Golf club head

The golf club head design addresses the challenge of easy adjustment by incorporating a channel for weight positioning and an adjustable sole piece, allowing consumers to customize their club settings for improved performance.

JP2025081563AActive Publication Date: 2025-05-27TAYLOR MADE GOLF CO INC
View PDF 7 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025026098
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2015-03-31
Filing Date
2025-02-20
Publication Date
2025-05-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing golf club designs do not allow for easy adjustment of club head and shaft components by consumers, requiring professional intervention and resulting in sub-optimal golfing experiences due to cost and time constraints.

Method used

A golf club head design featuring a body with a channel in the sole, allowing for the adjustable positioning of a weight member, and an adjustable sole piece that can change the face angle independently of the loft angle, enabling consumers to customize their club settings.

Benefits of technology

Enables consumers to customize their golf club settings for optimal performance, accommodating changes in physical condition, skill level, and playing conditions without the need for professional adjustments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2025081563000001_ABST
    Figure 2025081563000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a golf club head designed to be effective over a wide range of club head swing speeds.SOLUTION: A golf club head 9302 comprises a body having a face, a crown and a sole 9316 together defining an interior cavity. The body having a channel 9320 located on the sole 9316 and extending generally from the heel end 9322 of the body to the toe end 9324 of the body. A weight member is movably positioned within the channel 9320 such that a position of the weight member within the channel is able to be adjusted to thereby allow adjustment of the location of the center of gravity of the body. Additionally, adjustment of the weight member provides the maximum x-axis adjustment range of the position of the center of gravity (Max ΔCGx) that is greater than 2 mm, and the maximum z-axis adjustment range of the center of gravity (Max ΔCGz) that is less than 2 mm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19B
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is directed to embodiments of golf club heads, and more particularly to club heads having components that are precisely adjustable.

[0002] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 020,972, filed Jul. 3, 2014; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 065,552, filed Oct. 17, 2014; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 141,160, filed Mar. 31, 2015, and incorporates those provisional patent applications herein by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0003] For a given type of golf club (e.g., driver, iron, putter, wedge), a golfer can choose from a wide variety of clubs. This variety comes in part from the significant differences in physical characteristics and golfing skills among golfers, as well as the wide variety of playing conditions that golfers encounter. For example, a tall golfer requires a club with a long shaft, and a strong golfer, or a golfer playing in windy conditions or on a firm fairway, desires a club with less shaft flex (higher stiffness). Also, some golfers desire clubs with specific playing characteristics to overcome certain tendencies in their swing (e.g., a golfer who tends to hit low - trajectory shots desires a club with a large loft angle). Just by varying shaft flex, loft angle, and handedness (i.e., left - handed or right - handed), there are over 24 variations of the TaylorMade r7 460 driver. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0004] Since a large number of variants are available for a single golf club in this way, golfers can purchase a club having a combination of club head and shaft that suits their needs. However, the shaft and club head are generally manufactured separately and once the shaft is attached to the club head, usually by an adhesive, it is not easy for the consumer to replace either the club head or the shaft. The motivations for wanting to modify the club include changes in the golfer's physical condition (e.g., when a young golfer grows taller), improvement in the golfer's skill level, or adaptation to playing conditions. Typically, these modifications have to be made by a technician in a pro shop. Each time a golfer wants to modify their club, they will hesitate because of the associated cost and the time they have to spend without a club, and will experience a sub-optimal golf club. Thus, efforts have been made to provide a golf club that a golfer can assemble and disassemble themselves. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. and it is not easy for the consumer to replace either the club head or the shaft. The motivations for wanting to modify the club include changes in the golfer's physical condition (e.g., when a young golfer grows taller), improvement in the golfer's skill level, or adaptation to playing conditions. Typically, these modifications have to be made by a technician in a pro shop. Each time a golfer wants to modify their club, they will hesitate because of the associated cost and the time they have to spend without a club, and will experience a sub-optimal golf club. Thus, efforts have been made to provide a golf club that a golfer can assemble and disassemble themselves. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft.

[0005] For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. For this purpose, golf clubs having a club head removably attached to a shaft by mechanical fasteners are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 to Cackett et al. (hereinafter "Cackett") discloses a golf club having an interchangeable head-to-shaft connection. The connection includes a tube, a sleeve, and mechanical fasteners. The sleeve is attached to the tip of the shaft. Next, the shaft with the sleeve attached is inserted into a tube that is installed within the club head. The mechanical fasteners secure the sleeve within the tube to attach the club head to the shaft. The sleeve is secured to the tube and holds the shaft connected to the club head. and a key-shaped portion having a configuration complementary to a keyway defined by the anti-rotation portion of the The keyway has a non-circular cross section to prevent rotation of the sleeve relative to the tube. The keyway may have multiple splines or may be rectangular or hexagonal. In some cases, the cross section is [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,773,360 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 6,800,038 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 6,824,475 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The Cackett type of removable golf club is While some manufacturers have made it possible to separate the club head from the shaft, they have also made it more difficult to manufacture conventional clubs. A club head to shaft interconnection having integrity and rigidity. For example, the structure of the club head to shaft interconnection The method of limiting rotational movement between components must provide sufficient load-bearing area and resistance to stripping. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the art.

[0008] In addition, the center of gravity (CG) of a golf club head is a critical parameter in club performance. At impact, the position of the CG greatly affects the launch angle and flight trajectory of the struck golf ball. Thus, significant efforts have been made regarding the positioning of the center of gravity of the golf club head. For that purpose, current golf club heads of drivers and fairway woods are typically formed of lightweight and durable materials such as steel alloys or titanium alloys. These materials are typically used to form thin club head walls. Thinner walls are lighter, and as a result, more weight is available for redistribution around the discretionary weight golf club head. With more discretionary weight, golf club manufacturers have more leeway in allocating club mass to achieve the desired golf club head mass distribution. Golf swings vary among golfers. The mass characteristics (e.g., CG location, moment of inertia, etc.) and design geometries (e.g., static loft) of a given golf club may provide a high level of performance for a golfer with a relatively high swing speed but not for a golfer with a relatively low swing speed. Thus, there is a need for a golf club head and a golf club having a design that is effective over a wide range of club head swing speeds. This application meets this need and other needs. For that purpose, current golf club heads of drivers and fairway woods are typically formed of lightweight and durable materials such as steel alloys or titanium alloys. These materials are typically used to form thin club head walls. Thinner walls are lighter, and as a result, more weight is available for redistribution around the discretionary weight golf club head. With more discretionary weight, golf club manufacturers have more leeway in allocating club mass to achieve the desired golf club head mass distribution. Golf swings vary among golfers. The mass characteristics (e.g., CG location, moment of inertia, etc.) and design geometries (e.g., static loft) of a given golf club may provide a high level of performance for a golfer with a relatively high swing speed but not for a golfer with a relatively low swing speed. Thus, there is a need for a golf club head and a golf club having a design that is effective over a wide range of club head swing speeds. This application meets this need and other needs. For that purpose, current golf club heads of drivers and fairway woods are typically formed of lightweight and durable materials such as steel alloys or titanium alloys. These materials are typically used to form thin club head walls. Thinner walls are lighter, and as a result, more weight is available for redistribution around the discretionary weight golf club head. With more discretionary weight, golf club manufacturers have more leeway in allocating club mass to achieve the desired golf club head mass distribution. Golf swings vary among golfers. The mass characteristics (e.g., CG location, moment of inertia, etc.) and design geometries (e.g., static loft) of a given golf club may provide a high level of performance for a golfer with a relatively high swing speed but not for a golfer with a relatively low swing speed. Thus, there is a need for a golf club head and a golf club having a design that is effective over a wide range of club head swing speeds. This application meets this need and other needs. That is At impact, the position of the CG greatly affects the launch angle and flight trajectory of the struck golf ball. Thus, significant efforts have been made regarding the positioning of the center of gravity of the golf club head. For that purpose, current golf club heads of drivers and fairway woods are typically formed of lightweight and durable materials such as steel alloys or titanium alloys. These materials are typically used to form thin club head walls. Thinner walls are lighter, and as a result, more weight is available for redistribution around the discretionary weight golf club head. With more discretionary weight, golf club manufacturers have more leeway in allocating club mass to achieve the desired golf club head mass distribution. Golf swings vary among golfers. The mass characteristics (e.g., CG location, moment of inertia, etc.) and design geometries (e.g., static loft) of a given golf club may provide a high level of performance for a golfer with a relatively high swing speed but not for a golfer with a relatively low swing speed. Thus, there is a need for a golf club head and a golf club having a design that is effective over a wide range of club head swing speeds. This application meets this need and other needs. At impact, the position of the CG greatly affects the launch angle and flight trajectory of the struck golf ball. Thus, significant efforts have been made regarding the positioning of the center of gravity of the golf club head. For that purpose, current golf club heads of drivers and fairway woods are typically formed of lightweight and durable materials such as steel alloys or titanium alloys. These materials are typically used to form thin club head walls. Thinner walls are lighter, and as a result, more weight is available for redistribution around the discretionary weight golf club head. With more discretionary weight, golf club manufacturers have more leeway in allocating club mass to achieve the desired golf club head mass distribution. Golf swings vary among golfers. The mass characteristics (e.g., CG location, moment of inertia, etc.) and design geometries (e.g., static loft) of a given golf club may provide a high level of performance for a golfer with a relatively high swing speed but not for a golfer with a relatively low swing speed. Thus, there is a need for a golf club head and a golf club having a design that is effective over a wide range of club head swing speeds. This application meets this need and other needs.

[0009] At impact, the position of the CG greatly affects the launch angle and flight trajectory of the struck golf ball. Thus, significant efforts have been made regarding the positioning of the center of gravity of the golf club head. For that purpose, current golf club heads of drivers and fairway woods are typically formed of lightweight and durable materials such as steel alloys or titanium alloys. These materials are typically used to form thin club head walls. Thinner walls are lighter, and as a result, more weight is available for redistribution around the discretionary weight golf club head. With more discretionary weight, golf club manufacturers have more leeway in allocating club mass to achieve the desired golf club head mass distribution. Golf swings vary among golfers. The mass characteristics (e.g., CG location, moment of inertia, etc.) and design geometries (e.g., static loft) of a given golf club may provide a high level of performance for a golfer with a relatively high swing speed but not for a golfer with a relatively low swing speed. Thus, there is a need for a golf club head and a golf club having a design that is effective over a wide range of club head swing speeds. This application meets this need and other needs. At impact, the position of the CG greatly affects the launch angle and flight trajectory of the struck golf ball. Thus, significant efforts have been made regarding the positioning of the center of gravity of the golf club head. For that purpose, current golf club heads of drivers and fairway woods are typically formed of lightweight and durable materials such as steel alloys or titanium alloys. These materials are typically used to form thin club head walls. Thinner walls are lighter, and as a result, more weight is available for redistribution around the discretionary weight golf club head. With more discretionary weight, golf club manufacturers have more leeway in allocating club mass to achieve the desired golf club head mass distribution. Golf swings vary among golfers. The mass characteristics (e.g., CG location, moment of inertia, etc.) and design geometries (e.g., static loft) of a given golf club may provide a high level of performance for a golfer with a relatively high swing speed but not for a golfer with a relatively low swing speed. Thus, there is a need for a golf club head and a golf club having a design that is effective over a wide range of club head swing speeds. This application meets this need and other needs.

[0010] At impact, the position of the CG greatly affects the launch angle and flight trajectory of the struck golf ball. Thus, significant efforts have been made regarding the positioning of the center of gravity of the golf club head. For that purpose, current golf club heads of drivers and fairway woods are typically formed of lightweight and durable materials such as steel alloys or titanium alloys. These materials are typically used to form thin club head walls. Thinner walls are lighter, and as a result, more weight is available for redistribution around the discretionary weight golf club head. With more discretionary weight, golf club manufacturers have more leeway in allocating club mass to achieve the desired golf club head mass distribution. Golf swings vary among golfers. The mass characteristics (e.g., CG location, moment of inertia, etc.) and design geometries (e.g., static loft) of a given golf club may provide a high level of performance for a golfer with a relatively high swing speed but not for a golfer with a relatively low swing speed. Thus, there is a need for a golf club head and a golf club having a design that is effective over a wide range of club head swing speeds. This application meets this need and other needs. At impact, the position of the CG greatly affects the launch angle and flight trajectory of the struck golf ball. Thus, significant efforts have been made regarding the positioning of the center of gravity of the golf club head. For that purpose, current golf club heads of drivers and fairway woods are typically formed of lightweight and durable materials such as steel alloys or titanium alloys. These materials are typically used to form thin club head walls. Thinner walls are lighter, and as a result, more weight is available for redistribution around the discretionary weight golf club head. With more discretionary weight, golf club manufacturers have more leeway in allocating club mass to achieve the desired golf club head mass distribution.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0011] Some embodiments of the golf club head have a face, a crown, and a sole. They have a body that together defines an internal cavity, and the body has a channel disposed in the sole and generally extending from the heel end of the body to the toe end of the body. The minimum distance between a vertical plane intersecting the center of the face and the front channel or track is less than about 50 mm over the entire length of the channel. A weight member may be movably positioned within the channel so that its position within the channel can be adjusted. In some of these embodiments, the distance between the vertical plane and the channel is less than about 40 mm over the entire length of the channel. In yet other embodiments, the distance between the vertical plane and the channel is less than about 30 mm over the entire length of the channel. In some of these embodiments, a shelf portion extends within the channel from the heel end of the body to the toe end of the body. The shelf portion can include a plurality of locking protrusions disposed on the exposed surface of the shelf portion. In some of these embodiments, the weight member includes an outer member that contacts and is retained on the shelf portion within the channel, an inner member retained within the channel, and a fastening bolt that connects the outer member to the inner member.

[0012] In some of these embodiments, the outer member includes a plurality of locking notches adapted to selectively engage with the locking protrusions disposed on the exposed surface of the shelf portion. In some of these embodiments, the outer member generally has a length L extending in the heel-to-toe direction of the channel, and each adjacent pair of locking protrusions is spaced apart by a distance D1 along the shelf portion, where L > D1. In some of these embodiments, a rotatably adjustable sole piece passes through the sole piece.

[0013] In some of these embodiments, a shelf portion extends within the channel from the heel end of the body to the toe end of the body. The shelf portion can include a plurality of locking protrusions disposed on the exposed surface of the shelf portion. In some of these embodiments, the weight member includes an outer member that contacts and is retained on the shelf portion within the channel, an inner member retained within the channel, and a fastening bolt that connects the outer member to the inner member. In some of these embodiments, the outer member includes a plurality of locking notches adapted to selectively engage with the locking protrusions disposed on the exposed surface of the shelf portion. In some of these embodiments, the outer member generally has a length L extending in the heel-to-toe direction of the channel, and each adjacent pair of locking protrusions is spaced apart by a distance D1 along the shelf portion, where L > D1. In some of these embodiments, a rotatably adjustable sole piece passes through the sole piece. In some of these embodiments, the outer member includes a plurality of locking notches adapted to selectively engage with the locking protrusions disposed on the exposed surface of the shelf portion. In some of these embodiments, the outer member generally has a length L extending in the heel-to-toe direction of the channel, and each adjacent pair of locking protrusions is spaced apart by a distance D1 along the shelf portion, where L > D1. In some of these embodiments, a rotatably adjustable sole piece passes through the sole piece.

[0014] In some of these embodiments, a rotatably adjustable sole piece passes through the sole piece. is fixed to the sole at one of a plurality of rotational positions with respect to a central axis extending therethrough. The sole piece extends a different axial distance from the sole at each position of the rotational position. Adjusting the sole piece to one of the different positions of the rotational position changes the face angle of the golf club independently of the loft angle of the golf club head when the golf club head is in the address position. In some of these embodiments, a releasable locking mechanism is configured to lock the sole piece to a selected one of the rotational positions on the sole. The locking mechanism can include a screw adapted to extend through the sole piece and into a threaded opening in the sole of the club head body. In some of these embodiments, the sole piece has a convex bottom surface such that when the sole piece is in each rotational position, the bottom surface substantially conforms to the heel-to-toe curvature of the leading side contact surface of the sole.

[0015] Some embodiments of a golf club head include a body having a face, a crown, and a sole, with the face, crown, and sole being integral and defining an internal cavity, and the body having a channel disposed in the sole and extending generally from the heel end of the body to the toe end of the body. A weight member may be movably positioned within the channel so that the position of the weight member within the channel can be adjusted. The face includes a central face position defining an origin of a coordinate system, in which coordinate system, when the body is in the normal address position, the x-axis is tangent to the face at the central face location and parallel to the ground plane, the y-axis extends perpendicular to the x-axis and is further parallel to the ground plane, and the z-axis extends perpendicular to the ground plane, with the positive x-axis being at the origin or The positive y-axis extends backward from the origin and the positive z-axis extends upward from the origin. The maximum x-axis position adjustment range (Max Δx) of the weight member is greater than 50 mm. The maximum y-axis position adjustment range (Max Δy) of the supporting member is less than 40 mm.

[0016] In some of these embodiments, the weight member has a mass (M WA ), and the product M WA *Max Δx is at least 250g·mm, for example, from about 250g·mm to about 4 For example, between 950g·mm.

[0017] In some of these embodiments, the product M WA *Max Δy is less than 1800g·mm For example, the range is between about 0 g·mm and about 1800 g·mm.

[0018] In some of these embodiments, the center of gravity of the body is located at a z-axis coordinate (CGz )

[0019] Some embodiments of the golf club head include a face, a crown, and a sole. The shoe includes a body that together define an interior cavity, the body being disposed in the sole. The shoe has a channel extending generally from a heel end of the body to a toe end of the body. A weight member is disposed within the channel such that a position of the weight member within the channel can be adjusted. Even if the center of gravity of the body is adjusted by the formula, A face includes a central face location that defines the origin of the coordinate system. In the coordinate system, when the body is in the normal address position, the x-axis is aligned with the face at the center face location. The y-axis is tangential to the x-axis and parallel to the ground. where the z-axis extends perpendicular to the ground plane, the positive x-axis extends from the origin towards the heel portion, the positive y-axis extends rearward from the origin, and the positive z-axis extends upward from the origin. Adjustment of the weight member can provide a maximum x-axis center of gravity position adjustment range (Max ΔCGx) greater than 2 mm and a maximum y-axis center of gravity adjustment range (Max ΔCGy) less than 3 mm.

[0020] In some of these embodiments, the center of gravity of the body has a z-axis coordinate (CGz ) less than about 0 mm.

[0021] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 14

Figure 15A

Figure 15B

Figure 15C

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19A

Figure 19B

Figure 20A

Figure 20B

Figure 21A

Figure 21B

Figure 22A

Figure 22B

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

Figure 29

Figure 30

Figure 31

Figure 32

Figure 33

Figure 34A

Figure 34B

Figure 34C

Figure 34D

Figure 35A

Figure 35B

Figure 36A

Figure 36B

Figure 36C

Figure 37A

Figure 37B

Figure 37C

Figure 37D

Figure 38A

Figure 38B

Figure 39A

Figure 39B

Figure 40

Figure 41

Figure 42

Figure 43A

Figure 43B

Figure 44A

Figure 44B

Figure 45A

Figure 45B

Figure 45C

Figure 46

Figure 47

Figure 48A

Figure 48B

Figure 48C

Figure 48D

Figure 48E

Figure 49

Figure 50

Figure 51

Figure 52

Figure 53

Figure 54A

Figure 54B

Figure 55A

Figure 55B

Figure 55C

Figure 55D

Figure 56A

Figure 56B

Figure 56C

Figure 56D

Figure 56E

Figure 57A

Figure 57B

Figure 57C

Figure 57D

Figure 58

Figure 59

Figure 60A

Figure 60B

Figure 60C

Figure 60D

[0023] The inventive features include all novel and progressive features disclosed herein, either individually or in novel and progressive combinations with other elements. As used herein, the phrase " and / or" means "and," "or," and both "and" and "or." As used herein, the singular forms "a," " an," and "the," corresponding to the English indefinite and definite articles, mean one or more than one unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term "comprising" means "including" . .

[0024] General Introduction The following disclosure describes embodiments for golf club heads for metalwood-type clubs (such as metal drivers and metal fairway woods). The disclosed embodiments should in no way be construed as limiting. Instead, the present disclosure is directed to all novel and inventive features of the various disclosed embodiments, both individually and in various combinations and sub-combinations with each other. Also, any of the features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be used in various combinations and sub-combinations with each other. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to any particular aspect or feature or combination thereof, and the disclosed embodiments do not actually require that any one or more particular advantages be provided or that any one or more particular problems be solved. Throughout the following detailed description, various golf club heads are provided as examples of metalwood-type clubs (such as metal drivers and metal fairway woods). Related features in those examples may be the same, similar, or different in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly described in each example. Instead, by using related feature names, readers are given the cue that features having a particular related feature name are similar to the related features in previously described examples. A particular feature of a given example is described within that given example. Readers should understand that a given feature is not necessarily the same as or similar to the specific depiction of related features in any given figure or given example.

[0025] Throughout the following detailed description, various golf club heads are provided as examples of metalwood-type clubs (such as metal drivers and metal fairway woods). Related features in those examples may be the same, similar, or different in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly described in each example. Instead, by using related feature names, readers are given the cue that features having a particular related feature name are similar to the related features in previously described examples. A particular feature of a given example is described within that given example. Readers should understand that a given feature is not necessarily the same as or similar to the specific depiction of related features in any given figure or given example. ​​​​​​​​​​​

[0026] Throughout the following detailed description, reference will be made to channels and tracks. Sometimes, terms used to describe features that hold slidably replaceable weights, such as a front channel or a track, etc., may be used interchangeably. Also, in some cases, a channel may be referred to as a feature within a club designed to improve peripheral flexibility and may not necessarily hold a weight. Further, in other cases, a front channel or a track may be shown without an attached weight assembly, but this does not imply that the weight assembly cannot be mounted within the channel.

[0027] This disclosure refers to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and throughout the drawings, like reference numerals represent like parts. The drawings depict specific embodiments, but other embodiments may be formed without departing from the intended scope of this disclosure, and structural changes may be made. Directions and references are used to facilitate discussion of the drawings and are not intended to impose limitations. For example, certain terms such as "up," "down," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," etc., may be used. These terms are used when appropriate to provide some clarity in the description when dealing with relative relationships with respect to the particularly illustrated embodiments. However, such terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, arrangements, and / or orientations. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0028] The following provides additional background information to further assist in the understanding of the golf club head technology described herein. Referring to FIGS. 25-27, another embodiment of golf club head 10100 includes a hollow body 10110, a crown 10112, a sole 10114, a skirt 10116, and a hitting club face 10118, and includes some of the structures and features of the previous embodiments. Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 25-27, another embodiment of golf club head 10100 includes a hollow body 10110, a crown 10112, a sole 10114, a skirt 10116, and a hitting club face 10118, and includes some of the structures and features of the previous embodiments. 10100 of another embodiment includes a hollow body 10110, a crown 10112, a sole 10114, a skirt 10116, and a hitting club face 10118, and includes some of the structures and features of the previous embodiments. 14, a skirt 10116, and a hitting club face 10118, and includes some of the structures and features of the previous embodiments. and includes some of the structures and features of the previous embodiments.

[0029] A. Normal Address Position Many of the club heads and their physical properties disclosed herein are described using the "normal address position" as the club head reference position, unless otherwise indicated. FIGS. 25-27 depict one embodiment of a wood-type golf club head in the normal address position. FIG. 25 depicts a front elevation view of golf club head 10100, FIG. 26 depicts a top view of golf club head 10100, and FIG. 27 depicts a side elevation view of golf club head 10100 from the toe side. As a preliminary explanation, golf club head 10100 includes a hitting club face 10118. In the normal address position, club head 10100 is positioned on a plane 10125 parallel to ground plane 10117 above ground plane 10117. Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle. Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle. Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle. Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle. Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle. Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle. Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle. Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle.

[0030] Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle. Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle. Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle. Herein, the "normal address position" means that the vector in the direction normal to club face 10118 is substantially located within a first vertical plane (the vertical plane is perpendicular to ground plane 10117), the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft is substantially located within a second substantially vertical plane, and the first vertical plane and the second substantially vertical plane intersect substantially at a right angle. Means the club head position.

[0031] B. Features of the Club Head A wood-type golf club head 10100 as shown in FIGS. 25-27 The club head includes a hollow body 10110 that defines a crown portion 10112, a sole portion 10114, a skirt portion 101 16, and a striking club face 10118. The striking club face 10118 may be integrally formed with the body 1011 or may be attached to the body. The body 10110 further includes a heel portion 10126, a toe portion 10128, a front portion 10130, and a rear portion 10132. The body 1 0110 further includes a hosel 10120 that defines a hosel hole 1 0124 adapted to receive a golf club shaft. In some embodiments, the golf club shaft may be bonded to the body 10110. Alternatively, the club head 1 0100 may include an adjustable shaft connection system such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel 10120, the details of which are not repeated here and are not shown in FIGS. 25-27 for clarity. The club head 10100 further typically has a volume measured in cubic centimeters (cm ) not shown here for simplicity. Herein, when used, "crown" means the upper portion of the club head above the peripheral edge 10134 of the club head when viewed in the vertical direction and behind the uppermost portion of the hitting surface 10122 of the striking club face 10118. When used herein, "sole" means the club 3 having a volume.

[0032] Herein, when used, "crown" means the upper portion of the club head above the peripheral edge 10134 of the club head when viewed in the vertical direction and behind the uppermost portion of the hitting surface 10122 of the striking club face 10118. When used herein, "sole" means the club portion. Herein, when used, "sole" means the club The head 10100 is in the normal address position and the clamp extends upward from its lowest point. In some embodiments, the sole 10114 refers to the lower portion of the club head. It extends approximately 50% to 60% of the distance from the lowest point to the crown 10112. In this embodiment, the sole 10114 extends upward from the lowest point of the golf club head 10100. Further, the sole 10114 is in contact with the ground when in a normal address position. defining a substantially flat portion extending substantially horizontally relative to the surface 10117; Alternatively, it may have an arched or convex shape as shown in FIG. In using the shoe, the "skirt" is the part between the crown 10112 and the sole 10114 at the toe. From the first portion 10128 around the rear portion 10132 to the heel portion 10126 of the club head 10 The striking face 10122 of the club head, which extends across the perimeter 10134 of 100, is excluded. As used herein, "striking surface" refers to the surface that strikes the golf ball. "ball-striking" refers to the front or outer surface of a ball-striking club face 10118 that is configured to In some embodiments, the striking surface 10122 is attached to the body using known attachment techniques such as welding. 10110. Additionally, the striking surface 10122 may have a variable thickness. In some particular embodiments, the striking surface 10122 may have a bulge curved roll. It has a curvature (discussed in more detail below).

