Golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods

Abstract

To provide golf club heads.SOLUTION: A golf club head is provided, comprising: a head body that comprises, a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a hosel structure having a bore portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the bore portion having a hosel axis; a strikeface at the head front portion and comprising a strikeface centerpoint; head volume measured in cubic centimeters (cc's) and comprising a head volume magnitude greater than 420; a head center of gravity; and an optimization characteristic.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 804,859, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on March 14, 2013; U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 804,917, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on March 14, 2013; This is an international patent application claiming the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 826,111, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on March 14, 2013. The above disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to sporting goods, and more specifically to golf club heads with optimized properties and related methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Golf club heads often have a variety of features that can be designed or configured to enhance one or more performance characteristics of the golf club head. However, such features often interact intrinsically, so that adjusting or configuring one feature can inherently alter another feature, often to a detriment. As an example, widening the striking face of a golf club to create a larger impact area can adversely alter the location of the center of gravity of the golf club, and can result in unintended performance if the interactions between the various features are not understood and balanced.

[0004] In light of the above, further developments are made regarding the features of golf clubs and balancing these features with respect to each other to improve the performance of the golf club.

[0005] The present disclosure may be further understood by reading the following detailed description of example embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf club head according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the golf club head of FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow chart of a method that can be used to provide, form and / or manufacture a golf club head in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0007] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show general aspects of the configuration, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure 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 facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numbers in different drawings represent the same elements.

[0008] In the present specification and claims, terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. are used where appropriate to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a particular sequence or chronological order. Such terms used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, so that it should be understood that the embodiments described herein can be practiced, for example, in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, "comprises" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to include a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that includes recited elements is not necessarily limited to those elements and may include other elements not expressly recited or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0009] In this specification and claims, terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," and the like are used for explanatory purposes where appropriate and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or articles of manufacture described herein may be practiced, for example, in orientations other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0010] The terms "couple," "coupled," "connected," "connected," and the like should be interpreted broadly and refer to the joining of two or more elements, mechanically or otherwise. The connection (whether mechanical or otherwise) may be for any duration, for example, permanently or semi-permanently, or only momentarily.

[0011] The absence of the words "detachably" or "removable" adjacent to a word such as "coupled" does not imply that the connection, etc. is detachable or not. As defined herein, two or more elements are "unitary" if they are constructed from the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or more elements are "non-unitary" if they are each constructed from a different piece of material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In one example, the golf club head may include a head body including a head interior and a hosel structure. The head interior may be bounded by a head front, a head rear, a head heel, a head toe, a head top, and a head sole. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter for receiving a golf club shaft, where the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also have a head center of gravity, a head horizontal axis that extends through the head center of gravity from the head heel to the head toe and is parallel to the ground when the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis, and a horizontal moment of inertia about the head horizontal axis. The horizontal moment of inertia may be 39% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

[0013] In one example, the golf club head may include a head body including a head interior and a hosel structure. The head interior may be bounded by a head front, a head rear, a head heel, a head toe, a head top, and a head sole. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter for receiving a golf club shaft, where the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also have a head center of gravity, a head vertical axis extending from the head top to the head sole through the head center of gravity and perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis, and a vertical moment of inertia about the head vertical axis. The horizontal moment of inertia may be 59% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

[0014] In one embodiment, a method of providing a golf club head can include providing a head body including a head interior and a hosel structure. The head interior can be bounded by a head front, a head rear, a head heel, a head toe, a head top, and a head sole. The hosel structure can have an inner diameter for receiving a golf club shaft, where the inner diameter can have a hosel axis. The method can also include coupling a shaft of the golf club to the hosel structure. The head horizontal axis can extend through the head center of gravity of the golf club head from the head heel to the head toe and be parallel to the ground when the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground. The head vertical axis can extend through the head center of gravity from the head top to the head sole and be perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground. In addition, providing the head body may include at least one of (a) setting the horizontal moment of inertia about the head horizontal axis to be 39% or more of the hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis, or (b) setting the vertical moment of inertia about the head vertical axis to be 59% or more of the hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis.

[0015] In one example, the golf club head may include a head body including a head front, a head rear, a head heel, a head toe, a head sole, a head top, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter for receiving a shaft of a golf club, where the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also include a striking face at the head front, having a striking face center point, a head volume measured in cubic centimeters (cc) that is greater than 420, a head center of gravity, and optimization characteristics. When the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. A loft plane of the golf club head may be tangent to the striking face center point. A front surface of the golf club head may extend parallel to the hosel axis through the striking face center point. The head depth plane may extend through the striking face center point, parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane. A center of gravity (CG) height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and perpendicularly intersect the head depth plane at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity may be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between (a) a second intersection point located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) a third intersection point located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The optimization characteristic may be determined by adding (a) a magnitude of the head volume to a ratio of (b) the head CG depth divided by the absolute value of the head CG height. The optimization characteristic may be 425 or greater.

[0016] In one example, a golf club head may include a head body including a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter portion for receiving a shaft of a golf club, where the inner diameter portion may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also include a striking face at the head front portion and having a striking face center point, and a head center of gravity. When the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. A loft plane of the golf club head may be tangent to the striking face center point. A front surface of the golf club head may extend parallel to the hosel axis through the striking face center point. A head depth plane may extend parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane through the striking face center point. A CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and may intersect perpendicular to the head depth plane at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity may be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between (a) a second intersection point located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) a third intersection point located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The absolute value of the head CG height may be 2.54 mm or less. The head CG depth may be 40.64 mm or more.

[0017] In one embodiment, a method of providing a golf club head can include providing a head body including a head front, a head rear, a head heel, a head toe, a head sole, a head top, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure can have an inner diameter for receiving a shaft of a golf club, the inner diameter having a hosel axis. The method can also include coupling a striking face to the head front and setting optimization characteristics of the golf club head. The striking face has a striking face center point. The head volume of the golf club head can be measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and can be greater than 420. When the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a head vertical axis can extend through the head center of gravity and be perpendicular to the ground. A head horizontal axis can extend through the head center of gravity and be perpendicular to the head vertical axis. A loft plane of the golf club head can be tangent to the striking face center point. A front surface of the golf club head can extend parallel to the hosel axis through the striking face center point. The head depth plane may extend through the striking face center point parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and perpendicularly intersect the head depth plane at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity may be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between (a) a second intersection point located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) a third intersection point located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The optimization characteristic may be set by adding (a) a magnitude of the head volume to a ratio of (b) the head CG depth divided by the absolute value of the head CG height, wherein the optimization characteristic may be 425 or greater.

