Golf club head with flex structure

Abstract

To address the need for a club head reducing CT variation across a club face without sacrificing ball speed.SOLUTION: There is provided a wood-type club head 100 having a flex structure 152 to control a characteristic time (CT). The club head comprises a flex structure integrally formed with the club face and the sole. The flex structure comprises a curved shape including a nadir and an apex. The flex structure allows the club face to bend rearward, relieve stress within the club face, and reduce the CT variability within a localized club face region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 900,318, filed September 13, 2019, the contents of all of the above disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates generally to golf club heads having structure for controlling characteristic time. [Background technology]

[0003] Golf club design considers several performance characteristics such as ball speed and characteristic time (CT). Typically, golf club design aims to control the amount of ball speed through the CT of the club face. However, current designs are limited to controlling the variation in CT across the club face, sacrificing ball speed to achieve a desired CT value. Thus, there is a need in the art for a club head that reduces CT variation across the club face without sacrificing ball speed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club head with a flex design according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a front view of the golf club head of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 2 shows a partial cutaway rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 2 shows a partial cutaway rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 1; [Figure 8] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head with a flex structure according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates the impact of a golf ball with a golf club head having a flex structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show general types of structures, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Furthermore, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same elements.

[0006] The present embodiments discussed below are directed to a wood-type golf club head (e.g., driver, fairway wood, or hybrid) with a flex structure for reducing CT variations across the club face. The flex structure is integrally formed with or connected to the club face and the club head sole. The flex structure comprises a double curved shape (e.g., s-shape) with a nadir and an apex. The flex structure extends freely within the interior club head cavity to allow the club face to flex during impact of a golf ball. The flex structure supports and relieves stress from the club face during impact of a golf ball. The flex structure provides an alternative method for controlling CT variations across the club face without having to increase the thickness of the entire club face. The flex structure reduces CT variations by increasing the frequency response of the club face in a localized location (i.e., the connection between the club face and the flex structure provides a localized increase in the thickness of the club face). By locally increasing the thickness and frequency response of the club face, CT variations are reduced while avoiding an increase in the thickness of the entire club face. Wood-type club heads with flex configurations provide CT variation control without sacrificing ball speed performance.

[0007] Other features and aspects will become apparent by considering the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Before describing any embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or embodiments and arrangements of parts set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the present disclosure, since it covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0008] Referring to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to identify like parts in the various views, Figures 1-7 show generally a first embodiment of the present design. Specifically, Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a driver-type club head 100. The club head 100 comprises a club face 104 and a body 108 secured together to define a substantially closed / internal volume. The club head comprises a crown 110, a sole 112 opposite the crown 110, a heel 116, a toe 120 opposite the heel 116, and a rear 122 opposite the club face 104.

[0009] The club face 104 further comprises a striking surface 124 intended to impact a golf ball and a rear surface 128 opposite the striking surface 124. The striking surface 124 further defines a geometric center 132. In one approach, the geometric center 132 may be located equidistant between the crown 110 and the sole 112 and equidistant between the heel 116 and the toe 120. In another approach, the geometric center 132 of the striking surface 124 may be located according to a definition of a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the geometric center 132 of the striking surface 124 may be determined according to section 2.1 of the USGA's Procedure for Measuring Flexibility of Golf Club Heads (USGA-TPX3004, Revision 2.0, April 9, 2019) (available at https: / / www.usga.org / equipment-standards / test-protocols-for-equipment-9df6d04f.html) ("Flexibility Procedure").

[0010] 1-3, the geometric center 132 defines an origin for a coordinate system having an x-axis 700, a y-axis 800, and a z-axis 900. The club head 100 further defines a ground 1000 that contacts the sole 112 when the club head 100 is in an address position. The x-axis 700 extends through the geometric center 132 from near the heel end 116 to near the toe end 120 in a direction parallel to the ground 1000. The y-axis 800 extends through the geometric center 132 from near the crown 110 to near the sole 112. Here, the y-axis 800 is perpendicular to the x-axis 700 and the ground 1000. The z-axis 900 extends through the geometric center 132 behind the club face 104 in a direction parallel to the ground 1000. The z-axis 900 is perpendicular to the x-axis 700 and the y-axis 800.

[0011] 3, the club head 100 defines a loft plane 1100 tangent to the geometric center 132 of the striking face 124 and extending toward the crown 110, the sole 112, the toe end 120, and the heel end 116. The loft plane 1100 is oriented at an acute angle relative to the y-axis 800, which may correspond to a loft angle of the club head 100. The club head 100 further defines an intermediate plane 1200 that extends through the geometric center 132 in a direction perpendicular to the loft plane 1100. The intermediate plane 1200 is oriented at an acute angle relative to the z-axis 900. The intermediate plane 1200 extends from the toe end 120 to the heel end 116 and extends rearward of the club face 104 or loft plane 1100. The intermediate plane 1200 intersects the ground 1000 at a point behind and away from the club face 104 .