[0033] The body 10110, or any portion thereof, may be made of an alloy (e.g., an alloy of titanium, an alloy of steel, an alloy of aluminium, Aluminum alloys and / or magnesium alloys), composite materials (e.g. graphite or carbon fiber composites), ceramic materials, or some combination thereof. It is possible. The crown 10112, sole 10114, skirt 10116, and hitting club face 10118 can be integrally formed using techniques such as molding, cold forming, casting, and / or forging. Alternatively, any one or more of the crown 10112, sole 10114, skirt 10116, or the hitting club face 10118 may be attached to the other component by known means (e.g., adhesive bonding, welding, etc.).

[0034] In some embodiments, the hitting face 10118 is made of a composite material, while in other embodiments, the hitting face 10118 is made of an alloy (e.g., an alloy of titanium, steel, aluminum, and / or magnesium), a ceramic material, or a combination of a composite material, an alloy, and / or a ceramic material.

[0035] When in the normal address position, the club head 10100 is arranged at a certain lie angle 10119 (shown in FIG. 25) with respect to the club shaft axis 10121, and the club face has a loft angle 10115 (shown in FIG. 27). Referring to FIG. 25, the lie angle 10119 refers to the angle between the center line axis 10121 of the club shaft in the normal address position and the ground plane 10117. Referring to FIG. 27, the loft angle 10115 refers to the angle between the tangent line 10127 to the club face 10118 and the vector 10129 in the normal direction of the ground plane passing through the geometric center of the face at the normal address position.

[0036] FIGS. 28 - 30 are used to illustrate the features of the disclosed golf club head embodiments. Depicts a coordinate system that can be used. FIG. 28 depicts the front elevation view of the golf club head 10100, and FIG. 29 depicts the top view of the golf club head 10100, FIG. 27 depicts the side elevation view of the golf club head 10100 from the toe side. As shown in FIGS. 28 - 30, the center 10123 is disposed on the hitting face 10122. In the interpretation of this disclosure, the center 10123 is defined as the intersection of the midpoint of the height (H SS ) of the hitting face 122 and the midpoint of the width (W SS ). H and W SS are both determined using the hitting face curve (S SS ). The hitting face curve is bounded by all points where the face transitions from having a substantially uniform bulge radius (heel-toe curvature radius of the face) and a substantially uniform roll radius (crown-soles curvature radius of the face) to the body. H SS is measured in a vertical plane (perpendicular to the ground) extending through the center 10123 of the face, from the periphery (also referred to as the bottom radius of the club face) near the sole portion of S to the periphery (also referred to as the top radius of the club face) near the crown portion of S (for example, this plane is substantially normal to the x-axis). Similarly, W is measured in a horizontal plane (for example, substantially parallel to the ground) extending through the center of the face, from the periphery near the heel portion of S SS to the periphery near the toe portion of S (for example, this plane is substantially normal to the z SS axis). In other words, the center 10123 along the z-axis is at the top of the hitting face near the periphery (also referred to as the bottom radius of the club face) of the sole portion of S SS to the periphery near the crown portion of S (for example, this plane is substantially normal to the x-axis). Similarly, W is the distance from the periphery near the heel portion of S SS measured in a horizontal plane (for example, substantially parallel to the ground) extending through the center of the face to the periphery near the toe portion of S (for example, this plane is substantially normal to the z SS axis). In other words, the center 10123 along the z-axis is at the top of the hitting face near the periphery of the heel portion of S SS to the periphery near the toe portion of S (for example, this plane is substantially normal to the z-axis). In other words, the center 10123 along the z-axis is at the top of the hitting face From a point just inside the radius (centered along the x-axis of the face) to a point just inside the bottom radius of the face plane, corresponding to the point that bisects the line drawn there. In the interpretation of the present disclosure, the center 10123 is also referred to as the "geometric center" of the golf club face 10122. For the methodology of measuring the geometric center of the face, see the U.S.G.A. "Procedure of Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead", Revision 2.0. Referring to FIGS. 28 - 30, a clubhead origin coordinate system is defined so that the locations of various features of the clubhead (including the clubhead center of gravity (CG) 10150) can be determined. The clubhead origin 10160 is depicted as being located at the center 10123 of the face 10122 on the clubhead 10100. The clubhead origin coordinate system defined with respect to the head origin 10160 includes three axes, namely, a z-axis 10165 that extends substantially perpendicular to the ground 10117 through the head origin 10160 when the clubhead 10100 is in its normal address position, an x-axis 10170 that extends in the toe - heel direction substantially parallel to the face 10122 (e.g., substantially tangential to the face 10122 at the center 10123) and substantially perpendicular to the z-axis 10165, and a y-axis 10175 that extends in the front - rear direction substantially perpendicular to both the x-axis 10170 and the z-axis 10165 through the head origin 10160. The x-axis 10170 and the y-axis 10

[0037] C. Golf Club Head Coordinates

[0038] ​​​​​​​​​​​Both 175 extend substantially horizontally with respect to the ground 10 when the club head 10100 is in its normal address position. The x-axis 10170 extends in the positive direction from the origin 10160 towards the heel 10126 of the club head 10100. The y-axis 10175 extends in the positive direction from the head origin 10160 towards the rear portion 10132 of the club head 10100. The z-axis 10165 extends in the positive direction from the origin 10160 towards the crown 10112. The x-axis 10170 extends in the positive direction from the origin 10160 towards the heel 10126 of the club head 10100. The y-axis 10175 extends in the positive direction from the head origin 10160 towards the rear portion 10132 of the club head 10100. The y-axis 10175 extends in the positive direction from the head origin 10160 towards the rear portion 10132 of the club head 10100. The z-axis 10165 extends in the positive direction from the origin 10160 towards the crown 10112. The z-axis 10165 extends in the positive direction from the origin 10160 towards the crown 10112.

[0039] D. Center of Gravity Generally, the center of gravity (CG) of a golf club head is the average location of the weight of the golf club head, or the point at which the total weight of the golf club head is considered to be concentrated, and at which point the head would be in balance in any position if supported. Generally, the center of gravity (CG) of a golf club head is the average location of the weight of the golf club head, or the point at which the total weight of the golf club head is considered to be concentrated, and at which point the head would be in balance in any position if supported. Generally, the center of gravity (CG) of a golf club head is the average location of the weight of the golf club head, or the point at which the total weight of the golf club head is considered to be concentrated, and at which point the head would be in balance in any position if supported.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 28 - 30, the CG 10150 is shown as a point inside the body 10110 of the club head 10100. The location of the club CG 10150 can be further defined with reference to the club head origin coordinate system. For example, using millimeters as the unit of measurement, the CG 10150 located 3.2 mm from the head origin 10160 along the x-axis towards the toe of the club head, 36.7 mm from the head origin 10160 along the y-axis towards the rear of the club head, and 4.1 mm from the head origin 10160 along the z-axis towards the sole of the club head, can be defined as having a CG of -3.2 mm, a CG of 36.7 mm, and a CG of -4.1 mm. Referring to FIGS. 28 - 30, the CG 10150 is shown as a point inside the body 10110 of the club head 10100. The location of the club CG 10150 can be further defined with reference to the club head origin coordinate system. For example, using millimeters as the unit of measurement, the CG 10150 located 3.2 mm from the head origin 10160 along the x-axis towards the toe of the club head The location of the club CG 10150 can be further defined with reference to the club head origin coordinate system. For example, using millimeters as the unit of measurement, the CG 10150 located 3.2 mm from the head origin 10160 along the x-axis towards the toe of the club head, 36.7 mm from the head origin 10160 along the y-axis towards the rear of the club head, and 4.1 mm from the head origin 10160 along the z-axis towards the sole of the club head, can be defined as having a CG of -3.2 mm, a CG of 36.7 mm, and a CG of -4.1 mm. The location of the club CG 10150 can be further defined with reference to the club head origin coordinate system. For example, using millimeters as the unit of measurement, the CG 10150 located 3.2 mm from the head origin 10160 along the x-axis towards the toe of the club head, 36.7 mm from the head origin 10160 along the y-axis towards the rear of the club head, and 4.1 mm from the head origin 10160 along the z-axis towards the sole of the club head, can be defined as having a CG of -3.2 mm, a CG of 36.7 mm, and a CG of -4.1 mm. The location of the club CG 10150 can be further defined with reference to the club head origin coordinate system. For example, using millimeters as the unit of measurement, the CG 10150 located 3.2 mm from the head origin 10160 along the x-axis towards the toe of the club head, 36.7 mm from the head origin 10160 along the y-axis towards the rear of the club head, and 4.1 mm from the head origin 10160 along the z-axis towards the sole of the club head, can be defined as having a CG of -3.2 mm, a CG of 36.7 mm, and a CG of -4.1 mm. x The location of the club CG 10150 can be further defined with reference to the club head origin coordinate system. For example, using millimeters as the unit of measurement, the CG 10150 located 3.2 mm from the head origin 10160 along the x-axis towards the toe of the club head, 36.7 mm from the head origin 10160 along the y-axis towards the rear of the club head, and 4.1 mm from the head origin 10160 along the z-axis towards the sole of the club head, can be defined as having a CG of -3.2 mm, a CG of 36.7 mm, and a CG of -4.1 mm. y The location of the club CG 10150 can be further defined with reference to the club head origin coordinate system. For example, using millimeters as the unit of measurement, the CG 10150 located 3.2 mm from the head origin 10160 along the x-axis towards the toe of the club head, 36.7 mm from the head origin 10160 along the y-axis towards the rear of the club head, and 4.1 mm from the head origin 10160 along the z-axis towards the sole of the club head, can be defined as having a CG of -3.2 mm, a CG of 36.7 mm, and a CG of -4.1 mm. The location of the club CG 10150 can be further defined with reference to the club head origin coordinate system. For example, using millimeters as the unit of measurement, the CG 10150 located 3.2 mm from the head origin 10160 along the x-axis towards the toe of the club head, 36.7 mm from the head origin 10160 along the y-axis towards the rear of the club head, and 4.1 mm from the head origin 10160 along the z-axis towards the sole of the club head, can be defined as having a CG of -3.2 mm, a CG of 36.7 mm, and a CG of -4.1 mm. z The location of the club CG 10150 can be further defined with reference to the club head origin coordinate system. For example, using millimeters as the unit of measurement, the CG 10150 located 3.2 mm from the head origin 10160 along the x-axis towards the toe of the club head, 36.7 mm from the head origin 10160 along the y-axis towards the rear of the club head, and 4.1 mm from the head origin 10160 along the z-axis towards the sole of the club head, can be defined as having a CG of -3.2 mm, a CG of 36.7 mm, and a CG of -4.1 mm.

[0041] The CG can also be used to define a coordinate system with the CG as the origin of the coordinate system. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 28-30, the CG origin coordinate system defined with respect to the CG origin 10150 has three axes, namely, the CGz axis 10185 that extends substantially perpendicular to the ground 10117 through the CG 10150 when the club head 10100 is in the normal address position, the CGx axis 10190 that extends in a toe - heel direction that is substantially parallel to the hitting surface 10122 (e.g., in a substantially tangential direction to the hitting surface 10122 at the club face center 10123) and substantially perpendicular to the CGz axis 10185 through the CG 10150, and the CGy axis 10195 that extends in a front - rear direction through the CG 10150 and is substantially perpendicular to both the CGx axis 10190 and the CGz axis 10185. The CGx axis 10190 and the CGy axis 10195 both extend substantially horizontally with respect to the ground 10117 when the club head 10100 is in the normal address position. The CGx axis 10190 extends in the positive direction from the CG origin 10150 towards the heel 10126 of the club head 10100. The CGy axis 10195 extends in the positive direction from the CG origin 10150 towards the rear portion 10132 of the golf club head 10100. The CGz axis 10185 extends in the positive direction from the CG origin 10150 towards the crown 10112. Thus, the axes of the CG origin coordinate system are parallel to the corresponding axes of the head origin coordinate system. Specifically, the CGz axis 10185 is parallel to the z axis 10165, the CGx axis 10190 is parallel to the x axis 10170, and the CGy axis 10195 is parallel to the y axis 10175. As can be best seen from FIG. 30, FIGS. 28 - 30 further show the golf club head hitting surface 101

[0042] As can be best seen from FIG. 30, FIGS. 28 - 30 further show the golf club head hitting surface 101 The projected CG point 10180 on 22 is shown. The projected CG point 10180 is a point on the hitting surface 10122 that is in the normal direction to the tangent line 10127 of the hitting club face 10118 and passes through the CG 10150. This projected CG point 10180 intersects the line and is a point on the hitting surface 10122 that is in the normal direction to the tangent line 10127 of the hitting club face 10118 and passes through the CG 10150. This projected CG point 10180 is sometimes referred to as the "zero torque" point because it implies a point on the hitting club face that is centered with the CG 101 50. Thus, even if the golf ball contacts the club face 1011 8 and the projected CG point 10180, no torque is generated by the impact of the golf ball so that the golf club head does not twist around any axis of rotation. II.

[0043] A. Exemplary Embodiments as High Loft Low CG Golf Club Heads In some specific embodiments disclosed herein, the projected CG point on the hitting club face Z - Axis Gear Effect is located below the geometric center of the club face. In other words, the projected CG point on the hitting club face is closer to the sole of the club face than the geometric center. As a result, as shown in FIG. 31, when the golf club is swung so that the club head 10100 impacts the golf ball 10200 at the club head center 1012 3, the impact is "off-center" from the projected CG point 10180, generating a torque that rotates (or twists) the body of the golf club head around the CGx axis (normal direction to the paper surface in FIG. 31). This rotation of the golf club head around the x-axis is depicted by arrows 10202, 10203 in FIG. 31. The rotation of the club face produces a "z-axis gear effect". More precisely, the rotation of the club head around the CGx axis tends to induce a spin component on the ball. Specifically and causes a torque that rotates (or twists) the body of the golf club head around the CGx axis (normal direction to the paper surface in FIG. 31). This rotation of the golf club head around the x-axis is depicted by arrows 10202, 10203 in FIG. 31. The rotation of the club face produces a "z-axis gear effect". More precisely, the rotation of the club head around the CGx axis tends to induce a spin component on the ball. Specifically the rotation of the club head around the CGx axis of the club head tends to induce a spin component on the ball. Specifically ​​​​​is caused by the golf ball being pressed against the club face at impact, resulting in the club The backward rotation of the clubhead face (illustrated by arrows 10202, 10203) causes the ball to rotate in the opposite direction of the club face rotation, similar to how two gears interact with each other. Thus, the backward rotation of the club face at impact produces a component of forward rotation (illustrated by arrows 10204, 10205) of the golf ball. This effect is named the "z-axis gear effect". The loft of the golf clubhead also produces a significant amount of backspin on the ball struck by the golf clubhead. Therefore, the forward rotation resulting from the z-axis gear effect is typically not sufficient to completely eliminate the backspin of the golf ball but instead reduces the backspin to less than what the golf ball would normally receive.

[0044] Generally, the forward rotation (or topspin) component resulting from the z-axis gear effect increases as the impact point of the golf ball on the club face moves upward (or higher above) from the projected CG point on the club face. In addition, the effective loft of the golf clubhead, which determines the launch conditions of the golf ball, is different from the static loft of the golf clubhead. The difference between the effective loft of the golf clubhead at impact and its static loft angle at address is called the "dynamic loft" and is caused by many factors. Generally speaking, the effective loft of the golf clubhead increases from the static loft as the impact point of the golf ball on the club face moves upward (or higher above) from the projected CG point on the club face.

[0045]

[0046] ​​​​​​​​​​​​ Figure 32 is a schematic side view 10800 depicting the trajectory 10800 of a golf ball struck by a driver having a projection CG that coincides with the geometric center of the clubface. The launch conditions produced by such a driver typically include a low launch angle and a significant amount of backspin. Backspin on the ball causes the ball's altitude to rapidly increase, resulting in a more vertical trajectory, i.e., "ballooning" into the air. Inevitably, the ball tends to rapidly lose its forward propulsive force as the forward propulsive force converts to a vertical propulsive force, ultimately resulting in a downward trajectory with a sharp curve that does not produce a significant amount of roll. As depicted by Figure 32, in this case, a small amount of backspin can be beneficial to the golf ball's trajectory as it can "lift" the golf ball vertically and resist a parabolic trajectory. However, too much backspin can cause the golf ball to lose its carry distance as the forward propulsive force of the golf ball converts to a vertical propulsive force.

[0047] In contrast, Figure 33 is a schematic side view depicting the trajectory 10900 of a golf ball struck by a driver having a lower center of gravity in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. In Figure 33, it is assumed that the static loft of the golf club head is the same as that of the driver in Figure 32, although the static loft may be higher as will be explained in more detail below. The launch conditions produced by a driver having a lower center of gravity include a higher launch angle and less backspin compared to a driver having a projection center of gravity that coincides with the geometric center of the clubface. As can be seen in Figure 33, trajectory 1900 is higher than contains less "barreling", but still has some lift and sufficient backspin to generally maintain its launch trajectory longer than a ball without backspin. As a result, the golf ball having trajectory 1900 extends further than the golf ball having trajectory 1080 0. Moreover, since the horizontal driving force of the golf ball is greater for trajectory 10900 than for trajectory 10800, the roll experienced by the golf ball having trajectory 10900 is greater than that of trajectory 10800.

[0048] C. Use of Discretionary Mass to Lower the Center of Gravity A lower center of gravity value can be achieved by distributing the club head mass to specific locations on the golf club head. Discretionary mass generally refers to material mass that can be removed from various structures providing mass and distributed elsewhere to define the club head center of gravity. The club head wall provides one source of discretionary mass. Reducing the wall thickness reduces the wall mass and provides mass that can be distributed elsewhere. For example, in some embodiments, one or more walls of the club head can have a thickness of generally less than 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the crown 10112 can have a thickness of generally 0.65 mm through at least most of the crown. Additionally, the sole 10114 can have a greater thickness (e.g., generally greater than 1.0 mm), while the skirt 10116 can have a similar thickness. The thin wall, particularly the thin crown 10

[0049] 112 provides significant discretionary mass. 10116 can also have a similar thickness, while the sole 10114 has a greater thickness (e.g., generally greater than 1.0 mm). The thin wall, particularly the thin crown 10 112 provides significant discretionary mass.

[0050] To achieve a thin wall such as the thin crown 10112 on the club head body 10110, the club head body 10110 can be formed from a steel alloy or a titanium alloy. In other embodiments, the thin wall of the club head body is formed of a non-metallic material such as a composite material, a ceramic material, a thermoplastic plastic, or some combination thereof. For example, in some specific embodiments, the crown 10112 and the skirt 10116 are formed of a composite material.

[0051] To lower the center of gravity within the club head body 10110, one or more portions of the sole 10114 can be formed of a material with a higher density than the crown 10112 and the skirt 10116. For example, the sole 10114 may be formed of a metallic material such as tungsten or a tungsten alloy. The sole 10114 can further be shaped so that the center of gravity is closer to or farther from the hitting club face as desired.

[0052] The golf club head according to the disclosed technology can further use one or z more weight plates, weight pads, or weight ports to lower the center of gravity to a desired CG location. For example, some specific embodiments of the disclosed golf club head have one or more integral weight pads cast in a predetermined location (e.g., within the sole of the golf club head) to lower the club head center of gravity. Further, epoxy can be added to the interior of the club head through the club head hosel opening to obtain a desired weight distribution. Alternatively, a high-density material (e.g., tungsten or a tungsten alloy) One or more weights formed of (gold) can also be attached to the sole. Such weights may be permanently attached to the club head. Also, the shape of such weights may vary and is not limited to any particular shape. For example, the weights may have a disc shape, an oval shape, a cylindrical shape, or other shapes.

[0053] The golf club head 10100 may further define one or more weight ports formed in the body 10110 configured to receive one or more weights. For example, one or more weight ports may be disposed in the sole 10114. The weight ports may have any of a number of configurations for receiving and retaining any of a number of weights or weight assemblies, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,407,477 and 7,419,441, which are incorporated herein by reference. These and all other referenced patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Also, if the definition or use of a term in a document incorporated herein by reference conflicts with or is contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does

[0054] Including one or more weights in the (singular or plural) weight ports provides a customized club head mass distribution with a corresponding customized moment of inertia and center of gravity location. Adjusting the location of the (singular or plural) weight ports and the mass of the weights and / or weight assemblies provides Provide the ment using the same club head.

[0055] In a further embodiment, one or more openings are formed in a wall of the golf club head For example, the crown of the golf club head may include an opening. A lightweight panel can be placed within each opening to close the opening. By selecting a material for the panel that has a lower density than the material used to form the club head body the difference between the mass of the body material that would have occupied the opening and the mass of the panel can be placed elsewhere in the club head For example, by strategically selecting the number, size, and location of the openings, the center of gravity of the golf club head can be lowered to a desired position within the club head body The panel may comprise, for example, carbon fiber epoxy resin, carbon fiber reinforced plastic stick, polyurethane, or a pseudo-isotropic composite. The panel can be attached using an adhesive or any other suitable technique. or any other suitable technique. In addition to the redistribution of mass within the specific club head envelope discussed above, the location of the club head center of gravity can be further adjusted by modifying the club head outer envelope

[0056] For example, the club head body 10110 may be stretched rearward or its overall height may be reduced. In some specific embodiments, for example, the crown of the club head body is recessed or otherwise includes at least one partially concave shape thereby distributing the weight of the crown lower on the club head body In some specific embodiments, for example, the crown of the club head body is recessed or otherwise includes at least one partially concave shape thereby distributing the weight of the crown lower on the club head body

[0057] D. Moment of Inertia of Mass 28-30, the moment of inertia of a golf club head is typically The CG axis is defined around three axes that extend through the club head center of gravity 10150. For example, the moment of inertia of the golf club head about the CGx axis 10190 is expressed by the following formula, i.e.,

[0058]

number

[0059] Here, y is the infinitesimal distance from the golf club head CGxz plane. The distance to the mass dm, z is the distance from the golf club head CGxy plane to the infinitesimal mass dm The golf club head CGxz plane is the golf club head CGx axis 10190 and the golf club head CGz axis 10185. CGxy plane Golf club head CGx axis 10190 and golf club head CGy axis 10195 It is a plane defined by the above.

[0060] Moment of inertia around the CGx axis (I xx ) is the torsion of the golf club head around the CGx axis It is an indicator of the ability to resist. xx ) is a golf The impact of the club head 10100 on high and low off-center impacts with a golf ball This suggests a higher resistance to upward or downward twisting.

[0061] In some specific embodiments of the disclosed golf club head, the moment of inertia I x x is at least 250kg-mm 2 For example, in some particular embodiments, the inertial motor Member I xxis from 250 kg-mm 2 to 800 kg-mm 2 therebetween. In embodiments of the golf club head disclosed, for embodiments where the projected CG on the club head face is lower than the geometric center, it has been observed that a lower moment of inertia increases the dynamic loft and decreases the backspin received by a golf ball struck at the geometric center of the club. Thus, in some specific embodiments, the moment of inertia I is relatively low (e.g., from 250 kg-mm to 500 kg-mm therebetween). In such embodiments, the relatively low xx moment of inertia contributes to the reduction of golf ball spin, thereby helping to obtain a desired high launch low spin trajectory (e.g., a trajectory similar to that shown in FIG. 33) for the golf ball. In still other embodiments, the moment of inertia is less than 250 kg-mm (e.g., 2 from 150 kg-mm 2 to 250 kg-mm therebetween, or from 200 kg-mm to 25 0 kg-mm 2 therebetween). Adjusting the location of the discretionary mass in the golf club head using the methods disclosed herein can provide the desired moment of inertia I in the disclosed embodiments of the golf club head 2 from 250 kg-mm 2 to 800 kg-mm 2 therebetween. In embodiments of the golf club head disclosed, for embodiments where the projected CG on the club head face is lower than the geometric center, it has been observed that a lower moment of inertia increases the dynamic loft and decreases the backspin received by a golf ball struck at the geometric center of the club. Thus, in some specific embodiments, the moment of inertia I is relatively low (e.g., 2 from 250 kg-mm to 500 kg-mm therebetween). In such embodiments, the relatively low xx moment of inertia contributes to the reduction of golf ball spin, thereby helping to obtain a desired high launch low spin trajectory (e.g., a trajectory similar to that shown in FIG. 33) for the golf ball. In still other embodiments, the moment of inertia is less than 250 kg-mm

[0062] E. Delta 1 Delta 1 (“Δ1”) is a measure of how far rearward the CG is located within the club head body 10110. More specifically, Δ1 is the distance along the y-axis (the straight line direction from the geometric center of the hitting face towards the rear of the golf club head body) between the CG and the hosel axis thereof thereof 。Regarding the disclosed embodiments of the golf club head, it has been observed that a smaller Delta 1 value results in a lower projected CG on the club head face. Thus, for the disclosed embodiments of the golf club where the projected CG on the striking club face is lower than the geometric center, reducing Delta 1 will lower the projected CG and increase the distance between the geometric center and the projected CG. Recall that a lower projected CG creates a lower dynamic loft and reduces backspin due to the z-axis gear effect. Although the club loft angle is static, when Delta is large, the CG of the golf club head is in a position that creates added loft to the club head during use. This occurs because the offset CG from the shaft axis of the golf club head at impact creates a moment of the golf club head about the x-axis (the axis from heel to toe), which causes the golf club head to rotate about the x-axis. The larger Delta , the larger the moment arm that generates the moment about the x-axis. Thus, if Delta is particularly large, a greater rotation of the golf club head about the x-axis is seen. The increased rotation leads to added loft at impact. Thus, for certain disclosed embodiments of the golf club head, the Delta 1 value is relatively small, thereby reducing the amount of backspin of the golf ball and helping to obtain a desired high launch and low spin trajectory (e.g., a trajectory similar to that shown in FIG. 33). For example, in some particular embodiments, the Delta 1 value is 25 mm or less. Please remember that although the club loft angle is static, when Delta 1 is large, the CG of the golf club head is in a position that creates added loft to the club head during use. This occurs because the offset CG from the shaft axis of the golf club head at impact creates a moment of the golf club head about the x-axis (the axis from heel to toe), which causes the golf club head to rotate about the x-axis. The larger Delta , the larger the moment arm that generates the moment about the x-axis. Thus, if Delta is particularly large, a greater rotation of the golf club head about the x-axis is seen. The increased rotation leads to added loft at impact. Please remember that although the club loft angle is static, when Delta 1 is large, the CG of the golf club head is in a position that creates added loft to the club head during use. This occurs because the offset CG from the shaft axis of the golf club head at impact creates a moment of the golf club head about the x-axis (the axis from heel to toe), which causes the golf club head to rotate about the x-axis. The larger Delta 1 , the larger the moment arm that generates the moment about the x-axis. Thus, if Delta is particularly large, a greater rotation of the golf club head about the x-axis is seen. The increased rotation leads to added loft at impact. Thus, for certain disclosed embodiments of the golf club head, the Delta 1 value is relatively small, thereby reducing the amount of backspin of the golf ball and helping to obtain a desired high launch and low spin trajectory (e.g., a trajectory similar to that shown in FIG. 33). For example, in some particular embodiments, the Delta 1 value is 25 mm or less.

