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2022
- 2022-09-15 US US17/945,773 patent/US20230014218A1/en active Pending
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US11938387B2 (en) | 2024-03-26 |
US20220152465A1 (en) | 2022-05-19 |
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