[0012] 2, the club face 104 may further include a top portion 136 disposed near the crown 110, a bottom portion 140 disposed near the sole 112, a toe portion 142 disposed near the toe 120, a heel portion 144 disposed near the heel 116, and a central portion 148 disposed near the geometric center 132. Each of the club face portions 136, 140, 142, 144, 148 extends through the thickness of the club face 104 in a direction extending from the striking face 124 to the rear face 128. The club face 104 may include a variable thickness. In one embodiment, the club face 104 may include a maximum thickness at the center and a decreasing or tapering thickness in a direction toward the periphery of the club face 104. The club face 104 may include a minimum thickness at at least one of the top, bottom, toe, and heel portions. In some embodiments, the club face 104 may have a thickness ranging from 0.065 to 0.15 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the club face 104 may range from 0.065 to 0.10 inches, or from 0.10 to 0.15 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the club face 104 may range from 0.065 to 0.11 inches, 0.07 to 0.12 inches, 0.075 to 0.13 inches, 0.08 to 0.14 inches, or 0.085 to 0.15 inches. For example, the thickness of the club face 104 can be 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.11, 0.115, 0.12, 0.125, 0.13, 0.135, 0.14, 0.145, or 0.15 inches. Flex Construction

[0013] As described above, the club head 100 includes a flex structure 152. The flex structure 152 may be disposed within a closed interior cavity 156 of the club head 100. The flex structure 152 may be integrally formed with or connected to the club face 104 and the sole 112, and the flex structure 152 may include similar materials as the club face 104 and / or the sole 112. The flex structure 152 extends away from the club face 104 to connect with the sole 112. The flex structure 152 couples or connects the club face 104 to the sole 112. The flex structure 152 allows the club face 104 to flex inwardly while reducing stress during impact with a golf ball. As described in more detail below, the location and shape of the flex structure 152 reduces CT variation across the club face 104 without sacrificing ball speed performance and club face durability.

[0014] 4-7, the flex structure 152 may define a first end 160 and a second end 162. The first end 160 of the flex structure 152 may be integral with the club face 104 and the second end 162 of the flex structure 152 may be integral with the sole 112. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, the first end 160 may be integrally formed with or connected to a center portion of the club face 104. In other embodiments, the first end 160 of the flex structure 152 may be integrally formed with or connected to the top portion 136, the bottom portion 140, the toe portion 142, or the heel portion 144.

[0015] 5-7, the flex structure 152 may be parabolic, curved, S-shaped, doubly curved, doubly bent, or sinusoidal in shape between the first end 160 and the second end 162. In some embodiments, the flex structure 152 may comprise one or more interconnected parabolas. In some embodiments, the flex structure 152 may comprise one or more interconnected bends. The flex structure 152 comprises a cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the flex structure 152 may be rectangular, triangular, elliptical, rectangular with rounded corners, square with rounded corners, or other suitable shape.

[0016] The curved nature of the flex structure 152 may define an apex 164 and a nadir 166. The apex 164 may define the highest or top of the flex structure 152, and the nadir 166 may define the lowest or bottom of the flex structure 152. The flex structure 152 may comprise a concave curvature at the nadir 166 relative to the crown 110. The flex structure 152 may comprise a convex curvature at the apex 164 relative to the sole 112. The connection between the flex structure first end 160 and the club face 104, and the connection between the flex structure second end 162 and the sole 112 allow the flex structure 152 to extend freely within the interior cavity 156. This allows the apex 164 and the nadir 166 to be positioned above the sole 112, where the apex 164 and the nadir 166 do not contact any portion of the club face 104 or the sole 112.

[0017] 4 and 5, the flex structure 152 extends in a direction away from the club face 104 toward the sole 112 to form a nadir 166. The flex structure 152 then extends from the nadir 166 in a direction toward the crown 110 to form an apex 164. The flex structure 152 then extends from the apex 164 in a direction toward the sole 112 to connect with the sole 112.

[0018] The apex 164 and nadir 166 of the flex structure 152 may be referenced relative to the structure of the club head 100 or to a plane defined by the club head 100. The nadir 166 may be located closer to the sole 112 than the apex 164, and the apex 164 may be located closer to the crown 110 than the nadir 166. In one configuration, the flex structure 152 may be located below the mid-plane 1200, and the apex 164 and nadir 166 may be located below the mid-plane 1200. In another configuration, the apex 164 may be located above the mid-plane 1200, and the nadir 166 may be located below the mid-plane 1200. In another configuration, the nadir 166 may be located closer to the club face 104 than the apex 164. In another configuration, the apex 164 may be located closer to the club face 104 than the nadir 166.