[0063] Thus, for certain disclosed embodiments of the golf club head, the Delta 1 value is relatively small, thereby reducing the amount of backspin of the golf ball and helping to obtain a desired high launch and low spin trajectory (e.g., a trajectory similar to that shown in FIG. 33). For example, in some particular embodiments, the Delta 1 value is 25 mm or less. is relatively small, thereby reducing the amount of backspin of the golf ball and helping the golf ball to obtain a desired high launch and low spin trajectory (e.g., a trajectory similar to that shown in FIG. 33). For example, in some particular embodiments, the Delta 1 value is 25 mm or less. is relatively small, thereby reducing the amount of backspin of the golf ball and helping the golf ball to obtain a desired high launch and low spin trajectory (e.g., a trajectory similar to that shown in FIG. 33). Small (e.g., in the range of 10 - 25 mm). As described herein, adjusting the location of discretionary mass in a golf club head can provide a desired Delta 1 value. For example, Delta 1 can be manipulated by varying the mass in front of (closer to the face than) the CG relative to the mass behind the CG. That is, Delta 1 can be increased by increasing the mass behind the CG relative to the mass in front of the CG. In a similar manner, Delta 1 can be decreased by increasing the mass in front of the CG relative to the mass behind the CG. For example, Delta 1 can be manipulated by varying the mass in front of (closer to the face than) the CG relative to the mass behind the CG. That is, Delta 1 can be increased by increasing the mass behind the CG relative to the mass in front of the CG. In a similar manner, Delta 1 can be decreased by increasing the mass in front of the CG relative to the mass behind the CG. That is, Delta 1 can be increased by increasing the mass behind the CG relative to the mass in front of the CG. In a similar manner, Delta 1 can be decreased by increasing the mass in front of the CG relative to the mass behind the CG. In a similar manner, Delta 1 can be decreased by increasing the mass in front of the CG relative to the mass behind the CG.

[0064] G. Volume The disclosed golf club head embodiments herein can have various different volumes. For example, some particular embodiments of the disclosed golf club head are for drivers and have a head volume between 250 cm and 460 cm and a weight between 180 grams and 210 grams. Other embodiments of the disclosed golf club head include fairway woods that incorporate one or more aspects of the disclosed technology and have a volume between about 130 cm 3 and about 220 cm 3 and a weight between about 190 grams and about 225 grams, while so-called hybrid wood embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the disclosed technology have a volume between about 80 cm and about 150 cm and a weight between about 210 grams and about 240 grams. Other embodiments of the disclosed golf club head are 460 c from about 220 cm 3 to about 220 cm 3 and have a weight between about 190 grams and about 225 grams, while so-called hybrid wood embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the disclosed technology have a volume between about 80 cm and about 150 cm and have a weight between about 210 grams and about 240 grams. Other embodiments of the disclosed golf club head incorporate one or more aspects of the disclosed technology and have a volume between about 80 cm from about 80 cm 3 to about 150 cm 3 and a weight between about 210 grams and about 240 grams. Other embodiments of the disclosed golf club head are 460 c from about 80 cm to about 150 cm and have a weight between about 210 grams and about 240 grams. Other embodiments of the disclosed golf club head are 460 c m 3 has a larger volume. If such a club head is desired, it can be constructed as described herein by expanding the size of the outer shell of the golf club head. Also, in such a "large" club head, there is a greater chance of achieving a lower CG in the golf club head. It should be further understood that golf club heads having volumes and dimensions that exceed the current U.S.G.A. rules regarding clubs and balls are also feasible and contemplated by the present disclosure. By expanding the size of the outer shell of the golf club head as described herein it can be constructed. Also, in such a "large" club head, there is a greater chance of achieving a lower CG in the golf club head. lower CG in the golf club head z becomes greater. It should be further understood that golf club heads having volumes and dimensions that exceed the current U.S.G.A. rules regarding clubs and balls are also feasible and contemplated by the present disclosure. are also feasible and contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0065] H. Low Front Center of Gravity Until recently, conventional wisdom has been to try to move the center of gravity ("CG") position of the club head backward because this CG movement increases the moment of inertia of the club head in some designs. The golf club head 10000 described herein is an example of moving the CG position of the club head low and backward. On the other hand, placing the weight at the front position of the club head has some unexpected advantages in that the projection point of the center of gravity onto the face is lower compared to when the CG is further rearward from the face. This, in turn, reduces the so-called "dynamic lofting" that occurs during a golf swing when Δ is particularly large. increases the moment of inertia of the club head in some designs. The golf club head 10000 described herein is an example of moving the CG position of the club head low and backward. is an example of moving the CG position of the club head low and backward. Also, on the other hand, placing the weight at the front position of the club head has some unexpected advantages in that the projection point of the center of gravity onto the face is lower compared to when the CG is further rearward from the face. onto the face is lower compared to when the CG is further rearward from the face. This, in turn, reduces the so-called "dynamic lofting" that occurs during a golf swing when Δ is flipped, Δ 1 is particularly large. This, in turn, reduces the so-called "dynamic lofting" that occurs during a golf swing when Δ

[0066] Dynamic lofting may be desired in some situations, for example, when a low rearward CG is a desired design element, but it can have some negative effects on the resulting ball flight. First, for each degree of increased dynamic loft, the launch angle is 0.5 - 0 it can have some negative effects on the resulting ball flight. First, for each degree of increased dynamic loft, the launch angle is 0.5 - 0 it can have some negative effects on the resulting ball flight. First, for each degree of increased dynamic loft, the launch angle is 0.5 - 0 . It increases at 0.75°. Second, the spin speed increases by approximately 200 - 25 0 rpm for each 1° increase in dynamic loft.

[0067] The advantage of a low forward CG is that the center of gravity is projected closer to the center face, resulting in lower spin and greater ball speed for center face impact . Also, when having a low forward CG, the golf club head has a smaller dynamic loft at impact , so the golfer needs to use a club with a higher static loft. For example, a club having a CGz smaller than -2 mm and a delta1 smaller than 16 mm might require a loft higher than the standard CG position. In some specific embodiments , the static loft is between 11° and 19°. More preferably, for a driver having a volume greater than 400 cc, it might be advantageous to have a static loft between 14° and 17° . Delta1 is more preferably smaller than 14 mm, even more preferably smaller than 12 mm. Further, the CG is more preferably smaller than -3 mm, even more preferably smaller than -4 mm. z

[0068] There are several factors contributing to the increase in spin rate. First, if the dynamic loft simply creates a higher loft, the higher loft causes more backspin. The second and more unexpected explanation is the gear effect. The projection of the center of gravity of a golf club head with a rearward CG onto the face creates a projection point above the center face (the center face is the ideal impact location for most golf club heads ). The gear effect theory states that the projection point is offset from the ball striking location ). When it does, it is stated that the gear effect causes the rotation of the golf ball towards the projection point. Since the center face is the ideal impact location for most golf club heads, the fact that the projection point is offset from the center face may cause a gear effect on a perfectly struck shot. Thus, the loft of the golf club head directs the projection point above the center face, i.e., above the ideal impact location. This triggers the gear effect on a center strike, causing the face of the golf club head to roll up on the ball and generating a large amount of backspin. Backspin can be a problem in some designs because the ball flight "balloons," i.e., in other words, rises too steeply, resulting in the golf shot having a shorter travel distance than in the case of optimal spin conditions. and causing the face of the golf club head to roll up on the ball and generating a large amount of backspin. Backspin can be a problem in some designs because the ball flight "balloons," i.e., in other words, rises too steeply, resulting in the golf shot having a shorter travel distance than in the case of optimal spin conditions. because the ball flight "balloons," i.e., in other words, rises too steeply, resulting in the golf shot having a shorter travel distance than in the case of optimal spin conditions. because the ball flight "balloons," i.e., in other words, rises too steeply, resulting in the golf shot having a shorter travel distance than in the case of optimal spin conditions. This can be a problem.

[0069] A further consideration regarding the CG offset such that the projection point is not aligned with the center face is the potential energy loss due to spin. Due to the aforementioned gear effect problem, moving the projection point somewhere outside the ideal impact location results in more energy being converted into spin and less energy being transferred to an ideal strike. Thus, a golf club head with a projection point offset from the ideal impact location may exhibit a shorter distance for a given shot than a golf club head with the projection point aligned with the ideal impact location (assuming the center face). than a golf club head with the projection point aligned with the ideal impact location (assuming the center face). than a golf club head with the projection point aligned with the ideal impact location (assuming the center face). than a golf club head with the projection point aligned with the ideal impact location (assuming the center face). than a golf club head with the projection point aligned with the ideal impact location (assuming the center face).

[0070] Slidable Replaceable Weight According to some embodiments of the golf club head described herein, the golf club The head includes a weight that is slidably repositionable. The slidably repositionable weight has other advantages as well, but most notably, makes it easier for the end user of the golf club to adjust over a range of locations related to the location of the weight where the location of the CG of the club head can be repositioned. Figures 19-24 show an exemplary golf club head having a slidably repositionable weight retained within a channel provided in the forward region of the sole of the club head. The weight is slidably repositionable such that it can be positioned at a plurality of selectable points between the heel end and the toe end of the channel.

[0071] The exemplary golf club head described herein and shown in Figures 19-24 can include an adjustable sole piece and internal sole ribs, an adjustable shaft attachment system, a variable thickness face plate, a thin wall body structure, a movable weight inserted into a weight port, and / or any of the other club head features described herein. This description proceeds with respect to the specific embodiments shown in Figures 19-24, but these embodiments are merely examples and should not be considered to limit the scope of the underlying concepts. For example, the exemplary examples shown include many of the features described, but alternative embodiments can include various subsets of these features and / or additional features.

[0072] Figures 19A-19B show some views of an exemplary golf club head 9300. The head 9300 includes a hollow body 9302. The body 9302 (and thus the entire club head 9300) includes a front portion 9304, a rear portion 9306, and a toe portion 9308 . , a heel portion 9310, a hosel 9312, a crown 9314, and a sole 9316, includes. As described herein, the front portion 9304 has a variable thickness, composite material, and / or or a faceplate 9018 that may be a metal faceplate, and forms an opening for receiving the faceplate 9018.

[0073] The illustrated club head 9300 may further include an adjustable shaft connection system such as the above-described adjustable shaft connection system for connecting the shaft to the hosel 9312. The details of which are not repeated here and are not shown in FIGS. 19A-19B for clarity. The illustrated embodiment includes, for example, a passage 9370 for passing a mounting screw (not shown). The adjustable shaft connection system may include various components such as (but not limited to) sleeves and ferrules. (For further details regarding the hosel and the adjustable shaft connection system, see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 7,887,431 and U.S. Patent Applications

[0074] Serial Nos. 13 / 077,825, 12 / 986,030, 12,687,003, 12 / 474,973, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The shaft connection system is integral with the hosel 9312 and can be used to adjust the orientation of the club head 9300 with respect to the shaft as described in detail herein. The illustrated club head 9300 may further include an adjustable sole piece in a sole port or pocket as also described in detail herein.

[0075] ​​​​​​​​ In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19A-19B, the club head 9302 has a sole 9 316 with an elongated channel 9320 extending from a heel end 9322 disposed generally near the heel portion 9310 to a toe end 9324 disposed near the toe portion 9308. A front shelf portion 9330 and a rear shelf portion 9332 are disposed within the channel 9320, and a weight assembly 9440 is secured on the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9332 within the channel 9320. In the embodiment shown, the channel 9320 is merged with a hosel opening 340 that forms part of the head-to-shaft connection assembly discussed above and described above. Next, referring to FIGS. 20A-20B and FIGS. 21A-21B, additional details regarding the channel 9320 and the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9332 are shown in an exemplary embodiment, although the weight assembly 9340 is not included for clarity. In the embodiment shown, the channel 9320 includes a front channel wall 9326, a rear channel wall 9327, and a bottom channel wall 9328. The front channel wall 9326, the rear channel wall 9327, and the bottom channel wall 9328 jointly define an internal channel volume in which the weight assembly 9340 is secured. The front shelf portion 9330 extends rearwardly from the front channel wall 9326 into the internal channel volume, and the rear shelf portion 9332 extends forwardly from the rear channel wall 9327 into the internal channel volume.

[0076] Next, referring to FIGS. 20A-20B and FIGS. 21A-21B, additional details regarding the channel 9320 and the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9332 are shown in an exemplary embodiment, although the weight assembly 9340 is not included for clarity. In the embodiment shown, the channel 9320 includes a front channel wall 9326, a rear channel wall 9327, and a bottom channel wall 9328. The front channel wall 9326, the rear channel wall 9327, and the bottom channel wall 9328 jointly define an internal channel volume in which the weight assembly 9340 is secured. The front shelf portion 9330 extends rearwardly from the front channel wall 9326 into the internal channel volume, and the rear shelf portion 9332 extends forwardly from the rear channel wall 9327 into the internal channel volume.

[0077] Next, referring to FIGS. 20A-20B and FIGS. 21A-21B, additional details regarding the channel 9320 and the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9332 are shown in an exemplary embodiment, although the weight assembly 9340 is not included for clarity. ​​​​​​​For clarity of illustration, the weight assembly 9340 is not included. In the illustrated embodiment state, the channel 9320 includes a front channel wall 9326, a rear channel wall 9327, and a bottom channel wall 9328. The front channel wall 9326, the rear channel wall 9327, and the bottom channel wall 9328 together define an internal channel volume in which the weight assembly 9340 is retained The front shelf portion 9330 extends rearward from the front channel wall 9326 into the internal channel volume and the rear shelf portion 9332 extends forward from the rear channel wall 9327 into the internal channel volume .

[0078] In some embodiments, one or more of the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9332 have a plurality of locking protrusions 9334 formed on the surface of the shelf portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking protrusions 9334 are disposed on the outer surface of the rear shelf portion 9332. As will be described in more detail below , each of the locking protrusions 9334 is sized and shaped to engage one of a plurality of locking notches formed on the weight assembly 9340 side thereby retaining the weight assembly 9340 in a desired location within the channel 9320. In the illustrated embodiment, each locking protrusion 9334 has a generally hemispherical shape .

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, the locking protrusions 9334 may be disposed on one or more other surfaces defined by the front shelf portion 9330 and / or the rear shelf portion 9 332. For example, in some embodiments, the locking protrusions are disposed on the outer surface of the front shelf portion 9330 while in other embodiments, the locking protrusions are on one of the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9332 and on the other hand, in other embodiments, the locking protrusions are on one of the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9332 or is disposed on the inward-facing surfaces of both shelf portions. In a further embodiment, the weight assembly 9340 is secured on the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9332 without the use of locking protrusions. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of locking notches (not shown in the figures) are disposed on one or more surfaces of the front shelf portion 933 0 and the rear shelf portion 9332 and are adapted to engage locking protrusions disposed on the engaging portion of the weight assembly 9340 side . All such combinations and other combinations would be suitable for securing the weight assembly 93 40 at a selected location within the channel 9320.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 9334 serve as markers or indicators to assist in positioning along the channel of the weight assembly 9340 and do not perform any locking function. Instead, the weight assembly 9340 is locked in place by tightening the bolt 9346 at a selected position along the channel. In these embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 9334 are of a size smaller than the width of the recess 9348 of the washer 9342 such that the washer 9342 can move a limited amount when placed over one of the protrusions 9334 . .

[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 22A-22B, additional details regarding the channel 9320 and the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 93 32 are shown in the exemplary embodiment, but the weight assembly 9340 is not included for clarity. In the embodiment shown, the channel 932 0 includes a front channel wall 9326, a rear channel wall 9327, and a bottom channel wall 9328 . The front channel wall 9326, the rear channel wall 9327, and the bottom channel wall 9328 are Together, they define an internal channel volume in which the weight assembly 9340 is held. The front shelf 9330 extends rearward from the front channel wall 9326 into the internal channel volume, and the rear shelf 93 32 extends forward from the rear channel wall 9327 into the internal channel volume.

[0082] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the channel 9320 is substantially linear in the X-Y plane (see, for example, FIG. 19B), and generally follows the curvature of the sole 931 6 in the X-Z and Y-Z planes (see, for example, FIGS. 19A-19B). The channel 9320 is located in the front region of the sole 9316, That is near the front portion 9304 of the club head. For example, in some embodiments, the entire channel 9320 is located in the front 50% region of the sole 9316, for example, in the front 40% region of the sole 9316, the front 30% region of the sole 9316, etc. The front region of the sole mentioned is the virtual line extending between the center of the face plate 9318 and the rearmost point of the rear portion 9306 of the club head and intersecting a virtual vertical plane. The virtual vertical plane is further parallel to the vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the shaft when the shaft 50 is at the correct lie ( That is typically 60 degrees ± 5 degrees) and the sole 9316 is resting on the playing surface 70 (the club is in the grounded address position). The virtual line has a length L assigned to it. Thus, the front 50% region of the sole 9316 is the region of the sole 9316 located near the front portion 9304 of the club head with respect to the virtual vertical plane, where the virtual vertical plane is located at a distance of 0. 5*L from the center of the face plate 9318. The front 40% region of the sole is the club with respect to the virtual vertical plane region of the sole 9316 near the front portion 9304, where the virtual vertical plane is located at a distance of 0. 5*L from the center of the face plate 9318. The front 40% region of the sole is the club with respect to the virtual vertical plane The area of the sole 9316 located near the front part 9304 of the club head, where the virtual vertical plane is located at a distance of 0.4*L from the center of the face plate 9318. The front 30% area of the sole refers to the area of the sole 9316 located near the front part 9304 of the club head with respect to the virtual vertical plane, where the virtual vertical plane is located at a distance of 0.3*L from the center of the face plate 9318.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum distance between the vertical plane passing through the center of the face plate 9318 and the channel 9320 at the same x-coordinate as the center of the face plate 9318 is between about 10 mm and about 50 mm, for example, between about 20 mm and about 40 mm, between about 25 mm and about 30 That is mm, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the channel ( the horizontal distance between the front channel wall 9326 adjacent to the location of the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear channel wall 9327 adjacent to the location of the rear shelf portion 9332) can be between about 8 mm and about 20 mm, for example between about 10 mm and about 18 mm, between about 12 mm and about 16 mm, etc. That is In the illustrated embodiment, the depth of the channel ( the vertical distance between the bottom channel wall 9328 and the virtual plane enclosing the area adjacent to the front and rear shelf portions of the channel 9320 of the sole 9316) can be between about 6 mm and about 20 mm, for example, between about 8 mm and about 18 mm, between about 10 mm and about 16 mm, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the length That is of the channel ( the horizontal distance between the heel end 9322 of the channel and the toe end 9 , between about 50 mm and about 100 mm, between about 60 mm and about 90 mm, etc., may also be acceptable. Yes.

[0084] The manner of holding the weight assembly 9340 and the weight assembly 9340 on the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9332 in the channel 9320 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 22A-22B. In the illustrated embodiment, the weight assembly 9340 includes three components: a washer 9342, a mass member 9 344, and a fastening bolt 9346. The washer 9342 is disposed within a portion outside the internal channel volume and engages the outer surfaces of the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9322. The mass member 9344 is disposed within a portion inside the internal channel volume and engages the inner surfaces of the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9332. The fastening bolt 9346 extends through the central opening 9353 of the washer 9342 and has a threaded shaft portion that engages a mating threaded portion provided in the central opening 93 61 of the mass member 9344. .

[0085] The washer 3942 and the mass member 9344 can each be formed of a material such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, tungsten, an alloy containing these materials, or a combination of these materials. The fastening bolt 9346 is preferably formed of a titanium alloy or stainless steel. In the illustrated embodiment, the washer 9342 and the mass element 9344 each have a length and width in the range of about 8 mm to about 20 mm, for example, in the range of about 10 mm to about 18 mm, about 12 mm to about 16 mm, etc. The height of the washer 9342 and the mass element 9344 shown in the figure is about 2 mm to about 8 mm. and, for example, is from about 3 mm to about 7 mm, from about 4 mm to about 6 mm, and the like.

[0086] The addition of channel 9320 and the adjustable weight assembly 9340 attached thereto does not necessarily prevent the club from producing an unpleasant change in the sound when hitting the ball. Therefore one or more ribs 9380 are provided on the inner surface of the sole (i.e., within the internal cavity of the club head 9300). The ribs 9380 on the inner surface of the sole are oriented in several different directions and can connect the channel 9320 to other strong structures of the club head body, such as the sole of the body and / or the skirt region between the sole and the crown. One or more ribs may be connected to the hosel to further stabilize the sole. By adding such ribs to the inner surface of the sole, the club head can exhibit higher audible frequencies when hitting a golf ball, as discussed with respect to the ribs associated with the adjustable sole plate port above. In some embodiments, the weight assembly 9340 is installed into the channel 9320 by placing it into a mounting cavity 9336 that is adjacent to the toe end 9324 of the channel. The mounting cavity 9336 is a portion of the channel 9320 where the front shelf 9330 and the rear shelf 9332 do not extend, facilitating the installation of the assembled weight assembly 9340 into the channel 9320. Once the weight assembly 9340 is installed into the mounting cavity 9336, it is directed towards the heel end 9322

[0087] In some embodiments, the weight assembly 9340 is installed into the channel 9320 by placing it into a mounting cavity 9336 that is adjacent to the toe end 9324 of the channel. Once installed, the weight assembly 9340 is directed towards the heel end 9322. The mounting cavity 9336 is a portion of the channel 9320 where the front shelf 9330 and the rear shelf 9332 do not extend, facilitating the installation of the assembled weight assembly 9340 into the channel 9320. Once the weight assembly 9340 is installed into the mounting cavity 9336, it is directed towards the heel end 9322. The mounting cavity 9336 is a portion of the channel 9320 where the front shelf 9330 and the rear shelf 9332 do not extend, facilitating the installation of the assembled weight assembly 9340 into the channel 9320. Once installed, the weight assembly 9340 is directed towards the heel end 9322. is displaced to engage with the front shelf portion 9330 and the rear shelf portion 9332. After the weight assembly 93 40 is completely displaced from the mounting cavity 9336, an optional cap or plug (see, for example, Figure 23) may be inserted into the mounting cavity 9336 to prevent detachment from the channel 9320 of the weight assembly 9340.

[0088] The embodiment shown in Figure 23 further includes an adjustable shaft mounting system for connecting a shaft to the hosel 9312, the system including various components such as a sleeve 9920, a washer 9922, a hosel insertion portion 9924, and a screw 9926 (further details regarding the hosel and the adjustable shaft connection system can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 7,887,431 and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 13 / 077,825, 12 / 986,030, 12,687,003, 12 / 474,973, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety). The shaft connection system is integral with the hosel 9312 and can be used to adjust the orientation of the hosel 9312 relative to the shaft of the clubhead 9302, as detailed in the patents and patent applications also incorporated by reference herein. Some embodiments may include a composite faceplate. Further details regarding the structure and manufacturing process of the composite faceplate are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,871,340 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0275451, 2012 / 0083361, and 2 012 / 0199282. The composite faceplate is located at the front portion of the clubhead (the relevant patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference as references). The shaft connection system can be used to adjust the orientation of the hosel 9312 relative to the shaft of the clubhead 9302, as detailed in the patents and patent applications incorporated by reference herein. Some embodiments may include a composite faceplate. Further details regarding the structure and manufacturing process of the composite faceplate are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,871,340 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0275451, 2012 / 0083361, and 2 012 / 0199282. The composite faceplate is located at the front portion of the clubhead (the relevant patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference as references). The shaft connection system can be used to adjust the orientation of the hosel 9312 relative to the shaft of the clubhead 9302, as detailed in the patents and patent applications incorporated by reference herein. Some embodiments may include a composite faceplate. Further details regarding the structure and manufacturing process of the composite faceplate are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,871,340 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0275451, 2012 / 0083361, and 2 012 / 0199282. The composite faceplate is located at the front portion of the clubhead (the relevant patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference as references). The shaft connection system can be used to adjust the orientation of the hosel 9312 relative to the shaft of the clubhead 9302, as detailed in the patents and patent applications incorporated by reference herein. Some embodiments may include a composite faceplate. Further details regarding the structure and manufacturing process of the composite faceplate are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,871,340 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0275451, 2012 / 0083361, and 2 012 / 0199282. The composite faceplate is located at the front portion of the clubhead (the relevant patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference as references). The shaft connection system can be used to adjust the orientation of the hosel 9312 relative to the shaft of the clubhead 9302, as detailed in the patents and patent applications incorporated by reference herein. Some embodiments may include a composite faceplate. Further details regarding the structure and manufacturing process of the composite faceplate are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,871,340 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0275451, 2012 / 0083361, and 2 (the relevant patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference as references). The shaft connection system can be used to adjust the orientation of the hosel 9312 relative to the shaft of the clubhead 9302, as detailed in the patents and patent applications incorporated by reference herein. Some embodiments may include a composite faceplate. Further details regarding the structure and manufacturing process of the composite faceplate are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,871,340 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0275451, 2012 / 0083361, and 2 It is attached to an insertion part support structure disposed in the opening of 9304. For the insertion part support structure Further details regarding it are described in U.S. Patent No. RE43,801.

[0089] Further Embodiments Including Slidable Replaceable Weights The exemplary golf club head described herein and shown in FIGS. 34-59 may include an adjustable sole piece and internal sole ribs, an adjustable shaft attachment system, a variable thickness face plate, a thin-walled body structure, a movable weight inserted into a weight port, and / or any other club head features described herein. This description proceeds with respect to the specific embodiments shown in FIGS. 34-59, but these embodiments are merely examples and should not be considered to limit the scope of the underlying concepts. For example, the exemplary examples include many of the described features, but alternative embodiments can include various subsets of these features and / or additional features. and / or additional features. and / or additional features. and / or additional features.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 34A-34D, another example of a golf club head, golf club head 1 2000 will now be described. Golf club head 12000 includes some of the structures and features of the previous embodiments, including a hollow body 1200 2A, a channel 12020, and a sliding weight assembly 12040. Body 12002A (and thus club head 12000 as a whole) includes a front portion 12004, a rear portion 12006, a toe portion 12008, a heel portion 12 010, a hosel 12012, a crown 12014, and a sole 12016. Front portion 12004 forms an opening to receive a face plate 12018, which may be a variable thickness, composite, and / or metal face plate as described herein. face plate as described herein. face plate as described herein. is doing.

[0091] The exemplary club head 12000 can further include an adjustable shaft connection system for connecting the shaft to the hosel 12012. The adjustable shaft connection system can include various components such as (but not limited to) sleeves and ferrules. (Further details regarding the hosel and the adjustable shaft connection system can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 7,887,431, and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 13 / 077, 825, 12 / 986,030, 12,687,003, 12 / 4 74,973, and the patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 34A - 34D, the golf club head 12000 ,825, 12 / 986,030, 12,687,003, 12 / 4 74,973, and the patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety). ).