[0018] In one example, the golf club head may include a head body, a face portion, and a head center of gravity, and at least one of a first performance characteristic or a second performance characteristic. The head body may include a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter portion for receiving a shaft of a golf club, the inner diameter portion having a hosel axis. The face portion may be present at the head front portion and may have a striking face center point, a striking face edge, and a face height limited by the striking face edge. When the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. A loft plane of the golf club head may be tangent to the striking face center point. A front surface of the golf club head may extend parallel to the hosel axis through the striking face center point. The head depth plane may extend through the striking face center point parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and perpendicularly intersect the head depth plane at a first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity may be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between (a) a second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) a third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The face height may be about 33 mm to about 71 mm, measured parallel to the loft plane. The first performance characteristic may have a head CG height of about 5.08 mm or less. The second performance characteristic may have a CG performance ratio of 0.56 or less, as determined by (a) subtracting the face height from 76.2 mm and dividing by (b) the head CG depth.

[0019] In one example, the golf club head may include a head body, a face portion, and a head center of gravity. The head body may include a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter portion for receiving a shaft of a golf club, the inner diameter portion having a hosel axis. The face portion may be coupled to the head front portion and may include a striking face having a striking face center point, a striking face edge, and a face height. When the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. A loft plane of the golf club head may be tangent to the striking face center point. A front surface of the golf club head may extend parallel to the hosel axis through the striking face center point. A head depth plane may extend parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane through the striking face center point. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and may intersect perpendicularly to the head depth plane at a first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity may be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between (a) a second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) a third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The face height is defined by the striking face edge and may be about 33 mm to about 71 mm measured parallel to the loft plane. A CG performance ratio of (a) 76.2 mm minus the face height and (b) the head CG depth is less than or equal to 0.56. The head body may comprise a driver-type body. The head capacity of the golf club head may be about 420 cc to about 470 cc. The head weight of the golf club head may be about 185 grams to about 225 grams. The head CG height may be about 0 mm to about 3.18 mm. The head CG depth may be about 25 mm to about 102 mm. The head body may include weight structures disposed near the sole portion and rear portion of the head body.

[0020] In one embodiment, a method of providing a golf club head can include providing a head body including a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter portion for receiving a shaft of a golf club, the inner diameter portion having a hosel axis. The method can also include connecting a face portion to the head front portion, the face portion having a striking face having a striking face center point, a striking face edge, and a face height bounded by the striking face edge. The method further includes setting at least one of a first performance characteristic of the golf club head or a second performance characteristic of the golf club head. When the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity of the golf club head and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. A loft surface of the golf club head can be tangent to the striking face center point. The front surface of the golf club head may extend parallel to the hosel axis through the striking face center point. The head depth plane may extend parallel to the head horizontal axis through the striking face center point and perpendicular to the loft plane. The CG height axis may extend through the head center of gravity and perpendicular to the head depth plane at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity may be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity may be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between (a) a second intersection point located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) a third intersection point located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The face height may be between about 33 mm and about 71 mm, measured parallel to the loft plane. The first performance characteristic may have a head CG height of about 5.08 mm or less. The second performance characteristic may have a CG performance ratio of 0.56 or less, as determined by (a) 76.2 mm minus face height and (b) dividing by head CG depth.

[0021] Other examples and embodiments are further disclosed herein, which may be found in the drawings, claims, and / or description.

[0022] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a front view of a golf club head 1000, which includes a head body 1100 and a face portion 1200. The face portion 1200 includes a striking face 1210. FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head 1000 taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the golf club head 1000. FIGS. 1-3 depict the golf club head 1000 in an address position relative to the ground 1010. In these figures, with respect to the front view of the golf club head 1000 (FIG. 1), the hosel axis 1710 is at an angle of 60 degrees with the ground 1010, and with respect to the side view of the golf club head 1000 (FIG. 2), the hosel axis 1710 is substantially perpendicular to the ground 1010.

[0023] In this embodiment, the head body 1100 and the face portion 1200 are constructed of different pieces of material joined together, for example, by a welding process. However, in other examples, the face portion 1200 may be constructed of a single piece of material along with one or more portions of the head body 1100, such as the head front portion 1110, the head top portion 1120, the head sole portion 1130, the head heel portion 1140, the head toe portion 1150, and / or the head rear portion 2160. The head front surface 1160 of the golf club head 1000 includes the hitting face 1210, the face portion 1200, and at least a portion of the head front portion 1110. In some embodiments, the head front surface 1160 may also include at least a portion of the head sole portion 1130. In the same or different embodiments, the head front portion 1110 may include the hitting face 1210 and / or the face portion 1200.

[0024] The face portion 1200 includes a striking face 1210 having a striking face center point 1211, a striking face edge 1212, and a face height 1213. The striking face center point 1211 is located at the geometric center of the striking face edge 1212 in this example, and is located at the midpoint of the face height 1213. In the same or other examples, the striking face center point 1211 can be centrally located relative to a designed impact area 1250, which can be defined by the extent of a groove 1259 in the striking face 1210. As an alternative approach, the striking face center point 1211 can be located in accordance with regulations of a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the striking face center point 1211 may be determined in accordance with Section 6.1 of the USGA Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Club Head ("Flexibility Procedure") (USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 1.0.0, May 1, 2008) (available at http: / / www.usga.org / equipment / testing / protocols / Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head / ).

[0025] The golf club head 1000 includes a loft plane 2270 (FIG. 2) that is at least tangent to a striking face center point 1211 of the striking face 1210. The face height 1213 may be measured parallel to the loft plane 2270 between the striking face top end 1215 and the striking face bottom end 1216 of the striking face edge 1212, and may be between about 33 millimeters (mm) and about 71 mm in this or other examples.