[0019] Flex structure 152 may further define a radius of curvature. Flex structure 152 may define more than one radius of curvature. As shown in FIG. 5, flex structure 152 may define two radii, flex structure 152 may define a radius of curvature at apex 164 and a radius of curvature at nadir 166. In one example, the radii of curvature at apex 164 and nadir 166 may be equal. In another example, the radii of curvature at apex 164 and nadir 166 may be different. In another example, the radius of curvature at apex 164 may be smaller than the radius of curvature at nadir 166. In another example, the radius of curvature at nadir 166 may be larger than the radius of curvature at apex 164. The radii of curvature at apex 164 and nadir 166 may range from 0.25 to 1 inch. In alternative embodiments, the radius of curvature at the apex 164 and nadir 166 may range from 0.25 to 0.5 inches, or from 0.5 to 1 inch. Still in alternative embodiments, the radius of curvature at the apex 164 and nadir 166 may range from 0.25 to 0.5 inches, 0.5 to 0.75 inches, or from 0.75 to 1 inch. For example, the radius of curvature at the apex 164 and nadir 166 may be 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, or 1 inch.

[0020] The flex structure 152 further defines an upper surface 168 and a lower surface 172. The upper surface 168 of the flex structure 152 faces the crown 110, and the lower surface 172 of the flex structure 152 faces the sole 112. The flex structure 152 defines a thickness measured between the upper surface 168 and the lower surface 172. The thickness of the flex structure 152 may be defined as the distance between the upper surface 168 and the lower surface 172, measured in a direction perpendicular to either the upper surface 168 or the lower surface 172. In some embodiments, the thickness of the flex structure 152 may be constant from the first end 160 to the second end 162.

[0021] In other embodiments, portions of the flex structure 152 may include a tapered thickness. In one example, the thickness of the flex structure 152 may be greater at the first end 160 and decrease toward the nadir 166, and the thickness of the flex structure 152 may be greater at the second end 162 and decrease toward the apex 164. The tapered thickness of the flex structure 152 at the first end 160 and the second end 162 may increase the strength of the connection between the flex structure 152, the club face 104, and the sole 112.

[0022] The thickness of the flex structure 152 may range from 0.05 inches to 0.15 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the flex structure 152 may range from 0.05 inches to 0.10 inches, or from 0.10 to 0.15 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the flex structure 152 may range from 0.05 to 0.09 inches, 0.06 to 0.10 inches, 0.07 to 0.11 inches, 0.08 to 0.12 inches, 0.09 to 0.13 inches, 0.10 to 0.14 inches, or 0.11 to 0.15 inches. For example, the thickness of the flex structure 152 may be 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, or 0.15 inches. In one example, the thickness of the flex structure 152 may be 0.06 inches.

[0023] The flex structure 152 defines a width. The width of the flex structure 152 is defined as the distance the flex structure 152 extends in a direction from the toe 120 to the heel 116. The width of the flex structure 152 may range from 0.1 to 1 inch. In some embodiments, the width of the flex structure 152 may range from 0.1 to 0.5 inch, or 0.5 to 1 inch. In some embodiments, the width of the flex structure 152 may range from 0.1 to 0.5 inch, 0.2 to 0.6 inch, 0.3 to 0.7 inch, 0.4 to 0.8 inch, 0.5 to 0.9 inch, or 0.6 to 1 inch. For example, the width of the flex structure 152 may be 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 inch. In one example, the width of the flex structure 152 may be 0.4 inch.

[0024] 6, the club head 100 further defines an XY plane 1300 extending in the direction of the x-axis 700 and the y-axis 800. The club head 100 further defines a vertical plane 1400. The vertical plane 1400 is parallel to the XY plane 1300 and is tangent to the second end 162 of the flex structure 152. The vertical plane 1400 is offset from the XY plane 1300, the vertical plane being closer to the rear 122 of the club head 100 than the XY plane 1300. With reference to the plane defined by the club head 100, the flex structure 152 extends away from the club face 104 such that a flex structure distance 176 is formed between the XY plane 1300 and the vertical plane 1400. The flex structure distance 176 extends between the XY plane 1300 and the vertical plane 1400 in a direction perpendicular to the XY plane 1300. The flex structure distance 176 may be the distance that the flex structure 152 extends away from the club face 104, measured as the horizontal distance from the geometric center 132 to the second end 162 of the flex structure 152. The flex structure distance 176 may be measured along the z-axis 900 between the geometric center 132 and the second end 162 of the flex structure 152.