[0092] The club head 12000 has a hosel opening 12070 or a passage that extends through the club head from the hosel 12012 and opens to the sole or bottom surface of the club head. The hosel opening 12070 is sized to allow a mounting screw (not shown) that forms part of the head - to - shaft connection assembly discussed above to pass through. The shaft connection system is integral with the hosel 12012 and can be used to adjust the orientation of the club head 12000 with respect to the shaft as described herein. The exemplary club head 12000 can further include an adjustable sole piece in a sole port or pocket as also described herein. shaft connection system is integral with the hosel 12012 and can be used to adjust the orientation of the club head 12000 with respect to the shaft as described herein. The exemplary club head 12000 can further include an adjustable sole piece in a sole port or pocket as also described herein. shaft connection system is integral with the hosel 12012 and can be used to adjust the orientation of the club head 12000 with respect to the shaft as described herein. The exemplary club head 12000 can further include an adjustable sole piece in a sole port or pocket as also described herein. club head 12000 can further include an adjustable sole piece in a sole port or pocket as also described herein.

[0093] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 34A - 34D, the golf club head 12000 On the sole 12016, an elongated channel 12020 extends from a heel end 12022, which is generally disposed near the heel portion 12010, to a toe end 12024, which is disposed near the toe portion 12008. A front shelf portion 12030 and a rear shelf portion 12032 are disposed within the channel 12020, and a weight assembly 12040 is retained on the front shelf portion 12030 and the rear shelf portion 12032 within the channel 12020. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 12020 merges with a hosel opening 12070 that forms part of the head-to-shaft connection assembly discussed above. In some embodiments, the channel 12020 may follow the curvature of the sole 12016. This allows the sliding weight to maintain a low forward position, and thus biases the CG to be lower and more forward. We have found that positioning the weight assembly low and forward results in a ball flight with less backspin. Furthermore, we have found that sliding the weight along the channel enables the golfer to more appropriately control his shot shape by repositioning the CGx of the club head. Moving the weight towards the toe of the club repositions the CGx to encourage a fade bias. Similarly, moving the weight towards the heel of the club repositions the CGx to encourage a draw bias. On the other hand, we have found that the weight assembly may unduly affect the CGz. The influence on the CGz is greatest when the weight assembly is in the extreme toe or extreme heel position.

[0094]

[0095]

[0096] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​is intended. At these extreme positions, the CG is projected higher on the face, resulting in a trade-off between shot shape control and low CG. Thus, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to flatten the channel so that sliding the weights has a smaller impact on CGz.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 34A, the sole of the club head includes a toe-side winglet 120 34 and a heel-side winglet 12036. These augmented portions of the sole can cause the heel / toe direction channel radius of curvature to differ from the radius of curvature of the sole. Typically, the sole has a relatively round heel / toe radius, for example, 50 - 100 mm, and when the weight(s) are placed at the heel and toe positions, the channel may desirably have a larger radius of curvature, for example, 100 - 150 mm, to keep the weight at a lower vertical height. This helps maintain a consistently low CGz as the weight assembly slides along the channel.

[0098] In some embodiments, the front channel shelf and the rear channel shelf may have a radius in the range of 50 mm - 400 mm and a channel shelf thickness between 0.5 mm and 3.0 mm. In other embodiments, the front channel shelf and the rear channel shelf may be flat. In other embodiments, the front channel shelf and the rear channel shelf may include a combination of flat and round portions. As discussed above, a flatter channel or a channel with a larger radius allows for movement along the channel with less Make the CG stay low and towards the front, enabling a CG that is projected lower onto the hitting face. to be achieved.

[0099] Next, referring to FIGS. 35A - 35B, additional details regarding the channel 12020, the front shelf portion 12030, and the rear shelf portion 12032 are shown in the exemplary embodiment, but for clarity, the weight assembly 12040 is not included. In the embodiment shown, the channel 12020 includes a front channel wall 12026, a rear channel wall 12027, and a bottom channel wall 12028. The front channel wall 12026, the rear channel wall 12027, and the bottom channel wall 12028 together define an internal channel volume in which the weight assembly 12040 is retained. The front shelf portion 12030 extends rearward from the front channel wall 12026 into the internal channel volume, and the rear shelf portion 12032 extends forward from the rear channel wall 12027 into the internal channel volume. As shown, the channel 12020 may be a sealed structure except for the opening for sliding the weight assembly 1204 0. The channel 12020 may be a casting release or a machined feature. or a machined feature. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 34A - 34D, the channel 12020 is disposed in the front region of the sole 12

[0100] 016, i.e., near the front portion 12004 of the club head. For example, in some embodiments, the entire channel 12020 is disposed in the front 50% region of the sole 12016, for example, in the front 40% region of the sole 12016, in the front 30% region of the sole 12016, etc. The front region of the sole mentioned extends between the center of the face plate 12018 and the rearmost point of the rear portion 12006 of the club head as a virtual line. line extending between the center of the face plate 12018 and the rearmost point of the rear portion 12006 of the club head. It is defined with respect to a virtual vertical plane intersecting the line. The virtual vertical plane further includes the shaft 50 when it is at the correct lie (i.e., typically 60 degrees ± 5 degrees) and the sole 12016 is on the playing surface 70 and encompasses the longitudinal axis of the shaft when the club is in the address position (grounded). The vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane A virtual line is assigned a length L. Thus, the 50% area in front of the sole is the area of the sole 12016 located closer to the front portion 12004 of the club head with respect to the virtual vertical plane, where the virtual vertical plane is located at a distance of 0.5*L from the center of the face plate 12018 The 40% area in front of the sole is the area of the sole 12016 located closer to the front portion 12004 of the club head with respect to the virtual vertical plane, where the virtual vertical plane is located at a distance of 0.4*L from the center of the face plate 12018 The 30% area in front of the sole is the area of the sole 12016 located closer to the front portion 12004 of the club head with respect to the virtual vertical plane, where the virtual vertical plane is located at a distance of 0.3*L from the center of the face plate 12018 In the shown embodiment, the distance between the CG of the weight assembly 12040 at the same x - coordinate as the center of the face plate 12018 and the first vertical plane passing through the center of the face plate 12018 is between about 5 mm and about 50 mm, for example, between about 10 mm and about 40 mm, between about 25 mm and about 30 mm, etc. In the shown embodiment, the width of the channel (i.e., the horizontal distance between the front channel wall 12026 adjacent to the location of the front shelf portion 12030 and the rear channel wall 12027 adjacent to the location of the rear shelf portion 12032) is between about 8 mm and about 20 mm In the shown embodiment, the distance between the CG of the weight assembly 12040 at the same x - coordinate as the center of the face plate 12018 and the first vertical plane passing through the center of the face plate 12018 is between about 5 mm and about 50 mm, for example, between about 10 mm and about 40 mm, between about 25 mm and about 30 mm, etc. In the shown embodiment, the width of the channel (i.e., the horizontal distance between the front channel wall 12026 adjacent to the location of the front shelf portion 12030 and the rear channel wall 12027 adjacent to the location of the rear shelf portion 12032) is between about 8 mm and about 20 mm

[0101] In the shown embodiment, the distance between the CG of the weight assembly 12040 at the same x - coordinate as the center of the face plate 12018 and the first vertical plane passing through the center of the face plate 12018 is between about 5 mm and about 50 mm, for example, between about 10 mm and about 40 mm, between about 25 mm mm and about 30 mm, etc. In the shown embodiment, the width of the channel (i.e., the horizontal distance between the front channel wall 12026 adjacent to the location of the front shelf portion 12030 and the rear channel wall 12027 adjacent to the location of the rear shelf portion 12032) is between about 8 mm and about 20 mm In the shown embodiment, the distance between the CG of the weight assembly 12040 at the same x - coordinate as the center of the face plate 12018 and the first vertical plane passing through the center of the face plate 12018 is between about 5 mm and about 50 mm, for example, between about 10 mm and about 40 mm, between about 25 mm mm and about 30 mm, etc. In the shown embodiment, the width of the channel (i.e., the horizontal distance between the front channel wall 12026 adjacent to the location of the front shelf portion 12030 and the rear channel wall 12027 adjacent to the location of the rear shelf portion 12032) is between about 8 mm and about 20 mm can be, for example, between about 10 mm and about 18 mm, between about 12 mm and about 16 mm or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the depth of the channel (i.e., the vertical distance between the bottom channel wall 12028 and the sole 12016 in the region adjacent to the front and rear shelves of the channel 12020) can be between about 6 mm and about 20 mm, for example, between about 8 mm and about 18 mm, between about 10 mm and about 16 mm, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the channel (i.e., the horizontal distance between the heel end 12022 of the channel and the toe end 12024 of the channel) can be between about 30 mm and about 120 mm, for example, between about 50 mm and about 100 mm, between about 60 mm and about 90 mm, or the like. The manner of securing the weight assembly 12040 and the weight assembly 12040 on the front shelf 12 030 and the rear shelf 12032 within the channel 12020 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 36A - 36C and FIGS. 37A - 37D. In the illustrated embodiment, the weight assembly 1204 0 includes three components: a washer 12042, a mass member 12044, and a fastening bolt 12046. The washer 12042 is disposed within the outer portion of the internal channel volume and engages the outer faces of the front shelf 12030 and the rear shelf 12032. The mass member 1 2044 is disposed within the inner portion of the internal channel volume and engages the inner faces of the front shelf 12030 and the rear

[0102] shelf 12032. The fastening bolt 12046 extends through the central opening of the washer 1204 2 and has a threaded shaft portion that engages the mating threaded portion provided in the central opening 12061 of the mass member 12044. This secures the weight assembly to the front and rear shelves within the channel. 0 consists of three components: a washer 12042, a mass member 12044, and a fastening bolt 12046. The washer 12042 is placed in the outer part of the internal channel volume and engages the outer surfaces of the front shelf 12030 and the rear shelf 12032. The mass member 1 2044 is placed in the inner part of the internal channel volume and engages the inner surfaces of the front shelf 12030 and the rear shelf 12032. The fastening bolt 12046 extends through the central opening of the washer 1204 2 and has a threaded shaft that engages the mating threaded part provided in the central opening 12061 of the mass member 12044. This secures the weight assembly to the front and rear shelves within the channel. 2 and has a threaded shaft portion that engages the mating threaded portion provided in the central opening 12061 of the mass member 12044. This secures the weight assembly to the front and rear shelves within the channel. A tensioning system for fixation. Instead, the washer has an engaging screw portion in the central opening, and the fastening bolt is adapted to pass through the central opening of the mass member and may be tightened by driving it against the exposed outer surface of the bolt. In this embodiment, during tightening, the head of the bolt is captured by the inner surface of the mass member and held in place.

[0103] In some embodiments, the washer 12040 may be heavier than the mass member 12044, or vice versa. Alternatively, the washer 12042 and the mass member 12044 may have similar masses. The advantage of making the washer heavier than the mass member is an even lower CG. The washer and / or the mass member may have a mass in the range of 1 g to 50 g.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 38A and similar to the weight assembly discussed with respect to the club head 9300, the washer 12042 includes an inner surface 12050 and an outer surface 12052. The washer 12042 may include a plurality of locking notches 12048 (either protrusions and / or recesses) disposed along the inner surface 12050 of the washer and adapted to engage locking protrusions 12034 (either protrusions and / or recesses) disposed on the rear shelf portion 12032 side when the weight assembly 12040 is retained within the channel 12020.

[0105] The washer 12042 further includes a raised central ridge 12054 on the inner surface 12050 side. The raised central ridge 12054 is between the front shelf portion 12030 and the rear shelf portion 12032. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​has a width dimension that is slightly smaller than the separation distance therebetween, such that the central ridge 12054 is able to slide in the heel-to-toe direction while being laterally constrained within the channel 12020 by the front shelf portion 12030 and the rear shelf portion 12032.

[0106] An embodiment of the mass member 12044 is shown in FIG. 38B. The mass member 12044 includes an inward face 12056 and an outward face 12058, and a central ridge 12060 extending through the outward face 12058. The raised central ridge 12060 has a width dimension that is slightly smaller than the separation distance between the front shelf portion 12030 and the rear shelf portion 12032, such that the central ridge 12060 is able to slide in the heel-to-toe direction while being laterally constrained within the channel 12020 by the front shelf portion 12030 and the rear shelf portion 1203 2. The mass member 12044 further has a threaded central opening 12061 through which the threaded shaft portion of the fastening bolt 12046 is disposed.

[0107] In some embodiments, the washer is heavier than the mass member. This further lowers the CG. In addition, this allows the heavier piece (e.g., washer) to be removed and replaced with a different weight in fewer steps. The washer can be removed simply by unscrewing the fastening bolt, and replaced with a heavier or lighter weight depending on the user's preference. This is a significant improvement over other designs that typically have additional steps involved in removing or replacing the weight. For example, other designs typically have the sliding weight track or along the track to prevent detachment of the weight. and has something mounted adjacent to the weight or track, such as a cap or plug. Other designs require at least one additional step to remove the weight because this secondary object prevents direct removal of the weight. Further, these designs typically do not allow full use of the sliding weight track, as something that prevents removal of the weight typically interferes with full use of the sliding weight track in some way. In contrast, the present design allows full use of the channel with substantially no unusable portions in some embodiments. Another concern with these alternative designs is that the portion holding the weight may fail and lose engagement with the club head during a golf round. In some cases, this can result in disqualification of the player from the tournament. Accordingly, the present design improves on earlier designs by eliminating additional pieces, eliminating additional steps for weight removal, allowing full use of the channel, and eliminating the possibility of the problems described herein. In some embodiments, the weight assembly 12040 is inserted into the channel 12020 by placing it in a mounting cavity 12038 disposed adjacent to the heel end 12022 of the channel 12020. The mounting cavity 12038 is a portion of the channel 12020 where a front shelf portion 12030 and a rear shelf portion 12032 extend, so that the channel 12020 can be fully used with substantially no unusable portions along the channel.

[0108]

[0109] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Enable the use of 20 in full. The weight assembly 12040, once placed into the mounting cavity 1 2038, may be engaged with the front shelf portion 12030 and the rear shelf portion 12032, or the weight assembly 12040 may be shifted to another position along the channel 12020 and then engaged with the front shelf portion 12030 and the rear shelf portion 12032. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 37A - 37D, the weight assembly 12040 may first place the mass member 12044 adjacent to the heel end 12022 of the channel 12020 into the mounting cavity 12038, and then pass the fastening bolt 12046 through the central opening 12053 of the washer 120 42 and engage it with the meshing screw portion provided on the mass member 12044 side to be inserted into the channel 12020.

[0110] Instead, as shown in FIGS. 37A - 37D, the weight assembly 12040 is first placed with the mass member 12044 adjacent to the heel end 12022 of the channel 12020 into the mounting cavity 12038, and then the fastening bolt 12046 is passed through the central opening 12053 of the washer 120 42 and engaged with the meshing screw portion provided on the mass member 12044 side to be inserted into the channel 12020. As shown in FIGS. 37A - 37D, the installation of the mass member 12044 into the mounting cavity 1203 8 requires first tilting the mass member 12044 with respect to the channel (see FIG. 37B), and then inserting the mass member 12044 under the rear shelf portion 12032 by a sufficient distance so that the mass member 12044 can rotate into a predetermined position within the channel 12020 (see FIG. 37C). If the mass member 12044 is not inserted by a sufficient distance, it cannot rotate into the predetermined position within the channel 12020 due to possible interference with the front shelf portion 12030 of the channel 12020. Once the mass member 12044 has rotated into the predetermined position, then the fastening bolt 12046 can be used to attach the washer 12042 to the mass member 12044. FIG. 37D shows when the mass member slides along the channel

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 37A - 37D, the installation of the mass member 12044 into the mounting cavity 1203 8 requires first tilting the mass member 12044 with respect to the channel (see FIG. 37B), and then inserting the mass member 12044 under the rear shelf portion 12032 by a sufficient distance so that the mass member 12044 can rotate into a predetermined position within the channel 12020 (see FIG. 37C). If the mass member 12044 is not inserted by a sufficient distance, it cannot rotate into the predetermined position within the channel 12020 due to possible interference with the front shelf portion 12030 of the channel 12020. Once the mass member 12044 has rotated into the predetermined position, then the fastening bolt 12046 can be used to attach the washer 12042 to the mass member 12044. FIG. 37D shows when the mass member slides along the channel 8 requires first tilting the mass member 12044 with respect to the channel (see FIG. 37B), and then inserting the mass member 12044 under the rear shelf portion 12032 by a sufficient distance so that the mass member 12044 can rotate into a predetermined position within the channel 12020 (see FIG. 37C). If the mass member 12044 is not inserted by a sufficient distance, it cannot rotate into the predetermined position within the channel 12020 due to possible interference with the front shelf portion 12030 of the channel 12020. Once the mass member 12044 has rotated into the predetermined position, then the fastening bolt 12046 can be used to attach the washer 12042 to the mass member 12044. FIG. 37D shows when the mass member slides along the channel 8 requires first tilting the mass member 12044 with respect to the channel (see FIG. 37B), and then inserting the mass member 12044 under the rear shelf portion 12032 by a sufficient distance so that the mass member 12044 can rotate into a predetermined position within the channel 12020 (see FIG. 37C). If the mass member 12044 is not inserted by a sufficient distance, it cannot rotate into the predetermined position within the channel 12020 due to possible interference with the front shelf portion 12030 of the channel 12020. Once the mass member 12044 has rotated into the predetermined position, then the fastening bolt 12046 can be used to attach the washer 12042 to the mass member 12044. FIG. 37D shows when the mass member slides along the channel 8 requires first tilting the mass member 12044 with respect to the channel (see FIG. 37B), and then inserting the mass member 12044 under the rear shelf portion 12032 by a sufficient distance so that the mass member 12044 can rotate into a predetermined position within the channel 12020 (see FIG. 37C). If the mass member 12044 is not inserted by a sufficient distance, it cannot rotate into the predetermined position within the channel 12020 due to possible interference with the front shelf portion 12030 of the channel 12020. Once the mass member 12044 has rotated into the predetermined position, then the fastening bolt 12046 can be used to attach the washer 12042 to the mass member 12044. FIG. 37D shows when the mass member slides along the channel It shows how to slightly shift towards the front shelf part.

[0112] Similarly, the entire weight assembly 12040A may be mounted using the same method as described. First, it is necessary to loosely hold the assembly integrally with the fastening bolt, and then the entire assembly must be angled with respect to the channel towards insertion, and then the mass member and washer are inserted into the channel with the assembly sandwiched between a part of the rear shelf part, and then the assembly is turned into place, and when the weight assembly is adjusted so that it sandwiches both the front shelf part and the rear shelf part between the mass member and the washer, then the weight assembly is slid along the channel to the desired position and finally the fastening bolt is tightened to firmly engage with the channel. .

[0113] In some embodiments, the mounting cavity 12038 may include a recessed or concave surface 12039 to facilitate the mounting of the mass member 12044 within the channel 12020. As shown, the concave surface 12039 may be disposed between the rear shelf part 12032 and the bottom channel wall 1 2028. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting cavity 12038 and the concave surface 12039 may be disposed at the toe end 12024 of the channel 12020. Additionally or alternatively, the concave surface 12039 may extend along the entire length of the channel 12020, enabling mounting along the entire length of the channel. Additionally or alternatively, the concave surface 12039 may be disposed between the front shelf part 12030 and the bottom channel wall 12028. Additionally or alternatively, the concave surface 12039 may be disposed between the front shelf part 12030 and the bottom channel wall 12028. .

[0114] Whether the recess extends along the entire length of the channel or only a part of the channel Well, it must be of a size suitable for receiving the mass member or weight assembly. Typically this is achieved by making the channel dimensions slightly larger than the mass member so that the mass member can slide through the channel with little resistance. In the illustrated embodiment, the mass member is of a rectangular shape with a certain thickness, but the mass member may be in the form of other geometric shapes and still be adapted to engage the channel. For example, the mass member can also be frustoconical, circular, triangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, or some other shape. As already discussed, this mounting method allows the channel to be fully utilized since the mounting cavity 12038 is incorporated into the usable portion of the channel 12 020. Additionally, in some embodiments, the clubhead, mass member, or weight assembly must be rotated to remove the weight assembly. This prevents the mass member or weight assembly from inadvertently disengaging from the channel.

[0115] The mass member may be removed from the channel in many different ways, and the following description is one way, but not the only way, for the user to remove the mass member from the channel and is design - dependent. When removing the mass member from the channel, the user rotates the club so that the sole faces upward, for example, toward the sky, and the toe of the club faces the user. Then, the user turns the bolt to remove the bolt and washer. Next, the user positions the mass member within the mounting cavity. Then, the user slowly rotates the club clockwise until the mass member falls out. The channel and mounting cavity enable the full use of the channel. In addition, in some embodiments, to remove the weight assembly, the clubhead, mass member, or weight assembly must be rotated. This prevents the mass member or weight assembly from inadvertently disengaging from the channel. In some embodiments, to remove the weight assembly, the clubhead, mass member, or weight assembly must be rotated. This prevents the mass member or weight assembly from inadvertently disengaging from the channel. As already discussed, this mounting method allows the channel to be fully utilized since the mounting cavity 12038 is incorporated into the usable portion of the channel 12 020. Additionally, in some embodiments, the clubhead, mass member, or weight assembly must be rotated to remove the weight assembly. This prevents the mass member or weight assembly from inadvertently disengaging from the channel.

[0116] The mass member may be removed from the channel in many different ways, and the following description is one way, but not the only way, for the user to remove the mass member from the channel and is design - dependent. When removing the mass member from the channel, the user rotates the club so that the sole faces upward, for example, toward the sky, and the toe of the club faces the user. Then, the user turns the bolt to remove the bolt and washer. Next, the user positions the mass member within the mounting cavity. Then, the user slowly rotates the club clockwise until the mass member falls out. The channel and mounting cavity The mass member may be removed from the channel in many different ways, and the following description is one way, but not the only way, for the user to remove the mass member from the channel and is design - dependent. When removing the mass member from the channel, the user rotates the club so that the sole faces upward, for example, toward the sky, and the toe of the club faces the user. Then, the user turns the bolt to remove the bolt and washer. Next, the user positions the mass member within the mounting cavity. Then, the user slowly rotates the club clockwise until the mass member falls out. The channel and mounting cavity is one way for the user to remove the mass member from the channel, but not the only way and is design - dependent. When removing the mass member from the channel, the user rotates the club so that the sole faces upward, for example, toward the sky, and the toe of the club faces the user. Then, the user turns the bolt to remove the bolt and washer. Next, the user positions the mass member within the mounting cavity. Then, the user slowly rotates the club clockwise until the mass member falls out. The channel and mounting cavity When removing the mass member from the channel, the user rotates the club so that the sole faces upward, for example, toward the sky, and the toe of the club faces the user. Then, the user turns the bolt to remove the bolt and washer. Next, the user positions the mass member within the mounting cavity. Then, the user slowly rotates the club clockwise until the mass member falls out. The channel and mounting cavity When removing the mass member from the channel, the user rotates the club so that the sole faces upward, for example, toward the sky, and the toe of the club faces the user. Then, the user turns the bolt to remove the bolt and washer. Next, the user positions the mass member within the mounting cavity. Then, the user slowly rotates the club clockwise until the mass member falls out. The channel and mounting cavity When removing the mass member from the channel, the user rotates the club so that the sole faces upward, for example, toward the sky, and the toe of the club faces the user. Then, the user turns the bolt to remove the bolt and washer. Next, the user positions the mass member within the mounting cavity. Then, the user slowly rotates the club clockwise until the mass member falls out. The channel and mounting cavity clockwise slowly until the mass member falls out. The channel and mounting cavity Depending on the design of the cavity, once the mass member forms an angle of about 90 degrees or less with the horizontal plane, for example the ground, it will fall out of the channel. This description is specific to a channel having a mounting cavity along only a portion of the channel, and the mounting cavity is along the rear shelf portion.

[0117] To use the adjustable weight system shown in the figures, the user may loosen the fastening bolt 12046 of the weight assembly 12040 using the engaging end of a tool (such as the torque wrench 6600 described herein). Once the fastening bolt 12046 is loosened, the weight assembly 12040 can be adjusted closer to the toe portion 12008 or closer to the heel portion 12010 by sliding the weight assembly 12040 in the desired direction within the channel 12020. Once the weight assembly 12040 is in the desired location, the fastening bolt 12046 is tightened until the clamping force between the washer 12042 engaging the front shelf portion 12030 and / or the rear shelf portion 12032 and the mass member 120 44 is sufficient to restrain the weight assembly 12040 in place.

[0118] The addition of the channel 12020 and the attached adjustable weight assembly 12040 does not necessarily change the sound produced by the club during impact with the ball in an unpleasant way. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 39A - 39B, one or more ribs 12080 may be provided on the inner surface of the sole and / or the crown (i.e., within the internal cavity of the club head 12000). The ribs 12080 on the inner surface of the sole are oriented in several different directions and connect the channel 12020 to other strong structures of the club head body, such as the body ​ It can be connected to the sole and / or the skirt area between the sole and the crown, etc. One or more ribs may be connected to the hosel to further stabilize the sole even more. Additionally or alternatively, the rib may run across the channel and may or may not be connected to the lower part in front of the flange or face lip. By adding such ribs to the inner surface of the sole, the club head can exhibit higher audible frequencies preferably greater than 2500H more preferably greater than 3000H even more preferably greater than 3400H as discussed with respect to the ribs associated with the adjustable sole plate port as much as possible, when hitting a golf ball on the face, it can be achieved. Z more preferably greater than 3000H Z even more preferably greater than 3400H Z most preferably greater than 3400H, and can exhibit higher audible frequencies. It can be achieved.

[0119] Slidable Replaceable Weight Pressing System Referring to Figure 41, another example of a golf club body, golf club head 12000B, will be described hereinafter. Golf club head 12000B includes many features similar to or identical to those of golf club head 1200 0 combined in a unique way without precedent. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of golf club head 12000B will not be redundantly explained. Rather, the main differences between golf club head 12000B and golf club head 12000 will be described in detail, and readers are referred to the above considerations for the substantially similar features between the two golf club heads. As shown in Figure 41, the body 12002B (and thus the entire club head 12000B and the reader is referred to the above considerations for the substantially similar features between the two golf club heads. and the reader is referred to the above considerations for the substantially similar features between the two golf club heads. and the reader is referred to the above considerations for the substantially similar features between the two golf club heads. Please refer to the above discussion for the substantially similar features between the two golf club heads.

[0120] As shown in Figure 41, the body 12002B (and thus the entire club head 12000B The body) includes a front portion 12004, a rear portion 12006, a toe portion 12008, a heel portion 120 10, a hosel 12012, a crown, and a sole 12016. The golf club head 12000B includes a channel 12020B that is open at one or both ends, and a weight assembly 12040B may be freely slid into a predetermined position along the channel 12020B. Similar to other embodiments already discussed, the channel 12020B may merge with the hosel opening 12070B. The weight assembly may include a sliding weight 12 072 and a set screw (not shown). By tightening the set screw, the weight assembly 12040B is fixed within the channel 12020B. The set screw presses against the channel to put it in a compressed state, whereby the sliding weight is pressed against the rear portion of the channel. This is a pressing system for fixing the weight assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the open channel may include a bumper fixed to the opening 120 80 to prevent the weight assembly from sliding out of the channel. This will be important in case the set screw loosens during use.