[0026] The striking face edge 1212 includes a striking face upper end 1215 and a striking face lower end 1216 that define a face height 1213, but need not bound the entirety of the face portion 1200. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 1, the striking face 1210 is bounded by the striking face edge 1212, but is only a portion of the face portion 1200. In some examples, the striking face 1210 can have a roll radius and / or a bulge radius. The striking face edge 1212 can be defined along a transition boundary that is where the contour of the face portion 1200 departs from the roll radius and / or bulge radius of the striking face 1210. For example, Figure 2 includes a close-up of a portion of the upper transition boundary of the golf club head 1000, highlighting the vertical roll radius 2170 that extends along the striking face 1210 and showing how the upper end 1215 of the striking face is located at the upper transition boundary where the head front face 1160 leaves the vertical roll radius 2170. Figure 2 also includes a close-up of a portion of the lower transition boundary of the golf club head 1000, highlighting the vertical roll radius 2170 that extends vertically along the striking face 1210 and showing how the lower end 1216 of the striking face is located at the lower transition boundary where the head front face 1160 leaves the vertical roll radius 2170.

[0027] In the same or other embodiments, the striking face edge 1212 can be defined relative to an end of the striking plate that includes the striking face. For example, the face portion 1200 includes a striking plate 1220, where the striking face 1210 forms the exterior surface of the striking plate 1220, and the striking plate 1220 is joined to the head front portion 1110 along a striking plate end 1221. In this example, the striking plate end 1221 defines at least a portion of the striking face edge 1212. The portions thus defined include an upper portion and a lower portion of the striking face edge 1212, where the striking face upper end 1215 and the striking face lower end 1216, respectively, are located and define the face height 1213. Other examples are possible, where the striking plate end of the striking plate can define most or all of the striking face edge of the striking face.

[0028] 2, the golf club head 1000 also includes a head center of gravity (CG) 2500, a head depth plane 2310, and a CG height axis 2320. In the figure, the head depth plane 2310 extends through the striking face center point 1211 and is perpendicular to the loft plane 2270, and the CG height axis 2320 extends through the head center of gravity 2500 and perpendicularly intersects the head depth plane 2310 at an intersection point 2801.

[0029] The head center of gravity 2500 has a CG height 2520 and a CG depth 2510, which position the head center of gravity 2500 relative to the golf club head 1000. In this example, the CG height 2520 may be measured along the CG height axis 2320 between the head center of gravity 2500 and an intersection point 2801. The CG depth 2510 may be measured parallel to the ground 1010 and between an intersection point 2802 and an intersection point 2803, as can be seen in FIG. 2. In this example, the intersection point 2802 is defined by the intersection of the ground 1010 and the front face 2280, where the front face 2280 extends through the striking face center point 1211 and is parallel to the hosel axis 1710 and perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position. Additionally, an intersection point 2803 is defined by the intersection of the ground 1010 and the head vertical axis 1610, where the head vertical axis 1610 extends through the head center of gravity 2500 and is perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position. The head center of gravity 2500 may also be located relative to the ground 1010, in which case the head CG vertical distance 2530 of the head center of gravity 2500 may be measured along the head vertical axis 1610 between the weight center 2750 and the ground 1010.

[0030] The head body 1100 of the golf club head 1000 also includes a hosel structure 1217 (FIG. 1) and a hosel axis 1710 that extends along the center of the inner diameter 1217 of the hosel structure. In this example, the hosel connection mechanism of the golf club head 1000 includes the hosel structure 1217 and a shaft sleeve 1411 that can connect the shaft sleeve 1411 to an end of a golf shaft 1410. The shaft sleeve 1411 can connect to the hosel structure 1217 in multiple configurations, thereby allowing the golf shaft 1410 to be secured to the hosel structure 1217 at multiple angles relative to the hosel axis 1710. However, other examples are possible, where the shaft 1410 can be non-adjustably secured to the hosel structure 1217.

[0031] A golf club head according to the present disclosure can be configured to exhibit one or more optimization characteristics that optimize or balance its performance. For example, one characteristic of the golf club head that the present design seeks to optimize is that of face height and / or face size. Maximizing the face height and / or face size of the golf club head can provide several advantages, including an increased impact area of ​​the striking face with an object resulting in a more forgiving club head that can be used to improve golf shots that are struck off the striking face center point. Additionally, a higher striking face height and / or a larger striking face size can better transfer energy to the golf ball upon impact with the golf ball. Thus, the characteristic time or "spring effect" of the golf club head can be increased to achieve longer distance golf shots. In some instances, the striking face height or size can be increased to achieve characteristic time limits set by golf governing bodies (such as the 239 microsecond (μs) characteristic time limit set by the USGA in its "Flexibility Procedure").

[0032] However, indiscriminately increasing face height and / or face size may adversely affect performance in other areas (e.g., with respect to the launch angle, ball spin, and / or ball speed of the golf ball upon impact with the striking face). For example, increasing face height and / or face size may reduce the CG depth between the center of gravity of the golf club head and the center point of the striking face by moving the center of gravity forward, thereby decreasing the launch angle of the golf ball. In another example, increasing face height and / or face size may raise the CG height between the center of gravity and the head depth plane, thereby lifting the center of gravity away from the sole of the golf club head. This reduces the gear effect between the striking face and the golf ball, making it more difficult for the golf club head to reduce the amount of backspin of the golf ball that occurs upon impact, and therefore reduces the distance the ball travels due to the backspin.

[0033] With the above in mind, the face height or face size of the golf club head must be balanced relative to the location of the center of gravity. With respect to the golf club head 1000, the striking face 1210 is enlarged to increase the face size and / or face height 1213 to provide a larger impact area and transfer more energy to the golf ball 2900. In particular, the golf club head 1000 can be configured to have a face height 1213 between about 33 mm and about 71 mm to provide a larger impact area and transfer more energy upon impact with the golf ball 2900. In some examples, the area of ​​the striking face 1210 (including the increased face area) is approximately 23.6 square centimeters (cm 2 ) ~ approx. 45.2cm 2 It can be said that:

[0034] Despite increasing the face size and / or face height 1213 as described above, the golf club head 1000 still limits the CG height 2520 from rising toward the head top 1120 and / or moving too far away from the head depth plane 2310. For example, the golf club head 1000 has a first optimization characteristic that satisfies Relationship 1 below:

[0035] |CG height 2520 |≦5.08mm [Relationship 1]

[0036] Examples are possible in which the CG height 2520 can be from about 0 mm to the limit of Relationship 1, 5.08 mm. In other examples, the CG height 2520 can be up to about 4.45 mm, 3.81 mm, or 3.18 mm. In some implementations, the first optimization characteristic can reduce the backspin of the golf ball 2900 through a gear effect between the striking face 1210 and the golf ball 2900 for better performance. In FIG. 2, the head center of gravity 2500 is shown below the depth plane 2310 with the CG height 2520 extending between the depth plane 2310 and the head sole portion 1130. However, embodiments are also possible in which the head center of gravity 2500 can be above the depth plane 2310 such that the CG height 2520 extends between the depth plane 2310 and the head top portion 1120 while still satisfying Relationship 1 above.