[0025] The flex structure distance 176 may be at least 0.7 inches. In another embodiment, the distance 176 may be at least 0.75 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, or 1.5 inches. In another embodiment, the flex structure distance 176 may be in a range of 0.8 to 2 inches. In another embodiment, the flex structure distance 176 may be in a range of 0.8 to 1.4 inches, 0.9 to 1.5 inches, 1.0 to 1.6 inches, 1.1 to 1.7 inches, 1.2 to 1.8 inches, 1.3 to 1.9 inches, or 1.4 to 2.0 inches. For example, the flex structure distance 176 may be 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 inches. During impact with a golf ball, the portion of the sole 112 closest to the club face 104 experiences a stress concentration. To ensure that the flex structures 152 do not add any additional stress concentrations to the forward portion of the sole 112, the flex structures 152 are spaced apart by a flex structure distance 176. The flex structure distance 176 improves the durability of the overall club head while still reducing the CT variation of the club face 104. Club Head Assembly

[0026] 7, the club head 100 may further define an aperture 178 in the crown 110. Specifically, the crown 110 defines an aperture 178, which may be configured to receive a crown insert 180. The multi-piece design of the club head 100 allows for the manufacture of the flex structure 152 within the interior cavity 156. In one example, the club head 100 is formed by an additive manufacturing method. The aperture 178 allows for support material used during the additive manufacturing process to be removed from the interior cavity 156. As described in more detail below, the club head 100 includes a bonding surface on the periphery of the aperture 178 to facilitate the securement of the crown insert 180.

[0027] The club head 100 may include a bonding surface in the form of a concave lip 182. The concave lip 182 is recessed from the outer surface of the crown 110 to accommodate the combined thickness of the overlying crown insert 180 and any adhesive used to secure the crown insert 180 to the crown 110. The concave lip 182 may extend around the periphery of the opening 178. In one configuration, the concave lip 182 may be recessed from the outer surface of the crown 110 such that when the crown insert 180 is installed, the crown insert 180 may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the crown 110 or may be partially recessed relative to the outer surface of the crown 110.

[0028] The concave lip 182 may include multiple bonding features 184 to promote a uniform adhesive layer between the crown insert 180 and the concave lip 182. The multiple bonding features may include one or more bumps, ridges, protrusions, ribs, openings, or recesses spaced along the concave lip 182. The multiple bonding features may be equally spaced from one another or may be localized within an area of ​​the concave lip 182, such as near the heel 116, toe 120, club face 104, or rear 122.

[0029] The opening 178 may be configured to receive a crown insert 180. The crown insert 180 may be formed separately and attached or secured to the opening 178 at the concave lip 182. The crown insert 180 may be secured to the crown 110 using glue, epoxy, or adhesive tape. The crown insert 180 overlaps the concave lip 182 to define a lap joint 186 therebetween. The crown insert 180 may be secured or glued to the club head 100 across the lap joint 186. The lap joint 186 may extend around the perimeter of the opening 178. In some embodiments, the lap joint 186 may extend beyond the crown 110 to wrap around at least one of the toe 120 and the heel 116. Additional Embodiments

[0030] While Figures 1-7 illustrated a first embodiment of how the present technology may be employed, Figure 8 illustrates a second embodiment. Specifically, Figure 8 illustrates a club head 200. The club head 200 includes a club face 204 and a body 208 secured together to define a substantially closed / internal volume 256. The club head 200 includes a crown 210, a sole 212 opposite the crown 210, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, and a rear portion 222 opposite the club face 204. The club head 200 may be similar to the club head 100 as illustrated in Figures 1-7, but differs in how the flex structure is secured to the club head.

[0031] The club head 200 includes a flex structure 252. The flex structure 252 includes a first end 260 and a second end 262. The flex structure 252 may be formed separately from the club head 200 and secured within the internal cavity 256. The flex structure 252 may be removably connected or secured to the club face 204 and the sole 212. The flex structure 252 may be secured to the club face 204 and the sole 212 through the use of, for example, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or a combination thereof. In one configuration, the second end 262 of the flex structure 252 may be secured to the sole 212 with mechanical fasteners and the first end 260 of the flex structure 252 may contact or rest against the rear surface of the club face 204. As shown in FIG. 8, a damping member 296 may be located between the first end 260 and the club face 204. The damping member 296 may be formed of a material different than the material of the flex structure 252 or the club head 200. The damping member 296 provides additional CT adjustability to the club face 204. The damping member 296, in combination with the removable flex structure 252, may reduce CT variation across the club face 204.

[0032] Additionally, the club head 100 or 200 may include a cascade sole (not shown) disposed on the inner surface of the sole between the club face and the second end of the flex structure. The cascade sole may include multiple layer thicknesses. In one example, the cascade sole may include a first layer and a second layer. Each layer may include a constant thickness throughout the layer extending in the heel-to-toe direction and in the club face-to-rear direction. The cascade sole allows stress experienced by the club face near the sole to be distributed to the first layer and the second layer. The first layer and the second layer of the cascade sole may prevent stress from concentrating in the thinnest portion of the sole and may prevent permanent deformation of the club face.