[0121] Additionally or alternatively, the channel 12020B may be closed at the heel and toe ends and instead include a mounting cavity similar to that discussed above with respect to the channel 12020. In that case, the sliding weight 12072 will have a design similar to the mass member 12044 discussed above. Once the sliding weight 12072 is mounted in the channel, the screw may be tightened, and then the screw is pressed against the bottom of the channel, correspondingly pressing the sliding weight against the channel shelf, whereby the weight is fixed in place. It becomes

[0122] As discussed above, the channel provides the ability to adjust the club head CG to encourage either fade bias or draw bias to the user. The channel does not necessarily have to be straight and may have some curvature. The curvature may align with either the front or rear portion of the club head. Alternatively, the curvature may take another form such as a partial circle or full circle shape. The club head CG can be adjusted to encourage either fade bias or draw bias to the user. The channel does not necessarily have to be straight and may have some curvature. The curvature may align with either the front or rear portion of the club head. Alternatively, the curvature may take another form such as a partial circle or full circle shape. The club head CG can be adjusted to encourage either fade bias or draw bias to the user. The channel does not necessarily have to be straight and may have some curvature. The curvature may align with either the front or rear portion of the club head. Alternatively, the curvature may take another form such as a partial circle or full circle shape. The club head CG can be adjusted to encourage either fade bias or draw bias to the user. The channel does not necessarily have to be straight and may have some curvature. The curvature may align with either the front or rear portion of the club head. Alternatively, the curvature may take another form such as a partial circle or full circle shape. The club head CG can be adjusted to encourage either fade bias or draw bias to the user. The channel does not necessarily have to be straight and may have some curvature. The curvature may align with either the front or rear portion of the club head. Alternatively, the curvature may take another form such as a partial circle or full circle shape.

[0123] The illustrated club head may further include an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described above for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated here and are shown for clarity. The illustrated club head may further include an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described above for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated here and are shown for clarity. The illustrated club head may further include an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described above for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated here and are shown for clarity. The illustrated club head may further include an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described above for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated here and are shown for clarity.

[0124] Slidable Replaceable Weight with Weight Ports The following discussion provides important background for understanding the embodiments shown in FIGS. 42-47. The low front center of gravity of a wood-type golf club head is advantageous for various reasons discussed above. Also, a combination of high launch and low spin is desirable, particularly from a wood-type golf club head. The following discussion provides important background for understanding the embodiments shown in FIGS. 42-47. The low front center of gravity of a wood-type golf club head is advantageous for various reasons discussed above. Also, a combination of high launch and low spin is desirable, particularly from a wood-type golf club head. The following discussion provides important background for understanding the embodiments shown in FIGS. 42-47. The low front center of gravity of a wood-type golf club head is advantageous for various reasons discussed above. Also, a combination of high launch and low spin is desirable, particularly from a wood-type golf club head. The following discussion provides important background for understanding the embodiments shown in FIGS. 42-47. The low front center of gravity of a wood-type golf club head is advantageous for various reasons discussed above. Also, a combination of high launch and low spin is desirable, particularly from a wood-type golf club head.

[0125] Having a low front center of gravity location in a wood-type golf club head aids in achieving ideal launch conditions by reducing spin and increasing the launch angle. However, in some specific situations, a low front center of gravity may reduce the moment of inertia of the golf club head if a substantial portion of the mass is concentrated in one area of the golf club head. 200 Having a low front center of gravity location in a wood-type golf club head aids in achieving ideal launch conditions by reducing spin and increasing the launch angle. However, in some specific situations, a low front center of gravity may reduce the moment of inertia of the golf club head if a substantial portion of the mass is concentrated in one area of the golf club head. 200 Having a low front center of gravity location in a wood-type golf club head aids in achieving ideal launch conditions by reducing spin and increasing the launch angle. However, in some specific situations, a low front center of gravity may reduce the moment of inertia of the golf club head if a substantial portion of the mass is concentrated in one area of the golf club head. 200 Having a low front center of gravity location in a wood-type golf club head aids in achieving ideal launch conditions by reducing spin and increasing the launch angle. However, in some specific situations, a low front center of gravity may reduce the moment of inertia of the golf club head if a substantial portion of the mass is concentrated in one area of the golf club head. 200 U.S. Patent No. 7,731,60, entitled "Golf Club Head," filed on September 27, 2007 As described in No. 3, increasing the moment of inertia would be beneficial for improving the stability of the golf club head with respect to off - center contact. For example, if a substantial portion of the mass of the golf club head is placed low and forward, the center of gravity of the golf club head will be substantially shifted However, the moment of inertia is a function of the mass and the square of the distance from the mass to the axis about which the moment of inertia is measured. When the distance between the mass and the moment of inertia axis changes, the moment of inertia of the body changes quadratically. Thus, a golf club head having a mass concentrated in one area may, in some cases, have a particularly low moment of inertia which may be disadvantageous in some cases. Particularly with respect to poor swings and / or off - center swings, the low moment of inertia of the golf club head can cause twisting Regarding the moment of inertia along the center of gravity x - axis, a low moment of inertia does not necessarily not change the flight characteristics for an off - center swing. In the current discussion, when the center of gravity is particularly low and forward in the golf club head, hitting substantially above the center of gravity leads to a relatively large moment arm and a risk of twisting If the moment of inertia about the center of gravity x - axis of the golf club head (hereinafter "I ") is particularly low, there is a risk that energy will be lost during twisting rather than being transmitted to the golf ball to produce distance due to high twisting Therefore, a low forward center of gravity is beneficial for creating better launch conditions, but in cases of poor technique, it can be an especially unforgiving golf club head in certain situations

[0126] A particularly low moment of inertia can be disadvantageous in some cases. Especially with respect to poor swings and / or off - center swings the low moment of inertia of the golf club head can cause twisting Regarding the moment of inertia along the center of gravity x - axis, a low moment of inertia does not necessarily not change the flight characteristics for an off - center swing In the current discussion, when the center of gravity is particularly low and forward in the golf club head, hitting substantially above the center of gravity leads to a relatively large moment arm and a risk of twisting When the center of gravity is particularly low and forward in the golf club head, hitting substantially above the center of gravity leads to a relatively large moment arm and a risk of twisting When hitting substantially above the center of gravity, it leads to a relatively large moment arm and a risk of twisting The moment of inertia about the center of gravity x - axis of the golf club head (hereinafter "I xx ") If the moment of inertia about the center of gravity x - axis of the golf club head (hereinafter "I ") is particularly low, there is a risk that energy will be lost during twisting rather than being transmitted to the golf ball to produce distance Therefore, a low forward center of gravity is beneficial for creating better launch conditions, but in cases of poor technique, it can be an especially unforgiving golf club head may also occur.

[0127] The low front center of gravity location of the golf club head provides favorable flight conditions, because the low front center of gravity location produces a center of gravity projection in the normal direction to the tangent face plane (see the discussion of the tangent face plane and the center of gravity projection as it is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety from U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 839,727, filed on March 15, 2013, entitled "Golf Club"). During impact with the ball, the center of gravity projection determines the vertical gear effect that results in higher or lower spin and launch angle. Moving the center of gravity low within the golf club head results in a lower center of gravity projection due to the loft of the golf club head, and moving the center of gravity forward also provides a lower projection of the center of gravity. The combination of a low center of gravity and a front center of gravity is a very efficient way to achieve a low center of gravity projection. However, the front center of gravity may be made lower than necessary, which may cause an adverse effect on the moment of inertia - specifically, I xx xx xx xx xx Z (the vertical distance of the center of gravity measured along the z-axis from the center face ) to CG Y (the distance of the center of gravity measured along the y-axis from the center face to the rear). The ratio of C G Z / CG Y The more negative the ratio, the lower the center of gravity projection typically is, and as a result, it should result in improved flight conditions.

[0128] Therefore, the following club head embodiments substantially reduce the forgiveness of the golf club head for off-center - specifically, above-center - shots (suggesting a higher I xx ), while providing the benefit of a large negative number as CG / CG Z / CG y (suggesting a low CG projection). In order to achieve the desired result, the weights may be distributed to the golf club in a manner that promotes the best mass distribution for achieving an increase in I , provided that the mass promotes a substantially large negative number as CG , / CG xx , and is placed as such. As depicted by FIG. 42, CG Z , / CG y provides a measure of how low the CG is projected onto the face of the golf club head. CG , / CG

[0129] , / CG Z may be a variety of numbers, but the chart in FIG. 42 shows the case of having one mass and the case of having a split mass with the same golf club head geometry. For the single mass, the single mass was varied from extremely forward to extremely rearward throughout the entire golf club head to achieve a changing Y MOI. For the split mass case, two masses were placed at the periphery of the golf club head and the amount of mass was changed from the total mass forward to the total mass rearward. As can be seen, the single mass curve and the split mass curve approach each other at both ends. This is because as the split mass becomes more unbalanced and biases towards one end or the other, its distribution approaches that of the single mass. However, Z , / CG Y it is good, and the chart in FIG. 42 shows the case of having one mass and the case of having a split mass with the same golf club head geometry. For the single mass, the single mass was varied from extremely forward to extremely rearward throughout the entire golf club head to achieve a changing MOI. For the split mass case, two masses were placed at the periphery of the golf club head and the amount of mass was changed from the total mass forward to the total mass rearward. As can be seen, the single mass curve and the split mass curve approach each other at both ends. This is because as the split mass becomes more unbalanced and biases towards one end or the other, its distribution approaches that of the single mass. However, when the split mass is placed at the periphery of the golf club head and the amount of mass is changed from the total mass forward to the total mass rearward, as can be seen, the single mass curve and the split mass curve approach each other at both ends. This is because as the split mass becomes more unbalanced and biases towards one end or the other, its distribution approaches that of the single mass. However, the single mass curve and the split mass curve approach each other at both ends. This is because as the split mass becomes more unbalanced and biases towards one end or the other, its distribution approaches that of the single mass. However, For a split mass, a higher MOI can be achieved with a lower CG Z / CG Y It is important to note that this can be achieved in ratio. Effectively, this means that the CG projection can be moved lower within the rough club head while maintaining a relatively high MOI. The effectiveness of this difference depends on the specific geometry of each golf club head and the mass utilized. In addition, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 839,727 argues that if the CGy distance is known, the use of the CG effectiveness product becomes possible to represent the location of the CG with respect to the golf club head space. The CG effectiveness product is a measure of the effectiveness of placing the CG low and forward in the golf club head. The CG effectiveness product (CG ) is calculated using the following formula, i.e.,

[0130]

[0131] eff

[0132]

Equation

[0133] 2 and is measured in units of the square of the distance (mm

[0133] In this formula, the smaller the CG eff , the higher the effectiveness of repositioning the mass of the club head low and forward. This measure accurately represents the location of the CG within the golf club head without projecting the CG onto the face. Thus, it enables comparison between golf club heads having different lofts, different face heights, and different center face locations. It should be understood that Δz and Z up can be used interchangeably. The CG effectiveness product varies depending on the volume of the club head. Generally, above 250cc​​​​ A smaller club head volume as described below will result in a smaller effective CG product. The same is true for a larger club head volume being larger. As discussed herein for embodiments having a club head volume smaller than 250 cc in the embodiments being discussed, C G y may be in the range of about 12 mm to about 20 mm and Δz may be in the range of about 12 mm to about 18 mm. Then, the CG of embodiments having a club head volume smaller than 250 cc eff will be in the range of about 144 mm 2 to about 360 mm. 2 More precisely, for a club head having a volume smaller than 200 cc, the CG will be in the range of about 180 mm eff to about 30 2 0 mm. 2 For embodiments having a club head volume larger than 250 cc in the embodiments being discussed herein, the CG will be in the range of about 20 mm to about 32 mm, and y Δz may be in the range of about 20 mm to about 30 mm. Then, the CG of embodiments having a club head volume smaller than 250 cc will be in the range of about 400 mm to about 960 mm. eff 2 2 More precisely, for a club head having a volume larger than 400 cc, the CG 2 will be in the range of about 690 mm to about 750 mm. eff 2 2 2 2 2

[0134] (Single or Plural) Slidable Replaceable Weight Integral with Front - Rear Weight Ports Referring to FIG. 44A, another example of a golf club head, the golf club head 12000D will be described hereinafter. The golf club head 12000D is the golf club head 12 comprising a unique combination of many features similar or identical to 000 . Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of the golf club head 12000D will not be described redundantly. Rather, the main differences between the golf club head 12000D and the golf club head 12000 will be described in detail, and readers are referred to the above discussion for substantially similar features between the two golf club heads.

[0135] The body 12002D (and thus the entire club head 12000D) includes a front portion 12004, a rear portion 12006, a toe portion 12008, a heel portion 12010, a hosel 12012, a crown, and a sole 12016. The golf club head 12000D includes channels similar to the channels discussed previously, and in addition, one or more front weight ports 12074A and one or more rear weight ports 12074B (not shown in the figure) in the sole. The one or more weight ports can accommodate one or more weights 12076 in the range of 1 g to 50 g . In addition, the weights 12076 for the weight ports can be compatible and interchangeable with washers forming part of the weight assembly 12040 used with the channels 12020 . Optionally, the weights for the weight ports can be compatible and interchangeable with the weight assembly 12040 used with the channels 12020 . . Additionally or alternatively, the weights for the weight ports may be compatible and interchangeable with the weight assembly 12040 used with the channels 12020.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 44B, cross-section A shows a cross-sectional view of the weight port and the mounted washer 12042D, which cross-section is circular, triangular, rectangular, or some other shape . This is also acceptable. As shown, bolt 12046 is fastened to the threaded hole 12084 of sole 12016, thereby fixing washer 12042. A rubber washer 12088 or grommet may be used to hold the bolt and washer together when the weight is removed from the club head. A gasket 12090 may be included to prevent the rubber washer 12088 from being compressed during tightening of bolt 12046, which could cause preload loss. If the washer is circular, the bolt and washer may be integrated into a single unitary piece and do not necessarily need to be separate. The threaded hole 12084 may be a through-hole or a blind hole. If the hole is a through-hole, a cap 12086 may be fixed to the underside of the sole before attaching either the crown or the face plate to the golf club head. Cap 12086 can be fixed by gluing, screwing, pressing, or welding the cap to the sole, or by similar methods and combinations. Through-holes are easier to manufacture and may result in some cost savings compared to blind holes. Capping the hole 12084 would be desirable to avoid water ingress into the club head and / or to avoid possible USGA rule violations. When there are components attached to the head, such as a crown, sole, or face, it is easier to obtain access to apply a cap to the back side of a through-hole, as opposed to a fully welded metal head. If the washer is circular, the bolt and washer may be integrated into a single unitary piece and do not necessarily need to be separate. The threaded hole 12084 may be a through-hole or a blind hole. If the hole is a through-hole, a cap 12086 may be fixed to the underside of the sole before attaching either the crown or the face plate to the golf club head. Cap 12086 can be fixed by gluing, screwing, pressing, or welding the cap to the sole, or by similar methods and combinations. Through-holes are easier to manufacture and may result in some cost savings compared to blind holes. Capping the hole 12084 would be desirable to avoid water ingress into the club head and / or to avoid possible USGA rule violations. When there are components attached to the head, such as a crown, sole, or face, it is easier to obtain access to apply a cap to the back side of a through-hole, as opposed to a fully welded metal head. If the washer is circular, the bolt and washer may be integrated into a single unitary piece and do not necessarily need to be separate.

[0137] The threaded hole 12084 may be a through-hole or a blind hole. If the hole is a through-hole, a cap 12086 may be fixed to the underside of the sole before attaching either the crown or the face plate to the golf club head. Cap 12086 can be fixed by gluing, screwing, pressing, or welding the cap to the sole, or by similar methods and combinations. Through-holes are easier to manufacture and may result in some cost savings compared to blind holes. Capping the hole 12084 would be desirable to avoid water ingress into the club head and / or to avoid possible USGA rule violations. When there are components attached to the head, such as a crown, sole, or face, it is easier to obtain access to apply a cap to the back side of a through-hole, as opposed to a fully welded metal head. The threaded hole 12084 may be a through-hole or a blind hole. If the hole is a through-hole, a cap 12086 may be fixed to the underside of the sole before attaching either the crown or the face plate to the golf club head. Cap 12086 can be fixed by gluing, screwing, pressing, or welding the cap to the sole, or by similar methods and combinations. Through-holes are easier to manufacture and may result in some cost savings compared to blind holes. Capping the hole 12084 would be desirable to avoid water ingress into the club head and / or to avoid possible USGA rule violations. When there are components attached to the head, such as a crown, sole, or face, it is easier to obtain access to apply a cap to the back side of a through-hole, as opposed to a fully welded metal head. The threaded hole 12084 may be a through-hole or a blind hole. If the hole is a through-hole, a cap 12086 may be fixed to the underside of the sole before attaching either the crown or the face plate to the golf club head. Cap 12086 can be fixed by gluing, screwing, pressing, or welding the cap to the sole, or by similar methods and combinations. Through-holes are easier to manufacture and may result in some cost savings compared to blind holes. Capping the hole 12084 would be desirable to avoid water ingress into the club head and / or to avoid possible USGA rule violations. When there are components attached to the head, such as a crown, sole, or face, it is easier to obtain access to apply a cap to the back side of a through-hole, as opposed to a fully welded metal head. The threaded hole 12084 may be a through-hole or a blind hole. If the hole is a through-hole, a cap 12086 may be fixed to the underside of the sole before attaching either the crown or the face plate to the golf club head. Cap 12086 can be fixed by gluing, screwing, pressing, or welding the cap to the sole, or by similar methods and combinations. Through-holes are easier to manufacture and may result in some cost savings compared to blind holes. Capping the hole 12084 would be desirable to avoid water ingress into the club head and / or to avoid possible USGA rule violations. When there are components attached to the head, such as a crown, sole, or face, it is easier to obtain access to apply a cap to the back side of a through-hole, as opposed to a fully welded metal head.

[0138] When there are components attached to the head, such as a crown, sole, or face, it is easier to obtain access to apply a cap to the back side of a through-hole, as opposed to a fully welded metal head. The threaded hole 12084 may be a through-hole or a blind hole. If the hole is a through-hole, a cap 12086 may be fixed to the underside of the sole before attaching either the crown or the face plate to the golf club head. Cap 12086 can be fixed by gluing, screwing, pressing, or welding the cap to the sole, or by similar methods and combinations. Through-holes are easier to manufacture and may result in some cost savings compared to blind holes. Capping the hole 12084 would be desirable to avoid water ingress into the club head and / or to avoid possible USGA rule violations. When there are components attached to the head, such as a crown, sole, or face, it is easier to obtain access to apply a cap to the back side of a through-hole, as opposed to a fully welded metal head.

[0139] The exemplary clubhead further includes an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated herein and are not shown for clarity. The exemplary clubhead further includes an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated herein and are not shown for clarity. The exemplary clubhead further includes an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated herein and are not shown for clarity. The exemplary clubhead further includes an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated herein and are not shown for clarity.

[0140] The weight ports allow the user to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf clubhead as a whole and, correspondingly, the spin imparted to the ball. For example, by placing a heavy weight (e.g., 10 - 30 grams) at the rear of the club and using a light - weight washer (e.g., 1 - 5 grams) at the front of the club, the MOI can be increased and the center of gravity (CG) can be moved rearward, resulting in an increase in spin due to the dynamic lofting effect. Moving the weight to the rear of the club will increase the spin of the golf ball, but some users may prefer a high - MOI club that resists twisting more than a club that produces a ball flight with less spin. Additionally, some users may prefer a more conventional ball flight as shown in FIG. 32 over the low - ball flight exhibited by the low - front - CG golf club shown in FIG. 33. Providing one or more weight ports in the rear portion of the sole allows the user the option to choose between a high - MOI club with more spin that produces a more conventional ball flight or a club with less spin that produces a ball flight more like that of a baseball. The weight ports allow the user to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf clubhead as a whole and, correspondingly, the spin imparted to the ball. For example, by placing a heavy weight (e.g., 10 - 30 grams) at the rear of the club and using a light - weight washer (e.g., 1 - 5 grams) at the front of the club, the MOI can be increased and the center of gravity (CG) can be moved rearward, resulting in an increase in spin due to the dynamic lofting effect. Moving the weight to the rear of the club will increase the spin of the golf ball, but some users may prefer a high - MOI club that resists twisting more than a club that produces a ball flight with less spin. Additionally, some users may prefer a more conventional ball flight as shown in FIG. 32 over the low - ball flight exhibited by the low - front - CG golf club shown in FIG. 33. Providing one or more weight ports in the rear portion of the sole allows the user the option to choose between a high - MOI club with more spin that produces a more conventional ball flight or a club with less spin that produces a ball flight more like that of a baseball. The weight ports allow the user to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf clubhead as a whole and, correspondingly, the spin imparted to the ball. For example, by placing a heavy weight (e.g., 10 - 30 grams) at the rear of the club and using a light - weight washer (e.g., 1 - 5 grams) at the front of the club, the MOI can be increased and the center of gravity (CG) can be moved rearward, resulting in an increase in spin due to the dynamic lofting effect. Moving the weight to the rear of the club will increase the spin of the golf ball, but some users may prefer a high - MOI club that resists twisting more than a club that produces a ball flight with less spin. Additionally, some users may prefer a more conventional ball flight as shown in FIG. 32 over the low - ball flight exhibited by the low - front - CG golf club shown in FIG. 33. Providing one or more weight ports in the rear portion of the sole allows the user the option to choose between a high - MOI club with more spin that produces a more conventional ball flight or a club with less spin that produces a ball flight more like that of a baseball. The weight ports allow the user to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf clubhead as a whole and, correspondingly, the spin imparted to the ball. For example, by placing a heavy weight (e.g., 10 - 30 grams) at the rear of the club and using a light - weight washer (e.g., 1 - 5 grams) at the front of the club, the MOI can be increased and the center of gravity (CG) can be moved rearward, resulting in an increase in spin due to the dynamic lofting effect. Moving the weight to the rear of the club will increase the spin of the golf ball, but some users may prefer a high - MOI club that resists twisting more than a club that produces a ball flight with less spin. Additionally, some users may prefer a more conventional ball flight as shown in FIG. 32 over the low - ball flight exhibited by the low - front - CG golf club shown in FIG. 33. Providing one or more weight ports in the rear portion of the sole allows the user the option to choose between a high - MOI club with more spin that produces a more conventional ball flight or a club with less spin that produces a ball flight more like that of a baseball. The weight ports allow the user to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf clubhead as a whole and, correspondingly, the spin imparted to the ball. For example, by placing a heavy weight (e.g., 10 - 30 grams) at the rear of the club and using a light - weight washer (e.g., 1 - 5 grams) at the front of the club, the MOI can be increased and the center of gravity (CG) can be moved rearward, resulting in an increase in spin due to the dynamic lofting effect. Moving the weight to the rear of the club will increase the spin of the golf ball, but some users may prefer a high - MOI club that resists twisting more than a club that produces a ball flight with less spin. Additionally, some users may prefer a more conventional ball flight as shown in FIG. 32 over the low - ball flight exhibited by the low - front - CG golf club shown in FIG. 33. Providing one or more weight ports in the rear portion of the sole allows the user the option to choose between a high - MOI club with more spin that produces a more conventional ball flight or a club with less spin that produces a ball flight more like that of a baseball. The weight ports allow the user to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf clubhead as a whole and, correspondingly, the spin imparted to the ball. For example, by placing a heavy weight (e.g., 10 - 30 grams) at the rear of the club and using a light - weight washer (e.g., 1 - 5 grams) at the front of the club, the MOI can be increased and the center of gravity (CG) can be moved rearward, resulting in an increase in spin due to the dynamic lofting effect. Moving the weight to the rear of the club will increase the spin of the golf ball, but some users may prefer a high - MOI club that resists twisting more than a club that produces a ball flight with less spin. Additionally, some users may prefer a more conventional ball flight as shown in FIG. 32 over the low - ball flight exhibited by the low - front - CG golf club shown in FIG. 33. Providing one or more weight ports in the rear portion of the sole allows the user the option to choose between a high - MOI club with more spin that produces a more conventional ball flight or a club with less spin that produces a ball flight more like that of a baseball. The weight ports allow the user to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf clubhead as a whole and, correspondingly, the spin imparted to the ball. For example, by placing a heavy weight (e.g., 10 - 30 grams) at the rear of the club and using a light - weight washer (e.g., 1 - 5 grams) at the front of the club, the MOI can be increased and the center of gravity (CG) can be moved rearward, resulting in an increase in spin due to the dynamic lofting effect. Moving the weight to the rear of the club will increase the spin of the golf ball, but some users may prefer a high - MOI club that resists twisting more than a club that produces a ball flight with less spin. Additionally, some users may prefer a more conventional ball flight as shown in FIG. 32 over the low - ball flight exhibited by the low - front - CG golf club shown in FIG. 33. Providing one or more weight ports in the rear portion of the sole allows the user the option to choose between a high - MOI club with more spin that produces a more conventional ball flight or a club with less spin that produces a ball flight more like that of a baseball. The weight ports allow the user to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf clubhead as a whole and, correspondingly, the spin imparted to the ball. For example, by placing a heavy weight (e.g., 10 - 30 grams) at the rear of the club and using a light - weight washer (e.g., 1 - 5 grams) at the front of the club, the MOI can be increased and the center of gravity (CG) can be moved rearward, resulting in an increase in spin due to the dynamic lofting effect. Moving the weight to the rear of the club will increase the spin of the golf ball, but some users may prefer a high - MOI club that resists twisting more than a club that produces a ball flight with less spin. Additionally, some users may prefer a more conventional ball flight as shown in FIG. 32 over the low - ball flight exhibited by the low - front - CG golf club shown in FIG. 33. Providing one or more weight ports in the rear portion of the sole allows the user the option to choose between a high - MOI club with more spin that produces a more conventional ball flight or a club with less spin that produces a ball flight more like that of a baseball. The weight ports allow the user to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf clubhead as a whole and, correspondingly, the spin imparted to the ball. For example, by placing a heavy weight (e.g., 10 - 30 grams) at the rear of the club and using a light - weight washer (e.g., 1 - 5 grams) at the front of the club, the MOI can be increased and the center of gravity (CG) can be moved rearward, resulting in an increase in spin due to the dynamic lofting effect. Moving the weight to the rear of the club will increase the spin of the golf ball, but some users may prefer a high - MOI club that resists twisting more than a club that produces a ball flight with less spin. Additionally, some users may prefer a more conventional ball flight as shown in FIG. 32 over the low - ball flight exhibited by the low - front - CG golf club shown in FIG. 33. Providing one or more weight ports in the rear portion of the sole allows the user the option to choose between a high - MOI club with more spin that produces a more conventional ball flight or a club with less spin that produces a ball flight more like that of a baseball. Surprisingly, this combination results in a club with a high MOI without significantly increasing spin. Conventionally, a high MOI has been achieved by moving all the weight to the rear of the club. Surprisingly, this combination results in a club with a high MOI without significantly increasing spin. Conventionally, a high MOI has been achieved by moving all the weight to the rear of the club. Surprisingly, this combination results in a club with a high MOI without significantly increasing spin. Conventionally, a high MOI has been achieved by moving all the weight to the rear of the club.