[0037] Additionally, further accounting for increasing face size and / or face height 1213 as described above, the golf club head 1000 still limits the movement of the center of gravity 2500 toward the striking face 1212, thereby preventing the CG depth 2510 from becoming too shallow. For example, the golf club head 1000 comprises a second optimization characteristic that satisfies Relationship 2 below:

[0038] TIFF2025041799000002.tif13170

[0039] As such, the relationship between the face height 1213 and the CG depth 2510 is balanced to maintain the second optimization characteristic at or below 0.56, per Relationship 2, thereby limiting the amount that the CG depth 2510 can become shallower toward the striking face 1210. In some embodiments, the CG depth 2510 can be between about 25 mm and about 102 mm. In the same or other examples, the CG depth 2510 can be at least about 39 mm. In some implementations, the second optimization characteristic can improve or optimize at least one of the dynamic loft of the golf club head 1000 or the launch angle of the golf ball 2900 at impact.

[0040] In some examples, the golf club head 1000 may be configured to include only one of the first or second optimization characteristics described above. For example, the golf club head 1000 may include the first optimization characteristic but not the second optimization characteristic, thus satisfying relationship 1 without satisfying relationship 2. As another example, the golf club head 1000 may include the second optimization characteristic but not the first optimization characteristic, thus satisfying relationship 2 without satisfying relationship 1. Additionally, embodiments are possible in which the golf club head 1000 satisfies both relationship 1 and relationship 2, thus including both the first and second optimization characteristics.

[0041] The golf club head 1000 may also have a third optimization characteristic related to its head volume (HV) 2600. In this example, the head body 1000 of the golf club head 1000 is configured with a driver-type body having a head volume of 420 cubic centimeters (cc) or more, and therefore the head volume is 420 or more. For example, the head body 1000 may have a head volume of 420 cc, and therefore the head volume is 420. As another example, the golf club head 1000 may have a head volume of 460 cc, and therefore the head volume is 460. The golf club head 1000 may have a head volume of up to about 470 cc in some embodiments and / or a total head weight of about 185 grams to about 225 grams. In some specific examples, the total head weight may be about 202 grams and / or the head volume may be about 460 cc.

[0042] The third optimization characteristic can control the relationship between the head capacity 2600 and the position of the center of gravity 2500, and can be determined to satisfy the following relationship 3.

[0043] TIFF2025041799000003.tif13170

[0044] In some cases, the head volume 2600 can be increased to adjust, for example, the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head 1000. However, increasing the head volume indefinitely can have undesirable effects on other characteristics of the golf club head. For example, increasing the head volume 2600 can move the head center of gravity 2500 toward the head front 1110, toward the head top 1120, toward other undesirable directions, and / or away from the desired center of gravity location or directions, thereby hindering the performance of the golf club head 1000. Such undesirable changes in the center of gravity location can adversely affect one or more characteristics of the golf club head, such as launch velocity, launch angle, gear effect, backspin, and / or shot distance. Therefore, by setting a third optimization characteristic used to balance the relationship between the head volume 2600 and the location of the head center of gravity 2500, a desirable and balanced attribute of the golf club head 1000 can be obtained. For example, the weight distribution of the golf club head 1000 can be configured to satisfy relationship 3 to enable the golf club head 1000 to exhibit a third optimization characteristic, thereby increasing the head volume 2600 to provide a larger moment of inertia and transfer more energy to the golf ball 2900 upon golf impact between the striking face 1210 and the golf ball 2900. In the same or other embodiments, the weight distribution of the golf club head 1000 can be configured to limit the shallowing of the CG depth 2510 toward the head front 1110 due to the increased head volume 2600, thus improving at least one of the dynamic loft of the striking face 1210 or the launch angle of the golf ball 2900 upon golf impact.Additionally, the weight distribution of the golf club head 1000 can be configured to limit the increase in CG height 2520 toward the top of the head 1120 as a result of increasing the head volume 2600, thereby reducing the backspin of the golf ball 2900 due to the gear effect between the striking face 1210 and the golf ball 2900 during golf impact.

[0045] In view of the above, to achieve the third optimization characteristic according to Relationship 3, the CG depth 2510 can be configured to be 40.64 mm or greater. In the same or other embodiments, the absolute value of the CG height 2520 can be 2.54 mm or less. It is noted that in some embodiments, the CG height 2520 is characterized as an absolute value, considering that the head center of gravity 2500 can be above or below the head depth plane 2310. The third optimization characteristic has a lower bound of at least 425, although other embodiments are possible in which the third optimization characteristic can be defined relative to other lower bounds. For example, in some implementations, the third optimization characteristic can include a lower bound of at least 435 or 445. The location of the head center of gravity 2500 can also be designed or set with respect to other features of the golf club head 1000 to satisfy Relationship 3 and / or to achieve the third optimization characteristic. For example, the location of the head center of gravity 2500 can be configured such that the CG depth 2510 has about 25% to about 80% of the head depth length 2312. In the above, the head depth length 2312 is the dimension from the striking face center point 1211 to the intersection of the outer surface of the head rear part 2160 and the depth surface 2310. As another example, the position of the head center of gravity 2500 can be configured so that the CG height 2520 is about 0% to about 13% of the CG height axis length 2322. In the above, the CG height axis length 2322 is the dimension from the intersection of the outer surface of the head top part 1120 and the CG height axis 2320 to the intersection of the outer surface of the head sole part 1130 and the CG height axis 2320.

[0046] The golf club head 1000 may also have a fourth optimization characteristic related to the balance of the hosel MOI 1711 (FIG. 1) and the horizontal MOI 1811 (FIG. 1). The hosel MOI 1711 is defined about a hosel axis 1710. The horizontal MOI 1811 is defined about a head horizontal axis 1810. This axis extends through the head center of gravity 2500 from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150 and is parallel to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in an address position relative to the ground 1010.