[0033] In other embodiments, the cascade sole may include a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer (not shown). Each layer may include a constant thickness throughout the layer extending in the heel-to-toe and club face-to-rear directions. The first layer may include a greater thickness than the second layer, which may include a greater thickness than the third layer. The thicknesses of the first, second, and third layers are measured in a direction perpendicular to the ground from the outer surface of the sole to the inner surface of the sole.

[0034] The first layer may have a first layer length, the second layer may have a second layer length, and the third layer may have a third layer length. In some embodiments, the first layer length may be greater than the second layer length, and the second layer length may be greater than the third layer length. In other embodiments, the first layer length, the second layer length, and the third layer length may be the same. In some embodiments, the lengths of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer decrease in a direction extending from the club face to the rear. The cascade sole allows a portion of the stress experienced by the club face near the sole to be distributed to the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer. The additional third layer allows the stress to be transferred further away from the club face, preventing permanent deformation of the club face. Features and Benefits

[0035] The flex structures described in this disclosure (i.e., flex structures 152 and 252) provide a structure that strengthens the club face, relieves stress from the club face, and reduces CT variation across the club face. The flex structures allow the club face to flex backward during impact with a golf ball, achieving these benefits without sacrificing ball speed performance. The disclosed club heads with flex structures reduce CT variation across the club face to meet the United States Golf Association (USGA) standard of 257 microseconds or less.

[0036] During impact of a golf ball, the curved shape of the flex structure (i.e., flex structures 152 and 252) allows the club face and flex structure to bend under the force of the impact of the golf ball. FIG. 9 shows the final displacement of the club face and flex structure after impact of a golf ball. As shown in FIG. 9, the flex structure bends backward and downward. The flex structure bends more at the nadir than at the apex because the nadir is closest to the source of the impact force. When subjected to the force of impact, the overall distance between the first end and the second end of the flex structure measured in a direction from the club face to the rear is less than when the flex structure is at rest (i.e., no impact force is being applied on the club head). The flex structure provides support to the club face without preventing the club face from bending.

[0037] The flex structures (i.e., flex structures 152 and 252) provide support to the club face while reducing stress during impact with a golf ball. The flex structures allow for an overall thinner club face compared to a club face without a support structure. A club head without a support structure needs to have a larger club face thickness to provide sufficient structural support to withstand the force of the impact from a golf ball. Increasing the club face thickness adversely affects CT and ball speed performance. A thicker club face reduces CT and ball speed performance. To achieve a balance between club face thickness, CT, and ball speed performance, the disclosed flex structures connect the club face and sole together, thereby transferring a portion of the force of the impact away from the club face and into the sole. The flex structures bend the sole slightly outward. By diverting the force of the impact into the flex structure and sole, the club face can be overall thinner to improve ball speed performance without exceeding the elastic limit of the material of the club face. The disclosed club heads with flex structures enable the club heads to experience greater ball speeds compared to club heads without a club face support structure. The disclosed club heads with flex structures can reduce the overall thickness of the club face by about 0.005 to 0.010 inches. The overall reduction in club face thickness can result in a 0.5 to 1.5 mph increase in ball speed compared to a club head having an increased club face thickness and without a club face support structure.

[0038] The flex structures (i.e., flex structures 152 and 252) reduce CT variations across the club face by increasing the frequency response of the club face within a localized location. The club head includes a resonant frequency where the response amplitude of the club head is at or near a maximum value. Imposing a resonant frequency on the club head causes the club head to vibrate at a higher amplitude compared to other non-resonant frequencies. The higher amplitude corresponds to a larger displacement (i.e., a larger movement). Finite element simulations were used to identify the location of maximum displacement on the club face. In one simulation, the location of maximum displacement may be located at the center of the club face, at a frequency of 4100-4200 Hertz. The flex structures may be fixed relative to the center of the club face to increase the frequency response within the center by approximately 200-500 Hertz. An increase in frequency response of approximately 200-500 Hertz may reduce the CT by approximately 5-20 microseconds. In some embodiments, the CT may be reduced by 5 to 15 microseconds, or 15 to 20 microseconds. In another embodiment, the CT may be reduced by 5 to 10 microseconds, 6 to 11 microseconds, 7 to 12 microseconds, 8 to 13 microseconds, 9 to 14 microseconds, 10 to 15 microseconds, 11 to 16 microseconds, 12 to 17 microseconds, 13 to 18 microseconds, 14 to 19 microseconds, or 15 to 20 microseconds. The flex structure locally increases the club face frequency response without having to increase the thickness of the entire club face. The flex structure may reduce the CT of the club face without sacrificing ball speed performance. manufacturing

[0039] In many embodiments, a method for forming the club head 100 with the flex structure 152 includes forming the club head 100 with the club face 104, the rear 122, the crown 110, the sole 112, the toe 120, the heel 116, and the flex structure 152. The club head 100 with the flex structure 152 may be integrally formed as a single body. Forming the integral club head 100 may include casting, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, machining, or a combination thereof.