[0141] Surprisingly, this combination results in a club with a high MOI without significantly increasing spin. Conventionally, a high MOI has been achieved by moving all the weight to the rear of the club. Surprisingly, this combination results in a club with a high MOI without significantly increasing spin. Conventionally, a high MOI has been achieved by moving all the weight to the rear of the club. has been achieved. However, this not only increases the MOI but also, unfortunately, increases the backspin. The increase in spin is due to an increase in delta 1, which causes a greater gear effect depending on where the CG is projected onto the face. Departing from convention and placing some of the weight at the front of the clubhead and some at the rear, we have achieved a driver with both a higher MOI and lower spin due to a smaller delta 1. The smaller delta 1 and increased MOI are due to the two weights being placed on opposite sides of the CG.

[0142] For example, instead of placing 30 grams at the rear of the club, 15 grams could be placed at the rear of the club and 15 grams at the front of the club, or some other combination depending on the user's preference. Additionally, the weight ports further allow for swing weight adjustment.

[0143] Regarding the previous embodiments, the golf clubheads 12000C and 12000D include an interchangeable or adjustable shaft attachment system for connecting the shaft to the hosel using the hosel opening 12070, additionally or alternatively.

[0144] Incorporating an adjustable shaft attachment system allows the player to adjust the static loft of the clubhead either higher or lower. Additionally or alternatively, such a system allows the player to easily interchange shafts depending on their preference and swing parameters. For example, a user who strikes a clubhead with a low forward CG generally increases the loft of the clubhead to hit the golf ball higher​ should want to achieve the optimal launch distance. However, if the CG is moved rearward and the MOI increases, the launch angle will become higher due to dynamic lofting, and the back spin will increase. In this case, the user may want to reduce the loft of the club to achieve the optimal distance by reducing the effective loft and the amount of backspin. Instead, there are users who prefer a specific ball flight regardless of the optimal distance. Providing an adjustable sole system will greatly facilitate various user preferences.

[0145] (Single or Plural) Multi - Directional Slidable Replaceable Weight Referring to FIGS. 45A - 45C, another example of a golf club head, golf club head 1 2000E will be described hereinafter. Golf club head 12000E combines many features similar to or identical to golf club head 12000 in a unique way without analogy. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of golf club head 12000E will not be explained redundantly. Rather, the main differences between golf club head 12000E and golf club head 12000 will be described in detail, and the reader is referred to the above discussion for substantially similar features between the two golf club heads.

[0146] The body 12000E (and thus the entire club head 12000E) includes a front portion 12004, a rear portion 12006, a toe portion 12008, a heel portion 12010, a hosel 12012, a crown, and a sole 12016. Golf club head 12000E includes a rear track 12020E similar to the channels discussed above, except that this The channels extend rearwardly away from the face. In the illustrated embodiment, the two channels merge to form a T-shaped channel. The rear track enables adjustment of the MOI of the club head by sliding the weight assembly 12 040E rearwardly along the channel 12020E. Having two channels enables adjustment of the MOI and shot shape. The weight assembly 12040 and the weight assembly 12040E may be interchangeable. Additionally or alternatively, the weight assembly may be used in the front channel 12020 (heel / toe) or in the rear track 12020E. Due to the curvature of the sole, the rear channel 12020E may also be slightly curved. FIG. 45C shows two cross-sectional views of the front and rear track geometries and the weight assembly. Cross-section B is taken through the front channel 12020 and cross-section A is taken through the rear channel 12020E. Cross-section B has the same geometry as that discussed and shown in the previous figures. On the other hand, as shown in cross-section A, the washer 12042 and the mass member 12044 have a slight curvature to conform to the curvature of the sole. In other words, the washer and the mass member are relatively flat in one direction and have some

[0147] curvature in the other direction. This allows the weight assemblies 12040 and 12040E to slide between the front track and the rear track and be interchangeable. In addition, the curvature of the washer and the mass member may be modified to conform to alternative channel geometries, such as a curved channel.

[0148] Functionally, the two weight assemblies operate in the same manner as discussed above. As shown in cross-section A of FIG. 129C, as the bolt 12046 is tightened, the weight assembly is clamped onto the heel-side channel shelf 12078 and the toe-side channel shelf 12080. In addition, the weight assembly 12040E may include locking protrusions similar to those discussed above to more securely fix the weight assembly against the high G-forces experienced during impact. Similar to the front channel, the rear track 12020E may have some curvature and need not be straight. In some embodiments, the rear channel 12020E may be angled with respect to the front channel 12020. For example, the overall channel may resemble a shape more like a (numerical) 7 than a T-shape, depending on the angle of the rear track. The club head illustrated may further include an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated here and are shown for clarity. The rear track may be configured to allow the weight to move rearward up to 125 mm from the center face. The second weight may be inserted in the same manner as previously discussed with respect to the heel and toe channels 12020. Additionally or alternatively, the rear track may include an insertion cavity or be open at the rear end to receive the weight.

[0149] Similar to the front channel, the rear track 12020E may have some curvature and need not be straight. In some embodiments, the rear channel 12020E may be angled with respect to the front channel 12020. For example, the overall channel may resemble a shape more like a (numerical) 7 than a T-shape, depending on the angle of the rear track. Similar to the front channel, the rear track 12020E may have some curvature and need not be straight. In some embodiments, the rear channel 12020E may be angled with respect to the front channel 12020. For example, the overall channel may resemble a shape more like a (numerical) 7 than a T-shape, depending on the angle of the rear track. The club head illustrated may further include an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated here and are shown for clarity. The rear track may be configured to allow the weight to move rearward up to 125 mm from the center face. The second weight may be inserted in the same manner as previously discussed with respect to the heel and toe channels 12020. Additionally or alternatively, the rear track may include an insertion cavity or be open at the rear end to receive the weight. The club head illustrated may further include an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated here and are shown for clarity.

[0150] The club head illustrated may further include an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated here and are shown for clarity. The club head illustrated may further include an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated here and are shown for clarity. The club head illustrated may further include an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated here and are shown for clarity. The club head illustrated may further include an adjustable shaft connection system, such as the adjustable shaft connection system described herein for connecting the shaft to the hosel, the details of which are not repeated here and are shown for clarity.

[0151] The rear track may be configured to allow the weight to move rearward up to 125 mm from the center face. The second weight may be inserted in the same manner as previously discussed with respect to the heel and toe channels 12020. Additionally or alternatively, the rear track may include an insertion cavity or be open at the rear end to receive the weight. The rear track may be configured to allow the weight to move rearward up to 125 mm from the center face. The second weight may be inserted in the same manner as previously discussed with respect to the heel and toe channels 12020. Additionally or alternatively, the rear track may include an insertion cavity or be open at the rear end to receive the weight. The rear track may be configured to allow the weight to move rearward up to 125 mm from the center face. The second weight may be inserted in the same manner as previously discussed with respect to the heel and toe channels 12020. Additionally or alternatively, the rear track may include an insertion cavity or be open at the rear end to receive the weight. The rear track may be configured to allow the weight to move rearward up to 125 mm from the center face. The second weight may be inserted in the same manner as previously discussed with respect to the heel and toe channels 12020. Additionally or alternatively, the rear track may include an insertion cavity or be open at the rear end to receive the weight. It may be configured to slide into a predetermined position within channel 12020E. Additionally or Alternatively, either of the weight assemblies may be configured to be mounted at this opening.

[0152] Turning to FIG. 46, golf club head 12000F includes a rear track 12020F similar to the channel discussed previously, but this channel does not merge with the front channel. This allows for adjustment of the club head's MOI by sliding weight assembly 12040F rearward along channel 12020F. Having both a front channel and a rear channel allows for adjustment of both the MOI and shot shape. Weight assembly 12040 and weight assembly 12040F may be interchangeable. Additionally or Alternatively, the weight assembly may be used in the front channel 12020 (heel / toe), or it may be used in the rear track 12020F.

[0153] (Single or Plural) Slidable Replaceable Weight for Fairway Turning to FIG. 47, another example of a golf club head, golf club head 1300 0, will now be described. The most notable difference between golf club head 13000 and golf club heads 120 00A - 12000F is volume. Golf club head 1300 0 has a volume range of 110 cm 3 to 250 cm 3 whereas golf club heads 120 00A - 12000F have a volume range of 250 cm 3 to 500 cm 3

[0154] Golf club head 13000A includes a hollow body 13002A, a channel 13020, and ​​​​​It includes some of the structures and features of the previous embodiments, including the sliding weight assembly 13040. The body 13002A (and thus the entire club head 13000) includes a front portion 13004, a rear portion 13006, a toe portion 13008, a heel portion 13010, a hosel 13012, a crown 13014, and a sole 13016. The front portion 13004 forms an opening for receiving a face plate 13018, which may be a face plate of variable thickness, composite material, and / or metal, as described herein.

[0155] Plural Weight Assemblies Referring to FIGS. 48-49, various configurations of a golf club head having a plurality of weight assemblies mounted in a front channel and / or a rear channel are shown. The golf club head 15000 incorporates many features similar to or identical to those of the golf club head 12000 in a similar but unique way. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of the golf club head 15000 will not be redundantly described. Instead, the important differences between the golf club head 15000 and the golf club head 12000 will be described in detail, and the reader is referred to the above considerations for the substantially similar features between the two golf club heads.

[0156] The golf club head 15000 includes a hollow body 15002A, a channel 15020, and a sliding weight assembly 15040. The body 15002A (and thus the entire club head 15000) includes a front portion 15004, a rear portion 15006, a toe portion 15008, a heel portion 15010, a hosel 15012, a crown 15014, and a sole 15016. The front portion 15004 includes a variable thickness, composite, and and / or an opening for receiving a face plate 15018, which may be a metal face plate. It forms a part.

[0157] The illustrated club head 15000 further includes a hosel 15012 for connecting the shaft. Adjustable shaft connection system 150 for coupling through a nozzle opening 15070 94. The adjustable shaft connection system may further include a The loft and lie of the club head 15002A may be adjusted. The 15000 may further include an adjustable sole piece in the sole port. These features are described in detail in the patents incorporated by reference.

[0158] Similar to the previous embodiment, the golf club head 15000 generally includes a heel portion 150 It is located from the heel end 15022 located near 10 to the toe part 15008 The sole 15016 includes an elongated channel 15020 extending to a toe end 15024. A front shelf 15030 and a rear shelf 15032 are disposed within the channel 15020. 15030 and one or more ledges 15032 on the front and rear shelves 15030 and 15032 within the channel 15020. The weight assembly 15040 may be secured to the upper portion of the support 1502. The weight assembly 15040 may be secured to the upper portion of the support 1502. 15 is adapted to be fitted into a channel 15020 in a manner similar to that described in In the embodiment shown, the channel 15020 may include the Merged with a hosel opening 15070 that forms part of the head-to-shaft connection assembly. is.

[0159] In each of the embodiments discussed throughout this description, a plurality of weight assemblies may be used in the front track and / or the rear track. For example, golf club heads 1 2000 and 13000 may include a plurality of weight assemblies in the front track and / or the rear track.

[0160] Using more than one weight assembly increases the adjustability of the club head as a whole. For example, additional weight assemblies can be used to adjust the swing weight, to adjust the spin, and / or to adjust the inertia of the golf club head in order to lower the CG of the golf club head further.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 136, golf club head 15002A includes a second weight assembly in the front channel, providing additional adjustability. For example, the user can position the first weight assembly at the extreme heel position and the second weight assembly at the extreme toe position, thereby increasing the moment of inertia about the y-axis (I yy ) and the moment of inertia about the z-axis (I zz of the golf club head. This configuration can result in what some people consider to be a more "forgiving" golf club head, mainly due to the increased inertia about the z-axis. Alternatively, the user can position both weights at the center position, in which case the CG of the golf club head is lowered and as a result the spin of the golf ball is reduced.

[0162] Although two weight assemblies are shown, the channel can accommodate additional weight assemblies, such as three or It may further hold four or more, five or more, six or more, and / or seven or more, etc., weight assemblies. The plurality of weight assemblies exhibit a heavier golf club head having a lower CG. Alternatively, some users may prefer a lighter golf club head, in which case the weight assemblies can be completely removed from the channels and the channels left empty.

[0163] FIG. 48B shows a top view or crown view of the golf club head 15002A. Cross-sections 136C - 136E are taken to illustrate various features of the golf club head 15002A. FIG. 48C shows a plurality of weight assemblies 15040, an adjustable sole connection system 15094, ribs 15080, and weight mounting cavities. FIG. 48D shows the mounted weight assemblies and ribs. FIG. 48E shows a washer 15042 mounted on the channel shelf portion. As shown, the washer may include either a protrusion and / or a depression corresponding to either a protrusion and / or a depression on the channel shelf portion side. These features help to more properly position the weight assemblies within the channels. As shown in FIG. 48E, the notch on the washer side fits between the plurality of protrusions on the shelf portion side. On the other hand, in other arrangements, the depression on the washer side may be configured to engage with the protrusion / depression on the shelf portion.

[0164] Looking at FIG. 49, another example is shown of how a plurality of weight assemblies are used with the embodiments discussed above. This configuration allows the user to add more weight to the club ​​​​​​​​​​​It is positioned at the rear part, thereby increasing the MOI in the x-axis direction and z-axis direction of the golf club head. In addition, this may increase the spin, and for some users, it may result in a ball flight that is more preferable than the ball flight from a club with a lower spin. The additional weight assembly may have a weight in the range of 1 g to 50 g. Each weight assembly may include an indication indicating its weight. For example, the weight assembly may be marked with characters, numbers, patterns, may be color-coded, or may be any combination thereof. The washer and / or the mass member may each include a weight identification indication. In some embodiments, an adjustable mechanism is provided on the sole to "decouple" the relationship between the face angle and the hosel / shaft loft, i.e., to allow separate adjustment of the square loft and the face angle of the golf club. For example, some embodiments of the golf club head include an adjustable sole portion that can be adjusted relative to the club head body to raise and lower the rear end of the club head relative to the ground. Further details regarding the adjustable sole portion are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0312347, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 686,677, filed on November 27, 2012, under the name "Golf Club" and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as a reference.

[0165] The additional weight assembly may have a weight in the range of 1 g to 50 g. Each weight assembly may include an indication indicating its weight. For example, the weight assembly may be marked with characters, numbers, patterns, may be color-coded, or may be any combination thereof. The washer and / or the mass member may each include a weight identification indication. The additional weight assembly may have a weight in the range of 1 g to 50 g. Each weight assembly may include an indication indicating its weight. For example, the weight assembly may be marked with characters, numbers, patterns, may be color-coded, or may be any combination thereof. The washer and / or the mass member may each include a weight identification indication. The additional weight assembly may have a weight in the range of 1 g to 50 g. Each weight assembly may include an indication indicating its weight. For example, the weight assembly may be marked with characters, numbers, patterns, may be color-coded, or may be any combination thereof. The washer and / or the mass member may each include a weight identification indication. The additional weight assembly may have a weight in the range of 1 g to 50 g. Each weight assembly may include an indication indicating its weight. For example, the weight assembly may be marked with characters, numbers, patterns, may be color-coded, or may be any combination thereof. The washer and / or the mass member may each include a weight identification indication. The additional weight assembly may have a weight in the range of 1 g to 50 g. Each weight assembly may include an indication indicating its weight. For example, the weight assembly may be marked with characters, numbers, patterns, may be color-coded, or may be any combination thereof. The washer and / or the mass member may each include a weight identification indication.

[0166] I. Adjustable Face Angle In some embodiments, an adjustable mechanism is provided on the sole to "decouple" the relationship between the face angle and the hosel / shaft loft, i.e., to allow separate adjustment of the square loft and the face angle of the golf club. For example, some embodiments of the golf club head include an adjustable sole portion that can be adjusted relative to the club head body to raise and lower the rear end of the club head relative to the ground. Further details regarding the adjustable sole portion are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0312347, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, an adjustable mechanism is provided on the sole to "decouple" the relationship between the face angle and the hosel / shaft loft, i.e., to allow separate adjustment of the square loft and the face angle of the golf club. For example, some embodiments of the golf club head include an adjustable sole portion that can be adjusted relative to the club head body to raise and lower the rear end of the club head relative to the ground. Further details regarding the adjustable sole portion are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0312347, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, an adjustable mechanism is provided on the sole to "decouple" the relationship between the face angle and the hosel / shaft loft, i.e., to allow separate adjustment of the square loft and the face angle of the golf club. For example, some embodiments of the golf club head include an adjustable sole portion that can be adjusted relative to the club head body to raise and lower the rear end of the club head relative to the ground. Further details regarding the adjustable sole portion are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0312347, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, an adjustable mechanism is provided on the sole to "decouple" the relationship between the face angle and the hosel / shaft loft, i.e., to allow separate adjustment of the square loft and the face angle of the golf club. For example, some embodiments of the golf club head include an adjustable sole portion that can be adjusted relative to the club head body to raise and lower the rear end of the club head relative to the ground. Further details regarding the adjustable sole portion are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0312347, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, an adjustable mechanism is provided on the sole to "decouple" the relationship between the face angle and the hosel / shaft loft, i.e., to allow separate adjustment of the square loft and the face angle of the golf club. For example, some embodiments of the golf club head include an adjustable sole portion that can be adjusted relative to the club head body to raise and lower the rear end of the club head relative to the ground. Further details regarding the adjustable sole portion are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0312347, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, an adjustable mechanism is provided on the sole to "decouple" the relationship between the face angle and the hosel / shaft loft, i.e., to allow separate adjustment of the square loft and the face angle of the golf club. For example, some embodiments of the golf club head include an adjustable sole portion that can be adjusted relative to the club head body to raise and lower the rear end of the club head relative to the ground. Further details regarding the adjustable sole portion are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0312347, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, an adjustable mechanism is provided on the sole to "decouple" the relationship between the face angle and the hosel / shaft loft, i.e., to allow separate adjustment of the square loft and the face angle of the golf club. For example, some embodiments of the golf club head include an adjustable sole portion that can be adjusted relative to the club head body to raise and lower the rear end of the club head relative to the ground. Further details regarding the adjustable sole portion are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0312347, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0167] In addition, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 686,677, filed on November 27, 2012, under the name "Golf Club" and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as a reference. In addition, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 686,677, filed on November 27, 2012, under the name "Golf Club" and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as a reference. As described in detail above, a rotatably adjustable sole piece (ASP) may be included in some

[0168] embodiments and may be useful for adjusting the face angle. The rotatably adjustable sole piece may be configured to be fixed to the sole at one of a plurality of rotational positions with respect to an axis located centrally extending through the sole piece. The sole piece extends a different axial distance from the sole at each of the rotational positions. Adjusting the sole piece to a different one of the rotational positions causes the face angle of the golf club head when the golf club head is in the address position to vary independently of the loft angle of the golf club head. In some of these embodiments, a releasable locking mechanism is configured to lock the sole piece to a selected one of the rotational positions on the sole. The locking mechanism may include a screw

[0169] adapted to extend through the sole piece into a threaded opening in the sole of the club head body. In some of these embodiments, the sole piece has a convex bottom surface such that the bottom surface substantially matches the heel-to-toe curvature of the leading side contact surface of the sole when the sole piece is in each rotational position. Some It can be fixed to the sole. The adjustable sole piece can include an annular side wall including three or more wall portions that are substantially symmetric with respect to the central axis of the sole piece. In some embodiments, adjusting the rotational position of the sole piece causes the face angle of the golf club head when the golf club head is in the address position to vary independently of the loft angle of the golf club head. The golf club head may further include a recessed sole port in the sole of the golf club head. The rotatably adjustable sole piece may be at least partially received within the sole port. The sole piece includes a central body having a plurality of faces adapted to contact the sole port, and the faces may be offset from each other along a central axis extending through the central body. The sole piece can be positioned at three or more rotational and axial positions with respect to the central axis at least partially within the sole port. At each rotational position, at least one of the plurality of faces of the central body contacts the sole port to set the axial position of the sole piece. The sole port and the sole piece may each be generally triangular, square, pentagonal, circular, or some other shape when viewed from the bottom of the golf club head. In some embodiments, the golf club body may further include an adjustable sole piece that can be fixed to the sole of the club head at three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, and / or seven or more different separate rotational and axial positions with respect to an axis extending through the sole piece, where the loft angle of the club head is independent of the face angle of the club head when the club head is in the address position.

[0170] The golf club head may further include a recessed sole port in the sole of the golf club head. The rotatably adjustable sole piece may be at least partially received within the sole port. The sole piece includes a central body having a plurality of faces adapted to contact the sole port, and the faces may be offset from each other along a central axis extending through the central body. The sole piece can be positioned at three or more rotational and axial positions with respect to the central axis at least partially within the sole port. At each rotational position, at least one of the plurality of faces of the central body contacts the sole port to set the axial position of the sole piece. The sole port and the sole piece may each be generally triangular, square, pentagonal, circular, or some other shape when viewed from the bottom of the golf club head. In some embodiments, the golf club body may further include an adjustable sole piece that can be fixed to the sole of the club head at three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, and / or seven or more different separate rotational and axial positions with respect to an axis extending through the sole piece, where the loft angle of the club head is independent of the face angle of the club head when the club head is in the address position. The sole port and the sole piece may each be generally triangular, square, pentagonal, circular, or some other shape when viewed from the bottom of the golf club head. In some embodiments, the golf club body may further include an adjustable sole piece that can be fixed to the sole of the club head at three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, and / or seven or more different separate rotational and axial positions with respect to an axis extending through the sole piece, where the

[0171] In some embodiments, the golf club body may further include an adjustable sole piece that can be fixed to the sole of the club head at three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, and / or seven or more different separate rotational and axial positions with respect to an axis extending through the sole piece, where the loft angle of the club head is independent of the face angle of the club head when the club head is in the address position. The sole port and the sole piece may each be generally triangular, square, pentagonal, circular, or some other shape when viewed from the bottom of the golf club head. loft angle of the club head is independent of the face angle of the club head when the club head is in the address position. The face angle varies at each position of the sole piece. In some embodiments, the sole piece has an outer wall including a plurality of notches configured to engage corresponding ridges on the sole of the club head to prevent rotation of the sole piece when the sole piece is fixed to the sole. In some embodiments, adjusting the sole piece between different separate rotational and axial positions does not cause a substantial change in the square loft angle of the club head. In some embodiments, adjusting the sole piece between different separate rotational and axial positions allows the face angle of the club head to be adjusted over a range of at least 8°. In some embodiments, the sole piece has a convex bottom surface such that the bottom surface has a heel-to-toe curvature that substantially matches the heel-to-toe curvature of the leading side surface portion of the sole when the sole piece is in each rotational position. In some embodiments, the sole piece includes a generally cylindrical stepped wall having a plurality of wall portions in a angular array about a central axis, the wall portions including at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, and / or at least seven upper surface trios, each upper surface trio configured to engage a sole port of the body to set the sole piece in different axial positions relative to the sole.

[0172] In some embodiments, an adjustable sole piece (ASP) may be incorporated into a weight and could also be incorporated into a movable weight. For example, as shown in FIG. 50, golf club head 15002B includes a rear weight port 15100 and a front weight port 15102 with a mounted ASP 15104. As shown, ​​​​​​​​​​​​In the exposed rear weight port, there is a raised platform 15106, and it is geometrically centered on the weight port. The platform 15106 is centered with a central column 15108 and two or more protruding projections or protuberances or ears 15110 designed to engage with the ASP extending from opposite sides of the central column. As shown, the platform includes three projections, but more or fewer projections may be used to engage the ASP.

[0173] Similarly, the front weight port 15102 may further include a similar platform for engaging the ASP, allowing the ASP to be interchangeable between the front and rear weight ports. As further shown in FIG. 50, the weight assembly 15040, the adjustable sole piece 15102, and the adjustable hose screw 15096 may all include sockets with lobes adapted to engage a single tool such as a wrench, a torque wrench, or an Allan wrench.

[0174] The weight port is generally a structure connected to the golf club head crown, the golf club head skirt, the golf club head sole, or any combination thereof, and can be described as a structure defining a recess, a cavity, or a hole on, around, or within the golf club head. The bottom of the weight port defines a threaded opening 15112 for attaching the weight 15102. The threaded opening 15112 is adapted to receive and secure the threaded It is configured to. The threaded body may be in the range of M2 - M10, and a preferred embodiment has a thread portion of M5×0.8. The threaded opening may be further defined by a boss extending either inward or outward with respect to the weight port. Preferably, the boss has a length of at least half the length of the threaded body, and more preferably, the boss has a length 1.5 times the diameter of the threaded body. Alternatively, the threaded opening may be formed without a boss. As discussed in more detail in the applications mentioned above, when the ASP is rotated, different portions of the ASP are oriented to engage the protrusions, whereby the ASP is oriented to extend different axial distances from the sole. Each axial distance corresponds to a change in the face angle. In one embodiment, the ASP includes a plurality of steps of various heights that engage the protrusions and allow for adjustment of the axial distance. Although not specifically shown, the front weight port may further include a protrusion designed to engage the ASP. This allows for a combination type ASP and a movable weight. In the forward position, the user can modify the face angle and achieve a low spin driver due to the front weight. Additionally or alternatively, the user can move the combination of the ASP and the weight to the rear port, thereby increasing the MOI, increasing the spin, and maintaining the same face angle adjustability. Notably, the face adjustment can be made independently of the loft adjustment and / or lie adjustment.

[0175]

[0176]

[0177] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In some embodiments, both the front weight port and the rear weight port may be designed to engage the ASP, and the front ASP and the rear ASP may cooperate to adjust the face angle. In other embodiments, the face angle may be adjusted by a single ASP located in either the front weight port or the rear weight port. For example, a light weight such as 1 gram may be used to cover the unused one of the front weight port or the rear weight port. Although multiple protrusions within the weight port are shown as engaging the ASP, many other designs should modify the face angle. For example, a wedge or trapezoidal shape may be used instead. Rotating the wedge around its axis may cause a change in the face angle due to the changing distance of the wedge in contact with the ground. In other embodiments, the face angle may be adjusted by a single ASP located in either the front weight port or the rear weight port. For example, a light weight such as 1 gram may be used to cover the unused one of the front weight port or the rear weight port. Although multiple protrusions within the weight port are shown as engaging the ASP, many other designs should modify the face angle. For example, a wedge or trapezoidal shape may be used instead. Rotating the wedge around its axis may cause a change in the face angle due to the changing distance of the wedge in contact with the ground. Although multiple protrusions within the weight port are shown as engaging the ASP, many other designs should modify the face angle. For example, a wedge or trapezoidal shape may be used instead. Rotating the wedge around its axis may cause a change in the face angle due to the changing distance of the wedge in contact with the ground. Although multiple protrusions within the weight port are shown as engaging the ASP, many other designs should modify the face angle. For example, a wedge or trapezoidal shape may be used instead. Rotating the wedge around its axis may cause a change in the face angle due to the changing distance of the wedge in contact with the ground.