[0047] In some examples, increasing the horizontal MOI 1811 can limit rotation of the golf club head 1000 about the head horizontal axis 1810 when the striking face 1210 strikes the golf ball 2600 off-center toward the head top 1120 or head sole 1130, thereby making the golf club head 1000 more forgiving of such over or under misses. For example, weights can be added or relocated near the head front 1110 and / or head rear 2160 to increase the horizontal MOI 1811. In the same or other examples, the golf club head 1000 can be extended toward the head front 1110 and / or head rear 2160.

[0048] However, such adjustments or changes to increase the horizontal MOI 1811 can only be made to a certain extent before they begin to affect other golf club head characteristics. For example, unrestricted adjustments to increase the horizontal MOI 1811 can increase the hosel MOI 1711 too much if not properly balanced. This increases the resistance to rotating the golf club head 1000 about the hosel axis 1710, making it harder for some people to "rotate" the golf club during the golf swing to properly position (or "square") the golf club head 1000 at impact with the golf ball 2600. Increasing the hosel MOI 1711 can also limit or inhibit the gear effect between the golf ball 2600 and the striking face 1210, which would otherwise correct the spin of the golf ball 2600 somewhat at off-center impacts.

[0049] To reduce the hosel MOI 1711, the golf club head 1000 can be designed to limit the distance between the hosel axis 1710 and any additional or optional mass to the golf club head 1000. The above approaches to reduce the hosel MOI 1711 may conflict with some of the above approaches to increase the horizontal MOI 1811 if not properly balanced. Thus, adding or redistributing weight to the golf club head 1000 to increase the horizontal MOI 1811 must be balanced with maintaining or limiting the increase in the hosel MOI 1711.

[0050] In view of the above, a fourth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 is to control the relationship between the horizontal MOI 1811 and the hosel MOI 1711 to satisfy the following Relationship 4.

[0051] (Horizontal MOI 1811 )≧39% (Hosel MOI 1711 ) [Relation 4]

[0052] Examples are possible in which the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that its fourth optimization characteristic can exceed the requirements of Relationship 4. As an example, in some implementations, the fourth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that the horizontal MOI 1811 is greater than or equal to 40% of the hosel MOI 1711, greater than or equal to 45% of the hosel MOI 1711, or greater than or equal to 50% of the hosel MOI 1711. In this example, the horizontal MOI 1811 is approximately 3740 grams squared centimeters (g cm 2 ), but this is about 2800g cm 2 ~Approx. 4300g cm 2 In this example, the hosel MOI of 1711 is approximately 9370 g cm 2 However, in the same or other cases, it is about 7000 g cm 2 ~Approx. 11,000g cm 2 It can also be in the range.

[0053] The golf club head 1000 may also have a fifth optimization characteristic related to the balance between the hosel MOI 1711 and the vertical MOI 1611 (FIG. 1). The vertical MOI 1611 is defined about the head vertical axis 1610. This axis extends from the head top 1120 to the head sole 1130 through the head center of gravity 2500 and is perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position. The vertical MOI 1611 is approximately 5300 g cm in this example. 2 However, in the same or other cases, it is about 4700 g cm 2 ~Approx. 6000g cm 2 It can also be in the range.

[0054] In some examples, increasing the vertical MOI 1611 can limit rotation of the golf club head 1000 about the head vertical axis 1610 when the striking face 1210 strikes the golf ball 2600 off-center toward the head heel portion 1140 (or toward the head toe portion 1150), thereby making the golf club head 1000 more forgiving of heel-side or toe-side misses as described above. For example, weights can be added or relocated near the head heel portion 1140 and / or head toe portion 1150 to increase the vertical MOI 1611. In the same or other examples, the golf club head can be extended toward the head heel portion 1140 and / or head toe portion 1150.

[0055] However, such adjustments or modifications to increase the vertical MOI 1611 can only be made to a certain extent before they begin to affect other golf club head characteristics. For example, unrestrained adjustments to increase the vertical MOI 1611, if not properly balanced, may result in an excessive increase in the hosel MOI 1711, which, as discussed above, increases the resistance to rotating the golf club head 1000 about the hosel axis 1710. Additionally, some approaches to decreasing the hosel MOI 1711, if not properly balanced, may contradict some of the above approaches to increasing the vertical MOI 1611. Thus, adding or redistributing weight to the golf club head 1000 to increase the vertical MOI 1611 must be balanced with maintaining or limiting the increase in the hosel MOI 1711.

[0056] In view of the above, a fifth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 controls the relationship between the vertical MOI 1611 and the hosel MOI 1711 to satisfy the following Relationship 5:

[0057] (Vertical MOI 1611 )≧59% (Hosel MOI 1711 ) [Relation 5]

[0058] There are possible instances where the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that its fifth optimization characteristic can exceed the requirements of relationship 5. As an example, in some implementations, the fifth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that the vertical MOI 1611 is greater than or equal to 60% of the hosel MOI 1711, greater than or equal to 65% of the hosel MOI 1711, or greater than or equal to 70% of the hosel MOI 1711. In some examples, the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that its fourth optimization characteristic satisfies relationship 4 and its fifth optimization characteristic also satisfies relationship 5.

[0059] In some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 may be configured to achieve the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth optimization characteristics described above by adjusting the mass distribution of the golf club head 1000 or the relationships between various elements of the golf club head 1000. To this end, as can be seen from FIGS. 2-3, the golf club head 1000 may include a weight structure 2700 disposed near the head sole portion 1130 and the head rear portion 2160. In some configurations, the weight structure 2700 may be designed and / or positioned to satisfy the constraints imposed by Relationship 1, Relationship 2, Relationship 3, Relationship 4, and / or Relationship 5, thereby balancing the face height or face size of the striking face 1210, the head volume 2600, the location of the center of gravity 2500, and / or various moments of inertia of the golf club head 1000.

[0060] As can be seen from FIG. 3, the weight structure 2700 can be positioned relative to a clock face 3500, which can be aligned with respect to the striking face 1210. For example, the clock face 3500 includes a 12 o'clock line 3512, which is aligned with the striking face center point 1211 in this embodiment. The 12 o'clock line 3512 is perpendicular to the front intersection line 3271, which is defined by the intersection of the loft plane 2270 (FIGS. 2-3) and the ground 1010 (FIGS. 1-2). The clock face 3500 is centered along the 12 o'clock line 3512 at the midpoint between the front end of the front portion 1110 and the rear end of the rear portion 2160. In the same or other examples, the clock face center point 3515 can be positioned proximate to the geometric center of the golf club head 1000. The clock face 3500 also includes a three o'clock line 3503 extending toward the head heel portion 1140 and a nine o'clock line 3509 extending toward the head toe portion 1150 .