[0040] In embodiments in which club head 100 is formed by additive manufacturing, club head 100 with flex structure 152 may be integrally formed together as a single body, and crown insert 180 may be formed separately from club head 100. Crown insert 180 may be secured, adhered, or affixed to club head 100 through the use of adhesives, adhesive tape, mechanical fasteners, or combinations thereof.

[0041] In other embodiments, a method for forming the club head 200 with the flex structure 252 includes forming the club head 200 with the club face 204, rear 222, crown, sole, toe, and heel, and separately forming the flex structure 252. Forming the club head 200 or the flex structure 252 may include casting, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, machining, or a combination thereof. The flex structure 252 may then be secured or attached within the club head 200 through the use of adhesives, adhesive tapes, mechanical fasteners, or a combination thereof.

[0042] The club head 100 or 200 may be formed of a metal. Examples of metals may include, but are not limited to, for example, steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, stainless alloy steel, C300, C350, Ni (nickel)-Co (cobalt)-Cr (chromium) alloy steel, 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, 303SS, 17-4SS, carbon steel, maraging steel, 565 steel, AISI type 304 or AISI type 630 stainless steel, titanium alloys, Ti-6-4, Ti-3-8-6-4-4, Ti-10-2-3, Ti15-3-3-3, Ti15-5-3, Ti185, Ti6-6-2, Ti-7s, Ti-9s, Ti-92, or Ti-8-1-1 titanium alloys, amorphous metal alloys, or other similar metals.

[0043] The crown insert 180 may be formed of a non-metallic material, examples of which may include, but are not limited to, a polymer, a composite, a thermoplastic, a thermoplastic composite, or a fiber reinforced polymer, such as a reinforced carbon fiber polymer.

[0044] The flex structure 152 may be formed of similar materials as the club head 100. The flex structure 152 may be formed of metals. Examples of metals may include, but are not limited to, for example, steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, stainless alloy steel, C300, C350, Ni (nickel)-Co (cobalt)-Cr (chromium) alloy steel, 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, 303SS, 17-4SS, carbon steel, maraging steel, 565 steel, AISI type 304 or AISI type 630 stainless steel, titanium alloys, Ti-6-4, Ti-3-8-6-4-4, Ti-10-2-3, Ti15-3-3-3, Ti15-5-3, Ti185, Ti6-6-2, Ti-7s, Ti-9s, Ti-92, or Ti-8-1-1 titanium alloys, amorphous metal alloys, or other similar metals.

[0045] Flex structure 252 may be formed of metallic or non-metallic materials as described above for flex structure 152. Examples of non-metallic materials may include, but are not limited to, for example, polymers, composites, thermoplastics, thermoplastic composites, or fiber reinforced polymers such as reinforced carbon fiber polymers.

[0046] Substitution of one or more claimed elements constitutes a reconstruction, not a repair. Moreover, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may give rise to or make more evident any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as a critical, essential, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims.

[0047] Because the rules of golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted, or old rules may be eliminated or modified, by golf standards organizations and / or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and American Golf Association (R&A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0048] Terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., when present in the specification and claims, are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily intended to describe a particular sequential or chronological order. Terms so used should be understood to be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments described herein can operate in other orders than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprise" and "have," as well as any variations thereof, are intended to include non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0049] Terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "above," "below," and the like, when present in the specification and claims, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe permanent relative positions. Terms so used should be understood to be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or articles of manufacture described herein are operable, for example, in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0050] Although the above examples may be described in connection with a driver-type golf club, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf clubs, such as fairway wood type golf clubs, hybrid type golf club heads, or hollow wood type club heads.

[0051] For wood-type club heads, such as driver-type, fairway-type, and hybrid-type club heads, a measurement is used to determine the springiness or springiness of the club face. This measurement is the characteristic time (hereinafter "CT"). CT is defined as the amount of time, measured in microseconds (μs), that the golf ball contacts the club face at the moment of impact. The characteristic time is measured by using a small steel pendulum to impact a specific spot on the striking face several times. A computer program measures the amount of time that the steel pendulum contacts the club face at the moment of impact.

[0052] The term "loft" or "loft angle" of a golf club as described herein means the angle formed between the club face and shaft as measured by any suitable loft and lie machine.

[0053] In embodiments where the club head is a driver-type club head, the loft angle of the driver-type club head is less than about 16 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 14 degrees, less than about 13 degrees, less than about 12 degrees, less than about 11 degrees, or less than about 10 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, the volume of the driver-type club head is greater than about 400cc, greater than about 425cc, greater than about 445cc, greater than about 450cc, greater than about 455cc, greater than about 460cc, greater than about 475cc, greater than about 500cc, greater than about 525cc, greater than about 550cc, greater than about 575cc, greater than about 600cc, greater than about 625cc, greater than about 650cc, greater than about 675cc, or greater than about 700cc. In some embodiments, the volume of a driver-type club head can be about 400cc to 600cc, about 425cc to 500cc, about 500cc to 600cc, about 500cc to 650cc, about 550cc to 700cc, about 600cc to 650cc, about 600cc to 700cc, or about 600cc to 800cc.