[0178] Although multiple protrusions within the weight port are shown as engaging the ASP, many other designs should modify the face angle. For example, a wedge or trapezoidal shape may be used instead. Rotating the wedge around its axis may cause a change in the face angle due to the changing distance of the wedge in contact with the ground. Although multiple protrusions within the weight port are shown as engaging the ASP, many other designs should modify the face angle. For example, a wedge or trapezoidal shape may be used instead. Rotating the wedge around its axis may cause a change in the face angle due to the changing distance of the wedge in contact with the ground. Although multiple protrusions within the weight port are shown as engaging the ASP, many other designs should modify the face angle. For example, a wedge or trapezoidal shape may be used instead. Rotating the wedge around its axis may cause a change in the face angle due to the changing distance of the wedge in contact with the ground. Although multiple protrusions within the weight port are shown as engaging the ASP, many other designs should modify the face angle. For example, a wedge or trapezoidal shape may be used instead. Rotating the wedge around its axis may cause a change in the face angle due to the changing distance of the wedge in contact with the ground.

[0179] The ASP will have a range of sizes and weights. The ASP may have a weight range from 1 g to 50 g. Each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of its weight, such as letters, numbers, patterns, etc., or may be color-coded to indicate the weight, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of the adjustment to the face angle, such as "neutral", "open", and "closed". The ASP will have a range of sizes and weights. The ASP may have a weight range from 1 g to 50 g. Each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of its weight, such as letters, numbers, patterns, etc., or may be color-coded to indicate the weight, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of the adjustment to the face angle, such as "neutral", "open", and "closed". The ASP will have a range of sizes and weights. The ASP may have a weight range from 1 g to 50 g. Each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of its weight, such as letters, numbers, patterns, etc., or may be color-coded to indicate the weight, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of the adjustment to the face angle, such as "neutral", "open", and "closed". The ASP will have a range of sizes and weights. The ASP may have a weight range from 1 g to 50 g. Each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of its weight, such as letters, numbers, patterns, etc., or may be color-coded to indicate the weight, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of the adjustment to the face angle, such as "neutral", "open", and "closed". The ASP will have a range of sizes and weights. The ASP may have a weight range from 1 g to 50 g. Each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of its weight, such as letters, numbers, patterns, etc., or may be color-coded to indicate the weight, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of the adjustment to the face angle, such as "neutral", "open", and "closed". The ASP will have a range of sizes and weights. The ASP may have a weight range from 1 g to 50 g. Each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of its weight, such as letters, numbers, patterns, etc., or may be color-coded to indicate the weight, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, each combination weight and ASP may include an indication of the adjustment to the face angle, such as "neutral", "open", and "closed".

[0180] The ASP allows for an adjustment range between the open position and the closed position, enabling the user to vary the amount by which the face is opened or closed. The ASP is for a golf club head The ASP allows for an adjustment range between the open position and the closed position, enabling the user to vary the amount by which the face is opened or closed. The ASP is for a golf club head The face angle of the sole can be varied from about 0.5 to about 12 degrees. For example, the user can adjust the face angle from neutral to 2° open or 4° open.

[0181] A plurality of weight ports combined with the sliding weight 15040 of the weight track 15020 and the ASP provide additional adjustability. The weight assembly shown includes a window that can be used to highlight various displays along the sliding weight track. The displays may indicate various draw biases or fade biases. The golf club head further includes an adjustable hosel 15094 and a screw 15096 for fixing the adjustable hosel. The adjustable hosel may also be referred to as an FCT hosel, and FCT stands for Flight Control Technology. Flight control technology enables the adjustment of the loft angle, lie angle, and / or face angle. The adjustable hosel allows the user to adjust the loft and / or lie of the golf club head.

[0182] Referring to FIGS. 51 and 52, a golf club head 15002C of another embodiment that is substantially similar to the golf club head 15002B embodiment shown in FIG. 50 is shown. The significant difference is that the golf club head 15002C includes a rear winglet 151 60. The rear winglet 15160 provides a platform that deviates from the curvature of the sole and lowers the CG. The platform may simply be an additional sole or may be configured to receive either a weight or a combination ASP and weight. ​​​​​may also be calculated. As can be best seen from FIG. 52, the rear winglet 15160 provides a platform that extends away from the sole and further lowers the CG.

[0183] The extended sole created from the rear winglet 15160 helps to maximize the MOI, especially if it holds additional weights or ASP weights. In addition, since the rear winglet extends away from the sole, any additional weights placed there should have a minimal impact on the CG projection onto the face. Additionally, if the winglet is well-designed, there will be less disruption to the club's aerodynamics than if the entire sole were lowered. Also, if the entire sole were lowered, the overall volume of the head would increase and might conflict with the current USGA volume limits.

[0184] Composite Material Some current approaches to reducing the structural mass of metalwood club heads are directed at making at least a portion of the club head from alternative materials. Most current metalwood bodies and face plates are made of titanium alloys, whereas some club heads are available that are made, at least in part, of components formed from either graphite / epoxy composites (or other suitable composite materials) and alloys. Graphite composites have a density of about 1.5 g / cm compared to titanium alloys that have a density of about 4.5 g / cm This offers the promise of providing more discretionary mass in the club head. For example, the crown, sole, and / or 3 5, which provides a perspective that encourages the expectation of providing more discretionary mass in the club head. 5 g / cm 3 This offers the promise of providing more discretionary mass in the club head. For example, the crown, sole, and / or provides a perspective that encourages the expectation of providing more discretionary mass in the club head. For example, the crown, sole, and / or Or by making the faceplate from a composite material, a significant weight reduction can be achieved.

[0185] Composite materials useful for making metal wood club head components often include a fiber portion and a resin portion. Generally, the resin portion serves as the "matrix" and the fibers are embedded therein in a defined manner. In a composite material for a club head, the fiber portion may be configured as a plurality of fibrous layers or plies that impregnate the resin component. For example, in one group of such club heads, a portion of the body is made of a carbon fiber (graphite

[0186] / epoxy composite and a titanium alloy is used as the main faceplate material. Other club heads are made entirely of one or more composite materials. The ability to utilize lightweight composite materials in the construction of the faceplate further provides several significant weight and other performance-related advantages. Golf club head constructions that include polymer materials as an integral part of the design have been relatively rare heretofore. Such materials, while having the low weight that is a prerequisite for providing a significant weight reduction, are often difficult to utilize in club head areas that are exposed to the stresses

[0187] induced by high-speed impact of a golf ball.

[0188] Any polymer materials used to construct the crown exhibit high strength and stiffness over a wide temperature range, along with sufficient fatigue and wear behavior, and must have durability against stress cracking. Such properties ​​​​​​a) Tensile strength: from about 50 kspi to about 1,000 kpsi, preferably from about 150 MPa to about 500 MPa, more preferably from about 200 MPa to about 400 MPa (measured by ASTM D63 8 or ISO 527), b) Tensile modulus: from about 2 GPa to about 100 GPa, preferably from about 10 GPa to about 80 G Pa, more preferably from about 10 GPa to 70 GPa (measured by ASTM D638 or ISO 52 7), c) Flexural strength: from about 50 MPa to about 1,000 MPa, more preferably from about 100 MPa to about 750 MPa, even more preferably from about 150 MPa to about 500 MPa (measured by ASTM D790 or ISO 178), d) Flexural modulus: from about 2 GPa to about 50 GPa, more preferably from about 5 GPa to about 40 G Pa, even more preferably from about 7 GPa to about 30 GPa (measured by ASTM D790 or ISO 1 78), e) Tensile elongation: measured by ASTM D638 or ISO 527, greater than about 1%, preferably greater than about 1.5%, even more preferably greater than about 3%, and included.

[0189] Exemplary polymers include, but are not limited to, synthetic and natural rubbers, thermosetting polymers such as thermosetting polyurethanes or thermosetting polyureas, and thermoplastic polymers including thermoplastic elastomers such as thermoplastic polyurethanes and thermoplastic polyureas, metallocene-catalyzed polymers, unimodal ethylene / carboxylic acid copolymers, unimodal ethylene / carboxylic acid / carboxylate terpolymers, bimodal ethylene / carboxylic acid copolymers, bimodal ethylene / carboxylic acid / carboxylate terpolymers, polyamides (PA ) Polyketone (PK), copolyamide, polyester, copolyester, polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polyolefin, halogenated polyolefin [e.g., chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)], halogenated polyalkylene compound, polyalkenamide, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, diallyl phthalate polymer, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide- ionomer, polyurethane ionomer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyarylate, polyacrylate, polyphenylene ether, impact-modified polyphenylene ether, polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylonitrile, styrene-maleic anhydride (S / MA) polymer, styrene-butadiene- styrene (SBS) and styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) and styrene- ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS) styrene block copolymers, styrenic terpolymers, hydroxyl-functionalized styrenic copolymers and terpolymers including functionalized styrenic block copolymers, cellulose-based polymers, liquid crystal polymers (LCP), ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-propylene copolymer, polypropylene elastomer ( as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,525,157 to Kim et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference), ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurea, and polysiloxane, and any and all combinations thereof can be included.

[0190] Of these, the most preferred are polyamide (PA), polyphthalimide (PPA), polyketone (PK), copolyamide, polyester, copolyester, polycarbonate , polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polyph enylene oxide, diallyl phthalate polymer, polyarylate, polyacrylate, polyphenylene ether, and impact-modified polyphenylene ether, and any and all combinations thereof.

[0191] In some embodiments, the crown may be made of a composite material including a carbon composite material including a plurality of plies or a plurality of layers of fibrous material (e.g., graphite, or a hybrid structure including both turbostratic or graphite-like carbon fibers or graphite-like portions and turbostratic portions). Some examples of these composite materials for use in metalwood golf clubs and their manufacturing procedures are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 442,3 48 (currently U.S. Patent No. 7,267,620), No. 10 / 831,496 (currently U.S. Patent No. 7,140,974), No. 11 / 642,310, No. 11 / 825,1 38, No. 11 / 998,436, No. 11 / 895,195, No. 11 / 823 ,638, No. 12 / 004,386, No. 12 / 004,387, No. 11 / 9 60,609, No. 11 / 960,610, and No. 12 / 156,947, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The composite material may be manufactured, at least, in accordance with the method described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 825,138, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 48 (currently U.S. Patent No. 7,267,620), No. 10 / 831,496 (currently U.S. Patent No. 7,140,974), No. 11 / 642,310, No. 11 / 825,1 38, No. 11 / 998,436, No. 11 / 895,195, No. 11 / 823 38, No. 11 / 998,436, No. 11 / 895,195, No. 11 / 823 ,638, No. 12 / 004,386, No. 12 / 004,387, No. 11 / 9 60,609, No. 11 / 960,610, and No. 12 / 156,947, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The composite material may be manufactured, at least, in accordance with the method described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 825,138, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Of these, the most preferred are polyamide (PA), polyphthalimide (PPA), polyketone (PK), copolyamide, polyester, copolyester, polycarbonate Of these, the most preferred are polyamide (PA), polyphthalimide (PPA),

[0192] Alternatively, the crown may be formed from the short or long fiber reinforced formulations of the aforementioned polymers. Exemplary formulations include the 30% carbon fiber filled nylon 6 / 6 polyamide formulation commercially available from RTP Company under the trade name RTP285. This material has a tensile strength of 35,000 psi (241 MPa) as measured by ASTM D638, a tensile elongation of 2.0 - 3.0% as measured by ASTM D638, a tensile modulus of 3.30×10 psi (22754 MPa) as measured by ASTM D638, a flexural strength of 50,000 psi (345 MPa) as measured by ASTM D790, and a flexural modulus of 2.60×10 psi (17927 MPa) as measured by ASTM D790. D638, a flexural strength of 50,000 psi (345 MPa) as measured by ASTM D790, and a flexural modulus of 2.60×10 6 psi (22754 MPa) as measured by ASTM D638, a flexural strength of 50,000 psi (345 MPa) as measured by ASTM D790, and a flexural modulus of 2.60×10 STM D790, and a flexural modulus of 2.60×10 psi (17927 MPa) as measured by ASTM D790. 6 psi (17927 MPa) as measured by ASTM D790. , and has.

[0193] Furthermore, the 40% carbon fiber filled polyphthalamide (PPA) formulation commercially available from RTP Company under the trade name RTP4087UP can be mentioned. This material has a tensile strength of 360 MPa as measured by ISO527, a tensile elongation of 1.4% as measured by ISO527, a tensile modulus of 41500 MPa as measured by ISO527, a flexural strength of 5 80 MPa as measured by ISO178, and a flexural modulus of 34500 MPa as measured by ISO178, and has. a flexural strength of 580 MPa as measured by ISO178, and a flexural modulus of 34500 MPa as measured by ISO178, and has.

[0194] Furthermore, the 30% carbon fiber filled polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) formulation commercially available from RTP Company under the trade name RTP1385UP can be mentioned. This material has a tensile strength of 255 MPa as measured by ISO 527, a tensile elongation of 1.3% as measured by ISO527, a tensile elongation of 1.3% as measured by ISO527, Elongation at break, tensile modulus of 28,500 MPa measured according to ISO 527, flexural strength of 385 MPa measured according to ISO 178, and flexural modulus of 23,000 MPa measured according to ISO 178.

[0195] In another embodiment, the crown is formed as a two-layer structure comprising an injection-molded inner layer and an outer layer comprising a thermoplastic composite laminate. The injection-molded inner layer may be prepared from a thermoplastic polymer, and suitable materials include polyamide (PA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Typically, the thermoplastic composite laminate structure used to prepare the outer layer is a continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin. The continuous fibers include glass fibers (both roving glass and filament glass), aramid fibers, and carbon fibers. The thermoplastic resin impregnating these fibers to form the laminate material includes polyamide (including, but not limited to, PA, PA6, PA12, and PA6), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurea (TPU), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

[0196] The laminate can be formed in a continuous process that integrally fuses a thermoplastic matrix polymer and individual fiber structural layers under high pressure into a single consolidated laminate, and both the number of layers fused to form the final laminate and the thickness of the final laminate can be varied. Typically, the laminate sheet is consolidated in a double-belt laminating press, resulting in a void content of less than 2 percent and a fiber volume in the range of somewhere between 35 percent and 55 percent, and is thin and ​The product has a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 6.0 mm thick and includes up to 20 layers and so on. Further information on the structure and preparation method of such a laminate structure is available in European Patent No. EP19 23420B1 issued to Bond Laminates GMBH on February 25, 2009, and the entire content of this patent is incorporated herein by reference as a reference.

[0197] The outer composite laminate structure may further be formed from a TEPEX®-based resin laminate commercially available from Bond Laminates, and a preferred example thereof is T EPEX® dynalite201, that is, a PA66 polyamide formulation having reinforcing carbon fibers, and the formulation has a density of 1.4 g / cm ³, a fiber 3 content of 45 vol%, a tensile strength of 785 MPa as measured by ASTM D638, ASTM D638 a tensile modulus of 53 GPa as measured by, a flexural strength of 760 MPa as measured by ASTM D790 and a flexural modulus of 45 GPa as measured by ASTM D790.

[0198] Another preferred example is TEPEX® dynalite208, that is, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based formulation having reinforcing carbon fibers, and the formulation has a density of 1 .5 g / cm 3 ³, a fiber content of 45 vol%, a tensile strength of 7 10 MPa as measured by ASTM D638, a tensile modulus of 48 GPa as measured by ASTM D638, AS a flexural strength of 745 MPa as measured by ASTM D790, and a flexural modulus of 41 GPa as measured by ASTM D790 as measured.

[0199] ​​​ Another preferred example is TEPEX® dynalite 207, i.e., a polyurethane sulfide (PPS)-based formulation having reinforcing carbon fibers, the formulation having a density of 1.6 g / cm 3, a fiber content of 45 vol%, a tensile strength of 710 MPa as measured by ASTM D638, a tensile modulus of 55 GPa as measured by ASTM D638, a 3 flexural strength of 650 MPa as measured by ASTM D790, and a flexural modulus of 40 GPa as measured by ASTM D790.

[0200] There are various ways to form a multi-layer composite crown. In some embodiments, the outer layer is formed separately and individually from the formation of the injection-molded inner layer. The outer layer can be formed using known techniques for shaping thermoplastic composite laminates into parts, such techniques including, but not limited to, compression molding, or rubber and matched metal press molding, or diaphragm molding.

[0201] The inner layer is injection molded using conventional techniques and can be fixed to the outer crown layer by attachment methods known in the art, such attachment methods including, but not limited to, adhesive bonding including gluing, welding (suitable welding processes being ultrasonic welding, hot element welding, vibration welding, rotary friction welding, or high-frequency welding (Plastics Handbook, Vol. 3 / 4, pages 106-107, Carl Hanser Verlag Munich & Vienna 1998 (Plastics Handbook, Vol. 3 / 4, pages 106-107, Carl Hanser Verlag Munich & Wien 1998). ​& Vienna 1998)), or calendaring, or mechanical fastening including riveting or screw-type interactions is included.

[0202] Before the inner layer is fixed to the outer layer, the outer surface of the inner layer and / or the inner surface of the outer layer may be pretreated using one or more of the following processes (Ehrenstein, “Handbuch Kunstsoff-Verbi ndungstechnik”, Carl Hanser Verlag Munich 200 4, pages 494 - 504 (Ehrenstein, “Handbuch Kunststoff-Verbindungstechnik ”, Carl Hanser Verlag Munich 2004, pages 494 - 504) which are disclosed in detail) and, namely, · Mechanical treatment, preferably by brushing or abrading · Cleaning using a liquid, preferably an aqueous solution or an organic solvent for removing surface deposits · Flame treatment, preferably using propane gas, natural gas, town gas, or butane treatment · Corona treatment (electrostatically charged atmospheric pressure plasma) · Non - electrostatic atmospheric pressure plasma treatment · Low - pressure plasma treatment (in an air and O 2 atmosphere) · UV light treatment · Chemical pretreatment, for example wet - chemical pretreatment by vapor - phase pretreatment · Primer and binder and may be pretreated using one or more of them.

[0203] Among particularly preferred preparation methods, a so - called hybrid molding process may be used in which the outer layer of the composite laminate is insert - molded into the inner layer of injection molding to provide additional strength. Typically, The composite laminate structure is injection molded as a heated flat sheet or preferably as a preform and introduced into a mold. During injection molding, the inner thermoplastic material is then formed onto the inner surface of the composite laminate structure, and the materials are integrally fused to form a crown as an integrated part. Typically, the inner layer of the injection molding is made from the same polymer system as the matrix material used to form the composite laminate structure used to form the outer layer in order to ensure good weld bonding.

[0204] In addition to being formed into the desired shape for the rear body of the club head, the thermoplastic inner layer further includes one or more stiffening ribs to impart strength and / or desired acoustic properties, and one or more weight ports to allow the placement of additional tungsten (or other metal) weights.

[0205] The thickness of the inner layer is typically from about 0.25 mm to about 2 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 1.25 mm.

[0206] The thickness of the composite laminate structure used to form the outer layer is typically from about 0.25 m m to about 2 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 1.25 mm, and even more preferably from 0. 5 mm to 1 mm.

[0207] As described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,623,378, filed June 11, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety under the name "Method and Golf Club Head for Manufacture", the crown or outer shell may be made of a composite material such as, for example, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, or polymer. ​​​In addition, U.S. Patent Application Nos. 10 / 316,453 and 10 / 634,023 describe golf club heads having lightweight crowns. Further, U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 974,437 (currently U.S. Patent No. 8,608,591) describes golf club heads having lightweight crowns and soles.

[0208] The composite materials used to construct the crown exhibit high strength and stiffness over a wide temperature range, along with sufficient fatigue and wear behavior, and must have durability against stress cracking. Such properties include a) Tensile strength at room temperature: from about 7 ksi to about 330 ksi, preferably from about 8 ksi to about 3 05 ksi, more preferably from about 200 ksi to about 300 ksi, even more preferably from about 250 ksi to 300 ksi (measured according to ASTM D638 and / or ASTM D3039), b) Tensile modulus at room temperature: from about 0.4 Msi to about 23 Msi, preferably from about 0.46 Msi to about 21 Msi, more preferably from about 0.46 Msi to about 19 Msi (measured according to ASTM D6 38 and / or ASTM D3039), c) Flexural strength at room temperature: from about 13 ksi to about 300 ksi, from about 14 ksi to about 290 ksi, more preferably from about 50 ksi to about 285 ksi, even more preferably from about 100 ksi to 280 ksi (measured according to ASTM D790), d) Flexural modulus at room temperature: from about 0.4 Msi to about 21 Msi, from about 0.5 Msi to about 2 0 Msi, more preferably from about 10 Msi to about 19 Msi (measured according to ASTM D790 ), and include.

[0209] The composite material useful for making club head components comprises a fiber portion and a resin portion. Generally, the resin portion serves as a "matrix" in which the fibers are embedded in a defined way. In the composite material for the club head, the fiber portion is composed of a plurality of fibrous layers or plies impregnated with the resin component. The fibers in each layer have their respective orientations, which typically differ from one layer to the next and are precisely controlled. The usual number of layers for the hitting face is quite large, for example 40 or more. On the other hand, for the sole or crown, the number of layers can be substantially reduced, for example, to 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, and examples are provided below. During the fabrication of the composite material, the layers (each layer comprising fibers oriented respectively in the uncured or partially cured resin, and each such layer is called a "prepreg" layer) are placed in a "lay-up" manner. After forming the prepreg lay-up, the resin is cured to a rigid state. If desired, the intrinsic strength can also be calculated by dividing the tensile strength by the material density. This is also known as the strength-to-weight ratio or strength / weight ratio. In some tests related to certain club head configurations, composite portions formed with prepreg

[0210] plies having a relatively low fiber area weight (FAW) have been found to provide excellent characteristics in several areas such as impact resistance, durability, and overall club performance. (FAW is the weight of the fiber portion of a given amount of prepreg in g / m .) 2 100 g / m 2Below, more preferably below 70 g / m 2 FAW values below, are particularly effective as has been pointed out, is a fibrous material particularly suitable for use in prepreg ply fabrication is carbon fiber. More than one fibrous material can also be used. That being said, in other embodiments in the form, prepreg plies having FAW values below 70 g / m 2 and above 100 g / m 2 FAW values may be used. Generally, for prepreg plies having FAW values below 70 g / m cost is the main inhibiting factor 2 having a FAW value below In prepreg plies that do, cost is the main inhibiting factor

[0211] In some particular embodiments, multiple low-FAW prepreg plies can be laminated and still have a relatively uniform fiber distribution across the thickness of the laminated ply. In contrast, at comparable resin content (R / C, in percent) levels, laminated plies of prepreg materials having higher FAW have a tendency to have more significant resin-rich regions at the interfaces between adjacent plies adjacent to the ply. Resin-rich regions tend to reduce the effectiveness of fiber reinforcement because, specifically, the forces resulting from a golf ball impact are generally transverse to the orientation of the fibers of the fiber reinforcement adjacent plies. The prepreg plies used to form the panel desirably comprise carbon fibers impregnated with a suitable resin such as epoxy adjacent plies. Resin-rich regions tend to reduce the effectiveness of fiber reinforcement because, specifically, the forces resulting from a golf ball impact are generally transverse to the orientation of the fibers of the fiber reinforcement adjacent plies. The prepreg plies used to form the panel desirably comprise carbon fibers impregnated with a suitable resin such as epoxy adjacent plies. The prepreg plies used to form the panel desirably comprise carbon fibers impregnated with a suitable resin such as epoxy 500 Mpa (650 Ksi) tensile strength, "34-700" carbon fiber (available from Grafil, Sacramento, California adjacent plies. The prepreg plies used to form the panel desirably comprise carbon fibers impregnated with a suitable resin such as epoxy Another Grafil fiber that can be used is "TR50S" carbon fiber, having a tensile modulus of 240 Gpa (35 Msi ) has a tensile modulus of elasticity and a tensile strength of 4900 Mpa (710 ksi). Suitable epoxy resins are of type "301" and type "350" (available from Ne wport Adhesives and Composites, Irvine, California) . The resin content (R / C) by way of example is between 33% and 40%, preferably between 35 % and 40%, more preferably between 36% and 38%.

[0212] Each of the golf club heads discussed throughout this application may be a composite and may include separate crowns, soles, and / or faces, such as carbon fiber reinforced epoxy or carbon fiber reinforced polymer or polymer crowns, soles, and / or faces. Or, instead, the crown, sole, and / or f ace may be made of a material with a lower density, such as titanium or aluminum, for example. As an example, FIG. 53 shows a top view of a golf club head 12 002F having a composite crown 12014, and FIG. 54A shows a cross-sectional view detailing the geometry. As shown in FIGS. 54 and 55, a portion of the sole, face, and crown are all cast from either steel (~8.05 g / cm ), while most of the crown is made of a material with a lower density, such as a material having a density of about 1.5 g / c m 3 or titanium (~4.43 g / cm 3 ), while most of the crown is made of a material with a lower density, such as a material having a density of about 1.5 g / cm or a material having a density of about 4.43 g / cm m 3 or some other material having a density lower than 4.43 g / cm 3 . In other words, the crown may be made of some other metal or composite . It may also be possible. Additionally or alternatively, rather than being cast as part of the sole, the face may be welded in place.

[0213] By making the crown, sole, and / or face from a less dense material, cost savings can be achieved, or the weight can be redistributed from the crown, sole, and / or face to other areas of the club head, such as the lower and / or forward areas.

[0214] U.S. Patent No. 8,163,119 discloses a composite article and a method of making the composite article, and the entire disclosure of that patent is hereby incorporated by reference. This patent discloses that a typical number of layers for a hitting plate is quite large, 50 or more. However, technological improvements have been made such that the number of layers can be reduced to between 30 and 50 layers. As already discussed with respect to the sole and / or crown, the layers can be reduced to substantially 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more layers. As already discussed with respect to the sole and / or crown, the layers can be reduced to substantially 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more layers.

[0215] The following table provides examples of possible laminate configurations. These laminate configurations show possible crown and / or sole constructions using unidirectional plies, unless otherwise noted as woven plies. The constructions shown are for a pseudo-isotropic laminate configuration. A single layer ply has a thickness in the range of about 0.065 mm to about 0.080 mm with a resin content of about 36% to about 40% for a standard FAW of 70 gsm. The thickness of each individual ply can be modified by adjusting either the FAW or the resin content, and thus the overall thickness of the laminate configuration can be modified by adjusting these parameters. ​ It is.