[0061] The weight rim 2705 of the weight structure 2700 is located near the head rear 2160 in this embodiment, at least partially confined between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 8 o'clock line 3508 of the clock face 3500, with the weight center 2750 located between the 5 o'clock line 3505 and the 7 o'clock line 3507. In examples such as this clock face, the weight rim 2705 is completely confined between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 8 o'clock line 3508. In this example, the weight rim 2705 is defined on the outer surface of the golf club head 1000, but other examples are possible, where the weight rim may extend to the inside of the golf club head 1000 (or may be defined within the golf club head 1000). In some examples, the position of the weight 2700 can be set over a larger area. For example, in the above example, the weight edge 2705 of the weight structure 2700 can be positioned near the rear of the head 2160, at least partially restricted between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 9 o'clock line 3509 of the watch face 3500, while the weight center 2750 can be positioned between the 5 o'clock line 3505 and the 8 o'clock line 3508.

[0062] In the same or other embodiments, the weight structure 2700 can be extended or moved toward the heel portion 1140. For example, the weight edge 2705 and / or weight center 2750 can be moved toward the 4 o'clock line 3504 instead of toward the 9 o'clock line 3509. Offsetting the weight structure 2700 closer to the head heel portion 1140 can reduce the hosel MOI 1711 about the hosel axis 1710 by limiting the distance between the hosel axis 1710 and the weight structure 2700. This can make it easier for the golf club head 1000 to rotate about the hosel axis 1710 during a swing.

[0063] In some examples, the weight structure 2700 can have a mass of about 2 grams to about 50 grams and / or a volume of about 1 cc to about 30 cc. In this example, the weight structure 2700 protrudes from the outer contour of the head sole portion 1130 and is therefore at least partially external, thereby allowing greater adjustment of the head center of gravity 2500.

[0064] Weight structure 2700 can include, in the same or other examples, a removable weight 2790. In this case, removable weight 2790 can have a mass of about 0.5 grams to about 30 grams, and the location of head center of gravity 2500 can be adjusted by replacing this weight with one or more other similar weights as necessary to satisfy Relationship 1, Relationship 2, Relationship 3, Relationship 4, and / or Relationship 5. In the same or other examples, weight center 2750 includes at least one of a center of gravity of weight structure 2700, a center of gravity of removable weight 2790, a geometric center of weight structure 2700, and / or a geometric center of removable weight 2790.

[0065] The weight center 2750 may be positioned relative to the ground 1010 and a weight center vertical distance axis 2340, which extends between the weight center 2750 and the ground 1010. The weight center vertical distance axis 2340 is perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in an address position relative to the ground. Thus, the weight center vertical distance 2730 of the weight center 2750 may be measured between the weight center 2750 and the ground 1010 along the weight center vertical distance axis 2340. Additionally, the weight center depth 2710 of the weight center 2750 may be measured parallel to the ground 1010 between the intersection point 2802 and the intersection point 2804. In this example, the intersection point 2804 is defined by the intersection between the ground 1010 and the weight center vertical distance axis 2340 when the golf club head 1000 is in an address position. In the same or other embodiments, the weight center 2750 can be located such that the weight distance 2751 (FIG. 2) separating the head center of gravity 2500 from the weight center 2750 can be from about 25 mm to about 102 mm.

[0066] While embodiments are possible in which the thickness of face portion 1200 can be reduced, if desired, face portion 1200 may be reinforced with one or more reinforcing structures at the rear of the striking face 1210 and / or at the juncture of face portion 1200 and front portion 1110. Other mass redistribution mechanisms may also be utilized as desired to satisfy Relationship 1, Relationship 2, Relationship 3, Relationship 4, and / or Relationship 5.

[0067] In some implementations, the relationship or ratio of the head center of gravity 2500 to the weight center 2750 can be configured to satisfy one or more of Relationship 1, Relationship 2, Relationship 3, Relationship 4, and / or Relationship 5. For example, the vertical distance ratio defined by the ratio of the weight center vertical distance 2730 to the head CG vertical distance 2530 can be greater than 0.44 to have the effect of keeping the head center of gravity 2500 closer to the head sole portion 1130. In another example, the depth ratio defined by the ratio of the weight center depth 2710 to the head CG depth 2510 can be less than 2.54 to prevent the CG depth 2510 from becoming too shallow toward the head front portion 1110. In some implementations, the head CG vertical distance 2530 can be less than about 28.5 mm, in which case the weight center vertical distance 2730 can be less than about 12.5 mm and / or the weight center depth 2710 can be greater than about 99.7 mm.

[0068] 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method 4000 that can be used to provide, form and / or manufacture a golf club head in accordance with the present disclosure. In some examples, the golf club head can be similar to the golf club head 1000 presented above (FIGS. 1-3).

[0069] Method 4000 includes block 4100, which includes providing a head body of a golf club head including a head front portion. In some examples, the head body can be similar to head body 1100 (FIGS. 1-3), and the head front portion can be similar to head front portion 1110 (FIGS. 1-3).

[0070] Block 4200 of method 4000 includes coupling a face portion to a head front portion, the head front portion including a striking face with an increased face size. In some examples, the face portion can be similar to face portion 1200 (FIGS. 1-2), but includes striking face 1210 with an increased face size (as described above with respect to the face portion). For example, increasing the face size of the striking face can enable its face height to be up to about 71 mm in some examples.

[0071] The method 4000 can include a block 4300 of configuring a golf club head with a first optimization characteristic, where a CG height between the center of gravity of the golf club head and a depth plane of the golf club head can be between about 0 mm and about 5.08 mm (or 0.200 inches). In some examples, the first optimization characteristic can be similar to that described above with respect to Relationship 1 balancing face height or face size of the golf club head with respect to the center of gravity. In some examples, the CG height can be similar to CG height 2520 (FIG. 2), the center of gravity can be similar to head center of gravity 2500 (FIG. 2), and the head depth plane can be similar to head depth plane 2310 (FIG. 2).