[0054] In embodiments where the club head is a fairway-type club head, the loft angle of the fairway wood-type club head is less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Additionally, in some embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood-type club head is greater than about 12 degrees, greater than about 13 degrees, greater than about 14 degrees, greater than about 15 degrees, greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, or greater than about 20 degrees. For example, in other embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood-type club head can be between 12 degrees and 35 degrees, between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, between 20 degrees and 35 degrees, or between 12 degrees and 30 degrees.

[0055] The volume of a fairway wood type club head is less than about 400cc, less than about 375cc, less than about 350cc, less than about 325cc, less than about 300cc, less than about 275cc, less than about 250cc, less than about 225cc, or less than about 200cc. In some embodiments, the volume of a fairway wood type club head can be about 150cc to 200cc, about 150cc to 250cc, about 150cc to 300cc, about 150cc to 350cc, about 150cc to 400cc, about 300cc to 400cc, about 325cc to 400cc, about 350cc to 400cc, about 250cc to 400cc, about 250cc to 350cc, or about 275cc to 375cc.

[0056] In embodiments where the club head is a hybrid-type club head, the loft angle of the hybrid-type club head is less than about 40 degrees, less than about 39 degrees, less than about 38 degrees, less than about 37 degrees, less than about 36 degrees, less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid-type club head is greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees, greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees.

[0057] The volume of the hybrid-type club head may be less than about 200 cc, less than about 175 cc, less than about 150 cc, less than about 125 cc, less than about 100 cc, or less than about 75 cc. In other embodiments, the volume of the hybrid-type club head may be between about 100 cc and 150 cc, between about 75 cc and 150 cc, between about 100 cc and 125 cc, or between 75 cc and 125 cc.

[0058] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not available to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiment and / or limitation (1) is not explicitly claimed in the claims and (2) is equivalent or potentially equivalent to elements and / or limitations expressly recited in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0059] Item 1. A golf club head comprising a club face, a body comprising a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe, and a flex structure, the club face and the body secured together to define a closed interior cavity, the flex structure disposed within the closed interior cavity, the flex structure integrally formed with the club face and the sole, and the flex structure comprising a curved shape having a nadir and an apex.

[0060] Item 2. The club head of item 1, wherein the lowest point and the apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or the sole.

[0061] Item 3. The club head of item 1, wherein the lowest point of the flex structure is located closer to the sole than the highest point of the flex structure.

[0062] Item 4. The club head of item 1, wherein the crown further defines an opening.

[0063] Item 5. The club head of item 4, wherein the opening is configured to receive a crown insert.

[0064] Item 6. The club head of item 5, wherein a concave lip extends around the periphery of the opening, the concave lip being recessed from an outer surface of the crown.

[0065] Item 7. The club head of item 6, wherein the crown insert and the concave lip overlap to define a lap joint therebetween, and the crown insert is bonded to the club head across the lap joint.

[0066] Item 8. The club head of item 1, wherein the flex design defines a first radius of curvature at the nadir and a second radius of curvature at the apex, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature being equal.

[0067] Item 9. The club head of item 1, wherein the flex design defines a first radius of curvature at the nadir and a second radius of curvature at the apex, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature being different.

[0068] Item 10. A golf club head comprising a club face, a body comprising a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe, and a flex structure, wherein the club face and the body are secured together to define a closed interior cavity, the flex structure being disposed within the closed interior cavity, the flex structure being integrally formed with the club face and the sole, the flex structure comprising a curved shape having a nadir and an apex, the nadir of the flex structure being disposed closer to the club face than the apex of the flex structure.

[0069] Item 11. The club head of item 10, wherein the lowest point and the apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or the sole.

[0070] Item 12. The club head of item 10, wherein the lowest point of the flex structure is located closer to the sole than the highest point of the flex structure.

[0071] Item 13. The club head of item 10, wherein the crown further defines an opening.

[0072] Item 14. The club head of item 13, wherein the opening is configured to receive a crown insert.

[0073] Item 15. The club head of item 14, wherein a concave lip extends around a periphery of the opening, the concave lip being recessed from an outer surface of the crown.

[0074] Item 16. The club head of item 15, wherein the crown insert and the concave lip overlap to define a lap joint therebetween, and the crown insert is bonded to the club head across the lap joint.