[0216]

Table 1

[0217] The area weight (AW) is calculated by multiplying the density by the thickness. For the ply shown above made of a composite material, the density is about 1.5 g / cm , and for titanium, the density 3 is about 4.5 g / cm . Depending on the materials used and the number of plies, the composite crown and / or 3 the sole thickness is in the range of about 0.195 mm to about 0.9 mm, preferably about 0.25 mm to about 0 .75 mm, more preferably about 0.3 mm to about 0.65 mm, and even more preferably about 0 .36 mm to about 0.56 mm. These ranges are given for the crown and sole together, but it should be understood that it does not necessarily mean that the crown and sole have the same thickness or are made of the same material. In some specific embodiments, the sole may be made of either a titanium alloy or a steel alloy. Similarly, the club main body may be made of either a titanium alloy or a steel alloy. Titanium will typically be in the range of about 0.4 mm to about 0.9 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to about 0.8 mm, more preferably 0.4 mm to about 0.7 mm, and even more preferably 0.45 mm to about 0.6 mm. In some cases, the crown and / or sole may have a non-uniform thickness, for example, varying in thickness between about 0.45 mm and about 0.55 mm.

[0218]

[0218] By using a composite material for the crown and / or sole, especially for other parts of the club If used in combination with a thin-wall titanium structure (0.4 mm to 0.9 mm), a large amount of discretionary mass can be saved. In a thin-wall titanium structure, the manufacturing difficulty increases, and ultimately the number of parts that can be cast at one time decreases. In the past, more than 100 heads could be cast in one go, but due to the thin or thinner wall structure, fewer casting heads per cluster are required to achieve the desired combination of high yield and low material usage. As discussed in U.S. Patent No. 7,513,296, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, an important strategy for obtaining more discretionary mass is to reduce the wall thickness of the club head. For a typical titanium alloy "metal wood" club head with a volume of 460 cm (i.e., driver) and a crown area of 100 cm, the thickness of the crown is typically about 0.8 mm, and the mass of the crown is about 36 g. Thus, reducing the wall thickness by 0.2 mm (e.g., from 1 mm to 0.8 mm) results in a "savings" of 9.0 g of discretionary mass. The following examples will be useful in explaining the "savings" of discretionary mass that can be achieved by making a composite crown instead of a titanium alloy crown. For example, reducing the material thickness to about 0.73 mm results in an additional "savings" of discretionary mass of about 25.0 g over a 0.8 mm titanium alloy crown or about 34 g over a 1.0 mm titanium alloy crown. In addition, 0.6 m If used in combination with a thin-wall titanium structure (0.4 mm to 0.9 mm), a large amount of discretionary mass can be saved. In a thin-wall titanium structure, the manufacturing difficulty increases, and ultimately the number of parts that can be cast at one time decreases. In the past, more than 100 heads could be cast in one go, but due to the thin or thinner wall structure, fewer casting heads per cluster are required to achieve the desired combination of high yield and low material usage. As discussed in U.S. Patent No. 7,513,296, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, an important strategy for obtaining more discretionary mass is to reduce the wall thickness of the club head. For a typical titanium alloy "metal wood" club head with a volume of 460 cm (i.e., driver) and a crown area of 100 cm, the thickness of the crown is typically about 0.8 mm, and the mass of the crown is about 36 g. Thus, reducing the wall thickness by 0.2 mm (e.g., from 1 mm to 0.8 mm) results in a "savings" of 9.0 g of discretionary mass.

[0219] As discussed in U.S. Patent No. 7,513,296, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, an important strategy for obtaining more discretionary mass is to reduce the wall thickness of the club head. For a typical titanium alloy "metal wood" club head with a volume of 460 cm (i.e., driver) and a crown area of 100 cm, the thickness of the crown is typically about 0.8 mm, and the mass of the crown is about 36 g. Thus, reducing the wall thickness by 0.2 mm (e.g., from 1 mm to 0.8 mm) results in a "savings" of 9.0 g of discretionary mass. As discussed in U.S. Patent No. 7,513,296, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, an important strategy for obtaining more discretionary mass is to reduce the wall thickness of the club head. For a typical titanium alloy "metal wood" club head with a volume of 460 cm (i.e., driver) and a crown area of 100 cm, the thickness of the crown is typically about 0.8 mm, and the mass of the crown is about 36 g. Thus, reducing the wall thickness by 0.2 mm (e.g., from 1 mm to 0.8 mm) results in a "savings" of 9.0 g of discretionary mass. The following examples will be useful in explaining the "savings" of discretionary mass that can be achieved by making a composite crown instead of a titanium alloy crown. For example, reducing the material thickness to about 0.73 mm results in an additional "savings" of discretionary mass of about 25.0 g over a 0.8 mm titanium alloy crown or about 34 g over a 1.0 mm titanium alloy crown. In addition, 0.6 m 3 (i.e., driver) and a crown area of 100 cm 2 of a typical titanium alloy "metal wood" club head, the thickness of the crown is typically about 0.8 mm, and the mass of the crown is about 36 g. Thus, reducing the wall thickness by 0.2 mm (e.g., from 1 mm to 0.8 mm) results in a "savings" of 9.0 g of discretionary mass. For a typical titanium alloy "metal wood" club head with a volume of 460 cm (i.e., driver) and a crown area of 100 cm, the thickness of the crown is typically about 0.8 mm, and the mass of the crown is about 36 g. Thus, reducing the wall thickness by 0.2 mm (e.g., from 1 mm to 0.8 mm) results in a "savings" of 9.0 g of discretionary mass. The following examples will be useful in explaining the "savings" of discretionary mass that can be achieved by making a composite crown instead of a titanium alloy crown. For example, reducing the material thickness to about 0.73 mm results in an additional "savings" of discretionary mass of about 25.0 g over a 0.8 mm titanium alloy crown or about 34 g over a 1.0 mm titanium alloy crown. In addition, 0.6 m If used in combination with a thin-wall titanium structure (0.4 mm to 0.9 mm), a large amount of discretionary mass can be saved. In a thin-wall titanium structure, the manufacturing difficulty increases, and ultimately the number of parts that can be cast at one time decreases. In the past, more than 100 heads could be cast in one go, but due to the thin or thinner wall structure, fewer casting heads per cluster are required to achieve the desired combination of high yield and low material usage. As discussed in U.S. Patent No. 7,513,296, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, an important strategy for obtaining more discretionary mass is to reduce the wall thickness of the club head. For a typical titanium alloy "metal wood" club head with a volume of 460 cm (i.e., driver) and a crown area of 100 cm, the thickness of the crown is typically about 0.8 mm, and the mass of the crown is about 36 g. Thus, reducing the wall thickness by 0.2 mm (e.g., from 1 mm to 0.8 mm) results in a "savings" of 9.0 g of discretionary mass.

[0220] The following examples will be useful in explaining the "savings" of discretionary mass that can be achieved by making a composite crown instead of a titanium alloy crown. For example, reducing the material thickness to about 0.73 mm results in an additional "savings" of discretionary mass of about 25.0 g over a 0.8 mm titanium alloy crown or about 34 g over a 1.0 mm titanium alloy crown. In addition, 0.6 m If used in combination with a thin-wall titanium structure (0.4 mm to 0.9 mm), a large amount of discretionary mass can be saved. In a thin-wall titanium structure, the manufacturing difficulty increases, and ultimately the number of parts that can be cast at one time decreases. In the past, more than 100 heads could be cast in one go, but due to the thin or thinner wall structure, fewer casting heads per cluster are required to achieve the desired combination of high yield and low material usage. The following examples will be useful in explaining the "savings" of discretionary mass that can be achieved by making a composite crown instead of a titanium alloy crown. For example, reducing the material thickness to about 0.73 mm results in an additional "savings" of discretionary mass of about 25.0 g over a 0.8 mm titanium alloy crown or about 34 g over a 1.0 mm titanium alloy crown. In addition, 0.6 m If used in combination with a thin-wall titanium structure (0.4 mm to 0.9 mm), a large amount of discretionary mass can be saved. In a thin-wall titanium structure, the manufacturing difficulty increases, and ultimately the number of parts that can be cast at one time decreases. In the past, more than 100 heads could be cast in one go, but due to the thin or thinner wall structure, fewer casting heads per cluster are required to achieve the desired combination of high yield and low material usage. The following examples will be useful in explaining the "savings" of discretionary mass that can be achieved by making a composite crown instead of a titanium alloy crown. For example, reducing the material thickness to about 0.73 mm results in an additional "savings" of discretionary mass of about 25.0 g over a 0.8 mm titanium alloy crown or about 34 g over a 1.0 mm titanium alloy crown. In addition, 0.6 m If used in combination with a thin-wall titanium structure (0.4 mm to 0.9 mm), a large amount of discretionary mass can be saved. In a thin-wall titanium structure, the manufacturing difficulty increases, and ultimately the number of parts that can be cast at one time decreases. In the past, more than 100 heads could be cast in one go, but due to the thin or thinner wall structure, fewer casting heads per cluster are required to achieve the desired combination of high yield and low material usage. The m composite crown produces an additional discretionary mass "savings" of about 27 g, which is better than the 0.8 mm titanium alloy crown. Also, the 0.4 mm composite crown produces an additional discretionary mass "savings" of about 30 g, which is better than the 0.8 mm titanium alloy crown. To achieve an even greater weight savings, the crown can be made even thinner, for example, about 0.32 mm thick, about 0.26 mm thick, about 0.195 mm thick, etc. However, the crown thickness must be balanced with the overall durability of the crown during normal use and misuse. For example, an unprotected crown, i.e., a crown without a head cover, may potentially be damaged from collisions with other woods or irons in the golf bag. As discussed in the patents mentioned above, and as best seen from FIGS. 54 and 55, the outer shell or composite crown 12014 is preferably attached to the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120. To improve the strength of the connection between the composite crown 12014 and the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120, the composite crown 12014 and the hitting plate / soled plate assembly

[0221] 12120 preferably includes an interlock joint 121 36, additionally shown in FIG. 54B. In the illustrated embodiment, the joint 12136 includes engagement portions 12138A formed on the composite crown 12014 side and the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120 side, respectively. Each engagement portion 12138A, 12138B preferably has transverse contact surfaces 12139A, 1213

[0222] on the outer surface 12123 of the composite crown 12014. 12138B. Each engagement portion 12138A, 12138B preferably has transverse contact surfaces 12139A, 1213 It includes 9B. More preferably, the abutting surface extends substantially in the normal direction to the outer surface 12123 of the composite crown 12014 The abutting surfaces 12139A and 12139B help to align the composite crown 12014 with the hitting board / soled plate assembly 12120, and assist in preventing the lateral movement of these two components 12014 and 12120 relative to each other .

[0223] Each engaging portion 12138B preferably includes an adhesion surface having a width of at least twice, preferably four times, the thickness of the composite crown 12014. For example, the shelf length, i.e., the length of the engaging portion 1 2138B, may range from about 3 mm to about 8 mm, preferably from about 4 mm to about 7 mm, more preferably from about 5.5 mm to about 6.5 mm. In addition, the engaging portion 121 38A may have a thickness ranging from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 1.2 mm, more preferably from about 0.6 mm to about 1.0 mm, and even more preferably from about 0.6 mm to about 0 .8 mm .

[0224] The adhesion surface preferably provides a surface for the adhesive and is generally parallel to the outer surface 12123 of the composite crown 1201 4 and is midway between the inner surface 12121 and the outer surface 1212 3 of the composite crown 12014. This arrangement is suitable because it allows for longer adhesion surfaces and thicker engaging portions 12138A and 12138B that respectively increase the strength of the joint 12136 and the binding between the composite crown 12014 and the hitting board / soled plate assembly 12120. The adhesion surface may extend along the entire circumference (360 degrees) of the composite crown 12014. Instead of the overlapping joint shown, the composite crown can be placed over the club body and then fitted . Alternatively, instead of the overlapping joint shown, the composite crown can be placed over the club body and then fitted ​And it may be polished for finishing.

[0225] The engagement portions 12138A and 12138B desirably extend continuously along the interface between the composite crown 12014 and the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120. However, in some modified arrangements, it should be understood that the engagement portions 12138A and 12138B may only partially extend along the interface between the composite crown 1 2014 and the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120. In the illustrated arrangement, each of the part pieces 1213 8A and 12138B includes two abutting surfaces 12139A and 12 139B separated by an adhesion surface. That is, the abutting surface and the adhesion surface form an interlocking step. However, it should be recognized that the engagement portions may be formed in various other shapes, taking fully into account the priority of providing a secure connection between the composite crown 12014 and the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120. For example, the engagement portions 12 138A and 12138B may each have an interlocking comb arrangement or a mating inclined surface arrangement including an abutting surface and an adhesion surface. To permanently fix the composite crown 12014 to the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120, an adhesive such as epoxy is preferably applied along the adhesion surface to one or both of the engagement portions 12138A and 1213 8B. In some modified arrangements, the composite crown 12 014 is fixed to the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120 by a fastener extending through the joint portion 12136. In some embodiments, the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 1212 0 may be provided with an interlocking comb arrangement or a mating inclined surface arrangement each including an abutting surface and an adhesion surface.

[0226] To permanently fix the composite crown 12014 to the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120, an adhesive such as epoxy is preferably applied along the adhesion surface to one or both of the engagement portions 12138A and 1213 8B. In some modified arrangements, the composite crown 12 014 is fixed to the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120 by a fastener extending through the joint portion 12136. In some embodiments, the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 1212 0 is fixed to the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120 by a fastener extending through the joint portion 12136. In some embodiments, the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 1212 0 is fixed to the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120 by a fastener extending through the joint portion 12136. In some embodiments, the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 1212 0 may include bumps or pads that assist in defining the position of the crown. The bumps provide a binding gap and assist in achieving a flush fit. The bumps or pads are in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.4 mm in height, preferably about 0.15 mm in height. As an alternative approach that is similar, using spacers may assist in achieving a flush fit between the crown and the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120. Another advantage of using either spacers or bumps is that less grinding is required due to variations in the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120 and variations in the composite crown 12014.

[0227] Referring to FIG. 55A, an enlarged view of the composite crown 12 014 integrated with the hitting plate / soled plate assembly 12120 is shown. Further, an adjustable loft, lie, and / or face angle (FCT) hosel 15094 can also be seen in this figure.

[0228] Overall, by using the composite crown and thin-walled portions, the mass reduction is at least 25 g, for example, at least 30 g, at least 35 g, at least 40 g, at least 45 g, at least 50 g, at least 55 g, etc. Most of this weight was returned to the club head in the form of a front-to-back sliding weight track, i.e., a shortened T-track. Incorporating a front-to-back sliding weight track into the sole not only requires a large amount of mass for the structure but also requires additional mass to improve the club's sound above 2900 Hz.

[0229] The sound of the club can be improved in several ways. One way is to increase the wall thickness. is to add, but the more efficient use of the discretionary mass is to use ribs By proper rib placement, the first mode frequency can be raised from well below 2900 Hz to at least 2900 Hz, for example, to at least 3000 Hz, at least 3100 Hz, at least 3200 Hz, at least 3300 Hz, at least 3400 Hz, at least 3500 Hz, at least 3600 Hz, etc.

[0230] As shown in FIG. 55A, several ribs are visible with the crown removed. FIG. 55B shows that the crown has been completely removed and is used to generate the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 55C. Looking at FIG. 55C, the back side of the face plate 12018 with variable face thickness i.e. VFT (concentric circles) is shown, and in addition, the structure for the front sliding weight track 12020 and the rear sliding weight track 12020F can be seen. As shown, several ribs 12080 are attached to the weight track. This is to reinforce the overall structure and raise the first mode frequency to at least 3400 Hz. This stiffens the overall structure and raises the first mode frequency to at least 3400 Hz.

[0231] Each rib has a mass and an associated benefit associated with frequency (Hz) improvement. Therefore, if the overall club weight is to be reduced, fewer ribs can be used, but then the first mode frequency will be affected and will almost always drop. The sample rib pattern is shown in FIG. 55D, which is similar to that shown in FIG. 55 C. Table 14 below shows selectively removing one rib at a time C. The sample rib pattern is shown in FIG. 55D, which is similar to that shown in FIG. 55 C. The following Table 14 shows selectively removing one rib at a time ​​​​shows the influence of things. For example, removing the rib 13 causes a harmful effect of 404 Hz from 11 Hz to 3006 Hz on the first mode frequency, while removing the rib 5 improved the first mode frequency by 34 Hz. There are numerous satisfactory designs, and one selected design was to remove the rib 5, rib 11, and rib 17 to achieve a first mode frequency of 3421 Hz.

[0232]

Table 2

[0233] Note that the hitting plate or face plate 15018 may be cast as one piece in combination with other structures including the sole plate discussed in the patents mentioned above, or the face plate 15018 may be welded to the golf club body. The single casting structure has some cost savings, while on the other hand, a separate welded face allows for more customization.

[0234] Front Slot and Rear Track In some embodiments, channels, slots, or some other member may be provided to increase the coefficient of restitution of the golf club head. For example, some embodiments of the golf club head may include channels, slots, or other members that increase or enhance the peripheral flexibility of the hitting face of the golf club head to increase the coefficient of restitution (COR) and / or characteristic time of the golf club head.

[0235] In some cases, the channels, slots, or other mechanisms are in front of the sole of the club head ​​​​​​The square portion is disposed adjacent to or near the foremost edge of the sole, to the golf club head Further details regarding these features that increase or enhance the COR of the club head are all provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 338,197, filed on December 27, 2011, which is titled "Fairway Wood CG Projection" and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 469,031, filed on May 10, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 828,675, filed on March 14, 2013. Additional details regarding these features that increase or enhance the COR can also be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 839,727, which is titled "Golf Club with Coefficient of Restitution Mechanism" and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, filed on March 15, 2013. In some instances, the channels, slots, or other mechanisms are disposed adjacent to or near the foremost edge of the crown of the club head, in the forward portion of the crown of the club head. Further details regarding these features are provided in U.S. Patent No. 8,235,844, which is titled "Hollow Golf Club Head" and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, filed on June 1, 2010, U.S. Patent No. 8,241,143, which is titled "Hollow Golf Club Head with Sole Stress Reduction Mechanism" and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, filed on December 13, 2011, and

[0236] U.S. Patent No. 8,241,144, which is titled "Hollow Golf Club Head with Crown Stress Reduction Mechanism" and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, filed on December 14, 2011. In some cases, the channels, slots, or other mechanisms are arranged adjacent to or near the foremost edge of the crown of the club head, in the front part of the crown of the club head. Further details regarding these features are provided in U.S. Patent No. 8,235,844, filed on June 1, 2010 under the name "Hollow Golf Club Head" and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, U.S. Patent No. 8,241,143, filed on December 13, 2011 under the name "Hollow Golf Club Head with Sole Stress Reduction Mechanism" and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and U.S. Patent No. 8,241,144, filed on December 14, 2011 under the name "Hollow Golf Club Head with Crown Stress Reduction Mechanism" and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. are provided in U.S. Patent No. 8,241,143, which is titled "Hollow Golf Club Head with Sole Stress Reduction Mechanism" and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, filed on December 13, 2011, and U.S. Patent No. 8,241,144, which is titled "Hollow Golf Club Head with Crown Stress Reduction Mechanism" and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, filed on December 14, 2011. In some cases, the channels, slots, or other mechanisms are disposed adjacent to or near the foremost edge of the crown of the club head, in the front part of the crown of the club head. Further details regarding these features are provided in U.S. Patent No. 8,235,844, filed on June 1, 2010 under the name "Hollow Golf Club Head" and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety,

[0237] Turning to FIGS. 56A - 56E, the golf club head 18002A combines many features similar or identical to those of golf club head 12000 in a unique and unparalleled way. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of the golf club head 18002A will not be described redundantly. Instead, the main differences between the golf club head 18002A and the golf club head 12000 will be described in detail, and readers are referred to the above discussion for substantially similar features between the two golf club heads. including combining many features similar or identical to those of club head 12000 in a unique and unparalleled way And for the sake of brevity, each feature of the golf club head 18002A will not be described redundantly. Rather, the main differences between the golf club head 18002A and the golf club head 12000 will be described in detail, and readers are referred to the above discussion for substantially similar features between the two golf club heads. FIG. 56A shows an embodiment of a golf club head 18002A having a front channel 18020 and a rear weight track 18020F on the sole of the club head. The front channel 18020 allows for greater peripheral flexibility to increase COR, reduce spin, and can also affect other launch conditions. The rear weight 18020F track allows the user to adjust the CG position of the golf club head, and thus can adjust many factors including ball spin and MOI. The golf club head 18000 includes some of the structures and features of the previous embodiments, including a hollow body 18002A, a front channel 18020, a rear track 18020F, and a sliding weight assembly 18040. The body 18002A (and thus the entire club head 18000) includes a front portion 18004, a rear portion 18006, a toe portion 18008, a heel portion 18010, a hosel 18012, a crown 18014, and a sole 18016. The front portion 18004 has a variable thickness, composite material, and / or metal as described herein.

[0238] FIG. 56A shows an embodiment of a golf club head 18002A having a front channel 18020 and a rear weight track 18020F on the sole of the club head. The front channel 18020 allows for greater peripheral flexibility to increase COR, reduce spin, and can also affect other launch conditions. The rear weight 18020F track allows the user to adjust the CG position of the golf club head, and thus can adjust many factors including ball spin and MOI. The front channel 18020 allows for greater peripheral flexibility to increase COR, reduce spin, and can also affect other launch conditions. The rear weight 18020F track allows the user to adjust the CG position of the golf club head, and thus can adjust many factors including ball spin and MOI. The rear weight 18020F track allows the user to adjust the CG position of the golf club head, and thus can adjust many factors including ball spin and MOI...

Claims

1. In the golf club head, It has a face, a crown and a sole which together define an interior cavity. A body having a The body is disposed on the sole and extends generally from a heel end of the body to a toe end of the body. a first channel extending to an end of said face, said first channel intersecting said center of said face; The distance between the vertical plane and the channel is less than about 50 mm over the entire length of the channel. The main body and At least one weight movably positioned within the channel, At least one weight has a position within the channel that is adjustable. With two weights, A mounting cavity for mounting the weight is assembled into the usable portion of the channel. a mounting cavity having a recess therein; A saddle extending through the channel generally from a heel end of the channel to a toe end of the channel. at least one shelf portion, the at least one weight being attached to the at least one shelf portion; and a shelf configured to be clamped onto the golf club head.

2. The channel includes a heel end, a toe end, a front channel wall, and a rear channel wall. The golf club head of claim 1 .

3. The usable portion of the channel extends from the heel end of the channel to the The golf club head of claim 2 , wherein the toe end is extended.

4. The mounting cavity includes a recessed surface that facilitates mounting of the weight within the channel.

2. The golf club head of claim 1 .

5. The at least one shelf is disposed on an exposed surface of the at least one shelf. a weight member adapted to selectively engage the protrusions; The golf club head of claim 1 including a plurality of aligned notches.

6. a heel opening disposed at the heel end of the body for receiving a fastening member; a heel opening configured to a head-to-shaft including a sleeve secured in a locked position by said fasteners A connection system for connecting the golf club head to a golf club shaft using a plurality of different Adjustable mounting position allows for different loft, face, or lie angles. a head-to-shaft connection system configured to provide a range of adjustability for the combination; The golf club head of claim 1 further comprising:

7. The movement of the at least one weight is at least Max. A change of 2 mm in the head origin x-axis (CGx) coordinate of ΔCGx is expressed as MaxΔC 2. The golf club of claim 1, wherein Gz is approximately 2 mm throughout said adjustability range. dd.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the MaxΔCGz is approximately 1.5 mm throughout the adjustability range.

2. The golf club head according to claim 1 .

9. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the MaxΔCGz is approximately 1.0 mm throughout the adjustability range.

2. The golf club head according to claim 1 .

10. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the MaxΔCGz is approximately 0.5 mm throughout the adjustability range.

2. The golf club head according to claim 1 .

11. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the golf club head has a volume of less than about 200 cc. The golf club head.

12. 7. The golf club of claim 6, wherein the heel opening is disposed within the channel. head.

13. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the golf club head has a volume greater than about 400 cc. The golf club head.

14. and at least one weight port disposed aft of the channel. The golf club head of claim 1 .

15. The golf club head includes at least two grooves movably positioned within the channel.

10. The rubber of claim 1, further comprising: weights, each weight having an adjustable position within said channel. Ruf club head.

16. At least one rib provided on an interior surface of the internal cavity, At least one connecting the channel inner surface to at least one other inner surface of the body. The golf club head of claim 1 , further comprising a rib.

17. The crown is formed from a composite material having a density of less than about 2 g / cc and a density of less than about 0. having a thickness of 195 mm to about 0.9 mm and adapted to be secured to the body; 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein

18. In the golf club head, It has a face, a crown and a sole which together define an interior cavity. A body having a The body is disposed on the sole and extends generally from a front portion of the body to a rear portion of the body. a channel extending into the cavity, the channel having a front channel wall and a rear channel wall. wherein the width of the channel is between about 8 mm and about 20 mm and the depth of the channel is about a body that is between 6 mm and about 20 mm; at least one weight assembly movably positioned within the channel, a position of the at least one weight assembly within the channel is adjustable; The at least one weight assembly has a weight between about 5 g and about 25 g and includes a washer and at least one weight assembly including a mass member and a fastening bolt; A mounting cavity for mounting the weight assembly to the channel, the front channel a mounting cavity disposed between the rear channel wall and the rear channel wall; At least one shelf in the channel, the at least one weight assembly a weight assembly configured to be clamped onto the at least one shelf; the fastening bolt is in tension when fastened to the at least one ledge; at least one shelf; At least one rib provided on an interior surface of the internal cavity, At least one connecting the channel inner surface to at least one other inner surface of the body. and a golf club head having a rib.

19. In the golf club head, It has a face, a crown and a sole which together define an interior cavity. A body having a The body is disposed on the sole and extends generally from a heel end of the body to a toe end of the body. a channel extending to an end of the channel, the channel having a front channel wall and a rear channel wall. a body including: a channel having a width between about 8 mm and about 20 mm; a heel opening disposed at the heel end of the body for receiving a fastening member; a heel opening configured to a head-to-shaft including a sleeve secured in a locked position by said fasteners A connection system for connecting the golf club head to a golf club shaft using a plurality of different Adjustable mounting position allows for different loft, face, or lie angles. a head-to-shaft connection system configured to provide a range of adjustability for the combination; 、 at least one weight port disposed rearwardly of the channel; The golf club head has a volume greater than about 400 cc. dd.

20. At least one weight movably positioned within the channel, At least one weight has a position within the channel that is adjustable. With two weights, A mounting cavity for mounting the weight is assembled into the usable portion of the channel. a mounting cavity having a recess therein; A saddle extending through the channel generally from a heel end of the channel to a toe end of the channel. at least one shelf portion, the at least one weight being attached to the at least one shelf portion; 20. The golf club head of claim 19, further comprising a shelf portion fastened onto the base portion. Do.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Golf club head, and structure of composite board thereof

    JP2005137819A

  • Golf club head

    JP2009082708A

  • Golf club head

    JP2014057832A

  • Composite golf club head with improved sound

    US20130137531A1

  • Golf club head having a removable weight

    US6773360B2