[0072] In some possible implementations, method 4000 may include block 4400 of configuring a golf club head with a second optimization characteristic, where the ratio of (a) 76.2 mm (or approximately 3.0 inches) minus the face height and (b) the CG depth between the striking face center point and the center of gravity is less than 0.56. In some examples, the second optimization characteristic may be similar to that described above with respect to relationship 2 balancing the face height or face size of the golf club head against the center of gravity depth. For example, the face height may be similar to face height 1213 and the CG depth may be similar to CG depth 2510.

[0073] In some examples, the method 4000 can include block 4500 of configuring the golf club head with a third optimization characteristic, where the head volume magnitude plus the ratio of CG depth to CG height is equal to or greater than 425. In some implementations, the third optimization characteristic can be similar to that described above with respect to relationship 3 balancing the head volume relative to the center of gravity location. For example, the head volume magnitude can be similar to the head volume magnitude 2600 (FIG. 2), the CG depth can be similar to CG depth 2510, and the CG height can be similar to CG height 2520.

[0074] Method 4000 may include method 4600 in some embodiments of configuring a golf club head with a fourth optimization characteristic, where the horizontal moment of inertia of the golf club head is equal to or greater than 39% of its hosel moment of inertia. In some implementations, the fourth optimization characteristic may be similar to that described above with respect to relationship 4, which balances the horizontal MOI 1811 against the hosel MOI 1711 (FIG. 1). In the same or other examples, the magnitude of the horizontal moment of inertia may be similar to that described above with respect to the horizontal MOI 1811. Additionally, the magnitude of the hosel moment of inertia may be similar to that described above with respect to the hosel MOI 1711. Examples are also possible in which the horizontal moment of inertia and / or the hosel moment of inertia may be balanced against other features (such as against the vertical moment of inertia of the golf club head).

[0075] Block 4700 of method 4000 may be performed in some embodiments to configure a golf club head with a fifth optimization characteristic, where the golf club head's vertical moment of inertia is 59% or greater than its hosel moment of inertia. In some embodiments, the fifth optimization characteristic may be similar to that described above with respect to relationship 5, which balances the vertical MOI 1611 against the hosel MOI 1711 (FIG. 1). In the same or other examples, the magnitude of the vertical moment of inertia may be similar to that described above with respect to the vertical MOI 1611. Additionally, the magnitude of the hosel moment of inertia may be similar to that described above with respect to the hosel MOI 1711. Examples are also possible in which the vertical moment of inertia and / or the hosel moment of inertia may be balanced against other features (such as against the horizontal moment of inertia of block 4500).

[0076] In this example, method 4000 also includes block 4800 of providing a mass relocation mechanism to adjust the center of gravity of the golf club head. In some examples, the mass relocation mechanism can be configured to enable the golf club head to achieve the requirements of blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600, and / or 4700 of method 4000. The mass relocation mechanism can include a weight structure, such as weight structure 2700 (FIGS. 2-3), to adjust the center of gravity location near the sole and / or rear of the golf club head, if desired. In the same or other embodiments, the mass relocation mechanism can reduce the thickness of the face of the golf club head, which may be reinforced with one or more reinforcing structures, such as at the rear of the striking face and / or at the junction of the face and head body of the golf club head.

[0077] In some examples, one or more of the different blocks of the method 4000 may be combined into one block or performed simultaneously, and / or the order of each of these blocks may be changed. For example, in some embodiments (e.g., when the face portion and at least a portion of the head body are composed of a single piece of material), block 4100 and block 4200 may be combined. In the same or other examples, block 4800 may be combined with one or more of block 4100, block 4300, block 4400, block 4500, block 4600, and / or block 4700, and may be realized simultaneously by adjusting the center of gravity, face height, face size, head volume, and / or one or more moments of inertia of the golf club head, such as by using the mass relocation mechanism of block 4800. In the same or other examples, some of the blocks of the method 4000 may be subdivided into several sub-blocks. For example, block 4100 may be subdivided into several sub-blocks that provide different portions of the head body of the golf club head. Examples are possible in which method 4000 can include additional or different blocks. In one example, method 4000 can include another block that provides or couples a golf club shaft to the head body of block 4100. In addition, there can be examples in which method 4100 can include only some of the blocks described above. For example, one or more of blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600, and / or 4700 can be optional in some implementations, and / or block 4800 can be omitted if not necessary to achieve the requirements of blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600, and / or 4700. Other variations can be made to method 4000 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] Although golf club heads with optimized characteristics and related methods have been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications may be made without departing from the concept or scope of the present disclosure. For example, although the above examples may be described with reference to driver-type golf clubs, 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 clubs, iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, or putter-type golf clubs. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of sporting goods, such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, etc.

[0079] Further examples of such modifications and others have been given in the above description. Other permutations of the various embodiments having one or more of the various features are also contemplated. Accordingly, the specification, claims, and drawings herein are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the application shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

[0080] The golf club heads and associated methods with the optimization characteristics described herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.

[0081] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. As a result, the substitution of one or more claimed elements is a rearrangement, not a correction. In addition, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to particular embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any one or more elements that can cause or make any benefit, advantage, or solution more evident should not be construed as a critical, necessary, or essential feature or element for any or all of the claims, unless such benefit, advantage, solution, or element is expressly recited in such claim.

[0082] Because the rules of golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted, or old rules may be repealed or modified, by golf standards organizations and / or golf governing bodies, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A)), 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.

[0083] Furthermore, embodiments and limitations disclosed in this specification are not offered for public use under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiment and / or limitation (1) is not explicitly claimed in the claims and (2) is an equivalent or potential equivalent of an explicit element and / or limitation in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A golf club head, a head body including a hosel structure having a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion having a hosel axis; a striking face at a front portion of the head and having a striking face center point; a head volume measured in cubic centimeters (cc), the magnitude of said head volume being greater than 420; The head center of gravity and and optimizing characteristics; When the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis; a loft surface of the golf club head is tangent to the striking face center point; a front surface of the golf club head extends through the striking face center point and is parallel to the hosel axis; a head depth plane extends through the striking face center point, parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane; a center of gravity (CG) height axis extends through the head center of gravity and intersects the head depth plane perpendicularly at a first intersection point; a head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured along the head CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point; a head CG depth of the head center of gravity is measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between a second intersection point located at an intersection of the front surface and the ground and a third intersection point located at an intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground; the optimization characteristic is determined by (a) adding a magnitude of the head capacitance to a ratio of (b) the head CG depth divided by the absolute value of the head CG height; The optimization characteristic of the golf club head is 425 or greater.

2. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein an absolute value of the head CG height is equal to or less than 2.54 mm, and the head CG depth is equal to or greater than 40.64 mm.

3. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the absolute value of the head CG height is 2.54 mm or less.

4. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the head CG depth is 40.64 mm or greater.

5. 5. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the optimization characteristic is 435 or greater.

6. the head depth surface has a head depth length that is a dimension from the center point of the hitting face to an intersection point between the outer surface of the head rear portion and the depth surface, The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the head CG depth is about 25% to about 80% of the head depth length.

7. the CG height axis has a CG height axis length that is a dimension from an intersection of the head top and the CG height axis to an intersection of an outer surface of the head sole portion and the CG height axis, The golf club head of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the head CG height has a range of about 0% to about 13% of the CG height axial length.

8. The head body is a driver-type body, the head CG height is about 0 mm to about 5.08 mm; the head CG depth is about 25 mm to about 102 mm; The golf club head has a head volume of about 420 cc to about 470 cc, The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the head weight of the golf club head is between about 185 grams and about 225 grams.

9. the head body includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion and the head rear portion, The weight structure is Increasing the head volume to provide a greater moment of inertia and transfer more energy to the golf ball upon golf impact between the striking face and the golf ball; the increased head volume limits a decrease in head CG depth toward the front of the head, thereby improving at least one of the dynamic loft of the striking face or the launch angle of the golf ball during the golf impact; 9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the head CG height is limited from rising toward the top of the head as a result of the increased head volume, thereby reducing the backspin of the golf ball due to a gear effect between the striking face and the golf ball during the golf impact.

10. the head body includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion and the head rear portion, the weight structure at least partially protrudes from an outer contour of the head sole portion; The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the weight structure has a weight mass of about 2 grams to about 50 grams and a weight volume of about 1 cc to about 30 cc.

11. the head body includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion and the head rear portion, 9. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a weight distance between the head center of gravity and a weight center of the weight structure is about 25 mm to about 102 mm.

12. the head body includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion and the head rear portion, The clock face includes at least a 12 o'clock line, a 3 o'clock line, a 4 o'clock line, a 5 o'clock line, an 8 o'clock line, and a 9 o'clock line; when the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, when the golf club head is viewed from below, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the striking face center point and perpendicular to a front intersection line between the loft plane and the ground; the clock face is centered along the 12 o'clock line at a midpoint between a front end of the front head portion and a rear end of the rear head portion; The three o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion, The nine o'clock line extends toward the head toe portion, an edge of the weight structure is limited between the four o'clock line and the nine o'clock line; 9. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the center of gravity of the weight structure is disposed between the five o'clock line and the eight o'clock line.

13. the head body has a weight center and includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion and the head rear portion, a weight center vertical distance axis extends between the weight center and the ground and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position; a head CG vertical distance is measured along the head vertical axis between the head center of gravity and the ground; a weight center vertical distance is measured between the head center of gravity and the ground along the weight center vertical distance axis; 9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a vertical distance ratio, determined by dividing the weight center vertical distance by the head CG vertical distance, is greater than 0.

44.

14. the head body has a weight center and includes a weight structure disposed near the head sole portion and the head rear portion, a weight center vertical distance axis extends between the weight center and the ground and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position; a weight center depth of the weight center is measured parallel to the ground surface between the second intersection point at the intersection between the front surface and the ground surface and a fourth intersection point at the intersection of the weight center vertical distance axis and the ground surface; 9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a depth ratio defined by dividing the weight center depth by the head CG depth is less than 2.

54.

15. The golf club head according to claim 1 , wherein the center of gravity of the head is disposed between the head depth surface and the head upper portion.

16. The golf club head according to claim 1 , wherein the head center of gravity is disposed between the head depth surface and the head sole portion.

17. The head body is a driver-type body, The golf club head according to claim 1 , wherein the head center of gravity is disposed between the head depth surface and the head sole portion.

18. A golf club head, a head body including a hosel structure having a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion having a hosel axis; a striking face at a front portion of the head and having a striking face center point; A head center of gravity, When the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis; a loft surface of the golf club head is tangent to the striking face center point; a front surface of the golf club head extends through the striking face center point and is parallel to the hosel axis; a head depth plane extends through the striking face center point, parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane; a center of gravity (CG) height axis extends through the head center of gravity and intersects the head depth plane perpendicularly at a first intersection point; a head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured along the head CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point; a head CG depth of the head center of gravity is measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between a second intersection point located at an intersection of the front surface and the ground and a third intersection point located at an intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground; The absolute value of the head CG height is 2.54 mm or less, The golf club head has a head CG depth of 40.64 mm or more.

19. a head volume measured in cubic centimeters (cc), the magnitude of said head volume being greater than 420; an optimization characteristic determined by adding (a) the magnitude of the head capacitance to (b) a ratio of the head CG depth to the head CG height; The head body is a driver-type body, 20. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the optimization characteristic is 435 or greater.

20. 20. The golf club head according to claim 18, wherein the center of gravity of the head is disposed between the head depth surface and the head upper portion.

21. 1. A method for providing a golf club head, comprising: providing a head body including a hosel structure having a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head upper portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion having a hosel axis; connecting a striking face to the front portion of the head; and setting optimization characteristics of the golf club head; the striking face having a striking face center point; a head volume of the golf club head, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), the size of the head volume being greater than 420; When the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis; a loft surface of the golf club head is tangent to the striking face center point; a front surface of the golf club head extends parallel to the hosel axis through the striking face center point; a head depth plane extends through the striking face center point, parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane; a center of gravity (CG) height axis extends through the head center of gravity and intersects the head depth plane perpendicularly at a first intersection point; a head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured along the head CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point; a head CG depth of the head center of gravity is measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between a second intersection point located at an intersection of the front surface and the ground and a third intersection point located at an intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground; the optimization characteristic is set by (a) adding a magnitude of the head capacitance to a ratio of (b) the head CG depth divided by an absolute value of the head CG height; The method, wherein the optimization characteristic is 425 or greater.

22. The head body is a driver-type body, The absolute value of the head CG height is 2.54 mm or less, 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the head CG depth is 40.64 mm or greater.

23. The optimization characteristic is 435 or more, The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the head center of gravity is disposed between the head depth surface and the head upper portion.

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