[0075] Item 17. A golf club head comprising a club face, a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe, and a flex structure, the club face and the body secured together to define a closed interior cavity, the club face defines a loft plane tangent to the club face at a geometric center, the club head defines a ground surface tangent to the sole when the club head is in an address position, the club head defines a mid-plane passing through the geometric center and perpendicular to the loft plane, the mid-plane extending in a direction from the heel to the toe and rearward of the club face, the flex structure being integrally formed with the club face and the sole, the flex structure comprising a curved shape including a nadir and an apex, the nadir of the flex structure and the apex of the flex structure being disposed below the mid-plane.

[0076] Item 18. The club head of item 17, wherein the lowest point of the flex structure is located closer to the club face than the apex of the flex structure.

[0077] Item 19. The club head of item 17, wherein the lowest point and the apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or the sole.

[0078] Item 20. The club head of item 17, wherein the lowest point of the flex structure is located closer to the sole than the highest point of the flex structure.

[0079] Item 21. The club head of item 17, wherein the crown further defines an opening.

[0080] Item 22. The club head of item 21, wherein the opening is configured to receive a crown insert.

[0081] Item 23. The club head according to item 1, wherein the club face has a thickness in the range of 0.08 to 0.14 inches.

[0082] Item 24. The club head of item 1, wherein the crown further defines an opening configured to receive a crown insert, a concave lip extending around an outer periphery of the opening, the concave lip being recessed from an outer surface of the crown.

[0083] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. The club face and a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe; Flex structure and A golf club head comprising: the club face and the body are secured together to define a closed interior cavity; the flex structure is disposed within the closed interior cavity; the flex structure being integrally formed with the club face and the sole; The golf club head, wherein the flex structure comprises a curved shape having a nadir and an apex.

2. The club head of claim 1 , wherein the nadir and the apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or the sole.

3. The club head of claim 1 , wherein the nadir of the flex structure is located closer to the sole than the apex of the flex structure.

4. The club head of claim 1 , wherein the flex configuration defines a first radius of curvature at the nadir and a second radius of curvature at the apex, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature being different.

5. 2. The club head of claim 1, wherein the club face has a thickness in the range of 0.08 to 0.14 inches.

6. the crown further defines an opening configured to receive a crown insert; a concave lip extends around a periphery of the opening; The club head of claim 1 , wherein the concave lip is recessed from an outer surface of the crown.

7. the crown insert and the concave lip overlap to define a lap joint therebetween; The club head of claim 6 , wherein the crown insert is adhesively attached to the club head across the lap joint.

8. The club face and a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe; Flex structure and A golf club head comprising: the club face and the body are secured together to define a closed interior cavity; the flex structure is disposed within the closed interior cavity; the flex structure being integrally formed with the club face and the sole; the flex structure comprises a curved shape having a nadir and an apex; The golf club head, wherein the lowest point of the flex structure is located closer to the club face than the highest point of the flex structure.

9. The club head of claim 8 , wherein the nadir and the apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or the sole.

10. The club head of claim 8 , wherein the nadir of the flex structure is located closer to the sole than the apex of the flex structure.

11. The club head of claim 8 , wherein the flex configuration defines a first radius of curvature at the nadir and a second radius of curvature at the apex, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature being different.

12. 9. The club head of claim 8, wherein the club face has a thickness in the range of 0.08 to 0.14 inches.

13. the crown further defines an opening configured to receive a crown insert; a concave lip extends around a periphery of the opening; The club head of claim 8 , wherein the concave lip is recessed from an outer surface of the crown.

14. the crown insert and the concave lip overlap to define a lap joint therebetween; The club head of claim 13 , wherein the crown insert is adhesively attached to the club head across the lap joint.

15. The club face and a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe; Flex structure and A golf club head comprising: the club face and the body are secured together to define a closed interior cavity; the club face defines a loft plane tangent to the club face at a geometric center; the club head defines a ground surface that contacts the sole when the club head is in an address position; the club head defines a midplane passing through the geometric center and perpendicular to the loft plane, the midplane extending in a direction from the heel to the toe and rearward of the club face; the flex structure being integrally formed with the club face and the sole; the flex structure comprises a curved shape including a nadir and an apex; The golf club head, wherein the lowest point of the flex structure and the apex of the flex structure are located below the mid-plane.

16. The club head of claim 15 , wherein the nadir of the flex structure is located closer to the club face than the apex of the flex structure.

17. The club head of claim 15 , wherein the nadir and the apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or the sole.

18. The club head of claim 15, wherein the club face has a thickness in the range of 0.08 to 0.14 inches.

19. the crown further defines an opening configured to receive a crown insert; a concave lip extends around a periphery of the opening; The club head of claim 15 , wherein the concave lip is recessed from an outer surface of the crown.

20. the crown insert and the concave lip overlap to define a lap joint therebetween; The club head of claim 19 , wherein the crown insert is adhesively attached to the club head across the lap joint.

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